Kitties Resources

by pathwithpaws

Your Cat’s Nutrition: Making the Right Decision

Article by Lori Kniff

In doing research for this article, I found a couple of different opinions on the proper diet for your feline. Nutrition was the common factor in these articles and they discussed the pros and cons of commercial, grocery store cat food, specialty pet store cat food, natural cat food, and homemade cat food.

Cat owners desire the best for the loving cat. We want our cats to live long, healthy lives. We want to know that we are providing the best care we can possibly afford.

When our cat displays irregularities that are of a physical nature, our emotions run high and the desire to help them get better escalates. Veterinarians have a vast amount of schooling and knowledge to help us cure our cat and we rely on them to give us the best advice. However, as with humans, there isn?t a cure all. They will give us the best advice they can, and then we need to decide if we need to do further research.

One article described some research done in Texas that showed a disgusting, vile practice of products going into cat food, such as dead cat and dog caracaras, often with maggots, dumped into vats to be processed for animal feed. Where is the Federal or local inspectors? Where are the FDA and AAFCO officials that allow this policy? What company has such a loss of integrity as to allow this practice? This practice needs to stop! Is this what goes into the less expensive cat food? Unfortunately, I don?t have the answers nor were these questions answered in the article. The research never revealed what companies were allowing these practices to occur.

It is important to read labels, but what should we look for? What company can we trust to provide our favorite felines good, nutritional foods? I don?t have the answers to these questions either, but I can suggest some guidelines that you can use to help you make an informed decision on what cat food to buy.

1. The ingredients are listed on the container in order of weight. For instance, if there is beef, chicken or lamb in the cat food, and the meat is listed first, then that is the majority of what is in the product. If it is mostly filler such as grains like corn, rye, or rice, then it would be listed first. A specific meat should be listed first. High protein in necessary.2. If the label indicates meat and bone meal, that does not indicate where the meat and bone meal came from. If it lists fats, from what animal?3. If the label lists animal by products, that is acceptable. By products indicate brain, liver, or innards, and they can be a valuable source of nutrients. Chicken and lamb are important cat food ingredients.4. Meal means that the meat has been dehydrated. Determine what animal meal is used. The animal meal would be concentrated because the water has been removed. Concentrated meat, or meal, means the product contains a high quantity of meat because it goes by weight. If the meal is listed first, the cat food would have a high quantity of meat, more so than with meat where the water has not been removed, or dehydrated. 5. Avoid preservatives like ethoxyouin, and maybe BHA and BHT. Preservatives derived from Vitamin E are good. Your cat should not be subjected to high amounts of preservatives.

The above referenced article indicated that quality cat food could not be purchased at a grocery store or a grocery superstore. That is a decision you would need to make.

Other articles suggested that natural cat foods would be the best for our cats. There are many natural pet foods available. There are also good quality cat foods with high protein content that have little fillers, such as grains. Your cat?s health is important. You don?t want them to experience poor health just because they didn?t have good nutritious diets.

Another decision for you to make is whether dry food or wet food is the best cat food for your cat, or is the best food a combination of dry and wet food. There are differences of opinion on this subject also. Your research will help to decide what is best for your pet.

I hope I have given you reason to ponder about the cat food you use and that you are interested in doing your own research to learn more. Whatever your cat?s age, she should have the best you can afford.

There are many articles you can read that are on the web under Cat Nutrition. If you want to do further research, I would suggest that you read as many articles as you can so you can be an educated shopper. Educate yourself enough so you can make the best decision for your cat?s nutritional needs by buying the right food for your special feline.

Related Cat Food Articles

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by Syowoe

Housebreaking a Puppy | Doing It the Right Way

Having troubles with your own puppy’s manners? The solution is housebreaking your puppy! It could be difficult from the start and may take some time but once you’re completed, that’ll be an achievement not only for yourself but also for your puppy.

The first thing to look at concerning housebreaking a puppy is always to instruct your pet where to eliminate appropriately. This can be a very common problem that all owner experiences with his puppy dog. Now, what are the ways that you can use to instruct your puppy the correct elimination procedure? Initially, let your puppy know the best place where to eliminate. In the event you catch your pet doing it wrong, hitting him definitely will do no good. He is very young and does not fully understand what he’s doing. Motivating the young puppy to eliminate outside the house will be best started simply by getting your pet in a tiny sufficient dog crate for your pet to fit wherever he will be unable to eliminate and rest contentedly if he eliminates on the other side of it. In case your puppy feels the impulse for elimination, bring your pet using your arms and get your puppy outside the house. Never let him walk by himself to your door or he may eliminate even before he manages to get outside the house. Put him down in a location in which you think he’ll choose to eliminate. Never interact your pet to play together with you for he could get distracted and don’t succeed complete exactly what he is doing. Wait patiently for your puppy and praise him right after he’s finished with his own business. After that, both of you can play out-of-doors or even get him inside. If you’re planning to take him indoors, stay in a room with your puppy but permit him to stay there by closing the door or placing something similar to baby gates that can stop his way from exploring the house. Supervise him very well and, engage your puppy in an interaction with you. Permit him to lighten up and chew toys. Right after about 20 to 50 minutes, return him to his crate for a nap. His food needs to be offered to him inside his crate. When ever he is finished with his own food, that needs to be removed from the dog crate and also the young puppy must be taken outside once more. Majority of the puppy dogs had to eliminate 20 to 40 minutes just after they finished eating. Don’t take your puppy indoors until finally he’s done with his business. Make your supervision on your puppy and cheer him again right after he is done with his own duty. Based on your puppy’s age, he is able to be remaining in the crate for 2 to 4 hours when he’s inside the house. Housebreaking a puppy is actually a must-do if you are planning to house train it.

Housebreaking puppies are sometimes a difficult task in the first place. Young puppies are extremely young and do not understand what they’re doing. There can be the risk that the puppy dog might not easily learn your own training and develop improper habits instead. You may have to devote a lot of patience and time in housebreaking your puppy but once it’s done, all sacrifices will certainly paid off while you see your puppy dog develop himself becoming a good and also well educated puppy. Many thanks for reading through my article about housebreaking a puppy.

Butterball the Pembroke Welch Corgi. His attempt to go down the stairs and crying at the same time. I believe sxephil’s used some clips of this video on one of his vids and called him wiggles. His true name is Butterball. Don’t worry, he is perfectly healthy and everyway

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by fuzzcat

Question by Linda: My kitty finishes her food right after noon and then doesn’t have anything to eat during the night, is that ok?
My kitten is about 5 months old and we give her the amount of food suggested on her cat food package. But she finishes her food right after noon and doesn’t have anything else left to eat for the whole night. We don’t want to give her more because the instructions on the package said that’s the amount a 5 month old kitten should be given each day. We add her food every morning. Please help!

Best answer:

Answer by altaira_3
Try splitting it up into several meals throughout the day. Don’t give her more food, just give her more feedings.

Add your own answer in the comments!

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by alobos flickr

How to Select the Right Pet Carrier

No matter what kind of companion animal you have, at some point they’ll need to be transported somewhere. And no matter whether it’s to another city or just down the road, for safety’s sake they should always be put in a pet carrier. Not many years ago, the types of carriers available were very limited – usually just pet crates. But not so now. As pet travel has become more popular, pet product manufacturers have begun to offer many styles and types of pet carriers for just about any occasion. With a little research and knowing the size of your pet, you can find which carrier is the right fit for your pet travel needs.  

To save you some time and effort, here are examples of what’s available and how they can best work for you. Remember that size matters. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s in an enclosed space, your pet should be able to stand up and turn around. 

Pet Crates

All-metal crates come in many sizes, and some are even collapsible. They are useful in the house and, if not too big, can fit inside a car. If you need to take your dog to the vet, groomer, or just out for fun, he and you will be much safer if he’s in a crate in the rear of the vehicle. Larger metal pet crates for bigger dogs can also be strapped into the back of pick-up trucks when there’s no room for them in the cab. Remember, they will need to be covered in inclement weather, while providing plenty of ventilation.

As pet accessories have grown in popularity, traditional all-metal crates have evolved into many shapes, sizes and materials. They are still basically crates; it’s just that one might serve you better than the other. There are basically two types. 

1)      Hard-shell, plastic pet carriers were developed specifically to help ease transportation difficulties. They have rounded corners to fit into cars more easily and many offer better security by the enclosed design. They usually are equipped with a handle on top to help with carrying. This type of pet carrier is a favorite among cat owners since their feline companions are sometimes not the best of travelers.

2)      Soft-sided pet carriers are newer still and are designed to be even more portable. There is usually little or no assembly required, they pack flat for easy transport and storage, and they are lighter to carry. They are a good choice for cats, especially the ones that have zippered openings at the top. Some soft-sided carriers are designed for birds, such as the PetPocket® Bird Carrier — equipped with a perch and removable tray.

Pet Backpacks/Frontpacks/Slings

The inspiration for poochie pouches for smaller pets might have come from the papooses used by Native American women to carry their babies. Perhaps even Mother Nature had an influence as evidenced by the built-in ones that female marsupials have. Trendy moms and dads can be seen everywhere showing off their human newborns in frontpacks – so why should your “fur-baby” be left out? Below are some of the advantages of these types of ultra-modern pet carriers: 

If you have a senior pet, he may not be able to get around very easily. Now you can carry him with you.
If you have a sick pet, a sling or vest-style front pet carrier is ideal to get him out into the fresh air, to the vet, or to take him out to potty.
Young puppies need protection from other dogs and the environment; now you can take him out safely and housetrain him at the same time by carrying him in and out to potty.
Even if you just want to dash out to the store and don’t want to leave your pet behind, it’s so convenient to put him in a pet sling or pack, leaving your hands free for the cart.
Vest-style pet carriers and pet slings are perfect for getting small dogs home clean and safe from the groomer.

Airline Approved Pet Carriers

If you plan to fly with your pet, make sure you contact the airline before you go. Airline pet policies vary from airline to airline — from the size of pet carriers that are permitted to whether the airline pet policy allows pets in the cabin. If your pet must go in the cargo area, a sturdy metal crate or plastic hard-shell pet carrier is essential. But if he’s small enough to go in the cabin with you, then his pet carrier must fit under your seat. Soft-sided pet carriers are a good choice, but there is a now a new and impressive range of under-the-seat hard-shell carriers available.  

Car Correct Pet Carriers

Pet crates have always been used for automobile travel and are still excellent for the job. But if you want to go a step further or want to have your dog closer to you but still safe, check out some of the special dog car seats and vehicle pet safety harnesses. You are sure to find one that will be just right for your pet.

Pet Strollers

You may wonder why anyone uses a stroller for their pet — after all, dogs love to walk and need exercise. But not every dog or owner has the same needs. The following situations are perfect for strollers or wheeled carriers for pets: 

Your dog has an injury or is too old to walk far; yet you still want to you’re your pet along for a walk with you.
You have pets of different ages — some of them can walk farther than others, but they all want to go along for the fun.
You want to take your dog shopping – when he’s enclosed in a stroller, you can take him right in the store!
Your neighborhood says you can’t walk your dog on the street.
Your pet just got groomed, or you’re on your way to a dog show, and it’s raining.
If you have several small dogs, you can take them all out together and no one gets tangled up!
They’re safe if you run into strays or unruly dogs.
You want to jog or roller blade, but he just can’t keep up with you.

Cats can enjoy pet strollers, too! If you are afraid to let your kitty go outside because he may get attacked or run over, put him in a stroller for a change of scenery, some fresh air, or just for doing something fun together. 

Designer Pet Handbags and Pet Shoulder Bags

Pet travel has come a long way since Paris Hilton arrived on the small-dog scene. Designers are now having a field day, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to how you can move your little dog around. Pet carriers — in the form of shoulder bags or handbags — can now be fashion statements, and it’s possible to match them to your outfits, too! Fabulous fabrics such as leather, suede, and faux crocodile, and hot patterns such as leopard skin and plaid are available for the fashionista who is looking for the ultimate statement in a pet carrier. And if you want a pet carrier with a little more bling, there are many on the market adorned with sequins, crystals and charms. Or, be creative and apply your own for a totally custom look.  

Safe Pet Travel

Above all else, remember that no matter which pet carrier you decide on, your pet’s safety is the most important thing. You can certainly have fun with your choice but not at the expense of your furry friend. Equipped with the right pet carrier, your next pet travel experience should fun and easy. 

Happy Pet Travels!

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by JASON ANFINSEN

Choosing the Right Animation Software

The computer graphics industry has come such a long way that if you start to count the number of computer animation software that existed or still exist in the market, you’d make a list as long as an F1 track. Jokes apart, it is fact that there are a lot too many options if you’re trying to choose the right animation software and this is what makes a decision difficult. All you need to know is your purpose.

You may ask a few questions—is it user-friendly? Does it have the best functionality? Is it the best product within your budget? Has it got the finest features? Which level of handling do you need it for? After you know your intentions for sure, make your choice.

3D animation software come in varied ranges and levels of complexity. But even the simplest low-end 3D software available today can render jaw-dropping graphics and animation. Therefore, you need to be extra careful in selecting the right 3D software to serve your needs. Good news is that most 3D versions are available in their respective demo versions. So you may judge their suitability before you finally commit buying one.

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If you just want to get started at low cost, there are the basic level 3D software packages available, which sometimes even come free. These have the very rudimentary features and are as easy to handle as possible. 3D Canvas, Xara 3D, Adobe Dimension Amorphium, Poser are some names which require mention in the list of easy-to-use, simple 3D animation packages.

While choosing the intermediate or middle-level 3D software, be a little more prudent—examine the quality of rendering and speed before you seal a deal. This category of software has varying degrees of sophistication, with some offering radiosity at an affordable price. Strata 3D, Pixels (only for Mac), Bryce 3D, Blender are some of the names under the middle-level category.

At the high-end level, it is the implementation of the software that makes this category sharply different from the other two levels. Most of the applications at the advanced level have mind-boggling functionalities and powerful rendering. Lightwave 3D, Houdini, 3Ds Max, Maya 3D are some of the popular choices in this level. Of these, Maya is a front-runner for its amazing capabilities at character animation, video games development, visual effects, etc. Maya tutorials are available online to make learning this software easier. And like all the rest, it’s better to try hands on before going for it.

High-end complex 3D software learning is no duck soup for sure. But who’d mind a little adventure when it doesn’t cost anything? You may check out the free Maya video tutorials to get an idea about the software. Only when you know them all, make the final pick.

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by Chris Breeze

Dog Food Allergy – Knowing the Right Food Mixture

There was this dog, shall we call her Jackie. Jackie as it were was always lively and healthy. An all action dog that is full of live. Suddenly, Jackie started itching and scratching the body with her feet. Later Jackie started suffering itching on the skin particularly on the feet, ear, eye area and anus, face, fore leg and around the armpit. She also started having hair loss and sores on the body and ear plus excessive bowel movement. The once lively dog started being bitchy and touchy. One could see that Jackie was uncomfortable and it was suffering. The only problem was that Jackie could not talk but the signs were there. Jackie was suffering from dog food allergy. The dog was reacting to some food she must have been fed with.

Just as human beings do, dogs too react to some food items that do not agree with their system.
Studies have confirmed that dogs do react to some food items. The reaction which is in form of allergy manifests on their body rather than in their body. It manifests itself in form of itching which if continuous results in sores all over the body of the dog. It has been discovered that they react to some forms of protein and carbohydrate. Foods like beef, chicken, corn, wheat, soy and sometimes fish. When your dogs are fed with these foods if they do not agree with their system the dogs react to them which is referred to as allergy. If not arrested in time however, it might result in incalculable damage to your dog’s health, even to the death.

To rid your dog of the after effects of food allergy therefore, it is highly recommended that your dog should go on food trial to identify the food types it is allergic to. It will have to be subjected to series of food trials for about 12 months at most. You should start several mixtures of new food types – protein and carbohydrate – and observe how the dog reacts to the food types. If it has been taking beef and chicken for protein, try lamb instead. If it has been taking corn and wheat for carbohydrate, try oatmeal, rice and pasta. As advised earlier, try various mixture of food until you get the best mixture of food for your dog. There are even some specially prepared foods that are effective for this purpose. All you need is to find out which and you are saved all the time and trouble.

You could also save yourself some precious time by subjecting your dog to allergy test. This one is scientific and it could tell you what ailment your dog is suffering from. The only difference is that it will not say what mixture of food is perfect for your dog or which types of food to avoid. The allergy test is in form of blood test

For the treatment of food allergies, avoidance is the best. That is why experts recommend the food trial to identify the cause and the food mixtures to feed your dog with. For short term relief, fatty acids, antihistamines and steroids could be used. However, elimination of the allergic food types and complete avoidance is still the best.

You have two choices. You either prepare special homemade foods for your dog after discovering the best mixture of food or in the alternative, you buy some specially prepared food from the pet shops or supermarkets. If your choice is the homemade route, endeavor to consult your veterinary nutritionist if it is going to be for a long time. It is also advisable to balance the meal with food supplements like vitamins and minerals.

For more tips and information on avoiding Food Allergies in Your Dog, visit:
http://dogfoodsecrets.blogspot.com/ and http://www.dogfoodsyard.com/

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by Dunechaser

How to Choose the Right Toy For Your Pet – Especially For the Holidays

There are many choices of pet toys on the market today. The choice can be overwhelming for most pet parents. Most pet stores offer hundreds of possibilities, generally priced from a dollar or two up to as much as twenty dollars. Almost all pet toys are made overseas, often in China. There are even “organically” made pet toys available these days.

Millions of pet parents purchase new pet toys each year, and many of these are purchased as gifts for the holidays. Pet parents love to include their pets in their family holiday traditions and many people give gifts to pets that belong to friends, neighbors, relatives and even co-workers. Before making those purchases this year, please consider the “Art and Science” of Buying a Pet Toy!

First of all, consider the size of your pet. Too many people purchase pet toys without thinking about size. If you buy a dog toy that is too large, your pet will find it too cumbersome to play with and soon become bored. If the toy is too small, it could become a choking hazard. With any new toy, always supervise your pet and watch to make sure they play in a responsible and safe manner. When in doubt, throw it out!

Second consideration involves your pet’s chewing habits. This is especially true with dogs, but cats and small animals can chew things that they shouldn’t as well. Ask yourself “What type of chewer is my pet?” Dogs that love to chew can destroy a stuffed fabric toy in just seconds. Not only can this become dangerous, but it certainly does not give you any value for your money. It is important to select toys that are matched to a pet’s level of “chew”. Many toys are available that can withstand a stronger chewer, and even though they cost more money, if you replace them less often, they still present a value to the purchaser. Some dogs can chew through almost anything, so keep a realistic approach when considering this type of dog.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and other small animals can benefit greatly by having having chew toys and treats to help overcome cage boredom. Their teeth also benefit from this chewing. Make sure the toys or treats are made for small animals, and dispose of them if you suspect that they could present a risk, such as if a toy becomes ‘un-wound”

The third major consideration is to ask yourself what type of “play” that your pet enjoys. If you have a dog that enjoys a “tug of war” type of play, then choosing a rope toy with a ball attached or a large rubber loop might work best. Make sure that you purchase a toy that provides some “finger insurance” which means that there is sufficient room for you to hold on, but safely far enough from your pet’s mouth to avoid any mishaps!

For dogs that prefer to “fetch”, a ball or flying disc type toy might be best. If a ball is part of this type toy, it can offer the “bounce factor’, making it more fun when the ball lands and bounces until your pet catches it.

Some dogs prefer to carry their “prey” around, making squeezable rubber or latex toys that can be held in their mouth into a better choice. Make sure the correct size is chosen. Many dogs love to squeeze and squeak, so consider the “squeeze-ability” of a latex toy that makes sounds. Avoid buying any toy that can easily be chewed through and allow the squeaker to become a choke hazard.

Cats love to hunt and bat their “prey”. Climbing and stalking are natural instincts, as is scratching. Take your cat’s favorite activities into account when purchasing a new toy. A cat that loves to hide and then pounce would prefer a toy that you move, such as a toy on a string that you can pull along or lift.

Some experts believe that there is a gene that determines how a cat will react to catnip. Some cats get crazy and display an almost “drunken” demeanor when playing with catnip toys. Other cats can pay no mind and just take a nap. Either way, both reactions can be normal depending on genetics!

As a final thought on pet toys, pet parents can help eliminate boredom and enhance their pets quality of life by their choice of toys. Always remember that it is cheaper to replace a toy than to replace your furniture! By introducing new styles, colors and action features, toys can offer great levels of Pet Appeal! This holiday season, in addition to adding some new, well thought out toys for your pet, why not “experiment’ with a tug toy for your dog that likes to fetch, or some other variation from your norm – you may have to show them how to play a new game, but you can teach an older dog new tricks with a little effort, a new toy and a little love!

How to Choose the Right Toy For Your Pet – Especially For the Holidays

There are many choices of pet toys on the market today. The choice can be overwhelming for most pet parents. Most pet stores offer hundreds of possibilities, generally priced from a dollar or two up to as much as twenty dollars. Almost all pet toys are made overseas, often in China. There are even “organically” made pet toys available these days.

Millions of pet parents purchase new pet toys each year, and many of these are purchased as gifts for the holidays. Pet parents love to include their pets in their family holiday traditions and many people give gifts to pets that belong to friends, neighbors, relatives and even co-workers. Before making those purchases this year, please consider the “Art and Science” of Buying a Pet Toy!

First of all, consider the size of your pet. Too many people purchase pet toys without thinking about size. If you buy a dog toy that is too large, your pet will find it too cumbersome to play with and soon become bored. If the toy is too small, it could become a choking hazard. With any new toy, always supervise your pet and watch to make sure they play in a responsible and safe manner. When in doubt, throw it out!

Second consideration involves your pet’s chewing habits. This is especially true with dogs, but cats and small animals can chew things that they shouldn’t as well. Ask yourself “What type of chewer is my pet?” Dogs that love to chew can destroy a stuffed fabric toy in just seconds. Not only can this become dangerous, but it certainly does not give you any value for your money. It is important to select toys that are matched to a pet’s level of “chew”. Many toys are available that can withstand a stronger chewer, and even though they cost more money, if you replace them less often, they still present a value to the purchaser. Some dogs can chew through almost anything, so keep a realistic approach when considering this type of dog.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and other small animals can benefit greatly by having having chew toys and treats to help overcome cage boredom. Their teeth also benefit from this chewing. Make sure the toys or treats are made for small animals, and dispose of them if you suspect that they could present a risk, such as if a toy becomes ‘un-wound”

The third major consideration is to ask yourself what type of “play” that your pet enjoys. If you have a dog that enjoys a “tug of war” type of play, then choosing a rope toy with a ball attached or a large rubber loop might work best. Make sure that you purchase a toy that provides some “finger insurance” which means that there is sufficient room for you to hold on, but safely far enough from your pet’s mouth to avoid any mishaps!

For dogs that prefer to “fetch”, a ball or flying disc type toy might be best. If a ball is part of this type toy, it can offer the “bounce factor’, making it more fun when the ball lands and bounces until your pet catches it.

Some dogs prefer to carry their “prey” around, making squeezable rubber or latex toys that can be held in their mouth into a better choice. Make sure the correct size is chosen. Many dogs love to squeeze and squeak, so consider the “squeeze-ability” of a latex toy that makes sounds. Avoid buying any toy that can easily be chewed through and allow the squeaker to become a choke hazard.

Cats love to hunt and bat their “prey”. Climbing and stalking are natural instincts, as is scratching. Take your cat’s favorite activities into account when purchasing a new toy. A cat that loves to hide and then pounce would prefer a toy that you move, such as a toy on a string that you can pull along or lift.

Some experts believe that there is a gene that determines how a cat will react to catnip. Some cats get crazy and display an almost “drunken” demeanor when playing with catnip toys. Other cats can pay no mind and just take a nap. Either way, both reactions can be normal depending on genetics!

As a final thought on pet toys, pet parents can help eliminate boredom and enhance their pets quality of life by their choice of toys. Always remember that it is cheaper to replace a toy than to replace your furniture! By introducing new styles, colors and action features, toys can offer great levels of Pet Appeal! This holiday season, in addition to adding some new, well thought out toys for your pet, why not “experiment’ with a tug toy for your dog that likes to fetch, or some other variation from your norm – you may have to show them how to play a new game, but you can teach an older dog new tricks with a little effort, a new toy and a little love!

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How to Choose the Right Dog Breed For You

Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time now, their personalities still differ from one breed to the other. Chihuahuas are cute, but did you know that they are not suitable for families with small children, because of their territorial and impatient nature?

So how do you go about choosing the right dog breed for you?

You must sit down and carefully consider what your lifestyle is like, and how much time, money and space you can dedicate to your new companion. How you live and who you are as a person, will dictate what type of dog will suit your lifestyle, your own personality, and your accommodation. DON’T make the mistake many new dog owners make and just pick a puppy ’cause it’s real cute… you are likely to clash later…

Here’s a simple checklist of the most important considerations when choosing the right dog breed for you.

Your Living Arrangements

Do you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a house? If it’s the former, go with a small-sized pup like a Pomeranian or Toy Poodle. If your area is large enough for a medium or large dog, you can choose breeds among German Shepherd, Golden Retriever or even a Great Dane.

Your Family Arrangements

Do you have children or do you live alone? Some dogs work well with children like Golden Retrievers or Siberian Huskys. On the other hand, some dogs are aloof especially with children like a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier. You also have to take into account any pre-existing pets in your household. If you have cats or bunnies you need to make sure the new puppy you bring in is tolerating.

Activity Levels

If you’re the type who loves outdoorsy stuff like running or hiking, the best breed for you might be American Foxhound, English Setter or even a Standard Poodle. But if you’re the type who loves to stay at home and rest, these breeds might be suitable for your lifestyle: Chihuahua, Basset Hound or Pekingese.

Match the breed to your existing activity levels – be truthful with yourself. If you spend your nights infront of the TV, but you’d love to start walking in the evenings, don’t get an overly active dog in the hope that it will motivate you… These type of plans usually fail, and then you’re left with a dog that’s unhappy and destructive because it is bored and locked up most of the day – be realistic.

Grooming and Food Expenses

It’s kind of logical that large dogs consume large amounts of food and small dogs consume less. But you’d be surprised at just how much a Grate Dane needs to eat in a day. So when considering a dog breed, and you’re unsure of their food requirements, give your vet a call and ask him to advise you.

Another cost to consider when getting a pooch is how much grooming will he need. With some of the shorter coat dogs, you can do the grooming yourself. But dog breeds like Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Yorkshire Terrier needs daily grooming – and at least monthly taking to the doggy parlor. So take into account the time and money you’re willing to spend on caring for your dog.

Trainability

Different dog breeds take different amounts of time to obedience train, so consider if you feel you’d want to train your puppy, or if you don’t really mind a whole lot.

Vet Bills

OK, taking a dog into your care is a big responsibility. You have to love it, feed it, groom it, but you also have to make sure its health care is also looked after. In that respect, cats are much easier to take care of.

Vet bills are a big chunk of what you will spend on your pooch over your joint existence, so you need to carefully consider if it is something you can afford month after month, and year after year. There’s nothing more heart-wrenching than having to let go of your beloved pet 5 years into your relationship, because you’re having to choose between vet bills and feeding your children.

Sounds extreme, but it is a serious point. Make sure you find out how much it will cost for vet visits, vaccinations, treats, and toys. Then consider taking pet insurance just in case something goes wrong and you need cash for treatment.

In conclusion – take your time to choose a suitable canine mate. Consider that your dog is likely to be a part of your life for the next 15 or even 20 years. That is pretty permanent – so don’t leave it to chance. Make sure your personality and lifestyle suites the dog breed you choose and you’re more likely to have a hassle-free loving and lasting relationship with your dog.

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An overview of what it’s like to live with a bunny and what you should know before you consider adopting one. Most animal shelters have a lot of rabbits who were bought at pet stores and later given up by people who didn’t understand the long-term commitment of being a rabbit guardian. Watch more of the Marin Humane Society’s videos about taking care of rabbits at www.marinhumanesociety.org . See rabbits who are available for adoption, and learn about everything the Marin Humane Society does to help animals, at www.marinhumanesociety.org .
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PET (Positron Emission Tomography) – what to expect and what you should know when you go in for a scan.

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Looking to Buy a Cat? 4 Valuable Tips For Choosing the Right Kitty

Are you looking to buy a cat? While bringing home a cute kitten can be really enjoyable, there are quite a few factors you have to consider before making the big decision. You should understand that having any pet is a huge responsibility and may want to consider carefully if you are ready to shoulder them. You will also have to buy a cat that will be able to adjust to your lifestyle. If you are ready, here some four valuable tips to choose the right cat for yourself.

Breed

When considering the breed of cat, the first thing to do is to list down your own preferences. Do you like long haired cats or would prefer to have a short coated cat? Do you have any preference regarding the color of your cat? Write down the answers to these questions and when you are ready, start collecting information on the behavioral traits and personalities of the different breeds. It will help you to zero in on the most suitable breed for you.

Choosing a Cattery

This is the second step to buy a cat. For getting a healthy purebred kitten of your choice, you must first take the time to choose the right cattery. You can start by collecting references and from seeking the help of vets or breed owners to locate a reputable cattery. Before you visit them and get carried away with the cute kitties on display, ask the breeders about their professional qualifications, how long they have been running the cattery, specific information and vaccination about the breed that you would like to have etc. After getting your queries answered, visit the cattery and choose your kitten.

Cost

Owning a pet is just like adding a new member to your family. So be ready to spend a generous amount of money on your cat for its well being. You will have to spend on its food, medication, grooming products as well as treats such as outdoor cat enclosures and toys. It may easily cost you 00 per year. So, before bringing a cat home, consider whether you are ready to commit this amount.

Cat Health and Training

Before you buy a cat, also consider its health. Preferably, you should go for an active and curious kitten and not for one that has a weak appearance or is overly afraid of your presence. However, kittens that are too active will require more attention and if you are not keen on training a kitten, you may consider buying a grown up cat that’s already calm and trained to some extent.

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