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06 July 2009

How To Choose A Cat For Your Family

Image by Per Ola Wiberg (Powi) Away....again ! via Flickr

By Peter Henderson

There are many benefits when you learn how to choose the right cat, but you may find it to be a difficult choice. So they can experience the pleasure of growth, many families choose to adopt a kitten, whilst others will want to choose an adult cat because they do not have the tolerance, patience or energy to deal with a young and lively cat. They will need to train the kitten in litter training, furniture climbing and the curious nature of all kittens. Also, because adult cats are less likely to be adopted than their cuter counter-parts, some people like to choose a cat instead. But, there are different pros and cons for owning each of these.

The advantages of a kitten, is that you get to have the pleasure of watching them grow and mature. Kittens have quite an amusing curiosity. The bonds formed when a kitten is young, can be quite strong. The kitten's medical history is known somewhat by you, since the kitten has been in your presence for the most part. You get to have the pleasure to enjoy more years with them. You know their age. Kittens tend to adjust better with other pets that you may already have.

The advantages of a cat, is that they are already litter trained, a huge plus. Adult cats are calmer and they are less likely to destroy your favorite sofa and curtains. Cats may already be spayed or neutered. They can be left alone without too much stress and since they probably already know the outside dangers of the home, they are less likely to get into trouble. The biggest advantage to adopting a cat is that you're probably saving a life.

If you are confused about whether you want a long- or short-haired cat, you should keep in mind that grooming that a long-haired cat will take considerably longer. Even thought they maybe beautiful, you will need to keep up with the costs as the grooming is quite expensive. If you are looking at a semi-longhaired cat, then they will also need grooming around a few times a week. So, if you are looking for low costs and hassle free, then you should choose a short-haired cat.

When it comes to the sex of the cat you should always remember to choose a cat of the opposite sex if you already have a cat in your home, as this will limit the amount of competition between them. You will need to also remember that if you have cats of the opposite sex that they have been spayed or neutered. This, of course, will depend on whether want one cat or kitten or more, as there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

There are different advantages in choosing more than one kitten, as they will have each other for company, and they may not require a significant amount of attention from you. Also, you will find that the interaction between young kittens can be quite amusing. Also, if you do decide to get another cat later on it will be easier to introduce them.

However, there are a number of disadvantages to owning multiple cats or kittens - the amount of trouble they can get up to can be high and the cost of owning multiple cats is a lot more as care and grooming of them is multiplied. If the unfortunate happens and one of the cats passes away, then the others will probably be greatly affected. You should think thoroughly over which cat or kitten will be right for you. After you obtain your feline companion, you will see many joyous years together.

About the Author:

If you are wanting to find out how to find the right cat and are still undecided about whether you want a kitten or a cat, then you should think about learning more about the subject. If you are interesting in how to choose the right cat, then this article should have provided you with an incite.

20 May 2009

How to Stop Your Dog from Digging

Image via Wikipedia

by Craig Clemins

Some dogs get a heap of satisfaction and enjoyment through digging up your yard. It's not that they intentionally want to destroy your impeccable flower bed, jus that they love digging.

You can either accept this behavior as a normal dog activity or you can make a conscious decision to do something about it.

One way that you can guarantee to keep your dog from digging up your garden is to install a small electric fence at its perimeter. Electric fence's are cheap to buy and extremely easy to set up. They don't do any real harm to your dog either, they only give a very minor flick to encourage your pet not to enter the garden. Don't worry if you have children as these fences can be adjusted to a very minor level that won't hurt your child should they touch it.

Some people will use the foul moth balls to keep their dogs out of the garden. Usually dogs sniff out everything the touch, those smelly moth balls with their foul taste will definitely make the dog want to hang out in your garden. They will have much better things to do with their time than mess with those moth balls. Keep in mind however, that while this is a great way to keep your dog out of the yard, moth balls don't stay forever and will have to be replaced, especially if it should be raining outside. Another downside is that when you are doing work around the yard, you may also pick up this smell as well.

Another way to keep your dog from destroying your garden, is to use a new method, this is a sour apple spray that can be sprayed all over you yard on a daily basis. It can actually be used on any of the things you would prefer the dog not to touch. The reason this is such an effective method is because your dog will hate that taste of sour apple in their mouth and will not want to chew on anything that they find this taste on. Also after a while of tasting it on that object they will associate the object with the taste and stay away for it instinctively.

Dog's dig because they are conditioned to do so. Its in their blood. If you work consistently to stop your dog digging using the tricks mentioned above, you should be able to almost totally eradicate the problem.

Be sure to put your foot down and become inventive with things that can be repeated on a regular basis to ensure that the dog learns what you want to teach him. Be patient and loving but be firm with your pet and life with your dog will be the better for it.

About the Author:
Craig Clemins is dog enthusiast and experienced dog trainer. Discover more about How to Stop Dogs From Digging today. For expert advice, read this Secrets to Dog Training Review.

15 May 2009

Why I Like Dogs Better

Image by AFP/Getty Images via Daylife

by Jimmy Kazoo

A dog is truly a mans best friend. They are very helpful to humans. They can be great companions and very good guardians. That's why it's no surprise that they make better pets than cats.

To start with, many people equate dogs to safety. This is mostly due to their sensitive noses and ears. Having a pet dog is like having a 24-hour security guard in your house. They're always protecting you and your house even as you sleep. If they sense danger, they begin to bark and alert you to what's going on. Most people who has a pet dog at home feels safer. Does this even occur when you have a cat as a pet?.

Dogs tend to be more loyal and caring pets than cats. A dog understands you and your emotions very well. When you're having problems, you can share them with your dog. They are wonderful listeners. They are usually hanging on to each and every word. Hell also try to comfort you and make you feel better. On the other hand, a cat won't respond to your feelings as well.

Dogs are very warm animals. They never harbor ill feelings. The moment you come back from work your dog will be happy to see you. He will initiate play by jumping on you and licking your legs and face. A cat, unlike dogs, tends to harbor grudges. They won't pay attention to you for weeks.

Dogs love their owners completely. They cannot see anyone harming them. They start wagging their tails when someone approaches their owners. Being such loyal animals, they would do anything to protect their owners. However, if you have a cat as a pet it won't be as protective of you. Cats would usually try to hide away.

While cats have their benefits, dogs are simply more fun. They are man's best friend for a reason after all. You can do a lot more with a dog than you can with a cat. Cats can't really go outside, they won't guard your house, they won't play- they are the lazy mans pet. If you are lazy, get a cat. If not get a dog!

About the Author:
Jimmy Kazoo loves all animals but loves dogs even more. He has only owned a cat once and was so bored by it that he only owns dogs now. He loves beagles and havanese dogs the best. For more information, visit his websites on beagle dog training tips havanese dog information

10 May 2009

A Look at Cat Breeding

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

by Elias Maseko

For over a thousand years, cats and their people have lived together in some association. Currently, they are the second most kept pet, trailing only behind dogs in popularity. Caring for cats is still easy to do, even if you are away from your home or apartment for long periods of time during the day.

The basic food and attention needs of cats are not as large as the typical dog, who needs long walks frequently. These creatures can be a great pet for anyone because they are very adaptable and can live almost anywhere and would even live happily, healthy and comfortably in a small apartment. Many people consider them to be a great pet because their need to play and show adoration of their owners is balanced by a very faithful streak to their family, regardless of the owners' ages.

Since the majority of the cats kept as pets are a mixture of more than one breed, they are not a pedigree. Only 3 percent of domestic cats are purebred, there are no distinct advantages or disadvantages of buying a purebred and they can be very expensive. More than 100 breeds of purebred cats exists, thanks to the classification efforts of global groups.

Notable differences exist between the separate breeds, of course, as you can tell by looking at the unique breed shapes, sizes, coat color, coat length, eye color, and individual personalities. There are two main categories of cats: short hair and long hair. The short hairs outnumber the long haired varieties.

Long hair cats are harder to care for because they need daily grooming, they are at a higher risk of having hairballs. You'll have a more difficult time taking care of cats which have the longer hair, particularly when it comes to fleas or grazed skin.

About the Author:
Cat breeding guidelines pet cat supplies for more information.

28 April 2009

Three Fresh Ideas For Homemade Hamster Toys

Image by onlinewoman via Flickr

by Bert Gaton

Hamster toys provide a ton of different benefits for your pet. You can buy a variety of different toys that allow hamsters the opportunity to play and exercise at the same time. The most common types of toys for hamsters are of the running variety. There are also lots of toys available that encourage hamsters to climb and dig.

What if buying hamster toys isn't an option though? Maybe you don't have enough money or just can't be bothered to make your way to the pet store. Have no fear. There are quite a few really neat hamster toys that you can put together yourself. Here are few basic ideas.

A common cardboard roll can make for a great hamster toy. If you have a little hamster, you probably want to use a cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll. For chubbier rodents, go with the tube from a paper towel roll. My hamster adores these rolls. Just place it in his cage and watch him rip through his own personal tunnel. For added excitement, you could even combine multiple tubes into an obstacle course of sorts

Another great hamster toy that can be made for cheap is a simple box. All you need to do is take an empty Kleenex box and put it in your pet's cage. Make sure you remove any plastic from the box before doing so. This way your hamster won't eat anything that he's not supposed to. Rodent's love to hide and the Kleenex box allows him to do this. For real creative individuals, you can even take this toy a step further by connecting a few boxes with cardboard tubes. Make your little buddy a hamster castle!

The third hamster toy that I want to talk about is a little bit more difficult to make. It's basically a hamster maze created out of cardboard. In order to make this maze you need an empty flat of soda and some scrap cardboard. Take the empty flat and cut your hamster an entrance and an exit to the maze. Now cut the cardboard scraps into long strips that will eventually become the walls of the maze. Simply glue the strips into the flat, arranging the maze as you see fit. Place your little pet near the entrance to the maze and watch him go!

Making hamster toys at home isn't that difficult. With a bit of cardboard and a lot of creativity, you too can put together some pretty neat toys for your pet. You'll save money and have fun at the same time.

About the Author:
Do you want to learn more regarding Using Hamster Toys To Keep Your Pet Healthy? Please read Bert Gaton's interesting piece on hamster toys

18 April 2009

Traveling With Pets

Image by anetz via Flickr

by Cheryl L. True

Going on a trip with your pet? Be prepared. Call before you leave to make sure your hotel accepts pets. There may be restrictions or fees.

Find out where the veterinary clinics are located close to where you are staying.

Vaccinations may be required when traveling abroad. Rabies is one that is required to and from the United States. You should take your pet to your vet prior to the trip. Find out what vaccinations are required and what diseases or problems may exist at your destination.

Plan your mode of transportation in advance. Buses and trains won't allow dogs on board. Airlines have various rules and restrictions so call in advance to avoid problems.

Avoid crowded times of the day and places that may make your pet nervous or skittish.

Even if your pet is naturally docile and calm, it may suddenly bolt for open windows or doors when confronted with new and unusual surroundings, people and smells. Using a leash is often best.

An identification tag is always a god idea, especially when your pet is in unfamiliar territory. You should always keep identification tags on your pet as well as a leash for your dog when it is outside. You may also want to bring along a current photo of your pet for identification purposes in case it gets lost.

Car rides are filled with potential hazards. Avoid leaving your pet unattended in the vehicle. It's easy for your pet to get heatstroke. If you must leave your pet in the vehicle while you are gone, leave at least two windows open for a cross draft and fresh air. A car can heat up to devastating temperatures in a very short amount of time.

Air travel is stressful enough without a pet. Airports are extremely crowded and you have to schedule and plan in advance to avoid various complications.

Instead of bringing your pet with you on your travels, you can always keep your pet at home with someone your pet is familiar or comfortable with who can feed and take care of it twice a day. A boarding kennel or a professional sitter is another option.

Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe instant fence

About the Author:
Cheryl L. True is a Manila-based freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics.

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