Cat - Exotic Pets - Making The Right Decision

Most families at some point decide to introduce a pet or animal to their family home at some point in their lives. Although cats, dogs, rabbits, gerbils, fish and other small animals are the most common family pet it is becoming less unusual for families to look at bringing home exotic pets. Exotic pets may seem more exciting and different however unless your are fully prepared and understand enough about the exotic pets you choose bringing one home could end in disaster. Generally speaking, the more exotic the pet the more education you will need and it will probably require more expensive housing and food. When you are looking for exotic pets do your research before you shop, you may find you purchase an animal on impulse that you know little about and does not fit your family surroundings. It is extremely important to do plenty of research on exotic pets before you decide what sort you want. You can find plenty of information on the internet simply type in the animal you are look for and read as much as you can to see if this animal suits you. You can also visit your local library and borrow books on exotic pets. It may be helpful to visit a few pet shops to seek advise about exotic pets, make sure you are aware of all the special requirements they need. Things To Ask What sort of housing do they require, including the size and shape? What sort of food do they eat and how often should they be fed? Are they prone to any type of diseases or problems you should look out for? Do they require any special equipment such as a UV light or heat mat? How long is their life expectancy? Do they need any type of vaccinations? Do you need any sort of licence to own this type of animal? If you have children it may be worth finding out how much your exotic pet likes to be interacted with. If you have chosen an animal that does not like to be handled will your family be happy with a pet that can only be looked at and not touched? If you have other pets already you will need to know if the new addition will upset your existing animals and how they will get along. You may need to set up alternative measures if they need to be kept well away from each other. Buying exotic pets is not as easy as it seems but if you are fully aware of everything that it needs and have prepared a loving home with the correct facilities there is no reason why you should not enjoy having one. Allen Jesson writes for several sites that specialize in Pets, training for dogs and salt water and fresh water aquariums Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Jesson Cat - I've Never Seen A Cat Drag A Turd Like That The other day, I was leaving for work when I heard a strange, watery sound. I thought it was our camel of a cat, Bender, gulping down water, as he is oft wont to do. Unfortunately, it was our other cat, Neko, puking. In one of the puddles of cat vomit, I found a small piece of purple ribbon, about one inch long, and figured that's what had induced the vomiting. The next morning, my wife and I walked into the kitchen to find Neko walking about with several inches of purple ribbon hanging out of his bum with a lovely bit of well-digested cat food stuck to the end. The considerable turd had smeared lovely brown streaks all over our kitchen floor. My wife got the privilege of mopping while I got the privilege of removing said ribbon. Neko didn't much care for that. I pulled the ribbon out and, much to our amazement, it was at least a foot long. How on earth does a foot of purple ribbon fit into the intestines of a rather smallish cat without killing him? My wife continued to mop. I kept an eye on Neko for any signs of bleeding or continued discomfort. Much to our amazement, another piece of ribbon soon became visible. I pulled on the end only to discover yet another foot of purple ribbon lurking in our poor Neko's intestines. As soon as the second piece had been removed, Neko was back to normal, running, pouncing, eating our feet. And we don't leave ribbon out anymore. Make Money Online Now!

Cat - I've Never Seen A Cat Drag A Turd Like That

The other day, I was leaving for work when I heard a strange, watery sound. I thought it was our camel of a cat, Bender, gulping down water, as he is oft wont to do. Unfortunately, it was our other cat, Neko, puking. In one of the puddles of cat vomit, I found a small piece of purple ribbon, about one inch long, and figured that's what had induced the vomiting. The next morning, my wife and I walked into the kitchen to find Neko walking about with several inches of purple ribbon hanging out of his bum with a lovely bit of well-digested cat food stuck to the end. The considerable turd had smeared lovely brown streaks all over our kitchen floor. My wife got the privilege of mopping while I got the privilege of removing said ribbon. Neko didn't much care for that. I pulled the ribbon out and, much to our amazement, it was at least a foot long. How on earth does a foot of purple ribbon fit into the intestines of a rather smallish cat without killing him? My wife continued to mop. I kept an eye on Neko for any signs of bleeding or continued discomfort. Much to our amazement, another piece of ribbon soon became visible. I pulled on the end only to discover yet another foot of purple ribbon lurking in our poor Neko's intestines. As soon as the second piece had been removed, Neko was back to normal, running, pouncing, eating our feet. And we don't leave ribbon out anymore. Make Money Online Now! Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Moncur Cat - Install A Cat Door Cat doors keep your cat happy and content. They allow him or her to roam free whenever he or she wants. That is treasure to a cat! Cats enjoy their territory including the inside outside of the house. The cat door will allow him the freedom to use that territory and generally have a more happy life. The door will enable your cat to access both inside and outside areas freely. Your cat has the freedom to go out when he wants but also come inside for warmth, love, and food. Your life a little easier as too. No longer do you have to open the door to let your cat out or in. No more noises from outside or in! Cat doors provide a way of allowing your cat to escape other theongs - people and other animals. It gives him freedom and privacy. Having a cat door installed in your home will prevent the larger dog from following your cat into his private area as well as keeping him from rummaging through the cat's litter box. The usual cat door is made of plastic that flaps down and allows your cat to push on it in order to open it. The flap shut when the cat crosses over and is usually kept lightly closed by magnets which helps with heat loss. How do you install a cat door? Several options are available. I have a sliding door that leads to my garden and I put panels into the end of the slider and fixed the pet door into it. You could also use a full screen door that you fix on your main door that has the open flap. You may not be the practical kind of person - in that case hire someone to do it for you - it shouldn't take long. be aware that your cat may not be the only animal that uses the door. Possums, raccoons, and even stray cats have found their way into many homes through the easy access of a cat door

Cat - Declawing Your Cat

Save 5% on orders over $75 at Only Natural Pet Store! Use coupon code CJ75. This is a very controversial topic which has a lot of emotion behind but it needs to be looked at. As a cat owner who has experienced difficulty dealing with a cat scratching issue in my home, it is difficult not to be biased but let's give the issue of declawing its due and see what exactly the pros and cons are. There are 2 types of surgical procedures which are commonly done to eradicate this problem. One involves cutting the tendon that attaches the claw to the bone in a cats foot. The claw stays intact but the cat can't use it at all because it is no longer attached to the tendon that works it. The second procedure employs the use of a laser for cutting. This procedure removes the lateral attachment. The claw is then removed. Proponents of both these procedures claim there is minimal blood loss and discomfort. They also state that most cats are up running around in no time after the surgery. Great! However, what they fail to mention is that both procedures are invasive (any surgical procedure is), both require general anethestic, and both can result in complications especially for older cats. The second procedure is quite plainly amputation. They also fail to mention what many people have stated - that post-surgery their cat developed a biting problem that was not prevelant prior to the surgery. What I have read also doesn't account for the many reports of people's cats undergoing drastic behavior changes afterwards. One such advocate I read about stated that "there will be medical reasons and other circumstances where this procedure will be necessary." But it fails to cite any of those reasons. For me at least, it all comes back to the question - "How would you like to have part of the anatomy God gave you amputated?" For me, there is only one "pro" After declawing, no matter what procedure you opt to have done, your cat will no longer be able to claw your furniture and carpets. The "cons" however, are still stacked against this and they are many! We had a terrible experience with our cat Milo, when he recently developed a lower urinary tract infection and had to be admitted to stay 2 nights in a local vet clinic while he underwent surgery and monitoring for this common cat health problem. After seeing how terrified he was at the clinic and then worrying whether he would live or not because he refused to eat anything for a week after we got him home and had to be forcibly fed water to keep him hydrated, we simply could not bring ourselves to consider the idea of declawing no matter how stressful his clawing behavior was. Milo is part of our family. God gave him all the parts he has for a reason and declawing to us is tantamount to saying he is less important than any other member of our family; something that we couldn't bring ourselves to think. Pets count on us to look after their best interests. When we take on the responsibility of owning a pet we make what should be a statement of promise to protect them, nuture them and ensure that they are looked after. If you are considering declawing as a way to deal with your cats clawing behavior, I would urge you to please try some less invasive methods first before you resort to such a drastic measure. Why risk potential side-effects and the trauma that can accompany any surgical procedure if there are clearly other, less invasive ways of dealing with this problem? by Brad Knell (c) 2005 All Rights Reserved Brad Knell is the webmaster of http://www.stopcatscratching.com one of several sites designed to help people with pet problems. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Knell Cat - Traveling with a Pet Carrier For owners who like to keep their pampered pets near them wherever they go, pet carriers are the perfect solution. For those pets that must travel in the cargo, a quality dog crate is the safest way to go. These days, flying with your dog or cat is easier than ever before. However, air travel with your dog or cat comes with its own set of challenges, and it's best to be prepared to reduce stress for both you and your pet on traveling day. First of all, all airline policies are different concerning pet travel and you need reservations. Be sure to ask what kind of pet carriers they accept or try our Sherpa Delta pet carrier and the Sherpa Backpack which are airline approved. Also, it's important to ask what documents the airline requires such as vaccination records or a health certificate. So whether you're traveling with a pet carrier or a dog crate, preparation is key. Even with all your preparation, fear of flying can still be an issue for your dog or cat. Our Chihuahua, Sox has anxiety every time we fly even though he sits right at our feet. At first, we thought of giving him tranquilizers, but we learned that tranquilizers shouldn't be given to pets before boarding because they can increase the dog's risks of accidents and can make it hard for them to adjust to temperature changes and turbulence. Worst of all, they can impede breathing. The before the flight. Whether using a dog crate or pet carrier, it's a good idea to get your dog used to it for about a month before your travel date. To make the flight easier on your dog, don't feed him for 4 to 6 hours before, but small amounts of water are fine. Just in case your dog should get lost in the airport, it's a good idea to carry a picture of him or her. Every time you fly with your pet, you have a choice between taking them on board with you in a small dog carrier (unless they're a large breed, of course) or putting them in the cargo. Cargo holds can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the Humane Society of the United States strongly recommends that you not ship your dog in the cargo unless there is no alternative. Each year there are fatal accidents when, because of runway delays, dogs suffer heat stroke in the bottom of airplanes. In fact, most airlines refuse to check dogs between May and September. If you must use the cargo, then here are some safety tips: 1. Use a direct flight 2. Travel on the same flight and ask to watch while he is being loaded and unloaded. 3. DO NOT ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs & Chow Chows. Their short nasal passages are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heatstroke. 4. If traveling during summer choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, afternoon flights are best. 5. Attach 2 pieces of I. D. to their collar 1) Permanent address and phone no. 2) address and no. where you can be reached while away from home. 6. Don't leave anything in the dog crate the dog can choke on. 7. Make sure crate door is secure. Above door write "Do Not open this door with out permission from owner or licensed vet." 8. Arrive 1/2 hour earlier than normal but don't let them take the dog until the last minute. 9. NO SEDATIVES - important to reiterate Be sure to put ID on both the dog and the outside of the dog crate. If you can't get a direct flight, make sure you have a long enough lay over to walk your dog. Also, make absolutely sure that the dog crate is large enough for your dog to turn around with ease. The best crates for space and quality are our Kennel dog crates. For those who are definitely taking their dogs or cats in the passenger cabin, the Sherpa pet carrier is preferable to a hard sided pet crate. Sherpa pet carriers have mesh panels to prevent claustrophobia, a reinforced bottom, an adjustable shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a roomy zippered pocket for your pet's travel essentials. The Sherpa pet carrier have accommodating sizes, are approved by airlines and are ideal as cat carriers and small dog carriers. Whichever way you decide to go, just be sure to book direct flight to minimize stress.

Cat - Traveling with a Pet Carrier

For owners who like to keep their pampered pets near them wherever they go, pet carriers are the perfect solution. For those pets that must travel in the cargo, a quality dog crate is the safest way to go. These days, flying with your dog or cat is easier than ever before. However, air travel with your dog or cat comes with its own set of challenges, and it's best to be prepared to reduce stress for both you and your pet on traveling day. First of all, all airline policies are different concerning pet travel and you need reservations. Be sure to ask what kind of pet carriers they accept or try our Sherpa Delta pet carrier and the Sherpa Backpack which are airline approved. Also, it's important to ask what documents the airline requires such as vaccination records or a health certificate. So whether you're traveling with a pet carrier or a dog crate, preparation is key. Even with all your preparation, fear of flying can still be an issue for your dog or cat. Our Chihuahua, Sox has anxiety every time we fly even though he sits right at our feet. At first, we thought of giving him tranquilizers, but we learned that tranquilizers shouldn't be given to pets before boarding because they can increase the dog's risks of accidents and can make it hard for them to adjust to temperature changes and turbulence. Worst of all, they can impede breathing. The before the flight. Whether using a dog crate or pet carrier, it's a good idea to get your dog used to it for about a month before your travel date. To make the flight easier on your dog, don't feed him for 4 to 6 hours before, but small amounts of water are fine. Just in case your dog should get lost in the airport, it's a good idea to carry a picture of him or her. Every time you fly with your pet, you have a choice between taking them on board with you in a small dog carrier (unless they're a large breed, of course) or putting them in the cargo. Cargo holds can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the Humane Society of the United States strongly recommends that you not ship your dog in the cargo unless there is no alternative. Each year there are fatal accidents when, because of runway delays, dogs suffer heat stroke in the bottom of airplanes. In fact, most airlines refuse to check dogs between May and September. If you must use the cargo, then here are some safety tips: 1. Use a direct flight 2. Travel on the same flight and ask to watch while he is being loaded and unloaded. 3. DO NOT ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs & Chow Chows. Their short nasal passages are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heatstroke. 4. If traveling during summer choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, afternoon flights are best. 5. Attach 2 pieces of I. D. to their collar 1) Permanent address and phone no. 2) address and no. where you can be reached while away from home. 6. Don't leave anything in the dog crate the dog can choke on. 7. Make sure crate door is secure. Above door write "Do Not open this door with out permission from owner or licensed vet." 8. Arrive 1/2 hour earlier than normal but don't let them take the dog until the last minute. 9. NO SEDATIVES - important to reiterate Be sure to put ID on both the dog and the outside of the dog crate. If you can't get a direct flight, make sure you have a long enough lay over to walk your dog. Also, make absolutely sure that the dog crate is large enough for your dog to turn around with ease. The best crates for space and quality are our Kennel dog crates. For those who are definitely taking their dogs or cats in the passenger cabin, the Sherpa pet carrier is preferable to a hard sided pet crate. Sherpa pet carriers have mesh panels to prevent claustrophobia, a reinforced bottom, an adjustable shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a roomy zippered pocket for your pet's travel essentials. The Sherpa pet carrier have accommodating sizes, are approved by airlines and are ideal as cat carriers and small dog carriers. Whichever way you decide to go, just be sure to book direct flight to minimize stress. Grant Carroll proud father of three dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters. Also visit Little Pampered Babies where you can find Unique Baby Clothes and Toddler Clothing. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grant_Carroll Cat - Traveling with a Pet Carrier For owners who like to keep their pampered pets near them wherever they go, pet carriers are the perfect solution. For those pets that must travel in the cargo, a quality dog crate is the safest way to go. These days, flying with your dog or cat is easier than ever before. However, air travel with your dog or cat comes with its own set of challenges, and it's best to be prepared to reduce stress for both you and your pet on traveling day. First of all, all airline policies are different concerning pet travel and you need reservations. Be sure to ask what kind of pet carriers they accept or try our Sherpa Delta pet carrier and the Sherpa Backpack which are airline approved. Also, it's important to ask what documents the airline requires such as vaccination records or a health certificate. So whether you're traveling with a pet carrier or a dog crate, preparation is key. Even with all your preparation, fear of flying can still be an issue for your dog or cat. Our Chihuahua, Sox has anxiety every time we fly even though he sits right at our feet. At first, we thought of giving him tranquilizers, but we learned that tranquilizers shouldn't be given to pets before boarding because they can increase the dog's risks of accidents and can make it hard for them to adjust to temperature changes and turbulence. Worst of all, they can impede breathing. The before the flight. Whether using a dog crate or pet carrier, it's a good idea to get your dog used to it for about a month before your travel date. To make the flight easier on your dog, don't feed him for 4 to 6 hours before, but small amounts of water are fine. Just in case your dog should get lost in the airport, it's a good idea to carry a picture of him or her. Every time you fly with your pet, you have a choice between taking them on board with you in a small dog carrier (unless they're a large breed, of course) or putting them in the cargo. Cargo holds can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the Humane Society of the United States strongly recommends that you not ship your dog in the cargo unless there is no alternative. Each year there are fatal accidents when, because of runway delays, dogs suffer heat stroke in the bottom of airplanes. In fact, most airlines refuse to check dogs between May and September. If you must use the cargo, then here are some safety tips: 1. Use a direct flight 2. Travel on the same flight and ask to watch while he is being loaded and unloaded. 3. DO NOT ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs & Chow Chows. Their short nasal passages are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heatstroke. 4. If traveling during summer choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, afternoon flights are best. 5. Attach 2 pieces of I. D. to their collar 1) Permanent address and phone no. 2) address and no. where you can be reached while away from home. 6. Don't leave anything in the dog crate the dog can choke on. 7. Make sure crate door is secure. Above door write "Do Not open this door with out permission from owner or licensed vet." 8. Arrive 1/2 hour earlier than normal but don't let them take the dog until the last minute. 9. NO SEDATIVES - important to reiterate Be sure to put ID on both the dog and the outside of the dog crate. If you can't get a direct flight, make sure you have a long enough lay over to walk your dog. Also, make absolutely sure that the dog crate is large enough for your dog to turn around with ease. The best crates for space and quality are our Kennel dog crates. For those who are definitely taking their dogs or cats in the passenger cabin, the Sherpa pet carrier is preferable to a hard sided pet crate. Sherpa pet carriers have mesh panels to prevent claustrophobia, a reinforced bottom, an adjustable shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a roomy zippered pocket for your pet's travel essentials. The Sherpa pet carrier have accommodating sizes, are approved by airlines and are ideal as cat carriers and small dog carriers. Whichever way you decide to go, just be sure to book direct flight to minimize stress.