There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals.  These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival!  Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that do agree are normally those in the population who don’t really with care for cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular with whom.  Normally, a cat will choose a person in the home that he bonds with.  You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, he will usually hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping.  Purring is a strong sign of affection, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with.  It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat.  Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat, who really knows? You can even train your cat to do some tricks which is a great way to bond with them as seen in this video:

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take on this subject, one of which being psychic.  Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat.  If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person.  Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of us who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans.  There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival.  Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed.  They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different.  Cats are way different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different.  Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention.  The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you.  Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

Don’t get your feelings hurt if you are not “that person” the cat chooses, that’s just the way the catnip crumbles!

The picture above is a copy of the original picture of Dr. Erwin Schrödinger from the Smithsonian.

Keeping your cat safe and healthy at all times should be one of your major concerns, and this can be even more difficult around the holidays. There are a number of special considerations you must make for regarding cat safety around the holidays. Your vet can give you more specific instructions, but here are just a few of the things you need to consider:

• Decorations - Holidays are not festive without a little decorating, and this includes, in many cases, the use of flowers. If you have a cat in your house, make sure that flowers are well out of reach if they are toxic, remembering that cats can jump very high. Some of the most popular flowers that are harmful to your pet include bleeding hearts, calla lilies, poinsettias, daffodils, Easter lilies, irises, ivies, tulips (the bulb part), and a number of other plants. Most cats will not go out of their way to eat these things, but to be on the safe side, make sure you use them in a safe way in your home or, better yet, opt for faux versions instead! There are many kinds of plants that can harm your cat, so check with your vet to make sure before bringing new kinds of plants into your house.

• Company - The holidays also may bring a number of guests into your home for parties and gatherings. Consider that this can be very scary for your cat, unless he or she is used to high levels of traffic. It’s a good idea to keep your cat in a room away from the party with the door shut. This will prevent your cat from being scared. When people are coming into and out of your house, there’s also the potential that your cat could get outside, and there is also the danger that guests will feed your cat unsafe human foods. It is better to keep your cat away from the party.

• Remember also that alcohol and animals do not mix well. Alcohol, in fact, is deadly to animals. Although you or (more likely) a guest might think it’s funny to slip a little vodka into your cat’s water bowl, this could prove fatal! When you have guests, put your cat’s food and water bowls somewhere safe where no one can tamper with them.

• Candles and electrical lights could also be unsafe for your pet. Cats are attracted to bright lights, and a candle could not only burn your pet, but you may find that a cat knocking over a candle will start a fire in your house or, at the least, spill wax onto furniture or carpets. Use electrical lights instead, but remember to keep the cords covered and taped down so your pet isn’t tempted to play with them.

Enjoy the following presentation by a few of my friends

To sum it up, just keep an extra eye on your cat during the holiday season. Make sure they are staying safe at all times. By taking a few precautions you can still have a good time without compromising your cat’s health.

Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at www.WhiskerFeathers.com

There will be times in your life when you have to leave home, and you can’t always take your cat with you, no matter how well behaved he or she may be. If you have to travel out of town, it is important to make sure that your cat’s health will be in good hands while you are gone. For this job, you’ll need a cat sitter. When hiring a cat sitter, make sure that you leave him or her with good information about your cats so that you can rest assured that they are safe and healthy.

In the best-case scenario, your cat sitter will be someone that you already know. Neighborhood teens make good cat sitters, as do relatives. You can also call a pet sitting company if you don’t have anyone else in mind. Whoever takes care of your cats, make sure that they are trustworthy and responsible to show up at your house every single day at the correct times. If you have multiple cats or other pets, or if you will be gone for over a week, it may be a good idea to have someone you know house sit and stay overnight in your home.

Before you leave, create an easy-to-read sheet of important information. Start by listing your cats-include their names, fur color, special diet and medication, likes and dislikes, and favorite hiding place. You should also include step-by-step detailed instructions for cat care and the number for you and for your vet.

Make sure that everything needed to care for your cat is out in the open and easy to use. For example, do forget to leave a can opener for your cat sitter! If any of your cats fall ill or are injured, your cat sitter will need to call a vet and possible even take your act to the vet’s office. Have the phone in an easy-to-locate place and leave cat carriers by the door. Also make sure that all cleaning supplies are easy for your cat sitter to find, including litter box materials.

Here is a cat sitting video:

If any of your cats need vet care, you will have to pay the vet bills, of course. Leave a $20 bill (or more if you’ll be gone longer) for your cat sitter to specifically be used for the cats. Beyond that, call your vet to alert him or her that you will be out of town. Given your vet your credit card number, the phone number where you can be reached, and the name of your cat sitter, with the assertion that he or she will act in your place until you return home. Planning ahead will help keep your cat safe and healthy even while you are away.

You’ll also have peace of mind knowing they are okay.

Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at  www.WhiskerFeathers.com

What You Need to Watch For

When we experience pain in our bodies, we can easily tell someone that there is something wrong and that person will be able to bring you to the hospital. Pets cannot do that but watching them can tell you a lot of things which is why owners should practice cat care and be aware of the symptoms.

Here are a few diseases you should watch out for and their symptoms:

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease and in fact is the leading cause of death among cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and the worse part is that the symptoms are very common with other ailments so it is really hard to tell.

• There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the human version, it is a life long infection that progresses slowly and kills the cat.

• Cats can also in infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Fortunately, it can be treated using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. It is transmitted through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two, it cannot survive that long in the environment so it is only contagious when the infected cat stays with another cat for a long period of time.

• Worms are also another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through the spores. Since it is a self-limiting disease, you don’t to do anything to make it go away. It will eventually clear up but it may just take a few months.

• If you cat is overweight, chances are it already has feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease include excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Vets are not yet sure what causes this but there have been a few research studies that have shown that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and certain medications.

The symptoms of most of the diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg,   a decrease in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests.

Your veterinarian will take some blood, urine and feces samples. Any input that you have observed and give will also be useful. When the tests come out, only then will the proper treatment be administered to the cat as each case varies so what worked for one cat may not have the same positive effect with yours.

Your cat could still be healthy if you gave it constant attention. This can be done by feeding it high quality food, giving it fresh water, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making sure it stays indoors and taking it regularly to the vet.

If you have missed any of these simple steps, something wrong is bound to happen and you will soon notice a change in the behavior of the feline and doing nothing about it just going to make matters worse. So observe proper cat care tips and look out for symptoms.

Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at  www.WhiskerFeathers.com

Are Vaccinations Necessary?

When I got my first puppy off we went to my veterinarian to get her shots.  Getting puppy vaccinations was a given for me. I kept up with them religiously over the years and never really gave it much thought. However, as my indoor cat has gotten older I have begun to wonder, do I really need to continue her yearly shots?

Timely vaccinations are very important part of pet’s health. Different types of vaccine shots are to be given at different times. Some people are against vaccinations while others are in favor of it. The fact is there are risks involved with both, so it’s up to the pet owner to decide which is the best decision for them. A definitive statement cannot cover all circumstances, the rules vary from one individual animal to another depending on the needs and tolerance levels of the pet. There are certain factors that have to be taken into consideration before a decision is made.

Young ones which have been separated from their mothers before six weeks and are bottle-fed are at a higher risk of getting diseases. This is because the animals, which feed on their mother’s milk, get maternal antibodies, which protects them until their own immune system has been fully developed. The development of immune system can differ on the basis of amount and type of viruses they are getting exposed to, the potency of the virus and the body’s ability to face the virus attack. Diet and nutrition also plays an important role in preventing diseases.

Animals, which aren’t exposed enough to these natural antibodies may need to get vaccinated  to help their system develop immunities. The quantity is also important, because a little more virus can actually infest the disease in the animal. The amount can be determined by analyzing whether the animal has a weak or strong resistance to the virus.

Age is also another important factor. Animals, which are older in age, react differently. One of the reasons is that the system will be obviously weaker because of the daily activities, when compared to the younger ones. Since their immune system would have undergone different conditions; there could be a possibility of deposition of toxins in the body. Sometimes the healthier older animal won’t be requiring vaccination at all if it has received adequate shots before.

Before vaccinating an animal, its history should be checked. The number of times a particular vaccination has been given should be checked against the records. There are breeders who give a weekly dose of vaccination to their animal, which is for sure an overdose! This leads to many problems such as thickening of blood because of the protein complexes released from the immune system. This can also damage other internal organs and might even result in the failure of the immune system. In worst circumstances, it could even lead to the death of the animal.

Pregnant females react differently to the vaccines when compared to their male and female counterparts. The pregnant females should never be injected with live virus vaccines or even exposed to other animals that have recently received them. Animals, which have been injected with dead-virus vaccines, are safe for the childbearing animal.

Animals, which are already suffering from a disease, should be examined more carefully, so that the vaccination doesn’t aggravate the problem. Genetics also plays an important role. If the animal stands a chance of getting a disease because of hereditary reason, vaccinations can create an adverse reaction.

The environment also plays a major role. If the animal is kept in a sanitary and clean place, it is exposed to lesser viruses, which lowers it’s chances of getting diseases. A dirtier environment not only spreads viruses and bacteria but also affects the immune system and other systems adversely as toxins begin to deposit in the body. The vaccination plan should be designed after analyzing the lifestyle of the animal.

Another major reason for difference in the quantity of vaccination is the improvement in the vaccinations. They have become safer and more efficient. No tests have proved the affective period of the vaccinations. Every state and country has different regulations about vaccination. Vaccination testing cannot only risk the life of the animal, but as well as that of a human. For example, if a dog, which is being tested for rabies vaccination, bites a human, it can lead to the death of the human, in extreme circumstances.

Another consideration is the cost of vaccinations which can add up, especially if you have more than one pet. Around the country there are many low cost vaccination clinics held to make it more affordable for owners who want to vaccinate their pets. Petco for example  offers low cost vaccinations.

If  in doubt, whether you should vaccinate your pet or not  check with your vet, then the decision is up to you.

My cat Sofie Tucker is getting up in years, in fact the years have simply flown by! It seems like she has always been such a grown lady, but of course such is not the case. Sofie was a rescue, my vet referred me to the lady who was feeding her feral mama and litter mates. Fortunately, when I got Sofie while she was still a kitten and not afraid of people. She was my second kitten, so I knew a little bit about what to expect. For those who have never had a kitten and are thinking about getting one, here are a few tips:

1. They are not unlike fast growing babies.  They start off lying in your arms looking at peace with the world but before you know it they’re at the “toddler” stage and running up drapes and under rugs! Yikes!!

2. They are fussy eaters.  Even the smallest kitten will spit out everything it doesn’t believe to be the very best available – oh and “the best” is very subjective, it depends less on the price/brand and more on the cat’s likes and dislikes! We have Kitten Liquid Milk for those emergencies when you may need to replace their mother’s milk.

3. Which brings us on to number 3, your kitten will grow into an opinionated cat with strong likes and dislikes.  It won’t care if that’s your chair, your child’s bed, an antique sofa or fragile houseplant.  If your cat likes it, it’s his!

4. If you have friends and family who don’t like – or even better, are allergic to – your kitten from a very young age will see these as their new best friend and insist on sitting on their lap!

5. Don’t believe what your cat tries to make you think – it is possible to train a cat to do certain things.  Just take potty training as an example, you can train a cat to use a litter box, so it follows that a cat is capable of learning.  Unfortunately an ability to learn does not automatically mean a willingness to learn, especially in a cat!

6. A kitten will grow, and grow fast.  Remember this as you think it’s cute to have that tiny ball of fluff curled up next to you on your pillow at night!  Pretty soon that little kitten is going to take up all the pillow, and not be happy when it suddenly finds itself on the cold floor in a property fight over whose pillow it is!

7. A kitten will quickly worm itself into your heart and stay there – so make sure you only take enough money to buy one or you could end up bringing two or three home because you couldn’t choose between two of them, and then the third one looked so lonely!

If you find that you have to step in and care of some newborn kittens, we offer a Newborn Kitten Care Kit.

Also, be sure to take lots and lots of pictures because they grow so fast and there is nothing as cute as a kitten!

Just because you are dealing with a disability does not mean you can’t have a dog in your life.  Studies indicate doing so will not only benefit you but the dog also! There are some things you can do to make the experience easier.

If you need help giving your dog medicine, fluids, or shots, ask your veterinarian if he or she knows of anyone who will make home visits. If not, contact local pet-sitters to find ones who will assist you. Many pet-sitters are trained to perform these functions for the sick pet for owners who cannot perform them for themselves or for owners when they are away.

To play with your dog, use flashlights or laser pointers. Dogs love chasing the light, and you won’t have to make a move.  An alternative is a remote control car for him to chase.  He gets exercise and you do not get over-exhausted.

If you have difficulty performing basic functions for yourself, investigate the use of a service or assistance dog. Assistance dogs are trained to help people with physical limitations perform their everyday functions. Assistance dogs are accepted in public places just as guide dogs and hearing dogs are.

Here is a very practical idea, divide large bags of food into smaller containers to help with lifting and filling dishes.  If you get large dishes, you will spend less time and energy filling them. There are dog food stands that raise the bowls above floor  so you won’t have to bend as much when you fill them.

Walking a dog when you are disabled can be difficult.  Consider hiring a neighborhood teen or professional dog walker to do this or have a pet sitter come in and walk your dog each day.  Fenced-in yards are another alternative to consider.

Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a dog.  It takes just a little more thought and planning for you both to be safe and happy.

I live in what is probably the plastic surgery capital of the world, Los Angeles California. People seek perfection and sometimes go way overboard in the process if you ask me. This has to do with the demands of Hollywood, if you want to be a star you have to look the part. It is really up to the individual and their ambitions, we do after all have freedom of choice. When it comes to our pets, that’s another thing.

I recently read an article about Banfield, The Pet Hospital’s decision to stop performing ear cropping and tail docking. Banfield is the exclusive provider of veterinary services for the Petsmart pet supply chain. The Portland, Oregon based company has 730 hospitals and 2,000 veterinarians nationwide, so this is making quite a statement.

“After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures,” said Karen Faunt DVM, MS, DACVIM, vice president for medical quality advancement for Banfield. “It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether.”

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure where a portion of the ear is removed. It is done to produce ears that stand erect. Ear cropping is performed on puppies around 8-12 weeks of age and is common on Great Danes, Boxers, Dobermans and more.Here is a picture of two Boxers, one with cropped ears and the other one without:

The surgery is also used on Pit bulls to shorten the length of their ears and is most often seen in dogs used for fighting.

Tail docking is the surgical removal of part of the tail of a dog. It is performed on healthy puppies when they are between 2 – 5 days old. It is commonly performed on breeds such as Boxers, Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers.

These surgeries are principally done just so that the dogs will comply with a certain standard of looks for the breed. When I first came to understand this fact I was horrified! By my own ignorance I thought that a Boxers ears just stood up like that naturally or my Silky’s  stump of a tail was as long as it grew.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals- Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston was founded in 1868. It is the oldest society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the United States. In their statement of beliefs they clearly list tail docking and ear cropping among one of the procedures they find as cruel. Cat declawing is another practice they find is neither minor or painless.

I say congratulations to Banfield in their stand on the behalf of pets. Our cats and dogs are beautiful just the way our Creator made them.

There are a few smells that bring back happy memories such as fresh brewed coffee, fresh cut grass, cookies right out of the oven and a clean, newly groomed dog!

It’s summertime and the livein is easy! Now is the time to grab your dog, head out to the backyard, turn on the hose and have some fun! You will not only save money by giving your dog a bath, but it’s a great time to have some fun with your dog.

As with many things, it’s always best to start giving your dog a bath while it’s still a puppy if possible. Make sure that it’s a positive experience so that your dog will come to look forward to bath time.

Bathing a dog is like taking a shower yourself, do it too much and it will dry your skin out. Frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is of a hairy type like the Cocker Spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. Short haired dogs of course are quicker and easier to bathe.

Be sure to us use soaps and conditioners made especially for dogs. The soap materials used for human beings are not suitable for dogs. At WhiskerFeathers.com we have shampoos made with Oatmeal for dogs with sensitive skin and shampoos with Tea Tree Oil that alleviates hot spots and itchy skin.

Bathing a dog is often a wet and messy process, even if the dog is cooperative so prepare the area if you’re bathing indoors. Bathing a dog is a bit like washing a car; this first wash with dilute shampoo will remove grit and dirt and leave the coat ready for a thorough shampoo. Bathing a dog is much easier if you have first combed the entire coat, removing all loose hairs and mats.

The first step in bathing a dog is the same as the first step in grooming teach him to stand and to accept hands all over his body. Make sure you have gathered all your materials together before you begin. Once you start, you’ll have a wet dog on your hands and you can’t just walk away. Have yourself water source, whether it’s a bath tub outside with a hose or if you’re bathing your dog inside, the sink. You will need shampoo and conditioner, towels, preferably old ones that you no longer use, and a brush or comb. Be careful of their eyes and ears not to get soap in them. Wash the out side of their ears with a wash cloth.

It can be a fun time as in this video:

Bathing a dog is only a small part of the grooming process and with that, some pet owners think they need special training and skills but what it really takes his practice, practice, practice. Bathing a dog is quite simple if they are accustomed to the routine. Of course, for a very special occasion, a professional groomer can give them a spa experience!

Age is just a number, right? A human who is 60 years old may act like a young adult, while another human the same age may act like he or she is on their deathbed! Believe it or not, cats are the same! Your pet may act like a kitten for many years or may get gray and achy quite young. Why is this? Specific breed, environment, and genetics play a role, but in general, a well-cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well over 30!

There are things you can do, however, to provide your cat with the chance for the longest life possible. For example, have your cat spayed or neutered for starters. Statistics show that fixed cats live longer, because this causes the cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to few dangerous situations and disease. Good nutrition is also important. Make sure that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age. You may need to make changes over the years as they get older, be open to change their food if necessary.

As you cat ages, certain medical conditions may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. Examples include:

• reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures
• decreased sensory perception
• susceptibility to infection
• arthritis and joint stiffness
• digestion problems
• kidney & liver problems
• weaker bones
• cancer
• muscle weakness
• slow reaction
• memory loss
• high blood pressure
• irritability

As you can see, aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans!

Along with a good diet, promote healthy amounts to exercise in your cat. You can do this by allowing your cat to go outside or if you have an indoor cat, playing with your cat every day. Toys and environmental pieces, like scratching posts, are great for encouraging your cat to exercise.

Remember, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. If you are overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat’s sleeping habits.

Preventative health care is, of course, important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with the vet to make sure everything is in check. You should also brush your cat’s teeth daily and have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. As cats age, most of them grow to love grooming. Monitor your cat for diet chances, changing sleep habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is an owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of your life for a very long time.