cats

Gone are the days when your pet had to spend its "vacation" in a cramped cage.  Pet resorts have become very popular - with both owners and their furry friends!

**********************

Some folks consider cats to be aloof and one-dimensional, but those of us who have feline family members know they are funny, affectionate, playful and, yes, independent.  But that very spirit that makes them independent also helps to make them lower maintenance pets when compared to, say, dogs.

********************

As cats age, their coat may lose some of its luster but their color often remains much as it was in their younger days. It can be deceptive to judge a cat's age by its color.

******************************

Feral cats that have been neutered or spayed also have their left ear "tipped" surgically to indicate the cat is part of a colony and has already been trapped and altered.

********************************

About half of jerky pet treats in the US are imported from China.  New warnings indicate that such treats could pose serious and even deadly risks to your pet's health.

*****************************

In the pet world, Mother's Day has a very different connotation from that in the human experience.  Most pet mothers never get to see their babies grow up.  This Mother's Day, consider things from your pet's point of view.   Make plans to keep your pet from becoming a mother by having her spayed. 

*******************************

The puppies and kittens you see at your local animal shelter are the lucky ones, because they are up for adoption.  (The unlucky ones never made it that far.)  But even those who did make it to the adoption area still may not find homes.  That's the sad reality of pet overpopulation.  

********************************

Research has shown that interaction between humans and animals can make learning a positive experience for children.  That's the basis behind the Book Buddies program that started late last summer in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, near Reading, PA.

***************************

Large or small, round or pointed, long or short - a pet's nose is a finely tuned instrument that  the animal uses to gather a wealth of information about its surroundings.

*****************************

When we think of a smiling cat, we might think of the Cheshire Cat, whose beautiful smile was the only thing visible when he disappeared.  Sadly, for the majority of both cats and dogs kept as pets, their teeth are not so healthy.  It's up to you to make sure your pet's smile is bright and clean!

********************************

Smart idea, even for a cat, to have a shelter that is raised up off the ground.  The animal is protected from bitterly cold winds, too, in a well-build dog (or cat) house!

******************

Having pets may mean you have to work a little harder to keep the house clean, but smart some choices will make things easier.  And less cleaning may mean more time with your furry friend!

**********************

A cat's nature is to hunt, stalk, mark territory, but living indoors can limit its opportunities follow its instincts.  You can help your cat live a happier and healthier life if you find ways to make your home more "friendly" for your feline resident.

************************

Although Christmas might be over for this year, we can still keep that spirit of giving alive by making a contribution to one or more of our favorite charitable organizations.  And if we do it before the end of the year, we get to take a tax deduction when we file our tax returns in the next few months!

******************************

Sharing this holiday with all members of our family, including the four-footed ones, is not a new idea.  In fact, when we think back to how it all began it seems only natural that they should be a part of our Christmas celebration.

****************************

Giving a pet as a gift can be a wonderful idea, even better if you adopt it from a shelter.  But as a surprise for the recipient?  It just might backfire on you and on the poor animal, too.

********************

This Christmas, you can add some joy to your life by adopting a homeless pet from your local animal shelter.  You get the companionship only a pet can offer, and in return your pet will enjoy the comfort and security only a loving home can bring.

***************************

'Tis the season to deck the halls, but do it carefully - make sure your holiday decorations don't pose unnecessary risks for your furry friends!

***************************

Including our pets in our holiday celebrations is something many of us like to do. Whether you're staying home or hitting the road, a little planning can help to make the holiday safe and happy for everyone!

******************************

Some folks may be hesitant to adopt an older pet, but the advantages usually outweigh the disadvantages.  Often the adoption fee is reduced for senior pets, making them a smart choice for adoption.  In return, the human gets a healthy, loving pet, a companion and a new best friend!

*********************************

Halloween can be a fun time for people and pets, as long as the humans make sure their furry buddies are comfortable and safe!

**************************

This is the week for Halloween, with all the costumes and decorations and yummy candy and other treats. Like so many other celebrations we enjoy, this one can pose some very real hazards for our pets.

Rabies has almost been eliminated in the United States - almost, but not entirely.  Every year there are still one or two human deaths  from the disease, and several thousand cases of rabies in animals reported. 

************************************** 

Guard dog?  Not in this home - there's a guard cat on duty, defending her human and foiling a would-be burglar!

****************************

Usually the spay-neuter message is aimed at people who need to have their pets surgically altered.  But often the cats that we see clearly do not have owners.  Volunteers and organizations are using an approach that solves several issues at the same time.

****************************

What does freedom mean for our pets?  Even for humans, freedom does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want.  For the animals that share our lives, we can give them freedom to enjoy their lives in safety and comfort, as our best friends and loyal companions.  And that's something worth celebrating!

*********************************

A little planning and a little common sense - that's all it takes to keep your pet safe and healthy during the hot summertime!

***************************

More cats and kittens are surrendered to animal shelters during June than during any other month of the year.  Whether you want a kitten or an older cat, you'll find lots to choose from right now at your local animal shelter. 

***********************************

The wind in your face, your ears blowing back, all those smells coming at once - riding in a car with its head out the window is so much fun for your dog, but such a BAD idea! 

********************************** 

If your pet is biting at its feet or fur, or scratching its ears, this time of year the problem may be a seasonal allergy.

*********************************

Keeping an animal as a pet brings with it certain responsibilities.  One of those is to make sure your furry family member is safe and protected.

***********************************