Cats And Dogs

Cat

2011-10-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

Some people have mentioned that their kitty is urinating outside of the cat litter box, although he generally used cat litter boxes formerly. How come the cat do that? There are certain reasons; and once you have had your vet rule out any kind of physical issues (kidneys, bladder, digestive problems, and so on.

Cats Musical

2011-10-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Cats Musical

Ragdoll Cats

2011-10-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Have you seen kittens of Ragdoll cats? They are so cute and gentle. You would feel overwhelmed after bringing them home. They will prove to be the most docile and friendly creatures for your home. Kittens of Ragdoll cats can be purchased from an experienced cat breeder. This species is the best among cats. It has traits of amiability and pretty looks. Ragdolls can be seen in many attractive colors. They are characterized by a soft fur coat. They are easy to bring up at homes. You will have to take a slight care in feeding them.
Give them food having high calories and proteins. Such food stuff will help these cats to be in sound health. The fur of these cats is soft like that of a rabbit. It has a silky touch and can be combed with a steel comb. Ragdolls should be combed gently to avoid shedding of hairs. You can use special cat shampoos to keep their hair healthy. These cats live from 15 to 25 years. Their body weight ranges from 10 to 20 pounds.

Cat And Dog Pictures

2011-08-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

Everyday, funny pictures are used by people for several varying purposes. Pictures can be very entertaining especially in occasions intended to bring fun to those attending them.

You may want to spice up the jovial mood of such occasions by making people laugh their lungs out by using pictures that are extremely funny. The only problem might be where to get these pictures. This article will therefore give you six tips you can use to get yourself some of the funniest pictures.

One, know precisely what you want the picture to contain. Where you will use the picture and the reasons for which you will use it are all points you should seriously consider. Being precise about the effects, design type and colors used in the picture will go a long way in providing the direction to go in order to get the best and funniest pictures. You should take into consideration the people that will view the picture as different people are excited by different things.

Cats And Dogs Living Together

2011-08-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

It’s been a long held myth that cats and dogs can't live together. It's been said that to have a cat and a dog living together is like mixing oil and water. But many pet owners have dispelled this myth. The fact is that when a dog and a cat have been socialized to live together, not only can they get along, but they can even become dear friends, in as much as pets befriend each other.

There are some things to keep in mind when you want to keep a dog and a cat in the same household. First, you need to take the energy of the household into account. What type of environment is your home? Is it full of children and rambunctious activity? Is it a very quiet environment? Are there any senior citizens in the home? These will all determine what types of pets that a person would want in the home. Just like with humans, pets have personalities. Having said that, cats tend to be very independent creatures; they keep to themselves, do what they want, and just don't require that much attention. Some breeds of cats flat out don't want your attention. If someone tries to pet a cat, some of them are okay with it for a little while, and some of them will hiss and snap at the person touching them. Cats in general want to be social on their terms, and on their time table.

Dogs on the other hand need lots of attention. They crave lots of love. They are very active, like to play indoors and out, need to be walked daily, and they want to be touched. As such, they will assume that the cat in the home wants to play with them, just like the humans do. Here lies the problem between cats and dogs. They are both loveable, but for different reasons. They naturally have different temperaments. So the human pet owner has to decide what breeds of cats and dogs would fit into their household and with each other.

Pics Of Cats And Dogs

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

he answer to that question is easy for most people. If you are a dog person, it will be a fluffy puppy that you can love. If you are a cat person, you won't want to share the attention that a dog needs. It is probably an easy decision.

There are distinct characteristics of each pet.

Cats

House cats enjoy being outdoors occasionally. They may wander off from time to time.

The only thing cats need to be trained to do is use the litter box and not to claw the furniture or draperies. They won't stand for much more.
Cats will allow you to have a more serene and independent life.
Cats don't mind being left alone, unless you are in need of being alone.

Dogs

Dogs thrive on routine exercise. They love walks outdoors or being allowed to run free in a fenced yard to do their business.

Dogs need more training. Dogs love to be trained. It gives them quality time with their owners. Dogs love to please their person and training provides that opportunity.

Your dog will greet you with gusto. It doesn't matter if you went outside to take out the trash or have been at work all day.

Cats And Dogs Pictures

2011-08-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that three quarters of the population of the United States has pets. Of the three quarters, more than half have cats as pets.

Cats have dated back to early Egypt; hieroglyphics depict cats lounging next to the pharaoh’s throne. Their stature among the pharaoh’s is shown even as guards to the pharaoh’s tombs. Skeletons of cats have also been found in the tombs themselves, buried with their owners.

Unlike other domestic animals, cats are not sloppy or messy; they are very clean animals that have a lot of love to offer the family that adopts them. Cats, even though very independent creatures, can enrich our lives in so many different ways. They comfort us when we are sick and love to play all day and sometimes all night.

Studies have shown that having a cat can be very therapeutic; results have shown that by simply petting a cat that is curled up in your lap can lead to lower blood pressure.

Cat And Dog

2011-08-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

Canines respond to the symptoms differently in comparison to felines. They prefer curling within dark areas and sleep most of the day. The infected eye is sensitive to light and exposure makes the experience painful, causing a major shift in dog behavior. In the case of felines, they respond to severe itching and inflammation by rubbing the region against furniture edges. It is not uncommon to see a cat consistently use its paw to wipe discharge. Whimpering in the case of a dog and purring more than usual in the case of a cat is quite normal as they battle invading agents. Treatment of the condition to promote dog care and cat health includes antibiotics, steroids, repeated eye-flush and mediation to reduce inflammation and pain.

Pink eye or conjunctivitis in pets causes a major shift in behavior. The otherwise outdoor pet shows signs of submissiveness and refrains from any bright light. However, it is very important to ensure that the animal is not treated in haste for a harmless eyelash causing irritation. It is important to consult the vet and diagnose the condition, to promote pet health. If at all it does turn out to be pink eye, you need to keep other pets away from the animal. The condition is contagious and spreads rapidly. There are a number of herbal remedies available to ensure that the medication applied directly to the eyes is not an allergy trigger.

Cats And Dogs 2

2011-08-10T02:35:00.000-07:00

Playing Cats And Dog

2011-06-21T02:15:00.000-07:00

Cats And Dog Images

2011-06-21T02:10:00.000-07:00

Cats And Dog Pictures

2011-06-21T02:06:00.000-07:00

Funny Cats Gunsfunny Animals

2011-02-09T01:36:00.000-08:00

Talking Cats

2011-02-09T01:31:00.000-08:00

Cat language

What is your cat saying? What does it mean when your cat waves its tail? Wouldn't it be great if you could talk to your cat and know what it was feeling? Well, by reading simple body language you can! By taking note of what the tail ears and fur on your cat is doing you can see how he or she is feeling.

Tail carriage

The tail is the most important part in determining the cat's feelings. It shows many emotions and can help you decide if your cat is happy or not.

Straight up: When your cat comes toward you or another object with its tail straight up, it is showing friendliness, it is most likely a familiar person or object and it is it's way of greeting in a friendly manner.

Straight up and quivering: This shows extreme happiness. Sometimes this will happen as you greet your cat. Be warned though, this can also denote that the cat is trying to 'spray' in order to scent mark territory!

Straight up with a hook: this is a questioning pose. Seen when approaching other cats or unfamiliar people or objects. The cat is prepared to be friendly but is ready to be defensive too.

Straight up and puffed up: A cat holding its tail straight up with it all puffed up is showing anger. It may have been startled, been in a fight or is in a compromising position. It is annoyed and may be aggressive although it is more likely just showing its displeasure.

Funny Cats 2

2011-02-09T01:26:00.000-08:00

Cats sure have interesting ways of expressing themselves. Some are cute, and some, well, can hurt. Most cat owners know about love chomps, those playful nips cats give at times. They are different than true, defensive bites, which draw blood and really hurt. Love chomps are given out of affection, and sometimes can hurt a little, depending upon kitty's mood. What is going on, and why do they do this?

My cat Beau is deaf and is very physical in expressing himself. He loves to be touched, petted and kissed. His reaction back is to "chew" on me, sort of gnawing his teeth against my arm, as he purrs. I soon realized that this is out of caring, not out of defensiveness. He does this whenever he is deliriously happy, and it's sort of like he's trying to kiss me back but does it with his little teeth. Lucky me. I appreciate him for being so loving, and just show love back, but back off if he chomps a little too hard.

When your cat does this, don't hit or get mad, just gently brush it off and distract him to do something else. Cats respond to suggestion, professional trainers rely on this principle to train them. By giving kitty something else to think about, he will forget about gnawing on you and put his attention elsewhere. Though I'm not an animal behaviorist, I know what works for my cats, and use information learned by those in the know. A good resource to contact if you need a real professional's advice on cat behavior is at your local chapter of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Aniimals). I called my local chapter and asked who to talk to regarding certain behaviors and they told me a behaviorist would call me back. She did, and was very helpful in giving me tips on handling problematic cat behaviors of different kinds. The ASPCA has local chapters in most cities and is a good resource for help with animals of many kinds so I recommend them.

Funny Cats Video

2011-02-09T01:23:00.000-08:00

The internet offers plenty of entertainment and that is very true when you look at funny cat videos. They are going to get you rolling and several of them you will want to watch over and over again. Too often people perceive cats as just lying around and doing nothing. So it is very magical for them to see these animals in action and doing some bizarre things.

Some of these videos have thousands of people who have looked at them and are so impressed with what they see that they have talked about these videos on various forms of social media including Twitter and Facebook. With so many great places online to see videos these days you have a wide spectrum of them to find.

What is also neat is that when you watch a funny cat video there will usually be linked to other videos. Then you can continue to view more and more of them. You can narrow down your search too if you want to see cats doing particular things. Make sure you have lots of time to spend watching them though as you will quickly become addicted to them.

You don't want to sit down to just watch one or two of these videos. Instead, you want to be able to have plenty of time for them. Funny cat videos are something you can enjoy with your co-workers and even the kids too. It can give you a new found appreciation for cats, their intelligence, and for the various mishaps that they take part in from time to time.

Very Funny Cats

2011-02-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

Has anyone started a support group for cat video addiction? There may be a need for this in the near future, as thousands, maybe even millions of people are unable to stop themselves from watching cute, funny, silly, bizarre or sometimes rather boring videos about cats!

Until the time when you can find support groups, we'll look at some ways to help yourself if you suffer from this problem. Like all addictions, you first have to admit that you have this one. Honestly ask yourself how many cat videos you've watched in the last month. If you can't answer this, that's a bad sign. If the number is higher than ten, you may be on the verge of having a problem. If it's more than fifty, well, that number speaks for itself.

Another symptom of cat video addiction is taking constant videos of your own cats and posting them online. It used to be that people who were obsessed with their pets would show everyone photos. Now, videos are being e-mailed to friends, relatives and co-workers and posted endlessly to YouTube and other video sites.

Funny Animals

2011-02-09T01:13:00.000-08:00

Funny Cats Compilation

2011-02-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

Funny Cats Pictures

2011-02-07T01:58:00.000-08:00

Do you want to get a smile on your face? Are you worried? Do you want to see something that just makes you laugh? Well, you can now look on the Internet for funny pictures that will actually make you happy.

Funny Pictures, as the name implies are so funny that anyone breaks into a loud laughter. Now funny pictures are not just restricted to children or youths, but people from all ages can enjoy viewing funny photos and just laugh loudly. you will find many such funny websites that are loaded with funny images or jokes or cartoons that will definitely make you laugh away to madness. So if you are distressed and wish to change your unexciting mood, you can simply log on to the net and view funny images online so that you smile or feel happy for sometime. Always remember 'Laughter is the best Medicine', so it is recommended to laugh for some time in a day to keep your body healthy and fine.

Now, you may be just wondering, how do we find some funny images that will actually make us feel happy/joyful and fresh? So, here we go:

Military Clothing For Dogs

2011-02-07T01:52:00.000-08:00

Dog cloths go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and bad weather. The main function should be to keep a dog dry and warm. The history of clothing for animal's dates back to the period of King Arthur. At that time, clothes were used to protect the knights' horses from external elements and attacks.

Dog clothes were primarily used in the military and law enforcement areas, in order to safeguard dogs from both the surrounding environment and attacks. Today, dogs also serve as narcotic sniffers in police departments. But a dog's main role is to be a pet to an individual or a family. For these reasons, dog apparel has changed with the time.

Dog Clothes include all kinds of outfits that are exclusive to dogs. Body suits, coats, dog dresses, t-shirts, tank tops, sweaters and sweatshirts are just a few items to choose from. Doggie boots, leashes, tags and hair clips are some accessories that compliment a dog's apparel. Other accessories include bathrobes, beds, boots, carriers, collars, jackets, raincoats and toys. There are outfits specially designed for special occasions and events such as weddings. Halloween and Christmas outfits are some of the more popular occasions that people choose to dress their dogs in Santa outfits or princess gowns.

Dogs Activities

2011-02-07T01:46:00.000-08:00

Has your dog ever rolled in something smelly, so smelly that you don't even want to let him in the house? Or does your dog's fur look flat and not have any shine to it whatsoever? If so, it might be time to give him a bath to make his fur look fresh and clean once more. Dog bathing is a popular activity that many dogs need in order to keep them clean and smelling good. One thing to keep in mind though is that the frequency of bathing really depends on your dog's coat. Some dogs should only be bathed a few times a year because of the type of coat they have, so it's important that you consult with a vet to find out what is healthy for your dog.
Another popular grooming activity that many dogs need from time to time is fur trimming or cutting. You might decide to give your dog a haircut if his coat has grown so out of control that you can no longer tell what type of dog he is. Often times a quick trim can mean the difference between a shaggy dog and a well groomed pet
Finally, the third grooming activity worth mentioning is nail trimming. It's important that you trim a dog's nails on a regular basis because nails, when left to grow too long, can crack and split and be very painful to walk on if this happens. Nails should be trimmed enough so that you can only hear a faint tapping on the hard floor when they walk.

Shopping Cats And Dogs

2011-02-07T01:37:00.000-08:00

Cats And Kittens Wallpapers

2011-02-07T01:27:00.000-08:00

Cats And Kittens And Dogs And puppies

2011-02-07T01:17:00.000-08:00

The mix of kittens or cats with very young children can pose problems, and many times it's just easier to wait until the kids are old enough to understand how to properly handle an animal before adopting a pet. However, families often do successfully raise both animal and human broods. The one exception might be very young kittens who tend to use people as mountains to climb (and dig their claws into human flesh in order to do so!). In this case, it's usually actually better to adopt two kittens so they play mostly with each other. Other than that, it's simply a matter of supervision and education.

Children learn all the time when they play, and much of their time is spent role-playing. They mimic the behaviors they see in their parents, siblings and other important people in their lives. You can take advantage of this natural teaching opportunity by introducing a stuffed toy (a kitten, in this case, although it could of course be a puppy if that's the type of pet you've decided on). When you handle the toy, you exaggerate how gently you must be, stroking the kitten's fur with one finger and never, ever pulling its tail, for instance.

If a family member or friend already has animals in their home, use that as a real life opportunity to demonstrate proper pet care -- including leaving the cat alone when it's 'napping' (exaggerating again by hushing and tiptoeing around). Always praise your child for his or her appropriate behavior around the animal, and when there's an incident where the cat hisses or the dog growls, explain why that happened. ("It hurts Fluffy when you pull her tail, and she's telling you to be gentle and not to hurt her.") Again, use every incident as a teaching opportunity and keep your reactions as calm and matter-of-fact as possible. This will reassure both the animal and your child.

Cute And Funny Cats And Kittens

2011-02-07T01:04:00.000-08:00

There's something incredibly compelling about watching kittens at play, to see these cute and innocent little creatures, hunters in the making, making their first foray out into the big bad world is a wonderful sight.

Playing with toys and encountering obstacles totally unaware of the perils and the dangers that lie in the average living room they throw themselves at objects, and will employ anything to hand as means to climb ever higher fascinated by anything that lies outside by their reach. They follow sparkling and moving objects, honing their inbred hunting skill, they are entranced by mirrors but have yet to learn that the face they see peering back belongs to them! And of course they fight, with each other, with you, with anything. Truly the domestic cat shows off its hunter predator nature hard wired in its genes, the behavior we see today was programmed into its instincts long ago when the cat was a wild thing and had to hunt to survive.

How can watching kittens be therapeutic you say? Well yes it's a proven fact that pet owners live longer that their solitary counterparts, why should that be? Does grooming and handling a cat lower blood pressure? Does watching a cat at play have a relaxing effect and take the minds focus away from the self for a while? Does the pleasure release endorphins, the happy chemical into our bloodstream? All these are probably true, but who needs to rationalise. Watching cats at play is fun, pure and simple an innocent pleasure simple as that.

Cute Cats And Dogs Together

2011-02-07T00:48:00.000-08:00

Cats and dogs are said to be life-long enemies. Hence, they came up with the phrase "fighting like cats and dogs" whenever two persons can't tolerate each other. But, I have seen so many homes that both have cats and dogs as pets. So, I don't think that this assumption is accurate. These two species might not learn to love each other, but at least they can tolerate each other's presence. If these two animals will be exposed to each other earlier in life, they might do fine their entire lives. This practice might actually teach them to accept other animals easily more than their own kind.

However, there are dogs that should not be kept with cats or other small animals. Such species of dogs include terriers such as Jack Russells and pit bulls. They are the kind with the strongest hunting heritage, thus, viewing other animals as prey. These hunting dogs have a very sharp predatory instinct and will chase and attack any moving object without thinking twice.

Cats And Dogs Wallpaper

2011-02-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

Cats And Dogs Together

2011-02-07T00:34:00.000-08:00

Dogs that are used to be outside the house are the ones who are most likely to chase and attack a cat once it moves. There is really something about being outdoors that pushes the hunting instinct of the dog into a firecracker. So, if you are planning to rescue a stray dog, I suggest that you should know the history of the dog's attitude and behavior around cats. Many shelters will allow you to "test" the dog before completing the adoption.

Cute Bunnies

2011-02-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

The number of rabbits you want will determine your housing. Usually for a single rabbit of a small size a cage measuring 30" X 30" X 14" is advisable. Bunnies are supposed to play around and make merry, so these dimensions will be good enough for rabbits to move and run around. This means that in the time to come, there will be a place for a nest box too in the cage! For larger rabbits, a cage measuring 36" X 30" X 18" is ideal. Most importantly, the cages should be well protected from potential predators and weather changes, especially the sun, because rabbits are very sensitive to heat. So if you want to have bunnies as pets, keep the cage in a cool and shady area. For larger breeds and rabbits with thinner hair surface of their feet, you might require a sitting board to keep sore hocks at bay.

Food for Bunnies
For rabbits and the likes, pellets are the best bet. They have most of the nutrients that rabbits need for staying healthy. The formula of feeding is generally an ounce of pellets per pound of the rabbit's body weight. In addition to this, supplementing the pellets with roughage (hay) of some sort is a good idea. Timothy hay, a type of grass hay is best and least expensive.

Cute Animals

2011-02-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

The judge denied her, saying that a name could not have a dot-com suffix on it, but suggested to Feather that she accept a compromise and change her name to FishingHurts.

Feather accepted, saying that she will ask her family and friends to call her FishingHurts.com anyway.

She says she’s doing it to get people to visit the website, and to raise awareness of the suffering fish endure when being hunted for sport or food.

"When fish are dragged from the ocean’s depths, they undergo excruciating decompression," says a press release on the PETA website. "Many slowly suffocate, are crushed to death, or are cut up while still alive on ships’ decks. On fish farms, they are stuffed into tanks so tightly that they can barely move."

Feather would like to point out that she agrees with movie fish Nemo, in saying that fish are friends, not food. "Rachel has made a compassionate decision to change her name so that everyone she comes in contact with will understand that fish can feel pain just like dogs, chickens and pigs," said PETA representative Lindsay Rajt.

Feather became a vegetarian at age 13, after watching a video about how animals are treated at factory farms.

She told reporters that she grew up in a family who enjoyed hunting, but that now her sister and mother are also vegetarian.

Cute Animals

2011-02-05T03:54:00.000-08:00

Cute Cats And Dogs

2011-02-05T03:47:00.000-08:00

Dogs rely on their owners for everything. Your dog will need to be housebroken, and then taken outside. He will expect attention and playtime. As mentioned before, dogs are pack animals. They depend on the other members of their pack to be there for them and to take care of them.

Even a domesticated cat could survive entirely on its own. Your cat doesn't need you to take time out of your day to entertain him. He'll find plenty of things to do all on his own. That doesn't mean that cats don't enjoy being played with, or that they aren't entertaining to watch. But, they're perfectly happy filling their days with important cat things like laying in the window, chasing flies or playing hockey with their food that fell on the kitchen floor. Cats don't need you to take them outside to "do their duty". They'll happily use a litter box or go outside on their own to take care of business. When they feel like it, they'll come home.

There really is no best choice when it comes to deciding between a cat or dog. The decision is going to largely depend on your own personality. If you prefer a low maintenance pet that isn't going to need you for every little thing, a cat makes a great choice. On the other hand, if a loyal companion is what you're looking for, a dog may be the better option. Perhaps you'll choose to have one (or more) of each. No matter what type of pet you choose, your life will be filled with years of love and companionship.

Funny Cats And Dogs

2011-02-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

Although both cats and dogs can make great pets, dogs are generally more popular among humans. I cannot personally understand that, since cats are so cute and adorable and they don't scare you by barking, and some cats very rarely meow. But it all boils down to one's preferences, I suppose.

There still are some very special reasons for which a cat hater could easily be turned into a cat lover. These creatures have had it rough ever since medieval times, when they were seen as the perfect companions for witches and wizards. The funny thing about black cats is that people still fear them nowadays, suspecting the poor creatures of having malicious intents like bringing them bad luck. Yet they can be very beautiful, with their silky, dark coats and their vivid green eyes. And if you own such a pet, it's a great way to test your friends' and neighbors' level of belief in superstitions on special occasions like Halloween.

Although dogs are considered man's best friends, due to their presumed loyal nature, cats prove to be even more loyal if we come to think that they do not respond to a stranger in the same way they respond to their owners. They are in fact loyal strictly to the ones that have raised them, taken care of them and shown them affection. They are regarded as independent and distrustful, when they are in fact trustworthy if we consider the fact that they would immediately run away and hide if they don't know you as their master. So they are somehow wiser than dogs.

Apart from all that, cats can be also extremely intelligent animals. They can be very amusing for their owners, unlike pet fish, hamsters, turtles or guinea-pigs. If they have toys, even ones that contain catnip, they won't get bored and they may feel very happy to let you join their joyful games.

Funny Cats

2011-02-05T03:39:00.000-08:00

A group of cats is called a clowder whereas a group of kittens is called a kindle.
Cats love heights. However, a female cat called Mincho in Argentina took this love to the extreme when she climbed up a tree and refused to come down as long as she lived. She spent six years on the tree and produced three litters! Think of the tree loving male cats who fathered her kittens.
When a cat wags its tail, its bogged with internal conflict. For example, may be it's playtime and your cat wants to go out side but it can't because its raining. You can't imagine your cat's dilemma as it feels torn between the desire to romp in the garden outside and its aversion to getting its coat messy.
Kittens are often seen trying to climb their owner's legs. While the owner feels pain at the little sharp claws scratching his legs, the kittens think that the leg is a tree trunk that they can scratch and climb.
Do you have a kitten that rockets around the house toppling anything that comes on its way? It's almost like having a herd of wild animals stampeding in the house. It's not that the kitten is rowdy, just that this hyperactive creature is bored and needs to release its energy. Giving it a toy to play will engage him in quite a 'non-destructive' way.
Cats are skilled hunters and the trophy for this feat goes to Towser of Scotland. Entrusted with the 'solemn' responsibility of keeping its city free of rodents, this cat killed 28,899 mice in 21 years of service.
A cat's heart beats 110 to 140 times per minute. This is almost twice as fast as human hearts.
The nose pad of a cat has a pattern that is unique to every cat. It is like the fingerprint of human beings.
A female cat can produce more than 100 kittens in her productive life. A Persian cat in South Africa named Bluebell holds the record for giving birth to the largest number of kittens at a time, all of whom survived. Her record holding litter had 14 kittens.
Cats are very particular about hygiene and cleanliness. They spend 30% of their waking hours grooming themselves.
After so much in a day's work, it is not surprising that a cat needs to sleep for 16 hours a day! At that rate a seven year old kitten has spent just 2 years of its life awake. Kittens are known to start dreaming right since when they are a week old. We can't blame our cats if they love to sleep!
There are no mouse flavored cat food in the market because the cats on whom such food was tested refused to eat it.
Ancient Egyptians are believed to have shaved their eyebrows in mourning when their cats died.
Every year, Americans spend around 4 billion dollars on cat food. That is more then they spend on baby food! We surely love our animals.

Cats Kittens

2011-02-05T03:35:00.001-08:00

Owning a new kitten is just about the most exciting time of your family life. Those first few weeks are something special which will live long in your minds. It’s also a great chance to involve your children in learning how to take care of their new pet. It can become a really meaningful bonding time for the entire family. What better way to introduce children to new responsibilities where they learn to become accountable for the smallest member of the family. children can learn to become more reliable and as well, they will appreciate the satisfaction that comes with the added responsibility.

Getting Your Kids Involved in Caring For Your Cats And Kittens

It’s always a good starting point to involve the kids in the selection and naming of your new cat. Just as important is making sure your children understand the range of caring activities that will be involved and to emphasize that they will be responsible, along with the rest of the family, for a living creature not a toy that can be put away. It is a whole new ball game.

Now, it’s not necessarily a difficult task to care for your pet if you really love them. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love their cat? I’ve seen people who say they hate cats simply melt after they’ve spent a few days with our family and go on to buy one for themselves. What I’m saying here is that although the enjoyment you will get from your kitty will have to be balance against the daily tasks of feeding, cleaning up the bowls, refreshing the water and the medical concerns like fleas, heartworm and general grooming and cleaning up cat hair. But, when all is said and done the time you have to allocate to these matters pales into insignificance when you experience the ultimate enjoyment of watching kitty at play and sleeping soundly on your lap.

Funny Dogs

2010-09-26T02:10:00.000-07:00

Black Boxer Dogs

2010-09-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

Boxers have been traced to exist for over a hundred years now. They are said to have originated from Germany as the crossbreed between the Brabanter Bullenbesser (from Belgium) and the English Bulldog. Boxer dogs are known for their intelligence, hardiness, loyalty and its being family-oriented which makes it a great family pet. It is often commented that a family with a boxer is one that is filled with laughter and joy.

Boxer dogs have the natural tendency for learning new things and mental stimulation. It is widely recognized that bored boxer dogs make bad dogs. They need to be constantly trained, just like with other dogs.

Small Black Dogs

2010-09-26T02:03:00.000-07:00

When we think about adopting a dog we generally think about getting one that looks cute, or is a purebred dog or we tend to want to adopt a puppy. While these are all great dogs to adopt there are many small dogs waiting to be adopted. These small dogs for adoption are usually found lost and abandoned. Some have been given by their owners for various reasons to shelters.

These small dogs that have been given into various animal shelters have all the adorable looks of a puppy. Their small size makes them perfect as companions for children and people who live in small homes.

Blue Dogs

2010-09-26T01:59:00.000-07:00

Red Dogs

2010-09-26T01:49:00.001-07:00

Here’s where your dog’s dark secrets will come to light. Experts refer to these dogs as “Red Zone Dogs,” “Ticking Time Bombs” or “Loaded Guns.” Any way you choose to label them, these doggies are always in need of the immediate help of an expert who has the expertise in dealing with extreme dominance and aggression. You know when a crazy boyfriend or a girlfriend has some red flags that you wish you knew about earlier on, or, you knew about them but couldn’t really see the danger in them? It’s not much different when it comes to these dogs. Here we go.

Black Dogs

2010-09-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

How can you look the dog in the eyes ever again? Every time you call his name, he wallows in shame. You've banished him to the lowest level of dog name hell - you've named your Lab "Blackey."

Any four-year-old can explain that a dog's name should reflect something about him - the way he looks, the way he acts, what he likes to eat… something. So most four-year-olds will take the next most obvious step - naming a black dog Blackey... or Smokey... or something equally inane.

The thought that so many grown adults were not able to muster more creativity could undermine our society's basic faith in democracy. So let's hope that the over-abundance of such uninspiring monikers is the work of children - parents' having left the honor of naming the family pet to junior or sissy.

Raining Cats And Dogs

2010-09-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

o dogs and cats get colds or flu, as humans do? The answer is yes, but they won't catch if from you and you won't catch it from them.

Your pet may be sneezing, coughing or have a runny nose – a dog or cat will have symptoms that seem just like a human cold. They may even suffer from labored breathing or a fever. It's important to understand that although your pet's symptoms are the same, the virus causing their illness is not.

In other words, your dog or cat doesn't have the same variety of cold or flu as you do. Viruses are specific to their host species and require a dramatic mutation in order to "jump species". It's very unlikely that your pet will catch a cold from you, and you would not be likely to catch anything from them.

Dogs - According to the California Health and Human Services agency, Canine Flu (Influenza) is relatively new. The first case of Canine Flu was confirmed in 2003 in Florida, primarily affecting the Greyhound racing industry. By 2005, cases were being reported in California and many other states.

Dogs and Puppies

2009-07-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Cats and Kittens

2009-07-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Your Cat's Health

2009-07-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water
and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other
living thing, however, they can get sick and can come down with
anything from a minor cold to a major ailment.
As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure you feed your
cat premium cat food so he can be his healthiest and also watch
your cat closely for signs of sickness so that you can get him
to a vet right away. Hopefully most ailments will be minor, but
in some cases getting your cat expedient veterinary help can be
the difference between life and death.

Some things to look for include:

Your cats coat - is it full and shiny or dull and patchy? Is he
shedding abnormally? If so get your cat scheduled for a vet
visit.

Behavior - is your cat acting sluggish and not eating? Any
change in behavior warrants a trip to the vet as it is better
to be safe then sorry!

Diarrhea or vomiting - If your cat is doing either of these for
more than a day, I would get him to the vet as soon as you can.

Coughing - Some cats routinely cough up hairballs, but if your
cat is coughing for no reason then you should have this checked
out.

Swelling or lumps - when you pet your cat, take the time to
feel around for any unusual lumps or swelling.

To insure that your cat doesn't fall victim to disease, you
should make sure he has all of his vaccinations as recommended
by your vetrenarian. The most devastating but easiest to
prevent disease that affects cats is infectious enteritis, or
feline distemper. This is a virus disease that strikes quickly
and leaves little time to enact treatment.

Feline Leukemia or FeLV is another deadly disease that can be
prevented through early vaccinations. This disease poses no
threat to humans but can be spread between cats. These days, it
is treatable and some cats can live a long life with Feline
Leukemia although you would want to be very careful to keep
them away from other cats so as not to spread the disease.

One health problem in cats, particulary those that go outdoors
is worms. A cat with worms usually has a lackluster coat and
can either have a large appetite or none at all. There are many
kinds of worms, and cats are susceptible to all of them. Cats
can get worms from lice or fleas or in the organs of the
rodents that the cats eat. Typically the cat ingests the eggs
which mature and attach to the intestinal walls. Feeding your
cat a bit of garlic every once in a while can protect him
against worms.

Keeping your cat happy and healthy is really a simple matter of
caring for him properly and making sure he gets the appropriate
veterinary care. Make sure your cat gets all the recommended
vaccinations and you give him the proper treatments to repel
fleas and other pesky pests. These simple steps will keep your
cat happy and healthy for a lifetime!

Puppy Training Tips for the First Week

2009-07-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Bringing home a puppy and introducing her to your home is very
exciting for everyone. The only one who may be anxious about the
situation will be the puppy. If you handle your puppy properly
when she arrives, she will quickly relax and want to settle into
her new home.

Prior to bringing your new puppy into your home, you should puppy
proof it. Take a look at your home from the puppy's viewpoint.
Does that potted plant sitting in front of the glass door look
tempting? You may want to consider moving it to a higher place.
What about your favorite collection of teddy bears, or magazines
you have in a basket by the sofa? They will most certainly raise
the curiosity of your new puppy. As you move these things out of
your puppy's reach, remember it is only for a short time. Once
your new puppy has learned her place in the family, you can put
your things back where they go. Your life should never be
dictated by your puppy. However, by removing these curiosity
objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy
on the basic training she will need to learn.

It is important to understand that as much as you want your new
puppy to be a part of your family, your puppy is still an animal.
She will take her cues from her environment. If she is allowed
to have free run of the home and access to everything, you are
teaching her that she is in charge. Dogs have instincts. The
main instinct of dogs is to live in a pack. Your new puppy will
assume her new family is her pack. If she picks up the clues that
she is her own boss and she can do what she wants, whenever she
wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her pack. It is
much easier on everyone, including the dog, if she learns from
the moment she enters the home that she is not the leader and
dictator of the family.

One mistake people make is letting their puppy sleep in a utility
room, or kitchen. Dogs are from the wolf family, and really
prefer to have a den all their own. Some people assume placing a
dog in a crate is cruel. On the contrary, if crates are
introduced properly, they will be much loved by the puppy. When
planning for a new puppy, do not go out and buy the biggest crate
you can find for your puppy thinking she will grow into it. This
is the worst mistake owner's make. A crate should be large
enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Puppies
usually learn from their mothers to not soil in their bed area.
If the crate is too large, your puppy may designate a portion of
her crate for sleeping, and the other half for soiling. You
should also never place your puppy's food and water in her crate.

When your puppy is first introduced to the crate, do not simply
put her inside and lock the door. This will greatly disturb her.
(You should place the crate in a room in your home where the
family gathers. You should not expect the puppy to walk through
the entire house to the back guest bedroom to nap. By having
the crate in close proximity to the family, the puppy will feel
as if she is still hanging out with her pack, even if she is
inside her crate sleeping.) Place the crate where it will stay,
and simply open the door. You can place a towel in the bottom,
and a chew toy inside if you want. Some puppy's are very curious.
They will simply walk inside. Others may be a little more shy
with the crate. Give your puppy time to warm up to the crate.
Once she does enter the crate, praise her. You may want to give
her crate a name. When she enters the crate, you can repeat the
crates name, and give her a treat.

After your puppy has warmed up to her crate and has entered and
exited it a few times, you can close the door. She may whine and
paw at the door. She may even start yelping and barking. This
is okay. Do not let her out. After about ten minutes, you can
open the door and pick her up. Walk her directly to the area
designated for pottying. You should never let your puppy out of
her crate and allow her to follow you through the house to go
outside. Most puppies will simply squat and go where they
please. Once you are outside, set her down. You would then
encourage her to potty. Choose a couple of words such as, "Go
potty," of "Do your business." She will not have a clue as to
what you are saying, at first. But, after repeated attempts and
with being given a puppy treat and praise, she will learn what
those words mean. Most puppies will need to go out at least every
hour during the first few days to familiarize them with their
potty area. This is a chance for you to catch them doing their
business where they need to. Lavish them with praise.

The first few nights may make you wonder why you even brought the
puppy home. The repeated yelping and whining coming from the
crate can seriously upset many adults who need their sleep. You
should look at your new puppy as the baby in the family. Puppies
less than four months of age may need to go out once during the
night. When she does, pick up your pup and take her to her
designated spot. After she has relieved herself, place her
promptly back into the crate. You should never play with your
puppy during the night time hours. This will only encourage her
to keep the yelping up. After a few days, your puppy will adjust
to the night time patterns of her "pack" and everyone will get
more rest. Most dogs are able to make it through the entire night
without a potty break around 18 weeks.

Some individuals may think it is harsh to scold a puppy. These
individuals may be the same people who have a dog running wild in
their home within a year. Dogs which aren't disciplined can wreck
havoc on a home. You may return to find a shredded couch, chewed
up shoes, and garbage strewn all over the place. If there are
other pets in the home, you should also consider their feelings.
They will most likely be intimidated by such a tyrant, and fights
could commence while you are away.

If you catch your puppy chewing on something she shouldn't, a
firm "no" is usually enough to stop her antics. As with other
forms of training, this may take a few days for her to learn.
This is why you were advised to move precious things away. Some
people have a rolled up newspaper to swat the puppy with if they
refuse to heed a "no." The rolled up newspaper does not hurt. It
is simply loud, and it teaches the dog you are the alpha in the
family, and not her. If she were truly in a dog pack, her alpha
would nip her soundly. So, don't feel as if you are mistreating
her. In fact, most puppies seem to feel more secure when they
know their place.

The most important thing you can do with your puppy besides
introducing a crate immediately, instilling a potty routine, and
teaching her what "no" means, is to build the relationship with
your new puppy. Get on the floor and play with her. The bond
will grow between you and she will love you. This will make your
puppy want to please you and be obedient as well. This goes a
long way when you start teaching her other basic commands such as
"stay" and "come."

How to Select the Best Dog for Children

2009-07-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Are you preparing to bring a dog home to your children? Did your
neighbor tell you they have free puppies, all you have to do is come
over and choose one? Or did your children see an adorable puppy in
the pet store and are now begging you to let them bring it home? How
do you select the best dog breed for children? Does it matter?

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do you really need to
know anything more than how much it costs?

Well, how did you choose your car, or your home? Did you consider
the cost, safety and suitability for your family? Of course you did.
If you heard stories of a particular car that was susceptible to
causing accidents or that a neighborhood was known for its rough
occupants you would find something that was safer.

If the car or home was too expensive to maintain, it would impact
your decision, as would the size of the vehicle or how many bedrooms
the house had.

However, many people bring home a dog that they have spent no more
time in choosing than selecting oranges at the grocery store.
Although we hear stories of dogs attacking children and perhaps know
of people who got rid of dogs after they grew too large for the
apartment or destroyed property, as a group, parents still choose to
bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research.

The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the
terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people.
Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is
very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between
canine and humankind will be broken.

What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible
environment for your children and dog so that you don't need to
worry about unexpected tragedy or the sad disappointment of giving
your children's pet away.

There are many experts with various views, but several points can be
generally agreed upon when choosing a dog for your family.

Find a dog that is good with children.

Don't all dogs love children? The answer is simple – NO. Some
breeds, and even individuals within a breed, are more or less
tolerant of children and the rough handling that usually ensues.
Selecting a breed that enjoys the rambunctious atmosphere of a
family home will go far in ensuring that the children have a willing
playmate and the dog is happy.

Choose a dog that is the right size or energy level.

Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large, fenced yard?
Considering the size of home or yard you have should influence your
choice of dog. Some breeds are naturally larger than others. Some
smaller breeds (like Jack Russell Terriers) are small but have an
enormous amount of energy that can be difficult to control in a
small home.

Decide on a trained or untrained dog.

Perhaps you plan to train the dog yourself. You may choose a puppy
so the children participate in the training process. But how much do
you know about training dogs? Are you ready for the hassles of
housebreaking and obedience training? Perhaps selecting an older,
trained dog might suit your family better.

The decisions you make before bringing your dog home and selecting
the best dog breed for children will help your family enjoy their
new pet for a very long time.

The Pomeranian Dog

2009-07-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Pomeranian is one of they toy breeds and weighs between 3
and 7 pounds (there are larger poms, and although not to the
breed standard, they still make wonderful loving pets!).
Intelligent and vivacious, these little dogs will steal your
heart, but don't let them get away with too much as they must
be properly trained or they will become too demanding. With
proper care your Pom can live to about 15 years old.

History

Did you know the Pomeranian was once a much larger dog that
weighed around 35 pounds? A cousin to the spitz type dogs,
this pampered lap dog once called the arctic home.

Bred down to it's tiny size over the centuries, the Pomeranian
became popular in the late 1800's when Queen Victorian brought
a 12 pound Pom back from Italy. This vivacious little dog soon
became a favorite of European royalty and was bred to be even
smaller until it reached the average of 5 pounds.

Historically, the Pomeranian has been fancied by many famous
Europeans. Michelangelo had a little Pom that sat on a silk
pillow and watched him while he painted the Sistine Chapel.
Martin Luther, the great church leader had one of these little
dogs that he mentioned often in his work. Mozart had a
Pomeranian that he dedicated an Aria to and Chopin composed the
Valse des Petits Chiens for his girlfriends Pom.

Care and Grooming

Pomeranians are easy to care for but do need some special
attention. They can be easily groomed in less than 1 hour a
day, but I am sure you will want to spend much more time than
that bonding with your pet!

Brushing your Pomeranian every day is a good way to bond with
your pet as well as insure his coat is healthy and looks good.
Poms have a double coat that can easily become matted so
brushing is necessary. A once a week - or every couple of
weeks - bath is a nice way to keep your Pom smelling and
looking good! Don't forget to groom around his paws and tail
area as well as clip his nails.

Unfortunately, Pomeranians can be prone to tooth problems.
Tooth loss and bacterial buildup is not uncommon in these
little dogs so you should take extra care to make sure your pet
has the proper dental care. Brush your dogs teeth daily with a
specially formulated enzymatic tooth paste that fights bacteria
and have yearly dental checks and scaling if necessary. Tooth
care is quite important to your dogs overall health as if
bacteria is left unchecked in the mouth, it can spread
throughout the dogs body and cause health problems for your
pet.

The Pom's eyes are another area where you should pay some
special attention. Like most small dogs, discharge from the
eye can accumulate causing staining and, sometimes a goopy
mess. Clean the area around the eye daily with a Q-tip (be
careful not to get too close to the dogs eye). If the fur
around the eye becomes stained, you can buy a special liquid
that helps remove the staining.

Health Problems

Luxating Patellas or a knee that slips out of place is common
in Pomeranians andin some cases this may require surgery. Many
Poms suffer from hypothyroidism which can cause other problems
and should be checked by your vet. Some Poms lose patches of
hair as they grow older. This usually starts at the back and
moves forward. If your Pom sounds like he is coughing then he
may have a collapsing trachea which is not uncommon in this
breed. An xray can determine if this is the problem and
medication can be given to reduce coughing. Tooth loss and
bacteria build up is a problem in Pomeranians as well as other
small dogs.

Training Your Dog to Sit

2009-07-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even be a danger to
himself and others. A properly trained dog, on the other had,
is a wonderful and pleasant companion. In addition to helping
you bond, it can even protect your pet from being hurt if he
listens and will come when called.

When training always remember that dogs respond best to
positive reinforcement - yelling at your dog and hitting him
will not accomplish the task, instead use rewards such as
treats and your approval - this will make the task much more
pleasant for both of you!

There is a common "process" to training, no matter what you
want the dog to do. They key is to get the dog to perform the
action and at that exact moment give the command for the
action, then praise the dog and reward him with a treat. After
a while, he will catch on and associate the action with the
command.

Here's some steps you can use to train your dog with the most
basic command - Sit.

1. The first thing you need to do is to get your puppy or dog
to associate the act of sitting with the command. To do this,
simply hang around with your dog and when he sits give the
"sit" command.

2. Getting down to your dogs level will allow you to present
his reward (treats) quicker so grab a handful of bite sized
treats and get down on the floor.

3. Bring the treat up over the dogs head. He will smell the
food and follow it with his nose. This action will cause him to
sit (or backup, but obviously we are hoping for the sitting
action).

4. The key to the training is to present the reward at the
exact moment the dog sits, but you must also give the command
at that moment as well so that he associates command with
action. So as the dog sits, say "sit" and then immediately give
him the treat.

5. Give the dog praise - show joy in your voice and he will
really respond.

6. Repeat three to five times at each session but no more than
that. Training should be fun and not a boring chore so don't
overdo it in one sitting. You may have several sessions
throughout the day.

When you spend the time to train your dog, you get much more
than just a dog that does some tricks. He loves to do things
with you. He learns to listen when you say his name. He gets
used to being with you and doing things on your initiative.
Through good training your position as leader is strengthened.
You should plan to spend a couple of minutes every day on
practicing his "tricks". This type of repetitive reinforcement
will help him to remember and also create the bond between you.

Cat Scratching Solutions

2009-07-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides keeping her claws in top shape, the stretching involved in a good scratch keeps her upper body strong and loose. Also, every time a cat scratches a surface, scent glands between her toes leave her signature smell for others to find. In this way, she marks her territory, even if that happens to be in your living room.

Just because a cat must scratch doesn't mean she must destroy your furniture. Redirecting a cat's scratching to an appropriate object simply requires patience, flexibiity and time. To keep your cat from grooming her claws on your couch, you must give her some furniture of her own.

Scratching posts come in a wide variety of sizes and textures. If your cat doesn't use the scratching post you have purchased, observe what she does scratch. Most cats have a preference as to the texture they scratch on. Experts discourage providing carpet-covered posts, especially if you have carpeting in your house. Your cat won't
understand the difference between the carpet on the scratching post and that on the floor. They both feel good to her.

Some cats like to extend their entire bodies when they stretch to scratch. Others just work their shoulder muscles. If your cat is one of the former, you'll need to provide a tall, sturdy scratching surface. No matter what height your cat likes to use, be sure the scratching surface is stable. If your cat begins scratching and the post or board falls, it will frighten her and she will likely not use it again.

Another important factor to consider when providing scratching surfaces is their location. If you watch your cat, you'll notice she will tend to look for a scratching spot wherever you spend a lot of time. That is why so many cats ruin their owner's easy chair or couch. She is marking your spot as part of her territory, claiming ownershipover you just in case some other cat comes in and gets the wrong idea. Putting a scratching post beside your favorite relaxing place will let her do her job without annoying you.

Remember, too, that your entire home is her territory. For that reason, it is a good idea to place scratching surfaces throughout the house, in places where you tend to linger. Bedrooms, kitchens, home offices are all places that are important to your cat because that is where you are likely to be.

If your cat persists in scratching furniture instead of the appropriate surface, you will have to retrain her. When you catch her
about to scratch inappropriately, say "no" in a loud voice. Pick her up and carry her to her scratching surface. Some experts suggest gently taking her paw and simulating scratching to give her the right idea. If your cat only attacks the furniture when you are out of sight, it might be best to confine her to one room when you can't supervise her. Be sure to put food, water, a litter box and, of course, a scratching surface in the room with her. Once she seems to have gotten the hang of only using her scratching posts, she can have free run of the house again.

Tips For Washing Our Pets

2009-07-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

--Don't wash your pet outside unless you've found a way to get warm water out there. Cold water is not as enjoyable to pets as it is to us.

--Don't use the bathtub. It can hurt your back and it's hard for your pet to get a grip. Instead, use the shower or the laundry room sink. The bigger the sink, the better.

--Put towels on the floor before washing, because the floor will get soaked and you may slip.

--If you're in fact using the sink or shower, put a rubber mat in it.

--Use treat-giving to teach your dog to stay in the sink and to behave properly. This may not work with a cat.

--Use an eye ointment in your pet's eyes to protect them from the suds. If soap gets in the eyes, you can use a human eye rinse.

--Make sure their coats get really wet, especially water breeds that are meant to repel water and those with thick coats. A nice wet coat also helps the shampoo to lather up more luxuriantly. Use a curry brush in a circular motion to work the shampoo and exfoliate the skin.

--When washing, don't go above the neck to prevent the ear canal from becoming an actual ear canal…. full of water. If you really want to wash the head, use a moist washcloth only. Remember to wash under the tail, which is a widely forgotten area.

--Avoid using a hair dryer, which can burn or irritate your pet. Use a towel for drying… that is, after your pet does its instinctual, infamous water-shake.

--Remember to take your time. Make sure you carve out meaningful time on a weekend to do this bonding activity with your pet. Have a radio on with some soothing music to calm both of will feel it.

And One More Important HealthyPetNet Tip…

When it comes to washing your pet, you shouldn't use baby shampoo or human shampoo. Different types of shampoos are
formulated for specific skin types. Instead, you should use a shampoo formulated especially for dogs and cats, like
HealthyPetNet's Herbal Blend Shampoo for dogs and cats.

Pet Dental Health

2009-07-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Dental disease is the leading health issue in both dogs and cats over the age of two. Why? Because the pet owner has not been educated nor trained how to properly manage their pet's oral hygiene.

If you never brushed your own teeth, how would your health be? Or how would you like to communicate with everyone else who also did not manage their own oral hygiene? Many pets have lost a significant number of their adult teeth by the age of 8-10, developed kidney, heart and liver diseases because of the low grade systemic bacterial infections in the blood stream. Dental disease also challenges the immune system of pets to the point that their resistance is lowered and they are prone to more health issues.

The anatomy of the gums and teeth is such that there is a small natural trough created at the attachment of the gingival tissue and the tooth called the gingival sulcus. This trough is normally no more than 1mm in depth. This is the most critical area when cleaning the plaque from the tooth surface. It is trough that many bacteria grow.

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are created from bacteria growing in the mouth and also from the decay of gingival cells. These cells are normally replaced every few hours in a healthy pet. They start to create an increased permeability of the periodontal ligament (This is the disuse that helps hold the tooth in its bony socket), thereby allowing the bacteria to escape into the blood stream of the pet. It is the VSC compounds that also create the halitosis in pets.

Plaque, which initially starts from glycoproteins found in the saliva, adheres to the enamel of the tooth, attracting bacteria, food particles and other cellular debris. If the plaque is not removed within 48-72 hours, it is mineralized from calcium, and phoshorus in the saliva and minerals in the drinking water to become dental calculus or tartar.

Once the calculus is formed, more plaque is started on the top of this calculus, and the process is repeated over and over, building heavy tartar.

Dental calculus cannot be brushed off the tooth but will need to be scraped off. Brushing will remove the plaque. We also believe that if you constantly remove the plaque, the acidic conditions inside the mouth will cause the tartar to soften.

Pet owners are not educated about plaque, halitosis, dental calculus or how to train their pet to let them brush its teeth. Pet trainers can step forward and take on an active role in educating the pet owner in the proper training procedure for tooth brushing. This can be incorporated in your early puppy training and obedience work as you train the pet to accept the handling of the head, mouth, and the opening and exploring of the teeth inside the mouth.

We know that brushing a pet's teeth is not a simple task. You need to incorporate this into a routine training done daily, and do it the same time each day, to condition the animal to think, "Oh, it's time for my master to brush my teeth."

Start out initially just getting the pet used to you, by handling its head, and mouth, lifting the lip and observing the teeth and gums on both sides of the pet's face. Next, touch the gum tissue with your finger so that they get used this sensation. Rub you finger along the gums and on the teeth. Wrap your finger with gauze or a soft wash cloth and then touch the gum tissue again. Rub the teeth and gums with your finger covered with the gauze or wash cloth. Finally, introduce a tooth brush by just touching and brushing a small local area. Finally, you will be able to brush one side and then the other. Don't forget to do the inside surface of the tooth.

There is a toothbrush with three heads that will allow you to brush all three surfaces of the tooth at one time. Train your pet with a little brushing done each day. It will take most pet owners from 8-16 weeks until the pet accepts it readily. Now the pet realizes it doesn't hurt and that it will get 1-2 minutes of your undivided attention. Your pet enjoys your attention, and will eventually wait patiently for you to brush their teeth.

There are many items on the market that can also support the pet owner at home with dental care.

We know that dry kibble will do a better job of helping to keep teeth cleaner than wet food. It has more of an abrasive action when chewed. Now we have special dental diets that will not fracture when the tooth hits the kibble, but act like a sponge.

When the tooth penetrates the kibble, it produces a mechanical scraping action. Biscuits also have an abrasive action to help clean teeth.

There are many helpful dental toys on the market that will also create abrasive action on the tooth surface to help clean teeth. There are some that even act like a flossing agent.

Toothbrushes, toothpastes and gels are available for dental care. You need to be using a very soft toothbrush when brushing your pet's teeth. The gum tissue is very rapid growing tissue, so you want to use a brush that is soft, so you don't cause damage to the gums. You need a toothbrush that is easy to handle, and that allows you to reach all the teeth in the animal's moth. It is recommend that you do not use most adult toothpastes on your pet. Many contain agents that can be harmful to your pet and induce vomiting. If you are using a pet toothpaste, make sure it doesn't contain sugars or flavoring agents. If it contains sugars, it will just cause bacteria to grow faster. If it is flavored, then the pet is chewing on the toothbrush as your are trying to brush, and you are not doing an effective job brushing. If you are using a toothpaste, look for one that has enzymes in it to help remove the plaque. I recommend you use a gel product containing aloe vera, chamomile, and Oxygene®. The aloe vera and chamomile are both very soothing and promote healing of tissue. Oxygene® will help eliminate odors. The act of brushing will remove the sticky plaque.

There are also products on the market that can be added to a pet's drinking water to help control halitosis. These products will aid pet owners in managing their pet's oral hygiene. You can be a source of information about all these additional products the pet owner could use for oral hygiene support. Remember, it is estimated that if a pet owner were to manage his pet's oral health, then the pet would probably live 2-7 years longer and be a happier, healthier pet. Why not start training your customers to brush their pet's teeth, starting NOW? By offering this program, you can make a significant difference in all those pet lives!

How to Stop Your Cat Spraying

2009-07-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail and releases a fine spray of urine. Yes, your cat is spraying. You have a problem. But one you can solve.

Figures from the British Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors say that aggression in dogs and marking behavior in cats are the biggest behavior problems in the UK pet population.

Spraying is marking behavior, not a litter box problem. Sprayed cat urine contains pheromones, a substance that animals use to communicate. Combinations of pheromones work like fingerprints: they identify the cat.

A spraying cat marks his or her territory with cat urine. It simply says: ‘This is mine’. You may not like it, but getting angry doesn’t help. It may even have an opposite effect: more spraying.

Cats in heat are attracted by the odor of cat urine. For them, spraying is something like an invitation to love. The results may be there in 65 days: a nest of cute little kittens.

Cats do not only spray during sexual encounters. Some also do it during conflicts with other felines, or when they are stressed.

For people the scent is far from pleasant. Thankfully most cats spray outside. But what if you have a cat spraying inside? Do something about it! And yes, that is possible.

The most radical and effective thing you can do is neutering or spaying your cat. Most castrated toms stopped spraying from the day they were operated.

But maybe you have a reason not to neuter your cat. In that case try to find out why your cat sprays.

Maybe it sprays only when it sees another cat. Solution: block the view. Or it sprays because of a conflict with another pet. Keep them separated and problems might be over.

If you don’t know why your cat sprays, discuss it with your veterinarian. Chances are he will advice you to spay or neuter. But your vet can also check if there is a medical problem.

Anyway, do not leave this problem unsolved. Cat urine odor and stains can make your home a very uncomfortable place, and your cat will still remain a cat even when it doesn’t spray anymore.

Tips for Keeping Pets Warm and Healthy During the Winter

2009-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

The winter months can pose a number of expected and unexpected health threats to pets, ranging from frigid temperatures to seemingly harmless salt scattered on sidewalks. Waltham, the world's leading authority on pet care and nutrition, advised pet owners to be aware of basic steps they can take to ensure their pets' well-being.

"Just as we wear clothes and eat differently when the seasons change, pets' grooming and nutritional needs also vary in the winter," said James Sokolowski, DVM, Ph.D., professional communications manager for WALTHAM U.S.A., Inc. "By taking some basic precautions and paying attention to the needs of their four-legged friends, responsible pet owners can help their cats or dogs make it through the winter in good health."

Seconds, please. – Give your pet more food during cold weather than you do during hot months. Dogs, for example, may need up to 25 percent more energy in the winter than they do in the summer, especially those that exercise outdoors.
Scat cat – Before starting your car on cold days, honk the horn to scare away any cat that may be hiding in the warm engine compartment.
Fatal attraction – When refilling your car's radiator, be sure to clean up any spilled antifreeze. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste to both dogs and cats, and is highly toxic.
Dry cleaning – Don't neglect pet grooming in the winter. While a regular bath is unwise unless you have a good dryer, combing and even "dry" bathing will keep your pet's coat clean and healthy, and reduce odor. To give your pet a dry bath, brush corn starch or baby powder into your cat's or dog's coat, and then thoroughly brush it out.
The big chill – Don't leave your pet outside for long periods of time. Low body temperature (hypothermia) can quickly result, and can lead to death. If the wind chill index is below 20 degrees, do not take small house pets, older dogs and cats, or short-haired dogs outside. If you must take your pet out in cold weather, dress it in a knit sweater, which will give it an added layer of protection.
Cold feet – After bringing your pet indoors, check its feet to make sure ice has not formed between its toes. If it has, carefully clean the pet's feet and pads with warm water and a cloth. In addition, if you use salt to melt ice on your driveway or sidewalk, clean your pet's feet after every trip outside.
Water, water, everywhere – If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure it always has a fresh supply of water, and check frequently to be sure the water hasn't frozen.
Open door policy – Increased numbers of visitors during the holiday season may provide an opportunity for your pet to slip out the door unnoticed. Keep an eye on your cat or dog when guests arrive and depart, and be sure your pet has proper identification in case it does get out.

Cat Owner's Responsibility

2009-07-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

A cat is not just a living ornament for your house-although it may complement it beautifully-there are many things to consider when buying a cat. The responsibility for rearing a healthy, happy kitten, and for maintaining the health and well being of an adult cat, rests solely with you. Cats have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. With luck and proper care, a cat can live on into its twenties.

Are you prepared for the constant expense, of food, litter and occasional veterinary bills, over that period of time? Cats do cost money to feed-they are not garbage disposal units who can survive only on scrapes. Neither are they mousers who get their nutrition from occasional catches. Even the healthiest cat need’s veterinary inoculations regularly against the deadly cat-killer diseases. This is true whether the cat in question is a free street cat or an expensive purebred cat.

Another factor, is that different states and cities have different legislation, about the liabilities and duties of cat-keepers. Find out what your local regulation requirements are. Make sure you know whether you are legally responsible or otherwise for your cat’s actions, whether it needs a license or must wear a rabies tag. You must raise and handle your cat so that injury to others, destruction to their property, or imposition on their rights does not occur.

To have a relationship that is mutually satisfying, you must do more just than fill the cat’s food dish, pet the cat briefly, clean out the litter box and disappear.

Are you a calm, tolerant person or will you become hysterical if your kitten decides to do gymnastics on your drapes, breaks grandmother's antique vase or has potty mishaps on your new bedspread? If you think you can put up with all these minor annoyances calmly, then a cat will be happy in your home.

For instance, testing for Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus costs $54.00 + a $17.50 office call, the above vaccines are $9.00 each + a $17.50 office call. Two Leukemia shots are needed spaced a month apart. Yearly boosters will be needed after the initial shots are given, for the Distemper combination and rabies as required by local regulation. The rabies shot is $6.00 + your office call. Yearly UR boosters are $7.00 + your office call. Your cat’s system won’t tolerate being injected with several vaccines at once. Plan on returning to your veterinarians office several times to complete the series of vaccines. Spaying a female is $73.00, male neutering is $68.00. A fecal test is $7.00. Worming medication price varies depending on the type used. Dental calls are $55.00 + the office cal and this can include pulling a tooth or cleaning the teeth. These prices were compiled from a rural area; in a populated area you can expect the prices to be higher.

Certainly, cats eat a better balanced diet on a daily basis than their owners! Never feed a generic cat food from the grocery store. Feed a name brand commercial food, appropriate for the age of your cat. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable diet. The cost of one twenty-pound bag of high quality dry cat food is approximately $27.50 depending on the brand. Expect to purchase two to three bags a year per cat. Don’t forget the expense of your cat litter, which also varies depending on the type you use.

Lack of regular grooming is more apparent in long-haired cats, but even cats with short coats benefit from regular grooming. Grooming will decrease the amount of hair shed in the house. Some cat lovers say a cat should never be bathed. Others say they should be bathed monthly. Let your eyes decide. If your cat looks dingy, then its coat could use the help of some soap and water. Be prepared for your cat to put up a fight. Cats’ nails should be checked weekly and clipped as needed. You can do this yourself or you can have your vet do it. It’s so much cheaper to learn to do it yourself.

Children must be taught not to be rough with their kitty. Cats do not like rough handling, or having their tail and whiskers pulled. Children are scratched or bitten because they abused the cat, "and what is the first thing mother does," she disciplines the cat. His only defense when he is being hurt, is to bite or scratch. Punishment only confuses the cat, he won’t understand why he is being scolded. Cats and children can live happily and enjoy each other if the parents teach the children how to treat the cat and they make sure the cats' needs are not violated.

Scenario # 1 - Now you have a cat and you decide its time for a family vacation; what about the cat? Some cats like to ride in cars, others don’t. Take your cat out for a trial ride or two before a long trip. Ten hours of a yowling cat is not a pleasure trip. Boarding him might be less stressful. If your cat had his choice, he’d probably choose to stay home. Ask a friend or neighbor to drop by the house daily and care for him.

# 2 - Aunt Betty called, she is coming to visit bringing along Tiger, her indoor/outdoor roving cat. You must be firm with Aunt Betty, risk hurting her feelings by telling her, she is welcome to visit but Tiger is not. It’s your job to make sure your cat does not come in contact with any other cats because you don’t know what diseases the other cat could be carrying.

# 3 - You bought a new house and moving day has arrived. Make sure that the cat is carefully shut up well before the moving men arrive. Cats have a great habit of disappearing during the moving commotion and not turning up again. Many things can disturb your cat, such as moving, a new item in the house, divorce, etc. Stressing a cat can result in illness or behavior problems.

Cats are uniquely sensitive to many medications; therefore, don’t attempt to treat your cat yourself using medications intended for humans or your dog. These medications which are helpful in people and dogs may actually kill your cat. Cats do not have "nine lives" as is alleged in the time-honored myth. If your cat has signs of illness, the sooner proper treatment is begun, the better off your cat will be.

# 4 - What happens when your cat becomes a senior citizen? Will you still love and need him? A six-year-old cat is in human years 46 years old. An older cat needs its human friends even more than before. It will respond with love when treated with consideration. When you take on a kitten, it’s a lifetime commitment and should include old age assistance from you, the beneficiary of its trust, love and companionship. Consider all these factors and decide if you really want to take on the responsibility of keeping a cat.

Before You Buy That Puppy

2009-07-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

"How much is that doggy in the window, the one with the waggly tail...?" Familiar words to an old tune suggests that many people at one time or another consider having a dog as a pet. They might have fond memories of the old Boxer or Cairn terrier that they grew up with. Maybe it was a good-natured mutt or even a neighbor's well-behaved German Shepherd. Some folks imagine owning a beautiful and heroic dog such as "Lassie" of book and screen fame.

Often, the reality is that many pups purchased on impulse wind up in shelters or banned to a chain in the garden because they didn't measure up to the dream. This is written to help you consider the answers to the questions you should ask before buying that cute little puppy.

Are you ready for a life long commitment to responsible dog ownership? Let's think through and visualize what dog ownership is really like. It is fun to imagine walking an obedient dog on a beautiful day, but remember, the same dog will need walking when its hot, cold, raining or icy out. The "Obedient" part will take time and effort. In deciding whether a dog will fit into your lifestyle, the biggest consideration in the long run will be "Do you have the TIME it takes to own a dog?

Dogs needs:

Puppies and adult dogs have daily needs. The basics are shelter, food and water, grooming, health care, training, exercise and social interaction. The earlier in life you start teaching a pup what is expected of it the better, but the more it has to learn. With an older dog, there may be some bad habits they'll have to 'unlearn'. Early social experiences set the tone for a dog's development into a dependable companion or a destructive nuisance.

Training

Socialization Puppy Training (9-18 weeks.) will certainly mold the pup during its most impressionable period and helps provide an environment for learning positive associations with new people, places, experiences and other dogs. Patterns are set for life in these formative weeks. However it is essential that young dogs from 4 months to one year attend training classes.

Cost

Besides training, there are other expenses incurred with dog ownership. After the initial purchase, the biggest portion will go toward veterinary and feeding bills. A high quality food costs more 'per bag' but is very cost effective in terms of better health and food efficiency (you feed less). Veterinary start-up costs, including immunizations and worming, Microchips are also required by law for identification is not cheap. Neutering and spaying usually takes place around 6 months. Semi-annual vet visits, heartworm testing and preventative medications, unexpected illnesses or accidents all add up! Then there is the control of internal and external parasites to consider (worms, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and mites etc.)

Grooming requires the proper tools to care for coat, ears, teeth, and nails. (For some breeds, there is the additional expense of a professional groomer 8-9 times a year.) Microchips are also required by law for identification.

Breeds:

Do not make the drastic mistake of choosing a breed solely on its 'looks'. Although this is one consideration, the temperament, size, activity level and coat care are even more important considerations. Unfortunately a pup is sometimes chosen impulsively because it looked like a 'cute little teddy bear' and then the teddy grows up to me more like a 'grizzly' because the breed is a type bred for high levels of aggression. Or a pup may prove to have an energy level that requires more exercise and attention than can be provided.

Pet Safety during the Holidays

2009-07-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Christmas may be one of the most festive times of the year, but this holiday is one of the most dangerous times for pets. Treats, plants, and other items found in your home or yard may be irresistible to your pet, often resulting in more emergency visits to the vet's office, which is probably not the place you would like to spend your time during the holidays. Use extra caution to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holidays. Below is a list of some of the most common hazards pets may face during this time of the year.

Many household plants popular during the holidays are poisonous to dogs and cats. These include poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and amaryllis. Always keep these plants out of your pet's reach or away from your home.

Treats can also be dangerous. Never give chocolate to a pet as it is one of the most toxic substances a pet can consume. It contains theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine. Even small amounts of theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid heartbeats, coma, muscle tremors, and even death.

In addition to chocolate, avoid giving nuts to pets as nuts pose a possible choking hazard and can cause a severe intestinal upset.

Also, avoid feeding anything containing sugar, as excessive sugar can upset pets' insulin levels and lead to diabetes. Plastic or aluminum candy wrappings are also dangerous. Consumption can cause intestinal upset or even an intestinal obstruction. Alcohol can also prove toxic to pets.

If you feel that your pet deserves an extra special treat for the holidays, stick with healthy, all natural treats made specifically for pets.

Many decorative items are found throughout the house during the holidays. Keep pets away from tinsel, Styrofoam, and small parts from Christmas tree ornaments as they can cause obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract. Snow spray can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled. Also, do not allow your pets to play with ribbons and yard, and refrain from putting these items around your pet's neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar.

By considering your pet's safety, you can prevent potential disasters and reduce the chance of spending your holiday making an emergency visit to your vet.

Pet Care

2009-07-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

TIRED OF PESKY FLEAS?
If you have pets, you probably know all too well how difficult it is to control a flea problem. Those pesky creatures cause discomfort for your pet and 'camp out' in different areas of your home. How do you get rid of these pests? Since commercial flea killers are probably unsafe for your dog or cat, try natural approaches instead.

Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & Traditional Flea Bite Treatments

Chemicals that act as poisons are strong enough to kill fleas, but the long-term effects on pets are unknown, although they are probably not safe to use. (Employees manufacturing these products must wear protective clothing and use respirators. Plus, the product labels warn against skin contact. So, if the chemicals are potentially harmful to humans, they are probably an unhealthy product for pets. )

Prednisone & other corticosteroid drugs used to give relief from flea bites help to stop itching & inflammation. But, they also suppress a pet's immune system and have possible long-term side effects: water retention, liver or thyroid damage, hypertension, obesity, & heart attack.

Healthy Alternatives:
Strengthen your pet's immune system:

Eliminate food allergens from the diet, and supplement the diet with a well-balanced essential fatty acid (EFA), probiotics (bifidus & acidophilus) & digestive enzyme supplements. EFA's help to make your pet less attractive to fleas, and digestive supplements carry nutrients throughout the body & help to break down & remove waste materials that may lead to food allergies.

Herbs:
Add a pinch of garlic powder to food.
Add apple cider vinegar to your pet's water.
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried Nettle onto your pet's food (helps to reduce allergic response).
Add to food or squirt into pet's mouth a low-alcohol liquid tincture of Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, or Red Clover (helps eliminate wastes & supports immune system).
For severe fleabite allergies (red, inflamed, itchy skin), licorice serves as an anti- inflammatory. Also, an aloe juice can help to heal & to relieve itching. Directions: Add one-cup aloe juice to 4 parts water. Pour the cool liquid onto affected areas of your pet's coat.

Environment Treatment:
Since fleas spend 80% of their time in the pet's environment, (not on the pet), apply herbal products to your pet's environmental areas (bedding, etc.). Look for products that contain extracts and/or oils of eucalyptus, citronella, juniper, cedar, citrus oil, or Canadian fleabane. (Citrus oil & Canadian fleabane contain d-Limonene, which can kill fleas.)

Bathing:

Bathe with a good, mild herbal pet shampoo formulated to bring relief and remove fleas and body wastes from the skin.
Only use shampoos meant for dogs and cats, not humans, (Human shampoos are often too harsh and may contain allergens that worsen a pet's allergic condition.)
Also don’t shampoo too often or irritation & dryness may occur.

These more natural approaches can bring relief to your pet and to you. So the next time you start to use one of those flea repellents containing chemicals, pick up some garlic and cider vinegar instead!

Cats and Dogs Playing

2009-07-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

Cats and Dogs in Love

2009-07-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Cats and Dogs Kissing

2009-07-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Difference Between Cats and Dogs

2009-07-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Why is it so difficult to train a cat to COME or SIT - a behavior which dogs learn with ease? Your dog learns this in 5 minutes but it could take you 5 weeks or more to do the same with your cat. Nevertheless, cats learn to use a litter tray with almost no training, but for a small dog to do the same takes more persistence than most owners can invest.

The reason for such differences is that what's important to dogs is not the same as it is for cats. For a start, dogs are group animals and cats are not.

Dogs are social, gregarious creatures and are most content in a pack situation.
For pet dogs, the most important pack members are usually their owners and
owners who provide proper leadership for their dogs are usually viewed as pack
leaders. This is the reason why dogs left alone during their owners' working
hours commonly develop separation anxieties even to the extent that, when
several dogs share the same household, one can still develop a severe
separation anxiety in its owner's absence that is not solved by the presence of
its canine buddies.

What's important, though, is that a dog's attachment is to its group and much
less to its territory. For example, a dog taken to his or her owner's work place to
be with its owners will be just as happy as when it is at home. By comparison, a
cat taken to its owner's workplace is usually very fearful and anxious.

Why does this difference exist? Cats are not, generally, gregarious and do not
develop strong pack structures where leadership is an important function. Wild
or feral cats are mostly solitary creatures, hunting alone. While they will form
groups, this is more a sharing of a common territory than the establishment of a
cohesive pack. Cats are extremely territorial and, when fights over territory
occur, the result is that the loser learns to avoid that successor but not to leave
the territory. Leaving the territory only occurs if aggressive encounters continue.

So a cat's attachment is to its territory, not to its group. How often have you
heard the turmoils of a cat owner attempting to establish his or her cat in a new
home which is in the same neighbourhood as the old home? Commonly, the cat
will return to the old home repeatedly.

So, dogs learn from observing and interacting with other pack members to which
they are bonded. For wild dogs, such as wolves, the interactions generate a
cohesive pack that hunts together successfully. Similarly, dogs learn by
interacting with, and being close to, their owners. Thus, when reward-based
therapies are utilized by owners for behaviors that group the pack, such as
COME (closer) and SIT (close to me), the dogs respond readily. It's part of
their innate behavioral coding. For cats, that's just not important.

Wolf cubs also learn what behaviours to avoid by the growls and snaps received
from higher-ranking pack members, so punishment can be effective as a training
tool, but rarely will punishment drive a wolf cub away from the pack. The lure of
group dynamics is just too strong. For this reason, a dog continually punished
by its owners shows appeasement behaviors where the dog is effectively
saying don't hit me again. Sadly, most people assume this is a guilt response and the punishment continues.

There is another difference between cats and dogs. Cats live in a
three-dimensional world because they can jump and climb, whereas dogs exist
more in two dimensions. So the concept of flight or fight becomes important.

Cats climb to hunt and to escape. Dogs can't do this well so hunting mostly
requires a pack to be effective. For the same reason, dogs use assertive forms
of aggression (fight) because flight is more difficult. By comparison, cats tend to
develop flight responses to harmful stimuli because they are agile enough to
escape.