What Lilies Are Toxic To Cats?

Many types of lily, including the Easter Lily, are very dangerous to pets but not because of the reasons you may think.  When most people think of toxic plants they worry that their pet might eat the plant, but most pets are smart enough not to intentionally eat a poisonous plant.  Nonetheless it is not unheard of for cats, and sometimes dogs, to die of poisoning because of lilies even though they never eat the plant itself.

Cats are carnivores and usually do not eat plants. On occasion a cat might eat grass because it instinctively knows that grass will make it vomit. Cats sometimes chew grass if they have an upset stomach, worms, or hairball they are trying to bring up. It is rare that a cat will chew on any other garden plants and as such there is very little risk of them being poisoned from any other plant than certain species of lily. 
  

Lilies

Lilies are really the biggest risk to cats. The risk is not of the cat eating the plant, but of the cat walking near the plant, or brushing up against it. While the entire lily is poisonous to cats, the risk is the pollen. Cats generally wont eat lilies, but if they have pollen fall on their fur they will ingest it while grooming, and as such will consume the toxic pollen in that manner.

Symptoms of Lily Poisoning (cats may have all or some symptoms):

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Refusing to eat
• Breathing problems
• Paws and/or face swell
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Kidney problems; renal failure
• Death

All lilies are toxic but the worst are the Tiger lily and the Easter lily, others include the day lily, stargazer lily, Rubrum Lily, Japanese Show Lily, and Asiatic lilies. Their toxic pollen is also a concern if the flowers are cut and brought indoors
.

What to do if Your Cat has Ingested Lily Pollen

Chances are you won’t know your cat has ingested lily pollen until symptoms show up. By that time it is urgent you get your cat to the veterinarian. The vet will work to reduce the toxic effects of the lily pollen, often by forcing the cat to eat activated charcoal, and by putting the cat on an IV to aid its kidneys. Note that kidney failure is often the main cause of death for cats that have ingested lily pollen.

If you happen to catch your cat immediately after ingesting lily pollen (such as if our notice your kitten chewing on the lily flower as playful kittens may be apt to do) you should call your veterinarian immediately in regards to inducing vomiting and the kitten should be taken to the veterinarian to reverse any ill affects from what poison may have gotten in its system.

My Cat with an Open Wound on His Neck

I wanted to share something a little different with you today.  I just want to tell you about what happened recently to my cat Rilke.  Rilke was a cat we rescued a few years ago.  He had been born wild but now is a rather spoiled cat, one of five we currently have here on our little hobby farm.

Rilke on his favorite cat tower long before this happened.

One day Rilke was not acting himself, he seemed a bit more tired but we really did not pay too much attention as cats do sleep a lot (especially in the winter when they find a nice sunny spot on the floor).

The next day he wanted to go outside, but did not come in that night.  Again this is not unusual as the weather was warm and we have lots of buildings for a cat to explore and sleep in if they want to.  The following day was a Sunday and he came running in the house and disappeared just as I was going out to check the sheep. 

It was not until Sunday afternoon that I saw him again, and noted he had a large swollen lump under his jaw.  I examined it a few times before deciding to go to the veterinarian.

My veterinarian, Dr. Davis, kept the cat for a few days, putting him on antibiotics and draining some of the swelling down.  Dr. Davis was not sure if there had been a tooth problem or what, and was concerned that the cat might need surgery.

The wound broke and a large flap of dead skin was removed, leaving a huge open wound.  There was no skin loose enough to stitch the sides of the wound together, as such it was left open.

By Friday it was determined Rilke did not need surgery and could go home.  I was given medication to give him orally (he did not like that even though it was suppose to be yummy tasting) and medication to spray on the wound 3 to 4 times a day in addition to washing it gently once or twice a day.

The spray was Vetericyn VF Wound and Skin Care.  Of course Rilke did not care for getting sprayed but then again, he was not too happy about being forced to live strictly indoors only while is wound heals.

Here are is a photo I took a few days after we got the little guy home.

As you can see, he is a very fluffy cat with lots of fur.  In addition to washing the area I also had to cut more fur off as it kept getting stuck into his wound as he loves to roll on his cat tower.

That was two weeks ago and he is healing, I will try to get another picture of him after this is all over.

If anyone is interested I will say that Vetericyn is a very good product, there are several different formulas.  They help keep the wound clean and aid healing, so far I would certainly recommend this product to anyone who has a wounded pet.  Talk to your vet, or order it online.

Click here to buy Vetericyn Wound & Infection Pump Spray Vetericyn Wound Pump Spray 8Oz

Vetericyn Wound & Infection Pump Spray Vetericyn Wound Pump Spray 8Oz VETERICYN WOUND PUMP SPRAY 4OZ   VETERICYN WOUND PUMP SPRAY 8OZ

Remember if your pet has a serious health problem please talk to a veterinarian before treating it on your own.

Also do note that cats cannot tolerate some of the medications used on humans so make sure you use medications only for cats.

How to Stop a Cat from Killing Birds

Cats are predators; they like to kill things. Cats naturally kill mice and birds. Nobody seems to mind to much when a cat kills a mouse, in fact cats are often kept as mousers, but people tend to be very upset when cats kill birds.

There are several ways a cat owner can prevent their cat from killing birds.

Preventing Outdoor Cats from Killing Songbirds

Cats that go outside are a major threat to songbirds. While some cats do not bother birds, and others are quite inept at catching them, a clever, and patient, cat can kill a bird every day that it is outside. There are several things you, as a cat owner, can do to reduce the risks of your cat catching and killing birds.

Provide your cat with a collar and bell. A clever cat will learn how to move without ringing the bell but at least it is better than nothing. Birds are good at seeing colors so try to buy a collar that is easy to see on your cat.

Click here to see Safe Cat Breakaway Collars

Do not encourage birds in your yard, do not have a bird bath or feeder that would attract them.

Build your cat an outdoor cat enclosure so when your cat is outside it is enclosed. Not only will this make it harder for your cat to catch birds, but also keeps your cat safely within your yard.

Let your cat out on a harness. Cats must be trained first for this and ideally not left tied outside without supervision.

Keep the cat indoors, or at least indoors more often.

Training Your Cat Not to Kill Pet Birds

If you have a cat and have pet birds you may be concerned about your cat going after them and killing them.

Small and flighty birds are the ones that a cat is most likely to attack. Larger birds, and those that are not as nervous, will not behave like prey and as such the cat is less likely to go after them. Large birds such as parrots can bite back if threatened.

Cats can be discouraged from attacking pet birds through consistent training. When a cat shows any interest in the bird the cat should be given a quick squirt with a water bottle. Never squirt the cat after it leaves the area as this is just tormenting the cat and it will not understand the relationship to the bird.  Until the cat is fully trained and shows no interest in your pet bird they should not be allowed together. 

Offer the cat treat rewards when in the room with the bird and is ignoring it.

Your pet bird must have a safe, and secure bird cage (one that will not tip over), just in case!

Click to see A and E Dometop Bird Cages

If you do not already have a cat, but do have a bird and are considering getting a cat, you may want to select a kitten.  Kittens are easier to train rather than a mature cat that perhaps has already enjoyed chasing birds. Or you might try to adopt a cat that has already lived with birds and is good with them.

Notes

Please note declawing does not prevent a cat from killing birds; cats kill with their teeth. Remember that cats are natural predators, to punish a cat for being a cat is unfair, a good owner would find other ways to prevent their cat from killing birds.

Other Reading

Causes of the Songbird Population Decline

Who, or What, is Killing the Songbirds?

How to Build a Cat Enclosure

Article has been republished on Full of Knowledge

Can Pets Be Claimed as Tax Expenses?

Who among us that loves their pet would not want to be able to write off pet expenses on their taxes?   Everything from pet food to vet care, in the eye of a pet owner, would be deductible from taxes, sadly in most cases this is not allowed.  While an attempt at having veterinarian expenses allowed as deductible in the USA, has still not passed (The Happy Act, HR 3501), there are a few cases where animals, and their expenses, can be deducted.

What Animals can be Claimed on Taxes?

Most pets and their expenses cannot be claimed.  Generally what determines if a pet, and pet expenses, can be claimed, is if the it is used to make money, is a “working” animal, or if the animal is a service animal.

Pets Used as Service Animals

Animals, such as seeing eye dogs, are often considered to be medical needs. This is only the case when the animal has been assigned as such. In many cases the animal needs to be prescribed as a service animal by a doctor.

Pets that are Working Animals

Guard dogs are a good example of working animals, specifically when they are used for guarding a business. The business claims the dog as an expense.  Only a portion of a guard dog's expenses may be claimed, specifically in ratio to the time they spend "guarding".  Some dogs might only be used to guard a business at night, so 50% of the expenses may be claimed on taxes, as the animal is living as a "pet" for the other part of the time.  A dog that lives outside with sheep, and guards them all the time, could be considered fully deductible as a farm expense. 

Cats who are used for mousers may be considered working animals if their mousing is at a business (such as a cat kept at a warehouse or on the farm).  A pet house cat would not qualify.

Herding dogs are considered working animals and would be claimed as a farm expense.

Pets that are Used to Make Profit

This often applies more to livestock, and pets who are treated as livestock. If income from the animals is claimed, expenses can be as well. As an example, if a person is a rabbit breeder, with several hundred rabbits breeding for the pet store (or food) industry, they can claim expenses, as this is a business, but they must also report the income derived from sales.

The same would apply to dog breeders when they claim a profit, this is typically limited to mill breeders who breed pups for pet stores.  Most other dog breeders do not make (or claim) a profit and keep the dogs more as a hobby, or passion, than an income source.

When pets are used to make a profit they are claimed as a business expense, with the breeding operation being the “business".  There must be reasonable belief that the business will be profitable; a person keeping only a few hamsters or a few breeding dogs, is not an actual business and would really be just a hobby. 

Livestock animals used on a farm for the farming business can be claimed, but if the farmer also has a pet dog that stays in mostly in the house (and is not used for herding or guarding), then that dog cannot be claimed.  Horses kept as pleasure riding mounts, and their expenses, could not be claimed, however if the horses were used regularly for hire (trail rides and so forth) they could be claimed, or a percentage of their expenses could be claimed against the trail riding business that would have to be licensed as such.

Remember if you are in doubt check with a tax specialist in your area.  Laws can change at any time and may be different in different countries.

Feliway Helps Stop Behavioral Urination Problems in Cats

There are many reasons why cats do not use their litter box. Some of the common cases are:

• Urinary tract infection
• Type of litter the cat does not like
• Dirty litter box
• Cat not neutered
• Too many cats, not enough litterboxes
• Bad choice of placement for the litterbox
• Declawing
• and so forth.

One of the other reasons why a cat might not use its litter box for urine is behavioral. Cats, as laid back as they look, are actually fairly high strung, and sensitive. They often suffer from anxiety issues and stress. 

Cats can be stressed by many things; a new baby, new house, chaos in the home, or even other cats hanging around.

Feliway is a product made for cats with stress related concerns, or those who spray to mark territory. It has been proven to help reduce urination around them home as when brought about by stress or normal marking behavior sometimes seen in cats that are fixed (not other problems) and has also been shown to reduce clawing and scratching. 

How Does Feliway Work?

Feliway mimics a cat's pheromones (scent hormones) to calm them. When a cat is calm it does not feel as much of a need to mark its territory with urine (yes female cats do this too, even neutered males). It is a spray that is applied after cleaning any urine soaked areas.

Humans cannot smell Feliway but cats can. Feliway encourages a cat to rub its face on the areas that have been sprayed, in this way the cat puts its scent in areas so will not feel the need to spray those areas. It is important that owners do not wipe clean the area after the cat has wiped its face there.

Typically after a month's use, Feliway has shown a 95% success rate. It should be sprayed once or twice daily to problem areas. Feliway is never sprayed directly on the cat.

To calm a cat before a trip, spray the carrier the night before you take the cat in it. Leave the carrier open so the cat can go in. Give another spray just prior to putting your cat in the carrier. In an emergency situation where you cannot spray the carrier the night before, one spray just before putting the cat in is still effective to help calm the kitty. 

Feliway Spray 75 ml Feliway spray is an effective medication to prevent urine marking and scratching and also control stress related behavior in cats. This pet care product prevents cats from urinating where they shouldn't by duplicating the smell of a cat's natural scent glands. Feliway mimics the feline facial pheromone, which have a general calming effect which helps neutralize the urge to urine mark.

Where to Buy Blue Buffalo Pet Food Online?

One of the biggest killers of pets, second only to accidents, is cancer. While it is hard to pinpoint the cause of all cancers in pets a good many of them can be linked to what we feed our pets or other chemicals we expose them to.

Did you know that some of the ingredients in commercial pet foods have been linked to causing cancers. BHT, and BHA, are low quality, and cheap, preservatives used in some of the lower quality pet foods. They have been suspected of causing many health problems in pets, including cancer. Ethoxyquin (used to preserve by-products) is a chemical pesticide so risky that it is highly regulated in livestock feed, and banned in some countries, yet is fed to pets in other nations, having been suspected of also contributing to health problems in pets.

Concerned pet owners are looking for natural products, and natural ingredients in their pets food and treats.
What many pet owners do not realize is that you won't find good pet food easily in most stores. Most of the pet foods sold commercially in grocery stores contains cheap filler, grain, and by-products. They are priced cheap because the ingredients used are “cheap”.

Many pet owners simply assume that AAFCO approval means a pet food is good, when in fact AAFCO means no such thing, and a concerned owner would do better to read the ingredient list to study what goes into the food itself.

Blue Buffalo is one of many high quality pet foods and is sold in some pet food stores, however many owners find it just as easy to order their pet food, treats, and supplies, online and have them delivered.
One of the online distributors for Blue Buffalo pet foods is PetFoodDirect.com. Pet Food Direct sells over 16,000 pet products and supplies, including more than 150 Blue Buffalo healthy pet treats, foods, and products.

screenshot from PetFoodDirect

Let us look at why Blue Buffalo is a good quality food by looking at two of their products.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Kitten - Chicken Dry Food

• First Three Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal
• Contains NO chicken or poultry by-product meal, NO artificial preservatives or colors and NO corn, wheat or soy.
• Also contains Cranberries, blueberries and carrots support antioxidant-enrichment. Contains yucca for odor control in the stool.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Adult Dog – Turkey Dry Food

• First Three Ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Potato Starch
• Sweet potatoes and potatoes provide healthy complex carbohydrates. Blueberries, cranberries and carrots support antioxidant-enrichment.
• Contains no grain, no artificial preservatives or colors. Great for dogs who have grain allergies.

Click on the coupon below to get $5 off Blue Buffalo Pet Foods, or any product!

About Switching to Blue Buffalo Pet Foods

If you are use to buying cheap, low quality pet food, Blue Buffalo (and other good pet foods) might seem expensive. In truth many pet owners find they save money when feeding a better food, such as Blue Buffalo, because your pet does not need to eat as much. The food contains more nutrition and less filler so is easier to digest. You will also notice fewer stools too, and hopefully fewer diet related health problems.

Switching to a new pet food should always be done slowly. In fact if this is a big step up in quality (as if the current food your pet is eating has “corn” as the first ingredient) you can stretch out switching to Blue Buffalo so it takes two weeks or more. Switch by mixing in the new food, Blue Buffalo, with what ever food your pet is currently eating, increasing the % of Blue Buffalo and lowering the % of current food until the switch is complete.

If your pet seems reluctant to switch at first it may be because they have become addicted to the flavorings and fillers the lower quality foods use to get the pets to eat them, much the same way people have a difficult time putting down cake to eat something more healthy. You can put the new food in the microwave for a few seconds to bring out the oils and make it smell stronger so your pet will be interested in eating it. Once they try it they are usually hooked.

Save 15-25% off All PetFoodDirect.com Orders When You Enroll in Auto Ship! Convenient, Reliable and Worry-Free. Start Saving Today!


PetFoodDirect has an auto-ship program which will reduce the cost of your pet food even more... And... You can join the PetFoodDirect rewards program where points can be accumulated and used to “buy” pet food for shelter pets.

What Pet Products does 911HealthShop Sell?

Pets have health problems, just as people do, but in many cases it is not safe to give human medication to pets. Even so, some medications that are safe for one type of pet may not be safe for another. Tylenol, for example, is fine for humans, but not safe for cats and dogs; aspirin is somewhat safe for dogs, but not at all safe for cats.

As such if you are considering giving human medications to a pet for any reason it is always best to check with your veterinarian first. Otherwise just stick with medications intended for pets.

There are many places in where a pet owner can buy medication for pets. This article is to introduce you to 911HealthShop.com, a place to buy nutritional supplements and vitamins for people and pets too.



It is often hard to know when a pet needs vitamins, but most certainly older pets benefit from having vitamins and joint supplements. Pets that are going to shows can benefit from the vitality, those that are going to be bred can also be brought into condition with vitamins, however these should not be used while the pet is pregnant or nursing without checking with your vet first. After her young are weaned the momma might be thin and again this is a good time for nutritional supplements.

Pets who are stressed have more risk of developing health problems, including digestion problems, and mites, so by helping them maintain health you actually can reduce other problems from developing.
911HealthShop has over 250 pet health products, often priced well below suggested retail prices.

Some of their top selling products are:

• K-9 Glucosamine by Liquid Health Inc – a product that helps dogs with arthritis.
• Zinpro Skin and Coat Formula for Dogs by Lincoln Biotech – a zinc supplement to improve skin and coat.
• Multiple Vitamins and Minerals Spray for Cats and Kittens by Dynamic Health Labs – a great way to boost your cat's health.
• Transfer Factor Animal Stress Pack by 4Life – to relieve stress in all types of pets from rabbits to horses.
• Herbal Flea Collar by Petguard – much safer than the chemicals used in typical flea collars.

5% Off Orders of $50 at 911HealthShop.com click here - Use Code: nyaff550 - ends 1/20/2013- combines with human health care products too!

911HealthShop has a range of products to help with clipper burn, ear cleaning, and so forth, but by far their most popular products are those related to aiding and improving joint health in dogs and cats. You will also find many biscuits for dogs and cats that are not just treats but contain health supplements such as those for the skin and coat. Other products help with digestion or are safe ways of preventing fleas and ticks. They have products, such as a variety of dental bones, to help with cleaning a dog's teeth.

911HealthShop has a Rewards program, join and collect rewards which can be redeemed for cash.
They are located in the USA and currently only ship their products within the United States.
Just click on either ad to visit their website.



If your pet is actually sick please check with a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis of the health problem your pet is experiencing.

Your Pet Purchases can Help Feed Shelter Pets

PetFoodDirect is an online supplier of pet foods and supplies. They have a rewards program that allows their customers to help shelter pets.

Many pets end up in animal shelters for no fault of their own, sometimes a person got the wrong pet for their lifestyle, sometimes the owner had to move but could not take the pet with them. There are many reasons why cats and dogs are surrendered to animal shelters.

Most animal shelters are non-profit, they depend on donations from the public, government grants, and fund raising, to help provide food for their pets. As a pet lover you can donate to your local animal shelter at anytime. They always are happy to receive cash donations, and donations of pet food, however you might want to call first to see what they need. 

probably not what you think of when you think of feeding shelter pets!

Some of the things people often do not think about donating to an animal shelter, but that the shelters often need, are office supplies (paper, pens, etc.) and cleaning supplies (garbage bags, bleach, etc.). For pets, animal shelters often need blankets for the dogs, and toys. They can use old towels for their cats. 

Of course making a donation is not always possible but that does not mean you cannot help pets.

As a pet owner all you have to do is join PetFoodDirect's Rewards Program and you can help shelter pets as well as saving on money for your pet's food and products.

PetFood Direct sells great quality dog and cat foods such as Orijen and Wellness. They carry treats and flea and tick products, heartworm products (such as Heartgard) and even pet toys. They sell things for pet birds, wild birds, fish, reptiles and small caged pets. Their autoship program allows for further savings and convenience of not having to worry about running out of pet food.

What is the PFD Rewards Program?

With the PetFoodDirect Rewards Program every dollar you spend earns you reward points. You earn 15 points just for joining the program and if you sign up for autoship your points are doubled, plus you can get 300 points just for signing up. 

• 150 points = Donates 2 meals to shelter pets
• 400 points = Donates 6 meals to shelter pets
• 600 points = Donates 10 meals to shelter pets

Or you can use your points on your own purchases, 1,000 points can be traded in for $10 off your next purchase, or 1,500 points can be used for 25% off.

Here are some links you can click to get you started on your way to help shelter pets just when buying things you already need for your own furry friends!

Join our PetFoodDirect.com Rewards program and earn points with every purchase that can be used to donate meals to animals in need! Help those who cannot help themselves!

Save 15-25% off All PetFoodDirect.com Orders When You Enroll in Auto Ship! Convenient, Reliable and Worry-Free. Start Saving Today!

Get $20 Off Any Order $150 Or More At PetFoodDirect.com Today! Use Code PFDSAVE20!

Signing up for PetFoodDirect's reward program is free and I encourage you to take advantage of it to help animal shelters to help their adoptable pets.

 

Problems for Pets in the Winter

Winter can be a wonderful time, however the cold weather can present a lot of problems for our pets.

Of course most people are aware of the risks as related to frostbite or just problems with being cold in general but there are other winter concerns and problems for pets.

Arthritis Pains

In cold weather pets with arthritis have more aches and pains then ever. Some people try to help their dog with arthritis pain by giving it aspirin, however aspirin can be risky for dogs, and should never be given to cats. 

There are better medications for helping pets with arthritis, including those with glucosamine and chondroitin.  I personally take glucosamine and chondroitin for my own arthritic pains and can tell you they work.  Some dog foods have these added but there are some claims that say when these are cooked into dog food they are not as effective and should be fed as a supplement. 

Cold weather means aches and pains for arthritic pets with hip and joint issues. Prescriptions like Previcox, Remadyl and Carprofen can help! Shop today at NationalPetPharmacy.com!

In this cold weather, your dog needs everything he can get to stay healthy. Click here to check bone and joint supplements that are great for senior dogs, athletic dogs, or dogs suffering from an injury.

Aches and pains can also be relived by offering your pet a warm heated bed.

Keep your cat warm this winter with heated cat beds that are now UP TO 25% OFF at NationalPetPharmacy.com

Dry Skin

Our pets also tend to suffer dry skin in the winter. You may have already noticed your cat or dog has more dandruff than usual. This can also make pets itchy and uncomfortable. Better food can help as can having a humidifier on in the room where the pet spends most of its time but there are also supplements you can buy to help improve your pets skin and coat in the dry winter months.

Dermatitis is what your pet gets when they've got itchy, dry skin from the cold weather. Shop for brands like Atopica Cyclosporine at NationalPetPharmacy.com to keep your pets feeling comfortable.

Other Winter Worries for Pets

Dogs can burn their paw pads by walking on ice and ice melting chemicals. There are special boots you can buy for your dog, as well as special de-icing chemicals you can use that will not burn your pet's paw pads.

Ice melts can often contain harsh chemicals that are not good for pets. Check out the "pet approved" ice melts that are safe for you and your pet!

Of course a sweater might also be something your pet would benefit from. Small dogs may even need a sweater for indoors when temperatures also cause our homes to be cooler. They particularly will need a sweater after having their hair clipped.

Shop from PetFoodDirect.com's wide selection of cold weather outdoor gear to keep your pet warm and cozy this winter.

Be sure kids know not to let pets outside on cold days, kids often forget to let the pet inside and if left out too long a pet can get frostbite.  Make sure all younger family members know to ask an adult first before letting pets out when temperatures are very cold.

Remember that short nosed dogs have more problems with cold weather and their walks should be kept short. 

Should You Get Pet Insurance for Your Pet?

Today's article is a bit different, rather than talking about any kind of exotic pet, I want to mention some concerns regarding medical costs of cats and dogs. I often encounter people who have an ailing pet and are looking for free help. The Internet in general is not a good place to turn for free veterinarian help, you never know if the person is really qualified to answer and often times symptoms really need to be seen first hand by a real vet, one who can do something to help the suffering cat or dog. Pet Insurance is a good way for some people to be able to pay for emergency pet care rather than saving up thousands of dollars to cover these expenses.

Does your pet have pet insurance? If you live in Canada or the United States the answer is probably “No”, however if you live in Europe there is a good chance your pet is insured as the percentage of insured pets in different European countries is between 12% and 50%.

If your pet is not insured you may be one of the many people scrambling for cash if something happens to your pet. If you belong to any online forums, or question and answer sites (such as WebAnswers or Yahoo!) you may have seen questions from frantic owners looking for free veterinarian help for their sick or injured pet. Many people will even say “Help, I cannot afford to take my pet to the veterinarian”. Sadly in some of these situations it is clear that the pet really needs proper veterinarian attention and may die without it.

Knowing the potential for a pet to get injured why take the risk? 

Pet Insurance is available from many different companies in North America, one of which is 24PetWatch pet insurance. 24PetWatch Pet Insurance offers pet insurance for cats and dogs and covers injury or illness, with different plans to suit different pet insurance needs. Studies have shown that one in three pets will need emergency treatment and two out of three will experience a major health problem during their lifetime. All of this adds up to over $10 billion being spent in North America on pet health care.

Some of the things to consider are that your pet could be hit by a car, poisoned, get cancer, have hip dysplasia, get in a fight with another pet or animal, or could get sick.

The time to get insurance is before problems occur as pre-existing conditions are not covered and pets as young as 8 weeks old are eligible to be enrolled (there is a 14 day waiting period).

24PetWatch pet insurance has different pet insurance programs for different needs and insures cats and dogs, they even has a special program called TenantCare for pet owners who live in rental properties.

With 24PetWatch pet insurance you can still go to your regular vet, or any licensed veterinarian you choose.

Discounts are given if you enroll more than one pet in one of 24PetWatch pet insurance's programs.

If you are a pet owner and are concerned with the high cost of medical bills then joining a pet insurance program to get Health Insurance for your Pets may be a good idea.

Can you Trust Buying Pet Medications Online?

You should also be aware that many over the counter products, and particularly those for fleas and ticks, are not always safe for pets. Sadly there are many websites dedicated to warning pet owners about the risks of over the counter pet medications (including flea collars) to the extent that some pets have even died as the result of their owners using the products correctly. Concerns with over the counter flea and tick medications are that the ingredients are known to cause allergic, and sometimes fatal, reactions in some pets.

As such pet owners are now turning to their vet for safer medications to control fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are not only annoying but also be aware fleas can spread tapeworms and ticks can spread Lyme disease.

Many pet owners are looking online for savings on pet medications, particularly in the areas of flea and tick control, but there are also other pet medications are now available online from various companies. One thing you may not be aware of is that a lot of these online companies are not run by veterinarians and that they are often pharmacies for people.

VetApprovedRX is one of the few online companies where an actual veterinarian is involved. As such if you are going to order your pet's medications online you are much safer to consider this company than some of the others. Also their prices are great!

This is not to say that pet medications sold by all online companies are risky, but why take any risks?

As a bonus with an order of $39 (or more) from VetApprovedRX you are entitled to a free online veterinarian consultation in case you have any questions about your pet, its medications, or general pet care questions.

When buying any pet medications it is important to know the weight of your pet, do not guess. To find out how much your pet weighs step on a weigh scale while holding your pet. Note the weight. Put the pet down and note the weight. Calculate the difference and that is how much your pet weighs. Write it down rather than assuming you will remember it.

Ordering pet medications from your veterinarian, or online from a veterinarian run company, is a lot safer than ordering them from an unknown source or pharmacy not operated by a person with veterinary knowledge of pets.

VetApprovedRX sells Advantage II, K9 Advantix, Frontline, Capstar, and all your other favorite cat and dog medications and health products.

If your cat or dog has fleas, or you are worried about ticks, or are looking for great deals on other pet medications, please check out VetApprovedRX.   Use the link below to get a great deal on Frontline Plus.

Be aware that in many cases cat medication is not safe for dogs, and visa versa, unless otherwise indicated.

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Pets Reduce Our Stress, How We Can Reduce Their Stress

Studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce stress in people.  Indeed even doing simple things such as stroking your cat, or watching fish in an aquarium, can have a positive effect on us, reducing our blood pressure and making us feel better.

Sadly a poorly cared for pet will live in a world of stress.  While most cats and dogs shed fur, did you know that when stressed they tend to shed more?  This is often noted in animal shelters where pets shed a lot due to the stress of being confined or living with so many other animals.

Studies have shown that dogs kept on chains are often aggressive and tend to be more prone to biting than dogs who are loose in their fenced yard.  In fact some animal shelters will not even adopt a dog to an owner who intends to keep it on a chain for this very reason.  If you do not have a fully fenced yard you might want to consider a good dog run.

Dogs who are not properly exercised, or mentally stimulated, often become destructive.  Destructive behavior is a sign of stress.  If an owner is wise they will select the dog breed that best suits their lifestyle rather than just getting the first cute puppy they see, or getting a particular breed because it looks cool.

©artwork by B Nelson

Some dog breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, tend to be happy-go-lucky, and do well in most homes, however they would not be a good mix in a very active home as they are a more laid back type of dog.

Smarter dog breeds benefit by having things to do, even such as having challenging toys to play with when their owner is not home.

Even cats can have stress.  Cats are pretty laid back, they sleep a lot, but in a chaotic home a cat may be stressed.  Cat owners are also wise to remember that cats do naturally use their claws, and should have a scratching post for this purpose.  Cats who are stressed tend to shed more, and some cats may start urinating around the house, Feliway is a great product to help reduce stress in cats.



Consider our small caged pets too.  They suffer from stress!  One of the biggest causers of stress in small pets is the fact that sometimes they are left in their cage for days, handled rarely, and their needs are not really met in this way.  It is important that our caged pets receive mental stimulation, which can be provided by taking them out regularly, and by making sure they have toys in their cage too.  Small pets often like things to chew on, and love tubes, so why not get them a tube they can chew on?

Birds are prone to stress, they are actually quite intelligent and do not like to be left alone.  Birds should be kept where they can see activity, and they do require daily interaction, especially parrots!

Keep an eye out for new toys and products to help keep our pets healthy and happy, it is up to us to make sure they are not stressed because stress shortens their lives.

Unique All Natural Pet Food Companies

Recently I was reviewing some pet food companies that I had previously not been aware of.  Two of these companies were specifically good for pet owners who want to cook for their pets but do not have the time, or who want to feel more involved in the preparation of their pet's food.

While both these companies offer choices for cat and dog owners, both have more selections for dogs than cats. 

These really cool pet food companies are Red Moon Custom Pet Foods and Sojos - Sojourner Farms - Pet Foods. 

Both Red Moon Custom Pet Foods and Sojos All Natural Pet Foods focus on healthy and natural ingredients.  They recognize that many other pet foods use cheap filler and some even contain ingredients (such as Ethoxyquin) that are linked to causing health problems.  These companies wanted to offer a better product in terms of healthy ingredients but went another step further.

Red Moon Custom Pet Foods went in the direction of allowing people to pick a base product and then to customize it with a list of ingredients that can benefit pets in different ways.  For people who are unsure what base to start with Red Moon Custom Pet Foods asks people a few basic questions about their pet, including its age and health concerns.  With dogs they also ask about its size.  They usually suggest a few different base products so owners can pick the type of meat they want.  Once owners have selected other ingredients to add the company makes the food and ships it out fresh.

Sojos All Natural Pet Foods took the direction of making a base product that contains all the harder to find ingredients that pets require to ensure they get their vitamins and minerals and so forth and sending that to the consumer allowing the pet owner to add raw meat and vegetables of their choice.  They also have a complete mix for people who do not want to add the meat and vegetables.  Their food is sold in a freeze dried form and is rehydrated with water so it is always fresh. 

Both of these pet foods are available in Canada and the USA.  While Sojos food can be found in some stores, online at their own site, or via other online suppliers such as Only Natural Pet Stores, Red Moon is custom made pet food so it is only available online.

Check here for coupons and deals on Sojos All Natural Pet Foods.
And check here for discounts and deals from Red Moon Custom Pet Foods.

Remember when you select an all natural pet food you avoid chemicals that can be linked to cancer and other problems that are so common in our beloved pets.

White Tigers, Cruel Man Made Mutants

Did you know that there are no wild white tigers?  Although zoos often refer to white tigers as Royal White Bengal Tigers, this is not actually a species of tiger.  The white tigers you see on display in zoos today are not even purebreds, they are crosses between Siberian Tigers and Bengal Tigers.  They are also greatly inbred, the gene for white is recessive so white tigers are often created by breeding father to daughter, mother to son, and brother to sister. 

As with most inbred animals there are always more genetic health problems.  The gene that makes them white is linked to eye problems.  White tigers always have poor vision, making them more dependent on their handler.  In some cases this is easy to see as they may be cross eyed, in other cases the problem is in regards to how their eyes are wired to their brain.   Some tiger trainers prefer white tigers because their poor vision makes them easier to train, they are more dependent on their handler than a tiger with normal health vision.

photo source

White tigers are often born with spinal deformities, cleft pallets (a mouth deformity), and organ problems.  It is not uncommon for them to die shortly after birth.

Although not all zoos in the United States are members of the American Zoological Association (AZA), this group passed a ban in 2011 prohibiting members from breeding white tigers.

Although I realize many of you might want to see these beautiful animals it is best to not support the zoos that have white tigers.  There is no ethical reason for breeding them.  In fact many of the people who try to breed white tigers "dispose" of the tiger cubs born with normal orange colored fur.  The only reason they breed white tigers is for greed, vanity, and profit.  It must be stopped.

If you see white tigers in your local zoo be sure to express your displeasure with the intentional breeding programs that some zoos have adopted to make more of these sickly animals.

Further Reading on White Tigers

Breeding White Tigers does not Help Tigers

Big Cat Rescue - White Tigers

Costs of Owning a Pet Tiger

Facts about Domestic Cats

Cats are common house pets, having been domesticated over 9,000 years ago. In most modern cities the domestic cat is a common sight and they are often considered members of the family. In other areas cats are seen as helpful farm animals, killing mice and rats who would eat and contaminate food. Feral cats can be tamed though kindness, and food.

One of the reasons cats are so common, is there fast breeding rate.  Cats come into heat frequently, they are pregnant for about 57-65 days and can have 6 (or more) kittens per litter.  Unlike dogs, cats usually have no problems delivering their kittens and rarely require caesarian sections.  The biggest exception being cat breeds (such as the Persian) which have large round heads.

 

Kittens can be weaned at 6 weeks, but it is better to wean kittens at 8 weeks.  Homes should be kitten proofed before getting a new kitten.  There are many common household dangers to cats owners should be aware of.

You should have your kitten checked by a vet before bringing it home, it should be vaccinated and wormed too.  Note that it is not uncommon for cats to have heart murmurs - not all are severe.

Kittens usually know how to use their litter box with no problems, however kittens from a farm might not have used a litter box before so some additional training may be needed.  Kittens should not be allowed outside until they are older (or should be kept indoors always). 

When it comes to selecting a new cat, most people want kittens, and sadly few adult cats, and even fewer senior cats, find homes.  There are some concerns with adopting an older cat, but there are also many reasons why people may want to adopt a senior cat.

Many people worry if their cat can make them sick.  In general the answer is "no" but kittens can spread cat scratch disease.  Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that cats can catch from mice and this is a concern mostly to pregnant women.

Another concern among cat owners is that cats enjoy being awake at night, so it is a good idea to try to train them to sleep when you sleep.

Cats sometimes do not drink enough water and as such are sometimes prone to having urinary tract problems.  It is important that owners find ways to encourage their cat to drink more water to keep its urinary tract system healthy.  Pay attention to the magnesium content in dry food, select a food with a low magnesium content.  If your cat is not getting enough to drink it can get a urinary tract infection - a clue that your cat may have an infection is if it starts peeing around the home, not in the litter box.

Cats are obligate carnivores, they need meat.  People often debate about how to feed cats correctly.  Many agree they should have good quality dry food available at all times and be given small helpings of canned food as per their age and health needs.  Although many people think of tuna as being a favorite, it is a food cats should not have.

Cats can suffer from diabetes, as such, unless you want to be giving your cat insulin injections daily, it is important to keep your cat's weight under control.  Cats have many risks related to being obese.  It is a myth that spaying or neutering causes a cat to be lazy.  In general this is related to a lack of stimulation by owners who sometimes expect cats to exercise themselves. 

Be aware that many human medications are toxic to cats.

Cats sometimes vomit; in some cases this is related to hairballs (see below) in other cases this is related to food or health problems.

Cats generally prefer to live alone, not with other cats, however if selected correctly, and introduced correctly, cats can get along.  Cats can even get along with dogs too, but certain dog breeds are better with cats than others
.

Other Tips for Cat Owners

Not all cats like catnip; kittens rarely notice it, but you can try it for your cat after it is 6 months of age.

Hairballs are not "normal" but are common, try brushing your cat more to remove loose hair, feed a better quality cat food, and reduce stress to reduce shedding.

Polydactyl cats are cats with extra toes, and are considered to be lucky.

While most cats look somewhat similar there are a few unusual breeds, such as the Manx and Siamese cats.

Most cats you see are not specific breeds, in order for a cat to be called a Purebred, it must be registered.

Adopting a cat from an animal shelter is often cheaper than taking a "free kitten" to the vet for a check up, vaccination, and worming.  Animal shelters often have health guarantees and may give out many coupons and deals.

Links on Domestic Cat Breeds

While the majority of the focus on the Animal Cabin is related to exotic pets, it is also important to share information on the more common types of pets, cats, dogs, fish, and so forth.  As such this page is designed to offer some information on some of the most common cat breeds, with links so people can get further information if they so desire. 

For certain the most common pet cats are not a breed at all, but are simply domestic cats of mixed breeds, however this article will mention two of the most common cat breeds, the Siamese and Persian, as well as the unique Manx cat.

Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are often easily recognized by their color, known as color point, however not all cats of this color are purebred Siamese, and without registration papers they cannot be referred to as such.  In the Siamese cat the kittens are born white or cream color, in a few weeks the cooler areas, their limbs, tail, ears, and face, get color, while their warmer body stays light. 

There are two breeding lines of Siamese cats, the traditionalists prefer a normal cat shaped face, while some extreme breeders prefer a more exotic, distorted face, that many people assume is the way these cats originally looked (although not true).

Read more on Siamese Cats
Read Common Health Problems in Siamese Cats
Read about Color Point Patterns

Persian Cats

Many people wrongly assume all long haired cats are Persian cats.  A Persian cat is a breed that is noted for very long hair, lazy personality, and often associated with having a pushed in face.  This facial deformity is the result of recent selective breeding and is not an original trait of the breed.

Persians require regular grooming and may suffer from painful hair tangles if ignored.  They are often kept indoors only as their fur gets more messy when they are outside.

Read more on Persian Cats
Read Common Health Problems in Persian Cats

Manx Cats

Not all tailless cats are Manx, and not all Manx cats are tailless.  Good Manx cat breeders will not breed a tailless Manx to a tailless Manx as their are concerns about a fatal double gene when this occurs. 

Because of the genetic spinal deformity that causes Manx cats to have no tail, or to have a short tail, they tend to be prone to some health concerns and are not always reliable when it comes to using their litter box because of this.

Read Why Manx Cats are Tailless
Read Common Health Problems in Manx Cats

Note that there are millions of cats up for adoption in shelters all over the world, in the USA it is reported by the Humane Society that more than 3 million do not find homes.  If you are considering getting a pet cat be sure to check your local shelter or go online to petfinder.com.  Note that shelter websites are not always up-to-date, and that shelters do sometimes get specific cat breeds for adoption. 

Bobcats as Exotic Pets

Many people are looking for more exotic, more unusual, slightly more dangerous, exotic pets; but they still want cute!  As such bobcats and lynxes are now being considered as pets and are slowly entering the exotic pet market.

I personally do not feel a need to own such a creature but did a lot of research on ownership of them which I present to you now. 

In most areas you will require a licence or permit own own a pet bobcat or pet lynx.  Depending on your area this may require getting your property inspected for security.  Your local zoning may be an issue too.  You can only acquire these exotics from licenced breeders who are required to check your permit before selling to you.  Note that you cannot catch and keep a wild bobcat or lynx in most areas as this is illegal, not to mention cruel and dangerous.

Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat, and the Canadian lynx is slightly larger, so you must be sure you can accomodate such a big animal, offering it enough room to play, and as well you must consider the higher costs of feeding and over all care.

Some people breed their own rabbits for the purpose of feeding their pet bobcat or lynx, others use premium commercial diets.  Meat must be the main part of the diet as, like all cats, bobcats are true carnivores. 

You need to be certain you have a veterinarian willing to treat and care for such an exotic pet. 

Keep in mind that a bobcat or lynx is very playful, they will be more destructive than a regular house cat and require plenty of things to climb on.  They may also see any smaller pets as prey.  Like most cats they spend the majority of their day sleeping, but like to be awake in the morning and evening.

If you are intersted in getting a pet bobcat or pet lynx the first thing to check is what licensing and/or permits are needed in your area.  Contact a breeder to see what their requirements are in terms of space and fencing, as most breeders insist on doing home checks before selling to a buyer - they may require a deposit made before they actually have kittens ready to sell.

You should plan on spending $1200 - $1800 USD to purchase a pet bobcat.  Make sure it has been vet checked and vaccinated first.  It should be no younger than 8 weeks of age and should come with health guarantees.

The Exotic Sphynx Cat

Although not an exotic pet, the Sphynx cat is an exotic looking breed of cat to say the least.  Having only peach fuzz type fur, and very defined features, this cat is sure to catch attention.

photo source

The original breed of Sphynx cats nearly died out in the 1800's but some of there genetics may have remained as recessive genes in other cats.  In 1966 a hairless male kitten was born in Toronto, Canada, named Prune he was bred to his mother in an attempt to produce more animals of this type.  Inbreeding resulted in the deaths of many kittens, and the line never did get established.  Other hairless cats were found, and with some shorter haired Devon Rex cats, the breed finally was able to be considered healthy and viable.

The Sphynx cat is often marketed as a cat ideal for people who suffer from allergies, but they are not truly allergy free, and do require special care.  Sphynx cats should not go outside as they are at risk for sunburn and have poor tolerance for cold weather.  The fact that they lack hair means these cats are particularly fond of curling up on a warm lap, but are otherwise a more playful and active type of cat.

photo source

Due to their relative lack of hair, the Sphynx cat does require regular washing, and should be bathed once a week to prevent body oils from building up on their skin and in the folds of skin.  The cats should also should have their ears cleaned on a weekly basis.  This is because they do not have hair in their ears that would normally draw out the ear wax.  As such the Sphynx cat may require more maintenance than a furry cat.

If you are interested in getting an exotic pet cat, such as the Sphynx you can find breeders at cat shows and in cat magazines, however you should be aware that it is especially risky to bring one of these hairless cats home before it is 12 weeks of age as they are more prone to respiratory problems while young.