Posts Tagged ‘cat’
Buying a new cat or a kitten can often be an impulsive action. Once you see a new cat, more especially a kitten, it is hard to resist their charm; this makes it important you answer a few important questions before you finally make your choice.
Just before I continue on my merry way I would like to make it clear that I am not the owner of a pet store and I do not even work with cats. I personally work as a speech coach primarily helping people who have stuttering problems. I also work on a part time basis on projects to do with DVD duplication and offering specialist web promotion advice.
Cat or Kitten?
First establish whether you want a fully grown cat or a kitten. Let’s face it there is nothing more cute and cuddly than a new born kitten. Straight from the moment they are introduced to the world they are just adorable. There are the inevitable down sides as well, as there is with everything of course; a kitten can destroy parts of your house such as furniture and they tend to leave their “business” behind the sofa (or maybe this is just my kitten). For people who do not feel that they could cope with these type of issues then it may well be more sensible to choose an older and more mature cat.
A mature cat is more likely to want to just relax; they have done the majority of their “jumping around” and are now more interested in becoming more of a “lap cat”. Ideally you should try and discuss with the previous owner details about the eating habits, disposition, toilet behaviour and any other habits the new cat may have.
Male or Female?
There is a widespread belief that male cats are usually more independent and females are more friendly and loving towards their owners, however there is little difference in behaviour between the sexes once they have been neutered. Unless you intending to let your cat breed, neutering is advisable as this will result in a better pet with less “anti social” habits which are associated with cats used for breeding.
Pedigree or Non-Pedigree?
An important advantage of pedigree cats is that you can usually easier to predict the sort of cat you are going to end up with, especially how it will look and to some extent what temperament it may have.
If you intend showing or using your cat for breeding purposes then you should buy a cat that has a proven pedigree.
Their will obviously be more factors you will need to take into consideration and there is a wealth of useful information to help you, this can come from magazines and books, friends and other cat owners, the internet or your local vet.
Any great pet owner understands the importance of preserving your pet’s health. This is particularly true to dogs, who can so easily develop an array of conditions. Did you know that a simple set of pet stairs can drastically reduce the chance of your dog developing a joint or bone problem such as arthritis or hip dysplasia?
If your dog regularly jumps onto and off of furniture (even if it isn’t very far off the ground), his ankles, knees, hips, and spine are absorbing the shock that occurs when he lands. Using pet steps will keep him from having to exert any unnecessary pressure onto his body.
One thing that should be taken into consideration is where the steps will be placed. If you’re looking to buy dog steps for beds, you’ll want to measure the entire height of your bed (not just the mattresses) and find a set of steps that will reach the full height of the bed. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t trip or slip while stepping onto the bed. Another perk is that you won’t feel your dog jump onto the bed while you’re sleeping!
Make sure that whichever set of steps you choose are the proper height for your dog. This can be determined by the size of your dog. Large dog steps will have a 16” step width for dogs 30lbs and over and small dog steps will have a step width of 12” for dogs under 20 lbs. Purchasing steps that are too small or large for your dog could cause him to trip or overexert himself.
There are several different materials you can choose from, as well. The most common finish being carpeted, as it enables your dog to get a good grip as he ascends and descends the steps. You can also get wooden stairs in various shades, and even molding!
Cats are exquisite pets to own. Their play and relaxation times are a pleasure to watch, especially when you have cat furniture. Some people think that cats are relatively moody but for others who love cats, there is no better pet to have in the house.
Whether you have one cat or multiple cats as your pets, having some furniture for them to enjoy keeps them purring and happy all the time. Some cats enjoy beds to sleep in as this comforts them at night and keeps them cozy and warm. A favorite past-time for cat owners who have more than one cat are the cat towers or cat scratching furniture.
Pet stairs are a fabulous piece of furniture to have around. Contrary to popular belief, cats really can fall without landing on their feet. They can be just as easily injured falling from a bed or other tall place just as a dog can. Keeping pet stairs by your bed, sofa, or any other of your cat’s favorite places will encourage him to exercise the safe way to get up and down from furniture.
Cat steps let your pet get from one level to another safely and enjoyable. Cats often love to climb and these steps are the perfect solution to their love of moving up and down from high to low and back again. Adjustable height steps are an excellent solution for the kitten who is still growing.
Every year many cats are treated for injuries that result from falls which could have been prevented. There are many different retailers who offer pet stairs and other types of furniture for your cat. Whether you’re looking for a cat tunnel for friends to play in or other types of ways to pamper your pet, there are a variety of choices on the market.
Just make sure that your pet is safe when playing or using the steps by keeping toys free of debris and steps clear of obstacles that might cause them to stumble.
Pet owners know that their dogs and cats have special mobility needs. That’s why dog stairs and cat furniture were invented!
Why get dog stairs? Think of the exploding popularity of toy-sized dogs. They’re adorable, but their size is a drawback when it comes to getting up to places to be with their people: chairs, couches, window seats, and many kinds of vehicles, especially large trucks, sports utility vehicles and vans. Small dogs and older, arthritic dogs have trouble getting to these places. You can solve this problem by getting a set of pet stairs (which are not limited to dogs–they’re great for cats as well).
When looking for a set of dog steps, it’s important that you take into consideration the material of the steps. While there are many colors and wood finishes to choose from, your main concern should be the sturdiness of the steps. There is a general rule to go by, which is: large dogs (over 35 lbs) require steps that are 16 inches wide, medium dogs (above 20 lbs but less than 35lbs) should have steps that are 14 inches wide, and small dogs (weighing under 20 lbs) should have steps that are around 12 inches wide. You will also need to check the weight restrictions for the stairs to make sure that they can indeed hold your dog’s weight.
Cats have a totally different mobility need: They love to climb. Because of their nature as predators, cats feel happier and safer in high places where they have more control over their surroundings.
The perfect choice to get your cat off the kitchen counter is a climbing tree or tower. As with dog stairs, it’s important to get the right design for your cat or cats, and to get something of good quality that will last for many years. If possible, get a cat tree that extends from floor to ceiling with several shelves for perching and sleeping. The cat tree or tower should be completely covered in carpet, rope or other textured material to give your cat plenty of climbing traction.
With so many households containing a dog or cat, the amount of retailers carrying dog stairs and cat furniture are growing rapidly. There are many websites online that you can browse, which is probably your best bet if you’re looking for something cheap or a little more customized.
In America alone, do you know how many households have dogs? About sixty three percent. If you think about it, that equals to about seventy million households! Yes, there is no denying that dogs are our best friends. They constantly crave attention from their family and they enjoy being in the spotlight. Your cute little dog may be a young one now, but that does not mean you should not look into dog ramps and steps. What are we talking about? Let us continue further to tell you some information.
No matter what breed of dog you have, or how young he is, he is not impervious to joint or spinal injuries that can be cause from jumping to and from furniture and other objects. Of course some breeds are especially susceptible to injury from jumping, such as Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and other breeds that have short legs, fragile bones, or long spines.
No matter what size of dog you have, small dog steps and large dog steps are available to aid your pet in ascending and descending. Keep a set next to your bed, couch, or porch to help him avoid repetitive, harmful impact on his joints and bones. Using pet stairs and ramps can not only prevent an already healthy dog from developing injuries or long-term conditions, but it can also promote healing and comfortable mobility for dogs with pre-existing conditions, such as obesity and arthiritis.
There are many stylish dog ramps and steps out there. If you have a breed, such as a Rottweiler or a Pit bull that is more prone to hip dysplasia, then this should be a must have in your home. Apart from hip dysplasia, it will also help those dogs that are prone to spinal and join problems, arthritis, bone wobblers syndrome, bone defects, osteopathy, bone tumors, diabetes, cancer and many other health issues. Vets know what is best for your furry friend, which is why they recommend the steps and ramps for that furry friend.
It’s no surprise with the financial crunch we’re all living in, that many of us pet owners are on the hunt for cheaper pet accessories. When hunting for cheap dog steps, we have two options, which are to buy them or make them ourselves.
Dog steps can seem like a luxury when money is short. However, the advantage to dog steps is that they enable dogs with special needs to get to places where their humans live.
For instance, dog steps can be especially important if you have one of the smaller breeds of dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. Some breeds of dog, particularly the teacup and miniature breeds can have extremely fragile bones, and have been known to actually break their legs by leaping from furniture. Dog steps can reduce or eliminate this hazard.
Older and larger breeds of dogs can also benefit from pet steps. As older dogs tend to have trouble ascending and descending, a good quality set of steps could mean a world of difference in and older dog’s comfort. As with larger breeds of dog, they can easily develop conditions such as arthritis, which is quite common, but can be very painful and expensive to treat. A set of dog stairs would easily allow them to maneuver from furniture.
You can easily purchase an inexpensive set of pet stairs for around $20, which are usually made from foam and covered in carpet of a similar substance. These can be purchased online or at some retail shops.
Those with a knack for hobby projects may want to try building cheap dog steps. Once again, most of these projects are made from foam and covered with carpet or other suitable fabric. One pet owner even reported he covered his dog’s homemade steps with artificial turf. However, this can be expensive depending on the materials you use for the dog stairs.
Whether your dog’s steps are purchased economically or homemade, it’s essential that you keep in the size your dog needs. Small dogs need steps that are no more than 12 inches wide. Medium-sized dogs weighing 35 pounds or less can use steps 14 inches wide. Larger dogs need steps that are at least 16 inches wide.
The height of your dog is also another thing to consider. Dog stairs that have very tall steps aren’t going to work very well for a short-legged dog, yet very short steps could trip a long-legged dog.
Last but not least, no matter where you get your dog stairs from, but sure that they are made of durable materials that will withstand the weight of your dog. You can easily check the weight restrictions on the stair’s packaging or on the website you wish to buy the stairs from. For more durable materials such as mahogany, you can expect that the price will go up quite a bit.
Maybe you love adorable toy breeds that fit in a handbag. Perhaps you prefer to romp around with a sturdy big breed. Maybe your beloved longtime companion has grown old and frail. Whatever your dog’s size and situation, finding the right dog steps matters to you and your pet.
Dog stairs can be a terrific solution to many disabilities or conditions that ail dogs of all breeds and ages, such as dysplasia, obesity, and arthritis. Dog steps can enable your pet a level of freedom you both will have thought long gone.
First, be careful about the dimensions of the stairs. Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all dog, there’s no one-size-fits-all style of dog steps. If you have a small breed of dog weighing less than 20 pounds, get steps that measure 12 inches wide. For medium-sized dogs (those weighing under 35 pounds), choose steps 14 inches wide. Dogs larger than 35 pounds can use steps that are 16 inches wide. Many sites sell both small dog steps and large dog steps.
The next item to take into consideration is the height of the steps. Smaller dogs generally have shorter legs, therefore each step’s height should be shorter, but the overall height of the stairs should be tall enough to reach your bed, couch, or other desired furniture. Larger dogs should have stairs whose steps are a bit taller so they don’t trip over small, more frequent steps.
When getting your dog into bed, however, you’ll need dog steps ranging from 17 to 29 inches high, depending again on the size of your pet.
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure the steps you buy are made of good quality materials. While plastic steps can work okay for smaller dogs, they are partial to damage caused by both hot and cold temperatures and usually degrade in quality a lot faster than wooden or metal steps. You can also choose a style of finish which matches your décor, such as mahogany wood or specific color of carpet.
Investing in a good set of pet stairs will give both you and your pet a new lease on mobility!
Your dog loves to sleep at the foot of your bed, and you love having it there. But what happens when your furry companion can’t get up to your level? Do you risk injuring yourself by lifting your pet onto the bed? No, a much better answer is dog steps for beds.
Dog steps for beds are important for small breeds, which can easily break a leg bone jumping down from a bed. They’re also helpful for older dogs with health conditions such as arthritis, blindness or hip displacement. Some owners start their dogs using steps at a fairly young age to reduce repetitive stress on the joints that could lead to arthritis later in life.
However, choosing dog stairs is different from choosing other types of pet furniture, as many people prefer both practicality and pleasant appearance in their steps.
First, you probably want to consider how well dog steps will match the decor of your bedroom.. Unlike dog steps for vehicles, for instance, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be moving your dog’s bed steps. That means you can choose steps in more stable styles and materials, such as a wood that complements your bedroom suite. Some dog steps for beds have compartments in the treads, so you can keep your dog’s favorite toys or blankets close by.
Pet stairs specially intended for beside use are going to need to match up to the height of your bed. Having steps higher than your bed could result in your dog tripping and hurting himself, yet steps which are too small will end up in him still needing to jump onto the bed, which defeats the purpose of the steps altogether.
Aside from these factors, choosing dog steps for beds is the same as selecting steps for other purposes. You’ll need to know your dog’s size in order to choose the right kind of bed steps for it in width, height and the steps’ ability to hold the dog’s weight. These qualities are typically explained on the product label.
Does the thought of a litter box make you cringe? Most people have the same sentiment towards litterboxes, as their reputation is a stinky and dirty one! Why not consider buying cat furniture to hide the kitty box?
We’ve all seen the bog-standard cat perch and scratching post, but why not treat your kitty (and your nose!) to a well-built cat condo with a built-in ground-floor cubby that’s works as terrific litter box housing? You can find a variety of cat furniture online, some include fuzzy balls that dangle from string or wire, carpeted inner housing for those frequent cat naps, as well as several hidden catnip stations to get your cat feisty for playtime! Those are just a few of the many different types of accessories you can find on cat furniture.
Another option to make your litter tray less unsightly is a product known as a bookcase climber. It is a walnut finished bookcase with cushioned sleeping and play areas for your cats. It also has two enclosed compartments: one for your litter box and one for extra storage. The bookcase climber is an excellent space for your cats. The litter tray smell will decrease, and you have extra storage for your cat’s food and litter mix. A wonderful alternative to this, which doesn’t take up nearly as much space, is a set of pet steps, which are great for both cats and dogs, and are available with built-in compartments.
A litter robot is something you may or may not have heard of before. It’s a practical solution to the burden of cat littler. It’s a ball-shaped, self-cleaning litter component. The litter is placed on the inside of the dome where a small entry hole leads to. Your cat has privacy while doing his business, and then the litter robot simply sifts through the soiled litter and deposits the waste into a plastic bag, which you can remove and dispose of at your leisure. It’s a very resourceful machine that can easily hide the musky litter-box smell and makes litter-box management much easier for the faint-of-heart.
Cat furniture is probably sounding more and more up your alley! You can find any of the previously mentioned cat furniture items online, and some may be available at a pet store near you. Those of you with dogs mustn’t forget them, either! You can find a huge assortment of dog stairs online. You can have your dog steps custom-built or simply purchase a pre-built model, which come in many colors and finish, including luxury wood or carpet, and even some with accenting molding!
This article will discuss pet feeding and how to properly feed your pet to ensure they receive all the nutrition they need to live a long and healthy life. Most pet owners purchase their pet food from pet stores or supermarkets. However, more and more pet owners are resorting to make meals for their pets of feeding their pet raw food instead.
Some people believe that pets should only be fed raw food, as the animal would have eaten in the wild, in order for the pet’s nutrition to be “balanced” in a more natural way. There are many articles available which discuss the possibility that the man-made pet food of today and straying our pets from raw, natural food is the cause for so many diseases that are cropping up in our pets. It is believed that most of these diseases are nutrition-based due to the lack of raw meat and other nutrients in our pets’ diets.
However, veterinarians usually recommend a well-known and trusted brand of pet food that has been specifically designed for your pet. This is where pet feeding can become difficult. The quality of pet food can vary tremendously between brands and can differ in the amount of animal nutrition, therefore it is usually a good idea to choose a brand with a good reputation. For instance, Science Diet dog food and Purina dog food are very well-known and trusted brands.
The different types and brands of dog food are vast, and it can take a lot of research to find the right one for your dog. Most commercial brands of dog food offer moist canned dog food, dry food, and semi-moist food. Veterinarians usually do not recommend that you feed your dog semi-moist food on a regular basis, as there can be additives and chemicals in them to help them last longer. If you decide that you want to keep your dog on a more natural diet, there are all natural dog food available. A dog’s diet is half made up of carbohydrates, usually in the form of grains. When feeding a dog, the general rule is that puppy feeding should be done frequently throughout the day, and adult dogs should be fed once or twice a day.
Never feed your dog chocolate, onions or garlic in any form (fresh, powder, flakes), persimmons, plant leaves (potato, tomato, rhubarb), mushrooms, grapes / raisins, or macadamia nuts. Also, do not let your dog chew on dryer sheets or eat human vitamins. The chemicals are harmful to them.
Cats also have a variety of food to choose from, ranging from dry, to semi-moist, to canned (wet). As with semi-moist dog food, veterinarians do not recommend it due to the preservative chemicals it contains. Cats require a high moisture content in their food, therefore it may be a good idea to stock up on canned food, which has a terrific balance of moisture.
Cats should never be fed yeast dough, mushrooms, onions or garlic an any form, plant leaves, salt, sugary foods, raw eggs, persimmons, grapes / raisins or macadamia nuts. Milk is not good for a cat’s digestive system, even though kittens are able to tolerate a small amount.