Playtime is important for your cat

Playing is fun, right? So why do we need to know anything else about it, surely that’s is all there is to it. Well it’s true that the main reason we might play with our cat is because it is something fun to do, but for your cat it has a far more important role and is key to their general mental and physical well being. This means that it should be something that all cat owners should spend a little more time thinking about and incorporating into their every day cat care routine, rather than as an occasional playtime.A good substitute to hunting is therefore energetic chasing, stalking and pouncing playtimes, where the cat can engage all their natural instincts into the game and feel stimulated by the play. Unfortunately just leaving a motionless cat toy lying around just doesn’t meet those requirements, so it is important for cat owners to interact with their cats during playtimes. Ideally you should play with your cat at least a couple of times a day for about 10 to 15 minutes each time
Playing with your cat as you can see is much more than just a fun thing to do, it will promote confidence, fitness, reduce boredom and aggression and generally help in your cats over all mental and physical health. As an added bonus, regular play between you and your cat will strengthen the bond you have with each other. Your cat will associate you with fun and excitement and will seek your company out more often than with someone who just feeds them. Over all playtime will benefit everyone involved and should be encouraged throughout a cat lifetime

Do we need to Groom our pets?

One benefit of regular pet grooming is that it encourages a stronger bond between owner and pet. In the wild, many animals only allow others of their kind to perform grooming tasks. If a domesticated animal allows his owner to brush out his coat or clean out his ears, this is a sign of complete trust. Pet grooming involves a significant amount of handling and petting, which also benefits the pet's emotional state.Pet grooming can also be a necessity for some pets' proper daily functions. For example, a dog with long toenails may not be able to walk comfortably, which in turn discourages her from exercising daily. A cat may develop more hairballs throughout the day if not brushed, leading to overnight distress depending on the coat it has. Guinea pigs with unchecked teeth can develop severe overbites, leading to an inability to eat and ultimately to starvation. By performing simple pet grooming tasks, an owner can prevent serious health complications down the road.Another important consideration is animal comfort. A dog with a thick coat of hair may become overheated during hot summer months. Some breeds of animals need regular grooming to remove excess hairs and spread healthy oils to the coat. A haircut may not only help the animal look more attractive, but it also allows more air to circulate and keep the animal cool. Cats may groom themselves more often than other pets, but they still need some human aid from time to time. Pet grooming efforts such as giving a cat a bath may seem to call for expert help, but they are necessary to remove excess saliva from the cat's coat. Some people with cat allergies may be more sensitive to a cat's dried saliva than to its dander.

When your pets are jealous of a new relationship

It may be hard to imagine pets having such a "human" emotion as jealousy, but like children, pets can find it difficult to share their owner's attention and affection with not only a new lover, but also a lover's pet. Many animal behaviorists agree that pets might not actually get jealous, but they react to the changes that a new person can bring. Pets may display their displeasure with new loved ones by exhibiting behaviors ranging from the annoying to the alarming.Cats can show their stress and unhappiness with a new situation by becoming distant and dogs may start biting, excessive barking or growling at the unwelcome newcomer. They may urinate on your new honey's favorite chair to let them know who's in charge, or cats may scratch the newcomers hand.
If your pet is "jealous," time and space could be the best remedy. Introducing a new pet and/or a new person into the home, even if it is just for short regular visits, can upset a pet's sense of well-being. They are territorial and get bent out of shape if they feel their space is being invaded. If the pet's displeasure is directed at another pet, make the introduction gradually over time. Keep them in separate areas at first and then slowly move them closer so they can get used to each other.To help with the transition, never punish a pet for the bad behavior. Visit the vet to rule out any physical problems. For dogs, create or try sticking to routines such as taking a walk at certain times. If your pet is used to hanging out on your bed, set up a new routine of playing with them in a different part of the home, so they won't feel abandoned if your new loved one spends the night.New relationships may mean less time spent with your pet. Shower them with love and extra attention and make the most of the time you do spend with them. This can reassure the pet that they are still wanted. Enlisting the services of a pet behaviorist can also provide some relief to the situation.

Cat scratch fever

  Cat scratch fever no it's not the song although that song is still popular today,but a more serious disease if not treated properly.I thought it was silly when I visited my vet and got scratched by one of the kittens there due to someone opening the door and walking in with a barking dog.
 She instructed me to wash my arm right away and put antibiotic salve on it.
Cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae. The disease is spread through contact with an infected cat (a bite or scratch), or contact with cat saliva on broken skin or the white of the eye.
About 2 - 3 weeks after becoming infection, lymph nodes swelling (lymphadenopathy) occurs near the site of the scratch or bite.
Occasionally, an infected lymph node may form a tunnel (fistula) through the skin and drain. Cat scratch disease is a common causes of chronic lymph node swelling in children.
In children with normal immune systems, full recovery without treatment is the norm. In immunocompromised people, treatment with antibiotics generally leads to recovery.

Avoiding contact with cats prevents the disease. Where this is not reasonable, good hand-washing after playing with a cat, avoiding scratches and bites, and avoiding cat saliva will lessen the risk of infection.

How to help dogs and Cats with winter paw pad injuries

Paw pad injuries are very common in the winter, the cold winter air,ice and snow can be very damaging. Fortunately there are a few things pet owners can do to help prevent paw pad injuries.
Wash or wipe down your dogs paws each time you come in from a walk or if your cat goes outdoors. The most common irritant can be the salt they use on sidewalks or roads to melt ice. Some of the materials they use can also be toxic as well. You can either simply wipe or use a warm foot bath to cleanse their feet.
Moisturizing is also recommended after each washing or can be applied before a walk as well to keep moisture in.
You can ask your vet which creams or salves to use because dogs and cats alike both lick their paws and using harsh creams can upset their stomach.Never use human lotions as these can irritate their digestive system.
For your dog consider having them wear dog booties if they will tolerate it, most dog booties can be found at your local pet store or online.
If your pet does obtain a paw pad injuries make sure you treat it immediately as the pads contain many blood vessel, make certain to check with your vet before applying any medications.
Remember your pet counts on you to make certain they stay happy and healthy so remember to check their feet this winter!

Healthy hearts created by pets

Pets of all shapes and sizes enter our hearts when we don't even reconize or realize it.
In my 43 years I have had many wonderful critters any where from small grey tabby kittens to thirteen hand horses. I grew up in New England around the rolling hills of Vermont and New Hampshire, I could walk up the hill to the neighbors farm. I had a really tough childhood my mother constantly brow beat me.
Escaping to ride like the wind across the fields of the green hills leaving all the nasty crap behind, my mothers screaming her demanding perfection. Whenever I had a really bad day I went to find a creature who demands nothing of you but love or to have fun with.
Someone to say come play give me the ball seeming to say come on mom throw the ball like a little child who doesn't get enough attention.
When my daughter came here to Georgia from hurricane Katrina devastated the first thing I did was go to the local vets and adopt a tiny black kitten who crept into her heart and helped her heal.