cats

Some people think that dogs and cats are pretty enough as they are without any other adornment. Personally I feel that pets are a bit like people; some look great natural style others can look pretty fancy with a bit of sparkle.

Charms are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to give your pet a new look, and luckily there are loads on the market.

As a general rule these collar charms look good on smaller dogs especially of the lapdog variety.

Larger dogs look better with a wider collar, rather than a charm, plus with the boisterous nature of larger dogs, a charm can get broken quite easily, so stick to the small guys.

The first choice for charms would be Aria, who make glittery, fashionable charms for pets.

The Enamel Bone Charm is a cute little touch, which comes in three colors, pink, white and blue with rhinestone detail and fixes onto the collar easily. The charm is an inch long, so a perfect size for a little dog.

High rollers amongst the dog and act community might take a fancy to Aria’s Royal range with the jewel of them all, the Majestic Crown decorated with rhinestones.

The lobster claw clasp makes for easy fastening. This design would look especially cute on a pug.

Another fun design for dogs is the Pawprint Charm, measuring half an inch and in a choice of blue, white or pink sparkling stones. Ideal for males, they are suitably “non-girly”, as are the silver or brass Skull and Crossbones designs.

Everyone loves the heart shaped pendants - they always look so pretty on a sweet little dog, especially when it sparkles. At one inch long this cute little charm will set your pet’s face off to a tee.

Pet Studio is another supplier with a line in collar charms for your pet, such as the Crystal Crown charm. With flower designs, open heart designs and funky star designs, you will ahve more than enough to choose from.

With these varied designs to choose from, you are sure to find something to suit your little friend and with the reasonable pricing you could start building up a little jewelry collection for your pet.

One of the most attractive classic shapes is the simple silver Open Heart charm, which is a dead ringer for the famous heart shape by Tiffany.

When would you have your pet wear a charm, you may ask; well, the list is endless, parties, shows, photo shoots, you name it, a charm could work its magic. They distinguish your pet from the others and add a bit of character.

All the charms featured in this article should be available for cats too so check them out.

If your cat is in poor health from a long term chronic illness, or is in a weakened state due to injury or recent surgery, many veterinarians are recommending supplements containing transfer factors. These are immune boosting molecules that may help your cat fight off disease.

In order to understand how this works, it’s necessary to understand a little about how the immune system works. Transfer factors are protein molecules and are part of the immune system.

Cats, like all mammals, have an immune system that protects them from disease.

In a healthy immune system, foreign invaders, such as bacteria, are recognized and the body mounts a defense against them. Certain specialized cells are called on to attack the invaders. When the invader is defeated, the attack is called off. This is a proper immune response.

On occasion, the immune response doesn’t play out as expected. A cat with a compromised immune system has trouble defending against invaders and will more easily become ill. In conditions such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the immune system is weakened and doesn’t cope well.

In other cases, the immune system doesn’t know when to shut down, or incorrectly identifies a part of the body as foreign. In autoimmune diseases, such as many forms of arthritis, an immune response is mounted against the body’s own tissues. The immune system is misdirected and doesn’t shut itself off. In effect, the body is at war with itself.

Transfer factors act as messengers, alerting your cat’s body to the presence of foreign invaders. These proteins also have a modulating effect and tell the body when not to attack.

The balancing or modulating effect that transfer factors have make them essential to proper immune system function. This means that they can be used on cats with compromised immune systems, as well as those with autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

Specific products are now available for your pet, including a version for cats, that contain transfer factors. This is a dietary supplement for your cat, combining the immune boosting power of transfer factor with nutrients that are beneficial to overall cat health.

There are a number of veterinarians using homeopathic techniques, and some have added products containing transfer factor to their recommendations. If you’re interested in boosting the immune system of your cat with transfer factors, check first to ensure your vet is open to the idea, and that there are no negative interactions.

We have all seen those adorable faces and tiny whiffling noses pressed up against the glass and been tempted to get a puppy from the pet store. Have you ever considered though where those puppies are sourced from, if not a local breeder?

Pet store puppies are rarely bred by reputable breeders, they are sourced from puppy mills. Most people won’t have heard of a puppy mill. Soon, you will probably wish you hadn’t.

Puppy mills are canine intensive breeding plants, where literally thousands of puppies are bred to supply the pet industry. It’s a sad life for a puppy mill puppy, from the very start.

Poor health, temperament issues and hereditary diseases are often the legacy of being bred at a Puppy Mill. Socialization rarely occurs as the puppies are taken away from their mother early, thus depriving them of these skills.

Poor health is contributed to by a lack of decent food and water, terrible cramped living conditions and overcrowding; and there is little chance for them to experience positive human interaction before being transported to the pet store

It is responsible when breeding puppies to take into account any diseases a breed is prone to, and to carefully select dogs to mate, otherwise you end up with a walking wagging time bomb. Good breeder will make proper vet care, immunization and health a priority.

A good breeder will have spacious, clean and humane premises, and should voluntarily be able to show you the bloodline of your puppy. A breeder ALWAYS gives a guarantee (although details may differ), tips on care, and would never make you return the puppy if dissatisfied, as they would have properly interviewed the family.

There is no such ethos at the Puppy Mill, where money talks fast and loud. They breed dogs regardless of health, disease or family history, which is a recipe for disaster.

The bitches have the worst deal, as they will be made to breed relentlessly in miserable health conditions. And once spent from this terrible life, they will be rewarded with abandonment or death.

Puppy mills are still in operation despite laws to control them. The way to combat these farms is to remove the demand for puppies by only purchasing your puppy from a good breeder, or adopting one from an animal rescue centre; don’t trust pet stores, which may be ignorant or misleading of the truth.

It is imperative that you don’t buy a puppy from a mill to rescue him. It is creating a demand for another puppy to be bred into a life of suffering. Contact the appropriate bodies, and demand they take action.

Puppy mills, tragic and inhumane as they are, are a problem caused by the consumer, so use your spending power wisely and put an end to these hellish establishments.

Cells, organs, blood, elements - all these work together in your dog’s body to create that mysterious thing - life!

Think of all the smaller elements, such as blood cells, natural chemicals, and antibodies to name but a few, as the cogs which turn, and protect on a minuscule level.

If there is a problem in the smallest of cells, it can huge effects on the whole body.

An airplane can fly, but sometimes it takes just one bolt to give way for a bigger problem to occur.

The same can be said for our bodies and those of all animals around us, we can neglect or abuse our health a bit but we are laying ourselves open to infection and disease.

And once disease takes hold, it can be harder to eradicate than a bit of common sense and prevention.

We can sustain some damage at cellular level without too much hardship, but if a major organ is affected, you have serious problems.

Transplants are possible, but incredibly costly, uncommon and risky. Much better isn’t it to stop the problem before it starts.

Nutramax Denosyl SAMe tabs for dogs are available as a nutritional supplement. What it does is to stimulate glutathione levels in the liver.

What on earth is glutathione I hear you say. Well it’s a powerful antioxidant which helps to repair, regenerate and protect liver cells.

Defense starts really from the individual cells, an organ made of entirely healthy cells will be resilient against attack by infection or disease.

Your body destroys thousands of irregular or infected cells every day, but your body has to be healthy in order to fight back.

It can be used as a preventative or in conjunction with other treatments to prevent or treat the following diseases and related illnesses: Hipidosis, Chronic Hepatitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Drug-induced Hepatitis caused by Prednisone or Rimadyl, and Pancreatitis.

Nutramax Denosyl SAMe tablets for dogs are an economical preventative measure any dog owner can take to give their dog the best fighting chance against liver problems.

For a few cents per day, you may end up saving thousands on costly and upsetting medical treatment for your dog.

If humans choose to abuse their body, it’s their choice, but our canine friends will generally eat what we put in front of them and their lives and therefore health are controlled by us their owners.

Take the easy first step today with Nutramax Denosyl SAMe tablets for pets.

Despite the vast number of pet owners in the U.S., a huge percentage of them, believe it or not, do not have any form of pet insurance; these animals are, however, generally considered a part of the family - a family for whom every other member has insurance. We don’t hesitate to purchase health insurance for ourselves; should we be forgiven for not caring enough about our pets then?

This is an often overlooked area and thought to be superfluous by some; pet owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment. In the last ten years there have been many areas that have seen price increases and vets are amongst them; the result of this has meant that pet insurance premiums have also risen as well.

The problem is that domestic animals are often more liable to be involved in an accident or become sick; the more you own, the greater the chance is, and if this does occur a couple of times a year, you will soon see your savings reduce.

When you find yourself in this predicament, a decision may have to be made; obviously this is something you would prefer to avoid especially if it is based on cost.

I remember a few years ago when the vet told me that it would cost in the vicinity of $2,500 dollars to save my dog; all I could think about at the time was whether he was worth the cost, that’s awful, isn’t it? Medical science cannot cure everything and pets are vulnerable too; operations on animals can go wrong sometimes.

The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; no-one wants this to cause them financial problems. Raising (sometimes) large sums of money can be prove to be financially embarrassing especially when you are have money problems; which could mean contacting a relative or friend for the money.

Financial difficulties are the number one reason why pets do not receive proper attention; owners with pet insurance do not have these concerns because they have whatever treatment they need. Although pet healthcare insurance costs are rising they are not going to break the bank; plans are still affordable, especially when you consider the alternative.

You can choose from a range of pet health insurance services; discounts are often available should you decide to place all household pets all on one policy to reduce the monthly cost. All pet owners should think carefully about what pet insurance provision they have made for their pet.

Cats have an amazing and specially designed tongue that they use to keep their fur looking their best, along with removing, and digesting lose hair. Sometimes the cats own effort isn’t quite enough to keep tangles and mats at bay. This is especially true in the spring when cats tend to shed quite a bit, and if the cat is long haired. Sending your cat to a groomer can help to untangle mats, remove large quantities of lose hair while shampooing the cat to make her look and feel her best.

You’re going to pay a good amount of money in order to send your cat to the groomers, and your cat will probably not be very pleased about the whole process. There is a variety of services a groomer can do for your cat. Some groomers offer fur trims while other will shave the cats completely with the exception of the head and tail. Most groomers will give cats baths and condition their fur.

Getting the claws trimmed its a great idea, especially if you do not trim the claws on your own. You may even opt for some nail polish on those talons…

Needless to say, most cats do not enjoy this process whatsoever and will put up a fight every step of the way. After all, cats aren’t really sure what is happening when a groomer starts coming at them with water and soap, and so it’s only natural that the cats would react with fear and sometimes even with aggression.

You’ll need to find a groomer who is well versed in dealing with cats, because a dog groomer may not have the talent needed in order to finagle a cat into accepting this type of treatment. Before taking your cat to a groomer, ask about the groomer’s experience with cats and make sure that this won’t turn into a disaster. A groomer who is well versed in dealing with cats will know exactly what needs to be done and how a cat should be restrained in order to get the job done.

After you get your soft, sweet smelling cat back home she may be a bit miffed and feeling insecure. Don’t be surprised if she hides out for awhile. The beauty parlor experience can be a frightening experience for a cat.

You should also keep in mind that most cats can go their entire lives without a single visit to the groomers. Cats are usually clean creatures and do an effective job of keeping themselves tidy. If you insist on sending your cat to the groomers, however, be ready to pay quite a bit for the experience and to deal with an angry cat when it’s all over.

It is a common statement to say that you’re leaving your Ragdoll cats for the whole of summer on the purpose of spending your vacation, but it couldn’t easily be accomplished in most times. A lot of cases happened when people tried to board their Ragdoll cats for the mere purpose of vacation; and while they were out on a trip, they couldn’t simply take their minds off the little kitty.

To be able to find a good boarding place for cats means you wouldn’t be worried sick of thinking about the little cat’s condition. Inch by inch, you have to do the research plus the canvassing of cat homes so you’ll be able to find one that best suits your cat and your pockets too. The main concerns are the facility should be convenient, the cost within the budget, the staff well-trained and tuned in to cat behavior, and the surroundings clean and appropriate for groups of cats running together. Always keep in mind you will be transferring your pet in a home that is much like yours and it would be easier leaving him behind.

Boarding Places for Cats: looking a Place Like Home -

Similar to humans, cats also have the capacity to recognize and feel whether they’re in or out of their homes. They try to find for their own familiar place and be terrified when they’re being boarded on another strange territory. This is the most important basis why the owners should select a type of kennel that almost looks like their sleeping place at home. In this way, the cats are going to feel more relaxed and happy in his new but temporary surrounding.

Boarding for Cats: Choosing the Fancy Frills -

We want our loved pet to be as comfortable as possible and If you’d want to leave your cats behind and make it appear to them like their also out on a vacation, you can add some extra benefits in the boarding for cats. Some day care facilities allow cats out of their kennels for fifteen minutes of play with an employee, some has extra special compensation such as grooming, toys for the cats and a lounge area. Others even have exceptional amenities such as gift and supply shops, free examination from the vet upon entrance, and a play all day” atmosphere your Ragdoll cats would surely enjoy.

In choosing the best boarding for cats, do not limit yourselves to what the “normal” kennel has to offer. When you widen your search, you’d definitely find more interesting and exceptionally lavish benefits for your cat’s second home.

There are numerous reasons why many people consider the cat to be an ideal family pet. One of those reasons is simply that there is very little potty training involved. Get some cat litter and a litter box and you now have a pet you can keep inside with you all day.

Mother cats are great about teaching their kittens how to use a litter box. Your job is simply to make sure your cat knows where the box is located. Once he learns this, it is unlikely he’ll do his business elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some decisions for you to make. And the first one is deciding what type of litter you want to use.

If you haven’t been to the pet store recently, you may be surprised by, and even a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available to you. So let’s take a quick look at some of the more popular products.

Cost will always come into play, and clay litter is probably the cheapest you can buy. It’s also been around a very long time. But clay does present some problems. It absorbs liquids and odors, which is good, but it will need to be changed more often than most litters. Surely you don’t want your home to have that foul cat waste odor. Clay can also cause problems if your kitten has allergies. When your cat scratches in his box, the dust will fly everywhere.

The most popular litter right now is probably clumping cat litter. That’s because the litter combines with the moisture in the waste to form, as the name suggests, clumps. These clumps are easy to scoop away, meaning there is no need to change out the entire box. Once you scoop the waste, just replace the missing litter with some new litter. And the scents this litter is available in will do a decent job of hiding the smell, although it won’t get rid of the odor all together. The biggest problem with clumping litter is that some cats will actually eat the clumps. Watch your pet carefully.

Silica litters are some of the newest on the market. Silica has been used for years in the small packets you see in pill bottles or in your new pair of shoes. It’s used because it is a great moisture absorber, and silica crystals in your cat litter work much the same way. They are mixed with sand and water to easily absorb any liquids in your cat’s waste. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, and because it does not clump, it can be a bit messy. Another plus is that this litter is biodegradable, and simply returns to a sandy base when it decomposes.

Paper litter is also becoming more popular, especially among those concerned with the environment. It is made from recycled paper or pellets. It’s very absorbent, weighs very little, and of course, is also biodegradable.

Another litter that is generally biodegradable is made from wood. Pine is the preferred choice because of it’s natural odor absorbency, but other woods are used as well. All softwood litters are absorbent with natural odor control capabilities. That means no chemicals need to be added, giving you a more natural product.

Once you decide on the type of litter you want to use, your cat will undoubtedly let you know if he agrees with your selection. Some cats for example don’t like the smell of pine litter. Others won’t use silica because the crystals don’t feel good on their paws. In either case, your cat will tell you whether or not he approves by either going or not going in his box.

The key is to become as informed as possible about all the different options. Then you can make an intelligent selection. Of course you’ll still have to run it by your cat to see if he approves.