Many people have been asking about the existence of hypoallergenic cats. The truth is that there is no such thing as true hypoallergenic cats. Despite this fact, there are some that tend to be less difficult on the allergies than most others. While there is no such thing as true hypoallergenic cats, a company is claiming that they have genetically produced the first true hypoallergenic kitty. Reviews from several people are reporting that this is the case, but it will be years before most people can afford one of these.
Here are a few tips to finding cats that will not bother your allergies as much as most.
1. Get A Siberian Cat. Many experts will tell you that these cats are naturally hypoallergenic. They are great lovable cats that are prominently found in Russia, but you can get them in the United States too.
2. Bathe Your Cat Regularly. Cats hate water. They absolutely despise it. They will run around in the rain outside, but they do not want to be near any streams or lakes. Despite all of the stereotypes regarding cats and water, it is entirely possible to get one to stand in a bathtub for a bath. The cat will have much less dander and shed less if you can train them to appreciate a bath. After you have bathed your cat a few times, they will get used to this activity and will not fight you at bath time.
3. Get Any Short Haired Cat. Short haired ones tend to be closer to hypoallergenic cats than others. The hair that they shed will not show up in your carpet as much as other cats and you may find that the cat agrees with your sinuses.
4. Try to get used to the cat if you really want him. Our bodies react differently to allergies. Many people have reported that they do not have as many problems with allergies after they have been around the same cat for a few weeks. I know that this has been the case for me, as I got used to the cat that was bothering my allergies. Now he can sit on my lap every day, and I do not have any problems with him.
In the future, we will likely see more and more hypoallergenic cats as science improves. It remains to be seen if the cats genetically produced are truly hypoallergenic, but the early results appear to be promising. As these cats become a part of the cat population, it is expected that the cost of a true hypoallergenic animal will go down considerably.
If you really want a new four legged furry friend now, you should look into the options available to you today.
Minggu, 30 Juli 2017
Minggu, 23 Juli 2017
Natural Flea Control for Cats - Easy Solutions and Surprising Facts
It's hard enough to figure out a good natural flea control method, but when you factor in special risks to cats, it really gets challenging. Let me make it easy for you! I've done a great deal of homework and experimentation so you don't have to.
Surprising facts about flea control and cats
Does your cat hate getting a chemical flea treatment? Do you worry about the safety of flea treatments? You are not alone.
Even the EPA has started questioning the safety of chemical flea treatments.
Even the product manufacturers will tell you not to use chemical flea treatments on animals who are ill or elderly, but so often our dear animals don't show they are ill until it's too late. The flea treatment could really cause serious damage if their immune system is compromised by something else.
Only recently has it come to light that a couple of popular natural flea remedies are also toxic to cats in particular. I'm referring to garlic and to essential oils.
Why cats have special needs when it comes to flea control
It has only recently come to light that cats actually lack the ability to detoxify the compounds in essential oils (and undoubtedly many other less natural products).
It turns out cats are deficient in an enzyme called glucuronyl tranferases, which is essential to a detoxification process called glucuronidation. Glucuronidation is what most animals, including humans, use to safely process things like the terpenes in essential oils.
This means that components of essential oils can rapidly build up in cats bodies and become toxic to them. Essential oils appear to be toxic to cats through skin, internal use, and maybe even through breathing. You can imagine that other chemicals are likely to be even harder for them to detoxify.
Easy natural flea repellent solutions for cats
I stumbled on the B-vitamin method long ago and, to my surprise, it worked. Many years ago I was giving my cat a B-vitamin tablet made for pets and she didn't get fleas even though another cat in the house had them!
The product we were using at the time doesn't exist anymore, but I found a new one that I'm even more excited about because they get good reviews and have a money-back guarantee. It's called Flea Treats and you can order it online or get it at holistic pet food stores. Flea Treats are easy to use because most cats love the taste. Just give it to them with their food each day - especially during flea seasons -- and the repellent ability kicks in about 10 days later.
I can also recommend brewer's yeast as a nice B-vitamin repellent. (In case you are wondering, I do not sell Flea Treats!) Just be very careful not to give cats any brewer's yeast that includes extra iron or additives. That could be toxic. The only really "clean" brewer's yeast I've found for cats so far is Lewis Labs Brewer's Yeast. Mix 1 teaspoon in food per day, at least during flea seasons.
If you are in the middle of a flea outbreak right now!
If in the middle of a flea outbreak, do start the B-vitamin method, but it takes about 10 days to start repelling fleas so you're going to need something more.
Here's what to do:
1. Get that B-vitamin method going.
2. Put a flea trap in one or two infested places. (These are usually dark places.)
Flea traps are cheap and easy and they really do catch fleas. You can get a good one for less than $15 online or make your own by putting a soapy pan of water under a desk lamp on the floor at night.
3. Get a flea comb (inexpensive at pet stores or online) and comb your cat daily until you no longer see fleas or flea eggs on the comb. Each time you catch fleas or flea eggs in the comb, dip it in some warm natural soapy water and wipe the comb off thoroughly.
After about 10 days the B-vitamins will start making your cat unattractive to the fleas, and many fleas will be already be eliminated by the combing and trapping. Any straggling fleas, including any new hatchlings, will find their way out of the building because they need food.
Surprising facts about flea control and cats
Does your cat hate getting a chemical flea treatment? Do you worry about the safety of flea treatments? You are not alone.
Even the EPA has started questioning the safety of chemical flea treatments.
Even the product manufacturers will tell you not to use chemical flea treatments on animals who are ill or elderly, but so often our dear animals don't show they are ill until it's too late. The flea treatment could really cause serious damage if their immune system is compromised by something else.
Only recently has it come to light that a couple of popular natural flea remedies are also toxic to cats in particular. I'm referring to garlic and to essential oils.
Why cats have special needs when it comes to flea control
It has only recently come to light that cats actually lack the ability to detoxify the compounds in essential oils (and undoubtedly many other less natural products).
It turns out cats are deficient in an enzyme called glucuronyl tranferases, which is essential to a detoxification process called glucuronidation. Glucuronidation is what most animals, including humans, use to safely process things like the terpenes in essential oils.
This means that components of essential oils can rapidly build up in cats bodies and become toxic to them. Essential oils appear to be toxic to cats through skin, internal use, and maybe even through breathing. You can imagine that other chemicals are likely to be even harder for them to detoxify.
Easy natural flea repellent solutions for cats
I stumbled on the B-vitamin method long ago and, to my surprise, it worked. Many years ago I was giving my cat a B-vitamin tablet made for pets and she didn't get fleas even though another cat in the house had them!
The product we were using at the time doesn't exist anymore, but I found a new one that I'm even more excited about because they get good reviews and have a money-back guarantee. It's called Flea Treats and you can order it online or get it at holistic pet food stores. Flea Treats are easy to use because most cats love the taste. Just give it to them with their food each day - especially during flea seasons -- and the repellent ability kicks in about 10 days later.
I can also recommend brewer's yeast as a nice B-vitamin repellent. (In case you are wondering, I do not sell Flea Treats!) Just be very careful not to give cats any brewer's yeast that includes extra iron or additives. That could be toxic. The only really "clean" brewer's yeast I've found for cats so far is Lewis Labs Brewer's Yeast. Mix 1 teaspoon in food per day, at least during flea seasons.
If you are in the middle of a flea outbreak right now!
If in the middle of a flea outbreak, do start the B-vitamin method, but it takes about 10 days to start repelling fleas so you're going to need something more.
Here's what to do:
1. Get that B-vitamin method going.
2. Put a flea trap in one or two infested places. (These are usually dark places.)
Flea traps are cheap and easy and they really do catch fleas. You can get a good one for less than $15 online or make your own by putting a soapy pan of water under a desk lamp on the floor at night.
3. Get a flea comb (inexpensive at pet stores or online) and comb your cat daily until you no longer see fleas or flea eggs on the comb. Each time you catch fleas or flea eggs in the comb, dip it in some warm natural soapy water and wipe the comb off thoroughly.
After about 10 days the B-vitamins will start making your cat unattractive to the fleas, and many fleas will be already be eliminated by the combing and trapping. Any straggling fleas, including any new hatchlings, will find their way out of the building because they need food.
Minggu, 16 Juli 2017
Cheap Cat Insurance - Get The Truth
Everyone's being wisely practical these days, to the point of taking each and every necessary expenditure and cross checking it against cheaper options. The same is true for insurance, for you, your family members, and your pets. You never know when unforeseen situations may occur, like an accident or a medical condition can develop in your beloved feline, right? Thus, cheap cat insurance is a must. After all, you can spend as much as 40% of all your veterinary bills on these sudden and unfortunate events. It would be very sound to insure your fur ball so you'll still be financially stable throughout the ordeal of veterinary treatment.
Luckily for you, you can do research about cheap cat insurance right in your own home through the World Wide Web. There is a variety of numerous cheap cat insurance sites or website advising and quoting cheap cat insurance that can help you with your hunt. These sites can help you in a lot of ways. They also offer some advice and tips for pets other than cats.
On the internet, there are virtual databases of pet insurance advice and basics. Here you can read about the whys and hows of pet insurance, and get online quotes and even comparisons of these quotes. You can even compare the top insurers of the country there. You can also read up on actual consumer opinions regarding insurers. People who visit the site are asked to share their own experiences with their insurers at their own discretion, and reviews are double checked for any promotional content that is biased towards any insurer. Here's where you get real advice from real people who've been there and experienced it themselves. Some sites also have supporting features like a facility for getting free quotes online as well as comparing the coverage and the rates of insurers. All in all, this is a great place to start hunting for the ideal pet insurance company where you can get cheap cat insurance.
Luckily for you, you can do research about cheap cat insurance right in your own home through the World Wide Web. There is a variety of numerous cheap cat insurance sites or website advising and quoting cheap cat insurance that can help you with your hunt. These sites can help you in a lot of ways. They also offer some advice and tips for pets other than cats.
On the internet, there are virtual databases of pet insurance advice and basics. Here you can read about the whys and hows of pet insurance, and get online quotes and even comparisons of these quotes. You can even compare the top insurers of the country there. You can also read up on actual consumer opinions regarding insurers. People who visit the site are asked to share their own experiences with their insurers at their own discretion, and reviews are double checked for any promotional content that is biased towards any insurer. Here's where you get real advice from real people who've been there and experienced it themselves. Some sites also have supporting features like a facility for getting free quotes online as well as comparing the coverage and the rates of insurers. All in all, this is a great place to start hunting for the ideal pet insurance company where you can get cheap cat insurance.
Minggu, 09 Juli 2017
Cat Care - How to Treat a Flea Problem
Treating a flea problem on your cat or in your home is far more simple than you might have imagined and with a couple of tips and some sound advice I can help you get them gone very quickly and easily which can only be a good thing.
Believe it or not you are not the alone in searching for information on getting rid of animal fleas or treating a flea problem. These nasty little parasites are far more of a nuisance than anybody likes to think about but, let us be honest here who wants to broadcast the fact that they are having to deal with them?
So, tip one is very simple do not panic. I know it might all seem a bit overwhelming when you are in the middle of an infestation due to your lovely cat bringing them home and it can be pretty alarming when you look at the sheer numbers involved but once you start your mission on killing them in the right way you will soon be flea free.
When it comes to cat care and flea problems it is important to take a few factors into question prior to taking any action, after all you would not want to put your cats health at risk. For this reason I would not recommend using any of the highly publicised animal treatments such as chemical collars or drops.
The fact is that in some cases there have been some pretty nasty reactions and we are not trying to add to the cats or your problems here, but instead resolving your poor cat's uncomfortable situation while eradicating the problem from your home as well.
For this reason tip two involves using a flea trap to sort out your problem very quickly and efficiently and if you look at reviews it is easy to see why they are an extremely popular way and one of the top methods of dealing with fleas and eradicating them for good.
They may look like a very innocent piece of plastic but their innocence and simplicity hides the fact that they are very good at what they are designed for and that my friend is getting your flea problem gone.
How do they work? Put very simply, they mimic a fleas food source (in this case your cat) very effectively by emitting enough warmth and vibration (and sometimes light depending on the make and model you decide on) to fool your nasty little visitors into thinking that dinner is nearby.
The fleas are lured to the trap and fall either through a grid onto a sticky capture pad or directly onto the pad itself never to bother you again.
One of the biggest comments that you see come up time and again has to be the fact that because you can see the very visible results, from a psychological viewpoint it is really reassuring to know that you are dealing with them so quickly and are winning the war against them.
Also, and pretty importantly, they are environmentally friendly and pose no threat or danger to you, your family or any pets of your own that you may have either.
Tip three is to look online to give yourself the best chance in caring for your cat and getting rid of his or her fleas whilst cleansing the home of them too. You can take advantage of a good selection and choice of flea traps and other products to sort them out really quickly and all very economically too.
Believe it or not you are not the alone in searching for information on getting rid of animal fleas or treating a flea problem. These nasty little parasites are far more of a nuisance than anybody likes to think about but, let us be honest here who wants to broadcast the fact that they are having to deal with them?
So, tip one is very simple do not panic. I know it might all seem a bit overwhelming when you are in the middle of an infestation due to your lovely cat bringing them home and it can be pretty alarming when you look at the sheer numbers involved but once you start your mission on killing them in the right way you will soon be flea free.
When it comes to cat care and flea problems it is important to take a few factors into question prior to taking any action, after all you would not want to put your cats health at risk. For this reason I would not recommend using any of the highly publicised animal treatments such as chemical collars or drops.
The fact is that in some cases there have been some pretty nasty reactions and we are not trying to add to the cats or your problems here, but instead resolving your poor cat's uncomfortable situation while eradicating the problem from your home as well.
For this reason tip two involves using a flea trap to sort out your problem very quickly and efficiently and if you look at reviews it is easy to see why they are an extremely popular way and one of the top methods of dealing with fleas and eradicating them for good.
They may look like a very innocent piece of plastic but their innocence and simplicity hides the fact that they are very good at what they are designed for and that my friend is getting your flea problem gone.
How do they work? Put very simply, they mimic a fleas food source (in this case your cat) very effectively by emitting enough warmth and vibration (and sometimes light depending on the make and model you decide on) to fool your nasty little visitors into thinking that dinner is nearby.
The fleas are lured to the trap and fall either through a grid onto a sticky capture pad or directly onto the pad itself never to bother you again.
One of the biggest comments that you see come up time and again has to be the fact that because you can see the very visible results, from a psychological viewpoint it is really reassuring to know that you are dealing with them so quickly and are winning the war against them.
Also, and pretty importantly, they are environmentally friendly and pose no threat or danger to you, your family or any pets of your own that you may have either.
Tip three is to look online to give yourself the best chance in caring for your cat and getting rid of his or her fleas whilst cleansing the home of them too. You can take advantage of a good selection and choice of flea traps and other products to sort them out really quickly and all very economically too.
Minggu, 02 Juli 2017
Cat Stroller - Fun Outside With Your Kitty
A cat stroller comes in many styles and colors to pick from. You should make sure to pick the right stroller depending on the features you find important. Many pet owners look for a rugged front wheel suspension that can ensure a smooth ride for your pet.
The stroller should also be made of durable material and water proof. It is important to consider ventilation issues of the stroller to be sure that your pet will get the optimum air flow that it needs. Good ventilation will also prevent bugs from bothering your pet. Also look for pockets and storage areas in your stroller, as these are very handy for treats, bowls and other pet necessities during those long walks with your pet.
Cat lovers can easily take a walk with their pets using these strollers, since it is light weight and therefore easy to push without much effort. Some strollers have convenient entrance and exit access for their pets. Most are foldable for easy storage and some even have cup holders and lower storage bins for easy access and convenience for the pet owners possessions.
Having a stroller for your cat is fun and very functional to have, however, you must first get your pet acclimated to the new device. One way to do this is to place treats inside the stroller to lure in your cat and while it is eating the treats in the stroller, stroke her and give her assurance. Place your cat often in the stroller even if you are not going to use it so that she will get used to it and see it as a positive experience. Before you know it, you'll be walking around the park and enjoying the sun and breeze with your cat safely and happily along with you.
Some tips that you should not forget when using your new cat stroller is to always bring water for both you and your pet and do not feed your cat anything new from outside. Always have a name tag on your cat just in case she jumps out of the stroller unexpectedly and never leave your cat unattended. A cat stroller is a very convenient and fun to have, as it will give you more time with your cat outside your home and you can even easily bring your pet with you when you are traveling.
The stroller should also be made of durable material and water proof. It is important to consider ventilation issues of the stroller to be sure that your pet will get the optimum air flow that it needs. Good ventilation will also prevent bugs from bothering your pet. Also look for pockets and storage areas in your stroller, as these are very handy for treats, bowls and other pet necessities during those long walks with your pet.
Cat lovers can easily take a walk with their pets using these strollers, since it is light weight and therefore easy to push without much effort. Some strollers have convenient entrance and exit access for their pets. Most are foldable for easy storage and some even have cup holders and lower storage bins for easy access and convenience for the pet owners possessions.
Having a stroller for your cat is fun and very functional to have, however, you must first get your pet acclimated to the new device. One way to do this is to place treats inside the stroller to lure in your cat and while it is eating the treats in the stroller, stroke her and give her assurance. Place your cat often in the stroller even if you are not going to use it so that she will get used to it and see it as a positive experience. Before you know it, you'll be walking around the park and enjoying the sun and breeze with your cat safely and happily along with you.
Some tips that you should not forget when using your new cat stroller is to always bring water for both you and your pet and do not feed your cat anything new from outside. Always have a name tag on your cat just in case she jumps out of the stroller unexpectedly and never leave your cat unattended. A cat stroller is a very convenient and fun to have, as it will give you more time with your cat outside your home and you can even easily bring your pet with you when you are traveling.
Minggu, 25 Juni 2017
Tips for Choosing the Right Cat Boarding Kennel
Pet lovers dread the thought of leaving a cat behind while going out of town. Although cats do relatively well for several days alone as long as they have plenty of food and water, there is always a concern of something horrible happening. To put a person's mind at ease, putting a cat in a boarding kennel is an option to consider. Of course, there are both good and bad kennels, which is why it is so important for a person to know what to look for when making the selection.
Cat boarding services are available throughout the country, even in smaller towns. While some kennels are privately owned businesses others are services provided by veterinarian clinics. Regardless of which option a person feels more comfortable with or the exact option available, it is still important to choose wisely. With the following tips, choosing cat boarding services would be easier.
Inspections
As a pet owner, an individual has the right and responsibility to check out a facility before leaving a pet in the care of another person. The following are some of the specific things a reputable kennel should provide specifically for the care of cats.
Individual living/sleep space
Solid dividers between cat kennels to prevent the spread of disease
Special area away from other pets for sick animals
Adequate ventilation, as well as natural sunlight
Fresh food and water daily
Safe and functioning heat and cooling systems
If an outdoor area is available, this area should protect against harsh sunlight, heat, cold, wind, rain, and even snow
Security for each kennel but also the facility overall
Strict regulations regarding acceptance of animals that are up-to-date on all required vaccinations
Clean and safe areas to prevent potential injury
Selecting the best cat boarding facility can be challenging, which is why inspecting several ahead of time is so important. During the visit, a person would have the opportunity to look around but also ask questions. Usually, a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker could offer suggestions but if not, information about qualified kennels can be found through a local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, and other trusted sources.
Importance of Cleanliness
Although there are several things to look for, cleanliness speaks volume. Therefore, the premises inside and outside should be tidy and properly maintained, walls nicely painted, no signs of mold, mildew or deterioration, and animal's bowls filled with fresh food and water. Even the smell of a kennel would be a telltale sign. While eliminating all pet odors would be impossible, the facility should never have an overwhelming odor.
On a final note, it would be important to develop a good rapport with the owner of the cat boarding kennel but also staff members. Information should be exchanged in case of questions or an emergency so either party could get in touch if needed. Good planning is essential when choosing a kennel but by looking at several options, asking for references, reading reviews, and actually walking through facilities a cat owner would be able to identify the right place.
Cat boarding services are available throughout the country, even in smaller towns. While some kennels are privately owned businesses others are services provided by veterinarian clinics. Regardless of which option a person feels more comfortable with or the exact option available, it is still important to choose wisely. With the following tips, choosing cat boarding services would be easier.
Inspections
As a pet owner, an individual has the right and responsibility to check out a facility before leaving a pet in the care of another person. The following are some of the specific things a reputable kennel should provide specifically for the care of cats.
Individual living/sleep space
Solid dividers between cat kennels to prevent the spread of disease
Special area away from other pets for sick animals
Adequate ventilation, as well as natural sunlight
Fresh food and water daily
Safe and functioning heat and cooling systems
If an outdoor area is available, this area should protect against harsh sunlight, heat, cold, wind, rain, and even snow
Security for each kennel but also the facility overall
Strict regulations regarding acceptance of animals that are up-to-date on all required vaccinations
Clean and safe areas to prevent potential injury
Selecting the best cat boarding facility can be challenging, which is why inspecting several ahead of time is so important. During the visit, a person would have the opportunity to look around but also ask questions. Usually, a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker could offer suggestions but if not, information about qualified kennels can be found through a local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, and other trusted sources.
Importance of Cleanliness
Although there are several things to look for, cleanliness speaks volume. Therefore, the premises inside and outside should be tidy and properly maintained, walls nicely painted, no signs of mold, mildew or deterioration, and animal's bowls filled with fresh food and water. Even the smell of a kennel would be a telltale sign. While eliminating all pet odors would be impossible, the facility should never have an overwhelming odor.
On a final note, it would be important to develop a good rapport with the owner of the cat boarding kennel but also staff members. Information should be exchanged in case of questions or an emergency so either party could get in touch if needed. Good planning is essential when choosing a kennel but by looking at several options, asking for references, reading reviews, and actually walking through facilities a cat owner would be able to identify the right place.
Minggu, 18 Juni 2017
Choosing the Right Cat Furniture for You and Your Cat
Cats are unique and have their own distinct personalities. However, they all share one common characteristic. All cats need their own comfort zone and cat furniture can provide that special place for them.
When deciding on what type of furniture to buy for your cat, take a close look at your cat's personality and lifestyle. Is your cat and indoor cat or an outdoor cat? Does your cat like to be secluded or out in the open? Does your cat prefer heights, or does he or she prefer to be near the ground? Is your cat a climber?
What are your preferences? Do you want the furniture to also provide your cat with activity, or do you simply want to provide them with a place to lounge? Do you care if your cat's furniture blends in with your decor, or is your cat's comfort all that matters? The number of cats in your home will also factor into how large or small your cat tree should be.
If you have an outdoor cat, the amount of activity the cat furniture can provide isn't as big of an issue as it is for indoor only cats. Outdoor cats should be getting plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity during his or her time out of the house. A simple place to lounge or even just a cat bed may be all your outdoor cat needs for their comfort zone.
However, if your cat doesn't leave the house, you may want to find a cat furniture model that can also stimulate your cat with some activity. Look for furniture with sisal covered scratching surfaces as all cats like to scratch. The sisal can be either rope or fabric and the scratching surface can be a board or a post. If your cat likes to climb, a scratching post is preferable to a board and it should be at least 32" high. The sisal post can be integrated into the furniture as a support post or it can be a stand alone, replaceable post. If you have a preference for a piece of furniture that doesn't include scratching surfaces, they can also be purchased as stand alone items. However, you'll probably end up paying more buying them "a la carte".
Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money if your cat likes both heights and seclusion. Several carpeted cat tree manufacturers provide enclosures near the top of the tree. These cat trees are quite large and can be a bit pricey. Large carpeted trees can also provide additional play activity with stuffed cat toys dangling from various tiers. When shopping for this type of tree, take special care to ensure that the base is large enough to prevent the tree from tipping, as they tend to be top heavy.
If the carpeted towers aren't your taste, there are several uncarpeted options from which you can choose. Because these trees are not carpeted, they are constructed from either higher quality, aesthetically pleasing materials or natural tree branches. Uncarpeted tree manufacturers don't use OSB or particle board as their primary material, therefore their material cost is higher than their carpeted counterparts. That is why many of the uncarpeted trees are more expensive than a carpeted tree of similar size. One nice advantage that the uncarpeted trees have to offer is that most manufacturers offer replacement wear surfaces. The wear surfaces are the areas that the cat lounges on or scratches. This can greatly increase the life of the uncarpeted furniture versus the life of their carpeted counterparts.
No matter what type of cat tree you decide to purchase, there are some common issues to be aware of. Make sure the tiers are comfortably spaced for your cat or cats. A vertical tier height spacing from 18" to 22" is ideal for most house cats. It gives them plenty of head clearance when they occupy the lower tier and allows them to place their paws on the higher tier before making the jump up. Pay as much attention to the size of the tiers as the quantity. A tree with large tiers can actually hold as many, or more cats, than a tree with more, but smaller tiers. As mentioned before, a large, stable base is essential.
If the furniture you are interested in buying is constructed with OSB, particle board, or MDF, be sure the material came from a Carb Certified Manufacturer. This ensures the material is free from potential formaldehyde emissions. Also, make sure the adhesives used are free from any dangerous toxins. Finally, make sure that there are no staples used on any of the exposed surfaces.
You may want to check to see if the furniture your are interested in has won any awards or other recognition for quality and innovation. Cat Fancy's Editors' Choice Awards are a good place to start. "The (Cat Fancy) editors are looking for innovative products that reflect quality, creativity and originality, and fill a need in the market. Safety and functionality are essential." The Catnip Newsletter (published by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine) does monthly product reviews, and is another good resource. Catnip does not accept advertising, so their reviews are considered to by 100% unbiased.
There are more cat furniture choices available now than ever before and you can spend as much or as little as you like. Many models cost hundreds of dollars, so make sure to do your research before you decide which cat tower is right for you and your cats. If you have questions or concerns, don't be afraid to call or email the manufacturer.
When deciding on what type of furniture to buy for your cat, take a close look at your cat's personality and lifestyle. Is your cat and indoor cat or an outdoor cat? Does your cat like to be secluded or out in the open? Does your cat prefer heights, or does he or she prefer to be near the ground? Is your cat a climber?
What are your preferences? Do you want the furniture to also provide your cat with activity, or do you simply want to provide them with a place to lounge? Do you care if your cat's furniture blends in with your decor, or is your cat's comfort all that matters? The number of cats in your home will also factor into how large or small your cat tree should be.
If you have an outdoor cat, the amount of activity the cat furniture can provide isn't as big of an issue as it is for indoor only cats. Outdoor cats should be getting plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity during his or her time out of the house. A simple place to lounge or even just a cat bed may be all your outdoor cat needs for their comfort zone.
However, if your cat doesn't leave the house, you may want to find a cat furniture model that can also stimulate your cat with some activity. Look for furniture with sisal covered scratching surfaces as all cats like to scratch. The sisal can be either rope or fabric and the scratching surface can be a board or a post. If your cat likes to climb, a scratching post is preferable to a board and it should be at least 32" high. The sisal post can be integrated into the furniture as a support post or it can be a stand alone, replaceable post. If you have a preference for a piece of furniture that doesn't include scratching surfaces, they can also be purchased as stand alone items. However, you'll probably end up paying more buying them "a la carte".
Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money if your cat likes both heights and seclusion. Several carpeted cat tree manufacturers provide enclosures near the top of the tree. These cat trees are quite large and can be a bit pricey. Large carpeted trees can also provide additional play activity with stuffed cat toys dangling from various tiers. When shopping for this type of tree, take special care to ensure that the base is large enough to prevent the tree from tipping, as they tend to be top heavy.
If the carpeted towers aren't your taste, there are several uncarpeted options from which you can choose. Because these trees are not carpeted, they are constructed from either higher quality, aesthetically pleasing materials or natural tree branches. Uncarpeted tree manufacturers don't use OSB or particle board as their primary material, therefore their material cost is higher than their carpeted counterparts. That is why many of the uncarpeted trees are more expensive than a carpeted tree of similar size. One nice advantage that the uncarpeted trees have to offer is that most manufacturers offer replacement wear surfaces. The wear surfaces are the areas that the cat lounges on or scratches. This can greatly increase the life of the uncarpeted furniture versus the life of their carpeted counterparts.
No matter what type of cat tree you decide to purchase, there are some common issues to be aware of. Make sure the tiers are comfortably spaced for your cat or cats. A vertical tier height spacing from 18" to 22" is ideal for most house cats. It gives them plenty of head clearance when they occupy the lower tier and allows them to place their paws on the higher tier before making the jump up. Pay as much attention to the size of the tiers as the quantity. A tree with large tiers can actually hold as many, or more cats, than a tree with more, but smaller tiers. As mentioned before, a large, stable base is essential.
If the furniture you are interested in buying is constructed with OSB, particle board, or MDF, be sure the material came from a Carb Certified Manufacturer. This ensures the material is free from potential formaldehyde emissions. Also, make sure the adhesives used are free from any dangerous toxins. Finally, make sure that there are no staples used on any of the exposed surfaces.
You may want to check to see if the furniture your are interested in has won any awards or other recognition for quality and innovation. Cat Fancy's Editors' Choice Awards are a good place to start. "The (Cat Fancy) editors are looking for innovative products that reflect quality, creativity and originality, and fill a need in the market. Safety and functionality are essential." The Catnip Newsletter (published by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine) does monthly product reviews, and is another good resource. Catnip does not accept advertising, so their reviews are considered to by 100% unbiased.
There are more cat furniture choices available now than ever before and you can spend as much or as little as you like. Many models cost hundreds of dollars, so make sure to do your research before you decide which cat tower is right for you and your cats. If you have questions or concerns, don't be afraid to call or email the manufacturer.
Minggu, 11 Juni 2017
Automatic Cat Feeders: How To Avoid The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Buying One
Automatic cat feeders are a very good solution for feeding our pets when we are not home or when we are too busy to take care of that task on a daily basis. They are great for us and our pets but buying an automatic cat feeder for the first time can be challenging and a big headache if you ignore some important factors before making any purchase. Believe me; some people have learned this lesson the hard way by buying several automatic feeders, one after another to find out that none of them were a good solution for their cats.
You can avoid wasting time and money by keeping the following factors in mind before buying any automatic pet feeder:
1. Price is not a good indicator of high quality
Some high-priced automatic cat feeders are excellent and are worth the money you pay for them, but on the other hand you can find expensive automatic feeders on the market that are cheap made and not a solution at all for you and your cat. If you want to do a good buy try not to consider the price as a buying criterion. It is recommended to investigate customer reviews and quality of the materials as well. Sometimes "All that glitters is not gold".
2. Automatic pet feeders perform differently depending on pellet sizes
If you feed your cat with small pellet size (1/4" diameter) and you need your cat to eat small portions of food at a time you have to keep in mind that not all automatic pet feeders will accomplish this. Some devices perform better with small kibbles because they are designed with a roller and baffle system which allows them to push the food out in small amounts of food at a time. However, there are other types of automatic feeders that work with a screw system to dispense the food and they perform better with big pellet sizes (1/2" diameter) to release small and specific amounts of food at a time to make a feeding schedule for your cat.
3. It is not a good idea to buy the automatic pet feeder just days before you leave on a trip
Automatic cat feeders were created for us to feed our pets when not being home so it makes sense to buy one if we want to go on a trip, but in order to leave our cat alone with an automatic solution we must go through a learning curve experience before. This is very important because as you use this new device you learn eventually some fails, how to fix them, how your cat behaves with it, etc. And this process takes longer than just a few days, this takes at least 3 weeks before you can leave your pet alone at home and being confident it will get fed on time. Several issues could happen if you don't test the new device enough, some of them are:
Batteries not lasting as they suppose to and the unit might stop working.
If it works with an AC adapter, your cat might unplug it while walking around.
The first week could go smoothly but the following days your cat could break into the feeder and tip it over or figure out a way to gorge itself eating all the food at once.
The automatic feeder might jump one feeding cycle while you are away because you missed some instruction when programming it.
Incidents like this could happen when your experience with the new automatic feeder is not long enough to detect them on time and fix them.
4. Cats are very versatile animals
With some good exceptions, it seems like human being cannot keep up with cat's versatility when it comes to create automatic feeders. You can buy the best one on the market but there is not foolproof automatic cat feeder if your cat is smart enough or very determined to get extra food from it.
Before buying an automatic feeder for your pet, keep in mind that there is a real risk of your cat trying to break into the feeder. Usually, cats are very obsessed with food and you will have to teach your pet to respect the automatic feeder from the outset and discourage it from trying to break into it.
There are breeds like the Bengal or Siamese that could more likely try to manipulate the unit to get extra food from it, but this isn't 100% true either because all cats have their individual personalities. You better than anyone knows how your cat is. To give you an idea, if your cat is smart enough to open doors or manipulate things in general with its paws, then you need to get an automatic feeder with extra protection. Fortunately, there is one brand on the market that is foolproof for very smart and versatile cats.
5. Some automatic pet feeders do not offer good warranty
This is the last factor and the most important. Some automatic feeders offer very limited warranties that are not long enough. Make sure the automatic feeder has at least a one-year warranty before buying it.
Finally, it is highly recommended to ask a friend to check on your cat every other day or so to make sure your pet will be OK.
You can avoid wasting time and money by keeping the following factors in mind before buying any automatic pet feeder:
1. Price is not a good indicator of high quality
Some high-priced automatic cat feeders are excellent and are worth the money you pay for them, but on the other hand you can find expensive automatic feeders on the market that are cheap made and not a solution at all for you and your cat. If you want to do a good buy try not to consider the price as a buying criterion. It is recommended to investigate customer reviews and quality of the materials as well. Sometimes "All that glitters is not gold".
2. Automatic pet feeders perform differently depending on pellet sizes
If you feed your cat with small pellet size (1/4" diameter) and you need your cat to eat small portions of food at a time you have to keep in mind that not all automatic pet feeders will accomplish this. Some devices perform better with small kibbles because they are designed with a roller and baffle system which allows them to push the food out in small amounts of food at a time. However, there are other types of automatic feeders that work with a screw system to dispense the food and they perform better with big pellet sizes (1/2" diameter) to release small and specific amounts of food at a time to make a feeding schedule for your cat.
3. It is not a good idea to buy the automatic pet feeder just days before you leave on a trip
Automatic cat feeders were created for us to feed our pets when not being home so it makes sense to buy one if we want to go on a trip, but in order to leave our cat alone with an automatic solution we must go through a learning curve experience before. This is very important because as you use this new device you learn eventually some fails, how to fix them, how your cat behaves with it, etc. And this process takes longer than just a few days, this takes at least 3 weeks before you can leave your pet alone at home and being confident it will get fed on time. Several issues could happen if you don't test the new device enough, some of them are:
Batteries not lasting as they suppose to and the unit might stop working.
If it works with an AC adapter, your cat might unplug it while walking around.
The first week could go smoothly but the following days your cat could break into the feeder and tip it over or figure out a way to gorge itself eating all the food at once.
The automatic feeder might jump one feeding cycle while you are away because you missed some instruction when programming it.
Incidents like this could happen when your experience with the new automatic feeder is not long enough to detect them on time and fix them.
4. Cats are very versatile animals
With some good exceptions, it seems like human being cannot keep up with cat's versatility when it comes to create automatic feeders. You can buy the best one on the market but there is not foolproof automatic cat feeder if your cat is smart enough or very determined to get extra food from it.
Before buying an automatic feeder for your pet, keep in mind that there is a real risk of your cat trying to break into the feeder. Usually, cats are very obsessed with food and you will have to teach your pet to respect the automatic feeder from the outset and discourage it from trying to break into it.
There are breeds like the Bengal or Siamese that could more likely try to manipulate the unit to get extra food from it, but this isn't 100% true either because all cats have their individual personalities. You better than anyone knows how your cat is. To give you an idea, if your cat is smart enough to open doors or manipulate things in general with its paws, then you need to get an automatic feeder with extra protection. Fortunately, there is one brand on the market that is foolproof for very smart and versatile cats.
5. Some automatic pet feeders do not offer good warranty
This is the last factor and the most important. Some automatic feeders offer very limited warranties that are not long enough. Make sure the automatic feeder has at least a one-year warranty before buying it.
Finally, it is highly recommended to ask a friend to check on your cat every other day or so to make sure your pet will be OK.
Sabtu, 03 Juni 2017
Cat Food Reviews for Overweight Cats: Tips to Help You
It seems we are seeing more and more overweight cats for whatever reason. I'm not the only one who has noticed this, believe me. Cat food companies are seeing this and have already determined that there is huge potential to make money off of it. Now, all over you see specially marked cat food indicated as 'diet food' or 'low carbohydrate' food. They can mark it that way all they want, but it doesn't guarantee that the ingredients are all that different or healthy.
There are many ways to review cat foods to determine what are the healthy, legit brands and those that are not. For overweight cats, these two sections that follow are important to comprehend if you want to pick out a cat food that may help your furry little friend lose weight.
Guaranteed Analysis
This little box of percentages and numbers can be so important, yet overlooked quite often. This isn't the be all and end all of counts, as it is usually inaccurate. It will, however, give you an idea of the protein, fat, and carbohydrate percentages found in the food you are interested in. Let me explain: I have a can of wet cat food and it states that the crude fat minimum percentage is 9%. Now, it is the MINIMUM percentage. Who knows what the maximum is? To really know what the maximum is, you'd have to get into contact with the manufacturer. Anyways, the minimum will tell you that at the very least your cat is getting that much fat source.
So after I do calculations on the guaranteed analysis section I find that the 9% translates into 39.1% fat. This is a good indication for me to know how much percentage of the food is a fat source. I can do the same for protein and carbohydrates, and then I have a better understanding of what my cat is putting into his/her body.
The Ingredients
One of the important aspects to look at is the ingredients listed. Say we looked at the guaranteed analysis section and we feel that the carbohydrate, protein, and fat counts are where they should be. Next step is to see where these sources are coming from. Are these sources coming from high quality, real meat sources? Or are they coming from sources such as 'by-products' or plant based sources? This difference will help you determine if your cat will be able to efficiently digest the food and use it appropriately.
Plant based sources are difficult for your cat to digest. Think of it as feeding your cat McDonalds every day. Over time, that stuff is going to store up in the form of fat and then you will notice that your cat has gained weight. So then you are wondering 'well, the carbohydrate levels are normal I don't know what happened.' What happened was, as mentioned, these carbohydrate sources are difficult, thus slower, to digest. Real meat sources are what cats, by nature, are used to. So make sure that these meat sources are listed and listed close to the top.
As you can probably see, it is a little tricky to determine what exactly is in these so called 'diet' foods. A diet food can be low in carbohydrates, yet still be high in calories and vice versa. There are cat food review tools and programs out there that can assist you and help you determine what would be the right food to give your cat. As with anything though, becoming more knowledgeable and committed to the topic is the most important aspect in helping your cat lose weight.
There are many ways to review cat foods to determine what are the healthy, legit brands and those that are not. For overweight cats, these two sections that follow are important to comprehend if you want to pick out a cat food that may help your furry little friend lose weight.
Guaranteed Analysis
This little box of percentages and numbers can be so important, yet overlooked quite often. This isn't the be all and end all of counts, as it is usually inaccurate. It will, however, give you an idea of the protein, fat, and carbohydrate percentages found in the food you are interested in. Let me explain: I have a can of wet cat food and it states that the crude fat minimum percentage is 9%. Now, it is the MINIMUM percentage. Who knows what the maximum is? To really know what the maximum is, you'd have to get into contact with the manufacturer. Anyways, the minimum will tell you that at the very least your cat is getting that much fat source.
So after I do calculations on the guaranteed analysis section I find that the 9% translates into 39.1% fat. This is a good indication for me to know how much percentage of the food is a fat source. I can do the same for protein and carbohydrates, and then I have a better understanding of what my cat is putting into his/her body.
The Ingredients
One of the important aspects to look at is the ingredients listed. Say we looked at the guaranteed analysis section and we feel that the carbohydrate, protein, and fat counts are where they should be. Next step is to see where these sources are coming from. Are these sources coming from high quality, real meat sources? Or are they coming from sources such as 'by-products' or plant based sources? This difference will help you determine if your cat will be able to efficiently digest the food and use it appropriately.
Plant based sources are difficult for your cat to digest. Think of it as feeding your cat McDonalds every day. Over time, that stuff is going to store up in the form of fat and then you will notice that your cat has gained weight. So then you are wondering 'well, the carbohydrate levels are normal I don't know what happened.' What happened was, as mentioned, these carbohydrate sources are difficult, thus slower, to digest. Real meat sources are what cats, by nature, are used to. So make sure that these meat sources are listed and listed close to the top.
As you can probably see, it is a little tricky to determine what exactly is in these so called 'diet' foods. A diet food can be low in carbohydrates, yet still be high in calories and vice versa. There are cat food review tools and programs out there that can assist you and help you determine what would be the right food to give your cat. As with anything though, becoming more knowledgeable and committed to the topic is the most important aspect in helping your cat lose weight.
Sabtu, 27 Mei 2017
Pet Cat Insurance - 7 Tips For Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Plan For Your Cat
As a cat owner, you probably feel a strong kinship toward your feline friend and want to give them the best possible. They provide unconditional love and you reciprocate by making sure their needs are taken care of, especially when they fall sick or get injured. The last thing you want to worry about is having to give your cat poor care because of the rising cost of medical expenses.
Fortunately, many cat owners like you are choosing pet insurance to help with potentially unaffordable medical expenses for their cats. Here are 7 tips to help you make your decision about which pet insurance to get:
1. Get Many Quotes
Shopping around for different pet insurance plans is just good practice. No two pet insurance plans are exactly alike so you'll want these quotes to make the best decision.
2. Read The Fineprint
Insurance plans for pets can sometimes be as complicated as they are for humans. While it may not be the most exciting thing, the effort is worth it when you don't have to be surprised if certain expenses are excluded from the plan.
3. Find Testimonials Online
The Internet is one of the best places to find out information about the different insurance companies. You'll find out the good and the bad experiences involved with each company.
4. Review Their Claims Process
Since you're investing in this plan to save money, make sure that it's going to be an easy process to actually get reimbursed. You don't want to get trapped under months worth of paperwork when trying to provide the best for your cat.
5. Make Sure Your Veterinarian Is Included
Some insurance companies will limit you to their network of veterinarians. If you like the vet you've been going to, there is no reason you should have to give them up just for your insurance.
6. Follow Up With Your Veterinarian
Veterinarians see a side of the insurance plans that you don't often see. You can get a lot of great information from them about the different companies and which ones cat owners like you are choosing.
7. Buy Online
While your vet or pet shop might offer to sell you the insurance, you'll benefit more by getting quotes and buying your insurance through the Internet. This will save you from paying extra fees associated with giving those third parties a commission.
Fortunately, many cat owners like you are choosing pet insurance to help with potentially unaffordable medical expenses for their cats. Here are 7 tips to help you make your decision about which pet insurance to get:
1. Get Many Quotes
Shopping around for different pet insurance plans is just good practice. No two pet insurance plans are exactly alike so you'll want these quotes to make the best decision.
2. Read The Fineprint
Insurance plans for pets can sometimes be as complicated as they are for humans. While it may not be the most exciting thing, the effort is worth it when you don't have to be surprised if certain expenses are excluded from the plan.
3. Find Testimonials Online
The Internet is one of the best places to find out information about the different insurance companies. You'll find out the good and the bad experiences involved with each company.
4. Review Their Claims Process
Since you're investing in this plan to save money, make sure that it's going to be an easy process to actually get reimbursed. You don't want to get trapped under months worth of paperwork when trying to provide the best for your cat.
5. Make Sure Your Veterinarian Is Included
Some insurance companies will limit you to their network of veterinarians. If you like the vet you've been going to, there is no reason you should have to give them up just for your insurance.
6. Follow Up With Your Veterinarian
Veterinarians see a side of the insurance plans that you don't often see. You can get a lot of great information from them about the different companies and which ones cat owners like you are choosing.
7. Buy Online
While your vet or pet shop might offer to sell you the insurance, you'll benefit more by getting quotes and buying your insurance through the Internet. This will save you from paying extra fees associated with giving those third parties a commission.
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