New Trends In Cat Accessories

By Dominic Lee

There's always been a certain air of bulkiness and ugly familiarity of conventional cat care products. Lately, there's been a craze sweeping across cat lovers to make cat products as unique and stylish as their owners. Of course, quality and durability is essential to withstand even the toughest cat. Here are some fun products, from beds to litter pans, that your cat will love using and you'll love looking at!

The stylish Feline Lotus Cat Furniture set looks more like a work of art than a multi-tiered cat lounger and bed. It has two flat tiers, and a wonderfully designed third tier that's gently curved for kitty comfort. At the bottom, it comes with a huge scratching pad and a spacious privacy bed.
To top it off, this cat furniture comes with an extra-durable mahogany, birch or cherry finish. These wood finishes are neutral enough to match any furniture color scheme and actually add to the stylish value of the room!

Cats always needs fresh clean water. In the past, cat owners have always been baffled as to why cats gravitate towards running water to drink. The key to this is basic water chemistry. The longer water sits, the lower the pH becomes as it loses oxygen, and the more sour water tastes. By using the Vet Ventures Drinkwell Pet Fountain, which circulates water and also passes it through a carbon filter, you provide the freshest and most natural tasting water possible. Keeping more than one in separate rooms makes sure you never run out of water for your kitty! It can also hold up to a gallon of water, plenty for even 3 or more cats.

Tired of keeping your kitty's ugly plastic bulky litter box hidden away in a closet? Now you can incorporate the often awkward litter box into stylish end tables! The "Refined Feline Litter Box" comes in a regular size and a larger size (to support automatically cleaning litter boxes). It looks like a stylish simple table, and it comes in mahogany, birch or cherry. It has two opening doors on the front and a nicely sized cat entrance on the side.

This trendy litter box is also highly functional. With your cat's litter box being enclosed as it is in the Refined Feline Litter Box, odor and tracked litter will be minimized or even eliminated. The trays slide out for cleaning and it also has a storage drawer for convenience.
The days of boring old cat products are out! These new products are a treat for your cat and you to enjoy and admire!

Dominic Lee is the spokesperson for PetPetSupplies.com - the premier internet destination for pet supplies, accessories, and products for pets. Please check out http://www.petpetsupplies.com/cats-cat-furniture-scratchers.html for more trendy cat furniture and accessories.
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3 Essential Tips on Choosing a Cat or Kitten

By Steve Hill

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.

Cat or Kitten?

First establish whether you want a fully grown cat or a kitten. Kittens are obviously cute, cuddly and playful but they can be stressful and make great demands on you as an owner, they will initially require a lot of your attention and time so if you are not able to give them this full attention from the start you should consider getting a more mature or adult cat.

Older cats are invariably already domesticated and will have some established behaviour patterns. 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.
Steve Hill is a webmaster from Birmingham, he has interests in a number of websites including:
stutteringalternative therapiesdvd replication
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Aggressive Cat Behavior - What To Do

By Paul Proctor Any plans for happily ever after with your new feline friend are quickly ruined by aggressive cat behavior. If you are victim to a cat scratch, clawing, or biting, it can be more than a temporary ailment. If you do not clean and dress the wound, it might easily become invaded by bacteria and infection.

Instead of worrying about the consequences of aggressive cat behavior, it is much better to understand what causes it and to head it off before it starts whenever possible. This can begin with the play of tiny kittens, and requires understanding a cat's normal instincts and their psychology.

Kittens will naturally exhibit some degree of aggressive behavior since it is instinct for them to stalk and capture prey. However, it's important for the new pet owner to teach the kitty appropriate behavior. The kitten needs strict limits for his behavior and substitutes he can use to vent his aggression. Your first thought may be "How cute!" when your kitten viciously attacks you with little bites and claws. At this point you have to think of the future and tell your kitty a forceful "No!" What is cute now won't be so cute when kitty has grown to adulthood.

Always have cat friendly toys and furniture available for your four legged friends. These provide safe outlets for aggressive play and healthy scratching and stretching. Stand firm and be clear that biting and clawing people is unacceptable. Use kind words and occasional treats to help reinforce every positive behavior you see, but don't use violence to punish your cat. This will devastate your relationship, and often makes the cat more aggressive.

A cat that is ill or stressed out is unable to tell you in words, so he may display aggressive behavior to get your attention. If you pet begins showing aggression you haven't seen before, be sure to take him to the vet immediately to have it checked out. A pet can become stressed by such things as changes in your household or his diet, loud noises, or having a new pet invading his territory. If you can, introduce your kitty to changes gradually in order to reduce his stress.

Lower stress levels should result in less aggressive behavior.
Some think aggressive cat behavior may also be caused in part by the diet, so discuss this with the veterinarian as well. Obesity may cause joint pain in older cats, so weight loss can improve both mood and health. Again, speak with a vet because to rapid a loss can be dangerous and even fatal to a cat.

Make sure that you pay attention to the body language of your cat. An over-stimulated feline can quickly turn and show aggressive behavior, just like when a cat goes from purring to biting in the flash of an eye. Danger signs include a flicking tail, an arched back, and pulling back of the ears, which should warn you to back away from the cat. Starting behavioral training early in a cat's life and reinforcing good behavior will pay dividends for years and years by teaching the cat good habits at an early age.

Any plans for happily ever after with your new feline friend are quickly ruined by aggressive cat behavior. If you are victim to a cat scratch, clawing, or biting, it can be more than a temporary ailment. If you do not clean and dress the wound, it might easily become invaded by bacteria and infection. Then it can be a really serious issue. Unusual feline aggression may often be contributed to the cat's health. Without the ability to communicate many cats will use aggression as a signal that they are ill or have been injured.
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Natural Pet Health Information

By Nadia Vg

If your pet appears to be having trouble with his health, first thing you should do is have your vet check him out thoroughly. Depending on what is wrong with your best friend, the vet may give you a prescription drug to tackle whatever is wrong. Sometimes, your pet will have to take these drugs for the rest of his life.

Unfortunately, a lot of these drugs have many potential negative side effects such as; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. They could even lead to serious, life-threatening side effects that might be a lot more dangerous than the illness that is being treated. Side effects can involve the digestive tract, liver and kidneys. Some pets have actually died from taking prescribed drugs to treat arthritis or diabetes, simply because they caused kidney or liver failure.

Luckily, a growing number of people are turning to holistic and natural medicines for their own problems. I am happy to see this change is slowly seeping through to pet medicines as well. After all, if a natural remedy works for an animal, you really know it works. They don't know or understand why you are giving them the remedy, they might not even realize they are receiving medication, and they certainly can't convince themselves it won't work anyway, as many people do.

But don't jump in the deep end and just believe the first sales pitch you come by. Take your time to discover what natural remedies are out there that can possibly help or even cure your pet.
Read reviews from real people, and be aware of scams. Plenty of manufacturers don't care about making your pet better, they only care about making another sale. Make sure the manufacturer has properly tested his products according to regulations. And if the company really believes in its own products, they will give a very good satisfaction guarantee and money back guarantee.

Natural remedies and supplements can help your pet, just make sure you choose the right one and check with your vet first before giving any kind of remedies, supplements or vitamins.
As a life long doglover I like to help out where I can to make our best friend's lives a litlle better. My advice is based on every book I've ever read, documentaries I've seen, my own experiences with dogs and the training I followed to become a dog behaviour therapist.
For more natural pet health information and please visit my website here.
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Traveling with Pets

By Kiya Sama

Some pets are happy, eager travelers; others are totally traumatized. Dogs or cats that are ill, very young, old with medical condition, very nervous or aggressive, are not good candidates for travel. Also, pets that are prone to motion sickness should not be subjected to the rigors of travel. In general, dogs adjust better than cats. If you choose to take along your pet (or if you have to because you are moving to a distant place), there are a number of things you need to know so that your furry loved one will arrive safe and sound.

Before Leaving Home:
Your animal's vaccinations must be up to date you should take along a current health certificate. Be sure your pet is wearing and identification tag, and take along a color photo and a description of your pet (height, weight, distinguishing features), in case the pet gets lost en route.
Pack a bag for the animal: feeding and water bowls, grooming tools, leash and collar/harness, pet toys, cleanup items (pooper scooper or litter and litter pan, paper towels), food and water, any prescribed medications.

Most important: test your anima for motion sickness. Begin by taking your dog or cat for a short ride in the car and every day increase the length of the trip. Put the animal in a cat or dog carrier and be sure it is large enough for the pet to be comfortable.

Traveling By Car:
Pet carriers or kennels are a must, even for dogs that are used to short, frequent car rides. Having your pet in a carrier that is sturdy, well-ventilated and comfortable (soft mat or cushion inside) will best ensure the safety of the animal as well as the safety of the other passengers. The carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down in. It should be placed in the sunny side of your vehicle.

Do not feed your dog or cat for at least three hours before setting off in a car. In general animals should be fed less than usual when traveling. On longer trips, snacks and water or small amounts of food are fine. Remember that cats need to use a litterbox about every three to four hours. If possible, the main meal should be given at the end of the day when you are finished driving or have arrived at your destination. Frequent stops are recommended; the dog can stretch and exercise (be sure the leash is on before the dog gets out of the car) and the cat can just get a break from the motion of the car.

Leaving your pet in a closed, parked car can be dangerous, especially in hot weather when car temperatures can rise quickly and cause heat stroke. If you have to leave the animal alone, park in a shaded area, roll down the windows a few inches, and return quickly. Cold weather can be equally threatening, causing hypothermia if your pet is left alone for too long.
KiyaSama is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.
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Importance of Choosing a Right Pet Name

By A. Deep

From the history of mankind, men and animals have always remained together. Humans have tamed many animals and have made them pets. Some of the animals which are considered to be safe pets are - Dog, Cats, Hamsters, Ferrets, Fish, Guinea Pig , Rabbit etc Though these pets are living with us from ages but never before people were so much interested in the health and welfare of them.

Earlier When it comes to choosing a name for kids, people might do a long research but when it comes to choose a name for our pets, they generally don't care much about it. But with changing times, more awareness about pets welfare there names etc is coming up. Now people don't just choose any random name and start calling there pet with it. They do a proper research , they also consider pet horoscopes and then decide on which name suits there pet the most.

But before choosing any name for your pet some points should be kept in mind -

1) From the very day you had a pet, he/she has become a part of your family so treat him / her as your family member and give a name which every one in the family likes.

2) The name should be easy to remember.

3) The name should be like a unique identity - Don't just name your dog or cat as same what your neighbour calls his or her pets.

In today's world , choosing a pet name is not a very difficult as there are many websites with ample collection of pet names. These websites give you a wide variety to choose from as per your pets behaviour. So don't just pick a name and start calling your lovable pet, do some research on internet.It might take few sec but you will always be happy to have a nice name for your pet.

For more pet names, pet horoscopes and pet quotes visit http://www.mypetnames.com/ We are sure that this site will help you find a perfect name for your pet.
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Aquarium Planting Guide

By Jincheng Ong

All plants need a combination of light, carbon dioxide (co2) nutrients and trace elements in order to ensure healthy growth. This is a common knowledge for everyone, but more people do not know that plants need those things in fixed proportions. For instance, if a plant had unlimited amount of light, co2, nutrients and most trace elements but lack of a specific trace element, the plant would not have a healthy growth. The excess nutrient will be wasted and might contribute to algae growth. In general plants need a balance of all its need in order to stay healthy.

Lighting

Light is required by plant for photosynthesis. It gives the plant energy for the chemical reaction involved. Without light, plant will die after all its carbohydrate storage has been fully utilized. Correct spectrum of light is also needed to ensure healthy growth. Plants use light primary in the blue and red spectrum but an aquarium will look better to people if full spectrum lighting is use.
Sunlight contains the full spectrum of colour and would first see as the best choice. But a more experienced aquarium hobbyist (myself) would say that this method has several notable disadvantages. The indirect source is often either too weak or short for plant functioning. Sunlight may also cause significant temperature fluctuations which is bad for both fishes and plants. Another side effect of sunlight is that they usually encourage algae growth.
Artificial light is therefore a more advisable alternative for plants in aquarium. Full spectrum or broad spectrum fluorescent light is the best recommendation from me.
For a sparely planted aquarium, I recommend 1.5w of light per gallon (1gal ~ 3.8L). If you have a densely planted aquarium, you will need somewhere between 3w to 5w per gallon for optimum performance. 10 - 12hrs of light supply per day is necessary for plant growth.

Carbon Dioxide (Co2)

Co2 is another essential component for photosynthesis, without sufficient quantities, photosynthesis cannot take place. During photosynthesis, dissolved Co2 is transformed into carbohydrate which is the energy needed for plant growth. Most tanks will have some Co2 due to fish respiration but it is definitely not enough to get a lush plant growth.
A non Co2 supplemented aquarium usually have between 1-3 ppm of Co2 and most plants will only flourish with an amount between 10-20ppm. Thus, Co2 supplementation is essential if you are serious about having a planted aquarium.

There are generally 2 type of Co2 which are:

Co2 tank which purchase from local fish shop. It is easy to use and need for bigger aquarium. Down side of it is will be expensive in the long run.
DIY Co2 reactor is made by combining Yeast, Sugar and Water. The by product of this mixture is Co2. This Co2 setup is suitable only for smaller aquarium (under 50g) as it is not enough for bigger ones. DIY set up is cheap, easy and most importantly fun to do. A guide of how to set up a Yeast co2 reactor will be posted next week.

Nutrients (Macro Nutrients)
The first three elements necessary is Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus. The plant requires these in large quantities. If you introduce a lot of macronutrients to your aquarium, it can lead to an undesirable 'algae bloom'.

Nitrogen is usually available in sufficient quantities from fish waste in the form of ammonium (NH4+). Most plants will prefer ammonium but some will use the end product of the nitrification cycle, nitrate (NO3-). Ammonium is the preferred source since it takes less energy to use that form of nitrogen. A good test for ammonium levels is to monitor nitrates. If the nitrates are 0 ppm, you know that all the nitrogen is being used. This may indicate that some plants are starving for nitrogen. It also might indicate that a perfect balance has been achieved, but that is unlikely.

Potassium (K+) is also usually available from fish food. Unfortunately, potassium is difficult to measure in the water. If there are enough nitrates, there is usually enough potassium. Some fertilizers contain additional potassium and can be used to be on the safe side.
Phosphorus (PO4) is another Macro nutrient that is sufficient for plant from fish food. It is usually not a problem in getting enough Phosphorus, excess of it can encourage algae growth.

Trace elements (Micro Nutrients)
Nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, sulphur calcium and magnesium are some of these. Excessive amounts of these can prove harmful for the plants.
Iron may be present in tap water in the correct ionic state (Fe++) but will quickly oxidize to a form unusable by plants. To prevent this, chelated iron mixtures can be used. The chelator prevents the iron from oxidizing and makes it easy for the plants to assimilate. The iron concentration should be less than 0.2 ppm.

Sulphur, calcium and magnesium are usually found in tap water. If the water has too little hardness (less than 3 degrees dGH), calcium and/or magnesium may be in short supply. This can be remedied by adding calcium and magnesium sulphate in small quantities.
Other trace elements are needed in extremely small quantities and can usually be provided in fish food or specialized trace element formulations. Note that some of these elements are toxic in anything but trace amounts so the addition of trace elements should be done very carefully.
Interested reading more about fish keeping?
Visit http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com/
For those that are interested in my article and intend to post it in your site or blog, please refer it back to my website at http://www.fishkeepingtalk.com/

Welcoming A Bird Into Your Family

By Paul Skellenger

Just like you and I, the bird's environment and its social interactions with others are keys to normal development. Getting this right is difficult, especially since we are not birds and most of us make lousy bird parents. Keep in mind that most behavior problems occur due to errors or omissions in the bird's social development. What follows are some key steps in the process.

A young bird must be nurtured and comforted - this is the easiest part for most of us. Yes, a safe, secure, and loving environment is very important, but we cannot stop there. As a bird owner, we must be parent, friend, peer, teacher, trainer, counselor, boss, and primary caregiver.

As the weeks go by, the bird's development transitions to becoming a more active participant in activities critical to its survival. Exploration should be encouraged with supervision to satisfy their normal curiosity. The bird learns to not be afraid of new things and learns important skills. Exploring should encompass the physical environment inside and out (if safe to do so) and the introduction of new things into its surroundings.

Birds are athletic, they can fly and they need to fly - it is what they were made to do. A newly fledged bird should be allowed to fly and then the wings are carefully trimmed using a graduated method so as to not amputate the bird's self confidence. Unfortunately, we see too many birds that never learned how to fly, steer, and land. Crash landings can be avoided by trimming the wings so they coast and don't just drop from the sky. Exercise is important to a bird's physical and mental health. Daily exercise is a must.

In the wild, birds spend more time foraging for food than anything else. This is a very important activity for pet birds as well. Providing one bowl of food the bird finishes in 10 minutes leaves the bird with nothing else to do the rest of the day. No wonder a bird with one bowl of seeds picks its feathers out. A variety of foods should be offered in many locations both in and out of the cage. Several food bowls, food stuck through the bars, food offered by hand, food on a tray or in its own cage (so the bird has to pick at it to get the food), or food on a skewer etc. Birds should forage several hours a day, usually in the mornings and evenings.

Again, most of us make lousy bird parents. Because of this many birds grow up as juvenile delinquents with no structure to their life, no understanding of good behaviors vs. bad, and no idea what they are supposed to do. Birds need to go to school and get a job. Beginning at a young age, they can be taught to behave (no biting or screaming) using positive rewards for the right kind of behaviors. The reward is usually a favorite food which is only offered when the bird has done something it was asked to do correctly. They should be taught new commands continuously. It establishes a line of communication between owner and bird that the bird can understand. Step up and step down are the first two commands, taught first outside the cage, then inside. Then there is poop on command, wave, turn around etc. Using a voice command and a hand gesture, the bird is coaxed to perform the command. If it does so, the reward is offered (usually a treat) but that reward is only offered when the bird performs correctly. The bird will try to get it right. This is basic obedience training for birds.

If you have ever purchased something to improve the look and feel of your home, you understand the concept of enrichment. The same old thing day in and day out makes for a very dull life. Instead, we can enrich the bird's environment by adding to it or changing it. Periodically changing fixtures or furnishings can lead to a healthier happier bird. It gives them something to investigate, something to do, something to enjoy.

Birds love to play games. Peek a boo, chase, hide and seek, catch etc. Activity is good. Birds tend to have fewer problems when there is plenty to do. Provide a cage location with at least one secure side. Remember that too many animals around might make the bird a nervous wreck. They tend to view other animals as potential predators.

When it comes to communicating with people, most birds have only a few options. They scream to be heard, they bite to say no, etc. Birds are very gregarious and chatty creatures. You are part of the bird's flock. Just observe how birds in a flock interact in the wild. So, try to communicate with your bird. Ask the bird to do something, and if it does so then reward the bird. If the bird is engaging in a behavior you dislike, the best response is no response. Teach the bird how to get what it wants. If they are incapable of or never learn any other way to communicate with you, it is very likely their response will be screaming, biting, or withdrawal.

We should offer our attention and respond when they "call us" in an acceptable fashion.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care.US and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with bird care. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.
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Daily Cleaning Of Cages Leads to a Healthier Bird

By Dennis Howell

Filthy cages may be a huge health risk to your pet bird. Some types of cleaning must be done every day to help in preventing the bird getting sick. Most people are very busy and feel they do not have enough time to clean a birds cage everyday, but it does not have to be as hard as most people think. Here are a few easy daily routines to make sure your pet's home stays nice and clean.

Clean water and food containers are very important to a bird's health. Make sure to remove your bird's food and water containers every day. Wash them with mild dish soap. Failure to do this will result in the expansion of bacteria that will harm the bird. Also, be sure to carefully rinse and dry the containers before putting them into the cage.

Another important thing to do is change the cage liner. First of all, if the cage liner goes to long without being changed, the environment becomes uncomfortable to the bird. On top of that, leaving the liner unchanged will result in an awful stench. To steer clear of this problem change the liner either every day or every other day.

Be sure and clean the different surfaces of the cage. Get a moist towel or cloth and clean the surfaces of the cage. This includes the bars, toys, mirrors, and perches. Sometimes messes are hard to clean with just a moist towel, in this case use a bird-safe cage cleaner.
http://wiredparrot.com/
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