Have you been dreaming of getting a dog ever since you saw Hachiko or a movie where the dog is super adorable? Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience but you should be prepared for a change in lifestyle. PetMD writes about
10 things you should know and consider before choosing your canine friend.
1. Dogs take up a lot of time and energy. Yes, they are rewarding. But if you live alone and work twenty hours a day, then perhaps a dog is not the best choice for you. Hey, there are always those super-cool robot dogs.
2. If you are not often at home, and you really want a dog, you probably should invest in a dog walker. You'd probably be wise to choose a dog breed that isn't especially needy, too. Check out PetMD's Breedopedia to select from a wide variety of breeds.
3. Any dog you get should be suitable to not only your lifestyle, but your surroundings. If you live in a shoebox apartment, then a large dog is not a good choice. You don’t want your dog to develop health issues, be bored, or destroy things. Large dogs really belong in big places with lots of outdoor space.
4. Consider which breeds are suitable for your region's climate, especially if you have a yard and want to keep it as an outside dog.
5. Puppies require the most work when it comes to house training. If you: (a) don’t want your things chewed up, or (b) don’t have the time or money to train the puppy, consider adopting an already housebroken, adult dog.
6. Make sure you have lots of chew toys available for your puppy and keep all expensive things (like shoes and clothes) out of its reach; the same goes for chemicals and medicines. Puppies like to investigate and try everything, so make sure there is nothing dangerous around for them to sample.
7. Get your dog vaccinated and spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Oh, and take your dog to the vet for its routine checkups. Your dog will thank you for it and live a much better (and longer) life.
8. Get a proper leash and harness for your dog. A leash too small or too large may hurt it inadvertently during its walking routine, or, worse yet, allow it to hurt others or get loose and run away.
9. Health insurance is a must. Consult your veterinarian as to your best options.
10. Regardless of the dog breed you choose, have fun! They say there is no better friend than a dog. We have to agree.
So once you're absolutely sure that you are ready for a dog, here's a video about picking the right dog for you.
I'm all for cats to roam freely but if it puts their lives or health in danger. It's not just other animals to worry about but also psychopaths who don't think twice about abusing them.
Dr. Ruth MacPete discusses the controversial topic of whether or not cats should be let to roam around freely outdoors. For more from Dr. MacPete, find her on Facebook or at www.drruthpetvet.com!
Did you know the average lifespan for an outdoor cat is just 3 to 5 years while indoor cats average 13-171? This huge difference in life expectancy should be a compelling enough reason for all cat parents to keep their feline friends indoors. Yet despite the perils of the great outdoors, many people allow their cats to go outside. In my opinion, cats should always be kept indoors in the safety of a warm and loving home. Like many veterinarians, I believe that the decision to keep your cat indoors is one of the most important actions you can take to promote the health and longevity of your feline friend. Here are the outdoor dangers you can avoid by keeping your cat indoors.
Cat Fight Wounds
Cats are solitary animals by nature and they do not typically like to share their territories with other cats. With increased crowding, territories overlap and normally solitary cats are forced to face each other. Unfortunately, these encouters usually result in territorial disputes. Besides bites and scratches, cat fights can result in an abscess when a bite wound becomes infected. Abscesses are painful and cats with abscesses usually have a fever and do not eat well. Treatment requires a veterinarian and involves surgical drainage and oral antibiotics to fight the infection.
Parasites
In addition, outdoor cats are more likely than exclusively indoor cats to become infected with internal parasites, like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, heartworms and toxoplasma.
Cars
Automobiles are one of the deadliest hazard to outdoor cats. Most car injuries are fatal. The lucky ones who survive usually have severe injuries that often require surgery. Many people believe that their cat is smart enough to avoid being hit by a car, but even the most street-savvy cat can be a victim. Like people, cats can become distracted: they could be chasing after prey, they might be running away from a dog, or they could be pursuing another cat in play. The fact is, all free-roaming cats are at risk of being hit by a car.
Poisons
Besides automobiles, poisons are another very common danger facing outdoor cats. Cats can encounter poisonous chemicals like insecticides, rodenticides, and fertilizers. Pesticides are the most dangerous because they are sweetened or scented to attract pests and cats are often the unintended victims. In a single day, an outdoor cat may come across a neighbor’s lawn fertilizer, snail bait, rat poison, ant bait, antifreeze and even fresh paint.
Wild Animals
Predators have always been a threat to cats, but as suburbs encroach on natural habitats, encounters with native wildlife have increased. In many states, coyotes, foxes and similar predators claim many cats, and in the South, alligators pose a major danger.
The Price of Being Wild
Once your cat is outdoors, there is no way to protect them from all of these dangers. In addition to endangering your cat’s health, being outdoors can have an impact on your wallet. One of the largest veterinary pet insurers in the US reported that treatment of cat bites and wounds are among the top ten reasons for veterinary visits annually. Fights and injuries require veterinary attention, and since they can occur in the evening and on weekends, it can also mean a trip to the emergency clinic. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, the visit could require surgery, hospitalization, medication and other treatment. Instead of spending your money on emergencies, wouldn’t it be better to save your money for routine veterinary visits?
Living Healthier, Longer Lives
As pet parents, besides loving our pets, it is our responsibility to care for them and protect them from harm. So what can you do to insure that your cat lives out his nine lives? Take advantage of the excellent veterinary care available in this country and make sure your cat has regular veterinary check-ups. Keep your cat out of unnecessary danger by keeping him safely indoors. We all want the best for our pets, so next time you think about letting your cat outside, think about all the dangers an outdoor cat faces in a single day.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
Resources:
1. Millburn, Naomi, and Demand Media. "What's a Normal Indoor Cat Lifespan?"Pets. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2014.
Agent L was browsing the internet as he was bored looking at me working on my other lifestyle blog.
He exclaimed that he would like the below.
I had to convince him that we don't own this condominium that we're staying in and we can't simply make changes.
He walked away showing me his butt.
Anyhow, if you live in a home and have excellent carpentry skills (Or at least basic ones), you can try making this for your furballs.
I stumbled across this gem on the interwebs, seeing as no one makes it, I figured I should tell you how I did it. I stumbled across this site when I was about half way through so sorry I dont have pics for the earlier parts.
I wrote this up how I built it, However if I was to build it again. I would do the following differently.
- Make it smaller Mine is 15x45 all said and done, its just a little too big if I did this again I would do it 12x36
- With the smaller size I would probably use 3 Gallon buckets as the warp pipe frame
- Make it lighter - The floor and roof boards along with the frame are pretty heavy. I may consider using a thicker ply wood or cloth
- Inside the pipe I used carpet because it was quick and easy and I had some left over from another project. However sisal rope is used in other versions of this on the inside of the pipes. I think it has an all around better look and the cats seem to really like it. Its cost/time preventative with the 5 gallon buckets, but I would give a shot with the 3 gallon.
PS I am in no way shape or form a carpenter and there is probably a better smarter safer way to do this then how I did it.
Agent S doesn't have much teeth left so he doesn't have a problem chewing wires but Agent L who has a full set of sharp teeth loves to bite strings but thankfully not wires.
However, if you have a cat who think he's a shark when it comes to wires, what do you do? Siouxsie, Bella and Thomas from Paws and Effect have the answer:
Siouxsie: Wire chewing is pretty darn frustrating, Teresa. And Mama should know: Bella’s chewed through three headset cords and done her best to wreck the cord to her LED Christmas lights. Bella: That’s not fair! They tasted good, and besides, they weren’t plugged in at the time! Thomas: Bella, you know better. Bella: I only did it ’cause I was bored and nokitty was paying attention to me. Siouxsie: That brings up one point about why cats chew on wires: They’re bored. Make sure your cats have plenty of environmental stimulation — vertical space like tall cat trees, catnip toys, little bouncy balls and the like. Thomas: If your kitties like to chew things, consider getting them one of those rubbery dog chew bones. (They can’t read, so they won’t know the bones are designed for dogs. Tee hee hee!) Bella: Sometimes cats chew on wires because they’re having mouth discomfort and the chewing makes them feel better, so you may want to get your kitties to the vet to have their teeth checked. Siouxsie: So there you have the main reasons why cats like to chew. Now what do you do to deter that behavior? Thomas: You said you already use cord covers, which is great, but there’s one special kind of cord cover that might help them to lose interest in cords altogether. Bella: It’s called Crittercord [be warned: this is just about the most annoying website ever because everything is a pop-up], and it’s a clear, flexible cord cover just a little bit bigger than the wires themselves, which is infused with a citrus flavor that cats are supposed to dislike. If you buy it online, you might see it listed as Marshall Cord Protector. Siouxsie: Bitter apple spray is an old standby. Again, the nasty taste is supposed to stop cats from chewing on wires. Other options include Vicks VapoRub, Tabasco sauce, rubbing the wires with a moistened bar of soap, or using double-sided tape to make cord chewing extra-unpleasant. Thomas: If you’re away a lot, get your cats some fun toys they can use while you’re not in the house. Wall-mounted toys they can bat at or motion-activated cat toys are great. Bella: If there are certain cords your cats can’t resist chewing, consider getting a deterrent that gets them before they start chewing. Ssscat is a motion-activated device that squirts out an odorless, harmless spray if the cat passes a certain threshold. Siouxsie: It’s going to take a lot of patience for you to retrain your kitties not to chew wires, but if you keep it up, you will get there. Thomas: It may take more than one of these methods to get your cats’ teeth off your cords, but it’ll be worth the time for reducing the damage … and the fire hazard potential.
What about you other readers? Have you had a wire chewer in your household? What did you do to stop the behavior and prevent damage to your wires? Please tell us in the comments!
I've had friends who were torn apart by the idea of giving up their pets when they got pregnant and I've never been pregnant so I never understood why there was a dilemma at all. I mean babies and cats, they're both cute in my eyes and they both need the same affection and love, through good times and bad times.
So what gives? Here's what Gayle Hickman of Pets Adviser has to say:
Myths about the co-existence of cats and babies have abounded for centuries. I’ll confess that I, for one, was a little on edge in the past at the thought of a cat and a human infant even being in the same room.
Over the past few years, as I have become more knowledgeable about cat behaviors, I’ve come to learn the true facts about cat/baby relationships. Below are six common beliefs that the editors of Pets Adviser often hear on this subject — and I break down whether they are true or false.
Myth 1: Cats can tell when you are pregnant. MAYBE.
As it turns out, this one may very well be true. According to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM, of The Animal Clinic of Clifton, Va., scents that are unique to pregnancy, although invisible to humans, can be detected by some animals, including cats.
Myth 2: You have to get rid of your cat when you get pregnant because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. FALSE.
Although toxoplasmosis is a risk for fetuses, a woman is more likely to contract it from handling raw meat or digging in the garden than from a cat. Pregnant women can protect themselves from cat-related exposure by (carefully) emptying the litter box at least once a day.
Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite that can affect your cat if he eats prey that is already infected with the parasite, is quite rare among indoor cats. Because there are not always telltale symptoms of the disease, precautions should be taken when cleaning the litter box. Wearing disposable gloves and washing hands after cleaning are two suggested preventives.
Immunity to toxoplasmosis is common. More than 60 million Americans carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but their immune systems usually prevent illness.
Cats are carriers of the parasite but are rarely affected by it — usually they shed it.
So, don’t panic on this one. As Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, writes in It’s a Cat’s World…You Just Live in It, “Despite what your M.D. may tell you, you don’t have to get rid of your cat just because you are pregnant.” Take the above-mentioned precautions and all should be well.
Myth 3: Cats smother babies or suck air out of their lungs. FALSE.
Most cats get along great with babies.
This one had me concerned when I was a young mother with an infant.
Having always been told that babies were not safe around cats (because of the “milk scent” on infants’ bodies), I found myself terrified when I witnessed a strange cat trying to break through a screened window to get to my baby.
As the baby lay sleeping in his cradle near the window, I heard a cat hissing and saw him pawing determinedly to get past the screen. Grabbing my child into my arms, I called a neighbor for help. A trap was set, and the cat was caught that night.
But never again did I trust a cat around my baby.
And now, after my children are all grown, I learn that this myth is nothing more than an old wive’s tale, stemming from the longtime belief that cats were symbols of evil. The fact is, cats are not only curious, but they are heat and comfort seekers. Curling up with an infant in a crib satisfies all of these needs.
Be aware, though, that if a cat presses up against the face of a bundled infant who does not know to turn away on his own, that infant’s breathing may be hampered. Infant deaths by suffocation are most often attributed to pillows or a sleeping person accidentally smothering the infant as they sleep together.
Bottom line: It’s best to keep your cat out of the nursery at nap time or bed time, just in case, says Dr. Teri Schweiss, vice president of animal welfare at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Myth 4: If a cat hears a baby crying, he will think another cat is in the house and climb into the cot to harm the baby. FALSE.
Cats are curious, and a new baby’s cries may be something they want to investigate. As mentioned above, babies give off warmth, and a cat may try to climb into the crib to share that warmth. It is extremely unlikely that that a cat would harm a baby.
Of course, it is not recommended that cats and babies sleep together. A net can be placed over the crib so your cat cannot snuggle in with baby. Some parents choose to replace the door to the baby’s room with a screen door, which allows kitty to see and smell the baby. That way, he does not feel completely left out.
Myth 5: Flea bites can KILL a baby. FALSE.
Although they can be very annoying to a baby, flea bites will not kill baby. If bitten by fleas, your infant may develop a rash.
Dr. Ann L. Huntington, DVM, of Suffield Veterinary Hospital, in Suffield, Conn., suggests forestalling any flea problems before your child is born. Your veterinarian can treat your cat for any internal or external parasites, while you can treat your entire home.
Myth 6: Cats are not good with babies. FALSE.
Most cats are typically very good with babies. When you bring a new baby home for the first time, let your cat sniff around to get the smell of the infant. Allowing the cat to look at, smell and even touch your newest family member will assure your cat he has nothing to fear.
Still need some convincing that cats are not evil? Watch this video :)
Do you ever wonder if your dog could speak, what they would say? Do you ever wish you can say something to them? Animal communicator Claudia Hehr clarifies some of these questions. The times below highlights what Claudia particularly talks about.
2:00 - What is a memorable experience as an animal communicator?
4:08 - How do the conversations start?
5:04 - What kind of things do animals tell you?
7:27 - Can dogs see colour?
9:00 - At old age, do dogs let us know when they are ready to go?
10:48 - Do dogs have 3 year old mindsets?
11:31 - Can anyone communicate with animals?
12:08 - What should fosters know about rescue dogs?
15:02 - Do all foster dogs benefit from formal training?
This post is by Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM, holistic veterinarian and original founder of Spirit Essences holistic remedies for animals.
Between 5 and 10% of the human population has at least some sensitivity to cats. When people come into contact with a cat to which they are sensitive, they may experience a wide range of symptoms, from eye irritation and swelling, or minor sniffling and sneezing, to potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.
Although allergic reactions to cats tend to appear in early adulthood, one can develop the allergy at any time in life. In some cat-allergic people, the reaction happens almost instantaneously. Others may experience an extended delay (between 4-8 hours) between exposure and reaction. The duration of symptoms may be anywhere from a few minutes to persistence of much longer periods.
Recent studies indicate that childhood exposure to cats may actually reduce the risk of allergic disease such as asthma. So does breast-feeding of infants.
There are seven known cat allergens. They are shed in saliva, skin secretions, and, to some extent, in urine. The major cat allergen is a protein called “Fel d 1” that is secreted primarily in the cat’s saliva and skin, and transmitted throughout the coat during grooming. Dried skin particles (commonly referred to as dander) may contain the offending protein, although it is important to remember that the allergen is not an integral part of dander or the coat itself.
A major obstacle in helping cat guardians is that the protein particles in question are so small that they can hang suspended in the air and are thus easily inhaled. Another hurdle is that the particles are sticky and will cling or settle on any porous surface, including draperies, upholstered furniture and bedding, even walls and ceilings. Because cat allergen is so tiny and light, it lingers in the home for long periods and has even been discovered in homes up to six months after the offending cat has been removed (as well as in homes where a cat had never even lived!)
Are some breeds “safe” for allergy sufferers?
Actually, the amount of allergen present does not differ from breed to breed. Shorthaired cats appear to produce similar amounts of allergen as their longhaired cousins. One study did suggest that light-colored cats may be somewhat less allergenic than dark-colored cats. Others claim no difference. Unfortunately, besides trial and error, there is no positive way of identifying a cat that will set off symptoms.
Each cat is an individual as to how much allergen they produce. That’s why an allergy sufferer may have widely differing reactions from one cat to another. Just because one might have had a good, low reaction experience with one Siamese cat does not mean that all Siamese can be tolerated.
Are hairless cats hypoallergenic?
Sorry, no. Even the Sphinx, a “hairless” breed, has a fine downy coat, and since these cats still groom themselves, as all cats do, the suspect protein is still on their skin, and thus in the air. If there is an advantage to a hairless cat, it is only that fewer additional allergens like pollen or dust mites can cling to the hair and also get released into the air during grooming.
There have been attempts to breed or clone a truly “non-allergenic” cat, but they have not been successful.
Cat hair or dander itself is not allergenic, so shaving the cat will not lessen the reaction.
However, there are several effective ways to deal with the unpleasant effects of a cat allergy.
The Big 3 Strategies for Coping with Cat Allergies: 1. TREAT THE CAT
According to one clinical study, spray-on anti-allergy substances, or specially designed shampoos or cream rinses have negligible effect on allergic reactions. Immersion bathing works well temporarily, but allergens return within days.
At the same time, stories abound about the above products working very well, even lowering reactions to the point of complete tolerance. It’s a matter of trial and error with each individual cat. Bear in mind that bathing the cat every week will dry out the skin, and may actually increase protein secretions.
One common sense treatment to help lower the allergen output in the house is daily brushing or combing, thus removing much of the hair and dander that may contain the allergenic protein. It also makes sense not to have the allergy sufferer do the brushing, and doing it in a room the allergic person can avoid (or outside in a confined, safe area) will ensure that no additional protein is released into the home.
Manage any pre-existing conditions the cat may have which could cause excessive scaly, dry skin and exacerbate the guardian’s problem.
Bathing the cat weekly with a cat-safe, anti-allergen shampoo can be helpful, if the cat is amenable.
The oral tranquilizer Acepromazine can be given at ultra-low doses in the cat’s food and provides relief for a great many allergy sufferers. While a single small study on the use of Acepromazine did not find statistically significant results, in practice, about 50% of people report a complete cessation of symptoms, 25% report that symptoms are improved, and 25% report no change. It takes 2-4 weeks to see results.
However, the formula is simple, inexpensive, and easy to try. The medication changes the chemical composition of the cat’s saliva, reducing the amount of allergenic protein secreted. It must be given every day to maintain the effect. Because the dose is so tiny, it has no effect on the cat’s behavior and can be given for life. You can give the recipe for “Ace Allergy Drops” to your vet: To a one-ounce dropper bottle containing 30 ml spring water, add 5 mg Acepromazine (1/2 ml of injectable 10 mg/ml, or one 5 mg tablet crushed, or half of a 10 mg tablet crushed). Instructions: Shake well before using. For an adult cat, add 5-6 drops of mixture to cat’s wet food daily. For smaller kittens, use 1-2 drops. Because there is no preservative, store the bottle in the refrigerator.
A change in the cat’s diet can do wonders. In particular, the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet will keep the skin supple and healthy.
Moreover, many people who have put their cats on homemade or raw diets report that their allergies have diminished or even vanished. It only makes sense to avoid processed foods with all their additives and dyes. At the very least, get rid of the dry food—that’s where the most questionable ingredients and stray chemicals are found.
There is no value in declawing a cat due to allergies; in fact, there’s no value (and much detriment) in declawing a cat for any reason.
2. MANAGE THE ENVIRONMENT
Since allergens are cumulative, using several moderately effective methods together is the best approach.
Daily vacuuming is commonly recommended, but vacuuming can backfire! Many allergy sufferers over-vacuum. An ordinary vacuum cleaner’s powerful motor simply stirs up and blows the tiny allergen proteins around the room along with dust and other potential allergens. A better option is a vacuum with a micro-filtration device (like a HEPA filter), which can actually stop something as small as feline allergens. The pesky proteins can settle not only in drapes and furniture, but also on shelving and walls – so make sure that the vacuum has an assortment of hand attachments and get into all the corners. Obviously, the allergy sufferer should never be the one vacuuming (but there’s no reason why he can’t do the dishes)!
When dusting, using spray furniture polish dramatically limits allergen particles from becoming airborne. Spray directly onto the surface, rather than onto the dustcloth; it’s more effective. Judicious dusting can reduce airborne cat allergens by 95%.
Limit fabrics in the home: all porous materials are allergen friendly. Carpet accumulates 100 times more cat allergen than a hard floor. Blinds are better than drapes (although you do have to keep them clean). Use hypoallergenic pillows instead of feather ones. Anything you can do to make the environment “harder” will result in as much allergen resistance as possible. Soft surfaces in the home are invitations to catnaps as well as allergy attacks.
Specifically keeping the cat out of the bedroom will give the guardian an “allergen free zone,” which can bring psychological as well as physiologic relief. (However, suddenly locking the cat out could trigger behavioral issues.)
An effective tool for clearing cat allergens is a freestanding air purifier with a HEPA filter. These filters can remove nearly 100% of the allergens from the room in which they are placed. Ideally, there should be one in every room with fabrics, but at least put one in the bedroom. Fortunately, the price of HEPA purifiers has come way down in recent years. Do check a consumer guide to make sure the chosen model can handle at least twice the square footage of the room. Ionic air filtration devices have also shown much promise in trapping small protein particles. However, while filtration and cat exclusion do reduce allergen levels, it may take quite a while to get a substantial reduction of symptoms.
3. GUARD THE GUARDIAN
Wash those hands! Every time the guardian pets the cat, has a snuggle session, etc., immediately wash the hands with soap and warm water. This must become an iron-clad habit.
Keep up with the laundry. Resist the temptation to wear the same clothes between laundering cycles, even if they’re “not that dirty” – really, they are! Washing machines are capable of removing most cat allergens.
Wool and polyester clothing retain more cat allergen than cotton, although fabric in general is a haven for allergenic particles. Dry cleaning is reasonably effective at removing cat allergen from non-washable fabrics.
No No Kitty! If the guardian suffers from a contact allergy like rashes or hives, the sad truth is that he/she must curtail any efforts from the cat to show affection by licking or giving ‘love bites’ – a primary source of the allergenic protein is the cat’s saliva.
Consult an allergist. It is rare for someone to be allergic to only one protein. It’s very possible that pre-existing allergies weren’t as noticeable until the new cat became “the last straw” and triggered more violent reactions. If allergies are bad enough, keeping epinephrine handy may be necessary.
Medication. Both over the counter and prescription medication have had wonderful results for some, and done absolutely nothing for others. Don’t forget to tell your physician or allergist what you are using, who can properly monitor results. Taking antihistamines or histamine blockers on a daily basis as a prophylactic for as long as one lives with a cat is a controversial subject. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) is considered very safe even long-term, but the side effects can be unpleasant; and it’s good to keep around for those really bad days.
Immunotherapy. The principle behind this technique is hyposensitization therapy (also called “allergen immuno-therapy”). This technique helps the allergic person build up a tolerance for the cat allergen by taking small doses of the protein, orally or by injection, increasing the amount gradually. This treatment requires patience; it is a slow process, taking anywhere from two months to a year to take hold, and sometimes several years to achieve maximum benefit. However, its success in retraining the body’s immune system not to overreact has been shown clinically as well as anecdotally from many sufferers. In the U.S., injectable hyposensitization is still popular, but the oral method (used in the U.K.) may be safer, not to mention less hassle.
Holistic Allergy Remedies. These are legion. The most promising ones include:
• Use a Neti pot once or twice a day to keep sinuses clear; or use a plain saline nasal spray
• Omega-3 fatty acids (yes, for you, too!)
• Quercitin (a member of the Vitamin C family) and/or other antioxidants
• Stinging Nettle (a natural antihistamine)
• Butterbur (may block histamine and other inflammatory messengers)
• Homeopathy
• Acupuncture
• Nutrition (simplifying your diet, especially eliminating wheat and corn, can go a long way toward making your immune system much less reactive)
• Stress management (stress does your immune system no favors; use flower essences, exercise, meditation – but heck, you know all that stuff already!)
The Bottom Line
It may take time and some trial-and-error with different combinations of solutions to hit upon the right regimen. Convincing one’s significant other may prove more difficult. But people manage to live with allergies to thousands of airborne particles every day. And aren’t those big eyes and all that unconditional love worth it?
I've mentioned before that when I had cats while living in my family's house, my family never really worried if our cats didn't come home for the night. They would say something like "They're cats. They'll know how to come home." Unfortunately, over time about 6 of our cats never found their way home. I'd cry buckets for weeks then slowly get over the loss.
To avoid the pain and anxiety of missing cats, especially at night and especially if you live on a busy street or in a neighbourhood where dogs are let loose, you can build outdoor enclosures so that your cats don't feel stifled and still "prowl" the grounds while we sleep blissfully.
In Malaysia, I've not come across portable outdoor enclosures but these should be a breeze for your local carpenter to build. Just make sure to choose material that is easy to clean, won't harvest bacteria and is waterproof. Also study the type of wood to ensure that it's scratch worthy and won't fall apart after months of rain and shine. Also, take into the consideration that if your cats like to hangout in their outdoor enclosures during the day, there should be sufficient shady areas, and clean water sources.
Here are some pointers courtesy of Pets Weekly.
Cat Enclosure Options
If you want to offer your own cat a secure place to experience the great outdoors, you have a number of options. You can purchase a pre-built cat enclosure, assemble a structure from a kit or plans, or you can come up with your own design. Kristine Kischer, owner of Toronto-based Habitat Haven, says most of her customers start with modest enclosures, then remodel and build up. "It doesn't have to be this humongous expense right off the get-go," she says. "I've had one lady add on five times in the last six years."
Habitat Haven, which ships throughout North America, offers a selection of kits. The company also allows you to plan an enclosure by choosing different elements. A "starter" enclosure runs from $500 to $1,000. The kit arrives with instructions and all necessary hardware.
Cost-effective Solutions
You needn't worry about spending a fortune. Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, thinks an outdoor enclosure is such a great idea, she installed one herself. "I love outdoor enclosures for cats! I built one off a window in our hospital with lumber and fencing wire to prove to people that you don't have to spend millions to get a safe, fun enclosure," says Dr. Colleran, who practices in Chico, Calif., and Portland, Ore.
Major pet organizations generally are in favor of outdoor enclosures for cats too. The Humane Society of the United States sells portable enclosures on its Web site. There, you'll also find information about a number of businesses that sell plans, kits and pre-built structuresm
A Cat Enclosure Checklist
As you plan an enclosure, Dr. Colleran and other experts list several important considerations:
Access: How will your kitty move from your house to the enclosure? Will you allow free access, letting your cat come and go at will? "One of the most important considerations for me was that I only had to prop open a window to allow the cats access to the cat run," Moore says. Access should be energy-efficient, safe and easy, advises Dr. Colleran. "A covered cat door is a good choice if it is insulated," she says.
Security and protection: Test every seam to make sure your enclosure is secured to the ground so that your cat can't dig its way out, Dr. Colleran cautions. You'll also want to ensure that your cat has a shady, fully covered space that can offer relief from the sun and weather. Your enclosure should be large enough to accommodate the family cats without overcrowding, which can lead to behavior problems. Each cat should have enough room to claim its own space and walk comfortably in and out of the enclosure.
Cleanliness: Use materials that you can easily clean, and practice flea control in areas that contact the soil. Regular cleaning will help protect your kitty's health and avoid the buildup of unpleasant odors.
Enrichment: Vertical climbing and perches make an enclosure more interesting for your cat, says Dr. Colleran. Moore suggests providing separate areas for watching backyard activity and quietly snoozing.
Neighborliness: Consider both what you want to view in your backyard and what others may be able to see, says Kischer. Put your enclosure in a place where it isn't publicly visible -- that's a plus for your cats and your neighbors.
Once you build an enclosure, you'll need to introduce kitty to its new space. Let your cat investigate at its own pace, advises Kischer. Soon enough, she says, you'll have peace of mind while your cat enjoys a bit of risk-free fresh air and stimulation.
Here are some cool outdoor enclosures PetsInBlack found to inspire you to build your own:
Agent L and S would be soooo jealous if they saw these!
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Before Agent S and Agent L came into our lives, most of my family's house cats were very independent, going outdoors as they pleased, sometimes coming home after a day or two of partying. Living in a landed property is different from living in a condominium, as we do now.
Now, we know immediately when our fur kids are feeling slightly under the weather, whether they're pooping and eating right. But we're still prone to making mistakes, of course.
Here's an article written by Paul Ciampanelli for Paw Nation and edited by PetsInBlack.
NEGLECTING LITTER BOXES
Some cat owners may clean their cat's litter box only weekly, or even less frequently.(Agent S and L will refuse to go to the toilet and make a ruckus if we forget to clean by noon!)
Imagine if you flushed your toilet only once a week, and also, you had to step in the toilet in order to use it. That’s what life is like for a cat whose owner doesn’t clean its litter box out properly at least once a day. Not only is having to use a dirty litter box extremely unpleasant for cats, but it’s also unhealthy for everyone in the cat’s home, as the animal tracks the mess they stepped in everywhere they go. (Imagine them lying on your lap with remnants of whatever they left in their litter boxes!)
Remember not only to sift the litter box every day, but also change the litter entirely once per week. Be sure to wash the box itself with gentle soap during weekly litter changes.
MISSING REGULAR VETERINARY CHECKUPS
Too many cat owners don’t take their pet to the vet until something is obviously wrong. In fact, statistics show that pet owners are visiting their vets for routine care less and less frequently, and that’s been particularly true of cat owners. Checkups are how one detects problems early enough to stop them or slow them, and can be found by a vet longer before an owner is aware that something is wrong. If you haven’t already, make an appointment for your cat’s next checkup. You may save it from harm that can be prevented now, but not later.
ADMINISTERING HUMAN MEDICINE
It’s never a good idea to give any kind of medicine to your cat without consulting a vet first, not even the everyday, over-the-counter meds we tend to think of as completely safe. Some common drugs, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are extremely dangerous for pets. Others may be considered safe for dogs but not cats. Only your vet can tell you what kinds of medicine to give your cat, when to give it and how much to give. (And unlike humans where chocolate helps beat the blues, it is poison for your cats) NOT KITTEN-PROOFING THEIR HOMES
You already know that cats are curious. If you’ve never had a kitten in your home before, though, you could be surprised by what absolute bundles of energy they are. If you’re ready for the responsibility of caring for a kitten, that’s great. But no matter how vigilant, you’ll still need to make changes around the house for the feline's safety. That’s why kitten-proofing is essential before the animal ever sets foot in your home. Depending on your lifestyle, that could mean changing where you store cleaners and chemicals, corralling electrical cords, throwing away certain plants and more.
Statistics show that one-third of all pets get lost at some point in their lives especially from landed properties. Microchipping is simply the best chance you have of ensuring that a lost pet will find its way home if it's finder brings it to a vet with a microchipping facility. The Malaysian Veterinary Association is pushing for this facility to be available at all vets. The microchipping process is quick, safe, painless and relatively inexpensive. It looks like a grain of rice.
DECLAWING
Many people still have their cats declawed. We’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they don’t realize just how cruel the practice is. A cat’s claws are a part of its body. It’s not like clipping your fingernails, or even like removing your fingernails. Declawing involves amputating the last bone on every toe. It’s the equivalent of cutting off a person’s fingertips at the knuckle. Moreover, declawing deprives cats of their natural instinct to scratch, not to mention their able to defend themselves from real or perceived threats. While local laws in certain places outlaw declawing as animal cruelty, such places remain few and far between.
(If you're afraid of your furniture getting damaged, or your floors or cars scratched, don't get a cat.) YELLING
We say you shouldn’t yell at your cat because it’s completely ineffective way to train felines. If your cat does something wrong and you yell as a response, your cat won’t understand that its actions caused you to yell. To the cat, you’re yelling for no reason. You’ll frighten the cat, and all it will serve to do is make the cat afraid of you. It won't solve behavioral problems.
(A cat is not a human being with logical brains- well, most humans have them, anyway) OVERFEEDING
By now it’s no secret that the growing obesity epidemic isn’t only affecting the human population in America, but the pet population as well. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, obesity in U.S. cats rose again last year to 55 percent. Obesity causes many of the same problems in cats that it does in people, including serious health issues like diabetes, arthritis, respiratory difficulties and heart disease. If your cat is overweight and obese, and you need help adjusting its diet to help it lose weight. And always consult your veterinarian for his or her expert, professional advice.
NOT SPAYING OR NEUTERING
Almost all pet owners have heard over and over about how important it is to spay or neuter their pets, but too many owners still don't do it. Sterilization is the most important thing anyone can do to control the pet population. Approximately 2-4 million pets are euthanized at U.S. animal shelters every year because there aren’t enough homes to take in the exploding numbers of homeless animals. But spaying and neutering isn’t just about your responsibility to not make more homeless cats; it’s also about your cat’s health. Getting your cat fixed can prevent ovarian cancer in females, testicular cancer and prostate issues in males, and other health problems.
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