Monday, October 1, 2012

Size matters: Runt can be Star of the Litter

"Shelters say smaller animals get adopted faster, and animal experts say the runt of a litter tends to be better protected by the mother. Pet owners-to-be tend to heap attention on them, since they’re attracted to big heads on little bodies." (Sep. 29, 2012. Associated Press)

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Easy-to-Understand Cat Care Basics

I just came across this fun infographic, created by Matt Beswick for Pet365 and just had to share it.

I love information that is visually presented and easy to understand. This great infographic does both and presents the basic facts about cat anatomy and behavior in an amusing format.

If you want to quickly and easily understand the basics of pet cat care and behavior, this amusing visual is for you.

Click here to see the rest of "Cats the anatomy lesson" infographic

I learned something new about cats' taste buds. Please leave a comment if you also learned something new about cats.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Toys Teach Responsible Pet Cat Care to Kids


A fun way for kids to learn about pet ownership is through imaginative play. Whether the child has a pet or not, Playmobil's My Take Along Pet Clinic will provide hours of fun for children ages 4 and up.

This self-contained toy contains everything a young child needs to practice caring for a sick kitty and other household pets. The two-story, doll-house-like pet clinic opens to reveal an exam room, toy surgical equipment and monitors, recovery cages and medicine holders. Also included in the set are a uniformed vet and lab technician ready to assist a mother and her child visiting with their wounded pet kitty plus many other animals and accessories (dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, examining table, medical devices, bandages, ultrasound device, surgical equipment, office equipment, and waiting room components.)


For those children who have dreams of becoming a pet doctor and to broaden the play options, Playmobil's Vet Operating Room is the next step. This play set includes the vet and an assistant, two puppies, kitten, turtle, X-Ray equipment with changeable slides, CT scanner, and many other accessories. It also comes with removable casts that can be placed on animals.


With both of these pet care play sets children can mix and match the accessories as well as add their own creatures and people. While observing your kids at play with these toys, you'll be able to identify, reinforce and/or teach proper pet cat care to your child to prepare for a first living pet or ensure a long, loving relationship for the current pet in your household.

Safety Warning: Choking Hazard - Both of these toys contain small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Visit www.pet-cat-care.info for more real-life pet cat care information and solutions.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month

The month of June is extra special at the ASPCA because it's Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Read these ASPCA cat care tips and adoption stories before heading off to your local shelter to find the cat of your dreams!

pet cat care shelter cat
My perfect shelter cat - adopted January 2006


Learn more about how to choose a pet cat from the many available at your local shelter in this helpful, personal story by Jenny Jackson.

Cat Adoption - How to Choose a Shelter Cat
By Jenny Jackson

I've adopted two cats from shelters. The first one was actually for my mother who needed a new animal companion after her dog died, but was getting too old to look after another dog. I wanted to get her a very friendly cat that would enjoy her company and sitting on her lap. I was looking for a cat at least a year old so that my mother would have it for a while.

The second adoption was for my own family. We had a 6-month-old Burmese who had just lost his sister. He really needed the company of another cat, so we went looking for a playful cat of similar age that liked being with other cats.

In both cases, knowing what characteristics I wanted was crucial. In the first instance, the shelter did not provide much information about each cat's temperament, so I entered the large room housing the adoptable cats and first looked for the ones that responded to me with interest and friendliness. I observed which cats enjoyed being petted. One very quickly rubbed against my hand and followed me around the room as I checked out the others. She was the one! And a great success she was too. She and my mother adored each other and lived together for many years.

The second adoption occurred with more technological assistance! My family found her on the shelter's website where her photo and biography were posted. We put her on a list with the other cats of the right age that liked cat company. Although our Burmese was initially defensive about the new arrival, after a couple of days we knew we had made the right choice as they started to play with each other the way the two siblings had done. She loves her humans as well.

How can you be sure you'll have similar success choosing a shelter cat? When you get there, look at all the cats and interact with them as much as you can. Read the information available on each cat - the staff and volunteers will have described their temperaments and any special needs. Notice which cats are good with other animals and children if these are requirements. Do you want a quiet or outgoing cat?

Ask to hold and play with particular cats. If there are toys to play with, try to engage with the cats that interest you. If you want a mouser, you'll want a playful cat.

Often shelter cats choose you! That certainly seemed to happen with my mother's cat. You'll most likely have stronger feelings towards one or two cats. If you can't decide, try asking the shelter staff for help. Tell them what you're looking for, where you live, whether you intend the cat to be indoors or outdoors, how many hours a day the cat will spend alone and so on.

If you can't decide, just sit or stand quietly and see which cat comes to you. If worst comes to worst, you can always get two!

Jenny is a cat lover and webmaster of Pictures of Cats You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to her website featuring photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Jackson

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Pet Cat Health Care

"Proper pet cat health care is really the only means of preserving your cats health and well-being. In the event you are unsuccessful, your feline companion will get sick and die. Certainly, you do not wish for this to occur so you need to practice the ways of preventing this from occurring." Learn more facts about Pet Cat Care and Health here.

This useful video illustrates how to avoid common cat health care mistakes.


In a nutshell, pet cat health care requires:
  • Vaccinations.
  • Tick or flea treatments
  • Correct nutrition
  • Grooming
  • Hazards kept out of reach

Your pet cat's health is in your hands - be responsible and take it seriously.

Find more tips about pet cat health care here.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Managing the Costs of Pet Cat Health Care

Basic items required to care for a pet cat are:

  • Food
  • Kitty litter
  • Bedding 
  • Scratching post
  • Travel carrier 
  • Spay or Neutering
  • Vaccinations
  • Annual veterinary exam

In addition to the above basic cat care items, consider the likelihood of an emergency visit to the veterinarian and if pet health insurance would be beneficial for you and your pet cat.

"The cost of keeping a cat doesn't end at the cat food bowl. But it usually starts there. Here's a list of the costs associated with typical care. These costs do not include care for emergency situations and illnesses. That's where cat health insurance really can pay off."

The above quote was taken from, Cat Health Insurance - Taking a Nip Out of the Cost of Keeping a Cat, which provides some great information regarding the cost of caring for a pet cat and the importance of pet health insurance.


Learn more about pet cat health care here.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Pet Cat Care - How to Care for Your Kitten

"Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With her high energy and intense curiosity and sense of adventure, raising a kitten will keep you on your toes. Careful attention during the first year of life will set a strong foundation for a long, loving relationship with your cat."

Before adopting that cute little bundle of fur, read the tips in this article, How to Care for Your Kitten, so you'll know what to expect. You want to ensure the health and happiness of both you and your pet cat.

Kittens need these basics:
  • Human companionship
  • Regular meals specially formulated for kittens
  • Fresh water always available
  • Comfortable and clean bed
  • Clean litter box
  • Regular grooming
  • Spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months old
  • Regular vaccinations
  • Veterinary care



Before adopting a kitten, ask yourself if you're up for the commitment a kitten requires.