Hangin’ with the Animals

By Audrey Frederick

I think that the most frightening thing that can happen to an indoor cat owner is to have their dearly beloved cat escape out the door. Whether it is an accident, where the cat broke through a screen, or someone leaving the door ajar and the cat’s curiosity got the best of it. It is an experience that can make even the bravest of cat owners fall to their knees.

However, accidents do happen, no matter how careful we are. So what should a cat owner do first? In some instances prepare yourself for a long day or night of endless searching and calling.

Many studies have shown that indoor cats often show certain types of behavior when they find themselves in strange and unknown territory.

Most often they will go into what is called a “shut down mode” which is a type of self-preservation mode due to the fact that they are frightened and overwhelmed.

Most indoor-only cats have never seen the new sights and sounds of the outdoors and the experience is not only over whelming, but also down right scary.

If you are lucky enough to see your cat escape, keep a watchful eye on where it is going if it is at all possible. A frightened cat generally will not come when called, and now that you are outside, you too, are considered a scary person by the cat.

An indoor-only cat’s first impulse is to hide somewhere that is why if you can keep your eye on the escapee you have a better chance of catching him/her.

A word of warning here, however, even if you know where Kitty is hiding, the chances of him/her coming into your arms willingly are slim and none.

First try offering food or treats, should you get no response do not be dismayed, as your cat may just be too frightened or distracted and does not realize you are its friend and not an enemy. If you try to grab the cat or make a fast motion toward it, you are only frightening it more. Talking softly and moving slowly will work better; again, keep in mind that Kitty is frightened and when you try to pick him/her up, Kitty may scratch or bite. This is a defense mechanism and has nothing to do with you. Remember how you would react if someone came toward you when you were frightened, how would you react?

If you know where Kitty is and if you can leave your door open, try to position yourself behind Kitty and sort of nudge the cat toward home territory. Again talking softly and no fast or sudden moves as you encourage the cat toward the house.

If you have not been able to see where Kitty has gone, the chances are good that your cat is within a 2 or 3 house area hiding somewhere. The scary part here is the longer your cat is gone the further it may wander.

I know we often will go about the neighborhood calling our cat’s name, that in itself makes us think we are doing some good, but kitty won’t answer 99% of the time. The best thing to do here is post flyers right away, talk to all the neighbors in close proximity, and search all the obvious and non-obvious places such as under porches, behind woodpiles, in sheds and under and in bushes. The next thing you should do is call the animal shelters and report your cat missing. Also ask to borrow some humane traps from the animal shelter and set them in your immediate area with food in them, with the hope that a hungry kitty and not a possum will find refuge.

There are two things that you can do for your cat before you have to ever experience this situation. They are (a) have identification on your cat or better yet have a microchip installed, (b) believe it or not teach your cat to come for food treats, this could save its life if it escapes outdoors. The thought here is if the cat has been taught to come when called for food; it will do so, indoors or out.

As a cat owner, I have been through this experience, thankfully with good results, as my cat came back. I know the anguish that one goes through when our 4-legged friend slips through the door and I pray you never have to experience it and should you, I hope these thoughts help.

In my world cats fill a very important part of it. Without my guys ( and girl, too) I think I would be lost, our families are very important, but cats fill that part of you that no one else can. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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

by SHERYLL CROSS

Cats are one of the most loved pets in the world. Cat lovers around the globe understand the needs and demands of their feline pets, especially when it comes to cat grooming. Cats often clean their faces after meals, lick themselves regularly as if taking a bath, and even file their nails on the scratching post. Truly, they should be treated royalty for having such habits. Grooming your cat may seem to be a tough job, but take it as if you’re just doing small favors for your cat. First, you have to examine your cat’s skin and coat. You may know if your cat’s coat is unhealthy if it is uneven and dry, sometimes may have scales and scabs. You can also smell your cat’s coat if it has bad odor. If all of these are present, check on your cat’s diet. You may be giving your cat the wrong kind of food and your cat’s not getting proper nutrition. Also, the coat of your cat should be combed and brushed regularly. Cats should be brushed daily to prevent their furs from tangling and looking rowdy. Just don’t forget to use the proper tools like quality steel combs that won’t hurt your cats. Ask some professional pet groomers what are the ideal hygiene tools you needed specifically for your pet.

Your cat’s nails should be clipped from time to time. Indoor cats need their nails to be clipped unlike outdoor cats that use their long nails for defense, climbing, and balance. If you’re not used to clipping your cat’s nails, try to bring it to pet grooming salons where pet groomers can teach you the proper way of doing it. You can also ask them to teach you techniques to make your cat comfortable first before clipping its nails.

Cats need brushing their teeth too. You can brush kitty’s teeth at least once or twice a week. Brushing your cat’s teeth will remove plaque build-up that may lead to gum disease and other dental problems. Or, bring your cat to pet to your vet or a pet groomer and let him or her do some professional cleaning in your cat’s mouth. It is also important not to use toothbrushes and toothpastes used by humans. A lot of special dental cleaning tools are available in every pet shop or pet stores.

We all know that most cats hate being sprinkled or bathed. Well, they actually hate getting wet. But yes, cats don’t need frequent baths. Bathe your cat only if you feel that it needs one. Use shampoos, conditioners, and soaps intended only for cats. Again, the shampoos and conditioners that we use shouldn’t be applied on them. If your cat has allergies or skin problems, ask a veterinarian for medications. Don’t ever use a product without asking the opinion of the professionals. Well, these are just basic tips on how to groom your cats. Just don’t put too much attention to grooming them, let them have quality time with you. Just like other pets, they need exercise, fun, and sleep. Just don’t forget to give the attention and care they are worthy of. For more information, visit this site on cat grooming.

Sheryll Cross is a web copywriter for US Website Builder, that is associated with Beauty Time Pets Grooming.

by MIKE ALLRED

How do I train a new puppy or dog to stop biting? That is the last thing on the minds of new pet owners after bringing a new pet home. After all, a new pet is an exciting fun-filled experience for both family and pet. Puppies are little four-legged bundles of energy. It is a job just to keep up with them.

Of course, when that lovable little puppy starts nipping, biting, and chewing we should understand why this behavior is happening. Puppies instinctively love to bite and chew on almost everything, including people, other pets, your best furniture, and the neighbor’s cat.

Though puppies don’t usually feel pain when biting each other, we humans, however, have thin skin. We feel those sharp needle-like teeth. So, it’s important for us, as new pet owners, to train our puppies not to bite. How to teach a puppy to stop biting begins when they’re still puppies.

Dogs learn best as young puppies.

It’s important that your dog learns proper behavior (especially not biting) during its first months of life. Because most puppies are taken away from their mothers too soon, it’s your duty as a new pet owner to act as the puppy’s new mother.

Your most important goal in how to train a puppy to stop biting, is to reduce its instinctive biting and chewing reflex. Normally puppies learn to stop biting from their mothers. So let’s learn from a mother wolf. Let’s observe her natural training techniques. They’re simple but very effective.

Have you ever seen a nature program on TV where the mother wolf disciplines a young pup with only a threatening growl, a baring of her teeth, and fierce stare. In the natural world this technique works. So why not use a form of this technique in your early training of your puppy.

No! No bite!

When a puppy bites, shout “No. No bite!” in a loud firm voice while looking the puppy sternly in the eye. Say “No” loud enough to shock your puppy, but don’t yell so loud as to scare him/her. Your goal is to have the puppy associate the loud “No,” and your stern gaze with his biting.

Most puppies will quickly associate the loud “No” and the stern gaze with the biting behavior. Imagine yourself as being a mother dog teaching a pup a lesson. Yes, you still love them, but they will definitely get the message. After the lesson, show the puppy you love him/her with a loving hug, a warm friendly smile, and a soothing voice.

Learning To Socialize

One of the most important ways to teach a dog or pup not to bite is through proper socialization training. In other words, a puppy must learn to socialize in a friendly way with other dogs and especially other people. Successful dogs know how to be good neighbors with other dogs and especially people. Dogs can quickly become afraid of other dogs and people if they cannot adjust and socialize in an acceptable manner.

And when dogs and puppies are afraid, they exhibit unacceptable behaviors, such as biting. Biting might be cute in puppies, but in adult older dogs biting can be dangerous and destructive for both dog and person.

Never Resort To Physical Abuse

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, your pet should learn to respect you and your family members. Never physically abuse a new puppy or older dog. Physical abuse can lead to a pet fearing you. Physical abuse causes a dog or puppy to lose trust in you, to fear you, and to avoid you.

After all, you are the most important person in the world to your pet. Their world and their existence revolves around you—their owner. Treat your dog or puppy the way you would like to be treated-with respect and love. Dogs are truly man’s best friends. They will love you unconditionally, faithfully, and loyally, whether you’re a pauper or a millionaire.

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Mike Allred, the author, points out that knowing how to train a new puppy or dog to stop biting is only half the battle. Your goal should be an all-round well-trained obedient dog. Such a dog makes a loving pet, a loyal companion, and a devoted friend. To learn more about dog training, caring for new puppies, and dog health issues, visit www.ProDogTrainingMethods.com Your puppy will love you for checking this out. And to learn how to house train your new puppy here’s more information.