Sunday, May 28, 2006

Choosing a Toilet Training Kit

Tips on Choosing a Toilet Training Kit for Cats

One major problem encountered by pet owners of cats is the litter.  Cats litter everywhere especially when they are not trained to litter in the proper places.  It is recommended that cats be trained to litter in proper places to avoid dirt and unwanted smell inside the household.

There are many toilet training kits that are especially made for cats and are sold in the market.  However, there are things that need to be considered when choosing the best toilet training kit for the cat.

1. First, the owner needs to consider the curiosity level of the cat.  If the cat is not much interested in discovering things then toilet training kits may not be that effective for them. Different toilet training kits sold in the market should also be considered.

2. There are kits that have basic tasks that may be applicable for kittens while there are some kits that are too complicated for other cats.  Therefore, it is important to really assess if the cat will be able to be trained using the toilet training kits.

3. There are many other alternatives that can be used in place of a training kit.  Owners can just improvise rather than buying commercially made ones.  Aside from saving more money, it can also give the benefit of making a litter box and training the cat based on the cat's capability the way the owner sees it.

4. Toilet training kits for cats that are sold in the market have different prices. T hey may vary depending on the needs of a certain cat.  It is still best to have enough information before choosing on a certain kit.  Researching and asking questions from those who have tried the product is also recommended.

5. Some toilet training kits also offer various tips on how to make the training easier for pet owner.   Others may also include tricks that pet owners can make use of.  The kits will include everything the owner may need in training a cat to use the toilet or a cat litter box.

Although there are many kits that are sold in the market, the effectiveness of the kit is not mainly dependent on the kit itself but also on how the pet owners use it   Since toilet training kits require gradual steps, patience and consistency of trainers are needed to become effective. If pet owners are dedicated to train their cats, then in just a few weeks, the cats will be able to litter in the proper places.



Monday, May 22, 2006

How to train your cat to stop biting people

Cats look cute and adorable.  That is until they start biting poor unsuspecting human beings.  Cats need to be taught good behavior.  A lot of biting that is done by cat is a result of uncorrected bad behavior.

Keep in mind that cats came from the wild.  Even though now cats have been domesticated and live in close contact with humans, their instincts remain the same.  They are born hunters and are equipped with the natural tools designed to hunt a prey.

Cats have predatory instincts

Biting is a part of a cat's defense mechanism.  They do this when they feel threatened. Since biting is a cat's way to protect themselves, humans have to be careful that their cats don't think they are threatening them in any way when they are playing with their cats.

Remember that cats are predatory by nature.  They exhibit this trait by playfully pouncing and biting the hands and feet of their owners.

It's important for owners not to tolerate this behavior.  Otherwise, their cats will think it is acceptable.

Cat owners should not encourage their cats to think that their hands and feet are play things.  A lot of cat owners who tolerate this behavior have scars to prove this unfortunate mistake.

Look for the cause

Sometimes cats exhibit bad behavior such as scratching and biting when they are ill or have an injury.  They also do this when they feel anxiety or fear.

Cat owners need to pay close attention to the health of their cats.  They also need to examine their cat's environment to assess if there's something about their surroundings that is causing their cat's bad behavior.

Train your cat

When training a cat, owners should reward their pets for their good behavior and obedience!  This encourages the cat to maintain a good attitude.  You  can do this by giving them treats, or showering them with affection.

Fun activities

Sometimes cats bite when they get listless.  When a cat starts to scratch and bite, owners can put a stop to this by distracting the cat with a fun activity.  Give the cat a toy to play with.  This will get the cat's attention, and keep the cat preoccupied.

Cats are wonderful pets to have.  Not only are they clean creatures- they keep themselves clean by licking their fur.  But they are also very useful.  The Ancient Egyptians used to keep cats to catch rodents.

But first things first, cats need to be trained and taught the rules of the house.  Luckily for cat owners, this means, no more biting!

Cats in True Collars

A true-blue cat aficionado wants the best for his cat...the best cat beds, cat cages, cat bowls, cat condos and yes, cat collars!  What makes a good collar?  These articles enlighten every cat owner on what collar or harness is appropriate for your beloved pet. Here are some of them:

1. 2 in 1 Reflecting Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

What can be more reliable than a 2 in 1 collar?  Its effectiveness lasts up to five months and it can protect any cat from fleas, ticks and other nasty insects.  With its Reflective Material technology courtesy of 3M Scotchlite, the "reflective strip" works like wonders. All the owner has to do is stretch the collar and put it on the pet so the killing action begins.

Manufactured by Hartz, this collar is available for $6.

2. Elizabethan Collar or Clear Custom Collar

Famous for being lightweight and dependable, this collar can fit around the neck of any animal.  This is very ideal for cats as it can be applied easily, thanks to its Hook and Loop Fastener from Scotchmate.

3. Break-A-Way Safety Cat Collar

Any cat lover who goes ga-ga over colors, this one fits the bill.  Not only is it fashionable, it also guarantees safety of the cat.  Very adjustable and light at half a pound, one can never go wrong with Break-A-Way Safety  Cat Collar.

4. One Earth Herbal Dog Collar

The name says "dog" collar but it is also perfect for cats. Containing oil extracts like citronella, lemon grass and eucalyptus, this makes the cat more fragrant than ever!  It repels fleas and keeps the pet cat clean.  How can one go wrong with that?

5. FleaTrol Breakaway Cat Collar by Zodiac

How does it stand out among all the cat collars available in the market?  It has adulticides like Precor IGR that can crush fleas and ticks in an instant.  Its one-of-a-kind design lessens the choking risk, so the owner is assured of the pet's safety. It is even waterproof, too!

6. Kong E-collar

This e-collar is very sturdy and light with a padded neckline that guarantees safety and comfort.  This e-collar is available in five sizes, with the smallest measuring 6 to 7.5 large diameter by 4.5 and the largest from 16 to 20 large diameter.

So every cat lover has a reason to rejoice for all these collars available. Any of the aforementioned choices efficiently works like magic.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

GPS for Pets - Finding Fido or Fluffy Fast !

Do you own a dog or cat that is constantly escaping or disappearing ?
Have you set up fences and closed windows only to stand helpless as your dog rushes through your legs and out the door when the mail person arrives ?
Or your cat escapes over the weekend you were away and the neighbor came to feed her ?
Even if your pet stays safe when they are home you may face dangers when traveling with your pet to camping grounds or other areas.
Pets love to explore and even the most conscientious owners will find certain pets - especially dogs like Beagles and other hunting breeds - that routinely seek adventure out-of-bounds. Outside and alone your pet will face the dangers of cold weather, traffic on the roads and even attack by other animals - wild or not.
Can You Protect Your Pet ?
Finding them as soon as possible will reduce the threats drastically. Getting your pet home before nightfall when cars are less likely to see them, the temperature drops and wild animals can roam even in the city, is key to keeping them from harm.
If you have spent too many days roaming the streets looking for your pet or suffered the heartbreak of loosing a pet forever you will appreciate what GPS technology can do.
What is GPS ?
GPS means 'Global Positioning System'. It is a method of tracking the position of anything from a car to a child or even your pet. The system uses surveillance methods set up by the government with satellites monitoring a tracking device worn by the person or pet.
How Do I Get the Information ?
The information can be accessed by your phone, the Internet or with software you install on your PC. Some systems also permit data to be delivered to a cell phone with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication).
You can set a 'safe zone' on your tracking device that will only start monitoring your pet's location if they leave the area. If they leave the zone you will be alerted. When you are traveling you can reset the zone boundaries.
The information itself must be tracked by attaching a transmitter to the collar of your pet. The GPS system is much more powerful than a typical tracking collar which has a limited range. However, you will have to pay for a service provider to monitor the device and relay the information to you.
If you do choose to use GPS with your pet make sure it is part of an overall strategy to protect your pet since the device itself will not prevent your pet from escaping or encountering harm. If your pet loves water you will also need to be sure the device you choose is waterproof.

Resource : Pet Health Care



Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiff Dog Picture
Bull mastiff – Gamekeeper's Night Dog

A result of breeding, between the Bulldogs and the Mastiffs, the Bull mastiff inherited from the latter the stature and body, being at the same time fast and active like Bulldogs. Loyal, gentle, a good companion and play mate for children, he still remains and excellent guard dog.

Although the Bull mastiff gains official recognition in the year 1924, the modern breed being created from the early XVIIst century, it is obvious that between the two breeds there have always existed crossings. Both of British origin, but differently orientated through selection, they gave the final product a sum of qualities very appreciated among the breed lovers.

The main reason this breed was creates is the mixture of guardian abilities with courage, seeking to obtain a dog faster than the Mastiff that could protect hunting guards and can also help capturing and immobilizing illegal hunters. Actually the Bull mastiff was once called the Gamekeeper's Night Dog, which means the night dog of the hunting guard.

It appears that perfecting the breed took some time – almost 30 years – its creator admitting the fact that he started with settling the standards, and only then achieving the correct mixture. Soon, the Bull mastiff gained fans all over the world and it was preferred to Mastiff because he was smaller, easier to control and to raise.

The Bull mastiff, a dog that will never act naturally violent, must not be abused in any way. He feels at his best next to a master that has lots of patience. In society he is pretty quiet and relaxed, assuming he has been brought in contact with people since he was little. When he is still a puppy he must grow used to petting and to strangers.

Equipped for guarding, the Bull mastiff has some incredibly quick reactions and he will protect his owner even with his life. In family he is a pleasing friend, loving and patient with little children. Playful, he will love children and let them do anything to him without fighting back. He needs wide spaces to exercise and run freely. But to be always around his master, the Bull mastiff will adapt to an apartment life as well.


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Litterbox Training for Cats

Training Cats at Home

Most people love animals and it is the preference of the person which type of pet is ideal his or her own home. This could be a fish that is in an aquarium that has to be fed and the tank cleaned at least once a week, a dog that has to be fed and walked and bathed or even something as furry and cute as a cat.

Cats are one of the cleanest animals around since by nature, they have the ability to clean themselves without any assistance. Even if that is the case, it does not prevent these pets from soiling the apartment or the house so the cat has to be trained through the use of a litter box.    

Choosing the right litter box for the cat will really depend on the size of the cat that is inside one’s home. The box has to be big enough for the cat to move around in and easily accessible for it to go inside.  

This begins by making observations of the pet at home. When the cat begins to move in a strange manner, then it is time to pick it up and rush it to the litter box. Some people have already had the experience of not making it in time which will mean cleaning up the trail of what the pet left behind.

Another unfortunate instance is coming home and finding waste. The best way to train the cat when this happens is picking up the waste and putting it in the box. Then one should pick up the cat and let it stay there for some time which will help the animal realize what to do the next time when there is an urge.

The interior of the box should have some form of filler that will make the place comfortable for the cat. A person can use some old newspapers or old rags. And if this does not work, then one can ask the advice of neighbors who may have some experience with cats at home.  

If the house is quite large, it is advisable to provide more than one litter box to make it easily available for the cat. Since the waste of the cat smells just like that of other animals, one should get rid of it immediately and replace the litter so that the odor does not penetrate the entire home.

Cats, just like any other animals, will require some form of maintenance. Training the cat to use a litter box might take more than a day but in the long term, it will keep the house clean of waste lying around.



Monday, May 15, 2006

Cat Training Supplies

How to Choose the Best Cat Training Supplies

Choosing the supplies needed for training a cat need not be expensive. What is important is to know the supplies that are really needed for training and are found to be the most effective. Choosing the cat training supplies needed is never complicated. The only thing that needs to be considered is  to determine what the cat owner would like to improve in  the behavior of the cat.

Here are the most important supplies needed for training :

1. Litter Box

A litter box is very important in training a cat especially if the cat will be trained to litter in a proper place. When choosing a litter box, the size of the box and the sides should be considered. The cat should be able to jump to it easily, which is why enough space is needed. Cats scratch when littering. The sides should have some height so that the litter will not be scattered when the cat scratches.

2. Bed for the Cat

A bed should be also be prepared for a cat especially if the cat is be trained not to sleep anywhere he wishes. A bed should be specially made for the cat. The trainer or cat owner can improvise a bed that is made of a soft pillow. It should be inviting and appealing to the cat. Cats love to sleep in warm places. That is why it is important that the bed should provide enough warmth for the cat. A scent can also be added to the bed, which is more appealing to cats.

3. A Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch. Much of the time they scratch anywhere they like. They scratch on the walls, couches and even on other furniture. Therefore, it is necessary to have a post where a cat can scratch. A scratching post can be bought commercially or the owner can improvise.

When making an improvised scratch post, the post should be sturdy enough. It should not tip over once the cat touches it. It can be covered with a rough mat or the other side of a carpet. However, it is not recommended to use the same coverings used for the couches or furniture otherwise, the cat will do the same to them.

4. Yarn or Balls as Toys

When teaching a cat some tricks. The best tools are the yarns and balls. Cats love to play with things that are light and moving. There are toys that are specially made for cats but yarns and small balls are the cheapest yet most effective.