Cat Litter Box Location Strategies

Just like in real estate where location is crucial, so it is for your cat's litter boxes.

Here's some ideas and tips on how to effectively locate them for good cat litter box habits.

When you think about cat litter box placement, imagine if it's a place where you'd like to do your business. We humans generally cherish a quiet and private location. Your cat isn't much different. She'd like her cat litter boxes placed where she can feel safe while voiding. When animals eliminate, this is a vulnerable time for them, and if your cat doesn't feel safe and comfortable, she'll find her own location to fulfill this need.

Depending upon the cat's age and mobility, an ideal litter box location is someplace where humans don't tread constantly. Take a look around your house and think about this as you ponder locations. Some ideal places are your basement, rarely-used bathrooms, and larger closets.

If you have a room that doesn't get much traffic and won't let the odors waft all through the house, then set up a litter box in that location.

If a family member's bedroom will work (assuming that person won't be jarred awake at 3 AM when kitty is busy digging a hole to China to bury her output!), use that as well.

Many cats prefer to have a cat litter box near their favorite "hang outs." This way, they don't have to go far when nature calls.

The most desirable location will be quiet, somewhat secluded, and afford kitty the luxury of time and the feeling of safety to properly eliminate in her cat litter box.

Sometimes your cat will decide a location for you. In my home, my kitty Scout prefers the cat litter box in the exercise room in lieu of the one in the basement (which would be my first choice) and another in a nook off the kitchen.

But she doesn't like those locations as well, so it's critical that I keep that cat litter box up to her standards - clean, no deposits left over from her brother JJ, and leaving the door open - even when I'm using the exercise bike or the cross trainer! If I forget any of these things, she lets me in the most direct way possible - by not using a litter box when she needs to eliminate.

If there was ever a case where cats have staffers and hired help, I'm living proof! So take a hint from your cat...try to accomodate her preferred location for successful, consistent cat litter box usage.

Nancy solved the cat urine odor problem in her home, and kept the cat that caused it. Read "18 Ways to Stop Cat Urine Odor Problems" to discover your solution.

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Flea Control

Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! Flea control has always been a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners because the adult fleas cause the clinical signs, yet the majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae and pupae) are to be found off the pet in and around the home. The ideal flea control program utilizes products that target the various stages of the flea life cycle, not only the adult fleas on the pet. In order to help you to select the most appropriate products to achieve a flea-free existence for an allergic pet, we will start by telling you about the life cycle of the flea. The Life Cycle of the Flea Ctenocephalides felis Eggs are laid in the hair coat and are designed to fall off the host. They are resistant to insecticides, but susceptible to various insect growth regulators. Larvae develop in the host's environment and feed on adult flea feces (blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae are susceptible to traditional insecticides, borates and insect growth regulators. Larvae eventually spin cocoons (often within carpet fibers) for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides. Pupae can lie dormant for many months; they are stimulated to expupate as emergent adults by vibration, warming and increased carbon dioxide. Normally, expupation occurs when a host is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds of emergence. Emergent fleas are fairly mobile and can survive a few days without a host, if in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. Once a blood meal has been taken, the flea can survive only a short time if it is dislodged from the host. New fleas experience very high mortality on healthy adult hosts. Most fleas do not survive 72 hours on an animal that is itching and able to groom itself. Unfortunately, limited egg production does occur even on allergic animals. The entire life cycle of C. felis can be completed in as few as 16 days! Flea Control Recommendations For the flea allergic patient 100% flea control is required to remain symptom-free. Even very minimal exposure may be sufficient to perpetuate itching in a hypersensitive patient (one or 2 bites per week are enough!). Until very recently, veterinarians and pet owners have had to control fleas by treating the environment of the animal for the immature stages of the flea. This approach, although effective when properly instituted, is labor intensive and requires frequent repetitive applications. Application of adulticides on the animal has merely been of palliative value. The safe insecticides previously available to us did not kill fleas instantly or were not long-lasting enough to ensure adequate protection from flea bites. The female flea survived long enough to lay a few eggs and perpetuate the life cycle. Today's Flea Control Products Recently, some new products have been added to our flea control arsenal. These appear to be highly efficacious, long lasting and have a very low potential of harmful side effects. It may well be that these promising products will revolutionize flea control in the United States. Program® And Sentinel® (Lufenuron) from Novartis This is available as a once a month pill or oral liquid suspension to be given with a full meal. These are prescription drugs. Adult fleas that feed on animals treated with lufenuron produce sterile eggs. The product does not kill adult fleas. It is a very easy way to break the life cycle but pets remain fully susceptible to the emergence of any fleas from pupa already present in the environment. Therefore, 4 to 7 months may pass before the flea-free state is reached. In order to stop the life cycle, every animal in the patient's environment must receive lufenuron. Pets should be sprayed for fleas with an adulticide during the first few weeks of starting Program®. Nylar® (Pyriproxifen) This is a new insect growth regulator that is extremely effective against flea eggs. It remains 100% effective for 150 days after a single spray application! It is an excellent option in cases when Program® may be too expensive because of a multiple pet household or in situations where Program® is ineffective. It is presently available as a spray-on and as a drip-on in combination with permethrin for dogs and a spray with pyrethrins for cats and also as Nylar flea control collars for dogs and cats. Environmental foggers and sprays are also being marketed. Traditional Insecticides Several adulticides insecticides or shampoos can be used along with Program® or Nylar®. Shampoos are considered inferior to sprays, dips or drip-ons because they have little to no residual activity. For cats, pyrethrins as sprays or foaming mousses are useful. Examples include Mycodex Fast Act® and Fast Act 2® (these products have a reduced level of alcohol which is much more easily tolerated by cats). For dogs, permethrin sprays are recommended. Over-the-counter Hartz Mt®. produces with phenothrin can be used with some caution in cats. Advantage® (Imidacloprid) from Bayer This is marketed as a drip-on for both dogs and cats. Advantage® seems to be very well-tolerated by sensitive cats. It provides flea knockdown in 24 hours. For cats, 100% killing can be maintained for 21 days; for dogs 90% for 28 days. It is susceptible to wash off, therefore outdoor active dogs and dogs that swim or must be bathed because of dermatitis must be re-treated frequently. (Weekly re-treatment is allowed.) Imidacloprid has no efficacy against ticks, but K-9Advantix®, with permethrin does. K9 Advantix is only labeled for once a month, and is ONLY FOR DOGS.. Frontline® Spray, Frontline Plus® And Frontline Top Spot® (Fipronil) from Merial Fipronil is a broad spectrum insecticide available as a spray or a drip-on. Fipronil binds chemically to the hair and is absorbed through the hair follicle by the sebaceous glands. In spray formulation fipronil kills fleas at 95% for over 80 days after application on dogs and for 1 month with biweekly bathing. It is labeled for puppies and kittens of 8 weeks (10 weeks for Top Spot®) and the product is not washed off by bathing. It is also affective against ticks. The major problem with the spray is the high volume of alcohol-based product that must be applied. Many cats will show minor adverse reactions with this application technique. The product must be applied no more than once a month. Frontline Plus® contains the insect growth regulator, S-methoprene and so provides control of eggs and adult fleas. Revolution® Selamectin From Pfizer This product is designed as a once-a-month heartworm preventive and flea preventive for dogs and cats as young as 6 weeks old. It also kills adult fleas and can be used to treat sarcoptic mange, ear mites and ticks. It also helps control roundworms and hookworms in cats. The product is placed on the skin at the back of the neck, but is absorbed into the body to have its effect when female fleas ingest it with a blood meal. Adult fleas will die slowly, but more importantly, any eggs laid prior to death will never develop. It is most useful as a preventive for flea infestation and in the presence of a flea problem in an allergic pet, other insecticide treatment will be recommended at first. It is a prescription drug. Capstar® (Nitenpyram) from Novartis This is a an oral tablet for dogs and cats as young as 4 weeks of age. It offers extremely rapid and complete killing of adult fleas on the pets after administration. It is safe enough that the tablets may be used as needed, as often as once per day, whenever you see fleas on your pet. This is designed to be used in combination with an insect growth regulator to knock out fleas when these slower products are being used for long-term control It can also be used when the pet has visited a flea-infested environment for rapid protection. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

Dog Skin Care

Dogs are very sensitive and affectionate. Dogs obey and follow instructions if they are put into practice from the puppy stage. Dog care is not a simple procedure. One has to know a lot of things about dogs. Dogs are to be regulated in their food habits, personality, the toe nail lengths, and sensory organs.

Dog’s skin is very sensitive. The dog’s skin is shining, healthy and free from dandruff if it is taken proper care of. Its skin depends on the diet it has. Its skin will be in good condition only if it has correct weight. An underweight or an overweight dog may have health problems. Knowledge, precaution and proper attention will surely keep the dogs healthy. Regular vaccinations ensure dogs from getting affected from any infection. The most common disease is allergy in dogs. To keep them away from allergy the surroundings should be clean. A daily bath to a dog will make its skin lose its natural oils. It is advisable to give a bath at intervals or when you find them to be very dirty. They should be patted dry with a soft towel and their coat should be brushed with a soft brush. This will help the skin look shining and healthy.

Every dog has to taken for a regular checkup. Not only this, but one has to check its skin for insects. If so it should be cleaned and powdered by some medicated dog powder. It contracts any skin problem by the slightest change in temperatures. If it is too cold, its skin will turn dry. So it needs a warm condition to keep its skin healthy. Dogs should be taken care with patience, utmost attention and periodical checkups. Though it is not cheap to maintain a healthy dog, a periodical checkup is essential.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds . Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

The Top 5 Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets

The Top 5 Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets By Zach and Amy Phillips-Gary Looking for an animal friend to add to your life? Snakes too slithery? Fish too tank-bound? Cats, dogs, birds just not what you're looking for? Well maybe a house rabbit is right for you?! All creatures have their endearing and not so easy to deal with qualities. Before bringing any pets into your home it is vital that you do the research and consider if that particular creature is a good fit for you and your family. We hope that you will consider our top 5 reasons why we think rabbits make great pets because you may just be ready for a rabbit! Number 1: No barking, hissing or squawking House rabbits are very quiet animals to share your life with. Aside from a gentle clicking of the teeth when happy or a low grunt when irritated, rabbits are virtually noiseless pets. There are a variety of bunny body language signals that house rabbits use to let you know how they are doing and even what they want. For example, if your rabbit bows her/his head down and lies low to the ground, chances are good your bunny is presenting and wants to be stroked. Number 2: Bunnies can be very affectionate and personable When treated with respect and care, most house rabbits show their love in clear ways. A happy bunny will give you soft licks akin to kisses. They will also indicate if they are angry or feel threatened. Of course, each house rabbit's personality is different. Be sure to research breed temperament tendencies and if possible, spend time with the rabbit before adoption. Once home, a close bond can be encouraged between family members and the bunny by providing plenty of social time. Rabbits need at least 2-3 hours a day out of their cages or pens and they tend to like to be around others, especially during those peak activity times of day. Number 3: Rabbits are Earth-friendly pets Whether it's sharing a salad with your bunny or using her/his waste and litter to enrich your compost heap, house rabbits are a great complement to a sustainable lifestyle. Rabbits are vegetarians and can easily share the abundance of your garden or purchased produce. There are many diet choices you can make for your bunny rabbit. However, it is vital that you feed him/her mainly fresh hays and green vegetables with quality pellets as well. Recycling with your rabbit can happen in countless ways: Providing your bunny with cardboard tubes as toys, using clean old towels for his/her cage or pen, or even purchasing litter made from recycled paper are just a few everyday examples. Number 4: Compatible companions with your other pets Contrary to what you might think, with careful training and gradual introductions, your house rabbit can coexist peacefully with other pets. Careful consideration needs to be taken when bringing a bunny into a home already inhabited by other pets. For example, if your dog is a hunting breed--e.g. beagle--and has been trained to emphasize those breed tendencies, perhaps a house rabbit is not an ideal match. However, in most cases, other pets can be trained to treat your bunny with respect and they may even become buddies! Taking a slow, gradual and consistent approach when introducing other pets will help all of the animals in your family understand how to live harmoniously together. Number 5: Bunnies are just plain fun! One reason why house rabbits are so unique is how playful and personable they can be. Especially during their most active hours--early morning and early evening--don't be surprised to find a happy bunny racing and leaping about your home providing just about the best entertainment a pet can offer! Yes, providing proper care can be a lot of work and deciding to adopt a house rabbit in the first place should never be taken lightly. But one ticklish lick from a nose-twitching lagomorph (aka rabbit) and we think you'll agree that house rabbits may just be the best pet you've ever shared your life with! For more in-depth information about house rabbits, visit http://www.rabbitinfocenter.com

What Chihuahua Puppy Really Makes Your Heart Race?

According to the AKC standard a Chihuahua should not exceed 6 pounds. In real life, however, they do. Some Chihuahuas weigh in at 10 pounds or more. Some Chihuahua have longer legs and are lighter boned that is described in the AKC standard. Their muzzles tend to be longer and they have a more “deerlike” look. This type of Chihuahua is labeled a “deer type Chihuahua.” The deer type Chihuahua may have some advantages as a pet. They tend to be better walking companion and they fare better in obedience trials. They are less susceptible to hypoglycemia. However, if you want a “true” Chihuahua you can show or breed, then you need to get one within the standard. If you want a “true” Chihuahua you can love, get whatever appeals to you the most.

Some Chihuahuas are at the other end of not so perfect according to the AKC standards weighing in at as little as 2 pounds. A 2 pound Chihuahua is unofficially named “teacup” or “pocket” Chihuahuas. They are not a separate type of Chihuahua but simply unusually small specimens of the breed. They are somewhat more fragile and vulnerable to hypoglycemia, but not at all “unhealthy” or full of health problems just because they are smaller.

Coat

Chihuahuas come in two coat types: Smooth coat and the less familiar long coat. Neither coat type is difficult to care for or requires long hours of careful grooming. Both types can be seen within the same litter. The long coat is not thick and requires minimal brushing of about 2 times per week. Neither coat type sheds a lot.

Color

Chihuahuas can be solid colored or parti-colored (spotted). The color pattern can be clear, sabled (dark-tipped hairs), masked, or brindled (color broken up by irregular vertical dark stripes). The shade can be basically black or diluted shades of chocolate, blue, or red or its diluted shades of gold or cream, or white.

Sex

Females tend to be smaller than males. Both males and females tend to get along well together. Some people think males may be slightly sweeter. Each has their own adversities with sex hormones and adult sexual maturity. The solution for both sexes is neutering or spaying.

Age

Most people tend to look for a puppy when adding a pet to the family. However, puppies are not for everyone. They are cute and fun, but they are also an incredible amount of work. Chihuahua puppies are more fragile than other breeds. Hypoglycemia is more prevalent especially among the teeny tiny Chihuahuas. Of they miss one meal or overexert themselves they can go into hypoglycemia very quickly.

Many Chihuahua breeders will not send a Chihuahua pup to a new home until the pup reaches at least 10 weeks of age. This is extra work for the breeder, but a breeder who is willing to take on this extra work for you, the consumer, is a breeder worth waiting for or seeking out.

Connie Limon owns Little Guys Dog Clothes Shop. Purchase designer dog clothes and accessories for your Chihuahua and other toy breeds at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know that every twitch, every purr, every motion actually means something... at least to your kitten!

The key to building a devoted and caring relationship between you and your kitten is understanding how kittens communicate

Lets discuss the primary mechanisms a kitten uses to communicate.

Eyes

The eyes truly are the windows to the soul... even when you consider the souls of kittens. Kittens use their eyes to tell you what they want.

For example, if a kitten gazes at something for a few minutes, but then turns away, it is usually an indication that he recognizes the object or person, but chooses not to communicate with them for the time being.

If however, a kitten stares at something and holds its gaze for some time (and also twitches his tail and perhaps raises its fur) that is a clear indication that he feels threatened.

At times the kitten will also make an aggressive meow to indicate they are ready for combat if necessary.

Tail

Reading a kittens tail movements is not only fun its useful. A cats tail tells a lot of things about whats on their minds. One of the uses a kitten has for its tail is to demonstrate self confidence and pride.

Kittens may walk with their tails sticking straight up in the air, indicating they are having a very proud and boastful moment.

If on the other hand a kittens tail suddenly puffs out and looks bushy, and starts shaking it is usually a sign that something has frightened the kitten. When given this sign, though your urge may be to pick up your kitten, avoid doing so immediately. You might startle the kitten and end up with a harsh scratch.

Small twitches of a kittens tail can also indicate that your kitten is irritated at something. This can be for a variety of reasons, including a dirty litter box or lack of food. Be sure to check out your kittys supplies to make sure there isnt some small problem you can remedy quickly.

Purring

Purring is usually the universal body language sign kittens give off. For the most part kittens purr when they are happy, content and satisfied.

Thus, the more your kitty purrs the happier he is. Kittens love to purr when you hold them, stroke them and even brush their fur.

Learning to understand your kittens signals can help you build a long lasting and happy relationship together. If you take the time to pay attention to your kitten, youll start picking up on his unique signals quickly and swiftly.

If youre still worried, here are a few pointers that will ensure you bond with your kitten right off the bat:

* Trampling Paws - sign of affection or need for attention.

* Dilated Pupils - indicates fear or threat. Stay back initially and try to determine cause of fear.

* Arched Back - Kitten is attacking, feels threatened.

* Ears folded forward - Kitten is exploring. Slow Tail Flapping Indicates Satisfaction and Joy.

About The Author

Neelia Evelyn is the author of the best-selling ebook *Kitty Secrets*. In her book, she reveals astonishing secrets guaranteed to thrill and make you cat feel like a million dollars! See: http://www.kittysecrets.com

The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo is a member of the family of Spitz dogs. The Spitz type breeds can trace their history back to the "Peat Dogs" of the New Stone Age. All of them possess double coats that stand away from the body, prick ears and a tail that curls tightly and is usually carried over the back. Among the most common Spitz breeds represented today are the Keeshond, the Chow Chow, the Finnish Spitz, the Shiba Inu and the Akita and several others, besides the American Eskimo. The American Eskimo has the shape of the typical Spitz type of dog, with short erect ears, a bushy stand off coat all over the body and a brushy tail curling over the back. In 1985 The American Eskimo was first registered in the American Kennel club in the non sporting group. It is considered that perhaps the name came from the numbers of these small Spitz-type dogs that were bred by the American Eskimos and were used as sledding dogs. The dogs that were bred by the Eskimos however were of a larger size and stockier. The dogs the Eskimos used were most likely descended from the German Spitz, crossed with the Keeshond and the White Pomeranian. After the admittance into the American Kennel Club the breed officially became known as the American Eskimo, with the nickname of Eskie.

The Eskie comes in three sizes, toy, measuring 9-12 inches, miniature, measuring over 12 and up to 15 inches and the standard, measuring over 15 and up to 19 inches. The coat is always white, biscuit, or cream, with black being the preferred color of the rims of the eyes, nose and lips. The coat is typically easy care, requiring only a thorough brushing once a week or so. The little dog is well built and balanced, slightly longer than it is tall, with a large ruff around the neck. This little dog loves to go walking and its beauty always attracts admirers.

The American Eskimo is an exceptionally healthy dog, having no particular genetic diseases. There may be some tearing of the eye, which needs to be watched, but other than that there seem to be no outstanding health issues. Even with its heavy coat it is considered an "indoor" dog and except for shedding it makes a fine pet. The American Eskimo is most popularly used these days as a companion dog for the house, typically it is a good watchdog that will bark a warning but will not show aggression. It is alert and watchful, affectionate and friendly. It is a playful yet mellow pet, its disposition being quite friendly and its size being non threatening for children or the elderly. The American Eskimo is a smart dog and does well in Obedience trials and in agility. He possesses an easy attitude, generally very trainable and non aggressive to other dogs as well as people.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs