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FURRY
FOOTNOTES
People don't think about training cats because cats don't have to interact in the real world as dogs do. However I guarantee cats are just as trainable as dogs. You just do it differently. Teaching your cat tricks can make a huge difference. The bond you have with your cat will be forever changed. Your cat will learn how to learn, and you'll learn that cats can learn - despite everything you've ever thought about cats. To get your cat off the couch and into the real world, you might consider getting your cat a pet. A fish tank or even a lizard can be like cable TV for cats. Of course, the family must be committed to caring for the new animals - and protecting them from the cat so they don't become an hors d'oeuvre. Otherwise there are lizard and bird videos made for feline viewers. Some
but not all cats enjoy the companionship of another cat, a dog or even a large
parrot. I must warn you that adding another pet to a household with another older
established cat could cause urine marking in the house even if that cat is spayed
or neutered. It is probably best to get two kittens at the same time for companionship
and to avoid behavioral problems. If adding another pet, be sure to gradually
and carefully introduce it into the household. Not
all cats like the same games or the same toys. My own cat, Elvis, prefers my laser
light pointer. I use it more for him than I do lecturing at Columbus State. Cats
get bored fast, so rotate the toys. Let your cat hunt for her food. You can teach
your cat to bat around Play-N-Treat balls, little plastic gizmos that kibble falls
out of when rolled. Eventually hide the balls around the house so your cat can
put her prey drive to practical use at mealtime. Provide a ledge with a view.
Watching an outdoor bird feeder is like live theater for cats. Allow your cat
outdoors in protected safety. Build your own "cat run" out of plywood
and mesh, or purchase a do-it-yourself kit at a pet supply store. FURRY
FOOTNOTES
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The
Spay/Neuter Incentive Project and Sanctuary snips New Year's Resolutions 2003... ![]() spay/neuter / tips / greyhounds / news / quotes / stories / books / links / happily ever afters / mission / get in touch / home |
DID YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION INCLUDE YOUR PET? FURRY
FOOTNOTES In Italy they opened the casa windows at midnight and heaved out anything they no longer wanted. In Thailand they threw water on friends, visitors and passersby in order to guarantee abundant rain for the next growing season. In Switzerland men dressed up like trees and lurched from one farmhouse to the next, scaring away evil spirits (not to mention neighborhood dogs). What
all those "theys" were doing was greeting the New Year in some of the
many fashions in which it has been greeted throughout time and across cultures.
However, we the people of the United States were content to ring in the new by
watching the big ball descend over Times Square. Maybe we watched one of Guy Lombardo's
successors. Perhaps we kissed people on the lips whom we wouldn't ordinarily kiss
at all during the rest of the year and many of us made a couple of well-intentioned
resolutions. Perhaps
we'd best not look back to last year's resolutions and account for their success
or lack thereof; instead let us look forward and find resolutions that we know
we can keep. Hmmmm, what would those be? Why not make some resolutions concerning
the health of your pet. If
your dog or cat is not neutered, well, what are you waiting for? Start the new
year out right for yourself, your pet and, believe it or not, society as a whole.
Our country and our entire planet are currently suffering from a severe pet overpopulation
problem; in truth it is the pets who are suffering. There are simply not enough
homes for all the dogs and cats born each year, yet for some reason many pet owners
refuse to have their pets altered. To
set the record straight, spaying and neutering is not cruel. It is a great act
of kindness one can do for his or her companion, an act that will also greatly
enhance the relationship between owners and their pets. An altered pet is more
loving toward its owner, its life is more content, and it is likely to live longer,
too. Now there is a New Year's resolution that can keep a pet owner beaming with
pride for years and years to come. Okay,
you can admit it. We understand. If your pet is perhaps a bit overweight, or even
downright obese, you need not hang your head in shame. Look at the positive side;
you know the new year and all that. Why not start your year on a healthy note
and resolve to get your pet back into shape. Unfortunately,
a great many pets amongst us are overweight, but to aid these pets, there are
now a number of diet pet foods on the market that can help Fluffy or Fido slim
down without depriving them of the full tummy feeling. The most difficult obstacle
in such a program is usually the owner who can't resist sneaking treats to a dieting
pet. Once you make this resolution, resolve to stick to it and consult your veterinarian
about the best program for your pet's needs. Now
here is a resolution that could fit hand in paw with one you might have made yourself.
You guessed it, exercise. Pets, as well as their owners, need daily exercise to
keep them healthy and energetic. If
all these terrific reasons for a daily exercise regimen aren't enough, here is
another one. By ensuring that your pet is receiving its daily dose of exercise,
you are spending time with your dear companion that, studies have shown, is probably
helping to keep your blood pressure low and helping make your life a happier one. Few people
truly enjoy going to the dentist, but if you think about the reasons why, it is
usually because many of us do not take proper preventive care of our teeth. Well,
we are not the only species with such woes, However
brushing alone, as we all know, is not enough. You must seek veterinary help from
time to time, preferably at least once, and perhaps twice a year. A thorough cleaning
and polishing of your dogs teeth done by a veterinarian will help protect the
animals teeth and mouth from gum disease, infection and all the other problems
that can plague our own oral health. Now
that we've essentially covered the basics, it's up to you. It is time for you
to evaluate your own relationship with your special companion and decide what
else might be a positive step for you to take in 2003. For instance, if your pet
isn't wearing a collar and identification tags, this should be an important -
and immediate - step you take toward improving your pet's care. You may also want
to consider having it micro-chipped. Also don't forget to get its license. If your
dog's behavior and training has been on your mind of late, why not sign up for
a local training class, even if your dog is no longer a puppy. You can teach an
old dog new tricks. You
get the picture. So as we plunge into the new year ahead, remember that you have
the power to make it a positive one for you and your pet. Oh yes, I have one final comment. GO BUCKEYES!!!!! |
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