Tag Archives: cat

What You Need to Know Before Adopting Your First Cat

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“I know, I know – this is a blog for dog people. No worries. We can all show a little love to the cat people.” – Blue Belle the DogBlog Canine Contributor

This guest post was contributed by Brandon Butler. Thanks Brandon for your contribution.

kitten

Preparedness is key when bringing any new pet home, especially if you’ve never owned a pet before. While cats are relatively easy to care for, understanding the basics makes life with a feline a lot easier. If you’re planning to adopt your first cat, here’s everything you need to know.

Cat Care 101: The Basics

Are Cats Really Low-Maintenance?

Cats have a reputation as a low-maintenance pet. And compared to high-energy dog breeds, that’s true. Cats don’t require long walks and can be left alone for most of the day. However, cats aren’t a no-maintenance pet. Just like dogs, cats bond with their owners and enjoy interaction. Cats can also be finicky when their living environment isn’t kept to their standards.

Most importantly, cats are a lifetime commitment. And that can be a long time: Cats live for 14 to 16 years on average, and many indoor cats live 20 or more years! In addition to the daily responsibilities, make sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment when you adopt a cat.

Litter Box Rules for Cats

One cat equals one litter box, right? Not so fast. Even with daily scooping, one litter box may not be enough. According to feline behavior expert Jackson Galaxy, the rule of thumb is one litter box per cat plus one extra. Instead of hiding litter boxes in the garage or basement, put them where your cat spends most of its time.

Feeding Your Cat a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for cats. Just a few extra pounds can push cats into obesity, where they’re at increased risk of arthritis, hip dysplasia, and diabetes. In addition to choosing a high-quality, vet-approved food and controlling portion sizes, cat owners should pay attention to their pet’s digestive health. Digestive problems can manifest in vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and poor coat quality. While some digestive problems are caused by underlying health conditions, in many cases a cat’s digestive health can be improved with high-quality, well-balanced wet food, though it’s important to do a little research before you dive in.

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Is your Paint Pet Safe?

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Guest Blogger:  Aedan Kiernan

As pet owners we are all very careful about the food and toys we give to our pets, and what we do around them, which could be detrimental to their health. We are all aware of the dangers of things like chocolate, not many pet owners are aware of health implications that domestic decorating products like paints can have on our furry friends.

The Danger of Paints

Paint might not seem like the most dangerous household substances, but some domestic paints can have serious implications on the health and wellbeing of our pets. These paints are so harmful due to the harsh chemicals that they contain, which includes solvents, heavy metals and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). These chemicals release gases which can cause serious harm to our pets when they are inhaled. Although these gases are most potent while paints are drying, fumes can still be released long after the paint has dried. While the full extent of the damage caused by these chemicals is unknown, symptoms include dizziness, irritation to skin, eyes and air ways and in extreme cases full bodily hair loss.

Paints are not the only decorating product which can cause harm to our pets. Some other hazardous products include varnishes, paint removers and white spirits. The dangers are not just limited to inhalation of these gases and pets can suffer from the same symptoms if they ingest paints or other decorating products. Continue reading →

Awesome Designer Pet Food Bowls

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Meet Dylan Kendall, a professional cat rescuer!

Dylan Kendall, a professional cat rescuer

Dylan Kendall, a professional cat rescuer

In her spare time, Dylan helps animal rescues find homes for homeless four pawed creatures. More recently, she was able to trap a starving kitten by her home, who spent an entire night crying for help. All it took was a trap, some yummy cat food, and 10 minutes and the kitten would then forever be spoiled! She brought him inside and gave him time to rest for the night with a litter box, some food and water. He moved so fast, that we named him Rocket. Since he was given flea control the first night, defleaing took place the next day, as well as a much needed bath. Day by day, this kitten has grown to LOVE humans and fellow felines (as well as a 3 legged Chihuahua).

After 4 days, this is Rocket:

Rescued cat T-Rocket

Rocket will be needing a home, soon. We also have a litter of 4 kittens who were born in a manufacturing plant in Long Beach. Those kittens will also be needing homes. You can inquire at Dylan@dylankendall.com

Four Pawed Pet Bowls

But, you see, now Dylan needs your help. Dylan is a ceramist and a home accessories designer. She’s designed dog and cat bowls perched on 4 little paws. They are raised to help enforce healthy digestion. The only thing, is, she needs to successfully fund them on Kickstarter in order to bring them to market. You can pre order your pet bowls through Kickstarter at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dylankendall/four-pawed-pet-bowls If the goal is reached, the pet bowls can start manufacturing right away.

 Go ahead! Check them out!

4 Pawed Pet Bowls

4 Pawed Pet Bowls

DogBlog Pet Bed Review

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Maggie, the DogBlog Dog from Boise, Idaho was pleased to test out a very special bed. Special, you say, what makes this pet bed so special? First of all, it is so comfortable it feels like an air mattress. She snoozes away, dreaming of squirrels up a tree and running like the wind.

Maggie is a dog who thought the master family bed was the only place she could sleep. This was until we got her this new luxury pet bed from Crypton Super Fabrics. Now she can stretch out and feel snug as a bug in a rug. OK, she might need a few toys to really feel snug, but even humans would enjoy sleeping on this bed.

The other advantages: Crypton says “if you have a messy pet, don’t stress”. Crypton Super Fabrics makes their machine-washable pet beds resistant to moisture, stains, odors and bacteria. Their impenetrable barrier keeps grime from soaking through the fabric.

Pet accident? No problem – just wipe away. For stubborn stains, they offer a complete Pet Stain and Odor Remover System. But the DogBlog hasn’t tested those products.

Please check out Maggie’s musical YouTube video review.

The dog bed that Maggie tested is a Molly B. Luxury Pet Bed – Herringbone Cardinal – Size 36″ x 44″ x 5″
Maggie and the DogBlog give Crypton Super Fabrics Pet Beds a WINNER Recommendation. This pet bed product is the best dog bed we have experienced.

Read more about Maggie, our family dog, rescued from a shelter, trained by prison inmates and now the best dog in the world (in our humble opinion).
Why we started our DogBlog – a sad story about losing our best friend and finding a new one.