Tag Archives: cat

What You Need to Know Before Adopting Your First Cat

Posted on by

“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.

Continue reading →

Is your Paint Pet Safe?

Posted on by

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 →

PawPack Review

Posted on by

PawPack  Review by Julie Walton
And Rescue Dog, Blue Belle
DogBlog: A Dog’s Eye View

PawPack.com

Special offer for DogBlog Friends:
$10 off coupon on your first order. Go to PawPack.com, when checking out use promo code DOGBLOG

 


Our Rescue Dog, Blue Belle, was thrilled to see a gift box arrive at our door, especially for her. The delivery was a box from PawPack for our DogBlog review. I could tell by her keen interest in the box full of goodies that she was very delighted. Her first decision was chosen by her ever sensitive nose.  I thought she would want to go for the treats, but her nose sniffed out the squeeker in the squeeky toy – a fabric hotdog with a squeaker.  The box has quite a variety of treats, toys, and dog grooming supplies.

I tested out the pawpack.com website, it looks very user friendly.  The PawPack website says this about their mission to support rescue animals:

“ Our goal is to work with no-kill animal rescues across the country to help place cats and dogs into their forever homes.

10% of PawPack proceeds will go directly to the care of rescue animals. We also will be donating PawPacks directly to rescues for new adoptions to have as a welcome home gift. “

We are so happy to hear this. Blue Belle is a rescue animal.  She was rescued from a dog pound and would have been euthanized after being there for just 2 days.  She was rescued by a no-kill shelter that we adore,  the Animal Humane Association of Star Valley, known as Lucky’s Place.  After our dog, Maggie died, we search online through PetFinder and  found a dog that needed a home and we were so happy to give her a forever home with our family.

The PawPack website goes on to explain their Monthly  deliveries to your door – 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month plans  You can cancel anytime. They currently offer FREE shipping in the U.S.

Once you get to the website Choose your pet – Cat or Dog – Select the size of your pet – Select the type of subscription.

You will receive a monthly box full of surprise products, which will always be either organic, all-natural, or eco-friendly.  4 or more full sized items and a variety of samples and other goodies.

Subscriptions automatically renew. You may cancel anytime. Sounds like a fun way to try some new products without having to go to the store.

They say if your furkid has allergies they will try to accommodate – just send them an email with “special request” in the subject line.  That sounds like caring people to us.

The price is good.  At the time of this blog post the baseline package for a single pet is either $43/mo for the month to month option, $39/mo for the 3 month option, $37/mo when you sign up for the 6 months upfront, and $32/mo for the 12 month commitment. All packages including the month to month option are automatically billed each month but you can cancel anytime.  AND NOTICE THE SPECIAL DEAL MY DOGBLOG READERS CAN RECEIVE.  JUST USE THIS CODE DogBlog  TO RECEIVE $10 off on your first order.

Awesome Designer Pet Food Bowls

Posted on by

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