Cats

No Heads Out Windows: It’s very unsafe for you to let your dogs stick their heads out the window while you are driving. It is an easy way for your pet to get injured by flying debris form the road. You should also never let your pet travel in the bed of your truck. There are so many things that can go wrong (some not even your fault) that this is illegal is most states.

Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated “pet zone” when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.

Keep Them Hydrated: During your rest stops make sure to provide your pet with some fresh water so that they can re-hydrate themselves. Occasionally, traveling in a car can upset your pet’s stomach and keeping them hydrated will work to help prevent any ‘accidents.’ Another trick is to bring ice cubes for your pet as it’s easier than having to bring large amounts of water (plus by the time you’re done with the trip it IS just water).

Dont Feed Them Extra: You should keep the snacks to a minimum on any long road trip. Fast-food and any other traveler-friendly eateries should not be seen as food sources for your pet. That means no feeding them leftovers as well! That type of food will typically result in poor bowel movement or worse, end up with a sick pet.

Don’t Leave Them Stranded: Never leave your pet by themselves in a parked vehicle. On average warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows slightly open. Another reason to not leave them in the car is it sometimes can act as an open invitation to pet thieves.

Don’t Let Them Run Around The Car: Always keep your pet safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel dog kennel are the safest ways to keep your pets restrained and out of harms way. These will not only keep your pet from injury, but they also prevent your pet from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness works just like a regular seatbelt. Let your pet wear the harness for a while before you go on your first road trip. This will get them familiar with the harness and you’ll be able to adjust it for optimal comfort. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that it has amble ventilation. If you have a large car or SUV, you might want to consider using a vehicle barrier. Always remember that the passenger seat is the last place your pet should ever be sitting while your car is moving.

Comfortable and Secure: The number one thing to focus on should be your pets comfort. If your pet is comfortable then the ride will go smoothly. Their comfort is as important as your own. Imagine having to drive on a long-trip sitting in a seat that hurts or is uncomfortable. It’d make for a pretty un-fun trip! Same goes for your pet. An easy trick to put your pet at ease is to bring along their favorite toy or blanket.

Get answers to your own pet questions by visiting the Online Pet Vet.

You’ll wish you had pet insurance … There may come a time when you have to seriously, and urgently, consider the cost of veterinary treatment. This situation happened to me a couple of years ago when I was looking at spending four thousand dollars to save my dog. Although he is a part of my family, I did wonder at the time (I feel ashamed now), if the cost was worth it. Medical science cannot cure everything and pets are vulnerable too. However, no matter the outcome, you will still have to pay for the cost of treatment.

When you find yourself in this predicament, a decision may have to be made. Really, you should never have to think about how much it is going to cost.

A poor financial situation should never be a reason why a pet does not receive adequate attention; arranging a pet insurance policy saves this type of predicament from happening in the future. A pet health insurance plan does not have cost the earth; the average monthly premium will be less than forty dollars.

Pet insurance is not high on most American’s agenda despite tens of millions of pet owners; the reason for this remains a mystery. Generally speaking, health insurance is not something that people neglect; should we be forgiven for not caring enough about our pets then?

Many do not consider this an important matter; this attitude quickly changes when these pet owners are presented with the bills for treatment. Like many other areas, the cost of vet fees has increased as well; of course the knock-on effect has been a rise in pet insurance premiums.

So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider cover for your pets. Anyone who owns a domestic animal needs to be prepared for health problems occasionally; when this happens, the cost of treatment may even cause financial strain.

If you are in this unenviable position then a choice may have to be made. How would you feel if your dog was injured or seriously ill, and you had to stress over how you will pay for your animal to have urgent treatment?

Various pet health insurance options are available; perhaps to incorporate more than one pet on the same plan. Pet owners providing a health plan for their pets is not the luxury you may think it is. Perhaps the information supplied here has made things are a little clearer now and you won’t delay further. Your pet’s life (and your finances) may depend upon it!

Before you think about buying pet insurance, find out the facts about pet health insurance at HealthierDogs.com

The furniture that one purchases for the cat might be sophisticated, but the cat might not find it more appealing than the furniture in the house. It is good to note the behavior of the cat before deciding to buy any furniture for it since they get bored quickly. The furniture to be bought must have many activity options for the cat to choose. Since cats love to climb, hide and scratch in dimly lit areas, a piece of furniture with stairs and platforms will be appealing for the cat. The cat’s age and how active it is also determines the type of furniture to be bought, for instance if it does not like climbing, then furniture with little steps suits it perfectly.

Choosing Furniture

Currently, there is a huge number of cat furniture found in the market. There are limitless options which cat owners have and it is therefore very easy for them to find a furniture piece to suit the cat. Finding furniture that is cheap is also very possible. There are a number of available, some of which include:

Cat Houses

Cats that enjoy staying out doors can do well with a strong house. The cat house should be able to withstand the outdoor elements. Moreover, it should be comfortable and safe for the cats since this will be their home.

Cat Perches

Cats naturally love to climb on things; the only solution one has to prevent the cat from messing things around the house when climbing on them is by buying a cat perch. This enables the cat to monitor the surroundings and still remain in its comfort zone. For cats who seek to go outdoors, a window perch would be the ideal piece of furniture.

Cat Beds

Despite the fact that cats may not be stimulated by the cat beds, giving them a bed which is comfortable is ideal for the overall well being of the cat.

Scratching Posts

Although a scratch post is easy to make, one can also be able to buy one from the pet store. The post prevents the cat from messing with house furniture and saves the cat owner from incurring unnecessary expenses.

Cat Condos

Some cats enjoy their rest in an enclosed place, so a condo will come in handy for such cats. It provides a hiding as well as a sleeping spot. There are varieties of condos to choose from depending on the money the person is willing to spend.

Pet Tents

Cats get nervous in unfamiliar surroundings and the only way to make them relax and enjoy the new experience is carrying along its home wherever the cat is headed. For owners who are constantly on the road traveling for one reason or the other, a pet tent would be an asset. These pet tents can be stored and assembled very easily. In addition, they can be put up indoors or outdoors depending on the preference one has.

While buying the cat furniture, one should make sure that it matches well with the style of the house without appearing out of place.

Looking to find the best deal on Cat Condos, then visit KittyKatFurniture.com to find the best advice on Cat Furniture for you.

Ragdolls have beautiful coats, but they need to be brushed regularly. Most Ragdoll kittens like to be brushed and they will sit and let you brush them. It is best to invest in an expensive brush because they need high levels of grooming. Some owners choose to give them baths, but many cats do not like this even though it makes their fur look very nice.

The Ragdoll has blue eyes and a color point that stands out. There are many colour ranges in this cat including, black, blue and red. The colouring of the Ragdoll is quite striking and this makes the cat very attractive.

A Ragdoll cat goes limp and floppy when picked up although this tendency is more pronounced in mature cats rather than Ragdoll kittens. The Ragdoll loves the play and does not use its claws in an aggressive way during play. They are the perfect pet for children since they are so placid and not aggressive.

The Ragdoll is one of the biggest cat breeds with a solid body and legs. The cat is sturdy and solid to look at. They are not very active and like to spend long amounts of time sleeping. The Ragdoll is said to have come from the Persian and Birman breed. As one of the biggest domestic cats, male Ragdolls can often weight over 25 pounds.

It is far better to buy two Ragdolls than introduce one at a later date. If you are a person that won’t be at home a lot then it is important to provide company for your Ragdoll. These cats don’t like to be on their own and feel very depressed when left for long amounts of time on their own.

Ragdolls need homes that are big because they grow to large sizes and need a lot of room to play in. Males tend to be bigger on average than females weighing up to 10kg. They do not reach their largest sizes until the age of 4 and can live up to the age of around 16.

Ragdolls should be kept indoors as they don’t adapt well to the outside environment. Due to their trusting nature they would go off with a person just like a dog would. Ragdolls are expensive cats and are extremely appealing so theft would almost definitely occur if the cat was allowed out on its own. The only exception of letting these cats out is if they are supervised. Ragdolls do like to go out especially when it is sunny so if you have a garden then this would be ideal. Try to be aware of trees and any gaps in the fence where the cat might escape. They climb up trees easily and once up they find it difficult to get down. They are also likely to find any gaps and escape from them.

Due to the Ragdolls playful nature especially as a kitten they like to play with anything that moves. Ragdoll cats are very good at finding small creatures like mice or frogs and won’t think twice about playing with them. Ragdolls are so passive that if another animal attacked them they would probably not be able to defend themselves. Some owners make an outside run so that the cat can get some fresh air in safety.

Learn more about adopting Ragdoll kittens. Stop by Cokls Ragdolls where you can find out all about this great cat breed.

Many folks who have been owned by cat would chuckle uncontrollably at the thought of putting a leash on it, just like a dog, and taking it for a walk around the neighborhood. Cats have their own opinion about things, and the idea of tying your cat to a piece of string and making her follow you may be one that is hard to believe.

Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.

Getting your cat to accept the leash or harness may take some doing on your part. Going in baby steps will reward you. Rub the harness with catnip. Let kitty sleep with the harness before you put it on. Patience will pay off.

The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.

All the new sights, sounds, and smells are bound to be quite overwhelming to your cat, and this is where your immense patience has to come in.

When looking to buy a leash, the best options for a cat is a harness, or even better, more safe, and much more acceptable by cats, is a walking jacket. The harness or walking jacket will give kitty more comfort, and you more control.

You might want to practice on the lead at home a few times, although most cats will not like this at all. Don’t let this deter you from trying it outside, because for some cats the fact that they are outside is enough to make them tolerate the leash or lead. The cat might get so wrapped up in exploring the great outdoors that it doesn’t really notice the lead very much anymore, and this is the ideal situation.

If, after you have been taking very slowly, and your cat still, after you have progressed to actually going outside, still is scared after a few tries, then maybe this is not for your kitty.

Trying for some time in baby steps is the way to be successful, but there are cats who just won’t have any part of this. Be observant. If your cat gets a little more comfortable each and every time, then continue taking her out. Short trips with lots of praise and treats.

You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash… just like a ,,, er,,,dog

Virginia Sutherland, a cat lover since childhood, loves writing about her favorite topic:Cats!. Check her articles on How Do You Draw A Cat, and Gift Basket For Cat Lover

The furniture that one purchases for the cat might be sophisticated, but the cat might not find it more appealing than the furniture in the house. It is good to note the behavior of the cat before deciding to buy any furniture for it since they get bored quickly. The furniture to be bought must have many activity options for the cat to choose. Since cats love to climb, hide and scratch in dimly lit areas, a piece of furniture with stairs and platforms will be appealing for the cat. The cat’s age and how active it is also determines the type of furniture to be bought, for instance if it does not like climbing, then furniture with little steps suits it perfectly.

Choosing Furniture

Currently, there is a huge number of cat furniture found in the market. There are limitless options which cat owners have and it is therefore very easy for them to find a furniture piece to suit the cat. Finding furniture that is cheap is also very possible. There are a number of available, some of which include:

Cat Houses

Cats that are used to staying outdoors would be better off in a strong cathouse that can withstand the many outdoor activities the cat is involved in. In addition, the house should also be comfortable and be a safe place for the cat to live in.

Cat Perches

As expected, cats love to climb on anything around them but one can provide the animal with a cat perch on which the cat will climb, thus prevent it from messing around the house. With the perch, the cat is comfortable because it is still able to view the adjacent areas. Outdoor cats are most comfortable with a window perch.

Cat Beds

Despite the fact that cats may not be stimulated by the cat beds, giving them a bed which is comfortable is ideal for the overall well being of the cat.

Scratching Posts

Although a scratch post is easy to make, one can also be able to buy one from the pet store. The post prevents the cat from messing with house furniture and saves the cat owner from incurring unnecessary expenses.

Cat Condos

There are some cats that love resting in enclosed places. Getting a condo for such a cat is a good idea since it provides it with a sleeping and hiding spot. There is a great variety of cat condos that can fit the cat owner’s budget.

Pet Tents

It is advisable that a cat owner does not leave the cat behind when travelling as this makes them relax and enjoy the trip. Cats have a habit of panicking when they are placed in surroundings which they are not used to .If a cat owner is always on the road and wishes to carry along a cat, then a pet tent is a necessary investment to make. The pent tents can be folded easily and assembled without much of a problem. The pent tents can be set up outdoors and indoors.

While buying the cat furniture, one should make sure that it matches well with the style of the house without appearing out of place.

Want to find out more about Cat Furniture, then visit Linda Marshall’s site on how to choose the best Cat Furniture for your needs.

Ragdoll kittens are a specific breed of cat that have placid and friendly natures. The nature of Ragdoll kittens makes them very popular cats although at first there was quite a lot of controversy about the cat.

Ragdoll cats make perfect pets due to their loving nature. Ragdoll cats are very friendly, loving, faithful and trusting. Ragdolls love to be near people and form relationships very easily. Ragdolls develop the instinct to know when an owner is returning home and will meet them at the door. Ragdolls wander through the home after their owners almost in a dog like kind of way. Ragdoll cats get showed a lot due to their placid nature and striking looks. Ragdolls make wonderful show pets for numerous reasons.

A Ragdoll cat goes limp and floppy when picked up although this tendency is more pronounced in mature cats rather than Ragdoll kittens. The Ragdoll loves the play and does not use its claws in an aggressive way during play. They are the perfect pet for children since they are so placid and not aggressive.

The Ragdoll was given its name due to it flopping in your arms once it has been picked up. One of the myths surrounding the cat is that one of the first Ragdoll kittens mother was hit by a car. Some people also have the false belief that Ragdoll cats feel no pain. The first Ragdoll kitten was bred in’63 in California, USA. Ann Baker was the very first breeder of the Ragdoll and she also copyrighted the name of the cat.

It is far better to buy two Ragdolls than introduce one at a later date. If you are a person that won’t be at home a lot then it is important to provide company for your Ragdoll. These cats don’t like to be on their own and feel very depressed when left for long amounts of time on their own.

The gentleness of this cat makes people attracted to it. It is bred for its gentleness and calm manner. Most Ragdoll cats are not lap cats and won’t sit in your lap, but you probably would not want them to due to their size. However when you pick the Ragdoll cat up in your arms they flop. Ragdolls are independent cats that do things on their own terms and tend to dictate to their owners what they want. Despite the fact that they are independent they can still be trained to perform a number of tricks. They might not be as easy to train as some other cats, but the fact remains that they can still be trained. Ragdolls like to be rewarded and praised for good behaviour. They learn to recognise their owners voices very quickly.

If a Ragdoll is unhappy they will let you know. They are quite fussy eaters and once they have been given a particular food then they like to keep to it. It is probably better if you can put your Ragdoll cat on a food that is dry since this promotes better health.

Ragdolls have thick, shiny coats that have long hair with no undercoat. Ragdolls classed as colour points have darker ears, tail, face and feet with a body shade that is lighter. There are also Mitted and Bi-colour Ragdoll cats. Ragdolls are passive and don’t get into fights often although they are quite hostile if a new cat is introduced in the home. Ragdolls get used to living the way they have got used to and don’t adapt to change very well. Unless they have known the cat since birth introducing a new cat is not recommended. Ragdoll cats are very faithful, but get possessive if they have to fight for their owners love with another cat.

Interested in adopting a Ragdoll kittens, then visit Cokls Ragdolls site on how to choose the best kitten for your family.

There is a wide variety of cat litter boxes on the market today. It can be hard to choose which one is right for your home. The first thing you need to consider is the end consumer, your cat.

When purchasing a new litter box for a cat you already have, you need to be careful. Cats have a tendency not to like change. But if it is for a new pet, you can try a new style. Too, if your cat has been urinating or defecating outside the box, it may be that he does not like the one he has.

The first decision you will need to make is whether you want a box that is hooded or unhooded. People generally prefer the hooded variety as you do not need to see the cat doing its business or the results. Care needs to be taken with these that you do not end up being an excuse for not cleaning them. All boxes need to be cleaned at minimum once a day, but twice is better. Remember that the smell is far stronger to your pet.

There are cats that like hooded boxes better as they feel more secure and have more privacy. Other cats can feel too claustrophobic with the hooded boxes. As with all other considerations, it will depend on your cat.

Hooded litter boxes are coming in more and more new designs that are much more decorative than the first models. There are some that are covers that stand up around the box which is a simple pan style. These allow your cat much more room to do his business but still hide the results.

The litter box you decide on should be big enough so that your cat can step in, turn around and cover his business comfortably. Cats are unhappy if they are stepping in their own feces or urine. Box and litter also need to be sufficiently deep so the cat can easily cover what he needs to.

If you have more than one cat, you need to be sure you have enough boxes. There are some cats that will not go where another has, so you may have to invest in several litter boxes. Ultimately, it is far better than having them go outside them.

If you take the time to consider both your and your cats preferences, everyone will end up happier. And there is such a variety of cat litter boxes to choose from, it should not be difficult to accommodate everyone concerned.

Want to find out more about lime in cat litter boxes, then visit Mary Zuckerberg’s site on how to choose the best litter boxes for your cat for your needs.

Ragdoll kittens are a specific breed of cat that have placid and friendly natures. The nature of Ragdoll kittens makes them very popular cats although at first there was quite a lot of controversy about the cat.

Ragdoll cats make perfect pets due to their loving nature. Ragdoll cats are very friendly, loving, faithful and trusting. Ragdolls love to be near people and form relationships very easily. Ragdolls develop the instinct to know when an owner is returning home and will meet them at the door. Ragdolls wander through the home after their owners almost in a dog like kind of way. Ragdoll cats get showed a lot due to their placid nature and striking looks. Ragdolls make wonderful show pets for numerous reasons.

The Ragdoll was first bred by Mrs Ann Baker who believed that the cat had been subject to governmental experimentation. Baker was an American citizen who is first believed to have bred the cat although there are many stories that surround the Ragdoll cat and people have different theories.

A Ragdoll would not bite or scratch another child although its best to use safety measures and not let a child play alone with the cat as accidents do happen. A Ragdoll would let a child play and pet them, but they do not like it when a child is rough with them. Although the Ragdoll dislikes children pulling their fur or tail they would very rarely retaliate. Ragdolls love to be around people although they are also very happy left alone. They do like to be in the company of others or at least another pet if human company is not possible all the time. Don’t introduce another cat to the family when the original cat is older though or they might feel insecure.

Ragdoll kittens originate from America where they were created during the’60’s. Ann Baker copyrighted the name RagDoll. RagDoll are special cats that appeal to many people who love their appearance and nature. A lot of people show Ragdolls due to their attractive appearance. This cat tends to do quite well in shows due to their appearance and passive temperament.

Ragdolls like to do things their own way and on their own terms. They will often demand a lot from their owner and sulk if it is not given to them. They are very private, clean cats and like to have their litter trays away from anyone else. Try to designate a room that is private where they won’t be disturbed.

Ragdolls should be kept indoors as they don’t adapt well to the outside environment. Due to their trusting nature they would go off with a person just like a dog would. Ragdolls are expensive cats and are extremely appealing so theft would almost definitely occur if the cat was allowed out on its own. The only exception of letting these cats out is if they are supervised. Ragdolls do like to go out especially when it is sunny so if you have a garden then this would be ideal. Try to be aware of trees and any gaps in the fence where the cat might escape. They climb up trees easily and once up they find it difficult to get down. They are also likely to find any gaps and escape from them.

Ragdolls need to be vaccinated, provided flea treatment once a month and wormed. They are quite high maintenance due to their thick coats and the tendency to get ill with nose problems. Unless you plan to breed Ragdolls then males should be neutered and females spayed. Pet insurance is a wise investment especially due to the increased veterinary rates. Overall Ragdolls make fantastic pets that if you are prepared to look after will give you lot’s of love.

Interested in adopting a Ragdoll kittens, then visit Cokls Ragdolls site on how to choose the best kitten for your family.

Don’t Let Them Put Their Head Out The Window: Even though it looks harmless, it just isn’t safe to let your pet stick their head out the window while you are driving. This leaves your pet vulnerable to anything that might be flying along in the road, debris, bugs, even things from the cars in front of you. You should also never put your pet in the back of a pickup truck. It is so dangerous (especially on long trips) that the majority of states actually have laws against this type of animal transport!

Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated “pet zone” when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.

Give Them Plenty Of Water: At each rest stop make sure to have some water available for your pet to drink from. Sometimes car travel will upset your pets stomach and this will give it something to help prevent sickness. Something that a lot of people recommend is to take ice cubes on road-trips as they’re a fun way for your pet to get their needed re-hydration and it doesn’t take up as much room as bringing lots of water will.

Dont Feed Them Extra: You should keep the snacks to a minimum on any long road trip. Fast-food and any other traveler-friendly eateries should not be seen as food sources for your pet. That means no feeding them leftovers as well! That type of food will typically result in poor bowel movement or worse, end up with a sick pet.

Don’t Leave Them Alone In The Car: Don’t leave your pets alone in your car while you run errands. On summer days the inside of your car can easily reach 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows cracked open. Pet thieves also have been known to prey on pets left alone in cars at rest stops, so prevent their attempts by keeping your pets at your side.

Restrain Your Pets: While in your car, keep your pets restrained. Properly using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the fastest ways to keep your pet safe. Either method will keep your pet safe from harm as well as keep them from distracting the driver. A pet safety harness is similar to a regular seatbelt, just made to restrain your four legged friend. It’s a safe bet to let your pet try on any pet harness before any road-trip, this way they will also get use to the way it feels. Make sure any dog kennels that you use are well ventilated, as air circulation might be poorer in the back. If you have a large pet, look into using a pet barrier in your car. These are best used with large cars and SUVs. One of the most important travel tips to remember is that they should not be traveling in the passenger seat, no matter how cute they might look.

Staying Safe and Comfortable: Comfort should be a priority regardless of how you choose to travel with your pets. Just as it’s important for your seat to be comfortable on long road trips, your pet’s seat should be comfortable too (by seat we mean seating area). Usually your pets favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick to quickly put them at ease. If you don’t mind spending the extra money, there are many different pet travel seats available that you can buy which are designed with your pets safety and comfort in mind.

To read more pet travel tips visit the Online Pet Vet and get answers to your own pet questions.