Cat Training

Cat training is very different than obedience training in dogs. It’s more about teaching your cat what behaviors are inappropriate in your home. Write down a list of behaviors that are strictly forbidden. This list is the minimum work needed so your cat is welcome in your home. Minimally, you training list should include consistent litter box usage, no scratching of your furniture and personal belongings, and no biting or scratching of people or other pets. Other behaviors to work on depends on the needs of your household. Lure your cat into behaving well with food treats. Use deterrents to guid her into not doing things she shouldn’t do. Redirect your cat as often as necessary to reinforce appropriate behavior. Never physically punish or yell at your cat for bad behavior. She won’t make the connection between her action and your punishment so you would just be acting cruelly. For more information, contact your Moore Animal Hospital.

Health Condition of the Basenji

Taking care of a dog long term is a big responsibility and knowing what may or may not develop as the breed grows older is also important. Generally speaking, the Basenji is a fairly healthy breed, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the breed was almost wiped out in the 1980s due to a disease of the kidneys called the Fanconi Syndrome. The wipeout was particularly in the U.S. and it sent breeders back to Africa to bring more of the Basenjis to the U.S. in hopes of revitalizing the breed. It worked. They were able to revive the breed and help breed out most of the Fanconi genetics. Today the Basenji needs to be tested for Fanconi in order to determine the presence of the gene. If you want to purchase or adopt the breed, have your pet clinic Sugar Land, TX test the dog first.

Facts about the American Bobtail

Looking for a cute, fun-loving, family cat? Check out the American Bobtail. This cat is energetic, fun to play with, easy to get along with, and a loyal feline companion. Here are some more interesting facts about the breed. First, did you know the bobtail is very sensitive to people’s emotions and is affectionate and comforting? The American Bobtail is also incredibly smart, eager to please and easy to train. They love to go on car rides and even travel long distances. Color-wise, the bobtail has no set pattern, coloring, or coat length meaning they could be just about any color, pattern, and coat length is whatever the cat ends up with. In addition, the bobtail has a naturally bobbed tail due to a genetic mutation. Your veterinary clinic Sugar Land, TX can tell you the breed is generally healthy and low maintenance.

Skin Problems In Cats

Did you know that cats spend about 50% of their awake time grooming themselves? This daily routine helps keep the cat’s hair coat clean and free from any odors. It also keeps the skin healthy. With a cat’s fussy grooming habits, a sore or a scab on the skin can surely mean something is wrong and needs to be seen by a veterinarian.

Cats that are ill can stop grooming and may end up with dull and dirty hair coat. Some important causes that can interfere with their ability to groom themselves include:

Obesity - the extra pounds can affect the cat’s flexibility, making it hard for them to reach certain parts of their body during grooming.

Tooth and gum problems

Arthritis and other joint and bone problems

An ill cat won’t have the energy and desire to groom

Stress can cause cats to become anxious and engage in over-grooming in an effort to find relief and comfort.

A visit to your animal hospital Las Vegas, NV can help identify the problem.

Zinc Deficiency In Dogs

Dogs that lack zinc, an essential mineral, can suffer from excessive shedding and skin problems. The deficiency is technically called zinc responsive dermatosis. Zinc is just one of the important components that play an important role in the optimum function of the body, thus it should be a normal component of a dog’s diet. The absence or lack of zinc in the diet can pave the way for various issues that affect the skin which is the largest organ of the body, as well as metabolic and immune function.

There are several causes and risk factors for zinc deficiency in dogs. These include:

• A diet that is deficient in zinc
• Calcium-rich diets (because calcium prevents absorption of zinc by binding with it)
• Genetic predisposition of certain canine breeds such as the Alaskan malamute or Siberian husky. They are unable to absorb zinc properly.
• Diets that contain excessive amounts of zinc prevent normal absorption of the mineral.
• Diets that are low in essential fatty acids and total fat negatively influence the absorption of zinc.
• High-fiber diets (or plant-based diets) because plants contain phytate, a substance that can interfere in zinc absoption.
• Abnormal absorption of zinc in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

If your pet is ill, you should make an appointment to have him checked by a veterinarian Las Vegas, NV.

Why your cat needs some time alone each day

You have a cat in your life who you really enjoy spending time with. This makes you wonder – why does she seem to sneak off on her own every now and then?

Your pet may be an important part of your life, but she also needs some time to herself each day. This has nothing to do with your care, as she likely loves your company as well. She simply has a personality that requires a bit of time on her own each day and you might find that some cats tend to seek this out more than others do. Your pet will be heading off on her own in order to meet her needs as well, so take note of what she is up to when she sneaks off. She is likely to be in need of a nap. Your local vet Bolingbrook, IL can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

Collars for Cats

You may have noticed that there seems to be a huge selection of collars for dogs at the pet store, but did you know there are just as many options for cats? Do cats really need collars though? One of the main reasons for a collar is so that your cat can be identified. Whether the collar has the cat’s name and  your phone number stitched on it or the collar carries an ID tag, it’s an easy way to make sure your cat has identification on her at all times. When looking for a cat collar make sure you get one with a break-away function that way if your cat gets caught in a tree or under a fence and the collar catches it will break so your cat doesn’t choke. Ask your veterinarian Rochester, NY for help in finding a collar for your cat.