Can Your Cat be a Vegetarian?

Cats have evolved to eat meat. The strong hunting instinct of wild cats have been passed on to your domestic cat. Her body is designed for successful hunting. She has no teeth to grind up vegetables or grains. If your cat had no meat to eat, she would eat greens and grains to survive. However, she would suffer from dietary insufficiencies. There are essential nutrients missing from a vegetarian diet on its own. You could feed your cat vegetarian cat foods that have synthetic amino acids. However, it is still difficult to sustain good health with these foods. Your cat will be prone to heart issues, and urinary and bowel difficulties from eating a vegetarian diet. Although not impossible to raise your cat as a vegetarian, it is a lot of work. Even if you are a vegetarian, consider choosing a meat-based diet for your cat to ensure continued good health. Contact your vet Cy-Fair to learn more.

The American Bobtail

Did you know that the American Bobtail is an extremely loving cat? This cat is playful, loyal, laid back and absolutely loves to be part of the crowd. In fact, the American Bobtail prefers to be around people and especially wants all of the attention. In addition to his personality, the bobtail is also known for its unique physical traits. For instance, the American Bobtail is one of the few cats that has a naturally occurring bobbed tail. Some owners will dock the tail and some cats may be born without a tail due to a birth defect. However, the bobtail’s tail is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Along with the unique tail is some unique coloring. The bobtail can come in a variety of colors with no one color more prominent than another. The coat can come in any length too. If you’d like to learn more about this breed, call your veterinary clinic Marin County, CA.

Fun Facts about the Afghan Hound

Did you know that the Afghan Hound is most widely known for its physical characteristics of a sleek and slender body, sturdy frame and of course a luxuriously flowing coat? This dog is often considered royalty in appearance, mannerisms and the way he walks. The Afghan Hound is a actually a sigh hound and he is often called the ‘King of Dogs.’ This breed has appeared in movies, television, and tons of print ads making him the super model of canines. In fact, the Afghan Hound is said to be the primary inspiration of an untitled sculpture by Picasso. Some believe the Picasso’s own Afghan Hound was the inspiration for the sculpture. The hound is known for its frame, poise, and silky coat with a tail full of curls or ringlets. He is also known for his odd shaped skill called a Dolichocephalic shape which gives him 270 degree field of vision. Talk to your veterinarian Ashburn, VA to learn more.

Finding a Cat to Adopt

You can find adoptable cats in variety of places. Many cats and kittens are available for adoption at animal shelters and rescue groups. These agencies normally ensure that cats are healthy, and their temperaments are evaluated for adoptability. You can use this information to choose a cat that will adapt well to your household. Spaying or neutering is usually required to prevent unwanted pregnancies, stave off disease such as breast or testicular cancer, and suppress some undesirable behaviors such as urine marking. Pet stores may act as a broker for an animal shelter or rescue group or they may accept a litter from a neighbor and work to place them in good homes. You can find pet availability advertisements on the Internet and other publications from a farther distance. Spend time with your adopted cat to help her adjust to your household. Contact your vet Green Bay, WI to learn more.

Where to Purchase Exotic Pets

Looking for an exotic pet? Did you know that they can be considered rare or hard to find pets too? Exotic is given to them as a category name because they often include pets that aren’t your average house pet. For instance, you’ve probably seen dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and even some birds and reptiles at a pet store. But what about sugar gliders, ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs or even tarantula spiders? These are all considered to be exotic. You may find them in a chain pet store around the holidays when people tend to purchase pets more, but other than that they can be hard to find. You should look through the newspaper, online ads, and check for local breeders. Check shelters for abandoned exotic pets to adopt. Always check references before buying or adopting. If possible, have your exotic vet at the veterinary clinic Louisville, CO examine the pet before purchase too.

Setting Up Your Chinchilla’s Habitat

Your chinchilla’s enclosure needs to keep him safe while giving him room to run and play. Purchase a large enclosure with a solid bottom since your chinchilla’s feet are sensitive. He could damage his feet if the floors are wire. Bedding pellets or shredded paper will absorb liquids and control odor. Don’t use wood shavings since they will poke into your chinchilla’s feet. Dust from wood shavings can cause respiratory issues. Hang your chinchilla’s water bottle to avoid contamination from droppings or bedding. Give your chinchilla a heavy ceramic food bowl that won’t tip over. Use a hay rack to keep his food dry. He will need a hidey house for privacy. Ramps or an exercise wheel help provide needed exercise but check that the apparatus bottoms are solid to protect your chinchilla’s sensitive feet. Toys to play with finish the enclosure so your chinchilla is ready to move in. Contact your vet London, ON to learn more.

Otitis Externa Infections In Dogs

Ear infections are common in dogs. Otitis externa simply refers to an in infection affecting the outer part of the dog’s ear. Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ear. Their ear canals are very long and narrow. In some breeds, it can be several inches long. There is a bend in the ear canal where debris and liquid tend to get stuck and becomes a favorable spot for bacteria and yeast to colonize. Some breeds, like beagles, spaniels, and retrievers, have pendulous ear flaps, that can seal in the warmth and moisture of the ears and creating the right environment for the growth of yeast and bacteria.

Dogs with ear infections tend to shake their heads, scratch at their ears, and may have a brownish ear discharge. The ear canal may appear reddish and a foul odor from the infected ears may also be evident.

If you notice your pet displaying any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD sooner rather than later.