A-1 PET CARE FROM SLEEP-EAS-ZZ…

For many pet owners, the question of keeping your furry feline inside or out is a non-issue. After all, they wouldn’t dream of sending their cat outside to brave the elements. However, for some cat owners an indoor pet may not be appealing or perhaps it is not very plausible. But, which option is best? Are there reasons why inside or outside is better for your cat? Actually, there are.

Reasons to Keep Your Cat Inside

There are a number of reasons to keep your pet, in particular cats, indoors. Here are the most common:

1. Injury- Pets who spend time outside are at greater risk for injury because they can get into fights with other animals or get cuts, scrapes or even splinters that can become abscessed.

2. Traffic- Sadly, there are numerous cats and dogs killed each year by motor vehicles. By keeping your pet contained—either inside or on a leash when you take them for a walk- you can prevent them from experiencing this trauma.

3. Disease – Just because your pet is vaccinated, it is not 100% protected against something like leukemia which can be transmitted via saliva from another cat. In fact, the leukemia pet vaccination is only 80-85% effective. In addition, FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is passed along through a cat bite (humans cannot be infected) and there is no known cure.

4. Poison – From motor oil that cats may track through or lick, poisons put out to deter other animals or pest and even some plants and fertilizers, there are a variety of poisons easily found outside that can have dire consequences for your cat.

5. Cruelty – Sadly, there are some people who get a great deal of pleasure out of torturing/abusing animals. Don’t make it your pet easy prey by allowing them to roam free.

6. Pests – Flees, ticks and other insects all carry disease. And while pet collars are great guards an indoor cat is better protected against these issues.

Bringing Your Cat Indoors

Of course, if your cat is accustomed to being outdoors, regardless of how much, making the move inside can be a challenge. A challenge, however, that is not insurmountable. There are a variety of things you can do to make the indoors more attractive to cats, which by nature, are more inclined to prefer being outside. Here are a few ideas to try.

• Kitty trees – Humans are created to live life via a one-level existence. Cats are created to climb and jump from high to low and low to high. Having a kitty tree or tower will make your home more appealing to a cat.

• Toys that encourage activity – Cats have to prowl and pounce. Toys like catnip balls, playing chase the string, moving toys or other items that encourage activity will make the cat feel welcomed, while keeping them in shape as well.

• Building a “catio” – This is an enclosed outside area that allows your cat to be in the outdoors without all the dangers. If possible, design it so that your cat can come and go to the “catio” as they please so they can enjoy the outdoors, even when you are not at home.

• Entertainment – Window bird feeders, fish tanks with the lid tightly in place and even videos or leaving a television turned to Animal Planet will provide your cat with visual stimulation and can give them a sense of the outdoors.

• Food puzzles – Busta cubes for cats, fish frozen in a block of ice and other food puzzles can provide environmental enrichment for your cat.

• Companionship – Sometimes, all it takes for a cat to be at ease indoors is to get another cat. They will keep each other company and the “need” to go outdoors will be a moot point.

Having a cat is a privilege and a responsibility. Do your part to keep your cat protected from the elements of the outdoors. If you have any questions or concerns about transitioning your cat from the outdoors to inside, talk to your veterinarian or feel free to ask Sleep Eas…Zz. We are here to help!

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There are many people in the world who cannot imagine life without their fury friends. Whether it barks, purrs or makes little sound at all, there is just something special about having a pet. In fact, there have been various studies done that show having a pet-in particular a dog or cat-can help people relax, get more exercise and even be happier.

However, that doesn’t mean that one should go to the pound or pet store and adopt the first puppy or kitten they see. Yes, having a pet can bring more quality to your life, but that is more likely to happen when you choose a pet/breed that best suits your personality, routine and living situation. In this post, we will discuss what you need to consider when choosing the “purr-fect” feline for your family.

Pets by Personality:

Just as each person has his or her own unique personality and style so do cats. Recently, we found this human personality to cat breed comparison, we hope that it will help you in your search for the best cat for your family.

• Are you an outgoing, positive person who enjoys the humor of life? Then Bengals, Ragdolls, Tankinese, Manx, Tabbies, Calicos, Siamese, Abyssinian or Japanese Bobtails are a good fit.
• Have you been described as imaginative and artistic, yet a definite people person? Perhaps, you enjoy people, but need some time to regroup? If so, then consider the following cat breeds: Bengals, Tiffany, Scottish Fold, Persian, American Curl, Turkish Angora and Norwegian Forest Cat.
• For people who are sentimental, peacemakers and affectionate, they need a cat that suits their “touchy-feely” personality. Cats best suited for these personality types are Persian, Turkish Angora, Turkish Van, Angora, Rag Doll, Bengal, Himalayan and Burmese.
• The passionate, though occasionally somewhat aggressive, person who is sure to charm anyone they meet will most likely mesh well with these sociable cat breeds: Bengals, Siamese, Japanese bobtail, Wild Abyssinian, Ocicat, California Spangled, American Curl, Siamese, Calicos, Maine Coon and Tabbies.

Q & A to Think About When Choosing a Cat

As you may have noticed, some of these breeds are listed in more than one answer. Consequently, it is necessary to take additional factors into consideration when choosing a cat. Here are a few, to keep in mind.

• Do you have enough space for the cat to play/roam? While cats (typically) require less space than dogs, you still need room for your cat. You will also want a place to keep the litter box that is convenient for the cat without being “in the way” of your home’s traffic pattern.
• Do you have time for your cat? Pets take time-vaccinations, immunizations, spaying/neutering, healthy pet visits and emergency trips to the vet take time. Are you able to make time in your schedule for these vet visits?
• Does the cat have to be a pure breed? If you opt for a pure breed cat, keep in mind that, these cats are more prone to health problems due to genetics; you may opt for a mix-breed cat—unless paternity is a priority.
• Do you have kids? Some breeds of cats are not as child-friendly as others. Some of the breeds most likely to adapt to a household with children are Abyssinian, American shorthair, Burmese, Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Tankinese and Manx. These breeds are playful, making them great for kids. However, if you have older children or no children at all, then the following breeds do better, as they are more skittish, prefer minimal touching and don’t get jealous easily: Bengal, American Wirehair, Korat, Sphynx and the Bombay.
• How do you feel about extra time spent cleaning? While the majority of felines shed, the long-haired breeds shed more and their fur matts more easily, thus requiring more time for grooming as well as in vacuuming.

Ultimately, choosing a cat for your home is not about breed, personality compatibility or even a routine. Rather, it is about finding a cat that you can fall in love with. It is about choosing that special cat that becomes a member of the family that you can’t imagine not being there when you come home. Yes, having a cat means work, time and money invested (food, vet bills, etc.), but the unconditional love and friendship a cat can bring makes the “negatives’ into positives. So, when are you going to adopt the purr-fect cat for your family?

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Every dog has its day.

I love cats because I enjoy my home, and little by little, they become its visible soul.-Jean Cocteou

Dogs come when they are called; cats take a message and get back to you later.-Mary Bly

Dogs have owners; cats have staff.

For many of us, life without dogs, cats or other pets would be difficult to imagine. After all, there’s nothing quite like the exuberant greeting of your dog when you come home from a long day or the soft purring of your cat curled up next to you as you read a book. Yes, there is much that could be said about pet ownership! And, no, not all of it is easy, but the happiness our pets bring makes the occasional challenge worthwhile.

Of course, if you have been a pet owner for some time, then you are fully aware if the ups and random downs, of having a pet. In fact, apparently many Americans are very acquainted with pet ownership as according to the Humane Society of the United States:

• 39% of American households have at least 1 dog
• 33% that have at least 1 cat
• More than 77 million dogs and 93 million cats living as pets
• 19 million horses, fish, ferrets, hamsters, lizards, snakes and other domesticated animals.

Yes, there are many of us who love out pets!

Are You Ready For Pet Ownership?

If you have never been a pet owner (especially of a cat or dog), but are considering it, then chances are you are well aware of the positive aspects of pet ownership.  However, you  may be somewhat concerned by what  else pet ownership may entail. Consequently, you may be asking yourself, “What makes a good pet owner?” To help out, here are 6 questions to consider carefully before choosing a pet.

1. Is this a snap decision? Major changes to your life should never be made quickly or on a whim. Take your time. Animals typically have along lifespan so taking on a pet is a long-term commitment.
2. Do you have a place for the pet to sleep? While many times cats are content to sleep on the back of a couch or curled up on one’s bed, dogs do best if they have kennel, a large pet “mattress” or a significant place to call home. Be sure you have somewhere your canine friend can sleep in safety and comfort.
3. Do you have time for a pet? Pets regardless of their species, require time. However, dogs definitely take a bit more time as you need to walk them often- especially if you do not have a fenced in back yard. In addition, pets need social interaction and stimulation. Taking your pets with you when run errands, talking to them, playing games of chase and tug-a-war and other forms of involvement will make for a happy, and healthy, pet.
4. What about the vet? Pet owners must be willing to take their pets to the vet, not just for emergencies, but for basic things like physicals, shots and other elements of pet health care such as spaying or neutering.
5. Will you protect them? While you may see getting a large dog as protection for you, what are you doing to protect your pets? This goes beyond the physicals at the vet, but also includes having a microchip implanted in your dog or cat and registering them with one of the lost and found organizations.  In addition, be sure to keep collars and ID tags on your pet at all times!
6. What about education? Pet ownership means that you need to always be learning. From pet training classes to being aware of the latest in pet care or health, it is vital that you take the time to learn about your pet’s health, habits, history and more so that you can be a great pet parent.

These are just a few of the more important aspects you should consider when thinking about getting a pet. If you are not sure that you are willing to take the time to commit to the responsibilities listed here, the perhaps you will want to wait a bit longer before becoming a pet owner.  However, if these questions barely give you pause, then you are likely ready to select your pet.  If you are not sure what type or breed of pet would be best for your situation, feel free to talk to us. Here at A-1 Pets we have been around a variety of animals and would be glad to share our knowledge with you.

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