Even Cats Love Christmas

Our 5-year-old cat, Yoshi, was diagnosed with renal failure. The veterinarian claimed that there isn’t much he can do. Yoshi will probably only live a few more years and from time to time he will need to be put in the hospital for treatment. My wife asked the doctor about a holistic veterinarian and if there are any in the area. As it turns out they allow a holistic veterinarian to use their facilities on Fridays. So we scheduled an appointment.

In about 5 weeks of work, which by the way includes acupuncture, our cat, Yoshi, is like a new person. (I know, I know but he is a little person to us.) He loves going to Dr. Fox and during the usual hour-long appointment he just lays there and purrs. She actually communicates with him. For all you Cartesian rationalists out there I know it sounds strange but Dr. Fox gives us information that she could not have known. Little intricate details that we did not know until we get home and check it out. FOr instance Yoshi tell her there was a chip out of his food bowl and it was bothering him. Sure enough when we got home there was a chip out of his bowl.

Regardless, she told us Yoshi really loves the Christmas season. I told her that my mom and dad really worked hard to make the Christmas season special for my sister, brother and me. Now, when I think of the season it brings a tear to my eye because even as my parents grew older they would allow me to give them a special Christmas at our house. I really miss them.

Dr. Fox also recalled how her parents would go all out for Christmas but her father was very disciplined and would require the tinsel to be put on the tree perfectly. She was not that good at it so he would not let her put it on the tree. Because of that her Christmas memories are not as fond as mine.

However, I do remember when Christmas changed dramatically in my life. My dad decided to modernize Christmas and went out and purchased an aluminum tree with one of those multi-colored wheels that spun around over a floodlight. I was devastated that we did not have a real tree for the first time in my life. There was some retribution though. There was a little setscrew that held the plastic colored wheel in place over the floodlight. Once in awhile it would back out and the plastic wheel would begin to wobble. One day it backed out and the wheel began to wobble and instead of telling my dad (we were not allowed to touch it) my sister, brother and me watch this wheel wobble down on top of the flood light and melt. We waited until it melted entirely over the light until we called him. Wow was he mad that day at modern technology.

So what is the point of all this? My wife and I have always had a real tree. I will admit to being a little obsessive so I was uncomfortable at times with the dirt a real tree can create. Two years ago the tree we bought started losing its needles quickly and we had to take it down two weeks before Christmas. I used this as an excuse to talk my wife into an artificial tree and actually had her convinced that it was a really nice tree. That is until this past Friday when Dr. Fox said Yoshi wants us to get a real tree again. Furthermore he exclaimed that I don’t want a spruce tree I want a pine tree like three years ago because it smells so good. The thought of the smell of pine brought back so many wonderful memories. As I basked in this joyous feeling I suddenly remembered the dreaded curse of many of us suffering through a mid life crisis, I am just like my parents. Well that isn’t all bad, just sometimes, and like my father, I get off track and forget what is really important.

As an ontological coach and more important a human, I often fall into the drift of life and forget to take a moment to be thankful and grateful for the world around me. I get so caught up in the details of life I forget to look up and see the big picture. On Sunday our Pastor said we should be thankful for the coincidences in life because they probably aren’t as coincidental as we may think. Perhaps it is the time to look up and truly celebrate what Christmas is really about.

Jesus loves the little children of the world and he calls us to love one and other as well. I am thankful for a little child (albeit not necessarily a human one) breaking my drift and getting me to look back up to the stars once again. We will have a real tree this year and more importantly I will pledge to make people and gratitude my priority for the season and hopefully the year to come. Life transitions can begin in many ways and sometimes we are awakened to our habits and transparencies in life by the smallest of incidents. In this case it was kind of like coughing up a little human hairball.

By the way, those of you who receive a Christmas card from us may find some teeth marks in it. Yoshi had Dr. Fox tell us he wants to sign the cards this year as well.

Have a Wonderful and Blessed Holiday Season!

Choosing Toys That Are Safe for Your Cat

To get the food sufficient for sustaining herself and her litter, a feral cat goes through the ritual of stalking, pouncing and killing, in a half-day's time. On the other hand, domestic cats feed on a diet that is commercially made and prepared by their owner, which is as effortless as using an electric can opener with their paw. It is no wonder why your cat weighs a little more than normal. If we confine our feline pets to the indoors, we take away their opportunity to work for a living. Though they may be safer inside, their body and mind tend to be inactive. So, you should decide on how to enhance their lives and environment.

Luckily, it is easier to entertain cats. Most of the things in their surroundings could serve as cat toys. As a matter of fact, in most houses, cats ignore commercial cat toys and they would rather play with items meant to be recycled. These include paper bags, shoe boxes, bottle caps and pens that have dried out. What you consider as garbage may be good to rip to your cat. Some people place appliance boxes at the center of the living room so that their cats can use them when playing hide-and-seek.

As you evaluate household items that are safe for your cat, take notice of the pieces that can be bitten and swallowed, get trapped on the claw and keep retraction, or get stuck in your cat's throat or mouth. Though a lot of cats love to hide inside paper bags, they hate it when their heads get caught in the handles and the paper bag seems to have a life of its own, chasing them no matter how fast they run. To prevent this kind of problem, you just need to cut the handles before letting your cat have access to them.

The most important law on safety is to know your cat. Find out the things that catch his attention. He may have an oral craving for aluminum foil, plastic milk cap rims or paper curling ribbon. If this is the case, it is crucial to properly dispose these items to prevent your cat from having gastrointestinal problems. However, these same things can serve as well-supervised toys that may be played with occasionally by other cats. Before you consider commercial toys as safe to play in your home, they should be carefully inspected. Cats that bat at toys using their paws can play with wands that have fluttering mylar strips. However, if your cat likes to put anything she catches in her mouth, this is not safe for playing.

When you know the habits, as well as play styles of your feline pet by heart, you can carefully select toys for your cat. This will, in turn, offer a mentally challenging surrounding, invigorating exercise and plain, good fun, creating a happier and healthier home companion.

Why Should You Opt For The Best Stroller For Cats?

Cats that have been brought up indoors are exposed to nasty animals and uncontrollable traffic on the roads when they head outside. An unaware cat walking on the roads can face a life threat because of these outside dangers and they need to be protected at all times, but then how can they venture outdoors and experience the glory of nature.

1) Provide stimulating outdoors to pets:

Indoor cats, when they venture outside, love to find a cozy spot under a brush or shrub to protect them from peering eyes. They love to wallow in the beauty of the calm green surroundings. You can broaden and stimulate the sights for your cats by putting them comfortably inside a double cat stroller and keep them closeted inside warmly.

2) Safety and security of cats:

A cat stroller for two cats will definitely aid you in taking your feline pair outdoors for a picnic. In the safety and security of the double cat stroller, you can broaden the horizons for your cat pair and enjoy the outdoor sun. The best stroller for cats is very relaxing for your feline beauties because they can safely peep outside from behind a mesh while they lazily watch everything move around them.

3) Improve the quality of life:

While you lie back and read a book at the poolside your cats can sit snugly in a double cat stroller. The quality of life you spend is going to improve drastically. You can safely carry your pets to the store, mall, garden, and workplace. Just strap them in and start pushing them in the direction you want to take them in an efficient manner.

4) Relaxing atmosphere:

Your cats can now make their "mewing" trips to the vet comfortably and securely in the cat stroller for two cats. The protective and warm atmosphere will let the cats lie back and relax. No more mad chases after the odd mice or small animals which are moving around the park.

5) Best transportation for cats:

Just choose a stroller size and shape that suits you for transport purposes. A collapsible stroller is even better because you can store them easily and fix them into shape only when needed. We promise you are not going to skip that evening walk anymore. Your precious cats are going to be safe from other aggressive animals. Elderly cats who find it tough to move around can also be taken out in the strollers.

6) Balanced, safe and stable ride:

Cats love to relax in the fresh air and the stroller permits free passage of air. The carriage can be parked and transported anywhere. Your back will remain protected and unstrained because you don't have to carry the catty twins anywhere; the stroller is going to do the needful. The balanced and stable ride in the carriage will not disturb your walk rather the soothing movement will lull them to sleep comfortably. Your indoor cat can get harmed by moving transport on the road and it can stay happy and safeguarded inside the stroller.

Rabbit Litter Training

You have just gotten your pet rabbit-congratulations!-and have already taken it home to show it off to your family and friends. After setting up the cage and offering it some food and water, the next step is litter training. This is one of the most important and often challenging parts of raising a pet, but once it's mastered, the experience is all the more rewarding. Here, we provide you a step-by-step manual on how to litter train your rabbit; pretty soon, you'll be on your way to becoming the ultimate pet owner.
Before you start...
1. Spay/neuter your rabbit. This is especially important if you own a baby rabbit; after four to six months, your pet's hormones will kick in and soon enough it will begin to mark its territory. To lessen the likelihood of doing so, spaying or neutering your rabbit will help make it easier to be litter-trained.
2. Choose the right type of litter. While there are many types of litter that are marketed out there, many owners tend to make their own for the litter box, which is not only inexpensive, but also safer for their bunnies. Using litter designed for cats or wood shavings can be hazardous to health, as they might cause digestion or respiratory problems. An ideal type of litter is recycled paper products (e.g. newspapers), since they are harmless to the rabbits if ingested. Certain litter brands like Care-fresh or Cellu-Dri arm considered safe for them, too.
3. Clean and dispose frequently. Changing the litter box often will not only keep the cage from smelling, but also encourage your rabbit to use them more. Vinegar is a cheap and convenient tool to use to get rid of odors when cleaning the box and other stains inside the cage.
How to Litter-Train your Pet...
1. Make it comfortable. You want your rabbit to be at ease when being litter-trained while also making sure that it knows that the cage's litter box is where it needs to go to for doing the deed. By making its cage a calm and safe environment, it will help motivate your pet to go there more often.
2. Give enough space for roaming. If you would like your pet bunny to run around the house (with supervision, of course!), then it is essential to begin litter training right away. Start small by restricting your bunny's roaming space to a small part of the room, before increasing it to the rest of it. Make sure to always have multiple litter boxes all over the room, just in case your rabbit decides to litter somewhere other than in the cage.
3. Discipline firmly. Rabbits are naturally habitual animals, and so if you are not firm in disciplining when it marks its territory, then it will be very difficult to break the cycle for future littering sessions. Give a gentle, but stern "no" every time it starts to litter in a place other than where its designated to, and move it quickly to a nearby litter box (whether in the cage or the room) to reinforce where it should do its business.
4. Reward your pet. Positive reinforcement is just as important to litter training your rabbit as reprimanding it when it goes wrong. Treat your pet with something small, like a piece of fruit or its favorite play-thing when it correctly disposes in the litter box. Of course, you don't have to do this every time that it works, especially after more than several times, but during its initial stages it is highly suggested.
5. Be patient. Like with babies and other pets, rabbits take time to be properly litter trained. Slip-ups will happen, and it is a matter of being calm and correcting your pet's behavior as soon as they occur that will help the process go more smoothly. Having patience is key to being a good pet owner, and it will no doubt build a solid and trusting relationship with your rabbit.
Now you've gotten the basics down, it is now time to get started! Overall, taking both the prerequisites and the steps themselves when it comes to litter training your rabbit will give you a clear, solid standard on how to go about it. Pretty soon, you can play and enjoy spending time with you adorable furry friend... without the mess!

Just How Smart Is a Cat?

Of all the pet animals, the cat is perhaps the fastest learner due to its ability to get and retain information to find a solution to problems. When an adult cat is placed in a room which it has never seen before, every corner and nook is inspected with the help of its instincts. According to behaviorists, this necessity to carry out "basic research" gives the cat important, life-surviving information about his environment. So, the saying "curiosity killed the cat" is a misnomer, since it actually gives the cat its reputation for having 9 lives.

The highlight of a cat's intellect is his ability to utilize the information retained to address problems. Cats have the skill to form "learning sets", which used to be done only by primates. For instance, when trained cats pulled boxes on wheels, this revealed that they could combine that skill and their insight to solve other problems.

As an example, a cat pulled a box to a certain place, then used it as a stool to get a reward he wants - like food on a string hanging from the ceiling. Though no one knows their range of cognitive capabilities, cats continue to surprise their owners with their remarkable abilities.

Just like humans, cats learn by observing, imitating, trying, as well as committing errors. There are countless stories about cats opening doors by turning doorknobs, ringing doorbells, turning off lights, opening cupboards, plus using the toilet based on their observation of owners doing the same thing. A lot of cat behaviorists and also child psychologists agree that an adult cat's intelligence is equivalent to that of a toddler who is 2 to 3 years old. At this age, children are very clever and manipulative, so it is not surprising that cats are better trainers than their owners are to them.

Though the cat is considered as the smartest among all domestic animals, cat owners should understand the limitations of their pet's thought processes, since attributing human motivations to the pet cat can affect the patient, and systematic approach is needed to treat behavioral problems.

For instance, cats cannot remember the past or make future plans. So, it is useless for an owner to scold a pet cat for something it did moments ago or when caught in the act, since the cat cannot make a connection between an action and punishment. Its actions are not influenced by revenge for what an owner said or did in the past. These can be blamed on the stress brought about by its owner's actions.

The behavioral problems of cats are triggered by humans, and when cats are not provided with the necessary things to naturally behave like a cat, this can have a negative impact on their human owners.

Is Talking to My Cats Like Talking to Myself?

There are three cats in my family and they are like my children now that everyone else has left. More and more I find myself talking to them as if they understand every word. There are times when it crosses my mind that maybe I am really talking out loud to myself. They seem to understand, however, and their attitude towards me is one of selecting times when they demand cuddles and usually when I settle the three of them settle on top of me.

Help! What is going on here? Has my brain deteriorated down to their level or are they reaching up to mine?

Cats have been a part of my life from a very young age. My gran had one named Sarg and he lived till he was about 20 years of age which was way past when she died. He was probably the first pet in my life and we were all attached to him.

When in my teens I found a little black kitten in the backyard that had obviously crawled out from under dad's shed. Taking it into the house it was then that the fleas emerged in their hundreds. Wow! None the less we kept him and I called him 'Fella'. Well he was black and the name suited him. A couple of days later his brother turned up and he was named 'Find'.

My cousin adopted the last one and the two of them were eventually both mine. Fella had a personality that was so adorable and when I went away the phone would be held to his ear so he could hear my voice. He purred his little heart out when that happened.

Over the years, other cats have come and gone and they have all contributed greatly to my life. For the last 30 or so years I took to breeding kittens and that was a great joy as so many benefited from the little beauties. The mothers are adorable and they are now the 3 that are with me as there are no litters produced now.

One would have to say that the understanding between us is rather great. They know there are times when I need privacy from them and they stick to themselves. When I go out they are always waiting to welcome me home again. While there have always been a dog in the family that is no longer the case and won't be again because the cats are much better.

Dogs are gorgeous but they smell. You can always tell homes where they reside and they jump around and demand walks and things that frankly I am a little past that. Being a retired person who spends much of the day writing or painting the companionship and love from my cats is enough to satisfy my needs. Probably that's why they understand when my voice is heard. They don't need to know what is said only that they hear it, just as Fella did.

Norma Holt has knowledge that enables her to understand many issues. Political, social and behavioural problems are usually on her list for discussion as well as anything to do with the Spirit of the Universe and the environment. She has many web sites for readers to venture onto and is happy to hear from any of her readers.

Just How Smart Is a Cat?

Of all the pet animals, the cat is perhaps the fastest learner due to its ability to get and retain information to find a solution to problems. When an adult cat is placed in a room which it has never seen before, every corner and nook is inspected with the help of its instincts. According to behaviorists, this necessity to carry out "basic research" gives the cat important, life-surviving information about his environment. So, the saying "curiosity killed the cat" is a misnomer, since it actually gives the cat its reputation for having 9 lives.

The highlight of a cat's intellect is his ability to utilize the information retained to address problems. Cats have the skill to form "learning sets", which used to be done only by primates. For instance, when trained cats pulled boxes on wheels, this revealed that they could combine that skill and their insight to solve other problems.

As an example, a cat pulled a box to a certain place, then used it as a stool to get a reward he wants - like food on a string hanging from the ceiling. Though no one knows their range of cognitive capabilities, cats continue to surprise their owners with their remarkable abilities.

Just like humans, cats learn by observing, imitating, trying, as well as committing errors. There are countless stories about cats opening doors by turning doorknobs, ringing doorbells, turning off lights, opening cupboards, plus using the toilet based on their observation of owners doing the same thing. A lot of cat behaviorists and also child psychologists agree that an adult cat's intelligence is equivalent to that of a toddler who is 2 to 3 years old. At this age, children are very clever and manipulative, so it is not surprising that cats are better trainers than their owners are to them.

Though the cat is considered as the smartest among all domestic animals, cat owners should understand the limitations of their pet's thought processes, since attributing human motivations to the pet cat can affect the patient, and systematic approach is needed to treat behavioral problems.

For instance, cats cannot remember the past or make future plans. So, it is useless for an owner to scold a pet cat for something it did moments ago or when caught in the act, since the cat cannot make a connection between an action and punishment. Its actions are not influenced by revenge for what an owner said or did in the past. These can be blamed on the stress brought about by its owner's actions.

The behavioral problems of cats are triggered by humans, and when cats are not provided with the necessary things to naturally behave like a cat, this can have a negative impact on their human owners.

How to Train a Cat to Use a Scratching Post: Useful Tips

If you happen to be a cat owner, then you would notice that your precious pet loves scratching stuff. Much to your horror, cats love to scratch the furniture! This may seem like a big problem, but it can be easily resolved. The key is to learn how to train a cat to use a scratching post. There are many ways for you to deal with this problem.

First of all, it is important to understand why cats scratch their paws. Cats spread their scent by scratching their paws which means they are marking their territory.

It helps them to feel secure and to identify their enclave. Shedding claws is another reason for scratching. Scratching also helps them stretch their muscles. See that there are many advantages to cats scratching their paws except that it wreaks havoc on your furniture.

On the other hand, you can trim your cat's nails to help them ease the scratching. This method is not recommended as they lose their defense mechanism. So we compiled some tips and tricks to follow to aid in your dilemma.

Useful Tips on How to Train a Cat to Use a Scratching Post

Now that you know the common reasons why cats are scratching their paws, we can move on to some useful things that you can do to help them learn to use a scratching post instead of your furniture.

Start early

If you have your pets as kittens, then you can start training them while they are young. This way, the action will be ingrained in them. However, if you already have an adult cat, they can still be trained but might need more persistence and perseverance.

Find a scratching post that your cat will love

Sometimes, it is all about finding the right kind of scratching post that will appeal to your cat. You can find the right post for your cat usually through trial and error. You may need to experiment and see which one works. For example, some would prefer a vertical post as opposed to a horizontal surface. The important thing is to be able to find the right one that will appeal to your cat's preferences.

Determine the best place to put your scratching post

Other times, it is not the quality of the scratching post that is important but the location. You should keep in mind that you should place your post where it will be accessible to your cat.

One pro tip: cats usually do their scratching before they take a nap. The ideal place to put your scratching post is where your cat usually naps. If you have the capacity, it is also great to put several posts in different parts of the house. Place it on your pet's usual spots, and it will surely get to maximize its use.

Now, if you happen to have a piece of furniture that your cat is very much attached to, then you can try placing a scratching post near it. This is an excellent way to divert its attention and focus the scratching on the post and not on your furniture.

Use Rewards and Affirmations

As with all great training, you can use rewards and affirmations to your pet. This simply means that whenever your pet uses the scratch post, it will get a reward. On the other hand, if they still play with your beloved furniture, then you need to be firm and let your pet know that is wrong.

To further entice your cat to use the scratching post, you can put catnip on and around the post or hang a toy for them to be able to play with. Eventually, they will get the hang of it and start using the post regularly.

Do not tolerate

If your cat is persistent, then it is time to use your voice to let your pet know its actions are incorrect. When you hear your cat scratching the furniture, say stop in a loud voice. Your pet will be startled and over time will understand that what it is doing is inappropriate. You may also spritz some water on your cat whenever it starts scratching the future. These are just some ways to dissuade your pet.

Other Remedies

Now, if the tips mentioned above do not work at all, then you can go a different route. One thing that you could do is to make your furniture unappealing to your pet. You can do this by covering your cat's favorite furniture with foil or tape. Cats do not like these textures and can dissuade them from further scratching. It may seem like a hideous look for your furniture, but it is only temporary. You can remove them when your cat already loses its interest.

When all else fail, you can try changing your furniture. Consider furniture that is made from microfiber. It can tolerate scratching, but at the same time, there are also different designs available that will suit your home.

Conclusion

Cats are adorable and fun-loving. Just remember that cat scratching is a natural phenomenon. It may seem horrible, but if you train them early, then you will be able to surpass this ordeal. As mentioned before, cats scratch as their way of marking territory and shedding claws. It is easier to train cats when you understand the reason behind their behavior.

Natural Care for Animals of All Kinds

One of the things that excited us about growing our own food was the fact that we were going to have food from our own garden and meat from our pigs and chickens without the added hormones and chemicals. While it is true that we didn't have to add chemicals, there were a lot of chemicals we didn't think about that come into play on a regular day. For example, the horses have flies that bother them, the donkey constantly has a scratch from something, the garden has bugs that have to be attended to, and then there is the de-worming of all the animals. So in the hopes of trying to have a chemical free home and toxic free family, we started looking into other options for our little farm.
When we first started the farm 7 years, we started with chickens. We actually hatched our first chicken in an incubator in our kitchen (it was a 1st grade science project). It was so neat watching the baby hatch and then raising more chicks one by one. One thing that I did not know about the chickens was that they are so fragile. One time we bought a couple of very unusual chickens from a sale. We were so excited about the them. We got them home, set up their pen, gave it food and water, and went to bed. The next morning we came out to feed all the animals and low and behold the chicken was dead! I couldn't believe it. I started researching to see what would have happened. I came to learn that chicks tend to get stressed out very easily. Over the years we have had some chickens get an upper respiratory issue and then die. We have bought all kinds of medicines to help the chicks to get past the sicknesses but nothing helped. so we decided to look into natural care for the animals. What we discovered was that essential oils were getting great results for people and animals. So about 2 1/2 years ago, my family started using essential oils for our support. We started with our family and the cats and dogs. The oils worked great on the fleas and ticks as well as for helping an unset pet calm down and relax. Next, I found that chickens could truly benefit from several essential oils as well. We  used lavender to help them relax and Thyme to help those respiratory issues.
The pros for use essential oils outweigh the cons to me. I have used a variety of them on all of our animals including the horses and donkey. I knew I would not go back to store-bought cleaners, pet care products, or bug spray when my best friend called and told me a very scary story about her little dog. She had gone to the store and bought a collar for her dog and soon after putting it on her she began to act really funny. She could not walk and could not get up and down on the chair. In a couple of hours the dog was paralyzed. When she went to the vet, he told her this was one of the side effects of the chemicals in the collar. I have totally loved our toxic free home and farm. We now, very quickly and easily make our own bug spray, spray for flies, and spray for the scratches on the animals. I have actually saved money because all the products I use on the animals are safe for my family as well. I can make one bottle of bug spray and put it on the kids before they go out to keep flies and gnats away and then take that same bottle to the garden and spray the plants and get rid of all the aphids and beetles. I love my oils and I don't see life without them.

Reasons Why Some Cats Eat Mice

Dome cat owners may be wondering why their beloved pet feline loves to eat mice, even if they have provided it with a bowl filled with commercial cat food. They could look into the cat's ancestry, biology and hard-wiring to find the answer.

Nearly a century ago, cats were mostly outdoor animals. Since cats have the tendency to be exceptional hunters, people keep them to control pests. Those who want to see them hunt in action can observe the behavior of African wildcats, their closest wild cousins. These nocturnal animals hunt primarily during nighttime. They have very accurate hearing that enables them to find their prey based only on auditory clues. African wildcats hunt mainly birds, insects, mice, rats and small reptiles. They seldom drink water, and just get moisture from the prey they consume.

Cats devour their prey so they can get an essential amino acid called taurine. Unlike other animals, the taurine that cats produce is not sufficient, and that is why they need to take it in their diet. Meat has the right amount of taurine to meet the needs of a cat's body, making them a so-called "obligate carnivore". The cat foods available in the market contain taurine.

Though domestic cats behave in a similar manner, human protection has encouraged them and managed the ability to hunt during the day and at night. In general, cats are born to hunt. As early as 6 weeks old, kittens already pounce on their food. Hunting is a cat's natural survival instinct. Cats usually hunt with caution, slowly approaching their prey by crawling on their bellies towards them before they pounce.

Domestic cats that stay indoors hunt less than those that live outdoors since there are no mice to catch. In the wild, the mothers of feral kittens teach them how to kill their prey. Domestic cats seldom develop this skill. For this reason, they are seen playing with what they catch or bringing a mouse to their owner like an "offering" since most of them do not know how to kill one.

Cat lovers have to understand that it is just normal for their favorite pet to hunt a mouse and eat it. Though this may seem to be gross to them, for cats it is a normal thing to do, and most of all, it is fun. Hunting is a natural behavior among cats, and they need to exercise this skill even though they are hunting their toys or some feathered fishing pole. In case domestic cats go out to hunt, their owners should remember to deworm them two times a year, since rodents are carriers of intestinal parasites that can infect them as well as humans.

This Is Why Cats Are Present in Almost Every House

We shouldn't really be justifying reasons why people love cats. We just do. To cats lovers, loving cats is just as natural as breathing, watching our favorite movie for an entire day, or even eating a large chunk of food every once in a while for the knack of it - even when we're on a diet - heck, especially when we're on a diet. However, there are some specific things cats do which make a person fall in love with them, knowingly or unknowingly.

Cats are great teachers

Cats are great teachers. Unlike humans who try to please someone, be it their parents, siblings or loved ones, cats really don't care. They live their lives pleasing only themselves, while still showing their own love and affection for their owners in a unique way. And we love them for it because they teach us something - it's okay to not be a people-pleaser. But still, cats owners still have fun being with their cats - despite all these. They still genuinely enjoy the cats' presence, even when they're silent and in solitude.

Cats are great sleep aid

The purring of a cat is one of the most calming sounds for humans. It makes us feel relaxed, and generally feel good about ourselves. The sound is so calming it can drive even the most sleep-deprived person into dream wonderland. And, the fur of a cat is one of the softest things a human would ever have the privilege of touching. After a hard day at work, take away your sleeping aids and every other disturbances, and just lie on your bed with you and your cat. It would be a great sleep therapy for you.

Cats make the economy go around

People invest in the latest toys, catnip, litter, treats or even vet care all for their cats. If you own one, you'd understand what I mean. Once we see a product description that says "Cats love this" and we read the reviews to back up such claim, we'd immediately want to buy it. And that is one of the ways that we show love and affection to our cats. But, little did we know that we also help the economy big time. It's a win-win for everyone! You're happy, your cats are happy and America would definitely thank you.

Cats are unique

Cats are beautiful, cute, fluffy and unique. Every cat has its own personality and uniqueness. They're like a light in our darkest days because they bring joy and happiness into our lives. Their purring, their fur, even the way they snub their owners still make us fall in love with them over and over again. Their beauty doesn't fade over time, quite opposite. They get beautiful the older they get. Not only that, but they have a large life span.

Cats require less outdoor activities

Unlike dogs, cats are not involved in outdoors activities. They do not need to be walked, neither do they catch a ball you throw at them. This makes you use lesser time in taking care of your cats. And sometimes, they might even prefer isolation. Just a back rub every now and then, play with them, feed them and smuggle them is all you need to keep a cat.

How Many Cats Is Too Much?

Is it Okay to Own Lots of Cats?

Yes, of course. You can have as much as you can. This is not only about an oddball who has a bedroom full of 250 feline pets, as reported in the news. A huge amount of cats in your house does not necessarily lead to chaos. You may have heard a person asking why his neighbor's five felines get along very well, whereas his own three always fight.

Most people have discovered that adopting cats can be habit-forming. It starts when you see a stray kitten, bring it home as a welcome addition to your cat family, and next time, you take one more plus another, and so on and so forth, because by then, one more won't make a difference.

However, keeping all cats together in a crowded space is not only unfair to them, but also their caretaker. It is more sensible to bring a stray cat to a sanctuary where it can be taken care of by professionals who can look for a new home for it. How about owning a few cats like for example, three? Or else, how many is best?

If you have read some articles about cat hierarchies, you will realize the importance of personal space to felines. The way cats get along in one household depends on several factors - like how they move.

It is, therefore, quite difficult to strike a balance in a family of several cats. You should always observe your pets to notice right away any signs of disturbance. As an example, most people know that problems can surface once a cat reaches sexual maturity.

When the cat is neutered, problems disappear, but just for a while. However, they are not aware of another stage in a cat's life, wherein the feline is no longer a teen, but has become a full-grown adult (that is, attains social maturity). This occurs when a cat is between 2 and 4 years old. This is the time when she will search for a new spot in the cat hierarchy.

The cat might even go for the top position when the feline is both bold and strong. When the present top cat does not like to be challenged, fighting will surely take place.

There are cats that are happiest when being alone, and will not fit into a household filled with many cats. Therefore, when considering a multicat household to adopt a new cat, it is important to gather as much information as you can about the potential adoptee.

Lastly, keep in mind that even if you own 1, 2 or 3 cats, except if you have a huge household, your territory has been fully occupied. Any additional cat has to blend in by sharing the territory of another. As a suggestion, the territory can be expanded by including another cat tree, litter box and more food bowls.

In addition, bear in mind that in case one of your cats passes away, this does not necessarily mean that you can get another member to fill the vacancy. Feline social hierarchies are known to be delicate, and when they lose a member, establishing a new hierarchy will just cause significant disorder.

Finding the Best Home for a Cat

There are times when cat lovers are faced with the dilemma of finding a home for a poor little cat/kitten. These felines know exactly where cat owners live so it is easy to find them. People with soft hearts cannot just ignore them so they do not know what to do. If they have been a cat lover for the longest time, they probably have their fill of furry family members. Nevertheless, they would still want the best home for their new furry friend, but how could they find one?

Some helpful questions they could ask to know the type of home an interested caller would offer to the cat for adoption are:

    Did you ever have cats in the past? Where are they now? Their reply to these questions can say a lot about this potential home, and the care they plan to give to their new pet.
    Do you have your own home or are just renting it? If they reply"rent' then they should get a written approval from their landlord.
    Do you have kids, and how old are they? When looking for a home that would be ideal for a young kitten, and an interested family has kids below 5 years old, this may not be the best home. Even some adult cats do not get along with children. A cat should not be just a toy for kids, but should be treated as part of the family, whose welfare will be protected by other family members, especially the adults.
    Do you plan to have the cat sprayed or neutered? Before looking for a new home, the cat may have to be altered. Otherwise, the answer should be "Yes". If possible, this should be put in writing.
    Do you intend to declaw the cat? If the reply is "Yes", it would be best to look for another home, and let this be an opportunity to educate. Most cat adopters will not do this if they discover the costs involved, as well as the behavioral changes and adverse temperament following such procedure. Whenever possible, the new home should provide a durable, sisal covered scratching post for the cat.
    Do you plan to let the cat go outdoors? The "right" answer really depends on what would work for the best interest of the cat. It really depends on the nature of the cat and the kind of community where it will live. Majority of animal shelters that let their cats be adopted by people staying in residential areas make sure that their felines go to homes that will let them stay indoors.

While it is important to be friendly and informative to possible adopters, due diligence should also be practiced. Adoptees should ask for their identification - like a driver's license. They should ask for references, including their veterinarian. They can let them sign an adoption contract - such as the document used by humane societies. However, they should also provide them with a copy that includes their contact details and keep one as well.

After a few days of adoption, they can check on the cat's condition and how well it is adjusting. Certainly, they can always tell the new owner that the kitten can be taken back in case things do not go well.

Get Some Excellent and Quality Cat Beds for Your Meowing Friend

Your kitty must be sweet and endearing to convince you to get her an excellent and quality cat bed. To resolve your worries on what specific bed to get for your cat, go for online shopping, here you can choose from varieties of bed collections.

These days online shops are evolving into the first choice for almost all shoppers. Because of their multiple benefits and huge options, more people are logging on instead of heading out.

Adore Your Meowing Friend with the Best Cat Supplies

Cats are the great pet and kept as an essential part of the family. You like to adore your meowing friend, buy her accessories and best cat food. To create a magnificent effect one can select the best kind of thing which will undoubtedly create a paradise and change the overall decoration differently.

If you are looking for some quality cat beds online, then start your online shopping. Choose the best piece with the new and attractive look. Do not forget about colors and patterns that play a significant role in creating a fantastic decor for your meowing companion.

Get Quality Beds from Trusted Leaders Online

Get high-quality beds and create some admiring effect on the surrounding for your best friend. It is better not to buy sleeping beds for a cat right away; first of all, you need to evaluate the sleeping habits of your meowing companion.

For example, if your kitty sleeps with her head propped up, then you need to buy beds for her with bolsters or sides. In case, you have a cat that likes to stretch out, then buy her with a beautiful rectangular pillow or designed in platform fork. Observe certain things before you pick any item. Get quality beds from trusted leaders.

Heated Beds and Pads are Available Especially for Cats

The one thing cats like more than sleeping is to sleep in the sunlight. You can give your cat with a warm place to relax even when the sun is not out with heated beds and pads specially made for pet cats.

The best thing is that these products are available in different size, shape and designs; you can purchase any of them that suited your furry friend best.

Provide a Place of Safety, Security and Comfort

If you want to pamper your lovely kitty and let her get a good night's rest she wishes, then you better find the perfect and comfortable bed for her.

A good foundation provides her with a place of safety, comfort and security. Buy cat bed, making sure that it has a surface which can be cleaned easily.

Put Icing on the Cake with the Excellent Cat Products

When, you bring any cat into your home, at first try to create a special bond with your kitty. Once you have acquired this relation, put the icing on the cake with excellent cat products for your feline friend. Owning cat beds and innovative cat toys will work like a jumpstart your cat's sense of importance to you.

I wish you would have liked my article. Being a long-time cat owner, I am passionate about supporting cat health and well-being. The motto to write this article is to let you know more, how you can make your cat's living more comfortable and relaxing. In coming days, I will try to bring more informative content on making cat parenting easier and better.

Giving Your Cat and Dog the Best Comforting Place to Sleep and Rest

An important factor for a cat or dog are places where they can rest throughout the day when its owner is away from home. In the summer hot days, most pets love the outdoors. Most houses do not have a shade in which their pets can rest in. A very nice relaxing place in which a pet can rest would be in an area of the backyard of the house. In hot or desert areas are places that most likely can trouble your outdoor pet with rest, which can harm your pet's health. The outdoors carry many objects that are very uncomfortable from having dry grounds to grass that can feel irritating to your pet's skin.
Coming home to your pet is one of the best things that happens when returning from a trip or long work day. Having a nice comfortable place for your pet to rest throughout the day is one that for sure your pet will appreciate. Having a dog house for your pet is a safe and comfortable area for your pet's body. Some features of most dog houses include resin structure with padded flooring. For some people that have a swimming pool, most of the area is concrete and having this area in the summer is very hot. Having a cot bed helps your pet to stay comfortable and prevents your pet from getting burned on the cement on high temperature days.
In the winter time in much cooler areas of the world normally most people keep their pets indoors to keep warm. Most households have the essential furniture for a pet to rest. In most cases we'd love to keep those areas clean. The floor doesn't seem to be the essential place for a pet to rest with some being hard wood floors or carpets that are to thin for your pet's comfort. Keeping your loved pets is a priority in giving them the care they should have.
Indoor pets should have their own indoor beds to have a good rest throughout the day and night. The technology on pet beds have grown exponentially with foam and other cushion materials. Indoor pet day beds or indoor pet houses are washable in most fabrics, giving a better clean comfort and smell to your pet's furniture. With the trouble that sometimes your pet can give you, especially when your first training them indoor, pet houses can help with being water resistant as well. So make your pet feel at home always and gift them with a comforting bed in which they can rest, showing them how much they're loved.

6 Elementary Tips to Take Care of Your Pets

Pet owners often wonder - what they should do to keep their pets healthy; is there a decorum they should follow? Pets are like family members that need to be fostered with care. It's a very responsible task as a pet owner to keep the pet in check. There are various important things that need to be taken care of if you want to be a proud owner of a pet.
Periodical Veterinary Appointments
In a case of pets, the most significant reminder is - don't wait for them to get sick, bring them for a periodical check up. If it's not feasible for a half-yearly one, then at least once a year wellness checkup is a must for the pets.
Similar to human beings, pets need periodical check up to ensure the wellness and resolving the health issues if they are infected. Consequently, pets are needed to visit for regular vaccination and other screening tests to avoid sudden superfluous concerns.
Parasite Protection
The most common causes of disease in pets are Parasites. Some parasites can be internal, such as worms and protozoa and some are external like ticks and fleas. These parasites can be deadly and can cause diseases like Heartworm and Lyme which ultimately lead to the death of pets. Pets' parasites can be contagious which can be a threat to the kids of the family. Providentially, these parasites can be easily preventable by providing monthly preventatives.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and Neutering pets are an imperative and beneficial for a number of reasons. To begin with, it would prevent the overpopulation of pets. Secondly, it lowers risks for various fatal diseases like pyometra - infection of the uterus, breast cancer, testicular cancer etc. Last but not the least, a lot of pets get lost or abandoned due to their behavioral problems and spaying and neutering can also help with these problems like aggression, get lost, roam etc.
Microchips
While collars and name tags are necessary, they can't guarantee the safe return of pets. As a result, here comes the marvel - the Microchip. Since collars and name tags can fall off, microchips are the next best possible alternatives out there. A lot of pets that have ended in shelter houses were returned to the owners' side for the reason that they had microchips attached to their body.
Nutritional Foods and Exercise
Don't go and look for only cheap, inexpensive pet foods since those foods may not be healthy for the pets. You can consult to a veterinary about what, how and in which amount u should feed your pets. The foods should be nutritional and well balanced. Consequently, it comes to the issue - exercise.
A lot of pets, nowadays, suffer from obesity that leads to diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Therefore, pets are needed to maintain their level of activity and weight just like humans. Research shows that exercise is the best possible way to keep the pets healthy both physically and mentally.
Love and Affection
Pets also long for love and affection just like us humans. They like it when their owners pay attention to them or take extra care of them. Research verifies that pets rely on us not only for food and security but also for social comfort and bonding.

The #1 Thing You Can Do For Your Pet’s Health: Learn to Read a Pet Food Label

While attractive packaging and seals of approval on the front of a bag or can of pet food are what attract most people, the real information you need is found on the back… on the nutrition label. As a savvy pet parent, you also need to be aware of what’s NOT listed on the label. But let’s start with the label itself. If you pick up any bag or can of pet food, you should see two key things:

1 The ingredients list 
2 The guaranteed analysis

1 An ingredient list is required to display all ingredients in decreasing amounts (by weight) used in the product. The biggest contributors are first on the list and the smallest are last. While you’re reading the ingredients list, pay most attention to the first 10 ingredients. These are the major ingredients that make up the bulk of the food. The very first ingredient you want to see is a specific named source of meat (beef, lamb, chicken, etc.) – especially for cats.

Other Things to Pay Attention  to in the Ingredients List Are:

Ø Do you see mostly real food names that you recognize? (i.e. pork, pumpkin, rice, barley)

Ø Are corn, wheat, soy, white potato, powdered cellulose, or their byproducts listed in the first few ingredients? These are common allergens. Grains such as oats, barley, quinoa, and millet are much better options.

Ø Does the food contain fresh sources of fruits and vegetables? Bonus points if they’re organic.

Ø Are there a lot of chemical names listed? BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Glycerol Monostearate, and Propylene Glycol are chemical preservatives that are toxic to pets, but are often added to pet foods.

Ø Be aware of vegetables and grains being used as a source of protein. The majority of the protein in the food should come from real meat sources, not peas, soy, corn, gluten, or grains.

Ø Avoid foods that use byproducts such as “chicken byproduct meal,” or “beef byproduct meal.”

Ø If you can, it’s best to stay away from protein “meals” in general. If you’re purchasing a product that contains “meal,” it’s better for it to specify the animal (i.e. “lamb meal”) than for the more generic “meat meal” or “poultry meal.”

Ø Stay away from foods with MSG, artificial colors, and added sugars such as high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients aren’t healthy for your precious pet… or you.

2 The guaranteed analysis section of the label lists by percentage the breakdown of the food. You’ll almost always see a percentage for protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. Other things will also often be listed such as ash and different nutrients.

How Many Carbs is Your Pet Consuming?

What you usually won’t find in the guaranteed analysis is the percentage of carbohydrates. This is a critical number that you can roughly gauge by subtracting the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, crude fiber (an indigestible part of carbohydrates), and ash listed on the label from 100. The number you have left over will be a rough estimate of the percentage of carbs the food contains. Why does knowing the percentage of carbs in your cat or dog’s food matter? Because in the wild, dogs and cats naturally consume very few carbohydrates. Feeding them high-carb foods is a surefire recipe for chronic health problems to develop.

An Uncomfortable Truth About Pet Foods 

There’s an ingredient in pet food that sounds innocent, but has a dark side that most consumers aren’t aware of. According to the National Renderers Association, “Rendered protein meals such as meat and bone meal, poultry byproduct meal, and fish meal are almost universally used in pet foods.” Rendering is basically a process where a whole lot of animal parts that can’t be used for human food are thrown into large vats and cooked into a “sludge” that is then sold to pet food companies and used to make pet food. Included in this sludge can be road kill and euthanized animals (including cats & dogs!). While you as a loving pet parent may find this disturbing, it’s not illegal. Look at how the FDA defines “rendered animal feed ingredients”: “Rendering of poultry and other animal tissues has been practiced for over a hundred years as a means of salvaging valuable protein and fat content from otherwise waste material. For many years end products from rendering have been used to feed animals. The rendering industry utilizes packinghouse offal, meat processing waste, restaurant waste and animal tissues from other sources including animals that have died otherwise than by slaughter.”

What should Dogs & Cats be eating?

Aside from what they can steal off the table and any wild animals they might happen to catch and consume, your pet’s nutrition is your total responsibility. You determine both the quality and the quantity of what they are fed. Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they must eat meat to survive. According to veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, “The vast majority of a feline diet should be meat based, and all the protein should be sourced from meat.” Depending on who you ask, dogs are either carnivores or omnivores. Ultimately this just means that dogs have a bit more flexibility in their diet in that they’ll eat non-meat food. That being said, most dogs do best on a meat-based diet.

The Trouble With Kibble 

What do we mean by “kibble”? It’s those hard, dry pellets that come in bags and boxes that people purchase to feed their pets. It’s so common that when many people think of “pet food,” kibble is what immediately comes to mind. But this wasn’t always the case… Only 100 or so years ago most dogs were being fed table scraps. House and barn cats caught mice, birds, and other small animals and were given saucers of milk to drink. As more people moved from the country to the city, however, the demand for convenient pet foods increased. People were eating canned foods themselves and thus the natural evolution was canned foods for pets. But during WWII this became a problem when metal was being rationed and cans were no longer available for pet food. This was the advent of dry food for pets. Then in the 1950s, the Ralston Purina company (now Purina) innovated a new process for creating dry pet food called “extrusion.” Extrusion is when ingredients are mixed together to create a soft, dough-like substance that is heated and extruded (pushed) through a small hole. The dough expands and cools and becomes a uniform piece of pet food known as kibble. The same basic process for creating kibble pioneered by Purina is still used today. Along with the rise of pet food manufacturing, an organization called the Pet Food Institute was formed in the 1960s. The Institute started a campaign warning pet owners that feeding table scraps was dangerous. Instead, pet owners should only feed “complete” foods. In other words, they should only feed processed pet foods that they purchased.

The Pet Food Institute still operates today and states on its “About Us” page that its members “make 98% of all U.S. pet food products.” As an industry association it’s primary purpose is to promote and protect the pet food industry. By the way, according to the website Statistica.com, the pet food market in the United States alone was valued at 24.6 billion dollars in 2016.

Do Pet Food Standards Provide a False Sense of Security?

Most commercially-produced foods you’ll find on store shelves will proudly display an AAFCO stamp on their packaging. You’ll often see claims such as “our pet food meets or exceeds AAFCO guidelines” and “this food provides complete and balanced nutrition.” But what do these claims really mean, if anything? And what is the AAFCO? According to their website, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is “an independent membership association of local, state and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.” AAFCO doesn’t have any regulatory authority itself, but its guidelines are used by government agencies. As it turns out, the phrase “complete and balanced” is actually a legally-protected term which can only be used on foods that meet AAFCO standards. In other words, a pet food manufacturer can’t make the claim unless their food passes the AAFCO testing process.

This all sounds great, and it must mean that any food bearing this claim must be healthy for your pet, right? Well… maybe not. When it comes down to it, the AAFCO testing isn’t all that rigorous when it comes to ensuring the quality of pet food. The basic testing process goes something like this:

1 Ingredients are reviewed to make sure they are not overly toxic and include some representation from the basic food groups.

2 The food is then tested on a minimum of eight (8) healthy animals.

3 Blood samples are taken and the average group number for each test is determined. The results are considered “normal” if the average blood test values shows no anemia and there are normal values for liver enzymes, protein levels, and hemoglobin.

4 As long as the animals don’t die of “nutritional causes” and the blood test values are satisfactory, the food passes. It doesn’t matter if the animals are itchy, lame, sickly, gain or lose weight, or dislike the food. This seems like a pretty low bar for a product that an animal can potentially be eating for its entire life. Hence it comes back to you as a good pet parent to take a closer look at what’s actually in those packages and cans you’re giving your precious pet.

Why Should You Opt For The Best Stroller For Cats?

Cats that have been brought up indoors are exposed to nasty animals and uncontrollable traffic on the roads when they head outside. An unaware cat walking on the roads can face a life threat because of these outside dangers and they need to be protected at all times, but then how can they venture outdoors and experience the glory of nature.

1) Provide stimulating outdoors to pets:

Indoor cats, when they venture outside, love to find a cozy spot under a brush or shrub to protect them from peering eyes. They love to wallow in the beauty of the calm green surroundings. You can broaden and stimulate the sights for your cats by putting them comfortably inside a double cat stroller and keep them closeted inside warmly.

2) Safety and security of cats:

A cat stroller for two cats will definitely aid you in taking your feline pair outdoors for a picnic. In the safety and security of the double cat stroller, you can broaden the horizons for your cat pair and enjoy the outdoor sun. The best stroller for cats is very relaxing for your feline beauties because they can safely peep outside from behind a mesh while they lazily watch everything move around them.

3) Improve the quality of life:

While you lie back and read a book at the poolside your cats can sit snugly in a double cat stroller. The quality of life you spend is going to improve drastically. You can safely carry your pets to the store, mall, garden, and workplace. Just strap them in and start pushing them in the direction you want to take them in an efficient manner.

4) Relaxing atmosphere:

Your cats can now make their "mewing" trips to the vet comfortably and securely in the cat stroller for two cats. The protective and warm atmosphere will let the cats lie back and relax. No more mad chases after the odd mice or small animals which are moving around the park.

5) Best transportation for cats:

Just choose a stroller size and shape that suits you for transport purposes. A collapsible stroller is even better because you can store them easily and fix them into shape only when needed. We promise you are not going to skip that evening walk anymore. Your precious cats are going to be safe from other aggressive animals. Elderly cats who find it tough to move around can also be taken out in the strollers.

6) Balanced, safe and stable ride:

Cats love to relax in the fresh air and the stroller permits free passage of air. The carriage can be parked and transported anywhere. Your back will remain protected and unstrained because you don't have to carry the catty twins anywhere; the stroller is going to do the needful. The balanced and stable ride in the carriage will not disturb your walk rather the soothing movement will lull them to sleep comfortably. Your indoor cat can get harmed by moving transport on the road and it can stay happy and safeguarded inside the stroller.

Important Things To Consider When Choosing A Pet Bed

Weigh Then Measure Your Pet While Sleeping

First pay attention to how your pet sleeps. If your pet sleeps stretched out, measure them from nose to tail. Add about 8 to 12 inches to determine the size of pet bed you will need. This is to accommodate your full-grown pet, if your pet is still a baby then you will need to add extra space to allow for growing. Also, you can add additional blankets, sheets, or pillows to a larger bed while your pet is still a baby.

If you have a larger, heavier pet the thicker the cushion will need to be. This will help prevent cushion squash, which could be just like your pet sleeping on the bare floor.

Special Needs and Important Features

If your pet is older they may need to have an orthopedic bed to help ease their pain. Orthopedic beds are made of high density memory foam to help conform to your pet's shape and help offer comfort from sore joints or arthritis.

You many want to choose a heated bed for pets that are prone to being chilly or are short haired or you live in a cold climate.

If your pet likes to feel more secure, then choose a more cave-like bed where they will feel safe. This will be a good idea if your pet likes to hide to go to sleep, or goes under furniture to sleep. There are many shapes and sizes of these special beds.

Look At Washing or Maintenance Instructions First

It is most important to be sure to check if the bed for your pet will be easy to clean. Let's face it, our pets are not always tidy creatures, so it is much easier and less expensive to purchase a bed that you can just toss into the washer and/or dryer. Beds do need to be cleaned every week or two, to help with odors and dirt. Cleaning can also help with fleas. I found washing pet beds in baking soda and vinegar is the best for removing odors in the wash.

What Style or Color Should You Choose

Look at what best fits your decor in your home. Pet beds have come a long way, and there are as many different styles of pet beds as people furniture. Once you have conquered choosing the right size, then the options are unlimited, you can choose to match your decor for color and style, or go a completely a different route. Make it a fun choice, all of my pets have specific colors and all their bedding is in that color family.

How Much To Spend

An estimated 17.8 Billion (yes, BILLION) dollars will be spent in the year 2018 on various products for pets. We as owners want our pets to have the absolute best of everything, but it is easy to go overboard (as I often do) with purchasing a pet bed. Try to have a budget in mind before looking at pet beds and stick to it. Remember that this will likely not be a one time purchase, since beds will need to be replaced for wear and tear.