Category — Cats

Sixwize.com has some advice for exercising your dog:

Even if you have a fenced backyard, your dog may not be getting enough activity unless he’s exerting himself to the point of panting.

Don’t expect your dog to start out with a 30-minute intense walk, however. You’ll need to condition your pet and work up to more intense activities, just as you need to do yourself if you haven’t worked out in awhile.

A good starting point for most dogs is a 10-15 minute, moderately paced walk. You can work up to 30 minutes, three times a week or, for athletic breeds, up to an hour per session. If you don’t have time to take your dog for regular walks, hiring a dog walker, or taking your dog to a supervised doggy day care, will provide a great alternative.

And for cats:

Cats, especially the indoor variety, can be harder to keep active but a bit of ingenuity on your part will go a long way. Experiment with a variety of toys for your cat and change them often to prevent boredom.

Most cats enjoy catnip-filled toys, such as Nigel the Octopus from GreenerWiener.com or mouse toys like the 100% natural Wooley Bully.

Another simple option to keep cats entertained is a flashlight or laser pointer. Cats will wear themselves out trying to “catch” the light, and SixWise.com highly recommends the Ba-Da-Beam Hands-Free Rotating Laser Chaser from GreenerWiener.com for all cat owners.

And some safety tips:

When exercising your cat or dog, be sure to watch for signs of overexertion, such as excessive panting or lying down. These are signs that it’s time for a break. Also, be especially careful when exercising pets with flat faces, such as pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats, as they are vulnerable to respiratory distress.

Other breeds may also be prone to overexertion or injury, including toy breeds, dachshunds, young puppies and older pets, so always use caution and pay attention to cues from your pet.

You’ll also want to avoid exercising your dog in extreme heat or cold, which can lead to hypothermia, heat stress and over-exhaustion. In bad weather, take your dog to an indoor play park, or teach him to walk (with your assistance) on a treadmill!

Of course, always make sure your pet has access to fresh water during any exercise session.

If you do not have the time or energy to exercise your pet(s), that is one of the services At Home Pet Sitting will gladly provide for you.

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• Take Care Of Cats (animaltopics.com)

Our deaf cat, Bongo, always hits the feed button on my printer in my office on his way to one of the windows. Since he is deaf, he does not really hear that he is engaging the printer and therefore never learns to avoid stepping on the button.  I am not sure he would avoid it if he did hear it though.

This video shows an instance where the cat and the printer interaction has escalated to a more dangerous level.

Bee (click image to enlarge)

Not my photo although I hope to take quality pics like this with the new camera I am getting next month.  Noticed this on the web and just had to show it off here.  Credit belongs here.

From KPTV:

The Humane Society said it has decided to combat the feline overabundance by lowering the cost to adopt kittens and cats. Whereas it normally costs $80 to take home a kitten it has now been reduced to $50, and adoption fees for cats have been reduced from $50 to $15. For those who take home two cats, the second costs $10. All cats will be spayed or neutered if not already altered, vaccinated and microchipped. Adopters also receive a free veterinary exam and 30 days of free pet insurance.

Adoption hours for the Humane Society at 2121 St. Francis Lane in Vancouver, Wash., are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Humane
Society encourages you to help in any way you can including:

• Give a playful kitten or sophisticated adult cat a loving, permanent home and be rewarded with unconditional love.

• Spay or neuter your pets to prevent unwanted animals.

• Explain the importance of sterilization to your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors.

• Help the Humane Society for Southwest Washington build a new home not only to shelter more animals, but also to provide them a healthier environment.

• Consider fostering a litter of kittens. Contact the foster coordinator to reserve space at the monthly Foster Orientations.