Pet Care

Information and Tips on Pet Care

Declawing - This practice is just plain cruel, and no true animal lover could condone it for any reason. Don't believe me? Have a look at this article So you're thinking of getting your cat declawed? There are many alternatives to declawing, here are my favourites...

• Ensure your cat has access to things that he is allowed to scratch. Buy a scratching post, preferably catnip scented. Your cat will definitely prefer this to your furniture. Alternatively, make your own by coiling some sisal rope tightly around a tree branch.
• Discourage your cat from scratching the furniture through training...reprimand him with a squirt from a water pistol when he scratches the furniture, and give him a treat whenever he uses the scratching post. He'll soon get the idea! Mind you, the water pistol doesn't work with all cats, my own cat just sits and smiles at you if you squirt him! You'll just have to find something else that he doesn't like, such as loud noises - but don't use anything that could hurt or injure the cat in any way.
• You can get your cats claws trimmed if the scratching is causing real damage. This is basically cutting the sharp point from the end of each claw leaving a more blunt edge which won't cause as much damage. First time trimming should really be done by your vet, but most will be happy to show you how to do it yourself after that.

Spaying and neutering - This is a simple operation which basically prevents your pet from reproducing. For a female animal it involves removal of the ovaries and uterus and is termed spaying. For a male animal it involves removal of the testicles and is termed neutering. The operation itself does not take long, most vets take the animals first thing in the morning, and you can usually bring them home again that same evening. Your pet may be a little groggy for a while, but that is just from the anaesthetic. Most cats/dogs will be fully recovered within a week at the most. In my experience, males recover more quickly than females, and females will also require a second visit to the vet for the stitches to be removed (males don't usually need stitches).

Some Advantages of Spaying or Neutering your Cat or Dog

• You will be helping to solve the problem of overpopulation by reducing the number of animals being born each year.
• Your pet will be less likely to roam and fight, as they no longer feel the urge to look for a mate.
• Most pets become more affectionate and home-loving.
• Male cats often stop spraying after being neutered.
• Females no longer go into heat, so will no longer attract nuisance males to your house.
• Spaying and neutering often reduces the risk of certain cancers and other diseases, particularly when performed early (6 to 7 months of age is the recommended time for dogs and cats).

Hints and Tips

• If you have to leave your dog or puppy alone for a time, give him a kong filled with alternate layers of dry food and canned meat, to give him something tasty to chew on and keep him busy while you are out. The idea is to make the filled kong so tempting that he won't be interested in chewing the furniture or scratching the doors!
• When grooming a cat or dog, put the loose hair into a bowl of water to stop them getting everywhere.
• Use nappy bags for picking up dog mess - turn the bag inside out, put your hand inside, pick up the mess with your hand, turn the bag back the right way, and then tie it up. Most are scented so can put them straight in the bin.
• Use a harness rather than a collar for walking strong or pulling dogs, it makes it easier for you to control them, but doesn't choke the dog.
• To keep cats amused without spending a fortune, build your own cat climber or play house - lots of ledges and poles covered with sisal rope or carpet. Add swinging balls or soft toys, and spray with catnip. An outdoor one could include built in tubs of grass for them to roll in and nibble on. Look at this Cat Climber for some ideas.
• To stop a puppy chewing your furniture paint the parts he normally tries to chew with some of the nasty tasting stuff you can buy to paint on childrens nails to stop them biting them.