PETS AND ANIMALS

One of the reasons why it tends to be difficult to solve house training/house soiling or litterbox avoidance issues, is because you are the one who must identify the cause.

The most difficult part of solving litter box avoidance problems is identifying the cause. Unfortunately, cats are extremely sensitive to change - and if your cat has been regularly using the litter box and then suddenly stopped, something has changed whether you are aware of it or not.

So the goal is to figure out what’s changed.

Here are a couple of things to think about:

The most important thing to consider when you need to figure out what has caused a house soiling problem is: WHEN did the problem start?

2nd most important: Are you certain it’s not a health issue such as an Urinary Tract Infection? (The #1 symptom of an UTI is litter box avoidance)

Other questions to consider that will help you figure out the cause:

Did anything at all change near the time when the behavior started? (Try to think of everything, no matter how unimportant it seems)

Have you moved to a new home recently?

Did you recently introduce a new cat/dog/ferret/roommate into your house (or apartment)?

Have any of the litter boxes been moved? (Maybe he or she tends to regularly use one certain box and that particular one has been moved)

Did you rearrange or add any new furniture to your house?

Are you 100% sure this cat is the one not using the box?

Are any of your cats not getting along?

Inter-cat disagreements are actually much harder to spot than most owners realize. Just because they aren’t fighting doesn’t mean they’re getting along. One of your cat’s may actually be “silently” intimidating one of the others, but you don’t know how to read the signs so you aren’t aware of it.

If you’re sure you know which cat isn’t using the litter box, and you know which litter box that cat usually uses, keep an eye out to see if any of your other cats are spending extra time “hanging out” close to that box.

If you have any covered litter boxes, pay special notice to any cats that have a tendency to sit on top of the litter box.

One surefire method of retraining a stubborn cat is to keep the cat in a nearly empty room for a day or two, providing only a few toys, a scratching post, water, a bed and a litter box.

Use this technique to house train your cat and don’t allow free access to the rest of the house until the cat is completely retrained and no longer eliminates outside of the litter box.

Some people think it’s crazy when they realize just how many things can upset a cat’s bathroom habits. What they don’t realize is that elimination is actually a very complex and fragile part of a cat’s life, and it can be easily disrupted.



By: Liz Barton

About the Author:

The life styles of human beings have changed drastically in only a few decades. Only a few decades ago many people considered books as their secondary friends but now the new styles have came in to existence. The percentage of people preferring pets as their new friends has increased a lot. The different animals people keep as pets range from mammals like cat, dog, rabbit to some birds like parrot, duck, lovebirds etc. but among these, cats are chosen by many as they can fill a big part of a person’s life. They entertain their owners and provide good company during illness and depression. Who better is there to have by your side than someone that give everything and ask for nothing?

 

Cats try to communicate with their owners by doing actions like meowing, hissing, grunting, purring, chirping, squeezing, clicking etc. it can be difficult for the owners to know about their languages at first, but as time goes they will be able to know about their needs. Try to understand what your cat wants of you, as they rarely meow for no reason at all. It can be trying to tell you that they need water or that the litter box needs to be cleaned. They can also be trying to say that they don’t like the food you are giving them. Provide them nutritious foods. Generally their digestive system will support processing of meat better than green foods. So consider all these facts and plan a balanced diet. It is found that some of the human foods are harmful to cats, so it is best to stick with known cat foods made especially for cats.



By: Jan Arve Angelo

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All pets respond to a positive loving home. However, just as we find differences in a variety of breeds, we also find many differences between cats and dogs. Of course you see them portrayed as enemies – chasing each other in the movies. I have a friend who has three dogs and a cat, and they all get along perfectly. But some people find that they are either cat or dog people, and then we find people that are cat, dog, bird, turtle, and just all around animal lovers. If you are trying to decide between owning a cat or a dog then here are a few things you should consider.

Dogs require a lot of attention and care. You have to walk them daily and you must make sure they are housebroken. Cats do not require you to walk them. How often have you seen a cat on a leash? Cats use litter boxes – even though they need minimal training in this aspect - you do not have to provide them with access to the outdoors for daily “bathroom” breaks. You do have to take into account that those litter boxes have to be cleaned often and also the expense and weight of the litter itself. I have had to drag 25 pounds of litter on many occasions up a flight of stairs – the older I get the harder this becomes.

Dogs respond easily to commands – even some amateur trainers can teach them the basics, sit, stay, and come. They seem to naturally know how to fetch and once you start this game with them they never stop. Cats on the other hand do very few tricks, although my brother has a cat that fetches – there are always exceptions to the rules. Mostly, they do what they want when they feel like it. Yes, cats are very independent and do not follow commands. They like to hide and roam at will. You heard the saying “finicky cat” they are extremely finicky – with people, food, and behavior.

If you leave home for even a day, you must make sure that someone can feed and walk your dog. If you leave your cat alone for a day with food, water, and a litter box - he should do fine. As a matter of fact, when I first adopted my cat I did not see him for a couple of days – they are not very social creatures especially with strangers. I had a friend check on my cat when I went away for a week long vacation. My friend cleaned the litter box, refilled the food and water bowls and never saw my cat. Just as you should consider your personality type when selecting a breed, you should also consider your lifestyle when choosing between a cat and a dog.



By: Maria Delgado

About the Author:

Thinking about getting a pet? There’s one furry companion you probably haven’t considered, but should. It’s smart, uses a litter box, can learn to come and walk on a leash, is at home anywhere from a big house with yard to a college dorm room, and it probably won’t make you sneeze. What’s this terrific alternative to a dog, cat and hamster? A rabbit.

Rabbits are funny and charming – and they need you as much as you need them. Like dogs and cats, rabbits are abandoned every day. The United States Humane Society reports that 3 million to 4 million — yes, million — rabbits are euthanized in shelters each year. By adopting a bunny, you not only get a terrific companion, you save a life.

What’s so special about bunnies?

Rabbits are quiet, smart and will play with toys.

They’re cute. Watching them eat a carrot or just wash their big ears will put a smile on anyone’s face.

Far fewer people have allergies to rabbits than other furry pets, and you can find some breeds that barely shed.

They’re clean, as animals go. Once they’ve learned to use a litter box, they can roam around your house like any other pet. Plus, their droppings are virtually odor-free and are considered cold compost, meaning you can toss them directly into the garden with great results.

They are social animals. They’re happiest and healthiest when they have another rabbit to play with. They also like to snuggle with people, so you can plan to spend time holding, petting and playing with them each day.

There are more than 40 different types of rabbits to choose from. (For more information on them, go to http://www.arba.net/photo.htm).

Who should get a rabbit?

Bunnies are especially good pets for people who live in apartments because they’re quiet, don’t need to be walked and can be litter trained. Most apartments and dormitories allow rabbits because they are considered "caged" pets.

Rabbits — especially if they have another bunny for company — are ideal for people who work long hours or take weekend trips. They do fine for a day if you leave plenty of timothy hay, rabbit feed, veggies and water.

They are great starter pets for school-age children (the recommended starting age is 8, but it depends on your child). Just be sure the bunnies aren’t too big for your kids to handle properly. And since rabbits live about 10 years, be sure you’re prepared to care for them, like you would dogs or cats, if your children don’t. The organization where you get your rabbits can help you find the best match.

If you are unsure about a rabbit as a pet, seek out a local rescue organization and become a foster. Most rescues will pay for all supplies and food — and all pay for veterinary care — until a permanent home is found. This is a wonderful way to save some bunnies’ lives, decide if you’re a rabbit person and find the perfect one for you.

How do you choose?

Rabbits’ personalities change greatly when they go into adolescence. Some love toys, others like to romp in the tall grass. Getting a rabbit that’s at least 6 months old will help guarantee that the bunny you adopt will act the same way a year from now. If you adopt from a rescue organization, the foster parent can give you information on the bunny’s likes, fears and quirks.

If you’ve got a dog, consider up front how it will respond to a new pet in your home. Many dogs learn to get along with rabbits; some befriend them; some see them as prey. If a rabbit will be safe in your home, choose one that’s the right size to interact with your other pets.

Rabbits have a variety of personalities. Like cats, some rabbits will play hard to get; some will sit on your lap and let you pet them as long as you like. Find a bunny that suits your style.

Reputable rabbit rescue organizations will insist that your rabbits be spayed or neutered, for their health and your happiness. Most rescues factor that into the adoption fee.

How do you care for bunnies?

Rabbits need attention, fresh water and food (timothy hay, rabbit chow and vegetables) every day.

Their litter boxes must be changed at least weekly.

Rabbits need a cozy space to call home, but they don’t require much stuff. An extra-large wire dog crate, water bottle, heavy food bowl, litter box with recycled paper litter, a box with shredded paper to dig in, and a few hard infant or cat toys will keep them happy.

To keep your bunnies healthy in a wire-bottom cage, put old carpet scraps on the bottom. Without that protection, they’ll develop painful and debilitating arthritis in their toes. While you’re at it, add a 12- by 12-inch ceramic tile for him to lie on to cool off. You can often get these for free from a local flooring store.

Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits take a few weeks to warm up to new people and surroundings. At first they will hop a few feet out of and then back into their cage, then they’ll gradually start to explore. They’ll relax once they become comfortable with their environment. Although they love to hop around the house, rabbits need a safe place — a covered box or small covered doggie bed – where they can go when they need time alone.

Bunnies don’t see in color, so they often mistake wires for weeds and chew on them. You can easily bunny-proof your home by tacking wires up out of their reach.

House rabbits have difficulty cooling off above 85 degrees and staying warm below 40 degrees, so you’ll need to use caution when you take them outside in the summer or winter.

My bunny’s home. Now what?

Enjoy! You won’t be able to resist:

– Watching carrot juice drip from your baby bunny’s chin after an especially good carrot.

– The first time bunny grooms you (to show you are his).

– The times when she jumps with glee and spins around in mid-air.

– Watching bun sleep peacefully on his back, legs straight up in the air

To learn more about rabbit habits, adoptions or fostering opportunities, visit:

House Rabbit Society: http://www.rabbit.org/

PetFinder: http://www.petfinder.com

Rabbit Haven’s list of state rescue organizations: http://www.rabbithaven.org/BunnyLinks/Shelters_Rescues/StateListings.htm

The Humane Society of the United States: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/rabbit_horse_and_other_pet_care/how_to_care_for_rabbits.html



By: Dr. Dawn-elise Snipes

About the Author:

Have you ever had a “cat” nurse? No, I’m not talking about Halloween fun at the hospital. A “cat” nurse is the best name I can use to describe an amazing feline phenomenon that I have personally witnessed. They can’t do CPR or take your temperature, but make no mistake your cat loves you unconditionally and it shows. It’s one medicine that you won’t need a prescription for.

It was almost a year ago to the date, my wife Natercia had to have ankle reconstruction surgery after a series of painful falls. The surgery was a success, however, it required my wife to be off her feet for several weeks. Just one day after the surgery I agreed to welcome 2 new family members into our home. We named them Sassy and Shadow. They were 2 of the cutest little kitties I had ever seen. As the kittens started to feel welcome in our home, and my wife adjusted to her new life of staying in bed, I noticed something truly amazing.

Sassy, the female kitten could always be found at my wife’s side. I would take Sassy to another room for feeding, but soon after she was right back in bed with my wife. I asked myself, “Could this kitten know that my wife is hurt?” Sassy would not only stay by her side, but she would always know when to give that little bit of loving that she needed. Though at times it seemed like Sassy new more, almost as if she was protecting her or watching over her.

Sassy’s brother Shadow also shares this magic. I had been sick with a very bad infection. The doctor had prescribed a very strong anti-biotic that caused me to sleep more than usual. Shadow never left my side, only to visit the litter box and to fulfill his craving for salmon. Having him there with me gave me a sense of security. I had been thinking that cats had this hidden nurse like tendency, but I still wasn’t sure if it was just my kittens being extra loving, until my close friend Sharon had a heart attack.

Sharon is a diabetic. After having some difficulties with her sugar and insulin balance she had an episode that put her into a coma for 3 days. Doctors still aren’t sure if she had a stroke or heart attack. Though once she had recovered enough to return home she was greeted by 4 of the most concerned little creatures. That first night back at home Sharon could not believe it. All 4 of her cats, which normally wouldn’t go near her room at night, slept on her bed with her. She had one at her head, one at her feet and one on each side of her. They did not leave her side all night.

The next morning when Sharon’s daughter stopped by to check in on her the nursing didn’t stop. When Sharon’s daughter sat on the bed to talk with her mother, the 4 cats stood up and acted almost as to say, “Don’t get too close to our patient.” They put themselves between the mother and daughter.

It has taken me some time to come to some understanding of this, but I can only say that pets communicate on a totally different level. This can also be seen in dogs that protect their owners or run to get help when their owner is hurt. I’m sure that someday science will find a way to communicate with animals. At which time a plethora of questions will be answered. In the mean time we leave it up to faith. You see, all of the cats in this story knew that their owners needed them. That is why it never hurts to have a pet or two in the family. If you too have experienced a “cat” nurse house call please tell me about it. I would be delighted to know that the Order of the Cat Nurse is alive and well in a bedroom near you.



By: Bill Clanton

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