Category: Animal behavior
10.12.14 Primordial pouches are the loose skin found on cats’ bellies. Three theories about them: they provide extra protection for vulnerable, vital organs during cat fights. Primordial pouches allow cats to be more flexible, extending further when running and jumping. And, they provide a little extra room after eating a large meal—especially important for wild […]
10.05.14 Whisker basics: They contain nerve endings at their base along with their own blood supply. Whiskers are more than twice as thick as individual cat hairs and they are rooted about three times deeper. They are sensitive, detect changes in air currents and help cats navigate and orient themselves in their environment.
09.28.14 Be prepared! Add pet emergency documents in the pet supply kits. Important documents include: description of pets; species; sex; age; pictures of you with your pets, diet details, medical information including prescriptions, veterinarian contact information as well as your and a friend’s contact information.
09.21.14 Ask your veterinarian for help putting together a pet emergency first aid kit that is appropriate for your companion animals. Mine includes: bandages, bandage tape and scissors, wound dressings, non-toxic antibiotic ointments and disinfectants, e-collars, sterile gloves, pet thermometer, medications, medication instructions.
09.14.14 Prepare 2 emergency pet supply kits—one to keep at home if an emergency such as an earthquake occurs and the other to take with you. Kits should include: 3 day supply of food and water, medications and medical records in a water-proof container, pet first aid kit, collars with ID tags, walking jackets for cats, harness […]
09.07.14 Do not leave your pets behind, take them with you. Arrange for a safe place to go if you have to evacuate. Find friends and relatives outside your area willing to provide you and your pets’ shelter. Locate hotels and inns that accept animals. Check out kennels and boarding facilities. Many vet hospitals board pets. […]
08.31.14 Emergencies can occur at any time. Let people know you have pets. Stick a rescue alert sticker where rescue workers can see it--on a window or door. List the number of pets in your home, along with the veterinarians name and contact information on it. Also include your pets hiding places. Free rescue alert stickers for […]
08.24.14 Help your cats keep cool by brushing them every day. In addition to preventing matting, daily grooming helps shed undercoats. Some kitties also enjoy being petted and massaged with a cool damp cloth.
08.17.14 Although all cats are at risk for becoming sunburn and developing skin cancer, those who are white and a light color are more at risk. Protect cats from sunburn and cancer by limiting sun exposure: don’t let them outside when the sun is strongest, provide lots of shade and close curtains and drapes.
08.10.14 Cats can quickly overheat on hot days. Watch for panting, drooling, sweating paws and restlessness. Cats will often excessively groom in an effort to cool off. Extreme signs include vomiting, lethargy and stumbling.