Getting A New Pet: Some Important Considerations

September 29, 2009 by  
Filed under Cats as Pets

Getting a new pet is a big step. Regardless of whether you’re getting a goldfish or a pony, there is a lot to consider before deciding to bring the pet home from the store. After all, this is going to be the pet’s new home and you want to make sure that it’s perfect for them.

Naturally the most important thing to sort out for your new pet is a place to sleep. For dogs this usually means a basket although if you would prefer your dog to sleep outside you will need to invest in a dog kennel. Rabbits require a hut and horses a stable. No matter what kind of pet you’re bringing into the family, all of them require a place to sleep.

If you are allowing the pet to live indoors, it’s always wise to consider where they’re going to sleep. Is the area warm and away from noise? These are small yet very important considerations when deciding where to put your pet.

Depending on the size of the animal, you may also need a place for your new pet to exercise daily. For example, most rabbits require a run outside. Here they can exercise, burrow and get fresh air. Dogs also require exercise and if you do not have a garden or yard for them to run about in during the day, you will need to consider the possibility that you will be walking them daily.

Food is another important consideration and it’s important to make sure you’re stocked up before bringing the pet home. While pets such as dogs are quite happy to eat the leftovers from dinner, other animals such as reptiles and fish require specialist food. Keeping a supply of this is recommended in order to avoid future problems.

If you have other pets already you will need to consider how they will react to a new pet in the house. If you current pet demands a lot of attention, there’s the possibility that there will be a strong rivalry between them and the new pet. Even if you’re excited about your new pet, it’s important to continue paying attention to your current pets so that they don’t feel left out.

While the cost of food and bedding may not seem like a huge chunk out of your paycheck, it’s important to realise that pets can be expensive to keep. A trip to the vet can amount to hundreds and sometimes even thousands or the alternative of parting ways with your pet. Many pet owners fail to consider the potential costs involved in keeping a pet and often put themselves in a tough situation, putting themselves into debt to pay off large veterinary bills. Although you will incur a small monthly outgoing, insurance programs such as pet insurance can help to cover the cost and protect you from those scary bills.

Finally, allergies can be a deciding factor in choosing a pet. If you or any of your family have an allergy such as to cats, you may need to reconsider whether or not getting a pet is such a good idea. While a pet may be an enjoyable friend to have around the house, if they are indirectly and unintentionally making someone else suffer due to their allergies, perhaps the cons outweigh the pros.

From food and bedding to deciding whether or not you need pet health insurance, Getting a new pet is indeed a big step. Understanding the responsibilities and necessary requirements is important to ensuring that both you and your new pet live happily together in your home.

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Feline Owner’s Guide To Constipation In Felines

June 3, 2009 by  
Filed under Cat Care

Felines, just like humans, can also suffer from constipation. Like you, your constipated cat will have trouble having a bowel movement. As your cat gets older, it is more likely that he have problems with constipation. However, it’s important to note that cats of any age can be affected. As an owner, you may be wondering how your pet could suffer from constipation in cats.

Causes

Constipation in cats can occur for numerous reasons. Sometimes, your cat develops this condition for no apparent reason. Many cats that experience constipation do so because they’re dehydrated. The lack of water will result in hardened stool which will be more difficult to pass.

Another common cause of constipation in cats is diet. Common things that cause problems include salty foods, fatty foods, bones, and hair. Cats can also become constipated if they lack exercise or have various diseases or an anal infection.

Symptoms

If you’re paying attention to your constipated cat, you will see that he spends an unusual amount of time in his litter box. He will be having a hard time getting stool to pass. In some cases, blood will appear in the stool. Constipated cats will stop eating as much as usual. This is because they usually have an upset stomach. Some cats show decreased activity level.

Diagnosis

Before determining cat constipation to be the cause of problems, your veterinarian will likely perform urine and blood tests. This will tell if other diseases or infections are to blame. Sometimes, cats will have a foreign object blocking their colon that prevents them from having a bowel movement. An x-ray will help the vet see if this is the issue with your cat. Since constipation can cause damage to the colon, the vet will probably check it anyway.

Treatment

Felines with constipation usually receive intravenous fluids initially. As the fluids and electrolytes in your cat’s body are returned to balance, the condition should subside. Sometimes, the vet will also give your feline enemas or laxatives to relieve the condition. Sometimes, the stool will be too hard to pass naturally. If this is the case, the vet may have to physically remove it from the colon.

Prevention

There are certain things you can do to prevent cat constipation. Cats grooming themselves will naturally swallow dead hair. However, too much hair can cause the colon to become blocked. It’s best that you limit the amount of hair that he swallows by grooming him yourself regularly. It’s also a good idea to make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly. Cats are very clean animals and may not use their litter boxes if it’s too dirty for them.

There are many more conditions that can affect your cat besides constipation. All owners should learn as much as possible about common cat illnesses in case their pet gets sick one day. Come to cat-illnesses.com right now to start reading about many different conditions that can affect your feline.

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