Pet Sphere

The Needs And Challenges Of Owning Parrots

2011-05-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

An extremely long lifespan is one thing to be considered. Larger parrot species such as macaws and cockatoos can reach more than a hundred years old. Given this length of time, you will likely need to find an owner for your bird when it outlives you. Even tiny species can reach 20 easily, which makes them quite unsuitable as children's pets unless the parent also wants them.

Bird species that are popular as pets are mostly part of the parrot family. Though there are a few others, parrots ranging from macaws to tiny parrotlets are the most popular pet birds. But they present some unique challenges that people need to be aware of before they choose to adopt one.

Photo credit: click from morguefile.com

People with immaculate homes are probably not good matches with these birds. Much of the food a parrot is given will end up on the ground, and some of it is bound to fly outside the cage. Messiness is a parrot trait, and there is no way to change that. Think about this before you decide to bring one into your nice, clean home.

There are some species that are not that loud, but these are typically the smaller birds. Larger birds can make you unpopular in the neighborhood if they spend a lot of time screaming. And many of them will, because this is not always an unhappy sound for a bird. Sometimes they scream in delight. But your family, you, and others who can hear the bird may not be as delighted as they are.

Flocks are the natural social groups of parrots in the wild. Some people attempt to make their birds happy by getting them another bird as a friend. This works-- but the birds rarely remain tame after bonding together. In order to keep a tame bird happy, the human in his or her life needs to take over the role of the flock. This means spending lots of time with your bird, interacting and just hanging out.

For people who can afford the time and energy a parrot takes, there's also the question of the cost. Exotics vets, which parrots need to visit should they get ill, can be quite far away and expensive. Cages are required, and these are also not cheap. And the birds themselves rarely come at a small price, with the possible exception of small and common species such as budgies.

Parrots are wonderful pets for some people. But like with any pet, knowing what you are getting into is essential. Do your research beforehand, and you and your bird will have a happier life together.

About the Author:
by Tony Castle

For those of you who enjoy parrots, we learn you should learn about parrot training. We have some simple techniques for you to start using right now.
Article from Unique Article Wizard

Best Kitten Love Video

2011-05-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Feeding Your Cat With Home Made Cat Food

2010-08-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Important Things You Should Know If You Plan To Feed Your Cat With Home Made Cat Food-
Feeding your cat some homemade cat food is a very appealing idea when it comes to making sure that your cat is eating as healthily as it possibly can. The downside of this may be that you struggle for any spare time, what with holding down a job and looking after a family. It may be that you do not think you will have any spare time to make your own home made cat food.

However, the benefits to having your cat healthy are more important than actually saving the few minutes a day that it could take to prepare a home made cat meal. It may only take you a few minutes more to feed your cat some healthy homemade food than it would to open a packet of shop bought cat food. Another advantage to your cat having a healthy meal will be that your cat will not need as much health care by the professionals, which could end up saving you quite a bit of money.

It is important to know what food is healthy for cats, and you can quite easily find this out by sticking to natural recipes. After you discover what the healthiest food is available for your cat, you need to know how to provide this for your pet.

If you regularly do a weekly shop then you could incorporate buying your healthy cat food into this routine. That way you are at least guaranteeing that you have enough food in stock for a full week.

With plenty of food to sharing with your pet, you can make yourself a plan of what food you will give your cat and on what day. This way you can make sure that it is getting a complete balance of foods with all the nutrition it needs. It is also easier for you, as you just get to repeat the meals on a weekly basis.

You could place a couple of days' of meals into your refrigerator and the rest can be frozen to keep their freshness. The concept of homemade healthy cat foods is mainly all about planning properly. Once you have decided what is good for your cat and how often it needs feeding, the easier it will become to make sure that he or she gets a properly balanced diet.

About the Author- Wilma Taylor
In addition to taking care of cats, the writer additionally regularly shares knowledge on HP scanner software and the paperless office.

Top Reasons Why Everyone Should Consider Dogs For Their Family

2010-06-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dogs can be great things to have around. That is why you should start looking at some of your local shelters for some that might make a good family pet for you. With that in mind, what is there that you should know about them? There are a few reasons that families should have them.

These animals are very intuitive. With them being so intuitive, they are very protective. They can warn you about things that you might not even be aware of. This is nice for those who have special needs as well as those of you who live alone. They make great friends.

Next, these animals tend to keep you fit. Most of these animals have a lot of energy. Therefore, they keep you active. You might find yourself more prone to take walks and things of that nature when you have one. Their energy rubs off.

For children, these animals come with a lot of responsibility. Many parents like this for the fact that it teaches them to care for the animal. Due to the fact that they have to be let out and so forth, that is why many kids can have one. They teach them how to take care of them and learn that you can't neglect your chores.

Last, dogs are basically the easiest animals to train. Other animals can be cute and cuddly. However, this animal is the type that you can teach to listen to your command. Therefore, you can mold the animal to your liking and will help you. They are the most loyal animals we have seen.

So, if you were looking at getting one, you really should consider doing so. There are many reasons that people have for their pet. Yet, this pet isn't only a pet. For many, it's their best friend. Don't you deserve a friend for your family?

About the Author: Marc Boyajian
Find all you need to know about dogs by going online. There you can discover more about pets of any kind that you may want to get.

The Trials And Pains Of Training A Puppy

2010-06-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Dog Training may seem difficult when you first start,
but as time goes on it will get easier for the dog and the owner.
At first it might seem harsh or even cruel when training the puppy because of the constant reprimanding and discipline it takes. The process of training your new puppy is teaching them to perform different actions in accordance to the commands the puppy is trained to understand.

Training your new puppy is very important, when you first get the puppy it might bark excessively, chew on furniture and growl at visitors these are some of the reasons why training is so necessary early on. Many dog owners bring their puppy to do training schools, but some of these schools cost a lot of money, but they are professionals and they know how to train a dog.

While training your puppy losing your temper or getting upset while training your new puppy will not help with the training. Stick with the training and do not let distractions get in your way, keep going. Using a crate to train your new puppy is a great method to control your puppy, this method of training has been used for years. When purchasing a leash for your dog choose a leash that is short enough to have control of your puppy, longer leashes that expand do not work well for training, the dog thinks that he/she is in control.

The best way to train your new dog is to begin the training as soon as possible. Many people wait to train the dog, this creates bad habits later on. When training your dog make sure that all the commands that are used are the same and are consistent this way the dog does not get confused.

There are many different businesses that offer training classes; some of those are kennels and pet stores, if you are looking for a trainer that you can trust the best way is to have a friend refer the trainer. Take a look at the contract with the trainer many times they will offer a guarantee, this way if your dog loses the command it can be reinforced.

Many people believe that the training is for the dog but it also for the owner. As you train your dog the dog will need to obey your commands, this will create a line of communication between you and your puppy. When deciding to train your new puppy the best time to do this is before six months.

When you train your new puppy you will be creating a new character, a new set of behaviors and calming the temperament of your dog, you will see the habits start to change, so early training is very important. Training takes a lot of reinforcement to create these new habits, by doing this you will be able to stop bad habits from forming.

Putting your puppy on the right track needs to start early on; this will create good habits early on and make the training easier. It is impossible to train your dog overnight, one of the best ways is to start with simple commands and then gradually build up to more advanced commands, using this type of method will lead to success of training your puppy.

About the Author:
Steve MarcsLearn more about cat health. Stop by Steve's site where you can find out all about pet training

TYPES OF DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT

2009-08-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Let’s be honest. Who among us, human or animal, can’t wait to be trained?

Infants love the warm pee in their diapers and delight in playing with their poop.
Terrible twos smirk as they dare us to stop them from climbing on the furniture.
Kindergarten kids swing from the limbs of trees as if they were monkeys.

And adults. How do you feel when you come up against a NO?

“Training” represents boundaries. It takes a long time to recognize that training may also represent freedom from chaos. In a world populated by more than one, we could not function without guidelines and limitations, even if we choose to ignore them. So, it is important to learn to live with what we’d rather live without.

And dogs….
Dogs are not as independent as cats, although they can be. They usually love to please their owners. Sometimes not, especially when they are puppies, fearless, adventuresome, out to introduce themselves to the larger world. But, like the rest of us, they come up against limitations and regulations and aggravations. Like the rest of us, they find themselves restrained and constrained. And, like the rest of us, they have to learn to live with boundaries. Then, it becomes less of a challenge and more the everyday reality.

What kind of “limitation” we place on our dog’s unbounded freedom is a very important consideration. Some dog restraints can be cruel. Would you want to wear a spiked collar around your neck? Would you like to be yanked back by a choke or chain collar? What about a shock collar? If not, why would you use these on your dog?

What kind of restraint would be appropriate for your family pet? There are collars that fit around the neck. There are harnesses that fit around the stomach. There are collars made of various fabrics, different lengths, and different colors. There are two-dollar collars and two hundred dollar collars.

There are harnesses, an alternative to leashes. These fit around the dog’s body, lessening the “yank” effect on the dog’s neck and distributing the weight to the rest of the body. It is harder for the dog to slip out of a harness than a collar. Typically, though, harnesses are used more with young dogs, whose bones are still developing, and in the training of service dogs.

Leashes, which attach to harnesses or collars, can be made of almost anything. Some are made of leather, some are braided from cotton or other materials, some are short, keeping the dog on a tight rein; others allow the dog to have some sense of freedom to roam and explore, even if there is a human being at the other end of the leash. The length and “fabric” of the collar you choose depends on personal preference and the environment in which the dog will be raised. For example, if you and your dog walk mostly city streets, you might want a relatively short leash, which allows some exploration space, but not enough to “block traffic.” On the other hand, if you are walking along country paths or along the shore, you might prefer a longer lead, giving both dog and walker room to roam.

Muzzles help train dogs who have a tendency to be aggressive towards or try to bite people or other animals. Sometimes they are used with dogs that bark too much, but this is not usually a primary reason to muzzle or halter a dog. Varieties of dog muzzles enable owners/trainers to determine how much the dog will be able to open his mouth. Muzzles are made of various materials, some being more comfortable than others. If the dog is going to be muzzled for any period of time, it is imperative to make sure that the dog’s breathing is not constrained. Muzzles should be used sparingly.

Some trainers prefer to use a system of rewards rather than restraint. It is important to give verbal signs of appreciation when your dog succeeds at accomplishing a task or learning a new positive behavior. Sometimes the reward is a new toy, sometimes a pat on the head, sometimes food. Owners need to be careful about using food as a reward, because it gives the message that food is love and owners who are too “loving” may find themselves with very obese dogs. Your dog is happy to please you and is fine with a word of thanks or a pat on the head.

When deciding what kind of training tool is most appropriate, think about the intended purpose and intended outcome of the tools and methods you are using. Although discipline is important, structure is essential, and repetition is the best tool for learning. Love and patience and practice need also to be included in the mix. Training is a form of bonding, bonding is a form of trust, and mutual trust and respect are imperative to the success of training and to the fostering of a lifetime of companionship with “man’s (and woman’s) best friend.”

Presented by Guest Blogger
Patricia M. Berliner, CSJ, Ph.D.
Enjoy yourselves!

Dog Shop

2009-03-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Cat - Dog- Rat Buds Video

2009-03-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Amazing tolerance and kinship among these creatures. The mayor of Santa Barbara is reputed to have taken this video clip and circulated it as a holiday greeting.
Enjoy.

Dog Grooming at its Best

2009-03-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

by Todd Martin

To make sure your dog has a nice and healthy coat, you have got to know about the nature of your dog coat, and whether they are prone to any skin problem. A few breed require frequent grooming and trim at the grooming center so that they look good. Long-haired dogs typically have to be groomed on a daily basis whereas short-haired breeds can do with a weekly grooming. All healthy pets have got to boast lustrous, mat-free coats. Although, having a shining and healthy coat, which will be envious to others, have need of additional care as well as effort. These consist of a few crucial things below:

Brush Regularly: Coat care essentials consist of habitual coat check ups, brushing and combing, bathing with the proper product and healthy diet. Your pet has natural oils on her skin, and frequent brushing spread those oils all over the coat and keeps it polished. Brushing besides gets rid of loose dirt from your dog's coat, and it feels great to your furry pal. Tenderly brush the hair down and in the direction of hair growth.

Removing Matts or Tangles: If you do come across a tangle work from the outside of the tangle towards the inside, holding the hair between the tangle and the dog's body to avoid any pain. A combination of hair detangler and water can be sprayed on the matt and softly massaged in to get rid of the tangle. If you do have to remove the mat out of the hair, be extremely careful as you may finish up hurting your pet if you are not practiced as much as necessary. For all time use blunt scissors and cut from closest to the skin to away from the skin, with the ends of the scissors pointing away from the dog's body, not towards it.

Bathing: Choose the dog shampoo with natural ingredients. As they age, their skin may become more sensitive. Select a mild dog shampoo for your older dog. Shampoos made from coconut or palm oils are the mildest. Although bathing is an essential component in keeping their coat fresh and presentable, it should not be overdone. Most veterinarians suggest bathing a dog no more than once a month. Over bathing can dry skin and lead to hot spots and itching, which can lead to scratching and infection. If a dog is to be bathed more than once a month, an aloe based shampoo and conditioners should be used and foods and supplements with Omega fatty acids should be given to bolster the production of coat oils.

Essential Grooming Tools: Select the proper brush for your breed. Fine-toothed dog combs are meant for soft, thin or silky coats while medium-toothed combs are meant for ordinary coats. If your dog has extremely heavy or deep coat, use a wide-toothed comb. Bristle brushes are fine for dogs with long coats and grooming mitts are fine for short-haired breeds.

Select the right shampoo: Different skin kind needs different treatment shampoo. Whether your dog has typical, oily or dry skin, scaly skin or itchy and sensitive skin, all should be studied accurately. Prefer an all natural formula for the dog shampoo like Pet Silk Cucumber Melon Luxury Dog Shampoo. Natural formulas at all times work great.

About the Author:

Whenever you get any dog toys online, make sure you avail the great option available at Todd Martin's site for all your Dog Carriers, and Dog Toys necessities.

Or simply look at the ad links at this blog site for more options.

Wonderful Wild World

2009-02-13T01:47:00.000-08:00

Is your pet this loveable? Let wild animals stay wild. Love them as they are.

Benny is sick

2009-01-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

Our playful and funny Benny the best tuxedo cat I have ever met is sick.
He got in a big fight with a bigger cat.
I think he does not know he is still a kitten.

He really got beat up and I had to take him to the vet to the tune of hundreds of dollars of tender loving care and treatment. About 4 days later he came home, shaved in places and still sore. He slept a lot more.

About a week later it was clear he had another problem and back to the vet he goes, just in case it is from the same injuries. Or maybe that half-eaten possum in the yard?

We miss him this weekend while he is at the vet's. Funny how all the other neighborhood cats are behaving differently too, like they miss him too, and wonder where he went.

I dread the bill.But I know he needs the care.

Tips for Living with Furry Pets

2009-01-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

Four Easy Tips to Live Harmoniously with Your Favorite Fur-ball

(ARA) – You play, laugh, snuggle and sleep together. In fact, you’re best friends! But, just like their owners, pets have their quirks: chewing socks, begging, stealing food and some things they just can’t help, like shedding hair everywhere.

One out of three dog and cat owners admit that they’ve left the house with pet hair on their clothes in the last three months, according to the Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair survey. For the 63 percent of Americans who have pets, this is not the most pleasing statistic to be a part of. It’s time for houseguests to walk in the front door of your home and notice how great your home looks, not how hairy you or your furniture is.

Here are some weekly housecleaning tips to reduce the pains of cleaning up after your pet so you can finally declare, “Welcome to the Sofa!” without the fear of hair, scratching or fleas getting the best of you.

* Stop those bad habits.

Whether puppies are teething, or your dog just has a bad habit, it is frustrating when your beloved pet chews on furniture. One option is to spray your furniture with chewing deterrents, which are available at pet stores. For cats who scratch, scratching boards are a must-have.

* Play fetch with pet hair.

Most pets shed, lovingly leaving their fur behind on your upholstery. For upholstered furniture, the new Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair does the trick. It is a handheld solution which traps hair – picking up as much hair as 145 of the traditional sticky sheets. Rollers grab, lift and trap pet hair inside the device as you slide the device side to side over upholstered furniture, keeping the living spaces clean and hair-free. With this cleaning tool, it's easy to welcome your pet back to the couch for a snuggle while watching your favorite TV show.

* Make fleas stay away.

Eliminate flea problems naturally and with a pleasant smell using peppermint and eucalyptus oils. They can be used on your pet's coat and you can also use eucalyptus leaves under your pet's bedding to prevent fleas and add a pleasant smell to the bedding.

*A million toys and nothing to do.

No matter how many toys you have lying around the house, dogs often still act bored or prefer your shoes. In order to help maintain your dog’s interest in toys, rotate them so a few are available each day.

Cleaning up pet hair has never been easier. Visit Pledge.com to learn more about the Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Bethlehem Birth

2008-12-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

It's a BOY!

Name: JESUS

Born in Bethlehem

Announced by Angels

Adored by Shepherds

He Came in Love to Be Love for all who believe. He came to serve and live among the ordinary people and teach them extraordinary ways of being and living. As he loved us he invites us to love him and live as he did with simplicity and humility.

painting by Dewey Full story found in Luke Chapter 2

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Marley and Me

2008-12-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

My sister just read the book. I am next. Then I give it to my brother. Then it will be re-gifted to Mother as a Christmas gift, unless the print is too small.

Time to think about being thankful

2008-11-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

And along with being thankful comes ways of showing our appreciation.

DO you send your pet a card for the holidays?

DO you put your pet's picture on a card for the holidays?

Do you have too much to do this season to get that done?

We can help if you let us.

Click here for ideas and solutions for holiday greetings.

Woof ELECTIONS

2008-11-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

IT is Election Day in America!

GO VOTE.

What else can I say that is more important today?

The leaves are falling the cats are funny.
The dogs are barking and chasing leaves.

GO VOTE.

Service DOGs for Autism

2008-09-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

A while ago I wrote a blog about service dogs. Today we look at an example of a service dog which has become part of an Alabama family. The Retriever tends the 9 year old girl who has autism. The article in the local paper details how this dog has helped the child and given the family a new lease on life by being having such a stabilizing impact on the child.

Autism has increased in the past 15 years. At that time only 1 in every 10,000 children came away with a diagnosis of autism. Now this developmental disability shows up in 1 in every 150 children. Whether this is because of improved testing and evaluation and awareness or because of a host of other factors is not truly known. Nor is that the focus of this post.

The simple fact that the dog can be trained to help an autistic person connect with the world around them is worth celebrating and sharing. While it is true that most families could not afford the cost of $6000 or so for a trained service dog at their home, it suggests that other ordinary dogs CAN be trained for some of these tasks, by the families involved.

Perhaps no one thought of it before?

Here is the link to the post with photos. http://decaturdaily.com/stories/17447.html

What is your favorite pet?

2008-08-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

People either have pets or NOT.
People either like animals or NOT.
Some people FEAR animals.
Some people FEAR specific types of animals.

Some people LOVE animals.
Some people LOVE only THEIR pets.
Some people LOVE specific types of pets.

So where are you on this continuum of animal appreciation?

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About Ivory Billed Woodpeckers

2008-08-09T22:11:00.001-07:00

Sometimes people enjoy wildlife and wish they could relate to the wild creatures as pets. I am here to say THAT is NOT a good idea for the animal or for your home and family.

The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is a critically endangered species that might even be extinct. DEFINATELY not pet material. But at the bottom of the page there is an interesting story about an early colonial naturalist and his interactions with an Ivory Billed Woodpecker. Worth a look. And a smile.
About Ivory Billed Woodpeckers

Posted using ShareThis

Can a Lion be a Pet?

2008-07-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Love knows no boundaries.

Friendships are forever.

Engaging in an interspecies love affair or friendship has many risks,

yet even more rewards when it works out like this one did.

I don't recommend doing what they did but I applaud their success

and celebrate their joy with them.

I urge all humans to allow wild animals to stay wild.

I just found this backcountry site

2008-07-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

I just found this backcountry edge site that has cool gear for dogs.

Do take a look for yourself.

It is possible that you are an urban scene only or indoor person...

So... for you... go and browse at Lucy's...

Or Browse at Pet Lovers Place.

Are you stuck on how to train that precious dog of yours? Check out these training tips.

Does Your Dog Serve You Well?

2008-06-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we think of dogs as pets or companions. Yet for many people, their dog is their companion to provide a necessary service. There are many types of service dogs.

Some Guide Dogs help people with little or no vision.
Service Dogs help many people who have disabilities which limit their mobility.
Hearing Service Dogs are trained to help people with impaired hearing.
Seizure Dogs or Medical Response Dogs are taught to alert people who have particular health conditions, like epileptic seizures, or heart attacks, or panic attacks or stroke.

In each case the dogs are already taught basic obedience skills and then their dog training becomes specific to the person who will become their owner. Not every dog can become a service dog, but there are many different breeds which perform especially well such as German Shepherds, Laborador Retrievers, Standard Poodles and some general dogs from animal shelters.

The bond between the service dogs and their human owners is real. The humans rely on the dogs to be able to accomplish many tasks, some as basic as crossing the road, others as complex as opening the refrigerator or carrying the laundry or assisting with balance or seeking appropriate help when a medical emergency occurs.

A friend of mine had muscular dystrophy and as the disease progressed, she became less able to care for herself until she reached a level of being quadriplegic. She served on some state and county level committees as an advisor and spokesperson for people with disabilities. When given the opportunity to try out an independent living apartment, she was delighted.

It required a lot of scheduling for appropriate helpers to come and go. And yet, she found ways of learning how to cook, used a wide range of assistive technology devices to facilitate the lighting, phone, television, computer, stereo and security of her apartment with voice commands. It was truly astounding to be involved with this process. She began dog training with a precious chocolate laborador retriever puppy. The intent was for the dog to become her service dog and security companion. Her aides and friends became as attached to the pup as she did. We all learned a lot about dog training and obedience, yes, even potty training and teething.

During this time, we learned there are many aspects of living with a service dog that we had never considered. And we learned in cooperation with the assistive technology and dog training staff about the minimum standards for the dogs and for the owners. These are to ensure the health and safety of both the humans and the dogs. We learned a few simple behaviors that really make a difference for the relationship and communication between dog and owner. For instance, if you are approaching a blind person or deaf person who has a guide or service dog, talk to the person first. Do not give in to the temptation to talk to the “nice doggie”. Do NOT attempt to pet the dog. The animal is in a working mode and it is best not to disturb the dog until the owner gives the dog the proper signal or command to interact with you.

There are many more things to learn about service dogs and proper behavior. This is just one short introduction. My friend gave her dog to another person to complete the training because we all realized the puppy needed to learn some really basic skills before becoming a valued service dog. The bond between them never stopped. We all have a lot to learn from the animals around us. Perhaps first we need to ask how can we help them by serving them well. And one day they will be capable of serving us.

Are Cats Really Solitary?

2008-06-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

From Franny's Cats Blog

Question: Are Cats Really Solitary?

"I read a magazine article that was a debate between cat behaviorists over whether cats have the capacity to love humans. One expert claimed that cats are solitary animals and only seek human companionship to fill their physical needs. I really do feel a bond with my two cats, but am I just fooling myself?
Answer: I have read the same article, and yes, it is indeed an old debate. I have to agree with you that cats can and do express emotions and feelings, and that they are definitely capable of bonding with humans.

While it is true that cats aren't "pack animals" as dogs are, they do establish "partnerships," often at an early age, both with other cats and with their humans. Incidentally, this has nothing to do with anthromorphizing cats; they bond in a different way than humans . . . "

I like to include writings from other people when they relate well to the topic at hand. . . which today is cat behavior.

As I faced peculiar behavior in the early morning from one cat, clingy behavior from another in the middle of the day and angry behavior from the third neighbor cat... I was reflecting on their personalities and their emotions... such as they seem to be.

Our dear old cat is terrified of spiders. I learned that tonight. NOW he will not walk down the hall past the place where we saw and killed a large garden spider. What the darn garden spider was doing IN the house ON the interior wall is YET another tale, not to be told here. But... suffice to say, Smokey is still upset. And when Smokey is upset, Mother is too. So the night has YET to calm down for me.

Puppies are Pets Too

2008-06-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

My neighbor has 6 puppies this week.

This of course is upsetting to the cats in the neighborhood.

The newest little black and white cat wants to play with them but the mama dog is not at all interested in allowing him to get close.

More news and photos on dogs as pets and puppy lovers too.

People seem to buy more gifts and treats for dogs than they do for cats. Check the gift shop. Do you agree?

Pet-Sphere is here

2008-06-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today the focus is on CATS

Things for Cat Lovers to see and do and share.

Places to visit.

Gifts to buy.

Health to remember.

Keep your kitty cool this summer.

How many cats do you think are too many?

Tee shirts and books and for Cat Lovers.
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TUXEDO CATS
Tuxedo cats are cats that are always dressed for a formal occasion. They are as at home on the red carpet as they are at home in a barn. As the name indicates, the black and white pattern of the cats' coats resembles a tuxedo. This kind of cat is not a particular breed of cat-the term "Tuxedo" cat simply indicates that tux pattern on their coat. These dapper black and white cats are much loved by some cat owners for the cats' suave appearance and friendly personality.

Tuxedo Cat facts and tidbits:

Tuxedo cats are sometimes called "Jellicle" cats. The name comes from T.S. Elliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats: The Song of the Jellicles"

The coloring and coat pattern of a Tuxedo cat:

The Cat Fanciers Association describes Tuxedo cats as black and white cats "...with white paws, chest, and belly". Some have white on the face as well.
Some people call other color variations "Tuxedo cats" and that is fine. But a true Tuxedo cat is not just a black and white cat.

The Personality of a Tuxedo cat:

Cat temperament is part nature and part nurture. In other words a cat's personality will come from a mixture of the cat's genes as well as how the cat is raised--how much he is handled and in what manner, for instance. All the Tuxedo cats I have ever known--my own and the cats of others--have had several things in common. They tend to be friendly (as is true with all cats, they are more friendly when they have been spayed/ neutered) and active. They are vocal--much more vocal than a Persian, but much less vocal than a Siamese. ... more

Article from Associated Content written by Chris Carmichael

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