Is Your Cat Expecting Kittens?

If you own a female cat that has not been spayed, chances are very good that at some point she will become pregnant. A cat that is in heat will attract males from several blocks away, and they will attempt to mate with her. If the mating is successful, your cat will be having kittens in approximately nine weeks. So how do you know if the deed has been done?

If you suspect your cat is pregnant, it is a good idea to take her to the veterinary clinic. Your vet should be able to determine if a pregnancy is indeed underway. While you’re there, ask for a full checkup and make sure that your cat is caught up on vaccinations. Get advice about taking care of your cat during pregnancy as well as after the kittens arrive.

Maybe you are unfamiliar with your cat’s heat cycles, or you’re unsure if she’s been spayed. If this is the case and you have reason to suspect that she is pregnant, there are a few signs to look for. Is she gaining weight or does she seem thicker in her belly? Is she eating and sleeping more? These can be signs of pregnancy.

Further along in the gestation, you should be able to feel the kittens moving around inside their mother. Place your palm firmly on her abdomen and wait for a squirming sensation under your hand. You may even be able to see movement if you watch closely.

As your cat’s pregnancy progresses, you’ll also notice her udder growing. Her teats will become more pronounced and she may be sensitive to touch on her belly.

Near the end of your cat’s pregnancy, you will notice her nesting instincts kicking in. She will be looking for a safe place to deliver her kittens, and she may choose a place that is inconvenient for you. Laundry baskets, bottom drawers and the space behind the dryer are common places for a momma cat to nest. Help her out by supplying clean, soft bedding that you won’t miss for the next few weeks. Allow her to have quiet privacy, and ask children and visitors to respect her needs.

How to Effect Change for Better Animal Treatment and Fewer Cases of Animal Abuse

In this very modern world, one of the strangest routine occurrences is the abuse of the defenseless. Animals are subject to such at alarming rates, and remedying either situation can be problematic, but it is not impossible. Citizens come together in huge numbers to speak out for the rights of the oppressed, to educate their communities, and to effect positive change. While these are very big steps in the right direction, there are many other ways that you can become involved in making a better world for those least able to defend themselves.

There are two kinds of abuse widely recognized by philanthropic groups established to combat animal cruelty. Recognizing the signs of each type will help you to assess the situation and understand which institution holds the greatest power to remedy it in your community.

Direct violence is the type that involves beatings, burnings, aggressive cruelty, and even continuous torture. The types of people who are willing to subject animals to these demeaning and extremely harmful treatments are not the sort of people anyone but trained officials should confront personally. Animals who have been abused at the hands of their owners or anyone else often shy from touch and even food offerings. If you notice an animal that seems very afraid that you might hit or otherwise harm it, you may have encountered a direct violence victim. Other signs of such cruelty are open wounds, broken bones, and ropes and chains that may be causing trauma.

Negligence is less likely to be noticed, but it is often just as torturous and harmful. In many cases, pet owners are not fully aware of the ways in which they are failing their pets. Many neglected pets live in deplorable conditions, have poor access to food and water, and are subject to extreme temperatures. It has become popular for citizens to intervene in these situations personally, but the officials of your community are better prepared to investigate, engage the pet owners, and remedy the situation.

When one brings a pet home, he or she should be committed to treating that animal like a member of the family. Should you suspect animal abuse, make careful note of the evidence you observe and contact the proper authorities within your community.

Animal abuse is a growing problem, but human kindness grows, too. For more information on animal care, visit this website.

Dogs That Drool

All dogs produce saliva, but some breeds have a tendency to drool excessively.

Your dog's slobbery kisses are a sign of affection, but do you ever find yourself grabbing for the mop when your dog greets you? If your pal's drooling is a bit much, he might just have an inherent tendency to spill saliva.

Some dogs are natural drool factories. If your best friend is of a bulky breed, there is probably little you can do to stem the flow of slobber. Even some medium specimens may be prolific producers of drool. These dog varieties have been selectively bred for large jowls, which contribute to the tendency to spatter spit. Their loose lips make it difficult to contain saliva. It has to go somewhere, and if their facial anatomy prevents them from directing it toward their throats, it ends up on whatever is in their path.

Many large dogs are sensational salivators. Great Danes possess a nobility and elegance that belies their slavering tendencies. This imposing but gentle dog takes a long time to mature, so be ready to clean up copious amounts of drool for the first two years of his life as he slowly learns to replace puppy excitedness with more refined habits. A St. Bernard, originally bred in Switzerland, is a muscular but gentle pooch once used to find and rescue lost travelers in the Alps. You won't have any trouble finding him, however – just follow the saliva smears. The sweet Newfoundland aims to please, but he's not the dog for you if you're a neat freak. His propensity for slobber is as boundless as his affection for his owners, and it's compounded by his tendency to pick up mud and burrs in his long coat. Be prepared for some serious grooming if you want him as a pet.

The largest breeds aren't the only ones who spill buckets of drool. The sluggish, low-riding basset hound can slaver with the best of them, and if you don't keep his ears and chin dry, you may be risking an infection. A boxer is another slobbery medium breed; this active and very friendly tail-wagger's tendency to drool is excessive, and it's exacerbated by boundless energy. With one good shake of the head, your boxer may have you scrambling to clean all four walls.

If you already own one of these notable drool-dribblers, you know how it feels to clean ropes of spit off your pup's muzzle and puddles of saliva from your furniture. These breeds may create a bit more soggy mess than some of their daintier cousins, but they have many other wonderful qualities that can make every dribble and smear worthwhile.

For information on a vet clinic in San Jose, visit this website.

Husky Dog is the Envy of His Friends

Dogs are social animals that thrive on regular interaction with people and other pets. Some breeds, like these huskies, also need daily exercise to stay healthy.

Hamster Care And Their Behavior

A popular choice for a pet because of their funny behavior and adorable, furry bodies, hamsters require proper care to stay happy and healthy.

Hamsters are a popular pet choice, as their little furry bodies and delightful nature make them a fun pet to watch and play with. They require only a small amount of living space, resources, and time, and are typically a low-maintenance and low-cost pet.

For living space, hamsters need a cage lined with absorbent bedding such as shredded paper or aspen shavings. Each day, uneaten food and soiled bedding should be removed, and the cage should be thoroughly cleaned with all bedding removed and replaced each week. Hamsters are very active and enjoy exercise, so their cage should include a hamster wheel for them to run and play, and a small dome or box should also be supplied, as hamsters like to hide, sleep, and play in little, enclosed spaces. Tunnels also make a fun accessory for hamsters, and even an old paper towel roll placed in their cage will give them some fun and exercise. Napkins or other small pieces of paper should also be provided for the hamster to shred and use in their sheltered nests.

Hamsters feed on hamster mix, sold at pet stores, which consists of seeds, corn, and grains. Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be supplied every few days, as hamsters will readily consume carrots, lettuce, spinach and apples.Hamsters need a healthy diet to keep their small bodies strong and fit, so they should never be fed any junk food, candy, or chocolate.

Hamsters are nocturnal by nature, so they like to sleep during the day and be actively digging, feeding, and playing at night. Many new hamster owners may be unaware of this, and their sleep may be disturbed by the hamster's nocturnal activities. Hamsters also tend to bite when they are bothered, and if they're being handled in the daytime, they are unlikely to be very happy about it and may end up nipping at your hands. Feeding your hamster treats by hand or petting them gently can help train them to be held, and once they are used to your touch, you can also allow them to play outside of their cage each day as long as they are supervised and kept away from anything dangerous.

A hamster's teeth never stop growing, so they need plenty of things to gnaw and chew on to help keep their teeth short and healthy. Small pieces of wood, twigs,or food such as carrots and nuts can help keep them occupied and also wear down their teeth.

To learn more about pet vaccinations in Morgan Hill, please visit this website.

Bring Your Dog to Work!

Dottie, Sadie, Milo, Pierre: these are just a few of the friendly faces who will greet you at Etsy’s corporate headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. No, they’re not data analysts...read more

Fruits And Vegetables That Are Toxic To Your Dog

Refusing to share dinner with your dog isn't mean; it's the right thing to do for your pet and their health, as there are many "human" foods that are poisonous to dogs.