Category: Cat Tips

  • Reasons to Adopt Your Next Pet!

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    Adding a new furry family member is a significant decision. While many people believe that rescuing a dog is the way to go, just as many people go to breeders and pet shops when it is time to get their next dog.

    Many people are seeking a specific breed of dog, believing they can only obtain one through a breeder. Others want a puppy, instead of an older dog, so that it can grow up with their children.

    However, the truth is that dogs of all ages are looking for a forever home and are often in need of rescue. The same can be said about the breed. Dogs of all breeds (purebred and mutts) need homes. There are local SPCA’s and Animal Rescues overflowing with dogs. There are also breed-specific rescues available if you prefer to adopt a specific breed.

    There are so many reasons that you need to get a rescue dog today!

    Getting a rescue dog saves their lives! 

    Many dogs are euthanized each year because shelters and rescues are overflowing with dogs. Often, there is nothing wrong with the dogs other than the fact that nobody wants them. So, save a dog today!

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    When you rescue a dog, you are not supporting puppy mills. 

    Puppy mills contribute to the problem of dog overpopulation. Buying puppies only encourages breeders to breed their dogs more, so they can produce more puppies and earn more money. By rescuing your next dog, you are saving one without supporting breeders.

    Unless you get a puppy, you do not have to deal with the puppy stage. 

    You might get a dog that is already socialized and potty-trained. They might already be used to children of all ages. Many of the dogs have basic manners when you receive them, depending on how the previous owner treated them. You may find yourself with a perfect, well-trained dog!

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    Training can go a little easier, especially when it has already begun. 

    If someone has already started training, it makes the whole process a little easier. Potty training and leash walking might be within reach (and soon)! Some even come to you already going outside when they need to go to the bathroom.

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    If you want to unleash your rescue dog’s potential, you may want to check out Dogo’s tailored training programs. After taking a survey, you will receive a customized training plan for you and your dog. They also offer courses for your new dog, no biting, potty training, basic obedience, tricks, and more! 

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    Rescue dogs are cheaper than puppies. 

    Even with cheaper fees than purebred puppies, rescue dogs are often spayed or neutered. They are usually up-to-date on their vaccines, which also saves you some money on vet bills.

    When you get a puppy, you have to sign up for several vet visits to make sure that your new dog is up-to-date on all of his or her shots. Then, you need to spay or neuter him or her, which could cost you a few hundred dollars.

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    Looking to get pet insurance for your new rescue pet, The Swiftest has helped over 100,000 cat owners find the perfect insurance for their cats. They also have a list of the best insurance options for families with both dogs and cats. If you are looking for the best insurance companies for your pets this month, check out this list by The Swiftest. 

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    Rescue dogs often form strong bonds with their new owners. 

    Often, neglected dogs are so overjoyed at finding a home and people who love them that they attach to them quickly. They typically love to follow them around and spend time with them. They can make the best and happiest pets!

    Often, unless you get a puppy, you will know what kind of personality your dog has. 

    With puppies, you can’t guarantee what your adult dog will act like. Instead, when you rescue an older dog, he already has a personality and way of behaving. You can decide precisely what you want in a dog and find one that matches your needs.

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    Rescuing a dog can be beneficial for many reasons. You can decide what traits you want in a dog and find one that matches them. You do not have to deal with the messy puppy stage (unless you want one)! The dogs will also come to you fully vaccinated and fixed. They will have some basic training and socialization.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • How Do Pets In Your Bed Affect Your Sleep?

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    Many people in America sleep with their pets in their beds. Sometimes, they feel like they are a part of the family and deserve a spot on the bed. Other times, they cannot get their pets to get out of bed.

    Either way, how do pets in your bed affect your sleep?

    Many people have allergies that might keep them awake at night. 

    You may not be able to sleep as well because you can’t breathe as well with them beside you.

    Pets are just like people. 

    They can move around, snore, kick you, and basically keep you awake all night. Just like your husband or wife, you may find yourself waking up every time that your pet moves.

    Cats are nocturnal, and they tend to be active at night. 

    They might keep you up while they are pacing around the bedroom looking for something to get. You may hear them running around the house when you should be getting some sleep.

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    That being said, some people feel better having their pets in bed with them. 

    They might feel safer at night with their pet beside them. This may be even more true if they are home alone at night.

    Even if you want to get your cats off your bed, you might not be able to. 

    They are very territorial and may not appreciate being moved off your bed. They might hiss, scream, and bite. You have to be careful of cats that try to scratch you because they can give you cat scratch fever.

    Before letting your pets sleep in bed with you, ensure they are healthy. 

    Pets can pass on diseases such as roundworms, intestinal worms, and much more. You definitely need to take good care of your pets to let them sleep in your bed.

    While a pet in your bed may or may not disturb you, it is up to you whether they are allowed in your bed. 

    It may be a personal reason, though it may also be practical. Only you can make the right decision for you and your pet.

    If you decide to sleep beside your pets, here are some tips to ensure that you both get a good night’s sleep every night.

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    Take your pets to the veterinarian regularly for checkups and deworming. 

    You don’t need to get sick just because you sleep with your pet.

    Work on training your pet to sleep beside you, not on your chest, head, or any other area. 

    You don’t want to get woken up feeling like you can’t breathe, simply because they are sleeping on your neck or chest. They can safely stay beside you all night long.

    Be sure to get a good mattress protector that will help you against bacteria that grow on your mattress. 

    If you have allergies, you may also want to consider finding one that is specifically designed for allergy sufferers.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Amazon has many different mattress protectors, such as the one shown above, that can help you protect your mattress (and your allergies)!

    Whether you allow your pets to sleep with you is a decision you need to make for yourself. For some people, their pets are disturbing their rest due to their snoring and roaming. However, some pets will sleep quietly beside you all night long. Some even get mad if you interrupt their sleep! Others may get mad when you try to get them off your bed.

    If you decide to let your pets sleep beside you in bed, be sure to take them to the veterinarian regularly. You want to keep your fur babies healthy, as well as your entire family.

    Photo from SweetNight

    SweetNight offers innovative yet affordable sleep products, including award-winning mattresses, toppers, pillows, and even elevated cooling dog beds (for those who DON’T want to sleep with their dogs). They offer free shipping and returns, a risk-free 100-night trial, and a warranty of up to 10 years.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Why Your Cat Needs to Be Groomed Too!

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    When people think of groomers, they often think of poodles with their distinctive haircut. They probably also think about all the dogs that need to get shaved short regularly. They may also think about stinky dogs who need baths regularly to stay clean.

    Cats are definitely not their first thought! However, just like dogs, grooming is an essential part of their care.

    Still unsure about scheduling an appointment for your cat to visit the groomer? Here are some reasons why you need to schedule an appointment today.

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    Clean their ears and trim their nails. 

    Cats are constantly grooming themselves, though they can’t get their ears done or trim their own nails. If you don’t clean your cat’s ears regularly, he or she may get an infection.

    If you don’t keep up with nail trimming, they can get really sharp. Even if your cat is really friendly, they can get you with their nails, so they need to be trimmed regularly. Long nails are also bad for your carpet and hardwood floors. Also, if you don’t do their nails, they can actually grow into the pads. Not only is this really painful, but it also isn’t always easy to clip when they get that bad.

    Grooming helps with shedding and hairballs. 

    All cats shed. They grow winter coats, and then these need to be brushed out regularly to help them shed.

    This can also help with hairballs. Since cats are constantly grooming themselves, they are ingesting that hair. This leads to hairballs, which can be really gross for most people. However, cats who get groomed regularly seem to have fewer hairballs than those that don’t.

    As cats groom themselves, they are ingesting the hair that is coming off. Unfortunately, it can lead them to vomit up hairballs. This habit can be pretty disgusting for most owners. A good grooming can really cut back the amount of hairballs that get vomited up.

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    It will also address their problem areas. 

    Older cats and heavy cats have trouble grooming themselves as well as they used to. As a result, you may notice more matted and dirty hair. Then, if they aren’t taken care of, it can irritate the skin. It can get infected, as well as host fleas and maggots.

    Long-haired cats can also have problem spots. Their hair tangles and mats. They can also pick up leaves and get fecal material stuck in their hair. These cats need regular grooming at home, as well as professional care.

    Grooming helps with allergies. 

    Many people who are allergic to cats still own them. Professional groomers will be able to reduce the amount of dander, which is what most people are allergic to. It also reduces the amount of hair that your hair sheds.

    Slows down flea infestations. 

    Fleas can be a terrible problem. Once you have them, it is hard to get rid of them. For that reason alone, you need to make sure that you keep fleas out of your home. Routine grooming and flea prevention will help to keep the fleas at bay.

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    Although many people laugh when they think about grooming cats, the truth is that it is actually very important. The groomer will clean your cat’s ears and trim their toenails. It will also keep their skin healthy, as well as reduce the dander and hair that accumulate in your home. Grooming will help keep tangles out of your long-haired cat’s coat. It will also help your cats that are no longer able to groom themselves as well as they once did.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.