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SUMMER SAFETY FOR PETS
Summer has arrived, although I am aware that some of you in many parts of the United States went directly from winter to summer without the slow transition of spring. Nevertheless, hot weather is upon us and we should all be aware that there are some definite dos and don’ts that should be observed in the summer all across the country regarding our pets.
Poisonous Plants to Cats and Other Animals
Plants certainly make one of the prettiest home decorations. But did you know not all of them are safe for your pets? That’s true! The plants and flowers that you are using in your patios or to decorate our home interiors might actually be harmful to your little furry friends. If ingested, they may cause a lot of adverse reactions such as stomach upset, respiratory disorders or even death. As a caring pet owner, therefore, it’s your responsibility to know what plants are safe for your pets and what not, so you can protect them from any toxicity or mishap.
VACCINES FOR PETS
Vaccines are laboratory prepared substances acquired from killed or weakened forms of a causative agent of disease for the purpose of building the immunity of the body against infectious diseases. Puppies or kittens acquire passive immunity through lactation from the mother’s milk as well through the placenta. With time this immunity decreases and vaccinations are necessary to build the bodies immunity (active immunity). Most of the diseases vaccinated against are incurable, highly infectious and often lead to death.
COMMON CAT QUESTIONS
Despite spending thousands of years on our hearth rug, cats are some of the most mysterious house pets. Cat behavior is often seemingly inexplicable, and their moods can be unpredictable. However, there are often scientific reasons for why cats do what they do. Here are a few answers to common questions:
What Are Whippets?
A Whippet is a dog breed that is part of the sighthound family, although they often are mistaken for greyhounds. They are slender and have a light gait. These dogs are playful and friendly, and they have grown in popularity over the last several years. Whippets can range from about 25 to 40 pounds and have a wide variety of colors and patterns. Unlike dogs such as German Shepherds, their markings are not significant to the breed, so their looks will vary. Generally they will be friendly to visitors, but are not very fond of cats that come onto their territory unless the cat is already a member of the family.
THE SPHYNX CAT
sphynx
Part of the hairless cat breeds, the Sphynx draws human attention everywhere it goes. That’s great news, because Sphynx cats love human company and make great pets for city apartments and additions to homes with children.
Brief History
The Sphynx cat is a product of selective breeding in Canada during the 1960’s and are known for their almost dog-like personalities as well as famous hairlessness.
There are two types of the Sphynx breed: the American Sphynx and the European Sphynx. Both the European and American Sphynx groups are descended from two natural lines of mutation. The first line started in 1975 with the Pearson family’s dermis and epidermis barn cats and the second started in 1978 with two stray cats, Bambi and Punke, which were found in Toronto in Ontario, Canada.
Physical Features
The International Cat Association identifies the Sphynx as a unique cat breed with the following standards. They have a wedge-like head with high cheekbones. Their eyes are large and assume a lemon shape while their ears are also large with a soft down outside base and no inside hair. A Sphynx may or may not have whiskers and if present, these whiskers are either full or broken. Their necks are of medium length, well-muscled and powerful in build. Other unique features are: a barrel chest, torso of medium length, full and round abdomen, tapering tail with a whip like appearance and thick paw pads.
Average Height:
8-10 inches
Average Weight:
6-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-16 years
Temperament
Sphynx cats love attention and are generally very cheerful. They make great therapy pets being because of their loving disposition and constant smile. When not seeking or receiving attention, Sphynxes spend their time exploring their surroundings. While doing this, they are often very lively, energetic and curious.
sphynx cat
Special Needs
Sphynxes are highly social cats that can make a family out of anything. Because of this, they hate being locked away or put in enclosures that limit their freedom to move about. If you need to be away for long periods of time, consider adopting a friend for your Sphynx to play with.
Possible Health Concerns
The Bombay is a healthy and moderately active cat breed that may be susceptible to the following health conditions:
The Sphynx is a generally healthy cat breed, however they remain vulnerable to various diseases common to both mixed-breed and pedigreed cats. Sphynx owners should be on the lookout for: Urticaria pigmentosa and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Exercise
Sphynxs are energetic and love to spend most of their time involved in an activity. They play well with children and fellow pets and also excel in brain teaser games such as puzzle toys. Because of this, an exercise routine schedule isn’t necessary. However you can spare some time to walk with your Sphynx and play a game or two.
Nutrition
Sphynxs should do well with high nutrition cat food both home prepared or commercially manufactured. They love fruit as treats, but make sure to only give those with lots of fiber and vitamins such as apples. Clean water should also be available for them to drink and remain hydrated.
Grooming
Despite having a hairless body, the Sphynx’s coat and skin needs as much care as hairy cats. Wash your Sphynx on a weekly basis using a mild moisturizing shampoo or baby shampoo and keep the skin moisturized with scent free oil or lotion. Bathing the Sphynx from a tender age will teach it to accept baths and get more used to water. Brushing the Sphynx’s teeth helps prevent it from developing periodontal disease.
sphynx cat breed
Ultimate Guide to Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are the perfect, joyful, and lovable companions. They fall into a category of dogs that make us ask, “What did we ever do to deserve dogs?”
WHAT ARE AFRICAN GREY PARROTS?
One of the most distinctive breeds of parrot is the African Grey. This gallant bird is known for its stand-out smoky grey tinted feathers that give it such an unusual appearance, and of course, it’s chatty persona.
