Most cats only see a cat carrier when it’s time to go somewhere new: the veterinarian’s office, a new home or a boarding facility for the weekend. This causes many felines to fear their carriers, which they associate with unwanted change and fervently resist. Fortunately, helping your cat form positive associations with his carrier isn’t hard and can help reduce stress when it’s time for your next trip.   It can be difficult to teach an old cat new tricks and this is especially true when it comes to his cat carrier. One of the best ways to help your cat make peace with the carrier, then, is to introduce him to it at a young age. Even adult cats, however, can come to terms with their crates. Instead of busting out the carrier only for visits to the vet, help your cat overcome his fears by keeping it out and open at all times. This allows Kitty to explore at his own speed, coming and going from the carrier as he pleases. Add some comfortable bedding, cat toys and a few treats to make the space as inviting as possible. With some time, this helps most felines overcome their fear of the carrier and see it as a safe retreat.   Once your cat has had at least a few weeks to explore the carrier at his own pace, try feeding him inside it. This reinforces positive associations with the carrier, especially when he receives meals there every day. If your cat won’t immediately take his food inside the carrier, try placing his food dish a few feet away from the entrance and inching it closer every day. Some cats are clever and will avoid the carrier when you’re around so they won’t be locked in, so try walking away when you feed Kitty if he’s reluctant to enter.   Once you succeed in getting your pet take his meals inside his carrier, you can begin using verbal cues to further his training. Cats are not responsive to commands like dogs, but will react for food, so use a treat to entice your pet to enter his carrier while saying the “in” command. Over time, he’ll likely learn that a tasty treat follows when he enters his cat carrier. Once this is an established routine, you can start closing the carrier door before offering your cat his treat. Only reward him if he remains calm in the carrier, however— otherwise, let Kitty loose and try again another time.   Finally, you can gradually get your pet used to being lifted and moved inside his carrier, even taking him outside for practice runs before using the carrier for a real-deal visit to the vet. With some time and patience, you should be able to get Kitty inside his carrier without anxiety or fear, even if he never learns to love the space.

When we shuffle around in flip flops or shoes with bouncing laces, our feet look can look an awful lot like prey to cats. The same goes when our toes are under a blanket, wrapped in socks or even when we go barefoot. While you can’t stop your cats’ predator instincts, you can redirect them, providing Kitty with acceptable ways to expel energy without assaulting your toes.   Sneak attacks on feet come when cats aren’t quite clear about where their toys end and humans begin. This all comes down to socialization, which helps explain why kittens are especially pernicious when it comes to pouncing on feet. Often, young felines have not learned to rope in their energy or differentiate between “play thing” and “person.” While rough play is important to kittens developing physical coordination and problem-solving skills, humans can misinterpret their stalking, chasing, pouncing, swatting and biting for aggression.   Knowing what’s okay to play-attack and what isn’t comes down to Kitty’s socialization, making it important to draw clear boundaries for your pet from a young age. If your pet pounces on your feet under the covers, offer him a toy instead. If he attacks you on the stairs, try to carry a few toys to drop and redirect his attention. When he plays with the toys instead of your toes, offer your cat praise. While punishing a feline doesn’t work, time-outs do: Any time your pet plays too rough, end the game by leaving the room. Don’t pick him up, as this can encourage more playful biting or scratching.   In addition to setting boundaries, helping your cat act out his predator instincts in positive ways can tire him out and reduce his desire to stalk your feet. Playing with your cat using a fishing pole or other toy not only helps him expel excess energy, but builds a bond between you and your pet. Offer your cat a variety of toys and frequently give him new objects to explore, such as paper bags or cardboard boxes. You can even build an outdoor enclosure for your cat or consider buying a second cat for a playmate to help keep your pet stimulated both mentally and physically. Just remember to never let your pet bat at your feet, hands or other body parts during playtime, as this sends mixed messages.   Of course, there are occasions in which a cat’s rough play is actually aggression. It can be hard to differentiate between the two, but watching your cat’s body language can help you decipher whether he’s being social or picking a fight. Cats playing tend to be quiet and engage in behaviors such as a sideways hop. During aggressive encounters, however, cats tend to growl and hiss. Nervous, anxious or fearful cats are more prone to aggression and a trained animal behaviorist can help address these problems.

Approximately 7.3 million people living in the USA alone are vegetarian and the popularity of a plant-based diet and lifestyle is increasing – understandably, this means some people want to feed their pets a vegetarian or vegan diet, too. People decide to eat a vegetarian diet for a multitude of reasons based on their religious beliefs, cultural background, to protect the environment, try to improve their health and political ideals. Including their pets in this decision can sometimes seem like the logical thing to do, and it can definitely be done for some pets.   Many animals, like cats, some reptiles and some marine mammals, are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat a diet of meat to survive. Only meat from an animal has the complete range of vitamins and amino acids cats need to thrive, so plant-based proteins such as soy simply aren't nutritious enough to keep your cat happy and healthy. Cats can't digest carbohydrates from grains, fruits and vegetables in the same way omnivorous animals can, so meat protein is their main source of energy and nourishment. Make sure your feline friend is provided with high-quality, high-quantity moist meaty food – stay away from anything containing grains and dangerous additives and preservatives.   It is absolutely possible for dogs to eat a vegetarian or even vegan diet, but it's worth checking in with your veterinarian first to make sure your pooch is at peak levels of healthiness. Dogs, unlike cats, can make some of the vitamins and amino acids on their own, but they can still lack other essential nutrients such as iron and taurine that are found in higher concentrations in omnivorous diets. When cutting out meat from a diet, you're also cutting out most of the protein but it can be easily replaced with vegetable and soy protein. Both tasty pre-prepared canned and dry vegetarian and vegan dog foods, as well as home-made dog food recipes, are widely available online. Your dog will never know the difference!   In addition to all cats, puppies should not be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet. When you bring them home, they'll likely have been fed an omnivorous diet and a change in food on top of a change in location will only make them more stressed, upset and unhappy. Only make the change when your vet says your new friend is old enough and healthy enough to move from puppy food to adult dog food.   It is impossible for all animals to thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet, just as it is impossible for all people. Pre-existing medical conditions and fussy eating habits might restrict your pet from getting as much nutrition or energy from plants as they could from food containing animal products. If necessary, or if a little extra boost is needed, supplements are readily available. Whatever you decide however, it is your pet's health and happiness that is the most important thing.

Who doesn't love the 4th of July? From the food to the fireworks, Independence Day is fun for the whole family - at least the human family. To pets, the 4th of July can be confusing and terrifying. While humans associate fireworks with spectacle and celebrations, cats and dogs see and hear them as nothing more than sudden loud noises. Holidays for humans can involve inviting new friends and family members into their homes; to a pet, this might feel like an invasion of privacy. A few adjustments to your holiday celebrations can make sure that the day is fun for both pets and their owners.   For most household companions, cat and canine alike, fireworks pose the biggest source of fear on the 4th of July. Humans like the spectacle of bright colours and lights, anticipating the bang as they explode high up in the air, but to a dog or a cat, it can be very sudden and frightening. Some pets completely ignore fireworks, but others find them extremely distressing. Fortunately for both you and your furry friends, there are lots of simple ways to reduce your pet's stress levels during firework season.   1) Keep your pet inside. If your cat is normally an outdoor cat, make sure the outside doors and cat-flaps are closed and that they have access to an indoor litter box. Take your dog for a walk long before the fireworks are due to start. If guests are going in and out of the house frequently, make sure doors are shut firmly to make sure your pet can't escape, and ensure your pet is microchipped and tagged in the event that they do escape.   2) Make sure there is a safe space for your pet. Dogs might seek out a place to hide under a piece of furniture - if you know where that may be, put comforting objects like their favourite toys or a piece of clothing that smells like you there ahead of time. A cat might find their own safe space, but if you know of a favourite place they like to hide ensure that it's not blocked off when the fireworks start so they can hide as soon as they need to. Don't try to coax them out - it will only make them more anxious.   3) Close the curtains and turn on the television or radio. This will help to block out the sound and lights from the fireworks. Your pet will still hear the loud noises from outside but they'll be muffled by a noise they're very used to - human voice.   4) Let your pet move around if they want to. Pacing and circling is a common stress behaviour in dogs - they might be restless or looking for a place to hide. Restricting this movement will only make them more afraid.   5) Act natural. Try to show your pet that you aren't reacting fearfully to the fireworks, so neither should they.   Another thoroughly enjoyable part of celebrating Independence Day for human beings and animals alike is the food. It's hard to resist the temptation to sneak a treat from the table to feed your pooch when they hit you with the puppy eyes. Unfortunately for both dogs and cats, there are quite a few foods that you might be preparing around the 4th of July that can be harmful to them. Grapes, raisins, onions, avocados and chocolate are some foods to both dogs and cats. If your celebrations involve alcohol, keep it far away from pets as all kinds of alcoholic drinks can cause serious inebriation due to their comparatively smaller size and lack of tolerance to alcohol.   To prevent your pets accidentally eating something they shouldn't be, keep the food away from the pets and the pets away from the food. Make sure plates and bowls of food remain out of reach on a worksurface or table and keep a close eye on inquisitive cats. Shut your pets indoors if you're barbecuing or in a room separate from where the food is being prepared and served, far away from anything they could accidentally eat that could do them harm.   As nice as the idea might be to include your pets in celebrating the birthday of America, their safety comes first. Keeping them calm and healthy is your best bet for ensuring everyone, human and animal alike, has a enjoyable day.

Bringing a new kitty home is, without any doubt, an exciting moment for every pet lover. So, it should come as no surprise that some people get carried away by the thrill of it and completely forget about an essential step: prepping your home for the new family member. If you want your cat to enjoy his new home, you need to make sure it’s a safe environment for him to explore. With that in mind, here are the things you need to consider before bringing your new cat home: Ask Yourself the Important Questions The first thing you need to ask yourself is if you are truly prepared to take care of a pet. Do you have the time and energy your new furry friend will need? Can you commit to having your house „transformed” into a cat-friendly area? Are you ok with the furry trails they might leave behind – on your clothes, your plates, and your bed? Make sure you consider all the ways in which living with a kitty might impact your life.  Prepare Your Family You need to prepare all the residents of your household to welcome the new family member. If not everyone is excited about this, make them at least aware of the changes the new kitty will bring along. Make sure you share with them a short yet concise list of what it means to take care of a cat. You can even start dividing cat related chores such as changing the litter or taking the cat to the vet. You don’t want to bring your new cat home only to discover that you’re the only one excited about this. Check this infographic below and share it with your family to ensure everyone knows what it means to get a cat: Stock up and Get Your Basic Cat Kit Another crucial thing you need to get out of the way before bringing a new cat home is making sure that you have what you need to take proper care of your cat. Start with the basics, such as an open litter box and litter tools like a scoop and a receptacle, food and water bowls, and of course, a stock of kitty food and litter substrate. A scratching post might prove to be life-saving for your sofa, so take that into consideration too. Other essential items you should purchase also include a cat nail trimmer, brush, a cat carrier, a cat collar and an identification tag.  Prep Your Home While cats are pretty much independent and can look after themselves, you do want to make your home a safe environment for your new pet. Take into account the entire space your little ball of fur will be able to explore and cat-proof it. That might mean putting small items out of reach to keep them from being swallowed by your kitty, as well as chemicals, medicine and cleaning products. Research about the plants you have and make sure none of them is toxic for cats. Also, make sure no wires or strings might tempt your kitty – and yes, that includes dental floss. Last but not least, keep your cat away from warm but dangerous places, such as the garage or the washing machine. Make Your House Fun If you care about your cat’s well-being (and you probably do), then you should enrich your home with fun and supportive kitty features. You don’t need to spend too much on expensive toys. A fishing pole, a laser pointer, or even a cardboard box will do the trick. There’s a reason cat are such great companions: they are loving, fun, and will comfort us when we are in emotional distress. But, before you bring your new furry friend home, make sure you are up to the task.

Introducing a new pet to your household can be exciting, but for resident animals, adding a new face to the mix can increase stress and anxiety. This is especially true when introducing a dog and cat for the first time. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize stress whether your new addition will be a canine or feline companion. Before ever bringing your new pet home, there are several things to consider. The first is what type of pet you’ll choose. Puppies pose less of a threat to adult cats and kittens are less likely to shy away from large dogs, meaning a younger pet may be your best option. If you do decide to bring home an adult dog, ask about his past to ensure he doesn’t have a history of aggression toward other animals. Likewise, before bringing home an adult cat, ask if he has been socialized around dogs or has had any traumatic experiences with canines in the past. You should consider making changes to your home in anticipation of your new pet’s arrival, too. Move your cat’s litter box to a dog-free zone to ease introductions or try limiting Fido’s mobility with baby gates. Making these changes before bringing your new dog or cat home can help ease your current companion’s adjustment to the changes. Once your new animal arrives, keep an eye on interactions between him and your existing pet. In dog-cat introductions, dogs are more likely to be the aggressors, so watch your canine especially closely. If your cat gets frightened and runs, Fido’s predator instincts may kick in, causing him to chase the moving target. Exercise your dog before introducing him to a new cat and keep him on a leash during the initial introduction. You can also create a safe space for Kitty by installing baby gates to block off dog-free sections of the house. Place your cat’s litter box and food bowl in these “safe zones” to help him feel more secure in the new situation. Your cat will also feel safer with plenty of perches where he can watch the dog from above, so provide plenty of climbing space inaccessible to his canine peer. Introducing a dog and cat for the first time can be stressful for both you and your pets, but the meeting doesn’t have to be a disaster. The most important thing to remember is to let your pets meet at their own pace and never force an interaction, which can encourage your cat to scratch Fido in the face and causes your dog to fear his feline friend. By providing cats with safe spaces, your dog and cat can learn to coexist peacefully in their shared home.

We all love our pets, but millions of owners suffer from allergies caused by their companions. While pet allergies are best treated through avoidance, modern medicine, plus a little hard work, can make living a comfortable life with your pet possible if you have mild to moderate symptoms.   Most people blame dog or cat hair for their allergies, but animal hair is not an allergen on its own. Rather, the proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva or urine trigger allergic reactions when people come into contact with them. To make matters worse, pets’ coats can collect pollen, mold and other allergens that affect millions of people. Symptoms often include a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and constricted breathing, but these can be signs of an allergic reaction to something other than to your pet. The first step towards treating a pet allergy, then, is establishing that you are, in fact, allergic to your pet. This can be done through allergy testing, during which a professional allergist injects a small amount of test allergens into your skin to identify the specific substances triggering symptoms. If Fluffy or Fido is the source of your allergy, there are several ways to manage symptoms without saying “goodbye" to your companion:   1. Re-organize your home to include designated “pet-free” zones where allergen levels are reduced. Keeping your pet away from your bedroom, home office and other spaces where you spend a lot of time can greatly reduce symptoms, as can teaching him to stay off the furniture.   2. Invest in hypoallergenic bedding and an air purifier that reduces airborne allergens.   3. Bathe your pet about twice a week help reduce dust, pollen and other allergens caught in your his coat.   4. Clean your home regularly: Change air filters, vacuum and wash bedding—including your pet’s bedding—more often.   5. Given the option, choose hardwood or tile floors over allergen-catching carpets. Choose furniture that is less prone to collecting allergens.   After making changes to the environment around you, you can turn to modern medicine for more help managing pet allergies. Over-the-counter medications such as Claritin, Benadryl or Zyrtec can relieve mild allergies symptoms such as itchy eyes or congestion, and prescription medicine can also help. Unfortunately, these medications won’t alleviate asthma-related symptoms: Only environmental factors can help. Some animal lovers also take allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, to get long-term relief from their symptoms. This involves injecting a very small dose of a known allergen into the body, gradually increasing a person’s tolerance to that allergen. Immunotherapy has been shown to provide effective and long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms in some cases, but requires patience: It may take almost a year of weekly injections before you can switch to a monthly maintenance dose, and several years after that before you can stop the shots altogether.   Living with an animal when you have pet allergies requires extra work, but it’s often possible to maintain a comfortable life without giving up your pet’s company.

Spring is the season for new growth and with it comes runny noses, itchy eyes and a host of other symptoms of seasonal allergies. Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer seasonally, however: Many of our pets are also allergic to pollen, mold and other common allergens. What many animal lovers don't realize is that dogs and cats have different reactions to the same things we’re allergic to. There are four main types of allergens that affect our pets. Depending on what type of allergy your pet has, he will display different symptoms. While some dogs and cats have watery eyes and sneezing fits, the most common reaction to allergies is itching in our furry friends. Incessant scratching can lead to open sores, hair loss and infected wounds if the underlying cause is not addressed— meaning knowing the signs of allergies and finding the right cure crucial to your pet’s wellbeing. Environmental allergens that pets inhale or cause problems when they come into contact with the skin are known as atopy and include pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Another common seasonal ailment is flea allergy dermatitis, a reaction some animals have to the saliva in fleabites. Though pets can also experience food allergies and contact allergies caused by plastics, carpet fibers and other substances, these are less common and less seasonal. Atopy symptoms range from gnawing at the feet to constant licking of the side and groin; incessant face rubbing; inflamed ears or chronic ear infections; lesions, hotspots or scabbing; and asthma-like wheezing and other respiratory problems. Red or inflamed skin and hair loss caused by itching, scratching, biting and chewing are telltale signs your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies. Because fleas are out in force during the warmer months of the year, flea allergy dermatitis can be a seasonal problem, too, indicated by itchy spots and red bumps. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms and you suspect he is suffering from seasonal allergies, visit your veterinarian. Based on the type of allergy and severity of systems, your vet will suggest different treatments for your pet. Some animals respond to antihistamines, which you should only give with your veterinarian’s guidance. Pets suffering from extreme itching and discomfort may need steroids to provide fast relief. If your dog or cat has a secondary skin infection, he may also require antibiotics. An intradermal skin test, which injects a small amount of test allergens into your pet’s skin, can help pinpoint the problem of moderate to severe allergies and may allow your vet to create a specialized serum or immunotherapy shot for your companion. At home, try avoiding known allergens, or wiping your pet down or bathing him regularly of you cannot avoid the offending substances.

They may look like a mustache, but for our feline friends, whiskers are far more than a fashion statement. A cat’s facial hair helps him judge his place in space, “see” in the dark and even avoid hungry predators and catch prey. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you never trim your cat’s whiskers, which can leave him disoriented and unable to skillfully escape from dangerous situations.   Also known as tactile hairs or vibrissae, whiskers are filled with highly sensitive nerves that help cats judge distance and space. That’s thanks to a tiny sensory organ at each whisker’s tip, called a proprioceptor, that allows cats to pick up vibrations from other animals nearby or changes in their environment. Follicles embedded deep in a cat’s skin then relay these messages to his brain, giving your cat his graceful, lightning-fast reflexes.   Cats’ whiskers don’t just grow on their upper lips, however. Our feline friends have the same sensitive hairs along their eyebrows, chin and near their feet. Each set of whiskers correlates to the position of your pet’s body and limbs, making them a crucial part of knowing where he is and making split-second decisions about his movements. Whiskers on your cat’s back legs help him climb trees, for example, while those on his upper lip are just about as wide as his body, allowing your pet to judge whether he can fit through a small opening. Whiskers are highly sensitive, too, allowing cats to feel changes in vibrations in the air, which helps them while they are chasing prey or avoiding a hungry predator.   While whiskers’ main function is as your cat’s GPS, they also act a barometer for his moods. A complex set of facial muscles controls cats’ whiskers and a relaxed feline will leave his whiskers immobile, sticking straight out from the sides of his face. Cats engaged in hunting or other intense pursuits often press their whiskers forward, while nervous, angry or defensive cats pull their whiskers back close to their face— a hint that you should back off and give your pet some space.   Just like other hair, whiskers shed and grow back, so don’t be alarmed if you find one on the floor. You should never trim your cat’s whiskers, though, since they are a crucial part of his mobility and sense of security. Without them, your cat wouldn’t be able to skilfully navigate his surroundings, leaving him disoriented and vulnerable to dangerous situations.

Most cat owners have a funny photo of their feline friend totally relaxed, tongue dangling from his mouth. While an outstretched tongue is normally a harmless—and adorable—feline quirk, any pet that’s taken to sticking out his tongue constantly is likely suffering from an injury or breathing issue that’s preventing him from closing his mouth.   Cats spend up to one-third of their lives bathing, so it’s no surprise they often have their tongues out. Cats’ tongues have stiff, backward-facing spines known as papillae that form a rough surface ideal for removing loose hair. Though most cats groom with laser-sharp focus, it’s not uncommon for felines to get distracted mid-lick. This leaves Kitty in a compromised position with his tongue dangling for several seconds. Likewise, cats can get so relaxed while resting or sleeping that their mouths hang open slightly, allowing your pet’s tongue to dangle in a comical, but completely healthy, way.   Problems arise when cats leave their tongues out constantly. This can signal a medical issue, as it’s likely your pet is sticking out his tongue due to an injury, breathing issue or other ailment that’s preventing him from closing his mouth. Feline periodontal disease, including inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis, is more common than many pet owners realize, and these mouth and gum conditions can cause your pet to stick out his tongue in an effort to relieve pain. Drooling and red, swollen or bleeding gums are common symptoms of an oral ailment. Oral tumors or fractured teeth can also cause Kitty to dangle his tongue, as can kidney failure, which can lead to painful ulcers on your cat’s gums. If you notice your pet sticking his tongue out more often than normal, or see any other symptoms of physical distress, take him to the veterinarian to check for gum disease, oral abscesses, tooth decay and other medical problems.   Remember, while dogs pant to cool off, this behavior is not normal in healthy cats. While chances are your cat’s tongue dangling is simply an endearing quirk and not a medical emergency, watch for sudden and unusual changes in your pet’s behavior. If he is sticking his tongue out more often than normal or constantly, or is showing other signs of physical distress, have your veterinarian examine him to rule out ulcers, abscesses and other medical conditions that can cause cats to leave their mouths hanging open.