Pet Bucket Blog

If it has been weeks since you last got a good night’s sleep because of your feline friends, it may be time to investigate why they keep waking you up in the middle of the night. Some reasons include illness, boredom, habit, the need for gratification, or even the lighting of a room. Some medical conditions inhibit a good night’s sleep for both you and your cat. Even mild ailments can lead to feline restlessness. Some of the more common culprits for sudden onsets of midnight visits are arthritis, hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure, all of which can be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Begin with a visit to your vet if your cat is repeatedly exhibiting unusual behavior at night as the road to recovery will mean you’ll both be sleeping soundly again. If your cat is alone for most of the day, they can become restless, leaving them energized to play all night. Seek ways to amuse them while you’re out with toys, window perches and innovative feeding methods, such as foraging toys. Interactive play with their human family is also important, whether it be with a laser toy, dangling a wand while you watch TV, or toss a ball around before you leave for work. Keep toys fresh by rotating them and utilize new toys to keep their interest. It is also advised to tire them out for the day with a longer playtime in the evening, at least an hour before lights out.  Be wary of learned behaviours with regimented feeding patterns just after you wake. These may lead your feline to preemptively wake you for their water or morning meal, invoking the feeding process. If you have you responded to their wake-up calls by giving a cuddle or freshening their water, these can form into learned behaviours and habits which must be stopped with selective attention and ignoring them at the right time.   It is well known that cats see better in the dark due to having more light-sensitive receptors in their eyes. With that, small amounts of light may be quite disruptive. If you leave a nightlight on, sleep with the TV on, or have streetlights shining into your room, that may be just the right light for fun and mischief on the part of your cat. Minimize light in the sleeping area or try room-darkening blinds to discourage activity in your feline. Feature Image Credit

Cats are territorial animals who can find moving house a very stressful experience more so than their owners. To help, there are a few measures cat owners can take to reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition between homes as well as promoting postive associations with a new environment. Before even introducing your feline to its new environment, make sure the new house is cat-proof. Secure electrical cords, plug up nooks and crannies where a cat could get stuck, make sure that all windows have secure screens and remove any poisonous houseplants or pest-control poison traps that have been inadvertently left anywhere in the house. Once the environment is safe, you can begin to focus on introducing your cat. Upon arriving home, set up a small room that will serve as the cat’s initial territory. Any small room works well, such as a bathroom, small bedroom or large walk-in closet. Where ever you choose, make sure it remains relatively quiet. Keep the cat in their carrier while you are setting up the room, allowing them to adjust to the sounds and smells of the new environment. Be sure to put everything the cat needs inside this room including the litter box, food, water, toys, scratching post, bed, and other needs. Place some cat treats around the room to encourage your cat to explore once the initial shock begins to wear off. It is advised that you keep your cat in this initial room for the first few days of being in the new house, allowing them to gradually get used to the sights, sounds and smells of their new home without feeling overwhelmed. Once this period of adjustment is complete you are able to let the cat decide whether they want to explore or to remain inside the carrier. Many times a cat will remain inside the carrier for hours. Patience is one of the ultimate tools necessary for introducing cats to new environments. Spend time with your cat in their room, at first doing low-key activities like reading or watching TV. When they begin to explore and leave the safety of their carrier, offer your cat attention, treats and playtime. Give the cat time to adjust to their new territory. It is advised for you to come back to the room to visit often, but let the cat set the pace of the visits. Don’t force your attention on the cat as they will seek you out when they feel their need for comfort and reassurance. When the flurry of unpacking is over, gradually give your cat access to the rest of the house, one room at a time. Once the cat has established a sense of relaxation within the room, open the door and let them explore the rest of the house at their own pace much like before. Cats usually begin investigating at night, making short explorations interspersed with rapid retreats to their safe haven. It is rare for a cat to explore a new territory without hesitation. Your cat can easily adapt to a new environment but only at their own speed. Some cats can take hours or days, others will take weeks or months. The length of time needed to establish new territory will depend on the cat’s temperament, past experiences and other pets already present in the new home. Be patient and supportive with their adjustment period and your cat will be roaming the new house in no time. Feature Image Credit  

Once considered eccentric and strange, traveling with pets during the holidays has now become increasingly popular. That being said, transporting family, let alone those of the animal variety can be stressful so here is a few tips we have picked up along the way: Before embarking on any trip, consult your veterinarian for advice on the types of vaccination shots required for the country or areas you are travelling to. Whilst visiting your veterinarian, make sure to get an up to date copy of your pet’s vaccination history as this will be required when organizing travel and checking your pet in with many airlines. Airlines strongly disapprove of using pet tranquilizers in-flight because of the life-threatening dangers to a sedated animal at high altitude. So if need be, discuss stress-relief options with your vet and if medication really is necessary, you must have the vet’s paperwork to show airline personnel. Make sure that any dogs and cats you seek to travel with are at least eight weeks old and have been weaned for at least five days before they can travel so as to lessen any shock. Pets are easily stressed, especially when they notice the slightest change in their environment let alone a long road trip. It’s important to create an atmosphere that smells familiar to them, so include some of their toys and blankets in their travel container. Similarly, another great idea is to also leave an old t-shirt of yours in the container with them to reassure that you’re close by for support and safety. Feature Image credit

It is no secret that cats love a nap. In fact it might feel like your kitty loves napping more than almost anything else. You may spot him or her sleeping on the couch, on the window-sill or even on your bed, which is exactly why a nice and cosy bed is a must for your pet. Here is a short guide on picking a new bed for your cat. Cup beds These are particularly appealing to cats as they are often made of soft plush fabric that will not only feel super comfy but will also retain any body heat. Their circular design is also ideal as your cat will be able to curl up comfortably and feel like it is being cuddled by the bed giving it security. They come in plenty of sizes, designs and some are even hooded which are particularly handy during winter. Pads These comfy flat beds make for ideal beds that you can move to different places around the house and you can even take them when travelling with your kitty. Some might be just a flat faux fur fabric while others are stuffed with foam or are made of sheepskin. The great thing about these lightweight cat beds is that they are machine washable which means if they get stinky you can get rid of any nasty smells ASAP.  Heated beds If you have an older cat, or one that suffers from arthritic pains this is the perfect bed for you. They come in a variety of designs and sizes to suit your needs. The headed pads or units are fitted inside a soft plush covering. They are safe for your cat as the covering prevents any direct contact with your cats skin. These beds are pre-set to maintain their temperature making it ideal for colder climates. Cat trees This double-whammy bed is perfect for a cat that loves being on top of the world and has a habit of tearing up your furniture in its spare time. Multilevel cat trees also give your cat a place to play as well as sleep. Most of these will have a box or small enclosed cave for your cat to hide in and fall asleep. The small cosy space is perfect for your cat as you may have noticed, the smaller the nook or cranny he or she has found, the more they'll love it. These beds also mean that any malting fur won't be deposited on your furniture. Feature Image Credit

A leash is a vital tool in the training, safety and exercise of your dog. The vast amount of collars and leashes available can be overwhelming without understanding and guidance. Responsibility, control and safety are all key attributes of any correct leash for your dog no matter what quality it is. The best leash in the world won’t matter if your dog is untrained or the owner unprepared; it is not meant to be a substitute for the relationship formed through positive reinforcement training sessions.  A simple leash and collar suits content, well-trained dogs who are both easy going and obedient. These leashes can be made from a number of materials, each with their own attributes. Nylon is the most common material as it is cheap, strong and colourful. However it can easily hurt the owners hand with leash-burn if your pooch tugs at it fast and hard with a lunge. These types of leashes are ideal for indoor use as they are lightweight and less salient to the dog, allowing an easy transition from on-leash to off-leash behaviour. They are suitable for any weather including rain, snow and wet climates. Chain leashes have long been an option for leash-chewers but are not recommended as they easily may harm both dog and owner with their heavy and cumbersome nature. Leather leashes are quite popular with both their strength and gentleness on the hands, becoming even more comfortable over time. Retractable leashes allow your dog the room and freedom to explore their environment but with such freedom, the dog may end up controlling the pace. Again, these leashes are not recommended for untrained dogs. Ultimately choose a comfortable leash that works for both you and your dog. Keep in mind that the context and environment in which you are utilizing the leash will effect the appropriateness of your selection. For example, walking in crowded places or the vet’s office would suit a better controlling leash such as a short leather one against a retractable leash for park walks and exploration. Feature Image Credit  

Kittens are full of energy and love exploring their new home and getting into all sorts of mischief. But play time is not just for fun, it can also be quite beneficial to your kitten's health. It is a great way to exercise your growing bundle of fur while also teaching it how to play without scratching or biting. Toys Toys on strings with feathers and fluffy bits and pieces will bring out your kittens instinct to stalk, capture and pounce. These games are not only LOADS of fun for your kitten but it's also a great laugh watching the little ones pounce around. Kittens also love playing catch or kitty soccer where you pass a ball to them and they kick it around. It's a very cute game that not only gets you involved but also has them running around the house. You may also consider some catnip toys since catnip famously causes different, positive reactions in cats (but some cats may not feel any effect at all.) Wrestling At as young as three weeks old your kitty will start to wrestle and romp around with his or her littermates. These fun little wrestling sessions are vital for your kitten to learn how to interact with other cats. If they get bitten too hard they'll remember not to bite too hard too. Walking Believe it or not, if you train your kitten from a very young age to walk on a leash, it is completely possible to take your kitten on daily walks. You will first need to get him or her used to wearing a collar and then add a leash. Some cats prefer a harness to a collar and it is also much easier to control your cat on a harness. Once you have them adjusted to wearing these, walk them around the house for a few minutes, increasing the walking time a little each day. Then take your cat outdoors, perhaps to your backyard and slowly start increasing the area in which you take them. Remember to be patient, as this could take months. Play dates The best games for your kitten to play will require other kittens! It's as simple as chasing one another through the house, hiding, stalking and generally interacting with one another. If you do not have any playmates in your house, consider play dates with friends that have cats. It's great fun and will also enrich your cats social skills. Feature Image Credit

Bushfire season means serious business, and it's important for you to have a plan prepared for yourself and your loved ones if you live near bush, grasslands, coastal areas and forests prone to fires. But it's not just your human family you should have a plan of safety for, you should also have one to ensure your pets survive these dangerous times. Plan ahead of time Although it can seem like a tiresome chore, making these preparations can mean the difference between life and death. Plan to both relocate in the event your home becomes in danger and for times where it is still safe to stay if the authorities permit this. Keep bags packed and near the door, in these you should have plenty of food and water for your pets, a lead, food and water bowls and any medications your pet may need. Not all emergency centres allow pets so make sure you have a safe place to take them (perhaps a relative's home) until the disaster is over, but do this well ahead of time. If bushfires are closeby then make sure you are keeping up to date via local radio, the internet or the phone. Do not wait to leave your home until the last minute, this could be fatal for your family and your pets. Prepare for a stressed pet Bushfires are not only scary and stressful for you, your pet may also be fearful, panicked and even in defense mode, this is possibly because they can sense the fear and stress from you, but chances are there will be lots of comotion so this can also distress your animals. Keep as calm as possible and reassure them. If they have accidents around the house, do not scold them, this is not a regular occurance and is just a reaction to their fear and anxiety. ID is key Make sure your pets are collared and are wearing an identification tag just in case for whatever reason you get separated from them. Although microchipping is always reccomended, it is particularly important during times of natural disasters. If you haven't microchipped your pets do so well ahead of time of bushfire season. Keep them cool It's not easy caring for yourself, your family and your pets during these tough times but it is essential for your dog or cats health. Just as you are drinking plenty of water and keeping as cool as possible, do the same for your pets. Make sure they are in a cool area of the house and they have plenty to eat and drink. Using a damp cloth wipe them down to reduce their temperature. Overall bushfires are a very dangerous occurance, listen to the authorities who are working tirelessly to keep you, your neighbours and your homes safe. Feature Image Credit

A new kitten brings with it the hope they grow into a happy, loving member of your family. It is vital to bond with your new kitten to establish a relationship and to understand your pet’s personality, its likes, dislikes and their place in your home. There are multiple methods you can utilise to bond with your new kitten, creating an ongoing relationship of love to match their cuteness. Bonding activities and methods take time and can include: Simply deciding on a name for your kitten is an important bonding act. Naming your pet allows you to connect better with an animal and the relationship established has a core basis with which the kitten can recognise what is being directed towards it. Establishing routines with your kitten, as cats love routines. Time spent together and experiences shared will create a loving bond and form a strong relationship. These routines could be as simple as inviting your kitten into the bathroom with you in the morning or calling your cat in for a treat and a cuddle at the end of the work day. Be timely with food and at first feed kittens by hand. Spending as much time playing with your kitten as you can spare, seeking to teach and encourage them to jump high, pounce, run, sneak and explore just like their mother would have taught them. Handling kittens on a daily basis is a vital bonding act allowing the kitten to bond with your human scent. The first seven weeks of a kitten's development should include human handling to develop a respectful relationship between pet and human owner. Whether it be neck petting or ear scratching, take a respectful hands on approach with your kitten. Responding to your kitten’s meows. Simply listening and hearing your kitten, and responding in turn when they seek to communication, allows for both owner and kitten to bond. Grooming your kitten. Young kittens love the attention that grooming entails, mimicking the feel of their mothers tongue and the rub of her body against theirs. An owner can simulate these feelings by petting them, brushing them or using a cloth with warm water to establish a pattern of comfort. Getting down to your kitten’s level. The lower you are, the less threatening you will be to a cat, allowing them to approach and greet you without fear. Cuddling with your kitten will establish a closeness and rapport. A shared nap in addition to finding other times to snuggle comfortably, such as simply holding your kitten while watching TV, will also allow you to bond. Every kitten is unique, so a lot of bonding comes from sharing time and experiences with your new kitten. Feature Image Credit

Although your dog's ears need to be reguarly cared for and monitored by your vet, it is quite simple to keep them clean and healthy yourself. This is especially important because it's not uncommon for parasites, bacteria or yeast to hide in the inner ear and cause plenty of pain and discomfort. It is also easy for dirt to become trapped in the ear due to the way dog's ears are shaped, trapping debris which can cause allergies and infections. Cocker spaniels, basset hounds and poodles are particularly vulnerable, due to their adorable floppy ears. To reduce infections or allergies, ear checks should be a regular part of your dog's grooming regime. If you take your dog to a groomer, ask them to pay special attention to their ears. However if you groom your dog yourself and their ears look dirty, clean them using a doggy ear cleaner on a dampened cotton ball. This is delicate enough on their skin so it won't cause any irritations and is very effective at cleaning the ears very well. If your dog has hairy ears and you can see that some hairs have sprouted from the ear canal, you can ask your groomer to tweeze them out or simply cut them down to a length that won't mat or tangle. It isn't recomended that you try tweezing them yourself as it can be uncomfortable for your pet and you wouldn't want him or her to associate that pain with you. If your dog is a frequent swimmer you may have noticed that post-swim their ears are irritated, which could mean some water has gotten into the ear. To prevent this from happening, dry your pooch's ears thoroughly using a cotton cloth. If you don't, it may lead to ear infections which can be painful. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your vet at the earliest convenience: Discharge Smelly ears Redness Swelling Hairloss Itchiness Crusty skin Blood in ears Ear mites Feature Credit Image

People spend over $350 million on Halloween costumes and treats for their pets! But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas gifts. With just a couple of weeks until Christmas, buying your cat the perfect gift is probably on your mind, so to make things easier for you, we've compiled a list of the top five cat gifts for 2014. 1. Costumes The best part about this time of year is that there are some seriously adorable Christmas outfits on the market right now for your kitty. From Santa's little helper, reindeer and even adorable gingerbread men outfits, there are so many option available. However not all cats love to wear costumes, so why not try some some cute antlers or even an adorable Santa hat. That's if he or she will let you put them on... 2. Scratching posts or jungle gyms There's going to be alot going on during the Christmas period and chances are your kitty will either recieve LOTS of attention from visitors which can be a little overwhelming or they will be a little bit forgotten with the hustle and bussle of visitors coming and going from your house. A scratching post or jungle gym will give your cat a place to observe the party or a place to play where he or she will feel safe. 3. Collars From personalised collars to colorful reflective ones perfect for evening walks, these are not only great gifts but they are also ones your beloved kitty can wear everyday. The best thing about collars is that there are so many out there to choose from. You will surely find the right one to suit your pawsome pal. 4. Christmas treats Whether you buy some Christmas flavoured treats for your furry friend or make them yourself, your cat will not turn his or her head at these once-a-year-treats. Although not all cats like turkey or ham, some will happily gobble it up. However if you're wanting to buy some Christmas treats from a store, most are available if you ask the sales assistants. These are a great option because they are convenient and safe as they will not contain any ingredients which are prone to upsetting their stomach. If you're making treats yourself, then avoid using chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins as these can be toxic.  5. Toys From mouse toys to laser pointers, there are few toys out there that your kitty will not love. Cats love treat encasing toys so if you gift one of these to your kitty then try popping some Christmas treats inside. Cats also love a challenge, so interactive toys such as motorised varieties can also be fun. However if you're thinking of DIYing your cat a present, there are plenty of tutorials online to make adorable Christmas themed toys which are safe. Remember adding catnip inside the toys are also an extra special treat that they'll love.