Can Cats and Pet Birds Live Safely Together?
If you’re going to add a bird to a household with cats, choose wisely. Smaller birds such as finches or canaries, who typically don’t like to be handled and are quite content to spend their lives in a cage, may be a better choice than parrots or cockatiels, who thrive on human interaction. Get the right cage for your bird A large, sturdy cage is a must. Make sure the cage is placed securely enough so it can’t be toppled. The cage needs to be large enough so birds can retrea
How to Leash Train Your Cat
There is no question that indoor cats live longer and healthier lives. The average life expectancy for an indoor cat is 12 to 15 years vs. 4 to 5 years for an outdoor cat. To ensure that they also live happy lives, it is imperative that cat guardians provide a stimulating environment. If you feel strongly that your cat should have access to the great outdoors, leash training is a way to allow her to safely enjoy being outside. For some cats, safe outdoor excursions can help p
Is It Okay to Feed Your Cat Table Scraps?
Pet food manufacturers would like you to believe that the only food your cat should ever eat is a “balanced” food coming out of a bag or can. These commercial, often highly processed, foods are labeled as “100% complete,” and pet guardians are cautioned against feeding table scraps. However, if you’re eating a reasonably healthy diet of lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables, an occasional table scrap for your cat is not going to be a problem and may a
How to Help Your Cat and Dog Get Along
Despite the stereotype of “fighting like cats and dogs,” cats and dogs can live together peacefully in the same household and even become best friends. If you are thinking of adding a canine companion to your feline household, some simple common sense precautions will ensure that everyone gets along. Why dogs chase cats Dogs chase cats because of their prey drive. Dog breeds with a higher prey drive may not be a good choice for your household, or it may take more time and ef
Reduce Stress for Your Cat Before and During Vet Visits
Fear and anxiety are common for cats when they have to visit the veterinarian, and for far too long, this has been accepted as “that’s just way cats are” by both cat guardians and veterinarians. Thankfully, this is changing. Two initiatives, The American Association of Feline Practitioners’ Cat Friendly Practice Initiative and Dr. Marty Becker’s Fear-Free™ initiative both take a multi-pronged approach to reducing the stress of veterinary visits for cats. “Fear is the worst t
