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You may have heard the saying, "You own a dog but you feed a cat." It is true that cats value their independence a bit more than their canine counterparts. If you've ever been around cats, you already know they crave and require love and companionship. Cats make wonderful pets and most easily adjust to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a true individual though, so it's important to take the time to choose a four-footed friend who's right for you. A cat's personality, age and appearance, as well as the kinds of pets you already have at home, are all things you should keep in mind when making your selection.

Consider Adopting A Cat

If you've ever been to a shelter, you have probably noticed that some cats meow and head butt the cage door while others simply lie back and gaze at you with a look of total ambiguity. There are as many different personalities of cats as there are cats in the shelter. Which disposition is best for you? YOU have to decide.

Regardless of individual personality, look for a cat that is playful, active, alert, and comfortable while being held. At the shelter, ask an adoption counselor for assistance when you wish to spend some time with individual cats. Because they are in an unfamiliar environment, some cats that are usually quite social may be frightened or passive while in the shelter.

As a general rule, kittens are curious, playful, and full of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens also require more time to train and feed. Cats are only kittens for a few months, though, so the age of the cat you adopt should really depend on the level of maturity you are looking for. Young children usually don't have the maturity to handle kittens responsibly, so a cat that is at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with young children.

They All May Be Cute, But Which Is Right For You?

Though dogs also have differences in coat, choosing the length of coat on a cat is a little different. Because the hair is generally finer and cats generally shed more, hair length can be an important part of your decision. Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and the choice between the two is chiefly a matter of preference, availability, and your willingness to devote time to regular grooming. Short-haired cats are generally easier to come by since they're the most popular and the most common. Keep in mind that long-haired cats require frequent grooming to remain mat-free. Felines with short coats also require brushing, though less frequently. Most cats enjoy a regular brushing and look forward to this daily ritual.

If you already own a cat or dog, you're probably wondering how easy it is to add a cat to the family. The good news is that cats can get along with other cats, and despite the common stereotype, most dogs can get along with cats too! Unfortunately, introducing a new cat to a home with other pets can be time consuming and require patience on your part.

The best way to handle adding a new cat to the home is to provide time for a period of adjustment. You can do this effectively by isolating your new feline in a room of his own for a while, something that is a good idea for a new cat anyway. After several days, supervise meetings between the animals for periods of increasing length. Most cats will soon learn to accept each other. Some dogs simply won't tolerate the presence of a cat, but by carefully introducing them, most problems can be solved.

Most Pets Will Accept Each Other Over Time With Supervised Meetings

No matter which kind of cat you choose, remember that you're making a commitment to love and care for your new feline friend for his or her lifetime. That could mean 10, 15 or even 20 years! So choose you new companion carefully and be a responsible pet owner. In no time at all you'll know how wonderful sharing your home with a cat can be.

Managing genetic disorders through breeding recommendations requires accurate diagnosis of affected individuals. Your veterinarian can offer practical recommendations to maintain breed lines and improve the overall health of breeds.

If you are currently a breeder or are thinking about breeding your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian in order to establish guidelines. Today, there are new tests and information available to help identify carriers, methods for breeding away from defective genes and ensuring that the defective genes are not reintroduced in future matings.

Canine Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a commonly misunderstood hereditary disorder. Researchers have concluded that almost all primary hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by hereditary autoimmune thyroiditis. Studies on the mode of inheritance in dogs have been inconclusive to date.

The majority of dogs affected with autoimmune thyroiditis develop measurable antibodies to the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones between two to six years of age. After several months to years, the thyroid gland is destroyed, thyroid hormone levels drop, and without the antigenic stimulus of functional thyroid tissue, the antibody levels return to normal. To screen for the disorder, a thyroid profile, including thyroid auto-antibodies, needs to be run between two to six years of age.

According to data from the endocrinology lab at Michigan State University, more than 10 percent of dogs from the following breeds are affected: English setter, Dalmatian, Basenji, Rhodesian ridgeback, Old English sheepdog, Boxer, Maltese, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Beagle, Cocker spaniel, Shetland sheepdog, Siberian husky, Border collie, Husky, Akita, and Golden Retriever.

Cancer

A familial, or breed related incidence of cancer is being investigated in several breeds. These include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and mast cell cancer. The research is focusing on inherited mutations in tumor suppressor cells (which act to prevent cancer), or ontogenesis (that promote cancer).

Osteosarcoma is most prevalent in Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Doberman Pinchers, and Labradors. Skin and soft-tissue cancers are most prevalent in Saint Bernards, Bassett Hounds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, English Setters, Great Danes, Pointers, and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Mammary tumors are most prevalent in Pointers, Poodles, Pulik, Cocker Spaniels, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Boston Terriers. Melanomas are most prevalent in Scottish Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, Pointers, Weirmeraners, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers. An overall reduced cancer risk is found in Dachshunds and Beagles.

Gastric Dilitation/Volvulus (Bloat)

Bloat occurs primarily in the large and giant breeds. Researchers at Purdue University conducted an epidemiological survey and found that the Great Dane has the highest average lifetime risk of a bloat episode. The risk is 42.4 percent. Other breeds at higher-than average risk include the Bloodhound, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Akita, standard Poodle, German Shepherd Dog, and Boxer.

Several risk factors were identified. The dogs with the greatest risk of developing bloat have one or more of the following: An increased measurable chest depth to width ratio, are lean versus overweight, eat quickly, have a nervous or aggressive personality, or eat a single large meal per day of dry dog food.

Dogs do not inherit bloat; they only inherit a predisposition for the condition. Perhaps the best selective tool against bloat is the chest-depth to chest-width ratio. Dogs that have lower ratios (larger chest widths) and whose litter mates have not bloated are the best breeding candidates. If prospective breeding dogs are compared, and breeders select against those with high ratios, the prevalence of bloat should diminish.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

There are several forms of PRA, and these vary in age of onset, the type of cells affected (rods, cones, or both), the speed of progression, and the mode of inheritance. In the Collie and the Irish setter, PRA may be diagnosed with an ophthalmoscope as young as four to eight months. In the Australian Cattle Dog, Chesapeake Bay retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever, and Portuguese Water Dog, affected dogs may not show ophthalmoscopic signs of PRA until six to eight years of age. An electroretinogram (ERG) can diagnose affected dogs prior to visible changes in the back of the retina.

Several breeds have genetic tests to identify dogs as carrier, affected, or normal. The tests are specific for the particular mutation in each breed.

Genetic Disorders in Cats

Pedigreed cats have several hereditary disorders which require screening and counseling. Thirty-eight percent of all Persian and Himalayan cats have an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Many of these cats develop kidney failure, while some only develop isolated cysts that do not impair normal kidney function. A genetic test for this disorder is now available.

The Maine Coon cat breed has a dominantly inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as well as a high incidence of hip dysplasia. Both disorders are commonly identified in this breed. Renal amyloidosis is a hereditary disorder found in the Abyssinian breed.

Other frequently encountered genetic disorders in dogs and cats include: deafness, porto-systemic shunts, various types of bladder stones, elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, and Legg-Perthes disease.

Genetic Counseling

The goal of genetic counseling is to effectively reduce the spread of defective genes while preserving the health and genetic diversity of the population.

There are no breeding recommendations that fit every situation. There are, however, guidelines to preserve breeding lines and genetic diversity while reducing the risk of producing carrier or affected individuals. Protocols for genetic counseling and breeding management of genetic disorders can be based on the known mode of inheritance and the availability of genetic tests.

For breeding advice, consult your veterinarian. He or she is your best source for information about breeding your pet.

Aggression between dogs usually results from early socialization problems. From the time of birth, a puppy needs to interact with other dogs. Their first interaction is with littermates and their mother. If a puppy does not or cannot interact, socialization problems occur.

As the puppy matures, he needs to meet and interact with new dogs. This should begin at an early age. Young dogs can easily interact in parks, obedience class, and while on walks.

If puppies remain isolated, or they do not have the opportunity to meet other dogs, they do not learn the social graces that are necessary for peaceful coexistence. When these dogs come in contact with another dog, they become nervous and excited. This often leads to aggressive behavior. If a dog becomes extremely agitated ("loaded") he need to bite. Often the owner will get bitten if he is holding the collar, trying to restrain the dog.

If your dog is older and extremely aggressive, you should consult with a qualified animal behaviorist. Here is a three-step correction plan for treating the average dog:

1. As soon as aggression is displayed, it must be checked. A quick tug on the leash with a strong "Leave It" is recommended. Timing is important because a correction after aggression begins, may cause further stimulation.
2. If your dog walks toward another dog and looks at him, correct him immediately.
3. If your dog walks toward another dog and looks away from him, praise him and give him a treat.

Good luck and don't get bit!

"People who don't respond to anything else often respond to the animals. Animal Assisted Therapy visits uncover avenues of communication that didn't exist before...As a result, (patients) feel more relaxed in their environment and, ultimately, are more likely to be open to rehabilitation and therapy," says Vicki Olivas, coordinator of Activities, Therapy, and Volunteer Services, California Pacific Medical Center.

WHAT IS ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY?

Animal Assisted Therapy is a program that brings the healing presence of animals to people in health care facilities and nursing homes. Volunteers often bring shelter animals or their own pets on visits to hospital wards, nursing homes, psychiatric clinics, senior centers, and special schools.

Animals Provide Therapeutic Benefits

The loving, nonjudgmental presence of animals creates a cozy, homelike setting in the institutional environment. And where humans sometimes fail, animals are often successful in cutting through the barriers that isolate people with physical and emotional difficulties.

Medical studies and field reports show animals have a comforting, reassuring effect on people. The therapeutic benefits of animal assisted therapy include:

• Decreased anxiety and depression in patients.
• Increased self-esteem.
• Stronger desire to communicate.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• Increased motivation to get well.
• Decreased need for painkilling medication in some post-operative patients.
• Increased willingness to interact with other patients and/or hospital staff.

Most local animal assisted therapy programs visit the following (but not limited to) locations:

• Children in pediatric wards.
• AIDS patients.
• Adults in acute care and physical rehabilitation facilities.
• Children with behavioral and physical disabilities.
• Hospices.
• Mental health patients.
• Frail and well elders in retirement communities and convalescent homes.

Animals Provide Emotional Support

THE ANIMALS

Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, even turtles, make the rounds of participating AAT facilities. Each animal chosen for the program receives extensive medical and socialization testing before going out on visits.

About half of the animals used in programs are the pets of AAT volunteers. Dogs owned by volunteers are usually given a rigorous temperament test to make sure they get along well with people and respond favorably when placed in unfamiliar environments and situations. These animals also undergo comprehensive medical screening to ensure their good health.

If you are interested in participating in your local Animal Assisted Therapy Program, or if you have a pet that that meets their qualifications, please call your local animal shelter. Your local animal shelter most likely has the name and phone number of the person that heads the AAT program in your area.

Thanks to the creation and marketing of cat litter in the mid 1940's, more and more cats have become indoor-only pets. As such, cats are now leading longer lives, with some living 20+ years! Our homes offer a safer, healthier environment than life on the street. The average life span of an indoor cat is 10 years, whereas the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is just 2 years. There is no doubt that indoors is safer.

Yet, when we choose to make our cats indoors-only companions, we have a responsibility to provide the stimulation that was previously provided by the great outdoors. Scratching and climbing posts become trees; interactive toys become hunted birds, bugs and field mice. A rotating array of cat playthings provides excitement, unpredictability and exercise which, in turn, gives your cat everything it needs while extending its life inside. With that said, many cat lovers still prefer to commune with nature with their feline friends. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize the risks.

Most importantly, while vaccinations are important for indoor cats, they are absolutely critical to the health of outdoor cats. The threat of rabies, FeLV, FIV, and FIP, transmitted through altercations with wildlife, or interaction with stray, un-vaccinated cats, should be enough to have your cat immunized in order to give you peace of mind. All of these diseases can be prevented and can provide your outdoor cat with proper protection should he need it.

If you feel as though your cat deserves the fun of being outside, but want to provide a safe way to experience nature, there are alternatives to opening the door and watching him go. Harnesses and leashes (gasp!) have been developed for cats. Either cat specific or small dog accessories fit well and are relatively inexpensive. Training your cat to walk with the harness takes patience (unless you start with a kitten, in which case it could take less time), but the reward is worth it. Your cat will be able to experience the joys of being outside in a controlled environment. How far he can travel is up to you!

Outdoor enclosures are another great alternative. Since outdoor enclosures are usually homemade, they come in all shapes and sizes. For durability, chicken wire or wire hardware cloth - secured around a simple wood frame - is preferable to ordinary window screening. The most successful structures usually feature climbing and resting furniture inside. A shaded area is necessary for warm or hot weather. Whether you choose an outdoor enclosure or add cat-proof netting to the top of traditional fencing, they are safest used only when you are at home able to check on them often.

Even with the option of training or providing your cat with an enclosed outdoor adventure area, you still need to consider identification. Lost cats result in heartache that can easily be avoided. Microchip and ID tags provide easy identification and may be what reunites you with your cat should he / she get lost or scooped up by a caring, but ignorant stranger.

When deciding whether or not to let your cat outdoors, it is important for you to consider the alternatives. As the pet industry expands and becomes more creative, more and more indoor/outdoor products are going to become available. Of course, there is nothing better than being outside. If you can provide your cat with the proper care and protection, allowing your cat to go outdoors can be a fun and healthy existence.

Dogs are extremely clear about relationships: either you are someone to listen to, or you are someone to be directed. Period. Power struggles evolve around the issue of control. They result from a lack of clear-cut delineation of roles, or a lack of respect for the designated authority figure. Power struggles are learned behavior.

Dogs are pack animals like wolves, and they respond naturally to the laws of pack existence. A dog is a dog; from a Great Dane or a Rottweiler to a Poodle or a Chihuahua, they will lead or be lead. Just because your puppy does not live in a wild pack does not mean that she will not instinctively adapt these behaviors to her domestic environment. Living with your puppy will be much more enjoyable and meaningful if you understand the basic principles of pack life and apply them to your relationship. Dominance and submission are absolutely central to the pack.

All puppies love to play; you can capitalize on this by making play sessions with your pup part of her training. Play conditions your pup to be enthusiastic about learning and to enjoy being with you. By mixing training with games, you can bring out of a healthy attitude in your pup that will carry over to conventional obedience work as she gets older.

Prevention, which is easier than correction, is the name of the game. Start grooming right away even if there isn't much to groom. Rough games encourage rough behavior, so avoid rowdy forms of play. Don't encourage your puppy to do anything you do not want your adult dog to do. Get your puppy used to having you touch her while she eats. Never pet a barking or whining puppy: the response to soothe the upset youngster is seen as praise, leading to more of the same later in life. If you can ignore the noise, praise her when she stops. Get a puppy used to all kinds of handling early. When you get your pup, be sure to gently grab her skin, hold her tail for a second, or lift up one of her paws. Always be gentle; you do not want to hurt the pup.

Do what is truly natural: be your dog's leader. Most dogs love their owners, but many don't respect them. Respect is earned, not given. Dogs adore and respect a confident leader who is decisive and fair.

Flea Questions - Take this test to see how much you know about fleas. Answers and explanations are given in the article that follows.

The Flea - Magnified

1. Fleas transmit tapeworms in both dogs and cats.
   True
   False

2. The female cat flea will consume ____ times her own body weight in blood daily.
   5
   10
   15
   20

3. The female cat flea lays about ___ eggs per day on your pet at her peak production.
   10
   25
   50
   100

4. Adult fleas live and breed well over ___ days on the pet if not disturbed.
   10
   25
   50
   100

5. Once fleas begin feeding on your pet and begin to lay eggs, they become dependent for a constant source of blood.
   True
   False

6. Female fleas begin to lay eggs ___________ after their first blood meal.
   12 to 24 hours
   24 to 36 hours
   36 to 48 hours
   48 to 72 hours

7. The flea is a tropical insect and won’t tolerate freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
   True
   False

8. During the _______ months, fleas are most likely surviving as adults on untreated dogs and cats.
   Spring
   Summer
   Fall
   Winter



9. One female cat flea can lay ______ eggs in her lifetime.
   500
   1000
   1500
   2000