Author: pawprints

Get the Perfect Cat Scratching Post

Do you know why cats  scratch the same area over and over?  It is their way of communicating and marking their territory.  First of all, the scratch marks leave a visual clue that they have been in the area.  Secondly, did you know that cats have scent glands in their paws?  When they scratch they leave an odor that can be smelled by other cats.  This is why your cat may be scratching a predominant object, like your table or sofa, in your house.  He wants everyone to know that he is there and that area belongs to him.   

In order to save your prized possessions, you must get a scratching post so your cat can mark his spot in your house.  If  you cat has already damaged an area in your house, cover that area with thick plastic to encourage him to stay away from that area.    The scratching post should be placed next to the covered area.  Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by playing with the dangle toys on the post or using catnip to scent the post.

If you have a kitty or a cat who is new to your home immediately find  two or three areas used the most by the cat.  For example: near the sleeping place, near the resting place and the area where he likes to play. Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by playing with the dangle toys on the post or using catnip to scent the post.

 

You can purchase a simple scratching post or an elaborate scratching post or one in between.  I suggest to have a couple different styles in your home.  The Seagrass Cat Scratcher  shown on this page is available in a case two. It allows both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces.  It measures 12″in  diameter base and 19.5″ tall overall and includes a feather dangler.  Made in the USA.

A scratching post is essential for any cat. Cats will always have an urge to scratch so you must provide an outlet to save your household items.  More importantly, the scratching post is necessary for your cat to stretch and exercise, therefore vital to your cat’s good health.

Be Prepared If Your Pet Needs to Be Evacuated

If you and your pet need to evacuate your home, you may not have a lot of time to figure out what to take along.  The list of items below are what you should have packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Keep these items at an easy to access place.  Placing them in a large covered plastic container (expect, of course, the kennel) works well. 

This list is handy whether you are taking your pet with you or having the pet stay somewhere safe.  Right now, make a list of friends, relatives, pet-friendly motels, and kennels outside a potential disaster area so you can contact who ever you need in case of a pending evacuation.

THE LIST

  • All pets, need a collar and  identification tag.  The tag should have your cell phone number on the tag, not your home phone.
  • Current photos of your pet in case they get lost
  • Copies of updated vaccination certificates (this will be required by shelters)
  • Food- a minimum one week’s supply of food in water-tight container
  • Water – a minimum one week’s supply of one week’s supply of water
  • Leash and harness
  • Litterbox and litter for cats
  • Appropriate size pet carrier
  • Newspaper or towels for crate lining
  • Trash bags for pet-waste disposal
  • Any toy that your pet needs for comfort

Planning ahead for an evacuation route for your family and pets is crucial.   Do it now and be safe later!

Weather Shield for Your Outdoor Bird Feeder

I found the perfect weather shield for my outdoor bird feeders, the Brushed Copper Bird Feeder Weather Shield.  It is like having an umbrella for the bird feeders.   It serves to shade the sun on  my hummingbird feeders, therefore assisting in the keeping the nectar fresh. 
You know how bad the sun is for the nectar!  It keeps the rain from getting the birds
wet and keeps the snow off of them, too.   In addition, I noticed it deters squirrels since  they cannot grab on to the shield.

The best part about the Brushed Copper Bird Feeder Weather Shield is that it is beautiful.  The brushed copper finish with an embedded oak leaf design makes this an attractive addition your yard.

Easy to install over any hanging type feeder by using the the included plug and
hanger that goes through the hole in the baffle and is kept in place with the i
ncluded screw.  You just hang your feeder from the hook beneath the shield,
and then the top hook hangs the shield and feeder  from a branch or bracket.

Large dimensions of almost 18 inches wide at outer rim x 5 inches high.

Your birds will be cool in the summer and dry in the rain or snow and your feeders will look beautiful thanks to the   Brushed Copper Bird Feeder Weather Shield!

 

A Comfortable Home for Your Reptile

What is a reptile?  The dictionary defines a reptile as : A cold-blooded vertebrate of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having a dry scaly skin, and typically lay soft-shelled eggs on land.   So if you are planning on getting a reptile for a pet or have a reptile the following information will help make his vivarium comfortable.   Oh… A vivarium is a place for your reptile to live that is planned in natural conditions as if they were in their own habitat.  In other words, their home in your home.

Important things to remember when setting up your reptile’s home.

Keep the home:

– Away from excessive noise.

– Away from airborne contaminants like cigarette smoke, air fresheners and pesticides

– Away from extreme temperatures

– Away from drafts

– Away from other pets

– Away from small children

 

You will need to provide an artificial source of heat and light for your pet, but you still should place his home in a location that will expose the home to natural sunlight and a controlled temperature area.

 

When looking for a new reptile home, take a look a the new Zoo Med Repti Breeze Screen Cages.  The cages are incredibly affordable, attractive and high quality. Constructed from corrosion-resistant black anodized aluminum screening which will look great with any decor. They are  completely open air aluminum screen cages that include a hinged front door for ease of access ! The bottom door makes cleaning your substrate a breeze .   Recommended for  Old World Chameleons, Juvenile Green Iguanas and other arboreal species of lizards, such as Geckos, Anoles, etc.

In addition, all hardware is included and assembly is very easy requiring only a screw driver.

Available in 4 sizes.  One of the Zoo Med Rept Breeze Screen Cages is sure to make a great home for your pet reptile!

Dimensions:

  • Small  – 16″ Width  x 16″ Length  x 20″ Height
  • Medium – 16″ Width x 16″ Length x 30″Height
  • Large – 18″ Width  x 18″ Length x 36″ Height
  • X-Large – 24″ Width x 24″Length  x 48″ Height

 

Prevent Your Cat from Chewing on Furniture or Plants!

 

Does your cat or kitty chew on items in your house or outside that he is not supposed to?  Putting an end to this behavior can be a difficult task.  However, preventing this behavior can be much easier if you have Cat Training Sprays and Repellents!

 

If your cat is scratching or chewing on furniture in your house, simply spray on the TropiClean Stay Away Chew Deterrent – 8 oz on the targeted areas.  This spray is so safe that it can even be sprayed onto your cat’s wounds to prevent him or her from licking these wounds.

If your cat or kitty misbehaves outside, I have good news for you! There are sprays and repellents made specifically for use outside.  Some cats like to chew on flower beds, trees, or shrubs.  I have even heard of cats trying to get into the outdoor garbage can.  If your cat is exhibiting any of these behaviors, you should try Keep Off Repellent Granules.  This product is safe for the environment and your cat.  You put the Keep Off Repellent Granules directly on the area that your cat is disturbing.  The next time your cat tries to chew on the area where the granules are, they will be overwhelmed by a bad taste.  The Keep Off Repellent Granules can be used indoors too!  Put these in your indoor pots if your cat likes to chew on your indoor plants.  The granules will last for 24 hours.

In addition to using the granules, you can also use the Keep Off Indoor & Outdor Repellent for Cats and Kittens – 6 oz.on all of the same areas as the granules.  This spray is effective for 12 to 24 hours.

Read more at Suppleplant.com.

Do Birds Yawn When They are Bored?

Did you know that birds yawn?  It is true!  Like people, birds are warm-blooded.   Our trigger to yawn  is when we are tired and our bodies prepare for sleep.   They sleep when they are tired and full of food. Have you ever seen a bird wake up?  They stretch and yawn before they fly off for the day.   

Scientist are not sure if birds yawn when they are bored, but just in case it is true, you can have a fun birdbath in your yard to keep the birds entertained. The classic style Deluxe Bird Bath – 17 inch  is perfect for any yard. It is lightweight and easy to move for cleaning, mowing or moving around the yard.  The classic style is made of white, injection-molded plastic.  It perfect for all your backyard birds that need entertaining.  The basin is gently sloped.  This means that large birds bathe and drink in the center, while smaller, timid birds feel comfortable perching and bathing at the edges.  It will be a big bird party.   The dimensions are  17 inch diameter basin with a depth of 2 1/2 inches, 25 inches tall.

Remember to keep the water clean in the bird bath and your backyard birds will have a great place to drink and bath.  You will find them entertaining, too.

 

Need a Cute Way to Store Your Dog’s Treats?

I have two dogs, which means that I have a huge variety of dog treats at my house!  Because of their significant size difference (one dog is small and one is large), they can not share treats.  This means I have quite a large number of dog goodies at my house.  To store all of these treats, I used to have a big cardboard box where I would just throw all of the bags of treats into.  What an eyesore that was!  The box was always a mess.  If I did not close a treat bag perfectly, the treats would get stale.

Because of this, I went looking for a new way to store all of these dog treats, and I found the Petmate Dog Treat Jars, pictured to the right.

These eye pleasing jars come in three different sizes, which is just perfect for storing a variety of treats!  Plus, they have an air tight lid that will keep dog treats fresh.   The Petmate Dog Treat Jars are labeled “SIT,” “STAY,” and “PLAY.”  The two larger jars have a cute dog bone decal in the center.  These jars look darling sitting on my counter top.  I get plenty of compliments on them when people come to my house.  I always recommend these jars to any of my friends with dogs!

Simple Cat Grooming

You have watched your cat groom herself several times a day.  Cats take care of themselves by licking their fur which keeps it clean and and in place. Some cats look great with little care, those are the ones born with good hair. Then, there are others who need a little more help.

A shorthair cat needs less owner grooming than a longhair cat, but regular grooming is a must for both.  Besides making your cat’s appearance look good, grooming helps avoid serious hairballs.  Every time your cat grooms herself, she is swallowing hair that results in those hairballs she coughs up.   Matting of hair is another issue.  The thick tangles of matted hair are painful and can even tear the cat’s skin.  The only way to get rid of mats is to shave them off

Every cat owner needs some basic grooming supplies. The most essential basic grooming tool is the metal comb. The Gripsoft Cat Comb is a metal comb with a rubber handle for ease of use.   Next, you need a slicker brush.  A slicker brush is designed to help remove mats, in addition to pulling out dead hair and gently stimulating the skin.  This promotes healthy circulation. The Gripsoff Cat Slicker Brush  works to prevent hairball formation, while dematting your cat’s fur. Most cats enjoy the gentle sensation of the metal comb and slicker brush.   If you hit a tangle or mat, cut or shave it off.  Do not try to comb or brush through it.

 

If your cat has short hair, you only need once a week grooming.

  •  First, use a metal comb and work through thef ur from head to tail.
  •  Then use the slicker brush to reomve the dead and loose hair.

If your cat has long hair, you will need to brush every day.

  • First, use a metal comb to comb the legs. Very gently comb the belly and chest.
  • Then use the slicker brush  to brush the  fur in an upward motion.
  • Finally to brush the tail, part the middle and brush the fur out on either side.

 

With a little time and effort, your cat will be looking and feeling good.

Keeping Bird Feeders Clean

Bird feeding is great fun.  Cleaning the bird feeders is not, but must be done to keep the feeders in good working condition and more importantly to keep the birds safe from disease that could be past from bird to bird.   Clean and disinfect feeders regularly, at a minimum once per month.

First, take down your feeder and empty all the seeds inside.  Discard the seeds, and do not reuse them.  Then, make a 10 percent solution of bleach water.  To do this use one part of liquid chlorine (regular household bleach) in nine parts of warm water. Do not make the solution any stronger as it may damage the feeder. Do not use hot water as it may damage the feeder.  Make enough solution to immerse an empty  feeder completely for three minutes. Wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly scrub the feeder surfaces using a bird feeder brush. Thoroughly rinse the feeder with clear water.  Allow to air dry or dry in the sun.

It is important to have the right type and size bird feeder brush to clean feeders properly.  The Perfect Litte Brushes shown above are perfect to clean the small crevices and ports in your hummingbird feeders.  The Perfect Little Brushes are 3 1/2 inches long and come in a package of 3.  Made in the USA.

In addition to a little brush, you will need a large brush like the  Birdfeeder Cleaning Brush – 24 in.  This 24 inch brush has long  natural soft  bristles that  will not scratch the tube of the feeder.

Remember, a monthly cleaning is imperative to keep your backyard birds healthy.

 

 

Is Your Barking Dog Making You Crazy?

A known fact is that all dogs bark.  If you have dog you know that is true.  Unfortunately, some dogs bark more than their owners would like and the owner would like to correct the issue. 

The first thing we need to know is why do dogs bark?   Basically, barking is a dog’s way of communicating.  When you arrive home, you dog barks to greet you. He may bring a toy to you to play and let out a couple of woofs to let you know he wants to play.A dog will bark by the door to let you know he need to be let out to do his business.  Some dogs will bark at the cupboard where the treats are kept to let their owner know they want a treats.  You dog barks when he sees a stranger outside to warn you a stranger is near.  In order to protect you, the loudest and easiest thing to do for your dog is to bark.   Your dog may bark because he is full of energy and needs to release it.  If the energy can’t be released through play or a walk, he barks to let the energy out.

A friendly greeting bark or a “burglar is outside” barking  should be welcomed.   However, persistent barking can be overwhelming to an owner.  If you feel your dog’s barking is incessant and a nuisance there are few things you can try to curtail the barking.   First, exercise and play with your dog.   If he can let out his energy in a positive way, the barking may stop.  Take him to parks so he can socialize with other dogs and people to alleviate the stranger barking. You can also give him cbd oil for dogs and see if that works.

There are many dogs who are loved and well exercised, but still bark all the time.  In that case, you may want to try a bark control collar.

One type of  bark contol collar is the Anti-Bark Citronella Spray Collar  works by the collar releasing a harmless citronella spray each time your dog barks.  The microphone in the collar will detect the barking and immediately release the citronella.   The dog is instantly distracted by the sight, smell, sound, and sensation of the gentle  spray and stops barking. Your dog becomes conditioned to expect the spray and will instinctively refrain from excessive barking to avoid it.  The Anti-Bark Citronella Spray Collar  comes complete with an adjustable collar, spray device, battery, training manual and citronella spray refill.

Anti bark dog devices are offered in every imaginable variety – shock collars, tone collars, handheld tone devices, citronella spray collars and more.  Pick the one you think would be best for your dog and enjoy the silence.