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Does your cat walk accross your keyboard when you are using the computer.
2008-01-03 22:11:00
Almost everyone who owns cats has had this happen to them. Your go sit down to use your computer and naturally kitty needs to check email to. So he/she ends up walking accross the keyboard, rubbing the monitor, oh and how can that mouse be ignored.If this happens to you at home, here is what you can do to help keep kitty from taking over your computer.If your cat likes to lounge around while your on your computer, you can purchase a padded cat perchor a small bed that might fit somewhere on your desk.Try not to play with your cat while using the computer. This might send mixed messages.The flip side to the above statement is spend time playing with your cat before getting on the computer. After a good play your cat might perfer a nap to sending an email.If your cat has a favorite catnip toy use that to keep him/her occupied.
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Does your cat require eye medication? Here are a few some helpful tips on a
2008-01-03 21:28:00
Fist off if there is any discharge around the eye, use a moistened cotton ball to clean.Either hold your cat on your lap sideways or if you have someone to help you, you may want to use a table. Pay special attention if using a table, if your cat becomes nervous it may try to jump of the table and could injure itself.Make sure to read dosage information, times daily, amount, etc.With one hand hold the bottle between thumb and index finger. Use your other hand to support your cat's head. Make sure the head is titled back and you can use free fingers to hold eyelids to prevent blinking.Make sure not to touch eye surface with bottle or tube.Squeeze drops inot eye and once you are finished release your cat's head. Keep in mind your cat might be a little upset, so talking softly might go along way in calming him/her.If you are applying ointment instead of drops, apply the ointment 1/4" to the lower lid, when your cat blinks it will spread medication onto the eye's surface.Remember to ...
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Hard to get your cat to take medication? Here are a few tips.
2008-01-03 21:05:00
Use Pill Pockets. Many treat manufactures offer treats with pockets so you can hide the medication inside.Instead of using pills ask your vet if the medication comes in a liquid form.Remember cats have a great sense of smell. Crushing medication makes it easier for cats to detect.Many vets and pet stores offer pill guns that will keep you away from your cat's teeth.Here is how to get a cat to swallow a pill:  Place the pill between your thumb and finger in one hand.  With your other hand hold your cat's mouth open. An easy way to do this is to place your thumb and middle finger in the sides of the mouth, make sure to keep the palm of your hand resting under your cat's jaws.  Quickly place the pill as far back in throat as you can.  Shut your cat's mouth, keeping head tilted slightly back, messaging your cat's throat will help him/her to swallow.Have someone around to help you or if no one available try using the corner of a couch, this will help provide a na...
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Plants Poisonous To Cats
2008-01-03 20:16:00
Alfalfa Almond (Pits of) Alocasia Amaryllis Apple (seeds) Apricot (Pits of) Arrowgrass Avocado Azalea Baneberry Bayonet Beargrass Beech Belladonna Bird of Paradise Bittersweet Black-eyed Susan Black Locust Bleeding Heart Bloodroot Bluebonnet Box Boxwood Buckeyes Burning Bush Buttercup Cactus Candelabra Caladium Castor Bean Cherry (pits) Cherry, wild varieties Cherry, ground Cherry, Laurel Chinaberry Christmas Rose Chrysanthemum Clematis Coriaria Cornflower Corn Plant Cornstalk Plant Croton Corydalis Crocus, Autumn Crown of Thorns Cuban Laurel Cutleaf Philodendron Cycads Cyclamen Daffodil Daphne Datura Deadly Nightshade Death Camas Delphinium Decentrea Dieffenbachia Dumb Cane Easter Lily Eggplant Elderberry Elephant Ear English Ivy Euonymus Evergreen Ferns Flax Four O'Clock Foxglove Golden Chain Golden Glow Gopher Purge Hellebore Hemlock, Poison Hemlock, Water Henbane Holly Honeysuckle Horsebeans Horsebrush H...
More About: Cats , Plants

Top ten cat breeds
2007-11-28 11:32:00
 1  Persian  2  Maine Coon      3  Exotic  4  Siamese  5  Ragdoll  6  Abyssinian  7  Birman  8  American Shorthair  9  Oriental  10  Sphynx
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A general overview of cat food.
2007-11-28 10:51:00
Canned Diets: Here is a rough breakdown of canned cat food. They contain approximately 2% and 15% fat and between 8%-15% protein. It has the approximate moisture content of 75% (less than 78%). Per pound can food delivers between 375 to 950 metabolically kilocalories. Can foods offer the best taste to your cat however, they are not very convenient to store as once they are open it will need to be refrigerated. Moist Diets: This food contains approximately 5% to 10% percent fat, 16% to 25% protein, 30% (however this can go as high as 50%) of water, and 25% to 35% carbohydrate. This diet usually has 1200 to 1350 metabolically kilocalories per pound. These foods also offer a better taste to your cat than dry, and are easier to store then can, however they are usually much more expensive than dry food. Dry Diets Dry cat food contains approximately 28% or more of protien, less than 12% moisture, 8% to 24% fat, and between 1,400 and 2,000 metabolically kilocalories per pound. Dry food is ...
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CFA Championship Class Information
2007-11-27 16:41:00
Want to show your cat? Here is some general information about showing in the Champ ionship Class . Your cat will compete with cats that are the same breed, sex, and color for awards. All cats that are over the age of 8 months start their show career in the Championship and Premiership in the Open class. How does a cat become a Champion? A First Place ribbon (blue) in the Open Class is accompanied by a red/white/blue Winners Ribbon. After a cat collects six of these ribbons it becomes a Champion. After a cat becomes Champion he/she may compete against other Champions for points at his/her next show to become a Grand Champion. Here is how awards are handed out: Once a judge has handled all of the open cats in a breed, division, or color he judges the Champions in that group. He will than award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons to the three best males and to three best females. The judges than repeats this process for the Grand Champions. The judge will than appraise all the cats in the co...
More About: Information , Class I

Your first Cat Show - What you should know and expect.
2007-11-26 16:01:00
Attending your first cat show? Here are some things to keep in mind. Make sure when you first arrive ( and keep in mind to try and arrive at least an hour before the announced time of judging) check in with the entry clerk. At that time you will  receive your cage number and benching row designation. Once you have your cage information you can proceed to yourcage and set it up as outlined by the show rules.Make sure to locate the ring(s) your cat will be showing in before you need to actually be at the ring. This will make sure you know where you are going and will not be late getting to the ring.If you need to leave the benching area or just want to walk around to check out the other cats or vendors, make sure you have someone that can watch your cat while you are away.Good Luck and hope you enjoy the show.
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For Dogs and Cats, No Such Thing as "Bad" Fat
2007-11-10 09:29:00
While the concept of good and bad fats may be an effective way for humans to monitor the quality of their diets, it is not an appropriate concept for dogs and cats, according to a report in the September 1 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In general, dogs and cats have more good cholesterol than bad cholesterol in their bodies, no matter what types of fat they eat. They can consume saturated and unsaturated fats without the risk of clogged arteries, high cholesterol, coronary artery diseases or strokes, "even when they consume amounts of dietary fat that would typically turn human blood into sludge," says the report's author, John E. Bauer, DVM, PhD, professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. Instead of "good" and "bad" fats?the typical labels for saturated and unsaturated fats, respectively?Dr. Bauer proposes the terms "functional" and "facilitative." Functional fats are typically essent...
More About: Dogs , Cats , Thing

Welcome home Improving the chances of finding your lost pet
2007-11-10 09:26:00
Losing a pet is traumatic for the animal and its owner. A lost dog or cat faces a world full of uncertainty and danger, one of possible injury, starvation or death. Pet owners, many of whom have never lost a pet before, may wonder if they will ever be reunited. Two studies published in the Jan. 15, 2007, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) contain valuable information for mounting a successful search for a dog or cat that has wandered from home. The original studies, the first of their kind according to the authors and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), were conducted by a team of veterinarians and researchers from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. According to the studies, the chances of making the family whole again improve if owners make sure their pet is wearing identification tags and if they call or visit a local animal agency soon after the pet is lost. The studies' authors hop...
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The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Pos
2007-11-09 08:29:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Baconton, GA -- November 2, ,2007 ---The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that one or more bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products. Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both cats and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of cats exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance. The product involved is 3600 bottles of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats, lot code SZ- 1637 1, UPC number 32700-97...

Medical Reserve Corps seeks veterinary volunteers
2007-11-03 07:28:00
The Medical Reserve Corps is looking for more veterinarians to join the ranks of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other health professionals who volunteer with community health teams. The MRC is a national network of volunteer units that, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Surgeon General and local groups, supplement community resources for emergency response and public health. The 5-year-old corps has about 700 units, but 500 units don't have any veterinarians on the roster. "I think there are a lot of roles for veterinarians and veterinary staff members to help out," said Capt. Robert J. Tosatto, RPh, MRC director. "The needs are great to have individuals with those skill sets to help out in emergencies and also strengthen the public health infrastructure." Captain Tosatto said veterinarians and veterinary technicians can support the dual role of MRC units in responding locally to disasters and supporting the regular activities of health departments. Veterinarians co...
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INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS from FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
2007-10-30 09:14:00
The following consumer information is provided by David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN. Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The Federal regulations, enforced by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), establish standards applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity statement, manufacturer's address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some States also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these have adopted the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature, covering aspects of labeling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements. Product Name The product name is the first part of the label noticed by the consumer, and can be a key factor in the consumer's decision to buy the product. For that reason, manufacturers often use fanciful n...
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Winter tips for Cats
2007-10-25 12:42:00
Cats may have a fur coat but, keep in mind just like us they are affected by the Winter cold. Here are some tips on keeping your cat safe and happy during the cold days and nights of winter. Many people use fireplaces and small heating units during the winter. Keep in mind there can be very dangerous to your cat and can cause a serious burn. Make sure you have a screen in front of your fireplace and block off access to space heaters. Some hairless breeds might actually need a coat to be kept warm. For instance, the Sphynx breed might benefit from a coat. Make sure to have a nice place for your cat to snuggle and sleep. There are many beds available for this type of application. Pay close attention to cars, if your cat happens to be outside they may seek the warmth of the engine. Be sure to check before starting your car. If you use central heat keep in mind that it may be warm and toasty inside to you but, it might be to hot for your cat. Try to keep one room in your house...
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Congress Strengthens Pet Food Safety Regulations
2007-10-24 09:08:00
Legislation passed by Congress in September contains food safety provisions requiring the Food and Drug Administration to set ingredient and processing standards for pet food. The new law, which applies also to human food, establishes an early warning system to alert the public about unsafe pet food. Congress directed the FDA to improve communication with the public, companies, and professional organizations during recalls, including the posting of information and a searchable, user-friendly recall list on the agency's Web site. A reportable food registry must be set up so the FDA can issue alerts about foods that could harm people or animals. The agency is to provide more detailed reports to Congress on food inspections as well. Under the new law, state and federal authorities must work together to improve food safety programs. Food companies are obligated to quickly report contaminations of their product after determining there is a problem and to make records available so contam...
More About: Safety , Pet Food , Regulations

What you should know about toxoplasmosis
2007-10-23 11:52:00
What is Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is not a new disease, having first been discovered in 1908. Since its discovery, Toxoplasmosis has been found in virtually all warm-blooded animals including most pets, livestock and people. Nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. and in Europe have antibodies to Toxoplasma, which means they have been exposed to the parasite.How do people become infected with Toxoplasmosis? There are 3 principal ways Toxoplasmosis is transmitted: Ingestion of infectious oocysts (pronounced o-o-cysts) from dirt in which cats have defecated or by ingestion of infective oocysts in food or water contaminated with feline feces. Consumption of undercooked or raw meat from animals with tissue cysts. Directly from pregnant mother to unborn child when the mother becomes infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy. Pigs, sheep, goats and poultry are sources of meat commonly infected with Toxopl...

Kitten Tips
2007-10-23 11:45:00
Seven to nine weeks is considered the ideal time for a kitten to move into a new home. Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your kitten spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters. When possible, meet the kitten's parents ? their physical and behavioral characteristics may provide a clue as to how your kitten will be as an adult. If you already have a pet (or more than one pet) and plan to get a cat, remember that your other pets may be less enthusiastic about your new addition than you are Ask your veterinarian about the best ways to introduce your pet to its new animal family. String is NOT a good toy for cats. If a cat eats string (or ribbon), it can develop life-threatening intestinal problems. There are many safe toy alternatives available at pet stores.
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Workforce study examining breadth and depth of profession
2007-10-23 11:40:00
A comprehensive study of shortages within the veterinary profession is under way at the National Academies. "Assessing the current and future workforce needs in veterinary medicine" is an overall look at the demand for personnel in diverse sectors of the profession?both in private practice and beyond. "There is a growing need for veterinarians to address public health issues, such as the emergence of zoonoses and the safety and security of food of animal origin," said Dr. Henry E. Childers, AVMA past president and a member of the study committee. "Veterinarians also play an important role in biomedical research." Dr. Childers said recent reports from the National Academies?"National needs and priorities for veterinarians in biomedical research" in 2004 and "Critical needs for research in veterinary science" in 2005?provided evidence of shortages of veterinarians in sectors such as biomedical research and veterinary pathology. "They also comment on the lack of data in other sectors a...
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Safe Handling Tips for Pet Foods and Treats
2007-10-23 11:39:00
Consumers can take steps to help prevent foodborne illness, including Salmonella -related illness, when handling pet foods and treats. These products, like many other types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial contamination. Salmonella in pet foods and treats can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and in people too, especially children, older people, and those with compromised immune systems. Salmonella in pet foods and treats potentially can be transferred to people ingesting or handling the contaminated products. FDA has stepped up its efforts to minimize the incidence of foodborne illness associated with pet foods and treats. Pet owners and consumers can also help reduce the likelihood of infection from contaminated pet foods and treats by following safe handling instructions: Buying Purchase products in good condition, without signs of damage to the packaging such as dents or tears. Preparation Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soa...
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A Overview of the Maine Coon Cat
2007-10-18 12:35:00
The Maine Coon cat is a very interesting breed of cat. What make’s it such a interesting breed is it’s history. There is no set in stone history of the breed. There are many theories and stories of it’s origin. Some people believe the breed came about when New England domestic cats breed with Raccoons. The Main e Coon sometimes makes a chirp sound that somewhat sounds like the same sound a young Raccoon makes, not to mention that it’s bushy ring tail resembles that of the ring tail of a Raccoon. However we now know that it is genetically impossible for domestic cats to breed with Raccoons. Another theory is that the ancestors came from Norwegian Skogkatts brought over by the Vikings. This is also very hard to track down and provide proof of. Some people believe that instead of breeding with raccoons, that the Maine Coon was interbreed with the American Bobcat. Here again we know that this is genetically impossible. However there is a record showing the Maine Coon is listed in...
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Some basic tips on keeping your cat safe on Halloween.
2007-10-18 10:30:00
Halloween is now upon us. Halloween may be a fun and exciting time for you and your family however, it can be very stressful time for your cat. Here are some tips for keeping your cat safe on Halloween. Doorbells can be very stressful for your cat. During Halloween the door will be ringing much more than usual, this may upset your cat. Try and keep your cat away from this noise. Place your cat in a safe room along with its favorite bed and toy. This will help keep your cat from being upset with all the extra noise. You and your family may enjoy costumes but they can be very scary to your cat. Keep in mind your cat may not want to share in checking out all the scary costumes. Again it might be better to place your cat in a safe and secure place. Keep in mind the sounds of the season, scary soundtracks, people making noise, etc. This all can cause tremendous anxiety in your cat. Again your cat will enjoy a nice quiet place. Pay special attention if you own a black cat. Since people ar...
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The Five Most Popular Breeds of Purebred Cats for 1997 (according to the Ca
2007-08-14 13:43:00
1. Persian2. Maine Coon3. Siamese4. Abyssinian5. Exotic shorthair
More About: Cats , Popular , Breeds , Five , Breed

Did you know?
2007-08-14 13:42:00
The most favorite breed registered with Cat Fanciers' Association is the Persian.A cats first year of life equals 15 years of human life ( in terms of developement ) after a cat's second year, a cat is 25 in human years. After that each year is qual to approx 7 years.A cat has five toes on front paws and only four on the back ones. However it is not uncommon for calls to have extra toes.A cat can hear at least 5 times keener than an adult human and cat's can rotate their ears 180Most cats have no eyelashes.Himalayan Cats -- the color of the points is heated-related -- cooler spots appear darker.Largest breed is Ragdoll -- average males weigh in around 20 pounds.The avearge domestic cat spends 15% of day grooming and 70% of the day sleeping.Cats cannot see directly under its nose. This might explain why cats may find it hard to find small treats on the floor.

Some tips on teaching your cat to come to you on command.
2007-08-14 12:10:00
Cats tend to like to do things the way they want to do them. In order to teach them something it has to be pleasurable and interesting to your cat. Here are a few tips on teaching your cat to answer to his/her name.1. While your cat is sitting with you and is in a happy mood, pet your cat and repeat his/her name a few times. If you do this over time your cat will associate the pleasure of being petted with his/her name.2. Also you can try the popular reward approach. If while petting your cat ans he/she looks at you when you say their name, reward with a treat. Soon your cat will associate his/her name with a treat.3. While your cat is sitting away from you call his/her name. If your cat responds offer a treat. Soon your cat will start responding to you from wherever you call from.
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Why is it that some cats develop FLUTD problems?
2007-08-14 11:47:00
FLUTD can occur in both male and female cats, and more commonly happens in cats between two and six years of age. However, cats of any age may be affected. FLUTD tends to be associated with a number of factors, including stress of any kind affecting the cat, obesity, cats housed indoors, urolithiasis (or stone formation), bacterial infections, seasonal weather, genetics or a difference among breeds, anatomic abnormalities, and stone formation in the lower urinary tract. Because male cats have a narrow urethra, they tend to be more prone to complete obstruction by the stones they form than are females, and without prompt veterinary treatment these obstructions can be serious.
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What you should know about traveling with your pet
2007-07-28 11:16:00
Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian. If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable ha...
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FDA Expands Its Warning about the Risk of Botulism Poisoning From Certain C
2007-07-28 11:11:00
FDA NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: July 21, 2007 Media Inquiries: Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242, kimberly.rawlings@fda.hhs.gov, Michael Herndon, michael.herndon@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA FDA Expands Its Warning about the Risk of Botulism Poison ing From Cert ain Castleberry Food Products and Dog Food The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding its July 18 warning to consumers. This expansion is for consumers and pet owners regarding canned food products and dog food produced by Castleberry Food Company of Augusta, Ga., due to the risk of botulinum toxin. Castleberry is expanding the recall to include all of the following canned products with all "best by" and code dates, and FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or eat any of the canned products listed in the table below. Hot Dog Chili Sauces SIZE UPC CODESAustex Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10 OZ 30300-97101 Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10 OZ 30300-99533 Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10 OZ 30300-00...

Cat Predicts Deaths Of Nursing Home Patients
2007-07-26 11:25:00
Click on this link interesting video of this cathttp://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player /popup/?rn=952695&cl=3469606&src= news
More About: Home , Nursing Home , Deaths , Patients , Nursing

Taking Your Cat On A Plane
2007-07-09 13:13:00
Before flying with your cat, take the necessary steps to be fully prepared. Many necessities for air travel can be addressed long before leaving the ground. Book tickets according to seasonal temperature variances. Most airlines do not have temperature controlled cargo areas and do reserve the right to refuse animal service if the conditions are too extreme. During summer months it is best to fly at night, while in winter it is best to fly during the day. Double check airline policies. Cover yourself by documenting all conversations, including a list of whom you spoke with, where and when. Visit your cat's veterinarian a few days before you leave and ask for a current health certificate and an updated vaccinations certificate for your cat. Airlines and some county, national park and border patrol officials may require proof of an up-to-date health certificate. Get an airline-approved crate. Some airlines allow owners to carry small crates for tiny cats, as long as they fit unde...
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What you should know about traveling with your pet
2007-07-05 15:54:00
Planning and Preparation Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian. If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives w...
More About: Traveling , With You