How to take care of a cat

Cats are one of the most popular pets for many pet lovers. This may be due to their playful personalities, affectionate behaviour or adorable appearance. However, aside from being cute, cats do require proper care in order to stay healthy and content. Here are some general cat care tips that will help you learn how to take care of a cat.

Feeding

Choosing your cat’s food is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your cat’s health. There are many different cat food formulas available on the market today, which all may advertise as being the right type of diet for your cat. However, when choosing a cat food, it’s essential that you do not choose based on price alone. Low-quality cat food formulas can be very harmful to your cat’s health, resulting in expensive veterinary bills. Never feed your cat a formula that is corn-based, or that contains a high percentage of simple carbohydrates. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they will thrive when given a diet rich in meat-derived protein. A quick way to evaluate a cat food formula is to read the first five ingredients, which make up the bulk of the formula. For cats, it’s recommended that at least three or four of the first five ingredients are protein-based.
Toys
Cats are interactive animals, and will require constant entertainment in order to remain happy. There are many great cat toys available for purchase at many pet stores, which can help keep your cat entertained. If you are unsure of what type of toy to purchase, you may also simply purchase some catnip, which can be used to stuff homemade toys or cloth balls for your cat.

Veterinary care is incredibly important for cats, especially since many cats can develop serious health conditions. It’s best to keep up to date on your cat’s vaccinations, and have a checkup at least once every two months.

Litter box training a cat is fairly simple, since most cats have an instinctual desire to bury their waste. Place your cat’s litter box in a private area, where any residual odour will not bother the other members of your household. It’s recommended that you clean your cat’s litter box once per day, with a complete replacement of the litter in the box about once per week. You may also want to disinfect the box with a non-toxic cleaner to help control odour.

Further last minute information from DEFRA

THE UK PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS)

Further to our letter of 30th June announcing changes to the Pet Travel Scheme, I am writing to you with additional information about changes to the Scheme regarding the tapeworm treatment for pets and the movement of pets between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. I apologise for the late notification of these changes, but these issues have been under discussion at European level. I would also like to update you briefly on the new legislative framework for pet movements. 

Tapeworm treatment 
Under our current Pet Travel Scheme rules, dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be  treated against ticks and tapeworm 24-48 hours before they enter the UK. As our previous letter explained, the European Commission had given a strong indication that it would come forward with proposals that would enable the UK and other tapeworm free countries to retain tapeworm controls with a treatment window of 1-5 days. I can confirm that both the European Parliament and Council have now formally adopted these proposals meaning that from the 1st January 2012, tapeworm controls will apply to all pet dogs entering the UK. Under these rules, not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK, all 
dogs must be treated against tapeworm and the treatment recorded in the EU pet passport or the third country official veterinary certificate.

Cats and ferrets will no longer require this treatment. There will also be no mandatory tick treatment before any pet enters the UK.

For further advice on these new rules, please visit our website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/parasites/

Movement of pets from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain
We do not currently require checks to be carried out on pets arriving in the UK from the Republic of Ireland although checks are carried out on pets coming from the rest of the EU and other countries and territories.

Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU Member States must meet the same animal health rules. Therefore from 1st January 2012 the requirement is that all pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to the UK should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a pet passport.

However as both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Those travelling with pet animals should therefore not experience any change on the ground from the 1st January.

For pet travel requirements from the UK to the Republic of Ireland please visit the Republic’s Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine website:
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/introduction/

Legislative Framework
The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011 will be laid before Parliament on the 9 December 2011. This legislation will revoke and replace existing pet legislation in England and Scotland (equivalent legislation is not in force in Wales) to enforce the revised import requirements that apply to pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) entering Great Britain from 1st January 2012. This legislation will be available to view on our website in due course once it is published by The Stationery Office.

If you require any further information on these changes please do not hesitate to contact us at pet.travel@defra.gsi.gov.uk
 
Yours faithfully 
Strategic Animal Health Policy 
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Moscow's Posh Options for Pedigree Chums

Moving your life to a new country is hard enough without leaving your pets behind. Whether you brought your four-legged friend with you or just plan to do so, all you will need is on hand in the capital.
Shopping spree
To start with, there are almost 400 pet stores in the capital. The oldest and the largest of them is located right on Arbat street, offering the clients a wide range of pedigree kittens and puppies. If you did not find the breed you like on display, you can pre-order it.
If easy access is what you need, listen to “Beethoven”. It is a chain of some 40 stores around Moscow. Their slogan says “Come on in, and bring your owner!” Everything your pet picks can be delivered to your door.

Remember that Moscow’s environment authorities urge pet owners to put shoes on their animals in winter time. This is more about health than fashion: The anti-icing chemicals used on the city’s streets can cause burns on the animals’ paws, so the winter boots are the must.
Vet’s helping hand
While Moscow does not lack qualified vets, finding one that speaks your language might be a problem.

“Movet” is probably the most well-known clinic for expat pets in the capital. They will come to rescue if you need to pick an animal, get it in or out of the country, or even find it a temporary home. However, if it is your beloved ferret that got sick, you will have to seek help elsewhere.

“We don’t work with any exotic animals and no birds,” Valeriya Shishmareva, interpreter at “Movet” clinic, told RT. “But if expats need their birds or exotic animals to be checked, we can help them take their animals to special vet clinics and help with translation for free.”

Pet gym – key to healthy lifestyle
If you want to ensure that flea killer is the only medicine you ever need, exercise is the answer.

The gym called Dog Palace offers training and rehabilitation programs for animals.

It is very popular among local pet owners, but just four years ago many in Moscow called the idea barking madness.

“People didn’t take it seriously,” Olga Zolotukhina, director general at Dog Palace center, told RT. “But I didn’t invent anything new. I’ve seen plenty such centers in Europe and decided to open one in Moscow because I’m a dog owner myself. We’ve studied the way it’s done abroad. Anyone can pour water in a tub, but you also need to know what to do next and which exercises really help.”

Pet spa and pet limousine
After a healthy workout, why not drop by for a haircut or a SPA-procedure? The way they treat pets at “Milord” – a chain of five grooming studios – will make any owner jealous.
Basic dog-grooming will cost around a thousand more than elsewhere in Moscow. “Milord” also offers ozone-therapy, designer clothes and even celebrating a birthday in style.

After all that, a walk through Moscow’s mud may not be a good idea. Few taxi companies will take you on board with a furry friend, unless it is “Zootaxi”.

“There are about 6 million pets in Moscow, and driving them around can be a challenge,” Yulia Godunova, director general of Zootaxi, told RT. “We can be especially helpful if your animal is ill – our drivers can carry it and make it comfortable inside the car. And it’s not just cats and dogs we drive. We’ve had goats, too, iguanas, even a snake.”

RT Pet Service Guide

Top 10 Paw Care Tips For Dogs

Your dog’s feet sure are made for walking, but did you know they are also made for protecting? Pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw. With all that work to do, it’s no wonder your pooch’s paws often take a bit of a beating. Keep a spring in your pet’s step with our top 10 paw care tips:

Pamper With Pedicures: Your dog's nails should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it's time for a pedicure. Ask your veterinarian or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly. 

Snip and Trim: Trim paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads. 

Clean In Between: Foreign objects can become lodged in your dog’s pads. Check regularly between toes for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers. 

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: A dog’s pads can become cracked and dry. Ask your veterinarian for a good pad moisturizer and use as directed. Avoid human hand moisturizer, as this can soften the pads and lead to injury. 

Deep Paw Massage: Similar to giving a human hand massage, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe. Your dog will be forever grateful for the extra TLC! 

Slow and Steady: If you’re about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out on hikes and runs. 

Apply First Aid: It's not unusual for dogs to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see the vet for treatment. 

Summertime Sores: Imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement. Ouch! It is important to remember your dog’s paws feel heat extremes, too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit your vet immediately. 

Wintertime Blues: Winter is hard on everyone’s skin, even your dog’s! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection and blistering. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks, wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. You may wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each walk—or make sure your dog wears doggie booties. 

Practice Prevention: To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and pieces. Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog. And keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!
For more information: American Society for the Protection of Animals

Taxi tale of tail from Spain

Every London cabbie has a story, and John Jupp’s is a little different from most. Not long ago a regular client asked if he allowed dogs in his taxi. John answered yes, and so began one of the longest and strangest fares of his career.

Newslite reports his lady client wanted the cabbie to pick up her dog. The only unusual thing about the request was that the Labrador was in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

John took a ferry to Santander in Northern Spain, and then drove to Madrid. After picking up the pampered pooch it was a 16 hour journey back to London.

John and his client haven’t discussed how much the round trip cost, but let’s hope he got a good tip at the end of it.

http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/taxi-spain-dog-client-789/

Top 10 Reasons to Take Your Dog to the Vet ASAP

How do you know when your dog's health problem is life threatening and requires immediate veterinarian attention?

Here is a compilation of the most common dog emergencies seen in the veterinary ER:

1. Trauma
If your dog has sustained some form of trauma such as a fall, gunshot wound, getting hit by a car or is involved in a dog fight then immediate veterinary attention is needed. Even if your dog appears fine initially a check-up with your veterinarian is still necessary because sometimes injuries sustained from a traumatic event such as a ruptured lung, diaphragmatic hernia or internal bleeding will not manifest symptoms immediately. Wounds such as lacerations and bite wounds may be deeper than they appear and complications such as infection can result from delaying veterinary attention. Sometimes the traumatic event is not witnessed by the owner, if you find your dog limping, seemingly in pain or is just not acting right then it would be best to have her checked out.

2. Difficulty Breathing
Dyspnea is also known as difficulty breathing and can manifest as wheezing, choking, weak and raspy breathing or respiratory arrest. This can be caused by a foreign body in the throat, allergic reaction, heart disease or pulmonary disease. If there is a foreign body present it is important not to try and extract it yourself – doing so may lodge the object even deeper, completely obstructing the airway. Breathing problems almost always indicate major dog health problems so do not wait to take immediate action.

3. Neurological Conditions
Neurological problems can manifest in your dog as disorientation, incoordination, severe lethargy, unresponsiveness, and coma. A normal healthy dog is bright, alert and responsive; any pronounced change in your dog’s mental status requires immediate veterinary attention. Lethargy and weakness can be seen with any serious illness and should never be ignored. Sometimes neurological disorders do not affect mentation (for instance loss of use of the hind limbs can sometimes be cause by a ruptured intervertebral disc). Again these are serious disorders that need prompt veterinary attention to achieve the most favorable outcome.

4. Seizures
Seizures are also considered a neurological condition but are so common in dogs it deserves its own category. Any dog that has never experienced a seizure before needs to be seen immediately. Signs associated with a seizure include uncontrollable shaking and tremors, loss of consciousness, paddling with the legs and possible loss of bowel or urinary control. The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy. If your dog is diagnosed as epileptic not every seizure will constitute an emergency. If your dog has multiple seizures within a 24-hour period or if a seizure lasts longer than a couple minutes then your epileptic dog may need immediate veterinary attention. Talk to your veterinarian more about how to manage epilepsy and what to watch for. Other causes of seizures include hypoglycemia in puppies, insulinoma in older dogs and toxicities in dogs of all ages.

5. Suspected or Known Toxic Exposure
You found a chewed up rat bait while running some laundry down to the basement or you notice the bag of fertilizer in the garden shed has been ripped open. If you suspect your dog has gotten into something potentially toxic call the ASPCA animal poison control at (888) 426-4435 for immediate advice on what to do. A veterinary toxicologist may advise you to induce vomiting, seek immediate veterinary attention or simply monitor at home if the substance ingested turns out to be innocuous. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the house at all times in case you are ever asked to induce vomiting.

6. Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Vomiting and diarrhoea are common problems in dogs and while they can be signs of a serious dog health issues the majority of cases are simple gastric upset that typically resolves within 24 hours. If your dog is otherwise acting fine then rest the stomach by withholding food for 4 to 6 hours and make sure your dog has access to plenty of water so they can stay hydrated. If she develops additional clinical signs such as lethargy, weakness or seems to be in pain then immediate veterinary attention is indicated. Also if vomiting or diarrhoea persists more than 24 hours OR you notice blood in the vomitus or the diarrhoeas then go see your veterinarian immediately. If your dog has a chronic medical problem such as diabetes and starts vomiting then it is not recommended to wait 24 hours and to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

7. Distended Abdomen or Abdominal Pain
If you notice your dog’s abdomen is distended and she seems to be in pain and/or uncomfortable then a serious medical problem necessitating immediate veterinary care is likely. Abdominal distension may be accompanied by dry heaves, retching, weakness, collapse and difficulty breathing. Abdominal distension can be caused by air trapped in the stomach which can cause the stomach to twist over on itself. This condition is known as gastric dilatation-volvulus—or commonly “bloat” – and usually occurs in large breed dogs. This is life threatening if not treated and the sooner you go to the veterinarian the better your dog’s odds for a positive outcome will be. Other reasons for abdominal distension can be fluid distension (ascites) from heart disease and hemoabdomen from internal bleeding such as a ruptured spleen.

8. Ocular Problems
Eye problems in dogs have a nasty tendency to deteriorate faster than problems in other areas. These problems can quickly escalate into loss of the eye and blindness if not treated especially glaucoma. Signs of ocular disease include redness of the eye, discharge, excessive tearing swelling, squinting and constant pawing at the eye. Even if it is just a foreign body in the eye or a superficial scratch on the cornea prompt veterinary treatment can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious one.

9. Urinary Problems
If you notice your dog is not producing any urine then go see your veterinarian as soon as possible. While much more common dog health problem in cats than dogs, urinary blockages do occur and are life-threatening. If you notice difficulty urinating or blood in the urine then see your veterinarian as soon as possible because it may indicate a urinary infection or urinary stones that can escalate to blockage if not treated.

10. Whelping Emergencies
If your dog goes into labor and you notice that more than four hours pass without any puppies, strains for more than 30 minutes without results or more than two hours elapse between puppies then she may be experiencing dystocia. Call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

This list is by no means all inclusive of definite emergencies but is a compilation of the more common dog health emergencies seen. If there is something going on with your dog and you are not sure if it is an emergency or not, be aware that help is just a phone call away. Always have the number of your regular veterinarian, the ASPCA poison control and the number of your local 24-hour emergency clinic available. As a dog owner you know your dog best – if you suspect something is wrong do not hesitate to call. This one act can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Never feel embarrassed about calling or being a worrywart because it is better to be safe than sorry.

Ceaser's Way

Dog bites two on US Airways Flight, forces early landing

You can add dog bites to the list of things passengers and flight attendants have to contend with at 30,000 feet.

That was the case this morning on board US Airways flight 522 when a small dog travelling in the passenger cabin was let out of its carrier by its owner. The dog promptly bit a passenger and a flight attendant. An airline spokesperson could not confirm whether the bit passenger was also the dog’s owner.

US Airways said that the passenger was expressly told not to open the carrier door.

According to flight tracking website FlightAware.com the plane was west of Pittsburgh when the pilot of the Airbus A319 decided to divert the Phoenix-bound plane to Pittsburgh International Airport because of the canine bites. A US Airways spokesperson described the diversion as precautionary and said the captain did not declare an emergency.

Upon landing in Pittsburgh the plane taxied to a US Airways gate where it was met by law enforcement officials and the fire department. An airport spokesperson tells ABC News the dog, whose breed was not immediately known, and its owner were deplaned and interviewed before being released.

Once the dog and its owner were off the plane the flight continued to Phoenix without them. JoAnn Jenny, a spokeswoman with the Pittsburgh International Airport, said the dog and its owner were later released to board another plane to Phoenix.

Airlines, including US Airways, United, and American Airlines, limit the number and type of pets allowed in cabins. Those banned from carry-on travel in the belly of the plane, where kennels are placed in a special pressurized and temperature-controlled section of the plane. In the winter, airlines may require documentation certifying that your pet is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45 degrees.


The Dog Files