Dogs and Cats Can Live Together

By : Gerry Ronson
Many first time dog owners have many questions about whether their dog will be good around other pets, around cats, and of course around children. You will find that most dog breeds have specific information on whether they can actually be around other pets. You may have seen stories of dogs adopting little baby chicks or becoming friendly with deer, but are the stories really true? For the most part you have to be very careful with dogs around other pets. There are certain breeds of dogs that tend to have affection for cats; however you will find that some dog breeds are not ideal. Below you will find a list of some of the dogs that will do well with cats and some reasons as to why. You should also realize that making this important decision before owning a new dog or before introducing a cat into your home with a dog is an important aspect of caring for your dog.

First dogs take a lot of care. You will find that most dog breeds need to be walked for at least fifteen minutes a day if not an hour. They also need a lot of affection and attention throughout the day with play time, training time, and of course their bathroom breaks. So before you introduce a cat into your home with a dog you have to make sure you are willing and able to take care of both pets. Cats are easier to handle as they are mostly able to have a food bowl on the floor constantly and can be trained to use the litter box. They generally need affection as well, but not always the amount a dog requires. Once you have made the decision that you can handle two types of pets you need to look at the breed of dog you have.

Dog breeds that you need to stay away from with small pets include Great Danes, Affenpinschers, Sheepdogs, hounds, and hunting dogs. You will find that most large dog breeds do not do well around small animals. For larger dog breeds like the hounds or Great Danes they were taught to hunt. Their instincts are to hunt the cat rather than allow it peace. Even if they understand the cat is part of the family they can also be too rough on the cat. For instance German Shepherds love to play. They will adopt a new family member well, especially cats, but they can be extremely rough on the smaller animal, not understanding the gentleness needed even during play. This is the major concern with all dogs and cats. Dogs tend to be rougher during play and most breeds have been breed for working as hunters or hounds, which mean they prey on smaller animals for their masters to catch in the hunt.

Dog breeds that can do well with cats include German Shepherds, Boxers, Labradors, and the smaller dog breeds such as small Terriers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Collies. What you must realize with any dog is that training is extremely important in these cases. You will find that German Shepherds all though they can be harmful to cats can be trained to behave around smaller pets. During training you need to socialize the dog with other dogs as well as cats or other animals they may be around. The idea is that at an early age if the dog understands the behaviour required of them around other more delicate pets they will be able to live in harmony rather than harming them. So yes dogs and cats can live together as long as the proper training and precautions are taken.


This Pets article is provided by Articleteller - The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com


Gerry Ronson has been working with dogs for over twenty years and now works as a writer for the websites dog accessories and dog training clubs.

Ten Cat Facts Regarding Social Behavior

By : Kurt Schmitt
Here's a collection of cat facts about one of the most important elements of cat behavior to understand, social behavior and interaction. I've tried to include facts that I think are helpful.

Cats are well known and loved for their independence and self-absorbed nature. When they do pay us some attention, we usually feel quite special. A cat that rolls over on its back and asks for a belly scratch should be rewarded with affection.

If you often wonder what your cat is thinking, you're not alone. Cats are mysterious creatures and we're often not sure why they behave the way they do.

As a good pet owner, though, one of your responsibilities is to learn how to better care for your cat. Here are some unique cat facts that may help you better understand your feline friend.

1. I want to be alone. Cats are not pack animals. Cats who are forced to live closer to other cats than they normally would will tend to time share their territory.

2. Kitten's get their friendly traits from their father's genes (mostly), and their mother's teachings.

3. A kitten's socialization process is most important when she is between two and seven weeks old.

4. Cats can go through a second socialization process when recovering from a trauma. This can go two ways, resulting in either more friendliness, or less friendliness than before the trauma.

5. Domestic cats have a limited set of body language skills. This is because their ancestors were solitary animals.

6. Cats leave distinctive scent marks which, if you had the right nose, would tell you a story. This is how they make up for a limited set of body language skills. That and the fact that they are sneaky and quick!

7. Your cats will leave their scent in strategic places all over their territory. They'll also leave their scent on you and other animals in the house. This creates a communal scent, and provides your cats with comfort knowing that these animals are part of the same social group.

8. When you scratch your cat's back, she raises up her back end so as to better scent your hand. Commonly, cats will also often keep their tails bent but stiff during the scenting process.

9. The tail up is a sign of happiness. It is also used as a greeting. If people had tails they could raise, cats would like us more.

10. Curled up front paws with the claws retracted mean that your cat feels safe and comfortable. Back feet extended out also indicate a relaxed posture.

My hope is that at least some of these cat facts surprise you a little. At the very least I hope you enjoyed reading them. If you read into things a bit, this information will allow you to better understand your cat.

Article Source: http://articlem.com


Kurt Schmitt, an experienced cat owner, has more about cat facts at the web site for cat lovers.
Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service

Training Your Cat

By : Bob Evanston
Can cats be trained? Many people think they are so independent that the very idea is an oxymoron. For this reason, some people prefer dogs, while others love cats all the more for their independent nature. Whatever your preferences, it is not true that cats are untrainable. If your cat behaves in ways that are troublesome, in all likelihood you can cure this.

People sometimes think that where cats are concerned they either have to simply put up with a problem --whether it be aggression, destructive behavior or not using the litter box-- or get rid of the cat. This is, in most cases, simply not true. The vast majority of cats can be trained out of troublesome behavior.

One unpleasant, not to mention unsanitary, cat behavior problem involves the litter box. Since cats are very clean animals, they are easily trained to use the litter box. If a litter trained cat suddenly stops using the box, something is definitely wrong. This is sometimes a medical issue, so the first step is to bring the cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.

One physical problems are ruled out, you should consider the condition and positioning of the litter box itself. It has to be frequently cleaned out or the cat will not want to use it. It should also be in a quiet space. Cats, like people, like to have their own "bathroom" not in the middle of things. It should also not be very close to the cat's food and water. The size should be just right as well -large enough, but also small enough to feel like a distinct space.

Does your cat scratch or bite? This can obviously be an undesirable situation, especially if it leaves you with cuts! As with litter box issues, you should have the cat checked out physically, especially if the behavior is recent. On the other hand, if the cat has always been aggressive, it may simply be not socialized or perhaps it was a feral cat not used to being around people at all. For these situations, you will have to have some patience and realize that the cat needs to be gradually tamed and accustomed to human companionship.

Watch your cats movements and body language when it is aggressive. Learn when it is "safe" to touch him/her (until your training efforts have paid off, when it should be safe most of the time). You should also make sure your cat gets enough exercise. Make time to play with your cat, every day if possible. This both gives the cat exercise and is a bonding ritual. If your cat is not spayed, you should have it done; this will make the cat calmer and less aggressive.

I have provided a starting point in addressing some common behavioral problems. You may need to further educate yourself and spend some time working with your cat. Just remember that the vast majority of cats will respond to the right kind of attention and can be transformed into wonderful pets!

Article Source: http://articlem.com


If you want to improve your relationship with your cat, you might want to explore these resources: cat behavior problems ,covering all aspects of cat ownership and problem cats
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.

Types Of Domesticated Cats

By : Crystal Chan
Your cat may be a member of your family for as long as 20 years, so it makes sense to choose carefully! Look for a healthy, active animal with a friendly attitude to ensure a good start. Male or female are equally good pets when neutered. Either a kitten or an adult cat may suit you. Kittens are irascible but have much to learn, like house-training and claw control. Adults are usually better behaved, but need time to settle in a new home.

A fat cat is not a healthy cat. If your cat is overweight, ask your vet for advice on a slimming diet. It could be that you are overfeeding your cat, or your cat may be tricking your neighbours into supplying extra meals! Like humans, some cats put on weight because they have a lazy lifestyle. Indoor cats especially need plenty of play.

If your kitten will be left alone all day, it may be kinder to have two, to keep each other company. But an only cat will be perfectly happy so long as its needs are met. Two kittens may be twice as much fun - but also twice the cost in neutering, vaccinations and food.

By interbreeding with these basic stocks, all present-day domestic cats have been produced. Whem a major mutation is transferred from one breed to another, or if it is an independent or new mutation, this will result in a new breed. For instance, a longhaired Siamese is called a Balinese, and a longhaired Abyssinian is a Somali. However, when the Persian was crossed with the Siamese, the result became known as a Himalayan.When the American Shorthair is crossed with the Burmese, the resulting cat is called a Bombay.

Grooming is more than beauty care. Longhairs depend on daily brushing to prevent tangles which, if neglected, may need to be clipped out by the vet.Brush the fur gently, without tugging. Go against the way it naturally lies, lifting the fur upwards and outwards so that you work right to the roots. A comb is useful for lifting out dead hair. Finish off the cat's face fur and neck ruffs with a smaller brush. An old toothbrush is ideal for this fine work - but please do not borrow one from the bathroom!

It can be very rewarding to adopt a homeless cat from a rescue society. These charities normally check out the health and character of cats before re-housing them, and go to some trouble to match animals with suitable owners. They usually make a small charge.

Article Source: http://articlem.com


1st Cat Care is to provide information and guidance to pet care lovers in taking care of their feline health, cat toilet training, tips on using the cat litter box, kitten vaccinations, pregnancy and more on pet care and kitten care ........
Click here to get your own unique version of this article.

Adopting An Adult Cat - The Pros and Cons

By : Charley Huang
Want a pet cat but do not know whether to get a cat or a kitten? There are advantages to getting a grown cat as a pet, but of course, one of the biggest disadvantages is that you will miss out on all the cuteness and adorable factors of a kitten that a grown cat does not have.

Little kittens are definitely the most fun pets to own, and even more so if you have children around. Kittens are like children, energized and full of curiosity. These balls of fur can run and jump around the house, and skid on floors just like your children can, and attacking things that have movement, even yourself! How adorable is that?

Of course, there would be a minority of people who would not welcome this behavior at all, and these people might not think that kittens are the least bit adorable. Cats, after a certain stage will slowly become less active; and become more reserved animals, with a sense of calmness about them. They become less playful and mischievous.

The Pros :-

Looking at an adult cat before adopting it, you will know what you are getting, as an adult cat is already fully grown. Its body, size and shape, color and behavior will not change, and it is what it is. Whether or not it is active, or loud, shy or quiet, you will know when you meet it. Therefore, you can decide on the spot whether if it is suitable for you, and you are also able to tell if the cat accepts your company and shows interest in you.

Adult cats are generally easier to care for, as opposed to kittens. Not many people looking for pets want to get adult cats, as most would prefer kittens and seeing them grow up. Therefore, you are actually saving its life, as most adult cats that do not get adopted are usually put to sleep.

The Cons :-

Now that you think an adult cat is well trained and well behaved, you would d be surprised to find out that a common problem cat owners abandon their cats is that the adult cats does not resort to using litter boxes. This problem is not apparent when you pick out your pet. Although not using the litter box may seem like an excuse to put a pet into a shelter, finding out first hand that a cat urinates all over your house can be very maddening.

At the end of the day, most people decide that they rather keep the house intact than the cat. If that little problem has changed your mind about getting a cat, do not let it. These problems are only behavioral, and it can be changed and corrected with some more proper training. Most good breeders and shelters are rather honest, and they will tell you as much as possible about the cat you are interested in, about its behavior, attitude and personality.

Therefore, if the cat has a problem they will probably disclose it to you. Hence, chances are you would not be ending up getting a cat with problems, as these are rather noticeable issues that breeders and shelters won't miss.
Article Source: EZINEPRIME - FREE WEB CONTENT and ARTICLES


For more information on Adopting An Adult Cat or visit www.siamesecatsinfo.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-adopting-an-adult-cat/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks