By Branden Schroeder
Sometimes it seems like we don't notice all our home's flaws until it comes time to sell. Because we live in our home every day, we become accustomed to dealing with minor annoyances, and tend to overlook the gradual accumulation of natural wear and tear. For those of us with pets, this wear and tear can be greatly accelerated.
I recently met a couple who were preparing to sell their home, and who realized that quite a few of the repairs they wanted to make were to damage their pets had caused. It sparked the idea that, in their next home, they would take preventative measures to avoid so much damage from occurring.
While the couple's furniture and drapes weren't for sale with their house, they still felt that their cat-scratched furniture looked shabby and detracted from the home. While they hadn't minded living with the scratched furniture before, the idea of strangers seeing it and judging their home hygiene on it didn't appeal to them. Real estate professionals are learning that home staging is an important factor in timely and profitable sales, and this couple actually decided to purchase a new couch and chair so that their living room would match the quality of their home. They said from now on they will be more strict about discouraging the cat from scratching on the furniture, and will be buying a scratching post. To save their new upholstery, they bought some fabric in a complimentary pattern and the wife, quite handy with a sewing machine, made slip-covers for the arms of the couch and chair.
Some other problem areas were the wall beside their patio door. The cat regularly scratched on the wall in order to get attention and be let outside. A way to prevent this may be to attach a piece of carpet to the area, so that it gets damaged and not the wall underneath it. While it can be difficult, if not impossible, to train a cat to scratch its claws where you want it to, one tactic may be to keep a close eye on where they tend to scratch naturally, and then install another surface in those areas, before any serious damage is done.
Yards can be another area really take a beating, especially if you have dogs. Not only will many dogs dig little, or big, holes in a yard, just their running around can create muddy pathways where grass used to be. Getting your dog out for at least one daily walk helps reduce the strain on your yard. Another option is to have part of the yard fenced for the dog, with the rest declared dog-free, or let the dog out only while you are there with them. That way the muddy section is delegated to a specific area, and grass and gardens can grow lush everywhere else. Perhaps your home will appeal to another dog owner when you are ready to sell, or you can plant some grass seed as you leave, reassuring the buyers that the area will be green again soon.
A neighbor has a dog who loves to eat grass. This never bothered her until she invested a few dollars in some ornamental Japanese blood grass. She planted this grass in pots, along with some other plants, and was quite upset to discover her dog thought this special potted grass was a delicacy planted just for her. The lush red bunches that had just begun thriving looked more like a bad haircut by the time I saw them. The neighbor decided to move the pots to a part of the yard her dog couldn't access, and ended up putting together some nice hanging baskets to decorate the porch she had originally been trying to beautify.
Dealing with pets is a live and learn situation. But with some careful consideration, there are preventative measures we can take to assure they don't cost us our house when it comes time to sell.
About the author:
Branden Schroeder is Maryland's first "EcoBroker" designated real estate agent. To search real estate in Severna Park or for more information on Maryland waterfront homes and Maryland properties, visit Branden online at MarylandHomesAndProperty.com.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Is Your Cat Bored? Tearing Everything Up? Could Outside be Safe
by: LindaCain
Cats have been our human companions for many years -- more than 6,000. Cats may disagree, but they can be happily kept inside all the time, and an indoor cat is much healthier and safer than an unprotected outdoor cat. But cats must at least be able to see what's going on outside.
Most cats will want to go out side no matter what, but cats are not a natural part of our ecosystem. The domestic cat is a descendant of the wild cat of Africa and southwestern Asia. Cats were introduced to North America by the Europeans who brought in large numbers in the nineteenth century in an attempt to control the rodent population. Cats who are allowed to roam freely outside are at risk for getting injured or killed by a car, and cats left roaming in rural areas have a fairly high incidence of FIV.
Bottom line is that outdoor cats have become a problem in the United States. They pose a threat to birds and other small animals, including endangered birds. They kill over 4 million birds in the United States each year, and they compete with some native predators. Many people assume that a cat can provide a benefit by killing certain animals such as mice, but these native mammals are important to maintaining a biological diverse ecosystem.
Cats are also prolific breeders and female cats can have up to three litters of four to six kittens per litter per year. That's up to 18 kittens every year for a single un-spayed cat. Cats want to climb trees, pounce on insects and do what cats are meant to do, but they need to be controlled. Cats make wonderful companions, but owners must prevent their cat from being a nuisance to their neighbors.
If you want your cat to be able to play outdoors, consider an outdoor cat enclosure. Outdoor cat enclosures provide your cat with a way to roam in the outdoors safely and securely. Outdoor cat enclosures give your cats safe access to outdoor sights, sounds, and smells, without the dangers. Today's outdoor cat enclosures are much more than just cat houses or cages. They can be the "talk of the town" -- colorful pathways and condos for kitty fun. Outdoor Cat Enclosures provide you with a way to allow your cat to roam in the outdoors safely and securely.
You'll want to pick the right outdoor cat enclosure. Make sure that the material that it is made out of has a small mesh grade, and that it is entirely enclosed. It should be large enough to provide the cat with enough space to walk around and climb freely. One big difference between an outdoor cat enclosure and an outdoor dog run is that you must ensure the top is securely enclosed for cats and there are no escape routes between the ground and the enclosure.
The award winning classic Kittywalk outdoor cat enclosures stake quickly and easily into your lawn and allows your cat to relax in the fresh air, watch the birds, exercise and enjoy the sunshine without the risks of escape or injury. Kittywalk makes their high quality outdoor cat enclosures out of sturdy industrial strength fishnet, weaved to a steel hoop shaped wicket that easily stakes firmly into the ground. The basic Kittywalk unit can be attached to a cat door or left free-standing, and it is portable.
Kittywalk Outdoor Pet Enclosures will endure rain or shine -- from summer to winter. The material they use is weather resistant and will not rust, rot or mildew. Kittywalk Systems are sturdy and help protect your pet friend from injury and attack from other animals. Kittywalk has received numerous industry awards for innovative design as well as being featured on radio, television, newspapers and magazines all across the US. Their outdoor cat enclosures are designed to be connected together to form different configurations so your indoor cat can have plenty of room to roam outside and many different things to do. Kittywalk Curves consists of two or four 45 degree arcs that connect to Kittywalk Systems enclosures allowing you to navigate your cat enclosure design around common backyard obstacles. Kittywalk outdoor cat enclosures are fun outdoor containment systems that let your indoor cat safely enjoy the great outdoors.
About the Author
Linda Can has been a very happy cat owner for over 20 years. She runs an online Pet Supply Store that specializes in high quality and safe products for our pets. Check out our Kittywalk Outdoor Cat Enclosures at PetAbbey.com
Cats have been our human companions for many years -- more than 6,000. Cats may disagree, but they can be happily kept inside all the time, and an indoor cat is much healthier and safer than an unprotected outdoor cat. But cats must at least be able to see what's going on outside.
Most cats will want to go out side no matter what, but cats are not a natural part of our ecosystem. The domestic cat is a descendant of the wild cat of Africa and southwestern Asia. Cats were introduced to North America by the Europeans who brought in large numbers in the nineteenth century in an attempt to control the rodent population. Cats who are allowed to roam freely outside are at risk for getting injured or killed by a car, and cats left roaming in rural areas have a fairly high incidence of FIV.
Bottom line is that outdoor cats have become a problem in the United States. They pose a threat to birds and other small animals, including endangered birds. They kill over 4 million birds in the United States each year, and they compete with some native predators. Many people assume that a cat can provide a benefit by killing certain animals such as mice, but these native mammals are important to maintaining a biological diverse ecosystem.
Cats are also prolific breeders and female cats can have up to three litters of four to six kittens per litter per year. That's up to 18 kittens every year for a single un-spayed cat. Cats want to climb trees, pounce on insects and do what cats are meant to do, but they need to be controlled. Cats make wonderful companions, but owners must prevent their cat from being a nuisance to their neighbors.
If you want your cat to be able to play outdoors, consider an outdoor cat enclosure. Outdoor cat enclosures provide your cat with a way to roam in the outdoors safely and securely. Outdoor cat enclosures give your cats safe access to outdoor sights, sounds, and smells, without the dangers. Today's outdoor cat enclosures are much more than just cat houses or cages. They can be the "talk of the town" -- colorful pathways and condos for kitty fun. Outdoor Cat Enclosures provide you with a way to allow your cat to roam in the outdoors safely and securely.
You'll want to pick the right outdoor cat enclosure. Make sure that the material that it is made out of has a small mesh grade, and that it is entirely enclosed. It should be large enough to provide the cat with enough space to walk around and climb freely. One big difference between an outdoor cat enclosure and an outdoor dog run is that you must ensure the top is securely enclosed for cats and there are no escape routes between the ground and the enclosure.
The award winning classic Kittywalk outdoor cat enclosures stake quickly and easily into your lawn and allows your cat to relax in the fresh air, watch the birds, exercise and enjoy the sunshine without the risks of escape or injury. Kittywalk makes their high quality outdoor cat enclosures out of sturdy industrial strength fishnet, weaved to a steel hoop shaped wicket that easily stakes firmly into the ground. The basic Kittywalk unit can be attached to a cat door or left free-standing, and it is portable.
Kittywalk Outdoor Pet Enclosures will endure rain or shine -- from summer to winter. The material they use is weather resistant and will not rust, rot or mildew. Kittywalk Systems are sturdy and help protect your pet friend from injury and attack from other animals. Kittywalk has received numerous industry awards for innovative design as well as being featured on radio, television, newspapers and magazines all across the US. Their outdoor cat enclosures are designed to be connected together to form different configurations so your indoor cat can have plenty of room to roam outside and many different things to do. Kittywalk Curves consists of two or four 45 degree arcs that connect to Kittywalk Systems enclosures allowing you to navigate your cat enclosure design around common backyard obstacles. Kittywalk outdoor cat enclosures are fun outdoor containment systems that let your indoor cat safely enjoy the great outdoors.
About the Author
Linda Can has been a very happy cat owner for over 20 years. She runs an online Pet Supply Store that specializes in high quality and safe products for our pets. Check out our Kittywalk Outdoor Cat Enclosures at PetAbbey.com
How Long are Cats Pregnant For?
by: JaneTompsett
This has to be the number one question owners ask. After all, you need to know how long it's going to be before you need to start panicking!
Have you any idea at all? Has your cat been pregnant before and previously given birth to kittens?
One thing is definite though, knowing the length of a cat's pregnancy from beginning to end will be of no use at all unless you are certain of the date of conception.
As a rule, your cat keeps that information a secret!
Just when you think that your life is running smoothly, your pet cat comes home with more than she went out with.....
So you thought that all that loving behavior and cute rolling around she's been doing lately was just for your benefit? She's been coming into season and was practising her seduction technique for every Tom, Dick or fur-covered Harry that will pass her way.
And now, quite suddenly, you have this niggling feeling that you are going to be a grandparent to a litter of kittens and have no idea just how soon they might be arriving.
So, just how long will it be before you can gaze on your tiny new kittens?
The avarage length of feline pregnancy is 63-65 days - around nine weeks - but kittens may be born as early as 58 days or as late as 70 days gestation.
But as you will be your cat's midwife-in-chief, you will only be able to make an educated guess at the most likely delivery date unless you witnessed your promiscuous puss-cat in action with the local tom cats.
It's more likely that you won't have any idea that your lovely, pregnant cat is 'with kittens' until she is 5 or 6 weeks into her pregnancy and starts to show certain signs.
By the time you begin to recognise the physical changes in your cat she will already be over halfway through her pregnancy.
You may just notice - if you are very observant - that your cat's nipples are beginning to look significantly pinker. Her milk glands begin to prepare for full-scale milk delivery around week 3 of pregnancy.
About this time, you may also notice that your cat loses interest in her food. Could it be feline morning sickness perhaps?
However, just about every cat gets picky about their lovingly prepared food from time to time, so pregnancy is likely to be the last things that enters your mind as you dispose of yet another uneaten meal.
It is very unlikely that you will understand the significance of these subtle changes in your cat unless you have had previous experience of feline pregnancy.
It will not be until there are only 21-28 days to go before the birth that you will become sure that your lovely cat is pregnant.
Of course, as a loving and responsible cat owner, you will feel that it is your duty to make sure that you are fully prepared to help your cat give birth safely and calmly. It is up to you to arm yourself with the knowledge you will need to care for your newborn kittens and their mother to the best of your ability by finding a comprehensive ebook that will easily guide you through all the stages of pregnancy, labor, birth and nursing.
But most of all, take the time to savor the anticipation of the arrival of a litter of cute, fluffy newborn kittens!
About the Author
Are you ready for the birth of your new kittens? Learn everything you need to know about how to deliver kittens and subscribe to Jane Tompsett's free Cat Owners Confidential newsletter by following these links.
This has to be the number one question owners ask. After all, you need to know how long it's going to be before you need to start panicking!
Have you any idea at all? Has your cat been pregnant before and previously given birth to kittens?
One thing is definite though, knowing the length of a cat's pregnancy from beginning to end will be of no use at all unless you are certain of the date of conception.
As a rule, your cat keeps that information a secret!
Just when you think that your life is running smoothly, your pet cat comes home with more than she went out with.....
So you thought that all that loving behavior and cute rolling around she's been doing lately was just for your benefit? She's been coming into season and was practising her seduction technique for every Tom, Dick or fur-covered Harry that will pass her way.
And now, quite suddenly, you have this niggling feeling that you are going to be a grandparent to a litter of kittens and have no idea just how soon they might be arriving.
So, just how long will it be before you can gaze on your tiny new kittens?
The avarage length of feline pregnancy is 63-65 days - around nine weeks - but kittens may be born as early as 58 days or as late as 70 days gestation.
But as you will be your cat's midwife-in-chief, you will only be able to make an educated guess at the most likely delivery date unless you witnessed your promiscuous puss-cat in action with the local tom cats.
It's more likely that you won't have any idea that your lovely, pregnant cat is 'with kittens' until she is 5 or 6 weeks into her pregnancy and starts to show certain signs.
By the time you begin to recognise the physical changes in your cat she will already be over halfway through her pregnancy.
You may just notice - if you are very observant - that your cat's nipples are beginning to look significantly pinker. Her milk glands begin to prepare for full-scale milk delivery around week 3 of pregnancy.
About this time, you may also notice that your cat loses interest in her food. Could it be feline morning sickness perhaps?
However, just about every cat gets picky about their lovingly prepared food from time to time, so pregnancy is likely to be the last things that enters your mind as you dispose of yet another uneaten meal.
It is very unlikely that you will understand the significance of these subtle changes in your cat unless you have had previous experience of feline pregnancy.
It will not be until there are only 21-28 days to go before the birth that you will become sure that your lovely cat is pregnant.
Of course, as a loving and responsible cat owner, you will feel that it is your duty to make sure that you are fully prepared to help your cat give birth safely and calmly. It is up to you to arm yourself with the knowledge you will need to care for your newborn kittens and their mother to the best of your ability by finding a comprehensive ebook that will easily guide you through all the stages of pregnancy, labor, birth and nursing.
But most of all, take the time to savor the anticipation of the arrival of a litter of cute, fluffy newborn kittens!
About the Author
Are you ready for the birth of your new kittens? Learn everything you need to know about how to deliver kittens and subscribe to Jane Tompsett's free Cat Owners Confidential newsletter by following these links.