Does Your Cat Need Veterinary Care? The Clue is in its Eyes.

It is said that cats are good at concealing their illnesses and/or discomfort, so it makes perfect sense why they visit the vet less frequently than dogs. This also makes it more difficult for owners to know if there is anything wrong with them in the first place. Sure, there are some behavioral signals, such as lethargy and a loss of appetite, but these are easily overlooked if you aren't fully in tune with your cats overall personality (there's no shame in this, by the way. Especially if you have a rescue cat, it may take more time to really get to know it as s/he gets to know and trust you). 

In addition, these "behavioral changes" can be quite subjective, even for those who are fully aware of their cat's typical behavior. Say you have a profoundly lazy cat; lethargy could be overlooked as normal. If your cat doesn't have a big appetite to begin with, it wouldn't be too surprising that if you only filled their food bowl a few times a week. A "decrease in appetite" could also indicate that your cat does not like his/her food (if you bought something different). 

As a cat owner, I understand the desire to ensure that your cat is not only happy, but healthy. You can research "subtle signs your cat is sick," all you want, but as I said before, some of these signs are subjective and dependent on your cat or circumstances. For instance, I read that bad breath is a sign, but that can also be a result of the food you're feeding your cat! To add a side story, I experienced this sign just recently when I accidentally bought Kitty salmon-based food as opposed to chicken-based. It made her breath very stinky to say the least! I'm pretty sure that I also vowed to never buy her that food again!

Upon my research, however, I learned that there is a telling sign that it may be time to take kitty to the vet, and it doesn't have everything to do with behavioral changes. This sign, while still subtle, is in their eyes. 

Cats (as well as other animals) have what is called "a third eyelid," or scientifically named, "the nictitating membrane." When visible, it is whitish in color and located in the corner of your cat's eye. Its purpose is to provide an extra layer of protection for when danger is anticipated, or when an injury to the eye has occurred. 

To determine an eye injury, you will notice that this nictitating membrane is more-so visible in one eye. If your cat does have an eye injury, it is important that you don't "let it go," in hopes that it will heal itself, either. Eye injuries are not only extremely painful to cats, but they can quickly escalate into a more serious problem.

When the nictitating membrane is visible in both eyes, however, this can indicate an internal infection or disease. These infections include, but are not limited to: Haw Syndrome, tape worms, or even cancer! I will not go into detail about each illness, but I imagine these are not only serious, but can be fatal if not treated!

Of course, the third eyelid can also be a sign of a sleepy or sedated cat. If the problem persists, it couldn't hurt to bring your cat to the veterinarian. Even if you've had the evaluation say that there isn't anything wrong, that peace of mind will still be there. If god forbid, there is something wrong, at least it will be caught early enough to where the problem can be resolved.

The Importance of Puppy Training

In honor of National Dog Day, I'm going to dedicate this post to our pups, and how we can effectively train them. Training is important because it establishes communication, and more importantly, a social hierarchy in your household. Remember that dogs are pack animals, and you need to establish your role as the "pack leader." You need your dog to respect you, and a dog who is disobedient does not. 

Luckily, with proper instruction, puppies are rather quick to learn. With that being said, puppies are quite impressionable, so its first days at home are especially critical, because they set the precedent for how your puppy will behave in its adult years. 

When you first bring your new puppy home, it's easy to get swept away in your emotions, and break any pre-established rules and boundaries. This is exactly what happened to me when I attempted to train Rusty. I let him get away with bad behavior, because I was swept up in the excitement of a new puppy, and I allowed his cuteness factor to cloud my better judgement.

What I learned from that experience, however, is that puppies need guidance from day one. If you decide you want your dog crate trained, but allow him to sleep in your bed "just that one night" (I put that in quotes, because I think we all know how well that doesn't work), he wont understand why he's suddenly in his crate on night two (or three or four, depending on how often you let him get away with the former). If you allow your puppy to jump on you, it will be very hard to retrain him not to do so when he's bigger and it's not so cute anymore. Allowing bad behavior and later changing the rules will only leave your puppy feeling confused. 


Remember that dogs are animals, and they will behave as such. Without training, they will do what is inherently natural to them. They will chew on your furniture. They will soil your house and ruin your carpet. They will dig up your yard and destroy your beautiful garden. They will even exhibit aggressive behavior to you, your guests and strangers, and even other dogs. While these are normal dog traits, they are less than desirable, and they need to be treated as such. 

But remember, training is an ongoing process; your job is not complete just because you've trained your puppy at an early age. You've simply built the foundation for good behavior. As your puppy grows into adulthood, its behavior will continue to change, and new problems will develop. These new problems will need to be corrected. 

Will Another Cat Help With a Needy Cat?

So recently, I've noticed a shift in my cat's behavior. She's always been affectionate towards me, but lately, she's been teetering on the edge of a "stage 5 clinger." Her always wanting to be in the same room as me is normal for her, but now being on the chair next to the couch is no longer good enough. She insists on always being in my lap, or on the armrest of the couch. This isn't really a big deal, in fact, I've always found it to be quite endearing. 

What made me start to question this new behavior is when I noticed that she would also follow me around everywhere. It didn't matter if I was going to the kitchen or the bathroom, she would be at my side. 

When I bring out my laptop to do some work or play around on the internet, she decides she needs to meow at me and sit on/near my computer, impeding my ability to do anything on it. 

I started to wonder if she was like this because she was trying to tell me that her food and water bowl is empty, or that she wanted her litter box changed. When I went to check these things, however, they didn't seem to be an issue. She had plenty of food and water, and her litter box was clean.

I then started to think of anything in her environment that may have changed and stressed her out. I haven't moved into a new apartment, I haven't introduced any new people into the home, and I haven't moved any furniture. Sure, the apartment may get cluttered every now and then, but for the most part, I keep it pretty clean. 

As I type this, I feel as though it sounds like I'm complaining that my cat wants attention. I'm not being a jerk, and I really do love how loving she is. I'm just wondering what may be causing this sudden change in behavior. Maybe this is just part of her personality, and she is showing it more because she is comfortable with her surroundings and fully trusts me (she is a rescue cat). Maybe she's lonely during the day when I'm at work, so she feels the need to cling on to me when I get home. 

One of my first thoughts is that since my cat is a rescue cat, she's not used to being a single kitty. She's used to constantly being around other cats, so maybe she gets bored and lonely during the day. I've actually thought about getting another cat, but held off because she seemed to do fine as a single cat. I've also been afraid of what her reaction may be with the new addition to her environment. Would she be welcoming, indifferent, or hostile? 

I've done my research, and from what I've read, there's no way to predict how the current resident cat will react. I'm not sure how comfortable I feel with this "trial and error" approach. I would hate to bring in a new cat, only to have to take it back to the rescue again if Kitty will not have it. That's not fair to either my cat or the new cat. 

Cats do have a reputation for being more independent and self sufficient. Maybe a second cat will not do her any good because her neediness is just a sign of boredom, and not necessarily loneliness. Maybe I need to make her environment more stimulating. While she has free roaming capabilities throughout my apartment, maybe she needs more stimulating toys such as tunnels or cat trees (even though I bought her a tall cat condo, she much prefers the top of the refrigerator). 

All in all, adopting a second cat is a big decision to make, and I don't want to make a hasty decision. While I don't have any qualms about getting an additional cat, I only want to do so if it is the best decision I can make for my current cat. I want to make sure that she is happy and healthy. If she would benefit from having a feline companion, I am happy to oblige. :) 

Think That Bunnies are Low Maintenance Pets? Think Again...

When I was growing up, I've always toyed around with the idea of someday getting a bunny. Of course, I made this decision simply due to the fact that they're cute; I had no idea how much maintenance they would be, until I conducted more research. Sadly, I feel as though this is a relatively common phenomenon, and partly due to the whole "Easter Bunny Phenomenon." 

The Easter Bunny Phenomenon occurs when families think that it would be a cute idea to get their child a pet rabbit for the Easter holiday. In theory, I can see how this would be a good idea, but I cannot recommend its practice unless the family is well aware of just how much work rabbits actually take, and if they would still be willing to care for the bunny after the Easter novelty wears off. Sadly, many families are unaware, and as a result, too many bunnies end up being surrendered to shelters and local parks shortly after the holiday. 

I realize that it may be too soon to be discussing Easter-related topics, but this post is mainly to serve as a warning to anybody who wants to get a "low maintenance pet" and believes that a rabbit would fit the bill. However, I am in no way trying to deter anyone from getting one, but with any pet, be it a dog, cat, bird, fish, etc., I believe that research must be done to determine if that animal truly fits one's lifestyle. 

So here are some things to consider before sharing your home with a rabbit: 

Although rabbits do not need to be taken outside for walks or potty breaks, they cannot be left alone in a cage all day. Like a dog or a cat, rabbits require frequent exercise and human interaction. It is recommended that they spend at least 30 hours a week roaming and running around outside of their cage. 

Their cage needs to be at least six times the rabbits' size; it should be large enough to fit its litterbox, toys, and food/water bowls. Additionally, rabbits are particularly picky when it comes to their food. Basic rabbit pellets do not suffice as a nutritious diet; they also require fresh produce and hay. With the start up and annual costs associated with rabbits, they are not particularly cheap to maintain.

In addition to the start up and annual costs, veterinary care for rabbits tends to be more expensive, due to their "exotic" classification. And because they are classified as exotic pets, a veterinarian who specializes in rabbits is needed. These veterinarians tend to be hard to find, so it is advisable to make sure that there is one in your area before purchasing a rabbit. And although they do not need yearly vaccinations like a dog or a cat would, yearly checkups are recommended to make sure that your rabbit is healthy. Because rabbits are prey animals, they do not show signs of illness and discomfort until it is too late. 

Rabbits also need extensive grooming maintenance. In order to make sure that they do not ingest too much hair when grooming themselves, they need to be brushed weekly. Their nails need to be clipped every 6-8 weeks to ensure that they do not get caught in various materials, or even ripped out. They also require that their teeth be constantly checked by a veterinarian, to make sure they they are not overgrown. 

In addition, households with small children should proceed with caution when it comes to purchasing a rabbit. Not to say that children shouldn't be allowed to have one, but it should be made clear that rabbits are very fragile creatures and will "break" when dropped. In addition, loud noises and sudden movements tend to scare rabbits, which could cause their heart to stop. Parents should be willing to supervise their small children with all rabbit interactions. 

Again, the point of this post is not to deter anybody from getting a rabbit. If your lifestyle can handle the care that rabbits need, they can make great pets. 

Why Wouldn't Anyone Love a Pomeranian?

Why wouldn't anybody love a Pomeranian? 

I mean, look at that face! That is a genuine smile, right there. It is contagious, and you just can't help but smile right back!

They are very social animals. 

Just look at how they will try to make nice with the cat...

They also make excellent travel buddies... 

And although their favorite vacation activity is to be on a boat...

They will gladly join you as a tacky tourist as well! 

But don't feel bad... he enjoys the attention. 

Their ability to rock any hair color is enough to make your girlfriend jealous...

...and be a true master of disguise.

But they will out-diva you if you're not careful.

Just know that they are more than just a pretty face..

They are quite intelligent, too!

All in all you just can't deny... 

Their sunny disposition will always be enough to cheer you up!

Your Pet is Not a Piece of Trash; Please Do Not Throw it Away

Earlier today, I heard a very heartbreaking story about the almost daily occurrence of people who choose to dump their pets at the veterinarian office, without a care in the world of what happens to it. First of all, a veterinarian's office is a place to take your animal for treatment. Yes, veterinarians love animals, but their office is essentially a doctors office for your pets. They are not a sanctuary, they are not an animal rescue or shelter, and they certainly aren't the equivalence of a pound. 

I'll take a moment to give people the benefit of the doubt. Life happens, and sometimes you are no longer able to care for your pet. In theory, a veterinarian's office is better than the side of a highway, right? Not exactly. Of course the veterinarians are going to try and find it a good home. Where the problem lies is that they do not always have the resources to take on unwanted pets, and quite frankly, there are many suitable rescues and shelters available to choose from.

I also understand that although you may be financially able to take care of the basic expenses such as food, water, annual shots, etc., expensive vet treatment can happen when your animal gets sick or needs an operation. But is simply dumping your animal at the vet's office (without the intention of bringing it back home) really the necessary route to take? If it's simply an issue of not having the necessary cash on hand, that does not mean all hope is lost. You can pay by credit card, a credit program offered by your vet, or even our foundation, if your veterinarian is a sponsor. Wouldn't you feel so much better if you could treat your pet, and let it come back home to its family (you)?

Of course, there are those people who simply don't want their pets anymore. To that, I'll say this: your pet's life is not worthless just because you no longer want or have a need for it. There are many people looking to own a pet, and there are also many people who choose to strictly adopt from a shelter or rescue. Many shelter/rescue advocates even encourage others to follow suit, as opposed to buying from a breeder or a pet store. Point being, where there is an animal in need of a home, there is somebody out there looking to adopt it. 

In addition to going to a rescue/shelter, you can use the power of the internet. There are countless ads on Craigslist dedicated to animals in need of a good home. You can even make a post on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It doesn't take a whole lot of work to snap a picture from your phone, and write a quick ad. The ad doesn't even need to be anything fancy! A simple "Dog in need of a good home" and a valid phone number should suffice. Of course, if there are any issues (the animal doesn't like other animals/children, the animal isn't vaccinated, the animal isn't neutered/spayed), you should disclose them, but it's not like it takes a lifetime to do. 

If the internet isn't an option, why not use the old fashioned "word of mouth" method? Call up a few of your friends and family members. If they can't help, encourage them to let their friends and family know. I'm sure there's got to be someone in your social circle, or even there's, that would be willing and able to take little Sparky off your hands. 

All in all, with the many options that are available to you, there is certainly no excuse to just throw your pet away. So, please, don't do it. :(

Why We Love Miniature Schnauzers

Yesterday's post was dedicated to the greatness of cats, and why everyone should love them as much as me. However, I am going to switch gears and focus on dogs for a moment. Dogs undoubtedly make great pets; they are loyal, loving, and just plain goofballs. They are also the third most commonly owned pet, according to a simple google search ("most popular pets"). With so many dog breeds to choose from, deciding on which one to bring home is not exactly the easiest thing in the world to do. 

That's why with today's post, I am going to focus on the Miniature Schnauzer, starring my brother's little buddy, Theo. What attracted my brother to this particular breed was its overall friendliness and high energy spirit. Miniature Schnauzers are willing to play, unlike the other family dog, Bandit (who is also a great dog, but his disposition is more laid back). 

The great thing about Miniature Schnauzers is that they also get along with other dogs. Theo not only gets along with Bandit (a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen), but the two dogs obviously love each other whether they are napping or playing outside!

So, in a nutshell, here is what you need to consider before choosing this breed. 

Basic Facts:

• This dog's small size also makes it a good dog for apartment dwellers. But don't let the name, "miniature" fool you! This dog is not a toy breed. Fully grown, the Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11-18 pounds.
• Miniature Schnauzers come in a variety of color combinations, including black and silver, solid black, or "salt and pepper."
• The average life span of this breed is roughly 12-14 years.
• The Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier group.

Added Perks About the Breed:

• The Miniature Schnauzer is very intelligent, making training an easier task.  
• If a social dog is what you are looking for, the Miniature Schnauzer fits the bill. They are extroverted dogs that love to be around people. 
• These dogs adapt well to climate. Good news for fellow Arizonans! 

Things You Need to Know About the Breed:

• Without proper training, these dogs can be stubborn and demanding.
• These dogs are the complete opposite of a couch potato. They need frequent exercise, or you may come home to a torn up couch due to a bored and mischievous dog.

10 Reasons to Love Cats!

Of course, all animals are great, but that doesn't mean that every animal is best suited for you. For me, I love both cats and dogs, but I knew that for my lifestyle, a spunky little Pomeranian would get bored in my little 700 sq. foot apartment. I looked into getting a cat, and while there are cat fanatics out there (I believe we call them crazy cat ladies, but hey, there's no shame in that!), they do have an odd reputation for being uncaring and aloof. 

However, I put those unfavorable rumors aside and went to a nearby cat rescue with the idea that maybe I'd bring a cat home. Well, needless to say, I fell in love with a cat who I re-named Kitty. As a side note, I understand that "Kitty" isn't the most creative name in the world, but that's just the name she seemed to respond to; I like to think that she's the one who chose the new name. ;)

So for our second blog post, I wanted to dispel the rumors "that once you get a cat, you become that cat's slave." So without further ado, I introduce the top ten reasons why I believe that cats make greatest pets!  

1. Cats Love a Good Challenge

Kitty is well aware that her water bowl is only a few feet away, but she had a point to make here. She wanted to prove that although she looks silly trying to drink my water from the small pink cup, she can succeed in doing the difficult task at hand.  

2. Cats Are Fearless; No Amount of Danger is Too Great!

When I see a scorpion, my natural instinct is to freak out and put a glass over it. For Kitty, however, she laughs at the face of danger! Just look at how she's ready to pounce! See? Like dogs, cats have protective instincts, too.

3. Cats Love to Cuddle

One of the biggest misconceptions about cats is that they don't really like their humans. Dogs get all of the credit for being the cuddly and affectionate pet, but I believe this picture here just proves otherwise. 

4. Cats Love Kisses!

Cats are very affectionate, and like dogs, they give you kisses to show their love. The greatest thing about kitty kisses is that they don't leave your face feeling slobbery and gross.

5. Cats Miss You When You Leave

 Some naysayers may say that Kitty is just looking outside or plotting her escape. But let me tell you this: she wasn't looking out the window before I went for a walk that day! She went to the window after I left. It's obvious that she was waiting for me to come back. 

6. Cats Will Greet You at the Door

This goes hand-in-hand with Number 5, but it just further proves that cats really do miss you when you're gone. On this separate occasion, as soon Kitty heard me coming through the door, she decided to come say hello!

7. Cats Love to Play!

Another misconception is that cats just want to lounge around all day, and only get up when they want to eat. Although a game of fetch isn't their favorite thing in the world, they do enjoy a good feather on a string.

8. Cats Can Be Lazy Too, But That's Okay!

One of the great things about cats is that they don't need to be high-strung balls of energy all the time. It's very calming when you aren't trying to keep up with your pet (dog) running around and acting crazy at every chance it gets. This equals to lower stress, which equals to lower blood pressure. Who would have thought that cats may actually improve your health, too?

9. Cats Are Curious Creatures

I'm not sure what Kitty saw on the floor or on the couch, but she is destined to find out! It may or may not have any direct benefit to humans, but it sure is amusing nonetheless!

10. Cats Are Hyper-Alert

I know that dogs get credit for being guardians, or "watch dogs." When they sense something out of the ordinary, their go-to approach is to bark and let their human know. But don't discount the cat's alertness just yet! Cats are sensory creatures as well, and will heed warning when needed. 

So there you have it! But keep in mind that these are only ten good things about cats, and this is not a complete and exhaustive list, by any means. So for everybody else who has something to add to this list, I encourage you to do so in the "comments" section! :)

** DISCLAIMER: Although this post was framed as a "cats vs. dogs" comparison, please note that I still have a lot of love for dogs as well. Stay tuned for a "10 Reasons to Love Dogs!" post in the future. :) **

Dogs: Man's Best Friend

It is an undeniable fact that pets become an integral part of our families. No matter what animal we have chosen to bring into our lives, the anticipation of bringing it home is a feeling that I'm sure we can all relate. I remember when I was in the 8th grade, I was so excited when my parents informed me that we were getting another dog; a Welsh Springer Spaniel who I later decided to call, Rusty. 

My parents contacted a breeder, and after meeting the puppies, I could hardly contain my excitement of when Rusty would be old enough to bring home. Although I had a dog before, Rusty was the first dog that I took true ownership of. That summer, I taught him various tricks including how to sit, "give me paw," and roll over. After completing all three tricks, he would be rewarded a treat. What's funny is that this eventually became his repertoire that he would perform every time someone in my family would offer him a treat! 

Sure, Rusty had some annoying habits, like incessantly barking at our guests... and okay, he did have some "OCD tendencies" such as licking the sliding glass door or the tile floor. Nonetheless, Rusty was my buddy who I would carry around on a little pillow until he was too big to do so. I even formed "Club Rusty" in his honor. 

Sadly, Rusty got old and developed what we believe was a doggy form of dementia, and his condition could not be reversed. After letting go of Rusty, my parents swore up and down that there will be "no more dogs." It didn't matter how many times I've tried to convince them that we need to get a Pomeranian (pre-named, Louis), their stance was still the same. 

However, just recently, my brother was excited to get a little buddy of his own: a Miniature Schnauzer named Theo! His excitement of bringing him home was just as big as mine, and he loves that dog as much as I loved Rusty! 

If you have any pet stories that you would like to share, please tell us about them in the "comments" section. :)