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There is an age old stereotype of cats being labeled as “divas”. Why? Most of it stems from the fact that they stay indoors, whereas dogs are let outside for daily walks making them seem more approachable, playful and loving. So, why not let cats outside?

To start off, cats and dogs are different in the ways they interact with the outside world. Both dogs and cats like to run around, play and stay busy with things that amuse or interest them. The difference is when you tell them not to do something or call them back; dogs will listen - cats will not. There’s a reason a dog is called a “man’s best friend”, and it wasn’t to take a stab at cats, even though dog lovers like to think otherwise. It was because dogs have a deeper level of attachment to their owners; it is just something that is inherent in them. It is not in a cat’s nature to be obedient, as it is a very independent animal.

Since putting a leash on them (although they should always have a collar/identification tag) to let them out for walks around the neighborhood is out of the question. If they choose to explore, there’s not much you can do to stop them and the only time they’ll choose to come back is most likely when they get hungry or tired. With that being kept in mind, it is costly for something as simple as to be able to allow them to roam. Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments are necessary in order to ensure they do not catch something because they are likely to explore and end up somewhere unclean.

Another factor that should play a big role in your decision is whether your female cat has been spayed. The chances of it ending up pregnant are unfortunately very high, especially if there are a lot of strays in the neighborhood. Furthermore, a cat’s life expectancy is shortened to three years when it is allowed to roam, versus the twelve years of life it enjoys indoors because, unfortunately, the chances of a cat surviving being hit by a car are very slim.

This problem is non-existent if your cat has spent most of its life indoors because it is probably terrified of the outdoors. It really comes down to the cat’s choice of whether it wants to go outside. Many have escaped outside as an act of rebellion, only to rush back realizing the error of their decision.

Talk with your vet about the pros and cons of letting your cat outdoors and the steps needed to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

 

Often times, people believe that the only way to create a good bond with their dog is to start when they are puppies, but this is not necessarily true. You still have the ability to create a strong relationship with a dog that you adopt at an older age. It’s hard work to build relationships, but in the end, it’s a labor of love.

Bonding occurs when you and your dog focus on each other, so it is crucial that you take time out of every day to spend with your dog. Do you have more than one dog? Take each one on an individual outing to build a relationship with each one. If you always take them all out together, you are missing out on important bonding opportunities!

People who seem to be reliable to the dogs wind up receiving complete trust in return, an important factor in the bonding process. This means taking them out frequently so that they can avoid an accident, being fed regularly, and not leaving them in a crate for extended periods of time. Think about it, don’t you get along better with those who you can rely on?

There are a few errors that people make when attempting to bond with their pup:

1. It may sound odd, but some people trick their dog into doing something wrong, and then punish the dog to teach them what not to do. Practice success, not failure! Dogs learn better through praise and reward, making them confident and teaching good habits. Your praise is valued by your furry friend, take advantage of that!

2. Extending a correction to something a dog has done wrong can really distress your dog and affects their ability to learn. Corrections to issues should be quick and over before the dog can even get upset, ending with the dog doing the correct thing and then being praised and rewarded for it.

3. Nothing is gained by punishments that inflict pain or fear. In fact, it only makes things worse! By doing this, your dog loses trust in you and confidence in himself/herself.

Here are a few things that you should regularly include in your dog’s schedule to create a healthy bond between you two:

1. Take your dog on outings- just the two of you. This is a great time to work on training and socializing!

2. Train your dog daily for several months. The best types of simple training to create a bond are teaching him/her to stay, retrieving, come-when-called, eye contact, and walking on a loose leash.

3. It is impossible to overstate the benefits of grooming your dog daily. This gets your dog used to human handling and, in particular, your touch.

It is great for you and your dog to create a bond with each other. By doing this, you are making him/her a part of your family, leaving everyone feeling happy!

 

It’s bad news if your cat is feeling stressed. Why you ask? Stress is a key factor in health issues that develop in cats which can lead to litter box mishaps. To keep your cat healthy and your home nice and clean, look out for and try to avoid these stressors your cat could be experiencing:

1. You have many cats, and not enough litter boxes! This is going to lead to tension and aggression among your felines, especially if one cat in particular is hogging the restroom and the other cats have nowhere else to turn. Also, be sure the boxes are in quiet, private areas of the home and are kept clean. They need to be easy to reach, especially for those cats that are a tad older and have a harder time getting around. Your best option: at least one box per cat to avoid prospective issues from having to share.

2. Cats don’t appreciate change! Consistency in food, dish location, and feeding schedules are a must! Seclusion is a key factor as well; cats prefer to eat in private---this means they want their own bowl, full of clean, fresh water that hasn’t been touched by another cat. You may even want to consider getting a pet water fountain for a constant supply of recirculated, filtered water. Yeah, cats are picky that way.

3. Bored cats are stressed cats. Let them outdoors, they love it out there! Just be sure they are fenced in to keep them safely in your yard. Your home can be fun to them too, though; cat towers are incredibly helpful here, giving them something vertical to climb on. They also love to hide in spots and explore, so give them that opportunity! Don’t skip out on play time, either. Cats love toys and even a few greens and catnip for them to chew and roll around on would be a great addition to your home.

4. Try to keep the noise level to a minimum in your home. Loud TVs and family members aren’t the most pleasurable thing for a cat---they like to have quiet time and prefer to stay away from all the racket.

5. A massage for your kitty! This could be beneficial for the both of you! Research has shown that petting your cat lowers your stress levels as well as your cats.

Reducing the amount of stress in your cat’s life can ultimately reduce the amount of stress in your own life. So, not only are you keeping your cat happy and healthy, but you are benefiting yourself as well!

       

If football isn’t your favorite way to spend a Sunday, the Puppy Bowl was made for you. Change the channel from the Super Bowl and turn to Animal Planet’s Annual Puppy Bowl.  The cuteness is on overload with this event. Puppies all come to the arena to fight for the Puppy Bowl statue. This is the 7^th season that Animal Planet will be hosting this event, and there are quite a few additions this year! (1)

   Watch these puppies fight for the last bone as they chase each other’s tails in hopes of that sweet victory and drink from that golden water bowl. These adorable puppies are all from shelters. This is the perfect event to watch with your whole family. Tune in to Animal Planet on February 5, 2012 for all the puppy excitement. 

1-   1-  http://animal.discovery.com/tv/puppy-bowl/about.html

2- http://animal.discovery.com/tv/puppy-bowl/

3- http://animal.discovery.com/tv/puppy-bowl/pictures/puppy-bowl-pictures-04.html

 

 Cat's are easily bored. With that said, they are also easily entertained! Take a look at your home from a cat's point of view. Do you see the potential for adventure? Here are some things you could do to make your home an exciting get away for your restless feline.

• It’s no secret that cats love to pounce and climb on everything, so give them something to work with! Cat trees are a perfect addition to your home to keep your cat entertained!
• Every cat needs to have toys around! Indulge your cat with some trinkets to attack and throw around, they will be eternally grateful! Invest in a laser pointer for your feisty feline; it’s a sure fire way for your cat to avoid boredom.
• Offer some visual stimulation for your cat. Open up the curtains and let your cat check out whatever is going on outdoors! Mix it up and put a birdbath outside to give them some entertainment.  Even the television can amuse your cat; there are companies that make DVDs for cats that show feline-friendly images and sounds of birds and rodents.
• Cats are partial to gnawing on plants, so providing some vegetation for your little friend to munch on would be much appreciated. For a list of safe plants and toxic plants, click here: http://www.catscans.com/plants.htm
• Face time is essential when it comes to keeping your cat happy and amused! Playing, grooming, petting, and just hanging out---anything, really. Your cat adores you and just wants to spend some time with you!

Keeping your cat indoors is probably the best way to ensure that they are out of harm's way. Spruce up your home's surroundings, and your cat will be incredibly appreciative of your efforts to make them comfortable, happy, and entertained.

As much as we love our domesticated pets, sometimes we need to go a little wild. Living in South Florida is full of opportunities to fill those wild adventure needs. All it takes is a short trip in the car and you are on your way to a day filled with tigers, snakes, and new exotic animals you’ve never seen before.

Miami Metro Zoo: This spacious zoo has just about every creature imaginable, from the endangered to the dangerous. Exhibits include King of the Jungle, Wings of Asia Aviary, the Hippo, the Electric Eel, even the Indian and Black Rhinos. In one day you’ll be able to visit the jungle and venture under the sea. There is something for every member of the family. Go online and check out their interactive zoo map.

Palm Beach Zoo: Looking for something a low key, family friendly, and close by? If you live in West Palm Beach or surrounding areas, then the Palm Beach Zoo is your best bet. A zoo that started from humble beginnings has made vast improvements in the past couple of years and is ready to entertain any group for hours. Check out the Florida Panther, a gorgeous tiger family, and cool off in the playful fountain. Another great aspect of the Palm Beach Zoo includes their conservation efforts. Check out their website for more information on the behind the senses happenings at the zoo and how you can offer help. 

Animal Kingdom: Ok, Disney World may not be in our city, however it is worth the trip. Within Animal Kingdom’s grounds live animals from Asia, Africa, the prehistoric era, and everywhere in between. Take a safari across the African plains or take a trip back to the time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. No imagination is too big or small at Animal Kingdom.

All of these destinations provide an amazing lesson on the importance of each and every animal on this planet. Take a trip to the wild side and see for yourself all the wonders within the animal kingdom.  

I know the feeling. You are staring at your television screen trying to find something that looks remotely interesting, aside from another episode of Law and Order. Well grab your dog or cat, hit the couch, and turn on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, or the award-winning documentary, “Life”, which is not only educational, but entertaining as well.

Animal Planet: Ever wonder why cats get stuck in trees, or why your dog pants in the heat?  Then Cats 101 and Dogs 101 are shows you may want to set your DVR or Tivo to record. Not only are the shows full of interesting facts about various breeds, but it also features tons of adorable puppy and kitten faces. 

Discovery Channel: This show may not be starring your favorite fluffy pets, but Deadliest Catch is chock-full of sea life and the extreme conditions that Alaskan King Crab fishermen endure. The adventurous seafaring pirate in all of us will be enamored, and maybe your water-loving dog will be too.

Life: This documentary series originated on BBC and has since been aired in the United States. The series delves into different aspects of our world’s animals that allow them to survive in their unique environments. Everything from reptiles to primates are examined and filmed in a fashion never before seen. The production team went through intense filming sessions to create this breathtaking new look at the living things that share our planet.

Next time you scan through the endless channels, don’t stop on the celebrity gossip. Instead, stop for a moment on Animal Planet or Discovery Channel. You never know what interesting things you may learn about our planet’s fascinating inhabitants.