If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a cat, you know it’s only because your cat has approved of the conditions. It’s not that they aren’t as loyal or affectionate as their canine counterparts, but domesticated cats are still, at their very core, quite wild. Humans have lived with dogs for 30 millennia; cats for only a third of that time. If they are nearly physically and genetically identical to their wild cousins, how is it that domesticated cats have successfully found their way into human communities? Mutually BeneficialThe domesticated cats that people adopt today evolved from the North African/Southwest Asian wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica. After studying ancient feline DNA, experts concluded that domestication began in the Fertile Crescent and then picked up speed in ancient Egypt. Human and cat remains were discovered together in Cypress, dating back almost 10,000 years. While their ancestors may have been attracted to ancient human settlements in order to hunt rodents, they stuck around for many other reasons. Friendship, security, warmth, and curiosity all helped to establish and form the most enduring human-animal bond. Personality TraitsThe genetic differences between wild and domesticated cats influence their personality traits. Wild cats are aggressive hunters and highly territorial. Domesticated cats have evolved to form memories. They learn through rewards and, in turn, tolerate and even welcome human interaction. They also live among other animals, like dogs, something that wild cats would never stand for. The Few DifferencesDespite their significant intelligence, domesticated cats actually have smaller brains than wild cats. They also have vertical slit pupils, whereas wild cats have round pupils to accommodate their diurnal hunting lifestyles. Lastly, large wild cats cannot purr like domesticated felines. Their specialized anatomy allows them to roar instead. Many SimilaritiesDomesticated cats are still evolving, just like us. They share about 95% of their DNA with tigers, so it’s unsurprising that they have a great deal in common, such as:
Respecting Domesticated CatsRegardless of where you sit on the cat-adoration spectrum, you have to hand it to them. They are one of the only species to have domesticated themselves. Considering how many cat species survive in the wild, that’s no small feat! The post Roar Versus Meow: The Many Differences Between Wild and Domesticated Cats appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care. Roar Versus Meow: The Many Differences Between Wild and Domesticated Cats published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Roar Versus Meow: The Many Differences Between Wild and Domesticated Cats
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The leash is the quintessential must-have for dog owners and their Fido friends. They facilitate training, walks, and all the fun, while still allowing all involved a sense of security while you’re out in the world. But not all leashes are created equal. Some leashes are not the appropriate size for certain dogs and their activities. If you are asking yourself, “which leash should I choose,” you’re in luck! The team at Godspeed Animal Care is here to help you choose the right one. Before You ShopImportant questions to ask yourself about your dog and what they need in a leash include:
Be aware that different leashes are better suitable for different temperaments, sizes, and activities. You may decide on more than one, if you and your dog participate in a variety of outdoor activities together. Types of LeashesNow that you understand more about what your dog needs and what you like best, here are a few of the options available:
Which Leash Should I Choose for My Dog?There are so many options in leashes available to dog owners, so it really depends on the specific needs of your best fur friend. We are always here for you if you would like recommendations. Simply give us a call! Happy walking! The post Which Leash Should I Choose for My Dog? appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care. Which Leash Should I Choose for My Dog? published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Which Leash Should I Choose for My Dog? We are all too familiar with the pleading look that many pets give their owner that says “feed me, feed me, feed me!” Pets will beg, whine, meow, howl, roll over, scratch or find other creative ways to get you to give in. While it may be fun to reward your pet with a tasty treat, there are delicious DIY pet treat alternatives to mainstream treats that can contribute to unhealthy habits and obesity. Tasty MorselsCertainly, a part of proper pet nutrition can include treats, provided they round out meals instead of adding calories your pet may not need. When you make your own treats you can assure that they will be natural and possibly organic, well-balanced, fresh and individualized to your pet’s tastes and needs. Doggone Delicious DIY Pet TreatsIf you are a dog owner you probably know very well that pups love peanut butter. Try making a batch of peanut butter treats using this recipe:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Mix together the flour and baking powder in a big bowl. 3. In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and hot water or skim milk until smooth. Slowly add the dry mixture and mix well. Add a little more water or milk if the dough is too dry, or flour if it’s too wet. 4. Place onto your counter and roll to 1/4″ thickness. 5. Cut with a cookie cutter and place on a cookie sheet. 6. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Let cool and serve to your delighted dog. Also popular for dogs are recipes using pumpkin. If your pup needs additional fiber in her diet try this recipe for pumpkin balls:
Fabulous Feline FareIf you are a cat owner any DIY treats involving fish, chicken, liver or cheese will probably go over well. Of course you may end up going through a few recipes to find the purrr-fect one but a good start may include these sardine treats:
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Shape into balls of desired size or simply spoon into cat’s dish and serve. These treats may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and may also be frozen. Healthy Treats, Healthy PetsA well-balanced treat will have exactly what your pet needs to stay healthy, trim and happy and providing your own is a great opportunity to show your love and admiration to your cat or dog. The post Healthy DIY Pet Treats appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care. Healthy DIY Pet Treats published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Healthy DIY Pet Treats ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — When most consumers think about natural, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced products in the pet market, pet food is often the first category that comes to mind. However, many pet owners look for these same features in all the products they purchase for their pets, including durable pet products, […] The post Natural and Eco-Friendly Pet Care Products are Popular with Pet Parents appeared first on All Natural Pet Care. Natural and Eco-Friendly Pet Care Products are Popular with Pet Parents published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Natural and Eco-Friendly Pet Care Products are Popular with Pet Parents Your dog is your best friend, and it goes without saying that they love everything about you. Well, almost everything. As close as we may feel to our canine companions, dogs and people are separate species with different ways of communicating, and even the sweetest or most laid-back dogs can strongly dislike some of the things humans do. In order to make your life with your furry pal as harmonious as possible, make sure you aren’t on the wrong side of our list of 10 things dogs hate! 10 Things Dogs Hate
The post 10 Things Dogs Hate (And What You Can Do About It!) appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care. 10 Things Dogs Hate (And What You Can Do About It!) published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr 10 Things Dogs Hate (And What You Can Do About It!) Never has society been so aware of animal welfare, and never have pet parents loved their companions more. A collective desire to learn more about the animals in our care has driven a demand for high-quality, heavily-researched books. Publishers have sought out experts and scientific studies to build books that provide complete, accurate information presented […] The post 15 Pet Care Books to Add to Your Bookshelf in 2021 appeared first on All Natural Pet Care. 15 Pet Care Books to Add to Your Bookshelf in 2021 published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr 15 Pet Care Books to Add to Your Bookshelf in 2021 By Veselina Dzhingarova Whether your dog loves the cold weather or prefers cuddling up on the couch under a fluffy blanket, you need to be prepared for the winter months. Winter signifies more than just a change of weather and season; it also signifies a change in your dog’s daily diet. Many pet parents are […] The post 5 Winter Nutrition Tips for Your Dog appeared first on All Natural Pet Care. 5 Winter Nutrition Tips for Your Dog published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr 5 Winter Nutrition Tips for Your Dog It’s easy to take it personally when your cat scratches up your couch cushions, bites your ankles as you pass by, chews up your (non-toxic) houseplants. They aren’t doing any of this to make you mad; instead, they are answering to their internal “call of the wild”. Indoor cats can easily become bored, and the lack of stimulation can lead to undesirable behaviors. With positive reinforcement, guidance, and a lot of patience, you can train your incredibly intelligent cat – and stop destructive cat behavior before it becomes a habit. A Good ScratchCats scratch for various reasons, but mostly because it provides an excellent back stretch (not to mention good feelings in their front legs and toes). Additionally, the repetitive action helps to wear off the broken or dead outer sheath of their claws, providing them with relief. What’s more, is that cats have scent glands between their toes. When they scratch they are leaving their mark that says, “mine”. A Fine BalanceYou don’t want your furniture, carpeting, or curtain getting all scratched up, but you also don’t want to restrict your cat from answering to this feline instinct. The compromise is to provide them with various scratching posts or horizontal pads for them to use throughout the house. Scolding your cat or punishing them after they scratch up your stuff may only serve to reinforce destructive cat behavior. Encourage them to use their scratching posts by offering treats or back rubs nearby. Reward them for appropriate scratching. Feliway or catnip are also great assets in your attempt to curb destructive cat behavior. Taking NoteTake an inventory of fabrics or surfaces your pet seems to prefer. They may like certain upholstery or appear attracted to the thick piles or an area rug. Try to find scratching posts or pads that mimic the fabrics or textures they are drawn to in your furniture and decor. Apply double-sided tape to couch corners or rugs they seem to mark up more than others. Spray areas with a natural cat deterrent spray will give them powerful reasons not to scratch there. Environmental EnrichmentIndoor cats are arguably safer than those allowed to roam their neighborhoods, but they can quickly become bored. Destructive cat behavior can stem from this situation, but it doesn’t have to have terrible consequences (like surrender or euthanasia). Instead, building up their environment in such a way that supports their mental and physical health is essential toward long term happiness. Provide a cat tree or catio for them to play inside of. Offer alternative feeding methods, such as food puzzles or simulated hunting activities, can keep them occupied and less likely to scratch. Also, your cat enjoys at least 20-30 minutes of play and exercise every day. Be sure to rotate their toys to maximize their interest. Destructive Cat BehaviorSome things that cats do, like spray outside their litter box, can be explained by certain medical conditions. If you know or suspect that the destructive cat behavior you witness at home could be related to something else besides boredom, please don’t delay seeking help. Your cat may be suffering from an underlying illness or injury that, when diagnosed and treated, could significantly reduce unwanted behavior at home. Here For Your CatAs always, if you have any questions about destructive cat behavior, or your cat’s overall health, we’re always here for you at Godspeed Animal Care. The post Kitty Likes to Scratch? Getting to the Bottom of Destructive Cat Behavior appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care. Kitty Likes to Scratch? Getting to the Bottom of Destructive Cat Behavior published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Kitty Likes to Scratch? Getting to the Bottom of Destructive Cat Behavior By Christy Mara We love our dogs so much, and we can only thank modern technology for the medical procedures and pharmaceuticals that help us deal with the health conditions they go through throughout their lives. Sometimes, however, many dog owners can’t help but be concerned about some of these conventional medical treatments. As with […] The post Alternative Therapies That May Benefit Your Dog appeared first on All Natural Pet Care. Alternative Therapies That May Benefit Your Dog published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Alternative Therapies That May Benefit Your Dog Most pets are incredibly motivated by food. They’ll do almost anything to get their paws (and jaws) on whatever we’re enjoying, but they won’t snub their own food bowl, either. Known to appreciate midday snacks, or appreciate post-training treats, pets just love to eat. However, when a pet stops staring dolefully at your pizza crust or requires some loving encouragement to try their food, something is usually awry. If your pet won’t eat, there could be very specific reasons that explain why. From Good Appetite to PoorMany pet owners feel like their pet is always hungry. Whether they are truly empty is up for debate, but there is a noticeable link between satisfaction and overall wellness. A reluctance to eat can be caused by any number of things, and none of them should be ignored. Inappetence in pets can be caused by stress or anxiety, environmental changes (like a new roommate or new pet), or shifts in their routine. It can also occur when their food flavor, texture, or kibble size changes. Unfortunately, chronic pain or illness may also cause your pet to stop eating.Medication side effects can also cause tummy trouble, but gastrointestinal obstructions can cause a pet to stop eating, too. Dental disease in pets is another common culprit of your pet avoiding their food. Getting to the bottom of why your pet won’t eat can be as simple as understanding whether they have an interest in food, or they simply cannot chew or digest it. This can be helpful to figure out possible underlying conditions. Up Close and PersonalIf your pet’s disinterest in food reaches a point of concern, a nose-to tail examination will be a necessary part of the process in determining why. We will look closely at your pet’s mouth for any abnormalities, palpate the abdomen, and gather as much information as possible to move ahead. We will discuss any other changes in their environment or behaviors, such as eating and drinking habits. Diagnostics, like blood tests or diagnostic imaging may reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. The Path ForwardOnce we know why your pet won’t eat, we can treat their issue. Some owners may be successful with hand feeding their pet until they feel better. Warming food or adding a little broth or baby food can make all the difference to a pet with stomach issues. Also, if the problem is dental-related we can schedule a procedure to help them with pain. Your Pet Won’t EatIf it’s been 24 hours or more since your pet’s last meal, please contact our staff. We’re always here for you Godspeed Animal Care. The post Help! My Pet Won’t Eat appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care. Help! My Pet Won’t Eat published first on http://busterbaxtersite.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr Help! My Pet Won’t Eat |
AuthorI have been in the pet travel business for 12 years building pet store into the most effective store. We provide information for pet owners traveling worldwide with their pet. At the same time, every year thousands of rabbits are given up to animal shelters- or worse, simply dumped in a field- by owners who did not take the time to properly educate themselves on the responsibilities of rabbit ownership. Personal Links
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