Proposed Law Would Give $125 Tax Credit To People Who Adopt Rescue Pets

If you have a pet that you’ve adopted, you know just how wonderful of an experience it was to give your little furbaby a second chance at life. There is nothing sweeter than seeing their faces light up when they realize that they’re leaving the shelter. And it makes you feel good knowing that you helped save a life and make a difference. But how much more of a good feeling would it be knowing that you’re being rewarded for choosing adoption? One state might soon be giving tax credits to those who adopt animals.


To read more on this story, click here: Proposed Law Would Give $125 Tax Credit To People Who Adopt Rescue Pets

FOLLOW US!

Ventilators Shipped from Veterinarians to Hospitals to Combat COVID-19 Shortage

The nation's hospitals, facing dire shortages of lifesaving ventilators as the coronavirus outbreak continues, are finding help from an unlikely source: animal doctors.

The country's largest veterinary schools, animal hospitals and even zoos are offering up ventilators to hospitals that are scrambling to care for a growing number of critically ill coronavirus patients. Similar efforts elsewhere could produce hundreds of machines and save countless lives.

"Every single one of these ventilators makes a difference," Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, chief executive officer of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, told ABC News.

To read on this story, click here: Ventilators shipped from veterinarians to hospitals to combat COVID-19 shortage


FOLLOW US!

People Are Sharing Photos Of Their Cats In Quarantine And Here Are 32 Of The Best Ones

For many of us, it's the coronavirus lockdown, and our entire daily routines are now contained within the comfort of our own homes. For our beloved pets, however, it's a day like any other. Well, with a few exceptions—pets that are freaking out over why the heck we're at home for so long.

But, other than that, business as usual. For the humans, however, it's more like dealing with our pets throughout our workdays. Or having fun with them. Or both.

Here is a list of how quarantined cats are spending their days with their owners during the lockdown.

To see these adorable kitties, click here: People Are Sharing Photos Of Their Cats In Quarantine And Here Are 32 Of The Best Ones




FOLLOW US!

Brave Superhero Cats That Saved People’s Lives

Most of us would do anything for our pets: we adjust our homes for them, buy them their favorite foods, and pay for expensive vet bills. Some of us would even put our lives on the line for them without expecting the favor to be returned.

So, for all we do for them, it’s pretty amazing when our furry friends do make a sacrifice for us! And while it’s dogs that are often trained to be helpful and loyal, our feline family members are there for us, too! Just take a look at these incredible cats who saved their owners’ lives…

To read more on this story, click here: Brave Superhero Cats That Saved People’s Lives


FOLLOW US!

20 Famous Pets That Rake In Outrageous Amounts Of Money For Their Owners Each Year

Let’s be honest: most of us could probably use a bigger paycheck. We work the jobs we do to makes ends meet, but there aren’t many people out there who think they’re compensated exactly as they should be for the hard work they put into their day-to-day routine.

So what would you do if you found out there are certain animals who probably make more money than you do just for being animals? You’ve probably seen some of them in movies, on television, or online, and they bring in a hefty paycheck—even though they can’t even spend it!

To read more on this story, click here: 20 Famous Pets That Rake In Outrageous Amounts Of Money For Their Owners Each Year

FOLLOW US!

No Evidence That Pets Can Get Covid-19, but Wash Your Hands Anyway

Unless you have the virus, or your pet is spending a lot of time with Covid-19 patients, no precautions are needed, or helpful.

Pet owners may be wondering whether Covid-19, the coronavirus that has infected thousands of people worldwide, is a threat to dogs or cats or can be carried by them. So far, the short answer is no.

Unless you are in an area where the disease is spreading rapidly, then there is no action or preparation necessary.

Even if you are in an area where many people have been infected with the coronavirus, there’s no evidence that companion animals can be infected with it. Of course, veterinarians can’t be absolutely sure about the infection because it is new, so if you have the virus, or are in an area with many human infections, some precautions might be useful.

To read more on this story, click here: No Evidence That Pets Can Get Covid-19, but Wash Your Hands Anyway

FOLLOW US!

A Cat Shot Through The Head With An Arrow Is Recovering After Surgery. His Rescuers Named Him Cupid

(CNN)An orange tabby cat got a new lease on life and a name to go with it after veterinarians removed an arrow that someone had shot through his head.

Cupid, as the cat is now named, is on the road to recovery after a surgery at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in Virginia last weekend.
"We believe the arrow may have been there for up to a week," spokeswoman Chelsea Jones told CNN. She said the arrow had gone through the cat's head and lodged in his shoulder.

To read more on this story, click here: A Cat Shot Through The Head With An Arrow Is Recovering After Surgery. His Rescuers Named Him Cupid


FOLLOW US!

Cats Are Wearing Coronavirus Masks In China

As the deadly coronavirus outbreak continues to ravage the country, pet owners in China are putting on makeshift masks on their furry friends.

Photos on the Chinese social media app Weibo show pets – namely cats – wearing the makeshift masks, many of them made from traditional surgical masks. Owners are cutting holes in the material to accommodate the animal’s eyes while the rest of their face remains covered.

To read more on this story, click here: Cats Are Wearing Coronavirus Masks In China




FOLLOW US!

Does Your Aging Pet Show Signs of Dementia?

Is your aging pet showing some curious behavior changes? Senior pets, like humans, experience changes in the brain that can affect memory and comprehension. Dementia and senility are broad terms used to describe these changes. In dogs, the disease is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and it affects a growing number of senior dogs.

In cats, however, our understanding of cognitive dysfunction is still an ongoing research in the field.

Dogs

Possible Signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction:

Similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is caused by physical changes in the brain and its chemicals. Past studies have shown that some older dogs with CCD have brain lesions similar to those that physicians see in Alzheimer's patients. The result of these changes is a deterioration of how your dog thinks, learns, and remembers, which causes behavioral changes that can disrupt the lives of both you and your dog. If your senior dog doesn't seem to be herself, she may be part of the large percentage of dogs age 10 and older who experience some symptoms of CCD, which include various stages of confusion and disorientation. Your dog may have CCD if she has a number of the following behaviors:

• Becomes lost in familiar places around the home or backyard
• Becomes trapped behind familiar furniture or in room corners
• Has trouble finding and using doors and negotiating stairways
• Does not respond to her name or familiar commands
• Is withdrawn and unwilling to play, go for walks, or even go outside
• Does not recognize or is startled by family members, toys, etc.
• Frequently trembles or shakes, either while standing or lying down
• Paces or wanders aimlessly throughout the house
• Has difficulty learning new tasks, commands, or routes
• Frequently soils in the house, regardless of the frequency she is brought outside
• Sleeps more during the day, less during the night
• Stares at walls or into space and is startled by interior lighting, the television, etc.
• Seeks less and less of your attention, praise, and play
• Is hesitant to take treats, drink fresh water, or eat fresh food

In the meantime, you can help your dog cope with CCD by considering her needs when it comes to your home, its surroundings, and the environment it creates for your dog. By incorporating a little care and a modified, veterinarian-recommended lifestyle, you may be able to increase your dog's brain activity and halt further CCD advancement. In fact, the latest studies have found that regular, moderate physical activity, mental stimulation with interactive toys, and a diet rich in antioxidants may help maintain your aging dog's mental health. Again, your veterinarian should be consulted before changing any of your dog's exercise or feeding regimens; but also try to keep your senior dog's environment familiar and friendly, and:

• Try not to change, rearrange, or even refurbish furniture
• Eliminate clutter to create wide pathways through your house
• Consider purchasing or building a ramp for any stairways
• Know your dog's limits when introducing new toys, food, people, or other animals
• Develop a routine feeding, watering, and walking schedule
• Keep commands short, simple, and compassionate
• Encourage gentle and involved, short play sessions
• Most importantly, keep your patience and compassion. Your dog's world has changed, but every effort should be made to show her that your love, respect, and pride of her past and present abilities has not changed and never will.

Cats

Every cat has a certain level of "talkativeness" some are always quiet and purring, some meow about everything. The change seen with senior dementia is one of increased or excessive vocalizations, and not just a simple meow.

They may appear confused and not totally sure of their surroundings while vocalizing, and this behavior is more common at night, often waking up the household.

It is important to remember other possible causes of new or odd vocalizations, such as pain (arthritis or injury) or in some cases, changes related to hyperthyroidism.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a widely accepted diagnosis in dogs, with established treatment options. In cats, however, our understanding of cognitive dysfunction is still being shaped by ongoing research in the field, and limited treatment options are available. Recent clinical studies indicate that old age in the cat is accompanied by increased behavioural signs such as wandering, vocalization and night-time activity that are not attributable to identifiable medical problems. It is essential, therefore, that veterinarians include behavioural well-being in the routine care of senior cats.

The main signs of dementia in cats are:

As with humans, dementia leaves cats confused and distressed. Your cat may become disorientated, and find it difficult to locate her litter tray or food bowl. The cat may even forget she has just eaten and will keep asking for more food (even more than usually happens!)

• Night terrors may mean that a cat becomes especially demanding at night and may keep you awake by loud crying.
• Alternatively, cats with dementia may become more aggressive or attention-seeking.
• They will be much less eager to play games and will choose to doze instead. They may also be found wandering aimlessly.
• Grooming much less frequently is also another sign of problems.

As with all behavior changes in your pet, please see your veterinarian first to rule out a medical problem first, as many diseases can have the same signs.

FOLLOW US!

Adorable Babies and Their Cute Pets Sleeping

What's cuter than babies and pets? Babies and pets together! Take a look at these adorable babies and their cute pets sleeping.

WARNING: Extreme cuteness below!

 

FOLLOW US!

Pet Allergies, Are You Allergic to Your Pet? - Do You Know the Symptoms?

What is pet dander?
Cats and dogs have pet dander. It is tiny flakes of dead skin that slough off the pet continuously. Breathing in pet dander is the number one reason that people have an allergic reaction to animals. The dander is hard to see on some animals, and on others it looks like a bad case of dandruff, and the animal smells even after a bath. When the dander combines with oil and dirt, it becomes a glue-like substance trapping the undercoat and causing the hair to turn into large wadded mats.

What are the most common causes for pet allergies?
Cat and dog Dander, or skin flakes, as well as their saliva and urine, can cause an allergic reaction such as: sneezing, wheezing, and running eyes and nose.

Both feathers and the droppings from birds, another common kind of pets, can increase the allergen exposure. Bird droppings can also be a source of bacteria, dust, fungi and mold. This also applies to the droppings of other caged pets, such as gerbils, hamsters and mice.

Animal hair is not considered to be a very significant allergen, however, the hair or fur can collect pollen, dust, mold, and other allergens. Although individual pets may produce more or less allergen, there is no relationship between the pet's hair length and allergen production. There is also no such thing as a non-allergenic breed.

Animal allergens are found mostly in homes where pets are present. What is surprising, however, is that these allergens are also found (in lesser amounts) in places where pets have never been present, such as schools, workplaces, and other public spaces. Since dander allergens are sticky, they can be brought to these places on the clothing of pet owners. Also, while dander on a smooth surface (such as a wall) can be easily wiped off, in soft materials, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and clothing, it can persist for long periods of time. That is why, unless special steps are taken, pet dander can remain in a home for up to six months after the pet has been removed.

Rabbit Allergy
Many people gets surprised when they first hear about rabbit allergy, it is something that they don’t even consider before buying a rabbit as a pet, however it is a type of allergy found in some homes.  Just like other types of animal allergies its origin is in the proteins found in the saliva and blood of the animal and not in the fur.

When the immune system is weak to fight these allergens, it enters into a defense mode, producing the infamous allergic reactions.  Watery eyes and nose dripping are used by the body to wash away the allergens.  This means that the body reacts to an attack, this attack by itself is not dangerous but it could be if the symptoms complicate.





FOLLOW US!

The Cat-Fox Is Real, And Here Are The Pictures To Prove It

With climate change and habitat destruction extirpating so many species from our planet, it’s rare that we see the needle move in the opposite direction.

But, give a cat and a fox a few years to work on it, and they’ll find a solution.

A new species, possibly a cross-breed between a cat and a fox, has recently been spotted on the island of Corsica. According to CNN, wildlife rangers from France’s National Hunting and Wildlife Office have identified 16 of the animals prowling the island.

To read more on this story, click here: The Cat-Fox Is Real, And Here Are The Pictures To Prove It





FOLLOW US!

Do Cats Eat Their Poop Like Dogs? - Yes, They Do

Eating one’s own stool, a behavior also known as coprophagia, is common in dogs but very rare in cats. Dogs are notorious for eating things that humans find extremely distasteful, stool included. However cats do not normally eat their own stool, and when they do this type of behavior could be a sign of an underlying mental problem.

Cats that have been severely abused or kept in extremely unsanitary conditions with little food or water may have picked up the practice of coprophagia as a survival mechanism. Even though the cat is now in a safe place, it may still feel like it is necessary to eat its own stool.

Young cats and kittens may also develop coprophagia from a type of mental disorder. Cats are prone to developing mental disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, and coprophagia in cats could be a manifestation of some type of mental disorder. Kittens may also confuse their own stool with food, and it may take them awhile to realize that their stool is not food.

If our cat is eating its own stool, have your cat examined by a veterinarian to ensure first that no medical conditions are causing the behavior. Keeping the litter boxes clean, and making sure that your cat feels safe and secure in its environment, may help to reduce further incidences of coprophagia.

Did you know that mother cats eat kittens feces while kittens are suckling on the mother?

It's perfectly normal and quite safe in that a mother cat licks her kittens' bottoms while and just after a kitten has nursed on her. They do this to stimulate the kitten to wee and poop as kittens don't have an automatic nerve self stimulus to do so until they are about 3 - 4 weeks old. If the mother cat does not do this the kitten will stop feeding, get very poorly, get blood poisoning and die. The mother cat swallows her kittens' defecation at this time to keep her nursing nest clean. The kittens' wee and poop at this age are so small that it's almost undetectable.

FOLLOW US!

Animals That Shed and Tips on Removing Pet Hair from Furniture

I guess I was lucky. I never had this problem. My dogs where shih tzu, and shed very little.

My brother’s cat…now that’s a different story! The cat had his own chair…and you knew not to sit in it. I used to tease my brother and ask if he had two cats! He tried everything and finally got a hand vacuum cleaner that seemed to work for him.

When we think of pets that shed hair, we think of dogs and cats.

Dogs:
Shedding is a natural process for a dog. Shedding allows a new coat to come in, however, it can be different amongst different breeds of dogs, some with a longer coat may shed more often, while some with a shorter coat may shed little. The point of shedding is to get rid of the current fur coat and allow a new one to grow in its place. It is important that dogs shed because it keeps the hair healthy, when a new coat comes through it is getting rid of the old coat which usually contains dirt and is generally quite unhealthy.

Cats:
This is a normal event in the life of a cat and it is largely influenced by daylight. There is a word for this phenomenon: photoperiod. The number of hours a cat is exposed to sunlight in a day (photoperiod) triggers the shedding process. It is more noticeable in outdoor cats in the spring and fall.

Did you know that Chinchillas, Rabbits and Horses shed?

Chinchillas - All chinchillas shed year-round, with increased fur loss during spring and summers. Shedding hair tends to drop off chinchillas with thinner coats, so they only require infrequent combing.

Rabbits - Rabbits shed every 3 months. Every alternate time they'll have a light shedding that may not be very noticeable. Next they'll have a heavy shedding that you will not be able to escape. Bald spots on rabbits are quite common when they are shedding.

Horses - Just like dogs and other animals, horses shed because of temperature change. Horses shed so that their body feels comfortable during the hot months.

Tips to get hair off of furniture:

• Pet hair clings to furnishing because of static electricity, so you want to break the static bond.

• Good Housekeeping says a handy tool to get hair off upholstered furniture: rubber gloves. Put on a clean pair, dampen, and run your hands over cushions (for silk, use dry gloves).

• Heloise says, We love our messy and oh-so hairy pets. They seem to leave hair everywhere, mainly on our furniture. You can prevent much of this by brushing/combing and washing pets regularly. However, if you see hairy remains on your couch or chairs, here are several ways to remove it. Wipe a lightly dampened clean sponge over it to lift off. You also can swipe the rubber bottom (sole) of a tennis sneaker to lift up hair or roll a couple of lengths of tape around your hand (sticky side out) to pick up small amounts of hair.

• Here is a trick that I heard of, but have never tried. Lightly spray water on the furniture to break the static cling, then vacuum. Not too much, you don’t want to soak your vacuum cleaner bag.

• Use a damp sponge and the hair pulls right off. You have to make sure it is not really wet.

• If it's not an extreme amount... I've used tape...real good sticky tape... wrap it around your hand with the sticky side "out"...and start patting the furniture.... tape picks up the animal hair! Might have to use this a few times to get it all... Also a good "fun" way to get the kids to help!

• Vacuum, vacuum vacuum - at least 2 times a day. 

All shedding problems can be helped by regular grooming. If you think your animal is shedding excessively, take him or her to the vet. It can be a symptom of some underlying health problem, such as a thyroid imbalance.

FOLLOW US!

Human Food For Cats: A Basic Guide

WHAT HUMAN FOOD CAN CATS EAT, AND WHAT NOT TO FEED CATS

Thinking about giving your kitty some of the extras off your plate? Make sure you know what foods are okay for your cat, and which aren’t.

With help from CityLeash & Pet360, we’ve compiled this list of foods that are and aren’t okay to feed your cat.

Remember, each cat is different and may need different food or diet requirements, so you should contact your veterinarian before changing their diet.

WHAT CAN CATS EAT?
PROTEINS THAT ARE SAFE FOR CATS
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need meat to live. Meat is a great source of protein for your cat. However, too much fat can give your cat a stomachache, so make sure to trim off any excess fatty portions beforehand and to cook all meat thoroughly before you feed it to your cat*.

To read more on this story, click here: Human Food For Cats: A Basic Guide 

FOLLOW US!

Company Adopts 2 Office Kittens, Debit And Credit, To Boost Employee Morale, Succeeds Perfectly (21 Pics)

Some basic skills of an office employee include the ability to organize office supplies, answer phones, and work a computer – office kittens Debit and Credit have all of those skills – almost. ‘Hired’ by the finance/IT department of a transportation company in Ohio, the rescue kittens were employed not for their natural ability to play with boxes but to boost office morale.

The adorable brother and sister have managed not only to delight their office but the entire internet. Introduced on Reddit by one of their fellow employees, the sweet kitties were caught on camera hiding under and wrestling with an empty box lid. Understandably people wanted to see more of their hijinx. Debit and Credit now have their own Instagram account with 6.2k followers.

To read more on this story, click here: Company Adopts 2 Office Kittens, Debit And Credit, To Boost Employee Morale, Succeeds Perfectly (21 Pics)


FOLLOW US!

Ozzy Osbourne Appears in New Ad to Discourage Cat Declawing

“Never Declaw a Cat. It’s an Amputation, Not a Manicure.”

(TMU) — Classic rock icon Ozzy Osbourne is featured in a new PETA advertisement urging people to not declaw their cats and suggesting that the procedure is like a partial amputation.

In the advertisement, Ozzy is depicted with his fingers cut off along with a tagline that reads, “Never Declaw a Cat. It’s an Amputation, Not a Manicure.”

To read more on this story, click here: Ozzy Osbourne Appears in New Ad to Discourage Cat Declawing


FOLLOW US!

Cat With 4 Frostbitten Paws Gets New Feet Made Of Titanium

3D-printed titanium limbs helped a frostbitten feline get back on her feet.

A female cat in Russia that lost all four of her paws to frostbite can walk, run and even climb stairs again, thanks to the veterinarians who replaced her missing limbs with 3D-printed prosthetics made from titanium. 

The hardy gray feline, named Dymka ("mist" in Russian), is about 4 years old. A passing driver found her in December 2018 in the snow in Novokuznetsk in Siberia and brought her to a clinic in Novosibirsk, according to Russian news site Komsomolskaya Pravda. 

Dymka was suffering from frostbite of her paws, ears and tail — so much so that veterinarian Sergei Gorshkov had to amputate those damaged extremities, The Moscow Times reported.

To read more on this story, click here: Cat With 4 Frostbitten Paws Gets New Feet Made Of Titanium



FOLLOW US!

People Who Talk To Their Pets Are Smarter Than Those Who Don’t

I admit it: I talk to my pets. I even have a different voice for each one. My non-animal friends think it’s silly and more than a little crazy to carry on these one-sided conversations. But Nicholas Epley, professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago, disagrees. He feels it’s perfectly normal to engage in this behavior, and it may actually indicate a higher level of social cognition.

Epley is the author of Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want. He is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on the phenomenon of anthropomorphism – the tendency to assign human thoughts, feelings or characteristics to a non-human object or being.

Anthropomorphism is common in children, who are able to amuse themselves for hours on end talking to imaginary friends and toys. It’s perfectly healthy behavior, and helps them to develop the social skills they will need later in life.

To read more on this story, click here: People Who Talk To Their Pets Are Smarter Than Those Who Don’t


FOLLOW US!

Veterinarians Reveal 10 Of The Most Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make

Veterinarians told Insider about some common pet-care mistakes many owners make. 

Giving your cat or dog medication that's meant for humans could be fatal.

Letting your dog meet new dogs face-first may not always be appropriate.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Helping your pet live their best life isn't always easy. 

But there are a few ways you could unknowingly be making their life a bit more difficult or even be missing out key warning signs related to their health. 

Here are common mistakes pet owners make and how to fix them, according to veterinarians. 

You should never try to cut matted fur out of a pet's ear.

If long-haired dogs and cats aren't regularly groomed the fur on their ears can become thickly matted — but that doesn't mean you should grab your scissors and chop it off. 

"Matts are difficult to brush or comb out, so sometimes pet owners decide to take matters into their own hands and cut them out with scissors," Christie Long, veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal, told Insider. "This is a mistake. Because it can be difficult to determine where the matt ends and the ear itself begins, it's easy to cut the ear."

The best way to deal with matted fur is to use a soft-bristled brush to gently comb out the matt. If this isn't possible — or you have an uncooperative pet — a trip a professional groomer may be in order. 

Socializing your new puppy early is vital.

To read more on this story, click here: Veterinarians Reveal 10 Of The Most Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make 

FOLLOW US!