Some cats are active at night; a behavior that is carried over from the ancestor’s predator days in the wild. If you are out of the house during the day, your kitty will surely spend the day sleeping. This is especially true if there is no other pet in the house. When evening comes, your kitty will be full of energy and you need to spend time playing and interacting with him in order to release some steam and tire him out even for just a little bit so he won’t bother you while you are sleeping.

Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at twilight—dusk and dawn. In the wild, these are ideal times to hunt for prey.

If your cat keeps on bothering you at night even when you make it a point to play with him, you may need to take steps to correct this behavior. Who wants to wake up suddenly in the middle of the night because his cat is nibbling on his ear or toes? Some pet owners and their neighbors are also kept awake at night when a cat en ... Read more »

Tarantulas thrive in an enclosure that’s cleaned and maintained daily. If you have a pet tarantula, your daily routine will include spot cleaning and removal of substrate that is soiled, cleaning of the water bowl using soap and water, and wiping the tank’s glass.

A general cleaning of the entire enclosure should be undertaken every 2-3 months. You can make your own cleaning solutions composed of (1) dishwashing liquid diluted in warm water, (2) vinegar-water solution (1:8) or bleach-warm water solution (1:32).

Start cleaning the tank using the diluted dishwashing solution followed by either the vinegar-water solution or bleach-warm water solution. Use these to scrub and disinfect the cage and its furniture. Plain water is used to thoroughly rinse off soap and cleaning solutions before returning your pet tarantula to its tank.

Here are some precautions to remember when cleaning your pet’s enclosure:

• Reschedule the tank’s ... Read more »

Even with domestication, cats are still highly territorial. It is for this reason that moving to a new environment can be a stressful experience. However, you can help make the transition between homes less stressful for your kitty.

When going to your new home, transport your pet in an adequately-sized cat carrier. Put in his favorite toy and blanket so he will have something familiar with him. Being in the crate will also make him more secure. Distress or anxiety during the trip may make your cat cranky upon reaching your new home. Let him stay in the cage and wait until all have settled down. Before letting him out of the crate, make sure all possible escape routes –doors, windows, fireplaces, etc.—are close.

To make the adjustment period easier for your kitty, it is a good idea to keep him in a room for a few days. This will give him time to get used to the daily sounds and scents of the new house and its surroundings. Be sure to put in his old bed, bl ... Read more »

Aggression is one major reason why dogs are abandoned or turned over to shelters. However, this negative behavior can be successfully controlled and eliminated with proper training and consistency. To better deal with the problem, you should know what type of aggression is being exhibited by your pooch and what the possible trigger factors are.

Techniques of behavior modification have been used to successfully deal with aggression issues among pet dogs. These techniques always include positive reinforcement, which is, giving a reward when the dog displays desired behavior, while ignoring or correcting unwanted behavior. Inflicting punishment has no place when dealing with aggression. Doing so can only provoke and/or worsen your pet’s aggressiveness.

One common display of aggression usually takes place when leash-walking your pooch. As he spots an unfamiliar dog, he may display aggressive behavior (growling or barking) as you get closer to the spot where the str ... Read more »

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to congenital disorders or problems compared to other breeds. Some of these problems can cause early death or anatomical abnormalities while other conditions only manifest when the dog is older.

Some breeds have physical peculiarities that are inherent to the breed. Brachycephalic breeds, like the pug, have an extremely short muzzle that makes them susceptible to respiratory problems; Dachshunds have very short legs and long bodies that make them prone to spinal problems.

If you want to have a new puppy, be sure to get one from a reputable breeder. These people take care of their business and reputation by making sure their dogs are free from any inherited health problems. Dogs found to be carrying genes that result in abnormal offspring should never be bred. To be sure, ask for a copy of veterinary reports and screening tests that your new puppy has been subjected to.

If you want to know more about what breed of dog will ... Read more »

Litter boxes also come in various designs—from open trays to covered litter boxes. You can choose any design as long as it has enough space for your kitty to engage in instinctive behavior associated with elimination including smelling the litter, digging, and turning around several times before the “main event”.

For kittens, a low box will best serve the purpose, for they can simply get in and out. As your pet grows, you can switch to a bigger litter box with higher sides.

A covered litter box can protect the walls or any object nearby from urine and litter. The cover will also prevent small kids or other pets from having access to the contents of the litter box. However, litter dust can be trapped and become a health hazard. You may also fail to notice that the box needs to be emptied and cleaned.

Be sure to have your cat checked by a Guelph veterinarian. Click this link for more information.

... Read more »