Pheromones are chemical substances secreted by an animal’s body and are an important way of communicating with other animals of the same species. A whiff of a specific pheromone can influence the behavior of the animal that smells it. In cats, pheromones have been shown to exert a soothing effect on their behavioral problems. Thus, there are many artificial pheromones which are available commercially, and used extensively for dealing with specific behavior problems.

Cats and dogs also give off pheromones from their bodies. There are various types of pheromones which are produced, depending on the situation, as well as the cat’s condition and location.

Mating Pheromones

Pheromones play an important role during the mating season. Female cats that are in estrus produce a low amount of pheromones that can be perceived by ... Read more »

Cats hate anything new; so much so that they will need help in adjusting to new cat litter in the box or a change in diet. Felines are creatures of habit and any change in their routine can stress them out.

If you are planning to change your cat’s litter, here are some steps you need to undertake to ensure your cat is able to accept the new litter and won’t shy away from using the litter box:

• When switching to a new litter, always use the old litter box that your kitty has been using. Avoid changing both the litter box and cat litter at the same time because this can be overwhelming for your kitty. The old litter box should be placed in the same location, as you change your cat’s litter. Also, avoid changing litters or anything that your kitty has been using for a long time when moving to a new home.
• Changing a cat&rsq ... Read more »

A dog’s toenails may appear tough but they are also prone to problems without proper care. Toenail problems can cause a significant amount of pain and suffering to your pooch. Most of these problems can be avoided by trimming your pet’s nails to an appropriate length regularly.

Some dogs have overgrown nails because they don’t engage in enough activities that can keep their nails worn to an suitable length. Regular nail trimming can keep your dog’s toenails in good condition. Overgrown nails can easily split, break, or tear, and may cause pain and infection.

A diet that lacks essential nutrients can also cause cracked or brittle toenails. A deficiency in immune function may also be a potential cause of toenail problems.

Dogs with torn nails can suffer from intense pain. An overgrown toenail can easily get snagged on the c ... Read more »