Before you can sign your Balinese up for a cat show or class you will need to make sure he is appropriately registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and any other associations. Once you’ve registered and you have attended a local show or have taken part in a practice show, you will need to sign up and register for the official show. The CFA recommends obtaining a copy of the CFA show rules and the show standard for your breed in order to determine which classes to sign up for. Make sure you are showing in your breed’s division. For instance, you will not be able to show a Balinese in the British Shorthair division. If you have any questions about signing up or which class to show in, call your local CFA representative. If you’re unsure of your cat’s exact coloring, weight, etc., contact your veterinarian Lasing, MI for assistance. Click here to know mo ... Read more »

If your Turkish Angora has been diagnosed with FeLV or the Feline Leukemia Virus he may develop anemia, lymphoma or other cancers and become susceptible to other diseases due to a suppressed immune system. In order to help prevent secondary infections and help keep your cat healthy, your vet may suggest a new diet for your cat to help prevent secondary infections. Because your cat’s immune system has been compromised she is more apt to contract additional viruses, infections and other diseases. You will need to provide her with a nutritional diet that is free of raw meat, eggs and unpasteurized dairy products as these may harbor bacteria and parasites that can lead to infection. Make sure your infected cat eats from her own food bowl and drinks from her own water bowl to reduce the risk of infecting other cats. For more information, talk with your vet Lansing, MI.

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FeLV or the Feline Leukemia Virus is found in cats only. There is no cure for this virus. If you are thinking about purchasing or adopting a cat like the Turkish Angora then you need to make sure the cat has tested FeLV negative before bringing him into your home. FeLV is the second largest cause of death in cats behind trauma. FeLV is a virus that can cause anemia and lymphoma in cats. It is spread through saliva, blood, and bodily fluids. It is not contagious to other animals. The disease can weaken the immune system causing the cat to become susceptible to other deadly infections. The best prevention for FeLV is to keep your Turkish Angora cats indoors, vaccinate them, and have them checked for FeLV on a routine basis. Vaccines for cats at high risk of FeLV are available although not 100% guaranteed.  Your veterinarian Lansing, MI can help you decide the best route of prevention. Click here.

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Biting and nipping are normal feline behaviors; cats use their mouth and paw to investigate their surroundings. Although you cannot stop your cat from engaging in these undesirable behaviors, there are ways to teach your pet to lessen the force of his bite and to use his paws without extending his claws. Your pet should realize that his teeth and claws hurt when he bites or nips, even if it’s just play. The kittens first realize this when their littermates shout out in pain during play or when their mother disciplines them because of the behavior. This shows that training of good manners and proper behavior in kittens starts while they are still with their mother and littermates.

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Among the different breeds of dogs, there are those that make better pets than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a puppy:

• Space requirements

Dogs vary in their exercise requirements. Some can do well living in an apartment while there are those that need more living space. Lack of physical activity will eventually pave the way for boredom and increased tendency to develop and display behavi ... Read more »

Are you aware that your home is full of potential toxins that your pet can easily ingest? Maintaining a household environment that is safe for pets is the best way to prevent any unfortunate cases of pet poisoning.

All medications should be safeguarded in a place that is inaccessible to curious pets and children. Medications for humans can be particularly appealing and tasty for dogs; in fact there have been cases when dogs have been known to consume large quantities of human vitamins and medications. Also, pet medications should also be kept in a secure place where your pet ... Read more »

Many types of human foods are toxic to dogs; some of the most common include grapes and raisins. These are foods that can easily be obtained by a dog, either from your pantry or even from the grape vine itself. There are also pet owners who use raisins as treats to reinforce desired behavior during training; and there are still pet owners who think that grapes and raisins are wholesome and healthy alternatives for treats.

The substance in grapes that causes poisoning still remains unknown. But dogs with a history of eating grapes or raisins have been known to suffer from sudd ... Read more »

It is recommended that budgies, finches, and other small types of birds that are kept as pets should eat about 30% of their body weight in bird seed daily. Before putting in fresh bird seed and other food supplements on your pet’s feeder, make sure that it has been thoroughly cleaned; remove seed husks and other waste materials and dispose of them properly.

Birds with young birdies to feed should be given a high-protein diet. The same dietary need should be met when birds are molting or are still growing. Fortunately, there are high-protein diets that are already commercially prepared and can easily be bought from pet stores. ... Read more »

Canine bloat is a serious and often fatal disease in dogs like the Boxer, Rottweiler and other deep cheated animals, large animals. However it can happen in just about any breed including Newfoundlands.  Bloat most often occurs when large amounts of air or fluid forms in the stomach causing the stomach to swell. The swelling often blocks the veins from sending blood to vital organs causing low blood pressure, shock or organ damage. Immediate treatment may start with your vet inserting a tube into your Newfoundland’s mouth and down to the stomach to release built up pressure in the stomach area. If the stomach is twisted, a large hallow needle will be placed into the stomach to relieve pressure. Surgery may be required to untwist the stomach. If you suspect your Newfoundland is suffering from canine bloat please seek immediate treatment from your veterinarian Lansing, MI. Click here.

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Did you know that the body of a gerbil is very efficient in water conservation? In fact, gerbils have been known to survive by just taking in less than a teaspoon of water. This ability to conserve water enables gerbils to adapt to their natural habitats which are desert biomes.

But gerbil owners should not use this as an excuse for not providing clean and fresh drinking water to their pets every day. Water is an essential nutrient in pets and thus should be provided daily.

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If you find yourself coming down with a cold you may want to think twice before you wrap up in your favorite blanket and cuddle your cat for comfort. Your vet may tell you that your British Longhair cat could be in danger of catching your cold. Dogs can only catch a cold from other dogs; however, it is different for cats in that they can easily pick up a germ and spread it to other cats. The cold virus can actually attach itself to cells in the respiratory tract of your British Longhair cat similar to the way it does in humans. This makes cats highly susceptible to human colds. As a rule of thumb, make it a habit to wash your hands before and after handling your pet to avoid spreading germs. If you have a cold and notice your cat looks ill too give your veterinary clinic P ... Read more »

Your guinea pig needs exercise to keep happy and healthy. Since your pig spends most of his day in his cage, try to make it a fun place that encourages movement. Ramps and tunnels and a hidey house your pig can run around in are fun. Some pigs like balls and other toys. Wheels, even big ones made for pigs, cause too much strain on the back so don’t give one to your pig. Plan on at least a half hour of exercise for your guinea pig outside his cage daily. Here you can provide bigger places to play and explore. Always supervise your guinea pig whenever he is outside the cage. Protect him from chewing on electrical wires or toxic plants. Take the time to get down on the floor and play with your pig and bond with him. For more information, contact your Carteret County, NC veterinarian.

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Do you own a Samoyed? Are you always trying to figure out when it’s time to trim his nails?  Overly long nails can cause your dog pain when breaking off. They can also change the way your dog walks. A general way to tell if your Samoyed’s nails need trimming is if the nails are touching the ground when standing or if they stick out over the pad of the paw. Trimming the nails yourself can be intimidating. Some owners are afraid they will cut too much of the nail or even hurt their dog. You can avoid this by simply taking your dog to see your local vet. Most vets will trim nails during routine visits. Many dog groomers will schedule nail trimming sessions as well. No matter what option you choose, remember to keep your dog on a routine trimming schedule. Consult with y ... Read more »

If you’re looking to show your purebred Balinese then you will need to register her with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in order to participate in official sanctioned shows. There are also other registries national and international that you may also want to register your cat with. Your vet may also be able to suggest local chapters as well as a few larger ones that he may be aware of. You can also research online which registry you would like your cat in. For the CFA registration requires you to submit an application that includes information from a blue or yellow slip that you should have received from your breeder. Blue slips require for you to pay application fees for registration. Yellow slips indicate the breeder has paid for registration. Applications can be submitted by mail or onli ... Read more »

Mice are fairly fragile so you need to handle your pet carefully so he isn’t injured. He could even die if you drop him. Thus you need to learn to pick up your mouse properly. Help your mouse get comfortable with you by sitting close while talking or singing to him. Drape your hand in the cage for your mouse to explore and practice hand feeding him. Once you are ready to pick up your mouse, act quickly and efficiently. Use one hand to scoop him up and cover him with the other so he doesn’t wriggle away. Put him down wherever you’re going to play with him quickly. Never pick your mouse up by a limb, his tail or the scruff of the neck since these methods could injure your mouse. Always supervise your mouse whenever he is outside his enclosure. For more information, contact your Riverside County, CA veterinarian.

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