The kitten you just added to your family is so cute and full of energy you want it to enjoy a long and healthy life with you. You rush to the grocery store to purchase some food thinking any brand would be fine so long as it is for kittens. That may be true but your kitten can better benefit from a holistic lifestyle. Follow these guidelines for how to raise your kitten the natural & healthy way.

* The greatest gift you can give your kitten is proper nutrition. Many holistic veterinarians recommend feeding a supervised home-made diet that includes raw meat because cats are true carnivores and benefit from eating uncooked meat.

 “If this type of feeding is not an option, then it is recommended that a good-quality, all-natural holistic brand of cat food, minimizing dry and particularly any grains. Eighty percent of the work in keeping your kitten well is based on what food it is offered at home.”

* It is essential for your kitten to drink fresh, clean water. “Don’t assume your tap water’s ok. Most of the time it is not.”

 Tap water often contains high levels of chlorine, lead and other chemicals. It is better for you to give your kitten filtered or distilled water to minimize potentially harmful contaminants.

* It is recommended to  fill your kitten’s litter box with a natural cat litter, such as pine wood, recycled paper, wheat or corn, avoiding types that contain perfumes or chemicals. 

* Kittens get their adult teeth when they are approximately 6 months old and that is a good time to start daily dental care. Get your kitten used to having its mouth handled and then slowly introduce natural toothpaste on a small, soft toothbrush.

* Declawing is discouraged by holistic veterinarians. There claws aid in proper balance and movement, and scratching is a normal, instinctive feline behavior. The key to caring for claws is to train your kitten to use a scratching post or pad. Providing your kitten with an appropriate scratching surface, it should have no interest in scratching your furniture.

* With your kitten constantly being exposed to cleaning-products used on floors, household surfaces and in the air, consider cleaning your home with natural, chemical-free cleaning products.

 Give your kitten a safe, stimulating environment. Purchase toys that are free of chemicals and dyes. Treat the kitty to organic catnip and schedule lots of playtime.

 Maintain your kitten’s good health with annual veterinary checkups. “By raising your kitten holistically, you’re helping to protect against the common chronic degenerative diseases (such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism) that can happen in middle to later life.”

Even though it may seem more costly to bring your kitten up naturally, in the long run, it will be healthier – and that translates into fewer veterinary bills.

Your kitten will thank you for raising it naturally by providing you with years of love, companionship and entertaining antics.

Images: http://www.free-extras.com/search/1/kittens.htm

We Americans love our dogs and dog parks. And it’s no wonder… dog parks offer plenty of perks for both the dogs and their owners. They offer companionship, exercise, fresh air and a sense of community. There are many dog parks throughout the United States but I would like to share an article I came upon about a dog park located in Gilbert, Arizona.

The park is named “Cosmo Dog Park”. Now, that is a classy name for a park filled with barking dogs with wagging tails. Cosmo sits on four acres just outside of Phoenix, and boasts a bunch of tail-wagging amenities, including a man-made swimming area with a dock for jumping, a dog beach, and exercise equipment complete with climbing obstacles and tubes. In the middle of a small wading pool sits a drinking fountain shaped like a fire hydrant so the doggies can splash and quench their thirst all at the same time. There are four covered patios with benches and tables for the dogs owners to sit and relax to escape the hot desert sun.

Before the park’s opening in July of 2006 the town’s officials reported curious dog lovers climbing over and under the fencing to get an early peek. As nice a park as this is who could blame them?

As I read this article and took in the pictures of the park it gave me a real sense that dogs were in the builders mind as it was being built.

In October, 1847 was the first report of heartworm in a dog in The Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery.  Due to “low owner compliance in administering preventive medicines, people taking  their pet with  them when traveling, and a sudden surge of infected strays approximately 160 years later has spread heartworm to every state,” says John W. McCall, Ph.D., vice president of the American Heartworm Society. 

The cause of heartworm is a parasitic roundworm living in a dog’s lungs and heart. The female worms release their young – microfilariae – into the dog’s blood stream and are transferred to mosquitoes when they bite the dog. In the female mosquito the microfilariae mature into infective larvae which are transferred to another dog two weeks later, again through a mosquito bite. The adult worms are fully developed in the dog six months later.

 You can detect if your dog has  heartworm disease  with a blood test. Mild and severe heartworm cases often present symptoms such as exercise intolerance, coughing, and abnormal heart and lung sounds. Heartworm is potentially fatal if untreated.

 Even though, heartworm can be killed through a series of injections,  preventive oral and topical spot-on treatments are more economical for the owner and safer for the dog. There are several types of preventive drugs, including ivemectin, mibemycin, selamectin, moxidectin, and dethylcarbamazine. Always talk with your vet about choosing the preventive drug that’s right for your dog.

 Dogs can become infected the moment they are born, so preventive care should begin at 8 weeks of age and continued all year around.

Cats and Dogs are  much different in their interactions and observations of their human owners. Dogs regard themselves as part of the family with their human owner being the head of the pack, if you will. Cats regard humans in a household as other cats and in many ways behave towards people as they would towards other kittens in the nest, “grooming” them, snuggling up with them, and communicating with them in the ways they would use with other cats. A placid cat owner may not realize the extent to which it is taking cues from sounds, scents, and observing the behavior of the people in the house, even though its reactions are muted.

Cat owners that live alone may possibly become too dependent on their company, especially if they obtained their cat as a kitten and are confined in the house all of the time. The cat’s bonding emotions with one person can compound boredom and lead to extreme distress when the owner goes out. The cat may run and hide, refuse to eat or use its litter box until the owner returns. Some cats may handle their distress by tearing cushions on the sofa and curtains, and scratching furniture. This distress behavior can be avoided if the owner living alone will take two kittens from the same litter who, given a selection of toys, will amuse each other. Two kittens are little more trouble than one, and the companionship will offer each of them a more interesting life.

The Maine Coon Feline brings love and loyalty to the home.  Even though this breed is generally affectionate it can also be a bit moody and demanding. It uses its big paws lightly, but when wanting attention it can sound like a herd of elephants when hurling down stairs.

In the United States the Maine Coon is almost tied with the Persian as the most popular feline.

There are several theories as to how the Maine Coon came to North America. The most popular of all theories is they came over on the ships that colonized our country and were used as working cats to keep the rodent population controlled thus protecting the grain bins on the ships. It is the oldest show breed in North America. A black- and -white male was the first Maine Coon to be historically recorded.

Between 1911 and 1935 the breed fell out of popularity as other pedigreed longhaired cats came into greater favor, but later it was developed into more than a regional oddity thanks in great part to The Central Maine Cat Club, which promoted the breed enthusiastically.

In 1985, the governor of Maine signed into law a document naming the Maine Coon the official state feline. In February 1988, the cat appeared on a series of 22-cent U.S. commemorative postage stamps.

The tail of the Maine Coon should be at least as long as the body, between the shoulder blade and base of the tail. It is a silky, mat-free tail that is long and flowing and sometimes held high in the air like a flag. The tail is the Maine Coon’s “pride and joy.”

Although the Maine Coon is indeed large, it generally is not a huge cat. The breed looks bigger because of its long coat and stocky conformation. The fur on its shoulders is shorter and gradually becomes longer down the spine, ending in the heaviest fur on the hindquarters. The fur down the sides and on the stomach is also long and full. It is perhaps its second most proud attribute.

An advantage of this longhaired breed is that it is relatively mat-free. The Main Coon is nearly the most self-grooming of all longhaired breeds, but not to the extent many people think.

Although cats shed all of the time, heavy shedding occurs primarily in the spring and fall. Compared to other longhaired felines the Maine Coon doesn’t seem to develop huge mats mainly because they love to groom themselves, which removes most snarls. Brushing does not need to be a daily occurrence but a weekly one allows them to enjoy the bonding time brushing offers. These felines know they are beautiful and like to be helpful in your keeping them that way.

The Maine Coon’s voice is quite versatile, from a small “mew” to a high-pitched trilling or chirping sound.

The males tend to be refined while the females are often the best hunters.

With its great beauty, intelligence and affection the Maine Coon makes a wonderful addition to any household. At times they will even tolerate dogs.

Appearance: Marine Coon cats are lively, affectionate, housemates. Highly intelligent, they sometimes act like dogs, fetching and waiting at the door for their people’s arrival. Quite large, they have long, silky fur that is shaggy. The all-weather coat keeps them comfortable in all seasons (but, of course, wisest to keep these beauties inside at all times.) Males are quite a bit larger than females, but their thick coat (2 to 3 inches in the winter) makes them look even larger.

Standard: These large- boned cats reach 16 to 19 pounds in males, with females normally weighing 8 to 12 pounds. The cats come in many colors and coat patterns, the most common being brown tabby. Other colors include solids, parti-colors, bi-colors, tabbies with white, shaded and shaded with white. Any amount of white is allowed for show-quality cats. They have large ears, high cheekbones and large, widely set, almond-shaped eyes that come in several colors. They have tufts between their toes and on their ears. Males have especially strong necks. The tail should be at least as long as the body from the shoulders to the base of the tail, and it is held high.

Grooming: Weekly brushing is sufficient for this longhaired breed. Maine Coons seldom develop mats, but owners should watch for hairballs, as Maine Coons tend to groom themselves often.

Health: For this breed, the most common inherited health problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to serious heart trouble. The breed’s typical life is nine to 15 years, but indoor cats can live longer.

BREED PROFILE

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Country of Origin: Zimbabwe

Original use: Protection, guarding, and hunting.

Group: Hound (AKC); Sighthound (UKC)

Life span 11 to 13 years.

Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten; may have a little white on the chest and toes.

Coat: Short, dense, and glossy.

Grooming: Brush weekly; bathe twice a year or as needed.

Height/weight: Males, 25 to 27 inches, 85 pounds; females, 24 to 26 inches, 70 pounds.

Personality: Intelligent, devoted, fun-loving, athletic.

Trainability: High.

Activity level: High.

Known health problems:

Hypothyroidism, juvenile cataracts,

And dermoid sinuses, potentially

Fatal congenital defects in which

Narrow tube-like structures form

Beneath the skin along the spine.

Good with children? Yes,

Ridgebacks love children. But the

Size difference may be too great

With toddlers for unsupervised play.

Good with other pets? Yes, with

Other dogs; they see cats and

Other small pets as prey.

Have any of you dog lovers out there heard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed of Dog? I hadn’t until I ran across this interesting article the other day. Those people out there that are like me, and haven’t heard of this great breed of dog I am sure you will find this article as interesting as I did. Those of you who have heard of this breed or perhaps have a Rhodesian Ridgeback may find things out you didn’t already know about your precious pet.

This breed is known for its above-average intelligence and protective nature. These dogs are amazingly aware of their surroundings and extremely inquisitive.

Ridgebacks may give the impression they’re not on guard but it is believed they sleep with one eye and one ear open. They never give any signs of being a protector or much of a guard dog but are ready when an unwelcomed visitor or intruder approaches your home or comes onto the property. Persons entering the premises with the intent to do damage or harm see the Rhodesian Ridgeback as no threat for he appears to be sleeping. Once the intruder becomes closer the Rhodesian Ridgeback is on him like flies on honey. You can rest assured that the Rhodesian Ridgeback will always be ready when he is needed.

This amazing breed of dogs was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955. They originated in southern Africa, where in the 1800s they were used to hunt lions and protect farms and ranches from free-ranging predators. Named for the peculiar ridge of forward-growing hair along the spine, the Rhodesian Ridgeback resulted from the interbreeding of native African ridged dogs with the Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, terriers, and other dogs of European immigrants in the 1600s and 1700s. Settlers strove to create the ideal hunter and guardian with a temperament suitable for family life. That they succeeded is apparent in today’s companionable Ridgeback.

“These dogs crave to be with people.” They are an affectionate and devoted to their own people and tend to be standoffish around strangers. “Breeders of Ridgeback puppies advise buyers they have to introduce the dogs to three new places and three new people each week for the first nine months.” “If they don’t learn that new things are OK, they can become fearful and suspicious.”

Early socialization is especially important with a large, powerful, protective dog who everyone wants to pet. The strange ridge captures the attention of even non-dog lovers.” Puppies born without a ridge are not uncommon, however ridgeless Rhodesians cannot be shown in AKC dog shows, and a ridge will never “grow in.”

A highly capable, athletic breed, the Ridgeback is ready for just about any kind of activity, from therapy to agility. “They’ve even started to do well in herding, although it’s not innate. They’ve learned it.”

While these dogs need regular exercise, they’re not go-all-day dogs. “They need to run hard twice a day, and then they’ll be couch potatoes.” “Ridgebacks need to be entertained or they’ll make their own fun, and you won’t like it.” They’re not the kind of dog you can leave in the yard and pat on the head a couple times.” Truly, inside the house is the place for well-socialized, trained, and exercised Ridgebacks. “They’re clean, and they sleep all day.

“They’re easygoing dogs, although they tend to be a bit on the stubborn side.” Basic obedience training is necessary to establish general rules of behavior. Ridgebacks are sensitive dogs and learn quickly, responding to short, frequent training sessions with ample food rewards. Food ranks high with these incorrigible counter surfers.

These historical hunters can tolerate other pets when raised with them provided they don’t move quickly. They are sighthounds and will chase anything that moves.

The Rhodesians are alert, easygoing, and dependable protectors. A family wanting a watchdog that is easy to maintain, friendly with kids and protective without being aggressive, the Rhodesians fill the bill. They have all of these qualities and much more.

* The Prince of Frogs costume will bring out your dogs charming personality.

* The perfect disguise for pet Prince Charmings. Our Prince of Frogs costumes are made of soft plush with a regal crown accent on the hood.

* These fun costumes will turn heads and make your dog a prince after getting all those kisses.

* Made of lightweight green plush, with Velcro on neck and belly. Webbed feet and bulging eyes add ribbet-ing detail.

* Material: 100% Polyester
* Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Line dry.

* Adorable Pet Costumes make any pet the life of the party.

* Treat your dog to these irresistibly cute Pet Costumes.

* They dress up any pet to turn any occasion into a humorous photo opportunity.

* Great fun for parties, family gatherings, holidays and special events.

**Sizing Information:

* X-Small: 6-8″
* Small: 8-12″
* Medium: 12-16″
* Large: 16-20″
* X-Large: 20-24″

**Please be CERTAIN of the size. For the Safety of your pet, costumes are not returnable for refunds. We are happy to make exchanges for different sizes.

* Size: X-Small
* Manufacturer: Zack & Zoey
* SKU: zz-cost-frog