Selecting the best cat collar

Jessie:  Okay, I want to spread my knowledge about cat chokers…er, collars, here.  I want to make sure you understand how to properly select and adorn your beloved feline with a collar.  Just because I am a dog does not mean I don’t know a thing or two about putting a cat in a choke…er, collar…hold.  There are just a few freatures to bear in mind when choosing the right collar for your cat.  You will want to know the size, overall comfort, style, ability to clean, durability, and safety.  When choosing a cat collar, make sure it can pinch or prong or….

Bo:  WAIT A MINUTE!  I don’t think these folks will trust your communication here with respect to appropriate collars for us cats.  I believe I am in a much better position to pontificate about such delicate matters.  After all, I have been a cat for years.

(Jessie slinks off to find a rope and begins to form what looks like a noose.  We can’t be too sure, however!)

Bo:  As I was saying, I know cat collars, and I am here to educate you as to the appropriate way to select one for the love of your life, your cat!  The collars with either buckled or snap-together closures are perfect choices.  Test the snap-together ones to make sure the hold is strong.  Also make sure it has a quick-release feature in case your cat gets stuck on something.  You will also need to find one that adjusts as your cat grows, if you are starting with a kitten.  If your cat goes outdoors frequently, you might look into a collar with reflective features.

The ideal fit for a cat collar should allow you to slip one to two fingers between your cat’s neck and the collar.  This all depends on the size of the cat.  Those “slip,” “choke,” or “prong” type collars are for dogs.  Please keep those away from us precious kitties.  Some cat collars come adorned with bells that cats enjoy.  Just make sure that the bell is secure and does not come off and pose a choking hazard. 

Jessie jumps in here:  Be advised, however, that the constant ringing of the bell may annoy you if your cat plays a lot at night.  I need my beauty sleep, you know!

Bo:  Do not rely on your cat’s collar for identification.  If your cat becomes lost or loses his collar, he cannot be postively ID’d.  The best thing to do is to have a microchip placed under your cat’s skin to increase the chances of your cat being returned home.  Your veterinarian can perform this microchip service for you.

Jessie:  Bo needs a microchip in the brain just to stimulate it.

Bo:  Well, I am out of here.  I need to go see what collar I have that will look good with what I am wearing today.  (Treks off to the closet)

Jessie, shouting out to Bo:  Better find a collar that goes well with your inner dork!

For more information about your cat and its collars, be sure to inquire of the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  Owner Karen Harrison will be happy to help you out.

(Information for this article obtained from www.petproductadvisor.com)

 

Get your pet to help you with that post-holiday bloat!

Bo:  Well, here it is…the day after Thanksgiving.  Many folks may be out shopping….or, many may be on the couch in a self-induced food coma from a bit of over-indulgence in the Thanksgiving feast of yesterday.

Jessie:  Is that why you are writing this post from your bed, computer on your belly, and drool coming out of your mouth?  If it were not for me, the spelling in this document today would be atrocious!

Bo:  Let it be said that both humans and pets need regular exercise, and it is so much fun to do that with your beloved canine by your side.

Jessie:  How lucky for you!  I have never even seen someone out for a run with a cat.  Guess this means you will be watching TV all day while you recuperate?

Bo:  As I was saying, if you want to have some fun exercising with your pooch, it will be a great way to work off some of that holiday bloat…and gear up for the next round of food festivities that strike us all in December.  Just like humans need to begin slowly with their exercise program, start walking or running your dog on soft surfaces like dirt, sand, or grass until his paws toughen.  Be sure to keep him on  a leash, too.  Also, consider your dog’s current physical condition.  Older dogs may do just fine with a leisurely walk.  Younger pups can probably handle a more rigorous romp.  Be sure to begin your exercise routine with short periods of activity and then gradually bump it up with increases in time, speed, and distance.

Jessie:  You might add that it is not wise to exercise your dog right after a meal.  That can lead to some tummy troubles…and I really do not feel like puking all over myself.  Take into consideration your local weather conditions, too.  When it is cold outside, dogs can get frostbite just like humans.  Likewise, if the pavement is hot, it can damage our paws, too.  We kindly ask that after we have been in the snow that you wipe off our feet to remove any ice, salt, and other debris that can harm or irritate our paws.

Bo:  Also, be sure to check with your vet before starting any exercise program for your dog, especially if your dog has a history of any medical problems. (Bo looks over at Jessie and ponders:  I wonder if this includes a history of MENTAL problems, too?)  Just remember!  Your dog loves to have fun with you!  Exercise is a great way to brighten his day and to get the blood pumping in BOTH of you!

If you have a busy schedule and want to have a trusted professional walk your dog, call the experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They love to make sure your dog gets some exercise!  Your dog, in turn, will love you for it!

(Information for this post was obtained at www.purina.com)

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Beloved Pets

The smell alone of a wonderful Thanksgiving feast being prepared may put your dog into overdrive.  Think of all those delicious aromas drifting through the house, tempting him and making him act crazy.  What is a dog to do?

Although tempting, do not feed any bits of turkey to your dog.  Stick to his normal feeding routine.  Turkey can produce some unwanted side effects in dogs, such as pain, cramping, and diarrhea.  You don’t want that to ruin your holiday weekend.

Advise your family and guests to refrain from feeding food from the table to your dog.  Those things high in sodium, such as chips and nuts, as well as fatty foods such as poultry skin, beef, or port fat can contribute to an inflammation of the pancreas.  That can lead to pancreatitis, a life-threatening disease.

Be sure to throw away any aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper.  Your dog could get to these and lick off the residue and potentially swallow the covering, leading to an intestinal blockage.  On this note, secure your garabge.  Tie things up well.  Within a minute, your hungry pooch can get into your garbage, scarfing down anything and everything that could harm him.

Turkey bones pose  a significant threat, too. A brittle, spiky bone could get caught in the dog’s esophagus or cause an irritation to the stomach or intestines.

Minimize your dog’s stress by keeping to his schedule.  Keep with the flow of his daily exercise routine and feeding schedule.  Pay attention to your dog as much as possible so he does not feel neglected during this busy holiday season.

Keep a vigilant eye on his water bowl.  Make sure it is freshly supplied.  A busy houshold during the holidays can make one forget this important detail.

Allow some private time for your pet.  Get him away from all of the company and fanfare.  Let him find solace in a quiet room for awhile ,away from the noise.  He needs downtime, too.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday this year!  It is always a blessing to have healthy pets.  Be sure to contact the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They will help to keep your pets happy and healthy during the holiday season and all year long!

(Information for this post found at www.doggienews.com.)

 

This dog (or cat!) is in hot water, literally!

Bo, the adorable cat:  Our Yorkie-Poo friend, Bolt, got bathed yesterday.  He tells us he is not too keen on getting his precious fur all wet, but we have to gently remind him that getting bathed regularly is important for us critters….especially the dogs!

Jessie, the lovable dog  (with paws over her nose):  When was the last time YOU had a bath?

Bo:  We cats are so well-trained and independent that we handle these matters privately.  At any rate, if you have a pet with normal or healthy skin, we have some bathing advice for you.  Some folks will only bathe their dog when the stink becomes too much to bear.  In actuality, your mutt should be bathed more frequently to remove any potential allergens, dead hair, and skin, and excessive oil in the hair and on the skin.  So, in the summer, aim for giving your dog a bath every two weeks, and in the cooler months of winter, perhaps once a month will do.  As for us cats, well, we are highly adept at grooming oursevles and do not need this type of bathing ritual. 

Jessie:  I heard that cats should be bathed on occasion and that it is best to get them used to it while they are still kittens!

Bo:  Well, if that is the case, then please make sure you are very careful about your shampoo selection for me!  As for your canine friends, you should also be selective here.  You need to use a shampoo that will clean the hair and skin but won’t remove the thin layer of oil.  The experts at www.ingleburnvet.com.au suggest using the natural shampoo from Dermacare or Aloveen or Fido’s Everday Shampoo.

Jessie:  Don’t forget the fleas!  You need to get rid of those nasty fleas!

Bo:  Yes, YOU do!  Certain flea shampoos do well at killing fleas, but the effects are usually short-lived and fleas will return after the fur is dry.  You may want to look into a good flea rinse.  I would rather mention what NOT to use, as these could harm your dog:

*Medicated shampoos, unless prescribed by a veterinarian.  These can dry and damage the skin.

*Human shampoo.  You people are 100 tmes more acidic than your dogs!

*Soaps of any kind, as these will only dry out the skin.

*Do not use eucalyptus or tea tree oils.  These will irritate the skin.

*Laundry detergent (huh?  people have tried this?) will remove that thin layer of oil on the skin.

For more information on how to bathe your dog, just ask the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  They know their stuff!

 

 

Dog vs. Cat – Which is better?

Author Bradley Trevor Greive upset more than a handful of happy cat owners upon the release of his book, “Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats.”  However, upon turning the pages of this book, it becomes apparent that Greive  is not anti-cat.  He is merely pro-dog.  In fact, many of those cat owners have now come to embrace the meaning behind this book.

The book, which took six months of work and of intense observation of dogs, sets forth accounts as to why dogs simply make better pets.

Jessie, the dog, interrupts:  HA!  I knew it!  I was right all along!

Bo, the distinguished cat, interjects:  It is only one book.  I am sure someone is now feverishly penning a title to the contrary!

Along with Greive’s prose, the works of famed photographer Rachel Hale were used to present a collection of complementary images.  The working relationship between these two was nothing short of fantastic and supported the grand evidence of how modern technology works wonders.  Greive  was at home in Tasmania recovering from shoulder and knee surgery while…

Bo:  What?  Did some angry cat rip him to shreds?

Jessie:  Be quiet…I want to hear more!

….as we were saying…while Hale got married in New Zealand.  She worked from illustrations to build sets and then took various photos to accompany Greive’s written portions.

Despite Greive’s obvious preference for the canine kind, he does point out a few down sides to such pet ownership:  the intense time needed to care for them and the money it takes to feed them are just two examples.

Greive will admit that cats are attractive to look at, and, “when possessed by their own frisky demons, hilarious to observe.”

Jessie:  Hey, Bo…you demonic thing you!  What’s up?

Bo merely glares devilishly at Jessie.

Despite the humorous tone in this book, Greive does note that before one decides to own a dog, he or she has to take into consideration the responsibilities that come along with that role.

Greive continues to live with his three wonderful dogs and has no plans to introduce a cat to the clan anytime soon.  Nor does he foresee a feline rebuttal in the works, at least from his pen!

Bo quickly runs off and turns on the computer to open a Word document!  Let the games begin!

For more about Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats, go to http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=0740785133

The experts at My Joy of Living Pet Sitting in Kansas City had the unique opportunity to visit with Mr. Greive when he was in town recently.  My Joy of Living will refrain from providing its preference between cats and dogs.  These pet sitting experts tend to both wonderful creatures!

Dogs and the Elderly

Jessie, the wonderful canine companion:  My Yorkie-Poo friend, Bolt, has a human whose grandma is now 105 years old.  At a family gathering recently, someone suggested that Grandma get a dog to keep her company.  Everyone laughed at such a silly notion, not so much that Grandma should have a dog, but that Grandma is 105 YEARS OLD…isn’t that bit too advanced in years to be thinking about a pet?

Dogs do provide great benefits for seniors, however, and we are happy to oblige.  For example, here are some ways in which we provide health benefits to the elderly:

**Reduce blood pressure

**Reduce cholesterol levels

**Enhance social activities.  (Grandpa can go to the dog park and pick up some cute Grandma!)

**Ease the pain when a loved one dies

**Provide affection and unconditional love

**Encourage increased activity in seniors

**Decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness

When deciding what type of breed to get for an older person, take into consideration where he or she lives, his or her physical condition, strength, and health status and compare this to the temperament of the dog.  The person needs to be able to handle the dog well.  Among some good choices of breeds for seniors include Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Llasa Apso, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pug, and Shih Tzu.

If you have any questions about pets and your senior friends and family members, turn to the experts at My Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.

(Information for this post obtained at www.puppy-basics.com.)

 

 

Dog vs. Husband….You Decide

It seems like there are surveys for everything these days, and finding out what women want is on the list of such surveys.  In a recent poll conducted online, a whopping 78% of women indicated they would choose a dog over a husband.  According to one of the respondents, age 29, she would much rather have a pet and just date the men.  She believes overall that would be less stressful, and she really does not want to commit to getting to know someone over time, concluding that life is just too short for that sort of thing.  In a related survey by a mattress company, 55% of women noted that it would be preferable to sleep with their pet in the bed than with their partner, citing the partner as far more annoying than the pet!  Overall, 67% of the respondents noted they like to sleep with their pets.  Can we get the dogs to do the laundry and take out the trash next?

Pets provide a lot of Joy of Living for us.  As long as they make you happy, that is all that matters, right?  The pet sitting folks at My Joy of Living in Kansas City love all pets and will be happy to take care of them for you in your absence!  Unless, of course, your dog flies first class with you on the airplane!

(Information for this post was obtained at www.pets911.com.)

 

It’s Dog’s Play!

Jessie, the adorable canine:  If you want a perfectly behaved, well-mannered, socially-adept dog like myself, you have to play at it.  No, I did not mean work at it…I meant PLAY at it.  When you engage in fun activities with your dog, it is good for everyone around. Dogs have a better chance of learning manners, and they become much easier to live with.  When you play with your dog, you learn a bit more about him or her.  You make a connection.  Plus, you provide some exercise for your dog and reduce the boredom factor.  Did you know that a dog that exercises with its human will probably display fewer behavioral problems?  (Now I understand what is wrong with Bo, our cat!)  Plus, activities serve to stimulate both our humans and us!  It is a win-win!  I know my friend, Bolt, a Yorkie-Poo, has recently taking up running with his human.  He knows when it is time to leash up, lace up, and hit the road, and he will excitedly bark to let his human know it is time to go!  Despite his seven-pound frame, this dog runs like the wind and has the grace of a gazelle!  He literally has a smile on his face while doing this!  His human has noted how much more social he is and more notably, how much calmer he is when inside.  Plus, when it is time for bed, Bolt is fast asleep before his little head even hits the doggie bed!

If you want your dog to have some fun, and perhaps you don’t always have the time, contact the pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living in Kansas City.  Owner Karen Harrison will know just what to do to bring fun and excitement into your dog’s daily routine!  The Joy of Living will truly put the joy of living into your dog!  You will be happier, too!

Gotta run now!  Bye!

(Information for this post obtained at www.dogplay.com.)

 

Cats and dogs living together

Jessie the dog:  Most cartoons depict cats and dogs as  feverishly hostile towards one another, but is it truly that way?  Can we get along?  Much like our human counterparts, it all depends on the mix of the species and their personalities.  I am so likable that I pretty much get along with everyone, with one possible exception.  (Jessie shoots a look across the room to Bo the cat.)  As natural-born predators, we dogs like to chase those furry little things that scamper about our domain.  Just like humans, however, we are not completely ruled by nature.  We try to work things out.  It just takes some practice.

If a puppy is brought into a house with a cat, and all goes well, the puppy will most likely assume that the cat is just another domestic element.  (Or, like me, view the cat as the unwanted step child.)  Because cats are so highly territorial, however, it might be best to introduce a new kitty to a dog that is already established in the residence.  They say you should never bring a cat to a home with a dog that has been known to not only chase cats, but to actually hunt them down and kill them.  (No, I have never done that, but I can’t say the thought has never crossed my mind!)  On the flip side, you may have to protect a puppy from a rather demanding and territorial cat-monster!

In order to mix dogs and cats together, you have to learn and understand their nature (territorial, aggressive, friendly, passive, etc.) and act accordingly.  Or, you could leave well enough alone and just let us dogs enjoy our domain on our own!

When you put your pets in the hands of the pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living in Kansas City, you can count on most of us getting along just fine!  We love those pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living.

(Information for this post was obtained from www.petplace.com.)

 

Ewww…what’s that smell????

Bo, the wonderful cat:  You know, I was wondering what to write about today, and when Jessie stepped into the room, it suddenly hit me:  PET ODORS…and HOW TO GET RID OF THEM!  I could just shoo Jessie out the door and on her merry way, but I don’t think our owner, Karen, of My Joy of Living pet sitters in Kansas City would go for that.  As such, let me give you a few tips to rid the air of those foul odors, most often brought by the canine kind!

1.) Always clean up pet messes as quickly and thoroughly as possible.  If you are not sure where there are messes, make the room dark and then use a black light bulb to highlight any dried “oh-oh” spots.

2.) You can deep clean the areas using a carpet cleaning machine or a carpet shampoo machine and cool water only.  Do not involve chemicals or cleaners, as these could harm your pets.

3.)  Use an enzyme-containing pet odor neutralizing powder.  You can pick this up at most pet stores, or maybe even your vet sells it.  This powder will permanently remove the odors caused by protein and bacteria, even from the deepest fibers in your carpet.  These powders  may also contain a cleanser that will allow for the removal of stains.  Let this powder sit for eight hours and then vacuum the area(s).

My final suggestion would be to remove the dog from the house on a permanent basis, but I guess I do not have too much say in that matter.

The pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living in Kansas City will be happy to help you with any pet odor problems.  Just don’t let them know about my personal advice on the matter.  I am a cat.  I don’t want to end up in the dog house!

(Information for this post was obtained at www.ehow.com)