There is a common phrase out the world that has been bandied about for ages: “fighting like cats and dogs”. Where it comes from exactly is a mystery, because in a majority of homes, dogs and cats share living quarters quite amiably. In fact, it is often more difficult to introduce a second female cat or a second male dog to a household than it is a member of the other species. To make a successful inter-species introduction in the average household, the only real prerequisite is a dog who understands a few simple commands and a sturdy baby gate to...

Cats are animals for whom first impressions make a difference. And those first impressions will make all the difference to their future relationships. The first impression formed when a new comer meets a resident cat is critical. If two cats display aggression during their first meeting, this may set the mood for their future life together. Before introducing cats, make sure they are healthy. Many cats from shelters or other homes come to their new home with upper respiratory infections and should be separated in another room behind closed doors for a few days as a health precaution to not get...

The temperature is beginning to rise, and it is only going to get hotter. Make sure you know how to keep your cat safe in the summer heat. In the Northern Hemisphere, summer starts on June 21. During the summer heat, while you can adjust your clothing according to the weather, your cat is still wearing her fur coat. This can easily become a health issue. Just what can you do to keep your feline friend comfortable during the summer? If you are going to be away all day and it is going to get warm in the afternoon, drop...

From the most common to some of the more unusual, your pet’s allergies can typically be treated using natural cures, such as acidophilus, evening primrose oil, and omega-3 fats. Like people, dogs can suffer from allergies. Allergies in dogs most often manifest through the skin, causing itching, scratching, or paw licking. From a holistic perspective, allergies usually indicate some sort of internal imbalance. Allergies of any type are an overreaction of the immune system. When the body’s immune system identifies an allergen, it goes on the defensive and treats the supposed allergen as a foreign substance that must be eliminated. As...

What is Homeopathy, and why should you look into it for your pet?  Is it the same thing as herbal remedies? Although Homeopathic medicines are made from natural substances such as plants, minerals and some animal matter, it acts more deeply than either herbs or drugs by stimulating the immune system on the most basic level that few medical modalities can. Herbs and drugs can affect the molecular level at best, however Homeopathic medicine goes to the root of the problem by using medically active substances in very small doses that stimulate the immune system, allowing for self-healing. Homeopathy stimulates the...

It should come as no surprise that cats can be fickle about when, where and what type of affection they are willing to receive. Your cat’s need for affection changes daily, or even hour by hour depending on its mood. The love you received this morning from your feline friend may very well become a swat or hiss when you reach for him later in the evening, perpetuating the myth that they are indeed moody creatures. However, if you learn their secret language, you will go a long toward understanding them. So should you kiss your cat? Hug him, and...