Cats & Dogs

Cats sure have interesting ways of expressing themselves. Some are cute, and some, well, can hurt. Most cat owners know about love chomps, those playful nips cats give at times. They are different than true, defensive bites, which draw blood and really hurt. Love chomps are given out of affection, and sometimes can hurt a little, depending upon kitty's mood. What is going on, and why do they do this?

My cat Beau is deaf and is very physical in expressing himself. He loves to be touched, petted and kissed. His reaction back is to "chew" on me, sort of gnawing his teeth against my arm, as he purrs. I soon realized that this is out of caring, not out of defensiveness. He does this whenever he is deliriously happy, and it's sort of like he's trying to kiss me back but does it with his little teeth. Lucky me. I appreciate him for being so loving, and just show love back, but back off if he chomps a little too hard.

When your cat does this, don't hit or get mad, just gently brush it off and distract him to do something else. Cats respond to suggestion, professional trainers rely on this principle to train them. By giving kitty something else to think about, he will forget about gnawing on you and put his attention elsewhere. Though I'm not an animal behaviorist, I know what works for my cats, and use information learned by those in the know. A good resource to contact if you need a real professional's advice on cat behavior is at your local chapter of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Aniimals). I called my local chapter and asked who to talk to regarding certain behaviors and they told me a behaviorist would call me back. She did, and was very helpful in giving me tips on handling problematic cat behaviors of different kinds. The ASPCA has local chapters in most cities and is a good resource for help with animals of many kinds so I recommend them.

Learning better communication with our pets is always helpful in understanding what they do and why they do it. Many pets end up at the pound because their owners didn't take the time or energy to learn why the animal did certain behaviors, then just gave up instead of fixing the gap in communication. We have to show our pets what to do in order for them to know what is expected of them. Cats can be more independent, of course, but they can be trained to undo bad behaviors with time and practise. Some things take more time than others. It is important to be patient and kind, anger only makes pets fearful and less apt to learn what you want them to learn.

For example, my cat Beau didn't sleep through the night when I first got him. As soon as the lights went off, it was his time to party. He sang his lungs out, picked on the other two cats (who were trying to sleep) and made a nusiance of himself. So, to combat his nighttime rowdiness, I kept him up all day, by waking him up every so often as he tried to nap, getting out a string with a toy on the end of it, and getting him to play till he was tired. By the end of the day, he welcomed sleep. And, he slept through the night. It worked. After awhile, I didn't need put forth any effort anymore, he just automatically slept through the night. I still wake him up occaisionally during the day, just in case, to make sure he's truly tired by the end of the day.

Another strange behavior is leg climbing. Sometimes, kittens think your leg makes a good substitute for a tree trunk and try to climb it. O-u-c-h! That can make just about anyone mad at first but remember, it's just a behavior that needs correcting. Kitty isn't aware that he is clawing the heck out of your skin, and is trying to be energetic. Give him something else to play on, like a kitty condo/cat tree. Those are great for cats who love to climb. Sprinkle it with catnip, and the next time little kitty throws himself at your leg, quickly put him on the cat tree, and mimic scratching on it, to show him what to do with it. By showing him, he will learn that it's more fun to climb the cat tree than you. Cat trees are always a good investment, I got mine on Ebay, and the cats live on it, practically. They know it's theirs and never scratch the couch since they have a place to get out their scratching needs.

Do you have a cat who loves to rocket around the house as he knocks over knicknacks and other stuff in his way? It's kind of like having a herd of wild elephants go charging through the living room, making a load of noise as they go. This is just cat energy being spent, kitty is bored and finding something to do. Give him some toys, and throw them for him so he can play. One great way to get kitty's energy focused is to use a laser light pointer and aim it at the wall. Watch kitty flip and flop, hopping at the wall on his tiptoes, as he tries to get that light. Don't shine the light in his eyes, because it is a laser, but do use it as a tool to play. Beau loves the laser light pointer and will watch the wall for hours afterwards, waiting for the light to come back. They can be bought at any office supply or pet store, cheap.

Another great and cheap toy to get kitty playing and distracted is the cotton swab, or Q-tip. These things make my cats go wild. Just throw it in the middle of the room, or tie it to a string and drag it around the room. Any cat in the room will be drawn to it like a moth to a flame. My cat Blackie will do gymnastic manoevers with Q-tips, as he picks it up and throws it for himself, when nobody else does it for him. He can leap and rotate in mid-air. Cotton swabs make cats do the funniest things.

Embrace the crazy things your cat does, don't punish, just retrain if they do things that really bother you. It just takes a little understanding and patience. See what they need - are they bored, are they trying to show caring but doing it in a way that hurts? Gently retrain or distract. When kitty knows what you want from him, he will eventually get the hint and learn..most of the time. Beau still chomps on my arm, but doesn't do it as hard as he used to. He doesn't like being ignored, and if he mistakenly chomps too hard, I just walk off and don't give him the attention he wants. That, in itself, is punishment to him and he has learned from it.

If you want to see what other funny things other peoples' cats do, just watch America's Funniest Home Videos. Cats and dogs are great material for funny videos because they are fun and entertaining. Enjoy them, and let them enjoy you back. Teamwork is the answer.

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Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

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Bird Flu Vaccine Approved

A bird flu vaccine has been approved for use for the first time in the United States -- read more to find out about the study and how it will be distributed.

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If your dog licks excessively, you can easily stop this behavior once you understand the root cause of his excessive licking.

In order to get to the bottom of this mysterious and compulsive dog behavior you will want to look at two root causes of excessive licking

Medical- A dog that is excessively licking may be doing this because of a medical condition such as a skin allergy, dry skin, irritation to the pads on his paws as a result of contact with ice, snow or the salt on a road. He may be having an allergic reaction to cleaning fluids, a sensitivity to certain soaps or be in discomfort due to a more serious condition such as canine arthritis, common in senior dogs.

It's a good idea to take a visit with your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any medical reason for his excessive licking. If there is a medical condition, your vet will likely prescribe a simple remedy that will provide relief to your dog and stop your dog's excessive licking.

Behavioral- Non medical causes for excessive licking in dogs are most likely behaviorally based. Many dog trainers feel that the cause is anxiety. Your dog may lick excessively so that someone will notice him, as a show of affection, or to give you a message. That message in dog language can mean a number of things, such as , I want to go for a walk, I love you, I wanna play, I want food, I feel anxious, or I miss you and want you to come back. This last one manifests itself as separation anxiety when you are not at home.

2 Ways to Stop Your Dog's Excessive Licking Today

Once you identify the specific root cause of your dog's excessive licking you can take steps to stop it. Let's use separation anxiety as an example. If you conclude that your dog licks excessively when you leave the house, you can easily correct this behavior.

Start leaving he house for short intervals without making a fuss when you leave. No announcements or good byes. Just leave and come back without fanfare in 5 minutes. Then repeat the process and extends it to 10 minutes. Do it again, this time for 20 minutes, then again for an hour. Before long you will be able to leave the house and return a few hours to several hours later without your dog reacting by excessive licking.

Another simple technique you can use to stop your dog's excessive licking is to divert his attention. When he starts to lick his paws, your face, the floor or anything at all, catch his attention and throw a ball for him to fetch. He'll soon forget about licking because he's having more fun playing ball !.

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Is your dog a world class licker? Is your face his favorite licking spot? How about his paws, the furniture or his private areas? Whatever the cause, help is at hand. You CAN stop your dog's excessive licking. Find out how to easily solve any dog behavior issue at http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html This article may be reproduced intact with the author's link displayed.

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Read "The Adventures of Sherlock Homes" Free!

Sit down with a classic mystery, courtesy of the ArcaMax Book Club. Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is just one of more than 600 free books you can read online, either on the site or a chapter a day by e-mail.

If you're looking for more, visit the Book Club, join a discussion in the Book Club Community, or sign up for the weekly Book Club ezine to keep up with our featured authors and newest available books.

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Cats are as common as dogs, but somehow there are a lot of people who dislike cats more than they do dogs, but when asked why, their reply would be, oh, I just hate them, no particular reason. Why is it that some people dislike cats? Are they misinformed? Do they have misconceptions about the furry felines? Given a chance to change their opinions on cats, it is certain that they will find these animals just enjoyable as dogs as pets.

Since cats and dogs are the most common house pets, they are frequently compared and judged. Through these constant comparisons, misconceptions about cats are formed, and people will realize some not-so-attractive qualities about cats. But a cat shouldn't be compared with a dog, as a dog is an affectionate animal, and requires constant love and attention, whereas a cat has a more independent character. That would be appealing to some people who prefer a pet which isn't so demanding.

Let us now rid ourselves of the misconceptions we might have towards cats. Here are two examples which you may find familiar.

"Cats are cold towards people and have no personality."

Yes, compared to dogs, cats are a lot less affectionate. They do not run to you with wagging tails when you come home from work to greet you, and in fact, they may even seem indifferent towards you. Therefore cats are misunderstood as being cold and would not make a great pet. But cats are very loving creatures; it is just that they have selected moments when they want to be affectionate, and it is not all the time that they want to be friendly.

Don't misunderstand your cat's rubbing and nestling up your leg as a sign that it's hungry and wants food or treats. Just because they are not as affectionate as dogs does not mean that they do not appreciate some warmth and affection from their masters. Cats are more quiet creatures, and they rather chill on your lap, table areas or smuggle up next to you when they want to get some rest.

"Cats are able to handle themselves and do not need human contact"

Here is another false impression about cats which is not totally true. There may be more stray cats than dogs in your neighborhood, but it does not mean that your pet cat since birth will want to wander into the real world and take care of itself

Cats are easy to maintain, and they take care of themselves well, as we all already know. A cat, however, if well taken care of with a lot of love will be affectionate towards its master, and will want some contact with them. These are probably the most appreciated qualities about cats- low maintenance, compared to any other pets out there. See below for more information on Siamese Cats.

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For more information on Misconceptions about Cats or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/..., a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks

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Plan a summer trip to Jamestown

Take part in Jamestown's 400th anniversary celebration with a family vacation to Virginia -- ArcaMax will help you plan it! Choose a hotel, find great historical restaurants, and more.

If you can't travel this summer, you can still read free books about Jamestown or play fun interactive games and quizzes.

Visit the Jamestown special feature.

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Although pet cats are becoming more and more common, and those who do not own one do not usually resist to pet or stroke them when one approaches them, there are people out there who keep their distance from these felines, and not because they dislike them, but they have allergies!!

For true cat lovers, it is very hard to overcome this issue, for they cannot enjoy the perks of owning a pet cat due to allergy reactions and the complications that come with it, especially if the cat itself is the allergy trigger.

As strange as it is, there are more people allergic to cats than there are to dogs. Cat allergies are not to be taken lightly, especially with children with breathing problems such as asthma, or other related issues for exposing them to cats may worsen the situation. For some people, having a cat nearby without actual contact may even cause serious reactions and other problems.

The biggest misconception is that the cat's fur causes the allergy reaction. The truth is, this substance called Fel D1 that is found in a cat's saliva is the culprit that causes the allergy. It gets onto the cat's fur when it licks itself clean. From there, it may get blown or carried by air or other medium into the surroundings, and any unfortunate person with cat allergies would react when breathing nearby a cat. As the substance is airborne, one do not have to be too near the cat to get a reaction. Therefore, when a cat comes within distance, one would start to sneeze or cough and so on.

Hairless cats prove to be just as hazardous as furry cats. Even if your cat's hair is shaved, or has naturally short fur, it does not mean that it won't cause allergy attacks, as aforementioned, the substance that causes allergy reactions are contained in the cat's saliva, not the fur, and it is natural for a cat to lick itself clean.

There are determined cat lovers who do own pet cats despite their allergy issues. If you are a true cat lover and would really want to own a cat, check with your doctor or find an allergist nearby who can help you control your allergies. This way, you can enjoy having an adorable pet cat around the house, with less allergy reactions. See below for more information on allergies to cats.

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For more information on Allergic to Cats or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/help-i-have- allergies-but-absolutely-love-cats/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks

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Download New Games for Kids

ArcaMax Games is having a sale on great games for kids! Download games based on Dexter's Lab and The Powerpuff Girls, both 50% off for a limited time.

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When a flea hitches a ride on your cat or dog, you have big problems about to happen. The life cycle of a flea takes no time for the little pest to produce eggs that soon have your home infested with the biting insects. Your pet is miserable and covered in the little creatures, and you and your family might even find yourselves with flea bites on your ankles or stomach.

Then it's on to Project Deep Clean. Your whole house is going to have to be treated, with special attention to the areas that your pet loves the most. Your sofa will need to be sprayed, your bedding washed, your carpets steam cleaned and your pet washed and treated with insecticidal products. The house will end up being spotless, but you'll have spent a great deal of time, money, and effort and there will probably be a lingering odor of chemicals. Joy.

Spot-on treatments can be the best, easiest prevention method to these flea headaches. These small vials carry a product that you apply to your pet's skin once a month. The liquid covers a small spot and then your pet's natural movements distribute the product over the animal's body for flea prevention. If your pet has long hair or lives in an area prone to fleas, spot-on treatments are the way to go.

The packages are color coded so you can choose the one right for your pet's type and weight, reducing the risk of misapplication. However, spot-on flea treatments are in fact chemicals so it is important not to be complacent and to exactly follow the manufacturer's guidelines. If you do not, you could give your pet an overdose making him very sick.

As pesticide treatments go, spot-on flea treatments are more effective than flea collars which just tend to treat the fleas around the neck and work for a limited time only. Powder can be messy and there is no way of avoiding it becoming airborne and breathing it in, which to say the least is unhealthy. Sprays also are breathed in by their very nature and animals can resist spraying, particularly cats.

However, pesticides are still pesticides and if they can be avoided they should be. Spot-on flea treatments are recommended for animals with severe flea allergies if nothing else has worked because the consequence of the allergy is worse than the risks associated with chemical exposure. Topical flea treatments enter your pets' bodies through the skin and go to the liver and kidneys before the intestines. Exposure such as this to chemicals has the effect of weakening an animal's immune system and they may be more vulnerable to health problems as a result.

Sometimes simple, effective and easy is still not the best way. It is important to choose a flea eradication method that is also safe. Take some time to learn about the alternatives available to you before exposing your pet unduly to chemicals.

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Jean Morgan is a writer of articles concerning pet health and the owner of http://natureshealthypet.com For more information about getting rid of fleas visit http://natureshealthypet.com and http://killfleasnow.com

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Free Classic Comics Every Day

Read Andy Capp, Beetle Bailey, and more classic comic strip favorites every day by e-mail! The ArcaMax Funnies page has more than two dozen comics to choose from, all available with a free subscription.

Also -- ArcaMax is partnering with Publisher's Clearing House to offer a reader the chance to win $5,000. To enter directly and receive more information, go directly to the PCH Web site.

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Your cat's behavior can possibly be modified with catnip. As a cat owner, don't look at catnip as being something that is put in cat toys as a treat or to keep them busy. Cats will eventually become immune to catnip effects if you overuse it.

Is Catnip Powerful?

The "catnip effect" is due to a volatile oil contained in catnip. This oil acts like an aphrodisiac which causes the unique feeling on cats. It is not an addictive substance and is safe to use on cats. The cat's inhibition is usually minimized through the hallucinogen aspect of catnip. The euphoria feeling typically lasts approximately fifteen minutes.

Cats really enjoy catnip when they come in contact with it. They will lick the catnip, roll in it and often times consume the herb oil. Your cat is likely to become immune to the catnip oil if you leave it in a place where your cat can get to it a lot. Due to an inherited gene, only about 67 percent of all cats are affected by catnip. The remaining 33 percent of cats do not feel the effects of catnip because they don't have the inherited gene that responds to catnip.

What are the Catnip Benefits?

Catnip is a very powerful substance. It can make a lazy cat very active and playful. Use catnip as a starting point when dealing with a cat that has not been playful or active in a period of time. It can be used to relieve tension if your cat has been subjected to a situation of stress. As an example, you may want to use catnip after your cat has been traveling in a car or your cat became tense after company was in the house.

In addition, catnip can help build confidence in your frightened or timid cat. Your cat could have become timid due to being recently purchased or rescued from an animal shelter. Catnip will help your timid cat to respond in a friendly and playful manner.

Be Cautious in Using Catnip.

You need to be cautious when giving catnip to a cat that is in a group if you don't know how the cat will respond. Some male cats can become more aggressive after friendly play when subjected to catnip. Therefore, it is wise to give catnip to the first-time user in a environment where the cat is separated from your other cats to see what the response will be. You don't want your other cats to be subjected to an aggressive cat after taking catnip.

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F. Terrence Markle is a successful webmaster and publisher of information on Cats For more information try visiting Cats.PrimeOnlineInfo.com/cat-id-tag.htm a popular website that offers tips, advice and resources on cats.

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Share History with Your Children

If you're looking for things to do during Jamestown's 400th anniversary, take in an educational and entertaining show with your children! Read more in ArcaMax's interview with Rainbow Puppets, the makers of the new puppet show From the Sea to the Sky, about the history of the Virginia peninsula.

Also -- ArcaMax is partnering with Publisher's Clearing House to offer a reader the chance to win $5,000. To enter directly and receive more information, go directly to the PCH site.

Visit the America's 400th Birthday Special Feature.

-- From the ArcaMax editors

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You should treat your dog as another member of the family. You have a responsibility as a dog owner to provide your pet with veterinarian health care. It is critical that you provide all the necessary vaccinations, annual health checkups and other medical care to help ensure your dog will live a nice long healthy life.

Dog health care can be expensive. Let's not fool ourselves. This is especially true if there are dog health problems or injuries that occur from time to time. The following tips are an effort to help save some money while providing good health care for your dog.

Rabies Shots

Rabies tend to be more prevalent in some states and areas than in others. As a dog owner, you are required by law to get annual rabies shots for your pet dog. Check with the local animal shelter. The shelter or some other animal organization might provide a significant saving on the rabies shots. The service offered by your local animal shelter could save you a lot of money when compared to what a veterinarian charges.

Shelter Clinics

Your local animal shelter may offer other medical services for your pet dog. Check and see if they have a veterinarian in-house to provide shelter clinic care. If they do, the shelter clinic is usually open to the public and in many cases will reduce the health care of your dog. Contact the local animal shelter to see what services are provided and any additional information you may need. The services offered could be vaccinations or emergency care if your dog sustains an injury.

Multiple Dog Vet Discount

Some people have more than one dog. It would be nice to find a veterinarian that provides discount pricing to dog owners for multiple pets. It could be well worth the time and trouble to check out multiple veterinarians in your locality to see if you can get a multiple pet discount for vet health care services. Make certain you ask your veterinarian because they typically will not volunteer this information.

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

It is usually a good idea to spay (remove the reproductive organs of a female dog) or neuter (remove the testicles of a male dog) unless you desire to raise the offspring. It is very possible for a dog to have unwanted births if they are not neutered or spayed. This in turn can lead to other health care costs and injuries. Your dog's reproductive cycle can lead to bad situations when your dog is in heat. Different types of animal cancer can be prevented by getting your pet dog spayed or neutered. In turn, this can have a positive impact on reducing your veterinarian costs.

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F. Terrence Markle is a successful webmaster and publisher of information on Dogs For more information try visiting Dogs.PrimeOnlineInfo.com/cheap-dog-toys.htm a popular website that offers tips, advice and resources on dogs.

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Get Cooking and Golfing Tips from the Pros

Whether your favorite hobby is in the kitchen or on the greens, visual learning is the best way to master new techniques.

Golfers can see the best setups and stances with help from Master Strokes, and inventive new recipes are easy to learn with the fun visual guides of Cheap Thrills Cuisine.

Also -- ArcaMax is partnering with Publisher's Clearing House to offer a reader the chance to win $5,000. To enter directly and receive more information, go directly to the PCH Web site.

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Safe dog toys are important at all times, but even more so for the new puppy in your life. Dog toys need to be safe, durable and fun. Many different factors determine whether a dog toy is safe or dangerous. Other points are the environment that your dog lives in, his size and activity levels.

Your dog or puppy will think that anything in his reach is a toy for him to play with, so have a spring clean and remove children's toys, ribbons, string, elastic bands, coins, absolutely anything that he could get in his mouth and swallow. These are not safe dog toys. Dogs have even been known to swallow knitting needles, so get your imagination into overdrive.

Soft dog toys are fine for your dog to carry around, or play with in your company, but they are not a safe dog toy when by him self. If he eats all the stuffing it could cause intestinal problems. No soft toy can be though of as a safe dog toy because it can too easily be chew into small, or large, pieces and digested.

Safe dog toys have to be the right size for your dog. Give a big dog a small ball and you run the risk of it being swallowed, or even being lodged in the throat.

Safe toys do not want to have anything that your dog or puppy can remove and then swallow. Soft squeaky toys can be safe for quieter dogs, but only under supervision.

No toy with a squeaker buried in it could be classed as a safe dog toy, as the very noise can excite the dog, into a fury of determination to get at it and "kill" it.

Safe dog toys are very hard rubber toys, and come in various shapes and sizes, to be ideal for your size dog. Rope toys are safe dog toys, but only if knotted at each end, but be sure to replace them as your dog will slowly destroy it.

Treat balls are a good safe dog toy, which you can fill with an appropriate dog treat. He will then spend hours rolling it around hopping that a treat will fall out. Other feed treat toys are not safe dog toys, as they are designed with a lever that needs to be pushed to receive the treat, this could injure his eyes.

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For more information on training dogs please visit http://www.dogtrainingproblems.biz

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Celebrate America's 400th Birthday This Summer

Jamestown, Virginia is full of things to do this year -- making it an even hotter tourist attraction! The ArcaMax 400th Anniversary Calendar of Events has a comprehensive listing of things to do to celebrate the birth of America all through 2007.

Also -- ArcaMax is partnering with Publisher's Clearing House to offer a reader the chance to win $5,000. To enter directly and receive more information, go directly to the PCH Web site.

Visit the America's 400th Birthday feature.

-- From the ArcaMax editors

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Cats, just like any other animal and their caretakers, can get sick. If you love cats and own them, there are some things you should know about the illnesses that can affect your feline friend.

Leukemia

Even for humans, this word is one you never hope to hear. For Felines, it's a virus, that works by producing an enzyme that it then inserts into healthy cells infecting them. Just like a retrovirus. Because of this, it is a particularly nasty illness.

It doesn't matter where you are, your cat can be infected with this disease. The best prevention is to keep your cat healthy by maintaining its diet and seeing the vet regularly for any and all shots.

What are the ways your cat might become infected?

Feline leukemia spreads from cat to cat. There is no limit to the ways it can be spread. Even just sharing a litter box with an infected cat might be enough to spread the disease. Unborn kittens aren't safe from this disease since mother cats can pass feline leukemia off to their unborn offspring.

What type of cats have a greater risk of being infected?

While all cats are at risk for infection with feline leukemia, there are some cats that have a higher risk factor for contracting the virus. Multiple cat homes, especially if it's one that contains strays increase the risk factor for infection.

If you allow your cats to roam free out of doors then their chances of contracting this disease increases. They run a greater risk of coming in contact with infected cats and being bitten or scratched, allowing the virus to transfer itself. Kittens have a greater risk of becoming infected, especially when they are nursing since the virus can be transmitted through the mother's milk. Also, they have weaker immune systems.

Feline Leukemia: How to spot the symptoms and what it does to your feline

The virus can effect the cat in many ways. It is the major cause of cancer in cats and is responsible for many blood disorders. The virus affects the immune system of the cat, making it difficult for the immune system to protect him from other illnesses and diseases.

The main things to look for with feline leukemia is loss of appetite, weight loss and general loss of health for your cat. These may not be noticeable at first, since this virus can progress slowly. If you don't see any other sign see if you notice your cat becoming sick more often. Continual illness is a possible sign.

There are also other signs that usually show up a bit later in the diseases progression. These include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums or gums that are inflamed.

By paying attention to your cats health and following these tips, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.

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David Lee is an expert on pet care. See his site for more information on Cat Health, Cat Care, Cat Leukemia & Cat Kidney Disease

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Office Humor from the New Yorker

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Today's Reader Submitted Photos

Many people find it challenging to give a cat medicine such as a pill or liquid. Once you learn the five steps below, it will simplify and speed up the process. You may want to pretend your medicating your cat right now. Once you feel confident with the steps below, use them the next time you need to medicate your cat.

1. Place the medicine on a floor or table top in a quiet room. If you are giving a pill, have the pill ready to place down the cat's throat. If you are dispensing a liquid medicine, have the syringe filled with the correct amount of fluid.

2. Pick up you cat and pet it like normal. Place one hand underneath the ribs as you continue to pet the cat and walk toward the room where the medicine is prepared.

3. Continue to hold the cat and kneel down next to the medicine in the following manner. Spread your knees approximately 10 inches apart (this is approximately two or three fist widths). As you kneel, place your big toes side by side and flatten you ankles on the floor if you can. Next sit back on your heels, keeping your knees apart. You hips should be directly over your feet or ankles.

4. Place the cat so that it's feet are on the floor, it's butt and tail are facing your belly or hips, and it's head faces forward-the same direction as yours. Do not sit on or put weight on your cat. If your right handed, slip you left arm against the left side of the cat's body, and firmly but gently hold the cat's chest with your left hand. If your cat is nervous, you can also hold the scruff of the neck with your left hand.

5. With your right hand, grab the medicine. Bend forward a little bit and place your right elbow on your knee. Continue to cradle the cat with your left arm and use your left hand to keep the cat from running forward.

a. If you are giving a pill, open the cat's jaw by pressing an index finger near the corner of the lips. (Usually, I like to do this with my left index finger). Shove the pill toward the back of the cat's throat with your right index finger. As soon as the pill is in the cat's mouth, use your left hand to keep the cat's mouth shut and tilt the cats head slightly up so the cat's nose will be slightly higher than its jaw line. Be firm but gentle, and do not cover or press down on the cat's nose. With your right hand, gently stoke the cat's throat. This encourages the cat to swallow.

b. If you are giving liquid medicine, press the tip of the syringe (obviously, without the needle) into the corner of the cat's lips. With your left hand, lift the front of the cat's head so the nose is slightly higher than the jaw line. As soon as the cat opens its mouth, dispense the liquid. The goal is to have the liquid run right down the back of the throat so that the cat will not taste the medicine. It helps to dispense liquids in a steady manner and do it as quickly as possible, provided it does not cause the cat to panic or choke. Sometimes it is easier to squirt a little medicine, let the cat breath, and then squirt some more medicine.

Once the cat has taken the medicine, pet it briefly and let it go. A few things to keep in mind: cats always like to feel safe, so cradling them without applying any weight can be helpful. When a cat becomes upset, it needs to be left alone. Its brain literally gets overloaded and an upset cat is likely to become aggressive. If you are having difficulty and your cat is getting upset, let it go. See if a veterinarian, a vet tech or a trusted pet sitter can give you a demonstration of the best way to medicate your cat.

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Kate Garvey provides writing assistance to individuals and business. She has experience ghost writing personal narratives, creating technical documentation, and providing research assistance. She is the author of "The Low Risk Guide to Real Estate Investment" and "Aging, Death and Euthansia-A Guide for People with Pets". Kate is a former vet tech and provides free pet care tips on her website http://www.kategarvey.net

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Shape up for Spring

Don't let buying a swimsuit this spring be a miserable experience -- start on some basic exercises to get yourself in shape for the spring and summer.

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Today's Reader Submitted Photos

Wow! Your best friend's dog just had puppies, and one of them is yours -- for free!

No-to-low upfront costs are nice, tempting ... and trouble if you don't think beyond the initial excitement to the reality. Puppies, kittens, gerbils, hamsters, even fish may be "free" to take home, but then what? The cashiers at pet stores don't look too kindly upon people who try to leave with "free" leashes, collars, toys, food, litter or those green, plastic plants for fish bowls. Turns out, that free algae eater is going to cost you.

The questions are: How much? and Can you afford it?

Part of being a responsible pet owner means being financially responsible for the care and keep of your pet. You have to bring home the bacon -- or at least the dog food. But you also have to pay the vet bills, the kennel costs, the dog-walker's fees. You have to buy the tags and get the shots. You have to plan for emergencies and accidents. You have to consider pet insurance and training and don't forget grooming.

Overwhelmed? Don't be.

There are certain one-time-only costs, such as the cost of the animal and the cost of the spaying or neutering of that animal. Whether you spend thousands of dollars on a dog or cat from a breeder, or pick up a real sweetie from a shelter for under $100, one of the next checks you sign is going to cover the cost of vaccines and surgical spay/neuter -- the total of which can range from $55 to $200 depending on your vet and pet.

Other one-time-only costs include things like grooming tools if you plan on trimming nails or bangs yourself. Also, depending on how large your pet gets, you might get away with buying only one bed, one crate, one carrier -- or you may have to upgrade over time. Same with leashes, collars and bowls for food and water.

Food is the obvious monthly purchase that will never go away. The American Pet Products Manufacturing Association reports that some will spend as much as $25/week on food for their dog, while others will spend as much as $4/week on cat food. Personally, $25/week sounds like little Max is scrapping at all the must-try eateries, but scrimping on dog food can also lead to serious allergy problems, so being frugal with food isn't the best way to cut costs -- not when it might come back to haunt you in vet bills. That being said, you should be able to buy a large bag of quality dog food for $25 to $30. Depending on the size of your dog, that might last a month; it might last two weeks. The good news is you'll never spend $5 on a double mocha latte for your dog or cat -- water works.

Your pet will require annual shots. While your vet will send you reminders, it's your job to book the appointment, keep your pet calm and foot the bill. Also, you'll need to administer monthly heartworm pills, and, most likely, flea control will become necessary at some point. Count on $150 to $300 a year for these expenses, possibly more depending on your pet, your vet and where you live.

Where you live is a factor in how high-maintenance your pet will be. Short-haired dogs and hairless cats appreciate accoutrements like sweaters, blankets and warm bedding if you're going to drag them to the Dakotas. Dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outside are more susceptible to fleas and ticks. Pets that spend a lot of time inside are kept happy with a variety of appropriate toys. A bored dog can be an expensive thing -- as the woman who left her dog alone in the garage with her soft-top convertible now knows. Turns out, replacement tops run about $8000.

Work all day with no time to run home? You may need to hire a dog-walker for weekdays. On average, those fees run about $15/walk for a 30-minute walk. Going on vacation? Boarding Princess will cost you anywhere from $15 to $40/day, depending on the city, the facility and its services. Bringing her along will prompt most hotels that allow pets to tack on an additional $50/night to the room charge. I'm sure it's becoming obvious that dogs cost a little more to care for than cats.

Then there's training. If you're confident you can do it yourself, you'll spend about $100 on some good books, a video and the necessary and appropriate training tools. A training class runs about $100 for a series of six one-hour classes. Boarding school can be expensive, as can in-home private training. For the most part, cats, gerbils, hamsters and algae eaters are exempt from the necessity of training.

So, how much is that doggie in the window, the one with the "free puppy" sign around his neck? Approximately $22,500. I know! That's a down payment on a house in some parts of the country. But the question isn't whether it's worth it; it's whether you can afford it. If you can swing $1500/year for a dog or $800/year for a cat, for the next 10 to 15 years, you're in good shape -- a small price to pay for the love you get every day of your life.

Woof!

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Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com, and visit him at http://www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

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Today's Reader Submitted Photos

Imagine your dog gets away from you - the painter left the door open accidentally, the kids didn't notice the dog running out with them, the leash slips from your hand when your dog dashes after the squirrel he's spotted across the street.

If she's crossed the street once safely - you don't want her to attempt it again. This is a situation to use the "stay" command. Then you can go and get her.

To teach the stay, put on your dog's collar and leash. Have your dog sit at your side. The leash should be very short, without choking or pulling the dog. Tell your dog to "stay" and step directly in front of him. You should be close, without crowding. You should be able to pet your dog. If he doesn't move, say "good stay" and step back to where you started. Tell your dog "free" and walk out position with her. Repeat from the start two or three times. Session one is done.

Every training session should have a purpose, be short, and end successfully. If you planned to practice the "stay" five times, but you get three good repetitions - quit! You did good. Let it go. Until the next time.

As your dog starts to understand the "stay" you can work to increase your distance from the dog. Or you can work on the length of time your dog must maintain the stay. Don't work on both time and distance at once. Every time you are unsuccessful, go back to where you're confident the dog can succeed. Increase incrementally - if you push it too far, just go back and try again.

Stay always means "stay." Use it when you don't want your dog to move - at all - until you come for him. It's not the word you use when you're leaving for work and the dog wants to rush out the door with you.

Of course, you can use any word at all, to mean whatever you choose. We know of people who train their dogs in German, French, even Klingon! Dogs have extensive vocabularies and the words you choose should be consistent throughout your training. "Stay" means "do not move an inch until I come and get you." "Free," or whatever alternate you use, means "okay, you can get up and move now."

Do test your dog's understanding after a few training sessions. Gently pull on the leash. Dogs will naturally resist that gentle tugging and try their best to stay! Tell himwhat a good dog he is and, if you're using food in training, give him a treat! Reinforce often at first and randomly as your training proceeds. Dogs are always hopeful that a "cookie" will be coming their way!

Keep training sessions short and sweet - don't accept shoddy performance, from yourself or your dog. Whatever breed, however old, your dog can learn.