Animal communication is always fascinating. Here are some theories I found about why cats purr.
Above all, the purr is probably the cat's way of communicating to others (cats and humans) that it is in the mood to be sociable. The purring sound is frequently made at the same time that other 'sociable' signals are made, e.g. erect tail, slightly closed "contented" eyes. Naturally, in most situations, this will also be when the cat is feeling contented, but it need not necessarily be so. Humans usually interpret the purring of a domestic cat as an expression of some type of friendliness or contentment. This assumption is based on the observation that cats often (though not always) purr when being stroked by humans, combined with the experience that human children tend to enjoy stroking by their parents and interpret it as a gesture of affection. Consequently, most humans enjoy listening to or holding a purring cat.
It is, however, not entirely clear to scientists whether this really is one of the cat's reasons for making the sound; it is well-established that a cat also purrs when it is uneasy, nervous or in great pain, perhaps to comfort itself or to express submission. Other theories suggest that a cat purrs when it wants, needs, or is receiving attention, whether it be affection or medical treatment. Purring may also reduce pain, help a wounded cat to heal, or even help to keep a cat's bones strong. When cats purr while also lightly clawing the ground it may mean they are trying to relieve stress or comfort themselves. An example is when a female cat is nursing kittens; as humans may find with children, cats may also become stressed from the attention of their young and therefore start to purr and lightly claw the ground. This may also be associated with "kneading" behavior, in which the kittens' pawing helps release milk from the nursing mother's teats.
Trackposted to Pet's Garden Blog, The Pink Flamingo, Blog @ MoreWhat.com, The Random Yak, Right Celebrity, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
cat, animal communication
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Menu Foods details costs of pet food recall
http://investing.reuters.co.uk/news/articleinvesting.aspx?type=marketsNewsUS&storyID=2007-05-31T011824Z_01_N30466465_RTRIDST_0_MENUFOODS-RESULTS.XML
This Reuters article comes as no surprise. However, I do feel bad for the many investors who have lost or are losing money in both Menu foods and in other pet food related stocks. These investors thought there were investing in top notch, responsible companies. People who are not part of the daily grind of this industry could not know what potentials there were for this to happen and how bad the regulation of the industry was at the time.
They also couldn't know how bad this crisis would be handled by these companies. As soon as there was any evidence of any problem, all foods should have been recalled at once and Menu foods should have taken responsibility. It seems they still think only a handful of pets were harmed by their food. Come on, the number is in the thousands based on everything I've read.
I originally found this Reuters article on http:petsitusa.com/blog. Check out their comments on the situation as well. Good stuff.
Although there is no bringing back anyone's pet, here's hoping that these owners will at least get something for their troubles and vet bills.
This Reuters article comes as no surprise. However, I do feel bad for the many investors who have lost or are losing money in both Menu foods and in other pet food related stocks. These investors thought there were investing in top notch, responsible companies. People who are not part of the daily grind of this industry could not know what potentials there were for this to happen and how bad the regulation of the industry was at the time.
They also couldn't know how bad this crisis would be handled by these companies. As soon as there was any evidence of any problem, all foods should have been recalled at once and Menu foods should have taken responsibility. It seems they still think only a handful of pets were harmed by their food. Come on, the number is in the thousands based on everything I've read.
I originally found this Reuters article on http:petsitusa.com/blog. Check out their comments on the situation as well. Good stuff.
Although there is no bringing back anyone's pet, here's hoping that these owners will at least get something for their troubles and vet bills.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Pet Rats
At a recent visit to the big chain pet store, I became intrigued with some furry little black creatures playing about in an enclosed display area. Not realizing what they were at first, I glanced to the sign, and to my dismay, they were RATS!
Yup, those same animals that plague Taco Bell and other restaurants across the world. RATS. But yet, here I was, actually enjoying watching them run about. These same creatures that people generally think of as PESTS are there being sold as PETS.
Well, after a little research, it looks like rats do have some popularity as an “exotic” pet. Apparently they are social, intelligent animals that make wonderful pets. They are relatively easy to care for, very curious, and require some interaction and exercise outside of their cage (at least an hour a day).
They are very social animals that like to be housed with other rats and some rat owners say their little creatures provide the same companionship as a dog. Now while I’m not sure if I could agree with that statement, I am never one to judge others on their choice of pets. And after watching them in the store, I can understand how someone can enjoy owning rats. The toughest part for me is getting over the notion of rats as PESTS and embracing the thought of rats as PETS.
Technorati Tags: pets rats pet rats
Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, The Bullwinkle Blog, The Amboy Times, Adam's Blog, Big Dog's Weblog, and Conservative Cat, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
Yup, those same animals that plague Taco Bell and other restaurants across the world. RATS. But yet, here I was, actually enjoying watching them run about. These same creatures that people generally think of as PESTS are there being sold as PETS.
Well, after a little research, it looks like rats do have some popularity as an “exotic” pet. Apparently they are social, intelligent animals that make wonderful pets. They are relatively easy to care for, very curious, and require some interaction and exercise outside of their cage (at least an hour a day).
They are very social animals that like to be housed with other rats and some rat owners say their little creatures provide the same companionship as a dog. Now while I’m not sure if I could agree with that statement, I am never one to judge others on their choice of pets. And after watching them in the store, I can understand how someone can enjoy owning rats. The toughest part for me is getting over the notion of rats as PESTS and embracing the thought of rats as PETS.
Technorati Tags: pets rats pet rats
Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, The Bullwinkle Blog, The Amboy Times, Adam's Blog, Big Dog's Weblog, and Conservative Cat, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Summer Safety Tips
Fist off, happy Memorial Day to everyone. It's a great time to thank those who fight for our freedom and our way of life.
With this weekend also being the unofficial start of summer, I thought it was important to share some basic summer safety tips. Some of these are common sense, others are reminders and still others might be some new advice. I found this on the Humane Society website.
Here is the link:
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/hsus_offers_summer_pet_safety_tips.html
Transportation
Never leave your pet in an unattended car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows slightly open.
When you bring your pet along on a car ride, use a pet safety harness. If an accident were to occur, a pet safety harness can ensure that every passenger is protected.
If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, make sure that he or she is in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. If you were to suddenly hit the brakes, swerve or be hit by a car, it could result in serious injury not only to your pet, but to other drivers.
Do not travel with your pet on an airplane unless it's absolutely necessary. If you plan on bringing your pet on vacation, consider driving to your destination. Otherwise, think about leaving your pet behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel.
Wellness
Only use veterinarian-approved flea and tick control products. Over-the-counter products may contain ingredients that have been found to harm pets. For more information about what chemicals to avoid, click here.
Make sure that your pet is protected from heartworm. Dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting heartworm during the summer because there is an increase of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease. Contact your veterinarian in order to determine the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.
Protect your pet from the heat by providing him/her with large amounts of fresh water and keeping them indoors with you and providing plenty of shade when they are spending time outdoors.
On hot days, limit your pet's exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Also, keep in mind that the hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws.
Precautions
Learn to identify the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, immediately lower his/her body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water over his/her body, and giving small amounts of water or ice cubes. Most importantly, get immediate help from a veterinarian.
Teach your dog how to get out of your pool. Like people, many dogs like cooling off in pools. Even if your dog can swim, tragedy can occur if he/she does not know how to exit the pool. This can be prevented by showing your pooch how to enter the pool via the stairs and guiding him or her back out. Never leave your pet unattended around a pool.
Make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an updated identification tag. Even if your pet has an implanted microchip, as of late 2003, animal shelters and humane societies may not have a universal scanner that can read every brand of microchip.
pets pets safety
Trackposted to A Blog For All, Dumb Ox Daily News, Maggie's Notebook, Big Dog's Weblog, On the Horizon, and Gone Hollywood, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
With this weekend also being the unofficial start of summer, I thought it was important to share some basic summer safety tips. Some of these are common sense, others are reminders and still others might be some new advice. I found this on the Humane Society website.
Here is the link:
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/hsus_offers_summer_pet_safety_tips.html
Transportation
Never leave your pet in an unattended car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows slightly open.
When you bring your pet along on a car ride, use a pet safety harness. If an accident were to occur, a pet safety harness can ensure that every passenger is protected.
If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, make sure that he or she is in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. If you were to suddenly hit the brakes, swerve or be hit by a car, it could result in serious injury not only to your pet, but to other drivers.
Do not travel with your pet on an airplane unless it's absolutely necessary. If you plan on bringing your pet on vacation, consider driving to your destination. Otherwise, think about leaving your pet behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel.
Wellness
Only use veterinarian-approved flea and tick control products. Over-the-counter products may contain ingredients that have been found to harm pets. For more information about what chemicals to avoid, click here.
Make sure that your pet is protected from heartworm. Dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting heartworm during the summer because there is an increase of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease. Contact your veterinarian in order to determine the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.
Protect your pet from the heat by providing him/her with large amounts of fresh water and keeping them indoors with you and providing plenty of shade when they are spending time outdoors.
On hot days, limit your pet's exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Also, keep in mind that the hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws.
Precautions
Learn to identify the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, immediately lower his/her body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water over his/her body, and giving small amounts of water or ice cubes. Most importantly, get immediate help from a veterinarian.
Teach your dog how to get out of your pool. Like people, many dogs like cooling off in pools. Even if your dog can swim, tragedy can occur if he/she does not know how to exit the pool. This can be prevented by showing your pooch how to enter the pool via the stairs and guiding him or her back out. Never leave your pet unattended around a pool.
Make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an updated identification tag. Even if your pet has an implanted microchip, as of late 2003, animal shelters and humane societies may not have a universal scanner that can read every brand of microchip.
pets pets safety
Trackposted to A Blog For All, Dumb Ox Daily News, Maggie's Notebook, Big Dog's Weblog, On the Horizon, and Gone Hollywood, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Cat Biting
Our feline friends are constantly being studied. Their behavior fascinates us and keeps us guessing why they act the way they do. Here is some research I found around the web about why cats bite us.
Cats will bite out of playfulness or aggression. When a cat is content, a cat will playfully nip, which is a type of bite which is weak and harmless. A common misunderstanding about the motivation behind a cat's bite is that it is a form of affection. People most likely assume this because a cat will sometimes bite suddenly while it is being petted. A petting-induced bite is not a form of affection, but rather a mildly aggressive signal to inform the human to stop petting. While this behavior may seem unexpected to humans, a cat will usually give other subtle indications, such as "tail-lashing or thumping, skin rippling, growling, cessation of purring, ear flicking or rotation sideways, or shifting of body position" to announce that it does not wish to be petted.
Cats also have sensors in their teeth, and biting could indicate curiosity, similar to a human baby's exploration of their environment by inserting objects in their mouths.
Interesting stuff. Why does your cat bite?
cats cats biting
Cats will bite out of playfulness or aggression. When a cat is content, a cat will playfully nip, which is a type of bite which is weak and harmless. A common misunderstanding about the motivation behind a cat's bite is that it is a form of affection. People most likely assume this because a cat will sometimes bite suddenly while it is being petted. A petting-induced bite is not a form of affection, but rather a mildly aggressive signal to inform the human to stop petting. While this behavior may seem unexpected to humans, a cat will usually give other subtle indications, such as "tail-lashing or thumping, skin rippling, growling, cessation of purring, ear flicking or rotation sideways, or shifting of body position" to announce that it does not wish to be petted.
Cats also have sensors in their teeth, and biting could indicate curiosity, similar to a human baby's exploration of their environment by inserting objects in their mouths.
Interesting stuff. Why does your cat bite?
cats cats biting
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Dear Non-Pet Owners
To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"nitur e.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college.
And finally,
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children
pets dogs cats
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"nitur e.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college.
And finally,
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children
pets dogs cats
Increasing Blog Traffic
http://courtneytuttle.com/2007/03/23/get-more-traffic-technorati-tags/
Came across this great article about increasing blog traffic through Technorati. Good stuff.
Came across this great article about increasing blog traffic through Technorati. Good stuff.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Dear Dogs & Cats
This was from an email forward that is perfect for pet owners. Must be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.
An open letter to our pets.............
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.
Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt.
I cannot stress this enough!
An open letter to our pets.............
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.
Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt.
I cannot stress this enough!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Tropical Fish Auction
I'm assuming most people haven't been to a tropical fish auction. Basically, it's organized by an aquarium society as a fundraiser. Fish hobbyists and enthusiasts who breed fish in their home aquariums can bring their "babies" (or any other fish they no longer wish to keep) to the auction. Other fish fans bid on the auctions. The money collected is split between the host society and the people who brought the items to sell.
In addition to fish, there are a ton of "dry goods" including food, filters, books, and other supplies. For anyone interested in the hobby, finding a local auction is definitely worth your time. I came home from one today and scored lots of goodies including 5 new Angel Fish, plus lots of food and water conditioner. My pets always seem to eat better then I do, and the fish are now set for at least several months.
The benefits to buying fish at auction rather then at a store is that in general, the hobbyists breeding the fish take more care and pride in the health and wellness of the fish then most pet stores would. Most of these people are breeding more for the hobby aspect then for the money. Anyone doing out this out their homes is most likely operating at a loss, so its more about the challenge and fund of breeding then it is about the value of the fish at sale.
Another reason the auctions are fun is because there are a lot of fish you don't normally see at a store. Some are rare, some are tougher to maintain, and some just aren't profitable for the store to carry.
In addition, most of the time at an auction, you can get fish and dry goods for much cheaper then what you'd spend at a store.
I know it might sound a bit nutty to spend a Spring afternoon at a fish auction, but if you enjoy this hobby, it might be worth your time to check one out.
Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, Webloggin, Diary of the Mad Pigeon, and Big Dog's Weblog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
In addition to fish, there are a ton of "dry goods" including food, filters, books, and other supplies. For anyone interested in the hobby, finding a local auction is definitely worth your time. I came home from one today and scored lots of goodies including 5 new Angel Fish, plus lots of food and water conditioner. My pets always seem to eat better then I do, and the fish are now set for at least several months.
The benefits to buying fish at auction rather then at a store is that in general, the hobbyists breeding the fish take more care and pride in the health and wellness of the fish then most pet stores would. Most of these people are breeding more for the hobby aspect then for the money. Anyone doing out this out their homes is most likely operating at a loss, so its more about the challenge and fund of breeding then it is about the value of the fish at sale.
Another reason the auctions are fun is because there are a lot of fish you don't normally see at a store. Some are rare, some are tougher to maintain, and some just aren't profitable for the store to carry.
In addition, most of the time at an auction, you can get fish and dry goods for much cheaper then what you'd spend at a store.
I know it might sound a bit nutty to spend a Spring afternoon at a fish auction, but if you enjoy this hobby, it might be worth your time to check one out.
Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, Webloggin, Diary of the Mad Pigeon, and Big Dog's Weblog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
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