Cats are curious creatures. They are quite self-sufficient and loving as companions. But, bringing one home may mean some changes around the house to keep them safe. Here are a few guidelines for cat proofing your home.

Cats don’t require much but what they do need is some discipline. They can get into everything when you are not home if a few measures are not taken. Most of these are safety measures since you don’t want your new companion to hurt themselves. Some are for cosmetic reasons so your furniture doesn’t look like it has been through a shredder.

Many pet owners are stressed about the amount of money they have to put into repairs around their home but it can be avoided. Try these tips and tricks to keep a safe and happy cat home.

Finding a Happy Medium for you and your Cat

1. Discipline from the beginning – Kittens are cute but if you don’t teach them how to behave at this stage you could have a real problem when they grow into adult cats. The most effective way to teach is with a firm command word and/or a spray bottle. The spray bottle seems cruel but it is a tool that will get their attention when they persist in being disobedient.

2. Hiding cords – Cats like to bite and gnaw on things. If they have taken a shine to your electrical cords nip that behavior in the bud right away. You don’t want them to suffer the same fate as the cat in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation do you? Use empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls to cover cords and keep them together so that they are not easy prey for your cat. Cover them with contact paper or paint them so they blend in better with your room décor.

3. Blind cat – Curtains offer a great place for cats to hang and scratch. Avoid shredded draperies and instead use vertical blinds. Cats like to sit in windows and this way they can move between them without doing damage. Cut looped strings so your cat won’t get hung in them.

4. Bitter plants – Cats love to eat plants and spill the dirt everywhere. First of all many plants are toxic to cats if they chew on them. Know this list to avoid any plant that could be a danger. With other plants, apply a spray called bitter apple. It is non-toxic to the plant and cats don’t like the taste. You can also buy them some catnip plants that they can chew with delight if they want.

5. No dirt – To avoid dirt all over the floor, apply a mesh covering over the top of the plant to keep dirt from getting kicked out. You can still water and feed the plant as normal.

6. Scratching post – Cats like to scratch. Having a scratching post in the home can avoid them using your furniture. Try a post that uses a different texture material than your furniture. Posts can be vertical or horizontal.

Welcome your cat home and keep them welcome with a few tricks to keep them safe and your home in tiptop shape!

Exotic Cats

Exotic Cats evolved completely on their own with no human help – that is what makes

them exotic pet cats!

Exotic cats are typically cat species that are wild but that are occasionally kept in a domestic setting as pets. They are definitely extravagant looking and “unique” compared to what are usually kept as pets! Exotic cats included here are all species of wild cats – from small bobcats to lions and tigers to all endangered cats.

Wild cats are most often seen and experienced by normal people in photographs and in zoos or wildlife reserves. Because these cats are not encountered on a regular basis it is natural to want to see and touch them. These cats have both differences and similarities to typical house cats. They can be loving and affectionate to their owners just like a “normal” cat. However, they require much more in terms of care. Their housing, diets, and temperaments can all differ dramatically from a typical house cat. There also variations among the different species and it generally costs much more to keep an exotic cat. An owner of a an exotic cat must be dedicated and responsible when it comes to caring for an exotic cat… Read More

Animal-World’s Featured Pet for this week is: The Parakeet!

Most likely, you or someone you know has owned a parakeet! They are one of the more popular of the smaller birds, for many reasons. They can learn to talk and whistle, have a shorter lifespan than many of the larger parrots, and are relatively easy to care for. While working at the pet store, I saw many of these birds come and go to new homes. I enjoyed cleaning their cages every day and whistling along with them!

Parakeets are also called Budgerigars, or Budgies. Their scientific name is Melopsittacus undulatus and they are part of the Psittacidae family. They come in many various color combinations, over 100 actually! This makes for a very interesting and unique looking bird! Their primary colors are green, blue, gray, white, yellow, opaline, and pied. Parakeets in general are usually very affectionate towards their owners (especially if trained while young). They are inexpensive and can be trained to do a multitude of tricks. They do require a lot of interaction because they are very social birds by nature. If you do not think you will have a whole lot of one-on-one time available to be with your bird, you should consider bringing home at least one companion bird as well. They have an average lifespan of 12-14 years with proper care.

The history of the Parakeet begins in Australia. They were first noted by European John Gould in 1865 in his book, “Birds of Australia.” These birds are actually part of the parrot family and belonged to a tribe called the Platycercini in Australia. They originate in the desert-like part of central Australia where there is little precipitation. This little to no rain environment has truly helped this bird become hardy! They are also monogamous birds in the wild as well as captivity and so will generally pick a mate for life. Unless of course, their primary mate dies.

Now onto the care and feeding of the Parakeet/Budgerigar. As I stated above, they are relatively inexpensive with fairly easy care requirements. The housing requirements of the parakeet include a roomy cage with plenty of places to climb. A play area that can be put on top of the cage is also a good idea. This will give your parakeet(s) a place to hang out when not in the cage and that helps give more interaction time with you and different scenery to your bird. Include perches and toys/swings/mirrors in the cage. Parakeets also love taking baths, so a bath house or bowl is another good idea. Free-flying time is very important for these birds for both exercise and their mental well-being, so make sure that there is a block of time most days that you can allow them to be out and flying about!

As far as food goes – they need a variety of seeds and fresh foods. A good parakeet seed mix can be bought at local pet stores. Give them fresh fruits and vegetables occasionally as well. However, some food items are not good for them, including cabbage, avocado, green beans, and several others. Good fresh foods for them include Lettuce, carrots, spinach, apples and bananas. Also provide spray millet, cuttle bones (for their beaks) and mineral blocks. Fresh water should be given daily.

Parakeets or budgerigars are pretty hardy birds. They of course can get respiratory illnesses if kept in drafty areas and that is something to watch out for. If you notice them plucking their feathers that is also a sign of a problem. If they are lonely due to not having a companion bird or enough interaction time with you, they can become bored and begin plucking their feathers.

Animal-World’s page on Parakeets/Budgerigars is a great place to start reading if you want to familiarize yourself more with these birds!

Jasmine is a team member at Animal-World and has contributed many articles and write-ups.

If you are fascinated by saltwater fish… This is going to be fun and exciting.

Under the Sea Radio Show…. Join us!

“A Beginners Look At Saltwater Fish”

Blog/Talk radio show featuring Clarice Brough from Animal-World. Learn about hardy saltwater fish for the beginning marine aquarist. The discussion will be centered around an aquarium the size of 30 gallons, and the hardy fish that are available for beginning saltwater aquarists. Included will be Damselfish, Clownfish, Cardinals and many others.

Keeping marine fish is a wonderful hobby. If you are a beginner about to start your first saltwater aquarium, you are embarking on a grand adventure. Marine fish are some of the most spectacular aquatic animals, and there is a very diverse and magnificent selection to choose from. The benefits of keeping saltwater fish are many. They are entertaining, relaxing, and make an incredibly beautiful show piece for your home.

Saltwater fish keeping is an exciting hobby for anyone interested in learning more about life in our oceans. You can see pictures and information for all sorts of marine species in our World of Saltwater Aquariums atlas too.

Want a small dog that also has a superior sense of smell? You could be in the market for that dog breed that represents fine shoes everywhere. We are talking about a Basset Hound.

Origin

Though they are short in stature, this dog has been highly prized on the European continent. It is related to the bloodhound which is known for its hunting ability and better than average sniffer. This dog was bred early as a hunting dog. Some wanted it to be used as a companion dog. There was a big argument amongst breeders who wanted one but not all of these traits for their dogs.

When the Basset Hound finally came to America, breeders decided that it could be a show dog, a companion dog and a hunting dog all in one. In fact, as a hunting dog, it was a better retriever for those who were on foot since it was slower than dogs with longer legs. Even President George Washington owned Basset Hounds.

Temperament

This small dog has a sweet disposition and is generally well-behaved. If you ever encounter a Basset Hound that is vicious with you or others, it could be a sign of a problem at home. Basset Hounds are pack dogs like many other breeds. It is important for them to know who the pack leader in the home is. When the pack leader is not clearly defined, this can lead the dog to try and assume the position.

Basset Hounds are stubborn. Housebreaking is often difficult with them. When they latch onto a smell, especially of a small animal, it is hard to refocus them to the task at hand. Early on, teach them the rules of the house. Offer positive reinforcement for good behavior and a proper training environment.

They are quite affectionate when they feel that things are as they should be in the home. Sometimes they do tricks for food.

Care

You have seen these dogs on shoe boxes and in commercials for years. They have a low body that is short and heavy. They are prone to bloat and also weight gain that can lead to problems with their hips and legs.

Their features remind you of a sad puppy dog. Their eyes are large and sunken in a rounded well-proportioned skull. Ears are soft and hang almost to the ground. Skin is loose on their body. They have large paws and a well rounded body. In show, there are no real rules on color. Most Basset Hounds are white, red, white and chestnut, black or tan.

Their coat is dense and shiny. Regular brushing will keep it under control. Only wash the dog if it is warranted. Wipe the ears and trim claws regularly.

Training

Basset Hounds are stubborn. A firm but gentle hand is needed. To satisfy their migratory instinct, take him on long daily walks. You don’t need a big yard or even a yard at all for this. You can use the park so that he can get rid of nervous energy.

Want a loving dog that is both companion and hunter? Think about owning a Basset Hound.

Zebra Cichlids

One of the most popular Lake Malawi Cichlids are the Zebra Cichlids!

Zebra Cichlids, or Mbuna Cichlids, are from Lake Malawi in Africa. These are popular cichlids – and they are known for their aggressiveness and their activeness. There are many species that belong to 12 genera and they are all rock dwelling cichlids. The word “mbuna” is African and means “rockfish.”

Zebra Cichlids are the most popular of the Mbuna group cichlids. All Mbuna Cichlids used to be in the Pseudotropheus genus, but now there are several other genera that many have been moved to. Now Zebra Cichlids include Pseudotropheus, Tropheops, and Maylandia genera. All of these cichlids are very attractive and are often kept in good size community tanks together.

A total of 9 genera are in the Mbuna species and these include many different color morphs as well. They are quite beautiful with several different bright colors and patterns. Usually Mbuna females are yellow and Mbuna males are blue, regardless of genera, however they can be colored with black bars as well… Read More

Animal-World’s Featured Pet for this week is: The Polish Rabbit!

Rabbits make the perfect pet for many people. There are so many different rabbit breeds which all have their own unique characteristics! This makes it easier to choose a rabbit that suits your particular needs and wants. I personally have had several Polish Rabbits, and I enjoyed them very much! They have one of the sweetest dispositions I have come across in all of my rabbits! One of their greatest attributes is that they are one of the smallest rabbit breeds out there (along with Netherland Dwarf Rabbits). This gives them the advantage of not needing as much living space. They can be kept in smaller areas and are better for apartment dwellers. They don’t need as much play room and are easier to pick up and handle than larger rabbits.

There actually are two different types of Polish Rabbits. They are the American Polish Rabbit and the British Polish Rabbit or the Brittania Petite. The British Polish Rabbit is the smaller of these two, with weights only reaching 2 ½ pounds! The American Polish Rabbit can reach 3 ½ pounds. However these are both very small rabbits! The British Polish Rabbit can come in many colors, however in the United States, the only color recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association is white with red eyes. The American Polish Rabbit has many more recognized colors, including chocolate, black, and blue with matching colored eyes, as well as white with either red or blue eyes.

Polish Rabbits have some other intriguing attributes. They are considered to be quite smart and can learn some simple tricks! This is mostly them learning to react to certain hand signals and voice commands by working with them repetitiously. These little rabbits also have great dispositions, making them ideal pets for young children – in fact they often love being pet by them! Their small size makes it easier for children to handle as well.

A little background on the Polish Rabbits. The British Polish Rabbit was first recognized as a breed in 1884 in Hull, Yorkshire. They were so small that they were the first rabbits considered “dwarf” rabbits. The American Polish Rabbits are descended from the British Polish Rabbits but are mixed with some other breeds of rabbit – such as the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit – which has caused them to be a little bigger than the British Polish Rabbits. Also, when you think of magicians pulling rabbits out of their hats, guess which rabbits are most commonly used?! Yes – the Polish Rabbits! Their size and disposition make them the perfect candidate!

Polish Rabbits can thrive if given basic rabbit care. This includes the proper diet, housing, and interaction. A proper diet includes grass hay, green vegetables, and cecotropes (which their digestive systems produce and come out as droppings, which they then consume). I would recommend buying a good commercially prepared rabbit pellet and giving them that along with some fresh green foods (fruits and vegetables) daily. As always, make sure they have access to clean, fresh water daily. Proper housing should include a cage large enough for the rabbit to have some maneuvering room. Give them daily access to an “exercise area” which could be run of the house for a few hours or a safe area prepared for them outside. Make sure to change the bedding regularly (a couple times a week) to keep them healthy. Remember to remove any uneaten green foods each day as well.

Rabbits in general are fairly hardy animals, however you do want to make sure to keep their cages clean. Ensure a proper diet and the correct housing environments to safeguard against them becoming sick. They can get respiratory illnesses, diarrhea, teeth problems, and many other illnesses if not taken care of properly.

Again, Polish Rabbits make great small pet rabbits and if you would like to read more about them and their care, please check out Animal-World’s Polish Rabbit page! Thank you!

Jasmine is a team member at Animal-World and has contributed many articles and write-ups.

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend but they are also good for the rest of the human race. Dogs can raise your spirits, help with health recovery and display a fierce loyalty that can save your life. With these good points can come a downside. Are you really ready for a dog in your life?

Many people are in love with the idea of dog ownership. They see them on television or in another persons home and think that they want the same thing. What they don’t see is what goes on behind the scenes so that the dog is well behaved, well fed, beautiful and an integral part of the family unit.

It is sad but true that many owners buy dogs and then give them back, often to the pound. What are the reasons? Mostly, the owner got in over their head and then couldn’t care for the dog as it needed to be cared for. So, a pet loses their home and then has to endure the threat of being put to sleep. Worse still is putting them on the street where they have to learn to fend for themselves and contribute to pet overpopulation.

You can avoid this issue by evaluating how ready you are for dog ownership. It is not a crime to accept that you won’t ever be a pet owner, or at least not a dog owner. Someone who is better suited will take them home.

What to Know before Buying a Dog

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making a purchase or commitment.

1. What breed is right for me? – All dogs are not the same. Some need more exercise and instruction than others. Small dogs don’t need as much outdoor room to run, but may crave more play time each day. Try to choose a dog that has a similar temperament to yours for a better match.

2. Do I have the time to care for a dog? – Dogs need structure especially when they are young. Here is when you crate train, housebreak them, teach them discipline and establish a pack order with them. It can take time to get a schedule and deal with issues. If you don’t have this time you could end up with a dog that is nippy and misunderstood.

3. Is my family okay with the dog? – Check to be sure that family members do not have pet dander allergies before committing to dog ownership. It could be that a short-haired dog is better suited because they don’t shed as much if at all.

4. What will I spend on my dog? – Pets count on their owners for everything. It can take a lot of dough to feed, house, groom and take care of the health of your dog. Some dog owners spend upwards of a couple thousand dollars a year. This doesn’t include the cost if you buy a purebred dog or if there are any health problems present.

There is no shame in not owning a dog. Learn here if you are ready and the right person to become man’s best friend.

Blasto Coral
Blastomussa wellsi

The Blasto Coral is a unique coral and is popular among aquarists!

The Blasto Coral is one of the Blastomussa Corals and they have many color variations. The Blasto Coral Blastomussa wellsi is actually one of two Blastomussa corals that many people like. The other one is the Pineapple Coral Blastomussa merleti.

Most people actually prefer the The Blasto Coral B. wellsi over the B. merleti because it can be aquacultured into many colors – such as purple, green, pink, red, yellow and occasionally blue, as well as a many combinations of these colors. But it does have downfalls, such as being more difficult to care for and maintain. This coral also goes by the names Open Brain Coral, Swollen Brain Coral, Wellsi’s Brain Coral, Blastomussa Coral, Big Pipe Blastomussa, Pineapple Coral, and Blastomussa Wellsi… Read More

Large South American Cichlids

These Large South American Cichlids include some amazing and beautiful looking show

fish!

Many people really enjoy having show aquariums, especially for large American Cichlids. These cichlids tend to have very interesting temperaments, personalities, and along with their sizes – they really make great show specimens! Large South American Cichlids also interact with their owners and other fish/animals in their environment! These great personalities and behaviors really make keeping them as pets enjoyable!

Large South American Cichlids are part of the large cichlid family, which provides many different types of fish for different aquarium environments. They are usually durable fish. Some large cichlid hybrids are also available and they come in many different colors. Some examples are the Flowerhorn Cichlid and the Blood Parrot.

Some of these larger cichlids are better-tempered than most. All cichlids are aggressive fish, but some of the gentler ones include Angelfish, Discus, and the Severum. These ones can often be kept in community aquariums, whereas most others have to be kept singly… Read More