WHY DOES MY CAT DO THIS ?

WHY DOES MY CAT DO THIS ?

LICKING OR CHEWING PHOTOGRAPHS/PLASTIC BAGS :
This is a difficult behavior to explain, and some cats are more prone to it than others. Most feline behaviorists have come to believe that some cats find a slight odor to the plastic and/or film surfaces simply irresistible, and also that the coolness and texture of the plastic and/or film must feel and taste good on the cat's tongue. It may also be another form of trying to "nurse" - sort of a feline "oral compulsive" behavior.

RUBS HIS HEAD AGAINST YOU/YOUR SHOES :
Your cat has special scent glands located in various parts of his body, including the area underneath the skin on his chin, and the area around his eyes. When your cat rubs up against you with his head, he is actually "marking" you with his own scent, as a signal to other cats that he is claiming you as "his"! You will probably notice that when your cat is doing this behavior, he is in a loving, peaceful and contented mood. The scent glands around his face release what are known as "facial pheromones", sometimes dubbed "happy hormones"! You should feel honored when your cat does this behavior to you as it is demonstrating his deep affection for you. Rubbing his head against your shoes is also a marking behavior - perhaps your cat is trying to cover up the scents from where you have been during the course of the day (which of course will be on your shoes) with his own scent, signifying again his "claim" on you.

CONSTANTLY MAKING NOISE OR MEOWING :
Some cats, of course, are definitely "talkers" and are very vocal all the time! However, if your cat has been checked out by your vet and there are no medical problems, and he is really trying to get your attention with his constant meowing, it's time to start paying close attention and try to figure out what it is your cat is trying to tell you! He is possibly hungry; possibly lonely; his litter box is possibly not clean enough for his liking; there may be changes in your home or personal routine that are upsetting to him. Remember - your cat has feelings too, and you should try to look at things from HIS point of view - not

Translator : http://www.wattanavet.com
Translator : http://www.hamsteronline.org
Date : 1/10/2007

Hamster Care Guide

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Below are some important tips on how to take care of your hamsters.

1. Hamster loves to exercise. They are naturally energetic and will do a lot of running. So make sure you provide all necessary equipment such as hamster wheels or adequate size of running space for them to
   
   
2. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures (active at night) so they need peace during the day to sleep. It is highly recommended to place the cage away from draughts and direct sunlight.
   
   
3. The cage floor should be covered with adequate layer of bedding. You can use the commercial wood shaving as they are absorbent and nontoxic.
   
   
4. Hamster also needs privacy during their resting time. Build them a simple small room for them to sleep. A small box will be a good idea.
   
   
5. Feed your hamsters adequately. Make sure they have enough food and more important water supply.
   
   
6. Wash the hamster cage once in a week. Keep the cage clean to prevent any infection risk.
   
   
7. Bathing your hamster are not recommended. Don't worry, they can clean themselves.
   
   
8. Build a good relationship with your hamsters. Talk to them, hold them and playing with the will keep the hamsters happy.

by : Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer
picture : www.hamsteronline.org
site : http://www.myhammie.com

Hamsters

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Hamsters
Hamsters are one of the most popular pets because they are small, adorable and do not have the long tail like mice and rats. The hamster is a nocturnal animal, which means it is most active at night. They are solitary rodents with a lifespan of 2 to 3 years. They come in many types, such the Teddy bear and Chinese, with the most common being the Golden (or Syrian) type. Housing two or more adult hamsters together will always result in fights, regardless of sex.

Contrary to their name, ‘pocket pets’ should not really be kept in your pockets. Housing is an important consideration because their little cage is essentially their entire world. The environment that you provide for them greatly influences their behaviour and well-being. Temperatures at about 21 degrees Celcius is ideal (i.e. normal room temperature for humans). It is best to place the hamster’s cage in an area that is free of drafts. Although they cannot tolerate cold, they also cannot tolerate temperatures above 32 degrees Celcius. Keep in mind hamsters will hibernate if temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celcius.

Ideally, the cage should be made of metal so it cannot be chewed, but suitable cages can also be made of plastic. The cage should include a running wheel that allows the hamster to exercise freely and a nesting area with cotton or other soft bedding material. Hamsters also enjoy exploring tubes which can be made of plastic or toilet paper rolls. Remember to purchase a cage with good latches to keep openings securely locked, because hamsters make good escape artists. At least once per week, all old bedding should be removed and replaced with fresh material.

Hamsters are omnivorous, which mean they eat both meat and vegetables. Pre-mixed hamster food can be purchased at any pet store and often consists of various seeds, corns, oats, wheat, and pellets. Hamsters enjoy fresh vegetables, but they must be given in moderation. Variety in the hamster’s diet is important. Do not feed your hamster chocolate or other excessively sweet or salty foods. Ensure fresh water is available at all times. Having the water in a drip bottle that can be attached to the side of the cage is best to keep the water from getting contaminated with food or shavings. Hamsters often store food in their cheek pouches for eating at a later time.

Despite their popularity, hamsters may not make the best pets for young children. They have a tendency to bite more than other small rodents and are less interactive. When compared with other small rodents, they are more difficult to train and do not have a tendency to form close bonds with their owners.

by : Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer
picture : www.hamsteronline.org
site : www.pets.ca

Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs

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The guinea pig’s name does not originate from its geographic origin or its ancestry. The domestic guinea pig comes from the wild guinea pigs of South America, which live in herds. Like the hamster, the guinea pig is considered a small rodent. There are several varieties of guinea pigs. They come in short-haired, rough-haired and long-haired varieties in a wide assortment of colours. The long-haired variety requires a lot of grooming, like a dog or a cat. Even the short-haired variety will benefit from daily grooming with a toothbrush. Guinea pigs usually do not require bathing and it is best not to do it because they can get very cold. If a bath is essential, wash with warm water and keep the animal warm and out of drafts until it is completely dry. Guinea pigs live for 4 to 6 years. The general care is the same as for the hamster.

The cage should be no smaller than 1 meter in length by 50 cm in width by 30 cm in height. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are sociable animals and a number of females and one male can be kept together without fear of fighting. Two males, however, will generally fight, particularly if there are females present. The size of cage depends on how many guinea pigs you wish to keep. You should keep chewing wood and roughage (such as hay) available to prevent overgrowth of their teeth because the teeth are continuously growing.

Guinea pigs are strict herbivores, meaning they only eat vegetables. They are very susceptible to vitamin C deficiency, so proper feeding is important. They can be fed guinea pig pellets, timothy hay, or alfalfa. Supplement daily with green leafy vegetables such as kale, lettuce, or carrots for vitamin C. If you purchase pellets, check the milling date on the bag. It should not be greater than 3 months ago because pelleted foods will loose their vitamins as they sit on the shelves.

When compared to hamsters, guinea pigs are more interactive and can learn to recognize family members. They may make squeaky noises to express themselves and they love attention. They are docile, gentle animals that rarely bite or scratch, making it a very ideal pet for small children.

by : Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer
picture : www.hamsteronline.org
site : www.pets.ca

Chinchillas : CHARACTERISTICS

CHARACTERISTICS

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Chinchillas are nocturnal (active at night), herbivores (planting eating animal), clean, practically odorless, do not support fleas or other pests and require little housing area. Adults weigh 18 to 30 ounces or more and can live up to 20 years of age. The fur of this animal is incredibly soft and plush. Microscopic examination of an individual hair follicle reveals that it is composed of 80 to 100 hairs. The original fur color of the Chinchilla in the wild was mottled yellow-gray. Through selective breeding, the standard color has been developed into an attractive and appealing blue-gray. Other colors such as Ebony, Silver, Black Velvet, Sapphire, Beige, White and Afro-Violet have emerged as mutations of the original standard color.

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Chinchillas : HISTORY

HISTORY

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The Chinchilla is a native of the Andes region of South America, where it lives in the wild. In the early part of the 20th Century, skins of this animal were shipped into Europe and the United States by the bale. Chile alone shipped over 435,000 pelts in 1899. This mass-trapping nearly lead to its extinction. To save the breed, Mathias F. Chapman, a United States mining engineer, in 1923 caught eleven animals and shipped them to the United States. These animals became the foundation stock for Chinchilla farming in America. Today, this industry is worldwide and there are several thousand ranchers and more than one million Chinchillas. These animals are being raised for fur, for sale as breeding stock and for use as pets. Small and inquisitive, their easy care and simple feeding make them an ideal family memb

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About Chinchillas

HOUSING

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Animals should be housed in clean cages with a wire bottom or solid tray bottom with shavings. The cages should be provided with a flat piece of pine wood for comfort on the wire bottom and to prevent excessive growth of front teeth (cedar and redwood are poisonous to the Chinchilla). Shavings should be white pine to reduce fur staining and should be changed weekly. Feeders should be mounted on the side of the cage to prevent contamination from soiled shavings. A room with good circulation, temperatures below 80 degrees and free of sudden changes below 60 degrees is important. Depending on the humidity, the animal needs a dust bath in special ground lava rock, ideally every day, but at least three times a week. Dust baths help prevent matting and aid in removal of dead fur. Clean water should be in the cage at all times. Wash water bottle at least three times per week with soap and water and sterilize in the dishwasher once a week.

FEEDING
The Chinchilla diet is simple. The animal should be fed Chinchilla pellets ONLY at the rate of two tablespoons daily or 1/3 cup for an adult. Ideally, the pellets should be supplemented with loose hay or hay cubes. Minimize such goodies as fresh fruit and vegetables, as the natural balance of the digestive system can be disturbed. Small pieces of fruit and vegetables can be fed 2-3 times a week. DO NOT FEED cabbage, corn or lettuce, these vegetables cause gas and ultimately death. Feed alfalfa or Bermuda hay that has NOT been sprayed with insecticides.

BREEDING
Animals may be placed in breeding at a minimum of six months of age and 18 ounces of weight. The gestation period is 111 days and a litter may vary from one to five young, or "kits". Two or three litters per year are normal. Males are usually placed in polygamous breeding units with four to twelve females. This arrangement allows the male to travel at will between the indivdually housed females. Females are collared to prevent their entry into the common male runway, thus avoiding their access to other female cages. The "kits" are born fully furred, eyes open and up and running immediately. There are many philosophies on how to breed quality animals. As in any business, it is important that the new rancher know as much as possible before beginning. Successful ranching requires a working knowledge of genetic principles before atempting to breed on a large scale. Poor quality animals are not marketable. Temperment is extremely critical for the rancher who is intending to breed pet stock. Poor breeding can result in animals that give nasty bites and spray urine with extreme accuracy. These traits tend to reproduce in certain lines and care should be taken to cull such animals out of the herds for pet production.

HEALTH
Chinchillas are hardy and rarely get sick. Most health problems can be avoided with proper diet and clean, adequate housing. When a problem arises, it is usually intestinal in nature. Some signs of illness are listlessness, refusal to eat, watery eyes, and loose or no droppings. Other diseases include respiratory infections such as pneumonia, middle ear infections, bloat, mastitis and uterine infections. Some of these ailments are difficult to identify and diagnose, and veterinary advise should then be sought.

RANCHING
The majority of Chinchillas raised in the United States today are produced for commercial purposes of: pet stock, breeding stock, and pelt production. Each purpose has its good points and its drawbacks. Regardless of which type of production, it is imperative to treat Chinchilla Ranching as a business and consult with breeders already in that field before becoming involved on a large scale. The initial investment for breeding stock, cages and equipment can be substantial, even for small quantities. Investigate and deal with reputable ranchers.

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Rabbits

Rabbits
Rabbits are timid animals that are gentle and tame. They can grow attached to their owners and can also be housetrained to use a litter box if confined to a small area. Like other small pets, many varieties have been developed, with the most popular being the albino. The dwarf rabbit lives up to 12 years, with the larger breeds living between 5 to 8 years.

Rabbits should be kept in a cage made of metal or plastic, measuring at least 1 meter by 2 meters by 0.3 meters in height. Avoid cages with wire mesh at the bottom because rabbits have no footpads, so sores can develop on the feet from standing on the wire mesh all the time. Bedding is not necessary except in the nesting box, where you can place hay or wood shavings. Do not use wool, cotton or other fabrics for bedding because they can be ingested. Rabbit enclosures can be placed outdoors, as long as the rabbit has a covered area that protects it from excessive sun/rain/cold. Although rabbits can tolerate fairly wide fluctuations in temperature, their preferred range is between 10 an 18 degrees Celcius. Cages should be cleaned at least once per week.

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat only vegetables. They can be fed a balanced pelleted diet, but must be supplemented with roughage such as timothy hay to wear their teeth down and prevent overgrowth. Alfalfa should be avoided because it is too high in calcium and too low in fibre. Water should be available at all times in the form of a water bottle with a nipple attached. Normal rabbit urine has a chalky white appearance due to the high calcium content in their urine.
Rabbits can be groomed like dogs or cats. Brush with a soft hair brush. Claws and teeth may need to be trimmed regularly. You can bring the rabbit to the veterinarian to do it or he/she can show you how to do it yourself.

Rabbits are gentle creatures that rarely bite. They can also be playful and will learn to recognize family members. They make good pets for young children. It is important to remember, however, that due to their longer lifespan (compared to other small pets), having a rabbit is a long-term commitment.

One common finding in the yard during the summer months is wild rabbits and their babies. If babies are found without a mother, it is best to leave them alone because their mother will return. She is likely just out foraging for food. It is not recommended to bring the wild baby rabbits in the house because they have learned to be very fearful of humans and will not make good pets, especially for young children.

by : Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer
picture : www.hamsteronline.org
site : www.pets.ca

Mice and Rats

Mice and Rats
The mouse is a small rodent weighting about 30 to 40 grams. They are usually more active at night and are determined escape artists. Mice are social animals so they can be housed with other mice, as long as the cage is large enough to prevent fighting over space and resources. Rats are larger than mice (350 to 500 grams) and are social, inquisitive and intelligent creatures that generally do not bite. They can even be trained to find their way through mazes for food treats.

Their lifespan is between 1.5 to 2.5 years. Like hamsters, they are omnivorous and should be fed a balanced pelleted diet, with no more than 10% being snacks. Rolled oats, plain Cheerios, bread, dandelion leaves, carrots, peas, and other fresh raw vegetables are make suitable snacks. Mice also need something hard to chew on, such as a piece of wood. They should have access to fresh water at all times.

Mice and rats should be housed in a cage made of hard-to-chew material such as metal or plastic. A running wheel and tubes make their environment more interesting and provide good exercise. Like hamsters, mice enjoy having a place to nest. Many types of bedding may be used, such as sawdust, wood shavings, peat moss, and granulated clay. However, cedar or pine shavings should not be used in the cages because they are too strong smelling and may cause coughing or respiratory disease. As with other small rodents, their environment should be kept at room temperature (around 21 degrees Celcius).

Mice have a higher likelihood of biting than rats and are generally not recommended for children because they are very fast. Rats, however, are less likely to bite and make intelligent and interactive pets that are ideal for young children.

by : Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer
picture : www.hamsteronline.org
site : www.pets.ca