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Explore our articles and resources for pet parents
Summertime Pet Care: Safe Tick Removal
Ah, yes...for some people and pets in many parts of the United States the summer of 2014 was a most welcome change after a record winter of snow and artic cold. We couldn’t wait to hit the bicycle and walking paths through the woods and the dog parks to help work off the extra pounds gained throughout the harsh winter. But wait, there may be some critters lurking on the hairy bodies of our beloved dogs and cats that have the potential to cause problems as we move into the latter months of warm weather. Caution: your pet may have been in contact with nasty external parasites that can not only cause irritation and discomfort, but bring disease to both you and your pet. Here is a brief overview of what could be a problem. Your veterinarian can determine if there is cause for alarm.
Bugs As Pets
For some, a bug in your house is no bad thing! In fact, in parts of the world like Japan, it’s just as common to keep an insect as a pet, as it is a cat or dog. What’s more, many in fact make great pets, that are educating for children, easy-to-keep and rewarding in many ways.
All About Horses
Loved by many, horses and humans have enjoyed a strong bond which dates back to ancient times. At first horses were hunted, but humans learned to tame and ride them. From there the horse helped transform how people got around and worked, being one of the primary forms of land transportation until the car came into popularity.
THE SIAMESE CAT
siamese cat
The Siamese is one of the oldest and most famous cat breeds, with ancestral roots in Siam, known today as Thailand. In Victorian England it gained the nickname “Royal cat of Siam” and was highly favored for its striking looks and an elegant coat color. These cats are beloved for their intelligent and curious natures.
Brief History
For many centuries, travelers to ancient Thailand brought home art and manuscripts that depicted the Siamese in full stature. Their migration to the western lands began during the late 19th century when they were used as show cats, most notably at the London Crystal Palace cat show. From here, they were introduced to the states when a US diplomat stationed in Thailand gave President Rutherford B Hayes a Siamese cat as a gift.
Physical Features
The Siamese coat is perhaps one of its most unique physical features for its color and glossy appearance. There are two types of Siamese cats: traditional and show. Traditional Siamese cats have apple shaped heads while show Siamese cats have wedge-shaped heads with ears that are large and triangular in shape. The show Siamese has a tubular body with long legs and flat paws. Both have striking almond-shaped blue eyes that sparkle with adoration and curiosity.
Average Height:
12-15 inches
Average Weight:
6-14 pounds
Life Expectancy:
11-15 years
Temperament
Siamese cats are known to bond deeply with their owners and always want to be a part of any activity you do. Whether it be following you around the house, climbing into your lap or sharing your bed, this breed loves to be involved. Siamese cats are also known for being extremely vocal — they have opinions and love chirping back to their humans.
siamese cat breed
Special Needs
Siamese tend to exhibit lots of beauty both inwards and outwards. Because of this, they are one of the most commonly-stolen cat breeds. Make sure to maintain close supervision when letting your Siamese cat outdoors.
Possible Health Concerns
Amyloidosis — when the amyloid protein is deposited in body’s organs, primarily the liver in Siamese cats.
Asthma/bronchial disease.
Congenital heart defects.
Exercise
Siamese cats are generally very active. When left with other cats and animals, Siamese will join whatever activity the rest of the pets are involved in. They love to play.
Nutrition
Any cat-friendly diet, both home-prepared or commercially manufactured, should grow with the Siamese at all its ages. Siamese owners are also advised to check their diets when they get to adulthood. Fresh, clean water should also be available for them to drink.
Grooming
The short Siamese coat is easy to groom and maintain. While they do shed, if you adhere to a strict grooming routine, it shouldn’t be too cumbersome. Comb the coat on a weekly basis using a stainless steel comb to remove any dead hair.
Siamese cats are ideal for owners who crave companionship and affection. They are highly intelligent, hyper-vocal, and love staying active.
the siamese cat
WHAT IS THE IDITAROD?
Known to few, loved by many, the Iditarod is a world-famous Trail Sled Dog Race that dates back to 1973. With a long and somewhat controversial history, it has also coined the nickname ‘The Last Great Race on Earth®’.
THE ARABIAN MAU CAT
The Arabian Mau was developed from an ancient desert cat that occurred naturally in the Arabian Peninsula. Although it is now commonplace as a house pet in its region of origin, the Arabian Mau cat has only gained recognition by a single breed organization, the German World Cat Federation.
Brief History
Descended from the African wild cat that lived in Middle Eastern deserts in regions throughout Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Mau is one of the oldest cat breeds. Its lineage goes back a thousand years, combining genes with the Egyptian Mau and providing companionship and service to man perhaps as far back as the days of the pyramids.
Although this cat is acclimated to desert life, wild cats of the harsh and sandy elements had challenging daily searches for food. It was natural for them to frequent villages for easy pickings. From there, like cats domesticated in other parts of the world and worked their way from the alley to the hearth.
After centuries of life as a house cat, the Arabian desert cat was noticed by the director of the Middle East Cat Society, Petra Muller. She gave the cat its name, the Arabian Mau, and began arranging a breeding program. She presented the breed at the Annual General Meeting in 2008, where it was recognized as a pedigreed feline. The following year, it was admitted into cat shows and given formal breed recognition.
Physical Features
The Arabian Mau is a medium-sized cat with long legs and a tapered tail. They are most famous for their ears, which are noticeably large. Their single coats of hair are smooth and glossy and appears in three shades: tabby, bicolor and white.
Average Height:
12-14 inches
Average Weight:
8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
The Arabian Mau is an athlete with a high prey drive. You will not have to worry about mice thriving in your house. Although, because this cat is loyal and devoted, you may find one on your pillow as a gift.
Arabian mau
Special Needs
The Arabian Mau plays vigorously and needs quality interaction with its people. It would be best served with thirty minutes of active play a day.
Possible Health Concerns
The Bombay is a healthy and moderately active cat breed that may be susceptible to the following health conditions:
Thanks to its long history as an evolving desert cat, the Arabian Mau has no known health issues. But like all cats, it will need a good diet and exercise program to maintain its vitality and prolong its life.
Exercise
Being an active desert cat, the Arabian Mau will need plenty of exercise. Giving this cat a buddy is one good way to accomplish this.
Nutrition
Like with any indoor cat, the owner should be sure not to overfeed. However, many cats are self-regulating, and highly-active breeds may have the metabolism to burn off whatever they take in. An Arabian Mau is one cat that is not prone to obesity.
Grooming
The Arabian Mau benefits from a grooming session with a soft brush every couple of days to whisk away any loose hair and distribute the natural oils throughout the coat. As grooming goes, this cat is fairly low-maintenance.
The Arabian Mau is a good choice for people who are looking for a lively, family-friendly sturdy cat with few health issues.
All About Avalanche Dogs
Dogs – they are man’s best friend for good reason. But more than just companionship, our canine friends can provide import functional roles in day-to-day life.
Ehrlichiosis: What to Look For
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection that affects canines like dogs, wolves and other species around the world. Also known as Canine Typhus, Tracker Dog Disease, and Tropical Canine Pancytopenia, this disease leads to a wide range of flu-like symptoms, which makes the disease difficult to diagnose.
