bunch of blogs: Pets and Animals

Cats are more known to be feisty little creatures that don’t take too well to certain habits compared to its other household pet compatriot, the dog. Such habits for example are wearing a leash and being able to walk around tethered to it.
But leash wearing for cats is becoming more and more commonplace, especially with city dwellers, as it prevents the cat from wandering around and getting lost.
However, given the temperament of cats, the leashes to be used on them need to be both sturdy and as unobtrusive as possible. Below are some tips in choosing the right leash for your cat.
It is very likely that when you think of leash, next thing that comes to mind is a collar. However, a cat collar works differently than a dog collar. Cats have the uncanny ability to wiggle out of a lot of things, including collars. It is recommended that collars for cats should only be used as fashion accessories or identification tags.
If using a leash is your intention, go for a body harness design that wraps around your pet’s torso. This makes it harder for your cat to take off and the tension from the leash is removed from the cat’s neck, which will happen if you choose a collar.
Make sure that the material is durable but comfortable. Nylon is a good choice since it is both strong and pliable. This material is also machine-washable use the gentle cycle.
Next, the design of the harness should be able to wrap around the body, particularly around the stomach so it will cradle the weight around that area and off the neck and shoulders, which is very uncomfortable for your pet.
However, avoid designs that cover too much of your pet’s body. Although the material may be breathable, it may hamper ventilation making it more difficult for your pet to adjust to the idea of a leash quickly.
Another thing you should consider is the fit around the neck. A good fit is when you are able to comfortably slip two fingers in between the collar area and your cat’s neck. To make sure the leash will hold this particular area should be reinforced with additional stitching.
Investing time and energy for your peace of mind and your pet’s safety is always a good thing. And choosing the right harness and leash for your cat is a smart first step that will make wearing a leash a welcome experience for your pet.

Having exotic snakes as pets is becoming common nowadays. This is primarily because many people who have been taking care of one assert that snakes are actually tame, contrary to popular belief.
In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in. On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don’t think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.
The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself. Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.
As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive. This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.
Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn’t end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.

Bird watching is fun and exciting as long as we see birds and can identify the species that we see. Sometimes it is no fun when we hardly see the birds (probably because the birds sensed you) and then when we finally see one we can’t identify what type of bird it was.
Birds have different chirps, sizes, colors, feathers and characteristics that a novice may find difficult to pinpoint. Don’t you ever wonder how some people can easily tell the species of the bird just by listening at it? For the trained ear each type of bird speaks a different language; this is why they can easily tell you the type of bird without batting an eyelash.
It is better if you have a partner to go bird watching with you. Sometimes others see what we miss so this would be a good way to see more species of birds. Your partner can also help you jot down time frames and the specific places you have seen a certain type of bird.
Before you start your bird watching do your assignment. Learn more about the common birds in your area. You need to look at the characteristics of the birds, their sounds, where they usually are, and what they look like.
As a birdwatcher there are things you must take along with you and these are commonly the following:
Binoculars – you might want to consider binoculars that are powerful enough to see from a long distance since birds most of the time won’t just land on your shoulder to say hello.
Digital Camera – so you can have pictures of the different birds you see in your watching area. Of course the normal cameras won’t be of much help since their zoom is not far enough: a good camera with very strong lenses will do the trick.
Pencil – you will need this when you want to jot down what you saw.
Paper – use this to write down everything you see. It would be better if you drew a simple sketch of a bird on the page. Have this photocopied and enjoy pointing out the different parts of the birds you see. Use a separate sheet of paper for every type of bird. Also jot down how many of this type you saw during your stay there.
You are now ready. Take your kit with you and enjoy a wonderful day with the birds! Remember be patient and don’t disturb them, just watch.

Many think that fish are ideal pets because they are easy to take care of and maintain. Just give them food everyday and you won’t have any problems, such as vaccinations, arthritis, etc. Many believe that fish can never have worms, parasites, constipation, and much less tuberculosis! Oftentimes, fish owners just shrug their shoulders when they see their fish floating upside down, thinking that it is just the time for their fish to die.
However, unknown to many, fish also contract diseases like any other animals. Believe it or not, fish experience constipation, allergies, worms, parasites and even tuberculosis too. Most of the time, you are the cause of the diseases of your aquarium fish. Poor water quality, inadequate nutrients, inappropriate food variety, infrequent cleaning of fish tank or bowl, or lack of air pump are the primary causes of common diseases.
Before you buy another aquarium fish, it is advisable that you read the list of common fish diseases and corresponding treatment below so you will know how to properly take care of your precious aquatic friends when they are sick.
White Spot or Ich Disease
The disease that is easiest to detect is the white spot disease. The white spots all over the body of your fish are actually parasites called Ichthyophthirius, or Ich for short. This condition is caused by either poor water quality or fish stress. A fish that is under stress usually has a poor immune system and is susceptible to different kinds of diseases, including Ich disease.
If the disease is left untreated, your fish will lose their appetite and will be scraping their bodies to surfaces in futile attempt to get rid of the parasites. You will also notice that the breathing of your fish will be heavy or difficult. If you don’t do anything to help your fish, it will eventually die of stress.
White spot disease should be treated immediately. At the first sign of white spots, you need to go to the pet store and buy proper medication. Even with constant treatment, it might take several days before the parasite is completely eradicated. When the parasites are in the cyst form, which is attached to the fish, medication won’t work. Only when the parasites are free flowing in the water are they susceptible to treatment. That is why, regular tank cleaning is needed to prevent further outbreak of Ich infection.
Fungal infection
Your fish may be suffering from body fungus if you see that its skin or gills are splotched with white or grayish patches that resemble wool or cotton. If left untreated, the fungus will attack the skin of your pet and will cause ulcerations. Your water-bourn friends might die if you don’t do anything about this infection.
Since fungus grows in water that has large concentrations of decaying matter, such as rotten food and fish refuse, you need to regularly clean the fish tank in order to prevent fungus from developing. Body fungus is quite easy to treat, so don’t worry. Just go to the nearest pet shop and buy medication. You can opt to use an all-encompassing anti-bacterial medication, or just something that treats body fungus.
Fin or Tail Rot
You should always check the fin, tail and body of your fish everyday. The slightest change in the length of its tail or form of its fins should be cause for alarm. If you see that your fish is a bit sluggish, stays at the bottom of the tank, doesn’t want to eat, and has noticeably shorter tail and fins, then your pet might be suffering from tail or fin rot. The rotting of fins, tails or even bodies is caused by bacteria. Stress makes some fishes more susceptible to the disease. Fin or tail rot can also be due to poor water quality or can be a secondary infection.
You will be able to secure treatment for such a disease in almost all pet stores. Utmost care in following the treatment instruction is needed. If you use a lower dosage of the anti-bacterial medication, you are making the bacteria resistant to the drug. Moreover, you should also do something about the underlying cause of the disease. If you see that your small fish are being bullied by bigger fish, then it may be wise to buy a new tank for you small fish.
Fish diseases are almost always easy to cure if treated in their early stages. So the next time you see changes in the appearance and movement of your fish, don’t shrug it off. Immediately go to the pet store and buy appropriate medication.

If you are a serious bird watching hobbyist, you surely know that one of the requirements of this activity is a good pair of binoculars, right?
Your degree of expertise in this hobby should tell you what type of binoculars you should get. If you are bird watching newbie, of course, it would be practical to get the lower priced ones; as opposed to advance birders, who would be better off with more technological and equally hefty-priced binoculars.
Doing your homework should lead you to categories that would help you greatly in searching for the best pair of binoculars for your birding. If you’d like to search according to price, the following price ranges are the norms:
Below USD30
- Steiner Observer 620
- Minolta Pocket Binocular
- Bushnell Powerview
- Magnacraft Binocular
- Celestrone Upclose Binocular
- Tasco Essentials
- Vivitar Binocular
USD100 – 190
- Meade Captureview Generation II
- Steiner Safari Binocular
- Nikon Travelite V
- Pentax Papilio Binocular
- Bushnell Trophy Binocular
- Nikon Action Extreme Binocular
More than USD390
- Zeiss Victory *T FL
- Canon IS
- Swarovski Optik
- Bushnell Yardage Pro
- Leica Ultravid
- Nikon Monarch
- Celestron Regal LX
- Steiner Military
If you are a brand-conscious type of birder, choosing from these popular brands of binoculars will prove to be very helpful:
- Steiner
- Audobon
- Bushnell
- Pentax
- Swift Birding
- Brunton
- Eagle Optics
Now if you prioritize features that a binocular sport, you’re definitely no newbie in this field. Attributes like shockproof, fogproof, waterproof, magnification or power capacity, durability, light-weightedness, glare reduction system, image quality, non-slip rubber armoring, focus speed, and phase correction among many features will be your basis for which binocular to purchase. Magnification ranges are 8x, 8-12x, 12-20x, and 20x or more.
Of course, the more features which translate to better birding, the higher the price of the binocular could be. The most prized features include ease of use, magnification, waterproof, image quality, and focus speed. So, which do you value the most?
Also, the proper combination of these features and your own skills, capabilities and inferiorities should help you determine which binocular brand with and at which price you will purchase. And, don’t forget that you should set a budget that won’t harm your finances. Though birdwatching is one good hobby, it pays to be practical while enjoying this activity.

Horses aren’t considered domestic animals, but they are efficient assistants that could help owners perform different and complex activities.
For example, horses on farms are used to help transport commodities and carry heavy loads of crops and agriculture products to other locations. In far-away communities, horses serve as the essential and efficient mode of transportation because those areas are still not provided the basic infrastructure.
But horses in the wild aren’t ready to do those activities in an instant. Horses when untamed are truly uncontrollable and wouldn’t be helpful to people for whatever purpose.
Traditionally, horses have been trained for different functions, like for transport, for farm works, for sports and even for warfare. You might have seen those epic movies and sagas where warriors are riding horses during battle.
You might have been awed, at one point of your life, over the usefulness of horses to people and businesses. However, always be reminded that horses can be destructive when left untamed and untrained.
That is why it is very important that horses undergo training sessions, where they will be taught the basic skills and tricks to perform many different helpful tasks.
Hiring a horse trainer
Thus, for the horse owner who aims to turn his horse into a useful assistant and as an alternative to machines, it is imperative that a horse trainer be hired.
The horse trainer will help unlock the full potentials of the horse. He will be tasked to condition the mindset of the horse so it could be prepared for training sessions and could be open to learning tricks.
A horse owner will play a very important role to unlocking the horse’s potential. That is because in him lies the efforts and the skills to help the animal embrace learning and action on queue.
If you are a horse owner and you are aiming to hire a good horse trainer, the first thing you can do is to seek for recommendations from peers and other horse owners.
Peer advice would be helpful in finding a good trainer for the task. If peers are unable to give such recommendations, the local veterinarian will be of great help. He should know about the best horse trainers in the community. The vet could tell if the horse trainer is doing good and on the right track.
Be advised that there are some vets who also offer horse training services, but in general, not all of them do so. That is because horse training requires a lot of effort and patience, which vets would understandably have lost as they practice animal medicine.
You could also directly hire a horse trainer. You could seek links and contacts from the online Craig’s list or from the traditional and online classifieds.
You must do an interview and examine the personal and work history data of the horse trainer to ensure that the services your horse will be provided will be commensurate to the remuneration package.
Several accreditations from horse training bodies and industry groups are also being provided to certify a horse trainer’s capabilities. If the applicant horse trainer holds one, then, you are assured that the horse trainer would be the perfect candidate for the position.
Choosing the best horse trainer
When it comes to choosing the best horse trainer, it is a relative and case to case basis. What is good enough for the standard of one horse owner may not be good enough for another. Preferences and standards of horse owners vary.
That is why you can’t rely on the experiences of other horse owners on horse trainers. Though, recommendations would be helpful, it isn’t advisable that you entrust the overall welfare of your horses wholly to the horse trainer. Take heed from your personal discretion and insights.
Remember, when hiring a horse trainer, you should always look for the best candidate there is. However, the best don’t assure that overall care for the horse is guaranteed. Through the interview process, you can get an idea at the overall disposition of the applicants.
Jolliness and genuine interest of horses would be the best trait a good horse trainer must have. The horse trainer applicant in your front may not be the best according to recommendations from vets and peers, but knowing the person through a sincere talk may indicate that he is truly interested in training horses.
That would be the best quality of a horse trainer.

A lot of dogs like go on adventures, which makes travel attractive for them. This is their natural hunting instincts making them want to meet new people and explore new places. However, it may pose as a problem since taking a dog along during your travels may be inconvenient. Quite a few people are frightened of dogs and the mess that dogs make while you’re traveling can be very troublesome. It should also be noted that many lodgings and transportation services don’t cater to pets such as dogs and cats.
Having your pet watched over by a professional pet handler may be needed to take care of your dog during the trip. You also have the option of having your pet stay with a managed kennel. When checking around for a place for your dog to live while you’re away, make sure it is comfortable and clean. The dogs staying there should also look content and well-taken care of. A few of these dog kennels allow for you to provide your dog’s own sleeping blanket, toy and his favorite foods for while you’re away. Make sure, though, that your dog has had its immunization since it is a regular requirement for your dog’s stay in such places.
Though, if you really insist on your pet’s company when traveling, here are a few tips:
- A clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Your vet should also be able to provide you a certificate for this.
- Buy a sturdy dog carrier. This is a must since you’d rather not lose your pet en route to your destination. A few airlines have dog carriers available for sale though they can be quite expensive. Also, remember that some airlines prefer having your pet in the compartment for luggage . If you really can’t part with your beloved, get a reservation from an airline that allows pets to remain with you during the flight.
- Dogs need good ventilation to keep them cool. Try to get air-conditioned cars when traveling cross-country. This is also true if you are traveling in trains.
- Don’t let your dog hang his head out the window while the car is moving. It may be tempting to let your pet play around, but the risks of falling out or getting hit are still there.
- Leaving your dog inside the car or under the sun is risky. Heat stroke is a serious danger to your pet and can even be fatal.
- Never leave your dog unattended, especially when he is in his carrier. He may get stolen or kidnapped. This also goes for when he’s wandering around. Sometimes, pets can be too adventurous and may end up in trouble, or worse, getting you in trouble.
- Fast pulse, rapid panting, red eyes and gums, excessive slobbering, feverish temperature or vomiting, means that your dog needs to see a vet quickly. Have cool towels placed on your dog and get to the closest pet clinic as soon as possible.
- Some countries have specific rules about pet travel. Try to familiarize yourself with them and try to follow them to avoid legal troubles later.
- A certificate for rabies vaccination and a notarized local language certificate from the closest embassy or consulate is sometimes required, so get one just in case. Better safe than sorry.
- In preparing for a long trip on the road, ready identification for your pet. A collar with the dog’s name, your name and a handy contact number can save you from a lot of trouble.
- First-aid kits for your dog can be easily fixed up. Remember that some emergencies are special to dogs. A flea or tick powder is a good addition to this.
- Have a ready supply of your pet’s favorite doggy treats during the trip. Make sure to bring more than enough to last the entire trip to be safe.
- Pack the essentials: clean water, dishes, favorite dog toys, leash, brush, plastic bags and towels, anything than can help your dog stay happy during the trip.
- A dog should be given the chance to answer the call of nature every two to three hours so it won’t make any embarrassing messes.
Hopefully, these tips can help you have a better time with travelling with your dog. Bon voyage!

Bird watching takes hours especially if the birds that regularly show up in one area don’t come out yet. When this happens, the only thing the hobbyist can do is wait.
Whenever an individual decides to go bird watching, there are some things that should always be carried around. These are a pair of binoculars, a field guide, a pen and a notebook.
If the place where the person is going is known to have mosquitoes, it wpi;d be a good idea to take insect repellent spray. Since it is hard to carry all these items by hand, the hobbyist can move around better by wearing a pair of cargo pants and a birding vest.
The birding vest is made of lightweight material and has open sides for ventilation. It has pockets to hold the things needed for bird watching in front as well as a small pack for food in the back
This vest is not that different from the one used by those who like to go fishing or hiking. It comes in various colors and designs and can fit anyone who decides to take it along. The only problem is that these are not waterproof or water resistant so the individual will have to find some shelter fast when it rains.
People can find these vests in the hobby store or online. The average price for one is about $69; but will last for a very long time as long as it is properly taken cared of. It is also machine washable making it easy to clean the dirt and sweat accumulated during the trip.
Am individual can just hang tje vest behind the door and put it on immediately whenever it is needed. This could be a planned trip with a group of hobbyists or if a friend suddenly calls up and wants to spend some in the forest or in a nature reserve
Bird watching is a lot of fun especially if a person does this not only in one state but in other places too. This is because species seen in a certain area may be different from those in another because of the weather and the natural habitat of the creatures.
Those who want to have fun should pack everything in the car then go for a drive. When the hobbyists gets to the destination, it is time to suit up by putting on the bird watching vest first and then filing up the pockets.

When T.S. Elliot wrote in a poem (The naming of cats) the lines “(when) I tell you, a cat must have three different names’, he must have owned a cat. Many cat owners would have to agree that finding a cat’s name is both a serious and a fun thing to do and that a cat’s name barely lasts a whole year before they find a new, better and apt name for their pets.
Most cats start out with simple and uncreative names. A black cat given to you by a friend is unsurprisingly called Blacky, much like what you will expect from a fluffy cat named (surprise, surprise) Fluffy. These names (along with the likes of Smokey and Tiger) are given by previous owners who really do not want to be attached to the cat because they are giving it to some other friend. They sort of expect you to change the names of these cats as you take them to your house.
When you give a different name to a cat, you are welcoming him to your family. Most names come from favorite things, like characters from a book, movie or television show. Other names crop up from famous (and infamous) celebrities such as Britney, Saddam or Osama.
Aside from giving your cat a name that first popped into your mind, there’s one fun way that a certain website mentioned. It’s acrophonology - it is the analysis of a name through the qualities of the letters. Before giving your cat or any pet just any moniker, it won’t hurt to give acrophonology a try, right? You can even find online analysis of your cat’s name. Sites that offer this kind of service often deliver a brief summary of the hidden meanings that are within your cat’s name. Sure sounds fun and quite rewarding, right?
Other ideas can come up from cartoons, mythology, ancient historical figures and even from common names of people. There are plenty of names out there and if you can’t think of any, just type ‘cat names’ in your favorite search engine and you’ll find great names that you might have not thought of.
These names though, however good they are, tend to change after certain circumstances. Imagine a cat you named Fatso because he was fat when he was a kitten. All of a sudden, after 1 year he went from a kitten who always slept to a cat that prowls the night. This will build up his body and the once fat kitten is no more. So what about his name of Fatso? It sounds ridiculous introducing him to your friends as Fatso when he is not fat at all, so you are bound to change her name after that.
Another secret with cats names is that you have to be creative. Sometimes you don’t even have to think of a word as cats provide them to you with their actions.
Other cats names change after certain incidents. These incidents include accidents such as your cat breaking a big bottle of strawberry jam (so you named her Strawberry) or like when she cries too much and you can’t sleep for several nights (so she is named Banshee).
The value of your cats name does not only extend to that term of endearment that you would like your lovely feline companion to be regarded with, but your cats name is also important when it’s time for you to train it. If you are planning to make your pet one of the most well-trained, making your cats name easy to say and quite unique will make it easier for you to say it when you have to issue a command. One tip is use your cats name in positive commands such as “come”. When your cat gets accustomed to hearing its name in only positive commands it will learn to love its name.
Truly, naming your cat can be a very rewarding and fun endeavor. It doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling feat. If you really are quite passionate with your feline friend, chances are giving it a name would be a cinch.

We must never take our eyes for granted. With our sense of sight, we are able to see the beauty the world offers. In fact, some of the most engaging recreational activities involve the use of our eyes. Bird watching is an example.
Avid bird watchers take note of every minute detail regarding the birds they observe. They know the kinds of birds and the groups they belong to.
Raptors or birds of prey have talons which they use to hunt for their food. They have curved tops to their beaks and their vision is top notch.
1. Eagles – with long and broad wings, they are the only birds who can directly look at the sun. They have massive legs, sharp talons and powerful hooked beaks which they use to rip their prey in half. Because of their large pupils, their eyesight is so keen that they can spot their prey from afar.
2. Kites – have long wings but their legs are weak. They are so called because they spend a majority of their time soaring high up in the sky. They feed on carrion.
3. Falcons – are slightly smaller than eagles with long pointed wings. They are swift flyers and can rapidly change directions. They do not build their own nests. Instead, they inhabit the old nests of other birds. They lay eggs in tree hollows or on cliff ledges. They are also very intelligent.
4. Owls – are nocturnal and solitary hunting birds. They are silent flyers and their senses of hearing and sight are very, very accurate. They prey on small insects, small mammals and other birds.
5. Hawks – are woodland birds with long tails. They dash and plunge towards their prey when they hunt. Like falcons, hawks are intelligent birds. They have high IQ when it comes to feeding habits. Their vision is 20/20 and eight times more acute when compared to human beings.
6. Harriers – large and slender with long tails and long thin legs, they are often mistaken for hawks. Their hunting style is circling over grasslands, marshes and meadows. They hunt for small animals or birds.
7. Vultures - are scavenging birds which feed mostly on carcasses. Like hawks, they also have keen eyesight. Like harriers, their hunting method is circling over meadows and marshes for their prey.
8. Osprey – is a medium-sized raptor which hunts for fish. It has closable nostrils used for diving and backwards facing scales as talons used to catch its prey. It hovers from above and plunges feet first into the water.
With an interesting array of raptors, who can blame the bird watchers for getting hooked on this hobby?