Symptoms of Pregnant Cats

If you have a cat that you suspect may be pregnant, it is important that you find out as soon as possible to make sure your cat gets the proper nutrition and care. If you are uncertain what to look for in symptoms of a pregnant cat, here are some guidelines to help you:

· By week three you may start to notice that the nipples on your cat are enlarged and begin to turn pink in color. You will not be able to see any swelling in her belly area at this time.

· By week four your cat may start to show some swelling in her belly and there will be swelling in her nipples. Her appetite will be increasing as well.

· By week five, you should consult with your vet to determine the proper growth formula. This can ensure that your cat will get the proper nutrition that she needs and keep up with her increased appetite.

· By week six, you will be able to know that your cat is pregnant. You will start to notice changes in her behavior. She will be much more careful in the way that she moves around, she will be avoiding motions that involve stretching and twisting. She will most likely want to remain indoors and her appetite will continue to increase.

· By week seven, the largest symptoms will be her behavior. She will be showing signs of excitement and she will begin to feel the fetus move. She will be rolling and stretching and finding her place to give birth. You should keep your cat indoors at this time.

· By day 61, your cat can go into labor. You will be able to notice this by her growling or purring and being restless. Next, her contractions will begin. They can be every thirty minutes or longer.

It is important that you notice the signs of pregnancy in your cat and give her the care she needs.

How Can You Find the Best Pet Stroller

Until recently, many people may have scoffed at the idea of taking your pets for a walk via a pet stroller. But it is becoming more and more popular to see pet owners taking their cats and dogs out for a walk in a pet stroller. If you are interested in trying one out, there are some things that can help you find the right pet stroller.

There are two popular designs in pet strollers – ones that are collapsible and ones that have a lift out basket. The collapsible models are usually better suited for traveling and people that are always on the go. They are also better for use with dogs. The lift out style is easier for cats and other pets, but do work well for dogs also. The basket in those models can make it easier for a pet to sleep comfortably while you are transporting them.

The pet stroller you choose needs to be able to handle safely the weight of your pet and their size. Pets need to be able to sit, stand, turn or lay down without losing their comfort. You also need to keep in mind what kind of terrain you will be using the pet stroller the most. If you are on pavement, regular size wheels are fine to use, but if you are off of pavement, larger size wheels are better to use.

You can also increase the quality of your walks with the pet stroller by purchasing additional accessories such as cup holders and spots to keep pet treats. Finding the right pet stroller can make you and your pet enjoy talking a stroll outside. They are a great way to transport your small pet and not have to worry about them running off or getting attacked by another animal. You can enjoy the nice walk and have your pet enjoy the comfort of the pet stroller.

The Seven Parasites You Need to Know About that Can Harm Your Pet Fish

Your pet fish need to be protected from seven known parasites that can harm them. When fish have parasites they are very contagious and must be separated from the other fish in the tank. The infected fish have to be treated and the tank completely disinfected.

The seven most common parasites you should know are:

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  Fish lice - these parasites are lice that attach themselves to the fish and can turn just about the same color as the fish so they are hard to detect. The fish will be rubbing up along side of the tank when infected with the lice in order to try to remove them.
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  Anchor worms – these parasites are females and have an anchor shaped head. They will bury themselves into the fish and there may be a little bit of bleeding on the fish where the head has attached itself. There also may be a little worm that is white that is coming out from that spot.
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  Leeches – these parasites are wormlike and attach themselves on both ends of the fish. You must remove these as soon as possible.
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  Flukes – these parasites are gill flukes that turn your fish’s gills a pink or red color. Your fish will tend to stay toward the surface of the tank where he is able to get air. These skin flukes can cause localized sores and swelling.
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  Ichthyophthirius – these parasites are known as Ich or white spot. You will be able to see a raised white spot on your fish that is about the size of a grain of salt. It is one of the most common types of parasites that are found.
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  Oodinium – these parasites are known as velvet and can create a golden velvet coat on the body and the fins of your fish. It is hard to find on gold fish because of the color.
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  Hexamita – these parasites are also known as hole in the head disease. They are basically internal parasites. These are harmful to your fish when he is weak because of age, stress or bad water conditions.
  
  
  
  
  

What Pet Fish are the Best Choice for New Pet Fish Owners?

When you are looking for a new pet and decide the best way for you to go is pet fish, what kind are the best? You may not know a lot about what it takes to have pet fish and if you are new to being a pet fish owner, there may be some kinds that are better than others to start out with.

Some of the best types of pet fish for you to try as a beginning pet fish owner are:

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  Betas – these beautiful fish are often displayed in bowls at the local pet stores and have long fins that are shades with blue, purple or red and are very easy to care for. They have to be kept alone in a bowl because the males are known to bitterly fight and there are rarely female fish available in pet stores. Don’t put them with other species of fish either because other fish will nibble on their fins.
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  Goldfish – these are a relatively easy fish to care for as long as you provide them a tank of the right size. They need to have a big enough bowl or aquarium or they will not survive very long. Goldfish are very common pet fish and you should not have more than one or two in the aquarium.
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  Zebra Danios – these pet fish are very hardy and can survive well in any size of aquarium. Being tropical fish, they will need a heater in the tank in order to maintain the water temperature of at least 70 degrees.
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  Platys and Swordtails – these pet fish are in the same category because they are similar in appearance the have basically the same kind of requirements. They are tropical fish and can be found in most pet stores. Their aquariums need to be kept at 72 degree.
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  Corydoras – these pet fish are easy to care for and very active. They are a type of fish that spends most of their time swimming alone in the bottom of the tanks. They are tropical fish and need to have their tanks at 72 degrees.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Feline and Canine Dental Health

Your furry companions need dental health just as you and the rest of your family do. Cats and dogs rely on their teeth to be able to properly chew and digest food, and can develop dental health issues just like people can. It is important to take good care of your pet’s dental health needs.

Periodontal disease and inflammation of the gums are two common dental health concerns with cats and dogs. Gingivitis is caused by plaque forming on the surface of the teeth. If it is not treated, it can continue to progress to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is associated with oral pain, ulceration and the loss of alveolar teeth and bone. It also may lead to damage of other organs in the body.

Some diseases like periodontal disease have been linked to include kidney disease, cardiovascular system disease, lung problems and damage to the immune system.

There are types of dental health problems that occur in cats and dogs and are different that some that occur in people. Because dogs and cats have sharp inclined planes in their dentition, they are not susceptible to cavities. Three major dental health problems that are seen in cats and dogs are oral malodor, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental health diseases that is found in cats and dogs. It has been reported for over seventy years and is a problem across the world. Dogs seem to develop periodontal disease due to factors like old age. This most prevalent in small breeds and toy breeds. Cats seem to also develop periodontal disease, but the causes and links are not as well known as with dogs.

Make sure you consider the dental health of your pets when you are seeing your vet. If you are concerned with any possible problems or diseases that your pet may have, it is a good idea to get them checked and have a dental check up as well.