If you own a cat, going out of town for a business trip or vacation generally means deciding between three options as to how your cat will be surpervised while you are away. You can consider taking your cat with you, but this choice might lead to a lot of unnecessary stress for your pet. Alternatively, you might want to find a cattery or other boarding facility that cares for cats, and this option is great if you know of a reputable business in your area. However, if you can have someone act as a cat sitter, your cat won't have to leave home comforts behind (and you'll save money as well). If this sounds like the perfect option for you and your cat, here's how to go about choosing the perfect cat sitter. 1. Pick someone you really trust Think about people you would trust with your cat and your home. In other words, don't pick someone who is irresponsible - no matter how nice they are! You will want someone who will remember all the rules about feeding and caring for your pet, but also can be trusted to respect and care for your property. 2. Pick someone who has a good relationship with your cat Make a list of trustworthy friends and family members and cross off the ones who aren't that keen on cats. In addition, remove the people that your cat just doesn't like. Your pet might be a little nervous when you're out of town, and a friendly, familiar face will make things a lot easier. If your pet is a relatively new addition and you haven't really had time to introduce the cat to many of the people in your life, start inviting likely candidates over to your house and try to judge which ones gain your cat's sincere approval. 3. Pick someone with experience In addition to being trustworthy and having a good relationship with your pet, the perfect cat sitter will also have a decent amount of experience with cats. After all, you will want someone who can tell if your cat is feeling ill and who will naturally be able to read their signals. This aspect of cat sitting is particularly important if you have an elderly cat or one that requires daily medication. If you don't know an appropriate person who has experience with cats, planning ahead can allow you to impart some important wisdom in the weeks before the cat sitting begins. 4. Pick someone with spare time Finally, it's worth thinking about whether your cat sitter will have time to keep your cat entertained. If you have a cuddly cat then your sitter needs to provide affection, and most cats want to engage in play even if they don't particularly enjoy sitting on laps. So that your pet doesn't feel too lonely or bored while you're away, make sure you choose a cat sitter who will actually be around your house for at least thirty minutes each day. Following these guidelines, you are bound to find the perfect cat sitter which will make both yours and your cat's time apart stress-free!

Sporting dogs are part of a breed group of dogs that commonly hunt birds and small game. Historically, sporting dogs were kept by the noble and elite classes who viewed hunting as a form of entertainment. Today, you will know sporting dogs as pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels, with around 70 breeds considered a sporting breed - although not all are recognised by all kennel clubs. Sporting dogs make great companions! They are energetic, require a lot of exercise and are just a great, well-rounded type of dog. Interestingly, compared to other types of dogs who hunt by detecting scents on the ground, sporting dogs detect scents in the air. So, if you have a sporting dog and you are interested in tapping into their sporting and hunting abilities then you should check out the following useful items... Beeper collars Beeper collars are a very handy device, that allow owners to keep track of their dog's location without distracting them from the task at hand! Bird launchers Bird launchers are easy to use systems that help owners train their dogs hunting skills. They are safe and effective and are very quiet so your dog doesn't get spooked. Duck call Duck calls are used by owners as a way to lure ducks and other waterfowl. They're a simple device that is made in a variety of materials and are ever-so-handy! Dummies Dummies are great for when dog's are first introduced to the world of hunting. They are used to replicate birds and waterfowl and are a wonderful way to get your dog ready for hunting the real deal. Tracking devices Tracking devices are generally equipped with GPS tracking, allowing owners the ability to keep an eye on their dog's movements - it can provide a great deal of reassurance, particularly if you and your dog are just starting out. Training DVDS Training DVDs can provide a comprehensive education into the world of hunting, allowing owners (and dogs) to build confidence and get themselves ready to tackle hunting together. Feature image credit  

Indoor cats are renowned for living substantially longer than their outdoor counterparts - but wouldn't it be nice if indoor cats got to experience life on the outside too? If you're nodding your head in agreeance, then maybe it's time to invest in an outdoor playhouse/enclosure for your indoor feline. If you still need convincing, then here are 11 benefits as to why an outdoor enclosure is exactly what your cat needs! 1. Gives indoor cats the chance to experience the great outdoors. 2. Contains cats in complete safety without making them feel trapped. 3. It's entertaining for cats to explore new territory. 4. Playhouses are usually easy to put together and move about. 5. Presents an opportunity for cats to get more exercise, which is particularly important for indoor cats as they are prone to obesity. 6. Allows cats to further tap into their natural instincts by giving them a chance to climb, oberserve and scratch somewhere new. 7. Gives indoor cats the chance to catch some direct sunlight - which is vital to long-term health. 8. Indoor cats get the chance to enjoy some fresh air - without being in danger. 9. Allows your cat the opportunity to enjoy the best of both indoor and outdoor life. 10. Cats can be outside but still prevents the risk of disease, injury, predators or ability to become lost. 11. Protected from dangers like traffic, dogs and even other cats. It's important to remember that playhouses and enclosures do not protect your cat from airbourne diseases and fleas and worms so always protect them!

Just like us, dogs will eventually start to show signs of ageing as they begin to grow older. When these changes start to occur, you will have to pay close attention to your pooch's altered needs and requirements and act accordingly. It can be very upsetting for puppy parents to see their once active and lively dog begin to slow down, but just remember it's a completely normal part of life. Common signs of ageing in dogs include: Vision loss or sight problems Increased urination Bad breath or dental problems Lumps, bumps or skin problems Gaining/ losing weight Difficulty moving Behaviour or memory problems Fortunately, there are a variety of products that are made just for the older pooch to help make everyday life more comfortable and to keep them feeling as young as possible. The following are just 5 great products you could implement in your dog's routine to make their later years fun and comfortable! 1. Beds A heated or orthopedic bed is perfect for the older dog as both types work to soothe aching muscles and sore joints. Your dog doesn't even need to be suffering with arthritis to appreciate and benefit from these specifically designed beds. 2. Ramp Bringing a ramp into your home might be a small modification for you but it can mean big things for your dog. With a ramp they'll be able to enjoy going on car rides or climbing onto their favourite seat with ease, where they might not of been able to previously. It's bound to make them feel young again and install some confidence they may have lost previously. 3. Stroller Many people might balk at the idea of buying a pet stroller, but for many pet parents who have already invested in one will no doubt tell you, they are great for older pets. If your pooch can no longer join you on your trip round the block, a stroller means they can still get outside and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. And most importantly, you and your pet still get to enjoy your bonding time together. 4. Diapers OK, some doggy owners might struggle with the idea of these, and their dogs struggle with it even moreso, but a doggy diaper could be just the thing you need whilst dealing with older, incontinent pets. Diapers are great for people who work full time or have to spend a good few hours away from their pets. Diapers mean your dog can still have the run of the house and your furniture is free from being on the receiving end of any accidents. 5. Dog shoes Not only do they come in a variety of cute colours and designs, but dog shoes are great for older dogs. They protect tired and worn feet from hot and cold conditions and helps to stop slipping on surfaces which can really impair older dogs. Shoes are an excellent purchase if your dog already suffers with hip dysplasia or arthritis. Feature image credit  

Along with other essentials like a name tag and a fun, interactive toy, a food and water bowl is absolutely vital for your dog's care and wellbeing. For many owners, they may choose a bowl based on its size or aesthetic qualities, but careful consideration should be taken before committing to a bowl. Like with many things, your dog should be the biggest indicator as to what bowl you choose. If you have a large dog... Opt for an elevated feeder. Having an elevated feeder means that your dog has less distance to dip down to and can be easier on joints. If you have a puppy... Choose a shallow bowl because their little face won't have to reach as far, eliminating pressure on the throat. If you have a floppy-eared dog... Go for a bowl that doesn't interfere with their lovely big ears! A steep sided bowl is perfect for this. If you have an older/arthritic dog... An elevated feeder is perfect because your dog's poor old bones and joints won't have to bend and reach as far. Elevated feeders are also great for dogs that are recovering from surgery. If you have a short nosed dog... Short nosed dogs need a short/shallow bowl as this relieves pressure on their throat. If you have a long nosed dog... You will need a deep bowl to give plenty of room for the extra-long nose to comfortably fit in and gobble down their food. Please note, if your breed is susceptible to bloat then avoid choosing an elevated bowl - even if it seems suitable for their size/shape. The type of material used to create dog bowls is a matter of preference as it is the shape that has a greater impact on your dog's comfort whilst eating. The following are the most common materials used: Stainless steel Can create noise when your dog is eating. Durable Easy to clean Ceramic Durable Comes in a variety of designs Can crack if not cared for properly Metal Durable Easily cleaned Wood Durable Stylish - can work well with many interiors. Plastic Can be chewed up Easy to clean Inexpensive Feature image credit  

Having more than one cat can be utterly delightful or deeply problematic. Sometimes, cats will love companionship and enjoy long, relaxing snuggles or mutual grooming. However, at other times you will notice fighting, fear and even what seems like jealousy. So it begs the question: do cats really have the capacity to feel jealousy when attention is given to another animal? Here's what you need to know. Some cats will notice if you pay more attention to a particular cat and respond negatively if they sense the other cat is being favoured. In particular, cats can become withdrawn or aggressive if you yell at them for misbehaving and yet don't exhibit this behavior towards another cat. While you may have good reason for being more patient with the other cat (such as age, a medical condition or a troubled history), the jealous cat can't process or understand this and can become isolated in response. These problems can be especially pronounced in certain types of cats. Cats that already have tenuous relationships with humans are generally likely to interpret this behavior as untrustworthy or negative. Cats such as the Burmese or Siamese breed, who are social, sensitive types can also really be affected by jealousy. They are intensely loving cats and can become withdrawn or seemingly sulky in response to behavior that suggests another cat is favored. In some cases, cats will also experience jealousy over the distribution of food and toys and can start behaving aggressively to other cats in the household. If you notice one cat bullying another over toys, food or sleeping areas, it is important to police their interactions as much as possible. Your inclination may be to scold the bullying, insecure cat, but it's much more helpful to take the cat aside and provide some affection. Instead of reinforcing the bullying behavior, this demonstration of love can work to reduce the insecure cats need to assert dominance over other pets in the household. Once you return the jealous cat to the main area, it may be appropriate to use a harsh tone if bullying continues. Repeating this cycle can prove to be very effective when encouraging behavior modification. Jealously doesn't always lead to aggressive behavior. In fact, many cats simply choose to fade into the background when they feel ignored or find it difficult to feel loved when their owner is seen giving love to a different cat. These cats need a tender, gentle approach and sustained efforts to prove just how special they are. Ideally, you should spend time cuddling, petting and playing with the sad, withdrawn cat on a daily basis. Eventually, repetition of this reassuring behavior may allow your cat to internalize the message that you are capable of providing affection to multiple pets at once. Feature image credit

Whether you've just adopted a cat, moved house, or simply decided to let your indoor cat outside for the first time, giving your feline friend access to the great outdoors can seem precarious at first. However, most cats adjust quickly to going out and find doing so enjoyable. However, there are precautions you can take to ensure your cat has the best possible experience while adjusting to a new environment. Before allowing your cat outdoors, you can practice teaching them to come back to you when you call. Offer a tasty treat each time they return to you upon demand and you will likely encounter repeat performances outdoors. Additionally, getting a cat flap fitted in advance, or work out an easy access route into your home via a safe window, which will allow your cat to go in and out without your assistance. Make sure you have these methods set in place prior to letting them roam free! It's important to remember to take your cat to be fitted with a microchip and place a collar around its neck with your telephone number inscribed on a tag. Making sure that people can find you if your cat gets lost will no doubt provide you with peace of mind. Handy tip: Remember to keep your cat safe by storing toxic materials kept in your garden shed, such as domestic chemicals out of reach to really make sure you are providing a secure environment.   Image credit Tips for successful outdoor adventures: When you initially allow your cat to gain access to outdoor areas, accompany your cat and spend a while wandering around the garden together. Ideally, you will be able to sit outside with a book for half an hour, as your cat explores, while keeping an eye on proceedings. This actually sounds like a lovely idea all of the time! Select a time when there are not many distractions such as loud noises occurring near your garden. Barking dogs, screaming children, and the sound of heavy traffic could scare your cat, leaving it running for the bushes. Going outside for the first time in a tranquil environment can set the tone for further successful outdoor explorations. Make a point of showing your cat how to re-enter your home before you go back indoors. Better still, only allow your cat outdoors for a short period initially, and extend time spent outside gradually. Your cat will soon get the hang of happily going in and out. Neuter your cat before trips outside if you have not already done so, since it might be tempted to stray. You might also contemplate letting your cat outside just before feeding time, since the lure of a plate of food is likely to be a sufficient enticement to encourage its return indoors. Don't worry if your cat is nervous the first time it ventures outside as this is normal. Planning and patience will prove to be beneficial in aiding any anxiety. Making constructive preparations, accompanying your cat initially, and providing a safe environment will make your feline's first steps outdoors pleasurable rather than a frightening experience.

Dog doors can be a beneficial addition to any dog owner’s home. The key to getting the most out of your dog door is to choose the one best for your pet and train them appropriately.   When choosing the right dog door, consider the following:   Your dog’s height and width Using any door in your home, open it to the minimum width required for your dog to walk through comfortably. That distance plus an extra inch or so, should determine the width of the dog door you purchase. It’s also important to take into account your dog’s height by measuring the distance between the highest point of their shoulders straight to the floor. The height of the dog door should be at least two inches greater than your dog’s height. With the right measurements, you can assure your dog can comfortably fit through the door, without rubbing on the door when they pass. The last thing you want is to install a door your dog can’t even fit through! Note: If your dog is a puppy, it’s best to wait until they’ve reached their full size before installing a door, otherwise you take a risk by estimating.   Where you're installing your dog door There are lots of types of dog doors, some meant for sliding glass doors and others not meant for doors, but for walls made of stucco or brick! They come in all different materials too, including plastic and aluminum.   Extreme weather conditions If you live in an area where it either gets really cold or really hot, you may want to consider purchasing a dog door that has multiple flaps meant to protect your home from outside temperatures. These types of doors are energy efficient, with weather tight seals.   Installation Not all of us are handy, and although there are certainly more difficult projects than installing a dog door, there is such a thing as an instant doggy door. These types of dog doors are more like panels and slip right into place on your sliding door’s track!   The cons Many people are concerned that having a dog door will allow other animals or intruders to get into their home. Some may also not want their dog going outside when they aren’t around, either because they’re afraid the dog will tear up the yard, escape, or perhaps be attacked by a wild animal. These concerns are valid depending on where you live, but thankfully there are plenty of dog doors available that have locking mechanisms, allowing you to control when your dog can access the outdoors. Even fancier, some dog doors use advanced entrance and exit technology that allows only pets wearing a special ID tag to pass through. Although these types of doors are more expensive, they may be worth the cost if it will put your mind at ease.     This is definitely the wrong sized door! Image credit   Now that you’ve chosen the right door for your dog and installed it, the next step is to train your dog to use it. As you probably guessed, the best way to go about doing this is to coax your dog through the door with a treat, and praise them every time they go through.   Be sure never to frighten your pet by yelling, scolding, or shoving them through. You don’t want your dog to associate the door with fear, as this will make training much more difficult.   For dogs that need a little extra help, you can try holding the flap open all the way or even removing it. Gradually close the flap until they realize they need to use their nose to push their way through to a treat and reward!   Some electronic flaps make noises that could frighten your dog. If this is the case you can disable the electronics to allow them to adjust to the flap in general. Think you’re ready for a dog door? Start your search for the right one here. Feature image credit

It can be overwhelming for pet parents to figure out what items and products are most beneficial for their cat. You've no doubt got all the basics covered but perhaps you're wondering if there is anything else you could add to further increase your cat's happiness and overall wellbeing. Well, of course there is! There is quite simply an endless stream of products out there, so rather than feeling utterly bewildered, we've provided you with 10 of our favourites! 1. Playhouse   Image credit Indoor and outdoor cats can benefit greatly from a playhouse, with some even allowing indoor only cats the chance to enjoy the great outdoors in complete safety! Play houses generally provide places to rest, hide, explore and play and gives cats the chance to express many of their natural instincts and behaviour. It's great for owners who don't want to confine their pets too much but need them safe and secure in one place, for example if you're introducing a new pet to the household or your cat is recovering from surgery. 2. Scratching post   Image credit No cat should be without a scratching post and if you don't already have one, then you should be seriously considering getting one! A scratching post will become a life saver for you, keeping your kitty's claws safely away from your furniture. Cats love them because they get to use up excess energy, it staves off boredom, it's good for their nails and helps with any behavioural problems. Today, scratching posts are available in so many different styles and shapes - you'll struggle to pick one! 3. Grooming and shampoo brush   Image credit Grooming is very important for cats, and no, not just because they like to look nice! Regular grooming stimulates the skin ability to produce oils essential for healthy fur. Grooming also gets rid of excess hair and reduces the likelihood of dreaded hairballs from occurring. 4. Automatic litter box Image credit OK, who actually enjoys scooping out the litter tray? This is maybe not an essential, but if there ever was a luxury product to buy then surely an automatic litter tray would be it! They're easy to maintain and are not intrusive, and if it means you can cross litter tray duties off your to-do list, then what's stopping you? 5. Dental toy Image credit Your cat's teeth are just as important as yours, so special care and attention must be taken to promote good oral health for your cat throughout their life. That of course can be easier said than done and unfortunately they don't often get the chance to chew on things that help get rid of nasty tartar build ups. Dental toys like this one, helps cats to clean their teeth, to get rid of build ups and freshens breath. 6. Stroller   Image credit Some people might laugh at the idea of taking their cat around in a stroller, but it's a great, safe way of having your cat with you while you run errands. This is especially the case of indoor cats who won't often have the chance to experience the sights and scents of outside. 7. Cat door   Image credit A cat door allows your feline friend the ability to come and go as they please, so they get to experience the best of both indoor and outdoor life. While some owners can be concerned about allowing their cat out while they're not around, or scared other animals might end up inside, modern designs allow you to control when your cat has access to the great outdoors, and can even use ID detection so only your pet/s can gain entry. 8. Perch   Image credit A perch is a great idea for indoor cats because it gives them the option of being up high - something that is a natural urge for them. Being up high allows them to feel safe and secure as they are able to observe 'their territory', keep an eye out for predators and just generally relax. Perches come in a variety of styles, suitable for all sorts of homes. Perches that attach to window sills are really fantastic because your kitty can look out the window and check out what next door's dog is up to! 9. Interactive toys Image credit Interactive toys are a perfect way to prevent your cat from feeling bored, keep them active and their brain engaged. These types of toys are so much fun for cats so you should have a few different kinds in your repertoire. 10. Kitty house   Image credit A kitty house is especially great for outdoor cats as it provides them with shelter, warmth and protection from the elements and any potential predators. Cats love curling up in enclosed spaces so a house is a product just made for their natural behaviour. Some varieties are even heated, which is perfect for outdoor cats during fall and winter.

It's not always easy being a pet parent, but it's so rewarding isn't it? Not to mention very fun as well! When you first get a dog you buy a leash, a name tag, a bowl and probably even a comfy bed. And while these basic items are completely essential to everyday dog care, there are some handy extras that could be added to your repertoire to add convenience and a bit more fun to you and importantly your dog's life. The following are our favourite doggy items: 1. Automatic feeder   Image credit Sometimes, say if you're visiting friends and family for the day, and you're having a great time but have to rush back because your favourite pooch needs to be fed, you probably wish during moments like these that your dog could feed themselves. Unfortunately that's never going to happen, so the next best thing is an automatic feeder! Automatic feeders come in a variety of configurations and options, providing food or water and can give owners peace of mind, knowing that their dog is recieving the fresh food and water they require. 2. Car seat / furniture cover   Image credit OK, we admit, this one is more for the owners rather than the dogs but a car seat or furniture cover is such a handy purchase to make. These covers still allow you to have your pooch up on the furniture with you, or in your car, but keeps your belongings in tact, away from sharp claws and fur! 3. Portable pet tub   Image credit Giving your dog a bath is an essential part of keeping them clean, healthy and hygienic. But let's face it, bath time can be an absolute nightmare for doggy parents, often causing your bathroom or kitchen to become absolutely flooded! We think a portable bath tub is a great idea and makes the whole experience less of a drama and actually, during hot days, taking the tub outdoors could be a whole lot of fun. 4. Spray deterrent   Image credit Are there areas of your home that you'd rather your dog didn't have access to? Maybe you don't want them stretching up to reach counter tops, or is there a room, like a baby's nursery that you would like them to avoid going into? If that's the case, then maybe you could consider using a spray deterrent system? Spray deterrents are easy to set up and are very effective at training your dog to avoid no-go zones, which is particularly handy if you can't be around all day to monitor your pooch's activities. And don't worry, they are completely harmless! 5. Activity food centre   Image credit Does your dog get a little bored throughout the day? Or maybe they scoff their meals far too quickly and you want to try and maintain their weight. Then perhaps you could give an activity food centre a go? By hiding their meal in various components, eating becomes a game of mental stimulation, which helps to reduce boredom as well as reducing greediness. 6. Travel carrier   Image credit How many situations have you found yourself in where you just wish for a few moments you could have your pet in a carrier to help moving about and coordinating activities so much easier? For example, how much easier would moving house, going to the vet, or taking a pit stop on a long car journey be if you had a pet carrier to hand? Of course if you had a giant breed like a great dane, we're unsure how handy this would be! 7. Interactive toys   Image credit If you don't already have a few interactive toys in your possession, then do yourself a favour and get some. Interactive toys provide your dog with plenty of the mental stimulation they require to help reduce boredom, destructive behaviour as well as tapping into their own natural instincts. They are great for your dog to play on their own, which is helpful if you work during the day - but it's especially fun for you to play together. 8. In-ground disposal system   Image credit Hands up if your least favourite part of dog ownership...is cleaning up after them? If that's the case, then you're definitely not alone! However, you can eliminate this problem by investing in an in-ground disposal system which gets rid of your pooch's waste without even having to think about it. 9.Dog door   Image credit Dog doors are probably not something you immediately think about when it comes to dog care, but it's true- doors are not just to be used by cats! You may wonder why you would ever need a door for your dog, but just like cats, wouldn't it be great to have your dog come and go as they please, without needing to let them in or out? Like many modern doors, anxious owners need not worry because many doors allow you to control when your dog has the freedom to access outdoor areas as well as the ability to identify which dogs are allowed inside the house! 10. Heated bed   Image credit During colder months, who doesn't love cuddling up in a nice heated bed? Or what if you are feeling inflammation or pain somewhere on your body - do you not seek comfort from a heat pack or similar? Then surely our lovable dogs would also benefit from the healing ability of heat, in particular a heated bed. Heated beds are great for many dogs, but are particularly great for older or arthritic dogs as the heat helps to sooth sore joints. So if you think your pal would enjoy lounging around in warmth then a heated bed could be the right option! Feature image credit