Whenever there are two or more cats in a household, there’s always potential for fighting. Cat fights can occur for several reasons, but the most common is due to poor socialization or a lack of positive experiences with other cats. Here are some tips on how to prevent your cats from fighting:   When There's A New Cat In Town   Cats are very territorial animals, so it makes sense that a new cat coming in to your home could be seen as a threat. The best way to prevent your resident cat and the newcomer from fighting is to take things slow. You should keep the new cat segregated at first, and make sure he has his own litter box, toys, food and water bowl. During this time the resident cat can observe the newcomer and eventually learn to trust them like you do.   Other Reasons For Fighting   Just like humans take their anger out on those who may not deserve it, cats do the same to their housemates. For example, your cat could spot something outside through the window. Territorial and unable to investigate, your cat becomes irritated and may attack the cat closest to them. This redirected aggression is considered typical, so pay attention to what irritates your cat and find ways to prevent it.   Illness   Cats hide illness very well and aggression towards other cats could be a sign they're not feeling too hot. No one likes to be bothered when they’re sick right? If you think this could be the case, it’s time for a trip to the vet.   How To Break Up A Fight   If a fight’s already begun the best way to end it is with a distraction. Never try to break up the fight by getting in the middle of it or you could end up with some battle wounds yourself. Instead you should interrupt them by making a loud sound, like a loud clap or a bang on a pan. The noise will send your cats running and hopefully in opposite directions.   Other Tips To Prevent Fighting   Neuter male cats Reduce competition between cats by providing them with their own things Have multiple cat towers so they can each have their own space Reward your cats when they’re friendly with eachother

One moment you are having a loving moment with your cat, gently stroking their soft fur while they purr – the next, their teeth are embedded in your hand and you are shouting in pain. Why do cats suddenly transform into tigers without any apparent reason?   Whilst it may seem like your cat is a bully when they latch on to you, most of the time cats use aggression as a defence mechanism – even when it comes to their owners. A cat that feels cornered or stressed will attack to escape the situation that is troubling it at the time.   Image Credit   It is often the case that cats give subtle warning signals before they bite. While they are entirely obvious to other cats, they are easily missed by their human friends. A small twitch of the tail, ears flicking back, whiskers pushing forward and a shudder of the skin are all signs the cat has had enough petting and would like to be left alone. If you unwittingly continue to hug and touch them, from the cat’s point of view, they have been rudely disrespected and may start to become claustrophobic, feeling ‘trapped’ in your arms. Lashing out to escape suddenly may seem like a necessity, much to your surprise.   Image Credit   Cats may also suddenly scratch or bite due to ‘displaced aggression’. Displaced aggression is when a cat scratchs and attacks a person or other animal when feeling upset, even if something else, not the target, was responsible for their distress. Hearing a dog barking in the distance or another strange noise may cause your cat to attack you and run off, even if you did nothing worthy of punishment!   Image Credit   Some cats are particularly prone to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde mood swings and their owners must simply learn to expect a petting session might turn painful. In terms of discouraging the behaviour, some have found keeping a treat close by before they settle down for a cuddle can help. As soon as the cat displays any sign their mood is shifting, giving them a treat can distract them from whatever strike they were plotting and teach them to learn to expect feelings of discomfort will lead to a positive rather than the emergence of something that threatens their wellbeing.    Feature Image Credit

Unless you are a registered breeder, spaying or neutering your pet is a decision we all face. Although neutering your pet is universally recommended, when this should happen is still a topic of some debate.   Spaying, neutering, desexing and castration all refer to the removal of all, or some, of the reproductive organs of an animal i.e. surgical sterilization. Spaying is a term used for females while castration is for males.    Generally, vets will neuter kittens and puppies at six months of age. Rescue shelters and some vets neuter their animals at 8-10 weeks of age. Earlier neutering is particularly relevant for female cats that can become pregnant at only four months of age. By waiting until your female cat is six months old means you may end up dealing with an accidental litter of kittens.   Early neutering or spaying refers to sterilization performed before a pet reaches six months. It can be performed safely and with no adverse effects, however always consult your vet who can advise you regarding the best age for your pet to be sterilized based upon their breed, health condition and your situation. Although sterilization procedures are the most common surgeries for vets, it is major surgery performed under anaesthetic and carries some risk. Your pet will need a few weeks to recover and heal afterwards.     Image credit Benefits of desexing: Neutering animals helps reduce the serious issue of overpopulation in rescues and shelters and the need to euthanise otherwise healthy animals.  Spaying prevents female animals from coming “into heat” or into season, attracting males, and stops any chance of unwanted pregnancies. You do not need to allow your female animal to give birth to a litter before having her spayed. Many undesirable behaviours are reduced such as roaming, urine marking and aggression. Spayed and neutered animals tend to be calmer. Males in particular are less likely to fight or display dominant behaviour. By reducing the tendency to fight, there is also less chance of injury and other medical treatment. Conditions such as pyometra or uterine infections, cysts, prostatic diseases and cancer of the reproductive tract, breast, uterine, ovarian, cervix, prostate and testicular cancer are eliminated. Females can experience serious complications during pregnancy, delivering and nursing. There’s also the risk of any offspring needing specialised veterinary treatment. Any offspring need to be vaccinated, wormed, treated for fleas and ticks and rehomed. Hereditary diseases associated with breeds or bloodlines are not passed on.   There has not been enough research and scientific study to prove that early spaying or neutering causes additional concerns other than those associated the procedure being performed when your pet reaches six months.   Some information indicates that with when sterilization procedures are performed early: A small percentage of females may develop some incontinence. This is more common in overweight animals and with particular breeds. Incontinence can be managed effectively by treatment. Dogs may be slightly more at risk of developing hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures, particularly those breeds susceptible to these conditions. There are some reports of animals not reaching their full expected height. The general concerns of spaying and neutering include: It is surgery performed under anaesthetic and has associated risks. Recovery can take 10-21 days. Some animals may experience weight gain due to metabolic changes. This is easily managed by decreasing food intake slightly, increasing activity or changing your pet’s diet. Some females become more susceptible to infections of the urinary tract. Increased risk of developing hypothyroidism when thyroid activity is low and subsequently can affect growth and mental development. Your pet’s hormone levels are changed and may lead to changes in behaviour.  For breeds already predisposed to these cancers, there is slightly increased risk for bladder cancer, osteosarcoma and for dogs, hemangiosarcoma which is an incurable tumor of cells that line blood vessels. Neoplasia or abnormal tissue growth may also occur. Image credit   Feature image credit

After an especially dreadful accident, or the onset of a disease such as cancer, amputation of a cat’s limb may be the only treatment option available. Adapting to life on three legs is never easy, however with owner support the challenge can become far easier.   Even the boldest cat will be disturbed at first by the procedure and suffer pain that requires medication to ease any discomfort. However, owners of amputee cats generally note after the initial recovery period, they see little change in the mood, appetite and behaviours in their cats except for an overall decrease in activity and speed. However, actions that used to be a part of the cat’s everyday life will become impossible using only three legs, such as climbing trees and jumping from great heights.   Image Credit   However, cats missing a leg can still jump and climb, only lesser distances that previously. A cat will discover their limitations as they begin to explore their old territory. Whilst it can be difficult for owners to watch a cat flounder as they try to do what once came easily to them, it is important to resist the urge to overly baby your cat by carrying them from place to place. They need to build up additional strength in their remaining limbs and exercise is the only way that will be achieved.   Given time, many cats will adapt well to their new limitations. Foreleg amputees generally find movement more challenging than hind-leg amputees as forelegs are used for landing whereas back legs are used for propulsion. Yet cats, with their excellent balance and flexibility, usually find amputation far less challenging than other species.   Image Credit   Modifications made to the house are amongst the most useful ways owner’s can provide assistance, especially when the cat has just returned home from the veterinary clinic. Step stools or boxes can be used to create stairs to a cat’s favourite spot on the sofa. Some owner’s create imaginative ladders from wood so their cats can climb to their favourite spot on the roof.   Weight management is another vital component of amputee cat care. An obese cat will struggle greatly with the extra strain on their legs if their do not lose weight quickly. Cats who previously did not struggle with weight issues may become susceptible following surgery due to the decrease in activity that tends to follow.   Image Credit   Caffrey the Persian demonstrates the capacity for amputee cats to thrive following the loss of a limb – or in his case, limbs. After being struck by a car aged three, it was necessary for him to have his left hind leg removed. Aged fourteen, when a malignant growth was discovered in his left front leg, it was decided that too had to go. Caffrey, missing two legs both on the same side of his body, roams his house and garden unbothered. Fortunately, cats everywhere tend to prefer catnapping over any other activity, and that requires no legs at all.     Image Credit   Feature Image Credit

You’ve spent hours scanning pet store shelves and searching online until finally you found it – the perfect bed for you dog. It is soft and snuggly, yet tough enough to be able to withstand rough dog claws. It is the right size and shape for your pet and it matches your décor perfectly. The problem – you dog doesn’t want to sleep in it!   Instead, they pine for their old, dirty, chewed bed, and when you take it off them they curl up on the hardwood floor of your bedroom rather than their luxurious new pillow.   Image Credit   The issue stems from the dog’s nature as a territorial animal. Have you ever noticed your dog circling for about a minute on their bed before they decide to lay down? Dogs do this to spread their scent and send the clear message to other dogs ‘This bed is mine!” When a new bed is introduced, a dog may be suspicious and hope their old bed, or ‘territory’ will return soon. They may also retreat into areas that smell strongly of their ‘pack’, such as the room you sleep.     Whilst you can’t make the new dog bed look exactly the same as the old, you can make it smell familiar. A popular solution is to place old clothes you have worn onto the bed to encourage your dog to identify it with you and safety. Blankets and toys that smell of your dog can also convince your dog the bed is not quite so foreign after all.   Image Credit   Another clever idea is to place a sheet over the old bed. Allow you dog to sleep on it as normal, allowing the smell of the bed and your dog to seep into the fibres. After a time, bring out the new bed and put away the old. Place the same sheet over the new bed, disguising it in terms of smell and appearance from your pup. Gradually fold back the sheet more and more until it covers only a fraction of the new bed – then take it away entirely. Voila! Your dog will be sound asleep on their new mattress in no time.   Image Credit   Feature Image Credit

Loss of hearing in cats necessitates particular care from owners, with deafness a potential threat to their pet’s safety and general wellbeing.   Deafness may be congenital, such as in the case of white cats that are regularly born deaf, or derive from a number of other sources, including old age, injury, infection or as a side effect of particular medications.   Image Credit  If your cat shows little or no response to outside stimuli, such as his or her name being called or a loud bang, they may indeed be affected by hearing loss. Many deaf cats will not realise you are in the room until you physically touch them, especially if they are dozing. Disorientation, an unbalanced gait and difficulty waking are other signs your cat may be partially or entirely deaf.    A veterinarian can perform a test such as BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) to determine your cat’s hearing levels. The procedure involves small electrodes being inserted beneath the skin to measure the amount of electrical activity occurring in the ear and brain. The procedure is painless and effective in providing precise information concerning animal auditory response.   Image Credit If your cat is diagnosed as suffering deafness, yellow or black discharge and reddened ear canals may indicate it is purely the symptom of a curable infection. Alternatively, your cat may have been born with a predisposition towards hearing-impairment or be simply ageing and the deafness is irreversible.   Even if treatment is out of the question, deafness is not in itself necessarily going to impede on your cat’s quality of life. However the impediment of one primary feline senses can lead them in to trouble, especially if they are let outside where they may not hear a car approaching, or a barking dog ready to attack. It is for this reason it is recommended that deaf cats live an indoor life, where safety issues can be minimised.   Image Credit   When in the house, be conscious that your cat may be startled by your sudden ‘appearance’, as they are unable to hear your approach. It is best practice to touch your cat gently as you enter and leave a room, so they can gain a sense of where you are in relation to them.   Cats with hearing issues can detect vibrations even if they can't hear the sounds that go with them. Tapping on the floor can attract their attention. You may even be able to develop a code such as two taps means ‘dinner’ and one tap means ‘pats’. Some deaf cats have even learnt sign language developed by their owners or to respond to different coloured lights. Remember – whilst they can’t hear, your cat can see and feel, meaning you, with a bit of creativity, can still communicate effectively.   Whilst deaf cats may need a little more TLC than cats without hearing issues, they make loving companions that can lead happy and fulfilling lives with your care.        Feature Image Credit  

Every dog barks – but some dogs seem to never stop! An overly vocal dog can not only give you a pounding headache but also get you in strife with your neighbours whose quiet time is disrupted.   Dogs bark for a number of reasons. Barking can be a warning to other members of the pack, a demand for attention, a fear response or a challenge to objects or scenarios the dog finds frightening. From the dog’s perspective, barking is appropriate and even necessary to counteract the situation. They may even feel barking is helping you out by defending the house from the dangers of the outside world (such as motorbikes and deliverymen).   Image Credit   How you respond to barking depends on what appears to be the root cause.   If your dog thinks it needs to bark to keep the home, you and itself safe, then the fundamental problem is a sense of insecurity pervading your dog’s mind. Introducing new, calming elements to the environment can, in this scenario, be a likely solution. Image Credit   More time spent with you playing or being petted can reinforce the dog is not alone in the world and does not need to take on the burden of defending his or her territory alone, decreasing the drive to bark. The addition of a kennel or hideout with comfortable bedding that functions as a ‘den’ to retreat from the fears of the outside world can also minimise canine stress. Increased exercise, which improves mental and physical health, can further reduce pup nerves. Your dog is more likely to spend hours snoring rather than barking after a long run!    Image Credit   If your dog is barking for attention, toys and increased play are the most likely solutions. Beware of shouting at your dog if you suspect this motivation as they may perceive any attention from you, even if you are yelling, as a sort of reward – or they may even think you are joining in! Waiting out the noise and only interacting when your dog is silent is a better way to encourage peace and quiet.   It may seem counterintuitive but dog trainers suggest, regardless of your dog’s precise reasons for barking, teaching your dog to speak on command as a useful anti-bark strategy.   Image Credit   First, encourage your dog to vocalise by making a barking noise, ringing a bell or any other stimulus you can think of to get them to make some noise. Say ‘speak!’ as soon as they do so and reward with a treat. Once they have learnt ‘speak’ on command, it is time for the all important ‘quiet’. Ask your dog to speak then say ‘quiet’. Wait for a break in the barking, give them a treat and repeat. By gaining control of your dog’s voice box, uncontrollable barking can become a thing of the past.    Image Credit   However, if you are at your wit’s end and nothing else seems to work, an anti-bark collar is a purchase to consider. These collars detect barking and, depending on the brand and make, emit a blast of citronella, a small electric pulse or an unpleasant noise to deter your dog from the behaviour. This can be a solution in itself or a useful back up when you leave the house and cannot be present to continue to carry out your anti-bark campaign.   Feature Image Credit  

Just as with human medical treatments, blood transfusions can be a vital part of canine surgeries, such as those required if a dog is hit by a car. Dog blood donors are thus vital to saving the lives of other dogs who fall victim to accidents and disease. Despite their importance, donors tend to be in short supply with blood bank shortages the norm internationally.   Image Credit   Dogs, similar to their masters, have different blood groups. Thirteen blood groups exist, with dogs that are DEA 1.1 negative especially sought after as donors as they are near universal donors, similar to humans with ‘O negative’ blood.   The donation process is simple. Many veterinary schools have blood donation programs set up for interested dog owners and additional programs can be discovered by enquiring at your local veterinary clinic.   Image Credit Prior to donation, a dog is checked to see they are in good health, up to date with their vaccinations and free of parasite infestation. They must also not be currently on any medications.   Once a potential donor has been cleared, blood is taken from a vein in a process that takes approximately half an hour. The procedure is gentle and done without the need for anaesthetic. Slight swelling and tenderness around the site the needle was inserted is generally the only sign the donation has taken place at all. The last step is usually lots of pats and treats from the vet and vet nurses for your dog’s generosity.   Image credit   Often, in return for your pet’s service towards helping other dogs in need, veterinary clinics will offer a monetary reward or a discount on future treatments or check ups your dog may require. Plus, you get the fuzzy feeling that only comes with having done a kind deed.   So help your dog be a hero today and speak with your local clinic about whether or not your dog would be an appropriate donor. Remember, a tiny bit of time out of your dog’s life can save the lives of other pets just as loved as they are.   Feature Image Credit

You may think that muzzles are only needed for aggressive dogs but sometimes it is mandatory for dogs of certain sizes or breeds to be muzzled in public places, camping grounds, hotels or boarding kennels. There are many reasons why it’s a good idea to train your dog to wear a muzzle.   Reason to use muzzles   Socialisation training: Young dogs or new dogs can react unexpectedly with other dogs and people. As a precautionary measure, a muzzle will keep others safe and can help when introducing your dog to other dogs, animals, children and people.   Stereotyped breeds: Certain breeds, whether justified or not, are associated with aggressive behavior. The same goes for large breeds – whatever their temperament, some people will feel uneasy around them.   Aggressive behaviours: Muzzles are useful when training dogs that have aggression issues although they are not a solution. It’s also important to remember that even the calmest dogs can become aggressive due to incomplete socialisation, illness, pain and fear. Dogs are also experts at sensing people’s nerves and stress, which, in turn, makes them nervous and stressed and may cause them become aggressive.   Indiscriminate eaters: Some dogs love to sniff and eat almost anything they come across on a walk, even dangerous items.    Grooming and vet appointments: If a dog feels stressed, is in pain or uncomfortable they may snarl and bite. Muzzles are also helpful to stop dogs biting or licking wounds.   Types of muzzles There is a range of muzzles available. You need to make sure that the muzzle you buy will fit your dog’s snout and that it suits the situation. A basket muzzle which has good airflow and allows the dog to pant and drink is safest. Wire and plastic basket muzzles are recommended for most situations and can be worn for longer periods of time.   Wire basket muzzle Image credit   Other types of muzzles that completely close a dog’s mouth and do not allow them to pant or drink should only be used when for short periods, under supervision and for emergency situations where there is a risk of biting.   Image credit Training No dog will want to wear a muzzle at first and they will need to have a positive association with the muzzle. Training them to wear it will take some time and many sessions.   First you should allow them to become familiar with the muzzle by smelling it. Using treats as a reward and for tempting your dog into the muzzle will help. Put a treat behind the muzzle so that your dog needs to put their snout into the muzzle. Then you can begin attaching the muzzle for very short periods, gradually having them wear it for longer periods as time goes on. The ASPCA has more detailed information on muzzle training.   Feature image credit

Everyone appreciates a good night’s sleep or sneaking in a nice, re-energising nap during the day. It’s the same for pooches - although it seems like all they do some days is sleep, and sleep, then sleep some more. So how do we know whether our dogs’ sleeping habits are normal or if they are actually unwell?   Adult dogs will sleep between 12–18 hours each day. Most will average 14 hours including several naps throughout the daytime. Whilst deep REM (rapid-eye-movement) sleep typically makes up 20–25 per cent of our total sleep, for adult dogs it’s only 10-12 per cent. Puppies spend more time in the REM stage. REM is the deeper, dream stage of sleep accompanied by movement of the eyes under the lids and sometimes, jerky body movements.   It’s no surprise that the deeper your sleep, the more rested you feel. Even though dogs sleep longer, they are mostly in a lighter stage of sleep and waking frequently.   There are several factors that will influence how much your dog will sleep.   Age Puppies and older dogs need more sleep. Puppies expend a heap of energy playing and learning and need to recuperate, often sleeping for 18-20 hours each day. For older dogs, everything they do takes more effort than it used to and rest is ismportant for their health.   Breed Large dogs tend to need more sleep than smaller dogs. Generally larger breeds will sleep for between 14 and 18 hours and quite surprisingly, this is why some larger breeds are actually more suited to apartment living than small ones.   Activity level Active dogs, such as working and service dogs, require less sleep than companion animals that spend most of the time indoors. For pets, sleep can also be the result of boredom.   Environment Dogs are light sleepers and will be affected by noisy environments. Cold or very hot weather, bright light and even being uncomfortable can interrupt their quality of sleep. To us it seems like dogs can sleep anywhere, even on a bed of jagged pebbles – and they probably could – but they’d sleep much better if they had a cosy, padded spot to curl up in.   Food Low quality food does not provide dogs with the correct nutritional requirements to give them energy they need and is often more difficult for them to digest.   Health If your dog has had an illness or surgery then lots of rest and sleep are necessary for the recovery process. Some health conditions and medications may also cause your dog to sleep more than usual.   However, if you think your dog is sleeping too much, or their sleeping has increased rapidly for no obvious reason then consult a vet. You should also take careful notice of any changes to their appetite and thirst level, weight, mood, coat and skin condition, eyesight and coordination. Conditions such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, spotted fever and Lyme disease, canine depression, hypothyroidism, diabetes and cancer will cause your dog to become lethargic but will involve additional symptoms.  Image credit   Feature image credit