Pet Bucket Blog

When you're stocking up to refill your cat's litter box, you'll notice that there are many different types of kitty litter available. As it turns out, litter largely falls into four main classifications, each with its unique pros and cons. Traditional clay litter Clay kitty litter is easy to find, affordable and relatively effective. Clay absorbs liquid very well, separating the urine in a way that helps with odor control, and some types of clay litter will also include extra ingredients (such as charcoal) to help suppress unpleasant smells for longer. Unfortunately, however, traditional clay litter needs to be thrown away and replaced at least once each week, and it can be quite dusty. Clumping litter Technically a type of clay litter, clumping litter includes bentonite, prompting the litter to clump into easily removable lumps when exposed to urine. The convenience of clumping kitty litter is further heightened by the fact that it doesn't all need to be removed on a regular basis (as it is easy to remove the soiled clumps and simply top up the litter tray). Silica litter Silica gel is used to make a crystallized form of kitty litter that absorbs moisture in the same way that silica gel packets help to preserve foods that are vulnerable to moisture. One of the big selling points of this type of litter is that it helps to mitigate the unpleasant smell of your cat's waste more effectively than clay litters. As a bonus, silica litter also produces very little dust and it can be quite cost-effective as a result of being extremely absorbent. The major con of this type of product is that there is no clear consensus on whether (or to what extent) silica litter is toxic to cats. Since cats can sometimes eat their litter as a result of behavioral problems or nutritional deficiencies, some owners worry about the safety of silica litter. Biodegradable litter If you want to have a more environmentally friendly home, biodegradable kitty litter can be a helpful choice and are made from materials as diverse as recycled paper and corn. Biodegradable litters are usually pellets that disintegrate into dust in response to moisture, absorbing the odor. In addition, there are no obvious safety concerns associated with these types of litter, and some of them can even be flushed down the toilet. If you have allergies or have a cat with respiratory problems, the lack of irritating dust associated with most biodegradable litters can be a further benefit. Finally, it's important to note that the kitty litter that you end up with may well be partly dictated by your cat's preferences. Some pets are fussy about the texture or scent of certain types of litter, and may refuse to use the litter box properly unless you change to a new product. Trial and error will help you to find a kitty litter that suits both you and your pet. Feature image credit

The death of a family pet is a tragic event that produces significant emotions in many animal lovers. As part of the grieving process, you need to decide what to do with the remains of your beloved pet. Many families and individuals will decide to bury their pet, but it is increasingly popular to have the family pet cremated after it passes away.   When your family pet passes away, the pet crematory or funeral home handling the pet cremation can make arrangements to pick your pet up from your home or veterinarian's office. The crematory will handle the cremation process, return the remains to you and your family, and even provide a certification of cremation in many cases.   You have three options when it comes to pet cremation. You can have your pet cremated in a private, individual, or mass cremation ceremony. In a private ceremony, your pet is incinerated alone and the remains you receive are those of your pet. Individual cremation ceremonies often include numerous animals in one process, divided by partitions. You still receive the remains, but there is the potential that some of the remains you receive belong to other animals cremated at the same time.   Mass cremations include numerous animals in the same process with no partition between any of the bodies. Remains are rarely returned to owners following a mass cremation. Instead, the facility often disposes of the ashes or spreads them around a memorial ground on the property.   There is no right or wrong way to handle your pet's remains following cremation. Many families will opt to keep the remains in an urn or other storage container within the home as a lasting reminder of their best friend. Additionally, you may opt to spread the ashes throughout a plot of private land. If you choose to dispose of the ashes on public land or in a local waterway, be sure to consult local regulations before doing so.   In recent years, the amount of money Americans have invested in paying respects to their deceased pets has been on the rise. The number of  aftercare facilities in the US has increased to roughly 700 as of 2012, compared to just a handful a decade earlier. Some funeral homes performs anywhere between 800 and 900 cremations each year, with an additional 20 funerals. Feature image credit  

There are a number of myths that exist about pets and their owners. Dogs are viewed as great family pets because their friendly nature makes them not only great companions for individuals, but also playmates for young children. Cats, on the other hand, are often viewed as grumpy characters best suited for individuals and couples that do not need playmates around the house.   The myth that cats are solitary animals capable of surviving with a lack of contact with their owners is a dangerous belief. Cats need the same levels of contact with their owners that dogs require to maintain a happy disposition in life. As a current or potential cat owner, you need to realize that cats do in fact feel abandonment and separation anxiety.   Causes Both cats and dogs need companionship. This companionship comes not only from their human owners, but also from other animals living in the home. By nature, cats are not solitary animals best suited for living life alone. Cats can, and do, form strong bonds with their owners or other animals in the home just like a dog.   When many pet owners leave town, for an evening or a long weekend, it is second nature to arrange for a kennel or pet sitter to watch after dogs in the home. However, when it comes to cats many will simply leave town for short periods and leave their cats home alone. This creates the same sense of abandonment and separation anxiety in cats that it does in dogs.   Signs Cats will express their abandonment and separation anxiety issues in a number of ways. One of the most common is to urinate and defecate outside of the litter box. In many cases, cats will urinate on the clothing or possessions of their owners. They are not doing this to punish an owner for absence, but rather to try and mix their scent with that of their owner.   It is common for dogs to howl or bark incessantly when suffering from separation anxiety, and cats have been known to do the same. Cats will express their stress over separation in much the same way, with loud vocalizations and constant "meows" that can irritate neighbors. Vocalizations also increase the stress on the cat as it saps its own energy with these continuous vocalizations.   Another clear sign of separation anxiety and abandonment issues in cats is a change in behavior. Some cats will become clingy, following their owners around in the house at all times for fear of losing sight of them. Even worse, other cats become reclusive in the home. They will mope around the home, hide under furniture, and actively avoid contact with humans.   Prepare Your Cat If you have a cat and spend long hours each day out of the home, there are steps you can take to prepare your cat to cope with extended periods of separation. Create spaces in your home where your cat can climb and observe the world around it. Purchase cat climbs and install shelves by windows to allow your cat to get higher up and not only watch over the room, but look outside and watch the world around it.   When you come home from work each day, carve out some time in your schedule to interact with your cat without distractions. This reinforces in its mind that you will return and show affection following any absence. Additionally, it helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat.   Finally, don't shower your cat with attention and affection just before walking out the door. It only serves to confuse your cat when you do this. Before you leave for the day, do not go out of your way to make a spectacle of leaving. If your cat is ignoring you, go about your business and get prepared to leave without acknowledging it. This helps your cat maintain an emotional balance and survive your departure for the day. Feature image credit

The human body is a complex system that consists of a highly integrated musculoskeletal system that makes all movement possible. When you get up out of your chair after reading this piece, you'll engage your muscles to get your body moving. Tendons and ligaments support movement in your joints, and your skeletal system holds it all together and upright.   Your dog's body is just the same. Dogs have a musculoskeletal system that includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and vital joints that make running, jumping, and playing possible. Older dogs and those suffering from genetic deformities (hip dysplasia) are candidates for hip replacement, but what should you as the owner know about the process?   Spotting hip problems Joint pain has the same impact on the life of a dog as it does on a human. If you notice that your dog whines in discomfort at simple movements, this could be a clear sign of hip problems. Health problems in the hips can lead to stiffness, lameness, poor range of motion, and a lack of interest in exercise in your dog. While it could be a temporary issue causing the pain, the longer these issues are present the more likely it is that something severe is bothering your pooch.   Candidates for hip replacements The presence of hip problems does not mean your dog is automatically eligible for the procedure. In order to be considered a candidate, your dog must reach skeletal maturity first. This means that your dog's skeletal structure must be done growing. This generally occurs by the time your dog reaches nine months. Keep in mind that some larger dog breeds don't reach skeletal maturity until 11 months.   Additionally, your dog must be healthy in general to undergo the procedure. A veterinarian may not perform the procedure if your dog has other joint or bone conditions, as well as nerve disease, as these can impact the effectiveness of the procedure. Dogs with arthritic hips are not generally considered candidates for hip replacement, assuming they have normal function that is pain-free.   Post-op care If your dog undergoes hip replacement surgery, it will spend two days in the care of veterinarians. Dogs are usually taken in as patients on the day of the surgery and held until the following day when a vet is comfortable releasing them. At this point, you become responsible for your dog's care.   Your dog's surgical incision must be kept clean and monitored on a daily basis. You will need to discourage your dog from licking (as much as possible) the incision site. Additionally, you'll be responsible for monitoring the site for redness, swelling, or any discharge. After roughly two weeks, your vet will be able to remove the sutures from your dog.   Throughout its recovery you will need to strictly control your dog's activity levels. In the first two months following surgery your dog should remain on a leash outside. Movement outside should be restricted to bodily functions and a brief walk, no longer than ten minutes in duration. During that same timeframe, your dog should not be running, jumping, or playing inside or outside.   Try to avoid taking your dog through rooms with slipper floors and control its pace when using the stairs. It isn't necessary for you to carry them on the stairs, but you do need to firmly grasp its leash to ensure it takes time on the stairs and establishes solid footing with each step. When you cannot be home with your pet, it should be confined to a small room in the house.   Once your dog has passed the first two months of recovery, you can begin slowly increasing its activity level. Do not rush your dog. Give it time to get back to previous activity levels. A good guideline is to allow your dog four weeks to get back up to speed.   Can hip replacement be avoided? A hip replacement isn't a necessity in dogs with hip issues. There are non-surgical solutions to certain hip problems, such as physical therapy, but only your veterinarian can help identify the proper non-surgical solution for your dog.   If your dog has hip dysplasia, there is no preventative action you can take. Hip dysplasia is an inherited defect that will eventually strike your dog, and there is no product that can prevent it from developing. Hip replacement is a solution to hip dysplasia, but not a preventative tool.   When it comes to other hip problems that can occur as a result of normal aging or wear and tear, you can avoid hip problems with proper diet and exercise. If you help your dog maintain a healthy weight it can help decrease the stress on its joint caused by excess weight. Additionally, a good exercise regimen can help strengthen the muscles around the joints. Feature image credit

Going away on holiday should be a relaxing time for your cat as well as yourself. As a cat owner, it can be really difficult to decide where your cat should stay while you're away and who should be in charge of looking after your precious feline friend. Your cat's needs will need to be at the forefront of your mind before making a choice. Are they independent or crave the company of others? Are they an indoor or outdoor cat? Are they quite adaptable to change? Do they get on well with other animals? Cats are creatures of habit, and generally prefer the surroundings of their home, so if possible try to keep them there, either with someone coming to stay or at least checking in on your cat twice a day. By keeping your cat at home, they will feel more calm and won't have their routine disrupted. Your cat staying at home When choosing someone to look after your cat, it would be best to ask someone who already knows your cat, or has experience looking after a cat and importantly- enjoys doing it. It's also good to choose someone your cat also likes and is familiar with. If your cat likes the company of others, then having someone stay would be perfect, if not, at least have them drop by twice a day. They would have to be responsible for feeding, providing water, scooping the litter box, checking for any signs of ill health, letting your cat in or out if they are an outdoor cat and of course interact or play with your cat. Make sure that you communicate with your cat's carer all their little nuances to avoid further disrupting your cat or inflame anxiety. It's important that whoever if looking after your cat, they keep a close eye on any changes to their behaviour, such as not eating and to take action if need be. Before you go on holiday, make sure you leave somewhere obvious information about emergency contacts, particularly vet information. In addition leave some unwashed clothes of yours around your house, so your cat can still pick up on your scent and help them feel at ease. If your cat is going to be mostly home alone, make sure all electrical cords are unplugged and out of reach and that any large items are removed so they don't get knocked over and potentially hurt your cat. Keep your blinds or curtains open so your cat can see outdoors - which will be able to provide them with lots of entertainment. Also, it's important to remember that you need to keep the temperature of the house warm or cool enough depending on the season. Your cat staying with a friend If it's not possible for your cat to stay at home, then having them go to stay with a friend is another option. If your cat has proven to be adaptable in the past, then chances are they will cope well being away from you AND being in a strange environment. In the lead up to you going away take your cat over to their soon-to-be temporary home to see how they react to the new environment and how they interact with other pets and/or children that might be there. Try and do this a few times. Better still, send your cat to stay there a couple of days before you set off, so you can get any reports on how things are going and can make any last minute arrangements if things go pear-shaped. What about a pet hotel? If neither of the above options are viable then you could consider a pet hotel. While it can be very stressful for your cat to be in a new environment, with new people - remember that the people who work at pet hotels are professionals who are trained to look after cats and can spot any signs of ill health and stress. And you never know, maybe by the time you return home, your cat will be having a ball! No matter what option you choose, keep your stress levels down by requesting daily updates via email or text from who ever is looking after your cat. Remember to think about what sort of personality your cat has and consider what the best options for them are. You will have a much more relaxing holiday knowing that your cat is perfectly content.  

The majority of pet dogs will be happy and healthy and, if socialised properly, will have pleasant and trouble-free interactions with children, people, other dogs and animals. However, keep in mind that any dog of any breed - large or small - can bite. As a dog owner, you will be held responsible if your dog attacks a person or another animal, even if you are not there at the time. A dog deemed to be dangerous can be seized and euthanased, so the last thing you want is for your dog to be aggressive. If a biting incident has occurred, there a number of steps you should take to minimise damage and reduce the chance that aggression will continue.   Reasons dogs bite There are various reasons why your usually placid and friendly dog may become aggressive. Some of the most common reasons are: Out of fear or feeling threatened Protection - Dogs are pack animals and will protect any ‘pack member’, which could mean you as well as their offspring or fellow household animals. Being possessive about their territory, food, toys and pack. Suffering from pain or illness If your dog has bitten another dog Remain calm Get your dog under control and separate the animals. To separate the dogs, lift your dog’s hind legs off the ground and manoeuvre them away from the other dog. Give assistance to the owner and injured dog. If you are able to, offer to take the injured dog to a vet and pay in full or contribute to any veterinary costs. Exchange contact information with the other owner. Seek legal advice in case you are asked to pay compensation or damages. If, for any reason, you are unable to control your dog, you should call your local animal control organisation or police. Be aware that you may be fined by your local council or animal control organisation. Dogs that attack when unprovoked may be deemed dangerous and may be seized then euthanased.  Steps you can take to lessen the risk of aggression Spayed or neutered dogs tend to exhibit less aggressive behaviour Exercise and play with your dog regularly to keep them active, healthy and improve their behaviour Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that they have regular veterinary check-ups to identify any medical conditions Ensure your dog has had obedience training When in public, keep your dog leashed, and muzzled if necessary Keep your dog confined to your property Understand the frightened and aggressive body language of your dog so you can take necessary action before the situation escalates Ensure your puppy is socialised with other dogs and gets proper training to discourage biting at an early age Seek professional help from your veterinarian, a dog behaviourist or dog trainer if your dog continues to display aggression    Image credit   Feature image credit

Throughout your dog's life you are going to be struggling to determine its mood. Whether your dog is happy, sad, or mad, it cannot simply walk up to you and tell you as much in clear English. However, that doesn't mean it is impossible to determine if your dog is happy. Your dog will use other signals to let you know if it's feeling cheerful. So what are those signs?   1. Body Language Your dog may not be able to speak a language, but it can use its entire body to send you signals about its mood. From its head to its tail, your dog will use body language to let you know if it is happy, mad, or sad. Typically, a happy dog is easy to spot because it will appear as if its entire body is wiggling with anticipation. This is most likely the look you get each day when you get home from work.   Additionally, the general stance of your dog will reveal a lot about its mood. A dog that stands confidently on all four feet, with its body relaxed and head up, is a happy dog.   2. Behavior When your dog is happy, it will be willing and eager to play with you. As you approach your dog for some play time, the easiest way to determine its happiness is in the stance it takes. If your dog sticks its hind quarters up in the air and lowers its head toward the floor, it is happy and eager to play.   In some cases, your dog may even use its voice in conjunction with this behavior to drive the point home. Short, high-pitched barks, howls, and squeals are another sign that your dog is ready to goof around.   3. How About a Scratch? Every dog owner has either experienced firsthand or seen another dog that goes into a blissful state when receiving a belly rub. If your dog has no issues rolling over on its back to display its belly for a rub, then you have a very happy (and trusting) dog on your hands. Generally speaking, any time your dog initiates physical contact with you it is trying to tell you that it is happy and wants to be around you.   Reward all of these behaviors with some physical contact. When your dog rolls over on its back hoping for a rub, take a few minutes out of your day to give it a scratch. In the process, you ensure your dog remains happy and the sense of trust between owner and dog continues to grow.   4. Quiet Demeanor Last but not least, a quiet dog is often a happy dog. If your dog is quietly and contently lounging around next to you, it is a safe bet that you have a happy dog. The fact that it is so relaxed is a sign that your dog is happy to be in your presence and feels safe when you are around. The more time you devote to the activities and behaviors that create these physical responses in your dog, the more likely you are to have a happy and mentally healthy dog.  

Cardiomyopathy is the most common type of heart disease that appears in cats, but it can develop in a range of different forms and the causes, treatments and prognosis can be quite diverse. Here's what you need to know about heart disease in cats. Types of cardiomyopathy Most cats that are diagnosed with heart disease have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by a thickened heart muscle that no longer holds as much blood. Meanwhile, dilated cardiomyopathy involves a thinned, enlarged heart that contracts poorly. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is diagnosed when the heart is stiffened and fails to fill properly. Sometimes, a vet will diagnose unclassified cardiomyopathy, in which it is clear that heart disease is present but the structures of the heart don't quite match one of the well-defined categories. Why does heart disease develop? If your cat is diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, you may never learn the cause or it may be suspected that the condition is inherited. However, it can develop as a result of other diseases (such as an overactive thyroid or chronically high blood pressure), and in some cases heart disease can be partly reversible if the underlying disease is treated. Heart disease used to be commonly caused by a lack of taurine in a cat's diet, but increased awareness of the nutritional role of taurine has led to almost all forms of cat food providing a sufficient amount. What are the signs of heart disease? You might first learn of your cat's heart disease when your vet picks up a heart murmur or detects an unusual heart rhythm during a routine examination. If these signs are noticed, a scan of the heart may be ordered. In the early stages, heart disease provides few (if any) noticeable symptoms in cats, and your pet may live for many years without any major problems. Once more obvious symptoms develop, heart disease may have caused heart failure. At this stage, you may notice your cat breathing harder or faster, activity levels may be reduced and the appetite may decline. How is heart disease treated? Once heart failure develops, your vet may be able to offer useful medications to slow the progression of the condition and help to improve your pet's quality of life. Although the disease is usually terminal, cats have been known to enjoy many happy years without suffering major symptoms. For example, diuretics may be used to prevent fluid from building up in your pet's lungs or chest, beta blockers can reduce the pressure on the heart, and calcium channel sensitizers can boost blood flow and help your cat's heart to pump more forcefully. Your vet may also provide clot-busting drugs to reduce the likelihood of heart disease complications. If you are the owner of a cat with heart failure, being observant and attentive is the most important thing you can do. Noticing changes in your pet's breathing rate and effort can help you detect when it is time to adjust the dose of medication and can help to ensure that your cat stays comfortable. Feature image credit  

When you decide to adopt a kitten, there’s several things you should consider besides which one is the cutest. That adorable little kitten could be part of your life for the next 10, 15, or even 20 years, which is why it’s important that you select the kitten that is right for you and your home. With an abundance of cats to choose from, it’s best to start by asking yourself the basics:   Male or female?   This is completely preference. As long as a kitten is spayed or neutered, there is little to no difference in personality between genders.   Long-haired or short-haired?   Again, the answer comes down to your preference. Both long-haired and short-haired cats will shed, but long-haired cats will require daily brushing to prevent matting. If you choose a long-haired breed, make sure you are willing to devote time to regular grooming.   Purebred or domestic?   Most shelter cats are considered domestic, meaning they are mixed breed cats. In general, they tend to be healthier because their gene pools are more diverse. If you’re considering a purebred, do your research and choose one with the right personality for you and your family. Ask yourself if you want a lazy lap cat, or a cat with a bit of a wild side. Also note that some breeds are prone to certain medical conditions. Purrsonality There are a few things you can look for to determine a kitten’s personality:   1. Observe the litter. How does each kitten interact with their siblings? You should be able to tell things like which is the troublemaker or who is shy. Kittens should be playful and curious. If they’re hissing or hiding they probably haven’t been socialized well. This could be a big issue if you have other pets, or small children in your home.   2. Hold the kittens. Some kittens will purr and cuddle when held, while others will try and use you as a climbing post. The latter is likely to have a more energetic personality, whereas the first is likely to be more of a lap cat.   3. Observe mama cat. As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. If the mom seems comfortable with people, chances are so are her babies. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider a kitten taken from a feral mother. With the right amount of love and affection, these kittens too can make wonderful companions.   Health The signs of a healthy kitten include clear eyes and nose, pink inner ears, and an odor free coat. Look for evidence of ringworm, fleas, mites, and diarrhea. You can also ask to have the kitten examined by a vet before committing to adoption, which reputable breeders should agree to. Remember Adopting a kitten is a life changing event! Do your research and consider each of the above points so you can be sure to choose the purrfect lifelong companion for you and your family.  

A number of skeletal deformities can affect the health of cats. Whilst not common ailments, deformities either genetically inherited or caused through care choices can be a possible issue for your pet.   Osteochondrodysplasia   Image Credit This abnormality effects the growth and development of bone and cartilage where bony growths arise from the surface of long bones, vertebrae and ribs. A genetically acquired problem, breeds such as the Scottish Fold are particularly prone.   The symptoms of osteochondrodysplasia include a larger than normal head, an undershot jaw with shorter nose, crooked teeth due to shorter jaw, abnormal bone shape, poor growth or lack of growth, enlarged joints, bowed forelimbs and spinal deviation to either side of the body.   Cats will seem as if they are arthritic from a young age, movement difficult and painful. Treatment involves the surgical removal of bony growths.     Nutritional Secondary Hyperarathyroidism   Image Credit  Cats fed a diet that is all-meat, high phosphates and low in calcium, can result in nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. The lack of calcium leads to thin and weakened bones which can be reversed by quick supplementation and a new balanced diet – however if deformities have already progressed substantially, the cat’s outlook is bleak.   Hypervitaminosis A   Image Credit Cats on a diet high in Vitamin A (such as those eating vast quantities of liver) can develop bony outgrowths from the vertebrae, elbows and joints of the legs. These deformities, which inhibit normal movement and may cause the cat pain, can also lead to nerve damage.   A quick change in diet when symptoms first develop can put a stop to emerging issues, though skeletal deformities already suffered are likely for life.   Osteosarcoma   Image Credit  Osteosarcoma is a form of bone tumour that affects cats. Usually impacting on the legs, it can also occur on the skull and nasal bones. Sudden limping is the usual symptom and the condition can be diagnosed via biopsy. Osteosarcoma is not as common in cats as it is in dogs and also tends to be less aggressive. Feature image credit