Pet Bucket Blog

Cats and children can be the best of friends; living, playing and relaxing together. But the first rule that children need to understand and follow when around cats, is to respect the cat’s space and mood.  There’s no doubt that a cat will be dressed up, chased, pushed around in prams, cars, boxes and receive some unwanted cuddles when around children. Some cats will tolerate this behaviour better than others but no cat, child or parent wants play time to be about scratches, bites and screams. Cats love calm and gentle attention. Once a child is taught how to handle, treat and respect the cat, then a fun, safe and loving relationship will thrive. Choosing the right cat In some respects, a cat can be the best first pet for children as, generally, they are low maintenance when compared to dogs. Cats are often happier to be indoors, do not need frequent baths or to go outside to do their business. However, this is not the case for all cat breeds so research a breed's grooming requirements and temperament before choosing it for a pet in a household with children. Some breeds are more social, tolerant of handling and affection than others but even the most friendly and chilled-out breeds will find noise, activity, overzealous handling and rough play very stressful and upsetting. Children must be shown and taught to treat a cat kindly and gently. Image credit Caring for the cat Despite their best intentions, young children tend to be very excitable, enthusiastic and clumsy with cats and kittens. This can lead to an anxious and frightened cat who may scratch or bite the child. Always supervise toddlers around a cat and kitten.  Children should be encouraged to take an active role in caring for the cat. Young children can be taught how to groom and play correctly with the cat, and older children can be involved with feeding and cleaning the litter box. It is not advisable to allow cats to sleep in the bed of young children because of the potential for suffocation. Also, there is some risk that fleas, ticks and worms can be transmitted from cats. This is another reason why only older children should be cleaning the litter box as young ones are likely to come into contact with infected faeces and not wash their hands. Cats view outside sandboxes as a perfect, big litter box. Make sure your sandbox has a cover to stop any chance of children coming into contact with faeces. And, have your cat wormed and treated for parasites regularly.  Time Out Just as important as teaching children to respect the cat and the right way to handle and play, is to have a quiet ‘escape place’ for the cat. Ideally this would be a childproof room -perhaps where the cat’s food, water and litter box are kept - where the cat can go if it’s feeling overwhelmed or annoyed. It should be a comfortable and safe place for the cat and it must be emphasised to children that when the cat is in there, it is to be left alone. Consider installing a cat door or child gate for the room and include some shelving, boxes or a high perch. Cats love high places, so it’s a good idea to also have a perch elsewhere in the house that children cannot reach.  It also needs to be made clear to children that when the cat is eating, using the litter box or sleeping, it should not be disturbed. A woken cat can become frightened, feel threatened and strike out with teeth and claws in defence.   Reading the signals Children should be aware of a cat’s body language so they can recognise when it is time to stop what it is they are doing and let the cat move away. If a cat backs away or hisses, is crouched down, tucks their tail under their body, flattens their ears against their head, has an arched back or their fur is standing up then the cat does not feel safe or comfortable. Unlike a dog, when cats wag or lash their tail, it is a sign of annoyance, not happiness. If the cat displays any of the above signs, the child should stop immediately, allow the cat to run away and leave it alone.  Handling Some cats don’t mind being handled but there are definitely do’s and don’ts that need to be followed. Unlike dogs, most cats do not like their bellies touched or rubbed. Also, tails and ears should never be pulled or squeezed. Cats tend to like their head, neck and chin scratched.  Young children should not lift or carry cats. Older children who can support the weight of a cat should be instructed not to hold or carry cats by their armpits. Instead, one hand should be slowly placed on the cat’s chest with the other hand or arm supporting its hind legs. The cat should be held against the child’s body but not squeezed. Most cats don’t like to be held for a long time so if it begins fidgeting or tries to get away, the child must let the cat go. Image credit Play Time Playing is important for cats as it provides exercise, allows them to practice their natural hunting skills and use their minds. Limit play time to 10-15 minutes sessions throughout the day. Cats love toys that move and games where they can stalk, chase, pounce and bat objects around with their paws. Never allow your child to encourage the cat to bite, claw or strike at their fingers, hands or feet. Balls, wand or rod toys, ribbons, fabric, dangling toys and puzzle/ball feeders are all great ways that a cat and child can play together. Just make sure that whatever is being thrown or rolled isn’t a choking hazard for the cat. A torch will keep a cat (and child) occupied as they chase the ball of light around the floor and walls.  Cats love climbing and exploring and children love building cubby houses. Using cardboard boxes taped together, children can build and decorate a cubby house for the cat to climb on. Put some large holes in the boxes so that the cat can move around and explore. Incorporate the cat's toys and other objects that a cat can climb on or walk through, like chairs, laundry baskets, pillows, large cylinders and it becomes even more fun for everyone.  It’s pretty difficult these days to tear kids away from smartphones, tablets and computers so why not have them use some of the time for playing with the cat. And yes, of course there are several games and apps available for cats. There’s bugs, mice and fish that the cat can bat on screen and noises to denote success. Let’s face it, anything that moves across the screen will be temptation enough - just make sure your cat’s claws are trimmed unless you don’t mind the possibility of scratches on your screen.    Image credit   Feature image credit  

Once Summer really ramps up, the heat becomes unberable and can even be dangerous. No matter how stifling we think it is - it is much worse for our furry friends. Pets suffer from heat exhaustion too and it can lead to organ damage, brain damage or death. Unlike us, they can’t simply take a cold shower, turn on the air conditioning or help themselves to an ice-cold drink and gelato cone whenever they want. Most importantly, they can’t ask for help if they need it. Pets rely on us to make sure they stay safe when the mercury rises.  Many animals, including dogs and cats, don't sweat through their skin to cool down as humans do. The only sweat glands they have are on the pads of their paws. Instead, they try to cool down by panting which circulates air and expells moisture from their respiratory tract and lungs.  Summer is synonymous with outdoor fun - pools, picnics, parks, beaches and barbecues. The guideline to keep your pet safe is straightforward: If it's too hot for you, then it's definitely too hot for pets.  Drinking Water First and foremost, lots of fresh water should be available to your pet - both indoors and outdoors - at all times during hot weather. Have at least double the number of water bowls, in twice the number of locations for your pet. Make sure that any outdoor water bowls are in shaded spots where the water has less chance of evaporating. Animals may not drink water that has become too warm so you can add ice to help keep it cool for longer. Petsicles Pets love a delicious frozen treat just as much as we do when it's hot. You can make tasty ice-blocks for your pet using water, beef, chicken or seafood stock and include some dried food, vegetables or anything that is safe for your pet to eat.  Image credit Outdoors Only exercise your pets in the morning or evening, not during the hottest hours of the day, and always carry water for your pet. On very hot days, reduce the intensity and duration of any exercise. This is particularly important for pets with short muzzles who may experience more difficulty breathing and panting in hot and humid weather. Asphalt, bitumen, sand and some tiles get extremely hot and retain the day's heat. These surfaces can burn your dog’s paw pads. If possible, only walk your dog on grassed areas. If your dog begins limping, refuses to walk, has blisters or redness on their pads then it is likely they have burned their pad. You should consult your vet for treatment. Shade Whilst cats and dogs can move around and seek cool shady spots, small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and caged birds cannot. You must make sure that any caged animals are not placed in direct sunlight. In extreme heat, bring them indoors if at all possible, or place the cage on a covered, ventilated verandah. If your pets are outdoors make sure they always have adequate shaded areas. Remember the sun moves and therefore so does the shade. Large trees or a tarpaulin will provide shade and ventilation. Ventilation is vital to staying cool. A doghouse is not suitable in as there is no provision for air-flow and ventilation.  For outdoor pets, even those that aren’t house trained, give them access to an indoor area such as a laundry, bathroom or kitchen for the day or at least for regular intervals throughout the day. It is best that kittens and puppies be indoors at all times during hot weather.  Sunburn Just as we can get sunburned, so can white-haired, fair-skinned and thin-haired animals. And just like us, animals get sun cancer. Grab some specialist pet sunscreen (others may be toxic to pets if licked, ingested or absorbed through their skin) and put some on the sensitive parts of your pet that have little hair coverage or thinner skin such as the nose, tips of the ears, belly and groin. A Cool Spot to Lay their Head You can make their bed or favourite spot extra cool too. Wrap an ice pack in a sock, cloth or towel, or fill a hot water bottle with cool water for your pet to lay on. Soak cloths and towels in water, place them in the freezer for 30 minutes or so, then put them on the floor for your pet to lay on if they want to. Cats and dogs will love to spread out on any cool tiled surfaces and cats in particular will head for a dry porcelain bathtub or sink.    Image credit Cool, Calm and Collected It's very imporrtant that pets do no overdo exercise and activity in hot weather. Keep your pet calm and relaxed so they don’t overheat or dehydrate. Ask children to leave the pets alone and not to excite the animals. It's a great idea to have everyone read a book or watch television so that pets can sit and laze about during a heatwave.  Water Fun and Cooling Down If it is a particularly hot day or your pet seems to be struggling to stay cool, wet their feet and lightly spray water onto their face using a mister. This will be suitable for dogs, cats, ferrets, poultry and caged birds. Remember to use a light spray setting as many cats do not like getting wet and birds should not have their feathers saturated. Many dogs might enjoy a spray with the garden hose or play time under the sprinkler.  Dogs and cats can be covered with towels and cloths dampened with cool water to help reduce their body temperature. Make sure you leave their head and mouth uncovered so breathing is not restricted. You can buy special cooling body wraps, vests and mats that can be soaked in water and remain cool for longer periods. Cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can be gently stroked and pat using a dampened cloth. A bottle of frozen water left in the cage for a rabbit and guinea pig will allow them to lean against it and regulate their body temperature.  If your pet enjoys water then a cool bath will help them cope on hot days. Another option is to leave a shallow kid’s wading pool in the shade for your dog to paddle and lay in. For small dogs you can use a large, shallow plastic container.  If you take your dog to a pool, beach, lake or river for a refreshing dip always keep them within view, do not leave them unsupervised and be aware of any currents, riptides and marine craft. You may want to consider a life vest for your dog which will provide extra buoyancy if they tire or experience trouble when swimming.  Image credit Pets in Cars There is one simple rule and that is DON’T EVER DO IT. Never leave your pet in a car on a hot day, not even with the windows down and not even for a short while. Your pet is far more sensitive to the heat and they will not cope with the added heat stress of being in a car. In as little as 20 minutes a car’s temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when the ambient temperature is 80F/26C.  In high temperatures, animals can suffer irreversible organ damage, brain damage or die in just 15 minutes. So again the rule is DON'T EVER DO IT.  Heatstroke/Heat Exhaustion All pet owners need to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Very young, elderly, sick and overweight pets are at particular risk. Keep a careful eye on dog breeds with short muzzles as they experience more difficulty breathing in extreme heat. If you notice any of the following signs move the animal to a cool area, allow them to drink water in small amounts, reduce their body temperature with a hose or wet towel (not covering their head or mouth) and apply ice packs to their head, neck and chest. You need to take them to a vet immediately. Excessive panting Disorientation, dizziness or lack of coordination Agitation Glazed eyes Rapid heartbeat Breathing difficulties Lethargy or unresponsiveness Fever and skin that is hot to the touch Excessive salivation or drooling Red or purple tongue Vomiting Seizure

When the weather turns cold or rainy for extended periods of time, it can be difficult to give dogs as much exercise and play outside. If you have an energetic breed that require lots of play or a dog accustomed to spending lots of time outdoors, being cooped up indoors can lead to boredom and potentially destructive behavior such as house soiling, barking and chewing. Here are some simple tips to help your four-legged friend beat the cabin fever blues. Find ways to play and get exercise in the house   A simple game of chase up and down the stairs or fetch is a great way to give your dog a workout and release pent up energy. A treadmill can also provide your dog with a fun, safe and different way to get the exercise they need.   Image credit An ample supply of different kinds of dog toys is also a must. Dog puzzle toys in particular are a great way to keep your pooch mentally stimulated and provide a challenge that makes them work for a treat. Teaching your dog new tricks is also a simple way to keep your pooch entertained. There are countless websites with easy step-by-step instructions for you to follow.   Image credit    Give your dog extra attention As simple as it sounds, one of the best things you can do is spend more quality time with your dog. A grooming session with plenty of hugging and petting will also bring you closer together!   Get outside when you can Even a quick 10 to 15 minute walk outside will do wonders for your dog. If you’re dog does not like walking in the rain, you can help to keep them dry by investing in a canine raincoat.   Image credit  Doggy day care If you don't have extra time to spare or will be away for long periods of the day, perhaps you should consider doggy day care for your pooch. Doggy day care helps build your dog’s social skills (with both humans and other dogs) and allows them to play in a safe, supervised environment. Feature image credit

English artist Louis Wain was utterly obsessed with cats.   He became popular in the Victorian period for his adorable anthropomorphised cats and kittens, with large-eyes and sweet expressions. However, in the tradition of many great artists, Wain became rather mad in his later years, and his cat artworks became increasingly bizarre and abstract - but no less captivating.   Wain was born in Clerkenwell, London, in 1860, to a French mother and an English textile trader and embroiderer. He was the first of six children and the only boy – and out of all of them was the only one to marry. His chosen bride, much to the scandal of the neighborhood, was his sisters’ governess Emily. Such women were viewed as little more than glorified servants at the time and not only that, Emily was ten years older than the 23-year-old Wain.   Image credit It was thanks to Emily that Wain began to create cat art in earnest. Sadly she suffered from breast cancer only three years after they were married. It was a stray black and white kitten they named Peter, rescued after they heard him mewing outside one rainy night, who gave her joy in her illness.   Wain began to produce sketches of the cat to further lift her spirits and Emily enjoyed them so much she encouraged him to have them published. She did not live to see her husband’s work unveiled to the public, but as she had imagined, they were well received. He continued to create paintings and drawings of cats as he promised her.   Wain later said of Peter: "To him, properly, belongs the foundation of my career, the developments of my initial efforts, and the establishing of my work."    Image credit Wain's cats had a human-like range of expressions and did human-like things such as play musical instruments, serve tea, play cards, fish, smoke, enjoy nights at the opera and wear sophisticated clothing.   They became enormously popular and appeared in popular newspapers of the day such as The Illustrated London News, magazines, journals, greeting cards and postcards. Wain also illustrated a series of children’s books.   Image credit Such was his passion for cats, he became the chairman of the National Cat Club in 1898 and 1911 and was involved with animal charities such as the Governing Council of Our Dumb Friends League, the Society for the Protection of Cats, and the Anti-Vivisection Society. It was his hope to help improve the welfare and standing of cats in English society.   Despite his great celebrity, Wain suffered from poor finances throughout his life. He was responsible for supporting his five sisters and mother after his father’s death and possessing a naïve personality, often made poor business choices such as selling his pictures outright without retaining rights over their reproduction, and he invested unwisely in hair-brained inventions.   As he aged, Wain’s mental health began to deteriorate and his works became increasingly abstract, though he continued to depict cats.   Image credit   It has been speculated he suffered from schizophrenia, whilst other experts believe he had Asperger’s Syndrome.   Whatever the case, by 1924, his sisters felt they could no longer cope with his erratic and sometimes violent behaviour and Wain was committed to the pauper ward of the Springfield Mental Hospital. A year later, the public discovered his whereabouts and there were calls he be rescued from his situation by prominent celebrities of the day such as writer H. G. Wells. The Prince Minister Ramsey MacDonald personally intervened and Wain was transferred to the Bethlem Royal Hospital and later the Napsbury hospital. These were comparatively pleasant places to stay and he was given access to a garden and a colony of cats.     Image credit Wain continued to manifest erratic behaviour throughout the rest of his life, but never ceased painting his favourite felines. His once whimsical cats were now kaleidoscopic, fearsome creatures rendered in bright colours and intricate patterns.  Wain passed away in 1939. H. G. Wells commented,  "He has made the cat his own. He invented a cat style, a cat society, a whole cat world. English cats that do not look and live like Louis Wain cats are ashamed of themselves."     Wain faded from memory until the late 60s, when his works returned to fashion and suddenly became collectable again. Musicians Nick Cave, David Tibet and artist Tracy Emin are notable collectors of Wain’s cats.   Cave, who has been a fan since the 1970s, organised an Australian showing of his pieces in 2009 – the first showing of Wain’s work outside of England.     Feature image credit

The world’s tallest dog stands the same height as a donkey. Named appropriately after the Greek King of the Gods, Zeus is a three year old Great Dane that is the Guinness World Record Holder for Tallest Dog Ever. Image credit He stands an astonishing 111.8cm (44 inches) from foot to withers – and has no difficulty taking snacks from the kitchen bench top! When standing up on his back legs he measures 7 ft 4 in. an enormous height even for a human. He weighs 70.3 kg (155 pounds and 11 stone).   Image credit   A native of Otsego, Michigan, USA, Zeus draws attention when he goes for a walk in his local neighborhood. The most common question his owner Denise Doorlag is asked is, “Where’s his saddle?” Image credit   Owning a record-breaking dog like Zeus presents unusual challenges. Everything needs to be bigger. Denise had to buy a van in order to transport him, as he wouldn’t fit in a conventional car. He also eats an enormous amount of food and leaves bruises when he accidentally bumps into his master. He also needs larger volumes of medicine than a regular-sized pooch for them to have any effect.   Image credit Zeus just beats out fellow Great Dane Giant George for the title of Tallest Dog Ever, standing over him by one inch. Giant George was so large he was given a row of three airline seats to himself when he travelled to Chicago to make an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey show.    Feature image credit

Owning a pet is something that human society has been accustomed to for centuries. At first, the animals that were considered part of the family were predominantly used for working purposes. Over the centuries, those animals slowly found themselves invited inside the house and further domesticated as companions rather than working animals.   The concept of owning exotic pets is nothing new in human society. With that said, owning an exotic pet is not the same as purchasing a new dog or cat from a local breeder. There are going to be different requirements and challenges as an owner. For those considering purchasing a reptile for a pet, it may be a good idea to start with one of the following reptiles. These particular reptiles are a good bridge from traditional pet ownership to reptile ownership.   Lizards   Image credit   Pet stores across the nation have sections devoted to lizards, with the most common lizard found is the iguana. If you're a beginner reptile owner, you'll want to avoid the iguana. These particular lizards require specific diets, have strict environmental needs, and can become aggressive as they reach maturity.   Rather than going with the standard iguana, consider instead a Leopard Gecko or Bearded Dragon. The former is fairly small and easy to care for, with no specific environmental needs and a diet that can easily be satisfied with a variety of insects. The latter does have specific environmental needs that can get expensive, but the diet of a Bearded Dragon is easy to satisfy and they make entertaining pets as far as lizards go.   Snakes   Image credit   Snakes are another extremely common reptile pet, but not every snake is ideal. Before selecting the most exotic snake in the pet store, it might be a better idea to consider either the Corn Snake or Ball Python. The Corn Snake is extremely docile and reach an adult length of three to five feet. However, the Corn Snake is an infamous escape artist so it is important to purchase a lid that seals tightly!   The Ball Python also reaches a manageable adult length of three to five feet and is, generally docile. Keep in mind that the Ball Python can live for as long as 20 to 30 years. While this doesn't make it a good or bad choice for beginners, it is important to understand ahead of time just how long this snake could be a fixture in the family.   A final word on snakes as a whole; while they are can be expensive to feed it is worth noting that most snakes only need to be fed once a week. This actually makes snakes a great reptile pet for beginners because, unlike a dog or cat, there is no need to alter family plans or schedules with the need for pet sitters or kennel services.   Turtles   Image credit   Owning any type of a turtle is a toss up when it comes to beginners. Turtles are often marketed as a great reptile pet for individuals and families because meeting dietary needs is easy and there is little threat of bodily injury. However, aquatic turtles in particular can become large and messy as they age. This not only requires a lot of work on behalf of the owner, but makes it challenging and expensive to house them.   Additionally, turtles are not generally seen as very exciting for children. Families considering a first reptile pet should perhaps pass the turtle over for the time being in favor of a pet that will be more widely accepted by the family as a whole. feature image credit

When people make the decision to bring a dog or cat into their lives, they are welcoming that new pet as a member of the family. Unlike our family members though, dogs and cats do not have long lifespans. The impact pets can have the family dynamic is unmistakable. For adults, a pet can be a critical companion that is always there with a wet tongue and wagging tail at the end of the day.    For children, a dog or cat is a playmate and partner in crime. When the time comes that a pet passes away, the manner in which people grieve is going to differ. While adults have perhaps dealt with death in the past, many children may have their first experience with death when the family pet dies. So how can adults help children cope with the loss of a pet?    Prepare their minds Many older pets eventually leave their families through the process of euthanasia. Often referred to as "putting an animal to sleep," this concept can be very difficult for children to understand. As an adult it is easy to sympathize with the needs of an aging animal whose daily life is so hard that euthanasia is the best path.    For children however, coping with the concept of euthanasia is different. Parents should take the step of preparing their children for what will happen in the process of euthanasia. This doesn't mean sharing with them the details of the process, but rather using age-appropriate language to express the finality of euthanasia.    Be considerate of their emotions and age level, but make sure to let them know that this step is final. Their beloved pet won't wake up or return later, and unless that is clear it can create confusion in children.    Watch for signs of grief Once children have been prepared for the loss of their pet and have seen their pet for the final time, it is important to be aware of potential signs of grief. Just because the process was explained to them doesn't mean that they will easily process the loss and handle the grief. In the short term, depressed moods, acting out, or general gloominess are to expected.    What parents really need to watch for are long term signs of grief. Long term grief will differ based upon a child's age and their level of attachment to a pet, but some of the signs to watch for include:   ·         No longer interested in usual activities ·         Withdrawn from friends and family ·         Regression - particularly in relation to potty-training and bed wetting ·         Nightmares  ·         Fear of sleep  ·         Extra fixation on death     Parents that notice these signs in their children should act quickly to help their kids cope in a healthier manner. School psychologists, ministers, or counselors are all excellent sources of assistance in helping children develop better coping mechanisms.    With time comes healing The biggest mistake adults can make is belittling the connection a child had with a pet. Help them remember their lost pet fondly and reinforce the value of the human-animal bond they shared together while the pet was a member of the family. Additionally, be careful about getting new pets too soon.    Introducing a new pet into the family may leave the child feeling like their former pet is being replaced. This can lead to disinterest or even maltreatment of the new pet. Do not rush into any decision regarding a new pet until children have had time to heal first. When the time comes, adults should include children in the decision with the clear understanding that this new pet is not a replacement. Feature image credit

Have you ever been cuddling your fluffy cat or dog and thought what a wonderful coat their fur would make?   Historically, the Native American Salish tribe used the fleece of the extinct Salish Wool Dogs in their designs. Modern day craftspeople are now using the fur of cats and dogs of today to create interesting and unique designs.   Image credit    Hair of the Dog Designer Yarns is one of a number of companies that allow you to send in your pet’s fur to have it spun into wool.   The company was founded when Nancy, the owner of Afghan hound, Chili, noticed all the fine quality hair she was collecting when she groomed him. She was sure she could make something useful out of it and so learned to spin yarn and knit.   A grocery bag full of fur is generally enough for a project such as a woven purse or dog yarn hat.   Breeds such as the American Eskimo, Cow, Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Malamute, Maltese, Samoyed, Husky, Saluki, Poodle and shepherds have fur ideal for weaving. Long-haired cats, including Persians, Ragdolls and Himalayans, have similarly useful fur.   Image credit Surprisingly, dog and cat wool is usually about 70% lighter than wool derived from sheep or llamas -  and it's far warmer.   But does dog fur smell? No, says Nancy, as dog yarn is thoroughly cleaned and de-odorised in the cleaning process. Apparently dogs are known to still be able to sniff out the smell of another dog no matter how thoroughly it is treated however - so beware!    Dog and cat fur can be dyed just like regular wool to create any colour garment or accessory you desire.   Image credit   Image credit Doumé Jalat-Dehen is another spinner who works with pet fur to create versatile clothing. Jalat-Dehen’s work has been captured by photographer Erwan Fichou’s series Dogwool, which displays owners with their dogs wearing canine fur clothes manufactured in her studio.  Books such as Crafting with Cat Hair by Kaori Tsuaya help interested readers create their own cat fur fabric and handicrafts and home.    Image credit   Feature Image credit

A pheromone diffuser can be an incredibly useful tool to help aid behavioural problems and other naughty habits your dog or cat may have. We take a look at some that are currently on the market.  Cats   Comfort Zone with Feliway for Cats Diffuser and Single Refill Image credit The Comfort Zone Diffuser for Cats is an effective product (95% effective in fact) in reducing urine marking and scratching. So if you have an agressive kitty that needs calming down this could be a life saver. This product is drug-free and vet recommended so you know your not exposing your cat to anything it shouldn't. It's a great product to use if you've recently moved home, introduced a new cat into the household, your cat has become particularly agressive or just generally needs assistance in calming down.  Buy this product here.    Feliway Plug-In Diffuser with Bottle (48ml) Image credit The Feliway Plug-In Diffuser is a convenient product that plugs right in to any socket, although it's recommended you avoid plugging it beneath any furniture or behind doors. This product stimulates your cats' natural pheromones to help them cope with stressful situations, such as a feud with another cat. Even older cats that are more set in their ways become more relaxed! This diffuser is also effective if your cat is suffering from anxieties that are effecting its health such as over-grooming.  Buy this product here.     Sergeant's Sentry Calming Diffuser for Cats (1.5oz)    Image credit This Lavender and Chamomile fragranced product lasts up to 30 days and is useful for cats who cry and meow frequently and loudly. If your cat is feeling anxious, stressed or agressive you should try this product to help reduce and emlimate these sorts of behaviours. It has an effective calming ability and can even stop naughty cats from urinating (and worse!) where they shouldn't. It's pleasant fragrance can be enjoyed by everybody.  Buy this product here.  Dogs   Comfort Zone with DAP for Dogs Diffuser and Single Refill Image credit The Comfort Zone Dog Diffuser is designed to reduce signs of stress in a variety of situations and would recommend you have on hand when bringing home a new puppy, a shelter dog or are transitioning a new dog from a breeder. This all-round product is also handy if your dog gets anxious when there are thunderstorms or fireworks present. This drug free product comes vet recommended as well as being clinically proven to be effective. This handy product can help reduce unwanted urinating and creates an atomosphere of calm. It must be noted that this product should not be the sole treatment for separation anxiety or agression.  Buy this product here.    DAP Dog Appeasing Pheromone Electric Diffuser (48 ml)   Image credit The DAP Dog Appeasing Diffuser is great for reducing stress or even prevents it from happening. It works well to calm anxious pooches in many situations: thunderstorms, fireworks, strangers visiting, moving house - even accepting a newborn baby! If you're going through a rough patch with your four-legged friend, whether it's a new puppy struggling to adapt or helping a dog to socialise, this product could be a real life saver!  Buy this product here.    Comfort Zone Dog Appeasing Pheromone Diffuser for Behavior Control   Image credit Specifically designed for pooches in need of some behaviour control, this little diffuser can bring a whole lot of comfort to your dog and your home. If you have a pooch that is a grumpy, anxious and nervous this product will go a long way to helping even the most nervous dog to calm down. Like with many of these products, time and patience is also required as it can take a few weeks for any real changes to be observed.  Buy this product here.  Have you tried any of these products? We'd love to hear your thoughts.   

Whether your pet is a pedigree show animal or a lovable mutt, you’ll want to show him off at his absolute finest. Regular grooming sessions with your dog ensures a healthy, shiny coat, good skin and a happy pup-persona. Here are the must-have grooming kits, tools and accessories to keep your pooch looking great and smelling divine.    PediPaws Grooming Kit One of the most important aspects of grooming is keeping your dog’s nails neat and trim. The PediPaws grooming kit makes the task of trimming nails fast, painless and mess free! The precision wheel gently files away layers of nail, so you won’t have to snip the nail and risk going too deep – and the ingenious built-in catch means there’s no filings or clippings to clean up afterwards. Protect your furniture and your clothes while keeping your pet’s paws touchably soft and your pooch happy. Get the PediPaws Grooming Kit here.   FURminator deShedding Grooming Tool If pet hair is your arch enemy, have we got a tool for you. The FURminator deShedding Tool dramatically reduces excess hair and minimizes shedding as well as reduces hairballs in cats. The unique design gets deep into the undercoat to remove loose hair while keeping the top coat slick and smooth. There are a range of sizes, from small cats to large dogs. You won’t believe the difference. Try it with the FURminator shampoo range as well.  Get the FURminator deShedding Grooming Tool here. Kong Raspberry ZoomGroom The unique Kong Raspberry ZoomGroom is a great way to keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy between grooming sessions. The unique design removes unwanted hair and the soft massaging teeth stimulate blood flow and encourage natural oil production in your dog’s skin. It works wonders with your favourite dog shampoo to work up a beautiful rich lather. Choose from the ever popular raspberry, purple cat or one of many other assorted colors.  Get the Kong Raspberry ZoomGroom here. Wahl Pro Series Rechargeable Clippers For professional grooming results at home, we recommend the Wahl Pro Series Clippers for full body clipping or regular touch ups between visits. The cordless rechargeable clipper allows for easy maneuvering and with a rotary speed of up to 6000 strokes per minute, you’ll be done in a jiffy. It comes with an array of colourful attachments lengths so you can choose the best look for your pet. It also comes with special cleaning instructions to ensure you get the most from your investment. Includes DVD instructions and tips. Get Wahl Pro Series Rechargeable Clippers here.   Alfie Pet by Petoga Couture - 10-piece Pet Home Grooming Kit This beautiful 10 piece grooming kit from Alfie includes everything you need for home grooming, from curved scissors anc thinning shears to a professional grade grooming comb and razor trimmer. Remove tangled hair and mats with ease while shaping. Finally, give your pet’s coat a professional finish with the special round-tip trimming shears. The kit also includes everything you need for maintenance, including a cleaning cloth and lubricant. Master the art of pet styling at home! Get Alfie 10 Piece Pet Home Grooming Kit here. Have you tried one of these products? Let us know your thoughts below!