Pet Bucket Blog

Image credit 1. The leg pieces fit but the angle's wrong.   Image credit 2. So close, but we need to adjust the back legs ninety-degrees inwards.  Image credit 3. These legs keep giving way. Have we missed a screw somewhere?    Image credit   4. How did we manage to get three different sizes and colours from the one box?   Image credit   ... I mean, look at the photo on the packaging.  Image credit   5. Now that I see them together, I'm not sure the colour works with the sofa.   Image credit 6. No I didn't measure it up beforehand. I really thought he'd fit. Image credit   7. The length doesn't seem right. Everything is just so compact.  Image credit   8. Wait, I can't tell which one is 'A'.    Image credit   9. They connect fine but which direction are they supposed to face? Image credit 10. Bah, the wrong way up again! Image credit 11. What the? Okay, let's just start over. Image credit  

Image credit   A little cat with its paw raised often greets visitors to sushi shops and teppanyaki restaurants. But what are these cats for and where did they come from?   Know as the maneki-neko, or Japanese lucky cat, the figurines are designed to bring good luck to their owners. Typically depicting Japanese Bobtails with a calico coat, they are usually fashioned from ceramic, however the use of metals and other materials are also common. They are traditionally placed in the entrances of businesses and shops to beckon customers inside and so bring their owners prosperity.   The lifted paw can appear as waving to Western eyes. It is however a Japanese gesture of summoning, hence the cats’ appearance. Either the left or right paw may be raised. It is believed the type of luck the cat will bring varies with which paw is lifted. The right paw is commonly thought to bring general good luck and wealth whereas the left paw brings in customers.   Image credit Sometimes lucky cats come in other patterns besides calico, each tone invested with particular meaning. Whilst calico is the luckiest overall colour, red brings particular success in love, black wards off evil spirits, and green ensures good health.   Lucky cats usually sport a collar, bell and decorative bib around their necks. This is likely an echo of the common attire for the cats of wealthy households in the Edo period.   There is a fierce argument between Tokyo and Osaka as to which city was the birthplace of the maneki-neko. The final truth of the matter is unknown, though it is apparent the cats were in existence by the Meiji era, evidenced by an old newspaper article which makes reference to them, as well as records which indicate they were distributed at a Osaka shrine at the time. A surviving 1902 advertisement selling the cats proves that by the 20th century they had become popular.   Image credit   A number of folktales have sprung up to explain how the lucky cat came to be such as ‘The Stray Cat and The Shop’. In the story the poor but noble shopkeeper takes in a stray cat which he cares for, despite barely having enough food to feed himself. Filled with gratitude, the cat stationed itself outside of the shop and summoned customers, transforming the shopkeeper into a prosperous man.   In another tale, a cat appeared to wave at a passing nobleman. Surprised, the nobleman went over to investigate. Moments later, he realised he had been about to walk into a trap that had been laid for him just ahead, and the cat had warned him away. Ever since, the cat was considered a wise and lucky spirit and became a decoration in shops and homes throughout the nation.  Image credit 

1. Stay indoors. Snow is for the birds!   Image credit   2. Make full use of the sun’s energy…you know, for snoozing, stretching, squinting and smiling.   Image credit 3. Find someone suitable to snuggle with. Image credit 4. Mums are a great snuggle option.   Image credit 5. Or even something bigger. Go on, take that huggy warmth. It's yours - take it all! 6. Find a good position in front of the fire.    Image credit 7. No fire? No problem. Just find another warm spot.      Image credit   8. Or create your own. Image credit   9. Wrap yourself up in a cosy blanket, and cats really, totally, completely wrap themselves up.   10. Don't be afraid to layer on the cosiness either. Of course, it helps if you can also get out if needed.  Image credit   11. Don't forget your paws.   12. And never forget your ears. Remember to remove any ear-wear around meal times so you don't miss any important signals that food is on its way. Image credit   13. Let your hair down. By that, cats mean grow out your winter coat. Image credit   14. If you’re not capable of growing one yourself, you can always buy a coat. There’s no need to compromise on style either.  Image credit   15. Or borrow a friend's coat for the season.  Image credit   16. Finally, the most effective way to ward off the cold is to enjoy a nice, long, warm soak regularly.   Image credit

Image credit Vitiligo is a rare condition that results in unusual coat patterns in dogs. Affected dogs display white splattering or overall fading of an otherwise dark coat. Whilst it is classified as a ‘disease’ it is not a life-threatening condition. Animals with vitiligo do not suffer pain or health issues other than an increased susceptibility to sunburn in de-pigmented areas. Symptoms may first manifest in puppyhood, but generally vitiligo has a later onset, with adult dogs spontaneously exhibiting white-coloured patches. The causes of vitiligo remain mysterious. It is thought to derive from antibodies mistakenly targeting melanin, which is responsible for skin coloration.   Image credit The condition cannot be ‘caught’ as such due to the strong genetic component. It is common for a number of animals in a certain bloodline to display the unique coloration. As such, a number of breeds are more likely to be affected, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Belgian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs and Dachshunds. It can however appear in dogs of all breeds. Vitiligo appears in other species as well. Approximately 1% of the human population is diagnosed with the condition.   Due to the condition’s mysterious causes, no treatment options exist. However for unknown reasons, skin re-pigmentation may occur as quickly vitiligo markings appeared.    Image credit  The extent to which the condition manifests varies. Commonly, depigmentation begins in the nose and eye areas. In some cases, the depigmentation stops there. Such dogs are described as having ‘snow noses’. In other cases, the entire body turns white. Sometimes even the retina (inside of the eyeball) will discolour. Diagnosis can be conducted visually by a vet, however a skin scaping test may also be necessary to ensure the condition is from vitiligo and not a number of other skin infections that can cause similar fading. 

With more and more people choosing inner-city high density living, it’s becoming more common for dogs to be apartment dwellers. Keeping a dog as a pet in an apartment is much different to having a dog in a house. In an apartment there is less room to move and you have to deal with common property such as landings, lifts and perhaps even high balconies. You can’t just open a door, you have to put your dog on a leash and accompany them outside rain, hail or shine. Image credit Apartment building living is not appropriate for really large dog breeds or canines with serious behavioral problems. The following suggestions are five breeds amongst those best suited to living in apartments and townhouses: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ideal for adults, families with children and elderly people. Prefers indoor living, where it is quiet, with low to medium activity. A daily short walk is recommended.    Image credit Miniature Poodle Ideal for singles, families and elderly people. Its low-shedding coat is an advantage for indoor living. Requires a daily medium-length walk.   Image credit French Bulldog Ideal for adults, families with older children and elderly people. The compact French Bulldog is quiet, with low to medium activity inside and outdoors. Requires a daily short walk.   Image credit Bichon Frise Ideal for adults, families with children and elderly people. The Bichon Frise is small enough to burn off some energy indoors but requires a daily short walk. It is a companion dog and enjoys the indoor life where its low-shedding coat is an advantage.   Pug Ideal for adults, families with children and elderly people. The Pug is a small, quiet dog with low activity levels inside. It is best suited to an indoor life. Requires a daily short walk.   Image credit Regardless of their breed, many types of dogs can live happily in an apartment as long as their needs for exercise and companionship are met. To make sure you and your furry friend stay on good terms with your landlord and/or neighbours: Make sure your apartment building allows dogs as pets and find out if there are there any size or breed restrictions before you move in.   Always carry a plastic bag and clean up after your dog.   Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and has a variety of toys and treats to keep them entertained and happy while at home.    Always have your dog on leash when inside the common areas of your apartment building.    

Chalk and cheese, night and day, hot and cold. All famous opposites, but none are as well knows as the dog and the cat. Believed the world over to be arch-enemies and never to be left in the same room as one another. But few people know that behind the facade, these would-be nemesises actually get on, and are possibly even friends... If you are a dog or cat owner and are thinking you'd like a new furry friend to add to your family, but are unsure whether your existing pet would be able to play nice with an animal completely opposite to them - don't worry! We've compiled a list (in no particular order) of the top 25 breeds of cat-friendly dogs.  1. Pomeranian Small, but incredibly confident a Pomeranian could be the perfect match to a cat. Pomeranians are inquisitive, intelligent and loyal and after some socialisation could be a great little friend to any cat.    2. English Setter The English Setter is a beautiful dog. They usually have a placid temperment - especially as they mature. Affectionate, friendly and gentle, they enjoy socialising with all sorts of animals - yes, even a cat.    Image credit 3. Shih-Tzu Adaptable is a word you want to hear when looking for a breed to get along with a cat and a Shih-Tzu is certainly adaptable. Their personalities are bigger than their bodies which sometimes means they can become a little arrogant - so plenty of discipline will be required!    Image credit 4. Pug Curious, devoted and ever the clown, a pug could be a wonderfully entertaining addition to any household. With this great sense of humour comes friendliness and they get on very well with cats.    Image credit 5. Chihuahua Chihuahuas are little guys and a cat is more than likely to be quite a big bigger than them - but the two can get on famously - even taking naps together! While they are highly energetic, Chihuahuas like to share the same space with cats.    Image credit 6. Italian Greyhound Fond of sun-baking, Italian Greyhounds are cat-like in that respect. They are gentle and sweet dogs who get on very well with feline companions.    Image credit 7. Maltese Maltese are smart, fast-learning dogs with excellent manners! They love to please and immediately become great companions to cats.    8. Yorkshire Terrier They may be little, but Yorkies have BIG personalities. Inquisitive, clever and very agile - this little pooch is a great companion to any cat.    Image credit 9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Working best with outgoing and and good-natured cats, the Cav can have a very playful relationship with a kitty. They are smart and are able to learn tricks easily making them a great addition to any household.    Image credit 10. American Eskimo  Extremely intelligent, alert, mischevious and affectionate, the American Eskimo could be a great companion to your cat.    Image credit 11. Boston Terrier The Boston Terrier is a cheerful dog who loves to play fetch. They are extremely good-natured and gets on well with cats, especially if they are brought up together.    12. Newfoundland They might be big, but Newfoundlands are gentle giants who are extremely docile, loyal and trustworthy. Their laidback nature is compatible with that of a cat.  Image credit 13. Chinese Crested It goes without saying, the Chinese Crested is an unusual looking dog. Cat lovers love the Chinese Crested because of its loving, playful nature.    Image credit 14. English Bulldog The English Bulldog is a lovable breed that has a sweet and gentle disposition. While they can be gruff around unfamiliar dogs, they get on very well with cats - and could even act as bodyguard!    Image credit 15. Shetland Sheepdog The Shetland Sheepdog is a very alert breed that is extremely easy to train. They have great tolerance and patience, which can come in handy when introducing them to a cat.    Image credit 16. Havanese These little dogs are incredibly happy and enjoy being in the company of their owners. Once they have been properly socialised, they get on very well with cats.    Image credit 17. Japanese Chin An affectionate and adaptable breed, the Japanese Chin can fit in to any household - including ones with cats.    Image credit 18. Papillon These little dogs are social butterflies who like to mix with other breeds and cats. They are outgoing and energetic and are extremely agile.    Image credit 19. Bichon Frise Clever, happy and curious, the Bichon Frise is a wonderful dog - especially so because they get on very well with cats thanks to their affectionate and cheerful attitude towards other animals.  Image credit 20. Bernese Mountain Dog Its shyness can be suprising, given it's large stature, but the Bernese Mountain Dog could be a great companion to a cat, given that they are a calm and tolerant breed who is known for being a great watchdog who is never agressive.    Image credit 21. Beagle Beagles are friendly and highly social dogs who are not territorial at all (except over food maybe!) Because of this, they are perfect for mixing with felines.  22. Bearded Collie Intelligent and independent - 'Beardies' are a good match for cats. These lovely dogs are always eager to learn and please people - even cats.    23. Boxer Boxers are happy, energetic and loyal and once they are properly socialised, get along very well with cats.    Image credit 24. American Cocker Spaniel Gentle, sweet, charming and devoted - the American Cocker Spaniel could spend many a day devoted to a cat.  Image credit 25. Golden Retriever  A popular dog, the Golden Retriever is lovable, energetic and intelligent. Friendly to everyone, with little guarding instincts, the Golden Retriever could be the perfect friend for a cat.       

The popular phrase "you are what you eat" applies to dogs as much as it does to humans. Your pet gets much-needed nutrients from dog food, but the wrong additives and other components can lead to health problems. Here is a look at four ingredients to avoid when shopping for your dog's food. Take a look at the bag currently in your pantry and keep an eye out the next time you hit up the pet care aisle.    1. Corn The country's number one crop, corn is cheap and easy to add to most foods-including dog food. Unfortunately, your pup won't actually get any nutritional benefits from eating corn, so you can view its presence in dog food as a cheap filler. In fact, dogs don't actually need to eat carbohydrates at all, so a diet that is too high in starches can lead to problems like obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Take a look at your dog food label, and you might see several different forms of corn, including corn meal, corn gluten meal, corn bran, and corn cellulose. None of these ingredients are beneficial and all of them should be avoided when possible.      2. Generic Meat Terms Be careful when buying food that lists its meaty ingredients in generic terms. If the label says "poultry" or "fish" instead of specifying what specific animals the meat comes from, then you can truly have no idea what you're feeding your dog. You should also avoid food that simply lists "liver" as an ingredient. While certain types of liver have great nutritional value for your pet, others are just low quality meat. As a general rule, if the dog food label is too vague, you can take it as a sign that you should be looking elsewhere.     Image credit   3. Meat By-Products The leftover scraps of meat that are deemed unsafe or unpalatable for human consumption are labeled as by-products, and many of them are sent to pet food factories. The problem with by-products however, is that you will never know where they came from or why they were rejected as acceptable human food. These components could come from parts of the animal like the brain, lungs, kidneys, blood, or bones-only some of which actually have any nutritional value, while others are just downright dangerous for your dog to be eating. They may also have been thrown out at the meat processing plant because they came from animals that were diseased or dying. Put simply, your pet deserves real meat rather than these by-products.     4. Animal Fat Just like the other generic "meat" terms, you will often see "animal fat" listed among dog food ingredients. While not all fat is bad-in fact, some fat is necessary to provide your dog with essential omega fatty acids. You should seek out labels that specify chicken fat, pork fat, or vegetable oils. As always, it's best to know exactly where your dog's nutrients are coming from, and you are taking too big of a risk if you leave it up to chance.   Image credit  

There are many rumours about the preferences, behaviors and needs of cats, many of which can be unhelpful. In addition, some of these claims are even dangerous. Here are the top five myths that you should discount when thinking about whether to adopt a cat (or when considering how to take care of a cat you already own). Image credit    1. All cats hate water While it is arguably true that the majority of cats dislike water, some cats truly love swimming. The Turkish Van is one breed of cat that is particularly famous for liking baths or pools, but a cat of any breed may turn out to like spending time in water. Even cats that don't enjoy swimming may like to play with water by dipping a paw into a running stream of water.      2. Cats need to drink milk The stereotypical picture of a cat involves a full bowl of milk that is available on a daily basis, but it is vital to be aware of the fact that many cats are lactose intolerant. If a lactose intolerant cat drinks milk, the cat's body will be unable to process the milk and could end up suffering from bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Instead, make sure that your cat has constant access to fresh water.      3. Declawing your cat is a smart choice Almost all vets now tell their customers that they do not recommend declawing cats, as the practice is cruel. During the procedure, the first joint of every toe is amputated, and many cats experience both chronic pain and trust problems after losing their claws. Regularly clipping the claws is a much more humane alternative, but there are also caps that can be placed over the claws to prevent them from damaging furniture.   Image credit    4. Cats are not sociable creatures This myth can discourage people who want an affectionate pet from choosing to adopt a cat. The other side of the coin is that those who want an independent pet can end up with an unhappy cat who deeply craves more social interaction. The level of affection displayed by cats will vary between breeds and depends on early socialization, but cats can be very loving creatures. Many of them enjoy cuddling in bed, sleeping on a lap or watching you while you do household chores. If that sounds appealing, breeds like the Siamese, Burmese, Tonkinese and Persian might make an ideal pet for you.     5. Cats must be allowed outdoors Don't simply choose to let your cat go outside because you think it is cruel to keep the pet indoors. There are many dangers lurking, ranging from speeding drivers to people who might steal the cat. While some cats do seem to need an outdoor life, it is always best to try keeping the pet indoors first in order to see if this environment is acceptable. Indoor cats can live very happy, full lives as long as they have plenty of toys and lots of places to sleep.   Image credit     

Image credit    Huskies aren’t the only dogs that can pull people! Increasingly popular worldwide, the sport of Carting turns the family pet into a carriage-horse. Specially designed harnesses and carts take the work out of daily walkies for owners. Your dog can run its heart out, while the owner sits back and relaxes, guiding the dog with ‘reins’ and voice command.    Image Credit  Using dogs for cart animals has a long history. Dogs were used as a cheaper alternative to ponies by poor peddlers up until the 19th century as well as deliverymen. In Belgium and the Netherlands, bread and the morning milk carton traditionally was delivered from a cart towed by a dog. In WW2 dogcarts bearing stretchers were used to navigate the battlefield and return wounded soldiers to hospital.    Image Credit    Many breeds were developed especially to have ‘pulling power’. The Bernese Mountain dog, Newfoundland and Greater Swiss were all notable draft dogs required to pull goods and people to earn their keep.  Over time, modern means of transportation replaced the need for dog-muscle in daily life, however recently the rise of Carting amongst pet-lovers has tapped into the old instincts lying dormant for decades in draft dogs-cum-family pets. Carting, also known as ‘dryland mushing’ has been used to keep sled dogs in condition over the summer months and is a great sport for energetic breeds who generally thrive when given a task to do.   Image Credit  A sulky holding an adult can be pulled comfortably by dogs with a body weight of 15 kg or over. A rule of thumb used in the carting world is that the total load (sulky and drive) should not weigh more than three times of the dog’s body weight who is pulling them. Smaller dogs can join in the fun if carts with hitches for multiple dogs are used. Dogcarts are designed with canine anatomy strictly in mind. Sulkies for humans to ride in are designed to put little to no weight on the dog’s back, circumventing spinal damage that might otherwise result. A common modern sulky uses a single dorsal hitch which attaches from above to the dog’s harness, as opposed to a design with two shafts attached either side of the dog. This dorsal hitch has the advantage of not interfering with the dog’s movement.  Whether the dog intended to pull a cart is a traditional draft breed or not, all dogs require training to become accustomed to participating in the carting sport. Carting enthusiasts usually begin by attaching milk jugs filled with water to the harness to get their dogs used to dragging things behind them. Obedience to voice commands is also essential training.    Image credit  Great exercise for dogs and an exciting – and attention grabbing! – pastime for people, the Carting craze continues to spread.    

We have written before about the richest pets in the world, each with many millions in the bank – but what do cashed up dogs and moggies drop their cash on these days? Here are some of the most exclusive luxury pet products that might gleam in their homes and wardrobes:  I Love Dogs ‘Amour, Amour’ Diamond Dog Collar - $3.2 million    Image Credit Forget diamante studded collars – the truly elegant pet sports nothing but glittering diamonds. The collar features an 18 carat white gold plate, hand set with 1600 52 carat diamonds attached to a crocodile leather strap. As expected with a million dollar price tag, the collar is able to be customized to fit the pampered pet’s neck. It is currently the most expensive collar on the market today.    Louis Vuitton Collars and Leashes $440 - $550   Image credit  Diamonds are perfect for the evening and when entertaining – but what does the cashed up pet sport for day-to-day casual wear? Look no further than Louis Vuitton, with their collection of monogrammed and gold collars and matching leashes. Super chic!   Magniflex Gold Mattress - $30,000    Image credit   Sleeping rough out in the backyard? Never! The upper-class pet curls up on gold.   Italian company Magniflex makes mattresses with a cover woven with 22-carat gold thread. The queen size is priced at $24,000 and the king at $30,000. The company seized the opportunity to create pet bedding when a wealthy Russian client asked if one might be made for her beloved Maltese. The beds are now sold in Las Vegas and available directly from Italy.  Puppy de Paris décor - $14,000 - $21,150   French company Puppy de Paris creates opulent furnishings for cossetted cats and dogs. With only a hundred in the world, the L’Ecuelle Royal golden pet bowl is decorated with fleur-de-lis and fashioned out of 24 carat gold. The fine crystal bowl is inset in a gold frame and is just the thing for serving steak and smoked fish to a discerning pet. It is a bargain at a mere $14,000.  Image credit   L’appartement Place Vendome is a three floor pet apartment modeled on the facades of the Place Vendome. The upper floor is a chest to store treasured toys and accessories. The second floor is a wardrobe with upholstered drawers with 24 carat handles to store clothing and other belongings. The ground floor is padded with luxurious fabric and curtained with velvet hangings held back with French passementerie tiebacks. It is priced at $21,150.  Image credit