An infant brings many changes to a household, and it's best for your pet if you can make many of these changes during your pregnancy. Cats and dogs are sensitive to routines, and by making changes before the baby arrives, you minimize the chances of your pet resenting the baby when she arrives.

You should assume that you are going have less time for your pet after baby is born. Start by decreasing the number of hours you spend with your dog or cat in the weeks before your due date.

Consider whether your pet's walking, exercise, or feeding schedules are going to change, and adjust them now.

Evaluate your dog's obedience training. If he doesn't respond to commands such as "Sit," "Stay," "Heel," and "No," can't walk obediently on a leash, has a jumping problem, or exhibits any aggressive behavior, seek professional help immediately.

If you have a cat, make sure her claws are trimmed regularly.

Children can seem very strange creatures to animals. They are loud and fast, erratic and unpredictable, characteristics that can startle or frighten a cat or dog. If your pet has had little or no contact with children, it's important to begin the socialization process as soon as possible.

As you prepare your home for your newborn (setting up the crib, buying baby powder, lotion, and diapers), allow your pet to see and smell these items so he can get used to them.

Don't allow your pet to climb onto baby's furniture or blankets. Cats especially like curling up in the crib or bassinet. If your cat does this, remove him or her and keep the door to the nursery closed.

Get a sealed container for soiled diapers. Cats and dogs are very attracted to odors. Dogs, particularly, love dirty diapers and may drag them around the house.

Create a place for the pet that is off-limits to the baby. Pets, too, need to get away from the baby from time to time.

With warmer weather approaching, plenty of pet owners are thinking of getting into shape before hitting the beach. But what about pets? Obesity is a growing problem among both cats and dogs. And much like humans, too many extra pounds can have far-reaching consequences for our animal companions. In this report from the Veterinary News Network, Dr. Jim Humphries discusses the health problems that can occur if your pet is overweight and shares tips on how you can get your pet's weight under control.

1. My cat won't use the litter box because he/she is rebellious and wants to make me mad.
A. True
B. False

2. My cat scratches the furniture to:
A. Mark territory
B. All of these
C. Stretch muscles
D. Shed nail sheaths

3. What's the purpose in why my cat "kneads"?
A. A sign of being hungry
B. A sign of aggressiveness
C. A sign of affection
D. A sign of being unhappy

4. My cat leaves objects such as his/her toys in his/her food or water bowls just to drive me crazy.
A. True
B. False

5.Why does my cat suddenly bite me in an aggressive manner when I'm petting him/her?
A. My cat is mean
B. None of these
C. My cat doesn't like affection
D. My cat doesn't want to be petted anymore

6. My cat purrs only when he/she is happy and relaxed.
A. True
B. False

7. Is it normal for my cat to exhibit body movements during sleep?
A. Yes
B. No

8.Why does my cat insist on playing and ransacking the house after I have gone to bed?
A. My cat wants me to get up
B. My cat is a nocturnal creature
C. My cat likes to annoy me
D. None of these

9. Why does my cat scratch the floor around his/her food and water bowls after eating as if to cover it up?
A. To hide it
B. Doesn't like its location
C. It smells bad
D. None of these

10. Why does my indoor cat attack me or my other indoor cat(s) when he/she sees an unknown cat outdoors?
A. My cat is most likely showing he/she is in control
B. My cat is most likely showing displaced fear
C. My cat thinks of me or my other cat(s) as prey
D. My cat is most likely showing displaced aggression

Answers

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. D
6. B 7. A 8. B 9. A 10. D

Aside from an accumulation of dirt, a persistent and unpleasant doggie odor could be caused by many factors. Some of these factors include dental disease, ear infections and oily skin.

A closer look at your dog may help you find the problem.

Look in your dog's mouth.
Are the teeth discolored?
Do you smell more than the usual "doggie breath?"
If so, a visit to the veterinarian for a dental checkup and treatment may be in order. During your visit, your veterinarian may explain how you can clean your dog's teeth, in order to help protect against future dental disease.

Ear infections are frequently the cause of an offensive odor, especially among long-eared and floppy-eared dogs. The inside of the ear becomes moist and hot, providing the perfect environment for infections. Take a close look inside your dog's ears. Is the skin red and sore? Does the dog cry out in pain as you try to examine the ears? Does the ear canal have a bad odor? Any of these may be warning signs of an ear infection which should be treated by a veterinarian.

Do you feel a slight greasiness on your hands after you pet your dog? This may be an indication of seborrhea, a common skin disorder in dogs. These dogs have excess production of sebum, a normal product of the skin glands. The result can be flaky dandruff or an oily, waxy feel to the hair coat and a strong odor. Seborrhea may also dispose a dog to skin and ear infections. Frequent bathing with a medicated shampoo recommended by your veterinarian can help prevent much of the odor.

One other possibility for your dog's odor may be its rear end. Infection or improper emptying of the anal glands can cause odor and discomfort to the dog, and a trip to the veterinarian may be in order. Long-haired dogs sometimes have a soiled rear from defecating. Without daily brushing, the rear can become matted and smelly. Monthly clipping around the rear end helps, as does daily brushing and grooming.

Once you have investigated the cause of your dog's odor you can begin to help control it. Enlist the aid of your veterinarian in identifying the problem, treating it if necessary, and controlling it in the future. Never forget the importance of grooming on a regular basis. It is essential to keep a hair coat healthy by removing scale, dirt and dead hair; distributing the natural oils throughout the coat and preventing mats and tangles in long hair.

Facts About Cat Fables

They're playful and loving, aloof and mysterious, frisky and mischievous. They're cats! And The Humane Society of the United States invites you to celebrate our feline friends in all their glory and to see these graceful creatures with new appreciation.

Cats have fascinated humans ever since the day, probably about four thousand years ago, the first domestic cat made himself at home on the hearth by the fire. From ancient times to our modern age, myths and superstitions have surrounded cats. The ancient Egyptians worshiped them as gods, but people in later centuries feared them as harbingers of witchcraft and evil.

In today's high-tech world, we may think we've outgrown such fables. Yet a surprising number of modern-day myths about cats persist. Did you know that the following are feline fables, not facts?

Feline Fables

1. CATS ARE "NO-MAINTENANCE" PETS. Because cats are litter-trained, some people think that simply giving their cat food and water is enough. Not so. Cats also need regular veterinary care and, just as important, lots of love and attention.
2. CATS ALWAYS LAND ON THEIR FEET. While cats can often land on their feet after a short fall, falling from heights is another story. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off-limits to cats, particularly in high-rise buildings.
3. CATS CAN'T BE TRAINED. Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping up on the kitchen counter. Repeated, gentle, and consistent training gets good results.
4. CATS AREN'T HAPPY UNLESS THEY CAN GO OUTSIDE TO ROAM AND HUNT. Cats like to play, prowl, and pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys - without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison, and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier - and safer!







5. CATS BECOME FAT AND LAZY AFTER THEY ARE SPAYED OR NEUTERED. Cats, just like people, generally become fat because they eat too much and don't get enough exercise. The fact is, cats who are spayed or neutered live longer lives and make better companions. And they don't contribute to the pet-overpopulation problem in this country, where millions of unwanted cats and dogs are destroyed every year. There's no need to wait until a female cat has had a litter to have her spayed; it can be done before her first heat cycle.
6. CATS CAN SEE IN THE DARK. Cats cannot see in total darkness any better than a person can. They can see better than other animals in semidarkness, however, because of their eyes' anatomy.
7. CATS DON'T NEED TO WEAR A COLLAR AND TAGS. An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home. Every cat, even an indoor cat, should wear a collar with an ID tag to help him come home if he is lost. Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat. But a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.
8. CATS WHO DISAPPEAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS ARE JUST OUT HUNTING; THERE'S NO NEED TO WORRY. The prolonged disappearance of any pet is cause for alarm. Cats are no exception, and as domestic animals, they cannot cope with the dangers posed by the outdoors. For their own safety and well-being, cats should always be kept indoors, but if your cat does somehow become lost, he needs to be looked for immediately - before it's too late.







9. CATS WILL SUCK THE BREATH FROM SLEEPING INFANTS. Curious by nature, a cat may want to climb into the crib to see what new manner of squalling creature her family has brought home. But she won't suck the baby's breath. She may feel a little jealous, however, so introductions should be gradual. Lots of lavish attention will also help reassure her that she's still an important member of the family. Cats can suffer from sibling rivalry, too!
10. CATS ARE ALOOF, INDEPENDENT ANIMALS AND DON'T REALLY WANT A LOT OF ATTENTION FROM HUMANS. Cats are domestic animals because they live in the home. They crave human companionship and establish loving bonds with their human families. They may not always show it, but that's just the feline way. If you toss the cat outdoors, or spend little time with him, you'll never know the rewarding - and very special - relationship that comes from making a cat a true member of the family.

Cats are curious creatures by nature and it's not uncommon for even the laid-back indoor cat to dart outside into the wild given half a chance. A missing cat is an ordeal that many cat owners eventually will face, no matter whether your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat who wandered off or an indoor-only cat who managed to escape outside.

A missing cat can be a stressful, emotional situation for any pet owner. But there are a number of simple steps you can take to help bring your feline friend home quickly and safely.

—Microchips And ID Tags: Pet identification is a must, even if your cat is an indoor-only pet. Microchipping your cat and outfitting him or her with a sturdy collar and ID tag go a long way toward helping your pet return home safely.

—Start In Your Back Yard: Begin your search in your yard. A door left open even for just a few minutes is an invitation for your outdoor cat to go exploring. Indoor cats that do make it outside tend to stay close to home - it's not uncommon for a scared cat to hide under a deck, inside bushes and shrubbery or under a car.

—Search Everywhere: Cats are well-known for getting into tiny spaces that might seem impossible to reach. Exposed pipes, car engines, inside walls - if a cat can fit into a space, chances are he or she will try to explore it. A thorough search of your home and yard is essential.

—Leave Food And Water Outside: If your pet is nearby, food, water, and items with a familiar scent (toys, blankets, etc.) might help lure him or her back home. Leave these items outside the door of your home.

—Post Flyers: Post bright, easy-to-read flyers, with a picture of your cat and your contact information, around your neighborhood. Distribute flyers to your neighbors and post them in local convenience stores, community spaces and other heavily-traveled spots. You may also consider offering a reward. For your safety, do not include your name, address or a specific reward amount (this will deter potential scam artists). The more flyers you post, the better. Don't forget, in order to post photos of your cat, you need to have them available. If you don't already have a few good, recent photos of your pets, take them today.

—Ask Around: Ask your neighbors to be on the look-out for your cat. Call your town's animal control officer and ask nearby veterinary clinics to keep an eye out for cats matching your feline companion's description. Check with local animal shelters and rescue groups. Remember: the more people that are looking for your cat, the better the chances he or she will be found.

—Advertise: Flyers aren't the only way to get the word out about your missing pet. Post an ad on community websites like Craigslist. Many local newspapers also offer free "lost and found" ads and your town's website may have a "lost pets" section.

—Missing Pets Websites: There are many websites devoted to reuniting pet owners with missing pets. Websites like Petfinder.com, the Missing Pet Network, and LostAndFound.com offer free classified listings for lost and found pets. The lost and found listings on these websites are easy to search and a great way to inform a large audience about your missing pet.

It is important to remember that cats are safer when they're indoor-only pets. It may seem unfair to confine your cat inside, but cats allowed to roam outside are at an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases and injury or accident. This is all in addition to the possibility that your cat may wander off or, even worse, be abducted or stolen. Don't let your cat's curiosity get the better of him or her - keep your feline friend inside.