Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Why Cats Knock Things Off Tables & How Cats Play
Why cats play and why cats knock things off has been argued by experts for many years. And how cats play can vary between kitties. For instance, kitten play aggression typically happens when the youngster targets your feet. Adopting a pair of kittens with proper introductions can reduce that. Nearly all cats, though, share the same techniques although they may incorporate them differently. Knocking items off of tables seems universal–I call them “gravity experiments.” Here’s why cats knock things off tables and counters.
5 Kinds of Dog Aggression: #GetTough on Dog Fighting
April 8th was DOG FIGHTING AWARENESS DAY, and I’ve written about dog aggression and stopping dog fights before. It’s a good time to review the 5 common kinds of dog aggression and what to do.
According to the ASPCA, dog fighting happens all over the country and in all kinds of communities–rich, poor, middle class, it doesn’t matter, it’s there festering just beneath the surface. When fight rings are located, cases are built, offenders are prosecuted, and abuse survivors find loving homes.
Why Cats Drool During Petting
Does your cat DROOL during petting? What’s up with that? Here are a few thoughts on the (wet) subject…
Scared Cat? Here’s How to Solve Feline Stranger Danger!
Do you live with a scared cat? Does your new kitten hide under the bed? Do your adult cats disappear when visitors ring the doorbell—or thunder and fireworks BOOM? Does the new puppy send kitty into hiss-terics? It’s important to keep your cat happy, or else she can’t learn, and the stress can make her sick. Learning why a scared cat acts that way helps you know how to avoid “fright night” triggers.
A scared cat reacts with fear to unfamiliar people, places or situations. If kitties haven’t had a good experience—they assume the worst. Many kittens are clueless but as the cat matures, this “stranger danger” behavior protects kitties so they don’t walk up to hungry critters, dogs or people….
Why Does My Dog Hate Hats, and How to Banish Hat Hate?
You love your dog, and he adores you back. But why does your dog hates hats? Our Magical-Dog acted confused and barked at my husband when he wore a hat–until he heard his voice. But Bravo-Dawg didn’t seem to care. Some dogs act fearful, while others become aggressive when faced with hat-wearing people. What’s up with weird hat hate behavior? Has he become a fashion critic?
Dog Taste Buds: What Flavor Do Dogs Love?
Do dogs have taste buds? Yes! But do dogs care about taste? Again, they clearly have flavor preferences. Of course, we know some of the odd and nasty weird stuff dogs eat—I really do need to record an Ask Amy about why dogs drink out of the toilet—but do they actually taste such things? How dogs taste remains a mystery in many ways.
Dogs taste sense mirrors that of humans, one reason your dogs beg for yummies from the table. For young dogs, smell of the food seems to trump taste. With some dogs, dirty socks might be a flavor enhancer . . . Read on, to learn what tastes dogs love, hate, and more!
Why Do Cats Hate Vacations? Does My Cat Hate Me for Leaving?
You’ve had the most wonderful vacation ever and can’t wait to get home to the fur kids. They missed you, right? Maybe you left them in the care of a pet sitter or boarding facility. You felt your cat wouldn’t enjoy vacationing with you. So why do cats hate vacations and why does your cat attack you when you come home from vacation?
Service Dogs Puppy Raisers: NEADS Needs You!
Recently I received a press release from NEADS with information about their program that I’m sure many of my readers would love to learn about. They suggest retired or elderly owners who may be gun-shy to choose a breed to adopt because of lifestyle may relish this opportunity if looking for a very fulfilling volunteer experience.
Ear Mites Bugging Your Pets? Remedies for Ear Mites
Are Ear Mites Bugging Your Cat? Here’s Ear Mite Treatments for Dogs & Cats
Pets often suffer from earaches from ear infections. Sometimes infection results from parasites like ear mites. These tiny parasites are common in cats, and causes otodectic mange, more commonly known as ear mite infestation. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a kind of arthropod that are actually related to and look something like spiders. The first four legs of all stages bear unjointed short stalks and suckers, and adult males also have suckers on the rear legs. Ewwww!
Dogs and cats with itchy ears often invite ear rubbing marathons. Read about doggy moans and groans of ear-rubbing delight here. Read on for all the must knows about these bugs, and ear mite treatments for dogs and cats.
Balancing Cats: How Cats Land on Their Feet
The cat’s finely tuned sense of balance is regulated by a specialized organ found deep inside the ear. Balance allows Kitty to travel great heights and effortlessly leap long distances. It is the cat’s uncanny flexibility and motion control, coupled with intricate balance sense that allows the falling cat to land on her feet. Find out how…
Awards
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award
Fear Free Certified
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Cat Writers Muse Medallion Awards
Memberships
