 A pet fountain is a water fountain for your pets. Many dogs and cats prefer running water to drink from, so having a pet fountain that is a source of running water will grab the attention of your pets and can help keep them hydrated. Generally, cats are picky water drinkers so a device like this helps encourage them to drink more.
Pet fountains maintain a temperature that is 1 - 2 degrees cooler than a traditional pet water dish. Pet fountains can also carry 1-6 liters of water, which means you don’t have to constantly refill your pet’s water. Because the water in a pet fountain is constantly circulating it helps prevent dirty build-up, unlike a traditional water bowl. Some pet fountains even have filters to collect any dirt in the fountain, keeping the water clean and safe for your pets. However, this doesn’t mean that you can get by without cleaning the fountain. It is a good idea to clean the fountain at least once per week. Most fountains have a filter that will last for about a month, make sure to replace it as recommended by the manufacturer. Pet fountains can be especially helpful for pets with kidney or liver problems as well as diabetes. Since you can not reason with your pet to get them to drink more, having appealing sources of water for your pet can be a great health benefit. Because of this, you should consider having multiple sources of freshwater for your pet around your home so they are always close to an attractive water source. One fountain in an inconvenient location will not increase the amount your pet drinks. When looking for a pet water fountain, make sure you get one that is specifically made for pets or says that it is made of food safe materials. Many decorative fountains contain minerals or chemicals that are dangerous for people and animals to consume. What are your experiences with pet fountains? Please comment below. Written by Shaniya Payton and Heather Mains
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Have you been thinking about finding a way for your indoor kitty to experience the great outdoors? Maybe you have seen the videos of adventure cats that have become more prevalent, or you’ve seen a neighbor taking their feline family member for a walk. Or maybe you’re thinking more along the lines of a catio. Whatever your thoughts, there are some things that you should consider before taking fluffy outside for the first time! Make sure to think about the personality of your cat before you make the decision to start bringing them outside. Not every cat should be an outdoor cat. Many kitties are too frightened to enjoy the new experience. And while some may come to love it in time, it is important not to force the experience or cause them undo stress. Plan to either have them on a leash or in a confined place that will do double duty, keeping them from wandering while also keeping predators away. Never leave them unattended! If a predator or other cat comes into the space the possibility of injury or death is high if you are not there to intervene. If you plan to leash train them, start inside with just the harness. Leave it on for short periods and allow them to get used to the extra weight. Most cats do not like harnesses, so expect some flopping. Once they are used to the harness you can plan your first excursion! Plan on starting with trips that are less than 5 minutes. And prepare yourself for them asking to go back inside almost immediately. Try to avoid busy streets as the car noise will frighten them. A comfort item might also help ease the transition. My cat, Lyric, absolutely adores baskets. When I first started bringing him outside on a leash, he always asked to go back inside immediately. I listened to his needs and did not force it. Then, one day he was sleeping in his favorite basket and I decided to carry him outside in that. I set him on my lap and he sat purring for several minutes before he started to show any agitation. When he showed me he was ready to go back in, I always listened to him right away. Now he asks to go outside regularly during the summer. Remember, the goal of outside time is for your kitty to enjoy it! Not for you to make them into the adventure kitty you saw in that cool TikTok. If they are showing agitation, let them go back to a safe place. My other cat, Ari, took to leash time immediately and will spend significantly more time outside then Lyric before he asks to come back in. On the hot days of summer I have to end his adventures before he likes to keep him from overheating. I bring my cats outside with me when I am gardening or visiting with friends. I do not take them for walks. I also only let them out in my backyard because the front of my house faces a busy street.
General Safety Considerations:
When you first make the decision to take your indoor cat outside, make sure to make a veterinary appointment. They can get you proper medicine to protect against fleas, mites, and ticks that may find their way onto your cat over the course of their adventures. They can also let you know if your area has any other parasites or diseases that may impact your cat. Before going outside the first time, take some time to look at the plants around your space. Try and identify what they are so you can determine if they are poisonous plants. Lilies are especially deadly to cats. Do not let them hang out near these plants as a few mouthfuls can be deadly. Chemicals can also be dangerous for your cat. Make sure that the space that you are using has not been treated with gardening or lawn chemicals. Many of the general considerations listed above are applicable to taking your cat out on a leash or using a catio. If you are thinking about creating a catio space check out our blog on the subject here. Written by: Heather Mains  With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, one unlikely pet came to the spotlight, chicks. The rise of chicks as pets has provided an unexpected outlet of emotional support for Americans in need of some light in their lives. Social media began to explode with postings of people with their new baby chicks, and then the hype died down almost as quickly as it started. You may have wondered, where are the baby chicks now and what happens when they grow up?
It’s hard to dispute, baby chicks are adorable creatures, but these delightful little animals tend to become more work as they get older. Most of the adopted chicks in 2021 were abandoned, died from improper care, or were surrendered. Baby chicks require specific needs to thrive, and adult chicken ownership is regulated in most cities. Some of the adopters of these chicks did plan ahead; those lucky chicks now have a new home in a backyard chicken coop! It’s important to consider how your animal may change as they grow up and remember pets are cute, loving creatures who deserve to be treated well. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or baby chick, getting an animal is a commitment! If you are thinking about getting a baby chick this spring, here are some resources to help you decide if you’re ready for the commitment. https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/caring-for-chickens.html https://cs-tf.com/how-to-take-care-of-chickens/ https://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-care/chapter-2-are-chickens-right-for-you.aspx |
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