Training your cat is possible! – Part 11

Is it possible to train a cat, or is the cat really just training you? Is the cat really trained to use the sandbox instead of the potted plant or has it actually trained you to provide a clean, proper place so it doesn’t kill the Ficus? This is a point to ponder. If training a cat was not possible, how do they get them to perform in the movies?

This does tell you that getting a cat to do what you want is possible, whether by training or persuasion doesn’t really matter. It is working with the animal to get the desired result that is important, this is the secret trainers have used the world over. All animals want food, companions and a place to feel safe.

Cats are easy to train, just like all animals, by modifying their natural inclinations to get the behaviour desired. You can’t teach a cat to bark (those are dogs!), but you can teach it to swim by feeding it fish and then showing it that to get fish, it has to get wet (This is not always the best idea if there are Koi Carp ponds around). Easier to teach than swimming but using the same technique, rewarding good behaviour, a cat can be taught to come when called, fetch small objects and even beg. Some cats act just like dogs!

Cat Training is fun, exciting, and enjoyable, but needs to be adapted to the cat. Most felines won’t fetch a ball, but try a small toy mouse or crumpled paper. Our cats dump them in your lap, clutter up the chairs and even put them on the computer keyboard. This brings us back to the first question. Have they been trained or are they training me?

What you need to consider before getting a pet – Part 10

You should seriously think of getting a pet the same way you would having a/another child. This is a huge decision and should never be taken lightly. I have seen a number of people get a pet and a few weeks later decide its just not for them and either give away to god knows who or give it the humane society. What is wrong with these people, seriously what would ever make some tone think its ok to “try out” a pet and then decide. Here’s a tip if your really not sure then your not ready! there is an entire check list you should go through before you even decide to get a pet. this list is courtesy of BC SPCA:

IMPULSE or COMMITMENT: Why do I want a pet?

Many people like the idea of a pet or can’t resist a cute puppy or kitten, but don’t think about the changes it will make in their life. Pets are companions. They live with us and depend on us for all of their needs. This is a great responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. The kind of relationship you build with your pet is dependent on the commitment you are willing to make.

FOR THE KIDS: Pets teach kids responsibility, right?

You will have problems in your household if you adopt a pet under the assumption he is for the kids to take care of to learn responsibility. Getting any pet must be a family decision and a family responsibility. For children to understand the routine of pet care and actively participate in the pet’s care, wait until your kids are at least seven years old. Kids are also enthusiastic in the beginning but can tire quickly of the routine of pet care, especially the messy tasks like scooping poop. Remember, ultimately the parent is responsible for the pet. Consider the life span of the animal you choose as well. Are you willing to be responsible for the pet once your children leave home?

LIFESTYLE: What type of relationship am I seeking?

If you are planning on having an outdoor dog, think again. Dogs are social animals and crave the company of humans, their “pack.” Leaving a dog exclusively outdoors will lead to behaviour issues and undermine the psychological well being of your dog. Isolation is unreasonable. Many people end up banishing a dog to the outside when they underestimate the time commitment to make sure their pet is well adjusted or the dog creates too much work for the guardians.

Cats, too, are social and are safer and healthier if kept indoors providing they have a stimulating indoor environment. If left outside they are victim to cars, other

Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 42

Let’s turn this topic on its head. What if animals were to say, “Which makes a better companion: A man or a woman?” (or any other variation of choices). It is not the dog or the cat that make a “good” or “bad” pet, but rather the experience of integrating an animal’s natural instincts and behaviors into a pet owner’s lifestyle.

I, personally, do not believe that one animal is superior to the other when it comes to offering companionship to humans. The question we, as humans, should ask ourselves is: “Which animal is better suited to my lifestyle? Which animal can I offer the best life experience to? Which animal would provide me the most joy and companionship?”

I am of the opinion that there are “dog fans” out there, the same as there are “cat lovers”, and that is of no coincidence. Most dog owners share a list of traits that make them better suited to be dog owners, and the same is true for cat companions. Perhaps someone has done a study on the personality traits of dog owners versus cat owners, and can categorically prove what I am about to assert:

Cat Owners are introverted, independent, and mysterious.

Dog Owners are extoverted, social, and straight-forward.

Cats and Dogs require similar medical/veterinary attention and vaccinations, so not much is of variance there. The true differences begin to surface when you look at the day-to-day activities of the animals and their owners.

Cats are quite independent. They are ones to accept praise and “petting” when it seems as though it is a good idea (or better yet, THEIR idea). They enjoy long naps, and basking in the warmth of the sun. A good stretch and a massive yawn is as invigorating as a chasing a ball of yarn throughout the house. Playful and predatory, they are observers. Often cats choose to lay back and take in their surroundings before deciding to interact (or should the company not be to their taste-they may decide to retreat).

Dogs are quite social. They are happy to accept, and to lavish praise and love, at any time. They enjoy playing, running, exploring, and cuddling. Their nap-time is once they are completely tuckered out from playing all day. Loving and affectionate, they are active participants in their surroundings. Often dogs choose to “introduce” themselves first, and begin “getting to know you” (or “sniffing” to know you) before the human may even be comfortable with the interaction.

So, which makes a better pet? The answer is subjective:

Do you primarily stay indoors? Do you enjoy napping, and cuddling throughout the afternoon? Does the quirkiness of a cat’s independence make you smile? Perhaps you would make a better companion for a cat.

Are you an active outdoors person? Do you enjoy daily walks (or runs) outside? Does the affection and the “pack” mentality of a dog warm your heart? Perhaps you would be best suited to adopt a canine.

I believe the first mistake we can make is by humanizing animals, and assuming that they have emotions and expressions like humans do. Rather, we need to remember one of the meanings of “pet” in the english language is “to be favored above all others”. A good “pet” to you, then, would be one that you favored above all else. One that was suited to your lifestyle.

It is not that a dog is superior to a cat, or vice versa. Rather, it is that there is an animal energy, or a vibration that is in closer harmony with your own. Find that energy-find your pet-and strive to be the best companion you can be for them.

Pets: The choice between a cat or a dog – Part 3

The choice between a cat or a dog ultimately depends on the person. Depending on your living situation, personality, and lifestyle, you may more suited for a cat, dog, or both.

Cats are perfect apartment animals. They don’t need to go outside or be walked liked dogs, they are smaller and require less space and food, so costs will be lower. Cats can go to the bathroom inside the residence, while dogs typically need to be taken out to do so. Cats clean themselves, and dogs need to be washed regularly. I recommend cats for any person who’d like to have the companionship of a furry animal, but a relatively low budget. Students and young professionals are a good fit for a cat.

Dogs are great for houses with yards that allow them to play and burn off their energy. Dogs are typically larger than cats, and have higher costs in food, maintenance, and vet costs. I recommend dogs for families who have a lot of love and attention to give to a dog. Dogs are great outdoor animals and are extremely playful. Dogs are great for kids as companions to play with. Just remember to always supervise your pet and your child when they engage in play.

Dogs and cats also have very different personalities. While dogs can typically be very energetic, attention lovers, cats can often be solitary animals who require less attention. Of course these are general statements, and not every cat or dog is like this. I myself have cats that love and crave attention. Dogs are more easily trained then cats, and can be trained to do many impressive things. Cats can also be trained, but it is more difficult and requires a different training strategy.

Determining which type of pet you’d like to own is an important decision, as you want to provide the pet with the best living situation possible. To help make your decision easier, find out what your residence’s guidelines are for pets if you live in an apartment. Locate the nearest pet store, veterinarian, and park. Estimate how much you’re willing to spend on a pet for food, training, maintenance, and other costs. Figure out how much time you can afford to give to your pet for play time and affection.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you should have a good idea on what kind of pet would be perfect for you. Good luck!