Why does my cat throw up so much?

Photo credit: blog.craftzine.com

For cat owners, cleaning puke off the carpet is just par for the course. Although some cats rarely vomit, some cats are what many vets refer to as “pukers”. These are the sorts of cats that vomit weekly (or even daily), despite being healthy. To understand why cats puke, it’s first important to understand what exactly puke is. When it comes to cats, not all puke is created equal! The three most common types of feline upchuck are: hairballs, regurgitation and vomit.

Let’s start with hairballs. Hairballs are just that…balls (or tubes) of hair that accumulate in the stomach. We all know that cats are fastidiously clean creatures, and of course clean themselves using their tongues. The tongue of a cat is barbed, meaning it has little hooks on it similar to the hooked portion of Velcro. These barbs catch and pull out the dead hair and debris in the coat while the cat is cleaning, and the cat ends up swallowing it. 

Normally the swallowed hair passes through the body and ends up in the feces, but sometimes the hair accumulation becomes a little too much. The only other place for the hair to go is back from where it came, so the cat ends up vomiting a tube-like blob of hair. Most cats deal with hairballs from time to time, but if it becomes a frequent occurrence the veterinarian should be consulted. Though rare, some cats have been known to get an internal blockage if too much hair accumulates inside. To help avoid hairballs, brush your cat regularly. There are also products available to help lubricate the digestive system and allow hairballs to pass in the feces.

Another common type of cat puke is actually regurgitation. This is when your cat vomits up food shortly after eating, and the food hasn’t even had a chance to begin digesting. The cat will not wretch prior to regurgitation; it will simply expel a glob of food from its mouth. Regurgitation happens when food blocks the esophagus, either because the animal has eaten too quickly or the swallowing has somehow been interrupted.

 Many cats on dry food diets will experience regurgitation from time to time. One simple way to prevent it is to raise your cat’s food dish so it must sit on its haunches when eating. By raising the food dish, the cat will either sit on its rump or stand up while eating. A food dish sitting directly on the floor means the cat will usually crouch down to eat. When the cat eats in this position, the cat’s esophagus must function without the helpful assistance of gravity! As a result, the food will often accumulate in the esophagus without going all the way down to the stomach, and the cat regurgitate. Frequent regurgitation can lead to aspiration of food particles into the lungs and potentially pneumonia.

A cat food ball is an easy way to prevent regurgitation.
Photo credit: northernilcatclinic.com

Some cats are also known to wolf down their food like its going out of style! This can lead to regurgitation as well. Simple measures can be taken to slow down the cat’s eating such as using a food ball, feeding the cat in small quantities several times throughout the day, or simply spreading the cat’s food out on a cookie sheet so it must eat the kibble piece by piece. If a cat continues to regurgitate despite raising the food dish or taking measures to slow down eating, a vet should be consulted to check for complications with the swallowing mechanism (peristalsis.)

The final most common variety of cat vomit is, well…vomit. This is where the cat wretches and expels stomach contents including bile and partially digested food. Vomit can be an indication of many things including sickness, food allergies, parasites, poisoning, and even eating indigestible things like plastic bags or rubber bands.

Cats will vomit from time to time; just like humans, they can become ill and go through short bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. This is generally not a cause for concern, unless there is blood in the vomit or you know the cat has gotten into something it shouldn’t (houseplants, chemicals, balls of yarn, etc.) If you suspect poisoning or ingestion of inedibles, or notice blood in the vomit, contact a veterinarian immediately. A vet should also be consulted if the cat vomits incessantly, appears lethargic/weak, or continues to vomit for a period longer than 8 hours.

Frequent vomiting can also be a sign of serious illnesses such as kidney and liver disease, diabetes, or an obstruction in the intestines. When it doubt, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian. 

Sign up for DoggyLoot and save 75% on treats and toys for your dog!

Today I came across a company I think is fabulous! It's called DoggyLoot, and it's a daily email service (similar to Groupon, Woot, or Living Social)...except it's for dog supplies only.

You can save up to 75% on things like treats, toys, chews, and more. The best part is, the shipping is always free!

When you sign up, DoggyLoot will ask you for the size of your dog so that your deals can be customized to fit your specific pet(s). Your dog will be in heaven with all the great discounted items you can purchase!

Check out DoggyLoot and start finding amazing deals for your doggy today!

Enter to win a $25 Petco gift card from CouponCabin!

In today's current economic climate with job loss and gas prices on the rise, many of us are looking for ways to pinch pennies. Unfortunately, pets are one of the costs that many people can no longer shoulder. Animal shelters are currently filled with pets who were displaced due to their owners losing their jobs, their homes, or both.

With CouponCabin, no more cutting coupons required!

Many people are looking to coupons these days more than ever before to help save on essential purchases, and pet owners are no exception. Thanks to the internet, searching for coupons is easier than ever. Couponing used to mean digging through stacks of newspapers and magazines and cutting coupons out by hand. Now with online shopping, coupon sites like CouponCabin make it easy to search for, find, and use coupons without ever having to leave the house.

CouponCabin.com works directly with Petco and more than 3,700 other retailers to offer incredible savings on quality goods. Their Petco online coupons save shoppers $31.99 on average! Users can grab a code quickly (less than 90 seconds on average), or sign up for CouponCabin Rewards to earn points toward gift cards. Also, CouponCabin just released a mobile app! The CouponCabin Mobile app is available at the GooglePlay and iTunes stores. In addition to the mobile app, they also just launched the CouponCabin iPad app! It really is a single coupon app that does it all! Learn more about having the power of saving at your finger tips at http://www.couponcabin.com/mobile/ .


CouponCabin has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, O, The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Good Morning America, MSN Money, Good Housekeeping and Yahoo! Finance, among many others.

CouponCabin and Petco are partnering with Mad About Pets to give away a $25 gift card to Petco. Imagine all the food, treats, toys and cat litter you could buy with that!!

Here's how to WIN!

To enter the giveaway:

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what you'd buy at Petco if you won the gift card.
Want some extra entries? Here's how:

5 extra entries:

*Blog about this contest with a link to this post (leave me a comment with a link)

1 extra entry:

*Tweet a link to this giveaway @MadAboutPets (use the Twitter share button at the top of this post!)
*Follow me on Twitter
*Join my Facebook fan page
*Subscribe to my feed
*Post a link to Mad About Pets on your blog or site

Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry to state you have completed the requirement. I highly suggest that you leave your email address in your comment(s) so that I am able to contact you ASAP if you're the winner. If I cannot contact the winner within 3 days, I will have to draw a new winner.

The giveaway begins today and ends at 11:59 Central Time on August 30, 2012. I'll then be drawing a random winner from all the entries.

Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post and the opinion stated here is that of my own. I was not influenced in any way. By entering this promotion, each participant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective representatives, officers, directors, shareholders, agents and employees from and against any injuries, losses, damages, claims, actions or liability of any kind resulting from or arising from participation in this promotion.

Potty Training Puppy Apartment: An effective solution for indoor potty training

"Potty training"...the two words that make many dog owners cringe. It seems like some dogs take to potty training like a fish to water, while others require a long and difficult period before the concept makes sense. Even when a puppy is fully potty trained, owners still must deal with the early-morning and late-night potty breaks, and occassional accidents on the kitchen floor. Wouldn't it be convenient just to have an indoor dog bathroom for your dog that he could use whenever the need arises? Believe it or not, you CAN: it's called the Potty Training Puppy Apartment!



The Puppy Apartment is a unique new potty training device that combines the best parts of the many different training methods on the market. Puppy training pads seems to be the most popular product for indoor potty training, but unfortunately many dogs "overshoot" or miss the pad entirely (leading to sticky, not to mention stinky, floors.) Indoor grass patches have become popular, but the same problem exists with overshooting and the obvious inconvenience of having a box of grass/faux grass in your home. These solutions aren't viable, either, if your dog or puppy is confined to a crate during the day. Older dogs will be expected to "hold it" until you get home. However, puppies have tiny bladders and therefore must take frequent potty breaks;  if your puppy is confined to a crate for more than a few hours, accidents can and WILL happen. The Puppy Apartment combines a crate and a bathroom so your dog has access to a potty area and a sleeping area, yet in separate compartments to keep your puppy clean and comfy.

The best part about the Puppy Apartment is that it comes with a training DVD to teach you exactly how to use the device with success. The Puppy Apartment training program teaches the dog to use the bathroom indoors in 3 stages, so the puppy gradually learns to use (and prefer) pottying indoors in the Puppy Apartment. Eventually, your dog will be able to have free reign of the house and still will go back to the Puppy Apartment to potty (like his own personal bathroom!) The training program was developed over a period of five years of research, and is even patent pending. Customer service is also available 7 days a week to help with any questions or concerns that might come up with the Potty Training Puppy Apartment, so once you start you always have help available if you need it.

The Puppy Apartment is a combination bed/bathroom

Many owners like to crate train their dog, but this can come with the issues discussed above (older dogs being forced to "hold it", and puppies requiring frequent potty breaks.) The nice thing about the Puppy Apartment is that it can be used to crate train and potty train simultaneously. Since the Puppy Apartment is divided into two separate sections, it is a combination bathroom and bedroom (sort of like a studio apartment for dogs.) Your dog will always have a clean and dry place to rest in the crate, and a bathroom available when he needs it. Dogs that stay crated during the day will be sure to enjoy this! Dogs who will have free reign of the house (after potty training) will also appreciate having an indoor bathroom to use. Dogs are biologically wired to seek a den to dwell in (like their wolf relatives), so having a crate available to rest in is a great idea even for dogs who are not confined to a crate for long periods of time. The Crate Training Puppy Apartment fulfills the need for a den dwelling and a bathroom in one unique product.

If you're looking for an effective way to potty train your puppy or dog, or a nice alternative to taking the dog out at 6 AM every day for a potty break, check out the Potty Training Puppy Apartment.

AB Pop Art makes your pet pop! Interview with artist Alicia Banks

The artist and her loyal German Shepherd, Truda.

Alicia Banks of Texarkana, Texas sees pets in a whole new light. Bright, bold, vibrant colors make pets come alive in her unique pop art pieces custom-made for pet owners. Working under the name AB Pop Art, Alicia creates art that not only memorializes treasured pets, but turns them into models for kitschy and fun art that will liven up any decor. Ms. Banks was kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an interview about AB Pop Art, and offer some insight into her creative process.

(Mad About Pets) Why are pets your preferred subjects (versus other subject matter?)

(Alicia Banks) I choose to paint pets over any other subjects because I have always loved animals, dogs in particular. Before I started selling my artwork all I would sketch and paint were animals. Growing up I would always bring home abandoned animals or animals that needed to find a good home (dogs, pot belly pigs, a turkey named Lucky Tom, turtles and so on.) I also worked as a vet tech and I have been a groomer for the past 7 years, so I have always worked with or around animals my whole life. Why not paint something you absolutely adore?

I see that you paint with watercolors. Why is that your preferred medium?

"The Gang"

The reason I chose watercolors as my medium is because they are easy to blend. Everyone always asks me why not use acrylic; honestly, I have never worked with acrylic. If you were to look at my paintings you would never even know they were watercolor paint, they look exactly like acrylic because I paint the colors on so thick.

Do you have a favorite type of animal to paint?

My favorite type of animal are dogs, I have never owned a cat but I do enjoy painting them as well. My favorite breeds to paint are German Shepherds, Great Danes and English Bulldogs.

Your paintings are very bright and bold. Is there an artist whose style you most admire, or who has influenced your work? 

I have always admired Andy Warhol-- his bold and vibrant colors always put me in a happy mood. Another artist that I admire is George Rodrigue. Even though he only paints the same "blue dog", he uses a ton of colors like me. I actually follow his wife Wendy Rodrigue's blogs and soak up every bit of what she writes about him.

Do you have any pets of your own? If so, how do they inspire you?

I own a German Shepherd named "Truda"; she is a little over a year old and has been by my side from day one. She is a big part of my life and my inspiration. I have painted a few pieces that she is included in, one being "The Gang" which features a German Shepherd in the middle, a Rottweiler to the right, Pit Bull to the left and an English Bulldog in the lower bottom of the painting. I was inspired to create this painting because when my husband and I were searching for places to live here in Texarkana, every place had a breed restriction list. These four breeds were usually on every list! It actually made me more upset than anything, so I created in my own mind that these were the coolest breeds. Yet they were banned from everywhere! That's how "The Gang" was thought up . I even added sunglasses on them to make them look even cooler.

Is there a painting of yours that you are particularly proud of?

I am really proud of all of my work because every painting that I paint has a story, but one in particular would be a baby Pug that I painted for a friend of mine named Karen. She worked with my mother for several years and had one of the biggest smiles that would literally light up a room. Karen was very ill from fighting lung cancer and asked my mother if I would paint her sister's dog for her. I was thrilled to do this for her. I finished the painting and by the time it got there, Karen had already lost her battle. But I know that it will always be treasured by Karen's sister and her family.

If you are interested in a piece from AB Pop Art or would like to see more of Alicia's work, please check out the website and Facebook page for examples, pricing and contact information. 

Why does my cat smell something, then open his/her mouth?

We cat owners have all seen it...you’re laying on the couch, minding your own business, when the cat jumps up and takes a big whiff of your feet. Your cat then opens its mouth and grimaces as if your feet are the worst smell it has ever encountered. Really makes you feel self conscious, doesn’t it?

A cat exhibiting the flehmen response.
Photo credit: fabcats.org

When this happens, you are seeing your cat’s Jacobson’s Organ (or vomeronasal organ, if you want to get fancy) in action. This organ is located on the roof of the mouth right behind the front teeth, and is connected to the nasal cavity. Many types of animals actually have this organ, even insects and reptiles. There are several theories about the use of the Jacobson’s Organ, but the most common theory is that the organ helps to sense pheromones and chemical compounds. Your cat accesses this organ through the “flehmen response”; this is where the cat opens its mouth and literally inhales the scent.

Cats generally utilize their Jacobson’s Organ when they encounter a scent that is unusual to them (like your sweaty feet.) Basically, your cat is trying to figure out what this scent means. Is it related to reproduction? Is it a scent marking? Is it food? The Jacobson’s Organ is not quite smelling, but it’s not quite tasting either. It’s a different sense altogether (one that science suggests humans lack.)

The Jacobson’s Organ is just another amazing way our cats become familiar with their surroundings, locate suitable sexual partners, and avoid danger. 

Why do cats use a litter box?

The litter box: one of the best and worst things about owning a cat. Cats are great because they go potty in a box, and don’t have to be let out several times a day to “go.” Of course that means there is a box in your house full of cat waste. It can be a pain to keep the litter box clean, but still…it’s better than waking up at 2:00 a.m. to let the cat out!

Your child's sandbox is the ideal "litter box" for feral cats.
Photo credit: lowes.com

But why exactly do cats use a litter box? Well, it all goes back to before cats were domesticated. By burying their feces, cats break the scent trail and protect them from predators. It’s much easier to dig in sand or loose dirt than digging a hole in the regular soil, so they naturally gravitate towards those easier digging spots. Ever notice that feral cats will seek out a child’s sandbox to use as a litter box? Naturally indoor domesticated cats will seek out a place that is easy to bury their waste, and the best choice for them is the litter box. They prefer a finely ground litter that resembles sand, which is why fine grained clay litters tend to be the most accepted litter choice for cats.

In the “wild”, cats urinate and defecate in different spots. For this reason, it is always best to have 2 litter boxes in a single cat household. You may find that your cat prefers to urinate in one box, and defecate in the other. This is a call back to natural, wild behavior. In a multi-cat household, the rule of thumb is “1 box per cat, plus 1.” So if you have 3 cats, you should have 4 boxes. 4 cats, 5 boxes. And so on.

Mother cats teach their kittens how to potty properly.
Photo credit: pupsispups.blogspot.com

Most cats are taught by their mother how to properly bury their waste and where to do it, but some kittens raised from a young age by humans may have missed out on mom’s lessons. In that case, simply placing the kitten into the litter box after meals, play sessions, and other rigorous activity should be sufficient to potty train the kitten. The natural desire to ward off predators is in a cat’s very DNA, and they will naturally be inclined to use a litter box when provided.

Always remember, though, that cats are impeccably clean creatures. As such, they require a clean litter box that lives up to their standards. Try your best to scoop the litter box at least once per day, and sanitize the box frequently to get rid of the ammonia build-up from urine.

Why does my cat slowly blink at me when I look at him/her?

I know my blue eyes are lovely, but please
refrain from staring at me.

The eyes are another aspect of our cats' complicated body language. To directly stare at a cat is considered a threatening behavior. Think about it, though…doesn’t it make you uncomfortable and a little creeped out when someone stares at YOU too long? Sometimes the cat may look away if you stare it directly in the eye. Sometimes it may continue staring back at you, unwavering. But sometimes, the cat may slowly blink at you. The slow blink is body language stating, “I am not a threat to you.” As a cat owner, you may find your cat staring intently at you from across the room. If you slowly blink at the cat, it will probably blink slowly back at you. By slowly blinking at the cat, you are giving him the message that you are not a threat. By blinking back at you, your cat is telling you, “Hey, neither am I. I’m pretty comfortable here.” Cats also use the slow blink with other cats to break up an aggressive stare down.

Some behaviorists use the “slow blink” trick when meeting new cats. It can be a way to “break the ice” with the cat, showing her that you are not a threat. To be honest, the best way to show you are not a threat to a cat is to not stare her in the eye to begin with! Though the cat may slowly blink in submission, staring the cat in the eye IS a threatening gesture, and most cats respond better if you simply look past them or off to the side. Ever notice that someone who dislikes cats seems to be the most attractive person to a cat? That’s because people who dislike cats tend not to pay them any attention, and that (in feline language) is a non-threatening gesture and an invitation for further contact. For “cat haters”, it’s almost a catch 22.

The best rule of thumb? Never stare a cat directly in the eyes. It’s just not nice.

5 Unique and Unusual Dog Breeds

Have you ever watched the Westminster Dog Show and realized just how many dog breeds you're NOT familiar with? Personally, it seems like I am learning about new breeds all the time. Here are some of the most unique and unusual that I've encountered.

Photo credit: dogfamily.org

Komondor

You may recognize the Komondor from the cover of Beck's 1996 album Odelay. The Komondor has a unique corded coat, basically the equivalent of dreadlocks! Komondor puppies are fuzzy and soft, and it takes about 2 years for the undercoat and outer coat to lock up into the characteristic cords. The breed is a highly effective livestock guardian, and the corded coat is thought to protect against bites from prey animals like wolves.

Photo credit: pets-puppies.blogspot.com

Chinese Crested

Is it just me, or does this breed look like it belongs in an 80's glam rock band? The Chinese Crested is a mix of hairless and long-haired, with a naked body and tufts of fur on the feet, tail and head. Having 2 types of coat means double the grooming needs. The naked skin needs to be treated like a human's, and can be prone to the same sorts of problems like acne and sunburn. The furry parts can matt easily, and as such need to be brushed and combed frequently. The amount of fur varies from dog to dog, and some dogs in a litter of Chinese Crested may be born with a full, long coat and almost no hairlessness whatsoever!

Photo credit: nicholasspyer.com

Peruvian Hairless

The Peruvian Hairless dog is a very old breed indeed, documented by the Spanish in the 1500's and exhisting well before that time. The dog is considered a hairless dog, though it can have small amounts of hair on its body (particularly on the head and tail.) Many of the dogs sport a rather fashionable mohawk! The skin can come in any color from pink to black, and mottled with any color in between. Peruvian Hairless Dogs (or Peruvian Inca Orchids as they're sometimes known) in America tend to all look rather similar, as they are bred from a small breeding pool of imported dogs. However, the breed tends to be more variable in its native South America. It is a fairly small dog, ranging from about 25-50 pounds (though sometimes smaller.) Extra care needs to be given to the skin to slough off dead skin cells, and the skin should be protected by sunscreen when the dog is in the sun.

Photo credit: woofahs.com

Klee Kai

At first glance of a photo, it is hard to see anything unusual about the Klee Kai. It looks just like a regular Husky, right? Well, yes AND no. Though the Klee Kai may look like a common sled dog, it is actually a miniature version of the Husky! The Klee Kai looks more-or-less like a Husky puppy that never grew up. The adult height is between 13-17 inches (for comparison, that's about the size of an average Beagle.) The Klee Kai retains the same personality and active lifestyle as other sled dogs, but it's all packed into a tiny little package. The breed was released to the public in 1988 and is a member of the American Rare Breed Association and United Kennel Club.

Photo credit: breederretriever.com

Basenji

The Basenji is a unique breed not because of what you see, but what you hear...or rather, what you don't hear. Considered by many to be the most silent breed of domestic dog, the Basenji simply doesn't bark! It is nicknamed the "Barkless Dog" for this reason. Though it may be considered "barkless", it's not entirely silent. It has a characteristic yodel and makes other unusual noises. Some theorize that the unusual vocalizations come from a selective breeding of sorts. The dog originates from Central Africa, and it is possible that louder dogs with a more traditional bark were killed to keep human villages safe and less visible to rival neighboring tribes. Whether or not this is true, the unusual sounds are biologically caused by an unusually shaped larynx.

Interactive Treat Toys for Dogs

Treat toys for dogs are great toy ideas for several reasons. Did you know that bloat is considered to be the leading cause of death in dogs? For dogs that eat too quickly, treat toys can cause the dog to slow down and as a result gulp less air in. Slowing down a dog's eating is the best way to prevent bloat. Another reason treat toys are great is because they stimulate your dog mentally. Many of the toys are puzzles and cause your dog to use problemsolving skills. A mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog!

Here are some great treat toys to consider for your dog:

Nina Ottosson's Dog Tornado

The idea behind the Nina Ottosson's "Dog Tornado" is for the dog to dislodge the removable bones, then turn the revolving sections to reveal the hidden treats. The Tornado has many variables to increase the level of difficulty as the dog's skill improves. With a little practice he will soon learn to dislodge the bones and turn the Tornado to access the hidden rewards.

Aikiou Interactive Dog Bowl

The Aikiou has compartments in which you can hide different types of food. This will keep your animal busy during mealtimes, turning the wheel and opening the sliding doors to access the food. This system adds brain stimulating component to feeding, slowing down the rate at which food is ingested and thus reducing digestion problems. Making mealtime an intellectual activity is very positive and stimulating for your pet since he will need to use his senses to hunt for his meal and is rewarded when he succeeds. This bowl can also be used for education and interactive games both pet and owner can enjoy. Simply hide food rewards in the compartments and encourage your pet to find them. For Balanced, Entertaining Mealtimes! Let your dog discover how much fun it is to eat from an Aikiou dog food bowl. Using his paws and muzzle, your pet must turn the wheel and open the sliding doors to access the food that is hidden underneath. Suitable for dogs of all sizes. Your dog will discover how much fun it is to eat from an Aikiou bowl, with its unique search and find system. Can hold up to 3 1/2 cups of food.

Kyjen Dog Games Treat Wheel

With eight treat or food chambers, Kyjen Dog Games Treat Wheel combines the difficulties of Star Spinner and Paw Hide. The dog must use its mouth to lift each cup, then spin the top to reveal more treats. Rubber soles prevent slippage.

Buster Food Cube

Smarter Toys make their dogs work for their food which provides healthy mental and physical stimulation. The Buster Food Cube is the most difficult treat dispenser and features an adjustable hole to control difficulty level.

Premier Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Dog Toy

Premier Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble makes dogs work for their food in a fun and challenging way. Mentally and physically stimulates dogs by appealing to their natural prey and stalking drives. Holds approximately 2 cups of food. The Treat Meter on either end of the balls randomly dispenses kibble and treats.

Do you have a favorite interactive treat bowl or toy for your dog?

Why does my cat purr?

The short answer: Lots of reasons.

The long answer: Here we go...the first and most common reason cats purr is because they're content. Cats purr when they're happy; some even purr while they eat. If your kitty is laying next to you purring up a storm, you can be pretty darn certain you've got a happy kitty on your hands.

The face of contentment.

Purring is not solely a response to contentment, however. Cats also purr when they're frightened, threatened, or giving birth! This seems to suggest that purring is also a way for a cat to comfort itself. Cats purr at about 25 Hz...the same frequency used for ultrasound therapy in humans. Since 25 Hz ultrasound therapy can help to manage pain in humans, it stands to reason that a cat's purr would do the same. It seems cats have their own built-in comforting and pain management system in the purr! This evidence suggests that a purring cat may have therapeutic benefits to humans as well (but of course we cat owners already knew that.)

It is also possible that cats under stress might purr as sort of a nervous gesture. For example, a cat being brought to the vet might purr even though it is clearly unhappy. It's almost as though the cat is saying, "See, I'm nice! Please don't hurt me." Just like people may smile uncontrollably or laugh inappropriately when we're nervous, some cats seem to purr to try and diffuse a bad situation.

There is still much controversy as to how and why the purr evolved. It doesn't seem we'll have a definitive answer anytime soon...so far, no cats are talking.

BANFIELD® PET HOSPITAL IS STAGING AN INFURVENTION

In Partnership with Animal Planet’s Victoria Stilwell, Banfield is Looking for Cats and their Owners in Need of Professional Help

Animal Planet's Victoria Stilwell
Photo Credit: petside.com

Portland, OR—July 18, 2012—Calling all cat owners: is a trip to the veterinarian a constant cat-fight? Do you sometimes find yourself avoiding routine visits to dodge a cat-tastrophe? Is “stressful” a term you use to describe the process of getting your cat out of the house and into the veterinarian’s office? If so, Banfield Pet Hospital and Animal Planet’s Victoria Stilwell want to hear from you.

Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, and Victoria Stilwell are staging an “inFURvention” to help combat pet owners’ difficulties of getting their cat into a carrier while raising awareness of the importance of regular veterinary visits for cats. Banfield and Stilwell are asking cat owners nationwide to upload videos of their real-life struggles and attempts to get their cat into a carrier for a chance to win a year’s worth of free preventive veterinary care and a special at-home visit and training consultation from Animal Planet’s famed pet trainer, Victoria Stilwell.

Of the 86 million felines living as pets in the U.S., an astonishing one-third of pet owners will skip a trip to the veterinarian to avoid the hassle* – yet missing a veterinarian visit could actually cause more harm to the pet. Cats rarely exhibit signs of sickness or disease even when a problem exists; therefore, routine veterinarian visits are essential to protecting pets from life-threatening illnesses.

“There is no doubt that cats can be finicky when it comes to travel; however, there are easy tips and tricks pet owners can use to ensure a smooth road ahead,” said Stilwell. “Pet owners don’t have to be a professional in order to train their cats to get into the carrier. All it takes is some practice and simple changes in behavior and cat-fights will soon be a thing of the past!”

It’s time for an “inFURvention!”

Beginning Wednesday, July 18 through Friday August, 17, pet owners are invited to upload their “real” cat videos to http://www.infurvention.com/, with the tag “#inFURvention” to be considered in need of an “inFURvention” from Stilwell. One pet owner and “inFURvention” video will be chosen to win a year’s worth of free preventive veterinary care from Banfield and a special at-home visit with Victoria Stilwell who will give professional insight into the best tips and tricks to getting your cat out of the house and into the veterinarian’s office.

“One of the biggest barriers to cats receiving veterinary care is actually getting them to the hospital,” said Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, chief medical officer for Banfield Pet Hospital. “Unfortunately, cats typically don’t show signs of illness until it is too late; therefore it is important for cats to receive twice-yearly veterinary visits in order to prevent, as well as diagnose and treat illnesses before it’s too late. Through ‘inFURvention,’ we hope to educate pet owners about the importance of routine veterinary visits, and let them know it doesn’t have to be a fight to get their cat to the vet.”

Tips and tricks to eliminating the cat-fight!

Basic training tips can ease cats’, as well as cat owners’ fears and hesitations when preparing for a trip to the veterinarian. Banfield’s medical team and Stilwell both recommend scheduling appointments later in the day for a quieter, calmer experience for felines. It is also important to remember that cats are sensitive to smells, so creating a pleasant environment in the carrier is key to helping cats cope with the trip, as well as including familiar objects such as a comfortable blanket to make felines feel more at home.

For a full list of tips and tricks to overcoming cat resistance, visit Banfield Pet Hospital online at www.banfield.com. Cat owners are welcome to submit a video for the “InFURvention” program at www.inFURvention.com with the tag “#InFURvention” beginning July 18 through August 17 for a chance at an at home visit with Animal Planet’s Victoria Stilwell.

About Banfield® Pet Hospital

Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today we are more than 800 hospitals strong in neighborhoods across the United States. More than 2,600 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for pets and extended operating hours. Banfield Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of pets each year through Optimum Wellness Plans®. For journalists seeking more information, please visit our press room at http://www.banfield.com/ or contact our Media Hotline at 888-355-0595.

Why does my cat wag his/her tail?

When it comes to tail wags, cats and dogs are polar opposites! We all recognize a dog wagging his tail as a sign of happiness, and it’s easy to assume that the same would go for cats. WRONG. You know cats—nothing can ever be that simple!

This kitty is happy and confident.

Photo credit: petdental.com

Cats tell us a lot about how they’re feeling by their tail. This “tail language”, once deciphered, is a vital way your cat can communicate with you. For example, a tail raised high is a sign that a cat is happy and confident. A tail hanging low (and usually accompanying wide eyes and a crouching body posture) is a sign that a cat is nervous, scared, or in distress.

Sometimes you may notice that your cat is flicking the tip of his tail ever-so-slightly. This is generally a simple acknowledgment of stimuli in the room such as you talking to him. The cat is signaling that they’re still awake and aware of their surroundings.

When the tail begins to flick back and forth more noticeably, this is usually a warning sign from the cat that they are on-guard. You may see this behavior when the cat is a safe distance from a perceived threat (like young children), signaling “I know you’re there, and you probably shouldn’t come any closer.” It can also be seen during playtime or when your cat is watching the birds out the window, indicating the cat is on the hunt for prey. You may also notice heavier tail flicking when you’re petting your cat. At this point, your cat is politely letting you know that she is beginning to get a little irritated with you, so you may want to scale back a bit and give kitty some space.

A good old-fashioned kitty standoff
Photo credit: crazyauntpurl.com

If tail flicking escalates to tail wagging, your cat is trying to give you a very clear signal: “Knock it off, and get away from me!” The tail may whomp audibly back and forth. If your cat begins to rapidly wag its tail rapidly from the base while you are petting him, stop immediately. If you don’t, there is a high likelihood you’re about to get bit! You may see tail wagging accompanied with the cat flattening its ears onto its head; the cat is taking an aggressive stance. Never approach a cat displaying this posture, as they are likely to attack at the drop of a hat. If you see your cat displaying this posture towards another cat or pet, it is natural to want to step in between and “break it up.” Do this, and you may wish you hadn’t! Use something neutral like a pillow or towel to put between, if you absolutely must diffuse the situation. If two cats are posturing to each other in this manner, it’s usually just that…posturing. The posturing may be followed by a little paw boxing and growling, but frequently one cat will back down and walk away. In a multi-cat household, cats must constantly reinforce the feline hierarchy. Unfortunately, this means there are bound to be altercations now and again. It’s usually not necessary to break it up, but if a cat is at risk for injury you might have to.

Sometimes while your cat is being pet or just laying next to you, you may see her tail leisurely and slowly moving from side to side. This is a sign that your cat is relaxed and content. If the pace of the tail movement begins to pick up to a more irritated pace, back off. Cats are fickle creatures, and relaxed contentment can move to irritation fairly quickly. Get to know your cat’s tail signals, and you’ll be able to tell for certain when she’s had enough! Just like people, every cat has a unique personality and varying degrees of patience and tolerance. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to how much petting is too much petting, or which areas of the body are off-limits for petting. Learning where your cat’s limits are and reading body language will go a long way in building a mutual respect and trust between you and your cat.  

See also: Why does my cat roll over, then bite me when I pet his/her belly?

How to Organize a Local Animal Shelter Fundraiser

Pet shelters are often underfunded, leading them to not be able to accept all of the animals that need a place to stay. One of the best ways to show that you care for pets in your community, outside of adopting them of course, is to organize a fundraiser that benefits the shelter. There are many types of fundraisers to choose from, but they all involve the same basic set of steps you'll need to do for a successful event.

Photos with Santa is always a popular winter fundraiser.
Photo credit: pawlux.com

1. Choose an Event Type: Your fundraiser can be anything from a family fun day with a prize raffle to a fancy dinner gala complete with live entertainment. One popular type of event is a road race that people pay to enter and run, either with or without their pets in tow. Another fun event is a pet photo day, with a local photographer collecting donations for taking photos of pets and sending the digital photo to the owner through an online hosting service. The most important thing is to choose an event that people will pay for, but that will leave you with money to donate to the local pet shelter after paying the expenses.

2. Pick a Date and Location: Check your city's events calendar to choose a date when there is not another major event occurring. For example, you don't want to be competing with a large festival or a big sporting event. You should also choose a date at least one month away to give yourself adequate time to develop public interest and plan the event. Potential locations include city parks, the shelter itself and event facilities. Make sure you have the proper permissions or permits for your chosen location.

3. Advertise the Fundraiser: You're not going to raise any money if nobody participates in the fundraiser. Some of the best ways to advertise include word of mouth, invitations through the pet shelter, social media, flyers around the neighborhood and posting it on animal advocacy networks. Include the type of event, time, date, location, cost, shelter name and contact information so people can get answers to any questions they may have.

Silent auctions and raffles with donated items make
for successful and lucrative fundraisers.
Photo credit: govdeals-auction.com

4. Plan the Logistics: The most complicated part of organizing a fundraiser is nailing down all of the details necessary to have a smooth event. Some of the things you may need to arrange include catering, a sound system, decorations, donations of raffle prizes and additional volunteer assistance to make the event run smoothly. Making lists and thinking through each attendee's experience of the event, from start to finish, will help you get all of the details into place.

5. Host Your Event: After planning your fundraiser, it's time to step up to the plate and actually put on a great event. Make sure to have fun with it, because your enthusiasm will be contagious among the attendees. The most successful fundraisers are often ones that people really enjoy.

Many people who organize a pet shelter fundraiser go on to repeat it year after year to continue raising money. Your local shelter is sure to appreciate the help, and you'll also be able to advocate for shelter pets and increase awareness among the general public. Contact your local shelter today to get started organizing a fundraiser for them.

Cameron Tyler uses an online hosting service to help build the relationships he makes when putting on a fundraiser or charitable event

3 Illnesses that Affect Both Pets and Their Owners

When we think about getting sick, we think of boxes of tissue, days spent in bed, chicken noodle soup, and, for pet owners, a warm nose snuggled up next to you. Pets have a way of just making a sick day at home that much better. It's a widespread fact that people who have four legged companions live longer, healthier, and happier lives. That being said, there are times that our loving animals feel under the weather along with us. There are many different human and pet illnesses that cannot be passed from one of us to the other. So, if your cat or dog has the sniffles or a cough, it's most likely that you have no worry of catching it—but, there are several illnesses that can be passed from pet to owner and owner to pet. Keep these three illnesses in mind next time you or your pet are feeling ill. Being educated on what can affect your pet and yourself as a pet owner is the best defense.

Though generally not caused by the same type of mite, both
humans and animals can become infected with scabies.
Photo credit: scabies-information.com

Mange or Scabies

For the most part, our pet cats and dogs have little to worry about when it comes to mange. Indoor cats that are well kept will very rarely get mange or scabies, but it can be fairly common in dogs. The mange that is also known as scabies is highly contagious to humans and can be contracted by dogs as well. This mange is caused by mites and will appear with symptoms of severe itching, skin irritations, and hair loss. In both dogs and humans, scabies should be treated as quickly as possible. While the illness itself is not immediately threatening, secondary infections can occur quite easily with open sores on the skin. This kind of mange can be avoided with careful hygienic care and some general attentiveness to your pet's skin condition. The mites that cause mange are commonly found on the ears, face, and extremities.

Toxoplasma
Photo credit: marvistavet.com

Toxoplasmosis

While this parasite can be found in any warm-blooded animal, cats are one of the most common pets to come into contact with it. Cats make ideal hosts for the toxoplasmosis parasite. Cats will become infected by preying on infected birds or rodents and will show no symptoms of the disease, making it extremely challenging to detect. Many people are exposed to the disease without ever showing symptoms or even knowing. However, in individuals who have weakened immune systems or are pregnant, toxoplasmosis can cause headache, sore throat, muscle pain, fever, and general malaise. Humans come into contact with this illness through infected kitty litter.

The classic ring-shaped patches characteristic of ringworm.
Photo credit: diseasespictures.com

Ringworm

To the surprise of many, ringworm is not actually a worm or parasite, but actually a fungus. The name comes from the commonly ring-shaped display the fungus gives on the skin. Ringworm can be transmitted from pet to human or from human to pet very easily. It is a slow growing fungus that feeds on dead skin cells and the hair of all species of mammal. The most common form of ringworm is often found on young cats and dogs. The spores can be transferred easily from one surface to another. On pets it appears as a dry, oval, scurfy patch of broken fur. This is one of the most common diseases transferred from pet to human and human to pet of all the illnesses on this list. Keep these three things in mind to better care for yourself and your pet.

Today's guest post comes courtesy of Amelia Wood, who often writes about medical billing and coding certification and welcomes your responses at amelia1612@gmail.com.

Why does my cat roll over, then bite me when I pet his/her belly?

Welcome to Mad About Pets' 10-part series, "Why Does My Cat Do That?" We'll be addressing some common cat behaviors that can be confusing, frustrating, and even mysterious to owners. The first topic we'll be addressing today is "Why does my cat roll over, then bite me when I pet his/her belly?"

When a cat rolls onto its back, it is easy to mistake this for “Please pet my belly!” Unlike dogs, most cats do not like their tummy pet. As much as it would seem that way, a cat rolling on its back is not an open invitation for a belly rub!

In feline body language, a cat rolling onto its back is a sign of submission. The cat is basically saying to you “I am giving you the most vulnerable part of my body. See? I’m not a threat!” It can be a sign of trust, and also a sign that the cat views you as more dominant than him/her. The belly is, however, a very vulnerable area and most cats do not like it rubbed or petted. Petting the tummy can be easily misconstrued as threatening to the cat. You will often find that petting a kitty’s belly ends with the cat grabbing your arm with all four paws, bunny-kicking your forearm with his back claws and sinking his teeth into your hand. Mad About Pets likes to call this "The Tummy Rub Trap"!

Tempting though it may be, steer clear of the kitty tummy!

Common sense would tell us not to pet the cat’s stomach when it reacts so violently most of the time, but some people find this action “cute” and mistake it as playful behavior. If you continue to encourage the behavior, the cat will soon think of grabbing your arm and scratching/biting as a game. They will then try to goad you into petting their belly by laying on their back, and the behavior may eventually escalate into biting or scratching whenever a hand comes anywhere near them. This kind of play behavior is very hard to stop once it becomes a habit, and it can lead to accidental bites to friends and family members. Even with kittens where it doesn’t hurt as much, never ever encourage a cat to playfully bite! Cats have a really hard time telling when is and isn’t playtime, so you can’t expect your cat to know it’s ok to bite sometimes but not other times!

The best course of action when it comes to a cat showing his or her belly is to admire the cute softness, but keep hands clear. Unless you know the cat well and know that this particular animal truly enjoys belly rubs, it’s always safer not to risk it. There are those rare cats that truly enjoy having their tummies rubbed, kissed and nuzzled, but they are certainly not the norm. And even if they let their owner do it, they may not let anyone else. Err on the side of caution, and stick with chin scritches and head pets when meeting a new cat. Your hands and arms will thank you for it!

Giveaway: Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol

Face it: cleaning up after our pets is sometimes no easy task. It's even harder when you want to use a high quality, effective product that is also safe to use around your pets! The fine folks at Spot Shot want to make the lives of pet owners a little easier (and a little safer on our pets) with their new Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol. Here's what they had to say about this new product:

Spot Shot® – the leading carpet stain remover and odor eliminator – is introducing its new Non-Toxic Spot Shot® Pet Aerosol.



This new formula permanently eliminates new and old stains, absorbs and neutralizes odors, and has anti-resoiling agents that protect your carpet and keep stains from returning. Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol is proven better than competitors on the most difficult pet stains, including urine, feces, vomit, and tracked in mud, dirt and oil.*


Most importantly, Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol is safe for pets, kids and the environment. It is non-toxic, certified readily biodegradable by Scientific Certification Systems, and it doesn’t contain phosphates or volatile organic compounds.


*Product Test: Weinman Schnee, Morais


Want to try this great new product for FREE?

Spot Shot and Mad About Pets are teaming up to allow one lucky reader the chance to try the new Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol for free. Here's how:

To enter the giveaway:

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post telling me why you'd like to win  a free bottle of Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol!

Want some extra entries? Here's how:

5 extra entries:

*Blog about this contest with a link to this post (leave me a comment with a link)

1 extra entry:

*Tweet a link to this giveaway (use share button below)

*Follow me on Twitter

*Join my Facebook fan page

*Join the Stain Fighting Community Facebook page

*Subscribe to my feed

*Post a link to Mad About Pets on your blog or site

Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry to state you have completed the requirement. I highly suggest that you leave your email address in your comment(s) so that I am able to contact you ASAP if you're the winner. If I cannot contact the winner within 3 days, I will have to draw a new winner.

The giveaway begins today and ends at 11:59 Central Time on July 16, 2012. Contest is open to US residents only. I'll then be drawing a random winner from all the entries.

Coupon Information:
If you just can't wait to try it out, Walmart currently carries the new Non-Toxic Spot Shot Pet Aerosol and you can download a $1.00 off coupon at: http://www.coupons.com/.

And be sure to check out Spot Shot on Facebook:
Get details about Spot Shot products, coupons and promotions on the Stain Fighting Community Facebook page: www.facebook.com/StainFightingCommunity

Keeping Pets Happy and Cool in the Summer Heat

Pet safety during summertime is always important, but the intense heat this year can make practicing hot weather safety a matter of life or death. Pets are like family members and you want your pet to be happy and comfortable. If you have an indoor or outdoor cat or other pet, it's important to consider how you can keep your furry friend safe on days when the temperatures rise above your pet’s comfort level. These tips can help you be proactive about your pet's safety, while allowing your cat to stay comfortable throughout the summer.

Hot Weather Safety for Outside Pets

• Providing a Cool Place to Rest. A cool, shady place to lie down is important for outside pets. A dog might appreciate having a kiddie pool to lie in, but a cat probably won't use one. Cats and dogs alike will seek out cool areas in a shady garden where the soil is naturally cooler. Cement areas in the shade also provide a nice area to keep cool.



Outdoor waters like this one give your dog
access to fresh water at all times

 • Sufficient Water. Water is important to keeping your pet cool on a hot summer day. Change the water frequently to keep it fresh and as cool as possible. Toss ice cubes into the water for an extra cool treat.

• A Way into the House. A pet door provides your dog or cat with a way to get inside where it's cool. This is especially helpful if you’ll be away from home while your pet is outside.

Safety Tips for Indoors

• Keep it Cool with Air Conditioning. Set the air conditioning at a comfortable temperature so your pet can keep cool while you're at work. To ensure your air conditioner provides as much cool air as possible, change the filter at least once a month.

• Fresh Water Daily. Sufficient water supply indoors is just as important as it is outdoors, even if the temperature is cooler. It's better to err on the side of caution and leave out a bowl of water that's too big than to return home and find your pet's water bowl completely empty.

• Close Pet Doors While Away. It's wise to close or lock the door to prevent your furry friend from going outside on extremely hot days. Most dogs can make it for several hours before they have to go to the bathroom. If you have a puppy or older pet, hire a pet sitter to let them out once a day. Some cats enjoy going outside, but it's not necessary since a cat can use an indoor litter box.

Prevent Heat-Related Conditions

Most pet owners have good intentions and don't set out to put their pet at risk of heat exhaustion. As much as your pet might enjoy car rides, it's best not to bring your dog or cat in the car with you unless you can bring him or her inside once you arrive at your destination. The temperature of a closed car, or even one with the windows cracked open, can get hot fast and put your pet in potential danger.

If your cat shows signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, staggering or disorientation, wrap his or her body in cold, wet towels, mist with cool water and place an ice pack nearby. Quickly take your pet to the veterinarian to get life-saving, professional care. Fast action is imperative to safeguard your pet's health.

The best approach to heat-related safety issues is one that's proactive. Know how to keep your pet cool and follow through with it each day.

Cameron Tyler loves his pets and replaces his air filters every month to make sure his pets stay nice and cool in the summertime.

Pet Safety: Poisons

Click to view a larger image

Interview: Lindsay's Pet Sitting in Waterloo, WI

Who watches your pets when you're away on vacation? Many of us are lucky enough to have a trusted friend or family member to care for our pets when we're away, but sometimes that's not a possibility. There are many pet sitters available for hire--it can be overwhelming with all the choices! It's hard to know which pet sitter is best qualified, who you can trust with your pets, and who will treat your pets with the same love and respect you give them. It's even more difficult when you live in rural Dane County, outside of the service area of many Madison-based pet sitters. Mad About Pets wants to make your job a little easier: meet Lindsay's Pet Sitting! Lindsay's Pet Sitting is based out of Waterloo, Wisconsin and serves other surrounding communities. Lindsay is a lifelong pet lover and has over 20 years of professional experience with animals. She was kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an exclusive interview about her pet sitting business. Get to know Lindsay, your new favorite pet sitter!

Lindsay and pals

What is your personal background with pets? Do you currently have any of your own?

I have been working with all kinds of animals since I was 6-7 years old. I grew up with a bunch too: dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles (iguanas, chamelions, etc), rodents (gerbils, mice, rats, etc), and of course fish. (In fact, my parents took a picture of me in my crib touching nose-to-nose with our Dachshund Charlie.) If I wasn't in school, I was attending animal care classes, dog training classes, and helping care for family's and friends' pets. I started training dogs when I was 14-15 years old in obedience, and when I was 16 I worked my first job at the Washington County Humane Society as an animal caregiver. I just continued working in various animal jobs up until currently. The list of places include the Dodge Country Humane Society as an animal caregiver, adoption counselor, receptionist, and working with the Beaver Dam Police Department for animal/stray control and on cruelty cases. I also worked at Dane County Humane Society, Spring Harbor Animal Hospital as a caregiver and vet assistant, I was a manager at a dog daycare, I worked at Pet Supermarket in Madison, and various boarding kennels around the state. I also have done animal behavior modification for aggressive dogs and cats over the years, through the humane societies and with various dog trainers. I also have volunteered at various humane societies for vaccination clinics. I have worked with all breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds (including cockatiels and parrots), chinchillas, ferrets, snakes, lizards, amphibians, sugar gliders, and SO many more. I was always doing something with animals on my free time as I grew up.

Willie and Laurel, two of Lindsay's cats

What made you decide to pursue pet sitting?

I have always enjoyed caring for people's pets. It was always a natural thing for friends and family to contact me to care for their pets. They knew I had a strong passion for animal care, had a good rapport with animals, and made a connection that was very spiritual with the animals. 3 years ago I moved to Waterloo due to a divorce. At that time I noticed there weren't many options for boarding around this area. As I met people, and they found out what I did for a living, they asked me to care for their pets. (I was also hearing from a number of people they were upset with the boarding prices at many of the facilities around and that it was inconvienient to drive 20-30 miles one way to board their pet. PLUS their pets were anxiety-ridden about being boarded in a kennel.) I was commuting to my job at a pet care facility on Nesbitt Rd in Madison 5 days a week, driving a total of 500 miles a week. There came a point I couldn't drive that much, due to gas prices, anymore. This past February I decided to market my own pet sitting services. I figured with over 20 years of animal care experience under my belt, and other qualifications (which I'll mention in a bit) and the need in this community for this kind of service, I felt it was a good fit. Animal care has always been a passion, I honestly couldn't envision being happy doing anything else.

Do you have any special training or qualifications that set you apart as a pet sitter?

Besides my previous experience mentioned, in 1997 I took a 3 month Humane Education Class at the Hinsdale Humane Society in Hinsdale, Illinois. I also attended an animal behavior class and lecture while I was working at the Dodge County Humane Society (the class taught how to reduce stress in shelter animals). Then, back in July of 2010 I completed a course for Emergency First Aid for Pets at Emergency Medical Training Services out of Brookfield, WI (run by an instructor through the Red Cross), and became certified in animal CPR and Heimlich. My pet sitting is also fully insured through American Family Insurance.

Lindsay's sugar gliders

What kinds of animals do you serve? Do you have any restrictions?

I care for all kinds of animals. I have no restrictions. Dogs (all breeds, I'm 100% comfortable around Rottweilers, Dobermans, Shepherds, and the bully breeds), cats, birds, rabbits, exotics (chinchillas, sugar gliders, wildlife, etc), lizards, repitles (yes even snakes-I have no fear of them), amphibians, and even livestock (I have clients who have llamas, sheep, steers, horses, etc). I have always had dogs and cats of my own, but I've also had 2 chinchillas and 4 ferrets in the past. I've grown up with Great Danes, Bassets, and a Shepherd/Collie mix, so I'm used to BIG dogs. I've also rehabilitated a red squirrel and a grey squirrel. Currently, I have 7 cats, 2 dogs (a Basset Hound and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi/Miniature Poodle mix), a mini-lop bunny, 5 sugar gliders, 2 gerbils, and two 50 gallon fish tanks. One of the tanks is all chichlids (which are aggressive fish), the other tank is a community tank with a Snakeskin Gourami, various species of tetras, etc which are non-aggressive fish. So, as you can see, this passion still carries on in my personal life.

Contact Lindsay's Pet Sitting to see if you're in her service area!

Where is your service area?

My service area is Waterloo, Watertown, Lake Mills, Marshall, Sun Prairie, and all the country roads in-between.

Why should Mad About Pets' readers hire Lindsay's Pet Sitting over other pet sitters?

As I tell everyone, I take animal care seriously. Animals can't speak, and they trust us, so we need to show them that respect and love back and work to understand them and their needs. In my eyes, animal care doesn't take a vacation, just because it's a holiday and everyone else is not working, that doesn't mean your pets don't need care during that time. I apply that dedication to every single animal I care for. I am always flexible and don't mind working through the holidays. I'm a no-nonsense kind of person. In my eyes, someone saying on paper why they're "the best" is a good selling point, but it's the personal connection I make with the owner and the pets (and my experience) that speaks for itself. Pet sitting IS my full time job, I do not have another full-time job. This is considered a part-time position, but I also am the Alderperson for Ward 4/5 on the Waterloo City Council currently. I also am on the Community Development Committee, Public Safety and Health Committee, the Plan Commission, and the Library Board. So, I'm very involved with the community, and serving the public politically has run through generations of my family. Everyone from my great aunt, to my grandma, then my mom (she also was the Municipal Court Judge in Horicon as I was growing up) have "politically served" either in their communities, and even in Washington D.C.

Willie and Bella

Where can readers find more information about Lindsay's Pet Sitting?

As I tell everyone, my preferred method of finding out about my services is to call me at 608-279-4264. While email is ok, I prefer speaking to an actual person, I believe there is a level of respect due when working with people's pets. Email, or any other electronic method, is very impersonal in my opinion, and I pride myself on establishing a real-life in-person bond with someone. Otherwise for simple inquiries people can check out my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lindsayspetsitting or email me: kitt...@gmail.com