The following is a variety of articles to make your home environment a happy and content place to live - and tips on home maintenance, home improvement, pet care, feeding, exercize. In other words - helping make the life of the home owner easier, simpler and just plain happy. Can we motivate you, can we inspire you ... I hope so.

Preparing Your Home For A Cat...

Owning a cat can be fun and rewarding for any age group. However, bringing a cat into your home does require some forward planning. When he/she arrives they will want to explore their new surroundings and get acquainted with everything as quickly as possible. You can help to speed up the settling in process by preparing your house before their arrival. Apart from purchasing all the necessary equipment, you will need to cat proof your home, check out your local boarding facilities and choose a veterinary surgeon.

• There are several basic and essential items that you will require for your new cat.
  • Litter tray, cat litter and litter scoop - This will always be required if your cat stays indoors. 
  • Cat food - It is probably a good idea to find out what food your cat has been used to, so that you can feed the same. This will help with the settling in process. 
  • Basket and bedding - Make sure it is as warm and comfortable as possible. 
  • Pet carrier - This will make visits to the vets or boarding kennels easier and safer.
  • Collar and tag - even if your cat stays indoors, there is still a chance of it getting out and becoming lost.
  • Brush and comb - It is important to keep your cat's coat in good condition.

  • Toys and scratching post - These are important for your cat's health and well-being.

Many of these items, along with food, neutering or spaying, annual inoculations and pet insurance, can be costly. You must, therefore, consider the cost involved in owning a cat before rushing out to get one. As cats can live for over twenty years, your decision should not be made lightly.  Not buying a dog for Christmas, should also apply to cats. As well as expense, it is important to consider your present circumstances before purchasing a cat. Any major upheavals in your home such as building work, decorating or large gatherings of family and friends could be frightening for your new arrival. It makes much more sense to wait until everything has quietened down and everyone is more relaxed.  Deciding on the type of cat you wish to purchase - pedigree or non-pedigree, kitten or adult cat - and where you are going to purchase it from, is something else you must decide. As well as personal preference, your decision should also be based on your circumstances. For example, a young kitten may not be suitable for an elderly person, just as an older cat may not be suitable for young children. However, with the right person, both can make extremely rewarding companions.  If you spend a large amount of the day out of the house, then it might be an idea to consider two kittens or cats. Two will be company for one another, especially when you go away on holiday. Having more than one may be additional expense and work, but in the long run, they will be more content and less destructive around the house.

Cats are certainly very inquisitive creatures by nature and, very much like young children, will see many everyday items in the home as exciting new toys to play with.  Unfortunately, the average house is full of potential hazards; so it is important to check your home thoroughly to ensure the safety and well-being of your cat.  Houseplants can also pose a threat to your feline friend, as some of them are poisonous. Some cats appear to be able to sense when a plant is poisonous but to be on the safe side, it is best to check the safety of any plants you already have in the house as well as any you purchase.  Other living areas of the house may contain hidden dangers too, such as telephone leads, computer cables and any other type of electrical cables. Cats will adore these and will again see them as something exciting to play with - apart from potentially pulling equipment down on themselves, they may chew through cables and electrocute themselves. If possible, computer equipment is best kept in a room on its own with the door shut. Any loose and dangling leads should be placed behind things out of the way, or contained in a piece of conduit. This should help to protect them from feline attention.  If you live in a flat or an apartment, open windows could also be a hazard, as your cat will soon learn how to get through them and may not appreciate that there is a long drop below. You may have to attach a piece of mesh to the opening. Balconies can also pose a threat; so a mesh framework covered with climbing plants may act as a deterrent.  If your cat is free to roam around outside, it may come across all kinds of dangers in other gardens, but you can at least ensure that yours is as safe as possible. Think again about poisonous plants, insecticides, slug pellets, etc. All these items can be lethal to your cat.

Just like dogs, dog beds come in all shapes and sizes. Moreover, they come in a wide variety of materials and with a diversity of prices. A dog bed can be as simple as a mat upon the floor or as extravagant as a real piece of furniture. What you buy depends partly on your personal taste, the type of dog that you have, and the age of your dog.  Obviously, the bed has to be large enough to comfortably hold your dog. Plus, it has to be something that your dog is willing to sleep on every day. Older dogs that have acquired new owners may not allow the new owner much choice when it comes to selecting their sleeping location.  

Selecting a dog bed should be done carefully considering the fact that your dog will be spending quite a bit of time in it. Do you want the dog to have a hard, sturdy bed such as a basket that you can put blankets inside for softness and comfort? This would make the task of keeping the dog’s bed clean relatively easy. All you would have to do is throw the blankets into the washing machine.  However, if your dog is still in the teething stages or simply loves to chew, you may want to consider getting him a bed that he cannot tear to shreds. The best way to figure out what type of bed would be best for your dog is to watch him each night to see how he likes to sleep.

Is your dog the one who looks for a small, cozy, hidden spot to tuck himself away in? If so, then you may want to get him a hooded dog bed. Does he climb up on the furniture and make himself at home? If so, then a sofa dog bed, a donut dog bed, or a shaped dog bed might be the perfect thing for him.  You have so many options to choose from simply because manufacturers have begun to think of dogs as members of the family and the variety of available dog bed styles reflects this. Think about your dog’s comfort and about the available space that you have for the bed. Shop around and compare styles as well as prices. First, however, take a glance at the listing below to get a better idea of exactly what is available for you and your dog.

Basket dog beds are generally made from wicker. Due to their rough surface, you will need to provide some blankets or pillows for your dog’s comfort.  Donut dog beds resemble donuts in that they have raised sides and a depression or hole in the center. A donut bed allows the dog to feel safe, secure, and snug if the bed is the right size for his body.  Hooded dog beds have an upper portion that arches over to the other side of the bed. This type of bed is excellent for those dogs that like their privacy, are shy, or simply like to hide away from the world around them.  Reversible dog beds have the same premise as reversible comforters for humans. Sometimes you simply get bored with what you have and you need a little change. A reversible dog bed flips over or maybe inside out to expose a different pattern or color fabric.  Round dog beds have one depth for the entire bed. There are no raised edges, indentations, arches, or corners. This type of bed is completely level and obviously, round in shape. Of course, this bed is also soft and comfortable.  Shaped beds are those that have been constructed to resemble some object or animal. For example, the bed may have the appearance of a truck, wagon, or sled. In fact, if you look hard enough, you can probably find almost anything that you wanted the dog bed to look like.  Sofa dog beds are for the dog whose owners truly include him as part of the family. The dog bed is in the shape of a sofa. It looks like a miniature sofa and is available in a variety of colors.

The Benefits Of Homemade Dog Food...

Whether your dog is a fussy eater or not, making homemade dog food for him is one of the healthiest things that you can do. Of course, it is easier to make dog food for your dog if he isn't a fussy eater. Otherwise, you will probably have to go through a trial and error period where you prepare batches and batches of homemade dog food until you find a recipe that he will actually eat. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t prepare a nutritious meal for your dog either. After all, with the exception of a few types of meat that really don’t wind up in dog food much anymore, dog food makers actually use the same type of foods that we do. If you don’t believe it, read the label on a can of dog food.

Why would anyone want to go through the extra work to prepare food for his or her dog at home rather than purchasing it in the supermarket or at the pet store? For one thing, you get to control what goes into your dog’s food and therefore, you can pay special attention to his nutritional needs.

Secondly, it may actually be cheaper to prepare homemade dog food rather than purchasing it in a can at the store. Even if you buy it in bulk or on sale, canned dog food can be costly, especially if your dog is a finicky eater and prefers the better and more expensive brands.

Thirdly, your dog might just like the taste of it better than the canned variety. Some canned varieties have added fillers, artificial flavorings, or animal by products. The taste may not be as natural or as flavorful as the kind that you will be making.

Fourth, the time that you take to prepare it can be additional bonding time for the two of you. One of you can work in the kitchen preparing the food, while the other is watching the one that’s working. Your dog will probably be doing more than watching though, because he’ll probably be drooling as well, as the aroma of the food begins to waft over to his nostrils to kick start his salivary glands.

At any rate, preparing homemade dog food is simpler than you think. One of the easiest meats to prepare for this venture is ground meat. In fact, ground turkey has less fat and is easier to digest than ground beef, so I suggest that you use that. Ground veal is another good option. However, it is usually more expensive, plus it may not be available in your supermarket.

Avoid adding salt or oil since you probably don’t need it. The extra salt will make your dog thirsty and it really isn’t good for him. Cook the meat on slow, stirring or turning it constantly to allow the juices to remain inside the meat. Once the juices have turned clear, the meat is fully cooked.

If necessary, you can use a bit of soy bean oil to keep the meat from sticking to the pan. Additionally, you can add some beef or chicken broth to the pan while cooking the meat.

If you plan on adding vegetables, you can add precooked vegetables when the meat appears to be almost finished cooking. Additionally, you can add raw vegetables in the beginning of the cooking stage provided you have diced them into small pieces.

When selecting the vegetables that you will add, attempt to use some that have the most nutritional value for your dog in regard to vitamin content. Ideally, green vegetables are always a good option. Once your dog has finished eating his homemade brand of dog food, look to see exactly which vegetables he left in his dish if any. Whatever he left, he isn’t going to eat, so don’t include it with the next batch that you make.

Puppy Potty Training - Little Drops of Wisdom...

Puppy potty training is an action phrase that on thought alone could give new owners bouts of stomach pains and fits of frustration, or actually sway a nay decision for would-be dog owners. Yet, to think that way about puppy potty training is to be a "glass is half empty" type of person. A "glass is half full" person would see puppy potty training as a one-on-one, bonding experience with a new canine friend. That is exactly how we want you to look at potty training-a bonding experience, albeit a sometimes stinky and wet one.  

Puppy Potty Training: The Challenges

If puppy potty training had a creed it would be that potty training gets worse just before its get better. For dog owners the most challenging part of puppy potty training is the period just before the puppy “gets it”, so please keep that in mind. One day you may think all is lost and see nothing is your future but the back aches of wiping up accidents, then one day you realize that your dog hasn’t peed in the house for three days. When that day comes, trust me, you’ll feel like you just inherited Bill Gates’ fortune. It will take a minute to sink in, but then you’ll rejoice and tell everyone who will listen.

Puppy Potty Training: You’re in it Together

Remember, you can’t expect your puppy to train himself, or to get the hang of things with a half-hearted training program on your part. This is a full-time commitment. This isn’t like that oath you made to work out five days a week, which is now actually two days a month (okay, that was my oath, but you get the picture.) Also, don’t forget to train yourself to read your puppy’s signs and when he’s making a plea to pee. Puppy potty training is not only for your dog (and your floors), but for you as well. It is an exhilarating feeling when your puppy runs to you with puppy dog eyes and in dog speak says, “I need to go out,” and you respond. It is a sign that you’re making progress. A puppy that knows he can rely on a dependable owner to respond to his signs is a happy, healthy, responsive puppy that is going to let you know. On the flip side, if you don’t respond, your puppy will know you’re not there for him, and he’ll go to someone who listens—the floor.

New Puppies: No Training Required

Some puppy potty training guides advise new owners to buy puppies that were already trained by a breeder or handler. We say, phooey—get whichever dog you like. Besides, anyone who has ever searched for a new pet knows that we don’t pick them, they pick us. Why should a puppy that wasn’t “bred” to sell, or dog from a shelter be deprived of a good home because his former owner didn’t train him? Dogs are smart and easily trained, so commit to whichever puppy or dog you want, and see how rewarding it is to train or retrain your new buddy.

The Difference Between Potty Training and Housebreaking

The term potty training is used today instead of housebreaking. You’ll notice this “term” when speaking with vets, trainers, or reading books. Housebreaking was often a process that involved scolding, sticking your dog’s face in accidents, and other animal cruelties. The old way of housebreaking was a mind set that the dog was going to do what the owner wanted, when the owner wanted him to do it. If the new puppy messed up he was punished in a way that would make him think twice before doing it again. That treatment is not acceptable today. If you are researching trainers, and he/she uses the term “housebreak” that can be a clue as to their methods and mindset. As it should, treatment of animals has evolved, and so a smarter more humane approach to training is used.

Let me give you a quick example of one aspect of puppy potty training. You walk into your kitchen and see a puddle on the floor. Your curious puppy is soon by your side to see what you’re up to. You point to the puddle while looking at your puppy and say, “no.” You’re not yelling, or touching your dog, you’re just showing your displeasure. Immediately take your puppy outside to the place you want him to pee. After he pees, praise him, give him a treat, pet him, and let him see how happy you are. Your puppy’s tail is probably up and wagging, meaning he is happy. This is just one part of the training process, but it gives you an example of how positive reinforcement works. Puppy potty training today is a combination of training your puppy, training yourself to read your puppy’s signs, establishing your rank in the “pack” without abuse or cruelty, using a crate at specific times, and feeding your puppy at specific times of the day to establish a regular schedule. Of course, rewarding your dog for his successes is a huge part of the program. 

Pet Depression & Separation Anxiety...

Pets develop emotional bonds to their human owners and when separated from them, pets may suffer from depression and separation anxiety. There are times when it becomes necessary to be separated from a pet such as when having to be hospitalized or taking a vacation. As much as we may hate being away from a beloved pet, it may actually be a more stressful experience for the animal. 

Most people develop comfort zones and tend to resist change because it disrupts their level of comfort even when the change is positive. Many of us don’t realize that our pets can and often do react in similar ways. They also have their own comfort zones and become closely bonded with the people within their home territory.

When separation occurs and the pet deeply misses those he is closest to, depression may set in. It is not uncommon for a pet to grieve itself to death when its owner dies. Pets can withdraw, become extremely quiet or in some cases even be a bit hostile when separated from the owner.

If separation is unavoidable, for instance, when the owner has to be admitted to the hospital, it is best to try and make arrangements for the pet to be kept by someone such as a friend or family member that the pet is familiar and comfortable with. That way the pet’s stay should be less stressful for both the pet and the owner.

Although many pet owners take their pets along with them on vacation, others may not choose to do so or perhaps cannot do so for various reasons. Those who do not take their pets along on vacation will need to find a reliable caretaker to look after their pet while they are gone.

Another option to consider is a house sitter. Pets are likely to be more comfortable in their owner’s absence if they remain in familiar surroundings rather than being transported to the home of a friend or relative. If possible, it may be a good idea to see if someone you trust and that your pet knows well enough to be comfortable with would be willing to be your house sitter in your absence.

Pets that become depressed when separated from their owners may refuse to eat or drink and may become lethargic. When there is a strong attachment between pet and owner even being separated for a short length of time can cause the pet a fair amount of anxiety. The stress caused by the separation can produce symptoms of physical illness.

If you must leave your pet with someone else during a planned absence such as a vacation, take your pet along with you for a visit to the person’s house that will be caring for the animal, several times in the weeks before you leave. This will give your pet an opportunity to inspect the house, become accustomed to the surroundings and also it will give the animal a chance to interact with the people and any pets in the home. It is better to give your pet a chance to get to know the place where he will be staying rather than abruptly moving him to a strange place at the last minute and then leaving him. It will make the transition easier and hopefully more pleasant for everyone involved.