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Sure a cute kitten is great but adopting an older cat has many great benefits as well. Here are just a few reasons why an older cat can be a great companion:Less destructiveWhile a kitten may flash those big, sympathetic eyes to get out of trouble from destruction, in most cases older cats won’t cause destruction at all. Older cats are likely house-trained and will be less likely to scratch everything up. Nevertheless, a scratch pole is recommended as something to play with. On top of being better behaved, older cats will likely already be litter-trained, giving you a lot less to worry about.Less early life costKittens usually need shots and to get spayed or neutered. Those payments at the...

Walking your dog is ideal exercise, reinforces training, and helps you bond with your pet, and summer is a great time for long, rambling walks. If you are walking on hot asphalt and pavement, however, your dog may be getting something you didn’t bargain for – painful burns and blisters. Fortunately, it is easy to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement without giving up summer walks. How Hot is Hot? Quirky demonstrations of frying eggs, baking cookies, or grilling steaks on a sidewalk can be a dramatic way to understand how hot surfaces can get in the summer, but they don’t accurately measure the surface temperature or convey how quickly your dog’s paws can be burned just by standing...

There are many health benefits to essential oils, including promoting relaxation, improving digestion, balancing hormones, treating skin problems, easing aches, reducing inflammation and more. But are essential oils safe to use on pets, when an animal's reactions may be very different than a human's? What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds derived from plants. Any part of a plant may be used to produce an oil, including leaves, roots, flowers, seeds or bark. The phytochemicals of the plant – the chemicals responsible for distinctive colors, smells or tastes – are extracted and distilled into very potent oils. These oils are popular in all-natural, homeopathic remedies and therapies, and may be consumed, applied topically or inhaled through air...

The seasons are changing quickly this year, which may leave us unprepared to contend with all the things that come with warm weather, especially if you're a pet owner. There are a few things you should keep in mind when caring for your pet this spring and into the summer months. Even with gas prices as inflated as they are, hopping in the car for a joy ride with your canine companion always comes to mind when the sun begins to shine. It is important to avoid leaving your pet in the car on hot days, even with the windows cracked. The interior of a car parked in the sun can reach upwards of 160 degrees, which can lead to...

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for all pets, from chewing and eating to grooming, defense and clean breath. With just a few steps, pet owners can keep their pet's mouth healthy and avoid a range of unpleasant and dangerous health issues that result from poor dental care. Know the Signs The first step to proper pet dental care is recognizing problems so any issues can be addressed immediately. Watch your pet for these signs that indicate their teeth or gums are in trouble… Strong, offensive smells on the breath Swollen or discolored gums (pink is normal) Excessive drooling Pawing at the mouth Trouble chewing or signs of pain while eating Loose or missing teeth If any of these signs...