Cats will use a litter box quite happily unless they start to develop an aversion to going any where near it. Normally something is stopping them from using it. A common reason is that the litter box is not clean enough, and if this is the case you should start to scoop out the soiled litter every day and completely change the litter more frequently.
As every cat owner knows they are picky animals and they may not like where you have placed it, or it is hard to get to. Don’t make the cat have to navigate an obstacle course, how would you like to negotiate one to go to the bathroom. Try moving the litter box to another place.
In the last few years a lot of studies have been done as to how cats behave when in groups. However there may well be stresses for individual cats when you have a collection! You may well be aware that one or even more of the cats are behaving uncharacteristically. They may be marking territory with urination or by urinating in a place that they should not.
Modern research suggests that each cat has their own box, plus an extra litter tray. That enables the cat to have a choice with which cats or cats they share the bathroom with. If that is not possible due to space restraints then give them more than one to choose from. It is always a good idea to place these in two different rooms. One cat mat prefer a litter box on tiles whilst another on a softer surface. Modern research also suggests that cats have memories they associate a certain place with pain. This means that if the cat has had a urinary infection, and pain it is reminded of that when it goes to the toilet after the infection has cleared up. A cat is capable of association and if it avoids the cat litter tray it thinks it avoids pain. Cats have a small threshold for dealing with change they do not develop anxiety when separated from their owner in the same sense that dogs do, but they be reacting to change by spoiling one of your areas when you out. It is important to realize that a cat is not punishing you it is not personal they are exhibiting feelings of anxiety.
Although nice weather may tempt us to take our dogs in the car with us, we should pay attention to the fact that the inside of a car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even when parked in the shade. Dogs cannot perspire (their only option is panting and using the pads of their feat) and confinement in a hot car can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and in some cases, death. Even an air-conditioned car with the motor off is not totally safe or healthy. Being “gone for a minute” does not ensure the safety of your dog.
If you cannot leave your dog to cool and get refreshed at home, make sure to take it out of the car occasionally. Moreover, if you see another dog alone in a car for quite some time, alert someone in the store where the car is parked.
One should always think of one’s dog in case of disasters. What if an accident closes the roads and you cannot get to your dog? This is why you should plan ahead of time.
You should arrange for a trusted neighbor who is frequently at home to take care of evacuating your dog in case of an emergency. Another good idea is to keep a three-day supply of your dog’s food, medicine, veterinary records and leash ready in a pet carrier.
It is also crucial, in cases of severe weather alert, to make sure that a friend’s name and number is also available. This can be ensured by putting a piece of duct tape on the dog’s collar with the extra information.
When preparing to travel by car with a cat, the plans usually involve more than putting the animal in a car and driving off, especially when you intend to travel long distances.
The first step is to accustom your cat to short rides well before the trip itself. This will help to prevent your cat from getting nervous or agitated and will help to lessen the effects of motion sickness. However, if, after a number of practice trips, your cat keeps crying excessively or becomes sick, you are advised to consult your veterinarian.
Another safety precaution is restraining your cat in the car. Cats are normally comfortable in pet carriers, which can be purchased in various sizes in pet stores. Besides giving cats a sense of security and providing them with familiar surroundings, you can easily secure these car seats with a seat belt or a specially designed carrier restraint.
If you believe that you need exercise to keep energetic, healthy, more flexible, live longer and feel better, then you have to believe that your dog need the same thing you do: exercise.
The best method to start with is to start slowly, preferably with paced walking and swimming for 15 minutes a day. This can be later moved to jogging and then to running.
However, a few precautions have to be taken: first, watch for sign of fatigue or trouble in breathing, and if you notice any, stop immediately. Secondly, be patient at the beginning and do not let your dog overdo the exercises. Thirdly, to keep on the safe side, always keep your dog on the leash. Fourthly, try to run your dog on dirt paths or grass, especially on hot days. Lastly, take some water with you, especially if your dog is usually active.
NOTE: Do not forget to ask your dog’s vet about the fitness routine before you actually start.