Taking Pets On Road Trips - What You Need To Know

By Tim Lambert

No Heads Out Windows: It's very unsafe for you to let your dogs stick their heads out the window while you are driving. It is an easy way for your pet to get injured by flying debris form the road. You should also never let your pet travel in the bed of your truck. There are so many things that can go wrong (some not even your fault) that this is illegal is most states.

Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.

Give Them Plenty Of Water: At each rest stop make sure to have some water available for your pet to drink from. Sometimes car travel will upset your pets stomach and this will give it something to help prevent sickness. Something that a lot of people recommend is to take ice cubes on road-trips as they're a fun way for your pet to get their needed re-hydration and it doesn't take up as much room as bringing lots of water will.

Dont Feed Them Extra: You should keep the snacks to a minimum on any long road trip. Fast-food and any other traveler-friendly eateries should not be seen as food sources for your pet. That means no feeding them leftovers as well! That type of food will typically result in poor bowel movement or worse, end up with a sick pet.

Don't Leave Them Alone In The Car: Don't leave your pets alone in your car while you run errands. On summer days the inside of your car can easily reach 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows cracked open. Pet thieves also have been known to prey on pets left alone in cars at rest stops, so prevent their attempts by keeping your pets at your side.

Don't Let Them Run Around The Car: Always keep your pet safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel dog kennel are the safest ways to keep your pets restrained and out of harms way. These will not only keep your pet from injury, but they also prevent your pet from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness works just like a regular seatbelt. Let your pet wear the harness for a while before you go on your first road trip. This will get them familiar with the harness and you'll be able to adjust it for optimal comfort. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that it has amble ventilation. If you have a large car or SUV, you might want to consider using a vehicle barrier. Always remember that the passenger seat is the last place your pet should ever be sitting while your car is moving.

Staying Safe and Comfortable: Comfort should be a priority regardless of how you choose to travel with your pets. Just as it's important for your seat to be comfortable on long road trips, your pet's seat should be comfortable too (by seat we mean seating area). Usually your pets favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick to quickly put them at ease. If you don't mind spending the extra money, there are many different pet travel seats available that you can buy which are designed with your pets safety and comfort in mind. - 31851

About the Author:

To read more pet travel tips visit the Online Pet Vet and get answers to your own pet questions.

You Can Train Cat! There Are Loads Best Methods For Toilet Training Kittens

By Franko Marko

If you have recently got a cute new pet in the shape of a kitten or cat then you are going to have to know how to housetrain them. There is nothing worse than finding cat litter all over your floor and in hidden places. It is important to start the training as early as possible, litter tray and toilet training cats can be a very long process, you will require patience and resilience.

To begin with you are going to have to get your new pet to use a litter tray. This should be a comfortable size for them so that they can turn around easily. You need to buy a litter product that absorbs the smell and is easy to clean. The tray needs to be put in an area of the house which is not difficult for the cat to reach as well as being out of the way and private. Do not keep it in the same location as the cat's food or where they sleep, also keep in mind the smells it may give off.

It is best to let them use the litter tray for a number of weeks before you start to think of training them to use the toilet. It is possible to train any cat to use a household toilet if you are determined. It is far easier to do this if you have more than one bathroom or toilet in your home.

Once they are comfortable using the litter tray you can move it towards the bathroom, if you are in a smaller property then you can do it in one go. You then need to let the cat get use to the new location, you may need to guide it at first. After another week or so you can start to raise the height of the tray. This is best done in stages until it is at the same level as the toilet seat. The tray should then be placed next to the toilet.

The next stage is a big jump for your cat so it may take some extra patience. You need to buy a litter pan which fits under the toilet seat. This should be filled with the exact litter as is in the tray. It may help to leave both the tray and the pan up for a few days and then take away the litter tray.

The final stage of the training is when you remove the pan completely from the toilet. This can be traumatic for the cat at first as the sight of a long drop filled with water can cause trepidation. You may have to give them a helping hand and encouragement.

It is possible to train a cat of any age to use a toilet but the younger they are the easier it will be. Remember that if you have a kitten it may be too small to safely use a toilet.

Remember that cats are territorial, they are likely to only use that one toilet in your home and not every bathroom that you have. - 31851

About the Author:

TrainKitty.com is a great resource for training your feline friend(s) - we offer loads of great info on Toilet Training Cats and much more => http://trainkitty.com/

Should You Buy An Automatic Litter Box?

By Angela Suarez

The automatic litter box is a great idea and definitely a time saver if you have a busy schedule. Cleaning the litter box is not the most favorite chore in the world but is definitely important if you want your cat to stay happy and to keep using the box.

Be prepared to invest some money in this type of box. They are not cheap, but many owners claim that the costs are well worth the time it saves.

If you are searching for the best automatic box for your kitty and for you then ask yourself a few questions to see if it would be a good fit:

Do you want to be able to choose whichever type of litter that happens to be on sale at the moment?

Do you think your cat will have a problem with switching to a different litter?

Are you okay with buying refill cartridges every month or other month?

Remember that owning an automatic litter box does not free you completely from cleaning the litter box; it only lightens your chores.

When you opt for an automatic litter box and if you love to cut coupons and buy any old type of litter that is on sale, you will not be able to shop around for those new brands anymore.

You can no longer use just any litter you want, because your box will not work as well or might not work at all!

If you have no problems buying the same litter and are okay with the price of said litter then that is one less concern you should have that most users complain about.

Got a picky cat? If she does not like "new things," such as having her litter switched and perhaps having a brand new foreign, noisy box, then think about what her reaction might be to it.

If the electric box requires the use of crystals or hard pellets, realize that your cat may not like walking over something new (at first) if she is picky about her litter.

Elderly cats may even refuse to use litters such as large pellets or hard crystals.

One issue that some automatic box owners forget is the cleaning and maintenance issue. Just because the box is an automatic does not free you from cleaning it completely.

The box will definitely need to be cleaned regularly and cartridges or compartments that hold the poop will need to be either refilled or emptied out (depending on which box you choose).

If you purchase a box that needs cartridges replaced every month then consider the extra cost that it will add up to.

It is important to consider these little extras before you make that purchase, and if you still feel the advantages outweigh the extra cost then go for it! - 31851

About the Author:

Looking to find the best automatic litter box? Visit www.cat-litter-critic.com to find cat litter reviews submitted by cat fans like you.

What You Need To Know About Flying With Pets

By Dennis Marshall

Up until just recently, pets have only been welcome on airplanes if they're flying with the luggage stored beneath the plane. One of the main concerns we have with this old practice is that most luggage compartments aren't properly shielded to keep out the extreme hot and cold temperatures that occur during flight. This then goes from bad to worse if they're forced to remain locked in their cage for hours on end when your flight gets delayed. While you're up in the terminal trying to finish that book you brought they're suffering in a dark compartment with practically no room to move around. If a traveling pet becomes ill during flight there is no way of monitoring, let alone being able to assist the animal until the flight has landed in their scheduled destination. As you can imagine this has resulted in countless tragic pet deaths over the years. Due to the growing concern for animals traveling with their owners in the air, most airline companies now enforce stricter training for their baggage handlers, even requiring them to report any adverse incidents to the Department of Transportation. In addition to that most will refuse passage to animals during extreme weather and during the hottest months of summer.

If your pet is a small animal than you've got it pretty easy as far as travel preparation is concerned. The large majority of airlines these days will allow you to bring your small dog or cat with you onto the plane as long as both the animal and pet carrier weigh no more than 40 pounds and can fit underneath the seat in front of you (please don't even think of trying to put them in an overhead bin!). Due to allergies and passenger discomfort though there usually is a limit to the number of pets allowed on any given flight to if you're planning on taking your pet with you just make sure to notify them of your travel buddy as soon as possible.

Every airline tends to have different policies towards people traveling with their pets which include both pets traveling in pet carriers as well as larger dogs who have to travel in kennels beneath the plane. To be on the safe side, always contact your airline ahead of time to learn what their policies and conditions are so that you won't run the risk of endangering your pet. Airline personnel can also help you find the best flight time available to keep any changes in temperature to a minimal. For instance flights in the early morning or late evening are the best during the summer seasons.

Wether your pet is traveling with you in a pet carrier or below in a dog kennel there are a few precautions you should follow so that the experience is a pleasant one for both you and your four-legged friend. Make sure that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to your departure day. While they are there make sure your pet is all caught up with their shots, especially any rabies vaccinations as you'll be required by law to show proof of vaccination when you first arrive at the airport (so make sure you still have all the necessary papers, if not then have your vet provide you with temporary copies to use for the trip). It's also important to know that federal law prohibits airlines from allowing any animal thats younger than eight weeks old to travel on a commercial flight. Lastly, don't show up late to pick up your pet once they've arrived. It's not the airlines responsibility to take care of your pet once the plane has landed not to mention the animal is most likely in need of a bathroom break so be on time!

As far as what to look for in dog kennels just make sure whatever you get is a sturdy container with hard-walls and ventilated on at least two opposing sides (to allow for proper airflow circulation). Being free from any knobs on the outside is handy as it will catch on surrounding items less often when moving it. In addition to that your kennel should be marked with a large label at least one inch tall that reads "Live Animal" to let any baggage handler immediately know to take care when moving the container. For pet carriers you should look for ones that are just big enough to where your pet can stand up on all four legs, turn around and lie down without much maneuvering. Almost all pet carriers these days are made with airline regulations in mind so the key thing is to look for one that's sturdy on the outside by soft on the inside. That way your pet will have a little cushioning in case of a bumpy ride. Lastly both the kennel as well as any pet carrier should have a water-resistant bottom lining to contain any accidents that might occur if your pet becomes startled mid-flight. Even some of the best house-trained animals will have accidents sometimes when startled by a rough case of turbulence so it's better to be on the safe side. With both kennel and carrier you should also have papers either taped to the outside or placed in one of the side-zip compartments detailing your vet's contact information, any important medical or dietary requirements that your pet might require as well as a copy of your entire travel itinerary.

At the end of the day you need to remember that not all pets can handle the experience of traveling on a plane at high-altitude. Anything from sudden changes in cabin pressure to being in a confined space can result in your pet having a negative reaction to the whole experience. If your pet is the type that is sensitive to loud noises or other environmental changes then you might want to talk it over with your vet before committing to any travel plans. - 31851

About the Author:

Still have pet questions? Head on over to OnlinePetAnswers.com and submit them to be answered for free by our online veterinarians.

Cleaning Your Cat Litter Box The Easy Way

By James Litterman

Could there anything worse for cat or cat owner than a smelly litter cat litter box.

For almost everyone, the cat litter box is the worst of part of owning a cat as a pet. Cleaning it is a job you never wish to do. And, those who have to clean it can find themselves more vulnerable to cat diseases that are present there. For Sure, it's a awful job but it doesn't have to be too difficult either.

There are many new cat litter boxes being designed to make the job, well, far easier. Just one of them is the hooded litter box. They give the privacy to cats who are more sensitive and they as well keep dust down considerably. They are ideal of a single cat owner as long as as long as you clean them regularly. For those who do not want to handle the litter you may use removable liners for these type of cat litter boxes. You are able to lift out the whole liner and throw it out. All you need to do is put in a new liner and then add fresh litter to it.

Self Cleaning Boxes

Another alternative available to you is the self cleaning cat litter box. These are perfect for families that have many cats. Or they are the perfect alternative for anyone who does not want to have to deal with it. A rake removes the soiled cat litter in to a removable receptacle which leaves the litter box clean. All you have to do is to discard the contents of the receptacle right in to the trash.

To learn your kitten how to use its litter box, all you need to do is to locate it in the right spot and keep it very clean. Your cat litter box should never be sited near to wear your pet sleeps even worse near where its food is located.

Once in a satisfactory site, you'll want to let your pet what the cat litter box is used for. To do this, you need to place your pet in the box and rake your fingers through the litter. Your pet cat may make up one's mind to start utilizing the box right away. When your cat does, praise him greatly. If he just wants out, play with your cat a a couple of minutes and then put him back in. You should repeat this several times but don't push it. You do not wish to make him frustrated.

When To Use The Box?

About ten to fifteen minutes after your cat eats, put him back into the cat litter box. When he uses it, praise him for doing so. When he is sleeping, watch him so that you can take him to the litter box as he rouses.

Remember that cats respond better to praise than been told off. If he becomes angry or frustrated, you never accomplish anything. Position the box in the spot where he most often has accidents and encourage him to use it.

A cat may stop using their litter box if it is not kept clean. Virtually all cats will continue to use the litter box once they have done so several times, but you need to keep it clean. Likewise, a dirty litter box can cause cat health problems so make for certain to always keep it clean.

These are some quick and simple tips to keeping your cat's litter box clean. If you employ them your cat will be your best friend for life. - 31851

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box, then visit James Littermans webweb site on how to choose the best Self Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes for your needs.

Cat Water Fountain - The Story

By Maaxbi Hatqo

Every feline owner can provide a cat a bowl, but will he or she drink from it? Not if they can acquire at fresh flowing water. So instead of continuously shooing them off of the counter or taking them out of the sink, why not invest in a kitty water fountain and offer them their own personal supply of fresh, flowing water?

A kitty usually needs good water to equal concerning two and a half times the quantity of dry food she eats. High heat temperature, exercise or lactation can double or triple the water necessities. Simple to use fountain that able to allow your feline with the water she needs is always a sensible idea.

feline water fountain is an excellent solution to offer your cats all water they need, because you'll not have to leave the faucet dripping all day. Some fountain are driven by quiet electrical motors to produce a nonstop, trickling flow of filtered water and integrated with a container to store recent water for your cat. While others recirculate the water via a charcoal filter to get rid of dirt like kitty hair and different debris that can offer your cats a clean and healthy water supply.

If you allow out your kitty drink with a dirty stagnant water in a bowl, they might get sick. Your feline bowl purported to be rinsed frequently and periodically disinfected with a gentle bleach and water solution. Untreated water from puddles or ponds can harbor bacteria or parasites that can provide negative impact on feline healthiness, by providing recent water drinking source will ensure your feline healthiness.

This fact especially true if your cat is older or sick. A normal water consumption ensure to prevents cat urinary tract problem and constipation, especially for older cats. A cat water fountain is a great option to encourage her to drink more water.

Water fountain for feline offered in many sizes and types, some even have the place to grow hydroponic wheat grass for your cat to chew on. Whereas other models have attachable water storage to double the capacity for your feline.

But to make sure the water stay its freshest you do require to clean the waterer one and a while. You can purchase a cleaning kit that includes a brush for the intake tub, a housing brush and a motor brush to make sure the water continues to flow smoothly.

Feline like contemporary and sanitary water, a cat water fountain may be a must have if you decision your self a real cat lover. Your furry friend is totally like it and what bigger thanks could there be however a healthy and happy feline. - 31851

About the Author:

Maaxbi Hatqo originally comes from Batu, East Java, Indonesia. has written many articles about Pet Water Fountain And Cat Feeder Automatic . Other guide you may be interested in reading: Cat Water Fountain Link tips, and Automatic Cat Feeder Link guide!

The Most Captivating Features Of A Red Persian Cat

By Cynthia Turner

In the present time the different combinations of colors that the Persian cats coats have evolved into are categorized in order to be recognized with a little more ease.

The Persian cat families have been further divided into groups according to the color of their coats to make it easy for people to distinguish them. For example you will find Silver Shadowed, Golden Shadowed, Cameo Shaded and also Red Persian cats.

The majority of the Persian cats are white with generally layers of different colors on just the tips of the coat which is technically known as ticking. But since there is a lot of mixed breeding the coats of the cats can evolve into totally different colors like blue-cream.

Similarly another color that has evolved for the Persian cat is red which now recognized is to be the color that occurs in normal cats unlike albino whites which are considered very rare. It is not a vivid screaming red, rather an almost orange or rather ginger color, which can vary. This means that the cat could either be all red or could have traces and hints of either white or brown ticking. Mostly however, red Persian cats tend to be completely red.

The lips and chin of the cat are the same color as that of the coat. Its paw pads and nose leather is a brick red color and unlike Silver Shaded and Chinchilla Persian cats whose eye color is either green or blue-green, the Red Persians eye color is of a brilliant copper color. But it does, like the other Persian cats, have the blackened rimmed eyes that give off an impression as if the cat is wearing eye makeup.

You would see that red colors can occur with patches of different colors like cream, white and cameo as well. Let us take the Smoke Tortoiseshell Persian which has a layer of white under coat and deep black tips which stand out conspicuously with random patches of red and cream on the tips too which makes it look like a tortoiseshell.

It is absolutely fascinating to see this breed of Persian cat with various color patterns out of which some have cream ticking on the face or have a pure red face which is very popular.

The Tortoiseshell Persian cat is the only one along with the Red Persian cat category who are pedigree with copper colored eyes. Whereas the other families of the Persian breed, like for instance the Silver Shaded, Golden Shaded or Chinchilla have originally green or blue-green eye color.

The Red Persian cat tends to be fluffier as well, and has a large mane, but the same squat legs and stocky physic along with the punched face and darkened rimmed eyes. Its chin and lips tend to be of the same color as its coat. - 31851

About the Author:

There are many different types of Persian kittens including Himalayan persian cats. If you are really interested in purchasing cute red persian cats click on the links for more detailed info.