Animal testing is a cruel thing that modern researchers constantly resort to in the name of human benefit and progress. Causing pain to innocent animals cannot be justified no matter how much profit it could potentially bring.

•You’ll be surprised to learn that the exact numbers of animals being experimented on are ambiguous and undisclosed under the US law. Scientists can use an unaccounted number of birds, mice and rats in their experiments without being held responsible. Around ninety per cent of lab animals are thought to be rats and mice.

•Scientists are required to report on numbers of cats, dogs, hamsters, sheep, primates, and guinea pigs. The USDA collects statistics on these animals and found that in 2002 1,438,553 of them were used in research alone.

•Amongst tested on animals, 103,764 of them weren’t given medications to alleviate suffering or pain. The pain ranged from extreme and severe pain to slight poking like an injection. Furthermore, although the majority of animals are only utilized once in experiments, the same animal is sometimes re-used in another experiment. These ones are euthanized a short period after use in the experiment.

•Most animals like cats, primates, and dogs used in experiments are kept in huge wire cages for the entire period. This can be very difficult for intelligent organisms like pigs, primates, cats, and dogs. They tend to get very bored and lonely if they are not provided with something to exercise or play with.
Over a 100 million rats and mice are tortured and killed in US labs every single year in the name of research. They are put through grueling toxicology tests that slowly poison them to death and torturous burn experiments. Depression, helplessness, anxiety, and terror are induced in them through psychological tests. Pain studies deliberately electro-chock them.

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Do you know the number one disease in adult dogs and cats? It's periodontal disease, or disease of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. See your veterinarian annually for a physical exam for your pet and brush your pet's teeth regularly.

*DOG TIP*

Your dog's habits today could help preserve his or her mental health for years to come. According to a new study, combining an antioxidant-rich diet with daily exercise is more effective than diet or exercise alone at minimizing age-related cognitive decline in older dogs. Researchers also report that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as playing hide-and-seek games, can help sharpen canine minds.

*CAT TIP*

Your cat's tail usually tells his mood:
Carried high - proud and content
Extended straight - he's stalking
Thrusting side to side - he may be angry

Why do cats tend to gravitate toward those people that don't like cats?
This is a common occurrence at house parties. A group of friends gather together at a house that has a cat. Sure enough there are cat lovers in the room, as well as people that don't care for cats. Why then does the cat often choose to hang out near the person (or on the lap of the person) that doesn't care for cats?

The answer has to do with direct eye contact. Direct eye contact or staring at the cat is a threatening sign for the cat. Of course all the cat lovers in the room are doing the staring trying to get the cat's attention. On the other hand the cat 'disliker' generally avoids looking at the cat and is usually ignoring the cat. This makes the cat feel more comfortable and they will often approach that person. So if you are a cat lover and want the attention of a strange cat, maybe the best trick is to avoid the cat all together and see if it comes around.

Over time, the plastic in litter pans absorbs kitty urine odor and starts to smell like urine, even when the litter is clean. Make sure you inspect your cat's litter
pan regularly, after cleaning, for lingering odor.
Replace the box if it doesn't smell clean.
   
The Importance of Water  
  
Water is one of the most important nutrients cats require.  
It helps regulate body temperature, digest food, eliminate waste, lubricate tissue and allow salt and other electrolytes to pass through the body. Because a cat’s
body has limited capacity to store water, life may continue for weeks in the absence of food, but only for a few days if water is not available. Fresh drinking water in a clean bowl should be available to a cat at all times.

*DOG TIP*

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a poisonous substance, get help immediately, even if you don't notice symptoms such as vomiting, excessive salivating, rapid breathing, or loss of consciousness. You can call your vet or the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. The call is free, but the consult fee is $55. Be ready to report what your pet ate -- or what you think he ate -- and when. Provide your pet's vitals (age, weight, sex, chronic medical conditions) and symptoms, and have a pen and paper ready so you can write down any instructions you are given.

*CAT TIP*

When socializing a stray cat or a feral cat, do not make direct eye contact. If you accidentally meet his gaze, blink your eyes slowly several times, lower your head and back away to remove the threat.

One of your cat's unique characteristics is purring.  At one time, it was believed that the purring sound came from the throat.  It is now believed that purring results from a vibration in the wall of one of the major blood vessels in the chest.  These vibrations, transmitted to your cat's upper air passages, result in a purring sound.  Cats start purring when they are kittens and most of them purr when they are secure, content, or sleeping.  However, some cats may purr when they are ill or frightened. 

Cats, even indoor cats, do need to be vaccinated against disease at recommended intervals. Cats can get numerous diseases, such as Rabies, Heart Worms, Distemper and Parvo, just to name a few. Outdoor cats are more likely to get these, but some can be transmitted to house cats by our shoes when coming inside the home. Some may be transmitted by a sick animal encounter. Your vet can recommend the proper vaccinations required and suggest the proper intervals that will protect your cat and you, insuring a healthy cat and a long life. Below are general guidelines only for a healthy kitty cat. Not all vaccinations listed may be required, it depends on your area and the cats lifestyle. 

*DOG TIP*

If someone in your household is allergic to dogs, bathe your dog every week. He will shed less dry skin. You can also add a teaspoon of cooking oil to your dog's dinner.

*CAT TIP*

•When socializing a stray cat or a feral cat, do not make direct eye contact. If you accidentally meet his gaze, blink your eyes slowly several times, lower your head and back away to remove the threat.

*BONUS TIP*

Replace older foam pet bedding, and replace or reupholster furniture with exposed or crumbling foam where flame retardants are found.

I am the voice of the voiceless,
Through me, the dumb shall speak;
Till the deaf world’s ear be made to hear
The cry of the wordless weak.
From street, from cage, and from kennel,
From jungle and stall, the wail
Of my tortured kin proclaims the sin
Of the mighty against the frail.
For love is the true religion,
And love is the law sublime;
And all that is wrought, where love is not,
Will die at the touch of time.
And Science, the great revealer,
Must flame his torch at the source;
And keep it bright, with that holy light
Or his feet shall fail on the course.
For he who would trample kindness
And mercy into the dust –
He has missed the trail, and his quest will fail,
He is not the guide to trust.
Oh shame on the mothers of mortals
Who have not stopped to teach
Of the sorrow that lies in dear, dumb eyes,
The sorrow that has no speech.
Oh, never a brute in the forest,
And never a snake in the fen,
Or ravening bird, starvation stirred,
Has hunted his prey like men.
For hunger, and fear, and passion
Alone drive beasts to slay,
But wonderful man, the crown of the plan,
Tortures, and kills, FOR PLAY.
He goes well fed from his table,
He kisses his child and wife,
Then he haunts a wood, till he orphans a brood,
Or robs a deer of its life.
He aims at a speck in the azure,
Winged love, that has flown at a call,
It reels down to die, and he lets it lie;
His pleasure was seeing it fall.
The same force formed the sparrow
That fashioned Man, the King;
The God of the Whole gave a spark of soul
To each furred and feathered thing.
And I am my brother’s keeper,
And I will fight his fight,
And speak the word for beast and bird,
Till the world shall set things right.

Thin-coated dogs need a dog blanket or dog sweater if they go outside in the cold for long periods without being active.
Dog booties are also helpful when the snow is icy or if the dog is running on streets with salt or other de-icing chemicals.
Many people like to pamper their beloved dogs and puppies and one of the ways to do it is to buy some elegant dog clothes.
For a more charming effect, try to get your dog a nice custom-made apparel.

*DOG TIP*

 Placing lit candles on high surfaces minimizes the risk that your dog's wagging tail will knock them over. Arrange decorative light strands at an elevated level so that when the bulbs heat up they won't burn your pet. Also, be sure to hide electrical wiring wherever possible to deter chewing pets; a deep bite into the cords could cause your dog to be shocked or electrocuted.

*CAT TIP*

Do not give your cat cooked bones. They can splinter in her mouth and cause problems in the mouth and internally as well.

By Fred Wild

Including special pets in your life is a wonderful way to bring additional happiness and vitality to your everyday routine. Some people prefer cats while others choose dogs, and some get a variety of both. It is said that a dog is man's best friend, but there is no argument to the fact that animals can bring companionship and friendship to your life.

The unwelcome problem of "pet odor" can be a difficult one to handle at times. This odor issue can even be rather embarrassing for you and your family when guests come to visit your home. Let's talk a little more about this occasionally worrying and sometimes very noticeable pet problem.
Luckily, you don't have to think very hard when dealing with the problems of pet odor removal, even from your carpeting. Here you will find some extremely easy tips that will hopefully help you to solve the problems of those nasty smells your pets leave in their wake.

The primary goal for a pet odor removal program is to find and check for the common areas where you might find cat urine. The most frequent place you would find cat urine spots would be leather furniture, flooring, and sofas. The following step would entail an elimination program.

Though there are many chemicals readily available for treating 'pet odor", it is suggested that you do not get habituated to using such chemicals. Most of these chemicals are toxic and therefore can harm even your children. Moreover, chemicals are not very effective in removing the odor. If certain things are taken care of, you can look forward to eliminating the problem of "pet odor".

To maintain your cat's hygiene, you should prevent the cat from getting to dirt and grimy areas outside. You can keep your cat clean by regularly bathing it and keeping floors and furniture where the cat frequents dry and clean using a vacuum cleaner. Should there be an accident and you detect some cat pee smell, you can use a steam cleaner for pet odor removal.

FIGHT DOG IN TRAINING

Who’s taking care of your pet?
By Christina Couch
 
The slogan, “Free to a Good Home,” constantly graces the pages of local newspapers, home-made fliers and community newsletters, but this phrase can attract more than prospective pet adopters. The sad reality is that animal lovers are not the only people actively seeking pets. Adopted animals frequently end up abused, neglected, sold to research labs for experimentation, used as “training dummies” for pit bull fights, or even fed as live bait to large reptiles.
 
The major challenge in re-homing your feline friend isn’t finding a home, but finding a good home in which the cat’s physical and emotional needs are fulfilled in a loving environment. By exercising caution and taking a few preventive steps, you can ensure that your cat or kitten finds a worthy home.

*DOG TIP*

NEVER punish a puppy for chewing..... just be sure to provide the appropriate objects. Puppies need to chew to stimulate the loss of their baby teeth and to help place their permanent teeth.

*CAT TIP*

Every cat's nose pad or nose leather is different--like a human fingerprint. Cats use their noses not only for smelling, but also for detecting temperature changes

Dogs love to play and to make the best of this trait, you need to buy your dog some good toys.

Dog frisbees or canine discs are an all time favorite for both dogs and owners when it comes to chasing and retreiving play (you can play with your dog without getting exhausted in the process). Playing frisbee is a stress-free way to have fun with your dog. Border collies and Labrador retrievers are the best Frisbee players.
Note: Choose a soft plastic frisbee because these are less likely to injure the dog's mouth and teeth when they snatch it from the air.

Balls are very common dog toys and most dogs play with balls in their lifetime. Dogs prefer objects that move erratically so a better ball is one that bounces unpredictably. You need to alter the ball in such a way as to change its balance. For example, you can puncture the ball and attach a heavy cord or an old tie through the ball. When the ball is thrown, it will now bounce in odd directions.

Squeaky toys are also a dog favorite because when they grab it they think they caught an injured animal.

Veal crates are used in factory farming to confine dairy calves. The calves are chained and do not have enough room to move or turn around.

Veal is a by-product of the dairy industry. Female cows must be kept constantly pregnant in order to maximize their milk production. Male calves are taken from their mothers at birth because they are not useful for milk production. Some female calves are also turned into veal because they are not needed for dairy production. The excess dairy calves are the wrong breed to be useful for beef production, so they are usually slaughtered for veal when they are between 8 and 16 weeks old.

http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsusedforfood/g/What-Is-A-Veal-Crate.htm

*DOG TIP*

Your dog's unique eyesight can improve your long-distance communication. Although your dog can't see small details over long distances, dogs have a unique ability to detect motion, which helps them evade predators. You can use your pet's innate motion sensitivity for long-distance visual commands. Tie your commands to hand signals and use dramatic gestures to improve communication over long distances. 

*CAT TIP*

If you are bringing home a new baby, it is important to remember that the baby is as new to you as she is to your cat. Bring home an article of your baby's clothing from the hospital. It will help familiarize your pets with the smell of your new family member before she comes home. 

Never leave your new baby and cat alone together unsupervised. Even the most even-tempered pet can react adversely when provoked or startled. Close the door to the nursery to prevent your cat from entering the room unsupervised.