The joy of pets: how animal companionship can impact our health and wellbeing

Bringing a furry friend into your home is like introducing a new family member. Pets can offer companionship and loyalty to everyone in the household. Even support the development of younger members of the family. Pets of all different shapes and sizes also benefit pet parents’ mental and physical health.

The Joy of Pets Guide

In the Joy of Pets guide, by Compare the market, the survey revealed that 85% of pet owners agreed that animal companions help to reduce loneliness. Dogs remain the most popular pet across the country. Canines found  69 million U.S. homes. ats and other small creatures can provide similar benefits, Their presence alone is enough to help improve our mental well-being. In fact, 94% of pet owners admitted that simply having a pet in their lives made them happy.

Pet Companionship

Ownership of a pet is a huge responsibility, and the decision should never be taken lightly. The vast benefits speak for themselves. Find out if a pet is right for you.  Find out more about the importance of pet companionship.  Read the full guide here.

Author Bio

Harriet Keeper is a pet owner and mom of two. She enjoys spending time outside with her family. Often finds herself struggling to train her dog to do agility.  She loves spending time outdoors and trying new things with her loved ones.

If you’re a cat parent, you know that giving your cat oral medicines is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever have to do. You and your cat may experience severe emotional distress during the process. Cats are tough, yet even they may fall ill or catch parasites and need medication to recover. Here are five tricks that help give your cat medicine without inflicting any permanent damage to your relationship.

Top Tricks Help Give Your Cat Medicine

Cats are notoriously difficult to medicate. But unless you’ve messed up many tablets in a row without getting anywhere, you have no idea what it’s like. When they decide, they don’t want to do something, cats can be adamant about it. You can’t fool most of them. So, you must act smart. Here are a few sneaky tricks to get your cat to swallow their pills.

1. Mix it in with some kitten pate

You probably give your cat can pate. But if you’re giving them kibble and want to be sure they get their medication, try mixing in a little amount of kitten pate (just enough to cover a few licks) with the kibble. For those of you with adult cats reading this, we at Pampered Pet Sitting highly recommend picking up some kitten pate and using it as a delicious snack to disguise the medicine’s flavor. My adult cats still go nuts over the kitten pate I bought when they were kittens. Getting a cat to take medicine mixed in with cat food is more challenging if the cat isn’t very fond of the cat food. But kitten pates are usually enticing, so the barrier is removed.

2. Pill pockets help cats take their meds

We are referring to those delectable kibble-like goods you can open, slip a pill inside, seal, and then deliver to your pet. If you have many pills to take and would like to have them swallowed without any additional effort on your part, a pill pocket is the way to go. There is nothing more practical than this for cats that need to take medicine daily.

3. Disguise it as wet food

To give medicine to a cat, you may disguise it as wet food. Again, only put a little bit with the medicine to ensure it is quickly swallowed. If your cat prefers wet food but refuses to eat it because of the medication, you might try switching brands or switching to a wet food with a stronger aroma and flavor, such as salmon, in the hopes that your cat would eat it. Make sure you keep your cat safe and warm while on the meds.

4. Use Gelatin capsules melt-in-your-mouth

The soft texture of gelatin capsules makes them ideal for administering medication through a cat’s cheek pouch. Melt strips are tiny strips of omega-3 fish oil, similar to the popular breath strips of recent years. Recent studies have shown that cats and their owners like using gelatin capsules and paper strips to provide medication. The early research is promising, but additional study is needed to see whether adding a taste will increase the cats’ acceptance. Likewise, studying the actual drug in the delivery capsule or strip may have the opposite effect. Instead of forcing a tablet down your cat’s throat, you may try rolling up a little thin strip and slipping it into its cheek pouch.

Some pharmacies have developed little gel pills specifically designed to dissolve in a cat’s mouth. If you aren’t sure how to medicate your cat the best way and you can’t take care of your pet properly, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice.

5. Use another well-loved treat

You may try giving your cat a tiny amount of the medicine combined with something you know they would eat. If it does not include dairy and you know that whatever is on the menu is acceptable for a cat to consume, such as cooked chicken. Cats may be picky eaters, so it’s best to avoid liquid treats in favor of pastes or other solid options. However, you know your cat best and can make an educated guess about what they will most like eating. Just make sure it won’t interfere with the prescription. And make sure that everything you give them can be eaten in a few licks so that you don’t have a situation of not all the medicine being taken. We recommend this trick if your cat has also experienced another traumatic event besides falling sick, like a relocation, for example. Or maybe you’ve just gotten your kitty and they need time to adapt to the new surroundings. You need to help them feel at ease. So don’t bother them too much and try a few tricks to get your kitty to eat their meds stress-free. And give them more treats than usual.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s possible to give your cat oral medication without risk of attack safely. We hope some of these tricks that help give your cat medicine will work for you. But if your pet is in pain or fearful, you should probably have a veterinarian do it or consult them about getting an injection for your pet. We’re sure they won’t be happy about that either, but at least it lasts a second, and you won’t get scratched.

5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for  Rescue Cat

Over the years, there’s been an increase in awareness of the importance of pet adoption. Adopting a rescue is a very humane thing to do. However, when you decide to take that step and finally find the right shelter cat for you, you need to prepare yourself (and your home) for such a noble task. You want your new furry friend to feel more comfortable when they arrive. So, check out these five ways to prepare your home for a rescue cat.

1 Prepare a safe zone

Cats are often looked at as strong Egyptian deities, but behind that facade can be a fragile little being. Therefore, when you welcome a new cat into your house, it is of the utmost importance to prepare a “safe zone” for them. The ideal “safe zone” is a small room with a minimum number of things in it. Things you need to include in it are:

• their own litter box
• at least two toys
• bedding
• a place to hide (any old box will do the trick)
• lots of water

This area will serve as your new pet’s domain for the first week or two. They have to become comfortable in your house before you can gain their trust so they would let down their guard and relax. Keep in mind that you don’t know precisely what sort of environment your rescued cat comes from, so it is essential to be patient with them. Eventually, they will feel like they have found a place they can call their own.

2 Prepare the food that fits Rescue Cat

Even though your first instinct might be to bring the new member of your family a five-star restaurant-worthy dish to compensate for the past injustice, it might not be the best idea. All the animals value their habits, so you might want to let them adapt for a bit. Inquire at the local shelter about the kind of food used to feed the cats there, and think about purchasing a bag or two for the first two weeks. After they become comfortable in your home, you can bring in more tasty or colorful treats.

Help rescue cat adapt to new surroundings

Yes, the place you live in is always your home, but your cat is in the process of moving. So, according to professional movers, the process can be simple and painless if you can preserve anything familiar for your new cat, such as their favorite treat. It will make things way easier for them while they acclimate to the new environment. This is the most crucial thing to remember since everything will change for them. Once they have adjusted to their new environment, you are free to feed them anything you choose to be the best diet for them.

3 Give them something to scratch

When you bring a new cat into your house, you must learn to cater to its specific requirements. As soon as you bring the newly rescued cat into your home, they will begin hunting for ways to wear down their claws. Scratching can be a way for cats to release tension and stress. And since the whole breaking the habit will be stressful for them, you can expect a lot of scratching. To prevent your furniture from being an attractive option for them to scratch on, make sure to provide several scratching posts and pads around your home. Try putting some catnip on the scratching post or pad, or hanging a cat toy from it, if your recently acquired cat isn’t warming up to the scratching places. This will make them more appealing to your cat.

4 Hide the valuables from Rescue Cat

It is common knowledge that cats like exciting new experiences. So, you should be ready to play host to a furry adventurer as soon as you bring them home. Unfortunately, some of those adventures may include looking for a ghost in your favorite vase. So, you might want to take special care to prepare your home for a rescue cat. Put away your breakable items along your home’s mantles, shelves, and cupboards. Even if you don’t believe they can get there, you can put your faith in the fact that they will figure out a way to get there! After all, a curious cat will investigate any and all areas of a house.

5 Prepare other pets for a friend

The thing about adopting a rescue is – it can be addictive. Once you feel the love multiplying for your pets, you always want more. That means – you likely have a lot of other pets. But getting used to sharing a living space might take some time, so be sure to give your rescued cat some time to get comfortable with your other animals before releasing them into a shared space. Introducing a new cat may lead your other animals to act dominant since it will disrupt the established order of things in your house.

Nonetheless, cats can live peacefully with most other animals, including birds and bunnies. Just make sure to introduce them all at their own pace and level of comfort. Also, it might be good to train your cat to behave calmly around your dogs.

Why is it so important to prepare your home for a rescue cat?

Getting a rescue cat into an unprepared home is a rookie mistake. Why is that? It might not be a big deal for you, but a change in environment and habits can significantly impact an animal. So, if you don’t want to struggle with the crash of personalities and lifestyles that might occur, you should prepare your home for a rescue cat. Less drama, less broken valuables, and more peaceful new days to sail into with your new friend. Overall, it will be an unforgettable experience

Keep Your Pets Safe While Driving

Travel season has arrived, and many pet owners are preparing to take their furry friends on their next vacation. However, traveling with pets requires more than just letting the dog into the passenger seat. Keeping your pet safe while driving isn’t difficult; with proper supplies, your pet can stay safe while driving and enjoy the ride. Here’s How to set yourself and your pet up for a successful drive:

What To Do if You Can’t Take Care of Your Pet Anymore?

It’s not easy talking about this one, but it’s crucial to put some focus on this topic. Don’t get us wrong we are never for abandoning your pet on the road. We will always advocate strongly for responsible pet ownership. That begins before you even get a pet or consider getting one. It’s essential to responsibly decide whether you have the means and motivation to take care of your furry friend for the rest of their life. Pets are not toys – they’re members of your family. That being said, an important part of responsible pet ownership is knowing when you can’t provide good conditions for your pet anymore and when to put effort into finding something better for them. If you’re certain you can’t take care of your pet anymore, here’s what to do.

Talk to your family and friends

It’s never easy to part ways with your furry companion. So, if you really have to do it, it would be best to keep them close. Or at least with the people they already know. There is a good chance that family members will be delighted to pitch in and assist you in providing care for your pets at home. And your friends usually do a terrific job as pet sitters since they have spent a lot of time in your house. So, they are already aware of your pet’s routines and any specific requirements they have. Also, this is the most painless solution because you’ll be able to visit and spend time with them whenever you get the chance.

They’ll give the necessary support

It can be a crushing experience to leave your loyal companion behind. But, it might be the best for them sometimes. For example, if you’re moving cross country, your pet might not take it so well. Some pets get so attached and homesick that it creates problems with their mental health. In other words, you might not be the only one dealing with homesickness after moving cross country. That’s why it’s best to leave them in the reliable hands of someone you can trust. Also, this situation can take a toll on you too. That’s why professional movers advise asking for help.

You can find ways to bounce back as soon as possible. There’s no shame in being homesick!

Hire a caregiver for You and your Pet

Another option that benefits you and your pet are to hire a qualified caregiver to care for both of you. Support organizations are available around the clock to provide you with the assistance you need so that you can take care of both yourself and your pet. Choose the one that thoroughly screens its employees by having them undergo background checks throughout the country. Also, collaborate with them to design a plan to help you operate successfully in your home.

Numerous services may assist both you and your pet in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as:

• Walking services. Some cats can benefit from short walks and outings to the nearby park just as you do.
• Cleaning services. A little bit of cleaning goes a long way toward ensuring that your home is clear of pet dander and hair.
• Preparation of meals. The goal is to ensure that you and your cat get the right food when you’re on the clock.
• Medication prompts. It guarantees that you and your furry companion don’t forget to take your prescribed prescriptions and nutritional supplements.
• Transportation assistance. For both you and your pet – if either of you needs medical attention.

Find a good pet sitter

The United States is seeing a rise in the number of households that have pets, which has led to an increase in the number of businesses that provide pet sitting services. Maybe you started your own business, and now you need help caring about your cat. If you use a pet sitting service, you will have the option to get assistance just when you need it, or you may coordinate with an agent to have someone come to your house on a more regular basis. When comparing different service providers, you should choose one that is both licensed and bonded.

Can’t take care of your pet – consider a shelter or rescue

If there really is no other choice, you may have to put our dog up for adoption and find him a new home. Maybe you’re physically unable to accomplish anything. Maybe there are no financial options available, or you do not have any close friends or family members willing to take your pet. Consider placing your cat in a local animal shelter or with a pet rescue in situations like these. But please be careful and do your research.

Taking your pet to a non-kill shelter might as well save their life and mental health. Especially if you can’t take care of your pet anymore. Shelter volunteers will do their best to find a perfect new loving family for your furry child. And that’s a way better option than leaving your kitten on the side of the road, like (unfortunately) a lot of people do.

5 Reasons Pet Insurance is Important

You’ve probably heard that pet insurance can help you pay for veterinary bills in the event your furry friend gets sick, but you may not be exactly sure how it works or if it’s even worth the investment. Insurance for your pets works very much like your own health insurance plan. You’ll pay a monthly premium to receive coverage when you need it. Read on for five reasons pet insurance is important. This information can help you decide whether to purchase a policy for Fluffy.

1. Cost Savings Using Pet Insurance

Of course, the primary benefit of concern to most pet owners is the savings they’ll receive. You can expect to pay a small deductible. Once that is met, your insurance plan kicks in another portion. You may need to pay the rest on your own, but this could still be a substantial saving when it comes to major events like surgery or extended illness.

2. Additional Treatment Options

Another benefit of pet coverage is the fact that your treatment options will be expanded significantly. You won’t have to feel guilty about having to deny your precious pet what could be a potentially life-saving treatment. Pet insurance makes things like chemotherapy, surgery, x-rays, expensive medications, and hospitalization affordable and within reach.

3. Peace of Mind having Pet Insurance

When you have pet insurance, you’ll know that potential veterinary expenses will be more manageable should your buddy need extensive care. This can provide great peace of mind and reassurance. You can focus on your pet’s needs, rather than dealing with the agonizing possibility of not being able to proceed with necessary treatment due to finances. In addition, an unexpected veterinary emergency won’t drain your rainy day savings or another important fund. You may not be able to know what type of situation might arise, but you’ll at least know that the expense will likely be substantially covered.

4. Choice of Provider 

Most pet insurance policies allow you to seek care from any provider you choose. It can be a specialist or an urgent care center that’s open evenings and weekends. This is something you may not have considered. Such an added benefit can make the purchase of cat insurance more appealing. After all, you can’t foresee when a health emergency will happen. After-hour vet bills can be even more expensive than regularly scheduled appointments, and specialty care costs a premium. When your pet is insured, these worries won’t keep you up at night.

5. Plan Customization

In addition, you can typically choose the type of plan that’s right for you, your pet, and your budget. Perhaps you just want to be sure that major medical expenses are covered, so a full policy isn’t necessary. It might also be that knowing all pet visits are covered is preferable to you. Choose the best plan for your lifestyle. Once things are in place, you’ll be better able to budget your pet care costs. That’s because you spread much of the cost out over time by paying small, manageable monthly premiums. It’s nearly inevitable that there will come a time your best pal will require care that falls outside the expected wellness visits. Pet coverage makes such costs far easier to bear and puts you in better control of your finances.

Summary

Now that you have a better understanding of pet insurance and how it can benefit both you and your fur baby, you can plan to take the next steps. Hopefully, this article has given you the tools you need to make a more informed decision regarding your pet’s care. Even a small policy can help should your pet face a medical emergency.

Tips for Living Happily With Your Senior Pet

As our pets get older, we sometimes have to make special accommodations to help them stay as healthy and comfortable as we can. Along with proper nutrition and adequate exercise, our companions may need extra care and attention to prevent diseases and injuries. So here are some tips from Pampered Pet Sitting to keep our four-legged friends around for many years to come:

Declutter Your Home for Senior Pet

As they get older, dogs start suffering from hearing and vision loss, which can make it difficult for them to find their way around the house. To help senior pets navigate their surroundings, get into the habit of removing any obstacles such as shoes, backpacks, and other items that could stand in their way, and try to keep a clear path from their bed to their food and water bowl.

If your dog is used to playing in the yard, pay special attention to garden tools or other objects they could trip on or hurt themselves with as they run about. Some dogs develop arthritis in their later years and start having a hard time getting up, walking around, and going up and down flights of stairs, so make sure their bed, blankets, and toys are all kept on the main level of your house. That way, they won’t have a reason to take the stairs and potentially hurt themselves as they trip or fall down.

Purify Your Surroundings for Senior Pet

If your cat or dog suffers from allergies, cleaning your rugs, carpets, drapes, bedding, sofas and any soft surfaces to reduce house dust mites, mold spores, pollens, and other allergens will help relieve itchiness, sneezing, and coughing along with other symptoms caused by an allergic reaction. Bathe your pets and brush their fur regularly to help remove allergens stuck on their coats and their paws.

If possible, remove drapes and carpets that trap allergens and consider installing blinds, shutters, and hard flooring instead. You can add some plants around the house to purify the air as well, but be aware that many types of common houseplants can be toxic or poisonous to pets if they are ingested. So if you want to add pet-friendly, air-purifying plants to your house, avoid aloe vera, lilies, and sago palms. Instead, opt for spider plants, ferns, and bamboo. All this doesn’t mean your pet can’t go outdoors, though. You just have to be cautious. In fact, cat-lovers might want to invest in a special, highly adorable backpack that will allow you to take your feline companion with you when you go out for hikes or to run errands.

Schedule Regular Checkups

It’s easy to miss age-related symptoms in pets, which is why scheduling regular checkups at the vet are so important. Your veterinarian will establish a baseline of what’s normal for your cat or dog, making it easier to notice any abnormal changes and possibly prevent diseases such as diabetes and even cancer. Your vet can also give you tips on how to keep your pet at a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise, based on your animal’s size and breed.

Dental health is also extremely important when caring for a pet; even if you brush their teeth regularly, as your pets get older, professional dental cleaning may be necessary to prevent oral pain that can lead to poor eating. And when it comes to food, choose an age-appropriate diet for your companion as nutritional needs change during their lifetime. Opt for high-quality, complete, and balanced pet food to help them maintain a healthy weight even when their activity level slows down. Our loyal companions deserve the best care as they age. A few changes around the house, a healthy diet, and a caring veterinarian will help your pet live a long and happy life alongside you and your family.

Pampered Pet Sitting is the best and healthiest way to have your pets looked after when you travel. When going out of town your pets stay in the comfort of their own home. Offered for cats, birds, most domestic animals, and dogs on a case-by-case basis. Reach out today to get started!

Train  Cats to Be Calm around Dogs

Are cats and dogs naturally hostile to each other? That is a common perception! Whether it’s their temperament or something innate, dogs and cats often appear to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, this does not mean that they cannot coexist peacefully. Numerous studies have shown that dogs and cats can form a close bond.

To successfully introduce a new pet to a resident pet, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Cats differ in their level of socialization and abilities. Dogs and cats should be introduced very slowly as cats are territorial animals. Taking this step allows them to familiarize themselves with one another before they engage in a face-to-face exchange. This also helps prevent behavior problems such as aggression and fear.

Here are some methods by which you can train your cat to remain calm when there are dogs around. Let’s get started. 

1. Cats Be Confined in Specific Area

You should make sure your cat has their own space in your home. Your pets will need this space to establish a friendship with one another for the first time. In addition, it will remain a refuge where they can enjoy escapism when they need to take a break. 

Living in a small space does not mean your dog must have limited space to roam. You can utilize the vertical space inside your house when you have a cat tree or newly installed shelving, as cats are natural climbers. 

2. Dogs and Cats Exchange Scents

Dogs and cats use their sense of smell to assess their surroundings, while humans rely primarily on their vision. The process of recognizing and accepting the smell of each other is crucial if you want your cat and dog to get along with each other.

For them to become familiar with each other’s smell faster, you can employ a few tried and tested ideas. Swap the bedding between the two animals or use a towel from your dog for the cat.

By using these tricks, you will hopefully be able to get your cat used to your dog’s scent soon. You can even visit a Dog Daycare in Nashville to learn and find out more about introducing dogs and cats to each other by exchanging their scents.

3.  Don’t Rush Things

Within a few hours, you may be able to make friends with your cat and dog. Usually, however, this will not occur. A dog must learn how to behave around cats, just as cats must adapt to dogs. Your cat and dog will get along eventually if you are patient. This will take some time. Sometimes it also depends on the type of breed of a cat or dog and how well they get along with each other. For example, bulldogs are well-known for getting along with cats easily.

4.  Developing Desensitization

To desensitize your cat to the presence of your dog, you will have to continue to expose him to it continuously. Some cats become afraid of dogs the first time they see them. A dog that reacts overly will sometimes attack your cat as well because of their overreaction.  If this happens, your cat and dog will have a hard time getting along. 

You can use a baby gate to separate your dog and cat while allowing them to still see and smell each other. Do this for a few weeks, so that the cat and dog become used to each other’s smell without hurting each other. It is highly recommended that you divert your cat’s attention if you observe that it is too focused on the dog. You can use a cat training toy.. Your cat will eventually cease to be interested in the dog by means of desensitization. Over time, your cat will no longer overreact to the dog’s presence because it has become accustomed to it.

5.  Allow Your Cat to Go

You should not be bothered if you notice that your cat runs away when meeting your dog. In this case, your cat is not ready to socialize with a new dog. You should give your cat some time to adjust. Please do not attempt to force your cat and dog into having an interaction with each other over the phone as this may lead to a worse outcome.

6. Take Your Time with Introductions

If you and your cat and dog are meeting in person, it is imperative that you proceed slowly. A first impression matters, just as it does for humans. Moreover, food can play a significant role in ensuring that the first impression is a successful one

You should meet your pets during mealtimes. If you’re feeding your pets for the first time, place a closed door between you and them. This will prevent them from being able to see each other but they will still be able to smell one another. Then they will remember the food as tasty and the new friend as friendly. If nothing changes after a couple of days to a couple of weeks, continue this for as long as necessary. One of the easiest ways to deal with this is to keep your dog on a leash while helping your cat eat in the same room. The two of them should eventually be able to cohabit harmoniously, as you will be able to remove all barriers between them.

7. Be Careful Not to Yell at Cats 

The human response to a situation in which they need to stop is to yell. While this might be effective for your dog, it will not work for your cat. Most animal experts claim cats are incapable of responding to negative stimuli. You can calm an overreactive cat by taking it away from a dog when if they see one. 

Final Ideas Training Cats Be Calm Around Dogs

Each animal, including humans, has its personality traits and ways of doing things. Some animals, like humans, tend to be more social and more laid back than others. There are also those animals who prefer to be alone on their terms. It is imperative not to force anything onto animals, or to give up on any of them. 

Raising Kitten & Puppy Pets Together

Millions of households across the country own pets. According to a 2016 survey, 68% of all households in the US had at least one pet. Millions of households own more than one pet. Chances that cats and dogs live in the same house are high.

Many people think cats and dogs are natural enemies and cannot live together peacefully. This notion, however, is wrong. It is all about how to train your pets and handle difficult situations.

If you want to know how to raise a kitten and a puppy together then you will not be disappointed. Here are some simple ways you can raise a kitten and a puppy together without any worries:

1. Sooner Train Pet  Cats Dogs the Better

If you wish to train your pets, it is always better to start when they are young. The sooner you start training them the better the results will be. Younger pets learn tricks much more quickly as their personality and habits are still in the developmental stage.

If you want to have a cat and dog as pets, try to adopt them as young as you can. Doing this will give them more time to become familiar with each other. Growing up together will also help your puppy and kitten get along more and create a stronger bond between them.

Starting young will likely make your pets feel more like siblings. They are more likely to be cooperative and compete less for your attention. It will also give them more time to adjust to one another.

According to the We Love Doodles website, socialization should start at 7 to 14 weeks for kittens and at 16 weeks for puppies. This means you can start young, especially with kittens.

2. Start Slow Getting Dog and Cat Together

Even if you adopt your kitten and puppy quite young, don’t expect that they won’t act out. Be prepared to handle conflicts, especially during the first few days with them. Be sure to introduce your kitten and puppy to one another.

Expecting them to become friends instantly is unrealistic and this has nothing to do with cats and dogs. Pets can be extremely possessive. You must communicate to both that they need to get along with each other.

One way that experts recommend you should go about this is by first offering each of the pets the other’s belongings. You can give your kitten or puppy the other pet’s blanket or toy. They will smell the personal belonging and become familiar with the scent first. This way the first face-to-face meeting will not be as surprising.

3. Be Vigilant All the Time

Even if you think your kitten and puppy are on good terms, you should remain alert. Pets can be unpredictable. Do not automatically assume if things are going well that nothing bad can happen.

Moods can change, especially as your pet grows up. Maybe a trigger will set either your kitten or puppy to become aggressive against the other pet. So, remain on your toes.

Pay attention to your kitten and puppy’s expressions. Get to know their likes and dislikes so you can ensure one does not feel left out.

4. Don’t Expect Dog and Cat Pets to Get Along

Do not expect that your pets will behave well or be nice to each other. Be ready to discipline and teach them to get along.

It will not be easy, but you need to enforce rules so that neither of the pets oversteps boundaries. You must teach your pets to co-exist and at least be civil to each other. If one of them acts out, be sure to punish them. Nevertheless, remember to appreciate every progress they make no matter how small.

5. Give Pet Dog and Cat Personal Space

Pets like to have their personal space. No matter how friendly your kitten or puppy may be, they enjoy alone time as well.

Let them have their own space. It can be a small corner of the house. You can have their bed or favorite blanket placed for relaxation there along with their toys of choice.

It is great that your pets know how to share. However, they should have a space that only belongs to themselves. This way your pets can relax away from each other and not get on each other’s nerves throughout the day.

6. Let Your Pet Know You Love Them        

Love your pets in front of each other. Cuddle your kitten in front of your puppy and vice versa. This way you are communicating what each of them means to you. Your kitten and puppy will know that you love them both.

However, be careful not to make your pets jealous while you’re loving one of them, as it can easily start a conflict between them. 

7. Bond over Mealtimes

If your kitten and puppy are not getting along at first, try to get them to co-exist during mealtimes. Pets are usually calmer during mealtimes. They will be too busy eating to become aggressive towards one another.

Pets, just like us, derive pleasure from eating. The satisfaction of having their tummies filled up will create a positive association with being near one another.

Alternatively, if your kitten or your puppy acts out during meals you can always take the food away shortly to discipline them. The act of having their meal taken away will act as a deterrent against bad behavior.

8. Do Your Research

The final piece of advice for anyone wishing to get a kitten and a puppy is to do some research. Some breeds of cats and dogs are more suited for living with other pets.

Dogs that are great hunters will not make great pets around cats. Instead, go for Beagles, Retrievers, or Poodles.

Similarly, cat breeds such as the Bengal, the Ragdoll, the Scottish Fold, and the Birman do well around dogs. Make sure none of your pets feels uncomfortable around the other.

Conclusion:

Now that you have gained plenty of knowledge on how to raise a kitten and puppy together, it is time to start the work. Good luck with raising your pets!

Tips for Caring for Your Adopted Feline If You’ve Never Had One In Your Home

Cats have a distinctly unusual personality that’s hard to put into words. Cat lovers would argue that it’s exactly their air of superiority that makes them so loveable. That said, an adopted cat can be temperamental and aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, Here’s how to care for them properly if you are planning on taking one home with you, courtesy of Pampered Pet Sitting.

Make adopted cat feel at home

Adopt a cat from an animal shelter, it may be a good idea to prepare for the worst. At least, until they eventually come around. In other words, don’t expect your cat to instantly feel at home in their surroundings. Rather accept that they may take a while to feel at home at first. Therefore, give them space and as much time as possible for them to explore. Also,  familiarize themself with their new territory. Of course, showering the adopted cat with some treats, a toy, and a cat cave couldn’t hurt either.

Give Adopted Cat a Vet checkup

Certainly, one of the first things you should do when bringing an adopted cat home (especially if it’s adopted) checks that they have had all their vaccinations as well as a general checkup to eliminate any serious health concerns from the get-go.

Make sure your home is safe

Cats tend to be mischievous. Moreover, cats tend to be a little more curious than usual which is why you should ensure that they’re no wires left to dangle.  For safety reasons ensure that breakables are kept as far out of reach as possible. Be sure you haven’t left any potential choking hazards lying around, especially if you have adopted a kitten. They are none to the wiser around unfamiliar objects.

Suitable Litter for Adopted Cat

If you are rehoming a cat, then having unlimited quantities of cat litter on standby is non-negotiable. If you’re unsure of what cat litter your new feline friend would prefer, don’t hesitate to try out different ones. The right cat litter is considered a cat essential.

Spice up the entertainment

Cats tend to need more creative entertainment than most other types of domestic pets. This is why you might have to think of out-of-the-box ideas as far as keeping your cat entertained for long. Moreover, because cats are so smart, you’ll usually have to think of ideas that are more challenging than most. In other words, you may have to think like a cat to envision what a cat paradise would look like.

Place cat scratches in convenient places around your home

Cats love to scratch and if you have thought of this detail for them, then you’re sure to have one happy, stress-free pet.  If they are left to scratch away on their own could be your favorite sofa.

Spend time with Adopted Cat

Sure, cats can tend to be a little indifferent, but that’s not to say you can’t still form a special bond with them. That said, cats can be playful, so try to play games with them that require some chasing action, as this comes naturally to them. Just be sure to make that effort and show you care by spending time with them, and your efforts are sure to be reciprocated.

Summary

In summary, caring for an adopted cat will require extra special attention to detail if you are to win them over. Nonetheless, you can make your cat feel at home with a few extra special touches.