Finding a good pet sitter can be tricky at times.  There will be instances when your pet will not connect with everyone and you want to be sure that your pet is at ease while you are away.  Although it may not be an easy task at first to find a pet sitter, there are many ways to go about finding one who will treat your pet right.  When you hire a professional pet sitter you can rest easy knowing that this individual is in the pet sitting profession and will provide your pet with the right things while you are gone from home.  Here are some advantages to hiring a pet sitter:

Advantages For Your Pet -

1.  Your pet will have somebody to take care of it night and day.  You can be sure that your pet will appreciate the loving attention it will be given and not feel lonely at all.

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2.  Your pet's daily schedule and its diet will not change.  Some pets become very cranky if they have to move to a different place or if they have to travel constantly.  They might end up getting sick or become weak, so it is best to leave them at home where they are comfortable.

3.  In case of an emergency, a pet sitter will know exactly what needs to be done.  They will be able to call a vet or take care of the situation themselves.

4.  When it comes to giving your pet medicine, you pet sitter can take care of it.  If you leave it to a neighbor or friend, they might not care for your pet as much as a pet sitter would.  Therefore, this is again the best option for your pet.

5.  Some pet sitters will provide additional services such as pet obedience, pet grooming, and more.  Therefore, your pet can enjoy these services, too.

Advantages For You -

1.  A pet sitter will take full responsibility for your pet.  Pet sitters are responsible and trustworthy so they will give you peace of mind. 

2.  They will take care of things such as bringing in the newspaper, watering the plants, etc. Therefore, these small jobs can be done as well.

When you consider these advantages you will see that hiring a pet sitter simply makes sense. 

Localdogwalker.com is a free online service for pet owners to find local pet care service providers all over the U.S. and Canada. Its network of providers includes those specializing in Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Dog Walkers, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, Dog Sitting, Pet Sitters, Doggie Daycare, Pet Boarding Services and more.
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Dog grooming is one of your dog's basic needs and an important part of dog ownership. The essential grooming requirements depend on the dog’s breed and its characteristics and the dog hair is the first thing that most pet keepers are concerned with. Another important aspect of dog grooming is to clean his face, teeth, ears, eyes and nails.

Different breed of dogs have different hair types. There are three types of hair types: straight, wire, and curly. According to the length of hair there are three types of coat - Long, medium and short. Coats can either be single or double in density. Double coats consist of outer guard hairs, with an inner layer of shorter, finer coat called undercoat. Knowing what type of coat your dog has will give you information to contemplate the amount of grooming and care that your specific breed will need.

Generally long hair dogs need more regular grooming than short or medium hair dogs. Their coats must be groomed several times a week, if not daily, to ensure that they remain free of tangles and mats. On the other hand, dogs with short or medium coats offer the greatest ease of care, requiring occasional grooming with a slicker brush or a soft brush. Even for a dog like English Mastiff, which however sheds year round there is no need of extensive or professional grooming due to his shorthaired coat.

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Mastiff — The Mastiff (also known as the ‘English Mastiff’) is a double coat breed who has a short, straight outer coat with a dense, shorter undercoat. Care of this huge dog coat is undemanding. Mastiffs require minimal grooming except when shedding and then brushing with a rubber brush will remove loose hairs. As with all very large dogs, the Mastiff needs a soft place to lie down to avoid pressure marks. It is rare that a Mastiff needs a bath. Bathing is necessary only when the dog is dirty. Clean his wrinkles daily to prevent bacterial infections. Wipe them out with a damp washcloth and then dry them thoroughly. A flea comb can be used to keep Mastiff Puppies free from pesticide.

Beagle— The Beagle has a hound type coat of medium length making grooming relatively easy for this breed. Their typically short, tight hair growth rarely requires professional grooming. As part of your Beagle grooming brushing with a grooming glove or soft brush will generally be enough to keep the coat healthy and clean. This breed is an average shedder, which can be controlled with regular combing. Bathe only when necessary with a mild or dry shampoo. Beagle Puppies shed often and should be brushed several times a week using a hound glove to remove excess hair as well as a fine-tooth flea comb to remove any dirt and excess hair.

Dog grooming also involves nail trimming, ear and teeth care. Ears should be checked regularly, and cleaned when needed. Baby wipes are excellent for cleaning ears. Dogs should have their toenails cut every two months or so with dog nail trimmer. Lastly, it’s not just humans who need to keep their teeth clean. Your dog can also develop cavities and other diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums. You need toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for dogs; use them a couple of times each week. Take your dog to the vet once a year for dog dental care.

For more information about Dogs please visit http://www.pets4you.com/dogs.html
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There are many pet owners who have a schedule for grooming their much-loved pets. But on days that it's not possible to get to your grooming salon, you could simply ask the salon to come to you! There are many pet grooming mobile salons, also called pet grooming vans that give you the convenience of coming right to your door step. The service in the mobile salons and versus a shop is more personalized, relaxed and convenient.

When it comes to the finding the best mobile pet grooming salons for your pet, you may opt for Avery's Pet Styling Salon. These mobile pet grooming salons provide pet owners as well as the pets with many advantages. They very first one is the convenience factor, since it comes right to your house. Another advantage is that the animals stay relaxed and also calm since it's all in their own house and there no other animals in the room to annoy or excite them.

Avery's mobile pet groomers take the hard work out of grooming. Our mobile dog grooming or pet grooming vans also accommodate bathing, clipping, haircuts and nail trim services as well. This mobile pet grooming facility is also very flexible since it offers you the convenience of allowing you the pet grooming facility in you spare moments. Another major aspect taken care of here is that you don't have to coax your pet to get in the car and travel to get your pet cleaned and groomed. The mobile pet groomers bring their professional service right at your doorstep!

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Looking at all the above wonderful attributes of a mobile pet groomer vans, it has now become one of the most sought after grooming service for many pet owners. You pet will have the best shampoo experience, he will flea dip and also have a wonderful blow dry! His lovely coat will be trimmed and also styled! They will have perfect trimmed nails. And hence a complete package for your pet is available here. All this right in the convenience of your homes!

Avery's Pet Styling is a trusted, professional salon and pet boutique for the pet owners who want the best professional care and grooming for their pets. They offer services that are personalized and also unique all just for your pets!

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Visit averyspetstyle.com for Mobile Dog Grooming Services , Mobile pet grooming, Pet Grooming Products and many more. or call us on We Come To You Call 877-5-AVERYS
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Shedding is a normal event in every cat's life and cat owners should accept this fact. Through shedding cats replenish their fur and maintain it in a good condition.

Wild cats shed their fur twice a year - in the spring to remove the winter undercoat, and in the autumn to prepare their new coat for the coming winter. Domesticated cats, however, are subjected to artificial winter heating and summer air-conditioning. As a result, their bodies are confused and they shed constantly.

When cats shed they remove dead hair from their bodies. Dead hair should be removed because it may cause skin irritation.

Shedding indicated that the cat is healthy; sick cats do not shed. Shedding depends on the time the cat spends outdoors. It is significantly affected by daylight and can be triggered by a number of hours spent on sunlight. Shedding also depends on the bathing, grooming of the cat and the activities she is involved in.

Cats that live indoors shed at any time of the year. The amount of the shed hair is less than the amount shed by outdoor cats because of the artificial light and the temperature in the house.

Outdoor cats shed two times in the year - in the spring and in the autumn. They usually don't shed at all or shed just limited amounts of hair in the winter because they keep their fur for the cold weather.

Breeds that Don't Shed or Shed a Little

There are two cat breeds that shed minimal amounts of hair. One of them is the Cornish Rex that has short curly hair, and the other one is the Devon Rex that has similar coat. Their shedding is usually not noticed, but it doesn't mean they don't shed.

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The only cat breed that doesn't shed is the Sphynx. However, these cats are not absolutely hairless. Some people describe the skin of the Sphynx as suede or chamois. This cat breed is very rare and requires special care but is a perfect choice for people with allergies.

Dealing with your Cat's Shedding

You can control the shedding of your cat with regular brushing and combing. Daily brushing removes loose and dead hair and maintains the cat's hair healthy.

Start brushing your cat slowly and don't continue the sessions too long; stop brushing the cat before she protests. You can use treat to make the brushing sessions more pleasant. As the cat learns to like the brushing you can make these procedures for longer period of times. They will remove dead hair from the cat's body and the cat is less likely to shed in the house.

When combing the cat, do it carefully in the hair growth direction, so that you smooth the coat and remove any knows or tangles in the fur. Longhaired cats should first be brushed with a wide tooth comb and then with a fine tooth comb.

The length of the cat's hair is very important for the good brushing. Short-haired cats, such as Siamese, Burmese and Cornish rex cats, need little brushing. Shorthaired with dense coats like American shorthairs, British shorthairs and Scottish folds need a brushing once a month. Cats with long and flowing coats like Persian cat have to be combed very often and should be bathed once in the week or once in two weeks.

The Advantages of Combing and Brushing are Innumerable:

frequent brush of your cat removes dead and lose hair from the cat's body and she will not shed that much:

brushing and combing will reduce the presence of hairballs, particularly in the breeds with long coats;

brushing and combing keep the fur smooth and don't allow mats;

both activities are a good form of interaction for you and the cat, and are perfect for bonding process;

They give the opportunity to examine the cat's hair for any potential problems, including parasites and skin conditions.

You can also reduce the cat's shedding by feeding her with healthy food of good quality. The cat food should be balances and should contain all nutrients required by the cat for a healthy skin and fur. In addition, you may use some products that are applied on the cat's hair and can reduce the shedding. They are available is specialized pet stores. Some vitamins produced from fish oils can also be helpful as they provide the cat with omega-3 fatty acids that make the fur stronger. There are some topical sprays that are used by cat owners to change and reduce the shedding.

If shedding continues throughout the year and is significant, the cat may have food or dust allergy. In some cases then the cat becomes sick from excessive hair ball, vets recommend that the cat is shaves three or four times a year. However, you should consult your veterinarian before you do something, because he will tell you what the problem is and how to solve it.
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Aging in cats can be a very individual process, just as it is in humans, but generally speaking, most cats are considered to be entering the senior years at 8 years of age, and are categorized as being geriatric once they are 10 years old.

Many aspects of caring for your cat change once they enter their geriatric years, including the expense of their veterinary care: this is something to be aware of in advance so that you can be sure to be able to provide the necessary medical care that they may require.  Just like in humans, diseases of all kinds become more prevalent with age. Dental disease is a particularly commonly seen issue in older cats, and maintaining your older cat's dental health is both essential, and rather costly.

To begin with, your veterinarian will likely start recommending that annual, or even semi-annual, health screening tests be performed at your cat's regular physical exam times. These diagnostic tests will include blood pressure measurement, blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes survey x-rays as well.

The purpose of these tests is to assess overall organ function and health, and check for many common problems that are seen as cats age. For example, these blood tests generally include thyroid hormone levels, electrolyte levels, a total blood protein value, blood sugar, kidney values, liver enzyme levels, red blood cell and white blood cell counts, platelet counts, hemoglobin levels, etc. The urinalysis is used to help interpret the kidney blood values, and also to detect bladder or kidney infections, liver dysfunction, and diabetes. Blood pressure measurement is very important in older cats, because elevated blood pressure is seen quite frequently with diseases that are commonly seen in aging cats, and like humans, high blood pressure is considered to be a ‘silent killer' (despite the fact that it occurs in cats for different reasons than in humans).

Survey x-rays are also invaluable, particularly in obese cats; as cats get older and older, their physical exams become of greater and greater importance, particularly for the detection of masses and diseased organs. However, because obesity in cats greatly limits what can be detected on physical exam, survey x-rays can help provide a better overview of organ shape and size than can be obtained on physical exam.

If your geriatric cat becomes ill with kidney insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, or other diseases, your veterinarian will treat your cat accordingly, and will advise you on what treatments can be done both in the clinic and at home to manage your cat's disease. More frequent examinations and tests may be recommended if your cat has been diagnosed with a health problem.

Even if your elderly cat has received a clean bill of health from the veterinarian, there are still methods with which you can provide your geriatric cat with greater daily comfort and improved quality of life. Some important techniques you can implement at home are discussed below.

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Diet

?  Your geriatric cat should be fed an appropriate diet, and your veterinarian can give you samples for your cat to try, or make recommendations about suitable commercial diets available

Mature cat diets generally have more restricted protein levels in comparison with adult cat diets, and you will want to be cautious not to over-restrict your cat's protein intake since some geriatric diets will do so
Many geriatric cat diets are restricted in phosphorus and sodium levels in case of the presence of kidney insufficiency, hypertension, and/or heart disease
Geriatric diets often have increased fiber levels to help with slowing intestinal motility and encourage healthy daily bowel movements
Geriatric cats should be fed highly palatable canned food to optimize hydration status, particularly because renal insufficiency, which can result in dehydration and constipation, is so common in cats as they age

Access to the essentials

?  Geriatric cats often become less easily mobile due to decreased muscle tone and the onset of arthritis

It is important that geriatric cats have easy access to food and water dishes, as well as to their litter boxes
Weight loss and dehydration are common in older cats, so having food and water dishes on all floors of the home is important to encourage optimal intake at all times
Having comfortable access to litter boxes is necessary, which also means having access on all floors – geriatric cats that are forced to contend with staircases and longer distances to reach their litter boxes, may or may not end up doing their business in their boxes

Arthritis

?  Many geriatric do gradually ‘slow down' as the years go by, and frequently we are too fast to assume that this is a regular part of the aging process

?  Well, it is a ‘normal' part of the aging process in the sense that older cats are quite prone to developing arthritis, similarly to humans

However, arthritis is an ailment that all too frequently goes untreated in our feline family members, and it is well worth inquiring about pain management and nutrient supplementation for your cat with your cat's veterinarian - while we are unfortunately rather limited in the types of medications available and safe for long term usage in cats, there are some options that may be tried, and it can be amazing the transformation that can take place in your older kitty once it experiences relief from the chronic pain that arthritis imposes on them
Providing your arthritic cat with steps or boxes with which they can more easily access the bed and the couch, rather than needing to struggle to jump up or down onto them, can greatly decrease daily stress levels and also help avoid self-injury from an unsuccessful jump
Litter boxes themselves not only need to be placed in easily accessible locations, but they also need to be amenable to easy entry and exit for the geriatric cat – jumping in and out of litter boxes becomes more challenging as age progresses, and having roomy litter boxes with shallow entrances becomes more and more important

Monitoring behaviour

?  While your veterinarian will review your cat's behaviour with you at its geriatric wellness exam, it is important for you to monitor your cat at home for any behavioural changes and bring your cat in for an appointment if you note any changes

The reason that behaviour in older cats is so important, is because it is very commonly associated with underlying medical problems, despite the fact that the changes may seem ‘personality'-related
Changes to watch for include differences in activity levels, alterations in sleeping habits, increased or decreased vocalization, increased or decreased appetite, increased thirst, increased socialization with people within the household, or conversely, withdrawal from the people in the house, increased irritability, aggression, and decreases in grooming behaviour

Dental Care

?  Dental disease can easily lead to kidney and heart disease, systemic infections, and significant pain for your geriatric cat, and maintaining your cat's oral health will be one of the most important aspects of prolonging your cat's quantity and quality of life

Older cats with dental disease will not stop eating, contrary to popular belief, because to stop eating means to starve to death
Many owners expect that their cats will let them know, or will show symptoms, if they have dental discomfort, but this is simply not the case – animal instinct dictates survival above all else, and so cats that experience even severe daily dental pain will continue to eat, because doing so means that they will continue to live
While dental care for your cat is quite expensive, as it is for humans as well, it is one of the most important aspects of taking good care of your older cat, and ensuring that it is not suffering – it is an expense to consider before ever adopting a cat, and one that is well worth the investment once you are caring for your elderly cat

While this summary provides some good pointers on caring for your elderly cat, it is not a comprehensive list of all aspects of geriatric health care, and should you have any questions or concerns about the health of your geriatric kitty, it is best to contact your veterinarian to inquire about your concerns.

To read Dr. Ko's article at www.catdoctorko.com, please click here.

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian. © 2011 K & J Ventures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Koharik Arman "Dr. Ko" - Licensed Veterinarian Dr. Ko is a cat lover! Although she is trained in all areas of veterinary medicine, she has sought out a professional career that allows her to work exclusively with felines. While in school, Dr. Ko was a Deans Honor List Student throughout the four years of her undergraduate BSc (Bachelor of Science in Biology) degree at the University of New Brunswick, and the four years during which she completed her DVM (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine) degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College in beautiful Prince Edward Island. Dr. Ko earned many scholarships in the course of her post-graduate education, including the Bayer Companion Animal Veterinary Medicine Award. She also published an article she wrote while still a student in a medical journal, the CVJ (Canadian Veterinary Journal), in 2007. A licensed veterinarian who works exclusively with cats, Dr. Ko is a member of the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practicioners), the CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Assocation), VIN (the Veterinary Information Network), and is also a certified NEW (Nuclear Energy Worker). Dr. Ko continues to split her time between working in private practice at two different feline veterinary clinics, as well as writing and publishing articles on animal wellness and welfare, and, of course, dedicating herself to the continued development and expansion of the www.catdoctorko.com website and its community of cat lovers. Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website. She continues to be an advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, and of course, the health and wellness of cats everywhere! 
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When you have a dog with short hair, you might not need to worry about grooming your dog's hair with a clipping, but for those that have a medium-length or long haired dog, grooming your dog's hair with a clipping might be an important thing to learn because it can save you money from going to a professional groomer all of the time. A dog's fur can become matted and the hair around their face, ears and legs need to be kept tangle-free to keep the pet clean. When it comes to grooming your dog's hair with a clipping, it makes it easier to keep your pet brushed out and clean of pests and dirt, while making the pet more comfortable.

You are going to need scissors or shears, clippers or shavers and combs or brushes, depending on the type of dog you have and how long the hair has gotten. You should have a complete grooming set that is specifically for your pet and they need to be kept sharp. Round-ended tools are best and easy to find at the pet supply stores.

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When you are considering grooming your dog's hair with a clipping, you may want to take the dog to a groomer, for the first time. There are several reasons for this because it can help the dog accept grooming as part of something that needs to be done and helps you to see how it is done properly. You can get helpful hints to make grooming your dog's hair with a clipping much easier to accomplish at home.

There are some pet owners that start grooming at an early age, which makes it much easier for you to start grooming your dog's hair with a clipping without professional help. If your pet is used to being groomed from the time it is a puppy, it will come to enjoy having its hair brushed and a clipping will be especially welcomed in the warmer, summer months.

You will need to collect your grooming supplies before you get started and make sure they are sharpened, if they have become dull, because you won't want to be interrupted, once you have started grooming your dog's hair with a clipping. You need to brush you dog to get the tangles out and then shampoo and dry the pet. Brushing and combing again will get out any mats before you start clipping the hair.

You will be using the clippers on the main part of the dog's body and trim in the direction the hair is growing. You will be using the scissors to clip hair around the face, ears and legs, being careful to avoid harming the pet. Finding a quiet place where you can clip and trim your pet's hair can be important in keeping the pet relaxed and keep any sudden movements from occurring.

You need to take special care that you don't cut or injure the pet when you are grooming your dog's hair with a clipping, but you will find it gets easier the more often you go through the routine. It can save you substantially on your grooming expenses, if you have a medium or long-haired dog.
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There are many things you can do yourself when it comes to grooming your own dog, and we are amazed that more people don't groom their dog at home. As third generation grooming shop owners, we see countless people come in and request services that are extremely simple to do. While this is obviously what makes us money, we are in a smaller midwestern city, so exposing our "secrets" worldwide probably won't affect our bottom line too much.

There are many things you can do to groom your dog yourself and save money,but we will give you the top 5. Remember, not only will you be saving money, you will form a closer bond with your dog.

1. Bathing Your Dog- This is so simple a child can do it. Really. It's just like washing your own hair...scrub it up good and make sure you get all the soap rinsed out. Use a hypoallergenic soap.

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2. Drying Your Dog-Use a towel sparingly, otherwise a medium or long coated dog's hair will tangle. Just pat the excess water off. If you can't put the dog outside and don't want water all over the house, use a blow dryer on your dog. A word of warning, other than their nails being done, dogs usually hate the drying process more than anything!

3. Trimming Your Dog's Nails- This is a little more complicated, and not something I can fit the information for in a short article. You will need to purchase a nail trimmer and possess a lot of patience as most dogs hate to have their nails trimmed. With a little training, you can trim your dog's nails yourself.

4. Brushing Your Dog- I could write a ten thousand word article on how important this is. Unless your dog is extremely short haired, you need to brush your dog often. You might think your dog isn't shedding because you don't find hair all over the house, and you would be wrong. Some dog breeds shed their hair into their undercoat. If you don't brush them often, this hair becomes matted. Your dog can actually have some discomfort because of this, as matted hair pulls on the dog's skin. Brush your dog often.

5. Minor Trimming Of Your Dog's Hair- While we would never recommend someone trying to hand scissor a poodle, there are some minor touch ups and trims you can easily do yourself, with a little training.

Learning to do these five things and grooming your dog yourself will save you quite a bit of money each year, and as we mentioned earlier in this article, you will find yourself forming a closer bond with your dog.

The author is a third generation owner of two grooming shops and a dog breeder. You can find more information on grooming your dog yourself and dog grooming how tos by visiting Groom Your Dog At Home
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Relax and breath! Don't punish your cat for scratching your furniture; it's a very natural behavior for your cat to perform. Your cat is stretching, marking their territory, and grooming their claws; you simply need to provide an even more attractive scratching surface for their use when they're indulging in this pleasurable behavior. There is plenty of hope for the lifespan of your furniture yet, just follow these easy steps:

Protect your furniture by adding cat repellents to the specific areas on your furniture that your cat has special affections for (eg. the left arm of your favorite recliner). Most repellants do not cause damage to fabrics, but test the spray on a small area of the couch that isn't visible prior to applying it on visible locations. Reapply the repellent daily for about one week so that your cat concludes that these areas are undesirable surfaces for scratching. Widely available and very effective products include:
Bitter apple sprays - non-toxic; safe to use on most fabrics and surfaces; unodoriferous to people, but tastes and smells unattractive to cats.
Double-sided sticky tape - available in pet stores as well as home & office supply stores.
Aluminum foil - cover the area with the foil.

Note: DO NOT punish your cat if they commit one or two repeat offenses and scratch your furniture during their training period. Scratching is a normal and important aspect of feline self care. Punishing your cat for expressing happy, healthy cat behavior is unwarranted and will only cause your cat anxiety which will put strain on you and your cat's relationship. The goal is not to stop your cat from scratching, but simply to redirect the behavior to a more appropriate surface: one that is compatible with your, as well as your cat's, needs.

Assess the scratching surfaces you have provided for your cat within the home. Most cats have strong preferences regarding their scratching substrates, and the good news is that there are many different scratching post options available, among which you can select a substitute for the couch that will suit your cat's exact wants and needs! A cat who has enjoyable designated scratching mediums will not destroy furniture in order to stretch their claws satisfactorily. So whichever way your cat likes to dig in their nails, you need to satisfy those personal requirements:
Incline: Some kitties prefer vertical scratching surfaces while others prefer horizontal ones, and still others are partial to gentle inclines. 
Substrate: Some cats prefer sisal rope, others prefer carpeted posts, and some prefer simple $10 cardboard cat scratchers (which, incidentally, are available as horizontal scratchers and also as ramps of variable inclines!).
Note: Keep in mind that not all carpeting is created equal … soft, low quality carpet does  not provide good durability; most cats prefer tougher, higher quality carpeting that they can really dig their claws into. 

Mobility:Cats prefer that their scratching surfaces be immobile when being used, so scratching posts that hang (eg. from door handles) are generally not a hit with most kitties. A solid, wide base is paramount to having a sturdy cat scratching post that your cat will enjoy using. And remember, when purchasing cat towers, you frequently pay for the quality you are buying, so cheaper but more elaborate constructs may look great, but are often not very stable. 
Note: If your cat's scratching post is wobbly and insecure, chances are that your kitty will return to using the nice steady couch arm instead of their designated scratch post!

Provide scratching posts in all of the right locations in your home. If your cat's scratching posts are sequestered to the basement but they spend most of their time with you in the living room and bedroom areas, then the scratching posts are not going to be very effective! Chances are that if your cat wants to wake up and have a good lazy stretch after a satisfactory cat nap, that they are not going to saunter down to the basement to attend to those needs when there is a perfectly good couch staring them right in the face, offering up some lovely upholstery on its arms … 
That's right, you may need to have multiple cat scratching posts available if you have a multiple level home, and they should not be banished 'out of sight,' otherwise they will also be 'out of mind' (ie. your cat's mind!). One substantial scratching post on the main floor, close to one of the main furniture victims, will often suffice. Ideally, however, there should be several scratching post options on the main floor. Other ancillary scratching posts should be added to the additional floors near your cat's various hang-out spots. Cardboard scratcher-ramps are a great way to provide multiple scratch posts around the home on a modest budget. Cardboard scratchers are also small and mean that your cat's scratching posts won't necessarily take over your entire home!

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           To have a look at various scratching post options, have a peek in the Store.

Note: If the aesthetics of having cat scratching posts in the central area of your home is an issue, check out these fancy feline furniture factories below:

http://www.purrfectpost.com      www.cattressmattress.com/blog/      http://www.therefinedfeline.com 

Sprinkle cat nip on your cat's scratching posts. Nothing encourages a cat to get familiar with the new, more appropriate scratching medium than some fresh ‘nip! 
You can also place a few of your cat's favorite treats around the base and on top of their scratching posts to draw them over to their new posts and encourage their use.
Give your cat a ‘pet-icure'! Believe it or not, trimming your cat's nails is easily accomplished. It helps minimize the damage to your furniture during the 'new scratching substrate training interim,' and also ensures that your cat won't get their claws accidentally stuck in carpeting, slits in radiators, and other such nooks and crannies around your home (which can result in a painful torn claw). 

Note:Additionally, it's beneficial for your cat to be accustomed to receiving pedicures from a young age. As cats grow older the outer nail sheaths do not shed as easily as they do in younger cats; their claws become long and thick, and can quickly become ingrown, infected, and painful unless they are trimmed periodically. 

Additional Note: If your cat goes outdoors, do not trim your cat's nails too short. Decrease furniture damage by just clipping the sharp, pointed nail tip to create a blunt end, but leave enough nail length for your cat to be able to defend themselves against outdoor predators (other cats, dogs, raccoons, coyotes, fisher cats), climb trees to escape, etc.

Watch my know-how video (on my site) for tips on how to trim your cat's nails.

Soft Paws: Soft Paws are a truly innovative creation for indoor cats, and when all else has failed, this is the best solution available. Soft Paws are cheap, easy to apply, and painless. Declawing is NOT a humane option, and, hopefully, will be banned in North America in the near future. Soft Paws are essentially fake nails that ensheath your kitty's claws - nice, soft, rubbery fake nails that come in an assortment of fun colours! Soft Paws ensure that your cat's next big scratching session will be transformed into nothing more than a rigorous massaging action.

Note:  If your cat goes outdoors you should not use Soft Paws to protect your furniture; without functional claws your cat will be unable to protect themselves in dangerous outdoor situations.  

Check out the Soft Paws website for more information on application techniques.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Koharik Arman "Dr. Ko" - Licensed VeterinarianDr. Ko is a cat lover and founder of the www.catdoctorko.com website! Although she is trained in all areas of veterinary medicine, she has sought out a professional career that allows her to work exclusively with felines.While in school, Dr. Ko was a Deans Honor List Student throughout the four years of her undergraduate BSc (Bachelor of Science in Biology) degree at the University of New Brunswick, and the four years during which she completed her DVM (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine) degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College in beautiful Prince Edward Island. Dr. Ko earned many scholarships in the course of her post-graduate education, including the Bayer Companion Animal Veterinary Medicine Award. She also published an article she wrote while still a student in a medical journal, the CVJ (Canadian Veterinary Journal), in 2007. A licensed veterinarian who works exclusively with cats, Dr. Ko is a member of the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practicioners), the CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Assocation), VIN (the Veterinary Information Network), and is also a certified NEW (Nuclear Energy Worker). Dr. Ko continues to split her time between working in private practice at two different feline veterinary clinics, as well as writing and publishing articles on animal wellness and welfare, and, of course, dedicating herself to the continued development and expansion of the www.catdoctorko.com website and its community of cat lovers.Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website. She continues to be an advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, and of course, the health and wellness of cats everywhere! 
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Your pooch may not need to bathe as frequently as people, but he still needs to maintain his cleanliness and appearance in order to feel good. If you have ever given your dog a bath and watched him prance around eagerly, you'll already know how powerful an effect grooming has on him. Keeping his hair trimmed, nails clipped, and ears clean while making sure he's free from dirt and grime is not only good for his hygiene, but also for his happiness.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the fundamentals of grooming your dog. We'll offer a few helpful suggestions for keeping your pooch clean, happy, and looking his best.

Brush His Coat Regularly

Brushing your canine's hair helps to remove dirt and debris, eliminate tangles, and keep his coat looking shiny and healthy. The frequency of the brushing sessions will depend on the length of his hair.

If he has short hair, brushing every two weeks is sufficient for keeping it well-managed. If his hair is medium-length, it will be more susceptible to tangles, matting, and debris. Plan to brush him weekly. If your pooch has long hair, you'll find his coat difficult to manage unless you devote time to brushing it daily.

Keep in mind that most dogs enjoy having their owners brush their hair. It feels soothing to them and they enjoy the attention. So, even if your canine only requires a weekly brushing, consider doing it more often. You'll both enjoy the time spent together.

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Don't Forget His Nails

Unlike brushing, few dogs enjoy having their nails trimmed. In fact, few enjoy having their paws touched. Canines' distaste for nail trimming usually stems from a painful memory of having them clipped too short in the past. Meanwhile, owners are often hesitant while trimming them because they're fearful of hurting their pets.

If you're unsure regarding how to clip your pooch's nails, ask a professional groomer to show you the process. Your dog will need to have them trimmed once a month, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to practice over time. But regardless of how often you do it, your canine will never look forward to the experience.

Bathe Him to Keep Him Clean

Bathing is unnatural to dogs; they have to grow accustomed to it through repetition. That said, canines enjoy their owners' attention so much that many of them will gladly endure the water and suds in order to have it.

Plan to give your dog a bath once every four to six weeks. If he spends a lot of time outside, you may need to bathe him every two or three weeks. Ask your veterinarian to suggest an appropriate shampoo given your pooch's skin and hair.

Examine His Ears

While bathing your canine, check his ears for debris or unpleasant odors. Both are signs that his ears need cleaning and possibly, medication. Some breeds rarely experience ear problems because air flows freely through the ear canal. Other breeds - especially those with long hair - seem to cope with persistent problems related to bacteria and other elements. Very little air is able to flow through the canal.

Canines rarely enjoy having their ears cleaned. But inspecting and cleaning them will help prevent serious problems (and foul odors) down the road.

Give His Hair A Trim

Every breed grows their hair at a different pace. Some dogs need a haircut every two weeks while others can go a few months without a trim. In most cases, this job should be performed by a professionally trained groomer. Trimming a canine's hair is not as simple as it appears.

Taking the time to groom your dog is necessary for maintaining his cleanliness and happiness. Make it a part of your schedule. As an added benefit, you'll find that regular grooming slowly strengthens the friendship you share together.
Find the best Dog Treats and Dog Bones at http://www.bestbullysticks.com
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Anyone who has owned a pet knows that buying pet supplies can become an extremely expensive endeavor. Pet needs are almost always underestimated until you actually have the animal living in your home, and you quickly realize that the animal needs proper bedding, toys, a carrier, leash, outdoor containment, grooming tools, as well as medicine and food. Properly taking care of your pet shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.

The resources below will help you find pet supplies, medicine, and food that will cost far less than the retail prices you’ll find at any grocery or department store.

Coupons for Pet Supplies

One of the first places to look for significant savings on pet supplies is through using coupons. Coupons can provide some significant savings on supplies, sometimes up to or greater than 50%. Various outlets, such as PetSmart, even offer free shopping for orders over a certain size. This means that by simply doing your pet supply shopping online, you are saving a fortune.

One of the best coupon providers with the most coupons for pet supplies is Coupon Mountain, with coupons for pet supplies, pet medications, and online deals for most of the major pet supply retailers. A few examples of the deals to be found at Coupon Mountain

$5 to $20 off K9 Advantix at 1-800-PetMeds
Get $15 off orders of $75 or more at PetCo
15% off orders over $40 at PETsMART
10% off any order at DogToys.com
15% off orders over $100 at PetCareRx
15% off Lambert Kay Pet Care products

This is only a very small sample of the long list of coupons and deals provided at Coupon Mountain.

Direct Pet Superstore

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Direct Pet Superstore is a large discount retailer of everything you could possibly need for your pet. This includes toys, treats, grooming supplies, flea & tick management, medicines, and even an entire section with additional coupons and promotions.

Direct Pet has an entire section dedicated to saving money on your pet’s prescriptions called “Pet RX”. You can find medicine from Pfizer, Virbac, Boehringer Ingelheim, and other pharmalogicals at impressively competitive prices.

Other ways to save at Direct Pet Superstore:

Sign up and you will be notified of exclusive specials on new products and sale prices for existing products.
A current promotion is a $100 shopping spree for five lucky winners.
Request a free catalog
Discounts on supplies and medicine throughout the website

My Pet Outlet

MyPetOutlet.com is a fantastic discount pet supply website with multiple deals going on every month. A few examples from the main page include Dr Noys Swizzle Teaser for 15% off, a Merrick Meaty Beef Dog Bone at 25% off, and Kitty Hoots “Zoom” Organic cat nip at 20% off.

Categories at MyPetOutlet.com include supplies fro dogs, cats, birds, fish, and even reptiles and small animals. There’s even a clearance section where you can find some rock bottom prices. This week MyPetOutlet.com is offering 15% off every order over 50, as well as a free toy and free shipping. With prices this low, it doesn’t make sense to walk into a retail pet store anymore – shopping online saves so much more.

Pet Portraits, Send 5% Savings to an Animal Rescue Foundation

One of the most unique things you can do to capture the character of your pet, and to show people how much love you have for your furry friend, is to have a pet portrait done by professional artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. She will accept photos through the mail of pets, and then create stunning portraits from those pictures. Pet portraits are ideal because they can be done from a photo (as apposed to getting the pet to “pose” at a studio.)

The great thing about Nikky is that she’s a pet lover herself, and this is reflected in how she runs her business. She discounts every commissioned painting by 5%, and sends those savings as a donation to an animal rescue foundation. This shows how Nikky’s love for all animals is not only reflected in her heartfelt portraits, but also in how she runs her business.

PetCo

Of course, another way to save a fortune off of pet supplies that you wouldn’t normally save if you simply visit a brick-and-mortar store, is to visit that store’s website. Petco also has a comprehensive online website where shoppers can shop virtually for all pet supplies. Petco provides internet only discounts to internet shoppers, such as free shopping, some of the lowest prices available anywhere for Frontline products, and each category (dogs, cats, fish, etc.) has a section devoted to sales, where you can find some impressive discounts off all kinds of pet products.

I'm a Los Angeles based oil painter. I specialize in Pet Portraits. I currently teach art and paint for a living. I've enjoyed combining my love for pets, with my love for the arts. You can find my online portfolio at: Pet Portraits by Nikky
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