Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Some Facts About Your Pet...!


A very large number of us have pets...or should I say that they have us!

If you are like me, there are certain things that pets do that are totally beyond my understanding! My cat (C.B.) and my Mom's cat (Amy ) both do things that seem strange to me. Fortunately for me, The Old Farmer's Almanac was able to furnish a little insight into their behavior.

That's one thing about the Almanac, you can almost always find something in their pages that you can use. Anyway, I thought I would share these little tid-bits with you as you might have a few questions as to why your pet does what they do!

Why do cats and dogs eat grass?

Most do at some point and then vomit. While no one is certain why, some say it purges unpleasant toxins from their systems. Others say they just like the taste of grass. Whatever the reason, vets agree it causes no harm unless the grass of choice has been treated with chemicals.

Pets at Home Alone

Believe it or not, vets recommend putting on a video or the television to keep housebound dogs and cats from getting totally bored if they're home alone all day. Other loneliness or boredom cures include playing music or calling home to talk to the answering machine. A bird-feeder outside a strategically placed window can provide entertainment for cats. An aquarium with a few fish (and the top on!) will also keep a kitty occupied. And dogs always love their chew toys.

When Pets Get the Blues

Pets get depressed for some of the same reasons humans do. Illness, loneliness, lack of exercise, or a major change of lifestyle such as moving to a new home can all lead to a pets depression. It is difficult to distinguish depression from symptoms of physical illness, so a careful watch is necessary. If a mopey cat goes without eating for 36 hours, or a dog for 48 hours, it's time to call a vet. In the meantime, here are some things to try with your pet that will be healthy, even if it's not depression:

Lots of playing and vigorous walks outdoors.

Put up a mirror where a pet can see his reflection. This might reduce feelings of loneliness, if that's the depression trigger.

Make sure your pet is included when you have visitors or a new baby in the house.

Playing music, particularly classical, seems to have a positive effect on many pets.

Dogs may be jolted out of the blues with a new friend. Visit a park or doggy day-care center or class.

A cat will love more stimulation outside her window, so attract birds to your yard and make sure she has plenty of scenic vistas.

Why Cats Do the Things They Do

Catnip Behavior

Why does one cat like catnip, while the next one ignores it? Cats under three months old probably won't respond at all. Males are more likely to respond than females, and unneutered males respond the most because catnip mimics the chemical found in female cat urine. The cat-active ingredient in catnip is nepatalactone.

​Is it me or the food?


Cats rub against people and objects to mark and claim their territory.

​Up But Not Down

If cats are natural-born climbers, why are they notorious for getting stuck in trees? Cats may be afraid of falling, or nervous about the commotion on the ground below them. Usually a cat will come down within a day if left alone, but a cat who's been stuck for much longer may need to be rescued.

Why Dogs Do the Things They Do

A Bark is Not Just a Bark

You can learn to recognize what your dog is trying to say with his barks and whines. Whining between barks generally means he is frightened or doesn't want you to leave (separation anxiety). Barking a long time, with brief pauses between similar barks, means he is probably bored. An exuberant bark means it's playtime.

'Fraidy Dog

Many dogs are afraid of loud noises. You can make yours feel safer by giving him his own small space to crawl into, like a crate or cage. You may want to cover it with a blanket, but leave the door open. As with humans, relaxing music may calm a dog during a thunderstorm.

I guess that you could apply these same things to human behavior, especially during storms! If I read this right, to stop being frightened during a storm all I have to do is to put on some classical music, stand in front of a mirror, and cover my head with a blanket! Think that would actually work?

Some of these things you may have already figured out for yourself. Most of us long ago gave up on really trying to figure our furry friends out...and instead concentrate on ways to love them!

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio. I'll put on some music if you promise not to bark!

9 comments:

Sixbears said...

I'm pretty sure my dog understands us better than we understand her.

Let me know how that lightning cure works for ya!

Mechanic in Illinois said...

My four cats allow us to live with them in the same house. They all love catnip and don't seem to care about anything. Thanks for the story and have a great Wednesday.

Ben in Texas said...

Pour the coffee , fire up the music and I'll rub up against your leg and purr!! :-)

Duke said...

I have to hide the remote from my dog.....I think he watches doggie porn while I'm gone.

JoJo said...

I think fur babies are way to smart for us. I am learning so much from Fred. Little stinker.
Coffee these mornings if sure nice and warm going down. Pass the pot please.

HermitJim said...

Hey Sixbears...
I don't think it takes very long for a pet to figure out how to push all the right buttons on his owner!

One thing I did learn from my cat was the importance of taking a nap! Good stuff!

Thanks for the visit today!


Hey Mechanic...
Cats do seem to have their own agenda, don't they? And you're right about them letting us live in their house!

Thanks, my friend, for coming by today!


Hey Ben...
Now seeing you rub and purr would be a sight to behold! Your two carpet sharks wouldn't know what to think!

Thanks, buddy, for coming by today!


Hey Duke...
Sometimes it does make you wonder, doesn't it?

Does he have his favorite spot to be when watching the tube?

I appreciate you coming by today!


Hey JoJo...
They can teach us a lot, for sure!

Mine shows me everyday just where the cat food is! Just wants to make sure I don't forget, I guess!

Thanks, sweetie, for coming by today!

TROUBLEnTX said...

One of my smartest cats learned to use the remote and turn the tv on, while i was working. When i finally figured it out why my tv would be on when i got home, all i had to remember was, turn the remote away. surprised he didn't figure THAT out. Still makes me tear up, remembering him. Lost him to cancer when he was just 2.

Mayberry said...

Heh, the older she gets, Gizmo (my geriatric dog) hates storms and loud jets when they take off over our house. She also hates the big dog across the street when he sets off barking. Her "refuge" is the bathroom between the toilet and the wall. She's like her old man, I like quiet too. Her pal Squeaker the kitty doesn't seem to mind, but she's not much comfort either. Interesting post Jim, I learned something!

HermitJim said...

Hey Trouble...
Our pets can learn more than we give them credit for! It probably would surprise us all!

It's always hard to lose a furry friend!

Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Craig...
They sure can provide a lot of entertainment with their actions. But one thing they all do, they provide all the love and devotion they can muster!

Thanks, buddy, for coming by today!