Kittens, like our own human babies, do what's instinctive. They eat when they're hungry, sleep when they're tired, they breathe and purr, and they also scratch. This instinct was used in the wild to mark territory and assert power, especially when threatened. And it also served the practical purpose of strengthening her paw muscles and removing the nail sheaths or the outer … [Read more...] about How to train your kitten not to scratch furniture
pets
Tips on giving your dog a bath
Some dogs love water and baths. Others dread them, and will do anything to escape them. They hide when they see you holding their shampoo bottle. They squirm, nip, bark, and hurl their entire weight against you. And when you're done (and drenched yourself) they will high-tail out of the bathroom, roll on the floor, and get filthy again. But giving your dog a bath is an … [Read more...] about Tips on giving your dog a bath
Tips for feeding your pet bird
News for new bird owners: Polly doesn't want a cracker. Like all animals, birds have special nutritional needs—and since they can't fly out and forage for their food, they depend on you to provide it. Bird feeds and seeds are designed to meet the nutritional needs of different birds. This article can help you understand your options and what you can do to make sure that … [Read more...] about Tips for feeding your pet bird
How to use aromatherapy to get rid of fleas
Is your dog suffering from fleas? These bloodsucking pets don't just cause itchiness and discomfort: constant scratching can cause wounds that may blister and become infected. Plus, a severe flea infestation can even make your dog weak and sick—and even die. It happened to one grieving pet owner, who noticed his beloved dog become more and more lethargic, until he finally … [Read more...] about How to use aromatherapy to get rid of fleas
Why is my cat biting or scratching himself?
Cats are known to be very vigilant groomers, but it can be quite disturbing when he seems to lick himself too much—or even starts scratching, biting, and chewing himself. You know this isn't normal grooming behavior when he actually ends up damaging his coat, or looks visibly agitated or uncomfortable. Since cats can't 'tell' us what the problem is, it's up to the caring … [Read more...] about Why is my cat biting or scratching himself?