What Exactly is a Siamese Cat?

Siamese cats were originally from Siam and have gained popularity in the past one hundred years or so as house pets. They were typically bred only for the wealthy, but these days anyone who wishes to can own a Siamese cat can do so with ease.

For those who are not familiar with the Siamese cat breeds, there may be some confusion when choosing these types of cats as a pet. Most people do not even know that there are sub types in the category of Siamese cats. While most Siamese cats will be light tan in color with darker brown points on their ears, tail and legs, they will also have a darker mask around their eyes, which are always blue. There are some rarer types that will have a more blue tint to the darker brown coloring. All Siamese cats have hind legs that are longer than their front legs are.

They are different from typical house cats in that they can not sheathe their back claws. There are two main types of Siamese cats that you can own, the first is called an Apple Head Siamese cat and the other is called a Wedge Head Siamese cat.

How to Differentiate Between the Apple Head Siamese and Wedge Head Siamese Cats

There are two basic types of Siamese cats; the classic, which is also know as an apple head, and the extreme type which is known as a wedge head Siamese cat.

The Apple Head Siamese Cats

The Apple Head or classic Siamese cat will be a sturdy cat which is larger and has a fuller body than the Wedge Head. This type of Siamese cat will be larger than the Wedge Head as well and will have brilliant blue eyes. Many feel that the Apple Head is more like the Siamese cats of old in that these properties were bred out of the Wedge Head Siamese cats.

The Wedge Head Siamese Cats

The Wedge Head Siamese cat is much thinner than the Apple Head is and has a more tapered or pointed face. This type of Siamese cat is typically what you will see at cat shows and are bred mostly for this purpose. Their eyes have more of slant to them and are the shape of almonds. The ears are much bigger than the Apple Head Siamese cat have.

Pros and Cons to Owning a Siamese Cat

Pros

Siamese cats of any type are typically very playful cats. They are highly intelligent and make great pets. They can be taught many of the same "tricks" that you can teach a dog. I have a friend whose Siamese cat will fetch, rollover, sit and lay down to hand commands. They do not require much grooming as they have short coats, which makes them a good pet for those who are allergic to long haired breeds.

You will still need to brush them to keep them looking nice, and not mention that brushing your cat will help build a bond between you. When you get a Siamese cat, you want to play with it as much as possible as they are very social animals and will revel in your time with them. These cats have garnered a reputation for being stand offish, but the opposite is true; Siamese cats are actually quite affectionate and love attention.

Cons

While these are very playful cats, they can also be big climbers, if you have areas where you do not want your cat to climb, you may want to keep them out of that room as you may find that your Siamese cat has climbed there just because they can. You may want to get a nice scratching post that has towers on it for them to climb instead.

Siamese cats are very vocal and will chatter with you when they are feeling anything at all. If you are looking for a quiet cat, the Siamese may not fit your needs. You will need to be careful when you purchase a Siamese cat as there are many breeders who are not legitimate and you may end up with a cat that has been inbred to the point that they are no longer fit for pets. by Susan Miler

Looking For a Good Family Dog?

Looking For a Good Family Dog?

If you are looking for a good family dog, consider one of the hunting breeds. If you already own one you don't need to read this! My husband and son hunt using our Vizsla pointers, Abby and Peaches. The intelligence and loyalty astounds me.. They even achieved couch status in the living room, much to my chagrin.

As an all-round good family dog, the hunting breeds are hard to beat.

The Sporting dog breeds have tremendous popularity as family pets; just think Golden Retriever or Labrador. For the most part, all hunting dogs have similar qualities that fit well with family life:

wonderful loving nature, great for active families love outdoor activities okay with children energy and endurance devoted and loyal good family watch dog

Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.

The breed is often chosen on impulse, because of its appearance, reputation, or as the current fad, and not for the particular characteristics that will make it a good pet that fits the family's lifestyle and activity level.

Families or individuals who are outdoorsy and active should consider choosing a dog from the sporting group.

Also known as gun dogs, or bird dogs, they have natural hunting abilities, pointing retrieving or both.

As a hunter you have a dog that fits with your sport. My husband hunts upland game , quail, pheasant, so our pointer vizslas fit the bill.

These dogs also fit well with our home life.

Sporting dogs are energetic. They love to run and are better off not being confined.

They are not suited for apartment life! The best scenario is a large fenced-in yard

For physical activity, walking your dog 2 or 3 times a day is just not enough... these dogs love to flat out run!

Sporting dogs can enjoy swimming if they are easily introduced to water as puppies. Gentle rivers or lakes are good, even the backyard pool works! Never throw the puppy in. This could teach him to fear water. Find a shallow spot for him to get in with your encouragement. Bring him in and allow to feel his stride swimming. Don't hold or force him to stay in the waster, as panic will turn to fear of the water.

Labrador Retrievers and Golden retrievers have become one of the most popular family dogs in the sporting group. They are happiest when they are with their people, and are too friendly to be good guard dogs! Labs are gentle with children...

Golden Retrievers are also extremely popular. A well-mannered, charming breed that loves people and other animals, Golden Retrievers are wonderful family dogs that are gentle and patient with children......

English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, cheerful, and playful dogs who love everyone. They have high energy levels which make them a great pet for families with active children. English Springers can cover rough terrain with speed, agility and endurance.......

Weimaraners are proud and aristocratic dogs. Fearless but not overly aggressive, they are protective of their families. Intelligent and eager to please, Weimaraners need lots of attention and respond well to obedience training.....

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the ideal pets for families who love winter sports. Bred to hunt fowl on the icy New England coast, their thick waterproof coats allow them to tolerate adverse weather conditions. Brave, powerful and assertive, they are excellent watchdogs....

Irish Setters are outgoing dogs with even temperaments. They are great with children and like to play with other dogs. Sweet-natured and playful, Irish Setters love plenty of attention and affection. They are not "stupider" than other breeds as some people believe....

German Shorthair Pointers are intelligent and eager to please but can be stubborn and willful. They are loyal and affectionate with their families but often standoffish to strangers.....

Cocker Spaniels have been popular family pets for decades. Their small size and sweet, cheerful dispositions make them wonderful companions for children....

Many other sporting breeds are quickly gaining popularity as family pets. When choosing a sporting breed be sure you can fulfill the dog's need for the great deal of physical exercise and attention that they need to be happy........

Buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who knows good specimens of the breed they produce. Puppies from pet store "puppy mills" or backyard breeders may not have the gentle, friendly nature that is so characteristic of a well-bred sporting dog.

Sporting dogs are not for everybody, but you don't need to be a hunter to own one! by Lizzie Novotny

Promotional T-shirts and the pet industry

If you are organizing promotional and awareness-building pet-related campaigns, you will find that there is a wide range of promotional items you can use for your cause. You will also realize that you do not need to limit yourself to pet-specific giveaways for pet use, such as toys, treats, or accessories. Certainly giving out these items will get you on the good side of these pet owners (not to mention you will most probably get a warm lick on the cheek from these furry creatures). There are other giveaways, however, that will help you bring your cause before pet owners and individuals who have a soft spot for pets.

Custom apparel like promotional T-shirts, when imprinted with a marketing message or a call to action, can help boost awareness for your advocacy. Animal shelters, pet rescue groups, animal rights activists, and animal hospitals can educate the general public on the right treatment of animals by imprinting promotional T-shirts with their organization's logo and tagline.

Pet rescue groups wanting to spread the word about pet adoption or seeking donations to continue operations will find that promotional T-shirts are one of the best tools there are to build up visibility for their group. These promotional T-shirts can be used as daily uniforms by volunteers or during special community events, such as when doing presentations in schools and churches or going house to house. As uniforms, these promotional T-shirts not only draw attention to the cause but also lend a sense of legitimacy to individuals wearing them. Prospective donors and supporters are more likely to trust someone who knocks at their door wearing a shirt sporting the organization's emblem.

Nongovernmental organizations and advocacy groups wanting to raise funds to care for rescued cats and dogs might want to consider selling promotional T-shirts as merchandise. To make these tops marketable, it is best to come up with unique designs and have these printed as limited-edition items. Interested buyers would be happy to know that their purchase of these promotional T-shirts will help a good cause. By wearing this imprinted apparel, they will also help spread your group's advocacy and reach out to more people. by Rachael Starks

3 Ways to Classify Saltwater Fish Tanks

Modern saltwater fish tanks have evolved into a broad range of distinct systems. Single fish tanks can differ in size from a little bowl big enough for a particular tiny fish to the gigantic public aquaria that can imitate the whole marine environment.

However, there are several classes of saltwater fish tanks. These fish tanks may classify into three different categories: classification according to salinity, classification according to temperature and classification according to species of water-living animals.

Classification according to Salinity

Salinity is one way in classifying fish tanks. It is the measurement of saltiness of water, depending on how much salt is dissolved inside. For saltwater, there is only a specific percentage of salinity that makes it a livable habitat for marine life. Excessive saltiness or lack of it makes the living conditions under the sea unsuitable already.

Fresh water is generally very low in salinity. It is almost bland when tasted. There are only certain kinds of fish who can live on fresh water. These are also known as tropical fish.

Classification According to Temperature

The fish tank may also be classified with their temperature range. Many fish tank keepers take good care of a tropical fish tank so that these fish would be more attractive. On the other hand, the cold water fish tank is also known. Water-living animal like goldfish is included here.

When creating a fish tank, the basic idea is to imitate the actual atmosphere inside the ocean or the sea. Generally, marine fish live in a very cold climate many feet under the waters. Therefore when creating a fish tank, it is very important to control the temperature, keeping it cold enough for the fish to live.

Marine tanks are generally more delicate to temperature changes compared to fresh water tanks.

Classification According to Species

The saltwater fish tanks may also be classified according to their species selection. The most common fish tank today is the community tank. This is where numerous non-aggressive groups are accommodated peacefully together. The fish tank, invertebrates and water plants seemingly do not born originally from similar geographic area, but they abide the same water conditions.

There is also what is referred to as the aggressive fish tanks. It houses together the more aggressive fishes, that when put with other more tamed fishes, might be harmed. This kind of tank may not be filled with many fish as it may stir the peacefulness of the water when the fish aggravate each other.

Species or specimen fish tanks only accommodate one fish species together with plants. They were found in the natural surroundings of the fish and decorations portraying a real ecosystem. This kind of fish tank is useful for fish that cannot be accommodated securely with other fish. One example is electric eel. Furthermore, some aquariums are used to inhabit adults for breeding.

Another kind of fish tanks according to species classification is the ecotype, ecotope, or biotope fish tanks. The fish tank caretakers try to create a particular ecosystem located in the real world. They keep together the invertebrate species, fish, and water-living plants seen only in that ecosystem in an aquarium with water conditions and decorations made to create their natural surroundings.

In addition, these ecotype saltwater fish tanks may also be considered as the most urbane hobby fish tanks. Other than that, these ecotype fish tanks were also chosen for public saltwater fish tanks to their exhibits. This type serves as the best simulation in terms of experience and observing fish tanks. Fitting the fish tank to the surroundings at the source of fish often takes as the well-balanced aquariums.

Knowing the three ways of classifying tanks is very helpful in being able to create the most adaptive artificial habitat for the fish you wish to take care as pets. by David Urmann

Abused Animals: Not Bulls-eye Targets

Growing up on a farm, I witnessed a great deal of animal abuse. The farm always seemed to attract a lot of attention from passersby. The pens of the animals nestled up against the Salt Lake canal bank which had a small dirt road that ran the whole length of the canal. You could look down into our pens of cattle, horses, sheep and pigs and take in the normal scents of a working farm. Below is a sampling of some of the events on our farm:

* ROCKING THROWING. Rock throwing was a popular sport of the youngest visitors. The point of the game was to see who could hit one of the animals first. The cows made the best targets because of their size and lumbering movements.

* ANIMALS AND BB GUNS. Christmas was another joyous time when teens received their first BB guns. An aim and a hit was the same as shooting a paper target to most boys. Their squeals of joy were heard across the farm. My dad spent many hours trying to heal the bleeding holes in the animals - many BBs never recovered, infections ensuing. I often wished these senseless boys could have been forced to witness the pain they had caused, not only with the animals but in my family's hearts.

* GARBAGE IS A TREAT. Children weren't the only ones who wreaked havoc on the farm. Even the simplest, careless act would lead to harming an animal. In the later years, our farm was surrounded on three sides by sub-divisions. Although garbage pick-up was available, neighbors bordering us saw our farm as a dumping ground and a place to tromp our hay down for their baseball games. I never understood as our family drove along the fence lines throwing our neighbor's garbage into the back of our pickup truck why they weren't humiliated by their deeds. It has never stopped to amaze me looking back at this time, how they thought they benefited by their acts. They could still see the garage over the chain-link fence. Why not gaze upon the beauty of a green field instead?

As the cows and horses grazed the pastures during different seasons of the year, an interesting morsel of nails, plastic bottle caps, or the remnants of a ham sandwich in a plastic baggie would catch an animal's eye or be eaten with a mouthful of tasty alfalfa. I remember helping my father inject magnets down the cow's throats with a bolus to collect as much iron and steel as possible. This was to prevent punctures in their stomachs. The iron and steel caused Hardware Disease or peritonitis. The magnets would hold the metal in place and cellulous would wrap around it much like a pearl in an oyster.

* ROCKS LOVE TO BREAK THINGS. This garbage practice over the fence did nothing to help the flow of farming. Despite regular collections by my family, garbage magically appeared continuously, including rocks which couldn't always be seen in a stand of alfalfa. These "gifts" from our neighbors damaged and broke our farming equipment of bailers, rakes and plows - costing valuable time and loss of crops for the animals.

* PETS ARE LIKE FAMILY. Being a dog lover, the episodes we suffered with the dogs caused my heart to ache the most. One of my favorite dogs in my youth was Duke, a blue heeler. Despite the name, Duke was a female. She was a protective dog even to us kids and she worked the sheep and cattle like a pro.

One summer day, Duke crawled to the back porch door, whimpering. We found her on the steps, a bullet in the top of her head. My father was an excellent veterinarian without ever having had any formal training. Somehow, he miraculously managed to save Duke's life. She was never the same after that. There had definitely been some kind of brain damage.

One day my dad and I, along with Duke, hauled a load of our neighbor's garbage to the dump. Duke rode in the truck by my feet. When my dad left to rake out the back of the truck, I reached down to pet her head. She lunged at me, knocked the glasses from my face, and bit my cheek and eyelid. The blood poured profusely from the bite. I was shocked by the act of my once protective, loyal friend. But as young as I was, I still understood. The love for this dog was strong in me and I didn't want her to get into trouble with my dad. I searched the glove compartment for tissues or towels to cover my injured face but to no avail. I wiped the blood on my jeans and on the Naugahyde roof of our old 1964 Ford pick-up truck.

I turned my bleeding face to the door window as my father stepped up into the truck. It took him only a few seconds to notice the blood-stains. He turned my face toward him and stared at me in disbelief. My words were soft, "Please don't be mad at Duke".

* DOGS LOVE TO CHASE CARS. Over the years we had many dogs on the farm. Some were shot, some were poisoned, and some were cruelly and purposefully ran over by speeders along the canal road.

All of these acts proved painful and senseless over the years. I am happy that most of the states have passed the law that animal abuse is a federal offense. Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota have still not passed this law. If you live in these states, please contact your senators and representatives today.

I always include at least one dog in my books and deal often with the subject of animal abuse. It is an issue close to my heart. I hope through this article and my books people will come to understand that animals are not targets. by Cindy A. Christiansen

How to Rent With Pets

If you're a pet owner looking for a new apartment, you've likely been frustrated with the number of landlords who won't allow your companion in the building. Before you consider smuggling in your furry friend under your landlord's nose, here are some tips for renting with pets out in the open.
First, check out the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in your area. The organization typically has a list of landlords who do allow pets, which can save you a lot of legwork. They may even have information about the latest apartments for rent in your area with the landlord's contact phone number.
If you fall in love with an apartment building and there's a "no pets allowed" rule, you could try pleading your case to the landlord. Though you're not guaranteed to get anywhere, you could gain some ground if you market yourself as a responsible pet owner. Offer to keep your pet out of common areas, for example, and stress your plans for handling your pet when you're not at home.
You should narrow down your search to smaller apartment complexes. If the building is not managed by a management company, you're likely to encounter more lenient rules.
Also, you can offer to put down a "pet deposit" that would pay for any damages made by your pet during the terms of the lease. You can also present your landlord with letters of reference from previous landlords who can attest that you are a responsible pet owner.
Why not offer your landlord a chance to meet your pet before you move in? This is a great way to establish your responsibility in person, and can even give the landlord a chance to bond with your pet.
Check out Move.com's How-to Rental Guide for more information. by Jill Kipnis

Finding a New Home For Your Pet in the Event of a Foreclosure

Facing foreclosure on your home can be frightening; typically, the initial response is to panic as your basic instincts will dominate your senses and override your reason. In times of crisis, most people will do anything to save themselves to the point of abandoning their pets. However, when you've lost your home, you don't need to leave your pets behind; there are ways to still keeping your pets during hard times.

The importance of keeping pets

Pets do a lot to bring us comfort when we are sad or stressed. They have therapeutic benefits to our psychology and emotions. The more that we have them, the more they become attached to us and us to them that they become part of the family.

Pets that are left behind

Some pet owners who are forced to abandon their homes end up leaving their pets behind or leaving their pets somewhere in the hopes that someone will find and care for them. However, most of these pets end up dead due to lack of water or food. Domestic pets are used to being cared for by humans and to abandon them for even a few days can make them utterly helpless and defenseless. Unlike street or wild animals, they have not developed the same instincts for survival and won't be able to live on their own. Out in the streets or in the wild, they have to compete with fiercer and more experienced animals, and more often than not, they easily become prey. Dogs and cats last only three to four weeks without food and only a few days without water, even less in extreme cold or heat. When they are left in the backyard or in the house, they are forced to eat anything they find including furniture. Abandoning pets is a cruel thing to do and may even be illegal. Those who abandon their pets may be faced with criminal charges or criminal investigations for neglect.

Options for a new home

If you can't bring your pets with you after you vacate your home, you can find a safe place where your pets can stay temporarily until you find a new residence or permanently if they have to. You can ask people that you know starting with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, if they can take care of your pet for you while you relocate or if they are willing to adopt your pet. You can also ask local breeders if they know any willing foster parents who can take care of your pet. Another possible place for your pet to stay is with your veterinarian in urbane scrubs or a boarding kennel. In most cases, these places will charge you for boarding costs. If you still can't find a safe place for your pet, you can contact reputable animal rescue organizations or animal shelters where your pet can be cared for temporarily or permanently. Make sure that you placing your pet in a "No Kill" shelter where your pet will not be sold to laboratories, put to death, or exploited. by Brent McNutt

Guard Dog Vs Protection Dog

In today's world, people feel a need for security, for themselves and their families. Some people want to keep their property or business secure from intruders. Although alarm systems can do the job, many people choose to get a dog instead. In certain breeds, this guarding and protecting is a natural instinct and dogs have been doing this job for hundreds of years. So, once you decide to get a dog for security, should you get a guard dog or a protection dog? Is there a difference?

The answer is, yes, there is a difference between a guard dog and protection dog. It is important for you to know the difference before you make a decision and buy a puppy. Think of it this way, a guard dog will guard your property and a protection dog will protect you and your family.

A guard dog is trained specifically to be a working dog, not a pet. They are used as police dogs or military dogs and cannot "turn off" their training. Guard dogs can be trained to work at 3 distinct levels of security.

Alarm Dog- This is a large breed with a deep, threatening bark. He will sound the alarm when someone approaches, but will take no action. In many cases, the alarm dogs bark is enough to deter unwanted visitors.

Sentry Dog- A guard dog used as a sentry is most often used to guard the outside of a large property, such as a warehouse or shipyard. The dog is free to roam on his own without instruction from his owner. Because they are trained to attack anyone who trespasses, they are the best possible protection for this type of situation.

Attack Dog- An attack trained guard dog is trained to attack and even kill if given the command by his handler. These dogs meant to be used as police K-9 or military service dogs. Dogs trained at this level are not sociable at any level and are not suitable as pets.

Protection dogs are family dogs that will protect and defend their family in any situation they feel is threatening. Some of the most popular breeds for protection are, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Giant Schnauzers. The Doberman is the only working dog bred specifically as a protection dog. These breeds are extremely loyal and become true family members. They can be socialized with children and other pets, as well as other family, friends and neighbors. These dogs should never be trained specially to do what comes naturally to them. They should be bred with special consideration for their natural instinct to protect. These breeds do however, need to be obedience trained and need to know their position in the family. They can be dominant, so it is important to establish your alpha role. Exercise is extremely important if you want to have a well behaved, well adjusted protection dog. These dogs need plenty of activity because they are big, physical animals with lots of energy.

The main distinction between a guard dog and a protection dogs is ultimately in the training. It is always best to seek a professional when you have determined what you need from your working companion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol by Joseph M. Sabol

Is A Dog The Right Pet For You?

Americans sure do love to own pets! Choosing what kind of pet you will have in your home is an important one, since it will affect not only your life but the one of a defenseless animal as well. Many well-intentioned people think that a dog is right for them without giving it much thought. Is a dog right for you?

Millions of dogs are dropped off at shelters and humane societies throughout the world each year. Why? There are legitimate reasons for not being able to keep a dog, of course, but the main reason most animals are given up is that their owners didn't consider all of the angles and all of the responsibilities of dog ownership before taking that cute little puppy home.

If you are considering adopting a dog for your household, please do it with your eyes wide open and educate yourself about the upbringing of and ongoing care of this potential new member of the family so that your dog owning experience doesn't end in frustration and heartbreak for everyone. Here's what to expect.

-- Dogs live a long time! Small breeds will live between 15 and 20 years, while the largest breeds top off at 8 years. Whatever type of dog you choose, you will be looking at a long term commitment. If you don't think you can handle that kind of a commitment for the long haul, how about choosing a hamster or parakeet instead?

-- Dogs need a lot of daily care. Besides the basics of food and water, dogs have specific needs which must be met each and every day. Unlike cats that use a litter box and require very little human interaction, dogs need to go out and crave the company of their people. Dogs need to be exercised in order to stay healthy: this means being walked at least three times a day. They also need to be outside to relieve themselves. Dogs must be played with and talked to and allowed to be a part of the family. -- Dogs may be left outdoors in a fenced yard during the day when you are at work, but as social creatures, they should be brought in at night. Dogs that are left outside continuously are often neglected and become bored and destructive.

-- Dogs are not a good way to teach kids responsibility. Children are great at taking care of a new puppy, but when the novelty wears off after a few weeks, the onus usually falls back on a parent to take care of the dog. Are you prepared to deal with this eventuality?

-- Dogs shed. Beagles and Dalmatians are the most prolific shedders despite having short hair. There are breeds that don't shed at all, but most do. Those that don't shed require frequent and costly grooming. There are no self-cleaning dogs. Unlike cats, dogs must be regularly bathed by their adoring humans.

A dog should be a welcome and loved addition to any home: please think twice about adopting one if you don't think your lifestyle suits the needs of these sweet and adoring animals. by Art Gib