Cats are known for so many things, and those range from being particular to aloof. Felines the world over often have a reputation for not being as warm and fuzzy as dogs Sometimes, cats just want to be alone. Of course, those traits are not always true. Ask any cat lover, and they’ll tell you all about their adorable feline who loves to play or snuggle. And, just like with any animal, cats have individual personalities.

There are things cats do that are pretty common such as that they purr, they knead, sleep a lot, love boxes, and many love catnip, too.

So, what about things we don’t know about cats that might be a little surprising and amusing. According to the article, “5 Facts About Cats You (Probably) Never Knew” at PetMD.com, cats are talkative because of “their ability to make over 100 different sounds. Dogs, on the other hand, can make only 10 different vocalizations.”

Let’s talk some history: Did you know that Julius Caesar and Napoleon were not fans of felines? In fact, they were scared of cats. On the other hand, President Abraham Lincoln loved them so much “and had four cats during his time as president,” the article said.

According to the article, “14 Cool and Interesting Facts About Cats That You May Not Know About,” at PetHelpful.com, more interesting cat facts include:

• Kittens lose their baby teeth.
• One cat’s ear has 32 muscles! “A cat can rotate its ears 180 degrees and can turn in the direction of sound 10 times faster than that of the best watchdog,” the PetHelpful article said.
• Just like a fingerprint, a cat’s nose pad “has a unique pattern,” according to PetHelpful.
• A cat’s deep purr can mean an indication of pain.
• As with dogs, cats can become very sick and even die after ingesting chocolate. So, it’s best to keep it away from your cats.
• A cat may rub against a person to show affection, but it’s also to leave his scent. “In a way, it’s so your cat can communicate to other felines where they have been and that you are essentially already claimed,” the PetHelpful article said.
• We’ve heard that cats have great eyesight, and as a general rule they do. “To see properly at night, a cat only needs one-sixth of the light that humans need,” the PetHelpful article said.

Some other cool facts about cats are just that, pretty cool. According to the article, “Animal Facts: Fun Cat Facts for Kids,” at ScienceKids.com, here are some cool facts:

• The association between cats and people is about 10,000 years old!
• A clowder is the term for a group of cats.
• “The heaviest domestic cat on record is 21.297 kilograms (46 lb 15.2 oz), the Science Kids article said.

Even if you thought you knew cats or even your own cat, there’s always something out there that we just don’t know. And, there are tons of fun and amazing things to learn.

Spring Means Allergy Season; How To Help Your Pets
Spring Is a Great Way to Bring On the Outdoor Fun with Your Dog
Do You Own Your Pet or Does Your Pet Own You?

Spring Means Allergy Season; How To Help Your Pets
As spring approaches so does allergy season. It’s not just for people; our pets can be affected, too. It’s no fun for our furry family members. So, what can we do to help them?

Although our pets can have allergies throughout the year, springtime seems to be worse with “outdoor triggers,” according to the article, “Can Dogs Have Spring Allergies?” at Vetsreet.com. Those can include “weeds, trees, and grass pollens.”

For dogs, evidence of allergies is in itchy skin as well as ear and skin infections, which are unpleasant. Dogs typically itch in their paws, face and ears. “Because allergic disease in dogs so commonly presents in the skin, veterinary dermatologists are sometimes tasked with addressing atopy,” the article said, which is an allergic skin reaction.

Before managing the allergies, your veterinarian has to confirm the diagnosis of atopy. Treatment can include allergy shots or medications.

The primary types of allergies are food allergies and environmental allergies. For dogs and cats, “allergies more often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation – a condition called allergic dermatitis,” according to the article, “If Your Dog is Itchy or Your Cat is Wheezy, You Need to Read This” at Healthy Pets.

These types of allergies can include excessive scratching and chewing at the site among other things to relieve the itchiness. Many dogs will also get itchy ear canals that become inflamed. “Signs your pet’s ears are giving him problems include scratching at the ears, head shaking, and hair loss around the ears,” the article said. “If infection is present there will often be odor and a discharge from the ears.”

In order to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer from all the itchiness and being uncomfortable, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet to get started on treatment.

Spring Is a Great Way to Bring On the Outdoor Fun with Your Dog
Spring is in the air and what a great time to get outdoors with your dog for some fun activities. It’s not too cold and it’s not too hot. It’s usually just right.

Start with some fun activities right in your own backyard.

Just letting your dog out the back door is not enough though. Sure, he’s outside and enjoying the sun, but there has to be more, including some mental and physical stimulation. “Not only is playing outside fun, but it will likely lead to better behavior when inside the house,” according to the article, “5 Fun Activities to Do With Your Dog in the Backyard,” at PetMD.com.

The article said there are many things to do, including:

• Play fetch. From the old-fashioned game to using automatic launchers, this game is always in style.
• Dog agility.
• Scent work, which uses your dog’s sense of smell to sniff out things.
• Water games using a sprinkler or even a bucket.
• Hide and seek.

Leave your own backyard and get more inventive with your dog, too. According to the article, “Reinventing Playtime: 20 Fun Activities to Do With Your Dog,” at Vetstreet.com, there are lots of new experiences you can give your dog. “Varying the activity helps keep pets mentally and physically satiated and easier to settle at home,” the article said.

The Vetstreet article suggests:

• Play dates. If you have a very social dog who likes other dogs, head for the dog park.
• Get out on the town and head over to places such as dog-friendly stores and outdoor dining spots.
• Exercise. If your dog loves to run, get out and either walk or run (talk to your vet first).

Fun comes in many forms, and when you’re with your furry best friend, you’ll take fun to the next level.

Do You Own Your Pet or Does Your Pet Own You?
People often joke about their pet and who’s the boss and who calls all the shots. How do you determine if you own your pet or the other way around?

According to the article, “7 Signs Your Dog Owns You,” at Vetstreet.com, “Your dog owns you. You might be laughing now, but think about it — you’ve surrendered the best seat on the sofa to him, you plan your entire weekend around his trips to the dog park, and you take him to the groomer more often than you get your own hair cut.”

You may have an Instagram account for your cat, a Facebook page devoted to your bunny, or you may have an entire website just for your dog. So, who’s in charge here?

The Vetstreet article talks about all the ways dogs rule:

• Your pretty pooch has a better wardrobe than you.
• Forget the remote, as your dog has the rights to what to watch on TV.
• Your pet takes your side of the bed.
• You pet has more toys than your children do!

There are many households where the resident pet is in charge. Sometimes, that is telling in just a simple bark. “…I realize there’s no way to get around a bark unless you give them what they want,” according to the article, “10 Ways Your Pet Owns You… And You’re Totally Okay With It” at Elite Daily.

You may even give your pet leftovers from your own dinner. And who gets up at 3 a.m. unless it’s for their pet who has to go outside to go potty? If you suspect your pet doesn’t feel well, it’s off to the vet.

Some people may not agree with having a pet that owns them, but every situation and person and pet is different.

The Importance of Keeping Your Pet’s Teeth Clean
Possible Dangers of Rawhide Treats and What You Need to Know
How to Choose a Good, Nutritious Food for Your Dog

The Importance of Keeping Your Pet’s Teeth Clean
Always remember to brush your teeth. It’s something we’ve all heard since childhood. But what about your pets? Did you know that it’s also just as important for your dog and cat to have good dental hygiene?

Just as with humans, if you don’t take care of your pet’s teeth, it can cause other health problems. “Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy,” according to the article, “Pet dental care” at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA.org).

The most common dental condition among dogs and cats is periodontal disease, most often seen by the time your pet is 3. Prevention, of course, is the best medicine. If not, the disease will get worse with age, which can cause more serious health problems. These include issues with kidneys, liver, and heart muscle.

According to the article, “Dental Cleaning for Dogs and Cats,” at Vetstreet.com, “A professional veterinary dental cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from the teeth and under the gum tissue to protect your pet’s health.” And, while there is no cure for periodontal disease, keeping up with cleanings and brushing your pet’s teeth can help.

A dental cleaning is done under anesthesia and can include:

• Removal of visible plaque and tartar from teeth and under the gum
• Assessing dental disease
• Removing or repairing infected or fractured teeth

Have your pet’s teeth checked during regular vet visits. Also, see your vet when your pet has bad breath, is pawing at the mouth, or has difficulty chewing.

Remember, February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so make the call for your pet’s dental and overall health.

Possible Dangers of Rawhide Treats and What You Need to Know
It’s always a great idea to do research when it comes to the food and treats you give to your dog. The more you know about ingredients and where things come from, the better for you both.

If you provide rawhide treats, first find out what it is and whether it’s actually safe.

Rawhide treats are made from the inner layers of horses or cows. According to the article, “Rawhide: Good or Bad for Your Dog?” at Fetch by WebMD, “During manufacturing, the hides are cleaned and cut or ground. Then they’re pressed into chewable dog treats of different shapes and sizes.” Then flavorings such as beef or chicken are added for more appeal.

Dogs have a natural instinct to chew, so many people provide rawhide. However, the article said there are risks:

• May contain small amounts of toxic chemicals
• Possible digestive issues; rawhide is not digestible
• Can cause choking or blockage with serious situations leading to surgery or even death

According to the article, “The Dangers of Rawhide Chews,” at Petful, rawhide treats can also cause infection, and food poisoning for people and pets. “That chewy treat your dog chows down on has been soaked in chemical preservatives, ash-lye, chemical puffers, bleach and then colors and flavors,” the article said.

To reduce incidents, the Petful article offers safety advice:

• Always wash your hands after handling rawhide.
• Use the correct size chew for your dog.
• Supervise your dog when he’s chewing rawhide.
• When the chew is small and can be swallowed, remove it and discard.

For alternatives to rawhide, the Petful article suggests things such as:

• Vegetables, including carrots and green beans
• Nylabones
• Chew toys
• Dental chews

Whatever you decide, before giving your dog rawhide, do your own research.

How to Choose a Good, Nutritious Food for Your Dog
There are so many dog food choices. You want to ensure your dog gets the best nutrition for good health, but which food is best for your dog?

Cost may be a factor. But remember that you usually get what you pay for, so there is a way to strike a balance.

Check ingredients so you know what’s in the dog food. According to the article, “How to Choose the Best Dog Food,” at PetMD.com, “Keep in mind that ingredients are listed by weight. Ingredients that contain large amounts of moisture (such as beef, poultry, chicken, or fish) are likely to be at the top of the list because of the moisture content. Ingredients further down the list may offer even more key nutrients such as protein but may weigh less because the water has already been removed for a dry pet food.”

Other ingredients can include grains and gluten. Grains are a source of carbohydrates. “Dogs can easily metabolize these carbohydrates and use them as an energy source,” the PetMD article said. There are people who avoid grains due to allergies. Others try to avoid gluten. However, allergies to gluten are not very common in dogs.

According to the article, “Whole Dog Journal’s Approved Dry Dog Food List,” at Whole Dog Journal, ingredients to avoid in dry dog food includes:

• Meat by-products
• “Generic” fat source
• Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
• Sweeteners

While not all nutritional experts have the same ideas on dog food, they know that a good, balanced diet means good health for dogs.

“The healthiest dog foods contain high-quality proteins and whole, unprocessed grains and vegetables,” according to the Whole Dog Journal article. Buy food with high-quality proteins and stay away from ingredients with “vague wording” or anything that reads “poultry meal” or “meat meal.”