Cats and Birds information on net.

As a child I remember tales of my mother's family cats, with Uncle Tom being kept in the dark that it was his sister's cat that had enjoyed his favourite bird. Cats and birds shared the house; cat in house = bird in cage; bird free in house = cat outside screen door; I don't remember any of our cats dining on our birds though mother lost several budgies by going outside forgetting they were on her shoulder.

A long preamble perhaps but when animals are an integral part of your life one tends to treat them as family. So that, as one becomes more conscious of how one lives, by respecting the planet, eating healthily, not wasting food surely the same thing applies to how we feed our pets. I guess the principles of a healthy diet for a cat would be an organic, holistic one. Cats are carnivores - observe the number of mice that one has to dispose of, usually just the liver and intestines to be fair - our cats are thorough, unless they play with them first of course, in which case its mouse eradication from underneath grandfather clocks, heavy chests of drawers and the kitchen sink. So if one has a plentiful supply of mice a lot of problems are solved - pest extermination naturally, fresh raw meat, especially bone. However most cats have managed to domesticate humans and prefer a more varied diet. Trawling through many web sites night after night the main principles of a Healthy, Organic diet for your cat is:

Feed the diet that nature intended for your carnivore - as close as possible to the form and nutritional composition that your cat would eat in a natural setting. The diet that I choose to feed is very basic. Some of the elaborate and complicated recipes found on the internet are enough to cause anyone to abandon the idea of making their own cat food and that is a shame. It does not have to be that complicated and involved. The diet of a wild cat is pretty basic - they eat whole carcass prey, often leaving the stomach and intestines behind. In the wild, your cat would be eating a high protein, high-moisture content, meat-based diet, with a moderate level of fat and with only approximately 3-5 percent of her diet consisting of carbohydrates.

Cats are designed to obtain most of their water with their diet since their normal prey contains approximately 75 percent water.

Look for a muscle meat (preferably, not an organ meat like liver) as the first ingredient. A muscle meat is "chicken," or "turkey," etc. Not "chicken by-products" or "chicken by-product meal," or "chicken broth" or "liver". "Chicken meal" is technically a muscle meat but the term "meal" denotes that it has been rendered (cooked for a long time at very high temperatures) and is lower quality than meat that has not been as heavily processed. A "meal" product is more commonly found in dry foods. By-products can include feet, intestines, feathers, egg shells, etc. and are much less nutritious than meat.

Meat from known organic sources
Table scraps only as occasional treats
Variety

Definite No-Nos:

- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes & raisins
- Mouldy or spoiled food
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Poultry bones
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
- Yeast dough

Don't forget, though, that cats have different nutritional needs to humans so it's the principles ones follows not the actual diet.

Resources.

Written by Frank & Anne Brown

We have owned, lived with, loved and bred cats since we were both kids. The recent revelations of the horrors of the 2007 - 2008 pet food recall led us to totally re-evaluate how we cared for our pets. We now source and prepare all our own cat food. The change in both cats has been dramatic, their health, energy and sheer vitality have changed so much.

Please visit us and see how YOUR pet's health can improve with just a little effort on your part.

http://www.catfoodrecipesonline.com

GPS collars can be used to track your pet should he or she ever get away. This tracking can be exact to about one meter or three feet. The term GPS means Global Positioning System. These days, GPS chips are so small that they can be hidden in any pet collar, or even implanted underneath your pet's skin

Once activated GPS dog collars can send real-time data directly to a portable receiving station in your house or car. In fact, new technology has made it possible for GPS Collars to send information to cell phones and laptop. If your pet has gone far, you can send information about his location in real time to police or fire departments that will find him and keep him safe until you arrive.

Never lose your pet again - get a GPS Collar for him or her. It feels and looks like a regular collar, and is completely safe and harmless to your dog or cat. GPS collars can even be made for birds and specially fit ones can be put on some reptiles.

GPS Collars have other uses as well - for example, when driving or hiking with your dog, the collar can help both of you know where you are. You can put the small GPS cat collar in your pocket and use it to know where you are even without your pet present.

There are too many stories about dogs wandering off into dangerous areas, or cats getting out and fighting with animals much bigger than them. Slowly these stories are being replaced by tales of dogs and cats wearing GPS collars and being rescued before they get in harm's way. Add your pet to the list of animals who were saved by a GPS dog collar or GPS cat collar.

Learn what farmers already know in order to track expensive cattle, and what many parents have learned in order to track their kids, use GPS technology for piece of mind!

GPS chips can provide a pet owner with a sense of security and comfort, but they should never take the place of all other preventative actions one would take to ensure their pet's safety. These GPS chips might augment what you already do, but they should never take the place of your current methods of watching over and protecting your pet.

When you hear about somebody who wants to find a pet online, what is the first thing that you think about? For some people, the idea of pets and the virtual world online may never cross paths in the same thought. For others, they may have grown up in this new technological era and regularly search the Internet for almost anything that they have ever wanted to purchase. Whether you know it or not, finding pets online and pet classified ads online are not only very common, but actually a beneficial and much improved method when searching for the perfect pet.

When you are searching for pets online, you can discover a lot of information that may otherwise be unavailable to you just by going to your local pet shop or library. Information about pets that would take you days or even weeks to track down in the "real world" can be found in mere moments online. The huge volume of pet information that is available online can be used to help you discover the perfect pet for you or for someone you love.

Many types of pets have special needs and it is important to get as much information as you can before you invest a significant amount of money in a pet that you may have to find another owner because you were not prepared to meet it's needs once you found your ideal pet. For example, somebody who lived in the tropics would probably not have an ideal environment for many pets like Alaskan Malamutes or other animals that live in colder environments.

Many animals, especially among the more exotic pets, may be very fascinating and even very beautiful in their own way but you must be certain that you have the necessary environment to raise your pets properly. All of your efforts will be in vain unless you can take care of your pets once you bring them home. In the case of many exotic pets and global or national championship stock animals, this could be a very expensive loss that is unnecessary with preparation, research and planning for your pets.

Additionally, searching for pets online will allow you to get to know the people who actually sell the pets and in many instances, the animal breeders themselves. Finding a reputable pet shop, dealer or a breeder can be difficult if you do not know where to look. Often times, breeders do not go out of their way to advertise their services. If you are not currently involved in the showcasing of certain breeds or you are not actively involved in the social communities that come with some pets, it may be nearly impossible to find a pet without the Internet.

Whether you are searching for dogs and cats online or looking for a pet that is more exotic in nature, you can find a pet online that will meet all of your needs and furthermore, one that can comfortably adjust to your personal environment as well. Next time you think about getting a pet, think about how to find a pet online and you will likely be very pleased with the improved results.

Despite their status as the most popular pet in America, cats can still be difficult. With their sometimes aloof attitudes and unwillingness to tell us what they want, figuring out your cat can be tough.

When your cat, whether it's an Abyssinian or a Turkish Van, starts misbehaving, it can cause serious damage. From ripped curtains to urine-stained bed sheets, a cat on the rampage is hard to handle. Unfortunately, many owners give up on cats with behavior problems, but there are steps you can take to help your cat grow through or out of them.

To learn how to stop your cat from misbehaving, keep reading for 4 key tips on how to understand your cat.

1. Take your cat to the vet for a complete physical.

Sometimes a behavior problem can actually be a physical problem. For example, a cat that's urinating in strange places may be suffering from an illness or an infection.

Your vet can also offer suggestions and advice for problems that are behavioral.

2. Check the house for environmental factors.

Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think so check around the house for environmental factors that could be wreaking havoc on your cat's disposition.

For example, litter box problems are typically the source of rampant or improper urination. First, check where you're keeping the litter box - is it next to a loud appliance or in a heavily trafficked area of the house? Just like you, your cat wants a private and quiet place to do its business. You can also try a covered litter box, which most cats, particularly longhaired cat breeds, tend to prefer.

Next, try switching out the litter that you're using. If you're using scented, try unscented and if you're using non-clumping, try clumping. Some cats are just picky about their litter.

Finally, make sure the litter box is being cleaned frequently enough. Just as you wouldn't want to use a dirty toilet, your cat also wants a clean litter box. Also, make sure there is at least one litter box per cat as cats prefer to have their own.

3. Look to your other pets.

Sometimes problems with other animals in the house, like an aggressive older cat or a constantly chasing dog can lead to behavioral problems. Much like the child who acts out after being bullied, your cat may be dealing with those issues in the same way.

Always introduce new animals into the house slowly, keeping them separated from one another, but still able to smell and hear each other. Once they've gotten acquainted, let them co-mingle. If you're trying to deal with an existing problem, try using baby gates to keep your cats or pets separate from one another for a few days. This separation can help reduce anxiety.

4. Consult a professional.

Expensive and sometimes a last resort for many pet-owners, a pet behavior specialist may be able to help you and your cat work through your problems. According to the listings provided by the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors (ACABC), a private behavior 1-hour consultation can cost anywhere from about $50 to $500, but most hover around the $70-$100 range.

Whether you're looking to purchase a new pet or advertise pets for sale, the Internet is perfect for seeking out information, reputable breeders and potential pet-buyers. However, with the convenience and vast selection that on-line pet classifieds provide, there also comes the need to check references and ask lots of questions. Keep reading for great tips on how to get the most out of advertising pets for sale or purchasing a pet online.

1. Ask for references
Always ask for references. As a pet buyer, you want to make sure that the breeder from whom you're purchasing is reputable and known for placing their animals in good homes. Actually call up the references and ask about the breeder's follow-up, their health screening and the conditions of their breeding business.

If you're a breeder and posting a "pets for sale" online classified, then you also want to make sure that your prospective buyer is the kind of person that will love and properly care for the animal. Feel free to ask them for character references or a veterinary reference if they own other animals.

2. Access the online pet/breed community
The Internet offers animal researchers a wealth of animal information, including access to pet communities with forums, image galleries and lots of breed information.

If you're looking to purchase a new animal (dog, cat, horse, bird, etc) through an online classified ad, try locating an Internet based pet community and joining. Once you're a member, ask questions, request referrals for quality breeders and solicit advice on your particular breed or species. It's like a neighborhood meeting, but specifically tailored to your pet questions.

A good pet classifieds site will also include information about different breeds and animals, as well as access to these valuable communities. For example, FindaPetonline.com is a pet classified site that also hosts a user-based web community and breed profiles.

3. Ask for a picture
If you're trying to buy a dog online (or cat, horse, or bird), always ask for pictures or video. Many quality breeders will be happy to provide remote buyers with short video footage of the prospective puppy playing and interacting with his brood.

If the animal is being sold as a purebred or as having been born from registered parents, ask for scans of the parental registration along with all the paperwork. Feel free to phone up the appropriate club or registration association to confirm the information.

4. Ask questions
If you're trying to sell an animal online through pet classifieds, don't be afraid to ask the prospective buyer questions. You want to make sure your prized horse, puppy, bird or kitten is going to a good home, so don't hesitate to ask about yard size or living conditions.

Buyers, the person selling you the animal should also be willing and ready to answer questions about everything from specific breed requirements to feed suggestions to how they house and care for their animals.

Remember, the Internet is a great opportunity to get in touch with qualified breeders and buyers all over the world, but with that potential comes a certain amount of responsibility. So, get documentation, ask questions, get references and access your online pet community.

Every pet owner is faced with the prospect of having to travel with their dog, cat or bird at some point. Whether it is a few days or a few weeks, there are steps and products you can employ to make this a comfortable - if not fun - time for your pet!

When traveling, the most important thing to do is to take frequent breaks. Always buckle your pet in with a harness if you are not using a crate while driving. The safest and most comfortable place for your pet during car travel is in the back seat. When you have your pet in the back seat, always have some sort of bar barrier between the front and back seat -such as the 10 Bar Euro Auto Pet Barrier - or use a hammock-style barrier. This keeps your pet out of the way when you're driving.

A great option for keeping your pet occupied during travel is some sort of cushioned booster seat, which are available for dogs up to 30 lbs. These booster seats are calming for animals that stress easily during travel. Your dog or cat will be able to watch the surroundings, and be cushioned for comfort. Some great booster seats are the Lookout I or II. An option for cat traveling is the Kittywalk Cozy Cabin. All have a seat belt harness for added safety.

Traveling with a bird can sometimes prove precarious. The best way to prepare your feathered friend is to acclimate your bird to a travel cage a few weeks prior to actually traveling. If you are using a crate, and your bird is calm around it, you can acclimate them to the crate. We recommend a travel cage when traveling by car. It allows your bird to look out and see you at the same time. This will provide comfort to your bird during the stress of travel. Some birds actually end up enjoying traveling - they get to look out the car window and see a whole new collection of sights!

Another thing to remember while traveling with your bird is environmental control. NEVER leave any animal in a car without environment control, regardless of the weather outside.

Unfortunately, when traveling with exotic birds such as parrots, theft is common. Never leave your windows rolled down or your doors unlocked when you have to leave a bird in your car. Get a few duplicate car keys and wear one around your neck while traveling. If you make a pit stop and you have to leave your car out of your sight with your bird inside, lock the doors with the car still running (for environmental control), and use your extra key to open the door when you get back. Only be gone for a minute or two at the most, and always cover your bird when you leave him behind in your car to deter theft.

If you're considering sharing your home with a pet canary, it's probably because you've heard so much about their nearly constant, bubbly singing. Join the club! Since the seventeenth century, pet owners the world over have kept canaries for nothing more than the sheer pleasure of birdsong filling their homes. A canary is not merely a feathered music box, though, and pet canary care is so much more than the gilded cage of old. A canary is a living thing, dependent on you for food, shelter, and love, and canary care, while not rocket science, involves a certain level of avian expertise. Ready to become an expert? Study hard!

Thanks to selective breeding, there's quite possibly a canary out there to suit every personality and desire. Some canaries are bred for their coloration, some are bred for their shape, and some, of course, are bred to produce a very specific song pattern. What kind of canary you purchase will depend on what canary resources are available near you. If you can find a reputable canary breeder, that will be your best option. Many pet stores now, however, commit to purchasing healthy birds only from reputable breeders, but check first to make sure that your canary was not wild caught or raised in less-than-desirable conditions. If the pet store manager can not account for where your potential canary came from, don't buy a canary from that store! Oh, and be sure that the canary you purchase is a male, if it's a strong singer you're after. The females are incapable of producing the characteristic long trills and melodies that made canaries famous.

Canaries can be quite delicate, so a primary part of learning to care for a pet canary is to realize that prevention is key. If there's a number one rule of pet canary care, it's that you absolutely must keep your canary away from drafts at all times. A drafty room can kill a canary without any warning whatsoever, and even a slight draft can prevent your canary from warbling. If a lit candle flickers when held outside your canary's cage, then you've picked a spot that's too drafty for your new feathered friend! As far as cages go, your canary doesn't require anything too spectacular-just enough room to hop about and stretch his wings. Make sure you purchase a cage that is at least two feet wide and three or four feet tall. Get a cage with a tray in the bottom to make for easy cleaning, and make sure that the bars of the cage are not coated with toxic paint or other chemical sealants. You should clean your canary's cage thoroughly at least once a week, washing perches, food and water containers, and toys in a mild bleach solution, and washing down the rest of the cage with dish soap and warm water.

While they can't stand drafts, canaries do love indirect sunlight. A good supply of natural light will keep your canary singing, and will also interest him in breeding should a female be present. If a draft will kill a canary the fastest, a second runner up is dehydration. Because of their speedy metabolisms, canaries require a lot of water and may die if they go as little as a day without it. Change your canary's water daily and never leave for more than a day without asking someone to water your canary for you. As for food, seed is the mainstay of a canary's diet, and there are many good commercially available seed mixes made specifically for canaries. You should supplement your canary's seed with a little fresh fruit and boiled egg every day. An apple slice and a fourth of a hard boiled egg is enough. You should also provide your canary with a cuttlebone, as he will gnaw on this to attain necessary calcium.

With these basic rules and supplies of pet canary care well in hand, you're ready to seek out the perfect canary for you. Will you choose a rosy red colorbred canary, an exotic Persian Singer, or something in between? Whatever your decision, your canary will thank you exuberantly for the next ten to fifteen years the best way he knows how-by singing his heart out.