Welcoming a new cat to the house can be an exciting experience. It can also feel slightly scary – maybe you even feel unprepared. Have you got everything you need? Will your cat be comfortable in your new house? Do not worry – we have got you covered. In this article, we list the main things for cats you will need to have before you welcome them home. Crate It is always important to begin with this essential piece of cat equipment. A crate is very useful for taking your cat to and from places – and chances are you will be bringing them back from the breeders’ house or rescue centre in a crate! A crate is essentially a space in which you can place your cat so that you can take them on a journey. There are different kinds of crates: some are made out of fabric and others out of hard materials like plastic. These crates come with safety belts, to ensure your cat is safe on any journey you take her on. They can also be used as a safe space in the home. Always choose a crate by asking: ‘what does my cat need?’ Remember to account for your cat’s size, strength and behavioural habits. Bed Choosing a cat bed is important, as your cat will likely spend a lot of time on it. There are several different kinds of cat beds available on the market, from beds suspended from windows, beds shaped like pods, beds shaped like chaise lounges and even beds shaped like castles. Do not worry if you don’t get the choice right the first time: picking the perfect bed may take getting to know your cat a bit and finding out what they love. Simply invest in a new bed if the old one is not a fit. – Litter box Cats are mostly indoor animals and require a litter box for them to defecate in. This is one of the most crucial things for cats; you should take your time choosing what kind of filling you want in the litter box, what size works best for your house and your cat and where you want to position it in the house. Remember that the type of litter box you choose will determine how easy it is to clean.

Discover the meaning behind why your cat makes hissing or purring sounds with our handy guide, and before you know it you'll be able to translate what your kitty is trying to tell you like a pro! When cats make noises, they’re trying to communicate a feeling or desire. Whether they are purring whilst being groomed, or hissing at another animal, cat sounds can all be roughly translated into human language. So, you can roughly understand what your cat is trying to communicate! The types of cat sounds are specific to your pet. Some cats are more vocal than others and your pet may have a very particular way of expressing themselves through sound. Cat noise meanings can be split into five different categories, which all have their specific purpose. While all cats are individuals, some breeds are known to be noisier than others. Similarly, the age of your cat also impacts on how vocally communicative they are likely to be. Kittens are notoriously vocal, with their adorable mewling and meowing, whilst more senior cats tend to be quieter. Different types of cat sounds The most commonly heard cat noise is the classic ‘meow’. Generally, this sound is used to demand attention. Kittens meow almost constantly, always in search of their mother’s love, milk, or attention. In older animals, it is less often used to communicate with other animals and will more frequently be heard in the presence of humans. Not all meows sound the same, or mean the same thing. Although your cat will have their distinctive way of meowing, it is possible to generally categorise some of the types of meowing that are most commonly heard. The standard meow You will recognise this kind of cat sound easily, as it will be the one that you hear the most! In general, these kinds of meows are mid-length in duration and mid-pitch in tone. When you hear it, it’s because your cat is asking for something. It’s then down to the context to try and decipher exactly what that want. The ‘mewl’ This shorter meow is used as a kind of greeting for owners. It may be accompanied by rubbing against your legs. The long, drawn-out meow This kind of cat sound means that your pet is demanding something specific. It may be that they’re reminding you that it’s dinnertime, or that they want to be let outside. Some owners will complain that this kind of meow wakes them up at night, or early in the morning when they’re ready for breakfast. Repeated meows A standard sounding meow that is repeated over and over again is a sign that your cat is excited. High-pitched meow This kind of meow can often sound more like a yelp due to the high pitch—and that is often what it means! Your cat will make a high-pitched meow sound when they are suddenly startled or hurt. Low-pitched meow This type of meow can be translated into a complaint or long-term grumble. It’s less a demand for attention and more an ongoing grievance! You may hear this when it’s way past dinnertime and the food bowl is still empty.

Dog urine infections are incredibly unpleasant for your pup. Not only is it incredibly annoying needing to wee every few minutes, but it’s also quite painful when they go! Find out everything you need to know about urine infections in dogs with this guide. A dog urine infection is very common, and just like when it happens to us humans, it can be unpleasant and quite painful thanks to the burning sensation when urinating. Luckily, once taken to your vet for diagnosis and treatment, these infections will clear relatively quickly and your canine friend will soon be back to their usual self. If you’re wondering about the signs of dog urine infections and want to know the treatment options available, keep reading as we’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know. What are dog urine infections? A dog urine infection is an infection of the urinary tract, making it uncomfortable to pass urine. Your dog may strain when urinating, and their urine may contain blood. These urinary tract infections (UTI) are commonly caused by bacteria including E coli, but some fungi may also cause an infection. UTIs can also be caused by bladder stones, and incontinence in older dogs may also lead to an infection. Surprisingly, dog urine infections are more common than you’d think. According to the American Kennel Club it’s one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs and around 14% will get it at some point in their lives. Are there some dogs more predisposed to urine infections? Any dog can get a urine infection, but there are some which are more likely to be affected. Older dogs are more likely to get them, as are female dogs because they have shorter urethras. Additionally, dogs with pre-existing health conditions such as chronic kidney disease and Cushing’s disease are more at risk of getting a dog urine infection.

Your cat doesn’t just need the right food and exercise for their age and body condition; emotional nourishment and cat care is also one of the most important parts of keeping a happy cat. Your cat’s emotional needs are based on their personality, age and lifestyle. If your cat spends the majority or all of their time indoors, for example, they may rely more heavily on you to provide cat care for their emotional well-being. Keeping such an intelligent and emotionally sophisticated pet happy can require a little effort and imagination, especially if your cat isn't using their natural instincts to survive on their own outdoors. A brief history of the cat Today's domestic cats are descended from wild cats who began to take advantage of the abundance of mice around corn stores in early Middle Eastern and North African civilisations, about 4,000 years ago. Today, pet cats are more often born indoors than in the wild, and spend their whole lives being fed and loved as part of our families - a far cry from the solitary hunter lifestyle of their ancestors! There are over 50 breeds of pedigree cats around the world, although by far the most prevalent is the ordinary ‘moggy’ with their wonderful variety of coats and colours.

Cats make wonderful pets, and whilst most of their behaviour makes us laugh and smile, some of their actions can seem confusing and sometimes even a little anti-social! For example, cats spray urine, which can seem unpleasant if it happens inside your home. If this is an issue, the best way to tackle this issue is to understand your cat’s behaviour, then address the cause. Cat Marking

Today, there are so many types of dog toys available that it can be difficult to choose which ones to get. Where do you begin? What will be both fun and educational for your dog? All pet owners face these questions when they first consider buying a dog toy, and it can be hard to find answers. In this article, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started when it comes to choosing the best dog toys. Best dog toys Many pet owners wonder if there is a ‘best’ dog toy: a single, universal toy that will make their dog happy, as well as challenge them and help develop their skills. While there is a range of toys available now, there is no best dog toy. Each dog prefers different toys. Moreover, different dog toys are useful for different dogs. Some dogs like lots of games and exercises, so toys that require running, chasing, or tugging are the best toys for them. Other dogs, especially smaller dogs, are more indoor animals and may like toys that do not require them to move around too much. Each dog has a different personality, and you should try and find the dog toy that fits their personality. Finding your dog’s favourite toy may take a while – and may take a lot of playing. However, if they have several to choose from, it will be easier to learn their interests. Types of dog toys Balls These are proven to be a favourite with dogs. You can choose a soft plush ball if your dog is young and teething, or a tennis ball that has a slightly harder exterior if your dog is older.

Taking your dog abroad can be fun for everyone - after all, things wouldn’t be the same without the whole family there! Whether you’re heading off to the beach or travelling to chillier climes, your dog will have a whale of a time exploring new environments and seeing new sights with you. Of course, sometimes going on holiday involves getting on a plane. That doesn’t mean your canine friend can’t join you - dogs can be international jet-setters too! However, it does mean that you’ll have to plan a lot of things in advance to make sure travelling with your dog runs smoothly. Before taking your dog on a plane, there are several things that need to be organised before you even get to the airport. Luckily, most of the things necessary when flying with a dog can be addressed a long time in advance; it’s best to get preparations underway seven to eight months before you go. In all cases, even if your dog is healthy, contact the vet before you go – some countries require vaccinations, health checks or certificates before your dog can come in! How to prepare when flying with a dog Many pet owners want to know how to travel with a dog on a plane without all the hassle, but the truth is, every journey will need a bit of preparation!

It’s not just puppies that love the excitement of training, or the emotional bonding you enjoy when they learn new skills. Adult and senior dogs can also enjoy and benefit from ongoing training, especially if life changes a bit. A well-trained older dog, for example, will make your house move a lot easier, or set an example for a puppy that has just joined the family! Senior and adult dog training allows you to strengthen your bond together, have fun, and helps your dog stay physically and mentally exercised. And once they’ve learned the basics, you might be surprised by what else you can teach them. Perhaps there is a more fun way of picking up their toys from the garden: you could teach your friend to put them in a box for you! Or why not train your older dog to fetch your slippers or find the missing TV remote? A well-trained adult dog is also a much safer dog, and they will be more fun to be around for other people. If your dog gets overexcited in public or when a visitor calls it can cause a bit of a scene, but with a little training your dog will be the best-behaved person in the room! Almost every dog can be taught basic obedience and much, much more, regardless of type of breed, experience or age.

A cat flap can be a confusing addition to a home. If your cat is used to you opening the door for them when they meow or simply jumping in (or out) of the house through a window, the cat flap will be strange to them at first. It may take some time to get used to and they can even be hesitant to use it! The good news is that you can teach your cat to take full advantage of the cat flap. This article will explore how to train a cat to use a cat flap and overcome some of the usual problems you face during the initial stages. Familiarising your cat with the cat flap For your cat to be comfortable using the cat flap, they have to be comfortable with the device itself. Here are some ways to introduce your cat to the flap: 1. Show them how it works, before installation Introduce your cat to the flap before you install it. They can get used to the shape and size, as well as explore the flap from all angles. Show them how the door moves both ways and, if they are willing, let them climb through. This may go a long way training your cat to use a cat flap. 2. Prop the cat flap open If the cat flap is already installed, prop it open for the first few weeks. This is an easy way to show your cat that it is a door to the outside world. They will be far less hesitant to use it if they can see the garden or the house interior when coming in. 3. Rub their scent on it Some cats dislike cat flaps because they see it as a foreign object. You can help them become more familiar with the flap by rubbing their scent on it. This will make them more comfortable with the device. How to train your cat to use a cat flap An easy way to teach your cat to use a cat flap is to lure them through it using treats. The trick is for the cat to move in and out of the cat flap with ease. For this, you need to show them that this movement is easily achieved. • Keep a number of your cat’s treats to hand. Your cat should be on one side of the cat flap (indoors) and you on the other. Keep the flap open so that your cat can see you. • Show your cat the treat you’re holding and encourage them to come get it. • If they don’t move, extend your hand through the cat flap (still keep the flap open) until they can smell the treat. Once your cat moves to get their reward, pull your hand slowly back so that they have to come through the flap to get the treat. • Praise them when this happens and give them more treats. This is an important step in training your cat to use a cat flap, as it reinforces the desirable behaviour. • Do the same process with the treat but from the other side, enticing the cat back into the house. • Once your cat is happy jumping in and out of an open cat flap, repeat this process with the cat flap half-closed and only your hand poking through. This will teach the cat to push the cat flap open by themselves.

Puppy sports are a great way to strengthen your bond, whilst also building fitness for both you and your dog! So now puppy classes are over and you and your dog have mastered the basic training exercises, it’s time to decide what to do next. Dogs who have been trained using reward-based methods love to continue to learn and do new things. It’s easy to think that your only options are to continue the training classes and focus solely on improving your dog’s obedience. But there are a whole range of puppy activities and sports you could try. So take your time and find something both you and your puppy can really enjoy. Have a go at puppy agility One of the most popular canine sports, both to watch and to compete in, is puppy agility. This is a fun, competitive activity done off-lead that comprises of a range of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, puppy walks, and other pieces of equipment to either jump over, go through or walk along.