Caring for your beloved kitty-cat for life requires a significant time commitment. While the care-giving process is a rewarding one, it can also be lengthy. The life expectancy of an indoor house pet cat is 15 years or longer. Life expectancies have dramatically increased with advancements in Veterinary care and high quality food and health related products. People are also realizing that indoor cats are safer and live longer than their outdoor counterparts so they are living longer due to fewer accidents as well. Because cats are living longer than ever before, they have several life stages to consider which go beyond kitten and adult. Along with each of the following life stages come specific care requirements:

1. Kitten: the kitten stage lasts from birth to 6 months with weaning at 6 to 8 weeks. After weaning occurs kittens require a diet containing twice the energy per pound of body weight as a mature cat. Try feeding your kitten a premium kitten formula cat food with higher percentages of protein and fat. Your kitten will need 4 to 5 small meals a day to maintain energy levels. Some Veterinarians recommend that kittens be spayed or neutered at 4 months of age; however, most people prefer to wait a little longer. It is never too early to start encouraging good behaviors and discouraging bad ones so training is especially important during this stage.

2. Junior: this phase lasts from 7 months to 2 years of age. You should spay or neuter your cat during the early part of this stage and watch for the weight gain that can sometimes occur. During this phase you can move to twice-daily feedings and consider switching to an adult breed cat food after one year. During this stage, cats are particularly susceptible to fighting with other cats over territory and food especially if left outside. It is especially important to keep up with rabies and other vaccinations during this junior or adolescent stage.

3. Prime: this life stage lasts from 3 to 6 years and is still considered youth for the average cat. Adult food should be fed during this time with the possible introduction of a weight loss formula. Cats during this stage are prone to obesity, dental disease, heart disease and intestinal parasites. Dental care regimens and regular weight checks at the Vet’s office are essential during this stage.

4. Mature: this stage lasts from 7 to 10 years and cats are considered older at this point in their lives. You might consider placing your older cat on a senior cat food with possible supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. Cats during this stage are less active and may need fewer calories than their younger counterparts. Older cats are prone to diseases including diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure and cancer and regular health screenings are very important for early detection and treatment.

5. Senior: this stage lasts from 11 to 14 years. If not already on a senior formula cat food your cat will need one at this stage. Continue with joint supplements as cats in this stage are extremely prone to joint problems and pain. Senior cats tend to sleep a lot more; sometimes up to 18 hours a day. They are prone to arthritis, which is treatable, and senility or dementia.

6. Geriatric: This stage lasts from 15 years until death. While some cats will still appear youthful, most will appear and feel their years. It is best to try and make your geriatric cat as comfortable as possible and increase the frequency of his check-ups.

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To take care of your cat you must disregard some widely spread and dangerous rumors surrounding them:
 
1. Cats always land on their feet. This is a dangerous myth in that your cat can sustain serious injury from falls as few as 10 to 12 feet. While cats generally do land on their feet they are still subjected to potentially serious injuries when doing so.

2. Cats can not get rabies. This could not be any further from the truth. Any warm blooded mammal can contract rabies from the bite of an infected animal. Raccoons, squirrels, foxes, bats and other wildlife are common carriers and can spread the disease to humans and their pets alike. Your cat should get an annual rabies vaccination in accordance with local laws to protect her from potential harm.  

3. A cat can not balance without whiskers. While whiskers do serve as feelers or probes for a cat; they have no impact on her ability to stand up or balance.

4. Cats smother sleeping babies. Long before people knew what Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) was they often assumed that the family cat was responsible for smothering the infant. Cats love to cuddle up near warm things and were found in the room with dead, yet otherwise healthy infants, and thus the old wives’ tales began.

5. Cats do not need vaccinations. This is absolutely not true, even if your cat is of the in-door variety. Certain germs or parasites can travel in and out of the home on clothing or through the air. No household cat is guaranteed safety from certain diseases because of their in-door status. The only thing that improves their chances of avoiding illness is scheduled vaccinations from your Veterinarian.

6. Cats enjoy a vegetarian diet. Unlike dogs, cats are strict carnivores. While dogs thrive on an omnivores’ diet, their feline friends are what is known as obligate or true carnivores and need to eat meat in order to sustain healthy life.

7. Cats are not happy kept inside. Some people feel that animals are never truly happy unless they are roaming in the wild; however, this is the furthest statement from the truth. While cats who lived their entire lives outside may not tolerate being suddenly locked inside, cats who start out in the home enjoy it very much. Provided they have proper toys, food and perches in which to observe from they have all they need to be happy and thrive. 

8. Declawing a cat is like trimming her nails. The inhumane practice of declawing a cat is the surgical amputation of the first joint of each toe of the cat, a procedure which is viewed as mutilation by some. While there is nothing wrong with taking your cat in for a nail trim from time to time, it is abuse to remove their claws entirely. Without claws your cat would never be able to defend herself or get away from danger if she ever escaped or got loose outside of your home.

9. Pregnant women should not own cats. As long as pregnant women stay away from the litter box there is absolutely nothing she should worry about in regards to the family feline. Some cats can spread toxoplasmosis through contact with the litter box. This disease can affect unborn babies; however, if others complete the task there is no danger to the mom or baby. 

10. Milk is good for cats. Believe it or not, most cats are lactose intolerant. Cats can get diarrhea as a result of drinking milk which is unfortunate because so many people are under the impression that milk is a treat for cats. While they drink it if you give it to them, a cat on a proper diet will never need a saucer of milk.

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Nuisance barking is a term used for pet dogs actions when a pet owner is so clueless what causes the embarrassing ruckus. We must establish that pet dogs are animals and all their actions are led by their instincts. Pet dogs bark to communicate, but their bark translates as noise to us. Isn't that frustrating to your pet?

Some people misunderstand their pets by equating their actions with that of humans. Incidents when a pet dog greets its owner with whimpering and jumping when they arrive. In human interpretation: "aww, the dog is acting like a child excited to see them"…but in dog its more like: "there is something wrong mister!" 

For starters, dogs in packs do not greet each other in that way. They just sniff at each other and wag tails. This must again be established, a dog is an animal and it is instinctively motivated in every action it does. In the animal kingdom, 'spur of the moment' does not register.

Anyway, a nuisance barker is trying to tell you something, and being the pet owner it is up to you to truly know your pet by taking agues. A pet dog of mine would be noisy all of a sudden in the middle of the day, we live away from people and its bark was more of a call than of alarm. Looking at how humid it was a guess that she needed more water (it was spilt), she quieted down after getting some water down her throat.

Being a pet owner, it is given that no one talks 'dawg'. But since we are of higher intellect, educated guesses can be made to find out: "What causes the frantic noise?". This is a skill any pet owner signed up for when they picked up their furry critter at the breeders.

 Our pet dogs are man's best friend, because of their keen senses and instincts they are capable of preventing and protecting us from danger. Is it too much to ask for your pet to try and just figure out what is riling him? The least you can be is happy that it is looking unto you to solve its plight?

Before jumping the gun, take the time to come to your pet's aid. If you love your dog, a few minutes to guess its needs is all it takes.

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For some reason it seems children are fascinated with birds. It could be because they come in all colors and have sweet sounds coming from their beaks. Giving a child a bird as a pet is a good way to establish responsibility in their young minds. Many birds are ideal for children since they don't need much handling and can stay in sturdy cages. They require routine maintenance and make a great starter pet for kids. Bird experts suggest the following birds are good fit for kids.

Finches and Canaries
These are small birds that produce melodic sounds. Finches are cuddly and under this class of birds there are different types that come in different hues. Canaries on the other hand are mainly yellow with tinges of white either in their necks or chest. To best describe a canary to a child one would have to say it looks like Tweedy Bird.

Finches and Canaries are a good choice since they are easily cared for even with a busy schedule. They have diets that need to be followed but the information and food is readily available in pet shops. These birds are best looked upon and should not be let out of their cages. Special birdcages are available according to how many birds you plan to purchase. Make sure to select cages for birds with ample space to fly around in. Having plenty of room for your bird will ensure it’s health remains in good shape.

Budgies and Parakeets
These are medium sized birds that have a talent for learning speech. These birds can tolerate being handled and can be trained to eat from your hand. Young children need to be taught how to handle these creatures, as they can be very fragile. They are not known to fly away from their homes, in case they get loose. Budgies and Parakeets are colorful and have distinctive plumage. When it comes to personality, Budgies and Parakeets are very affectionate and are a suitable loyal companion for your child.

Cockateils
These birds are just as colorful as their smaller counterparts. They are the largest of these three choices. To choose a Cockatiel for your child must depend on their being able to thoroughly care for this avian species. These birds relish being out of their cages and need supervising when taken out. They are capable of whistling, mimicry and are trainable to do tricks. A devoted child can help a lot in the bird's social development. These colorful and talented birds are fun to be with since they are born entertainers.

Getting your child a feathered friend is not as easy as opening your billfold or paying with your credit card. A child with discipline and a strong sense of responsibility is an ideal bird owner. Be sure to purchase a bird your child is truly interested in. This will make sure that a more concentrated and meticulous care is given. Birds are great pets, but require work like all pets. Be sure your child is the right age before purchasing them a pet bird.

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When you are traveling with your pet, it is important to make sure the hotel where you plan on staying is considered a pet friendly hotel. There are several ways to find dog and cat friendly hotels in the area to which you are traveling. There are several websites online that specifically search for and list pet friendly hotels that are available for your time of travel.

These websites are extremely helpful in narrowing the search for finding a friendly hotel for Fido. These searches cater to your specific travel dates and destination city to help you find a hotel that suites the needs of you and your pet. Hotel websites are sometimes confusing to navigate while some don’t even list specifically whether they are pro or anti-pets. Sometimes calling on the telephone or speaking to a hotel staff member may be a more efficient use of your time. There are many hotels that consider themselves “pet friendly,” but you will need to check up on the rules and requirements they have in effect for lodging pets.

Many hotels accept pets, but they have may have specific restrictions and/or fees for Fido. Some hotels require a pet-lodging fee, and these prices vary for each hotel. Some hotels may also require your pet to be kept in a crate or kennel when you are not in the room with your pet. The primary reason for this is that some pets may become anxious when traveling and develop separation anxiety when they are in unfamiliar surroundings; of course, the hotels want to avoid pets chewing on or scratching the furniture or carpet in the room. Some hotels also have specific pet designated rooms, so the availability may be limited for travelers with pets.

Here are a few hotel group suggestions that are highly recommended on these pet friendly hotels searching websites:

Intercontinental Hotels Group: This is not a specific hotel, but the hotels that are part of this group all allow pets. The hotels in this group are: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Indigo, and Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts.

Wyndham Worldwide Franchise: AmeriHost, Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Ramada Worldwide, Super 8, Travelodge, Wyngate Inn, and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Starwood Hotels and Resorts: Sheraton, Four Points, W Hotels, aloft (a vision of W Hotels), The Luxury Collection, Meridien, element (inspired by Westin), Westin, and St. Regis

Though the majority of these hotels allow pets, be sure to contact the hotel of your choice to confirm their pet allowance.

Many of the pet hotel search websites also offer helpful tips for traveling with your pet, by air or by car. It is always a good idea to make sure you have thought through your trip thoroughly, so that you and your pet are able to have the best traveling experience possible.

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