Have you ever wondered about the history of the cat? Throughout the ages, cats have been both adored and despised by different groups of people. Today, cats are just as popular as dogs when it comes to common household pets. But where did the cat originally come from? And how did it make its way into our hearts and into our homes? Although bones found in a gravesite in Cyprus dating around 7500 B.C. suggest some type of domestication may have occurred earlier with the wild...

If you have ever tried to train a cat or any pet, you have probably realized that it isn't the simplest process. Training a cat is not the same thing as training a dog, as cats are not performance pets like dogs can be. There are three rules to follow when training a cat; reward, praise, and positive reinforcement. If you can learn how to use these rules and how to apply them to your cat's training, you will be able to teach your cat simple tricks - and perhaps even toilet tr...

The simplest things can easily amuse cats. While people may go to the pet store to purchase expensive toys for their pet cats, it is more probable that cats will take favor to a piece of paper laying on the living room floor! Before you go and buy toys for your pet cat, think creatively and see if any old thing in your house could provide hours of amusement to your furry friend. In the end, you will find that you have saved money and provided your cat with the toy it really w...

Cats can be either outdoor or indoor pets. Pet owners themselves must decide whether or not they want their cats to be outdoor or indoor animals. Many countries actually ban people from allowing cats to be outdoor animals, especially if the cats are declawed and defenseless in the wild. In the United States, however, the decision is up to the pet owner. There are several things to consider when making a decision. Below, a few pros and cons of these topics are discussed. If...

Having an allergy to a cat can be a very annoying problem. Having a runny nose all of the time, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat can make you want to toss your own cat out the window! However, there are certain things you should know and take into consideration before you disown a feline member of your own family! The very first thing you must realize is that you are not actually allergic to your cat, but rather to its dander. Cats produce allergens, which trigger allergy...

Aggression in dogs does, and will continue to raise controversy in the ongoing 'nature' vs 'nurture' argument among dog owners and critics alike. Many people have misconceptions about what breeds aggressive and what ones aren't. As a general rule, aggressive dog breeds are behave instinctually, using aggression as a means to assert dominance and intimidate others around them. Dog aggression issues are often one of the first aspects of a dog's nature that you'll notice, whethe...

Learn about 7 important dog health benefits from leash training your dog. He'll be happier, and healthier, and the exercise and weight loss could add as much as two years to his life.

Many people believe that little dogs don?t need to go for a walk, because ?they get enough exercise in the yard.? But the truth is, little dogs really do need to go on walks every day, just like their bigger cousins.

1. Your veterinarian is one of the most important people in your dog's life. You should choose your veterinarian just as you select your own doctor, by reputation and quality of service. You and your dog should feel at ease with this professional. You need to feel that you can trust your veterinarian, especially in an emergency situation. 2. Be sure that you have stated your own goals and your intentions with your dog so that your veterinarian can know what you are expecti...

While every dog is an individual, a few age-related maladies seem to strike many of them. You should of course discuss how they affect your dog - and the best approach to treating them - with your veterinarian, but knowing a little bit about what you're dealing with before you go in is helpful. Here are a few old-dog problems, along with some things you can do to help: 1. Stiffness: Your veterinarian can help you determine if the stiffness is because of temporary muscle...