Cat Behavior 101

Ever wonder why cats behave like they do? Bust the myths and find out why.

Did you know cats played a large role in ancient Egyptian society? They even became deities — Mafdet (goddess of justice) and Bast (goddess of war). And while these creatures aren’t held in such high esteem today, there is still an aura of mystery and a particular presence a cat has. Even their behavior is quite dissimilar to that other favorite domestic pet: the dog. With a little understanding of the feline “way,” you’ll discover their behavior isn’t so strange after all.

For instance, you might not have known that feral (wild) cats have their own territories and are responsible for their own food, water and safety. This autonomy and feeling of self-preservation is also seen in domesticated cats to a certain degree. Some people may even call cats aloof or unfriendly because of this.

However, for all the times you find your cat alone doing “cat things” (perhaps plotting to kill that evil dust bunny lurking in the corner), there are plenty of occasions your cat is quite social.

Let’s take a cat’s sense of affection, for example. Cats know when their owner is coming home and are often found waiting patiently by the front door when the owner arrives. Most cats also love to jump on laps and be cuddled and stroked, while others are content to sit nearby their human companion. And some cats are even high-tech, loving to help with any computer work — though this usually consists on sitting on the keyboard or walking across it.

What of their territorial instinct? Yes, we all know how cats will spray an area in order to “mark” it. (This is obviously a no-no anywhere in your home, and we’re not condoning this.) But …read more

PetFriendlySites.com Tips

How to Build a Dog Kennel

by petMD

Impress your friends, and your doggy, with your mad hammer skills. A little planning and work will go a long way to make your dog castle the envy of the neighborhood dogdom.

Does your dog sleep outside under the stars? Maybe its old house is crumbling to pieces. Well, you’ll want to impress your friends and neighbors and most importantly, Fido, by getting your dog the best in designer doggy housing — a custom built kennel made by you. If you’re good at wielding a hammer and nail, then go ahead and get started. Chateau Dog will soon be the envy of every mutt on the block.

Here are 10 tips to help you on your way:

• When it comes to working out the dimensions of the kennel, think Goldilocks and the Three Bears: not too big, not too small, but just right. Basically, it should be large enough for your dog to lie down, stand and turn around. But snug enough for your dog to retain body heat for warmth in colder weather.
• Take your dimensions for Chateau Dog down to your local hardware store and pick up the wood. We recommend exterior grade plywood and chipboard, all non-toxic, of course. Also, ask the employees at the store. They’ll help you make the right purchase.
• Order flooring material to size. Flooring that provides extra padding and warmth is another great idea.
• To prevent moisture seeping through a wood flooring, raise the kennel a few inches above the ground. You can use stilts, a hollow platform, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make a concrete base.
• Cut the sides and roof to fit your dimensions (unless you were wily enough to get the people at the hardware store to do it for you). And don’t forget to either build …read more
  was last modified: April 30th, 2014 by Grier Holliday
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