Trap-Neuter-Return - TNR Programs
The Trap-Neuter-Return programs offer so many benefits to the cats and to the communities: improve the cats’ lives, stop reproduction to decrease the kitten explosion, and reduce the disruptive noises and commotion from the cats as they mate and fight. Trap-Neuter-Return programs take care of the over-population problems humanely, and they return the ferel cats so that they can keep the rodent population in check.
Cat Adoption Rocky Start
The video shows this cat adoption story very well. It is from Essential Truth of Cat Adoption. Iams has an initiative to help find forever homes for 1.5 million pets by January 3, 2012. I wish them all the luck in the world! If you like them on their Facebook page, they will donate meals to shelters. Also if you post a story about the dogs and cats that you have adopted, they will donate even more meals to shelters, but . . . I couldn’t figure out how to do that. I’m not Facebook literate yet. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this video and this article about cat adoption.
Adopt a Pet Like Drew Barrymore Did
So please, visit this website before going to a breeder, and adopt a pet today!
Adopt a Pet Today
Mellow Cat - Exotic Shorthair
With that said, I’m sorry, I have to say I still prefer mutts — mixed breed cats. I think they are healthier, and there are so many of them in pounds and humane societies who need a loving home. And just because they are at the pound, does NOT mean that they are problem cats! Au contraire! Both Abigail and Maddie (who died over a year ago) were from the humane society. Maddie was such a mellow cat! She had a tough start in life — lived on the streets in Boulder, Colorado. When I brought her home, she was so appreciative of everything. She would wake me with soft purrs to get up and feed her . . . my mellow cat Maddie — I miss her. When I brought Abigail home from the Fort Collins, Colorado humane society, Abigail took over Maddie and me without firing a shot. She became Maddie’s best friend. Abigail is also a very mellow cat, especially now since she has put on a few pounds . . .
I love this video. There are no mellow cats in it, but it is hilarious!
Would You Vacuum a Cat?
But let’s get a reality check here. Is this really the most effective way of reducing cat hair in your home and reducing hair balls for your cat? You can vacuum a cat, which can be a lot of fun for both of you, however a more efficient method of removing cat hair is by brushing your cat. The best cat brush and dog brush that I have found is the FURminator. It takes brushing to an all new level. Using any other brush, you can brush your cat for 10 minutes and get maybe half of a hand full of cat hair. You can brush your dog or cat with a FURminator for 5 minutes, you will get MANY hands full of hair.
Video showing the FURminator in action – or would you really prefer to vacuum a cat?
Dog Health Problems by Breed
As discussed in a previous post, many purebred dogs have specific health problem that are breed specific. There is a great article about dog health problems by breed. I found this article very interesting! Hip dysplasia is by far the most common dog health problem by breed. Hip dysplasia is caused by a problem with the structure of the hip joint. Bloat and eye problems are also very common dog health problems by breed. I’m not saying that these problems won’t be found in mutts, but they are more common in purebred dogs and they are more common in specific breeds.
You betcha! According to this article, there are 16 breeds of dogs that have no breed specific health problems: Canaan Dog, Foxhound, Glen or Imaal Terrier, Harrier, Hevanese, Irish Setter, Lakeland Terrier, Lowchen, Norfolk Terrier, Polish Owczarek Nizinny Sheepdog, Powderpuff Chinese Crested, Silky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Swedish Vallhund, and Tibetan Spaniel. I found it very interesting that several types of terriers are in this list — I always new terriers were a hardy lot. And it does my heart good to see the precious Irish Setter in this list.
Dog Health Problems by Breed - None in Irish Setters
So if you’re interested in learning more about dog health problems by breed, this article is a must read. But personally, I still prefer mutts. They can be found in any Humane Society or pet shelter, and they are usually healthier than most purebreds. OK OK – I’ll get off my soap box for now.
So you want a new best friend — are you leaning towards purebreds or mixed breed dogs? You can go to a breeder and pay hundreds or even thousands for a purebred dog. You know exactly what you are getting, for the most part. You know the strengths of that breed of dog and you know their weaknesses. However, over the many many years of breeding and inbreeding, the purebreds are showing more severe health problems. That is, the breeding and inbreeding is not only increasing the strengths in these purebreds, but also increasing their weaknesses.
Mixed Breed Dogs - Healthier?
As I have in previous posts, I ask you to please go to your local Humane Society or pet shelter and get yourself a healthy mixed breed dog. Save another animal from being needlessly “put down” because they might not be a pretty as their purebred cousins.