Archive for March, 2010
The World of Rabbits
March 30, 2010 — by Jane WangerskyRabbits
It’s easy to see why rabbits became a symbol of Easter – new life is a frequent event among them. With so many of them around and the numbers always growing, you’d think we’d know everything about rabbits. But the U.S.D.A. found, a few years ago, that some basic data – like how many pet rabbits there were in the U.S., or how many were in shelters – had never been recorded.
However, the U.S.D.A. found the number of pet rabbits was estimated at 5.28 million, and discovered some further facts:
· 40% of American households that own small animals have rabbits.
· The...
Adding a Second Cat to the Family
March 25, 2010 — by BeaCats, Pet Adoption
My family owns a hefty 14 year old cat who weighs about the same value in pounds. She used to be a bundle of energy and never would sit down on your lap for more than 30 seconds, but over the years she has mellowed out. However, whenever a new animal becomes introduced to the house, my cat will hiss, slap, scratch, and more. We all know as well as she does that she is the boss and always will be. We would not dare introduce a new creature into "her" house because we do not think that would...
Abandoned “Exotics”
March 23, 2010 — by Jane WangerskyAnimal Rescue Groups, Fish, Pet Adoption, Veterinarians
Exotic pets being abandoned in the wild – how often does that happen? Who would do a thing like that?
When you realize that most fish sold in pet stores are considered “exotics” – it just means they’re not native to the country – you can see it’s really not an unusual event.
At least 185 exotic fish species have been found in U.S. waters, says the U.S. Geological Survey, and over half of those species got there through “release or escape of aquarium fishes”. Lots of people, apparently, have been slipping their unwanted pet fish into the...
How To Keep A Cat Indoors
March 18, 2010 — by Anna P.Cats
Should I let my cat roam free outdoors, or should I keep him inside? The answer to this one may not be so obvious. Many cat owners believe that cats are supposed to spend time exploring the great outdoors. While these owners have the best intentions for their cats, statistics show that keeping your cat indoors will keep them healthier and prolong their lives. Dogs, wild animals, cars, parasites (including fleas), and sometimes other cats (particularly those with infectious diseases) all pose a serious danger to your cat. The best way to prevent any of these situations is to...
Pet Health Insurance: Worth It?
March 16, 2010 — by Jane WangerskyVeterinarians
After a $550 bill from the vet – for an exam and tests, not surgery -- I began thinking about getting insurance for our cat. (The one that’s legally ours, that is – the other is just living with us in long-term foster care, and has her bills paid by the humane society.)
When I began researching insurance companies, it looked like a good deal – typically about $18 a month for the first level of coverage above “accident only”. That seemed like a small price to pay to avoid another huge bill.
Then I did the math.
$18 a month...
