Does catnip have any long-term effects on cats?
Catnip is quite the treat for many cats! Approximately half of all cats will be genetically predisposed to enjoy this herb. Catnip is a member of the mint family -- actually there are several different types of catnip, but what makes cats so in love with this herb is a chemical in the leaves known as nepetalactone.
Young kittens, less than 3-6 months, will not be attracted to catnip, but once they pass that age, they will go gaga for it. When you first give your kitty some fresh or dried catnip, you
Posts Tagged ‘safety’
Effects of Catnip
by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ February 1st, 2012 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Cats
How to Deal with a Bird that Bites
by Anna P. January 24th, 2012 | Birds
Birds are docile animals and that's something that adds to their appeal. But there will be times that your little feathered friend isn't feeling so chummy. Are you feeling the effects of a bird bite? Find out how to stop it from happening.
The first step to solving this issue is to figure out why your pet is biting you. Is her bite more like a nip that doesn't really hurt? Does he show signs of frustration when you're trying to put him in his cage? If the bite is more like the former, chances are your pet is sending
The first step to solving this issue is to figure out why your pet is biting you. Is her bite more like a nip that doesn't really hurt? Does he show signs of frustration when you're trying to put him in his cage? If the bite is more like the former, chances are your pet is sending
To Move with a Pet Fish
by Mackenzie M. January 17th, 2012 | Fish
Within the last month I was faced with my first major predicament regarding my Betta fish. I had to move across the country, and was at a loss for what to do with my Betta fish, David, the star of many of my fish advice articles. I explored many options, searched the entire web for solutions, and even asked friends what they did with their fish when moving. To my dismay, the resounding answer seemed to be simply, if you are moving more than a medium length drive away, or further than another state, the costs of trying to
Reptiles and Snow
by Dena B. Baker DVM January 11th, 2012 | Ask the Vet, Reptiles
Is it safe to put a little snow into a reptile tank for the animal to play with?
Reptile enclosures need to be set up so that the animal can regulate their body temperature effectively. Based on the species, you will need to determine what temperature to keep the tank, the ambient air, and the basking areas. Due to the need to keep this temperature fairly consistent, I would not consider adding a frozen substance, like snow, to the environment. Also, there is a possibility that there could be substances in the snow that could be toxic to your reptile.
The
Reptile enclosures need to be set up so that the animal can regulate their body temperature effectively. Based on the species, you will need to determine what temperature to keep the tank, the ambient air, and the basking areas. Due to the need to keep this temperature fairly consistent, I would not consider adding a frozen substance, like snow, to the environment. Also, there is a possibility that there could be substances in the snow that could be toxic to your reptile.
The
Stir Crazy Cats
by Lori S. January 3rd, 2012 | Cats
Welcome, winter. Welcome, stir crazy cats! Now that temperatures have dipped well below freezing, my two middle-aged felines have oodles of pent-up energy. It’s funny to watch them meow at the door to go out, only to skitter backwards once they feel the freezing cold air on their faces. No longer can they scamper after chipmunks or bat at butterflies and bees. Long gone are the days of chasing each other across the lawn to meet me as I return from a walk around the block. It’s the beginning of a long winter, and they feel a bit out
