My blog has moved to the Times Union's website. Please continue reading here:
http://blog.timesunion.com/mohawkhudson/
A recent associated press-petside.com poll found that respondents has a strong preference for cats over dogs.
The poll found:
Of all the groups that answered, married men were the most likely to say they dislike cats.
Why such a stark difference between our top two most loved family pets? Other recent studies show that cats are actually the most popular pet in the country. While there are more dog owning households, it is more likely that a household with cats will have multiple cats.
Many people who have never lived with cats, or had a close relationship with them may believe that cats are aloof and don't desire or require human attention. My cats would beg to differ. While cats interact differently than dogs, they desire human companionship and love as much as any other companion animal and depend on humans for care.
The difference in society's perceptions of cats is reflected in our animal shelter. Over 65% of the animals brought into the Humane Society are cats and our local experience reflects a national trend. Even cat lovers seem to perceive their pets differently than dogs. Cats visit the veterinarians office about half as much as dogs resulting in cats missing out on their annual preventative health screenings. Surprisingly, while cat ownership has been rising over the past several years, the number of cats visiting veterinary offices has declined.
Don't loose hope cat lovers, there are many out there just like you. Animal Shelters and other groups have recognized the feline's image problem and have come together to work on it. Out of this effort the CATalyst council was created. Their website can be found at http://www.catalystcouncil.org/
The goal of this group is to educate the public about the true nature of cats, their need for human companionship and care, and the wonderful companions they can be. At the Humane Society, we have promoted the importance of cats in our lives with our annual Feline Fest. Every year we celebrate the importance of cats in our lives and try to find new homes for homeless cats.
What is your experience with cats and how do you feel about the poll?
2.Limit Exposure to Cold: Dogs and cats build up winter coats over time. If your pet spends most of the time indoors, it may not have had a chance to develop a thicker coat. Let your pet develop a tolerance to the cold slowly by limiting outdoor time at the beginning of the season.
3. Streets and Sidewalks Can Irritate Paws: Once the snow begins to fall, city streets and sidewalks are often coated in salt and sand that can irritate dogs’ paws. After walks, wipe paws clean with warm water to prevent dogs from licking and ingesting salt and chemicals.
4. Your Dog May Need a Winter Coat: Small dogs and dogs with short hair can develop hypothermia in extremely cold weather. When outside for extended periods of time, make sure your dog wears a coat or protective covering. If you live in a city, you’ll know that dog coats come in all shapes, sizes and styles to express your dog’s unique personality.
5. That Goes for Boots, Too: If your dog lifts its paws and whines during walks, the pavement may be making its paws uncomfortably cold. Many companies sell dog boots in various sizes and styles. Outfitting your dog with boots will also prevent paw irritation from salt and sand.
6.Keep Cats Inside: If possible, keep cats indoors during winter months. Cats can be frostbitten on their paws and ears in very cold weather. They may also crawl under the hoods of cars for warmth, a potentially deadly situation. Given the additional risk of anti-freeze poisoning, it’s best to keep them indoors until warmer months.
7. Be Careful About Foods and Decoration: Many traditions can pose a risk to pets. Even if they beg, don’t give them bones. They can splinter in the digestive tract. Chocolate is never appropriate to give to a pet; it can be poisonous, especially to small animals. Common winter plants such as mistletoe and holly berries are dangerous if ingested and can lead to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.
8.Keep Dogs on the Leash: Don’t let dogs off the leash during snowstorms. They may want to play, but can easily lose their scent and become lost in the snow. This is one of the reasons why more dogs are lost in the winter than any other time. Make sure dogs are wearing ID tags before you take them out in the snow. Getting a microchip for your pet is another great way to get them back if lost. You can get your pet chipped at the Humane Society for only $25..
9. Never Leave Pets Alone in a Car: Pets can freeze to death in very cold weather. The enclosed space of a car will not maintain sufficient heat to protect them from the cold. Leave them at home or bring them with you on your errands.
10.Move Beds and Dishes Away from Drafts: Notice whether your home has drafty areas and move pet beds and dishes away from them. The floor can be very cold, even in a warm house. If your pet does not share your bed, make sure it has a bed or cushion to sleep on to protect it from the cold.
So enjoy the holiday season and the beauty that snowy weather brings, but just use a little caution with your furry friends.