House Cat: Keeping Your Kitten Occupied

Anyone who has owned a kitten knows they have loads of energy. They run through and over everything.They knock things down, they break things. So, what can you do to stop this? Well, nothing really. Kittens are what they are; but you can keep down the destruction and keep your kitten(s) occupied while you are at work, away or at home.

First of all, kittens are like little kids: they have loads of energy and those of us who are older sometimes wish we could have some of that energy. In order to keep that energy from destroying your home, you have to focus it somehow. Below are a few suggestions for focusing your kittens' energy away from your destructible belongings and on to something more appropriate. Mix and match as needed.

Remember, your kittens' needs will vary as he/she ages. Make sure you always keep your kitten happy and occupied, and your valuables will have a better chance of making it through kittenhood unscathed.

1. Get another kitten! Don't throw this suggestion away just yet. I know what you're thinking, "If one kitten is destructive, two will be worse." This is not necessarily true. Kittens will keep each other occupied, and though they might still want to play with that figurine on your table, it's easier to steer them away if their attention is drawn to someone their own age. And the fact of the matter is, if you can't spend at least 16 hours a day with your kitten, it is unfair to him/her to be alone all the time. (It can also lead to Top Cat Syndrome, but that's a whole different subject).
2. Lots of toys. Many times, small kittens can't experience the effects of catnip, so getting catnip toys can be moot before your kitten is at least 5 months of age. But, interactive toys, such as feathers on a pole, are great for playing with your kitten.
3. Great views. Kittens, just like cats, need stimulation to the brain, which can include something as simple as looking out the window at the falling snow. (I do not recommend letting cats outside as a means of "entertainment" as it is far too dangerous). Your house cat or kitten will watch the goings on outside just as you might watch TV.
4. Cat trees. Not only do cats and kittens need to scratch, but they also need to climb, stretch and play. Cat trees (the kind that are tall and wide at the base with multiple tiers) are too much fun to resist, and will also help keep kittens from scratching your furniture.
5. Decorative water fountains. This one probably sounds funny, but some decorative water fountains can make great entertainment for kittens and cats, as well as providing a great source of fresh water. Just be careful the kitten doesn't knock it over and that there are no small bits your kitten can eat off of it.

Christine Church is author of 4 books on the care of cats, one of which won the Iams Responsible Cat Ownership Award, another Honorable Mention in the CWA Communications contest, and another a best seller. Christine has written and published professionally over a hundred articles on the care of cats and horses. Christine is also a professional blog writer and novelist of paranormal and fantasy romance.

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Eagle as your pet

Eagles are large birds of prey which belong to the family of Accipitridae. They are considered one of the most majestic animals in the world because of the kind of strength that they possess. Because of their prowess, they are even used as symbols of power and grace which appears on coats of arms and national seals as well.


Many people are getting confused if they can regard eagles as pets because of the laws regarding the rights and prohibitions concerning these endangered. If you are one of those people who desire to keep eagles as pets, then you can do that without inhibitions, but it can be subject to some instances.


In purchasing an eagle pet, make sure that it is not labelled endangered. Endangered ones are preserved by the government for the future generations.

Are Eagles Good Pets?

Eagl will surely make a good pet. It will also give much pride to the pet owner because of its uniqueness. Of course, it stands out compared to the other pet birds because of its magnificent strength and the power it symbolizes. But before owning one, just make sure that it is done legally. Laws and regulations concerning eagles differ in different states and countries as well for some reasons. So, it is advisable that before you go to any pet shop, you must first be aware of the eagle laws and ordinances in your state or area. Now, if there is a legal eagle for sale, the next step that you should take is to speak to a professional bird handler or supplier about purchasing an eagle.


Eagles are one of the most intelligent birds in the world. In fact, having one can be your pride because they are highly valued compared to other bird breeds. You will need to allot lots of time and effort to take good care of it because they require high maintenance.

Cost of Eagle as Pets

Eagles are just some of the most valuable birds in the world. They come in expensive prices. But since eagles differ in breeds, they also vary in prices.
You must also know that the expenses will not end in the purchasing process alone. High maintenance is expected for having an eagle as a pet.

Additional Care

Make sure that you clean the eagle’s cage on a regular basis to safeguard it from any diseases. If however, your pet is infected with illness which is of course unavoidable, a wise action is to always seek the help of an expert. And considering also that an eagle is not an ordinary pet, let’s say, it belongs to a high-profiled pet, a veterinarian expertise is always of utmost importance.
If you are financially capable of purchasing an eagle pet and maintaining its high cost expenses, having one is really something that you can be proud of. The thought of having an eagle in your home is astounding.

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How You Can Control Hummingbird Feeder Pests Such As Ants, Bees and Wasps

The same sugar solution that attracts your Hummingbirds will also be attractive to ants, bees and wasps. Not only will they drink, they will also contaminate the nectar and sometimes even keep the Hummingbirds from using the feeder. Ants getting inside the feeder will drown and contaminate the nectar as their bodies decompose.

As for bees and wasps..... I have seen bees and wasps at my feeder so thick that the Hummingbirds couldn't feed at all. Thumping them with a rolled up newspaper seemed to help a little, but every time I thumped one, it wasn't long before it was replaced by another. Besides being a little too risky.... after a while it begins to take a toll on your feeder! So, let's examine some alternative possibilities to controlling pests at your Hummingbird feeder.

Controlling ants

Keep the ants from finding your Hummingbird feeder..... Using a drip less feeder is one way to help keep the ants from locating your Hummingbird feeder. Bottle-type feeders have a tendency to drip. When the air that's trapped above the nectar heats up, it expands and forces the nectar out through the feed ports. Basin or saucer type feeders are designed so that they are less likely to drip.

Keep the ants away from the Hummingbird nectar..... okay, the ants have found your feeder.... go to plan b..... The best way to keep ants away from the nectar is to use some sort of "ant guard". An ant guard is a barrier that's placed between the ants and the Hummingbird nectar. These aunt guards are built into some feeders in the form of an ant moat that can be filled with water to keep the ants away from the nectar. But they can also be purchase separately and added to a feeder. They usually consist of a plastic cup about 3 inches in diameter that fits tightly around the hanger wire above the feeder. Once the cup is filled with water the ants can't get to the nectar.

You can also make your own ant moat using the plastic cap from a spray can. Punch or drill a hole in the cap to run the feeder hanger wire through, then use hot glue or silicone sealant to seal the hole and make the lid water proof so you can fill it with water.

Controlling bees and wasps

Buy a feeder with bee guards. Some Hummingbird feeders come equipped with plastic mesh bee guards. Unfortunately, a lot of these Hummingbird feeders will also be prone to dripping which will undermine the effectiveness of the bee guards.

Try moving the feeder. Sometimes just moving the Hummingbird feeder a few feet will trick the insects into thinking that it's gone and they won't find it. If your insects happen to be too smart to fall for this one..... try taking the feeder down for a day or two until they quit looking for it. The Hummingbirds won't give up as quick as the insects, so once you hang it back up the Hummingbirds will find it again.

Give the insects their own feeder.

Personally, I would rather go back to thumping them with a rolled up newspaper before I conceded and tried this trick, but it's a technique used effectively by lots of people, so I thought it appropriate to mention here. You will need two Hummingbird feeders, one for the bees and wasps and one for the Hummingbirds. Bees and wasps are more attracted to higher concentrations of sugar, so in their feeder use a nectar ratio of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. In the Hummingbirds feeder, instead of using the standard 1 to 4 ratio, use a ratio of 1 part sugar to 5 parts water.

This ratio although not as sweet as the 1 to 4, will still be good enough for the Hummingbirds, but not nearly as attractive to the bees and wasps as the feeder with the 1 to 3 ratio. Give the bees and wasps a few hours to attach themselves to their feeder then move it away from the Hummingbird feeder and hope they follow.

Buy a basin or saucer-type Hummingbird feeder. These type feeders are pretty much drip proof, so they're not as likely to attract insects in the first place. Also, the nectar level will be lower and out of reach to the insects, but not out of reach to the Hummingbirds with their long tongues. My favorite basin-type feeder is the HummZinger, which can be purchased at hummzinger.htm. It's kind of expensive at $19.95, but has several features that warrant a high price. The HummZinger has patented Nectar guard tips which are flexible membranes attached to the feed ports that prohibit entry from flying insects, but allow Hummingbirds to feed as usual. The HummZinger also has a built in ant moat that will stop crawling insects from getting to the nectar. This Hummingbird feeder can solve your ant, bee and wasp problems all at the same time.

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Owls as your pet

Many people think it would be fun to have an owl for a pet, but few people have any true comprehension of what is involved in caring for one. 

It is illegal to keep owls without special permits in most countries.  Some countries issue permits to individuals to keep owls after necessary training and proper facilities have been built.  The United States does not allow private individuals to keep native owls as pets--they may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being rehabilitated, as foster parents in a rehabilitation facility, as part of a breeding program, for educational purposes, or certain species may be used for falconry in some states (although they rarely make good falconry birds.)  Even in these instances, the person licensed to keep the owl does not "own" the bird--the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retains "stewardship" of the birds so that they may recall them at any time if permit conditions are not being met.

Alice the Great Horned Owl is in a bit of an interesting situation.  She works at the Houston Nature Center, which is staffed by a single individual.  The facility isn't staffed seven days a week, nor is there a secure location for her to stay overnight, so Alice lives at the home of her handler, Karla (Kinstler) Bloem.  Alice was injured so young that she grew up thinking she's a person and considers Karla to be her mate.  As a result, she gets lonely and gives begging calls if housed in a pen outdoors. 

Through a series of baby steps, Alice eventually moved into Karla's home.  This involved all kinds of modifications to make the situation safe and healthy for Alice.  It also allowed Alice to freely interact with Karla, and presented the unique opportunity for Karla to conduct the first-ever vocal study on Great Horned Owls.  It has also given Karla a very unique perspective on why owls don't make good pets.  The following is a summary of Karla's experiences living with an owl.

Top 10 Reasons You Don't Want an Owl for a Pet

10. Taking a vacation or going on a business trip is difficult.  You can't just take the owl with you (especially since in the United States permits are usually needed every time you cross state lines.)  It takes a trained person to take care of an owl, and if you have a human-imprinted owl like Alice, they may be aggressive with anyone else who comes to take care of them.  Owls also like routine, so disruption to the normal scheme of things is very stressful for them.  Alice once lost half a pound when Karla was away for nine days...and she only weighed four pounds to begin with!

9. Owls can be very destructive.  They have a natural killing instinct that can be applied to blankets, pillows, clothing, stuffed animals, and just about anything else that can be shredded.  Alice also has a habit of clearing everything off her perches, which means she deliberately pushes and drops everything onto the floor from dressers or anyplace else she wants to be.  Talons are also really bad for woodwork.  They bring out the natural grain of the wood really well as they strip off the finish.

8. Mating season involves a lot of all-night racket.  Remember, owls are active at night, so that's when they'll be hooting and calling during mating season.  Since she thinks she's a human, Alice directs her hooting at Karla, and Karla is expected to hoot with her.  Alice can get quite crabby if Karla doesn't spend time hooting with her several times a day (early morning and late evening) during this time of year.  If you have neighbors nearby, they won't be very happy about the noise.

7. Owls don't like to be petted and cuddled.  Captive owls still retain their natural instincts, and traditional "petting" doesn't fit into the owl scheme of things.  Even though Karla has lived with Alice for over 10 years, Alice still bites if Karla tries to pet her on the back.

6. Owls are high maintenance.  They require daily feeding, cleaning, and attention, especial human-imprinted owls like Alice.  Owls that are capable of flying need to be flown regularly, or housed in very large cages where they can get adequate exercise.

5. Owls are long-lived.  A Great Horned Owl could live 30 or more years in captivity if things go well.  Small species could live 10 years.  Taking on the care of an owl is a long-term commitment.

4. Beaks and talons are sharp.  If an owl doesn't like what you're doing, it's going to let you know.  And you might wind up bleeding because of it.  It's also easy for an owl to scratch you even if they aren't trying if they step up onto your gloved fist but stand off the side of the glove on your bare arm.

3. Owls need specialized care.  Most veterinarians don't have the necessary training to properly care for owls, so you'd need to find a vet who's comfortable working with an owl.  And you as a caregiver need to know quite a bit about owl health also, including what "normal" poop looks like, which very subtle behaviors might indicate health problems, provide proper perching surfaces, a healthy diet, appropriate housing, and regular talon and beak maintenance.  There is a LOT to know, which is why proper training is normally required before permits are issued.

2. Feathers, pellets, and poop!  Owls molt thousands of feathers every year, and they wind up everywhere (including the furnace filter in Karla's house.)  Owls throw up pellets of fur and bones wherever they happen to be at the time.  And poop happens.  A lot.  In addition to "regular" poop (like most birds), owls also empty out the ceca at the end of their intestines about once a day.  This discharge is the consistency of chocolate pudding, but smells as bad as the nastiest thing you can imagine.  And it stains something awful.  Keeping owls involves non-stop cleaning.

1. FOOD.  You can't just go down to the local grocery store and buy Owl Chow.  Owls are strict carnivores and require diets of whole animals for proper health.  For Alice, that translates into her own chest freezer stocked with pocket gophers, rats, rabbits, and mice.  Each day Karla thaws an animal for her, removes the organs Alice won't eat, and serves it up for Alice.  Leftovers from the previous day must be located and removed, as owls like to cache (or hide) leftover food for later.  If you're not prepared to thaw and cut up dead animals every night of your life for 10 years or more, you aren't up for having an owl.

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Chipmunks as Pets

As I was walking around a local pet store recently, I happened to see a Siberian Chipmunk racing around its cage, performing acrobatics that entertained a growing crowd gathered around its cage. It got me to wondering - do chipmunks make good pets? How would I choose one? What involves taking care of one?

Purchasing a chipmunk

First and most importantly, find a reliable and reputable breeder or pet retailer. A local veterinarian may be able to help you locate one. When you do find one that offers chipmunks, be sure to select an active one with bright eyes, a shiny coat and an undamaged tail. This will help ensure that your pet is healthy. Next, choose a chipmunk that is fully weaned, which means it is at least 6 to 8 weeks old, but no older than 16 weeks (as younger pets are more friendly and gentle, and can be acclimated more easily to you and your family).

You'll also need to be sure a local veterinarian can provide checkups for your chipmunk.

Care of chipmunks

Chipmunks are very active and not at home in small cages. The best habitat would be a large outdoor area fenced with a fine mesh with an attached indoor section. Fencing should extend into the ground since chipmunks are known to be good diggers.

Chipmunks need a varied diet, with a standard seed-based food as a base. They'll eat fruits and vegetables, too, so those should be provided at least once per week. The pets shouldn't be fed every day, to encourage foraging behavior. Your chipmunk will store extra food when it is fed. Be sure that the food does not contain too many nuts or sunflower seeds, as these have high fat and calorie content. A standard rodent drip bottle will provide an adequate water supply, and you can also include a salt lick.

Handle the chipmunk often, but never handle the chipmunk by its tail! It could be damaged easily or break off. The pet needs a lot of human contact, especially when young, to become a tame and friendly pet.

So, to answer that first question, "Do chipmunks make good pets?," yes. They're not exactly low maintenance, though. They require a lot of attention, room, and a variety of food. As with any pet purchase, it's best to do your research and make sure you have the time, money, and patience to provide a happy home to a new pet.

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How to Take Care a Pregnant Dog?

As the best friend of human, dog becomes one of our members in our families. When it is the time for new members' coming, we want to do everything to prepare for them. What we should do appropriately for caring for our pregnant dogs?

I experienced this period of taking care of my pregnant dog, and I got some useful tips we should pay attention to for a better care for dogs. Now I would like to share my experience with you.

The pregnant time of dog is 60- 63 days total. You need to keep an eye on the symptoms of pregnant dogs to make sure when they became pregnant and make a time count.

When your dogs are surely of being pregnant, it is the time you need to do some care work and preparation for the coming puppies.

You should feed your dog with special diet in this special period of time.

Vitamins and mineral supplements are necessary for your pregnant dogs. When dogs came into the fourth week of pregnancy, more vitamins and mineral supplements are needed. There are vitamins and minerals sold in powder and tablet forms, no matter which from you choose for your god, make sure they are from reliable brands worthy trust.

The diet you prepare for your pregnant dog should contains of high protein and essential fats. Choose dog foods from big brands that produce dogs' food of good quality. This is no time for cheap dog food.

You can add some bulk in to make your dog have a better appetite if they don't feel like to eat enough as they need.

Avoid by-products such as beaks, claws in the diet of your pregnant dogs for they are not good for their health and unsuitable to have in this special time. If it is possible, yogurt and other calcium rich foods would be better.

Besides a healthy diet, appropriate sports are needed; avoid those intense sports which may hurt your dogs. Try to walk them everyday to keep them fit.

At last, it is time to welcome the little matrons. Make a dry, warm and soft dog house for them, to create a good condition for matrons.

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Owning Miniature Horses - The Smallest Of The Small

When it comes to pet ownership, we all have our preferences; the debate of dog versus cat can go on indefinitely. But for those who prefer horses, the care and feeding of their animal suddenly becomes a far greater undertaking then simply housing a smaller, more domesticated animal. 

Horses are large animals that come with an even larger responsibility for their owners. But for some people, ownership of miniature horses allows them to enjoy all that attracts them to horses, but on a much smaller scale.

Miniature horses are simply the result of hundreds of years of careful and purposeful breeding that has taken place all over the world. Today, The American Miniature Horse Association, established in 1978, continues to set the guidelines for these horses. To date, they are the only organization working to standardize the specifications.

In order to be defined as miniature horses, they must not reach higher than 34 inches in height. However, the differentiation between standard sized horses and these horses stops here; the physical features actually mirror that of their full-sized counterparts; but are simply in proportion to their size. If you were to look at one with no basis for size comparison, it would look like a typical, average sized horse.

Miniature horses are shown in competition just as their full-sized cousins. But their manageable size makes them especially instrumental in working with special needs individuals who wish to ride, but must avoid the larger animals for safety reasons. Because of their size, they are also child-friendly; children often learn to ride on these smaller, more controllable breeds.

Those who own miniature horses will also tell you of the unique opportunity they have to enjoy all that is special about a horse while still enjoying all that comes with having the ability to hold an animal in your lap!

The care is just as important as that for larger horses. Much of the standard care remains the same - including grooming, veterinary care, exercise and nutrition, and shelter - with special attention paid to eating. The smaller digestive track puts them at risk for intestinal problems; owners must be alert to the special feeding requirements of the breed. Owners will be happy to note, however, that the care for the horses costs significantly less than the care for full-sized horses.

For those interested in owning one, it is important to do a fair amount of research. Just as with any breed of horse, temperaments vary from horse to horse. Seek out and get to know a reputable breeder who can assist you in finding the horse that's right for you and your family.

Owning a horse of any size must be taken on only after careful consideration. But if you find that you enjoy all the characteristics of a horse, but are put off by its normally grand size, you may want to investigate miniature horses; all the beauty of a horse in one tiny package.

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