Cat Anatomy Facts

Cool Cat Anatomy Facts brought to you by Clear the Air!

Remember PETCO now carries our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator at all their stores.  Stop in to pick some up!

• Cats can’t taste sweets.
• The cat’s front paw has 5 toes, but the back paws have 4. Some cats are born with as many as 7 front toes and extra back toes (polydactl).
• A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
• Neutering a cat extends it’s life span by two or three years

• A cat’s tongue consists of small “hooks,” which come in handy when tearing up food
• Cats must have fat in their diet because they can’t produce it on their own.
• Cat’s urine glows under a black light.
• Cats have a third eyelid called a haw and you will probably only see it when kitty isn’t feeling well.
• A cat sees about six times better than a human at night because of a layer of extra reflecting cells which absorb light.
• Cats sleep 16 to 18 hours per day
• Cats are the only animal that walk on their claws, not the pads of their feet.
• Newborn kittens have closed ear canals that don’t begin to open for nine days.
• A kittens eyes are always blue at first
• A cat cannot see directly under its nose.
• It is a common belief that cats are color blind. However, recent studies have shown that cats can see blue, green and red
• Cats with white fur and skin on their ears are very prone to sunburn.
• Siamese kittens are born white.
• A cat’s jaws cannot move sideways.
• Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten.
• A cat can jump even seven times as high as it is tall.
• A cat is pregnant for about 58-65 days.
• A cat may have three to seven kittens every four months
• Cats step with both left legs, then both right legs when they walk or run. The only other animals to do this are the giraffe and the camel
• If a male cat is both orange and black it is most likely sterile
• The color of the points in Siamese cats is heat related. Cool areas are darker
• Cats lack a true collarbone. Because of this, a cat can generally squeeze their bodies through any space they can get their heads through.
• There are tiny, parasitic worms that can live in a cat’s stomach. These worms cause frequent vomiting.
• A cat’s brain is more similar to a man’s brain than that of a dog.
• A cat has more bones than a human; humans have 206, the cat has 230.
• Cats have 30 vertebrae–5 more than humans have.
• Cat have 500 skeletal muscles (humans have 650).
• A cat can rotate its ears independently 180 degrees, and can turn in the direction of sound 10 times faster than those of the best watchdog
• Cats’ hearing is much more sensitive than humans and dogs.
• Cats’ hearing stops at 65 khz (kilohertz); humans’ hearing stops at 20 khz.
• In relation to their body size, cats have the largest eyes of any mammal.
• A cat’s field of vision is about 185 degrees.
• Blue-eyed, white cats are often deaf.

Do you have any other cool cat facts?  Share them with us on our blog!

Why A Cat Can Benefit Seniors

Cats make wonderful pets for people of all ages.

Wherever you live, a cat can be an ideal pet for you.  There are many reasons why but we would like to focus on the benefits cats provide for senior citizens.

Cats can improve your health – Even though cats require fairly minimal care, the care they do require provides much-needed exercise for older owners. Even seniors who have arthritis or other physical limitations can easily care for cats. Because cats need us to care for them by scooping their boxes, feeding them and giving them fresh water, cats get us up and moving whether we want to or not! Caring for and feeding a cat calls for routines and activities seniors might not otherwise have, providing important mental stimulation. This not only benefits senior citizens’ overall health, but can help them live longer and healthier lives.

Cats can improve your mood – Seniors can become lonely, or even depressed, when they retire or lose their spouse, or when their children move away. Some seniors become depressed simply because they do not get out and about as much anymore. Studies show that pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company, entertainment and a sense of responsibility and purpose. Seniors with pets tend to get up, talk and smile much more than when there are no pets around.  Think about it, when you are home alone with your cat, do you usually say a few words to him?  It definitely makes being alone more enjoyable when you have your furry feline around.

Cats over dogs – Although dogs can also make great pets for some seniors and provide the same benefits as cat ownership, careful consideration should be given to the care, training and exercise requirements of a dog. Many older owners simply can’t keep up with a dog’s needs, which makes adopting a cat a much better choice. Unlike dogs, cats are happy staying indoors all the time.  Most adult cats require only 20 to 30 minutes of playtime per day, and interactive play does not require the owner to be mobile. A kitty fishing pole or laser toy lets senior cat owners engage their cat in play while sitting in their favorite chair. Cats are also very content to spend most of their time sleeping on their owner’s lap or bed which makes this pet a perfect fit for someone less active.

Important tips to keep in mind when choosing your new pet cat –

• Lifespan – Before acquiring any pet, it is important to consider the lifespan of the animal and what will happen in the event that the owner is no longer able to care for the pet. In many cases, seniors need to move into a living facility that does not allow pets, or the pet outlives them. Both dogs and cats can live 15 to 20 years, so it is important that seniors have a younger friend or family member who is willing to take responsibility for the pet if necessary.
• Is a kitten or adult cat better for your senior – Many people think that getting a kitten or puppy for a senior will help “keep them young,” when in reality, puppies and kittens often provide seniors with more stress than enjoyment. Choosing to adopt an adult cat or dog is generally a wise choice for seniors. Adult animals have fewer exercise and training demands, making them easier for seniors to keep up with. Additionally, older pets are also less likely to outlive their senior owner.
• Talk with shelters to find the right fit for your cat – Arrange to visit your local animal shelter to view the cats available for adoption. Talk to the staff and ask for a calm, easygoing, adult lap cat with minimal medical requirements. The last thing a senior wants is an antisocial cat or one who is prone to urinary tract infections! Once your senior loved one decides on a cat — or two! – you can help shop for pet supplies (including a collar and ID tag) and set everything up  in a convenient location for both owner and kitty.

Support – If you are getting a cat for the senior in your life, make sure you can provide follow-up care and support.  Some seniors are not able to get to the store for needed supplies, while others are dealing with health or behavior problems with the cat and don’t know what to do. Be sure to check in with your loved one and their kitty to make sure things are going well.

If you know of a senior who is having difficulty affording veterinary care or food for a pet, be sure to contact your local animal shelter, food bank or veterinary clinic. Most professionals in the animal field understand how important pets are to seniors, so they may offer low-cost services and supplies just for seniors.

Be Kind To Animals Week

Did you know it is Be Kind to Animals Week?

May 6-12 is Be Kind to Animals Week, and it’s a great time to focus on sharing your love of animals with kids, grand kids, nieces, nephews, students and any other young ones in your life!

We would like to share ASPCA’s Five Tips you can take yourself to celebrate Be Kind To Animals Week:

1. Volunteer Together
Sure, many shelters require volunteers to be 18 to handle animals—but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing kids can do to help! Kids can hold a bake sale for a local shelter, help with web design or do even more. Call your favorite shelter to ask what your kids can do.

2. Write a Letter to Congress
I’m sure you know that animals across the country need our help! But did you know that kids can help, too? Talk about the issues with your kids, then write a letter together.

3. Get Crafty
If you’ve got a future artist on your hands, consider getting messy in the craft room for shelter animals. What can you do? For starters, you can make cat toys for homeless kitties in your area. Check out this page for instructions. (Hint: You’ll need some old socks.) Or you can decorate bandanas to help shelter pets get noticed!

4. Get ‘Em Involved in Pet Care
Whether you decide your 12-year-old is ready for his own guinea pig or you want your 14-year-old to feed the dog dinner each day, getting your kids involved in caring for your pets will help them build a lasting love for animals.

5. Foster a Shelter Animal
Of course, this choice isn’t right for everyone; adding an animal, even temporarily, is a big deal! But there’s no better way to show your kids the beauty of the human-animal bond than saving a life together. If your home has room for one more, Be Kind to Animals Week is a great time to foster a shelter cat or dog who needs some extra attention.

Make sure to comment on our blog if you have any other suggestions of ways to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week.

Black Dogs – Last To Get Adopted

When it comes to adoption, black dogs are often passed over for whatever reason and end up being the last to be adopted, if adopted at all.

Some people still have a harmful superstition of black dogs, place a negative label on them, fear that the color of the dog makes them aggressive or dangerous or think they are just too ordinary looking.

Some people may not be aware of the horrifying rate black dogs are euthanized over lighter colored dogs.  While the idea of doggie discrimination sounds strange, “black dog syndrome” does happen.  It is usually an unconscious occurrence and it may explain why black cats have the same problem finding a home.  People whom are superstitious about black cats may unconsciously harbor superstitions about black dogs as well.

Sometimes people may mistake black dogs to be older than other lighter dogs.  This is because they usually have bits of facial hair that may be white or gray, making the dog appear older than he/she really is.  Others may return their black dog to the shelter because they have gotten new furniture and they don’t want the dark hair that their pet sheds.

Another interesting factor that keep black dogs from being adopted is the simple fact that their black coats can make them hard to see in poorly lit kennels.  This can lead to poorly taken photos being posted on the shelters’ web sites which are how many people find the dog they want to adopt.

A lot of shelters will put extra energy into getting their black dogs noticed.  Usually placing a brightly colored ribbon or piece of fabric around their necks help to get these black coated dogs noticed.

If you or someone you know is looking to adopt, keep black dogs in mind.  They have the hardest time being adopted out but could end up being your best companion yet!

Senior Dog – Tips To Keep Him In His Best Health

Senior dogs make great companions and are perfect adoptable pets as they are past their puppy stage and provide unconditional love during their “golden years”.

Clear the Air supports adoption and senior pets usually get looked over because of their age.  Adopting an older pet has many benefits and we’d like to share some tips with you to keep your senior pet healthy.

The following are tips for keeping your senior dog healthy:

• Make your senior dog as much a part of your life as possible, and do all you can to keep him interested, active, happy and comfortable.
• Establish a relationship with the best veterinarian you can find. For most older dogs, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet every six months. Your vet should be someone whom you trust and with whom you feel very comfortable.
• Become informed about the conditions common to older dogs and the therapies used for them. Be alert to symptoms, bring them to your vet’s attention promptly, and be prepared to discuss treatment options.
• Feed your older dog the best food you can afford; consider feeding him a home-prepared diet and two small meals daily rather than one large one.
• Don’t overfeed your dog. Obesity will create health problems and shorten his life.
• Consider the use of dietary supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis.
• Give your senior dog adequate exercise, but adjust it to her changing abilities.
• Attend to your dog’s dental health. Brush her teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally whenever your vet advises it.
• Tell your vet you wish to have your dog vaccinated only once every three years, as currently advised by the major veterinary associations.
• Be diligent in controlling fleas and ticks, and keep your dog and his environment scrupulously clean.

Springtime is Dog Time!

Springtime has sprung!

It is time to clean up inside your home and spend your time outside with your dog for the Spring Season.  Here are some helpful tips to do that:

• It is a good idea to schedule a vet check up for your dog.  Taking in your dog for a checkup after he has been inside for most of the winter will ensure your dog is healthy and ready to get outdoors.
• Your dog will start shedding as the warmer months approach so it is a good idea to brush your dog on a daily basis.  This will help keep shedding under control and keep your dog neat and clean.  Brush all the way down to the skin which will loosen and remove dead hair and dandruff.  Brushing routinely will also help reduce the buildup of pet hair in your home.
• Spring can bring mud outdoors so it is important to keep your dog’s feet clean.  In order to keep paw prints of mud and dirt off your newly cleaned home, greet your dog at the door and gently clean each paw with a damp cloth making sure to get between the toes and remove mud and debris.
• Regularly wash your dog’s bed. Use a fabric cover that on your dog’s bed that can be easily removed for washing. Vacuum the excess hair and dirt and then wash the lining in a non-scented detergent without fabric softener these can irritate your dog’s skin.
  Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2714431/get-dogs-ready-for-the-spring.html#storylink=cpy
• Get active with your pet!  Make sure you and your dog take advantage of the warmer weather and spend time outside.  If your pet has been cooped up most of the winter, take it slow at first.  Go to the local dog park or play fetch in your yard.

Spending quality time with your dog will not only improve your pet’s behavior it will also improve your mood as well.  Who can’t enjoy watching a dog completely overwhelmed with happiness while he is playing outdoors?  Spring is here, it is time to get out with your pup!

Choosing The Correct Leash For Your Dog

Choosing the correct leash for your dog is important.

Clear the Air would like to share some important information to help find the right leash for your dog.

Just as with collars, size is important for leashes as well.  The size of the leash must be appropriate for not only the size of the dog but the type of collar as well.  A thin lightweight leash is more appropriate for a smaller dog like a Yorkshire Terrier than a larger Golden Retriever.  The metal clip on the end of a smaller/thinner leash may break from the pressure of a larger stronger dog pulling on it, allowing your dog to get away from you.

A Basic Leash is versatile and not only can you use it in an emergency to take your dog out, you can also make a muzzle out of it if need be.

Retractable Leashes includes a thin cord wound onto a spring-loaded device inside a plastic handle.  This allows your dog to have a bit more free range than a basic leash and when he walks back towards you, the leash retracts.  While these leashes are nice to provide more freedom for your dog to explore his environment on a walk, there are some drawbacks and they can be potentially dangerous. Even if you are paying close attention to your dog, he has the ability to run into traffic, jump on people or get in a fight with another dog.  The cord can also break should the dog be large and strong.  Opposed to a basic leash, the handle of a retractable leash is bulky and can easily be pulled out or your hands.

A Long Line, like it says, is simply a very long leash and is typically used for training your dog.  Make sure to use this type of leash in a safe area like a field, completely away from any traffic or other potential danger.  A long line is helpful to teach your dog the “come” command out in the open.

Slip Leads look like a regular basic leash but instead of a clip on the end is a metal ring to loop the leash through.  This allows you to walk your dog when he doesn’t have a collar on – simply putting the loop over your dogs head.  Pulling on the handle of the leash will automatically tighten the loop around your dogs’ neck.  Only use these when a regular collar and leash aren’t available.  Since you cannot control the tightness of a slip lead you can risk damaging your dog’s neck or even strangling him.

Please keep Clear the Air’s Odor Eliminator’s in mind when picking up after your pup.  Whether your dog repeatedly urinates in your dog run and the concrete has become smelly or your dog has accidents in the house, Clear the Air is guaranteed to eliminate the odor.

Day #5: How To Avoid Jealous Pets

Day #5 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

Check out our Helpful Tips For You and Your Pet.  Today we are talking about Jealousy with new and resident pets.  We have previously touched on bringing new pets home and the steps you take to introduce them to new pets.  Now we will be discussing dealing with jealous pets and the best way to go about making sure everyone is happy!

Day #5: How To Avoid Jealous Pets

You have brought a new addition to your family, a cute little fluffy puppy.  However, your older dog isn’t so sure he is OK with this new “friend” and decides he doesn’t want to have anything to do with you,  your family and the new pet.  What should you do?

-Continue to give large amounts of attention to your first pet(s).  While it is easy to get caught up in the cuteness of your new addition, your current pets will feel put out and naturally will become jealous.  Make sure you spend a lot of time reassuring them they are still very special to you and still a part of the family.

-Don’t force the new and existing pet together.  As we discussed previously last week, you need to give your new and old pets their time to get used to each other.  Make sure you allow them to gain confidence to decide when they’d like to face their new housemates.

-Separate your pets when feeding.  Use separate food and water bowls and keep them separated while eating, feeding them both at the same time.

-Lastly, make sure to always keep an eye on them until you are fully confident they will get along.  Remember this takes time and being patient is important.  When you leave the house, keep dogs in separate rooms so they cannot interact without your supervision.

Check back for more helpful pet tips to come!

Day #3 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

We are happy to announce Day #3 of our Helpful Pet Owning Tips.  Each day we will have a new helpful tip for you and your pet to keep in mind.

Day #3: Preparing for a New Pet

Before you bring you new furry friend home, you need to prepare your home to prevent any confusion and stress that may arise from your pet being in its new environment.

Supplies – You need to make sure you have For example, if you are bringing a new cat home, make sure the litter box is all set up.  Make sure to have food, food and water bowls, leash, harness/collar, brushes and so on.

Delegate Tasks – Make sure it is decided who will be in charge of what for your new pet.  This is important to establish before you start looking for your new pet.  Who will do the grooming, feeding, exercising, cleaning, playtime, etc.

Pet-Proof – Make sure you make your home safe for your new friend.  There are many household items that people are not aware of that can make your pet extremely sick or cause death.  Check out our Day #1 Tip for a list of these items.

Handling – Everyone in the family needs to know how to safely pick up your pet.  There are certain times, such as during feeding, that your pet should be left alone.  Make sure everyone in the family is knowledgeable on how to handle your new family pet.

Other Pets – Not only will your new pet be nervous at first in his/her new home, if you have any existing pets, they will probably at first be ticked off that there is another animal being brought into the house.  At first, it will be helpful to keep them separated and gradually introduce them for short amounts of time.

Of course if your new pet has an accident in the house, please use Clear The Air’s Odor Remover to completely eliminate any foul odors.  Good luck with your new pet!

What’s the difference between dogs and cats?

What is a Cat?

1. Cats do what they want.

2. They rarely listen to you.

3. They are totally unpredictable.

4. When you want to play, they want to be alone.

5. When you want to be alone, they want to play.

6. They expect you to cater to their every whim.

7  They are moody.

8. They leave hair everywhere.

CONCLUSION: They are tiny little women in fur coats.

What is a Dog?

1. Dog’s spend all day sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture in    the house.

2. They can hear a package of food opening half a block away, but don’t hear you when you’re in the same room.

3. They can look dumb and lovable all at the same time.

4. They growl when they are not happy.

5. When you want to play, they want to play.

6. When you want to be alone, they want to play.

7. They leave their toys everywhere.

8. They do disgusting things with their mouths and then try to give you a kiss.

9. They go right for the crotch as soon as they meet you.

CONCLUSION: They are tiny little men in fur coats.