The Purr: Cats (large and small) are the sole animals that have the ability to purr. How come? Purring actually comes from two membrane folds, rather than being voice generated. They can purr both on inhaled and exhaled breaths, and with their mouths fully shut.The general thinking among scientists as to how purring is produced is that, air in the windpipe magnifies the sound of blood movement within a large vein located in the chest cavity.
Kittens (who are deaf and blind), can feel the vibration of their mother's purr, and to them it is almost like a homing beacon, an indication for them to feed. Cats don't purr just for pleasure; a deep one can also indicate pain or distress.
The Meow: There are lots of variations: a short, soft-spoken "mew" is your cat's way of saying "hello", Are you feeling good today? A loud and drawn-out "meo-o-o-o-ow" is a demand for food or attention.
The Ears: There are 5 fundamental ear indications. If they point forward and slightly outward, then every thing's cool. If the ears are erect and facing forward, they're wide awake and my explore the source of something it hears. If the ears are twitching quickly back and forth, they are edgy or nervous.
The Tail: A tail quietly waving back and forth is a sign that the animal is contented or in deep concentration. If accompanied with growls, take care! If tail-wagging is somewhere between half hearted and full on, this may indicate that your cat is not sure of things. If the tail is leaning forward over the head and looking fluffed up, it means your cat is feeling like the top banana
The Eyes: When your cat looks steadily at you, giving you several long, slow blinks, you're getting the equivalent of a kiss! Mimic the cat, they like to feel loved too!. If you get on the same level and speak to your cat while sitting on the floor, it will immediately make your cat feel more comfortable and at ease.
The Whiskers: When it comes to the feline species, the whiskers are one of the most important sense organs. By bending the whiskers, kitty can magnify the smallest air disturbance, this helps the cat navigate around obstacles even in the dark because the air currents move differently around the objects. When the whiskers are pulled back it's a good sign the cat is angry or feeling defensive.
Prized for their devotion, ferocity and personality, the chihuahua's curious nature and small size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments. Though often stereotyped as high-strung, proper training and socialization can amerliorate this.
Chihuahuas tend to not be well-suited as small children's pets because of their size, temperament and tendency to bite when frightened. It's also not uncommon for Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. Chihuahuas also seem to have no concept of their own size and may fearlessly confront larger animals. Hope someone out there will give me one as a gift.LoL..
Pet Proof Your New Home
By Anthony DeFrietas
Before bringing your pet into the new space of your new home, take several steps to ensure your safe haven is indeed safe enough. Pets will naturally investigate the world they find themselves in. Of course, this cannot and should not be discouraged. But consider the hazards your pets may encounter in your new home. Take the following measures to minimize any potential danger encountered in your pet's daily travels about the new house.
- Barriers should be put up to keep pets out of areas where they are not welcome.
- Children in your family should also understand the importance of locking or closing these gates and barriers.
-Keep in mind that most intentional destruction by pets stems from a lack of exercise or mental stimulation. Have a plethora of play/chew toys available for dogs and consider a scratching post for the energetic cats.
-Establish routine with consistency in your new home. You may be busy setting up, but there will be long term payoff for consistent walks with the dog.
- Chemical Substances should be kept in a safe location .This includes all chemical substances. Although some are lethal, most can cause serious upset or intestinal complications.
- Know what plants are poisonous to pets and ensure they are out of reach.
- Put away pill bottles and pill organizers. A dog can easily chew open these containers- childproof or not!
- Check fences and hedges to see if your pet might be able to escape. Never underestimate a dogs ability to dig and a cat's capacity to slide through anything.
- Dogs like to be able to look out and see what is going on. Try to keep items, especially fragile ones, away from windows.
- Tame cord clutter by hiding cords under baseboards and carpet seams whenever possible. A pet can suffer burns or electrocution from chewing on live cords. You can also use cords covers to mitigate possible danger.
-All things "stringy", including string, yarn, dental floss and rubber bands can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation. Keep these items out of reach. Do a vacuum or floor scan of your new home before welcoming your pet/s.
A rule of thumb to follow: treat pet proofing much the same as you would approach baby proofing your home. No detail is too small to be overlooked. Take all the care in the world setting up pet safety in your new home, and you will have safe, happy and healthy pets as a result.