Notes From the Pet Publicist

APPA Holiday Gift Guide

The Benefits of Cats

From companionship to convenience, relaxation, and entertainment, owners report many benefits to cat ownership. Because of their independence, cats don’t require as much care as other pets. If you’re away on a vacation or business trip, a full food and water bowl will suit them just fine. Although it’s probably a good idea to ask a friend to stop by your house once or twice, just to check on them. Also, cats clean themselves!  

Here are some great products to help you get even more excited about your feline family members:

  YEOWWW! Stinkies Catnip Sardines are wonderfully odorous and sure to keep your cat entertained! They are available in three styles: dots, stars or stripes. Each of the three colorfully embroidered, eye catching fishies is a keeper, and naturally filled to the gills with YEOWWW! catnip.  YEOWWW! Stinkies are sold either in a recyclable collectable tin or individually from a school of 51 Stinkies in a fish bowl!  www.duckyworld.com

  Catslim Meal Replacement, by PetAg, helps tubby tabby’s trim down!   CatSlim is designed to offer a nutrition-packed alternative to regular feedings in a highly concentrated formula that naturally helps curb appetites while helping to metabolize fat.  It is recommended that pet owners substitute one-half of a cat’s daily food intake with CatSlim per day during the CatSlim weight loss program. www.petag.com

 For those cats that run from pills, Vet’s Best offers Hairball Relief Gel with absolutely no petroleum-based ingredients!  This all-natural hairball and digestive aid gel helps support a cat’s healthy digestive tract.  Made of such key ingredients as slippery elm, marshmallow, and psyllium seed, it helps prevent and eliminate hairballs using herbs that lubricate naturally.  www.vetsbest.com 

 The Drinkwell® 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain has a high-end appeal, which is sure to fit any home décor and appliances. Designed for multiple pet households, the Drinkwell® 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain provides the constant hydration pets need and crave, while looking attractive in the home. An additional benefit of the brand new stainless steel model is that it addresses the plastic allergy common among cats, which can lead to feline acne. www.petfountain.com

SCRATCH ‘N SHAPES by Imperial Cat protect your home furnishings from 

 being clawed apart by satisfying your cat’s instinctual need to scratch. Scratch ‘n Shapes are available in a wide variety of innovative styles, each creatively designed to complement the cat owners’ décor. Scratch ‘N’ Shapes are eco-friendly, comprised of 30% recycled materials & are 100% recyclable, functional, while protecting home furnishings from unsightly scratch marks, made in the USA and include organic. www.imperialcat.com

 World’s Best Cat Litter™ is made from whole-kernel corn and eliminates cat litter box odors naturally.  It has a naturally microporous structure that traps nasty ammonia odor in every clump. This scoopable, flushable and biodegradable cat litter isn’t mined, drilled, or artificially produced. It’s simply milled from renewable whole-kernel corn.  It is safe for you, your cat and the environment. www.worldsbestcatlitter.com

 Keep your cat’s litter box mess covered with the “Cat Washroom” by Merry Products, Corp.  Hide the cat’s litter box inside, while adding an attractive storage element to any existing bathroom set.  The classic white cabinet design with wainscoting paneling details and stainless steel towel bar is also functional as an end table, pet house for bedrooms or living rooms.  This multi-functional, easy to clean design improves home organization while providing a place for cats to feel secure. www.merryproducts.com

 

 KONG Naturals Cat Toys are pleased to share their line of ecologically responsible cat toys. There are four new toys now available: Crinkle Fish, Crinkle Caterpillars, Canvas Ball Teaser, and Straw Ball Teaser. Materials and dyes used in KONG Naturals Cat Toys come from natural, renewable resources, and are specifically designed to appeal to a cat’s natural stalking and hunting instincts. KONG Naturals are more than just cat products – they’re fun with a purpose. www.kongcompany.com

 

Feline Family Members: How cats can improve mental health and make a great pet.

There is no denying that a little kitten face could arguably be one of the most adorable sights, but cuteness and cuddliness aside, cat ownership can provide many physical and psychological benefits. 

Studies have found that cats can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in their owners. This could be because cats have been found to reduce stress levels of their owners.  One study even found that out of a group of hypertensive New York stockbrokers, the ones who had cats and dogs as pets had lower blood pressure and heart attack rates than those who owned no pets. Cats cannot only reduce heart related mortality rates but also lead to fewer doctor’s visits.

Some cat owners have even reported that their cat can tell when they are sad or sick and provide extra comfort and affection. Cats make great confidants and are a trustworthy companion if you are feeling a little down.

Cats have a lifespan of about 15-18 years so owners have time to form long lasting friendships.  Some cats have even been reported to live over 30 years!

Offering advantages of an independent and interactive animal, cats are a wonderful addition to both busy and mellow households. They are low maintenance- they clean themselves, use a litter box  and find plenty of ways to entertain themselves. There are some great self-cleaning, automatic litter boxes and feeders that make cat care even easier. And, if you have to travel occasionally, cats can be left at home and care for themselves without the need for boarding or pet sitting. And, if someone in the house is allergic, there are new products that make owning a cat possible such as carpet treatments, air purifiers and nasal balms.

If you are looking for a little stress relief, some fun entertainment or just a cute companion, consider adopting a cat! Local animal adoption shelters and humane societies are always looking to find homes for friendly felines. If you’re not ready to make a permanent decision, try fostering kittens. Local shelters always need foster parents to care for little kittens before they are big enough to be adopted out into forever homes.

If you have any questions about cat ownership- just post them here!

Thanks!

The Pet Publicist

Fishing for a Pet

Thinking about adding a pet to your family? If you’d like a low-maintenance, kid-friendly companion, fish might be perfect for you. Few pets offer you the flexibility and range of benefits that fish do. You can create an underwater world for them to thrive in and for you to enjoy. It can be as small as a bowl with a single gold fish, or as grand as an aquarium full of tropical species and vibrant colors. Virtually any aquarium, regardless of size, will have benefits for your whole family.

 Coming home after a long day and gazing at aquarium fish can be extremely relaxing. We all get stressed out from time to time, but fish are here to help. In fact, scientific studies going as far back as the late 80’s show that people who own fish have reduced stress levels and subsequently, lower blood pressure.

 Not only are fish therapeutic, but they’re also excellent for children. Most kids want a pet of their own, but a lot of the time it’s the parents who end up caring for it. Because of this, some parents decide not to have pets, especially those who want to keep a clean, hair-free home. For those torn between the desires of giving their children a pet and keeping their home clean, fish may be a good option.

Here are a few popular fish products to help you get excited about pet fish.

 

Exotic Environments® Decorative Planted   Mopani Woods by Blue Ribbon Pet

Each ornament is produced from durable poly-resin material, and is 100% safe for all freshwater and marine aquariums, as well as terrariums. All the designs are hand-painted and the solid one-piece construction ensures years of enjoyment. www.blueribbonpet.com 

 

Magic Globe Aquarium by Aquatica Gallery Aquariums

The magic globe offers state of the art “water-vacuum” technology and illuminates with a colorful LED system. Waterfalls are created on the side openings and the running water goes through a self-contained filtration system that cycles clean water back to the aquarium.  The beautiful LED system projects light spectrum that makes the Magic Globe to glow in the dark and becomes a living “Magic Crystal Ball” nightlight. www.aquaticgallery.com

 

Betta Bio-Gold by Hikari

Betta Bio-Gold® has been developed after considerable research into the nutritional requirements of bettas. A formulation utilizing Bio-Technology promotes excellent coloration while meeting 100% of their nutritional needs. www.hikariusa.com 

 

Spongebob Aquarium Kit by Penn Plax

Now the underwater world of Bikini Bottom can be on your desk, bathroom, nightstand, counter, or any place you can think of. This fun 4 gallon blue plastic Spongebob set includes the aquarium, hood, 2 Bikini Bottom plants, colorful background, Gravel, Internal Filter, and a Spongebob blowing bubbles ornament. When this ornament is connected to an air pump, real bubbles actually come out. www.pennpalx.com

National Dog Week

We’ve all heard dogs described as “man’s best friend.” And even though it may sound kind of cliché, what better way to describe a pet that is always happy to see you and wants nothing more than to make you happy? It is this bond between human and canine that has created National Dog Week.

 

Fittingly enough, “man’s best friend” is this year’s National Dog Week theme. Now in it’s 74^th year, this week devoted to our four-legged family members runs September 22-28.

 

Back in 1928 Captain Will Judy, a renowned dog judge and publisher of Dog World Magazine, founded National Dog Week to educate dog owners in their responsibilities to their pets, as well as recognize organizations that care for unwanted or lost dogs.

 

So this year, take some time to celebrate with your best friend, but also help other dogs in need. It would be a great week to donate to a local animal shelter, or maybe drop something off on their wish list.

 

Dogs give us everything they have all the time, so this week, why not make an extra effort to return the favor? But either way, they’ll go on loving us as much as ever.

 

The Benefits of Owning a Reptile

Reptiles have an eccentric beauty about them that is absolutely absorbing. After all, they are the last remnant of an ancient era - which is pretty amazing in itself. Captivating and atypical pets are likely to intrigue friends and family and feeding time can be very exciting. Those who have a fascination with dinosaurs or have a knack for science will be naturally drawn towards these pets. Reptiles, when they are comfortable in their surroundings, are amusing and educational to observe. If you are genuinely interested in reptiles as a species, caring for them can become an interesting  and fulfilling hobby.

Reptiles are excellent pets for children and families seeking a low maintenance pet without allergy triggering fur. Those who desire something different from the classic fluffy puppy or cuddly cat will enjoy reptile ownership and the pleasures they bring. These creatures are fascinating to watch, fairly easy to take care of (depending on the breed) and don't need a lot of attention, although some types can be affectionate.

These cold-blooded creatures make great pets, but before looking into purchasing one as a pet, make sure that you do all your research before you decide to bring home a pet reptile, as each reptile has different care requirements along with a very specialized diet and environment. Do your homework, talk to a responsible breeder, join forums or chat groups with members who are keepers or breeders and check out books from the library written by certified herpetologists. When you have completed your research and have made the decision to own a pet reptile, consider adopting one from your local rescue shelter.

General Facts for Those Considering a Pet Reptile:

Lifespan: 5-20 years, depending on the breed

Level of Responsibility: Low-Medium

Messiness Factor: Low

Estimated Yearly Cost: Low-Medium

Disney's New G-Force Movie Highlights the Importance of Small Pets

We always hear stories that confirm dogs as man's best friend, however, that also rings true for small animal pets including hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and gerbils. Anyone who has had the joy of owning a small pet understands the love and happiness they add to our daily lives. There are several reasons to be thankful for their presence and Disney's new "G-Force" movie reminds us of the joys and benefits of owning and taking care of these lovable rodents!

G-Force is an animated comedy adventure about the latest evolution of a covert government program to train animals to work in espionage. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws! G-Force is a thrilling and fun movie for the entire family to enjoy. This movie teaches us that all animals are important, big and small.

Small animals have a considerable list of benefits both physically and emotionally. I urge readers to visit their local animal shelter or pet store for an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of owning a small animal!

And the PAL Pet Poetry Contest Winners Are...

Three months and over 300 entrants later, the winners of the APPA’s National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest are in. These four young poets, chosen by an expert panel of judges, will receive a prize package that includes the publication of their poem with by-line, cool products for their beloved pet, and a $1,000 scholarship for their classroom to spend on animal-related education.

 

So without further ado, the winners are:

 

Dana, age 9 – Sandy Valley, Nevada

“Chubs”

My bird’s name is Chubs

He takes baths in tubs

He’s ever so quick

And he sits on a stick

He has a friend named Flutter

She doesn’t like butter

Chubs is so fat

And he’s scared of my cat

Chubs lives in a cage

But he doesn’t eat sage

We think he’s a boy

He has fun with his toy

It has a bell

And he thinks it’s swell

Chubs is a parakeet

And he is ever so sweet

Chubs is important to me

As you can see

That I love him

And he loves me

 

Ethan, age 9 – New York City, NY

“King”

Swish, swish goes King

Smooth as a pebble

Gold as the sun

He is so much fun!

He makes me happy

I’m not lonely anymore!

I could look at him swimming all day

I don’t even need to play!

He was the best birthday gift ever

I named him King because he rules the tank

He also rules my heart

I never want to be apart!

 

Manju, age 8 – San Ramon, CA

“Hamster”

Wake up hamster, wake up now.

Drink from your bottle, I know you know how.

Eat a small meal,

or chew on your wheel.

Chew a small toy,

or play with a boy.

Wake up hamster, wake up now.

Wow, you had babies! Wow!!

 

Emily, age 9 – Pleasantville, NY

Hairy all over,

he can’t be cute.

Smiling from droopy ear to droopy ear,

with a cold little nose,

stealing my heart, and filling it with joy,

I can’t help laughing.

as I see him chasing his tail, and wagging his tongue,

He perks up his ears.

Only five days,

until you’re mine.

Celebrate a Safe 4th of July with Your Pet

This weekend is the 4th of July and everyone across the country is celebrating with backyard barbecues, picnics, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks! Although this is a time for pet owners to have fun and relax, it can be the most stressful time of year for pets. According to the Humane Society of America, most shelters retrieve a huge amount of strays the day after July 4th because of the number of animals who run off in fear of the noisy celebration. Some animals don't seem to be bothered by the noise, however, others become very frightened and act in strange, unpredictable ways. Animals have an acute sense of hearing and the unexpected explosion of fireworks can trigger anxiety and cause alarm.

As part of APPA's Pets Add Life (PAL) campaign promoting responsible pet ownership, we urge all pet owners to keep their pets indoors in a sheltered quiet area to avoid nervous or frightened behavior- your pet can join the fun after the fireworks show is over!

I wish you all a happy and pet-safe 4th of July!

PAL Pet Poetry Contest Update

Through our Pets Add Life Campaign, we have launched a national children's pet poetry contest to engage our nation's youth in the joy and excitement of pet ownership. Third grade students from around the nation have submitted poems about their pets, what they love about them and the joys they bring which you can read online at www.petsaddlife.org/poetry_contest/entries/. From March 1st - May 15th we have received more than 300 poems from students all over the country. From tales of lost loves to stories of fun times in the sun, these students poetically describe the joy and memories with their greatest furry companions.

Now that all of the poems have been submitted, the next stage will be the judging process. Our panel of judges will select the top 5 most creative, well-written, inspiring and/or compelling pet poems. There will be 5 grand prize winners whose classrooms will each receive the $1,000 scholarship for pet related education. Winners will also receive pet products and a "by-line" in a nationally circulated publication and their classroom will win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the top 5 PAL pet poetry contest winners!