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Cats and the Laser Pointer Debate

by Melissa on January 26, 2012

It’s no secret that cats love to play and chase after anything that moves, which is why the laser pointer has become such a popular toy for cats. There are automatic lasers on the market, as well as ones that shine in shapes that can be changed with the press of a button. Despite this popularity, there are plenty of arguments against using laser toys, which has many cat owners wondering whether or not they are safe for use.

One concern about laser pointers are whether or not they are safe to use. They are quite bright, but are available in different “class levels”, meaning that some are brighter than others. Checking the laser for a low class level is safer than a brighter laser. Lasers should also never be pointed directly in a cat’s eyes. Limiting the amount of time with the laser is another way to be safe with laser toy play.

Another issue is behavioral. Pam Johnson-Bennett, cat behaviorist, suggests that laser pointers simply frustrate cats. She writes:

Cats are tactile creatures, and when they pounce on their “prey” they want to actually feel something underneath their paws. Putting a paw over a laser light is an exercise in frustration. People often move the lights too frantically, causing the cat to stop playing in a natural feline way and begin bouncing off the walls in an attempt to get the target. This isn’t how cats play.

One way to work around not being able to grab the prey is to end the play session with a tangible toy that the cat can grab and play with, like a toy mouse or feather toy. Cats should always get the last “hunt” during playtime, so they will feel happy and satisfied.

Laser toys do have some positive attributes as well. Cats that don’t respond to other toys are often interested in laser pointers, and this might be the only way for them to get exercise and playtime which is beneficial to their health. Using the laser toy and keeping treats on hand is a popular training tool with some cat behaviorists.

To safely use lasers, keep in mind these tips:

Always end the play session with a physical toy
Use the laser toy at short intervals (it doesn’t have to be used every day either)
Never shine the laser into the cat’s eyes
Look for a lower class light (5 to 10 milliwatts is considered safe for human and pet use)

Do your cats play with laser toys, or have they ever had a bad experience with one?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Breed Profile: The Ocicat

by Melissa on January 25, 2012

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In 1964, the Ocicat was accidentally created by Virginia Daly when she bred an Abyssinian with a Siamese in an attempt to “develop a Siamese with points the same color as an Abyssinian”, according to The International Cat Association (TIGA). Later, this mix was bred with the American Shorthair, and as other breeders took notice of the unique spots, the Ocicat was recognized in 1986.

Ocicats may look wild (not unlike cheetahs), but these cats possess the temperament of domestic tabby cats. Their coat is covered with large, thumb-shaped spots. If a tabby pattern is present in a litter, that cat is not eligible for cat shows.

Ocicats are friendly cats that are outgoing and love to play. Because they are social, Ocicats will greet visitors, play fetch, and snuggle eagerly with family members. Also due to their love of people, they should not be left alone for long periods of time, and do well with companion pets. Ocicats also are easily adaptable because of their social nature.

This breed of cat is highly athletic as well. They love to leap to high places, and they especially love hunting games. Sometimes they can be a bit possessive of their toys and may play a little rough. They also can be taught tricks and are receptive to learning new things. Their athleticism is part of their stature, as Ocicats are sleek and strong, with males reaching up to fourteen pounds in size, while the large end of the scale is nine pounds for females.

TIGA states that the Ocicat comes in one pattern, but a variety of colors: “Brown (Black), Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blue, Lilac and Fawn plus the silver version of these colors.” They also have almond-shaped eyes, and easy to care for coats that are short, and only need to be brushed once a week to remove dead hair.

The Ocicat is a relatively healthy breed, with no known genetic problems unless the parent has a known issue, but they are prone to gingivitis. This does not mean that Ocicats are immune to health problems, as all cats have the potential to develop ailments if they are not taken care of, or as they grow older.

Interested in an Ocicat? Visit the Purebred Cat Breed Rescue for a list of Ocicat rescues, or visit Petfinder to search for a mixed breed.

[photo credit]

This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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$1/1 Cat’s Pride Cat Litter Coupon

by Kristy on January 24, 2012

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Need cat litter? Coupons.com just added a new Cat’s Pride Cat Litter Coupon!

$1/1 Cat’s Pride Cat Litter Coupon, any size or variety (Direct Printable Link)

You can print 2 of each coupon per computer.

Happy Pet Savings!

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Protecting Your Pet Against Dognapping

by Melissa on January 23, 2012

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It was a typical lazy Sunday when I went out on a pizza date with my husband. We did the standard drive, park, and walk to the door, but on our way inside we saw something out of the ordinary for a restaurant parking lot: a beautiful Chow Chow mix chained to an SUV, just hanging out on the sidewalk. Like any friendly dog, the pup wagged her tail in anticipation of some affection as we went into the restaurant. This situation had me wondering just how safe it is to leave a dog outside while dining.

Unfortunately, dognapping is a reality that is growing every year. The American Kennel Club reported a “sharp rise” in dog napping, and The Week magazine reports that:

In the first seven months of 2011, the AKC estimates that there were 224 cases of dog theft, as opposed to 150 during the first seven months of 2010. That represents an almost 50% increase—though the total is still miniscule compared to the tens of millions of dogs living as pets in the U.S.

Even though this amount is small, every pet owner should be aware that this is becoming an increasing problem. It is also likely that not every dognapping was reported. Why do people dognap? While the reasons vary, two common reasons are for ransom money, and for dogfighting. Others are sold to research laboratories, and some cases are even custody battles or personal vendettas.

To keep your dog safe, here are some tips to protect pets:

Keep dogs inside while out of the home, or in a secure indoor/outdoor kennel

Microchip your pet

Keep fences and homes locked

Keep your pet on a leash in public places

Don’t offer too much information about your dog to strangers

Generate a neighborhood alliance to keep an eye out for pets, children, and families

Don’t leave dogs unattended outside or in cars

Take action quickly by alerting authorities

Utilize lost pet alert services in your area

Do you have any other ideas for keeping pets safe against this problem? Is dognapping something that you worry about?

[photo credit]

This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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40% off Flying Squirrel Toy from ChuckIt! Toys

by Kristy on January 23, 2012

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You know how ChuckIt! Toys are all the rave these days with dogs? Well check out this cool new dog toy called the “Flying Squirrel” that takes the role of an awesome frisbee toy. It’s currently on sale at DoggyLoot too, woohoo!

ChuckIt! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy- $9 + $3.50 Shipping
Use $5 DoggyLoot Sign-Up Credit (new users)
= $5 + $3.50 Shipping!

About:

“Today’s deal is for one Flying Squirrel, an improvised frisbee that glows in the dark, floats, and flies! Complete with flying goggles, this toy measures 11″ by 11″ and is constructed with multiple layers of bright orange, rugged fabric. Finally, there’s a toy to keep your pup on the chase in the rain, snow, and even on those late-night trips to the park!”

Happy Pet Savings!

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