03.02.13
Cats from the White House
Let’s hear it for the presidential families’ cats, from Coolidge to Bush! Cats from the White House, a Care2 story…
12.27.12
Happy dog, TALL dog, existential French cat videos
This pup is super-energetic and certainly LOVES to jump!
This is reputedly the world’s tallest dog…
Love this one, a philosophically-inclined cat…
12.24.12
Cat video of cats watching cat videos
So cute how these cats are attracted to cats meowing on youTube!
11.06.12
More funny kitten videos
Kitten’s crabwalk
Frustrated kitten sound
Kitten and gentle dog playing (advertisement at end)
06.27.12
Cats and birds mix it up (video)
The poor cat has enough problems with two birds attacking him, then another cat shows up to pick a fight! Surprising and dramatic interaction, hold onto your hats! (Be sure your sound is on.)
Amazing video and sound mixing by ignoramusky on YouTube
(I’m guessing there are baby birds around somewhere, with such protective, persistent parent birds.)
03.27.12
How cats land on their feet
Fascinating NatGeo video shows how cats manage to land on their feet…
03.23.12
Best and Worst ‘People’ Food for Dogs and Cats
Worth reprinting… from Care2, By PetMD
Like buying candy for kids, we often think snacks that have been specially packaged for pets are the best treats in the world. Why would they want anything other than a tasty treat? But a lot of those packaged pet snacks and treats are the equivalent of candy. They are not a big deal, as long as you don’t do too much of it, since they are mostly devoid of nutritional value.
And just as we encourage kids to eat their veggies rather than another candy, we can also encourage a love for veggies in our pets. These low calorie, low fat, vitamin and mineral-packed “treats” are a great alternative to the packaged dog biscuits and kitty chews.
Which Vegetables Are Best and Which Vegetable Are Not Safe for Pets?
There are some plant foods that are toxic to pets, so you will want to be familiar with what to avoid and even prevent access to. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian to make sure that your planned treats are not going to be harmful to your pet. Also keep in mind that while dogs are omnivorous and thus more open to trying different kinds of foods. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivorous. They are not just picky about what they eat — they are constitutionally incapable of digesting some types of foods.
Good Foods
Apples – without seeds or core (apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals)
Blueberries
Strawberries
Watermelon – without seeds
Frozen bananas
Green beans
Carrots – raw or cooked
Sweet potato – cooked, cubed or mashed without butter or seasoning; regular potatoes are also good, but in limited amounts since they are high in sugar and can increase weight
Squash, zucchini
Lettuce
Spinach
Popcorn – unsalted and unbuttered
Catnip or cat grass
Bad Foods
Grapes and raisins – contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs
Garlic and onions – both have chemical properties that can be toxic and even life threatening to dogs and cats
Tomatoes
Avocado
Mushrooms – particularly wild mushrooms
Fruits with pits, such as peaches, cherries, and plums – in some cases the pit can be toxic or can simply present a choking hazard
Nuts – particularly macadamia nuts, which are toxic to pets
What is the Best Way To Feed These Types of Treats?
The foods should be baked or steamed, cut up into smallish pieces, and only given in small amounts at a time. This will prevent both choking and an overload of carbohydrate- and calorie-rich foods. You can give the vegetables and fruits by themselves, or you might mash or puree them and mix them up with the prepared food and given at meal times.
Replacing your pet’s dense, high fat packaged treats with healthy treats like fruits and vegetables will be one of the most beneficial things you do for your pet. Over the long term, your pet’s health and immune system will be stronger, aging will not be as severe, its weight will stay steadier, and if weight is already an issue, you may even see your pet’s weight become more manageable — if you stick to it and include moderate exercise.
With any change in diet, it is important to observe your pet for issues that can arise in response to the change. If your pet begins to show digestive or behavioral changes, stop feeding the new foodstuff and consult with a veterinarian if the problem does not go away in the absence of the added food.
03.18.12
Horses, dogs, cats and birds (interspecies play videos)
foal playing with dog
cat that loves horses
tug of war with pit bull
cat playing with bird
unusual animal friends (video slideshow)
