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Characteristics Breed History Training and Care Health Problems Appearance Diet and Nutrition Where to Adopt or Buy Breed Overview Further Research The origin of the Pixie-bob cat is the stuff of legends. They were believed to stem from naturally-occurring matings between the American bobcat and feral domestic cats or barn cats, although there is no verifiable proof since DNA tests do not back up the claim. Still, Pixie-bob cats are large and sturdy and look a lot like bobcats....

Is it OK to Own a Pet Genet? Behavior and Temperament Housing Diet Vet Care Purchasing Similar Pets and Breeds While the idea of owning a wild animal as a pet might be appealing, for most people, a genet is not a good pet. These cat-like creatures catch people’s eyes as exotic pets because of their beautiful patterns, but they are not affectionate or cuddly. These quick, agile animals are solitary by nature, so they neither need nor want human companionship, although some will bond somewhat with their owner....

Sure, you could give your dog a bath every time they get muddy paws, but dog wipes present a time-saving alternative. Specialized wipes can even address unpleasant odors, or clean sensitive areas like ears, eyes, and even teeth. We evaluated numerous dog wipes in consultation with a veterinarian, and closely researched the best combinations of softness, durability, and quality ingredients for a wide variety of cleaning scenarios. Our favorite dog wipes are Pogi’s Fragrance-Free Grooming Wipes, which combine gentle ingredients and a sturdy texture in a large, useful size....

Why Snakes Lose Appetites Natural Reasons Environmental Causes Monitoring Temperature Snake Diseases Mouth Rot Respiratory Disease Intestinal Parasites Obstructions and Impactions Treatment and Prevention Your pet snake leads a pretty cushy life and doesn’t have to evade predators or hunt for its food, but it may still develop anorexia or lose its appetite. Even if you can do a nearly perfect job of keeping your pet’s environment where it should be in terms of temperature and humidity, you can’t always tempt it to eat....

Hoof Health Leg Health Boredom Companionship Digestive Health Respiratory Health Behavior Horses are healthiest and happiest outdoors in their pastures. There are a number of reasons why your horse should be outside as much as possible. Although many horses will clamor to come into a stable during nasty weather, it’s important that they live outdoors as much as possible. Sometimes keeping your horse confined in a stall is necessary, such as when a veterinarian prescribes stall rest....

Water Quality Testing Kits Chlorine Concerns Tank Size Filtration Water Changes Substrate Feed Outside of the Tank Red-eared sliders and other aquatic turtles spend a lot of time in the water, so clean water is essential. Of course, turtles also defecate in their water, so maintaining good water quality can be a challenge. Cloudy and smelly water in a turtle tank is a common problem, but even water that looks clean can harbor waste products such as ammonia and nitrites that can build up to harmful levels....

If you wish to share your home with both cats and dogs, look for a dog breed that’s typically friendly with felines. While it ultimately comes down to the individual dog (and cat), certain breeds have tendencies that help them get along with other species. For example, many working dogs were bred to watch over and protect their family members, including other animals. And some hounds, especially scent hounds, were bred to work closely in packs, so they are usually friendly with other furry family members....

If you have enough land, and your city allows it, it is possible to keep chickens as pets. You can even take on rescue hens and offer them a much happier future life. They are relatively low-maintenance pets, providing they have company, a suitable indoor and outdoor space, and appropriate food. It can also be a nice way to enjoy some eggs if you are not keen on supporting the controversial larger scale egg production operations....

What is a Broken Leg? Symptoms Causes Diagnosing Treatment Prognosis Prevention Broken legs in chinchillas can be common since these pocket pets are quite active or a fracture could result from being aggressively handled. A broken leg for a chinchilla can be very painful and will stress your pet which could prove fatal if it is not treated. Knowing how to prevent broken legs and what to do if you suspect your chinchilla has one can help your pet avoid prolonged pain....

Camelback shrimp are easily identified by their characteristic “hump” for which they are aptly named. They are sometimes confused with the similarly colored peppermint shrimp. They have ornate markings and large reflective eyes. The size of their eyes is an indicator of their natural ability to maneuver in low-light conditions. Despite their beauty, they are capable of wreaking total havoc in reef aquariums. Characteristics Origin and Distribution Camelback shrimp hail from the tropical waters of the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, East Pacific, and central/west Pacific....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Heat Light Humidity Substrate Food and Water Health Problems Choosing Similar Species/Different Species Reticulated pythons are some of the largest pet snakes there are. They are not snakes for beginner reptile enthusiasts, nor are they ideal for children, but some experienced herpetology lovers opt to care for them as pets. Native to Southeast Asia, reticulated pythons grow to be very long and heavy and can also live for two or three decades....

Every new aquarium has to go through the tedious process of cycling. “Cycling” refers to establishing beneficial bacterial colonies that regulate the nitrogen cycle, the conversion of ammonia to nitrite, then to nitrate. There is no way to instantly establish the necessary stable nitrogen cycle in a new aquarium. However, if you take the time to properly set up your filtration, your fish will thrive in their new home. With all of the techniques described below, use a liquid-based test kit to make sure the water levels are where you expect them to be....

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome can cause a variety of signs that may be behavioral, neurologic or dermatologic in cat’s but is considered a fairly rare condition. Pet’s can show signs of distress, aggression, self trauma and more but these signs can also be caused by numerous other diseases so it is important to rule out other causes with a veterinarian. Understanding Hyperesthesia Hyperesthesia syndrome tends to appear in cats one to five years old, and Oriental type cats (Siamese, Burmese, Himalayans, and Abyssinians) seem to have the highest incidence....

Cats are diligent in grooming themselves, but some cats also actively groom their owner’s hair. A “beautician cat” might perch on the back of a chair or above your head in bed and comb through your hair with its teeth and paws. Sometimes the cat will even hold your head steady or object if you move out of reach. Cats’ grooming behavior can be a physical and social issue. Their physical and emotional health, as well as traits of instinct, influence how a cat acts and reacts....

You have all the best new technology for yourself, so why are you wasting your time on antiquated bowls for your pet fish? These ancient pet torture devices only make more work for you and cause severe health issues for your fish. Here’s why it’s best not to use one for your beloved pet. Why Are Fish Bowls Bad for Fish? There are many points that make bowls a poor choice for a fish pet....

Losing a beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult things a pet parent can go through. Whether it’s sudden or expected, the grief that comes with the passing of a pet is both intense and unpredictable, similar to how one might grieve the passing of a dear friend or family member. And while it may seem wholly unfair that our pets’ lives are often so short in comparison to our own, the best way to honor a pet who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge is to celebrate their spirit and their memory....

Used for mechanical, chemical, and/or biological filtration in saltwater aquarium systems, canister filters are quite versatile. A canister filter can be used continuously or added and run only when needed. They can act as a stand-alone filter or used in combination with other types of filtration as well. Here are some examples for each category. For Mechanical Filtration An aquarist with an under gravel filter can add a hang-on-tank canister filter to the system to remove free-floating particulate matter from the water that would normally get drawn down into and trapped in the substrate....

History Temperament Speech and Vocalizations Colors and Markings Care Health Issues Diet and Nutrition Exercise Where to Adopt or Buy Further Research The blue-crowned conure is classic in many ways, but this medium-sized parrot is slightly quieter and gentler than most of its conure cousins. This green bird with the bright blue head and spiked tail is a gentle, clever, playful creature that can make a great pet. This kind of parrot has even starred in two movies: “Pauly” and the documentary “The Parrots of Telegraph Hill....

One of the most common questions new dog owners have is, “How often should I bathe my dog?” This is a valid concern as there are problems with bathing too frequently as well as bathing too infrequently. There are different factors that can influence your dog’s bathing schedule. Things like fur length and type, activity level, and any allergies or other skin conditions your dog may or may not have....

Without a doubt, with its “horse-like head” and erect body, the seahorse is one of the most recognized fish in the world. The seahorse “stands up” instead of lying flat as all other fish do. It propels itself through the water (very slowly) by vibrating its dorsal fin and steers with its tail. Perhaps the most interesting fact about this fish is that it is the male seahorse that gives birth....