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Bringing a new cat into the family can be an exciting experience. But just like children, they are a huge responsibility. It is important to understand what it takes to care for a cat. That includes knowing what conditions may adversely affect them. Here are some common conditions that cats can get, how they are treated, and what can be done to prevent their occurrence. 01 of 05 Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Moment Open/Getty Images Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) decreases the function of the immune system and causes AIDS in cats....

Characteristics Origin Colors and Markings Tankmates Care Diet and Feeding Gender Differences Breeding Further Research The flame tetra, or Von Rio tetra, is one of the most entrancing beauties of all freshwater aquarium fish, especially when it is sporting its full breeding colors. At one time, almost no community aquarium was complete without this fish. During the 1940s and 1950s, it was among the best sellers of all characin fish....

Greyhound racing has been a sport—and a rightly contested one—in the United States since the early 20th century. Today, only six states have active dog racing tracks, and one of those states, Florida, has recently enacted a ban on the sport, with all active Greyhound racing tracks set to close by January, 2021. There is a lot of controversy around Greyhound racing, from how the dogs are bred and treated to the live lures that are sometimes used to bait them around the tracks....

Puppies, especially litter mates, play fight a lot. There’s little more adorable than watching a group of puppies tussle with each other, but how can you know when the wrestling stops being playful and starts to become a true fight, though? What can you do if you have one puppy in particular that continues to take play time a little too far? Why Do Puppies Fight? Puppies learn normal social behavior, what is acceptable and okay and what is not, from interacting with other puppies....

Some cat lovers seem to overly focus on breeds and are not happy until their cat is classified neatly within a certain breed. For years I have received emailed photos with the question “what breed is my cat?” I finally published Feline Breeds, Domestic Cats, and Color Patterns, to provide a handy reference guide to help readers recognize the difference. What Is a Purebred Cat? The Cat Fanciers Glossary defines purebred as, “purebred: A cat whose ancestors are all of the same breeds, or whose ancestry includes crossbreeding that is allowed in the breed standard....

Behavior and Temperament Housing Food and Water Health Problems Purchasing Similar Pets Chickens are popular backyard pets but ducks have many of the same characteristics. This has led to these waterfowl being cared for not only for their feathers, meat, and eggs, but also simply as pets. There are a variety of breeds of ducks, and some make better pets than others, but they all have similar care requirements. Housing, food and water, zoning restrictions, and health concerns should all be taken into consideration prior to purchasing a pet duck....

Rare and unique saltwater aquarium fish are a thrilling addition to any serious fish-keepers collection. Before you seek out any of these special beauties, always question how these fish are collected and if the practice is sustainable. We all want to make sure these fish are available for generations to enjoy. 01 of 05 Colin’s Angelfish (Paracentropyge colini) LemonTYK / Flickr / CC by 2.0 Originating from the Western and South Pacific, these vibrant beauties have a distinctive yellow body with blue to black on the head and anterior dorsal fin....

Snakes naturally shed their skins on a regular basis, and a healthy shed is important to their general well-being. Although it’s perfectly natural, shedding is stressful for your snake. The upside is that you can ease some of the stress by learning the signs that your pet is about to shed and taking steps to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Why Do Snakes Shed? Snakes constantly grow new skin cells and must shed the old ones....

Attempting to keep wild animals as pets is never a good idea. Some of these animals can endanger human lives while others simply fail to thrive when removed from their natural habitats. Even when raised in a home from a young age, these animals tend to maintain their wild instincts, making them unpredictable and difficult to manage. Here are 10 animals that do not make good pets. Watch Now: Top 10 Animals That Don’t Make Good Pets...

Falling in love with an orange tabby cat is easy. Choosing its name, though? That can take a little bit of imagination, although some of the most popular names for orange, or ginger, cats reflect their vibrant color: Marmalade, Flame, Pumpkin, Cheeto, and Nacho are all top contenders. Orange cats, also called reds or gingers, are often exceptionally friendly, affectionate, vocal, and active, making these eye-catching felines very popular pets. The majority of ginger cats have tabby markings, meaning they are striped like little tigers, adding even more allure to their beautiful coloring....

As concerned “cat parents,” people want happy cats, and yet often they question whether their cat is happy. Although every cat is an individual and, like humans, may show happiness in different ways, there are some pretty universal happy cat clues. Many signs let you know if your kitty feels joy. Vocal Clues Cats can literally “say” they’re happy. Vocal kitties tell you all about it and engage in long drawn out conversations....

What Is a Siamese Fighting Fish? Siamese fighting fish is a name often used to refer to betta fish in general, but the name is specific to the species Betta splendens, which is the species most often sold in stores. Species of Betta There are approximately 70 species of Betta, a genus in the gourami family (Osphronemidae), but almost all of those sold in pet stores are the species Betta splendens....

History and Origins Size Breeding and Uses Color and Markings Characteristics Diet and Nutrition Health and Behavior Grooming Dartmoor Pony for You How to Adopt or Buy a Dartmoor Pony More Horse Breeds Meet the Dartmoor Pony, a breed that is native to Dartmoor, located in the county of Devon in southwest England. Dartmoor Ponies have spent centuries in the vast moorland of Dartmoor, roaming the inhospitable land since at least the Middle Ages....

Raising your own brine shrimp from eggs is an easy and economical way to keep a steady supply of nutritious, live food for your aquarium fish. To create a “grow-out” system of your own, you’ll need a few simple supplies. Setup is simple—especially if you’re a seasoned aquarist. What Are Brine Shrimp? Brine shrimp (Artemia spp.) are tiny crustaceans that seem to defy all odds of survival. Residents of saltwater lakes, these hardy organisms can tolerate higher levels of salinity and more dramatic temperature fluctuations than most other creatures on earth....

If your child has asked you for a pet with wings, there are many factors to consider before bringing a bird into your home, including its care and space requirements, social needs, and noise level. But perhaps most importantly, it’s critical to choose a bird species that can coexist well with kids. Review the top seven bird species that make the best pets for children. Tip Be aware that pet birds are a source of potential allergens....

Dogs aren’t exempt to getting dirty and smelly but sometimes the cause of a smell on a dog isn’t just because it’s time for a regular bath. Various infections, dental issues, and even run-ins with wildlife can cause seemingly unexplained odors on a dog and may need more than a bath and shampoo to fix. What Causes Us to Smell Bad Odors? When we think about the cause of traditional body odor, it is caused by bacteria that is present on the skin which break down proteins resulting in a foul smell....

You know how active your dog is on a regular basis, so if they are suddenly moving around less, there may be a reason why. Lethargy can be a sign of an underlying problem that shouldn’t be ignored because it may indicate a serious issue that requires treatment. It is helpful for dog owners to understand why their dog may act lethargic, so they can get their dog the help it may need....

Box turtles are omnivores, which means they will eat a variety of both animal and plant-based foods. The proportions of animal versus plant-based food items will depend on both the age and the species of box turtle that you are feeding. Generally, hatchlings and juvenile box turtles are more carnivorous than adults, which are typically more herbivorous. Vegetables and Fruits to Feed to Box Turtles A wide variety of fruits and vegetables should be offered to your box turtle daily in order to provide a balanced diet....

Do you have a stinky cat? Cats are generally known for their cleanliness. Most are fastidious self-groomers, which keeps them free of dirt and odors. However, you may sometimes find that your cat smells bad. Although some cat odors are harmless or easy to fix, others can mean there is a health problem. Why Does My Cat Stink? The best way to figure out why your cat stinks is to determine the source of the odor....

Crying for Food at Meal Times Whining for Treats Stealing Food From the Table Eating Quickly Eating and Vomiting Eating and Gaining Weight Eating and Losing Weight Your cat will display habitual behavior around mealtime when it is hungry, and many cats can be quite demanding that they are served. But cats aren’t as motivated by food as dogs, so acting hungry all the time, begging, or whining for food between feedings may point to a medical issue....