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Teaching A Puppy To Sit The Low Stress Way

Puppies may seem like lovable, easily distracted, puff balls of love, but they are actually blank slates you can train fairly easily and quickly. Okay, they are also puff balls of love and cuteness. Teaching a puppy to sit may seem like an effort in futility, but let’s look at a method that works every time and will not stress out you or the puppy.

The Setting

Are puppies easily distracted? Absolutely. To make this training method work, you need to be in a room where there are no distractions. No music. No sounds. No other people. The goal is be the only point of attraction in the room.

You are also going to need a treat. The treat should be a small snack, one the puppy is already familiar with from previous experiences.

The Method

Your first step is to place the puppy in one of the corners. The puppy should be facing out towards the center of the room. You now want to kneel down in front of the puppy and hold your finger and thumb roughly an inch or two in front of the nose of the dog.

Let your puppy get a whiff of the treat. Now slowly move your hand with the treat just over their head. Keep reaching till you get to their rear end. This action should cause the puppy to lift their head to follow the smell of the treat. At the same time, they should drop their rear end slowly as they follow the treat. Once the puppy sits down, immediately give them the treat and other positive reinforcement.

It is important to emphasize you use this approach in a corner and not the middle of the room. Why? This keeps the puppy from turning around or simply backing up to try to track the treat. Some pups will keep trying to do this, so use your spare hand to keep them in place if necessary.

The Sit Word

You are not going to teach your puppy to sit in one session. The key is to repeat this every day in an evolutionary approach. If your puppy tries to move about during the session, keep practicing until they stop moving about and naturally sit down. Once this goal is reached, start saying the word ‘sit’ before you begin the act. The puppy will start to associate the word with the act and the reward. This will become an ingrained behavior and your dog should always know how to site throughout their life.

The Sit Hand Signal

After a few weeks, your puppy should have the training process down. Congratulations! Now it is time to move to hand signal training. In certain situations, such as when you are on the phone, you will want the dog to sit instead of running around the room. Fortunately, training a dog to sit with a hand signal just requires an extension of our previous training approach.

Place your puppy in the corner of the room as though you are going to repeat the usual training process. Now kneel in front of the puppy and hold out the treat as usual. Instead of moving your hand over the dog’s head, slowly bring it up to your chest. This upward movement will be the visual signal to sit for your dog.

Most puppies will react to this movement by doing one of two things – sitting or walking towards you. If the puppy sits, it doesn’t necessarily mean they understand the command. You need to repeat the process for roughly a week until you are sure they have the process down. Once they do, move the treat to your pocket and try the method with just your hand. If the puppy sits down, reward them immediately to ingrain the behavior.

What if the puppy walks towards you instead? Put them back in the corner and repeat the old method of running your hand over their back. Once they start sitting again, try lifting your hand to your chest again. It can take a bit for the puppy to learn this, so be patient. If you grow frustrated, stop the training and try again the next day. The lesson will eventually take.

You Got It

This training method will eventually produce a puppy that sits on command. Once the lesson is learned, the puppy should continue to comply with the commands as it grows into an adult.

About The Author

Annie Klacks loves puppies [who doesn't?] and works with them at Animaroo.com where you can find information on a wide variety of dog breeds and training approaches.

Equine Studies – An Educational Overview

The word ‘equine’ is derived from the Latin word ‘equus’, which literally means ‘horse’. It is not hard to work out then, that equine study is the education centring around different types of horses.

Whether you have grown up riding horses since you were a child, or you have suddenly decided that want to work with horses professionally, equine studies will provide you with all the information you need to know regarding upkeep, competitions and different types of horses.

Below is a short overview of what equine studies is likely to entail, and what extra-curricular activities you may want to take part in.

A student training the horse around the training yard

Who can do Equine Studies?

Whether you are a complete beginner and have suddenly realised your interest in horses, or have taken part in professional races and competitions already, there are a large variety of courses available whatever level you are at.

Equine courses can take you right from the basics of how to look after a horse and keep it in best shape, to advanced styles of riding and different competition techniques. You don’t need to feel intimidated by the idea of equine studies, because whether you are a total novice or a competitive rider, there is the perfect course available for you.

What You’ll Learn

What you will learn depends on the specific course you choose to undertake. If you’re interested in the entire industry then the all-inclusive courses are by far the best choice. In this type of course you will learn practical upkeep of the horses, the variety of horse riding styles, equine industry (including business and management), behaviour and training methods as well as competition techniques.

All of the above are also available on individual courses, so if you want to specialise in one single area then you can choose a course that will go into more depth on your particular topic of interest. Some people may already have decided that they want to run equine competitions; therefore the industry course may be the most beneficial for them.

Extra Experience While Studying

While you are undertaking your equine studies, many of the educational establishments running the courses will also have extracurricular equine activities. It is strongly recommended that you get involved with these, as they will provide you with more hands-on experience.

Some places hold racing competitions, or show jumping competitions, as well as having an affiliated riding club outside of the official study times. These types of activities are very beneficial, as you get to put into practice all that you are learning.

Employment Possibilities

Equine studies open the door to a wide range of job possibilities afterwards. Even if you just do a foundational equine qualification, this will act as a stepping-stone for getting you into higher education, which will ultimately lead to a wonderful choice of career options.

Some of the most popular jobs people undertake after completing equine studies include becoming a coach, instructor, groomer, equine event’s organiser, stable hand and a yard manager. With so many possibilities within the equine world, if you love horses, completing equine studies is the best way to learn all about them and open up all the available job options.

A professional jockey taking part in an exciting race

Conclusion

Equine studies cover the whole range of information on the subject of horses, and allow the learner to experience practical workshops as well as studying the theory. Whether you’re just starting out in your equine journey, or are very advanced, equine training is great for everyone.

An article by Alan, who recommends the Oaklands college, which provides equine studies course.

Image credits: Zlatko Unger and Paolo Camera

What to Look for When You Buy an Aquarium

If you are one of the many tropical fish fanatics or someone who is interested in keeping terrapins and other reptiles, your first move will have been to invest in a new aquarium. There are several key factors to consider when you buy an aquarium and in this short article we will highlight the main ones.

Size

By far the most important thing to think about when you buy an aquarium is the size that you want. This will be determined both by the size of the space in your home and the type and number of fish or other animals that the aquarium will house.

An aquarium makes a beautiful addition to any home

Weight

Particularly when you are thinking of buying a bigger aquarium, you will need to factor in the weight of the tank (including the weight once it is filled with water) to ensure that the floor that it will be standing on is strong enough to sustain its weight. Remember, the more water the aquarium has to hold the thicker the glass will have to be. This will make it heavier. If you opt for an acrylic tank it will be substantially lighter than a glass one of the same size.

Strength

The aquarium will need to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the water that it will hold. Most commercially sold aquariums that are sold in the UK will be built to a standard that will easily contain the amount of water that it is designed to hold. This is not normally a factor if you are intending to keep reptiles in a dry tank.

Shape

If you are interested in a tank that is round or any other irregular shape, you may need to invest in an acrylic-made aquarium. This is because the majority of glass aquariums are either square or rectangular. Modern developments in glass aquarium manufacture have resulted in more and more different shapes being available but these may well be more expensive than the acrylic version.

Type

There are a variety of different types of aquarium on the market. Once again, the planned content and location of you aquarium will dictate the one that you chose. Amongst the available options are tropical fish tanks, marine fish tanks, coldwater fish tanks, Nano aquariums and corner aquariums.

Do I Need a Stand?

You will need to consider what your aquarium will stand on. If you already have a strong table or another type of stand for the tank, this will not be required. However, if you do not, you are likely to be able to find one when you buy the aquarium. Most retailers of aquariums also sell a stand to accompany it.

Summary

There are other things that you might want to think about when you buy an aquarium but the ones that we have listed are the most important. If you take all of them into account when you buy your aquarium you are likely to find on that suits your requirements and those of the fish and/or reptiles that you plan to keep.

If you are looking to buy an aquarium you should check out Swallow Aquatics’ range of aquariums where you should certainly be able to find the one that you want.

Image Credits: barron

Top 6 Waterproof Dog Beds

Waterproof dog beds are ideal for outdoor and working dogs, kennels, vacation homes and even for long car trips. They’ll give you the freedom to use the same bed for camping, vacations and outdoor activity. You won’t have to dry your dog completely after his or her bath, and you won’t have to worry if they come in muddy and wet. Below we’ll list the top five choices in waterproof dog beds, and provide a little information on each.

Poi Dog Collapsible Large Dog Bed: This bed is ideal for your outdoors-loving four-legged friend. Made from durable black poly canvas, the Poi Dog bed has a washable and removable inner pillow, along with press studs on the corners for easy storage, portability and adaptability. The Poi Dog brand is named after a Hawaiian breed renowned for their protective spirit—now you can get the same type of protection for your dog.
Danish Design Pet Lounger Dog Bed: This is an easy-clean, durable and robust bed perfectly suited for working and active dogs—who always seem to come through the door either muddy or wet! The Danish Design Pet Lounger is built of strong black PVC material over a fire-resistant deep foam base, and it’s easily cleaned with a damp washcloth.
Dog Gone Smart Waterproof Pet Lounger and Dog Bed: Available in a variety of colors and sizes, this bed is not only waterproof, it’s stain resistant and smell-proof. Its special fabric repels liquids, oils, stains and dirt to minimize cleaning, and its technology provides support and comfort. The bed’s bacteriostatic construction cuts down on the spread of odor- and infection-causing bacteria, creating a healthier environment for your pet.
House of Paws Waterproof Box Mattress: This bed is ideal for all breeds; its non-slip base allows it to be used either indoors or out. The breathable cover is easily removable and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. It’s deep-filled for maximum doggie comfort and warmth, and its filling is made from 100% recycled fibers.
Danish Design Waterproof Deep Duvet: This offering from Danish Design is a really practical solution if your dog is a worker, or just active and always seeming to get into the mud. It’s filled with polyester fiber for the ideal in comfort, warmth and softness, and it’s easily cleaned with a damp washcloth. For machine washing, the cover is removable via a handy zipper.
Red Dingo Box Mattress: This choice has a foam base layer for greater comfort and durability, and the cover can be removed for easy machine washing. The inner portion is encased in a waterproof membrane, keeping it dry and clean and inhibiting bacteria growth and odor. The microfiber cover has the feel of suede, giving the bed a luxurious yet rugged appearance.

Waterproof dog beds are just like their conventional counterparts, except that their covers and filling are waterproof and suitable for use in wet or damp conditions. When choosing a bed for your canine friend, you should be sure to pick one that’s the right size for your location and your dog.

Written by the team at House of Paws: Stockists of luxury dog and cat products.

Love doggies – Which are known as the topmost breeds?

Whether it’s a dog or a puppy, you need to give lots of time to it in order get the right name. Now, what about the breed? So, if you would love to keep a dog or a puppy as your pet, it would be important for you to know about the breeds and the ones which are the most popular. Some of the most commonly popular breeds are:

Labrador Retriever – The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog. It has won the first place in a row for the 20^th time in a row. The Labrador Retriever is more of an obedient and amiable and devoted dog and could be a nice pet, and therefore it is safe with children and other dogs too. It is both playful and intense and is always eager to please. It is in fact, such a powerful dog that it loves to swim and retrieve. Therefore, it is very important to always keep it engaged into something.
Shih Tzu – Shih Tzu is at the tenth position and looks almost like the Yorkshire Terrier but is again distinctly different. It is mainly type of gentle lap dog, but it loves to play around and is highly affectionate and attached to the family. Though, it looks cute and amiable it has a certain stubborn streak and is sturdy enough too.
Dachshund – It has acquired the 8^th position this time and is mainly known for its hunting instinct. It has a loud voice, a very sensitive nose and is agile too. It is a very low built long dog, with really short legs. It loves adventure and thus has more of an independent nature. They bark a lot and are reserved with strangers, and most of the traits differ based on the variety.
Beagle – The Beagle has overtaken the Golden Retriever, and thus has won the fourth spot this time. It looks almost like a little foxhound, and just because of its nature and size, it is apt for trailing purposes. It is considered to be one of the most amiable types of hound, and is nimble enough to traverse a rough terrain. It is such an amiable dog that it easily gets along with other dogs and is also known as one of the most successful pack hunters. It is mainly noted for its melodious bay, which is helpful enough for the hunters to locate it from far.
Poodle – This breed has acquired the 9^th position and is mainly known for its elegant looks and the effortless stride. It is considered to be one of the most obedient and smartest amongst all of the dog breeds. Therefore, it is very friendly with children but are in general, reserved with the strangers. It is full of exuberance and relishes its life along with the family.
Golden Retriever – It is a very strong and athletic breed and still is obedient. Thus, it is a very good family companion too. So, this eager to please doggy has gotten the fifth position this time. It has water repellant coat but has a powerful physique, and is always interested in games or exercises which requires it to retrieve objects.
German Shepherd – German Shepherd has been able to hold its second place for the second time now. It is a very strong breed and thus is quite agile and outreaching. It is considered to be one of the most intelligent ones among other breeds, and thus is always found to be harshly intent on its mission. It always stays aloof from strangers and is suspicious in nature, and is extremely protective in nature with regards to its home. though, it can be good with other pets, it in general is aggressive towards other dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier – This breed is such a cutie that it got the third place yet again, for the second time in a row. It has that acute expression and are the smallest amongst the terrier breeds. This breed gets so much attention mainly for its silky long hair which is perfectly straight. Its color is its hallmark with the bluish dark steely look and the clear tan mixed together.
Bulldog – This time, the Bulldog has overtaken the place of the Boxer. It at the same time jovial and yet comical, with streaks of stubbornness in it. However, it is considered as one of the most amenable and willing to please breed. At the same time it can be aggressive towards other dogs.
Boxer – It has won the 7^th position and is stylish enough with smart level of strength and dexterity. Though, it can be a lot stubborn, it at the same time is quite responsive to commands, yet again, it can be quite aggressive towards other dogs. But, it has also proved that it is good with other pets and household dogs.

Some of the other quite popular breeds are the Pug, Lowchen, Maltese, Russell Terrier and many more.

Important Dog Toys And How To Use Them

Most dogs love to play with toys. Besides gaining physical exercise, certain toys can help to mentally stimulate the animals as well. When dogs are bored, they tend to misbehave. To curb this negative behavior, it is essential to learn the best ways to use these toys.

1. Fetch Toys. Dogs love to play with balls and Frisbees. They require a person to play along an interact with the animal. These toys make a dog focus on one task and help to get rid of mental and physical energy. This is a great way to lower stress in the animal. These toys work best for young or untrained dogs. Interactive fetch toys give a dog the opportunity to socialize and learn the correct way to behave around humans.

2. Distraction Toys. Distraction toys include puzzles or plain chew toys. The main purpose of these items is to keep a dog occupied when there is no time for human interaction. It is essential to make sure that chew toys do not contain small pieces that cannot be digested. There are special dental chew toys which are safe for consumption and keep a dog busy. Puzzle toys require dogs to solve a problem in order to receive a treat. These make dogs use mental ability to become appeased.

3. Activity Toys. Giving a dog a rope for play has long been considered a mistake. However, playing tug of war with a dog can teach some basic rules that must be followed. To begin, it is essential to use a toy that is exclusive to the game. This will keep a dog from grabbing things out of the hands of people on a normal basis.

Two commands must be taught; tug and give. In the beginning of the game, a dog must never initiate the tug. A person must give the command “let’s tug”. The game ends with the command “give”. This teaches a dog to release the rope. A treat is appropriate when desired behavior has developed.

4. Comfort Toys. Comfort toys are best when a master will be gone for a certain period of time. Soft stuffed toys or personal items will work best. Dogs are often comforted by the scent that remains on an old towel, shirt, or pillowcase. It is best to choose something that will not be used again since most dogs will destroy the item.

Dogs often express feelings of boredom or extra energy in negative ways. To prevent a dog from chewing on household items or from grabbing at people, it is best to select certain toys and learn how to use them in the correct manner. The above items will work well. In the end, a dog will remain happy and safe. (www.paws.org)

The author is a pet expert who works with dog owners on behavioral training. She recommends speaking with BAMCvet your Pocatello Veterinarian for further tips and information regarding toys for dogs.

Pancreatitis in Dogs

The suffix “itis”, of Greek derivation, as found in a lot of medical terminology and the names for many conditions such as tonsillitis and meningitis, implies an “inflammation of”. Thus, a condition like meningitis is characterized by an inflammation to the meninges. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located just behind the stomach. Pancreatitis is sometime seen in dogs and can be a debilitating if not life-threatening disease.

The role of the pancreas

The pancreas plays an important role in the digestive system as well as the endocrine system. Whilst the digestive system is involved in digestion, the endocrine system refers to the many glands involved in hormone secretion. In their digestive role, the pancreas secretes certain digestive enzymes which help digest carbohydrates and fats. As part of the endocrine system, pancreas secretes the hormone insulin.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic

The causes of the condition in dogs are not well understood. Acute pancreatitis is more serious than chronic pancreatitis. The former in fact, require immediate veterinary attention. In acute pancreatitis, the enzymes are trapped within the gland. They may then leak into the abdominal cavity causing serious complications. Symptoms of the condition are typically severe and evident. The pain is crippling to the dog that will often assume a prayer position. The dog may go into shock.

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by bouts of inflammation which then subside. However, these bouts can cause damage, destroying parts of the pancreas. If it is just a mild bout and not recurring, it can reduce appetite which leads to weight loss. Vomiting also occurs which again contributes to weight loss.

The incidence of pancreatitis is higher in dogs with the following:

Cushing’s syndrome
diabetes mellitus
hypothyroidism
idiopathic hyperlipemia (a disease of Miniature Schnauzers)
Female dogs
Middle age dogs

How can I confirm whether my dog has pancreatitis?

A physical examination by a qualified vet will provide a strong indication. The vet will also investigate your pet’s health history and eating habits. High fat meals and obesity are directly correlated with this condition in dogs and thus, the vet might want to ascertain whether the dog has been eating the wrong foods.

The surgeon will probably suggest blood tests to confirm his or her suspicion. They might also suggest carrying out tests to check for other gastrointestinal diseases which may have been a result of the condition.

How is the illness treated?

Depending on the severity, treatment may vary. However, the most important thing is to allow the pancreas rest. Often acute dehydration means feeding intravenously. Whilst being fed intravenously, no food or drink can be given to the dog orally. Essentially, any other illnesses stemming from pancreatitis will be medicated or treated as deemed fit by the surgeon. However, there is not actual treatment for the pancreas besides rest. In some cases, where care and treatment given is unresponsive, the pancreas may need to be drained. This will require surgery.

Post-pancreatitis dogs need to have their diet monitored carefully. Fat intake will need to be considerably reduced and fiber intake increased.

Bio

Karl M McDonald is a free lance writer specializing in the field of genetics and DNA testing. Articles by the author can be found on many blogs and info sites, including the article knowledge base for homeDNAdirect. Karl currently lives in West Sussex, UK with his wife, kids and 2 dogs.

Horse Cruelty – The Harsh Facts

Animal welfare is a subject that really tugs at the public’s heartstrings. Any story in the news about cruelty to animals of all shapes and sizes can be heart-breaking, especially for anyone who has a pet or link to sports such as equestrianism.

Thankfully, incidents of cruelty to horses are rare, but there are isolated examples of horses being subject to substandard living conditions, malnutrition and other forms of neglect and cruelty. Taking care of horses can be difficult, but the fact that horse cruelty exists in the first place is harrowing to say the least.

Animal abuse facts and statistics

It’s sad to say, but incidents of animal abuse are widespread and affect many different species. Among the animals most likely to suffer abuse at the hands of humans in some form are dogs, cats, livestock such as cows and pigs, horses and birds.

One example of how many incidents of animal abuse can occur comes in the form of this statistic – over two million dogs and cats are killed to produce fur for coats. The year 2007 saw 1,880 animal abuse cases reported in the United States alone.

The law and horse cruelty

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Worldwide, there are laws put in place by governments to prevent cruelty to animals including horses, but they can often be circumvented by people who own horses for their own personal gain. If any cases of neglect are seen by passers-by at a stable or farmyard, they can be reported to charities and even police forces.

Horses are among the most susceptible animals to abuse by owners, something which those with the animal welfare regulators recognise. However, animal cruelty interest groups are among those most likely to report such cases of neglect or torture because of their expertise in the area of animal care.

After reading an article the RSPCA, an animal welfare organisation, I was amazed to see the horrible result horse cruelty, where seven horses were left to simply starve. It ended tragically for two of them, but the other five, though extremely emaciated, were able to recover this tragic incident.

Reports of horse abuse

The sad thing is that this neglect could have been avoided. All it took was the right level of care, a call to the relevant authorities and a talk with an expert in caring for horses, and the horses featured in the article will have been safe from harm. A lot of time it comes down to people simply not having the resources to take care of their pets, and subsequently abandoning them as a result – which is a poor excuse. All it takes is a phone call to say that you have taken on too much responsibility and that you need help – there is always a way!

Fortunately, the people responsible for the neglect of some of the horses were prosecuted. The two at fault were locked up in prison for four months each, which shows that the authorities are trying their best to crack down on all forms of animal cruelty, even where horses are concerned.

However, there are plenty of incidents that are still to be resolved, so it’s important for those who are able, to take necessary action to stop horse cruelty.

Caring for horses

horses

If you own a horse and want to make sure they’re in the best of health or plan to care for any who have been subject to cruelty, there are a few things you should take into account. You should have plenty of money to pay for food, shelter, water and anything else they need such as
Medicine is important too. The horses in the RSPCA story looked very skinny, so some form of supplements could be useful to keep them healthy. Using horse supplements from places like equestrian clearance may be advisable initially, but nursing a horse back to health takes time and patience. An owner that cares is probably what they need in the first instance. clothes to keep them warm.

See RSPCA post here.

5 Great Ways To Keep An Active Dog Entertained

All dogs thrive on exercise, some more than others but it is an important part of a dogs routine to keep your dog healthy and happy. Active and/or working dogs can take a bit more exercise than others, and if they are a loved family pet rather than working in the way they were breed to, then they need other ways to stimulate them.

Here are 5 ways to give a dog a rigorous workout.

Walking. Walking is the first and probably the most obvious. Active dogs love nothing more than to be out exploring with their owners. Not only is it a great way to keep them fit, it also is great for their mind as they take in all the different smells. Walking your dog is also a great way to keep them socialized and well balanced also. If they are used to being walked out each day since being a pup, then it increases their social skills around other people and animals.

Running. Dogs love to run. When running with your canine they will feel like they are in the “pack” and will generally follow you where you go, making it less likely that they will stray. It makes them think a bit faster, it’s great exercise and again fantastic for socializing your dog to the outside world. With running, it is important to build your dogs fitness up over time and you should not go on a long run with dogs less than a year old (as a guide depending on their breed), also you shouldn’t take them on a long run in the heat.

Play fetch. Dogs such as working cocker spaniel love a good game of fetch with their tennis balls or a good old fashioned stick. This is a great way to keep an active dog happy without tiring yourself out too much. Again it’s a great way to stimulate their mind, whilst also burning off some steam. Hiding the ball or toy for them to find is another good way for them to use their mind and ‘work’ for their toy.

Cycling. Again this form of exercise is only suitable with a fit dog and one who is fully grown. You should also be careful to not go too fast for your dog and stop in regular intervals as your dog will do all in his power to keep up with you even if he is exhausted. Instead of staying on tarmac, why not take to the woods. Again, for your dog this will be like heaven, all the smells and the exhilaration of running at speed – pure heaven. The evening after a bike ride it will probably be clear you have a happy tired dog. There is nothing nicer than having a sleepy dog curled up to you on the sofa (if allowed of course) after a long day of exercise.

Swimming. When you have a dog who loves swimming, then this is a fantastic exercise for your dog and a great way to keep him entertained. If you are lucky enough to own a retriever or a spaniel, it is kind of a given that one of their favourite things is swimming! This form of exercise is brilliant as it is great for their muscles as it puts no pressure on their joints, it gives them something else to think about, which again is great for stimulating their mind and body.

These are the 5 methods which you can use to entertain your dog and hopefully have a very happy, well adjusted, well socialised dog at the end.

Written by Chamonixfirst

“Cat-Inspired Home Renovation”

When you start taking on cats (very similar to taking on water in a sinking ship) you quickly discover that they influence just about every aspect of your existence. Sleeping? Your cats will let you know when it’s time to get up. Going on a trip? Your cats will inform you in various (and gross) ways if you’ve been away too long. Buying nice new things? Your cats will industriously distress all of your clothing and furniture to make sure you’ve got an appropriate level of hipster style in your home.

When you buy that home, you expect, of course, to have to perform some maintenance tasks. The usual tasks come up: Painting, replacing some ugly fixtures, maintaining the roof and other infrastructure, and you start dividing those tasks between things you can do yourself and things you’ll have to pay someone a fortune to do for you. What no one tells you is that if you own cats there is a third category: Things you’ll have to build or modify for your cats.

Since moving into our house, we’ve had a range of cat-specific renovation projects. When all of them were still kittens, we had to install a barrier on the second-floor landing, because the railing had a kitten-sized gap at the bottom and we personally witnessed kittens running and sliding on the hardwood floors and just stopping before sailing off the edge of the landing. We know that kittens are made of cotton balls and always land on their feet (except, of course, not always) but it was still worrying enough for me to take some scrap lumber and a few bolts and put up a small wall at the bottom of the landing that stayed in place until the kittens had grown too stout to easily slide underneath.

When we installed some mini-split air-conditioning, we rejoiced; neither of us had ever had any sort of central air and this felt luxurious. Until our fattest and largest cat, the size of a small child, started climbing out to sit on the second-floor unit, hanging on the wall fifteen feet up in the air. The creaking of the unit’s bolts as this immense animal made himself comfortable on it haunted our nightmares until I bought a shelf and some heavy-duty brackets and installed a shelf over the AC unit, specifically for a cat to lounge on without tearing our AC unit from its moorings. That’s not a project many contractors would even know how to bid on.

So many projects: Our second-floor deck required netting around the fence to keep nimble kittens inside the property and to at least slow down the acquisition of sparrows. The cabinet in my wife’s closet required childproofing, as kittens quickly discovered they could pull the doors open and snooze all day long in a wonderland of sweaters – only to be trapped when they found pulling the doors open much easier than pushing them open, due to laws of physics they did not themselves understand. When we bought new couches the cats discovered they could tear open the fabric lining on the underside and burrow up into the cushions, a fact we discovered one evening when we heard purring emanating from inside the couch. So I had to tap the scrap wood reserves again and tack a thin wooden barrier under the couches to prevent cat invasions; they’d made quite a nest in there, too.

Naturally these stories are now charming (and possibly alarming to the non-cat people of the world) but we wish we’d known about the extra time and expense each cat adds to the maintenance cost of a home. Not that we’d have done anything different, but just so we could have budgeted for it!

Darcey Quigley

Commercial Debt Recovery
www.darceyquigley.co.uk