Archive for March, 2010

Meeting the Needs of Your Maine Coon Cat

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

As special as Maine Coon Cats are, they have very basic needs. You can easily meet those needs when you know what they are. Here is a list of the basics, and some ideas to help you provide them:

Food and Water – All animals need this. You should purchase ceramic or plastic food dishes. Do not free feed your Maine Coon, or he will become overweight very fast. Instead, only put food down for him three to four times per day, as recommended by your veterinarian. Also, feed him dry cat food, and try to purchase food specifically designed for the Maine Coon breed. Do not feed him human food.

A Litter Box – This is an obvious need. The truth is that your Maine Coon Cat, like other cats, will prefer to use a litter box, instead of doing his business directly on the floor. Your cat will want to dig a hole, do his business, and cover it up when he is finished. He’s very tidy that way. Select a litter box that is big enough for him – and small enough for him at the same time. Some kittens are too small to get into large litter boxes easily. Also, make sure that you choose a quality, clumping litter, and that you scoop the box daily, and change the litter completely once a week.

Toys – Purchase toys that are designed for cats. There are many items in your home that can be turned into toys as well – such as a ball of aluminum foil. But your cat also needs toys that he can chew on and paw at, as well as toys that will entertain him and provide him with the exercise that he needs. Choose toys that will entertain him when you are busy with other things, as well as toys that you can enjoy together. Make sure the toys are safe.

A Place to Call His Own – As any cat owner knows, the cat owns the house, all of the items in the house, and all of the people in the house. It’s his. But, he also needs a special place, such as a bed of his own. This should be the area where you also keep his toys, so that he recognizes it as being ‘his place.’

Love and Attention – Your Maine Coon is extremely social. This means that he not only needs your love and care, he also needs your time and attention. You don’t have to constantly cater to him, but you do need to have a special time each day, where he has all of your attention. He needs play time and quite time with you. Make sure that you talk to him – and listen when he talks back. It’s only a matter of time until he knows exactly what you are saying, and you know what he is saying, despite the fact that you speak two different languages. Let him know – everyday – that he is loved, and he will do the same for you.

Handy Gadgets You Should Have for Your Aquarium

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

while it's true that you do not need a lot of expensive equipment or handy gadgets in order to enjoy your Neon Tetras, there are certain gadgets that can help you keep your aquarium clean and to keep your fish in better condition.
An aquarium claw is not nearly as bad as its name might make it sound. This is a small plastic claw and it is a very handy tool to use in the aquarium. It helps to move your decorations around and it is very simple and it is not expensive; it can be a huge help when you are trying to move your decorations. The big benefit in using this device is that it allows you to reach just about any area in your aquarium without getting your hands wet. Keeping your hands out of the tank can help prevent introducing germs, dirt, or household chemicals into your tank.
Another fun gadget to have is an algae scraper. Using one of these tools is an easy way to remove excess algae from the aquarium glass. Another benefit is that you can use this to clean the glass without the risk of scratching it. There are many types to choose from, including a type that has a long stick with an attached sponge that you simply glide up and down the interior glass. You also have one that works with the two-way magnet system. Another type is a glove that fits over your entire hand. This stick model works the best, because the magnet version can be much more difficult to work with. Using the stick version will allow you to clean the tank without getting your hands wet or dirty.
You will also need to have several different nets in different sizes. There are certain nets that cannot get into the corners. Other nets are better for cornering your fish. You need to have several different sizes on hand so that you will be able to be more active in capturing your fish and moving them.
Another good thing to have is a toolbox for storing your supplies. You can use the tackle box or also a plastic tool container in order to keep your aquarium equipment, fish food, test kits, nets, and other supplies all in one place. You can even carry it from tank to tank. Waterproof plastic boxes are wonderful, especially if they have removable trays on the top. You can store bulkier items underneath the removable tray. Depending on how many supplies you have, you may need to purchase more than one box. Most chain stores have a good selection in stock.
One thing that you do not want to be without is aquarium sealer. Having aquarium sealer on hand is priceless in the event of an emergency. You will need to drain the tank in order to allow the sealer to dry properly, but once it is dry it should buy you some time before you need to replace your tank.

FURminator deShedding Shampoo for Dogs and Cats, 16 Ounces

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

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FURminator deShedding Shampoo for Dogs and Cats, 16 Ounces
 
Manufacturer: FURminator
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $12.95
Sale Price: $9.25
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Product Description

FURminator deShedding Shampoo helps promote healthy skin and shiney topcoat.

Product Details

  • Promotes healthy skin and coat to reduce excess shedding
  • Enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins
  • Perfect on both cats and dogs
  • Non-drying, non-irritating hypoallergenic formulation
  • Used and recommended by veterinarians and professional groomers worldwide

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Customer Reviews

My poochies ought to be bald, WE LOVE THE FURMINATOR!
 
Review Date: February 12, 2007
Reviewer: elviswoman, Dallas, TX United States
I have a Jack Russell Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Both have that short wiry hair that sticks to EVERYTHING, and they make little hair cobwebs throughout our home as well. Brushing wasn't working, frequent washing wasn't working. It was too expensive to buy this furminator treatment and have both dogs groomed too. I was at my wit's end.

I purchased the small blue Furminator tool with 1.7 inch blade along with the Furminator Shampoo and Furminator Solution. I washed both dogs with the shampoo for 5 minutes each as directed. The shampoo smells like Pina Coladas which made the Rat Terrier lick-this is bad as soap does upset dog tummies. But a TON of hair came off of both dogs after the shampoo, about a fist-full each. Next, I slathered them up with the solution, which smells like roses or some other floral scent and left that on for 5 minutes. Again, another fistfull of hair came out with the rinse! I allowed both dogs a couple of hours to dry all the way, then came back and used this tool. The Rat Terrier wouldn't go for it, he hates all brushes. But the Jack Russell Terrier loves being brushed and let me go over her whole body except the sensitive areas with the tool. And let me tell you, I got a wad of superfine undercoat fur the size of her head off of that dog. And the only hair she's leaving around the house is hair that was already all over the place prior to the Furminator treatment. I don't get hair flying off her when petting her anymore, and even the Rat Terrier that wouldn't let me use the tool on him is still not putting out a lot of shedding.

I would highly recommend the Furminator products. They are expensive and somewhat time consuming to use, but they work as advertised.
Heavenly scented shampoo, Works Great!!
 
Review Date: December 6, 2009
Reviewer: N. J. Snyder, fort wayne, in United States
I love our two Golden Retrievers, but keeping up with the shedding is a never-ending battle. I purchased the large FURminator as well as the FURminator deShedding Shampoo. The FURminator did the best job of pulling out the undercoat I have ever seen as well as doing it with the least amount of effort I've ever used. Terrific invention. The FURminator deShedding Shampoo is unbelievable. It is a coconut base shampoo with plant proteins, herbal extracts, Vitamin E, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, aloe vera and plant extracts. From what I can tell, it seems to be formulated with all natural ingredients. The directions say to leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. I was not thrilled with the prospect of trying to keep shampoo-lathered dogs from shaking lather all over the bathroom while this stuff sat for that amount of time, but both of them did really well. First off, the shampoo smells incredible. The dogs even seemed to like it. Secondly, among the herbal extracts are Calendula, Chamomile and Kava which may explain why they were so calm during their 10 minute wait. Last, but not least, they both looked absolutely beautiful and smelled fantastic when I was finished.

I highly recommend both of these products.
Excellent product
 
Review Date: May 31, 2008
Reviewer: Sandra K. Mcmillen, Murfreesboro, TN
It seems that the cost of the furminator products are expensive, but I was paying $55, per dog, to have a de-shedding done and this product, as well as the furminator tool and the other products to bath your dog before using this tool, have saved me a ton of money. I was shocked at the amount of fur that came off of my dogs. I would recommend this to anyone.
A Lifesaver!!!
 
Review Date: September 14, 2009
Reviewer: Scott Findley,
I used this shampoo on my Puggle (pug/beagle cross), he was shedding all of the time, and was covering everything with dog hair. I went to Petsmart and had the Furminator treatment provided by them for an extra $15, I was amazed at how much it worked. After seeing the prices for the shampoo and brush on Amazon, I bought both. The shampoo arrived first, so I used it without the brush. A ton of hair was removed in the shower, and it smelled great. There was a bit of fur left on him, but nowhere near as bad as it had been. After the brush arrived a few days later, I pulled even more fur out of him with it. With the combination of using both products on him, his shedding has been eliminated for the time being, and with bi-weekly or even monthly maintenance, I'm sure that it will no longer be a problem. I would highly recommend using both of them on your pet, you'll be amazed with the results.
Love it!!
 
Review Date: November 15, 2009
Reviewer: Harley7707, Minnesota
I was a little hesitant to purchase this shampoo and conditioner since it is a bit more expensive than other options. Boy, is it worth it! First, it will last a long, long time. A little shampoo goes a long ways on each dog. Second, make sure you follow the directions. Massage shampoo in for 5 minutes then follow with the same steps for the conditioner. It gets so much extra fur from each dog, leaves them so soft and shiny and smelling so nice. It is a must to use both the shampoo and conditioner. At the end of the bath I use the dog chamois as well and think I finally have the perfect process. I have given 4 baths now to 4 different dogs: Jack Russell/Min Pin mix, German Shepherd/Husky (hairy dog!) mix, Lab/Retriever mix and a Retriever/Visla mix. I was completely satisfied with each bath I gave.