Cats are hearing experts. Did you know that they can hear at least three times better than humans? Their ears also serve as mood indicators. If you learn to understand your pet's physical signals, you can develop an even better connection with them.
The cat's ear is divided into three areas: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear functions like a funnel. The inner ear is protected by soft, long hairs that keep dirt and foreign objects out. At the lower end of the cat's ear is a small pocket of skin, which acts as an additional hearing aid for the cat. You should check this small pocket of skin from time to time for dirt and parasites.
The frequency range in which a cat can perceive sounds is much wider than that of a human – cats can perceive frequencies up to 65,000 hertz. Even more interesting is the fact that cats can move their ears independently of each other and turn them up to 180 degrees. This gives them three-dimensional hearing. Your cat can therefore listen to you and listen to the next room at the same time. This makes it easier for them to track down their prey with precision.
If you want to understand cats, you should start by learning to read their physical signals. The position of their ears, combined with their gaze and body language, are particularly good indicators of their mood.
Cats are generally very good at cleaning their own ears. Most cats don't like having their ears touched. If your cat's ears are healthy, a quick check is sufficient. If there is a little dirt, wipe gently and quickly with a damp cloth. Please do not use cotton swabs in your cat's ears. The ear canal is L-shaped and you are more likely to cause damage than do any good. This is especially true if you push dirt or foreign objects further into the ear canal.
Only if your cat has an ear infection – such as a mite infestation, which is easily transmissible to other cats – will it need your help to recover. In this case, you can and should examine your cat's ear. If you suspect that there is a problem with your cat's ear, ask your vet for advice.
This viral infection of dogs, also known as infectious hepatitis, occurs worldwide but is now rare thanks to many years of vaccination. However, it is believed that the virus that causes it is still involved in chronic liver inflammation.
They purr, wrap themselves around us, and are small and cute. Cats can be very quiet and gentle. But they can also be very different: cats kill when necessary with a few well-aimed bites. A cat's teeth are a weapon.
While dogs almost exclusively suffer from an underactive thyroid gland, cats often develop an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). This is the most common hormonal disorder in older cats and often first manifests itself in weight loss despite a consistent food intake.
There are many different situations in which your horse may find itself in distress. But is it really an emergency? And what is the right thing to do? Here you will find useful information on how to assess your horse's situation. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a clear head.
Dogs are our companions, playmates for our children, and best friends. Some dogs even have jobs: there are a number of tasks that dogs perform. Dog owners often get their dogs specifically for this purpose, or at least train them accordingly. Here are a few dog professions and their areas of activity.
Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide. Around 15.7 million domestic cats live in Germany. However, living with cats has changed significantly in recent decades. From farm cats that caught mice, they have increasingly become domestic cats that have had to adapt to their owners' daily routines. Restricted in their desire for freedom, the majority of these cats now live exclusively indoors. This can result in varying degrees of behavioral changes in cats.
It's pretty much every cat owner's worst nightmare: your pet has eaten something poisonous! Now you need to act fast – get your cat to the vet immediately.
This herpesvirus specific to dogs (CHV-1) is the main pathogen responsible for kennel cough and is also the main cause of fertility problems with a high mortality rate in dogs. Like the human herpes virus, the canine herpes virus can retreat into the host cell and cause latent (present but not visible) and persistent (ongoing) infections that can be reactivated by stress.
Bearded dragons are somewhat reminiscent of miniature dinosaurs – a fascinating species of reptile. These interesting lizards can become very attached to their owners and form close bonds with them.
Stomach ulcers have long been considered an "occupational disease" in racehorses and competition horses. It was thought that early training, the stress of the racetrack, or frequent transport to international competitions caused stomach ulcers. However, we now know that this condition can affect horses of all breeds and performance levels. Even your neighbor's pony, grazing peacefully in the meadow, could be suffering from a stomach ulcer. Although around 90% of all racehorses are still affected by stomach ulcers, the proportion of leisure horses with the condition now stands at 37%.
Many people like dogs or cats, others want a budgie, and still others bring a snake into their home. Perhaps a somewhat unusual choice of pet, but with expertise and a love for this particular species, it can become a special relationship for both human and animal.
Cats can do something we cannot: see clearly, even in the dark. It can be exciting and intimidating to look a cat in the eyes, because they will surely win the "blinking game" and are otherwise superior to us in terms of vision.
