You've probably heard sayings like these before: Cats only see their owners as "can openers"! Cats aren't dogs, waiting to serve their masters... But cats can learn rules too.
As always when it comes to training—whether dogs, horses, or cats—the key to success lies in positive reinforcement combined with a good dose of consistency.
Consistency does not mean being harsh, shouting, or even physical punishment. Consistency means not changing your own rules on a whim. If the rule is "no cats on the kitchen table," then this rule should apply forever and not be broken just because the cat looks cute chilling on the table in the sun. Off the table—every time. Everyone in the household should enforce and follow the rules with the animal—no exceptions, not even for certain people.
The learning process will surely be successful. With a little patience and consistency, your cat will understand your rules sooner or later. Of course, expectations and rules must be created in a way that is appropriate for the free-spirited cat. And never forget the most important thing: praise, praise, praise.
Cats also learn through association. They will remember your strokes or treats after a positive action. If you want a cat to be house-trained, it helps, for example, to praise it and stroke it after it has done its business. You can also reward the use of the scratching post (instead of the furniture) with a treat and praise.
Of course, you can scold your cat sometimes. It can even be helpful to establish a "no" word. However, it doesn't help if you chase after your cat while cursing loudly. Or if you yell at her because she has her head in the bowl on the kitchen table.
Cats are extremely sensitive to noise and hear much better than we do. It is therefore sufficient to express your displeasure with a clear "no" in an appropriate tone. Please do not add your cat's name to the "no," otherwise it will soon associate it with something negative.
An example of successful training: If your cat scratches the sofa, say "No." Just "No," emphatically if necessary. This usually works wonders. Then you can take the cat to the scratching post—and if it is still in a scratching mood and actually continues there, you can give it a treat.
When training, never forget that animals often exhibit innate behaviors. Shortening their claws is a basic need for cats. You cannot train them out of it; it is more a matter of redirecting them so that we humans can live happily under the same roof with our furry friends.
Your velvet-pawed friend may occasionally resist your friendly, positive training methods, and you may need a contingency plan to prevent the wallpaper from being scratched.
Since cats are very sensitive and noise-sensitive, you can use this to your advantage. Either build a so-called rattle can or buy a clapper. The idea is to make a noise that gets the cat's attention but doesn't scare it away completely. It should also have nothing to do with you, the animal's best friend. To make a rattle can, fill a small tin that can be closed with buttons. If your cat scratches the walls and ignores your "no" several times, you can add a rattling sound to the "no." Then gently guide the animal back to the correct scratching spot. The cat should not necessarily associate the noise with you. Clapping your hands (a fly swatter works too) has the same effect.
Whatever you do, stay your pet's best friend. Don't force anything and remain loving, even if it's difficult at times. Your furry friend will thank you for it someday.
Horses are flight animals. They need their sense of sight to spot enemies as quickly as possible. We therefore sometimes have to battle our favorite's instincts, because a horse sees—and flees.
Sarcoid is the most common tumor in horses worldwide. It is a connective tissue tumor involving the skin that does not form metastases in internal organs but often recurs after surgical removal. It is therefore referred to as a semi-malignant tumor. Horses of all breeds and ages are affected, as well as donkeys and mules.
They are lively, curious, and entertaining, and you will have a lot of fun with a hamster. If you get involved and accept their peculiarities, you can become a really good team. With enough attention for your little darling, nothing should stand in the way of a long, happy hamster life.
One of the horses in your stable has a fever and nasal discharge. This is not necessarily cause for concern, as it could just be a harmless cold. But a few days later, three more horses in the stable have exactly the same symptoms. It is noticeable that all affected horses have severely swollen lymph nodes on their heads. By now, at the latest, the veterinarians who have been called in are alert, because this respiratory disease is obviously very contagious. Swab samples are sent to the laboratory and the suspicion is quickly confirmed. It is strangles, a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses. Even though the disease is not notifiable or reportable, stable owners and horse owners should now act carefully to prevent further spread.
Age is not a disease. We all get older and our bodies show signs of wear and tear. Some of us age faster than others, while others stay fit a little longer. Our horses are similar. From a certain age onwards, the signs can become increasingly noticeable. But this is no reason for us horse owners to get nervous. With keen observation skills and a little support, our beloved animals can grow old in good health.
Cats are among the most popular pets, with around 14.7 million living in German households alone and a total of approximately 46 million across Europe. Only about half of them are vaccinated and neutered, and therefore well protected against disease and unwanted reproduction. Many thousands of them roam the countryside as abandoned, stray, or feral cats.
Birds groom themselves almost constantly: they clean themselves, sharpen their beaks and bite. But sometimes our feathered friends need a little help.
Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in a dog's mouth. It can develop primarily (on its own) or secondarily as a result of other underlying diseases and can affect only a limited area or the entire mouth. Small dogs and dogs with misaligned teeth are particularly affected.
Horse ears come in different sizes, depending on breed and genetics. They usually feel soft and fluffy – but not every horse likes to have its early warning system touched. If you are a horse owner and your horse lets you stroke its fluffy ears, this is actually a sign that your horse trusts you. The horse's ear is something very special.
Horseback riding is a wonderful hobby, especially with your own horse! When humans and animals form a strong team, you develop a completely different connection than when you are "jumping" from one horse to the next at a riding school. But how can you find happiness with a permanent horse partner if you can't afford to buy your own horse? Or if you can't find the time to devote to a horse on your own? A riding partnership could be the best decision for you and your horse.
Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease caused by yeast fungi, which often manifests itself in dogs as an outer ear infection but can also affect the entire body.
Echocardiography refers to the ultrasound examination of the heart, which is used in the diagnosis of heart disease. This requires a special ultrasound device and a veterinary practice specializing in cardiac ultrasound.
