Do Cats Feel Embarrassed?
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Facts About Catfish
Catfish make an excellent addition to any aquarium because they help keep it clean. As far as aquarium catfish go, there are several species that hobbyists prefer; some of which remain small (like corydoras) while others grow larger (plecos and Columbian sharks, also called Jordan’s Catfish). Many pet catfish species tend to do well in groups or small schools and they even get along with some of the more aggressive species of fish, like betta fish. The type of catfish you pick for your aquarium depends on the size tank you have and the other types of fish in it. Want to know more about catfish? Here are a few additional fun facts: A catfish has about 100,000 taste buds, and their bodies are covered with them to help detect chemicals present in the water and also to respond to touch. Some ancient cultures used to keep catfish in their latrine ponds as a natural way of getting rid of waste. The Asian walking catfish can actually pick itself up and “walk” across the ground with its front fins and tail. It will walk short distances when it needs to relocate to a different pool or body of water. Some species of catfish are able to breathe through their skin, which is why most species of catfish are lacking scales and have smooth, mucus covered skin. Catfish are one of a few fish that have an organ called the Weberian apparatus that they use to communicate with each other underwater. The Weberian apparatus also helps improve its hearing ability. Catfish make additional sounds by rubbing parts of their bodies together underwater. Image: ShaunWilkinson / Shutterstock,By Kali Wyrosdic Though they may not sound exciting, catfish are incredible survivors as a breed of fish. They’re able to live and even thrive in temperatures from just above freezing to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit and can be found living inland and in the coastal waters of every continent minus Antarctica. Learn more interesting facts about catfish, including how to incorporate them into your aquarium, below. Where Do Catfish Live? Catfish are an extremely diverse group of ray-finned fish that get their nickname from their feline-looking whiskers, which are actually barbels that act as a defense mechanism (unlike other fish that have scales to defend them). Catfish can live in a number of conditions, with species that live in saltwater, freshwater and brackish water. Some catfish prefer stagnant water and others call rivers and streams with fast-moving currents their homes, it all depends. Some species of catfish are nocturnal(sleep during the day) while others are diurnal(active during the day). Channel catfish, a categorization that includes more than 45 species, account for all the commercial food fish production in the United States. There are nearly as many regional nicknames for the fish as there are species. In the United States alone they’re known as mud cats, polliwogs, chuckleheads, big bullheads, shovelheads, scoopers and flatties, to name a few. While there are nearly 40 species of catfish in North America alone, only six have been cultured for or show potential for commercial production. Aside from that, certain species of catfish make excellent pet fish and aquarium mates.
Why Is My Dog Scared of Everything?
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How to Travel With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide
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Natural Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Immune System
By Paula Fitzsimmons A malfunctioning immune system in dogs can open the door to a host of diseases, such as infection, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Keeping your dog’s immune system balanced can help reduce these risks, and contribute to overall health and well-being, according to veterinary experts. The immune system acts like a nonstop housekeeper, describes Dr. Donna Raditic, an American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) diplomate who does consulting on nutrition and integrative veterinary medicine in Athens, Georgia. It identifies potentially harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, then works to eliminate them before they can do harm. And a dog’s immune system monitors cells to ensure they’re working properly. “When other cells are aging or functioning abnormally—such as a cancer cell reproducing too rapidly—the immune system attempts to step in and maintain proper physiological function and balance,” Raditic explains. When this system is compromised, your dog may become increasingly vulnerable to illness. An immune system that’s off-kilter for an extended period can lead to chronic inflammation, which, in turn, can forge a path for disease. Diabetes, osteoarthritis, some liver and heart conditions, asthma, and cancer are just some of the diseases connected to inflammation, says Dr. Ken Tudor, a holistic veterinarian and founder of The Well Dog Place in Claremont, California. Fortunately, there are some simple, natural steps you can take to strengthen your dog’s immune system. Encourage Your Dog’s Innate Love for Play Keeping your dog fit is one of the best ways to boost immune health and promote overall well-being, Tudor says. Storing excess fat weakens the immune system, he explains. “Fat is the body’s largest endocrine gland, responsible for secreting more than 40 different inflammation-promoting hormones,” he continues. “Even the smallest amount of excess fat can increase the amount of these hormones in the body.” Exercise burns fat, which can help counter inflammation, and thus the occurrence of disease. Dogs are naturally active, so adequate exercise and play are important to their health. But exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it should be fun, says Dr. Laurie Coger, a holistic veterinarian and owner of The Healthy Dog Workshop. Activities she suggests trying with your canine companion include retrieving, playing, doing scent work, and learning tricks. Ideally, any exercise program should be approved by your vet and based on your dog’s age, breed, and general health. Generally speaking, “if your dog is not doing a 15-minute mile, he’s not burning enough calories,” Tudor says.
How To Stop a Dog From Digging
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Can Cats Understand Words? How Many Words Can Cats Understand?
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Horse Euthanasia: When Is It Time To Put Down a Horse?
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Essential Senior Dog Training Tools
Older dogs require smart treat selection because of the number of rewards given during a typical training session. Treat size is important since seniors’ decreased activity levels can make them prone to weight gain. Use petite treats about the size of a fingernail, and if possible, try to select treats that contain glucosamine, which supports joint heath. Senior students might also have missing teeth or sensitive gums, so opt for treats that are easy to chew. You can also incorporate some of your dog’s daily meal ration into training time, so your dog gets a mixture of high-value goodies and standard kibble that won’t impact his weight, as long as it’s subtracted from his daily total.,That said, treats aren’t the only reward option when training with an older pup. Engaging your senior in play while you train is another way to keep the old bones moving. Find a toy that you know your dog loves, like a ball, tug toy or stuffed animal, and use it as a reward when he performs a behavior correctly. For example, call your dog to you, and when he gets to you, toss his favorite ball instead of giving him a treat. This keeps both your dog’s brain and body enriched as you work on learning new behaviors together.,By Victoria Schade
Cat Behavior 101
Ever wonder why cats behave like they do? Bust the myths and find out why. Did you know cats played a large role in ancient Egyptian society? They even became deities; Mafdet (goddess of justice) and Bast (goddess of war). While these creatures aren’t placed on such a high pedestal today, there is still an aura of mystery and a particular presence cat carry. Even their behavior is quite dissimilar to that other favorite domestic pet, the dog. With a little understanding of the feline “way,” you’ll discover their behavior isn’t so strange after all. For instance, you might not have known that feral (wild) cats have their own territories and are responsible for their own food, water and safety. This autonomy and feeling of self-preservation is also seen in domesticated cats to a certain degree. Some people may even call cats aloof or unfriendly because of this. However, for all the times you find your cat alone doing “cat things” (perhaps plotting to kill that evil dust bunny lurking in the corner), there are plenty of occasions when your cat is quite social. Let’s take a cat’s sense of affection, for example. Cats know when their owner is coming home and are often found waiting patiently by the front door when the owner arrives. Most cats also love to jump on laps and be cuddled and stroked, while others are content to sit nearby their human companion. And some cats are even high-tech, loving to help with any computer work — though this usually consists on sitting on the keyboard or walking across it. What of their territorial instinct? Yes, we all know how cats will spray an area in order to “mark” it. (This is obviously a no-no anywhere in your home, and we’re not condoning this.) But did you know cats rub their heads against objects and humans alike? Similar to lifting a leg and spraying, rubbing their scent on things is another way of marking property. Now, if you happen to have someone over who’s not into cats — I know it sounds crazy, but there are those kinds of people around — you might suggest that they allow themselves to be rubbed by the cat. Brushing the cat away will only annoy it, and make your guest a kitty foe. What of their laziness? Cats are often labeled “lazy” because they like to sleep for about sixteen hours a day. But they are almost never completely asleep during that time. Make a sudden noise or movement, and you’ll find your cat alert and with its eyes open, watching you. Big cats in the wild sleep the same way. The cat is a natural hunter that needs to conserve energy for quick, intense movements in order to catch prey. How about ankle-level attacks? If you’ve ever found yourself walking through a room (especially past a table), and suddenly — pow! your ankle has been captured, don’t worry, your cat is not angry or even maladjusted, it is merely playing with you. In fact, you may notice that there wasn’t much nail in that swipe, your cat isn’t out to hurt you. Cats are just playful creatures that love to hone their hunting skills, and you have just become a passing target. Lucky you. Thankfully, you can avoid any future assaults by distracting kitty with some feathers or other “chase and catch” type toys. Play with your cat for a little while. Your cat will absolutely love you for it. And more importantly, you’ll have fever “love” scratches. So, we’ve busted some myths. Strange cat behavior isn’t that strange after all. It is merely natural instincts coming through. And just because we don’t put cats on pedestals anymore doesn’t mean they don’t like it up there. Indeed, you’ll find that the higher the pedestal, the happier your cat will be. Just make sure your cat has something to play with up there — or watch out! Image: d. FUKA / via Flickr
