Author: PetGd

6. Cedar Oil “Although cedar oil may repel some bugs, it can be very irritating to the skin surface. Again, I do not recommend this either,” Dr. Hutchinson says. The oil can even cause irritation when it’s not applied directly to the skin. In fact, many dogs develop skin problems simply from sleeping on a bed that is stuffed with cedar shavings. And skin problems aren’t the only concern. If enough cedar oil is ingested, like from a pet licking his skin after being treated, it can cause liver damage. Even breathing in small droplets of cedar oil may lead to lung problems. The bottom line is that while cedar oil smells great and may keep a few (though certainly not all) parasites away, you should not use it on or around pets.,7. Tea Tree Oil Like cedar oil, you should never use tea tree oil as a home remedy for fleas. Pure tea tree oil is incredibly toxic to dogs and cats—even small amounts (10–20 milliliters) have caused death. It’s best to avoid using any essential oils around dogs and cats. Even inhaling certain oils (such as from a room diffuser) can cause serious issues in pets.,Keeping bloodsuckers like fleas and ticks off your pet is a major responsibility for pet parents, as these parasites can carry diseases that can hinder your fur baby’s health. And while flea and tick medications are the most effective preventative strategies you can use, some pet parents are likely tempted to try home remedies and alternative methods for tick and flea removal. The problem is these flea and tick preventative methods don’t work. And on top of that, some can harm your pet or create other health issues. Here are 11 common home remedies for fleas and ticks that are not only ineffective but detrimental to your pet’s health.

5. Boxes Are Fun to Explore Cats are curious creatures, and boxes present an exciting world of exploration. Cats love investigating new things, and a new box, with its smells and textures, represents a new puzzle that must be unraveled. Cats may peek or hop into the box to explore it.,6. Boxes Relieve Stress A study from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands showed that newly arrived shelter cats who had access to boxes recovered faster and adapted quicker to their new environment compared to cats who did not have access to boxes. Because boxes offer an opportunity to hide, they provide comfort and security, which are crucial when cats are feeling stressed or anxious. Cats may nestle in the safe haven of a box to take a break from the outside world.,Have you ever bought new toys or a towering cat tree for your kitty, only for him to be much more excited about the box it came in? You’re not alone. Cats seem to possess an unexplainable fascination with boxes. But why do cats love boxes? Simply put, what’s just a simple cardboard box to us is much more to our feline friends. To cats, a box isn’t just a container—it’s a cozy hideaway, a playground, and a source of endless fun. Let’s uncover some of the reasons why cats like boxes.

By Paula Fitzsimmons Sounds and smells we may enjoy or don’t think twice about can make our feline family members miserable. Cats have a heightened sense of smell and hearing that serves their wild counterparts well. But our homes are not the wild. Nobody can say precisely why your cat reacts to a certain stimulus, mostly because there’s not a lot of scientific research available on this subject. Still, experts agree it’s beneficial to identify sounds and smells that stress out your cat, and make necessary adjustments to your environment. The following are some of the most common irritants for cats. Thunderstorms and Fireworks Unexpected loud noises and sudden changes in air pressure likely alert cats to be on guard, says Lauren Demos, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. “They can warn of impending situations that may require the cat to fight or take flight.” A cat’s reaction to loud and abrupt noises is an evolutionary response, says Dr. Bruce Kornreich, associate director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. While humans also get startled by sounds, we can easily figure out that the noise won’t harm us, unlike cats. Cats may also equate loud noises with negative experiences, Kornreich says. And sometimes, there’s just no logical explanation for their reaction. While you can’t control every noise, you can pre-plan for certain situations, such as fireworks and thunderstorms. “I recommend confining your cat to a room where she feels comfortable and away from the noise,” says Adi Hovav, senior feline behavior counselor at the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York. “However, if she’s already found a hiding spot, consider leaving her there, as moving her to another spot may increase her stress.” If you do set up a quiet “sanctuary” room for your cat, make sure she has access to a cat litter box, Hovav adds. A white noise machine to mask the sound may be useful, too. “Or, offer her some quiet attention in the form of yummy treats or gentle petting,” Hovav says. “Not all cats are going to be comforted by being held if they are frightened or stressed, even if they enjoy being held under normal circumstances, so don’t force your cat if she’s not accepting of this type of attention.” Cat calming products like compression shirts designed for cats can also be helpful for short periods, as can synthetic pheromone sprays, collars, or diffusers, Demos suggests.