Monday, January 14 2013 4:23 PM EST2013-01-14 21:23:17 GMT
Hi! My name is Zeus and I am a 2-month-old Newfoundland mix puppy. I made the long journey from a shelter in Alabama to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Hi! My name is Zeus and I am a 2-month-old Newfoundland mix puppy. I made the long journey from a shelter in Alabama to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
Writers from mystery novelist P.D. James to science-fiction icon Ray Bradbury and numerous others have at least one thing in common: They all love cats.
Writers from mystery novelist P.D. James to science-fiction icon Ray Bradbury and numerous others have at least one thing in common: They all love cats.
Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunch meat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks.
Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunch meat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks.
Most cats enjoy being petted, but a cat massage session takes that quality time to a whole new level. Try these cat-massage techniques, and you'll help to forge a tighter bond between you and your pet.
Since massages are a bit more intense than simply petting your cat, it is important to ease into the process when you and your cat are relaxed. Start by resting your palms on your cat to build trust. According to Lisa Ruthig, director of animal programs at Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, "the initial places to stroke are the places cats tend to offer you to pet: the sides of the face, the back of the neck, down either side of the spine to the base of the tail, and the tail itself. As your confidence grows, you can add in the sides, belly, shoulders and legs, if your cat agrees." The strokes you will use when massaging are much slower than those you use when you pet your cat.
While massaging, Ruthig suggests monitoring your cat's reactions to figure out what areas to avoid, and to tell if your pet is enjoying the massage. If your cat is purring, you can linger in the particular area using varying amounts of pressure. "All cats are different," says Ruthig. "One may allow only a very light touch or a short session, while another may love deep pressure and long massages."
The benefits of cat massage range from relieving pain through the release of endorphins to reducing anxiety and behavioral problems. Remember: Fifteen minutes of massage is all it takes to relax your cat and strengthen the human-animal bond.
Stacey Brecheris an editor at Woman's World magazine,where she covers a variety of topics -- from home decorating tips to travel.
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