Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Cat - After a Tough Divorce or Breakup, Animals Make Superior Company to Most Dates and Mates

In the world of dating, it's a jungle out there. People come and go, in and out of our lives. Some relationships last years, others only last weeks or months. Successful marriages are sacred and special. Then, there's those of us whose marriages weren't so fortunate. We move on, and grow from the experience. After years of enduring an unhappy marriage and going on many disappointing dates, I am very happily single and out of the dating rat race. Dates are easy to come by when wanted, but the fork has stuck in me, I'm done. Being independent, the single life is glorious and fulfilling. My world is full of love, and happiness, living with animals instead of humans. I haven't given up on dating, rather, I've had enough of the games and want a kinder and gentler life. It feels good, and finally, there is peace.

Living on a lake, there is nature all around me. Every morning and evening, ducks and egrets come by to see what I'm serving up for them. The guy in the condo next to me has tortoises, whom I feed flowers off my hibiscus plants. They see me and come crawling. When the seagulls come by, they catch any food at all, in midair. Hungry little buggers. It feels good to walk around the lake, and see the wildlife; red-eyed slider turtles big as dinner plates lounging on a log, or baby moorhens following their mother with their big, tennis-racquet feet tripping them as they walk. My camera is loaded full of photos of the different animals I've encountered along my walks. It is relaxing not to have to argue with a spouse, or rush home to make dinner. Freedom and peace feel luxurious and wonderful.

Riding horses is rewarding for those of us who are thrill-seekers. My weekly trips to a local barn to ride had to be temporarily stopped as I healed from a herniated disk in my spine. How depressing it was not to be out in the sunshine, galloping and jumping those hyper Thoroughbred horses. Soon, it will be alright to start riding again, and I am ready (in spirit.) Coming to the stall of a favorite horse, and hearing it whinny a greeting is heartening. When I had my horse, he always whinnied at me, and loved to rub his huge head against me for a good itch. The teamwork and comraderie between horse and rider is unique. It isn't necessary to make good conversation,since the two of you bond with touch and sight, mostly. In high school, my boyfriend had to wait as I went to ride my horse every day. It always came first. High school relationships came and went, but the horse was always there. And he was spoiled rotten, with carrot cakes on birthdays, and daily apple treats. Leaving him to go to college was more painful than when I left my ex-husband.

We value our animals, and it is obvious when you read different stories in newspapers or check out pet-related magazines. Sometimes we hear of people who squabble over who gets custody of the dog or cat. Bird Talk magazine even has a parrot "centerfold" for its bird-loving readers every month. Animals give us love that humans can't, fully unconditional and without ulterior motives. They don't pretend, fake or judge. They just love. Nobody gives you dirty looks when you look less than attractive in the morning. This is why animals hold a superior place in my heart to my former relationships. Does your dog or cat wait patiently for you to come home from work? The highlight of many pets' days are when their masters come home.

When growing up, I hid in my bedroom with my cat to avoid the wrath of my mother. My cat was loving to me even if family had trouble showing love. When love relationships ended, my pets were there for me when friends weren't able to be. Animals enrich and improve our lives. It is better to have peace and love of a pet than endure an unfulfilling and destructive relationship. My interest in dating has waned, as I work and play with the animals in my life. You don't have to have a mate to be happy. But the love of a loyal dog or cat sure makes life more fulfilling and pleasant. If you left a relationship and are hurting, reach out and pet your animals. They will gladly lend you a loving ear... and paw.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_McFann

Cat - Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals and Holiday Homes

Pets are an integral part of ones family, especially for all pet lovers. So, when a family goes on vacation it is considered that the pet goes along. All vacation planning thus includes the pets and pet friendly vacations and travel planning make more sense. According to statistics, 60 million households in the USA are proud pet owners. About 15 million or 25% of these pet owners travel on vacations with their pets and stay in pet friendly lodgings. For the convenience of these pet owners pet friendly hotels, vacation home rentals and condos are available across many locations. The following are a few tips to keep in mind while traveling with a pet.

1. While making your vacation rental or hotel reservations, make sure you double-check that pets are permitted. Make sure that you get the "pets allowed" receipt for your reservation either online or through normal mail channels. Verbal assurances cannot be relied upon.

2. The next step is to get your pet acquainted with traveling. One can achieve this by using the car. Get the pet into the car and make sure you play with it to make it relax. After a while, take it for a short drive. Increase the length of the drives bit by bit, so that the pet gets used to long drives that you may take on most vacations.

3. Keeping the safety factor foremost in mind, make sure you get your pet to get used to being secured inside the car. Securing harness can be bought from the local pet stores.

4. Make sure you pet is properly tagged with the identification containing the pet's name, owners name and the phone number, preferably your vacation rental's or cell phone number. This will ensure that the pet is returned to you easily in case it wanders off in new surroundings. Make sure you have a photograph of your pet handy, so that in case of a loss, enquiries are easier.

5. Always check with your vet before the vacation, if any vaccinations are needed to suit the environment of your destination. If your pet is a dog, make sure you carry the up-to-date rabies tag on its collar. It could be required in many places.

6. Upon arrival at the pet friendly vacation rental always inform the check-in person or staff that you have a pet along with you. Make sure you understand and follow the rules of the place regarding pet restricted areas in the vacation rentals.

7. Never let the pet use the furniture in the pet friendly vacation rental for sitting or sleeping unless covered with your own sheet. Use the bathroom for placing water and food containers over an old newspaper to facilitate cleaning up.

8. Avoid leaving the pet unattended in a pet friendly vacation rental. If you have to do so, please inform the clerk or the rental agent of the same. Make sure you pet is secured while doing so lest it may surprise or hurt the vacation rental staff.

Traveling and vacationing with pets can be fun, if you use a little commonsense and care while doing so.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Cat - Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals and Holiday Homes

Pets are an integral part of ones family, especially for all pet lovers. So, when a family goes on vacation it is considered that the pet goes along. All vacation planning thus includes the pets and pet friendly vacations and travel planning make more sense. According to statistics, 60 million households in the USA are proud pet owners. About 15 million or 25% of these pet owners travel on vacations with their pets and stay in pet friendly lodgings. For the convenience of these pet owners pet friendly hotels, vacation home rentals and condos are available across many locations. The following are a few tips to keep in mind while traveling with a pet.

1. While making your vacation rental or hotel reservations, make sure you double-check that pets are permitted. Make sure that you get the "pets allowed" receipt for your reservation either online or through normal mail channels. Verbal assurances cannot be relied upon.

2. The next step is to get your pet acquainted with traveling. One can achieve this by using the car. Get the pet into the car and make sure you play with it to make it relax. After a while, take it for a short drive. Increase the length of the drives bit by bit, so that the pet gets used to long drives that you may take on most vacations.

3. Keeping the safety factor foremost in mind, make sure you get your pet to get used to being secured inside the car. Securing harness can be bought from the local pet stores.

4. Make sure you pet is properly tagged with the identification containing the pet's name, owners name and the phone number, preferably your vacation rental's or cell phone number. This will ensure that the pet is returned to you easily in case it wanders off in new surroundings. Make sure you have a photograph of your pet handy, so that in case of a loss, enquiries are easier.

5. Always check with your vet before the vacation, if any vaccinations are needed to suit the environment of your destination. If your pet is a dog, make sure you carry the up-to-date rabies tag on its collar. It could be required in many places.

6. Upon arrival at the pet friendly vacation rental always inform the check-in person or staff that you have a pet along with you. Make sure you understand and follow the rules of the place regarding pet restricted areas in the vacation rentals.

7. Never let the pet use the furniture in the pet friendly vacation rental for sitting or sleeping unless covered with your own sheet. Use the bathroom for placing water and food containers over an old newspaper to facilitate cleaning up.

8. Avoid leaving the pet unattended in a pet friendly vacation rental. If you have to do so, please inform the clerk or the rental agent of the same. Make sure you pet is secured while doing so lest it may surprise or hurt the vacation rental staff.

Traveling and vacationing with pets can be fun, if you use a little commonsense and care while doing so.

About http://arrangeyourvacation.com:

Pet Friendly Vacation Rental - Holiday Homes and Vacation Rentals where you can thake your dog or cat with you - leader in luxury vacation rentals worldwide, with an extensive portfolio of luxury villas and homes.

To place a Pet friendly holiday home free listing or find the perfect lodging for you - visit http://pet-friendly-vacationrentals.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milan_Matchev

Cat - The Gift

I spotted him in a large metal cage in the cat room lying on his back, drooling. He grinned, as only a cat can, exposing his toothless gums and cat food breath to all as he uttered a pathetic "meow". I was immensely impressed with this orange heap of fur that rubbed against the cage and I neared the fascinating creature in an attempt to make friends. I was afraid that somehow he would sense my anxiousness about how incredibly marvelous he appeared to be even though he was obviously lacking in traditional cat beauty. Bright green eyes stared into my small blue ones and begged for a touch, just one touch, like a death row inmate wishing for letters from anyone, just anyone to pass the time. My hand neared his head which I soon found out was dirty and oily from being neglected and I gently pressed my fingers between his striped ears. Purring, he squirmed for more, rubbing his head back and forth against the cage bars and "meowing" when I stopped for even a second.

He was unlike the other cats in the cat room that day, a unique face and eyes like a lion, staring me down. The other cats just played blissfully, unaware that I held the key to their freedom. This cat knew, he knew that the people who came in and out of his room everyday were not just there to pet his head in between glances at the other cats with whom he shared his space with. He somehow knew that I was there for a purpose and he wanted to be that purpose.

I let my eyes wonder to the other cats, young and old, that occupied the other kennels in the cat room but none of them even compared to the old, ragged bundle of joy that I had come across. This orange cat was different, he watched me fixatedly as I sauntered from cage to cage, eyeing up every cat that I touched. I just knew he was the one and that he would be the best birthday present I would ever receive. Money can't buy friendship, or so they say. Although how else was I to get this creature into my arms if I didn't buy him first, we couldn't be friends through a cage. He seemed to belong on the great plains of Africa stalking Impala with a pride of lions, not trapped between bars in an enclosure so small that it could only have been fit for a mouse. Although I couldn't give him Africa I could at least give him an area larger then a cage to claim as his own and fifteen pounds could do just that.

I immediately raced over to my mother, ecstatic that I had found a friend so perfect in every way that all my other friends had been swept aside in my search for a soul mate. My mother seeing the smile which broadened across my whole face handed over the money that I needed in order to purchase this lonesome creature. I raced over to the counter in the main entrance to the shelter without a second thought and quickly shuffled my new found friend into my mother's car. While driving down the M4 and into London I ordered my mother to drive slowly, careful not to upset my companion who occupied the passenger seat in a sturdy cardboard carrier. After spending what had seemed like a lot longer than an hour traveling, we finally arrived home and as soon as his box had been opened he peaked out at his new surroundings, sniffing the air, then looking at me as if he was unsure of this new and exciting place. I mixed him up a plate of food in hope of offering a gesture of friendship and placed it on the floor near him. He made a few circles around the plate and several sniffs later he tucked into his first meal at home. I now felt that he was officially part of the family.

Sharing our days together is one of my most vivid childhood memories. With this friend there were no complaints about the world and its problems or arguments about what radio stations to listen to, just complete enjoyment of each others company, the whole purpose for friendship, without a single word.

Regrettably, some day all friendships have to come to an end however strong they are. Unfortunately for me our friendship ended exactly five years after it had first begun, on my eleventh birthday. I came home from school one day to find my mother wasn't there to meet me. I remember thinking that it was incredibly impolite of her to desert me on such a special day. It wasn't until she returned home a couple of hours later that I found out she had spent the day at the vets and that my cuddly, fluffy friend had tragically passed away.

Sadly I have never been able to find a cat that could replace him. All the other pets that I have looked at over the past four years haven't even compared to him.

Perhaps in the distant future I will be able to find a cat which possesses similar qualities. He may not have been the cutest or the most adorable pet at the animal shelter that day but I certainly couldn't have a cat which would be more perfect than he had been.

Cat - The Gift

I spotted him in a large metal cage in the cat room lying on his back, drooling. He grinned, as only a cat can, exposing his toothless gums and cat food breath to all as he uttered a pathetic "meow". I was immensely impressed with this orange heap of fur that rubbed against the cage and I neared the fascinating creature in an attempt to make friends. I was afraid that somehow he would sense my anxiousness about how incredibly marvelous he appeared to be even though he was obviously lacking in traditional cat beauty. Bright green eyes stared into my small blue ones and begged for a touch, just one touch, like a death row inmate wishing for letters from anyone, just anyone to pass the time. My hand neared his head which I soon found out was dirty and oily from being neglected and I gently pressed my fingers between his striped ears. Purring, he squirmed for more, rubbing his head back and forth against the cage bars and "meowing" when I stopped for even a second.

He was unlike the other cats in the cat room that day, a unique face and eyes like a lion, staring me down. The other cats just played blissfully, unaware that I held the key to their freedom. This cat knew, he knew that the people who came in and out of his room everyday were not just there to pet his head in between glances at the other cats with whom he shared his space with. He somehow knew that I was there for a purpose and he wanted to be that purpose.

I let my eyes wonder to the other cats, young and old, that occupied the other kennels in the cat room but none of them even compared to the old, ragged bundle of joy that I had come across. This orange cat was different, he watched me fixatedly as I sauntered from cage to cage, eyeing up every cat that I touched. I just knew he was the one and that he would be the best birthday present I would ever receive. Money can't buy friendship, or so they say. Although how else was I to get this creature into my arms if I didn't buy him first, we couldn't be friends through a cage. He seemed to belong on the great plains of Africa stalking Impala with a pride of lions, not trapped between bars in an enclosure so small that it could only have been fit for a mouse. Although I couldn't give him Africa I could at least give him an area larger then a cage to claim as his own and fifteen pounds could do just that.

I immediately raced over to my mother, ecstatic that I had found a friend so perfect in every way that all my other friends had been swept aside in my search for a soul mate. My mother seeing the smile which broadened across my whole face handed over the money that I needed in order to purchase this lonesome creature. I raced over to the counter in the main entrance to the shelter without a second thought and quickly shuffled my new found friend into my mother's car. While driving down the M4 and into London I ordered my mother to drive slowly, careful not to upset my companion who occupied the passenger seat in a sturdy cardboard carrier. After spending what had seemed like a lot longer than an hour traveling, we finally arrived home and as soon as his box had been opened he peaked out at his new surroundings, sniffing the air, then looking at me as if he was unsure of this new and exciting place. I mixed him up a plate of food in hope of offering a gesture of friendship and placed it on the floor near him. He made a few circles around the plate and several sniffs later he tucked into his first meal at home. I now felt that he was officially part of the family.

Sharing our days together is one of my most vivid childhood memories. With this friend there were no complaints about the world and its problems or arguments about what radio stations to listen to, just complete enjoyment of each others company, the whole purpose for friendship, without a single word.

Regrettably, some day all friendships have to come to an end however strong they are. Unfortunately for me our friendship ended exactly five years after it had first begun, on my eleventh birthday. I came home from school one day to find my mother wasn't there to meet me. I remember thinking that it was incredibly impolite of her to desert me on such a special day. It wasn't until she returned home a couple of hours later that I found out she had spent the day at the vets and that my cuddly, fluffy friend had tragically passed away.

Sadly I have never been able to find a cat that could replace him. All the other pets that I have looked at over the past four years haven't even compared to him.

Perhaps in the distant future I will be able to find a cat which possesses similar qualities. He may not have been the cutest or the most adorable pet at the animal shelter that day but I certainly couldn't have a cat which would be more perfect than he had been.

The article was produced by the member of masterpapers.com. Sharon White has many years of a vast experience in freelance writing, custom essays writing and term papers consulting. Feel free to send her your inquiries at Thesis Writing.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_White

Cat - A Healthy Cat is a Groomed Cat

Cats don't want to be unclean and they need you to help them remain clean. Grooming your cat is important.

You need to do it to take off the loose hair on the cat. Brushing Brushing your cat's hair will keep it from ending up in his stomach. It is not effortless to digest and often the cat can only get rid of it through hairballs. Many cats have trouble with getting rid of hairballs. If the cat can not get them up, it can get into the intestines and cause a blockage. This is life threatening to the pet. If your cat seems to be constipated it may be a indication of a blockage.

Long-haired cats should be brushed and combed daily; short-haired cats only need grooming about once per week. While brushing your cat's coat, keep an eye out for lumps and skin irritations. Brush along your cats back, from head to tail with firm pressure. Repeat this a few times, and then switch to the other side. You should brush each area 4 or 5 times and always remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth.

Don't groom the face or paws with the brush though. Cats who do not like to be brushed can still be groomed with a different tool for instance the grooming glove. Many cats won't even mind if you do this to their face either. If you begin to groom him when he is still young, he will learn to allow it. He may even look forward to being groomed. Many cats will even carry their combs to their owners.

Check Eyes, Ears, Claws and Teeth, too When you do brush him, make sure to check his eyes and his ears too. They should be clear and bright without anything in the corners. The ears should be clean and pink. Dirt that gets into the ears can be a sign of ear mites. These can cause the ears to shrivel up and your cat to lose his ability to hear.

Each time you groom her, try going a bit farther with your examination, praising her with words, strokes, and treats for letting you handle her. If she struggles, it is best to let her go, and try again another day. You can use a cotton ball slightly dampened with warm water to clean the inside skin of your cat's ears. Never put a cotton ball or swab into her ear canal. If she reacts and jerks, you could harm her.

Cat - A Healthy Cat is a Groomed Cat

Cats don't want to be unclean and they need you to help them remain clean. Grooming your cat is important.

You need to do it to take off the loose hair on the cat. Brushing Brushing your cat's hair will keep it from ending up in his stomach. It is not effortless to digest and often the cat can only get rid of it through hairballs. Many cats have trouble with getting rid of hairballs. If the cat can not get them up, it can get into the intestines and cause a blockage. This is life threatening to the pet. If your cat seems to be constipated it may be a indication of a blockage.

Long-haired cats should be brushed and combed daily; short-haired cats only need grooming about once per week. While brushing your cat's coat, keep an eye out for lumps and skin irritations. Brush along your cats back, from head to tail with firm pressure. Repeat this a few times, and then switch to the other side. You should brush each area 4 or 5 times and always remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth.

Don't groom the face or paws with the brush though. Cats who do not like to be brushed can still be groomed with a different tool for instance the grooming glove. Many cats won't even mind if you do this to their face either. If you begin to groom him when he is still young, he will learn to allow it. He may even look forward to being groomed. Many cats will even carry their combs to their owners.

Check Eyes, Ears, Claws and Teeth, too When you do brush him, make sure to check his eyes and his ears too. They should be clear and bright without anything in the corners. The ears should be clean and pink. Dirt that gets into the ears can be a sign of ear mites. These can cause the ears to shrivel up and your cat to lose his ability to hear.

Each time you groom her, try going a bit farther with your examination, praising her with words, strokes, and treats for letting you handle her. If she struggles, it is best to let her go, and try again another day. You can use a cotton ball slightly dampened with warm water to clean the inside skin of your cat's ears. Never put a cotton ball or swab into her ear canal. If she reacts and jerks, you could harm her.

Huge amount of Cat Health information on this site - go there!

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Finn_Jensen

Cat - How To Use A Cat To Attract A Woman

Attention to all desperate men out there. Are you having trouble attracting women in your sexual life? Then go buy a cat! Cats are known to be extremely smart animals. They are known to drive all the negative energy away, they are very clean, sensitive, independent and of course they can help you impress most women.

Recent surveys proved that men who love animals, especially cats and men who own a cat have more chances on getting a date. A leading United Kingdom animal welfare society surveyed thousands of women and guess what! An astonishing 90% of them said that men who love and own a cat are more sensitive and more nice than the men who don't have cats.

Maybe these women thought that if a man cares about his kitties then chances are that he will care for a woman and for children. Women see cats as children or babies while men see cats as friends. Women clearly stated they could be easily attracted to such a sensitive and caring man. That is a good reason why you should go out and get a cat. They are real female magnets!

Just don't forget that in order to get a cat you must be a pet lover and really know how to treat the animal right. If you don't like animals then you'd better not try this. For example a lot of people are allergic to cats. Others just can't train their cats. Don't just get a cat if you are unsure how to train her.

But if you are a pet lover and desperate about attracting women then use your cat. Train your cat so that he/she behaves well. Then invite a woman to your place for dinner or a coffee. Clean your apartment or house, cook some dinner if possible. Put your dating skills in action too. Any woman would be impressed.