A medium sized wild cat, the African Golden Cat is a reclusive feline of equatorial Africa. Profelis Aurata, the cat is believed to be closely related to the Caracal and Serval, though it is often termed as the Leopard’s Brother owing to the co-existence of the two cats in certain parts of their range. Body length is usually around two and a half feet with a longish one foot tail. Adults weigh between twenty to forty pounds and reach a shoulder height of around one and a half feet. Males are larger overall.

Coloration of the African Golden Cat varies across its range from reddish brown to silver gray. Melanistic variants have also been recorded. It is even suggested that the fur may change color in a single individual over time and external influences. Head and body are often spotted whereas the underside is usually white. Tail is lined at its origin and ends in a black or brown tip. Head and ears are small and rounded. Legs are longish with somewhat oversized paws.

Strong and secretive felines, the African Golden Cats are crepascular in their activity profile. They often spend the day resting in tree branches. Hunting is primarily through the stalk and ambush method. Small animals including rodents, tree hydraxes and birds are usually taken, though reports of the cat preying on small antelopes, monkeys and hog have also emerged. In areas where human settlements are next to national parks, domestic livestock and poultry are also reported to be consumed by the cats.

Residing in parts of Central and West Africa, the cats seem to prefer tropical rainforests with dense undergrowth. Two subspecies are recognized, based upon the African Golden Cat’s distribution:

Profelis Aurata Aurata - Uganda to Congo

Profelis Aurata Celidogaster - West Africa

Little is known about the exact behaviour patterns of the African Golden Cat owing to its reclusive lifestyle and limited research on it. Still it is believed to be a largely solitary feline. Males are thought to take an active part in parenting though. Gestation period is around two and a half months after which one to three kittens are born. The young grow quickly and gain maturity at one and a half years of age.

Even though not much is understood about the numbers in the wild of the African Golden Cat, the cat is classified as vulnerable. Principal threats include loss of habitat owing to deforestation for timber and loss of prey species to bushmeat hunting. Lifespan in captivity is believed to be upto fifteen years.

Considering a Pet Bird? Ask Yourself These 7 Critical Questions

Birds can make wonderful pets and companions and there are many different birds to choose from. Two of the most popular are cockatiels and parakeets. Cockatiels and parakeets make wonderful pets that only require simple daily care. They don't take up a lot of space, they eat small amounts of food, and they don't require a daily walk outside.

They love being around people and often want out of their cages just so they can be closer to you. Some even learn to talk. You're not alone in considering a pet bird. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), birds are the 3rd most popular pet behind cats and dogs.

It all sounds great doesn't it? Slow down a little bit, before you rush out to buy a cockatiel or a parakeet, take some time to think about whether or not you are ready for a bird companion. There are a few things for you to consider before you decide if you're ready for the responsibilities that comes with parakeets and cockatiels.Do yourself a favor and don't buy a parakeet or cockatiel until you ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have enough patience for a bird? Cockatiels and parakeets are social animals and they like attention. You should give them at least a half an hour of attention a day to keep them happy.Am I a neat freak? All birds (not just cockatiels and parakeets) can be fairly messy. You're probably going to have some feathers and bird seed to pick up around the cage.

Can I care for my bird properly? You're taking the right first step by looking for information about birds. It's important for you to know all of your cockatiel's or parakeet's needs before you bring him or her home.Don't make the mistake of assuming that since you already have a dog, cat or some other pet, that you know how to take care of a bird. Birds have very different needs than other pets.

I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than sticking your bird in a cage and giving it water and birdseed. Do I have room in my house for a bird cage and other 'bird accessories"? You need to think about where you're going to place the cage in your house before you walk in the door with it. And remember, the bigger the bird, the bigger the cage. (Be sure to study the do's and don't of cage placement.

There are places in your house that are very dangerous for your bird.)Do I have the time to give my bird what it needs? In addition to the time you should spend with your bird giving him or her attention, you should spend some time preparing meals for your bird. A proper diet for a healthy cockatiel or parakeet includes fresh vegetables and fruits - not just seeds.

Exactly what type of bird (and how many) do I want? Decide whether you want a female or a male bird. Maybe you would like to have a pair of birds so that you can breed them. It's easier to think through these types of questions now instead of waiting until you're talking to a breeder.Am I ready for a long-term commitment? As I said above, it's not unusual for cockatiels to live 15-20 years and parakeets can live 12-14 years. Getting a pet bird is a long-term commitment.

Please don't get a cockatiel or a parakeet thinking that you're going to "try it for a while". There are already too many birds in rescue and adoption centers.Pet birds can bring a lot of fun and happiness into your home. If you don't know what to expect before you bring one home, you may be in for a surprise. However, if you've gone through the checklist above and decided that you're ready for a new feathered family member, then congratulations! Get ready for a long, loving and happy relationship.

Natural Flea Remedies for Dogs

While companies boast the effectiveness of traditional flea control methods for dogs, some reports indicate that they can be toxic, and in some cases cause hot spots, allergies, and compromised immune function. In rarer cases, these methods have been fatal. As a result, more and more owners are looking to find safe and effective alternatives to flea shampoos, powders, collars, and the like. The following may help reduce the incidence of fleas for your dog.

1. General Diet. There's a nutritional reason why your dog has fleas, and it could be in large part that your dog’s immune system may be compromised. A strong immune system and high nutrient levels naturally deter fleas and other insects. In particular, the levels of B complex, zinc, selenium and antioxidants in the body and bloodstream play a large role in immune function. By feeding your animals a high-quality, natural diet, free of additives and preservatives, you improve their health and dramatically increase their protection from fleas. A healthy animal does not taste or smell as good to fleas.

2. Dietary Supplements. Garlic. 1-3 fresh garlic cloves-pulverized and mixed with food—may be administered daily. Brewer’s Yeast/Thiamine. The potent nutrient found in brewer’s yeast is thiamine. One milligram (1 mg) of thiamine daily for each five pounds of your pet's body weight is ideal. For a large dog, you might administer one tablespoon of brewer's yeast supplemented with a B-complex vitamin pill. Brewer's yeast can also be dusted on externally as a flea powder. (If your pet licks some off, there's no harm done.)Zinc. This mineral is essential for healthy skin, but is lacking in many pets' diets. Use chelated (pronounced key-lated) zinc: 10 mg daily for small dogs; 20 mg for larger canines.These dietary supplements will require close to a month to build up to flea-fighting levels in a pet's skin. So start them in the spring before you find yourself in the midst of a severe flea invasion.

3. Vinegar—internal use. Take a gallon of water, add four to six teaspoons of organic white vinegar, and give it to your pets as their only drinking water. If they have a water dish outside, use this water for that as well. During the winter, you can use a smaller amount (~ 4 teaspoons), but you’ll want to use a more potent mixture (~ 6 teaspoons) during flea season.

4. Grooming. Combing your dog daily with a flea comb is an important part of flea control. Bathing animals regularly is also advised.

5. Bathing and Shampooing. There is no need to use chemical flea shampoos. A water bath with a gentle soap that won't irritate their skin is sufficient to eliminate existing fleas. You can also use bentonite or terramin clay mixed with water into a thin paste. Wet your dog thoroughly, then in brush the clay into the fur and massage it in the skin for a few minutes. Then rinse off lightly.

6. Organic red or white vinegar as skin remedy. Vinegar is a naturally occurring germ killer and is one of the very first medicines known to man. It kills germs on contact and it contains bacteria which is unfriendly to infectious micro-organisms. It is a natural remedy and most of all, it is safe. For a full body treatment, add four cups of vinegar to the bath water. Be careful not to get the vinegar/water mixture in the ears and eyes. The vinegar/water rinses are a quick remedy to relieve minor skin irritations such as hives, chigger bites, other insect bites and rashes.

7. Neem Oil as skin remedy. The seeds, bark and leaves of the neem plant contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and antifungal uses. For thousands of years, the Indian people have appreciated the medicinal and insect-repellent properties of neem leaves and seeds. Mix one ounce of pure neem oil with 2 or 3 ounces of organic white vinegar and 4 to 6 ounces of water. Before applying, hose your dog thoroughly with water. Shake the bottle well several times while applying the oil mixture on the entire body, including legs, feet, tail, etc. Then brush your dog to help disperse the neem oil futher on fur and skin. Do not rinse off. Neem oil repels flea immediately and help heal hotspots and promote a healthy skin.

Dog Pregnancy Tips

Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful.

Professional dog breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring. The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file.

Should a breeder find no problem in the history of the pair, then the process can begin. Dogs normally come into heat twice a year which is every six months.

Larger dogs can come into heat every eight or ten months which usually lasts about three weeks. Vaginal bleeding is a sure sign that the dog is in heat as well as swelling in the vulva. A dog's pregnancy or gestation period lasts between 60 to 67 days.

Most dogs give birth after 63 days.

The only way to determine the stage of the dog’s pregnancy is by keeping the track of time from the day of the breeding.

Keeping a record of this on file is advisable for reference purposes. Exactly three weeks after breeding, the mother must be examined to confirm the pregnancy.

The dog must be given a formulated and premium brand of dog food for the duration of the pregnancy and throughout the nursing period preferably with strong nutritional foundation. During pregnancy, the mother's food consumption will almost double compared to the pre-pregnancy level so increased feeding must be given to ensure that there is enough for both the dog and the puppies.

Behavioral changes are to be expected during this time. The dog will demand for more affection or may experience a few days of vomiting. Later on, the expectant mother will search for a secure place to deliver the puppies. So, one must ensure that a proper place is ready when the time comes. An ideal place for an expecting mother is a box.

Depending on the size of the dog, it must be spacious enough for the dog to move around and must have layers of newspaper inside it that will absorb birthing fluids. This should also have low sides for the mother to look outside and for the breeder to easily check if assistance is needed to make it easy to remove soiled papers without interrupting the mother and the newborn puppies.

Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs

Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems -- which can be frustrating for owners who want to see Fido comfortable and happy.

your dog have a skin problem, and if so, how do you fix it?That depends on the symptoms you see. Of course, the most common sign of a possible skin problem in your dog is constant, excessive itching. Other symptoms include fur loss, either localized in a certain location or spread across the dog’s entire body. More severe cases may involve redness in the skin, changes in skin pigmentation or even open sores that your dog constantly licks.

No particular symptom necessarily proves your four-footed friend has a certain type of skin disorder, and you’ll need to investigate other areas before you draw conclusions. While it’s common and helpful for veterinarians to diagnose skin problems, it’s also essential for dog owners like you to familiarize yourself with typical canine skin problems, so you can react quickly and keep his discomfort to a minimum.

Fleas, Lice and TicksOne of the most common problems in dogs is the presence of fleas, lice and ticks, which are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and feed on the dog’s blood. These parasites’ saliva causes skin irritation and results in intense scratching. Lice and ticks can be detected visually when you check your dog’s fur, while fleas are hard to spot with the naked eye. However, fleas cause red pimple marks on the skin and also can be spotted through the black, gritty trail of “dirt” they leave on a dog’s belly.

While you can remove ticks and lice with tweezers -- applying alcohol to relax the tick’s grip before doing so -- you can also adopt more general methods. For instance, you can give your dog a dip with special tick shampoo to eliminate ticks. Flea sprays or flea powder can also be applied to the dog to kill parasites. But all these require persistence and it may be a while before you see results. One of the best methods to keep your dog comfortable is to prevent ticks from living off your dog in the first place through the use of a spot-on product, such as FrontLine or BioSpot.

To apply these chemicals, you drip a small amount onto the back of your dog’s neck once a month. The chemical spreads throughout the dog’s skin and kills parasites -- including the eggs and larvae. When regularly treated, your dog becomes an unattractive host.MangeMange is a skin problem caused by mites that burrow underneath the dog’s skin, causing intense and even agonizing itching. Bald spots or inflamed red skin are common symptoms of mange.

Two types of mange exist in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, depending on the kind of mite involved.Most dogs carry the mites involved in demodectic mange or demodex. However, these mites usually do not cause itching except when they suddenly multiply into huge numbers. This may happen in young puppies, or in dogs with decreased natural body defenses, sometimes from stress. On the other hand, Sacroptic mange or scabies causes intense itching in the dog as the mites burrow under the skin and even lay their eggs there.

This causes large red spots on the dog’s skin, and sometimes fur loss on the ears and elbows. Scabies can infect humans as well and cause itchiness, although infection in humans usually disappears by itself after a while. However, it is still important for people to seek treatment if they get infected.Treatment for mange requires patience and time, as eliminating them or lowering the mite population takes a while to take effect.

The best way to kill the mites is to soak your dog in a lime and sulfur medicated dip for 10 to 15 minutes a few times in a week. The dip should not be washed off, but left to dry on your dog’s skin and fur. During this time, it’s best to watch your dog closely and prevent him from licking himself dry. As a further precaution, you can feed him a raw egg to line his stomach before dipping him in the solution.

This way, even if he does lick himself, the solution won’t be absorbed on an empty stomach. When fighting mange, it’s also important to support your dog with the highest quality diet you can find, to improve his immune system. Healing from mange will take a lot of his internal resources. You might consider looking into the raw diet for dogs and avoiding any corn or rice-based products for the time being.

How to Clean Cat Urine

Ideas for how to clean cat urine stainsWhen cat urine seeps through carpet, into padding and down to the floor beneath, it can give your home an unpleasant aroma (to say the very least!).

In almost all cases, cat urine is the worst perpetrator of pet stains and pet odors. If you own a cat, it's important for you to know how to clean cat urine stains.The color of cat urine and its staining potential will often depend on dietary habits, age and sex of the cat, whether the cat is on medication, and the health of the cat. Urine can saturate absorbent materials such as carpet and padding, upholstery and mattresses well beyond the surface area that can effectively be cleaned. It is extremely difficult to remove all of the urine from inside of these materials. Even after a thorough cleaning, stains and odors often remain.

Tips on how to clean cat urine from the carpet:Removing cat urine from your carpet can be one of the most difficult cleaning tasks, since it produce an especially persistent, unpleasant odor and amber-colored stains, so here are a few things you can do to eliminate them, when the “accident” is happens. First, blot up as much of the urine as possible with a soft, clean white cloth or absorbent paper towel. Press down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds.

The more fresh urine you can remove before it dries, the simpler it will be to remove the odor. Remove the towel and repeat the process until the area is fully dried. Rinse the "accident zone" thoroughly with clean, cool water. After rinsing, remove as much of the water as possible by blotting it up. Next, you have some options on how to clean cat urine from the carpet:

1. Baking soda works well to eliminate surface (but not deeply penetrated) odors. Dampen the area with clean water and then sprinkle baking soda over it.

Rub the baking soda into the soiled area and let dry. Brush or vacuum to remove the dry material.2. Another option in the how to clean cat urine list is white vinegar. Mix together 1 quart warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar, and dribble the mixture onto stain. Place dry towels over the stained area and put something heavy over the towels to increase the pressure. After some hours remove the towels and raise the nap of the carpet with a soft-bristled hairbrush.

Note: Test the vinegar solution on a piece of fabric that is hidden from view - under the cushion or on the backside of the furniture.3. To clean old or heavy stains in carpeting, consider renting an extractor or wet-vac from a local hardware store.

The extracting/wet-vac machines works like a vacuum cleaner and do the best job of forcing clean water through your carpet and then forcing the dirty water back out again. When you use these machines, you should follow the instructions carefully.

Note: Don't use any chemicals with these machines – they work much more effectively with plain water.4. One of the newest technologies for cleaning cat urine is penetrate the soiled area and deactivate the odor with peroxide or detergents. Simply spray a product that consist a 3% hydrogen peroxide and wait about five minutes. After that use a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly (do not rub) for 30 seconds.

Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry. If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process.Once the soiled area is really clean, you should use a high-quality pet odor neutralizer. Test the affected surface for staining first, and read and follow the instructions. If the area still looks stained after it's completely dry from extracting and neutralizing, apply a specialized stain and odor removing bacteria/enzyme cleaner, such as "Outright Pet Stain Eliminator," "Pet 'Oops' Remover," or "Stain Gobbler".

Check out the online merchants and catalogers selling pet supplies.Tips on how to clean cat urine from your upholstery:When it is not possible to remove the cover of your couch or chair upholstery, observe the following cleaning procedures to get the cat urine out: Dab stubborn stains with a soft, clean white cloth or absorbent paper towel. If solvents are required, avoid applying them directly onto the stain, and pour it onto a clean cloth.

Clean the stain using a circular motion working from the outside inwards. After removing the stain, dry immediately with a hand held hairdryer using a cool setting. Take care to direct the air stream first towards the outside of the area working inwards. Always be careful to rub any stains gently and to use a brush with soft bristles.Tips to clean cat urine from hardwood floors:Remove any excrement and blot the entire wet area immediately and firmly with paper towels. Wash affected area several times with white vinegar. Rinse stain thoroughly with warm water.

Blot dry with paper towels. Apply a specialized stain and odor-removing bacteria or enzyme cleaner (see above). Tip: Read the instructions carefully before using these products and test them in an invisible area. If you can not remove some old stains, try sanding away the stain and resealing the wood. You must be extra vigilant about cat odor and attack the problems as soon as it occurs. Also you should remove all traces of the odor, because if the scent remains, the cat will do it again in the same spot.

How To Find A Puggle Dog

For those of you who don't know what a " Puggle " is, a puggle is a mix-breed dog in which a pug dog is bred with a beagle.Puggles have been the biggest rage in Hollywood as well as dog breed lovers alike.Many ask where to find a good puggle dog and we have some good puggle answers. Free ArticlesPuggles belong to the family of mixed breed dogs known as Designer Dogs and are often very expensive if bought at a pet shop. The problem with just buying these dogs from a pet shop is that there are many great mixed breed dogs that can easily be found at your local animal shelter or humane society.

I recently inquired about finding such dogs at a local shelter and they will even take down a wish-list of the type of dog you would like, so when your puggle shows up (or any other dog for that matter), you will be promptly notified. This is definitely a very humane method that gets overlooked often. Many upon many dog lovers have found their best companion from a animal shelter in which they would have been doomed for sure.

If you need a puggle puppy for sale quicker, check the paper, check the pet stores, check specific breeders of puggles but always remember to learn about their genetic history first.

A common problem that often exist is that people who are not commonly breeders will try to mate a pug and beagle without knowing anything about dog breeding and with little dog breed information. What often ends up happening as a result, the puggle will often have genetic disorders and problems as they get older. Another thing that many unskilled dog breeders overlook is temperment testing and finding the right mix to come out right. Puggle dogs are great animals and like any great animal they should be bred with respect and dignity.

It may seem like a contridiction in terms jumping from a animal shelter view to a qualified breeder view, but it all depends on the needs of the buyer. I personally would never want to see a love capable dog be put to sleep, however you do want a healthy dog that will be with you quite a long time. It is a catch 22 I guess.Puggle breeders are often very trained breeders who take pride in breeding a very nice puppy. Much controversy has been brought up from purebred owners in claims that puggles are simply a mutt. This is somewhat true however Puggle dogs can be well bred like any other dog plus have less of a tendency to be inbred due to overbreeding. This makes a smarter dog with less emotional problems often times. One thing is for certain though, puggle puppies are cute! Puggle puppies are sooo incredibley cute that they touch the hearts of all they come in counter with.

What Your Vet May Not Tell You About Rimadyl

Thousands of dogs are being prescribed Rimadyl by their veterinarians to treat pain, inflammation, and canine arthritis. Free ArticlesMany of these prescriptions are written without any blood work done to ensure the dog can tolerate the drug. Learn the facts about Rimadyl and what you should know before administering this drug to your dog.What is Rimadyl?Rimadyl was introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in January 1997 to help treat dogs with inflammation and pain associated with surgery or canine arthritis. Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available as a prescription drug for dogs. The primary ingredient in Rimadyl is Carprofen. It is available as a caplet and chewable tablet and is given to dogs by mouth, or by injection administered by veterinarians. It has proven to be a successful means of relieving arthritis symptoms in dogs. Is Rimadyl effective and safe?

There is no doubt as to Rimadyl's effectiveness in treating dog arthritis, but it is the potential side effects that may seriously outweigh the benefits of this drug. Many dog owners feel it has vastly improved the quality of their dog's lives and, in some cases, even extended their lives. Many dogs have died due to the unexpectedly rapid onset of side effects such as liver failure and/or because the drug's side effects were not recognized by the attending veterinarian who did not take appropriate action. The Rimadyl labeling includes an extensive adverse reaction section which documents the possibility of a fatal outcome and death.What Precautions Should I Consider Before Giving Rimadyl?•

Pre-screen the dog before prescribing Rimadyl by performing blood work and checking the liver enzymes.• Check for warning signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, behavioral changes, constipation, and an increase in liver enzymes. It could be an indication of a toxic reaction.• Rimadyl is not recommended for animals with known bleeding disorders and should not be used if a dog has pre-existing liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or a known tendency towards gastrointestinal ulceration.• Rimadyl should never be given along with any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, or along with any corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone. • Dog age should be considered because approximately 85% of possible adverse drug event reports received by Pfizer Animal Health have been in dogs 6 years of age or older. Alternatives to RimadylMany alternatives are available to the dog owners which are considered safer than Rimadyl. The majority of these products contain glucosamine and/or chondroitin as the primary ingredient.

Studies have proven glucosamine and chondroitin to be effective at alleviating the effects of arthritis, joint pain and inflammation in dogs. Other key ingredients which have shown effective are MSM, Ester-C and Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is particularly effective in increasing synovial fluid which is very helpful for dogs with Canine Hip Dysplasia. These products use natural substances to achieve similar results without the side effects of Rimadyl. Some of the most popular choices are Free and Easy for Dogs, Cosequin, and Arthrix.