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Why does my tortoise make a peeping or whistling sound while breathing? I'm not asking for health-related advice, as I've had the vet following this for many years to make sure it's not respiratory-related, but this is more of a "does it fit the animal's natural history" question. I have a Redfoot tortoise that tends ...	Wheezing and clicking can occur with Redfoot tortoises when they lack proper humidity or are kept too dry.
Why is my cat growling at his toys? I have an adolescent cat that I adopted as a kitten (not this one :P ) , and he growls when playing with his toys. At first I thought that he was growling at our other cat (also adopted as a kitten) for getting too close and trying to "steal" the toy but it quickly became obvious t...	Your cat is just playing, which in cats is just following their natural predatory instincts. I think it's just instinctual. In addition to this, I suggest that you do not try to pet him or stop him when he is doing this.
Make life easier for motion sick dog when traveling? I have a two year old adult dog that tends to get motion sick when traveling via car. Short trips to the park are OK, but trips longer than 20 minutes are problematic. Normally, we don't feed him at the morning of the trip. We've also tried drugging him, but he still...	You could also take treat for him and give it to him little by little on the journey just to keep him busy on the journey. Stress can also add to travel sickness, so if your dog has only ever ridden in the car to go to the vet, he may literally worry himself sick on the road. If you are planning a long trip, feed your ...
Encourage rescue cat to sit in lap About a year ago, we adopted a rescue cat who was about 8 years old. She is gradually flinching less when we bend down to pet her and she will sit next to me and loves to be petted. She will not however sit in my lap. I have had cats my entire life, but this is the first one I've ...	Some cats may never sit in your lap, but others will eventually. This does however not mean she doesn't like us, it's just that her breed (and Siams, and probably others as well) is not as clingy as others. Otherwise maybe try a putting a light rug in her sleeping area and try draping that over your lap and see if it h...
Do bunnies eat their droppings? I was watching a bunny, he was sitting up, and seemed to be grooming his private parts. When his head came up it looked like he was chewing on something. After a couple minutes he hopped away and I could see what looked like a soft squishy poop, not all like regular bunny droppings. ...	Cecotropes are predigested hay/food pellets for the rabbit to eat and further digest. Rabbits excrete two types of droppings, ordinary fecal waste matter, which are dried out pellets ( fecal pellets ) and cecotropes , which are not fecal matter and form moist grape like bunches. In addition to that, when an animal eats...
Can a cat with a sluggish colon have dry food? The is question Is there anything beyond preference that dictates whether dry food should be wet down? and comments brought up and interesting issue. If a cat has a sluggish colon, can she have dry food? What is a good way to manage my cat's diet with this condition in...	You'll probably need to adjust the cat's diet as she ages to keep her stool texture and frequency consistent, both for her comfort and to prevent scent gland problems.
What are some effective non-chemical methods for controlling the snail population in an aquarium? I always had problems with snails in my aquarium. They reproduce faster than I can remove them. Last time I had such problem it was solved by restarting my aquarium: took all the water of it, throw away plants, steriliz...	Another popular non-chemical option is to find fish that eat snails, and add them to your tank. Loaches appear to be good choices, if available; especially the clown loach or yoyo loach .
Can I repair a leaking aquarium without removing all the water and fish? If my aquarium begins to leak, I know I could repair it by removing everything, applying silicone (or another sealant), waiting for it to cure, and then starting over. If the leakage is at the top of the aquarium, can I drain just enough water to...	You cannot completely seal since hydraulic pressure is stronger than silicone. The way you can do it, is by patching from bottom (where your leak is) to top.
Are there health risks to leaving a dead fish in the aquarium? Sometimes one fish dies, without any apparent disease. In previous aquariums I would always remove them as fast as I could. Now my aquarium is a bit bigger, and I have some laziness to remove those bodies: they are to deep, or in the back, or partially e...	I can imagine that it's not urgent that you remove the dead fish, but letting them fester and degrade away may have toxic effects on the other fish.
How should I dispose of a dead fish's body? One of my neighbors fish coincidentally died during the time I was caring for them. I immediately removed it from the fish tank, but I didn't know what to do with it. Flushing a pet down the toilet seems rude, and it might block the pipes. My mom suggested to leave it in an o...	Burial : You could dig up the ground somewhere and bury the fish there (and probably put a memorial plaque of the fish there). In this case, not knowing what the owner would want, and realizing the fish was dead, I would have taken a Ziplock or otherwise seal-able bag, put the dead fish in it, taped a written note to t...
How can I clean the shell of my tortoise? The top and bottom of my tortoise's shell tend to get messy from wet substrate, waste, etc. How can I safely clean the shell, without damaging it in any way? <Q> I was afraid of damaging the shell (particularly in the growth regions) by scrubbing at it, so <S> the tortoise's v...	All you really need to clean a tortoise's shell is water and a gentle scrubbing device of some kind, like a toothbrush or washcloth.
Why do dogs place their heads above the backs of other dogs? One behavior I often observe with my dogs is that they'll put their heads on or above the backs of other dogs. Why do they do this? <Q> Dogs are social animals and have a large repertoire of communicative signals and behaviors. <S> Additionally the interacti...	In the dog world, simple behaviors are used to display dominance over each other.
My cat ate an unidentified lizard! What should I do? My cat caught and ate a lizard. I do not know the type of lizard he ate. Might this affect my cat negatively? What signs should I look for to see if my cat is OK? Is it necessary to take my cat to the vet? <Q> If you are concerned about any urgent health issue...	When a cat eats a lizard, you have to be careful of a liver fluke infestation , which can be acquired from eating lizards which have eaten liver fluke themselves. But again, if you are concerned, call your vet.
How can I safely trim matted cat fur? Regarding What causes fur clumps on my cat's back, and how can I prevent them? , some severe cases of matted fur need to be removed through cutting or shaving. As an electric shaver might spook a cat, are there any safety scissors that can be used? What methods exist for an...	If the cat doesn't want to stay still for long, frequent short grooming sessions mixed with petting will help get the cat used to the idea that the brush or comb is not a bad thing, which in turn will make it easier to prevent mats as well as to get them out. You may be able to use electric clippers; I've partially sha...
How do I get rid of fleas on my rabbit? I have tried remedies I got from the internet but they do not work and she still has fleas. I do not know what else to do. <Q> Precious Tijesunimi has some organic remedies in their answer, if appropriate these should be seriously considered. <S> I have also heard of other organi...	Also, Fleas find the smell of vinegar very offensive and it also makes the environment very acidic for them so grooming your rabbit with vinegar mixed with water would also prevent fleas
How do I manage a cat litter box to maximize hygiene? I have a genetic, incurable autoimmune disease. This causes me to be chronically immunocompromised. Keeping a pet is a decision of weighing the benefits vs. possible health risks. I've decided the benefits far outweigh possible health risks; this is my choice and...	Do not bring a new cat into your house that might have been an outdoor cat or might have been fed raw meat. If you are concerned about airborne challenges to your immune system (I don't know if you are), you might add a mask to the gloves when scooping the litter.
Are there any special considerations when taking in a stray cat? I have friends who recently found a stray cat (who appears to be a little older than a kitten, but not much). They want to keep her (if she doesn't belong to anyone), but don't know anything about her or how to care for her. I know how I take care of ...	The vet should also check for a microchip; if for any reason the vet can't check this, call a local shelter and ask where you can have the cat checked. Do whatever else you need to do now that you own a cat.
What will help an aging dog with arthritis? I've got a black lab going on 12 yrs. She seems to enjoy her walks and can still run, but in the mornings she seems particularly stiff and can sometimes stumble or walk with a limp. She's having a harder time navigating stairs. She's developing arthritis, but is otherwise in...	While I'm sure there are also supplements on the market for treating arthritis, one thing you can do as an owner is get the dog a harness that will enable you to take some of the burden off of your animal. In either event, I think it is a good idea to get her looked at by a vet.
How do I keep my supply of feeder crickets from keeping me awake at night? In college, I had a pet lizard that ate crickets. However, the dorm room was quite small, and keeping crickets on hand proved problematic, as their chirping at night was annoying, and interfered with my sleep. Is there something I could do to ...	So if you need quiet crickets, get smaller ones.
How do I bathe my cat? We have a skin infection going around in our house right now, and the vet's instructions were to bathe the cats with a special shampoo. Once we get them lathered up, the shampoo has to sit on their skin for 10 minutes before rinising off! What's the best way to bathe a cat without injury to eith...	Put the cat either in a tub or kitchen sink with a towel on the bottom for good footing.
Is it okay to keep my fighter fish all by itself in a bowl? I got a fighter fish in a bowl today. Only one fighter is put in a bowl. Now I am wondering if it will get lonely. How will it mate? Am I depriving it of a companion? <Q> I'm assuming you're referencing the Siamese fighting fish <S> (correct me if I'm wrong...	You shouldn't have a male and a female together at all times, and preferably not longer than enough to mate. Betta fish shouldn't be housed in a bowl primarily because they just aren't large enough with the recommended minimum tank size being 5 gallons or more for a betta fish to thrive. I don't think they get "lonely"...
How many times a day should I feed a cat? Our cat (a 7-8 month old unsterilized female) eats only dry cat food (actually she's currently eating prescribed "Veterinary Diet S/O Fibre Response" brand food). If I follow the recommended dose printed on the bag (according to her weight) and give it at once, after a few hou...	In your case you could use a treat or a bit of the food as a between meals snack so the cat doesn't feel deprived of food and get anxious.
How can I gain back my dog's trust after accidentally kicking him? I was in my yard the other day playing with a football and my dog was nearby. I was kicking the ball against the wall when my dog was walking past, I didn't see him and accidentally kicked him in the side toppling him over. After crying out in pain, he...	, it was an accident and you need to let the dog recover and regain his trust, I think that if you don't push it too much and project a positive energy towards him then he will soon understand that you didn't mean it.
Cats making a mess with litter Our 2 cats always used to make a mess, so we got this litter box . They still made some mess, but it was much smaller and we had a carpeted floor, so whatever spilled stuck next to the box and was easy to clean. We recently moved and have all hardwood floors, which causes this mess to...	The best solution we've found for catching litter is the LitterTrap Mat , which we place at the entrance to the box (I guess you would put it on the ground wherever they jump into/out of the box). I don't know if there's really a good way to stop it completely, especially if your cat really likes to kick the litter aro...
How smart are ferrets? It's been several years since my ferrets passed on, but I was quite impressed with just how smart they were (well, really only one of my two... the other was sweet, but wasn't particularly bright). My male surprised me several times with what appeared to be some fairly clever problem-solving. ...	They have all the cunning and skills of a true ninja. Yet another anecdotal bit of evidence rather than quantitative (which is what I was looking for,) but from my experience it seems as though ferrets aren't clever as much as they are persistent and they have a good memory.
Are rabbits really the third most popular pet? I have heard that rabbits are currently the third most popular pet in the United States, is this true? Is popularity dependent on country ( and if so how is it measured )? I know from experience that shelters in the Pittsburgh Pa (USA) area who take all kinds of pets get...	Depending on where you live rabbits may or may not be the 3rd most popular pet, but they are likely in the top 3 abused and abandoned pets.
Is it true that goldfish growth is limited by container size? As I grew up, I was taught that a goldfish will only grow to a certain point dependent upon the size of their container and how many fish are in the container; all the fish within the same container would be limited by this rule. Is it true that the growth ...	Goldfish don't naturally stop growing, but if their environment is poor (which is usually the case in a smaller tank), they won't be healthy and that will stop/slow their growth.
How can I make my dog stop playing with the water hose? While this seems extremely fun for my dog (just one out of my three dogs loves the water hose) and me, it can get a little bad when I don't want to play and I just want to wash my car or water my plants. A couple of months into my puppy's life we noticed that he ...	Then after I'm done using the hose I will spray him as his reward for staying where I left him. What works and does not work often varies by dog, and ideally you want to use the method that causes the least amount of stress to your dog. I made him sit and down, then said stay.
Do cats dream or is it just restless sleep? My cats, and I assume others, show signs of movement in their sleep similar to what people show when they're dreaming. There seems to be some schools of thought that suggest that cats do dream, but is this really the case or are we just projecting our experiences on to them? ...	Cats do dream when they sleep.
Why do dogs not appear to be comfortable walking with socks on? There are YouTube videos of dogs walking with socks on, in which the dogs are clearly uncomfortable with walking while wearing socks. Why is that? Sample YouTube video for reference . <Q> Interesting, I had never seen these videos. <S> Also, people who...	Firstly, dogs (like people) require the use of all the pads on their feet to balance, as a person wearing socks can have difficulty on a slippery surface, so can dogs.
Why do dogs lean against you? I've read on some sites that dogs lean on you because they feel comfortable with you. Other sites say that it is a sign of dominance. So, is it good or bad? <Q> The issue of the reason for dogs leaning on owners is quite conflicting. <S> As you said, some people believe that it is a sign o...	When your dog is leaning for affection, It is best to pet him and show the affection he wants but when your dog is leaning for security or because he is scared, It is better to help him build up his confidence. Personally I think dogs can detect when people are sad or down in the dumps, I've had a number of different o...
When is it safe to add fish? I have a 50-gallon wide tank and all associated materials. On November 1st, my tank had tap water chemistry (meaning 0 ammonia, 0 everything); I had just set up my tank. I added Stress Zyme by API and stress coat to dechlorinate and dechloramine the water. It also added beneficial bacter...	Make sure the bacteria levels are correct for whatever type of fish your adding also make sure the filtration system is correct as well as anything in the tank such as plants etc have all there bacteria levels up.
Will my pet get sick drinking from the toilet? Many houses have a room with a large white bowl that is regularly refilled with fresh water. The door is open unless the room is occupied. The bowl holds much more water than any water dish. Unlike the water dish, the bowl is refilled several times a day with cool water...	Having said this, just because a dog may not be harmed from drinking from a toilet, there is no benefit from allowing a dog access to a toilet as a drinking source.
Which shrimp will co-exist with my loaches and schooling fish? I plan to keep about 4 yo-yo loaches and a few shoals of schooling fish (neon tetras, danios, mollies, and maybe more smaller fish) in my tank. I heard that ghost shrimp eat small fish. What type of shrimp is best to keep in my proposed freshwater aquari...	Really, for most shrimp in tanks, the issue isn't if they are a danger to the fish, but if the fish will be a danger to the shrimps.
Why does touching my cat's hindquarters make him bite his paws? Recently (within the past 2 weeks or so), touching my cat's hindquarters has resulted in him frantically biting his (FRONT) paws. I noticed it for the first time when I was petting him while he was sitting (he looked like a drinky bird ). Also, if he can...	I would just interpret this as a reaction to being over-stimulated and ease off when the biting starts. The veterinarian dermatologist told us that when a cat bites at their front legs while you're touching them, it's an itch response.
Is there a reason guinea pigs need a cage without a wire bottom? I picked up a pair of guinea pigs this weekend and I noticed that all of the guinea pig cages I find for sale in the stores and online have solid bottoms, as opposed to a wire mesh bottom many rabbit cages have. Is there a reason that guinea pigs need a ...	Wire bottom cages can be bad for guinea pigs. There needs to be enough surface area for weight to be distributed and avoid hurting delicate paws.
Is there anything that I can do to treat bloat in young rabbits? I am a rabbit breeder and I occasionally sell rabbits to other people. When changing food and often due to extra treats that new rabbits are given, the rabbits will suffer from a condition called bloat (warning: link contains images of dissected rabbits...	In your situation, I would recommend including a supply of food with the bunny when it is placed in its new forever home. I have had some recommendations for subcutaneous fluids and have used them sometimes.
Besides water quality, what should I consider before adding more tropical fish? I want to add additional fish to my freshwater aquarium, and I want to make sure they have the least chance of dying. After considering the answers to this question about water , what else should I take into consideration? <Q> So... What ...	Feed the fish in your current tank before adding new ones.
How to get my cat to stop being annoying at night? My cats were always allowed in the bedroom. Lately, the youngest one, who is the least affectionate and the most adventurous and most-likely to get into trouble, has been waking us up every night. He will leap into the air to grab onto the curtains, he will jump onto t...	Use an interactive toy for awhile right before bed, then give him some food. You do not mention the size of your living accommodations - but if they are large enough you could contain the playful cat in another room that has litter and toys. It only took a couple of iterations for him to figure out that misbehaving was...
Why is my Zebra Danio bloated? Just a few days ago I added 8 Zebra Danios and 8 White Skirt Tetras to my 60 gallon tank of 8 Albino Corys. One of the Danios is chasing all of the other Danios around. In fact it is bossy - but this only started today and the bloated Danio has been bloated since I got it. I thought it w...	My experience with Danios has that they always have been "bossy" fish. Swim bladder disease bloats the fish, and they struggle to retain the proper depth.
Are there any special considerations for adopting a cross-eyed cat? A short discussion in chat made me wonder: do cats that are cross-eyed require any special care? Source: dailymail.co.uk Does it affect the cat's balance (or negatively in any other way)? Can (or should) it be corrected? <Q> Strabismus the me...	So, if you're looking at adopting a kitten with strabismus, the cat will learn to adjust and you shouldn't expect any problems. In Siamese cats it was a corrective effect since their retina turned inward due to a genetic trait linked to their blue eyes I think.
Can I release my pet rabbit in the wild? I am aware the issues surrounding feral cats and I would never consider turning a dog loose to fend for it's self. But rabbits are not predators so would seem unlikely to have a negative impact on the ecosystem, also I see wild bunnies in the fields and woods around my house....	If you can't look after the rabbit any more, the responsible thing to do is find a shelter (preferably no-kill) and surrender it to them.
How do I keep a cat out of my Christmas tree? It's that time of year when many of us put a pine tree up in our living room and decorate with lots of shiny objects and string-like items. It seems that many cats find this combination to be almost irresistible. So... what can I do to keep my cat from getting too festive i...	There are some answers here suggesting changes to the bottom of the tree, to prevent tipping, or discourage climbing. Before erecting the tree, find a joist in the ceiling over where the tree will be placed.
Can I feed my cat a vegetarian or vegan diet? I have a few friends who are vegetarian or vegan, who have considered putting their pets (mainly cats, which is why I specified in the title) on a similar diet. I feel like that might not be good for the animal, but I feel like I can't discuss it with them without being t...	If attempting a vegetarian/vegan diet, consulting a vet first is crucial, and then only going with cat food that has been specifically formatted in order to provide the required nutrients. Cats have a carnivore's digestive tract and a carnivore's metabolic system.
Adding neon tetras to an existing school - Any concerns? I have three neon tetras and I'd like to add some more. My reading on the subject gives me different advice on what is likely to happen. One outcome is the two sets of neons will not school together, the other outcome is that they will school together, but to va...	Neon tetras will school together irrespective to the order of introduction.
Is chewing cardboard normal for a cat? For quite some time now my cat's new hobby have been destroying cardboard boxes. He can spend sometimes up to a few hours in a box chewing the walls non-stop and ripping it to pieces. My cat used to destroy loose sheets he found laying around and the corner of a few boxes, but now...	Feed your cat through treat balls (e.g. Kong Active Treat Ball for Cats , feeding puzzles, or other boredom-fighting objects to see if this satisfies your cat's play or prey instincts. A vet visit might be able to rule out pica. Switch to a raw diet that includes raw meaty bones, which may satisfy the chewing or dissec...
Is my two-year old Maine coon too lean? We have five cats, four adults and a kitten. Other cats eat well but this one is just keeping slim lean thin like it was a fashion model on a catwalk. She is a Maine coon and just got two years old this month, and I'm getting anxious about her weight. She is a little over 90 cm (...	If she becomes lethargic, begins throwing up a lot, seems unusually irritated or hostile; keep a close eye on her, make sure she's still eating, check to see if she's lost any weight, look for other signs of trouble, etc. This is very serious, if you cannot get her to eat, get her to the vet. Ribs and spine are hard to...
How does a cat's personality change by having kittens? I'm pretty sure that having kittens (and nursing them, etc) changes a female cat both physically and mentally. Exactly how it changes the cat is not quite clear to me. To me a female cat that has had kittens seems more "adult" than another one who was spayed befo...	Cats who are spayed before they have a season tend to be more kittenish in their behavior - more affectionate and more tolerant of other cats
How can I know if my cat is in pain? When a cat is sick, it is often quite obvious to its owner, but sometimes it is not so clear. What if the cat was in terrible headache or suchlike? What are signs to look for when I suspect my cat is in pain, but is not bleeding, drooling, vomiting, walking erratically or showing ot...	Inexplicable crying - a cat's distress meow is quite different from the normal talkative meow - particularly if the cat doesn't calm down with your voice or presence (an elderly cat that's having senility or disorientation issues is likely to calm in response to your voice, where one that's in pain probably won't).
Why do dogs look humans directly in the eyes? I recently noticed that dogs see directly into the humans eyes. Clearly the same for wolves. Why do they do it? Is is only for communication or affection? <Q> Many people (including myself) believe that dogs can read and understand human emotions. <S> Studies attempting t...	I cannot speak for wolves, but dogs at least seem to gaze into humans eyes to gauge our emotions. This is just their way of letting them know they want to play with you.
Can I use a gecko to get rid of a cockroach infestation? I am tired of having tons of dying cockroaches around my house from poison so I am thinking of letting a gecko loose in my house to help get rid of the infestation . I would stop using the poison and just let the gecko eat the roaches and am wondering what I sh...	Honestly, for your plan to work, your house would need to be infested with geckos, then you'd be looking at something that eats geckos, something that eats the animals that eats geckos.
Choosing durable toys for dogs When it comes to purchasing toys for dogs, how can I determine whether or not it will last just by looking at it or touching it? Websites that sell toys typically include reviews, but they are rarely helpful since any given item will have just as many glowing reviews (it lasted for month...	From my experience, squeak toys and stuff animals have a very short life when the two dogs are together (Less than a week). There is such a thing as too firm , which may vary depending on the size of the dog (Kong food toys and rubber balls are too firm for my guy)
How can I tell if my cat is happy? As a cat owner, I'd of course like to know if my cat is happy. However, most known indicators don't really apply; purring seems to happen for a variety of emotions, meowing vary greatly between different cats and they do not wag their tails like dogs do to express themselves... So t...	However, if your cat is lying contentedly in the same room as you, but gets up and follows you to another room, then lies nearby you, but out of reach, then it's a pretty good indicator that they're fairly happy. Napping with its feet completely underneath it (especially in an open, unprotected area)
Are carrots a healthy part of a rabbit diet? Pretty much every iconic image of Bugs Bunny shows him with a carrot in his hand/paw. For many people, this image of Bugs is one of the first things which pops into their mind when considering what to feed a bunny. If you put a carrot in with a bunny, they will be extreme...	No, carrots are very high in sugar and should not make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet.
At what age cats should stop biting and scratching games? I have a Maine Coon kitten who is 1.5 months old. When he's playful, he starts biting and scratching whenever he sees your arm next to him, and any hand movement is like an invitation to bite. Trying to put a hand on his back causes him to roll over and fight it...	Not getting to play anymore for a while when it does bite or scratch, plus giving it a different outlet, should be a good enough to hopefully redirect your cat to playing more appropriately. Just be sure to find one who is well past 12 weeks old already, one who has spent all that time with other kittens and thus knows...
How can I stop a cat from preventing another cat in the house from using the litter box? When going to work, two cats are left alone in the house. When coming home at night, there's a big mess on the floor. The only solution so far has been to put the aggressive cat inside a cat carrier for a portion of the day/night...	While some cats are very fussy in that regard, we've got one cat that doesn't seem to care much if the litter box has been used by another cat and uses whichever one is closest, while the others refuse to use it once that has occurred. It is generally solved by adding a second litter box some distance from the first.
How do I motivate a cat to drink more water? When one has determined that a cat is drinking too little water, how can one stimulate him to drink more? I don't mean medical or other immediate cases, so syringe is out of the question, I mean to get him to drink on his own on a regular basis? I've seen a suggestion to a...	If that isn't feasible, then providing the cat with multiple water bowls which are refreshed frequently and not with the food will help.
Should I allow one cat eating the other cat's vomit? Sometimes one of my cats vomits after eating something she really likes. Both my cats like the Whiskas food but they only get a little bit once per day. I suspect she's just eating too fast and that makes her throw up. What happens when she vomits is that her brothe...	If they are getting other food and this is just how your cat eats (one of my cats is a wet food "gulper", though she's not made herself puke, while the other slowly licks her wet food over a few sittings), I would suggest looking for ways to slow down your cat's eating as Zaralynda suggested...there are some great sugg...
How can I tell whether my horse recognizes his name? I've been wondering if my horse understands his name. By "understand", I mean "does he know I address him in particular if I call his name"? I'm not really sure how to verify this, but I'm tempted to think the answer is no and therefore it does not make sense to gi...	If your horse perks up its ears and looks for the source of the sound when called, then they know their name AND associate it with pleasant things.
Is LED lighting good enough for a healthy saltwater tank? I have seen good reviews for LED lighting for aquariums, with people mentioning they use them for saltwater. Do they generate enough of the right light for happy live rock and whatnot? One I am thinking about getting in particular is the "Wave-point Super Blu...	Depending on what type of tank you have, whether it's a reef or fish only, you're going to want a certain temperature of light.
Can my cat pop a balance ball? I was about to buy a balance ball to do some workouts in my living room. Has anyone kept a ball like this inflated where their cats had access to it? I'm worried that they may be able to pop it (startling them, perhaps damaging their hearing, and leaving shards of rubber that they may c...	It only seems to be deflating very slowly so I don't think a puncture would startle your cat however it may be worth storing the ball out of your cats way to avoid damage to it Good quality exercise balls are made of relatively thick material with PVC plastic (vinyl)
My cat will only play with silicone earplugs, which is concerning. How do I fix that? My 3 year old neutered female cat has gone mental on playing with silicone earplugs. They are small, chewy, yellow things you put in your ears to block out noise. My cat thinks they are THE BEST THING EVER. If I have one in my hand,...	She doesn't like the toys as much as the earplugs, but they are the closest replacement I have found. She plays fetch with them, and cries and cries if she can't have one. Keeping your cat entertained isn't worth the risk of an intestinal blockage.
How can I make my guinea fowls get used to my house? My mum just brought 3 matured guinea fowls home and was told that they could fly off and never come back if they don't get used to our house. Therefore, we should tie their legs to prevent them from flying. They have been tied since then and we feed them regularly. I...	I suggest that you don't continue to clip the bird's wings after they are comfortable living with you, when the risk of them flying away is gone. It's also a good idea to try to keep the house fairly quiet, or at least avoid making startling noises or movements around them. In the end, I don't think there is really any...
Should you pet a bird, and if so, how? Do birds respond to petting, like cats and dogs do? Do they like being gently brushed against their heads? Does grooming in this sense exist in the avian world? <Q> Many socialized birds do enjoy a gently scratching. <S> The favorite places are the side of the neck and some bird...	Some birds enjoy neck pet, some birds enjoy head rubs, it all depends on the personality of your bird so find out what they want.
Is it a good idea to buy fish online rather than from a local pet store? I'm very new to keeping fish as pets. I was surprised to find out that you can order fish online and have them shipped. Is there any way to be sure that the fish will be healthy? Should I just stick to local stores? <Q> There's nothing inherently ...	In the store, you get to see the fish you're sold, and make sure they're healthy before taking them home.
Why does my cat's nose get wet when purring? I noticed that my cat's nose gets wet from time to time. I called the vet and he told me that I should observe the cat's activities: whether it starts being miserable, whether it eats less, etc. None of them happens. Every night when my girlfriend and I go to bed, my cat ...	Cats' noses often run or drip when they purr and it is not drool.
Are axolotls and plecos compatible? I found this question on an amphibians forum. The answers provided on there were contradictory and I was hoping we could do better here on Pets.SE. I have had my first axolotl for four months now. She lives in a tank on her own at the moment, but I was hoping to get her a friend...	Plecos are definitely not compatible with axolotls for several reasons. It is generally not recommended to keep any type of fish with Axolotls as they can nip at their gills or otherwise stress the axolotl.
Why does my dog urinate when I call her? We have two Labradors, a male and female from the same litter, that we got when they were two months. They are now 5 months old. They are both very friendly and loving with the kids, but the female seems to be afraid of me. When I call for the female, who is also smaller than ...	As a result, she is learning to associate her name -- or at least, her name when called by you -- with punishment. You're are assuming that the dog can connect the misdeed with the punishment and that's often not the case. Urination like this is often a result of either fear or excitement and excitement is clearly not ...
How can I keep a guinea pig clean? We recently adopted a guinea pig and in contrast to our rabbits, he's a smelly slob. We clean his cage every other day, yet he's still musty. He has a litter pan which he uses, but still occasionally decides to pee on the cage floor and then sleep on it. Is there something else I s...	:)Cleaning the cage really often would not be harmful at all to your cavy, just make sure he's got a good place to be while you clean. xDTo keep him clean, you will can try bathing him every month, but no more, You can use baby soap or small animal soap.
How to collect a urine sample from a house rabbit? "Bring your rabbit in with a urine sample" says the vet. On occasion when we have been in to the vets, he is able to get a sample by holding the bunny and pushing on the bladder, while someone holds a cup and catches the stream. It does not always work for the vet; a...	I would put the rabbit in it cage and confine it with some water, every 10 to 15 minutes try to pick it up and express some urine.
Why is my cat so interested in me making the bed? I've noticed over many years of cat ownership, a lot of my cats have a very excited interest in bedmaking. My current cat will come from any corner of the apartment when he hears me start to shake out the sheets and blankets, and scrambles under each blanket as I put th...	I have several cats, but only one of them is especially interested in "playing" when I am trying to make the bed. Another motivation can be either to explore or hide in the small "burrow" created when they get underneath the sheets. So when you move around your bedding, changing disheveled sheets, blankets, and pillows...
Why does my dog make a fuss when my wife comes home? George, my 9 year old German Shepherd Dog/Border Collie mix, will make a huge fuss when my wife comes home. If he even thinks he hears her car coming, he will start barking, whining, and making lots of other noises until she comes in. But if she is home and I come ...	If he knows that when you come home you're going to say hello and pet him calmly, his energy when he thinks you are coming home will reflect that.
How deep should I bury my pet (should I rebury)? A little morbid, but my rabbit died last night, and since the ground in my yard was frozen I could only manage to a dig a foot deep. The rabbit is not wrapped in anything, and there is roughly 3-4" of soil covering him from the 'highest point' where his body begins. Th...	If transferring him to a deeper grave is not something you're comfortable doing, the best option I think is to cover the grave. A shallow grave is more likely to allow smells and other evidence of the decaying body to be noticeable in the area.
Is blinking slowly at cats a way to tell them that you love them? When I was talking to my wife last night, it came up that blinking slowly at a cat is supposed to be a way to tell them that you love them. She said that when she tried it with her parent's cats, one cat slowly blinked back at her and the other cat start...	If a human is mimicking that action, the message they're potentially sending to the cat is that they're, themselves, relaxed and so trusting in the presence the cat.
Why do cats enjoy playing in cardboard boxes? Whenever I bring a box home, or I get a package in the mail, both of my cats immediately have to inspect it thoroughly. As soon as it's empty, they'll be playing games with it: jumping in and out, guarding it from the other, etc. If I toss a toy into a box, they'll drop wha...	Cats enjoy boxes because they love hiding places. Not just cardboard boxes, but also baskets, laundry baskets, etc
How do I get my dog to stop stealing socks? My dog greatly enjoys stealing socks and running around with them in his mouth any chance he gets. He doesn't destroy them; he just holds on to them. Eventually, he will get bored with this and just drop the socks. I know he does it just to get my attention, but I am not s...	When he grabs a real sock, completely ignore him. A few good ways to prevent this behavior are: Plenty of exercise.
How should I handle a dog when I catch it chewing a shoe? When I hear my dog(s) chewing something in another room, I sometimes go to take a look at what it is they are working on. In case it is a shoe, what immediate action should I take to stop the chewing in such a way as to not reward the dog with attention? The a...	I'd spray a bit on the shoe while he was chewing it/about to grab it, then when he was making that "I don't like this taste face Generally, make sure your dog has something to chew on: both edible things and just dog-appropriate chew toys.
What alternative foods can I try feeding my snake? I have a California kingsnake. She is female and around 4 years old. I have been having some issues with feeding her as described here . We eventually concluded that the problem was she was bored of mice; when we tried her with day-old chicks, she went for them. U...	Setting up a rotation of eggs, chicks, and rodents should hopefully provide an interesting and nutritionally complete diet for your snake that will keep her healthy and eating well.
What kind of food should I stuff into a Kong? I bought a pair of Kong toys (see photo) for my puppy, who's home alone when I'm at work. I usually feed him 3 times a day (going back home at lunchtime). The goal is to gradually reduce the "lunch" quantity and to leave him a Kong to play with in the afternoon. So the que...	If this is a portion of his daily meal, ensure this stuffed kibble is not outside his daily portions, or your dog can grow overweight.
Why does my cat dig at mirrors and glass? I have one cat which seems to obsessively dig at mirrors or glass. We have floor length mirrors on our closet, sliding glass doors to the backyard, a bedside table with glass, the bathtub doors, and the bathroom mirror. She usually only does it when we're in the room and will ...	From what you say, particularly about her knowing that it's "bad" behaviour, it sounds as though it's an attention-seeking behaviour . Maybe she just like less the sensation on her paws, seems to be why some cats enjoy a certain blanket or piece of furniture.
Why does my puppy wait before eating? For a week or so, my puppy (Brittany, male, 5 months old) doesn't start eating right after being given his bowl, as he happily did so far. The routine is like this: I take the bowl from his crate, call him if needed, then he follows me to the room where I keep the food, waits behi...	If it's mild, such as gingivitis caused by bad chewing, crowded teeth, or the like, then some canine dental work may be in order. If you're worried ask your vet.
How to anchor aquarium plants? I have a number of live plants in my aquarium. One of them - an oxygen weed - frequently works its way loose from the gravel in which I've planted it. I find myself often having to retrieve bits of the weed from all over the aquarium, gather the stems together, and then replant the weed i...	Use some string to tie the base of the plant to something that sinks until roots take hold, or the plant attaches itself to the rock. I've never used them, but available for purchase are soft, bendable lead strips that you wrap around the plant to hold them down.
Why did my well behaved cat suddenly start biting and meowing? I'm not even sure how to begin with this. I have a very well behaved and sweet cat who does not usually show aggression. Today, he walked over to me as if he wanted to cuddle, but then proceeded to bite and meow as I have never heard before. Every time his ...	I agree with keshlam on this one, go and see a vet. Could be cat puberty, but also could be rabies.
Is it cruel to give pigs nose rings? I am very interested in pigs, and recently I read that some farmers will give pigs nose rings to prevent them from rooting. This seems cruel considering that the nose is a pig's primary means of interaction with the world. However, I've also seen some arguments that preventing pigs ...	The ring hurts the animal every time it hits something Here in the Netherlands, nose rings have been illegal since 2001 because it was found cruel.
Pet sidecar for an office chair? When I am working on my computer at home, I like to put my feet up on the desk with a laptop or keyboard on my thighs. This leaves a nice space at my waist for a furry friend to lounge with me while I work. In my case the friend is a rabbit ( actually there are a couple that take turns...	Also the clamping mechanism on to the chair arm may need to be customized per the shape of the arm. I have an old milk crate with a relatively smooth bottom, it is turned upside down with a towel folded on top/bottom to make it comfy. I was picturing something that is more like an extension of the seat surface (maybe a...
Should I feed hot dogs to my dachshund? I am considering feeding my dachshund some hot dogs and/or sausages. I witnessed my friend feed his dachshund multiple sausages, and the dog seemed fine afterwards. Is this wise? Beyond having society label him a "cannibal", are there any actual inherent dangers to feeding my ...	Use common sense, you don't want to feed your dog hot dogs as their main food source just like you wouldn't recommend hot dogs as a staple food source for a person. There also may be some nipped fingers as well.
Why does my cat insistently meow at me when I shower? When I shower, my cat has this unusual habit. She meows at me insistently and repeatedly, and looks at me with wide eyes. I want to mention that I do not keep her in the bathroom against her will. I just leave the door open and she just walks in and starts meowing a...	Cats spend a lot of time scenting things, each other, and us, to identify things as their property or as something familiar and accepted. If this behavior is bothering you, the best thing to do is close the door If you get up in the morning and immediately jump in the shower and get dressed before heading downstairs to...
How long should I leave a Guinea Pig before introducing a new partner? One of my two Guinea Pigs died a couple of days ago. I have heard from several sources that one pig on its own will suffer so I will get another. Should I do so immediately or wait a couple of weeks? <Q> Sorry to hear that, my condolences on you...	Timing the introduction of a new pig depends on how much your current guinea pig is grieving.
How should I groom my dog? What is a good brush or comb for my house-kept hound? Should she be brushed/combed in both directions, or just with her coat? <Q> This dog grooming site has good information on the types of brushes to use for the type of dogs. <S> From my own experience, when my lab was between the ages of ...	The type of dog and coat depends on the type of brush that you should use.
Why does this dog take food out of his bowl to eat it? I noticed that when my roommates feed their puppy, the puppy will take a mouth full of the kibble (but not chew or swallow it), then walk away from his bowl, and drop the kibble on the ground. He will then walk around and eat each individual piece of kibble that he...	If this doesn't work, try giving him small pieces of treats inside the bowl gradually.
How can I keep a rabbit cool? As pointed out in the question What temperature ranges are appropriate for a pet rabbit? temperatures above 85 °F (29 °C) are hazardous to rabbits. How can I help my rabbit stay cool in warm temperatures? <Q> Domestic rabbits, are from rabbits native to Europe (Spain and Portugal), they...	My rabbit is sensitive to heat, and sometimes I will wrap an ice pack up in a thin towel, and hold it against her ears.
Can you teach a dog a new name? What approaches and evidence is there that you can teach a dog a new name? I am looking for specific techniques and sources that validate such claim. <Q> We have adopted 3 rescue dogs over the past five years; we taught each one of them their new names in a short amount of time by assoc...	There is no difference between teaching a dog a new name and teaching a dog his name.
Why does my cat paw her food from the bowl to eat? Ever since she was a kitten, my cat has generally preferred to pull her kibble out of her food bowl a piece at a time and eat them off of the floor. She also has a tendency to drink her water by dipping her paws in and licking the water off. She displays this behaviou...	Drinking water directly from the faucet may be a preference for cleaner water than she can get in a bowl.
How should I accomodate my cat if I travel for work? I am currently pursuing a new job which will require a decent amount of travel. I am very conflicted since I don't know who could look after my cat each time I'm away if I get this job. I don't have any friends that live close enough, and bringing my cat to a kennel ...	If you start when the cat is relatively young and frequently take it to different surroundings, the cat should be conditioned to lose its strong natural instinct that territory is what defines well-being. Talk to friends with pets, people in your neighborhood with pets, people at your vet's office.
What happens if cats drink coffee? I was drinking my coffee the other day and I accidentally spilled some on the floor (a couple of drops). My cat licked them. I don't really think this is a big deal because it was only two drops, but can anything happen to cats if they drink a (relatively) large amount of coffee? <Q>...	cats appear to be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than people", "1-2 laps of coffee, tea or soda will not contain enough caffeine to cause poisoning in most pets [...]". So you should be safe with the current situation, but please do be careful!
What if a cat seems annoyed by her whiskers? My cat has long whiskers. And she constantly rubs those whiskers on things, like they itch. I read up a bit, and it says that's just their way of declaring ownership with scent glands and such. Okay, case closed. Except it really seems like she's frustrated with the sides...	If you cat has gingivitis it could be something as simple as brushing her teeth to get rid of the gum inflammation/irritation. Your cat may sniff it then start rubbing his face on it. It may not be serious, but immediate action needs to be taken.
My cat has started licking paper; what does this mean? One of my cats (the one who needs to be discouraged from biting , in fact) has, in the last few days, started licking papers that he finds around the house (mostly on my desk). He last saw the vet two months ago and all was in order then, and I haven't observed a...	If you’ve never heard of this, I know it probably sounds like a very weird and unappealing thing for a cat to do, but it’s actually relatively common. On that you could take him to the vet and see if they can find any evidence of pica or not. So I believe that it may be their sense of smell messing with them.
My Maine Coon sometimes vomits hair-balls, should I be concerned? From time to time we come back home and we find rather disgusting hair-balls vomited by our Maine Coon. From what I read these are hair-balls and it might be normal that the cat vomits them. However I don't know if at some point I have to worry. The c...	There could be a skin issue, or parasites inside or outside the cat, or a food allergy making your cat lose hair that ends up swallowed and then vomited.
What should I consider before allowing my pet to be a blood donor? I searched for pet blood donation online and found there are several organizations. I don't have any numbers, put there are potentially hundreds in the USA. Looking at few sites, it appears there is no 'standard', this claim by one organization The o...	For cats and dogs in Germany: Animals can give blood in any animal clinic and at most vets, the conditions are: General: up to date with vaccinations
Are rawhide bones or natural raw bones potentially dangerous for a dog? Chewing can be a very rewarding activity for dogs and it also provides mental stimulation and helps clean their teeth. So I'm planning to give a bone to my dog from time to time, to keep him busy, but what is the better choice? I've read this ques...	Pressed rawhide is much better because it breaks down more like a real bone so it provides more chewing time If you have had a meal and want to give some waste to your dog as a treat, give them the cartilage .

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