Contact Us

CONTACT US

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Editorial & Publishers Office:

406, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash
New Delhi-110065, INDIA

Ph: (91) 11 - 26232482, 26232684
Fax: (91) 11 - 26232635

Editor : Shweta Khurana
Mobile : 9818044435

E-mail : info@dogsandpups.net
Web : www.dogsandpups.net

About Us

ABOUT DOGS & PUPS

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DOGS & PUPS is a magazine which promotes Responsible Pet Parenting. Started in July 2004 we bring information which takes care of our furry friends in all possible ways. The magazine has caught the pulse of the reader and fulfils their desire to pamper their pet in a pawfect way. We cover information both nationally and internationally. DOGS & PUPS and CATS & KITTENS target people who are passionate about them, whether they are pets or strays. We provide all-round information on health, training, nutrition, grooming, etc; besides information on the latest and the best canine/feline products to pamper our loving pooches/felines. The magazine is also for a cause wherein we promote awareness for strays and abandoned dogs/cats and the people/organizations who help them. Even serious issues are presented in an easy-to-understand manner for the benefit of the readers. DOGS & PUPS is a forum to raise voice against the wrath on dogs. Each issue of DOGS & PUPS is eagerly awaited by children, dog parents, vets, breeders, groomers, etc – in fact anybody who loves dogs. Let’s all join and make this world a better place for our dogs and cats.

ABOUT THE GROUP

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Dogs & Pups and Cats & Kittens is a part of New Delhi-based S-Media Group. The Group is engaged in producing B2B publications, books, directories, and more. Other titles produced by the Group include Print & Publishing, Sign & Graphics, DigiSign Digest and All About Newspapers, besides the regularly updated websites – www.smediagroup.in

Welcome to our abode!

If you are planning to bring home an adorable kitty, then it’s your responsibility to make transition easy for your loving feline. Here’s more on how to make the physical environment conducive for this little angel.

Kittens in a new home deserve time to get used to their new situation, gain confidence and start bonding to their new family without getting too overstimulated. Here are a few tips to make it easier for them to adjust to the new surroundings:

1. Confinement: Decide the place where you wish to keep her and limit her to one room for the first week at least for a kitten and longer for an older cat or two kittens.


2. Spending time: When they are in the confined area, spend lots of time with them. Just being there only makes quick bonding to the new family. Your kitten should be confident of you and not duck away from you by the time you give her the run of the house.


3. Litter box training: It is also the best time to get the kitten convinced that she likes her litter box. Bring the kitten in a carrier and open the carrier next to the litter box.


4. Giving her own time: Let the kitten choose its own time to venture forth and leave the carrier available with open door as a refuge. If she does so immediately, make the effort to scratch her feet in her litter box, so that she locates it promptly.


5. Water bowl: Provide water on the other side of the carrier or away from the litter box.


6. Changing the place of litterbox: Move the litter box only a few feet at a time, rather than a room at a time.


7. Sleeping together: Let the kitten sleep with you if you have a single kitten. But, do not forget to wear heavy pyjamas as they have sharp little claws.

Mischievous Cat? He just might be bored

Mr. Whiskers has done it again: He’s knocked over the potted plants, batted belongings off the dresser and chased people around the house. Cats like Mr. Whiskers aren’t just rebellious. Sometimes, they’re just bored.

Signs of boredom

Those who share their home with a cat might be under the impression that their companion lolls about the house all day, doing nothing at all. On the contrary, cats–for the most part–are more inclined to spend their days playing.

If they’re bored, they might meow, chase or pester, escape or engage in repetitive behaviour like knocking objects off shelves. They entertain themselves and might think it’s fun to be destructive, especially when that behaviour attracts their person’s attention.

It’s important–even when the cat knocks over the plant that was just repotted–not to punish him. After ensuring he has a clean bill of health, assess his needs at home, paying close attention to his personality, which will give hints to his mental and physical needs. Younger or more social cats usually require more stimulation than older or shy cats.

Banish boredom

Using a toy or game to play with a cat usually helps him release his energy. Cats have a natural prey drive and love testing their pouncing, stalking or chasing skills. Even a paper grocery type sack (handles removed) makes for a fun game of hide-and-seek.

Some cats will even fetch a ball if thrown to them, and positive reinforcement can be used to teach cats tricks.

Banishing kitty boredom can be as simple as setting up a bird feeder outside a window. For cats who enjoy climbing, a tall scratching post with perches could do the trick.

It can be a challenge to figure out which activity any cat likes best, but–above all–don’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. Find an activity or toy that he already enjoys. He’ll be less likely to be bored and destructive if he has playtime scheduled with his favourite person.

‘Cat’ch her in the act

If you observe your kitty closely, you can know exactly what she has on mind. Here are a few behaviours she displays and what they mean…

If you are blessed with a cat, you inherently know when she is happy to see you and when she is angry, fearful or upset. Here are a few common signals which tell you exactly how your kitty is feeling.

Watch her head…

If your kitty rubs her head on your body, she is expressing love, wants to be caressed or simply relaxing.

Hear the ears…

You must have seen that even when your cat is sleeping, the faintest sound pricks up her ears but she doesn’t react all the time. She reacts only if her mind detects a predator or a prey. Watch her ears closely to know more about her feelings.

If your kitty’s ears are upright and pointing forward, she is alert but nothing to worry, as she is relaxed as well. If her ears are pointing sideways, she’s attentive to what’s happening around but she is not relaxed and if you see her ears upright and pointing backwards…then she is actually disturbed and may turn aggressive.

Ears pointing back and flat against the head indicate that your kitty is scared but she may become aggressive. And if her ears are flattened sideways, she is in an aggressive mood…don’t go near her.

Eyes you can’t miss…

If you see two cats staring at each other, it is threatening but if one of them breaks the eye contact, it means there is no dispute.

If you see your kitty’s dilated pupils, she is either fearful, aggressive, excited or in pain but if her pupils are narrow, she’s angry but self-assured.

Observe her eyelids also. If they half-closed or fluttering, she is sleepy and if she looks at you at this time, she is displaying trust in you.

Trailing tails…

If your kitty’s tail is upright and quivering, she’s pleased to see you – she’s communicating friendliness and contentment. But, if her tail is upright and bristling, with hair on her back standing, then she’s probably upset about something…beware.

Also, a tail held half way up indicates that the cat is friendly but she is not confident of the person or cat who is approaching her.

If you have ever scolded you cat, you must have noticed that her tail is between her rear legs; sometimes curled inwards…she is submissive at this point.

And as you know these beauties have a lot of attitude too, so if you see tail hair upright with a little flick with just the end of the tail, she is acknowledging you but she has other better things to do than you!

Hissing and meows...

If your kitty gives a hiss or a snarl with an open mouth, she is communicating defensive aggression. When your kitty meows, she is probably greeting you or requesting you for some favour.

Though all these are mere signals to show what your cat means, it is important to observe the whole body language of your kitty to know what’s exactly on her mind.

Kitty allergies

Our furry angels love to keep themselves neat and clean but still sometimes, they can suffer from skin allergies. Here are some of the most common types of skin allergies.

 

Cats are not usually born with allergies but they can develop after prolonged exposure to whatever the irritant might be. They are allergic to flea saliva, which is the most common cause of skin allergy. It is therefore extremely important that cat owners endeavour to keep problems with fleas under control by taking responsible care of their animals at all times. Other causes of allergies include food, dust and various plant pollens. Mites and ticks can also be a serious problem with cats but again, if the pet parent is vigilant with their animal cleanliness, this concern can generally be avoided.

Dietary allergies

Causes: Skin diseases caused by feline diet are not common. However, cow’s milk can often create allergies and so can some meat, fishand eggs.

Symptoms: Often the problem appears as rashes on areas around the head and neck. It becomes worse because it is an area where the cat can continually scratch easily.

Solution: Sometimes wearing an Elizabethan Collar will help avoid the non-stop scratching. Cats who live indoors can easily be put on a restricted diet. Also, ask your vet to recommend cat foods which contain ingredients toassist in the control of hypersensitive items in the cat’s diet.

Inhalant allergies

Causes: Cats are sometimes allergic to the various sprays we use to clean our homes. Sometimes, for cats who live outside in breeding catteries or have the freedom of the garden, this problem can be caused by various plants when in flower – cats can re-act in the same way that humans do when suffering during the flowering season of many plants.

Symptoms: Symptoms include either asthma or hay fever, which causes the cat to cough and sneeze for a long period of time.

Solution: It is not always easy to isolate the problem but, again, your veterinarian can help you to determine the cause and the possible medication needed to help reduce the allergy.

Drug allergies

Causes: Sometimes, cats react strongly to various medications given orally or by either injections or the application of various skin creams that need to be applied.

Symptoms: Every cat reacts differently and pet parents need to consult their veterinarians to discuss this problem.

Dos and Don’ts

l The most important thing to remember is that pet parents must NEVER attempt to use home remedies or human medications when faced with feline allergies.

l Your veterinarian is the only one who can really help you and who will do your cat no harm as he endeavours to seek the necessary solution to the problem.

(Joan E Henderson is based in Australia and she has judged furry felines in many other countries including USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand.)

Ask the expert..Nov-Dec 09

Q: What are the behaviour changes in cats with respect to climate and food?
Dr Sunil Kumar C, Thalassery, Kerala

 

Dr KG Umesh: Cats are true carnivores. They generally prey items, which are rich in water, protein & fat and low in carbohydrate and have no requirement for plant materials. Cats can not taste sugars/carbohydrates. It is generally believed that food at body temperature is preferred by cats. Whiskas cat food has been developed considering all these feeding behaviours and enjoyment of feeding. For example, Whiskas has specific design of kibbles size and shape, texture, aroma and variety. Adult cats are grazers, feed 2-5 or more small meals per day. Whether you are feeding wet, dry or semi-moist, water is a vital nutrient. 

The most important part of the environment is climate, which includes humidity, temperature and photoperiod. These climatic factors or seasonal changes influence the behaviour, breeding status and immunity of animals. Animals who live in hot/cold seasons/climates are adapted to their environment. Reduced food and thus nutrient intakes can be a problem in pets in hot environment yet energy requirements may be increased to maintain normal body temperature. Therefore, it seems prudent to feed the diets with a moderately increased energy level during cold or hot climate in cats. A nutritionally balanced diet with a continuous source of fresh clean drinking water appears to confer some protection from the detrimental effects of heat stress.