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  • Fireworks and Fido

    Celebratory seasons and fireworks sure go hand in hand, don’t they? During the months of July and December, Americans are celebrating Independence Day and ringing in the New Year. The awe-inspiring light shows may be entertaining for us, but they’re terrifying for Fido.

    Here are a few tips on keeping your pup safe and relaxed through the festivities!

    Secure the Room

    It’s completely understandable that you’d want to let your dog roam the house as he normally does. However, it’s not a risk worth taking under these special circumstances. Instead, set up a cozy “panic room” for them to take refuge in. Stockpile the space with soft blankets, their favorite toys, and something that smells like you.

    The garage is not a good idea as the door will vibrate and mimic the sound of rolling thunder when fireworks are set off nearby. Canines will tear through metal and break through glass in order to escape a perceived threat, so it helps to secure the outside of the exit with a solid, heavy barrier.

    If you have a friend or trustworthy neighbor who’d be willing to babysit, set up a playdate in advance. Your dog will at least have some company, and you’ll have some peace of mind. At the very least, exchange information with someone who lives nearby in case there’s an emergency.

    Relaxation Methods

    Even if you plan on staying home, your dog may need some extra assistance in managing the fear associated with the explosive noise of fireworks. The good news is, lots of owners have found success with CBD treats and oils as a means of dealing with nervous canines. It’s also been shown to help with arthritic pain and physical discomfort without causing the drowsiness or lack of appetite that prescription medications like Valium do. Check your local Petland for CBD products.

    If you’re not sure where to find CBD or you live in a state where it’s not legal yet, Benadryl is another safe choice. Veterinarians recommend administering 1 milligram of Benadryl per pound of body weight, depending on your dog’s specific health requirements, of course.

    Hopefully, it helps them close their eyes and take it easy for the rest of the evening.

    Update Tags and Identification

    Even if your dog never wears a collar, they most definitely should have one at any time that there’s a flight risk. In addition to a rabies tag, you should include two separate tags with your name, address, phone number, and a secondary number if possible.

    When animals escape in a panic, it’s not uncommon for collars to get snagged on fences and gates. Be prepared for this by getting your dog chipped. It’s usually only about $20-$30 and ensures that if a good samaritan finds your pet without any contact info, they can still get a hold of you.

    In fact, dogs are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners when chipped, and cats are 20 times more likely! 

    If your best friend ends up being one of the hundreds of found animals during the fireworks season, they won’t be lost for long.

  • July is National Picnic Month

    No matter how much changes throughout the years, picnics are a pastime that never seems to fall out of favor. Hundreds of families along with their pets will be out at the parks this summer flying kites, grilling burgers, and enjoying each other’s companies. If you’re thinking of bringing your pup along this season, you wouldn’t be the only one!

    Expect to see other canines running and catching frisbees with their owners as well. Here are some ways to ensure that the whole family stays safe during your fun in the sun.

    Keep Fireworks Out of Reach

    Even though your kids understand that a sparkler is essentially a small flame that could burn them, our dogs don’t always have the capacity to make that connection. All they see is a pretty, bright light that their human siblings love to play with, and they want to play too!

    On the other hand, it’s no secret that canines are terrified of the bigger, louder, more dramatic fireworks shows. So, let them picnic with you during the day as long as they’re a safe distance from any sparkler, but take them home once the bigger events start.

    Beware of Bloat

    We won’t lecture you on the importance of staying hydrated. You’ve probably already thought to bring a bowl in case Fido gets thirsty after eating and playing. However, too much food and water combined with heavy panting can trigger a fatal condition in dogs called bloat. 

    When kibble in the stomach absorbs liquid, it expands and releases gas. At the same time, your thirsty pup is swallowing gulps of air between laps of water. With nowhere for these excess gasses to escape to, the stomach begins to twist and turn, like a balloon animal. 

    To avoid this potentially deadly condition, simply limit your dog’s food intake. Sure, it’s a picnic, but if there’s any chance they’ll be exerting their bodies to the point of heavy panting, they can wait until later to eat. Make sure they take a break every so often and allow them to sip water once their breathing has slowed a bit.

    Watch Out for Critters and Creepy Crawlies

    Humans are far from being the only species that enjoys warm summer weather. Biting and stinging insects like bees, wasps, and flies are on the hunt for sugar and pollen. Be sure to cover sweet drinks and store food in airtight containers once the family is finished eating. You don’t want your dog or winged guests rummaging through your leftovers.

    While exploring the rest of the park or picnic area, keep your eyes peeled for anthills, skunks, and other forms of wildlife. It’s common for canines to aggravate ant colonies, wasp nests, porcupines, and skunks with their overly curious nature. 

    Before you hop in your car and head home, be sure to check everyone for ticks! July is also around the time we begin to see more cases of Lyme disease contraction. If you haven’t considered doing so already, pick up First Aid kit with tweezers, burn cream, sting relief, and any other tools that you feel are pertinent to your family’s needs.

    Have fun, and remain vigilant!

  • Mentally Stimulating Games While Walking Your Dog

    Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter…

    “Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you.

     “Pathfinder.” If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and make it challenging. Climb stairs, walk on curbs, jump over small barriers, or even splash through some water. Keep his attention by abruptly changing direction and he’ll soon be keeping his eye on you!

    “Red light, green light.” You played it as a kid. Now teach it to your dog! As you walk, stop suddenly and say “red light!” (or whatever word you want to be the command). Sometimes go as soon as he sits at your side, and sometimes wait for a bit. Keep him off balance, never knowing what you’ll do next, and you’ll sharpen his attention right up.

    “Follow the leader.” Do you have a dog that insists on being out in front? This game will teach him who the leader is. Each time he heads out in his own direction, immediately change directions so he has to turn to catch up with you. Keep moving, but keep him following you.

    “Come!” While walking with your dog, suddenly reverse direction, running backward and calling his name. He’ll decide coming when called is a fun game, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach him.

    “Push-ups.” At varying intervals, stop your walk and quickly have your dog sit, down, and sit again. Then break into a run or give him a treat. Soon he’ll be watching you closely to see what you’re up to next.

    “Dribbling.” Take along a soccer-ball when you walk your dog. Push it with your feet and let him push it around, too. Just be careful you don’t step on the ball or on Fido, either!

    “Flirt-pole.” A flirt pole is a long pole with a lure at the end. You dangle and dance it in front of him as you walk. He’ll love trying to grab the lure and you are always in control due to the length of the pole.

    “Parkour for dogs.” This urban agility training is so much fun for both you and your dog, it will turn the way you walk your dog on its head. Parkour combines dog agility with your daily walk to make his world (and yours) exciting and stimulating. He’ll jump, climb, balance, crawl under, and go around obstacles you see every day one every street in town. For detailed information, check out the International Dog Parkour Association website.

  • Preparing to Take Your Pet On Vacation

    Whether you’re devising a hike through the Grand Canyon with your pet or heading for a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Florida panhandle, you’ll want to double up on preparation. Take a second look at some of the pointers below in case you missed a few things on your checklist!

    Get the Right Crate

    With planes, there are very few exceptions for animals to be permitted in the cabin area. More often than not, your pet will be crated in the cargo section for the duration of the flight. There are generally strict requirements for what’s considered “airline approved.”

    Some of the conditions for proper kennels include things like wheels, so that handlers can easily roll your pet on and off the plane. Crates must have solid walls without any openings aside from a metal-grate door. You’ll also need to take photos of the kennel and send it to the airline prior to boarding.

    If you don’t want to go through the hassle of searching for one, you can order a pre-approved crate straight from the airlines themselves.

    Shot Records & Identification

    Your dog or cat may not typically wear a collar or tags at home, but they absolutely must while vacationing! Should your pet end up lost, the finder can help to reunite the two of you much quicker.

    Most animals will flee the scene of a car accident, so don’t neglect to have them chipped with updated contact information! Campgrounds and places that allow pets are quite firm about providing proof for rabies vaccination, at the very least. It doesn’t matter if your cat or dog is on a leash, park rangers will issue tickets for animals without ID. 

    Stay Safe With A Floatation Device

    The policies for travel by boat will vary depending on the type of vessel, but there are plenty of cruise ship lines and ferries that allow pets to roam the deck. If you’ve set the date for a cruise with your furbaby, be sure to get them a life jacket as well!

    The Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 cruise is accommodating enough to provide floatation devices for their four-legged guests, but you should still purchase one of your own to be on the safe side. Even if your pup is an avid swimmer, large bodies of water can pose a danger to both humans and their pets.

    If your dog or cat were to fall overboard (God forbid), a vest would ensure that they’re able to keep their head above choppy waters until help arrives.

    Invest in A Portabowl

    Travel takes a lot out of us, and there are times when it’s just as exhausting and stressful for our pets to be in unfamiliar places. Hydration is important for the whole family, but your dog can’t drink from a water bottle…not without a struggle, anyway.

    Portable water and food bowls are the perfect on-the-go tool. They’re foldable, washable, waterproof, and space-friendly for packing. Choose a collapsible silicone option for portioning or one of the soft drawstring containers that sub as a carrier for kibble and treats. 

    Remember to offer your pup a drink regularly, and keep your “portabowl” on hand!

  • June 26 is National Take Your Dog to the Office Day!

    In 1999, when Pet Sitters International (PSI) suggested National Take Your Dog to the Office Day, it might have been a bit of a hard sell. After all, our fur babies do demand attention, particularly if they are young or not well socialized. But people around the nation agreed that our canine companions should have a special day and the first Friday after Father’s Day was set.

    Even though having your pal beside your feet might hinder your tasks a bit, there are three solid reasons for following this nationally recognized day. Perhaps pointing these out to your boss will make him (or her) a believer, too.

    1. The most obvious, of course, is that most people love dogs. They are often cute and winsome and their tails wag and eyes laugh whenever someone even looks their way. Her soft, fluffy coat or his silly expression draws people in and just makes them feel a bit happier. Naturally, you are filled with pride when others see your beloved pooch and make sweet remarks about him.
    2. This reason is the one that might win your boss. Positive interaction among coworkers has ratcheted up a notch when Fido breaks the ice with that shy colleague you’ve been unable to draw into a conversation. The team member you’ve thought you had nothing in common with shows her delight in your dog and introduces you to her own fur baby. Better communication and teamwork are surely tradeoffs for having your pup at work with you once a year.
    3. Another reason is that more and more frequently employers are allowing pets in the workplace. Why you ask? Well, it makes for a fun, happier environment as well as lowers stress levels of employees and creates an environment that is more flexible and creative. 
    4. Dogs in the workplace nurture productivity. When employees are less stressed and happier, they have a better chance of being productive and allows for the creative juices to flow. Dogs can create a camaraderie that may not have happened before and those relationships at work can spark new ideas. 
    5. Healthcare benefits abound! When people have dogs, they are shown to take more walks which reduces stress and obesity. Other health benefits are that with lower stress levels and healthier lifestyles, that reduces the amount of time that people spend at the physician’s office. Less time at the doctor means more time being productive and happier. Who doesn’t like happier, healthier employees? Plus, when pet parents are more proactive in their pet’s care, they also tend to be more proactive in their own health as well. 2 birds, 1 stone. Well, in this case, 2 dogs, one ball. 

    If you are the boss at work and would like more information about celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day, a free tool kit is available for you to download, full of tips and resources to help make this special day a success. So grab your briefcase and a doggy bag of treats and set the pace for your company!

  • Pet Appreciation Week 2020

    No one knows for sure, but the best estimates by geneticists say the first domestic animal was the dog and at first they were just tamed wolves. That was between 13,000 and 30,000 years ago. Through the ages, dogs have evolved into many different breeds for many different purposes. The one thing they all have in common is that they can all be our closest friends and greatest allies. This is definitely one thing nature got right!

    Each year since 1981 we’ve set apart the first week in June to celebrate this amazing relationship. There is so much to appreciate about our four-legged buddies. They assist people every day to have a better life, from living more independently to recognizing signs of stress and illness. They lead the blind, hear for the deaf, and comfort the anxious. They find lost children and pull swimmers from the water. Dogs work alongside their humans on the police force, in the military, and one the farm. Guarding us and keeping us safe, they lay near our feet where they are the most content.

    We all grew up with noble canines like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Beethoven, Marley, and Toto. But the most important dog that ever lived is sitting by your side right now, happy to simply be in your presence. There is nothing the world can throw at us that can turn our dog’s devotion away from the human he adores and he doesn’t need wealth or fame to make his world perfect.

    So what will you do this year to show your dog how irreplaceable he is? Here are a few suggestions.

    ●  Feast your friend! Dogs are omnivores, meaning they need all kinds of food to get their proper nutrition. And while it’s best to stick to the diet you and your vet agree on, an occasional treat will be delightful to dogs. They can pretty much eat the same foods you do, but avoid sugar, alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, macadamia nuts, onions, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Small portions, too, please!

    ●  Let your pooch splash in a “doggie pool” (kids’ pool).

    ●  Take him for a walk and let him choose the direction and how long he gets to sniff a spot (he’s checking his “d-mail”)!

    ●  Get down on his level. Lie down on the floor with him. It’s so funny to watch his glee when he’s got you on his territory!

    ●  Take a ride in a car with partially open windows (but don’t let him put his head out).

    ●  Give him a long, satisfying scratch in all the places he loves it most.

    ●  Set up a doggy play-date and take him to the dog park to play with his friends. Let him do what he pleases and enjoy the summer sun with him.Maybe you’ve been appreciating other people’s pets until now, but this year is your year to get a dog of your own. Check out your local pet shelter or rescue group and get a friend that will appreciate you as much as you appreciate him!

  • DIY Summer Treats For Dogs

    It’s getting hot y’all, and it’s time to find some fun, easy ways to keep you and your pup cooled off and staying healthy. Here are 5 DIY summer treats that are sure to make everyone happy!

    What’s your favorite treat? Lots of people dip into the cold stuff when the summer heat makes us long for cooler temperatures. If you like ice cream, your dog will, too. But don’t just scoop it out of the freezer and into his bowl! Ice cream for humans may contain additives and sugar that can make your pal really sick—or worse. Dogs can be lactose intolerant, too. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave him out of the fun.

    ●  Doggy ice cream. Purina® makes a product called Frosty Paws that’s sold in supermarkets and that dogs really love. It comes in two flavors, original and peanut butter. Or, make your own! Here’s a great recipe for frozen puppy treats that are as much fun to make as to watch him enjoy. Just combine a cup and a half of chopped strawberries with two mashed bananas. Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and then blend it all together. It should be about the texture of ice cream, but you can thin it out with water if necessary. Pour into paper cups and cover with plastic film. Top it with a dog biscuit standing on end to make a delightful, yummy “pupsicle!”

    ●  Peanut-butter bites frozen treats. Dogs absolutely love peanut butter! And what’s not to love? Blend some strawberries and blueberries together in a blender. Scoop a teaspoon of peanut butter into each well in an ice-cube tray and fill with the blended fruit. freeze until solid and then store in the freezer in plastic bags for on-hand snacking.

    ●  Greek yogurt. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, Greek yogurt is a great summer treat. Don’t overindulge your buddy, though, because dairy products can cause loose stools. A little bit is a great treat!

    ●  Starbucks® has a secret menu just for our fuzzy friends! When you’re getting your favorite drink, ask for a Puppuccino and the barista will promptly serve whipped cream in a cup for your little pal. (Again, this treat is only for dogs who tolerate dairy.)

    ●  Frozen chicken bone broth. Yep. That’s all there is to it. Pour some low-sodium chicken (or beef) bone broth in an ice-cube tray and give your buddy a cooling treat with ease.

    Remember these important tips for summer fun with Fido.

    1. Make your daily walks early morning and late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
    2. Never, ever leave your dog in the car, even for only a few moments with the windows cracked. On a mild 75° day, your car can heat up to 100° in a mere 10 minutes. Brain damage, heatstroke, or even death can follow quickly.
    3. Keep his water bowl fresh and cool. If you must be outside in the heat, offer him water every fifteen minutes.
    4. Are your feet hot? If you find hot pavements uncomfortable, imagine how his feet feel. Booties are available, or you can pick him up and carry him across hot spots. He’ll love you for it!
  • Money-Saving Tips for Dog Owners

    It’s no secret that owning a dog of any age costs money! Between teething, food requirements, special needs, and vet appointments, pets can burn a hole in your pocket rather quickly. Here are 5 ways to reduce the impact your dog has on your finances without skimping out on care!

    Reduce Kibble Consumption

    While there are some reputable and healthy kibble options, the ingredients are tough on an aging canine. Heightened levels of potassium, protein, and Vitamin D in dog food can cause renal failure over the span of several years.

    Not to mention, they’re usually fairly expensive! 

    Instead of feeding your pup strictly kibble, consider decreasing portions and subbing the remainder of their meal with natural fruits, veggies, oats, and bone broth. They’re tasty, healthy, and give you more control of your dog’s dietary needs.

    Don’t Cheap Out On Toys

    This is where the phrase “you get what you pay for” comes into play. Low-caliber bones, toys, and chews are sure to be torn to pieces within days, if not minutes! Brands like Kong cost just a bit more, but are sturdy enough to withstand large breeds and are perfect for teething puppies.

    Instead of a $12 rawhide that will likely tear up your dog’s gums and their intestines, try a $30-$40 deer antler. Buck bone doesn’t break off into smaller, easy-to-swallow pieces. They last for months, so you aren’t constantly having to re-purchase chew toys.


    Housetraining and Senior Care

    Potty pads may not be enough for the owner of a puppy that needs house-training or an older dog with a fickle bladder. They’re made for single-use, and if they aren’t picked up quickly enough you run the risk of liquid seeping into your carpet or hardwood floor.

    Alternatively, you can try faux-grass pads! They’re rinsable, reusable and available both online and in-store. The “grass” portion can be removed from the outer box and replaced if necessary. Even if it does need to be refreshed every few months, it’s still more budget-friendly than using several pads per day!



    Low-Cost Veterinary Care

    Anything from a hurricane to a car crash can alter a pet owner’s life and financial circumstances. To help those who are struggling, mobile veterinarians frequently hold community events for low-cost vaccination, tags, and chipping.

    Animal welfare groups such as the SPCA and Humane Society also offer vouchers for free spaying and neutering based on your zip code and availability. There’s no extra appointment fee for any of these visits as there are with a typical vet appointment.

    The only payment required of the owner is the cost of an Elizabeth collar post-surgery…AKA, The Cone of Shame. They cost anywhere from $12-$20 depending on the size of your dog.


    Discounted Monthly Medications

    Monthly flea and heartworm preventative can stack up over time, but the risk you run by not purchasing them could be devastating to your dog’s health. Buying one pill at a time is rather expensive, but buying in bulk could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars over the span of a few years.
    Pets Megastore is an Australia based company that allows you to purchase the same brands of medication your pet needs here at home, but at much lower rates. If you’re unsure, you can always check out reviews for specific products and see what kind of experiences others have had before buying anything.

  • Best Home-Made Treats for Your Dogs

    The summer has arrived and brought warm temperatures with it. While you’re out enjoying the beaches and hiking trails with your best friend, make sure that you’re both staying nourished and hydrated.  Here are some treats that both you and your pup can enjoy!

    Melon Berry Froyo Bones

    This simple, mouthwatering recipe is brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and sweet flavor. Imagine a yummy, berry popsicle with the tangy addition of frozen yogurt.

    Ingredients:

    • An ice tray (you can find custom molds on Amazon)
    • 2 cups watermelon
    • 1/4th cup of water
    • Equal parts blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries (about 2 each) 
    • 1 cup yogurt

    What to do:

    First, use a spoon to stir the berries into a cup of yogurt and place the mixture in the fridge to chill. Grab your ice tray and fill it about a quarter of the way up with the watermelon mixture. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to freeze.

    Once the watermelon has frozen completely, take the ice tray out and fill the remaining space with your yogurt concoction and place it back in the freezer until solid. When you’re hanging out poolside, pop one of those babies out and break off a piece for your pup too. Cheers!

    Baked Pumpkin Poppers

    These tasty treats are more for our dogs than for us, as they don’t contain any added sugar. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can’t mess these baked goodies up. Think of these as donut holes for pups!

    Ingredients

    • ½ a cup Flaxseed
    • 1/4th a cup pumpkin puree
    • 1/4th a cup peanut butter
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/4th water
    • 2 bowls, an oven, and a pre-sprayed baking sheet

    What to do:

    Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

    Mix the flour and whole wheat flour in one of your bowls. Use the second bowl to thoroughly stir the flax seed into the water. It’s important not to skip this step! Mixing the wet and dry ingredients too soon will make it difficult to merge them later on.

    Add the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Once you’ve got a thick paste going, you can slowly begin mixing in the flour. Take your time and be sure not to rush this step; by now, you should have almost a cookie-dough texture. Use your hands to knead out any dry patches of flour.

    Roll your dough into small, donut-hole sized balls and place them onto your baking sheet. Since there isn’t any baking soda included, you don’t have to set them very far apart as they won’t expand.

    Depending on your oven, these treats could take 15-21 minutes to cool, so continue to keep an eye on them during that timespan. If you’ve got a senior pup, you can take them outright at the 15-minute mark for a softer, easier to chew option.

    Coconut Carob 

    Something about the taste of chocolate and bananas is just so satisfying, isn’t it? Our dogs can’t eat cocoa derivatives, but carob is the next best thing. You and your best friend can eat this recipe frozen or chilled.

    Ingredients:

    • 2-3 bananas
    • 3/4th a cup of peanut butter
    • 1-2 TBSP of carob for flavor
    • An ice tray

    Start by mashing up your bananas and stirring them into the peanut butter, if you have a hand-mixer, go ahead and use it for this step. However, you can also use a fork or spoon. Then, add the carob; this part is really at your discretion. If your dog has never had it before, consider making your first batch with one tablespoon and see how it goes.

    Place the mixture into an ice mold and allow them to freeze. If you don’t have one, you can always allow the blend to chill in the fridge for a few hours so that it’s not completely frozen. Once cold, add it to your dog’s breakfast, and throw a spoonful into your oats for a yummy wake-up meal!

  • Best Cat Breeds for Active People

    We mostly find them indoors napping along a window sill, but cats love their exercise just as much as we do! If you’re looking for a furry friend to accompany you on adventures but you’re not much of a dog person, why not try a cat instead? Believe it or not, our tiny, domesticated lions and tigers haven’t lost their touch. Even in their smaller size, they’re still keen, highly intelligent hunters. 

    Here are some of the most active breed varieties, don’t let the dog lovers have all the fun!

    The Bengal

    These felines aren’t just loving companions, they’re true-blue athletes. Not only do they love to jump about and sit atop a high perch, but Bengal cats are also avid swimmers. Take them out to the family’s favorite lake or for a beach-side excursion and watch how quickly they take to the water. 

    It’s best to keep them leashed outdoors as Bengals have a high prey drive. Should your kitty find themselves distracted by a bird or a squirrel, it’s likely that they’ll chase their target up a tree without a second thought.

    The Abyssinian 

    Owners who enjoy playing a game of catch will love the Abyssinian breed. Brightly colored and noisy balls, ropes, faux-mice, and spin-machines are perfect tools for interacting with your Abyssinian. They’re considered to be highly intelligent, smarter than most other breeds of felines, and in need of a challenge.

    Like a dog, the Abyssian excels at following commands and learns how to do tricks rather quickly. While you’re at work, these kitties are more than happy to entertain themselves. Just don’t leave them alone for too long, or they’ll make use of toys that belong to you.

    Oriental Shorthair

    If ever there were a cat that could be a best friend to your little ones, it’s the Oriental Shorthair! This especially true for the Harry Potter fans of the family considering how much they resemble the house elf, Doby. 

    This extremely vocal breed has large, fox-like ears that are perfect for a few hours of hide and seek. Like the Bengal, Shorthairs are instinctively inclined to chase anything moving at high speeds. 

    Get a feathered throw toy and watch them go after it again and again. The Oriental Shorthair enjoys the water, and will likely follow you right into the bathtub. Just be careful to dry up any water that ends up in those massive ears!

    The Burmese
    These googly, green-eyed cats behave like an extra shadow. All they want is to be right next to their owner and included in whatever it is they’re up to. Burmese cats are among the most powerful domesticated breeds despite their fluffy appearance.

    That said, these guys are gentle giants. They’re highly social, happily scoping new faces and surroundings. If you plan on taking them outdoors for a walk around the neighborhood or to explore the backyard, keep them leashed! These kitties have their own agenda and will quickly wander away if left unattended.