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Time-tested feline fundas
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These less popular animals also make interesting pets
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KITTY PARTY It's play time for two kittens at their owner's house PHOTO: MOHAMMED YOUSUF
Cat, dog or rabbit, the process of adopting a pet can be very exciting for the family. Here are some points to keep in mind before deciding which type of pet other than a dog, you should adopt.
Cats
Cats are distinctly different from dogs and hence people who are used to dogs find it difficult to relate to cats and vice versa. Cats are independent, dignified and aloof in nature when compared to dogs. They can be very affectionate. Unlike dogs, cats do not need exercise, but need a place where they can access ground, scratch and climb.
Cats benefit from daily grooming, which helps keep a healthy coat as well as helps avoid hair around the house. Very clean by nature, the cat will not need cleaning up after, can adjust with a kitty litter box or sand tray as a toilet and comfortably live in a small flat.
Some people are allergic to cats, so please spend some time with a cat before you actually get one to ensure you are not allergic! We recommend all cats be neutered (sterilised) at adulthood for the same reasons as dogs: better health, emotional stability and temperament.
A cat collar which has a special small bell attached on an elastic band is recommended: this does not allow them to hunt local wildlife like small birds, and it snaps looses if the collar gets caught on an object, preventing the cat from strangulating. The pedigree cat makes a beautiful pet, but is delicate like all pedigree dogs, and needs plenty of grooming. Special veterinary care is needed for a number of prone diseases.
The Indian Cat, my personal favourite, is disease resistant and very affectionate. They can have unpredictable nature if abused and hence be careful when choosing a kitten. They are very easy to please and very easy to look after.
Rodents
Hamsters, rats and mice make wonderful pets for children. However, they need plenty of cleaning up after and can multiply profusely. Sterilization of the males is recommended. A number of interesting objects to climb over, under and into can be provided to make their lives more exciting.
Rabbits also make wonderful pets for children. However, they too need plenty of cleaning up after and can multiply profusely. Sterilization of the males is recommended. Rabbits need plenty of space to move around, explore and burrow.
Birds
Unless you have good reason to help an injured, incapable bird, it is best avoided to keep birds in cages. Feeding local bird life, providing them with water and protection during nesting, is a much more satisfying hobby than keeping captive birds. Even the traditional pet parrot or pet peacock is not recommended. They are protected under the Wildlife Act. The only legal bird pets are the captive bred birds of foreign origin. But please be cautioned, in your quest for an exotic bird you could be responsible for the depletion of a wild bird population somewhere in the world. The illegal trade of birds has been responsible for millions of deaths; for each captive bird - 20 have died during capture. If you truly love birds, join the Bird Watchers Society of A.P. and help protect birds.
Fish
Aquarium fish can be fascinating pets. Regular daily cleaning and aerating of the tanks are required. The depth of the aquarium, availability of light and ph balance of the water is important. That fish are trouble free is a myth. It is very sad to see them die as they will most definitely and frequently will.
Turtles and terrapins
These make good pets and are reasonably easy to keep. They need special feeding and a suitably refined environment considering all their needs. They can get eye and respiratory tract disorders and need visits to the vet.
Wildlife
Squirrels, snakes, mongoose, monkeys, star tortoise, etc: These are all protected wildlife and are best left to live naturally in the wild. Wildlife have certain traits of aggression and communicate diseases that make them unsuitable as pets, hence the term wildlife. No moral debate on this, just plain and simple caution about the Law, what is good for you and what is good for the animal.
Till next time, do help an animal.
WITH INPUTS FROM DR.
LAKSHMI RAMANA
For Animal Welfare contact: Blue Cross of Hyderabad 403/9 Road No. 35, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500 033 India Tel: 91-40-23545523, 23544355
www.bluecrosshyd.org
bluecrosshyd@yahoo.com
Working hours: 9am to 5pm
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