by: Richard Delgado



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In this issue:





1) "Why Do Cats Purr, and What Does it Mean?"





2) "Self Vaccinating Your Pets"





3) "Moving With Your Pet"





4) "Tell Us What You Think!"







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1) "Why Do Cats Purr, and What Does it Mean?"



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One of the best things about owning a cat (or having

one own you!) is having him or her curl up on your lap

and purr to show contentment. At least that's how most

of us interpret a cat's purr. Because cats make that

rolling, melodic sound - high or low, smooth and

constant, or choppy and rough - when they are

experiencing what we think are pleasant sensations,

such as a tummy rub, we assume they purr when they're

happy.



Most of us have experienced the sounds of cats purring

in relaxing, positive situations, but sometimes, cats

will purr when they are hurt or distressed. Female

cats have been known to purr while giving birth.



There are theories floating out there about the

meaning of a cat's purr, but there are no concrete

facts. Could purring be an expression of happiness, to

comfort themselves or others, or as a form of

communication with other cats and with humans? No one

knows for sure.



With all these unknowns, there is one fact that

studies have revealed - that cats purr in a frequency

range which has shown to promote bone growth and

healing (between 22.4 to 30.2 hertz). So, perhaps cats

purr also to help heal themselves when they are hurt,

or just to keep healthy in general. Elizabeth von

Muggenthaler presented "The Felid Purr: A Healing

Mechanism?" an in-depth look at the purr's healing

power at the 142nd annual Acoustical Society of

America, American Institute of Physics, International

Conference in 2001. You can read this interesting

study at www.animalvoice.com/catpur.htm



Another mystery about cats purring is how they do it.

Doctors and scientists still haven't figured out

exactly how cats make that endearing noise. Some think

that cats purr by vibrating their vocal chords, while

others think it could be the blood vessels.



We may never find out exactly why or how our cats

purr, it certainly won't take away from the joy we

receive when cuddling with them.





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2. "Self Vaccinating Your Pets"



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A normal part of pet ownership today is ensuring

that they get their vaccinations, along with routine

vet checkups. Something I hadn't considered is

vaccinating my pets myself. There are, however,

people who self-vaccinate, so I thought I'd address

the issue.



I have found some information and various opinions

on the subject. Vaccinations and needles are available

for purchase by anyone. There are several online sources

for vaccines and needles. Of course, if purchased and

administered yourself, vaccinations will be less

expensive than going to the vet. Cost seems to be

the main reason some people consider self-vaccinating

their pets.



If you are considering this alternative, you should first

consult your veterinarian. You will also need to get a

prescription from your vet to prove to the retailer that you

are buying these drugs for your pets. You cannot buy vaccines

without this, and your vet's info. The retailer should contact

your vet to confirm this as well.



Talk to him/her about your pet's lifestyle, health, and any

unique needs. You should find out the different vaccines your

pet will need, as well as those that are not necessary. For

example, cats usually receive "core" vaccines which include feline

rabies virus, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline

calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1).



Dogs receive the core vaccines of canine rabies

virus, canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper

virus (CDV), and canine adinovirus-2 (CAV-2). You

can ask your vet to instruct you on how and when to

administer shots and talk about possible side effects

and complications.



Note that in the U.S., all states require rabies

vaccines for all pets. Individual states and cities

may have other requirements that you should investigate.

For example, in Fremont, CA I must obtain a pet

license for each pet. To do that, I have to submit a

rabies certificate signed by a veterinarian.



In making your decision to self-vaccinate or not, you should

consider that your vet not only administers shots, but examines

your pet for overall health. This is something you can't do at

home. As with any health-related topic where your pet is

concerned, learn all you can, consult with your vet, and

make the decision based on what is best for you pet.



If you don't want to self-vaccinate, but find the vet fees too

high, find out if yor vet, any local pet stores, or local humane

society offices offer free or reduced-fee clinics.





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3) "Moving With Your Pet"



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Moving your household from one place to another can be

a frustrating, exhausting, and stressful experience.

There's all the organizing, packing, cleaning,

transporting to deal with, not to mention all the

unexpected surprises that inevitably hit at the

worst times. Having just made a move myself, I know!



If moving is stressful on us, think of how your pets

will feel when you pack up their entire world and

without any say in the matter, get whisked away to a

new, unfamiliar place.



To keep stress to a minimum for your pets and

yourself, here are a few tips. These tips address

moves that are not far and are accomplished by driving

only. In a future newsletter, I'll address moves that

involve going across state lines or even out of the country.



* While you're packing your things for the move try to

keep your pets' areas (food area, litter area,

bedding, etc.) the same for as long as you can. Also

try to keep as much of their daily routines intact.



* Animals can sense your moods and emotions. The

pending move may stress you out, but try to keep a

positive attitude.



* Make sure your pet's identification collar/tags are

up-to-date with your new information. If your pet has

an embedded ID chip, make sure to update the

information with the company that holds your pet's

information as soon as you can.



* If your move takes you away from your usual veterinarian,

be sure to get your pet's records so you can give them to

your new vet.



* When you begin your move, keep your pets' safety in

mind. It's not uncommon for pets to run off when a

door is left open and they are left unattended. If you

need to move in and out with the door open, keep your

pets in a carrier or crate. If your pets aren't used

to being in an enclosure, get them accustomed to it

before moving day.



You can put soft bedding or an item of clothing with

your scent on it into the crate or carrier and leave

it open. Your pet is sure to investigate. You can also

entice them into the space using treats. If they are

used to the crate/carrier being a part of the household,

they won't be as stressed when they have to go into it on

moving day.



* If you're having professional movers help, you might

want to place your pets (in their carriers) in an

empty room and keep the door closed. Make sure

everyone knows not to enter the room so the pets are

kept secure.



* Whether you're moving using your car, a truck, or

van, keep your pets secure in their carriers in the

passenger areas. For dogs that are accustomed to it, a

safety harness can be used instead of a crate. Never

put animals in the trunk of a car, the bed of a truck,

or in the back of a van. And never leave them in the

vehicle.



You've probably heard it many times, but I think it's

important to emphasize how dangerous it is to leave your

pets in a vehicle. The outside temperature may seem okay

to you, but it gets many times hotter inside a vehicle.

Your pets should be the last in before you start driving,

and the first out when you reach your destination.



* Make sure to have your pet's items (toys, food bowl,

litter pan, etc.) in the new place before they arrive.

It will certainly reassure them to see/smell their

items there. Let them explore, but keep an eye on them

to keep them out of trouble! My new kittens had a

great time exploring (more like getting into) the many

boxes in our new home .



* After your move, keep up their daily routines, such

as feeding and exercise, at the usual times. Keeping

some things the same will make your pets feel more at

ease.



* Once you're in your new home, keep an eye on your

pets so they don't slip out an open door. It's all new

to them, so they might get confused when they get

outside alone and try to go back to their old home.





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4) "Tell Us What You Think!"



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We'd love to hear what you think of this issue! This is

just one issue, with much more important information

coming in future months.



Please send your comments, questions, and ideas for

upcoming issues to us at:



rdelgado@thewoofpack.com



Your feedback matters to us!





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Copyright 2007 by The Woof Pack.

All rights reserved.



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