Humans: No fur, no paws, no tail. They run away from mice. They never get enough sleep. How can you help but love such an absurd animal? ~ Anonymous cat about humans
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| Photo: ROFL Cat |
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| Photo: Cool Picture Gallery |
Allergies to cats usually come because of cat dander, the actual skin that flakes off of cats. This dander can float in the air for hours, as well as found in bedding, sofas, and rugs. Dander can be a real irritant to those suffering with cat allergies. Another culprit that causes allergies to cats is their saliva and urine. The allergen that cats have in their dander and saliva is a protein. This protein is sticky and can therefore be carried on clothes and anywhere a cat has been present. The cat allergen can even be present up to 6 months after a cat is removed from a home. Read more: What Causes Allergies to Cats? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4914905_what-causes-allergies-cats.html#ixzz1t681trio
The opossum received its name in the early 1600’s from Captain John Smith of the Jamestown colony in Virginia. The name is derived from aposoum, a Virginia Algonquian word meaning ‘white beast.’ The shortened version of this word soon became possum when in the late 1700’s Captain Cook’s botanist Sir Joseph Banks upon seeing an Australian common ringtail possum likened the furry creature to “an animal of the Opossum tribe.” The first recorded reference to the opossum in literature came in 1610 with the publication of A True Declaration of the Estate of the Colonie in Virginia that contains the passage, “There are… Apossouns, in shape like to pigges.” This truncation of the original term may explain why many people are surprised to learn that opossum and possum are in fact two very different marsupial species of the arboreal kind.
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| Possum |
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| Opossum |
Possessing a furry tail, the true possum belongs to the Phalangeridae family within the Marsupialia order and is primarily found in New Guinea, Australia, Indonesia and other islands in the Pacific region. With their signature bare tail, the opossum is North America’s only known marsupial; this means the animal carries its young in a pouch much like the Australian kangaroo. There are many varieties of possums, including Gliders and Cuscus, while the opossum is a more limited species. Both the possum and the opossum are nocturnal, nomadic omnivores and live on an expansive diet that includes insects, frogs, birds, snakes and fruits. The opossum is primarily dark grey in color but some resemble cinnamon, and, as in Heidi’s case, white opossums are known to exist. The possum is primarily grey in color. The possum and the opossum are both hunted animals and possess an instinct to play dead, or “play possum” when threatened.
Whether the sharp-toothed furry critter who rustles around outside your garbage cans at night is a possum or an opossum may simply come down to where you are in the world.
Cats are better than any vice. They're not fattening, dangerous, or expensive. However, they can be addictive.
~ Anonymous
This is a very sweet story coming from the makers of Eukanuba pet food.
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| Euka, Retired VP of K9 Communications |
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| Griffin, New VP of K9 Communications |
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| Photo: Animal Advocates Society |
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| Photo: Fantastic Books |
Because they are hard-wired to do it. Coming from ancient times when dogs traveled outside in packs, they would do this for both comfort and safety. There may have been insects or snakes to scare off before lying down. The walking around action would make their spot more comfortable to lie down on.
Some scientists believe domestic dogs no longer need to do this and that eventually the behavior will be bred out. Nanny is not so sure. Dogs will still lie down outdoors where they may encounter the same risks and, of course, they will want to make their sleeping spot comfortable.
There are two means of refuge from the misery of life - music and cats
~ Albert Schweitzer
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| Albert Schweitzer with one of his cats |
PDSA, a veterinary charity organization in the UK is running a clever version of "Biggest Loser" for pets. The contest is in its seventh year. The 2012 session wrapping up in September. The winner receives a one year supply of pet food and a 2-night stay for the pet and two people at a Four Season's Hotel.
There is a really cute page on PDSA's website that includes a profile on each of the finalists. Pets like Merlin who is 111% overweight.
Kudos to General Motors for presenting this important safety issue and reminder.
The American Pet Products Association estimates that in 2012, Americans will spend more than $52 billion on their pets, including an estimated $20 billion on food and $13 billion on veterinary care.
Here are some money saving tips from a recent Chicago Tribune article "5 Ways to Save on Pet Costs".
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
Gunther von Hagens, creator of the "Body Worlds" exhibits of dead humans, is now presenting a similar exhibition using animal corpses. The exhibit which debuted On April 6, 2012 at the Natural History Museum in London is called "Animals Inside Out". The process used in Body Worlds called plastination was also used to preserve the animals.
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| Photo: National Post |
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