Why People Choose to Be Pet Sitters

QueenCity Pet Sitting offers dedicated and experienced pet sitters who love their jobs almost as much as we know you love your pets. If you've ever wondered why someone would choose pet sitting as an occupation, here are a few of the answers we know to be true:
They love animals. The biggest reason our pet sitters at QueenCity Pet Sitting choose to care for pets as an occupation has everything in the world to do with loving animals. It takes a person who really enjoys the job and has respect for animals to be a great pet sitter and do what pet sitters do. What better job than loving on pets and making sure they are well taken care while their people are out? Real animal lovers agree, this job is nothing if not personally fulfilling.

They see the need. Because they love pets, our pet sitters at QueenCity Pet Sitting really understand the need for dependable people who are trained to care for the pets other people love and to provide attention to those animals when pet parents aren't around. It's just not as good for a pet to be left boarded in an unfamiliar place with little human interaction, and we understand that completely.
They like the flexibility and they enjoy the duties. This isn't an office job, and pet sitters never have two days that are exactly the same! There's a lot to be said for a job that lets you play in park with a friendly pup and enjoy the company of a cat that loves to curl up on your lap and nap. It feels good to know you're taking good care of someone else's beloved pet and that you're offering those folks some peace of mind, too.
People become pet sitters for lots and lots of reasons, and at QueenCity Pet Sitting, we believe that we have some of the very best pet sitters on the planet, ready and able to care for the pets you love! Get to know our sitters and you'll love what they do for you and you pet as much as they enjoy doing it!

Tips For Choosing The Right Pet Cat Breed For You

Choosing a new pet is not an easy task. Whoever told you otherwise is lying. In fact, the hardest part about getting a new pet is choosing it. And this is true, whether you are getting a dog or a cat.

Pet cats are always so delightful to keep. But like people, not all cats are the same. There are several different cat breeds in the world and not all of them may suit you. That is why it is important that you exercise great care and discrimination when choosing cat breeds that are right for you. But how? You might find yourself asking. Especially with so many cat breeds around. They all look so adorable; if you were allowed and if you could afford it, you'd take them all!

Pedigree Cat Breeds

If you like to frequent cat shows or window shop at at the local pet store, then you have probably seen your fair share of cat breeds. Himalayan, ragdoll, Persian, Russian blue, manx, Maine coon – hey, maybe you’ve seen it all! – and now, you are quietly telling yourself that you have already chosen the cat breeds that are close to your heart.

But hold on for one moment. You need to know something very important about "purebred" cats. First, all breeds of cats have, at one time or another, developed genetic defects that increased the likelihood of them contracting certain genetic disorders and diseases.

Cat breeders with years of experience in cat genetics have tried to develop healthy breeding stocks in order to stop the transmission of any more defective genes. Unfortunately, not all cat breeders are very concerned about their cats' genetic background. That's why there are still many cat breeds out there that carry the defective gene inherent in their breeds.

So what does this mean for cat lovers like you? Well, just be careful when choosing cat breeds and from which breeder you've decided to get it from. We always recommend getting your new cat from a breeder instead of your regular, run-of-the-mill pet store. With a breeder, it is easier for you to find out more about the cat's background, its pedigree, and history.

Check Out The Cats Personality

After checking out your cat's pedigree, the next important consideration is its personality. Often, a cat's temperament is reflected by its particular breed. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, you have to observe the cat yourself in order to determine its type of personality.

Bring along some cat toys with you when you go to a cat breeder's kennel to check out the new litter. How the cat reacts to the toy will help you see how playful a pet it's going to be. It will also help you find out how the cat reacts to strangers, whether it is naturally friendly or wary to the point of shy.

You can also try playing with the cat yourself. If it is a kitten, you can ask the cat breeder to take it away from its mother and the rest of its litter mates. This way, you can play with the kitten while evaluating its interest level.

Maintenance Of Certain Cat Breeds

Last on the list of basic concerns in choosing cat breeds is the level of maintenance you'll be dealing with. Long-haired cats obviously are more high-maintenance than its short-haired counterparts. You'll need to at least bath them once a week and brush their long manes frequently. If you have a lot of time in your hands, then you'll have no problem. However, if you are busy with work, then you'll be better off with a short-haired, low-maintenance cat.

There Are 5 DIY Tips To Help You Save On Pet Care Expenses

It is a tough time with the economy and spending for pet care is now considered as a luxury. You can save big bucks by following some practical tips that can cut your spending on pet care.

Here are 5 DIY and practical tips to help pet owners in tight budget save on pet care expenses:

1. Visit your pet's vet regularly – Visiting your vet once or twice a year for your pets check up can actually save you from further expenses. By having your pets checked up regularly you can prevent serious illness like heart problems, joint pains and diabetes. Treatments and cures for serious diseases like heart ailments and diabetes are expensive that is why it is much more practical to have a regular visit to the vets than going to the vets when major illness arises.

2. Keep your pets away from accidents – Keeping your pets indoors like your cats and putting your dog on a leash when walking outdoors can save you from expenses in treatment from accidents. Letting your pets out without supervision can lead to poisoning and road accidents, these types of accidents require medications and sometimes lifetime treatment especially for road accidents.

3. Keep your pets healthy – Proper diet to your pets will save you lots of money from going to the vets for sickness like diarrhea, allergies and heart problems. We should be careful when giving left over foods or table foods to our pets for it may contain some ingredients that are considered toxins to some pets. Garlic are bad for cats for they contain chemicals that are toxic to them and chocolates can cause hypertension to dogs so be careful from tossing snack foods to your pets.

4. Do it yourself grooming – You can do some basic grooming like trimming the nails and the furs and you can get some useful guides from manuals and tutorials in the net. There are also youtube videos about properly and safely grooming your pets like bathing, brushing the fur and teeth.

5. Shop wisely – Pet maintenance can be expensive too like pet foods, collars and toys. You can actually save by comparing pet foods and reading the label – some dog foods have the same nutrients but differs in price. You can also save by buying bulk and also be careful with the brands for some pet foods uses low quality ingredients and loads it up with sugar so that your dogs and cats will like it. You can also try shopping in the net and use coupon codes to get discounts.

The Meaning Of The Noises That Chinchillas Make

It is obvious that animals don't really talk, but they know how to communicate with each other. There is something strange about the way same animals look at each other that they immediately got the state of mind of their fellow. Animals communicate to other mammals through noises; and the sounds they make may sometimes help to grab attention from their owner. Both cats and dogs have different ways to communicate with their owners; dogs bark if they sense a threat and cats meow if they need to be fed NOW. Through actions, pets were able to express their affection. It is simply the sounds that you should be wary of.
Chinchillas are not your typical pet but it is ideal that you recognize what noises they make and what emotions are attached to them. Noise such as grunting is the most common sound which chinchilla are used to making. This might be the only "normal" sound they can create on an ordinary day. Here are a few chinchilla noises, both usual and unusual.

Grunts: Chinchillas often make this sound in many different ways  to express their special feelings.For example, for chinchilla to grab the attention and affection of their owner, they tend to make a series of grunts. A chinchilla grunt is quite similar to a cat's purring noise or a high pitched half-squeal half-whisper that a dog makes every time it is trying to say ‘sorry'. If a chinchilla makes a hoarser grunt it may be because he wants to call the attention of its owner, another pet chinchilla or other pets and animals in the vicinity.
Shrill: A shrill will be made if a chinchilla feel frightened or bullied. They can either make a series of shrills or they can just throw in one big burst. In the wild, chinchillas alert their fellow "chins" about an incoming predator by making this noise. Chinchillas inside the cage may make this sound if they find a different animal coming near to them; especially if the approaching animal is a big threat to them. This sound can be likened to a hiss that a cat makes when it is in a do-or-die situation. If you hear your chinchillas shrilling, you don't have to wait another time to come for their rescue – no matter what the reason is.
Chattering Teeth: This does not simply say that you need to get the teeth of your little pet trimmed. When a chinchilla feels so annoyed and upset, they tend to create this noise. Like for example, a chinchilla trying to steal his fellow's food; their responses will create such noise. This is usually observed if chinchillas are living in the same cage. Chinchillas have a sense of privacy, and violation of their privacy can be the main reason of this noise.
Other chinchilla noises need not to be described. For instance, if a chinchilla is in trouble or in pain, they have the tendency of making a series of loud squeaks. Chinchillas will make a different grunt once it is picked up by an outsider; signifying that he doesn't like it. Most owners find these noises annoying; so if you hear your chinchillas making these noises, better leave them alone for a moment.

A Group Of Meerkats Is Called A Mob, Gang Or Clan

Meerkats are small mammals and members of the mongoose family. They live in all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and South Africa.
A group of meerkats is called a mob, gang or clan. A meerkat clan often contains about 20 meerkats, but some super-families have 50 or more members.

They are very social and like to reinforce their bonds by regularly grooming other gang members.

Meerkats at adulthood will grow to a standing height of 12 inches (30 centimeters) and weigh around 2 lbs. (750-820 grams). A pregnant female will weigh around 2.8 lb. (1.1 kilos). Their legs are short and their bodies are long and thin. Their tails are also long and thin with a dark tip. The reason for the dark tip is to identify other gang members while foraging for food. Meerkats forage for food with their tails in an upright position enabling them to easily identify their fellow gang members. Meerkats reach sexual maturity at 10 months and adulthood at 11 months. Both males and females share similar physical traits such as short hair and gray or tan markings.

The markings on their backs are unique and no two are the same. They have dark brown or black bands around their eyes. Their ears are tipped with black or dark brown. They have dark bands on their sides and back. Their faces and throat are predominately a shade of white. There are four digits on each foot with very sharp non-retractile claws which are curved. They use their claws to dig their burrows. Meerkats also have the unique ability to close their ears, this is to keep dirt out while they burrow, which they do quite often.

Meerkat groups utilize several different burrows and move from one to another. Each burrow is an extensive tunnel-and-room system that remains cool even under the broiling African sun. Females give birth to two to four young each year in one of the group's burrows. Fathers and siblings help to raise meerkat young, teaching them to play and forage and alerting them to the ever present danger from above. Young meerkats are so fearful of predatory birds that even airplanes will send them diving for cover.

An important daily activity for meerkats is searching or foraging for food, which means that they require large open spaces and plenty of physical activity. CAPS has investigated meerkat breeders and dealers in the UK and found poor conditions, such as a small enclosure in a pet shop and a cage in the hallway of a private home (see video below).

A private dealer visited by CAPS investigators kept an adult pair in a conservatory with a tiled floor and no access to outdoors. Babies were removed early to ensure the female bred again and at just 5 ½ weeks old were being sold for £600 each.

In the wild, pups begin to travel with the group on foraging bouts at 4 weeks of age, and for the first three months are fed by the helpers, whilst also being taught how to catch their own food. Early separation in captivity between mother and young can lead to behavioural problems for the pups later on.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs Have Powerful Scent Glands

Lemurs are primates found only on the African island of Madagascar and some tiny neighboring islands. Because of its geographic isolation, Madagascar is home to many amazing animals found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs may have floated there eons ago on "rafts" of vegetation and evolved in isolation over countless centuries.
　　
All lemur species today are endangered due to the rapid destruction of their forest habitat for agricultural development, cattle grazing, and human settlement.
　　

They, like their primate cousinsize="3"s the monkeys and apes, have binocular forward vision, but must turn their heads to see ahead because their eyes have limited movement in the socket. This gives them a wide-eyed, staring aspect that sometimes startles viewers.
　　
The word Lemur comes from old Latin, and refers to ghosts or spirits. The staring eyes, haunting sounds, and nocturnal ways of the lemur inspired early observers to think of them as ghosts or forest spirits.
　　
The Ring-tailed lemur's coat is black gray, the limbs and belly lighter, and the extremities white. Their are rings about the eyes, the muzzle is black, the tail is banded black and white.
　　
The only place where members of the Superfamily Lemuroidea, including ring-tailed lemurs, can be found in the wild is Madagascar. Situated to the southeast of Africa and separated from the continent by the 800 km-wide (497 mi) Mozambique Channel, the island of Madagascar is in the Indian Ocean and is the fourth largest island in the world (Swindler 2002). Ring-tailed lemurs are restricted to the south and southwestern portion of the island, reaching a northern limit near the town of Morondava on the west coast and the town of Ambalavao in the east. The southeastern limit is the town of Tolagnaro on the southern coast (Mittermeier et al. 1994; Jolly 2003). Ring-tailed lemurs are found in the vicinity of nine forests: Andohahela, Andringitra, Ankilitelo, Berenty, Beza Mahafaly, Isalo, Tsimanampetsotsa, Tsirave, and Zombitse (Godfrey et al. 1998).
　　
Ring-tailed lemurs have also been introduced to the United States on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia as part of a project to establish a free-ranging, breeding population that could be studied and in the future could potentially serve as a source to restock parks in Madagascar (Iaderosa & Lessnau 1995).
　　
Most field studies of ring-tailed lemurs have been conducted at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve and Berenty Private Reserve, a family-owned forest set aside in the 1940s (Sauther et al. 1999). They have also been studied at Andringitra National Park, Isalo National Park, and Andohahela Nature Reserve (Mittermeier et al. 1994). One particularly notable field researcher, Alison Jolly, has been conducting long-term ecological and behavioral research on ring-tailed lemurs at Berenty since the early 1960s and has contributed greatly to the knowledge of wild ring-tailed lemurs.

Long-term studies have also been ongoing at Beza Mahafaly most notably conducted by Robert Sussman, Lisa Gould, and Michelle Sauther. Captive research has been conducted at the Duke University Primate Center in North Carolina since the mid-1980s and also has provided invaluable information about the species (Sauther et al. 1999).
　　
Research on competition for resources between Verreaux's sifaka and ring-tailed lemurs reveals that there is little direct competition for food, even during the dry season when resources are limited. Though they naturally have overlapping ranges in other parts of Madagascar, at Berenty Private Reserve, brown lemurs were introduced in 1975 and they now compete with ring-tailed lemurs for access to food. The two species have high dietary overlap at Berenty and likely compete for similar foods during times of scarcity.
　　They communicate with short grunting sounds as a contact call within the troop, sometimes followed with a quick bark.