Webmap

allpets.com - Watch "petflicks" to learn what happens at a doggie dentist and how a vet spays a rabbit, select the looks and personality of your four-legged soulmate, or visit the "petcyclopedia" to learn vet lingo.

petfinder.org - Search by ZIP code, animal, or breed for adoptable pets like Cooper the black Lab, iggy the iguana, and HoneyPie the potbellied pig. Or track down local shelters.

petlinks.com - Links to sites on wallabies, chinchillas, alpacas, and arachnids plus cats, dogs, birds, and bunnies. Select accessories for your critter of choice find breeders and photographers and learn proper pet care.

dog-play.com - "Neat things to do with your dog," like playing Frisbee, rollerblading, and visiting hospital patients.

virtualpuppy.com - Adopt and name a virtual puppy, then feed her, pet her, and clean up her make-believe mess. When it's time to bid your pretend pup adieu, check her into the kennel. (Personally, I think this is good "rehearsal" for wannabe pet owners. It is also good for kids to practise taking care of pets).

family.go.com/Categories/pets - Teach kids how to interpret Rover's body language and how to pick him up properly. And get tips on taking the family pet on trips and preparing for new puppies, kittens, rabbits, and fish.

Back To Top

Outdoor Cat Meets Match in Mockingbird At Nest Time
from http://www.herald.com

By Roberta Silvershaw
"Critter Tales"

Q. A few years ago, our neighbor moved and left an outside cat. We all felt sorry for him so we began feeding him. Eventually he became tame enough to catch. We had him neutered and continue to provide him with food and shelter in the carport. Here's the problem: Most of the neighbors putout bird feeders. I feel terrible when he catches unsuspecting birds. Lately, there is one bird that actually attacks him when he tries to leave the carport. Is there anything I can do to protect the birds and the cat?

A. Outside cats follow their primitive instincts to hunt and kill prey. That is why it is always best to keep them indoors. Unfortunately, this isn't always an option. Especially when it is an idle cat who has lived outside for a long time. The aggressive bird you are describing is the northern mocking bird. It's scientific name means "mimic of many tongues.". they are the official State Bird of Florida known  for their variety of songs - including barking dogs and meowing cats. The month of  April is within their mating and breeding season. They will fiercely defend their nesting territory. So I would try moving your cat's outside shelter to another location temporarily.

It generally takes two or three weeks for the baby birds to learn how to fly once they have hopped out of the next. Fledgings - as they are called - learn to fly from the ground up. They run or hop on the ground and hide in bushes. They are most vulnerable to cat attacks at this time.

I would suggest putting a bell collar on your cat He might try to reject it at first, but eventually he should get used to it. Make sure it is a safety snap away collar. Add two extra bells to the collar. Cats are extremely clever and will actually synchronize the rhythm of their steps to stop the ring of the bell in order to pounce quietly on their victim. With extra bells,. they cannot do that. The bell collar also will alert neighboring birds at the feeders. Usually the screeching and dive-bombing by frantic parent birds are enough to chase the predator cat away.

(For help or info, call the Pet Aid League at 954 - 463-7729, the Wildlife Care Center at 954 524-4302 or Rascals Wildlife Care Network at 954 7790364)