Are you looking for a pet that is more exotic than the typical cat or dog? If you love kitties but you want a pet that will help you really stand out from the crowd, you might be considering getting a wild feline such as a Bobcat. But, before you head out and purchase new feline friend, there are several things you should know about Bobcats and what it takes to properly care for one as a pet.
What is a Bobcat?
Many people that are interested in keeping a larger feline as a pet consider adopting a Bobcat because, while they are wild cats, they are smaller than other wild felines. In fact, male Bobcats typically weigh only 24 to 35 pounds. In addition, they are very attractive cats with either a yellowish-brown or a reddish-brown coat that is streaked dark brown or black. Despite their relatively smaller size, however, it should not be assumed that taking care of a Bobcat is as simple as caring for a domestic kitty.
Is it Legal to Own a Bobcat?
Before you even consider adopting a Bobcat, it is important for you to determine whether or not it is legal for you to own one. Even if your state does not have any laws against owning Bobcats, your county may have regulations in place that restrict the types of pets you can own. In addition, even if it is legal where you live, there may be certain types of paperwork you need to have in place before you can legally own a Bobcat.
Do You Have the Space?
In order to keep your Bobcat healthy, you will need to provide it with plenty of space to roam. Keeping a Bobcat indoors is tricky, as many Bobcat owners say that they spray more often than domestic cats. In addition, due to their size, they have a tendency to be more destructive when they jump up on furniture or play throughout the house. Therefore, it is usually best to build a large outdoor enclosure for your Bobcats to stay in. Or, if you do keep your Bobcats indoors, be prepared for their high activity level and larger size.
Can You Afford to Feed Them?
Although some Bobcat owners do occasionally feed fresh roadkill to their pets, you need to be prepared to frequently purchase plenty of meat for your pets. Many owners feed whole chickens that still contain their feathers to their Bobcats. You should also feed your Bobcat a daily supplement made especially for exotic felines containing the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your pet healthy.
Do You Have Access to a Veterinarian?
Before you bring home a Bobcat, you also need to make certain a qualified veterinarian is located nearby. Remember, not all veterinarians are qualified for working with exotic felines. Therefore, you may have to travel a bit to work with one that will be able to help you keep your Bobcat healthy.
The most important thing to remember is that adopting a Bobcat is a major commitment that can last for up to twenty years. So, while they may beautiful and enchanting creatures, avoid the temptation to make an impulse adoption - be sure you are ready for the commitment before you bring your Bobcat home.
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pet classifieds.
Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CS_Swarens
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Keeping a Pet Tortoise
A growing number of people are deciding to keep tortoises as pets. After all, they are fairly low maintenance and there are about 250 different types to select from. Before you decide to bring a tortoise home as a pet, however, it is important to know what to expect from your pet and how to properly take care of it.
Setting up a Home
One of the first things you need to do before bringing home a pet tortoise is to set up a home for your new pet. First, it is important to remember that tortoises breathe air through lungs, just like humans. Although some may spend a great deal of time in the water, they still need to be able to come to surface in order to breathe are. In addition, they need to be able to come out and soak up some sun. Therefore, if you are keeping your tortoise indoors, you will need to set up an aquarium that offers a place for your pet to take a dip while also providing an area where it can climb and dry out. Many pet shops sell special tortoise aquariums that contain a cross piece of glass that makes it possible to create a dry land area for your pet.
Feeding Your Pet
Feeding a tortoise is actually easier than feeding most other pets, as they can generally go for quite some time without eating. In fact, during the warmer months, a tortoise only needs to be fed about once or twice per week. When it is time to feed your tortoise, however, you should feed finely cut fresh meat in the water rather than on dry land. You should never feed cooked meat to your tortoise and you should remove any uneaten food in order to prevent spoiling.
Hibernating
One special characteristic of tortoises is the fact that they go through a hibernation period that is an important part of their life cycle. During this period of time, their heartbeats slow and their temperature is lowered. While many hibernate in the water and bury themselves in the muddy bottom, others prefer to hide under leaves, bush or sand on the land. Therefore, you need to be certain to provide your tortoise with a place to hibernate within your aquarium. You will need to learn more about the tortoise you have selected in order to determine what type of hibernation area is necessary for your pet.
Handling Your Tortoise
It is important to always handle your tortoise with care. Unfortunately, tortoises are often handled roughly because they do not have an effective method for communicating pain or discomfort. Unlike dogs and cats who can meow, whimper or even bite and claw, the tortoise does not have an effective means of communicating with its owner. Therefore, be certain to always handle your tortoise with care and respect.
By taking the time to properly research your pet before you make a purchase, you will be able to set up a habitat for your tortoise that will allow you to both share a long and enjoyable life together.
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pet classifieds.
Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CS_Swarens
Setting up a Home
One of the first things you need to do before bringing home a pet tortoise is to set up a home for your new pet. First, it is important to remember that tortoises breathe air through lungs, just like humans. Although some may spend a great deal of time in the water, they still need to be able to come to surface in order to breathe are. In addition, they need to be able to come out and soak up some sun. Therefore, if you are keeping your tortoise indoors, you will need to set up an aquarium that offers a place for your pet to take a dip while also providing an area where it can climb and dry out. Many pet shops sell special tortoise aquariums that contain a cross piece of glass that makes it possible to create a dry land area for your pet.
Feeding Your Pet
Feeding a tortoise is actually easier than feeding most other pets, as they can generally go for quite some time without eating. In fact, during the warmer months, a tortoise only needs to be fed about once or twice per week. When it is time to feed your tortoise, however, you should feed finely cut fresh meat in the water rather than on dry land. You should never feed cooked meat to your tortoise and you should remove any uneaten food in order to prevent spoiling.
Hibernating
One special characteristic of tortoises is the fact that they go through a hibernation period that is an important part of their life cycle. During this period of time, their heartbeats slow and their temperature is lowered. While many hibernate in the water and bury themselves in the muddy bottom, others prefer to hide under leaves, bush or sand on the land. Therefore, you need to be certain to provide your tortoise with a place to hibernate within your aquarium. You will need to learn more about the tortoise you have selected in order to determine what type of hibernation area is necessary for your pet.
Handling Your Tortoise
It is important to always handle your tortoise with care. Unfortunately, tortoises are often handled roughly because they do not have an effective method for communicating pain or discomfort. Unlike dogs and cats who can meow, whimper or even bite and claw, the tortoise does not have an effective means of communicating with its owner. Therefore, be certain to always handle your tortoise with care and respect.
By taking the time to properly research your pet before you make a purchase, you will be able to set up a habitat for your tortoise that will allow you to both share a long and enjoyable life together.
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pet classifieds.
Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CS_Swarens
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