Cats are "top dogs" in U.S. homes.  "In early 2003, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, a non-profit pet industry organization, released its 2003/2004 National Pet Owners Survey results.  According to the survey, felines numbered 77.7 million in 2002 while dogs ran second - and panting - at 65 million.  Data also included a variety of other pets: 16.8 million small animals, 17.3 million birds, 8.8 million reptiles, 7 million saltwater fish and 185 million freshwater fish. The survey points out that nearly 66 million U.S. homes had pets of some kind.  A decade ago, 54 million households had furry friends. . . . The National Pet Owner's Survey is generally believed to be the industry's most comprehensive consumer research study.  Conducted bi-annually, it considers demographics, buying habits and other traits of U.S. pet owners."  From the survey, 7 of 10 fish owners have fish to create a relaxing environment and help alleviate stress; the most pet birds are found in homes in the Southern and Western parts of the U.S.; one-third of small animal owners consider their pets as children or family members; "companionship, love, company and affection along with fun to have in a household are the top benefits associated with pet ownership".  -- San Antonio Express-News, S.A. Life section, March 24, 2003

Cat Toys/Interactive Play One thing to keep in mind: cats need interactive play, for mental stimulation and physical exercise. Your cat may be aggressive due to lack of exercise or boredom. Check out Go-Cat - this company has inexpensive and unique cat toys that allow you to engage in play with your feline friend. Interactive play is important to keeping our cats happy and emotionally balanced. Their most popular toy, “Da Bird”, is a great favorite of my cat Miss Cali (she’s a “bed potato” so getting her interested in this toy and having her play with me and it has been wonderful!) This is a great place to shop for your cat toys, see www.go-cat.com. They also have videos that will keep your cat entertained for hours!

Animals Home Alert Wallet Card  Here's where you can order cards to keep in your wallet which notify people that you have animals at home in case you're in an accident. Keep one in the glove compartment and/or cell phone case too. It says Alert! Animals home alone - and gives your address, the phone number of 2 friends to contact, your vet, and then the names and details of each of your pets. Make sure your friends have keys to your home. Keep care instructions for the animals posted on your refrigerator so whomever is taking care of them in an emergency will know what to do, and be sure to include any medications they may be taking as well as any allergies or health issues the person needs to be aware of. http://animalshomealone.com/

Pet Friendly Hotels See www.petswelcome.com

Pet Names http://www.cat-dog-names.com Suggestions for naming your new or newly adopted pet. Cat and dog names based on color, gender, country of origin and other categories.

CLEAN WITH NATURAL PRODUCTS! See www.88stink.com or www.odorzout.com for OdorzOut, an all natural odor remover. See www.folex.net to read about Folex, a non-toxic stain cleaning product.

USE NATURAL GROOMING PRODUCTS! Furfection, Inc. Pamela Madden is the owner of Furfection, Inc., maker of Furfection Naturals pet grooming products. Her shampoos and conditioner are sold only through her website, along with other unique items for pets and their owners. I was especially pleased with the quality of these natural grooming products for cats and dogs, and Pamela did a ton of research and worked with a veterinarian to make sure her products were safe, contained soothing ingredients, and were beneficial to the pet's skin and coat. She had people use the products and give her feedback before she offered them to the public, so you know they're pet-safe and owner approved! Visit www.furfection.com or call 650-625-0607. Read the transcript of my Animal Corner interview of her at http://www.furfection.com/pages.php?pageid=41.

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Thanks so much for visiting my site! I hope you've enjoyed reading through it as much as I enjoyed preparing it. If you have information which would be helpful to others about holistic animal care or animal communication, just read a fabulous book, want to share a link or list that you've found helpful and informative, if you know the author of any of the "author unknown" poems and writings, or anything else you'd like to share related to animal care and animal communication, I'd love to hear it.  You can include that information on the Guestpage or drop me a note at kat@katberard.com.

Here's wishing you and your animal companions the very best and many blessings on your Journeys!

 Namaste,

Kat