Benefits Of A Good Pet Insurance

The most obvious benefit of pet insurance is that it provides a level of cover for vets' fees should your pet fall ill or have an accident.

But there are other benefits. One of the most important of these is public liability cover - see the Pets and Public Liability link for more on this.

Other benefits may include kennel cover if your pet has to be housed when you are ill; there is also usually cover for advertising and reward if your pet goes missing and you may even get some cover if you want to take your pet abroad.

But pet insurance provides a bewildering choice with 60 or more providers of pet insurance, so what should you look out for to ensure you not only get the best deal but also the best cover?

Here are just a few things to look for...

1. Do you want a Lifetime policy or a policy that will only cover a condition for up to 12 months? The 12 month policy will be cheaper but you'll be on your own if your pet needs treatment for several years if it gets an ongoing condition like diabetes or arthritis
2. What happens when your pet gets older? Will your chosen pet insurer abandon you when your pet reaches 8 or 10 years old or will they continue cover for life? You must find out at the start as you may not be able to get cover elsewhere later.
3. If you want to insure an older pet for the very first time will the pet insurer take you on? There are a few companies which will, including Animal Friends Pet Insurance.
4. If you have several pets will you get multi-pet discounts?
5. If you make a claim will your premiums automatically go up?
6. Can you spread your premium over 12 months with interest free direct debits?
7. Will you be caught by "cheap" introductory offers - e.g. 10 months cover for the price of 12 - only to find you premiums soar in subsequent years?

There’s more to pet insurance than the bottom line premium so do look at the small print or quiz your insurer before you buy!

Cat Care Tips and Advice

Pet Cats can be Just Like People - Learn How to Care For Them Properly

Animals have feelings too! Sometimes when we look at animals we forget that in many ways our pet animals are just like humans. They have emotions, they attach themselves to and love their owners, they communicate with us in ways they know how, they get sick and come down with similar illnesses just as we do - so how can you say "he's just a cat" because they're so much more than that!

Cats have specific needs just like people and for that reason we need to learn how to care for our felines properly and to an extent adapt to their individual requirements. Remember that once you adopt a pet animal and bring them into your home they become part of your family too, so you need to care for them as well as you would any family member.

Cats make great companions and are very lovable and affectionate on their own terms. I have many cats and have always had cats around since I was young. Below are some tips and tricks I have come across over the years that I wanted to share. Some of these I have tried myself and some I just found clever or inventive.

To make it easier to clean your cat's litter tray and litter scoop you can try this trick. After you have thoroughly cleaned the tray and scoop, spray them lightly with cooking spray. Let them air dry for a few minutes and then you can fill the tray with litter. This is a simple solution which makes it easier to clean up after your feline companion.

• If you have a cat that is not eating or being finicky, try changing their food bowl. If you usually feed your cat in a bowl, try using a plate. If a cat brushes her whiskers against anything she will usually back away. This can stop her from wanting to eat out of a bowl. If the problem persists you should take her to your vet to make sure there is nothing medically wrong.
• If your cat seems unwilling to drink you can get a large bowl and drop some marbles or aquarium rocks in the bottom. You then fill it with fresh water. You can also purchase a pet fountain, which comes in handy, especially if you are out a lot. Just remember, cats don't like stagnant water and need fresh water daily to keep them healthy.
• If you want to give your indoor cat a place to climb and scratch, you can use a small sturdy stepladder. You can cover it in Astroturf or with carpet and instantly you have a place where your cat can climb and play. You could also tie a cat toy to a piece of string or rope and attach it to the ladder

Five Essentials for a Happy and Healthy Cat

Although they are more independent creatures than dogs, cats still need lots of love and attention. Your pet cat will need five specific things in order for them to be happy and healthy little creatures. Those things are the following:

• Food
• Water
• Litter box, or free access to outdoors
• Scratching posts or access to a tree or fence
• Playtime

In addition to those very basics, you will need to decide on whether or not you should take out cat insurance for your new feline friend. Make sure that you compare pet insurance policies on a like-for-like basis when trying to decide - the staff at Animal friends Pet Insurance will be pleased to help you out if you are unsure of your needs.

Is Your Cat Going to Be An Indoor Or Outdoor Cat?

Decide whether your cat will be indoors all the time, or a mixture of indoors and outdoors. A cat that lives outdoors may not live as long, especially in rural areas where cats are preyed upon by other animals. Even in the city or built up areas, an outdoor cat runs the risk of being hit by a car, so you may want to reflect for a moment and seriously consider if you want your cat to be an indoor or outdoor cat. Some veterinarians have even stated that if you want your cat to live a long healthy life, plan to keep your cat indoors. On the other hand, outdoor cats will never be wanting for exercise or adventure, and at least will be able to follow their insticts and behave more like a cat would in its natural state.

Whatever you decide, it's important to realise that you are taking on a responsibility in owning a pet animal. Therefore, if you do not have the time to love and give your kitty the attention it deserves than maybe you should hold off the idea of getting a cat and wait until the time is right. Even though you may love cats with all your heart, taking care of a cat is a big responsibility. If you are still unsure, why not volunteer a couple of hours a week at a local rescue centre to get an idea of what is involved when you commit to taking care of an animal?

Cats Can Have Allergies Too!

Research in Scotland has shown that cats can have allergies and or asthma much like humans. Certain irritants such as cigarette smoke, dusty homes and human dandruff can increase inflammation and worsen asthma in cats. Some research has shown that some pedigree oriental breeds such as the Siamese cat, are more prone to respiratory problems than other cats.

Cats with feline asthma syndrome can be made worse by living in a household where people smoke or where there are other potential allergens or irritants. The first study of this kind is being done in Britain and it will involve 50 cats to determine whether bacteria called Mycoplasma, which is found in a person who has asthma is also found in cats with asthma. They are hoping that this research will lead to improved treatments for cats who suffer with coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma.

The three most common types of allergies found in cats include inhalant, food and contact allergies. The inhalant allergy is the most common one. Just like humans a cat can be sensitive to pollen, mold mildew and dust mites in the home.

Cats, like humans, can develop food allergies at any age; they don't have to be born with it. They can develop food allergies from pet food that they have been eating for quite some time. This type of allergy is usually caused by the protein components of foods such as beef, pork, chicken and turkey.

Contact allergy is the least common type found in cats. This type of allergy can be caused by a reaction to a certain substance, such as a flea collar or pet bedding materials. A contact allergy will usually cause a minor skin irritation.

Some warning signs to look for are; itching and scratching, coughing, sneezing or wheezing. Sometimes a cat will develop a runny nose or watery eyes. If you think your cat may be suffering from some sort of allergy you should take them to your vet. Your vet will be able to diagnosis what type of allergy it is and what the treatment should be.

The average lifespan of a healthy indoor cat is 15 years. You might want to consider getting pet insurance on your cat or kitten in case there are any unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to consider getting cat insurance on your feline friend.

Alzheimer's in Cats

According to new research done by scientists cats can suffer from a feline form of Alzheimer's disease. The research was done in universities in Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California. Scientists and researchers already thought cats could be susceptible to dementia because of previous research and studies. The findings of the study have been published in a recent edition of the Journal of Feline Medicine.

This research identified thrick, gritty plaques on the outside of the older animal's brain cells which were similar to those found in humans.They have found a newly discovered protien which will be cruicial in understanding the aging process in cats. This new study shows that a cat's neural system is being compromised in a similar way that is seen in human Alzheimer's sufferers.

This dicovery of the protein associated with Alzheimer's disease can have a significant importance in developing veterinary treatments. There is also increasing evidence that dogs may also develop signs of Alzheimer's and the ongoing research could help in finding beneficial treatments of aging pets.

The shorter lifespan of a cat compared to humans allows researchers to be able to assess the effects of diet, high blood pressure, and medication on the disease. The experts suggest that a good diet, plenty of mental stimulation and companionship can reduce the risk of dementia in both humans and cats.

The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 15 years. You might want to consider getting pet insurance on your cat or kitten in case their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to get consider getting cat insurance on your feline friend.

Dangerous Pets

There has always been a desire amongst some to own an exotic pet. However some exotics can be dangerous and many will require special licences.

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 was originally introduced in response to public concern about the keeping of dangerous pets, especially big cats.  It aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and, to a lesser extent, safeguard the welfare of the animals. That welfare is now covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Licences are required for any animal which appears on a Schedule to the 1976 Act. These are issued by the relevant local authority, and will only be granted when the authority is satisfied that it would not be contrary to public interest on the grounds of safety or nuisance; that the applicant is a suitable person; and the animal's accommodation is adequate and secure.

Where the local authority grant a licence it shall impose conditions on the licence covering issues such as:

• A requirement that the animal be kept only by a person or persons named on the licence;
• Restrictions on the movement of the animal from the premises as specified on the licence; and
• A requirement that the licence holder has a current insurance policy which ensures both licence holders and others against any liability caused by the animal.

The Act does not apply to any dangerous wild animal kept in a zoo; circus; pet shop; or registered scientific establishment which are regulated separately.

Recently (2007) the Schedule to the 1976 Act was changed and some 33 species were taken off it. More details of the new Schedule can be found at the link below:-

• Dangerous Wild Animals

Given the changes, the RSPCA is concerned that more people could buy exotic pets without knowing how to look after them properly and put the animal or themselves at risk. Animals such as raccoons, emus, sloths and squirrel monkeys have been taken off the list. Emus and raccoons for example have special requirements and can inflict serious injury.

Extreme caution should therefore be exercised if considering an exotic, much better to stick with cats and dogs!

Introducing a New Puppy

If you are already the proud owner of a dog, cat, or other pet, and you come across an adorable puppy that you just can't say no to, it can be hard to know how to introduce him to the other animals in your home. Whether your puppy is a shelter rescued pet, or a purchased purebred, you can use the steps below to help your new puppy become comfortable with his new roommates.

Check the Puppy's Health

Before you bring your new puppy home, take him past the vet's surgery, and have a full examination done on him. Make sure that all of his vaccinations are current, and that there aren't any contagious skin problems or fleas that could infect your other pets. Have the puppy de-wormed, and treated for fleas to minimize the risk to your current animals.

Don't forget to take out a pet insurance policy to protect you both against the possibility of illness or injury.

Slowly Introduce Him

Puppies should be introduced into the home very slowly. If you try to force a puppy onto the other pets too quickly, then they may forever shun it. If you have more than one pet already at home, the new puppy should be introduced to one at a time.

Let the new puppy and other pet do whatever they want to get used to each other. This may include sniffing, tail wagging, or even growling and light nipping by the older pet. Supervise them loosely, and intervene only if severe fighting is going on. Do not punish an older dog for growling at the new puppy, or they will associate the new dog with an unhappy experience.

Reassure all of your pets that they are equally loved. Do not ignore older pets while you try to welcome the new puppy, or they will begin to feel neglected. Do not ever leave your puppy unsupervised with the older pets until they are all familiar and used to one another.

Try to spend 10 or 15 minutes a day alone with each of your pets so that they all feel that they are getting your undivided attention, and there will be no jealousy in the home. Try to engage them in games with each other, but use new toys to avoid any protectiveness over new ones.

"Puppy-Proof" Your home

While your puppy is being introduced to the rest of the pets in your home, it may be necessary to keep them in a separate room by themselves. They may also begin to urinate around the home, even if they were previously house trained.

Tidy-up electrical cords, make sure the puppy has plenty of toys in his room, and provide food, water, and a pad for toileting if necessary. At night, keeping a new puppy in a crate may be an effective way of helping them become re-acquainted with house training.

Be Patient

Spend plenty of time with your new puppy, and remember to be patient with him or her. Imagine how you would feel if you were asked to move into a home with a bunch of strangers. Also remain patient with your older pets, as it is normal for them to experience feelings of jealousy. With plenty of love and attention, your new puppy will become another member of the family, and everyone will get along well.

 

Lifetime Pet Insurance Cover

What does Lifetime Pet Insurance cover actually mean?

It doesn’t mean that once you have pet insurance your pet will be covered for life. Some providers who offer “lifetime cover” may not continue to insure an older pet (even one of only 5 or 6 years old if it is a very large breed). So don’t just assume your pet will stay covered when it gets older even if your provider offers “lifetime cover” – ask!

So what does lifetime pet insurance cover mean? It simply means that where your pet gets a condition that may take some years to treat - such as diabetes or arthritis - a "lifetime" policy will cover that condition for more than the first 12 months. Non-lifetime policies will cover a condition for only up to 12 months; after that you have to pay.

Lifetime pet insurance cover deals with this in various ways but they will all renew cover for following years even where a claim has been made as long as the insured continues to pay the premiums.

Some providers offer cover that is limited “per condition per year”. For example if £2000 per condition per year is offered then the pet owner will have £2000 for each condition the pet gets in a year. That cover will renew each year.

Other providers offer a catch-all limit “per year”. For example if £6000 “per year” is offered the owner will have £6000 for all conditions his pet may suffer from in a year; so if the pet gets three conditions then each will have just £2000 cover for that year. The catch-all limit then renews the following year for all conditions and so on.

Finally, other providers offer lifetime cover limited “per condition”. For example Animal Friends’ Prestige Policy offers £40,000 “per condition”. You would then have up to £40,000 for each and every condition your pet gets no matter how many years it takes to use this amount. 3 conditions would mean £120,000 of cover!

Owning a Cat Improves Your Health

Owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by more than a third, according to a recent study. Researchers say that a pet cat helps relieve stress and anxiety as it helps in reducing the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure.

Anybody that has a pet wants to do the best to keep them healthy and happy, and this will normally include providing the best pet insurance possible. In return, your pet is actually helping you to be healthier. Studies have shown that that people who have pets are less likely to become depressed, have better heart health and have fewer allergies. Research has shown that pet owners seem to have better resistance to stress; lower blood pressure and also have higher immunity to certain things.

When a person does anything relaxing or enjoyable this boosts the endorphins and other neurochemicals in a person's body. It also lowers stress chemicals such as norepinephrine and cortisol which can cause a person to not be able to sleep and can cause depression. Therefore, when a person strokes or cuddles with their pet, or walks and plays with them, it helps them to relax and be less stress free.

A Belfast study at Queen's University showed that people who were heart attack patients were 8.6% more likely to be alive one year following a heart attack if they were a pet owner, as opposed to those who did not have pets. It also showed that people who had cats are statistically more likely to survive ten years after a heart attack than those who did not have a cat.

This same study also showed that people who have pets are less likely to catch common illnesses like 'flu. It also showed that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. In men, it showed that owning a pet seemed to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels which are key indicators for heart disease.

There have been many different studies and research done that proves that having a pet will help to relieve stress and to help you stay healthier. If you are interested in getting a pet, you should check your local rescue centres first. If unsure of where to start looking, you could try contacting Cats Protection or The Blue Cross. There are many animals that would love to have a home of their own, and you would also be providing yourself with a loyal companion that will help to keep you happier and healthier.

Owning A Dog Improves Your Health

If you want to lead a healthier and happier life, it’s time you got a dog, a new research suggests. It has generally been accepted that the companionship of a pet can be soothing for you. The new study only fortifies this argument. It recommends a dog as a preferred pet. According to Belfast based Queen’s University experts, who have done the study, dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The expert team has studied several relevant research documents that look at the health gains arising out of pet ownership.

Pet Adoption UK Style

At Animal Friends we like to hear about pets that have been rescued or adopted. Of course we understand why some owners would like to get their pet from a reputable breeder but when you see the sheer volume of pets waiting for new homes at hundreds of rescue centres around the UK you must agree that it’s nice to give a dog or cat a second chance at happiness.

But what should you look for if you choose to get a rescue pet? Every pet you see at a rescue centre should have been assessed to determine the type of home they will need and what their particular tendencies are – bouncy, quiet, old, young – all will be matched to a particular type of potential owner.

As that potential owner you should choose a companion who will match your particular lifestyle and don’t be overambitious; you may like a Great Dane but he wouldn’t be compatible with a small flat! Though no dog should be left for more than a few hours, an older dog might be slightly more tolerant. Young dogs usually require more attention and a puppy will need constant attention for feeding, toileting and training throughout the day. Remember that a lack of proper exercise can lead to behavioural problems. Larger dogs will not always require more exercise than smaller dogs, but they do need more space and the rescue centre will be able to advise you.

The rescue centre procedure will usually involve a short questionnaire and most will arrange to call on you at home to verify your address and to consider the suitability of your home for the pet you have chosen. They will also take into account who is in your household – children, older relatives, etc.

To help with the costs of running a rescue centre most organisations will ask for a contribution from you of between perhaps £70 and £120 when adopting a pet. This will often include providing an ID chip, inoculation and neutering. It often includes a period of free pet insurance cover although many centres will help with veterinary issues up to a few weeks after adoption.

So if you are considering a pet consider adoption; it is a really worthwhile way to help animals and it will give you a wonderful companion for life. There are hundreds of rescue organisations around the UK from the large RSPCA centres to smaller, often breed specialist places – all the information you could need is on the internet.

Pet Health & Diet Basics

What should I feed my pet?

You are what you eat – and the same goes for pets. Everyone would agree that a balanced diet is important. But what does that mean? Maybe that the food contains a sufficient quantity of various essential nutrients to meet the needs of the body. But what if the food has excessive nutrients e.g. too much protein or fat? Is the body able to use the nutrients in the food: i.e. is the food easily digested? Does the food contain substances which are not nutrients e.g. chemical additives or impurities? Does the food suit the animal's system? Many dogs develop intolerance to certain foods.

The pet obesity epidemic shows that many owners are getting things wrong – and under English law it is now a legal duty to ensure your pet is properly fed, too much is as bad as too little.

In a proper balanced diet what goes in equals what comes out. In practice, many pets do not have a balanced diet. In most instances intake is greater than output.

Excess intake can result from:

1. overfeeding
2. incorrect proportions of nutrients, for example too much protein or fat in the diet or too many non-nutrients e.g. colourings, chemicals

Decreased output can result from:

1. insufficient exercise;
2. a warm environment reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain body temperature
3. the organs of elimination (kidneys, intestines, skin, liver and gall bladder) may become less efficient as they become clogged.

Care should be taken over the type of foods too; in the same way that we do not eat raw chicken for example due to risk of food poisoning, similarly we should not feed it to our pets – they too can suffer the symptoms of food poisoning from bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli and Campylobacter.

Raw meat and bones have been known to cause health problems in the animals that eat them, especially young, growing animals, as a result of nutritional imbalance.

Bones can be particularly dangerous as they can get lodged in the food pipe, stomach or bowel which can lead to serious complications. They can also cause inflammation of the digestive system and can fracture the animal’s teeth.

Its basically a matter of common sense – and resist the urge to offer too many treats and remember the phrase “killing with kindness”!