Did you know a GPS tracking system is a fantastic idea if your pet gets lost? Or if you live on a large, rural property and your dogs roam freely, you can know where they are at any given moment. How about if you go hunting, hiking or some other outdoor activity where your dog would be off its leash?
Some pets are excellent escape artists just waiting to bolt out the front door whenever it's open. In all of these situations, a GPS tracking system would be the ideal answer to a misplaced pet.
This device can be attached very easily to a pet's harness or collar. GPS stands for global positioning system, and it works by picking up signals from cellular towers and satellites as they orbit in space. Some of these devices are so unique they can even supply text and email alerts to notify you of your dog's location.
These devices make sense for any concerned pet owner. Most units will vary in cost and complexity of operation. But it also must be noted that no device such as this should ever or can ever replace the security of a firm leash and a fenced in yard.
They work well for cats too. The only drawback is that if your cat gets trapped in a building or underneath something, the signal may get "hampered" and not be sufficient for you to locate it easily. A GPS tracking system which includes the ability to use signals from cellular towers can produce much more excellent reliability. Look for "A-GPS or Assisted GPS" if you desire this cellular capability. Tracing devices with cellular ability will require a monthly fee just like cell phones.
When buying this device for your cat, be sure to make sure it is for cats. The units for a dog's collar are generally too heavy for a cat's collar. The maximum extra weight on a cat's collar is about 1.5 ounces or 40 grams.
Unlike a GPS tracking system, in both dog and cat radio-transmitter devices, your pet will wear a tiny transmitter attached to the collar. You'll be able to locate your pet with a small handheld receiver.
The beep will be louder nearer the location. The drawback to radio-transmitter devices is their limited range of 100 feet to one mile depending on where you're searching. It stands to reason if the terrain is a wide-open area the signal will be louder and extend further.
To even just operate some radio-transmitter devices, you are even required to get an amateur radio operators license from the FCC. It's easy to see, a GPS tracking system that employs the use of cellular or satellite power is the better choice.
The capability of locating a lost pet was at one time a very costly and technical process. Nowadays, it's easily accessible to anyone who wants to keep their pet as safe and secure as possible.
Whether if is for your pet or for your fleet of vehicles, a gps tracking system helps you stay informed and in the loop with where your possessions are. For more information, visit http://www.tracknetonline.com.
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Cat GPS tracking collars seem like a great idea for keeping tabs on your wandering feline. Outfit a tracking collar with a global positioning device that knows its current location at all times. The GPS device can then periodically send its longitude and latitude position to some base station by simply transmitting it over the cellular phone network. Once received, the location information is uploaded to a website which allows you to monitor your cat's location. Not only is this GPS tracking system a good idea, it's already being used in a variety of ways -- from car navigation systems to locating lost hikers.
However, the typical GPS cat tracking system is difficult to locate -- at least in the United States. The main problem is that GPS technology has not been miniaturized to the point of making GPS cat collars small enough and light enough for most household cats. Domestic cats are simply unable to bear the weight of the current GPS electronics and power supply.
The only websites that advertise GPS cat tracking collars seem to be located in Europe, and those particular European devices are fairly large -- weighing over 90g. Most average sized cats would only be able to carry an 80g tracking collar comfortably.
The other downside to GPS tracking collars, and this goes for both cat tracking collars and dog tracking collars, is that GPS collars typically have monthly fees associated with them. This is because the GPS collars will normally utilize the cellular phone networks for transmitting location information and the cellular networks all have monthly charges. So if you wish to avoid monthly fees you will have to use another type of technology for the cat tracking collar.
One of the best options that I have found is to use a short range radio tracking collar. This kind of tracking collar transmits a periodic beacon signal that is detected by a directional receiver. With the receiver you are able to tell in which direction your cat is located by how strong a signal you are detecting. In addition, as you get closer to the radio collar the beacon signal also gets stronger so you can determine both the relative direction and distance to your cat.
These short range radio cat tracking collars have two distinct advantages over the cat GPS collars. First, because they use free radio frequencies you avoid the monthly cellular network fees used by the GPS systems. Second, the electronics used with these short range devices can be made small and light enough for any domestic cat to wear. The tracking system on the collar only has to beacon a weak signal so the amount of electronics and power requirements are low. These types or cat tracking collars just need a small coin battery for power.
There is one disadvantage to using a radio tracking collar. Unlike the cat GPS locators you would not be able to pinpoint the longitude and latitude of your cat since the radio collar does not transmit any exact location coordinates -- just distance and directional information that you can detect via the relative signal strength with the directional receiver. However, since cats usually do not wander miles away in a short time span -- my cats are usually within a block of my house -- having exact location information to track on a website does not seem as critical in my view.
The other perceived disadvantage of a short range radio cat locator collar is that it will not work over long distances as compared to the GPS collar. That is only partially true. While a GPS collar that is using the cellular network may be able to transmit location information over a longer distance, cellular network systems are also susceptible to interference and signal loss. If your cat should wander into a hole or a cave or some area that is not being serviced by a cellular tower, then the GPS collar would not work.
A short range radio collar would be able to work in much more remote areas and in places where the cellular phone networks cannot reach since the radio collar only needs to transmit as far as the receiver while the GPS cat collar needs to transmit to the nearest cellular tower.
So consider a radio cat collar as a cat tracking device if you cannot find a cat GPS collar that fits your needs and budget.
Ken Harrison owns two cats and they both wear cat tracking collars. See http://www.mycattrackingcollars.com for more pet tracking information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1117827
Every week, about 2,500 dogs and 3,000 cats go missing from their homes in the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, only 17% of dogs and 2% of cats are ever returned to their owners after getting lost. Losing a cat or a dog is a nightmare for a pet owner, as it can take weeks to find a pet, causing emotional stress for the whole family. Fortunately, the technology of today is advanced enough that you can plan ahead for this kind of problem with a pet GPS system.
The same GPS technology that your car uses to give you directions is used to ensure that your pets never get lost. There are a couple of options you have after making the decision to use GPS tracking on your dog or cat. You can choose to get a chip embedded in your pets skin, which requires a brief medical procedure. These chips last for your pet's lifetime and never need to be replaced. If you ever lose your pet, your veterinarian's office will be able to track him or her down.
Another option is to use a household GPS system for your pet. These systems come with a handheld device for you to track your pet with, and a small tag for your pet to wear. The tags for any system are designed to be comfortable and lightweight for your pet, and fit on the collar that he or she already wears. The handheld device will show you a map of where your pet is, or give you other visual and audio clues to tell you where he or she went.
Some systems use technology similar to your vet's office. If you're willing to pay a monthly fee, you can track your pet on your computer or your smart phone. A map of your neighborhood will appear online, and you have the power to set a safety zone for your pet. If your pet ever wanders too far from home, you will get an automatic text message to your phone and e-mail with driving directions leading you right to your pet.
Pet GPS systems are particularly important for hunting and farming dogs. These dogs cover a huge amount of land, and have very specific jobs to do. There are GPS systems specific to hunting dogs that can tell you where your dog is, where your dog has been, and whether your dog is resting or has spotted prey. This kind of information is vital to hunters, and can make the experience more productive and enjoyable.
Make sure that your pet has a collar with all of the correct information in case he or she ever does get lost. Pets without collars drastically reduce their chances of finding their families. With updated information on a collar, and one of the pet GPS systems, you can feel safe and secure knowing that you will always be able to find your pet.
Those who have outdoor cats can use a pet GPS to ensure that their cats make it back inside the house at the end of the day. Those who live in cities can make sure that their dogs haven't roamed far from the apartment. Whether you have house cats or hunting dogs, a GPS system can really protect your investment. With the growing statistics of missing dogs, using a GPS system is a great way to ensure safety and many more enjoyable years with your pets.
Protect your pet today at Pet GPS [http://www.petgpsreviews.com] Reviews. If you own a hunting dog, the best product on the market is the Garmin DC40 [http://www.petgpsreviews.com/garmin_dc_40.html].
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1. Keep your pregnant cat indoors.
Don't expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable of being pregnant of two different litters at the same time. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.
2. Give your kitty the right food.
It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is specially designed to meet the need of pregnant and nursing felines. Vitamin supplements are recommended too.
3. Do not give any medication during pregnancy.
A pregnant cat should get medication only in emergency. The same goes for deworming products, or products against fleas. If she has worms or fleas, first consult your vet.
4. Make your cat a comfortable nest bed.
A box filled with newspaper usually does the trick. Put in a warm sheltered place, preferably a location your cat frequently visits. Make sure all is ready two weeks before birth.
5. Find a home for your kittens - before they are born.
It will give you peace of mind to know where the kittens will go. Finding a home for a kitty can be time consuming. You'll have more time for that before they are born.
6. Use non-clumping litter for her box.
Sometimes cats give birth in the litter box. If a kitten is delivered in clumping litter, the mother kitty might refuse to clean her newborn off as the clump is all over the sac. And the baby drowns in its own fluid.
7. Keep other cats away from her.
You have more than one kitty? Your pregnant cat wants privacy. She doesn't like the company of other cats during this period, even if she knows these cats very well.
8. Buy enough food for your kitty... and you.
You should have no reason to leave your kitty alone on the days before and after birth.
9. Check which vet is available.
Have a piece of paper with the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If there's no such clinic in your area, find out which vet is available for emergency care. One phone call to a local vet is usually enough.
10. Get the right information about cat pregnancy.
Only if you understand what you see and hear, you will be able to recognize complications. Plus... there are many problems you can solve yourself, if you know how. So, do not panic. Get the right information instead.
Marc de Jong is a journalist and long-time cat lover. For his easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidebook How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat - available through http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com - he interviewed several award-winning breeders and specialized vets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/97885
Twenty years ago pet owners settled for a plastic pan with a garbage bag inside as the finest in cat litter boxes. Today, cat litter boxes have been upstaged by beautiful, functional cat litter box furniture, but there are five essentials that will make your relationship with your pet a breeze.
1. Choose a closed functional cabinet-style that can hide your cat's litter box in plain sight. Your guests will never guess that these cabinets contain your animal's "dirty little secret."
2. Invest in good quality cat litter boxes that offer sealed joints and finishes. While the cost may seem higher than you would hope, the seals keep odors from permeating the wood and keeps the joints from separating.
3. Make sure there are hooks and storage in the unit for supplies. It's possible to have hooks to hang scoops and odor control products such as charcoal or baking soda bags and built-in storage for bags so that cleaning is more convenient.
4. Make sure the pan fits snugly in the cabinet. While it may seem like a good idea to have room inside the cabinet around the pan, this leads to litter being kicked out of the pan onto the floor of your cabinet. Units that have a patented, moisture-proof, wooden ledge that extends over the litter pan and keeps excess scratched litter in the pan. Small amounts of litter left on the ledge can be swept back into the pan. The ledge can be washed if accidents occur. A horizontal guard on the front portion of the ledge keeps litter from spilling or falling out the door.
5. Two entrances give your pet a sense of comfort and security because they realized there are two escape routes. These two openings also create a fresh air flow that keeps the cabinet from stinking.
Quality cabinets should offer a decorative element to your home, make your cat more comfortable and help your cleanup and maintenance easier. The initial cost is a consideration, but the pay off will last for the lifetime of your pet.
Barbara Cartun is owner and designer of Feline Furniture ( http://hidytidy.com ). From the original conception in 1998 in a small studio apartment in San Francisco to obtaining a patent and creating a website in 2000, this experience has been a rewarding adventure. Much thought and research went into the design and subsequent production of the Hidy-Tidy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5101429
Cat litter box furniture can be a great way to hide your kitty's toileting area. You can find pieces that offer various functions or are decorative in addition to housing the litter pan. Besides disguising the area, these pieces also give your pet some much-needed privacy when toileting. Several styles are discussed below.
One option is cat furniture that incorporates a hidden toileting spot. These pieces may include scratching posts, perches, sleeping cubbies and more. This can be a great way to give your feline exercise and fun as well as a 'bathroom.' Some models fit into a corner of a room to maximize your space.
Wooden cabinets are a popular style. These look like pieces of furniture, and you can find one to blend in with any room in your home. These cabinets can offer various features including room for a large pan, two pans, and storage space for supplies like scoops and bags. Particularly for someone with limited space, these can be a perfect way to give your feline his or her area without having your bathroom taken over. You can find some styles that are designed so you can place knickknacks on top to further blend in the piece with your decor.
Another possibility are litterbox covers. These have various designs such as a kitty house or carpeted perch with a scratching post and are just placed over the pan. These cleverly hide the area and help to prevent waste from being kicked onto your floor.
You will also find benches which have a door for your pet to access the box, and a lift-off cover for cleaning access. Kitty can use the top as a perch, or you can use the top for temporary storage which would work well in a mudroom area.
Cat litter box furniture is an excellent way to hide unsightly messes and odors. Choose the perfect one for your home from the many available styles. Your kitty will thank you!
Check out our selection of cat litter box furniture at http://www.felineinfo.com/blog
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Typically, litter box or house training your cat is not too difficult. By nature, cats are drawn to use secluded sandy spots as a toilet. Subsequently, most cats will be inclined to use a litter box without much persuasion. However, there are occasions when problems can arise. In those instances, these handy hints will help.
1. Even if you plan on letting your cat roam outdoors, it is still advisable to litter train your kitten, as he, or she, will not be able to go outside until after all vaccinations have been given (2-3 weeks). In addition, for the time that your cat does spend indoors it is a good idea to learn the appropriate place to use as a toilet.
2. With a cat in the house, it is wise not to have potted house plants, as your cat may use the soil in the pot as litter. Subsequently, it is advisable to remove anything that a cat would naturally be drawn to, so his, or her, only option is the litter tray.
3. Choose a litter tray, or box, that is an appropriate size for your kitten, if it is too deep, your cat will be reluctant to climb in, so be sure that it is easy for your cat to get in and out of the litter box.
4. The type of litter is also important, because cats dislike brands that are too coarse and/or scented. It is also wise to avoid clumping brands for a kitten, as kittens are prone to eat litter and clumping brands can be very harmful to a youngster.
5. Position the box in a location that is quiet and is not frequently disturbed by people traffic. Cats and kittens like to find a private spot, so if the litter tray, or box, is somewhere noisy and busy, then your cat or kitten will be reluctant to use it.
6. When you bring a new cat or kitten into the house, it is a good idea to introduce him, or her, to the litter box before you begin training. Allow the cat to sniff the box and become familiar with it. Often, problems in house training arise, because the cat or kitten is fearful of the litter tray.
7. If you have kittens and an adult cat in the house, then the kittens are likely to learn from the adults. However, if there is no adult to demonstrate how to use the litter box, you may need to be a little more vigilant in the first two weeks or so.
8. Unsurprisingly, cats need to use the litter box shortly after eating, so it is wise to place your cat or kitten in or near the litter box after he, or she, has had a meal.
9. Watch for signs that your kitten is looking for a place to go. If your cat begins to use somewhere, other than the litter box, as a toilet, make a sudden loud noise, which will stop the cat in its tracks. Then, simply pick the cat up and place it in the litter box.
10. Cats are creatures of habit, so it will not take long until your kitten is consistently using the litter box. However, owners should be aware that sudden changes in the house, such as moving furniture and new animals or people can disturb a cat's normal routine and he, or she, may decide to stop using the litter box. Therefore, it is wise to introduce any alterations gradually if possible.
Ideally, litter box training should take no longer than a couple of weeks. However, each cat is different and you may find that your cat takes slightly longer to learn.
Samantha Markham is a UK-based professional writer. She is currently creating articles on behalf of Remmeer.com, a high class online supplier of pet products. Visit Remmeer.com for interactive cat & kitten toys and gifts for the cat lover.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3453460
