Pets & Animals Q & A - Page 9

The idea of a wet or dry nose meaning a dog or cat is healthy or ill is a gross over-simplification. The condition of the nose is just an indicator.

A cool dry nose is fine. A hot dry nose may mean a fever.

A cool, moist nose may mean nothing. A cool, wet nose may mean the dog was just in its water dish, or drinking from the toilet. A wet nose with yellow or green drainage is an indication of a sinus or other upper respiratory infection. Generally, if there is drainage from the nose, there will also be indications of drainage from the eyes and/or mouth. All need to be watched.

If the dog is acting normal, is playful and alert, the condition of its nose is likely due to some factor other than its health. If the dog is acting listless, disinterested in its normal activities and out of character, then the condition of its nose is pretty much irrelevant.

Like any other physical indicator, a dog's nose is only one of a series of signs that needs to be monitored to observe the pet's health. By itself, it's just something to sniff with. Taken with other symptoms, it can tell you if the dog needs veterinary attention.

Hi, I have a question regarding cats. Let's see...

We have a four month old tabby kitten named Oliver, he's a very sweet kitty. More play than cuddle though (typical of a kitty) and he's been reallllly wanting to go outside. He copies Sam (our oldest cat). Sam scratched the door then waits, and he's let outside. Oliver's been doing the same, and he's also been known to try to dart out the door.

See, we released two Bengal kittens outside (the person who sold us told us to NOT let them go outside EVER but my mom didn't care and let them go outside.) However Amber never came back, and Tigger, her brother, only returns once a week to eat at 2 AM and leaves. My sister (the kittens were her b-day present) was very upset since Amber was her gift (Tigger came along because he was the last kitten and was kinda sick.)

So, should we let Oliver (also my sister's b-day present) be an outdoor cat too? We live a few minutes away from a town, and we're surrounded by farms and trees, and a lake, and many little houses.

It's just that - after losing Amber and seeing Tigger turning into a wild cat - I'm very unsure if we should let Oliver go outside too. However Oliver does want to go outside and we sometimes carry him outside for a bit, then return inside. I'm just worried he won't come back, or turn into an another Tigger. Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of him returning or at least make indoor cat life better?

Sorry for the huge post, it's just I had to add some background information to explain why I'm so unsure. And thank you for all the help in advance!

Here's a picture of Oliver - and the puppy toy poodle Charlie with him.

quote Keiichi

If Oliver has been neutered, he may stay close and return consistently. If he is an intact Tom, he will likely start to roam.

There's a good deal more than just the roaming aspect to consider, however. Outdoor cats are much more likely to contract diseases. They are also exposed to other animals, many of whom may consider a cat a meal, and others of which consider cats competitors best done away with.

Look at it in this light: Most indoor cats have a life-expectancy in excess of 10 years. Outdoor cats have an average life expectancy of 3 years. Not much of a choice, is it?

Ah I see... thank you for your input. I mean I still feel bad that he can't play in the grass, or explore... but I don't want him to get lost or hurt.

Thanks so much!

There is a lot of information available on ferrets. Most often, the ferrets sold in pet stores are black-footed ferrets. They are similar to cats in intelligence, inquisitiveness and in their capacity for mischief.

Ferrets can be de-scented. Most veterinarians can do this procedure. It is surgical and I believe it costs about the same as spaying/neutering.

Ferrets aren't generally caged. Most people allow them the run of the house, like an indoor cat. They're too large and too active to do well in any kind of practical cage.

Two questions:

1- Does toad urine really give you warts?
2- Are elephants actually "afraid" of or intimidated by mice?

The answer to both questions is no.