How to Pet a Cat

Petting a cat may sound simple, but people who've never spent much time around cats and children should know the do's and don'ts of approaching and touching a cat. Using too much force or speed, or petting it in the wrong spot can agitate some cats, causing him/her to bite or scratch. A good general guideline is to consider how you would prefer to have a stranger approach you and touch you. If you can make clear to the cat that you are seeking permission to touch it, and that the cat ultimately has control over the interaction, you're much less likely to instigate a negative response from the cat.

1. Let the cat sniff you before you pet him/her, so he/she can become comfortable with you. Extend a hand or finger, and allow the cat a chance to touch its nose to your finger(s). If it shows no interest in your hand, or just stares at it suspiciously, reconsider your intention to pet it. Maybe try some other time when the cat may be in a better mood. Some cats just aren't friendly. However, if the cat sniffs your hand and then rubs its chin or the side of its head against it, or brushes the side of its body on you, chances are he/she is open to being petted.
2. Pet his/her head lightly with your fingers. Focus on the area between or behind the ears. Use the pads of your fingers and apply gentle pressure. While some cats may like to be scratched, it's not a good idea to try it when you're not familiar with cats in general. You might scratch too hard or too fast. Some cats will get fussy if you scratch them in a way they're not used to. It's very hard, however, to go wrong with petting with your fingers. The only other thing to remember is to go from front to back only.
   • While some cats thoroughly enjoy being petted under the chin, others get a little fussy when strangers try.
3. Run the palm of your hand smoothly from the neck and along the back, all the way until you get to the tail, then begin again. Apply gentle pressure and make it a continuous, slow motion. Don't touch the tail, or move your hand along to the side. If the cat likes what you're doing, it'll arch its back to add more pressure to your hand. When you bring your hand back to where you started, the cat may rub its forehead firmly against your hand to encourage you to do it again. If the cat puts its ears back or cowers away from your hand, or just walks away, stop petting it.
   
   • Keep your petting from the head to the tail, and don't switch directions. Don't pat, either. Some cats enjoy it, but some don't, and if you're not used to being around cats, you're better off not experimenting unless you want to risk getting bitten or scratched.
   • You can scratch gently as your bring your hand down along the cat's back, but don't stop at one spot and scratch there. Keep your hand moving. There are cats that like getting scratched right by the tail, but some have a habit of suddenly snapping their teeth at your hand when they've had enough.
4. Stay away from the tummy. When cats are relaxed, they might roll onto their back. Don't always take this as an invitation to rub their tummy, as many cats don't like that at all. Some cats do like it, but they interpret it as an invitation to play. They'll wrap their claws around your hand, bite it, and scratch at it vigorously with their back paws. This is not always an attack; it's how some cats "wrestle". It's not something you ever want to try, though, if you're not comfortable with cats... or you don't want to risk getting your skin bitten of scratched.

Tips

• Some cats meow when they want you to stop, and some meow when they want you to pet harder. Generally, it's a good idea to stop, just in case.

• Purring is not always an indication that a cat is happy, so don't make the mistake of thinking that a purring cat will not snap or bite. Many believe purring to be an indication that a cat is communicating "pay attention to this" and it might be because the cat is happy, but it may also indicate that the cat is annoyed.

Warnings

• if you are wounded due to a serious bite or scratch, wash the affected area thoroughly with an antibacterial soap and apply an antiseptic such as Bacitracin, then seek medical assistance. Deep puncture wounds need medical attention because of the risk of serious infection.
• Children should be closely supervised when petting a cat. They can easily agitate it, causing the cat to bite or scratch. Cats that are friendly to adults are not always friendly to children. Be especially careful that children do not get their face too close a cat.

Source: www.wikihow.com

How to Find the Right Pet

Are you looking for a special pet that is perfect for you? Here are tips to help you find your ideal pet.

1. Browse a variety of humane societies, animal shelters, breed rescue groups, and legitimate adoption sites. You will find many choices -- dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, and rodents and other "pocket pets." If you find a pet that appeals to you, meets your needs, and fits your lifestyle, ask the humane society or rescue group to let you handle the animal if possible.
2. Consider differences between pets.
   • Dogs are one of the most popular pets. Dogs are very intelligent and make good companions. When choosing a dog be sure to select one that fits your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, choose a smaller breed. Remember, large dogs need lots of outdoor space to get the proper exercise. Be prepared to take your dog for walks and to devote time to his care. Dogs also require training. Paper training, crating, and understanding and acceptance of certain household rules are vital if they are to be welcome pets.
   • Cats make terrific pets too, and currently are the most popular pet in the United States, if you go by overall numbers. Cats have the advantage of usually not requiring potty training -- just point them to the cat box and they'll usually do the rest, if you keep the box clean. While cats don't need as much strenuous exercise and don't need to be walked, they do need enough room to explore and stake out territory. They love to climb and investigate hiding spots. Cats can scratch furniture and other household items unless you provide appropriate scratching posts and encourage their use. Unlike popular belief, cats do become bored and lonely if left alone for long periods. If you have room, consider two cats if you must be away from home all day.
   • Animals like gerbils, ferrets and mice also make great pets, but one must remember that they need stimulation as well. Many rodents work well with same-sex (generally female) pairs. If you're thinking about getting a rabbit, make sure you don't let 2 adult male rabbits come in contact with each other. They will likely fight.

Tips

• Consider adopting a pet from a humane society or animal shelter before searching pet shops. By adopting from a shelter, you can help an animal in need, and find a loving pet to with which to share your life. Three to four MILLION animals are euthanized annually because of irresponsible pet owners, backyard breeders, pet shops, and so forth. Save a life.
• If you can't decide on the perfect pet after looking through several places, ask a friend if you can care for his or her pet for a time. Some first-hand experience with an animal may help you make a decision.
• If you like animals, but live in a home or apartment that restricts pets, get a job as a dog walker or offer to care for friends' pets while they are away on business trips or on vacation.
• Check Pet Finders, 1-800-Save-A-Pet, and PetHarbor for pets that are available to be adopted. You can also search Google for a listing of your local animal shelters and rescue groups.
• You can find purebred dogs at your local animal shelter, however, you can also Google the desired breed + "rescue" to find local purebred rescue sites, and adopt a pet that way. Shelter animals usually aren't there for misconduct. Many times, people decide they cannot handle the responsibility, or are moving, or have lost their jobs and can no longer care for their pets. The pets of people who have passed away often end up in shelters as well.
• If you want a pet that requires no care, try a pet rock. Living pets require your time, energy, and patience, and will need regular expenditures for food, health care, treats, and toys.

Warnings

• You or someone in your family may be allergic to some animals. Spend time with the pet before you make a commitment. Make sure all family members who will come in regular contact with the pet do as well.
• You don't want your pet to sit at home alone all day. You need time to properly care for any animal.

Source: www.wikihow.com

How do I add Reactions to my blog?

Adding Reactions is done through the settings page of the Blog Post widget. From the Layout | Page Elements tab, simply click the 'Edit' link under the Blog Post widget and a settings window will pop up.

The Configure Blog Post window will display a handful of options, and the Reactions feature is near the bottom of the list:

To turn on Reactions just select the checkbox, and then you will be able to customize the feature by adding words of your choosing. Finally, you can choose the exact location of Reactions by dragging the widget at the bottom of the Configure Blog Post page:

 

Source: www.google.com

How to Have a Party With Your Pet Rock

If you'd like to play party time with your pet rocks, here are some suggestions. Whether it's your rock's birthday, a rocky Christmas or just a day when you imagine that your rock is in the mood to rave, here's a guide on how to throw the perfect party for your pet rock!

1. Set up a space for your party. Preferably a dollhouse or corner. Take out most of the furniture in the house. (a bed and sofa, tv and stereo you can keep) Pet rocks can't party when they're not in the mood for it.
2. Make a guest list and invite your friends pet rocks. Make sure they are the same gender of your rock, and only invite the nice pet rocks, the hard-partying pet rocks, the popular pet rocks, and the cool pet rocks.
3. Make party hats and balloons. You can make party hats by taking a small piece of paper (1 inch long, and 2 inches tall) and roll it up into a cone. When it is almost rolled up, put tape on the sides so that the cone stays. Color the party hats in decorative and festive colors. Make holes on the sides and put string through. At the party, the guests tie their own hats.
4. Make balloons by blowing up a balloon, popping the balloon, use the small pieces to cut into smaller pieces, and roll it up into a shape of the balloon.
5. Put on rock or pop music. Usually, music by Bratz will be good for the party becuase its happy and fun to dance to, and so are songs like "Buttons" by Pussycat Dolls and "Pon De Replay"
6. Have fun and party until the night is over.

Tips

• Have fun and party!
• If your own friends have pet rocks, you can invite them and their pet rocks too.
• Don't play boring music! It will make the party dreary and boring.

Warnings

• It can be dangerous if you stay up too late!
• Don't throw any rocks. If thrown hard enough, your rock could break, or you sever the bonds you share with him/her. Not only that, but you or something around you could break, or someone could get hurt!

Source: www.wikihow.com

How to Book Your First Holiday Abroad Without Your Parents

This is to help any young-adults out with booking their first holiday abroad without any adult supervision. Rather than get scammed by travel agents because you are young, or end up in a hole in the Costa Del Sol because it was cheap... Read through this guide to booking a holiday and ensuring you have a great time!

1. Decide who is going on this holiday. Is it just you and a friend or a few of you from school/college/work?
2. What kind of holiday are you all after? Is it a celebration because your all leaving school? a chill out week on a beach? clubbing until the sunrise? or seeing some traditional places on a Greek island perhaps?
3. Look at locations. Browse the web for various travel deals.
4. Make sure to answer the following questions before booking a trip:
   • What dates are you able to all go on?
   • Do you want to go for one week or two?
   • Which airports are best for you to ALL fly from?
   • What is everyone’s budget?
5. Go into a travel agent on the high street, or do a search online, and check for availability on the dates you and your party have selected, from your chosen airport, to your chosen destination.
6. If the prices are higher than you thought, remember with the recent increase in fuel prices all tour operators have to charge an additional fuel price.
7. If you get a costing from a travel agent, ask to see the breakdown, then you will know exactly what you are paying for.
8. To save money, take off the resort transfers, flight meals and extra luggage allowance.
9. Also if you are in a big group, don't think that it is essential to stay in a hotel on the main strip, as more often than not these hotels are very noisy and you will get no peace. Check out hotels a few minutes, walk from the nightlife, because then you will have the best of both worlds, and also get to see more of the resort you are staying in.
10. Ask travel agents about group discounts. If there is 3 in a room it should work out cheaper.
11. If it is just you and a friend traveling, ask about low season deals.
12. When you agree a price and pay a deposit, ensure you know exactly what’s included in the price and what isn’t. Do you have travel insurance?
13. Also, when do you have to pay the final balance? how do you do that? Over the phone, in the shop etc.
14. When your holiday is booked, do some research on the internet so you know all the local information, the currency they use in the resort, how long it will take to get from the airport to the resort etc.
15. Ensure you plan in advance, your holiday money as you can always bring it back with you if you don’t spend it all! Travelers Cheque’s are still the safest way of taking money abroad, and a lot of people will advise you to get the Travelers Cheque card that you can use abroad but be aware these are still very new and in a lot of resorts, especially Greece - not widely accepted.
16. To get the most out of your holiday, pick up a brochure and take it with you, then you have all the details you could ever need to hand including all the booking terms and conditions.

Tips

• As soon as you arrive in your resort a representative will meet you at the airport. They will advise you of a welcome meeting which will be essential to ensure you make the most out of your holiday. Not only will they tell you about the hotel and the resort but also about the variety of trips on offer. These will range from beach parties, water sports, cruises, clubbing nights, festivals, foam parties to spa and shopping days! You can trust that if you book trips through your holiday rep that you will get VFM and it will be a genuine event. A lot of resorts in Spain and Greece have young Brits stood on the strip, beach and driving around of scooters offering you discounted event tickets. Please be careful - would you just hand your money over to a stranger in the street in the UK?
• Always take a bank card with you as a back up just in case something unforeseen occurs while you are abroad i.e. lost passport etc.
• Read your notice board in your hotel as it will have lots of information on it that you will find useful including the reps duty hours in your accommodation.

Warnings

• Don't forget to be sure you have got travel insurance!
• Always ask your rep if you have any problems or questions. It is their job to help you!
• Take plenty of money (you don't need to spend it all!)
• Use Travelers Cheques and if you can take a cash / bank card.
• Check you have your passport and it is in date before you book
• Don't trust a good looking random that approaches you on the beach etc trying to sell you something - just politely say no or tell them you have already booked trips through your rep.
• If you are sending postcards home do it on the first day otherwise sign it off "merry Christmas!"
• Make sure you get a safe box in your room and put all your valuables in it
• Never go onto your balcony after you have been out drinking
• Take note of all the pools depth markings and no diving signs
• Drink plenty of bottled water
• Use high factor suncream

 Source: www.wikihow.com