The Bombay breed is perfect for cat-lovers who secretly want to own an affectionate panther. Copper-eyed, black and short-haired, this cat has the exotic appearance of a tiny, black leopard. In fact, the breed derives its name from the Indian city of Bombay, which is also considered the land of the black leopard.
Physical Characteristics
Curiously, this well-built, medium-sized cat looks rather mundane as a kitten. The Bombay does not develop its lustrous, satin-like black coat, stunning gold eyes, and other exotic characteristics until after the fourth month.
Personality and Temperament
Bombay cats get along well with children and prefer to be around humans. In fact, not only will it display affection and attach itself to one particular member of the family, but to all members. However, it will only call for attention in a gentle and polite way, without being troublesome. This intelligent cat also enjoys playing and exploring.
History and Background
The late Nikki Horner, an American breeder, is credited for creating the first Bombay in the late '50s. Her objective was to breed a cat which looked like a miniature panther, with a glossy black coat and yellow eyes. However, she wanted the cat to have certain characteristics of the Burmese.
Although her first attempt at crossing Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs were unsuccessful, she continued to persevere. Eventually Horner succeeded when she crossed a black American Shorthair male, endowed with rich eye color, with a champion Burmese.
To her dismay, Horner found that the various Cat Associations showed reluctance in accepting her creation, and was denied Championship status. But Homer persisted in her efforts and in 1976 the cat was finally registered by the Cat Fancier's Association. After almost 18 years of struggle, the breed was allowed to compete in the Championship Classes on May 1, 1986.
Though this breed is not easily available, the Bombay has found favor with many people and has a steady fan following.
Many pet parents usually don’t give a second thought about what they are feeding their pets . . . that is until we all hear about a recall in the news. We check to see if our pet food is on the list, and when it’s not, we breathe a sigh of relief. Don't you think it’s time that we stop burying our heads in the sand and hoping there isn’t something wrong with our pet food, and instead start ensuring that something is right with it?!
Have you ever read the label on your pet's food or treats? Not just a glance . . . I mean REALLY read the label from start to finish?! What are some of the ingredients? Wheat or Wheat Gluten? Corn or Corn Gluten? Bone or By-Product Meal? Artificial Colors and Flavors? BHA and / or BHT? Propylene Glycol? Do you even know what half of these ingredients are, or what harm they can cause to your pets?!
Wheat and corn can contain aflatoxin, which is a fungal toxin that commonly contaminates maize and other types of crops during production, harvest, storage or processing. Wheat and corn are also highly indigestible for most pets and can cause great stress on their digestive systems, as well as their kidneys. These grains are also the cause of food allergies in many of our precious pets.
Bone meal and by-product meal tend to keep us guessing as to which animal they may come from. What if your pet has a beef allergy, yet the food or treat label is non-specific as to which animal these "meals" or "by-products" came from. Do you really want to take that chance?
The same thing goes for artificial coloring, which has no nutritional value and is designed specifically as visual marketing to pet parents . . . not to the pets! And, did you know that the dyes that are used have not been subject to testing for safety? The most common ones are Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #40, Blue #1 and Blue #2, which have been known to be contaminated with cancer-causing substances and may even cause death, as these additives are toxic to our pets. The discussion regarding their lack of nutritional value, as well as their potential hazards has been swirling about for years, yet no one has done anything about banning these substances from your pet's food, or from our own foods, for that matter.
BHT / BHA are NOT natural preservatives and can also cause health problems in your pets, as can Propylene Glycol, which is better known as the key component in newer automotive antifreeze. Why are using a known toxic substance to preserve moisture in our dog's food and treats? It has already been shown to cause anemia in cats, and has been banned by the FDA for use in cat food and treats.
Did you know that there have been more than 110 FDA recalls since 2007?
Check to see if your pet's food or treats have been recalled on the FDA website by logging on here:
http://www.fda.gov/animalVeterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm
Keeping our fur kids safe begins with giving them the best food and treats possible ~ Natural, NEVER RECALLED . . . Corn & Wheat-Free, No GMOs, Gluten-Free, NO Artificial Colors or Flavors . . . just real food with vital nutrients prepared under the highest standards.
If you're ready to stop taking chances with your pet's health (and possibly your pet's life), then shop our line of premium pet food, treats, nutritional supplements, and pet care products. If you could feed your pets premium pet foods & treats that will provide them with abundant nutrition, and may help ensure longer, healthier lives for your precious fur kids for about the same or less than you are currently spending on food & treats, why wouldn't you? Safety is our primary objective! When it comes to product safety and quality ingredients, we don't do shortcuts. In fact, we act as if your pet's life depends on us.
Request samples, ask questions, and learn more about true premium nutrition for your furkids by visiting our website ~ http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com
You'll be so glad you did . . . and, so will your pets!
Life's Abundance . . . paving new roads to wellness every day!
Country of Origin: Australia
Height: Males 18 ~ 20 inches, females 17 ~ 19 inches
Weight: 33 ~ 50 pounds
Coat: Smooth double coat with close, straight, hard, weather-resistant outercoat and short, dense undercoat
Colors: Blue (solid or with markings), red speckle
Other Names: Australian Heeler; Blue Heeler; Hall’s Heeler; Queensland Heeler; Red Heeler
ORIGIN AND HISTORY ~ This breed was developed to work alongside the cattlemen of Australia. Derived through intensive and careful crossbreeding over a 60-year period, the Australian Cattle Dog was the result of the deliberate introduction of various breeds ~ including the Dingo, Australian Kelpie, and Blue Smooth Highland Collie ~ to serve specific purposes. He came to be because imported herding dogs were not capable of controlling the tough cattle on long treks to market. The Australian Cattle Dog, on the other hand, could move livestock over any terrain and in almost any weather.
PERSONALITY PROFILE ~ The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely intelligent, courageous, and ever alert ~ he is always “on duty.” These dogs are described as having two speeds: extremely fast and comatose. They take things seriously, have a high prey drive, consider themselves almost indestructible, and consider their “person” the center of their universe.
CARE REQUIREMENTS ~ Exercise: This is a breed that can go all day and that truly needs a job. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, the Australian Cattle Dog will direct his vast reserves of energy into potentially destructive and harmful pursuits.
Grooming: Regular brushing is necessary to keep his dense undercoat in check and particularly when he blows his coat, but the Australian Cattle Dog is a fairly wash-and-wear breed.
Life Span: The average life span of the Australian Cattle Dog is 10 to 13 years.
Training: Alert and intelligent, the Australian Cattle Dog is a quick study. The greatest challenge to his owner is keeping him from becoming bored, as he is equally eager to learn and to please. His strong prey drive must be tempered with training, or it can get him into trouble when he wants to chase cars, animals, and even people.
When you can’t take your pet along with you, a pet sitter can care for your pet(s) temporarily. Naturally, it’s important to share all the necessary information
about your pet with your sitter ~ but what information is that? You might notice that taking care of your pet has become so habitual; all you can come up with is the vet’s phone number! The following checklist can help you remember the important information that will assure that your pet gets the best care in any contingency.
DIET
It’s tempting just to say, “Oh ~ just give him a couple of handfuls of this stuff twice a day.” Instead, help out your pet sitter by sharing information that will make the transition easier for both human and pet(s), such as:
* Typical feeding schedule
* What your pet eats, and how much
* Foods your pets are allergic to or intolerant of
* Where in the house your pets are accustomed to eating
* Which feeding dishes to use.
HEALTH ISSUES
Naturally, you’ll tell the pet sitter any immediate major health issues that need attending to. But also list your pet's age, previous health problems and all current medical conditions, such as hearing difficulties, allergies, heart problems, etc. Make sure the pet sitter understands what they mean in terms of special care requirements. For instance, a diabetic dog might need to be let out more frequently than a non-diabetic dog, or that your kitty might race for the door every time someone enters, which, when you have an indoor kitty, is not what you want happening. Note for the pet sitter what symptoms and problems to watch out for and what to do for each.
MEDICATIONS
Even if the pet sitter is only watching your pet for a short period of time, it’s a good idea to give him or her detailed information about the medicines and supplements prescribed to your pet ~ plans do change, after all. Note the names and locations of all prescribed medications as well as dosages, drug interactions, and the times to administer them. Also important is how to give the medicine: Does your dog only take her pill with a particular food? Will there be injections for your cat? You get the idea! More is better when it comes to necessary information!
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
In the event that something goes wrong or the pet sitter merely has a question, list neatly and legibly all the following names, phone numbers, locations, and email addresses:
1. Your name, cell phone number, email address, and land line number if applicable
2. The name and phone number of your pet's regular veterinarian
3. The name and phone number of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital, if applicable. (Our vet does not handle emergencies, however they refer to another vet nearby).
WALKING
Walking dogs may be a pet sitter’s specialty, but a good pet sitter knows that each dog is different and each day is different. Let the dog sitter know how often you walk your dog, how long each walk is, and how far. Will bodies of water be a swimming temptation? Is the dog likely to pull on the harness or lead? Share general information like how much exercise your dog needs and how he reacts to other dogs, to animals, and to kids. Also, share concrete details such as:
* Which harness to use, and how;
* Is any weather protection necessary? (Our dog refused to go out in wet / snowy weather without boots and a raincoat or sweater, as he did not like wet feets or fur!);
* The preferred walking route.
PLAY TIME
Ask how the time increments work with your pet sitter. Our pet sitter gives us the option of a 20-minute visit for a cat at a slight discount, or a 30-minute visit for a dog, or other increments of 45 minutes for multiple pets, or an hour if additional time is needed. We can mix and match these blocks of time as needed, which makes it nice flexibility-wise. Your dog may require some extra attention. Or, you may wish to have your pet sitter play with kitty for awhile. Some pet sitters will even bring in your mail, clean up any accidents your pets may have, water your plants, and even rotate your lights (on and off) to give the appearance of someone being home. We sometimes leave the TV on and have our pet sitter change the channel during their visits, or put on some soothing music.
QUESTIONS
Sometimes pet sitters need help with a judgement call. Encourage your pet sitter to contact you as often as you want to be contacted.
Lastly, don’t just TELL the pet sitter all of the above; it’s too easy both for you and the pet sitter to forget an onslaught of details given all at once. Plus, a good, reliable pet sitter always has more than a few clients going at the same time, so you generally won't be their only responsibility. Type or write a list that the sitter can consult any time. Taking this simple precaution can make all the difference in easing pet dog comfortably and safely into this new experience and help you trust that your pets are in good hands.
ASK YOUR PET SITTER . . .
1. Are they licensed, bonded and insured?
2. Can they provide you with references? (In our case, we found our pet sitter via a service, so we know they've been thoroughly background checked!)
3. How long have they been pet sitting?
Ease your mind with these and any other questions you might have. After all, you are entrusting your pets and access to your home to this person, so do your homework and take that trip with peace of mind! ♥
