Katzenfreunde haben oft eines gemeinsam: ihre tiefe Liebe zu ihren pelzigen Mitbewohnern. Wenn Du Geschenke für Katzenliebhaber (für einen Freund, ein Familienmitglied oder für dich selbst suchst), die Auswahl an kreativen, praktischen und niedlichen Geschenkideen für Katzenliebhaber ist riesig. Von originellen Accessoires über witzige Gadgets bis hin zu dekorativen Artikeln, es gibt unzählige Möglichkeiten, um die Herzen von Katzenfans höherschlagen zu lassen. In diesem Artikel stellen wir Dir die besten Geschenkideen vor, die garantiert für Freude sorgen.

Katzen Müslischale

Wenn du jemanden kennst, der Katzen über alles liebt, oder selbst ein unverbesserlicher Katzenfan bist, dann kann eine kleine, süße Müslischale mit „Katzen‑Ohren“ genau das richtige Geschenk sein. Diese Schale ist ein Statement: Sie zeigt, dass Frühstück, Snack oder ein gemütlicher Tee‑Moment mit Stil und Liebe zum Detail gefeiert werden können. Für Müsli, Suppe oder einfach als Snackschüssel geeignet.
Vor allem: Selbst, wenn der Beschenkte nicht mit Katzen wohnt, die Schale bringt trotzdem eine kleine Portion Freude, Charakter und Humor in die Küche. Solche kleinen Aufmerksamkeiten sind genau die Art von Geschenk, die man gern behält oder benutzt, und damit besonders bedeutsam sind.

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Weinhalten in Katzenform

Wenn dein Geschenkempfänger sowohl Katzen als auch gemütliche Abende mit einem Glas Wein liebt, dann ist eine dekorative Weinflaschenhalter-Skulptur in Katzenform eine hervorragende Idee. Die Katzen‑Weinflaschenhalter Metall Skulptur ist praktisch und verwandelt jede Weinflasche im Handumdrehen in ein charmantes Deko-Stück. Stell dir vor: Die Flasche steht nicht mehr langweilig im Regal, sondern wird von der Umarmung einer Katze getragen. Für alle, die ihre Wohnung mit Persönlichkeit und Humor dekorieren, ist das ein kleines, stilvolles Statement.
Solch ein Geschenk ist perfekt für Freunde, die Wein lieben, aber gleichzeitig einen verspielten und gemütlichen Wohnstil pflegen, und garantiert ein Hingucker bei Dinner-Abenden oder als Geschenkidee zu Geburtstagen und Einzügen.

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Katzen-Schultertascche

Wenn du jemanden kennst, der Katzen liebt und dazu noch ein Faible für niedliche, verspielte Accessoires hat, dann könnte eine Umhängetasche in Katzenform ein echt nettes Geschenk sein. Diese Tasche ist praktisch, um Alltagssachen zu transportieren, und bringt mit ihrem verspielten Design auch sofort ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht.
Für viele wird sie mit Sicherheit nicht einfach nur eine Tasche sein, sondern ein täglicher Begleiter mit Pfoten-Charme.

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Herrensocken mit Katzenmotiv

Für männliche Katzenfreunde sind solche lustigen Katzensocken eine echt charmante Geschenkidee. Ein Paar Socken mit Katzenmotiv ist praktisch und zugleich humorvoll. Es zeigt Persönlichkeit und Zuneigung zur Katzen-Wahl des Lebens.
Vor allem: Socken sind ein Alltagsgegenstand, den jeder braucht, aber mit Katzenmotiv bekommt er etwas Verspieltes, Persönliches und ein bisschen „Cats-Pride“. Für Männer, die Katzen mögen, aber nicht übertreiben wollen, sind solche Socken ein einfaches, unaufdringliches und doch liebevolles Geschenk.

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Katzen T-Shirt

T-Shirts mit Katzenmotiven sind eine der vielseitigsten Geschenkideen überhaupt, und das Beste: Sie funktionieren vollkommen unisex. Egal ob Mann, Frau oder Teenager, ein liebevoll gestaltetes Katzen-Shirt bringt sofort Persönlichkeit und eine gute Portion Humor in den Alltag.
Solche Shirts eignen sich perfekt für Menschen, die ihre Katzenliebe gern subtil, modisch oder auch ein bisschen verspielt zeigen. Sie lassen sich im Alltag tragen, beim Ausgehen, beim Sport oder einfach als gemütliches Lieblingsshirt zuhause. Und weil Mode ein Ausdruck der eigenen Persönlichkeit ist, wird ein T-Shirt mit Katzenmotiv oft zu etwas, das nicht einfach im Schrank hängt sondern gern und häufig getragen wird.

Hier sind zwei hübsche Motive:

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Flauschiges Katzenbett

Ein flauschiges Katzenbett ist vielleicht nicht das glamouröseste Geschenk, aber genau deshalb kann es großartig sein. Für jeden Katzenfreund, der seinem Liebling einen Ort zum Ausruhen und Träumen schenken möchte, ist so ein Bett eine sehr liebevolle Idee. Die Katze kuschelt sich auf einen weichen, gemütlichen Platz, der warm und sicher wirkt: das lädt zum entspannen, dösen und schlafen ein (und das ist ein Geschenk, was die Katze zu schätzen weiß).

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Katzen Laserpointer

Ein Laserpointer ist mehr als nur ein Spielzeug: Er bringt Bewegung, Spaß und Abwechslung in den Alltag der Katze, und sorgt gleichzeitig dafür, dass der Besitzer Spaß hat, wenn die Katze begeistert hinter dem Licht herläuft. Für Katzenliebhaber:innen, die ihren Lieblingen etwas Gutes tun wollen, ist das eine Geschenkidee, die sowohl praktisch als auch spaßig ist.

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Untersetzer Katzenmotiv

Als Geschenk für jemanden, der Wert auf Details legt oder sein Zuhause gern mit kleinen, liebevollen Elementen dekoriert, funktionieren diese Untersetzer super. Sie sind perfekt als „kleines Extra“, einfach, nützlich und trotzdem mit Katzen-Charme. Zusammen mit einer passenden Tasse oder einem gemütlichen Sofa-Eck kann so ein Geschenkset gleich doppelt Freude machen.

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Katzenkännchen

Ein Milchkännchen aus Keramik mit Katzenmotiv: klein, nützlich und mit viel Charme. Für alle, die ihren Kaffee- oder Teetisch gern mit einem Hauch von Katzenliebe verschönern wollen, ist so ein Kännchen eine tolle Idee. Es eignet sich perfekt, um Milch, Sahne oder Soße stilvoll zu servieren, und zeigt gleichzeitig: Hier lebt jemand mit Herz für Katzen und Ästhetik.

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Kosmetiktasche

Eine Kosmetiktasche mit Katzenmotiv ist eine sehr praktische und zugleich liebevolle Geschenkidee für Katzenfans, die Alltag und Stil gern miteinander verbinden. Ob für Make-up, Pflegeprodukte, kleine Accessoires oder Reiseutensilien: so eine Tasche bringt Ordnung und Persönlichkeit in jede Handtasche oder jeden Koffer.

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Warum sind Katzen so gute Haustiere?

Was aber ist für die Wachtelhaltung im eigenen Garten wichtig? 

• jeden Tag etwas Zeit für die Tiere
• für maximal 8 Wachteln mindestens 2 m² Grundfläche
• Haltung im Nebengebäude oder einer geschützten Voliere
• ausgewogene Fütterung aus Kraftfutter und Frischfutter
• artgerecht eingerichteter Lebensraum

Die Haltung der Japanischen Legewachteln ist immer dann besonders interessant, wenn einem die Tierhaltung als Hobby liegt oder Wachteleier zur Stärkung der eigenen Gesundheit eingesetzt werden. Diese kosten im Handel fast das Gleiche, wie Hühnereier und wiegen nur gute 10 Gramm. 

Nebengebäude oder Voliere?

Japanische Legewachteln sind überraschend robust und kommen in einer geschützten Voliere sicher durch den Winter. Diese muss dafür aber zu drei Seiten geschützt sein – Doppelstegplatten aus dem Gewächshausbau wären denkbar. Die offene Seite soll entgegengesetzt zur Wetterseite liegen – also meistens nach Osten. Auch eine Überdachung wäre gut, damit die Tiere immer einen trockenen Rückzugsort finden. Als Einstreu für den Außenbereich eignet sich Pinienrinde – diese schimmelt weniger und bindet den Ammoniak.

Die Wachteln müssen sich in der Voliere zurückziehen können und man selber sollte die Tür hinter sich schließen. Ansonsten wird ab und an mal eine Wachtel aufsteigen und für immer weg sein. 

Bei dem Aufwand für eine Voliere ist es für viele einfacher, ein altes Gartenhaus umzubauen. Theoretisch lässt sich noch ein Auslauf anbauen, der über eine Hühnerklappe mit dem Stallbereich verbunden wird. Der Bereich für die Legewachteln soll durch eine robuste Bodenwanne aus Kunststoff oder Siebdruckplatten ausgekleidet werden. Die eigentliche Unterteilung lässt sich auch aus Kükendraht an Holzlatten einbauen. Wichtig ist nur, dass der Bereich für die Reinigung gut erreichbar ist, die Frontseite könnte aufklappbar oder entnehmbar sein. 

Auch die Innenhaltung hat eine Besonderheit: Wachteln benötigen UV-Licht für die Bildung von Vitamin-D. Das heißt, dass sie in Innenräumen eine UV-Lampe für Geflügel benötigen, sonst kommt es zu Mangelerscheinungen. Wer mit dieser Lampe im Winter noch den Tag verlängert, hat insgesamt mehr Wachteleier. Eine Steigerung pro Legewachtel von knapp 200 auf über 250 Eier wäre im ersten Legejahr sehr realistisch. 

Zu beachten: Wachteln sind schreckhaft und heben aus dem Stand kraftvoll ab. Wenn die harte Decke niedrig hängt, kommt es zu Verletzungen. Die Deckenhöhe soll deswegen bei 40 cm liegen oder es kann ein alter Vorhang unter die Decke gespannt werden. 

Einrichtung und Pflege im Wachtelstall

Ob Voliere oder Nebengebäude – Wachteln benötigen ein Sandbad und Verstecke. Das Sandbad dient der Erholung und der Gefiederpflege. Die Verstecke aus kleinen Schutzhütten oder in die Ecke gestellten Zweigen dienen dem Schutzbedürfnis. In diesen geschützten Stellen liegen die meisten Eier. 

Auf der frei bleibenden Fläche können Wasser- und Futterspender stehen. Wegen der Hygiene ist es besser, wenn diese auf passender Höhe von der Decke hängen. Stülptränken und kleine Futtersilos eignen sich. Es soll in etwa so viel gefüttert werden, wie in einem Tag durchgeht, damit das Futter frisch bleibt. Das Wasser darf im Winter nicht zufrieren, im Außenbereich wären eventuell Tränkenwärmer mit Akku notwendig.

Außerdem benötigen Japanische Legewachteln täglich etwas Frischfutter. Wer den Platz hat, sollte eine kleine Kräuterweide säen und täglich einen Büschel verfüttern. Auch Reste von Bio-Gemüse und etwas Obst eignen sich. Zitrusfrüchte, Zwiebelgewächse und Avocados sind jedoch ungeeignet. 

Sichtbare Verschmutzungen sowie der Wasserspender sollen täglich gereinigt werden. Sobald die Einstreu insgesamt verschmutzt ist, muss auch diese komplett gewechselt werden. Das gilt selbst für den Sand im Sandbad. Zur Einstreu: Pinienrinde in der Voliere kann länger liegen bleiben und ließe sich sogar mit dem Wasserschlauch reinigen. 

Die Wachteleier

Wachteleier gelten als Delikatesse und sind vielseitig einsetzbar. Gekocht werden sie eingelegt und halten sich lange. Sie können auch zu Eierlikör verarbeitet werden. Wer sie sich brät, sollte sie zuerst alle aufschlagen und in eins in die Pfanne geben. Gekocht sollten sie mit einer Wachtelzange geöffnet werden, ansonsten kann es etwas schwierig werden.

Geht es einem hingegen um die Gesundheit, dann wären rohe Wachteleier in Fruchtsäften der gängige Weg. Zweimal täglich werden für Erwachsene 4 Wachteleier roh auf nüchternem Magen eingenommen. Eine Wirkung soll nach vier Wochen einsetzen. Wachteleikuren sollen bei sämtlichen Allergien, aber auch bei Neurodermitis, Asthma, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen oder Bronchitis helfen. Sie senken das negative Cholesterin oder stabilisieren den Blutdruck. 

Ob solche Versprechen bei einem selber wirklich einsetzen, ist die andere Frage, die sich nur im Selbstversuch testen lässt. Und bei den Preisen für Wachteleier und auch für Hühnereier zahlt sich die eigene kleine Wachtelhaltung mit Spaß und vielen Eiern schnell aus. Die Haltung der kleinen Vögel ist immerhin sehr entspannend – Legewachteln werden schnell futterzahm und sind drollig zu beobachten. 

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You should adopt a dog from a shelter because it offers many advantages. Firstly, you are giving an animal a new home and a second chance. Many dogs in shelters have had difficult experiences and are waiting for a loving family.

Secondly, you are supporting an important cause. By adopting, you are helping to reduce overcrowding in animal shelters. Thirdly, you get a loyal companion.

Shelter dogs are often particularly grateful and loyal. You will find a large selection of dogs of different ages and breeds at animal shelters. Adoption fees are usually significantly lower than the cost of a dog from a breeder.

So you save money and do something good at the same time. Adopting a shelter dog is a fulfilling experience that benefits both you and the dog.

• Adopting a dog from an animal shelter gives you the opportunity to offer a needy animal a loving home and give it a second chance.
• Dogs from animal shelters are often already house-trained, vaccinated and neutered, which saves time and money.
• It is important to find the right breed for your living situation, based on your lifestyle, living situation and activities.
• When choosing a dog at a shelter, you should make sure that the dog suits your living situation and your needs.
• Before your new dog moves in, you should dog-proof your home and make all the necessary preparations to give him a good start.

The advantages of a dog from a shelter

Adopting a dog from a shelter has many advantages. Firstly, you save a life. Many dogs in shelters have an uncertain future and are waiting for someone to adopt them and give them a loving home.

By adopting a dog from an animal shelter, you are giving it the chance of a new life and showing compassion for animals in need. Secondly, you are supporting a good cause. Animal shelters do important work to help homeless animals and care for them until they find a new home.

By adopting a dog from a shelter, you are supporting this important work and helping to reduce the overpopulation of animals in shelters. Another benefit of adopting a dog from a shelter is that you have the opportunity to give an older dog a new home. Often older dogs are overlooked at shelters because many people would rather have a young puppy.

But older dogs have just as much love and affection to give and can be a wonderful addition to your life. What's more, shelter dogs are often already neutered, vaccinated and chipped, saving you time and money. Overall, adopting a dog from a shelter offers many benefits and is a rewarding experience for both you and the dog.

Find the right breed for you

Before you decide to adopt a dog, it's important to find the right breed for you. Each dog breed has its own characteristics and needs, so it's important that you choose a breed that suits your lifestyle and preferences. If you like to be active and spend a lot of time outdoors, an energetic dog like a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever might suit you well.

If, on the other hand, you lead a rather quiet life and have little time for long walks, a smaller dog such as a Chihuahua or a pug might be more suitable. It's also important to consider whether you have allergies to dog hair or if you live in a flat where large dogs may not have enough space. In this case, you could opt for a hypoallergenic breed such as a poodle or a Maltese, or look for a smaller dog that adapts well to living in a flat.

It's important that you research the different dog breeds thoroughly and perhaps even speak to an expert to make sure you find the right breed for you.

Choosing the right dog for your life situation

If you're thinking about adopting a dog, it's important to choose the right dog for your living situation. For example, if you live in a small flat, you might want to look for a smaller dog that adapts well to flat living. On the other hand, if you have a lot of outdoor space and enjoy spending time outside, a larger dog might suit you better.

It's also important to consider whether you have children or other pets and whether the dog would get along well with them. You should also consider your time and energy levels. Some dog breeds need a lot of exercise and activity, while others are more calm and relaxed.

If you have a stressful job or little time for long walks, it might be better to look for a calmer dog. It's important to be realistic and choose the right dog for your life situation so that both you and the dog are happy.

The visit to the animal shelter and the choice of dog

Visiting an animal shelter is an exciting step on the way to adopting a dog. However, before you go to the shelter, you should think about what kind of dog suits you best and what qualities you are looking for. When you're at the shelter, take time to get to know and interact with different dogs.

Observe their behaviour and their reactions to you and other people. It is also important that you talk to the staff at the shelter and ask them for advice. They know the dogs well and can help you find the right dog for you.

If possible, you should also consider taking the potential dog home or visiting it several times at the shelter to make sure it is a good fit for you. Choosing the right dog is an important step and should be carefully considered.

Preparing for the arrival of your new dog

Before your new dog moves in with you, there are some important preparations to make. Firstly, you should make sure that your home is dog-safe and that you have all the necessary utensils such as food and water bowls, a cosy bed and toys ready. You should also make an appointment with a vet to have your new dog examined and make sure it is healthy.

It is also important that you plan time for your new dog and give it enough attention. The first few days in a new home can be stressful for a dog, so it's important that you are patient and give them time to settle in. It can also be helpful to establish a routine for your new dog and set clear rules and boundaries.

Preparing for the arrival of your new dog is crucial for a smooth transition and a happy relationship between you and your new pet.

The familiarisation phase and the needs of your new dog

The familiarisation phase is an important time for your new dog and it is important that you give him enough time to get used to his new home. Be patient and sensitive and give your new dog enough attention and love. It can also be helpful to establish a set routine for your new dog and set clear rules and boundaries.

It's also important that you consider your new dog's needs and make sure he gets enough exercise, exercise and mental stimulation. Play with him, take him for regular walks and make sure he gets enough time outside. It can also be helpful to socialise with other dog owners or attend a dog training school to help your new dog settle into his new environment.

Overall, it is important that you are patient and give your new dog enough time to settle in. With love, patience and attention, your new dog will soon become part of your family and bring you both a lot of joy.

Sleep rhythm of the cat

Compared to humans, a cat sleeps much more, up to 16 hours a day! The cat's most active phase is at dusk. However, a cat can become active at any time of the day or night, depending on the daily routine of its owners. The rest of the day is spent resting. This is especially true for domesticated cats, because they do not need to hunt for their own food.

Natural reflexes of the cat

In the wild, a cat must always know what is happening around it in order to survive. This is especially true for smaller or weaker cats. Life in the wild means constant potential danger, to which the cat must react quickly.
The need for quick reaction is also evident in the domesticated cat, for example, when it perceives sudden noises or quick movements. Often, from the human's point of view, it seems to tend to overreact, but the readiness to jump up quickly is instinctive.
The cat has the reflexes of a predator, it is in its genes, even if it is used to a quiet flat life.

How does the cat choose its sleeping place?

When the cat looks for a place to sleep, various risk factors play an important role, just as if it were in the wild. An ideal sleeping place is therefore in a place where the cat feels it can defend itself well, it is protected or the sleeping place is simply in the immediate vicinity and does not require much searching.
Even a cat that has been accustomed to a safe flat life for generations is subject to its primal instincts and prefers sleeping places that allow it to escape or defend itself quickly, even if it lives a comfortable and quiet life.
So, unlike humans, the cat does not choose where to sleep primarily for comfort, and often places that the cat perceives as "safe" are in the strangest of places.

Places to hide

Sometimes the cat needs a hiding place, it likes not to be found. Such a hiding place has only one access point, so she only needs to supervise this small opening instead of a 360 degree angle.
The cat's favourite places are therefore cupboards, boxes or even shoes or vases. Here, her head will be towards the opening so that she can bite or scratch immediately in an emergency. This way she needs to pay less attention and sleeps better.

It seems to us humans that a cat can sleep anywhere, even if it is uncomfortable. Their ideal sleeping place is usually within their territory and in a strategic position. Comfort comes second.

Why do cats sleep in such unusual places? Cats are extremely flexible

Even if we stretch nicely and feel comfortable, we are unlikely to fall into a deep sleep if our muscles are stretched at strange angles. The strain becomes uncomfortable and you feel the urge to move to a more comfortable or "normal" position.

Cats may occasionally feel this way, but their bodies are much better adapted to sleeping at awkward angles. This is because cats are extremely flexible. They can contort their bodies in ways that humans cannot.

A position that would be painful for a human, such as putting a leg over the head, is hardly a slight stretch for a flexible cat. They feel no pain when they fall asleep with their flexible limbs pointing in all directions or with their necks contorted at an awkward angle. This makes it easy for cats to sleep in crazy positions.

Top tip for cat owners: cat fountains

The most interesting facts about cats

Do cats only purr for humans?

The funniest sleeping positions of cats

Do cats also purr in the wild or is purring only for humans? We humans tend to think that purring is a sign that the cat is happy. In most cases it is, but there are other reasons why a cat purrs.

Do cats purr only for humans? Purring develops very early in a kitten. A few days old kittens start purring when they drink milk from their mother. So purring is not only a communication of satisfaction for the cat's human friends.

Purr cats only for humans

Different purr tones

Cats have a wide repertoire of purr sounds, sometimes a cat purrs with voice, sometimes in lower pitches or in higher pitches. The purr of a kitten drinking its mother's milk sounds different from what the cat produces on its masters' laps. A hungry cat purrs in higher pitches both when it asks its humans for food and when it wants mother's milk. Much like the cry of a newborn infant, it serves to trigger an instinct in their caregivers (whether cat or human).

When the cat is lying contentedly on the sofa and purring, the purring has a calming, almost soporific effect. Adult cats often purr when they are grooming each other, playing or eating, even when a cat is alone. The purring we know best occurs when the cat wants to be petted or is generally content.

Purring under stress

Veterinarians confirm that cats often purr when they are in severe pain. It is possible that the purring serves to self-soothe or as a kind of cry for help. It could also be that the purring is to hide from possible enemies how weak and vulnerable the cat is in its condition.

Do cats of prey purr?

Although it has not yet been confirmed that predatory cats purr when they are at ease, it is clear that as babies they purr when drinking milk in the same way as domestic cats. Due to the anatomical structure of the bones and the cartilage tissue in the throat, it is assumed that the cheetah, ocelot, margay, serval and lynx can purr, while the jaguar, leopard, lion and tiger cannot.

Purr cats only for humans

How does the purr work

The actual process of purring is complicated and not yet understood in detail. However, we do know that the muscles in the larynx and the diaphragm are responsible for purring. Through a series of nerve activity in the brain, the diaphragm is activated about 20 to 30 times per second during both inhalation and exhalation. This is why the purr is a continuous sound.
The fact that the cat can purr and eat or perform other physical activities at the same time is still a mystery.

Do cats only purr for humans?

Wild cats also purr. But a cat that lolls contentedly on the sofa and lets its master or mistress rub its belly is not purring for humans, but because of humans. It purrs simply because it feels good. The human gives her this contented feeling.

Why cats make such good pets

Why and how do cats purr?!

What is toxic for cats? Cats are known to be picky about what they eat. Therefore, many believe that cats instinctively know which foods are good for them and which are not. However, the fact that a cat will not usually touch spoiled meat does not mean that it will reject anything that is not good for its body. These foods, which are tolerable for humans, can be toxic for cats:

Toxic for cats

Onions and garlic

Whether raw, cooked or in powder form, onions and garlic can destroy the cat's red blood cells and lead to anaemia. Occasional small amounts are usually not harmful if the red blood cells can regenerate. Larger amounts of onion plants or regular consumption of small amounts can make the cat ill and in the worst case poison it.

Grapes and sultanas

Grapes and sultanas are often fed to dogs or cats as treats. However, these can cause kidney failure in the cat. Even small amounts can make the cat sick. The first signs are frequent vomiting and hyperactivity. It is not clear why grapes and sultanas can cause damage to the cat's body, because some cats show no signs of health risk from grapes.

Leftovers from lunch

As a general rule, you should not feed the cat your leftover lunch. Often human food is too strongly seasoned for the cat. Leftover fat and bones, cooked or raw, are also not advisable. The fat upsets the digestive system and the cat can choke on small bone splinters or suffer internal injuries.

Raw meat and eggs

Raw meat, raw fish and raw eggs can contain bacteria to which even a cat is not immune and which cause food poisoning. In addition, raw fish destroys the B vitamin thyamine, which is essential for cats. Thyamine deficiency can cause neurological damage.
The danger with raw eggs is not only potential salmonella or E.coli poisoning. Raw egg whites contain the protein avidin, which inhibits biotin absorption. This can cause skin and coat diseases.

Tuna

Cats can become addicted to tuna. Feeding tuna occasionally is usually not a problem, but if the diet is exclusively tuna, the cat can become seriously deficient, as tuna does not have all the nutrients a cat needs. Also beware of mercury poisoning!

Sweets and chocolate

Chocolate is absolutely toxic for cats! Candies, chewing gum, toothpaste and certain dietary products contain the sweetener xylitol. Xylitol can stimulate insulin production in the cat's body and thus upset the blood sugar balance. It can also damage the liver. Symptoms range from vomiting, apathy and coordination problems to convulsions and liver failure.
Chocolate in any form can be deadly for cats. Chocolate (including white chocolate) contains theobromine. The substance, which is toxic to cats, can cause heart disorders, seizures and death.

Drinks

As far as milk is concerned, many adult cats are lactose-intolerant and they cannot tolerate cow's milk. They get diarrhoea and digestive problems. Cats that have regularly drunk cow's milk in smaller quantities all their lives are usually not lactose-intolerant, however. However, it is safer to avoid milk altogether.
All alcoholic drinks are absolutely taboo and poisonous for cats. Alcohol has a similar effect on cats as it does on humans, but even a small amount is enough to be fatal for a cat.
Caffeine can also be fatal for the cat. Caffeine poisoning manifests itself in nervousness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors or cardiac arrhythmia. Caffeine is found in coffee, cocoa, tea, cola, lemonade and energy drinks. Even some medicines contain caffeine.

Dog food

Dog food is not toxic for cats, however it is not sufficient for a cat as a permanent solution. The cat needs more protein and certain vitamins and fatty acids that are not present in dog food. If a cat is fed exclusively on dog food, it can show severe deficiency symptoms.

Yeast and raw pasta

Unbaked yeast dough can be very dangerous for a cat, because the raw dough will also continue to rise in the cat's body. This can block the stomach and intestines and lead to extreme pain, breathing difficulties and circulatory problems.
The dough rises because yeast and sugar convert into alcohol. The alcohol only loses its toxic effect when baked, so if the cat eats the dough raw, it can also get alcohol poisoning.

Why cats make such good pets

High quality cat food is worth it

The German Shepherd is undoubtedly a picture-perfect animal that has always fascinated people all over the world. This is not only due to its large, brown doggy eyes, unique coat pattern and muscular build, it is also its intelligent personality that enchants dog lovers.

However, before you get a sheepdog, you should learn more about the demanding nature of this dog breed, because the sheepdog requires a lot of commitment.

What you should know about German Shepherds before adopting one

The German Shepherd is highly intelligent

Dogs are intelligent animals. However, the German Shepherd is clearly at the top of the list when it comes to intelligence, as it is smarter than average.
The German Shepherd quickly memorises its master's daily routine and senses any mood swings. He insists on his regular walk and knows exactly when he is missing out.
However, the high intelligence of these animals is not only focussed on their own well-being, they are also very keen to please their masters and mistresses. They use their intelligence for constructive activities. However, as is often the case with intelligent creatures, they quickly become bored if they are not challenged enough.

German shepherds are among the smartest dogs in the world. In fact, according to dog psychologist Stanley Coren, they are the third smartest dog breed for obedience and working intelligence. Their intelligent instincts and ability to learn adaptively make them smarter than almost all dogs.

Sheepdogs have a lot of energy

The German Shepherd is a working dog, which is why they are so well suited for police and military purposes. They love it when they have a job to do. For you as the new owner of a German Shepherd, this means that you will have to walk the dog often and a lot. Sheepdogs need a lot of exercise and are particularly happy about dog training courses.
Under-utilised sheepdogs need to find something else to do and start to become destructive or develop behavioural problems.

The German Shepherd is known for its industriousness and persistent activity requirements. Bred as working dogs, these strongly built but graceful dogs are unrivalled in terms of working ability. They serve as helpers for disabled people, as rescuers and scouts for the police or military. These animals show outstanding loyalty, dedication and courage to their owners and human family members at home.

As extremely versatile animals, they have the ability to learn and excel at a variety of different tasks. Once they are well trained, they rarely deviate from the task at hand and often exceed their energy. They often meet and exceed the expectations and goals of their trainers.

In short, the German Shepherd is a very energetic dog with the ability to achieve challenging tasks and goals.

Sheepdogs need mental stimulation

Long, extensive walks are only part of the activity a German Shepherd needs. They also need to be mentally challenged. It is particularly good for German Shepherd owners to go to training courses with their dog and train it.
Training courses are also a good bonding exercise between dog and master. This builds trust and detects possible behavioural weaknesses in the dog at an early stage.

Sheepdogs like to cuddle, but tend to be reserved in front of other people

At home, the dogs love to be petted and are extremely cuddly. In public, however, they usually behave rather aloofly, as they are always alert. They only cuddle when they are one hundred per cent safe and in familiar company.

How much affection the German Shepherd shows depends largely on its own personality. Some German Shepherds show their owners a lot of overt affection, for example by lying on their owner's lap a lot and gently pawing at their owners.

Some German Shepherds do not show their affection as openly and in a more indirect way. They might show affection by sleeping in a vulnerable position, for example, or by making a lot of eye contact with their owner. If you have a German Shepherd and he doesn't do a lot of open cuddling, there are some things you can do to make him more affectionate.

The German Shepherd is a guard dog by nature

As the German Shepherd is a guard dog, it quickly becomes possessive if it has not been properly trained. Taking on an older dog is therefore a certain risk, because you don't know whether its social behaviour has been properly encouraged beforehand.
You should definitely be careful the first time a visitor approaches you or comes into the dog's home. The dog may see the stranger as an intruder and behave defensively.

Sheepdogs are sensitive and empathetic

No other dog understands its owners as well as the German Shepherd. His masters and mistresses are his everything, which is why he will always listen to the voice of his beloved masters. His sensitivity allows him to recognise bad moods and simply be there for someone.

Nothing makes a German Shepherd happier than making his master smile even on the toughest days.

Not all German Shepherds are clingy, but you can be sure that your German Shepherd will never stray too far from your side.

Not an ideal dog for the novice dog owner

German Shepherds can be demanding, as they require constant training and attention. A little dog experience is useful, which is why the German Shepherd is not an ideal choice for people who have never had a dog before.
If you decide to get a German Shepherd as a new dog owner, you should work with an experienced dog owner to ensure that the dog does not develop any bad habits.

Why are German Shepherds so clever?

The German Shepherd is one of the three smartest dog breeds, with the mental capacity of a two-and-a-half-year-old human child. Many dog experts agree that the German Shepherd is not only the most intelligent dog, but also a very quick learner. This is because he has such a quick and memorable memory, which helps him to understand and remember words that are important throughout training, as well as the tricks.

The intelligence of the shepherd dog comes from the days of their ancestors, as intelligence was needed as working dogs in the field, especially when herding flocks of animals. After all, a dog needs the keenness and alertness as well as the logic to look after its flock. Nowadays, sheepdogs herd fewer flocks of sheep, but their protective instinct is still strong, which also makes them intelligent protectors of their owners.

So... How intelligent are sheepdogs? Clever, sheepdogs are very clever!

The German Shepherd, loyal, alert, intelligent

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Fur mites in pets: When pets are constantly scratching, licking or even biting themselves, there is usually a skin problem. Relatively often this is Cheyletiella fur mites, which fortunately can be easily treated.

Fur mites in pets

What are Cheyletiella fur mites

Cheyletiella fur mites are a type of parasite that is easily transmitted from animal to animal or even to humans. They look like ordinary dandruff and are therefore often not treated properly. You can recognise the difference to dandruff with a magnifying glass, because the tiny white animals move around in the coat. This is why they are sometimes called "walking dandruff". The parasites feed on the lymph fluid in the skin and cause severe itching.

How to treat Cheyletiella fur mites

A tried and tested household remedy against these parasites is lime sulphur solution. This sulphur-containing liquid is available to buy as a shampoo, spray or drops (LimePlus Dip). Depending on the product, the solution is sprayed directly onto the affected area or diluted with water and used as a washing solution.
It is recommended to wear rubber gloves when applying the solution and to remove jewellery, as the metal may discolour.
The animal should be tied up or held tightly, as the solution smells very unpleasant and many animals try to run away. As the fur contains oils, the solution must be rubbed in well so that it does not simply run off.
The solution should remain in the coat until it is completely dry, but you should not use a hair dryer for this. It is therefore advisable to carry out the treatment outdoors or in a well-ventilated area because of the odour. During drying, care must be taken to ensure that the animal does not lick the treated area and swallow the solution.

To be on the safe side, the treatment should be repeated after about a week if eggs remain in the coat, from which new mites will hatch after a week.
All blankets, toys and items of clothing that the animal has come into contact with should be washed in the washing machine. Vacuum the carpets thoroughly and dispose of the hoover bag immediately if necessary.

What is Lime Sulfur and is it dangerous for the animal?

Lime Sulfur is a sulfur lime solution that not only kills mites and other parasites, but is also generally effective against fungi and bacteria.
Sulphur and lime-sulphur are among the oldest insecticides. Elemental sulphur is practically free of toxins when used in small quantities. Ingestion of larger quantities of Lime Sulphur into the digestive system can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Lime sulphur is considered toxic if ingested in quantities of 4g or more per kilogramme of body weight. The symptoms of poisoning are characterised by irritation, discomfort or blistering, but very rarely lead to death.

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How quickly do dogs actually forget? Dogs have many talents, such as the ability to store a catalogue of smells and recognise human faces. But what happens when the master or mistress is not around for a long period of time? Do dogs forget their caregivers and look for new ones, or will they be loyal even after years?

How quickly dogs forget

The nose recognises everything

Dogs have up to 300 million odour receptors. Humans, on the other hand, only have 6 million. In addition, the part of the brain responsible for analysing odours is proportionally around 40 times larger than in humans. This shows that dogs can store and recognise an odour for a long time. Even if a person's face changes, even drastically, the dog will recognise it by its smell. However, the change in appearance may initially cause the dog to be confused and not show as strong an emotional reaction as if it recognised the smell and the face at the same time. But the memory of the smell is strong enough to ensure that the dog recognises its humans.

A dog recognises faces

How quickly do dogs forget a face? Dogs with normally healthy eyes rely equally on their sense of smell and visual recognition when it comes to recognising people. Dogs whose eyes deteriorate over the years therefore often need a little longer to recognise their humans, at least until the human's scent becomes more firmly anchored in their memory. If a dog's human does not see the dog for a long period of time and the dog's face changes significantly in the meantime, the dog will initially be unsure when they meet because the memory of the odour does not match the visual appearance. However, the dog knows from the odour that it is a familiar person. The dog will quickly learn to associate the familiar odour with the new face.

Affection grows with distance

There is a theory that dogs have no understanding of time, i.e. that they cannot distinguish minutes from hours. However, this theory is not true. Dogs know the difference between long and short periods of time, they just remember them differently to humans. For a dog, the period of a day consists of routines such as hunger, eating and going for a walk. It recognises the passage of time and knows what time its owner usually comes home from work. For example, he learns to associate his feeling of hunger with the arrival of his human, so that his anticipation begins to grow as the feeling of hunger intensifies. The longer his owner is away, the more his excitement grows and the more joy he feels when his human finally arrives.

A warm reunion

Experience shows that dogs greet their owners with more warmth and joy the longer they have been absent. Even if the human hasn't been around for years, the dog not only recognises them, but is even happier to see them again. Unfortunately, this also means that the dog suffers more from the separation in the meantime. The longer his human is away, the more anxious and distressed he can become. So if you are planning a reunion with your dog after a long absence, it is better for the dog if humans and animals meet again in a calm environment without additional excitement. The reunion should therefore not take place in a large family circle, but rather separately in a quiet park. The dog will be so happy about the reunion that it will need the undivided affection and attention of its human for a while.

How quickly dogs generally forget a person

Dogs rely on their nose and eyes to recognise a person. Of course, dogs can recognise a person by smell. But their eyes are very good and they can use their sense of sight to recognise a person. If the dog has a pair of strong, healthy eyes, he will never forget a person who is connected to him. But unfortunately, it can be difficult for dogs with weak eyesight to recognise exactly who someone is. Then he has to use the power of smell for identification.

How quickly do dogs forget an odour? Never! A dog can remember a person's odour for the rest of its life, whether the interaction with that person was friendly or not so friendly. The association remains stored in the dog's brain and relates to how that person made the dog feel. Your dog may remember a specific event associated with a particular gesture, voice, movement or odour with the emotion.

A dog never forgets a carer or an owner, even after years. The amazing olfactory power and facial recognition of dogs helps them to remember their owners as soon as they see or smell them. They do not understand time periods. So even after several years of separation, dogs will never forget the people they have become friends with.

How long will your dog remember another dog?

How quickly do dogs forget another dog? There are not many studies that show exactly how long a dog remembers another dog. But dogs are generally happy and uncomplicated creatures. They may meet other dogs while walking in the park, but won't remember everyone unless they come along and sniff each other. As their sense of smell is stronger than that of humans, they use it to identify each other. As soon as they sniff each other and play together for a while, they will remember that dog, even if they don't see each other again for weeks.

If, after several weeks of separation, a dog jumps or reacts happily when meeting another dog after they have sniffed each other, this is a sign that he can identify his friend. the dog cannot necessarily remember everything he has done, but through the associations with a smell, feelings towards other dogs are retained for a long time. The longer a dog plays with its furry friends, the better and longer it will remember them. 

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How quickly dogs and other animals forget: animals meet their owners again after years!

How traumatic is it for a dog to change owners?

We all hope that all dogs immediately find a home where they can stay forever. However, this is not always the case as the person's situation may change or they may realise that their situation is not ideal for adopting the dog. Therefore, many owners want a better place for their dogs. How quickly do dogs forget a happy time?

It is a very emotional situation, both for the owners and for the dogs. But the impact on the dogs is much greater. The dog's reaction to a change of owner depends on several factors, for example how old the dog is and what the previous living situation was like.

In general, moving a dog to a new home with a new owner is a traumatic and stressful experience. Dogs can go through both anxiety and depression, especially if they are coming from a home where they were really happy. They will miss the old owner very much and this sadness can increase with each passing day.

How quickly dogs forget the change of owner and get used to the new situation:

This depends entirely on the dog's age and history. For puppies, the transition can be quite quick. The older the dog is, the more memories it has of its previous owner. It therefore takes time to establish a bond or build trust.

Why are animals lactose intolerant? Almost all mammals are lactose intolerant when they are fully grown, which means that they cannot tolerate milk and dairy products. What is considered an allergy and an exception in humans is normal and natural in adult mammals.

Lactose intolerance in animals: why it's normal

Why can't most mammals tolerate milk?

Yes, it's true, lactose intolerance in animals is normal; almost all mammals are lactose intolerant as soon as they reach adulthood. During the developmental phase of a young mammal, there is a transition period where the animal stops being able to digest lactose as soon as it stops drinking milk regularly. Milk is the only food that contains lactose.
During this transition phase, the production of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for the breakdown of lactose, is gradually reduced.

Why do adults normally tolerate milk?

LCT, the gene for the enzyme lactase, is actively downgraded in the body as soon as the growing animal replaces milk with other, more substantial foods. The process of this weaning appears to be the trigger for the reduction of the gene.
However, most people do not stop drinking milk as adults. In most people, there is a mutation that allows the LCT gene to remain active in adulthood. So if a person stops consuming any dairy products as an adult, their body is likely to become lactose intolerant.

Why can some cats and dogs drink milk their whole lives?

As the production of lactase is downgraded by weaning, many animals that have never stopped drinking milk retain a limited ability to digest lactose. However, they too can only tolerate small amounts of milk, as the LCT gene is reduced in any case.

What happens when lactose-intolerant animals drink milk?

When an adult mammal drinks milk after weaning, the undigested lactose is passed through the digestive tract. In the process, it draws fluid with it. At the same time, fermentation takes place in the intestine due to the intestinal bacteria, which produces unstable fatty acids. This in turn leads to stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and even vomiting.

Typical symptoms of lactose intolerance

The symptoms of lactose intolerance usually occur within a few hours of consuming food or drink containing lactose.

Common symptoms include

- Flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- a bloated stomach
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Stomach rumbling
- General malaise

The severity of symptoms and when they occur depends on the amount of lactose you have ingested. Some lactose intolerant people can drink a small glass of milk without triggering symptoms, while others may not even be able to have milk in their tea or coffee.

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