hcdesign, Author at Horse Grooming Kit & Pet Grooming Tools - Page 4 of 8 (2024)

The surest way to tell spring has sprung is by the amount of horsehair circulating through the barn!

But horse spring shedding can also tell you about their health.

If you missed our earlier blog,
“Your Horse’s Spring Shedding: What you Need to Know,”
click here to read it now.

According to veterinarian Carol Shwetz, “the shedding of a horse’s winter coat is a complex physiological process that can reveal information about the horse’s general health.” In other words, horse spring shedding can also shed a light on certain equine health conditions.

What can you learn through your horse’s shedding in the springtime?

Horse Spring Shedding: A Quick Review

• Spring shedding is triggered by the increasing hours of daylight with the spring solstice (not warmer weather). The increase of daylight hours causes the production of hormones triggering spring shedding and new hair growth.
• The shedding period typically occurs over 6-8 weeks.
• Regular grooming, brushing and exercise will expedite the shedding process. (Thought to be due to increased blood flow to the skin and the stimulation of hair follicles.)
• Shedding patterns usually remain consistent year-to-year including:
  • The rate of shedding; and
  • The order of shedding.

Use our 20-Piece Equine Tack Shop Start Kit to make spring grooming easier, faster and more comfortable for your horse!

Next, let’s take a closer look at the specific equine health issues that may be revealed by spring shedding.

Equine Spring Shedding & Potential Health Issues

Itchiness or Patchy Shedding

If the shedding horse is displaying unusual itching (known as pruritus) along with patchy shedding, this may be due to external parasites like lice or ticks that chew and/or bite the horse. Reach out to your regular veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Spring Shedding that is Later than Normal

Shedding that is later than normal could mean:

• Equine Cushing’s Disease or PPID. Also known as low thyroid function.
• The need for deworming.
• Dark barn interiors. Ensure your horse receives a consistent 16 hours of daylight each day (both natural and artificial). NOTE: this is not a “quick fix.” It may take up to 60 days for shedding to begin or increase.

Incomplete or Failure to Properly Shed

If a horse is not shedding normally, it could be an indication of:

• Equine Cushing’s Disease (especially in older horses).
• Poor nutrition (along with long “cat” or guard hairs under the belly and chin); or
• Parasites.

For healthy and effective horse spring shedding, they must have proper nutrition before the shedding season with:

• Proper vitamins (A and B) and trace minerals (copper and zinc).
• Enough protein and amino acids.

With the proper nutrition in place, the formulation of the necessary hormones for shedding will be triggered as nature intended.

Your Horse’s Coat Can Tell You More than Just About His Nutrition

If you’ve eliminated potential medical issues that may be affecting your horse’s spring shedding, try increasing your grooming, brushing and exercising to jumpstart your horse’s natural processes.

Learn more about how to protect your horse from spring mud and the abundance of moisture everywhere!

Spring means shedding and a LOT of it! Maintaining your grooming routine will help ensure proper shedding and new hair growth for your horse!

Stock up on our EquiGroomer tools in your tack room and retail store today!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or click here to send us an email.

Welcome to our third – and final – post in the series about 7 common cat traits!

If you missed the earlier posts of our “7 Common Cat Traits” series, here they are:

Part One: December 30 Covering:

• The 7 Common Cat Traits & their Importance
• How Traits Define a Cat’s Needs
• The Feline’s 2 Behavioral Traits: Excessive Grooming & Litterbox Issues

Part Two: January 10 Covering the Cat Traits of:

• Activity & Playfulness
• Fearfulness
• Aggression Towards Humans

Next, let’s look at the remaining 2 feline personality traits:

• Sociability towards humans,
• Sociability towards cats, and

discuss which specific cat breeds are most prone to these two traits.

1. Cat Traits: Sociability towards Humans

While many cats act standoffish with humans, 10 feline breeds are known to be the friendliest!

According to Pumpkin Pet Insurance, these social feline breeds are the:

• Maine Coon
  Nicknamed “America’s Cat” and the gentle giants of the felines. They love other cats, people, children and dogs.
• Siamese
  Known as the “people’s cat” according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Inquisitive and loving.
• Abyssinian
  Sometimes called The Aby, loves family, social and loyal although they don’t like to be lap cats.
• Ragdoll
  Loves small spaces, adults and children and other cats and dogs.
• Sphynx
  Outgoing with adults, children, pets and dogs. Love to be the center of attention!

(Click on the link above for the other five breeds with social cat traits!)

While these feline breeds are known to be friendly and social, remember, each cat is different with its own unique preferences!

Talk to an expert about a specific cat before adoption to make sure they are a good match when it comes to their social tendencies!

“Male cats are often more friendly than female cats,” says Susan Saffron, Founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals.

2. Cat Traits: Sociability towards Cats

Finally, let’s look at the best breeds that get along with other cats!

CAUTION: Not all cats will socialize with other cats.

If you have your heart set on a multi-feline household, look for breeds that are social, even-tempered, non-territorial and adaptable.

According to Vicki Jo Harrison, the president of the International Cat Association, the best breeds for a multi-cat home include 20 breeds:

• Abyssinian.
• Bengal.
• Birman.
• Bombay.
• British Shorthair.

(Click on the link above for the other 15 best cats for a multi-cat home!)

Read the entire research paper from the University of Helsinki here!
“Reliability and Validity of Seven Feline Behavior and Personality Traits.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth look at the common cat traits!

A Final Reminder about Cat Traits!

Remember, before adopting a new kitten or cat, consider the feline’s breed and associated traits (breed-related genetics). Make sure you are truly willing to live with those traits throughout your cat’s life.

“For a happy relationship with your cat, go beyond the looks and make your pick based on demonstrated breed behavior.”

Benjamin & Lynette Hart, Experts in Animal Communication & Behavior

Enhance your bond and quality time
with your favorite feline with the
EquiGroomer EasyGroomer Tools!

Cats LOVE the EasyGroomer because the blade mimics a cat’s tongue!

Whether you want the individual cat grooming tool or the fun Cat Gift Bag, you can enhance quality one-on-one grooming time with your favorite feline!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

In our December 30th blog, we explored the new researchwhich reveals 7 common cat traits! Understanding your cat’s traits is critical when it comes to fulfilling your cat’s needs.

Today’s blog will discuss three of the five cat personality traits, the specific breeds who are most prone to these personality traits and how the cat parent can encourage or discourage these traits.

Remember, before adopting a new kitten or cat, honestly consider the feline’s
breed and associated traits from “breed-related genetics.”

Are you willing to live with those inherited traits?

1. Common Cat Traits: Activity and Playfulness

Certain feline breeds love being active and playful including the Bengal and Abyssinian followed by the:

• Siamese.
• Oriental.
• Cornish Rex.

The DVM360 found that “male cats far outranked females in being more outgoing, affectionate and playful.”

In contrast, the Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Ragdoll are relatively inactive breeds.

Keep in mind, these are guidelines. Each cat will have its own preferences for activity and playfulness.

But you can encourage a lazy cat to play more with these tips.

• Have plenty of toys your cat loves and rotate them to encourage more play.
• Engage in quality playtime with your cat every day.
• Engage your cat’s hunting instincts with battery-operated toys.
• Use food puzzles to encourage your cat’s engagement.
• Add a more active cat or kitten as a playmate.
• Create a stimulating environment with vertical spaces especially near windows:
  • Perches.
  • Cat Trees.
  • Suspended catwalks.

But what if your cat is too active and even destructive? The tips below can help your cat chill out!

• Ensure enough one-on-one playtime daily.
• Redirect hyper-activity to an acceptable behavior like chasing a toy or playing with an empty box.
• Offer your cat outdoor experiences to relieve “cabin fever.” For example:
  • A secure outdoor enclosure, known as a catio.
  • Regular walks.

• Proactively address any boredom your cat may be feeling with:
  • Toys and food puzzles.
  • Extra play and exercise.
  • Scratching posts.
  • Another cat.
• Consider feline nutraceuticals and/or a calming collar.

According to Homes Alive Pets,
“cats need between 30-60 minutes of activity … each day …
depending on age and health conditions.”
Just like with dogs, a tired cat is a happy cat!

2. Common Cat Traits: Fearfulness

According to Veterinary Scientist and Research Author, Hannes Lohi of the University of Helsinki, “the most fearful (cat) breed was the Russian Blue, while the Abyssinian was the least fearful.”

Interestingly, DVM360.com says,
“females far outrank males in being more aggressive and fearful.”

Living with a fearful cat can be challenging. Fearful or anxious cats may act out aggressively so try the tips below.

• Give them their own space to hide and relax.
• Stay calm and keep a consistent routine.
• Never push a fearful cat outside its comfort zone.
• Introduce new pets, people or changes in the home slowly.
• Try a pheromone plug-in, diffuser or spray to calm your cat.

3. Common Cat Traits: Aggression Towards Humans

Certain cat breeds tend to be more aggressive towards humans including the:

• Bengal.
• Abyssinian.
• Turkish Van (pictured on the right).
• Siamese.

The Ragdoll ranks low for aggression along with the Sphynx, Burmese and Maine Coon.

Never encourage aggressive behavior! But how can you discourage aggressive cat behavior?

Feline aggression can come from boredom and/or pent-up energy. Follow the tips above to help your cat positively deal with his boredom and excess energy through daily play and mental stimulation and enrichment.

If these tips do not make a difference in your cat’s aggression, look for the triggers causing your cat to act aggressively. Removing these triggers, avoiding pushing your cat beyond his comfort zone and enough activity and interaction should help reduce your cat’s desire to aggressively strike out.

If any negative behavior(s) continue despite your best efforts, rule out any medical issues (including stress and anxiety) with your veterinarian
and consult a certified feline behaviorist.

(Note: The remaining 2 personality cat traits will be covered in our next blog. So, subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to
receive notifications!)

Cats challenged with aggression or fear can be helped to calm down with regular brushing.

Enhance your bond and quality time with your favorite feline with the EquiGroomer EasyGroomer Tools!

Don’t miss our Cat Gift Bag too! All bags include a Shedding Brush, Laser Pointer and Cat Toy!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

According to new research,
the feline personality has just 7 common cat traits!

4,316 Cat Parents ~ 138 Questions ~ 26 Feline Breeds = 7 Feline Traits

7 Common Cat Traits

Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Helsinki defined 7 common cat traits in the most extensive and significant research done to date.

FIVE Personality Traits

• Activity and playfulness.
• Fearfulness.
• Aggression towards humans.
• Sociability towards humans.
• Sociability towards cats.

TWO Behavioral Traits

• Litter box issues including inappropriate elimination; and
• Excessive grooming.

Keep reading to learn what else they found out about your cat’s traits!

Cat Traits: Why are They Important?

The most critical reason behind understanding feline traits is their direct connection to problematic cat behaviors.

By clearly understanding these common cat traits, potential cat parents can fully understand what they are getting into when adopting a specific cat breed.

In addition, knowledge about these cat traits will:

1. Improve a cat’s overall welfare.
2. Provide answers to unwanted feline behaviors; and
3. Help identify potential genetic and environmental issues.

There were also “significant differences observed between cat breeds.”

Traits Define Cat’s Needs

Like all living beings, felines possess fully-formed personality traits which also define the cat’s needs.

It’s important to realize when a cat’s specific needs (i.e., personality traits) go unfulfilled, negative behaviors may begin to develop, emerge and worsen.

Next, let’s take a deeper look into the two common behavioral cat traits.

(Note: The other 5 personality cat traits will be covered in future blogs, so subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications when these blogs (and others) are published!)

Two Common Behavioral Traits

These common traits include:

• Litter box issues; and
• Excessive grooming.

When choosing a new kitty to add to your home,
it’s critical to take into consideration their breed and associated traits
“influenced by breed-related genetics.”

Ask yourself, will I be able to live with these cat traits?
Keep in mind, inherited traits may be resistant to behavioral modification.

Litter Box Issues

While all cats can exhibit occasional issues with the litterbox, there are specific breeds who are more prone to bathroom issues including the:

• Persian.
• Bengal.
• Manx.

Inappropriate urine spraying (aka marking) is also more common with the:

• Bengal.
• Sphynx.
• Cornish Rex.
• Ragdoll.
• Burmese.

To encourage these breeds to use their litter boxes:

• Keep all litter boxes and the surrounding area clean with daily cleaning.
• Experiment with different types and textures of litter to find one your cat likes.
• Make sure your cat can easily and comfortably get in and out of the litter box.
• Ensure you have enough litter boxes for the number of cats in your home. PetMD recommends “the same number of litter boxes as the number of cats, plus one extra box.” Also, if you have a multi-level home, experts also recommend at least one litter box on each level in a private area (even if you have one cat!).

If the behavior continues, rule out any medical issues (including stress and anxiety) with your veterinarian and/or a local certified behaviorist.

VetStreet: Most Common Cat Potty Problems Solved!

Excessive Grooming

Excessive grooming is commonly found in certain breeds “due to their sensitive and attention-demanding dispositions.”

• Siamese.
• Abyssinian.
• Burmese.
• Himalayan.

If you own one of the above breeds, try to stop their overgrooming with these tips:

• Rule out any medical issues including infections or allergies.
• Maintain a predictable schedule to reduce any feline stress.
• Add more mental and physical stimulation and quality one-on-one time.
• Try cat calming products and/or medications or nutraceuticals.

(Note: The other 5 personality cat traits will be covered in future blogs,
so subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications when these blogs (and others) are published!)

No matter what feline breed shares
your life, your cat will love being
brushed with the pain-free
EquiGroomer EasyGroomer Tools!

Don’t miss our Cat Gift Bag too!

All bags include a Shedding Brush, Laser Pointer and Cat Toy!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

Holidays mean family, friends and lots of delicious foods! But don’t leave your dog or cat out of the holiday cheer!

Below are 6 easy homemade holiday treats to share with your
family dog or cat during the holidays.

Sad Puppy Eyes and Incessant Meowing … Oh My!

With holiday cooking, baking and delicious smells, your dog or cat will not be far away from the kitchen! So that means never-ending puppy eyes and kitty meows for treats!

And really, who can blame them?!

Include both Fido and Felix in the holiday season with the six easy recipes below! Homemade, do-it-yourself holiday treats are easy and can be much healthier than commercially made treats.

Homemade treats are also a great option to the many holiday foods and ingredients our pets shouldn’t eat! So instead of feeling guilty this holiday season, be ready to hand out pet-friendly treats made in your own kitchen!

Let’s begin with the dogs!

1. DIY Dog Treats: Dog-Friendly Eggnog!

If you are a fan of eggnog, you may be tempted to share some with your K9 friend. Please do not!

Instead, whip up this dog-friendly eggnog (from Gone to the Snow Dogs) you can safely share with your furry, four-legged best friend!

Dog Eggnog

• 2 small containers of plain yogurt
• 1 jar of baby food (use your dog’s favorite flavor)
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 eggs

Put all ingredients in a food processor, blender or Magic Bullet and mix until frothy.

Pour into small dishes and top with a dog treat or some healthy blueberries and serve!

Refrigerate any leftovers or pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds for fun frozen treats later.

2. DIY Dog Treats: Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Treats!

This next recipe includes ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Posted by Embrace Pet Insurance from the AllRecipes.com website, this recipe makes about 45 holiday treats your dog is sure to love! Cranberries are a healthy, antioxidant-packed fruit and can be enjoyed by your dog in moderation.

Turkey & Cranberry Dog Bones

• 3.5 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries (make sure there are no added raisins or sugar!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Stir in the turkey and cranberries. Create a well in the center of this mixture and drop the egg into that well. Add the olive oil and about 1/2 cup of the broth over the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add in – by tablespoons – more of the broth.

Knead the dough on a clean, floured surface for about two minutes. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut the treats out with Christmas cookie cutters and place on the lined baking sheet. Bake the dog treats for 25 minutes until browned. Turn off the oven and allow treats to rest in the oven for 30 more minutes. Remove and cool. Refrigerate treats.

3. DIY Dog Treats: Frozen Pumpkin Treats

Just 3 easy (and healthy!) ingredients, freeze for 12 hours and satisfy those sad puppy eyes! Courtesy of the Spencer the Goldendoodle website!

Frozen Pumpkin Treats

• 1 can 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free!)

Blend all 3 ingredients in a bowl with an electric hand mixer until smooth

Pour into ice cube trays or your favorite silicone dog-themed molds!

Freeze for 12 hours, pop them out and serve. Store in the freezer.

Next, let’s whip up some CAT-tastic treats even the most finicky felines won’t be able to resist!

Want a no-bake healthy horse treat for your favorite equine?

Just click here!

1. DIY Cat Treats: Tuna Cat Holiday Treats!

WHAT cat doesn’t meow over tuna?! This easy recipe (from Mess for Less) will have your felines howling for more!

Tuna Cat Treats

• 1 can tuna in oil, drained
• 1 egg
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• Dash of parsley (optional)
• Bottle Cap for cutting out treats

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a small bottle cap or your favorite cookie cutters.

Place on a baking sheet, bake for 20 minutes until browned. Cool and then store in an airtight container.

2. DIY Cat Treats: Hairball Control Cat Treats!

This recipe from VitaCost.com doubles as a tasty treat as well as a treat that can also help potentially dangerous hairballs effectively move through their digestive system! P.S., you can also add some catnip into the recipe!

Hairball Control Cat Treats

• 1-1/4 cup brown rice flour
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!)
• 1 brown egg
• 3 tablespoons ground flax
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon catnip (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Set a sheet of parchment paper the size of your baking sheet to the side.

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients; mix thoroughly. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Let rest 5 minutes.

Unwrap dough; knead a few times. On parchment paper, roll the dough to 1/4” thickness.

Using a pizza cutter, cut narrow strips vertically or horizontally. If the dough starts sticking, wipe off the cutter. Repeat in the opposite direction. When finished, you should have a patchwork grid.

Transfer parchment paper to cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes.

Remove cookie sheet from oven. Using a spatula or your oven-mitted hands, break up the treats. Spread bits around evenly and return to the oven.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Or, bake for 10 minutes and turn the oven off; leave in oven for several hours or overnight.

These treats will last 4-6 weeks in an airtight container. For a longer shelf-life, refrigerate the treats. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Did you know that hairballs in cats (and even dogs!)
can be limited with regular brushing?
Frequent dog grooming and cat grooming
effectively cuts down on excess hair that can be
licked and then ingested potentially leading to hairballs!
Check out the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools for horses,dogs, cats and other animals that shed!

3. DIY Cat Treats: Salmon Cat Holiday Treats

If you’re short on time this holiday season, here’s a quick and healthy feline treat recipe (from TheCookieRookie.com) with only 3 ingredients, a quick mix, cutting into treats and just 20 minutes to bake!

Salmon Cat Treats

• 10-ounces canned salmon (undrained)
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a food processor, pulse the canned salmon to chop as finely as possible.

Set a sheet of parchment paper the size of your baking sheet to the side.

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients; mix thoroughly. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Let rest 5 minutes.

Combine the chopped salmon, egg and flour in a mixer until it forms a dough.

Roll out ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into fun shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until light brown and crispy; about 20 minutes.

Completely cool before serving and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Need a Gift for the Pet Guardian in Your Life?

Give our Cat or Dog Gift Bag!

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Designed to be safe no matter how much or how often you groom your pet, the EquiGroomer will produce a coat that’s shiny, smooth and soft.

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or click here to send us an email.

Pet separation anxiety is felt by dogs, cats and even horses!

What is it and how can we help our pets?

Pet Separation Anxiety 101

In simple terms, pet separation anxiety arises when some pets are left alone for too long. While each pet may exhibit different symptoms, this excessive attachment – to humans or animals – is unhealthy and needs to be addressed for the pet’s overall benefit.

Separation anxiety begins with distress in the absence of those the pet is overly dependent on.

If left ignored, this anxiety may escalate to:

• Behavioral and destructive issues.
• Self-injury.
• Even attempts to escape.

Pet Separation Anxiety: Dogs

The common symptoms of K9 separation anxiety include:

• Barking, howling and whining.
• Accidents in the house (including coprophagia or eating poop).
• Chewing, digging and other destructive behaviors.
• Escape attempts.
• Pacing.
• Drooling, panting or excessive salivation.

K9 Separation Anxiety: Why

• Abandonment.
• Change of schedule, home or guardian.
• Sudden loss of a family member.
• Medical issues.

Canine Separation: Solutions

• Desensitization: Acclimate them to your departure by leaving for a few minutes and then returning. Over time, slowly increase how long you are gone.
• Create a routine when you leave; ask your dog to sit, offer a high-value treat and then calmly leave. (Begin this routine during desensitization (above)).
• Exercise your dog before leaving.
• Add another dog to the household.
• Avoid a huge fuss when you leave (or come back home).
• Leave your dog with a filled/frozen Kong toy to keep him busy and distracted.
• Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!

Pet Separation Anxiety: Cats

Pet separation anxiety may seem more common in canines, but research shows our felines also suffer from pet separation anxiety (despite their aloofness!). In a recent study, 64% of the cats evaluated showed less stress when with their caregivers!

How can you tell if your cat is suffering from separation anxiety? General symptoms include:

• Crying or yowling.
• Accidents outside the litter box.
• Destructive behaviors (more common in male cats)
• Excessive grooming (more common in female cats)
• Hyper-attachment with caregiver(s).

Feline Separation Anxiety: Why

• Being a female cat.
• Cats only livig indoors.
• Weaned too early, bottle-raised or orphaned.

Cat Separation: Solutions

• Desensitization: Give attention or affection to reward a calm cat. Ignore attention-seeking behaviors. Reward signs of relaxation:
  • Lying down.
  • Sighing.
  • A loose/still tail.
  • Closed eyes.
• Before leaving, play with your cat to tire them out.
• Keep your cat busy in your absence with enrichment activities:
  • Cat TV shows,
  • Puzzle feeders, and
  • Hide-and-seek for treats hidden throughout the house.
• Maintain a consistent routine.
• Add another cat to the household.
• Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!

Pet Separation Anxiety: Horses

When separated from other horses (and owners), equines can experience separation anxiety!

According to Dr. Camie Helesi, a renowned equine researcher, separation anxiety stems from wild horses benefiting from strong social connections and bonds. Even short separations can result in equine fear, anxiety, stress and outbursts of panic.

What does separation anxiety look like in horses?

• High volumes of abnormal vocalizations.
• Shaking or trembling.
• Increased heart rate and sweating.
• Loss of appetite and an unwillingness to drink.
• Rearing, kicking out, bucking, spooking, pawing or bolting.
• Pacing and fence walking.

Equine Separation Anxiety: Why

• Separated from their herd.
• Confined in isolation (even for short periods).
• Horses who are tightly bonded.

Equine Separation Anxiety: Solutions

• Desensitization: Using short training sessions, work with keeping your horse’s focus on you while slowly moving them away from their companions. Reinforce good behavior and obedience with high-value treats or a groom session at the end to bolster their confidence.
• For horses that must be separated, keep them in visual proximity.
• Pair anxious horses with smaller ponies, goats or donkeys.
• By keeping horses in a group of three, a horse is never left alone.
• Homeopathic or pharmaceutical options but always discuss with your vet first!

If your efforts at easing your pet’s separation anxiety
are not working, find an animal or veterinary behaviorist to help you.

Separation anxiety is a serious condition and should not be ignored!

Grooming sessions are a wonderful way to reward your horse after
a good training session or ride!

Pain-free
Comfortable for sensitive-skin
Easily removes loose hair, dirt, and dander

Click here to purchase your
EquiGroomer Grooming Tools today!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

Are you confused when it comes to the terminology for
horse markings? If you’re new to the world of horses,
it can be confusing when it comes to understanding the
subtleties of equine markings.

What are Horse Markings?

According to Horse Illustrated, “horses can display a wide variety of markings on their bodies.” Horse markings are determined by genes and these white areas can be used to identify horses from others of similar color. These markings can also help prove ownership of a stolen or lost horse because rarely do two horses look exactly the same.

Horse markings are typically divided into 4 categories, but there can also be combinations of markings and other potential markings.

1. Facial.
2. Legs.
3. Spot.
4. Dorsal or Eel Strip.

A spot can be anywhere on a horse’s body. What’s unique is that the “hair swirls in a circular direction” in contrast to the rest of the horse’s coat.

A Dorsal or Eel Strip is found on the horse’s back. It is a darker strip of hair running down the back from the mane to the tail. This marking is common among:

• Mustangs.
• Duns.
• Donkeys and mules. (There may also be a second horizontal strip across the shoudes in these breeds.)
• Certain pony breeds.

Next, let’s look specifically at equine facial and leg markings.

Horse Markings: The Face

The common facial markings (by shape and location) include:

• Star: A white marking between or above the horse’s eyes. Stars come in varying sizes and shapes including round, half-moon, heart, oval and/or crescent.
• Snip: Like a star (above) in varying sizes and shapes, but located on the nose or muzzle.
• Strip: A narrow white strip that runs down the middle of a horse’s face. (A crooked or wavy strip is sometimes called a “race.”)
• Blaze: Where the white vertical line is wider and more prominent than a strip (above). May stop partway down the forehead or continue to the muzzle.
• Bald: Where the white on a horse’s face goes above their eyes. The white is much whide than a blaze (above) and covers most of the face. Common in Paint horses along with blue eyes.

Horse Markings: The Legs

The common leg markings are identified by how high the white area extends on the leg.

• Coronet: A thin band of white hair just above the hoof. (The coronet also describes the upper part of a horse’s hoof.)
• Pastern: When talking about a horse’s anatomy, the pastern is between the top of the hoof and the fetlock. When speaking about horse markings, the pastern is a patch of white hair on this area of the leg that may or may not go all around the leg.
• Ermine: This describes a dark marking within the white marking above the hoof but also touching the coronet (coronary band) which differentiates it from a regular spot.
• Sock: A common horse leg marking that extends from the top of the hoof about two-thirds up the leg and includes the fetlock. Horses can have from 1 – 4 socks. Also referred to as an anklet.
• Boot: The boot extends higher than a sock, but below the knee.
• Stocking: The marking starts above the hoof and goes beyond the knee and may include the entire leg. A similar marking is called the half-stocking or half-cannon.

Learn more about horse markings at EquineSpot.com.

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Looking at rare cat breeds? Check out the top 5 most expensive cats in the world!

But check your bank balance first because these rare felines can cost thousands of dollars!

Are you looking for a rare cat breed? Beware, these 5 rare cat breeds can come with a high price tag because of their rarity (or popularity) and low fertility rates.

Let’s look at the top five most expensive – and rare – felines next!

#1 Rare Cat: Ashera

The Number 1 most expensive cat in the world is the Ashera Cat with a staggering price tag of up to $125,000! Now that’s a lot of catnip!

• This exotic – and expensive – breed is a crossbreed between an African Serval (an Asian Leopard) and a domestic cat. Many claim the Ashera breed is really an F1 Savannah (meaning the first generation of offspring).
• These felines can weigh up to 30 pounds!
• Grooming: The Ashera should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and prevent dangerous hairballs.

Refer to AnimalWised for basic care tips for your tips.

#2 Rare Cat: Savannah

• This rare feline breed comes in as the second most expensive cat in the world with a cost between $10,000 to $50,000. The Savannah is a crossbreed of an African Serval and a domestic cat.
• Before 2017, the Savannah once held the Guinness Book of World Record as the world’s tallest cat by a feline named Trouble who was 19 inches from his shoulder to tail.
• Known as high-energy felines who need a lot of exercise.
• Their low fertility rate contributes to their huge price tag! (Male Savannahs are not fertile after the sixth generation.)
• Note: Savannahs are banned in parts of the world including several states in the USA becuase they are not consider “domestic” felines.
• Grooming: The Savannah should be brushed regularly to remove lifeless hair and subsequent hairballs. do not bathe a Savannah too often to avoid hurting its skin and fur quality. Every two months should be sufficient or check with your veterinarian or groomer.

#3 Rare Cat: Bengal

A cat hybrid between an Egyptian Mau and Asia Leopard, the Bengal can cost between $10,000 and $25,000.

The unique feature of this rare cat breed include:

• A muscular build.
• Big round eyes; and
• Coat patterns with brown, silver/grey and black or white.
• Unlike many cats, the Bengal enjoys water and swimming.
• Note: It is illegal to own a Bengal cat in New York, Seattle and Hawaii.
• Grooming: The Bengal should be regularly brushed especially during the shedding season to remove dirt and dead hair and prevent hairballs that can be ingested.

Another expensive feline breed is the Allerca costing up to $6,000. Known as “hypoallergenic” cat breed due to the “disabling” of the genes known to cause human allergies.

#4 Rare Cat: Sphynx (Price: $5,000 – $9,800)

Known as a hairless cat, the Sphynx originated in Canada in the 1960s and was created through selective breeding with hairless cats. (Feline hairlessness comes from a natural genetic mutation.)

• May suffer from separation anxiety and craves a lot of attention from their humans.
• Prone to irritable bowel syndrome.
• Annual heart scans are necessary for the Sphynx.
• Grooming: Their very sensitive skin requires regular bathing (every 20-30 days) with a mild or even waterless shampoo for haireless cats with natural ingredients. Also, because of the lack of fur, the Sphynx can become cold very quickly so only wash them in warm areas (especially in the winter) and dry them thoroughly.

#5 Rare Cat: Persian (Price: $4,000 – $5,500)

This breed is not only in the top five most expensive and rare cat breeds, but is also one of the oldest cat breeds in the world dating back to the 17th century!

• Physical features include flatteneed faces, long flow, abundant and thick hair and chubby cheeks.
• Very laid back, Persians can sleep up to 20 hours a day!
• Grooming: The Persian should be brushed daily (just 10 minutes is enough if you do it regularly) to maintain their coat quality and avoid tangles, knots and hairballs. Persian cats only need to be bathed every two or three months with a waterless or mild shampoo.

Curious about other expensive, rare cat breeds? Click here to learn more!

Did you know that the EquiGroomer tools are perfect for the feline(s) in your life?

Offering Pain-free and Comfortable Grooming Both You and Your Feline will Love!

Using the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools are also a wonderful way to bond with your kitty!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email!

Many of use create homemade treats for our dogs and cats. But have you made healthy treats for your horse?

If you’re not ready to heat up the oven yet, here is a great recipe for an easy, no-bake horse treat below!

Why Homemade Horse Treats?

Many animal lovers have turned to making their own homemade treats for the pets in their lives. Home-baked treats offer our pets extra nutrition and healthy, natural supplements over the mass-produced treats sold in stores. Making your own treats can also help you save money over the store-bought ones.

Horse treats are a simple way to add nutritional benefits without changing their regular feeding program! So, let’s dive in with our first recipe!

A Healthy, No-Bake Horse Treat

From the pages of the Savvy Horse Woman website, we begin with this easy, no-bake treat recipe for horses. Coconut oil, chia seeds, apple cider vinegar and Himalayan salt make up the majority of the healthy ingredients in this horse treat! Keep reading to learn the benefits of each.

Coconut Oil

In contrast to traditionally used vegetable oils, coconut oil is easier to:

• Digest.
• Absorb; and
• Convert to energy.

In addition, it’s reported to assist with ulcers, acidosis, colic and dysbiosis. It’s also helpful for equines on a grain-based feed.

Coconut Oil: Top 10 Uses for Horses

Chia Seeds

Proper Omega-3s and Omega-6s will leave your horse with a shiny coat and improved hoof growth! More beneficial than flax and fish oils, chia seeds contain higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids which offer:

• Natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• An alternative for maintenance or recovery.
• A USEF-sanctioned supplement for performance horses.

Chia Seeds: Top 10 Benefits for Horses

Apple Cider Vinegar

Also known as ACV, apple cider vinegar helps acidify your equine’s stomach for better digestion and mineral absorption. It even prevents intestinal stones from forming and growing (helpful with hard water or horses that ingest a lot of alfalfa hay).

In addition, ACV helps protect your horse against:

• Bacteria and parasites.
• Waterborne diseases.
• The fast absorption of sugar into the bloodstream for horses sensitive to sugar.
• Degenerative joint health, arthritis pain and stiffness (just like in humans).

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Top 10 Uses for Horses

Himalayan Salt

Mined from the Himalayas in Pakistan, Himalayan salt is regarded as one of the purest salts with its natural minerals and trace elements intact. (This is unlike traditional table salt that is highly processed and contains mostly sodium chloride.) An added benefit, most horses love and prefer it! It can be fed in block form or added to your horse’s feed.

Now you’ve understood all the healthy benefits of this no-bake treat, let’s get busy!

No-Bake Horse Treat Recipe

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of loos Himalayan salt
• Approximately 2 tbsp water (as needed for the right consistency)

Now the easy part! Mix all ingredients and roll into balls, 1 to 2 inches in diameter and store in the refrigerator to maintain the shape. Then share with your horse!

Be sure to subscribe to our blog to get access to additionalhorse treat recipes and other great horse content!

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Felines can be known to be stand-offish and nowhere as “needy” as their canine counterparts. But do cats get lonely?

Do Cats Get Lonely?

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a definitive yes or no whether cats get lonely. Instead, there seem to be as many answers as there are “experts” and kitties are remaining tight-lipped with the truth!

A quick search reveals a wide array of answers on whether our felines get lonely.

Dr. Liz Bales: Veterinarian and Feline Specialist and PennVet Alumni
“Cats are naturally solitary survivors. “Lonely” is not really an emotion that they exhibit.”

Dr. Marci L. Koski, Certified Feline Behavior Consultant & Founder, Feline Behavior Solutions
“Cats can and often do get lonely when their guardians are gone for varying lengths of time. Cats aren’t nearly as independent as people have historically thought them to be.”

Dr. Leticia M.S. Dantas, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
“The answer to “Do Cats get lonely?” is likely yes – if they are kittens before their territorial nature kicks in at adulthood.”

So, the simple answer is we don’t know and probably won’t until felines decide to let us in on this secret!

What Can a Cat Guardian Do If Their Cat Gets Lonely?

There is some good news, there may be signs and symptoms which may indicate your indoor cat is lonely and needs more companionship, interaction and human love. Below we explore the helpful tips to proactively keep your domestic cat from being lonely!

Possible Signs Your Cat May be Lonely

While felines are not pack animals like canines, cats are still social animals to differing degrees. So which potential signs may mean your cat is lonely?

• Frequent and loud meowing and other vocalizations
• Excessive shedding
• Depression and separation anxiety
• Sudden clinginess
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Sudden problems with using the litter box
• Changes in your cat’s aggressive behavior

How to Keep Your Cat Happy and Engaged: 6 Tips

1. Just like our dogs, cats thrive on a consistent routine. If your routine suddenly changes, your cat may begin to exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety or loneliness. Do everything you can to maintain your pet’s regular schedule. If necessary, hire a pet sitter to avoid the development of negative and even destructive cat behaviors as well as feline loneliness.
2. Like most living beings, cats need quality interaction and play with their humans and/or other pets for their best emotional health.
3. Keep in mind, any environmental change may also lead to feline stress and negative behaviors. Going on vacation? Keep your cat in their home with a pet sitter they know.
4. Consider adopting another cat for regular companionship and socialization.
5. Rotate a variety of interactive cat toys to keep your feline from getting bored and lonely.
6. Create a cozy spot near a window so your cat can stay entertained with birds, and wildlife.

Remember, not all cats have the same needs.
You know your cat best and what they need.

If you’re not sure, find a local cat behaviorist to make sure
your cat does not get lonely and is happy and engaged!

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For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.