Pet Patter
Animal Companions

  By Hira Humayun

World Animal Day is celebrated all over the world on October 4th. It's the day to appreciate the importance of animals, for us and for our planet. This day is also meant to celebrate the special bond we share with the animals that live with us and make our lives more beautiful. Of course, we are talking about our pets! Hira Hamayun takes a closer look...

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

– Mohandas Gandhi

Many of us do not realise their importance in our lives. Others take advantage of their inferiority, taking them and their services for granted, while some loathe just the thought of them. Little do we realise that our pets hold a great significance in our lives. Many of them have an astoundingly high level of intelligence. While some of them are not blessed with much intelligence, their importance is no less. Unlike humans, pets have an unlimited capacity in their hearts to love and accept more people than we can even think of befriending. They are quick to forgive and forget, and never show even the slightest bit of hesitance to display their genuine affection towards their master. Everyone who has enough money, time and space for a pet should definitely consider getting one.

Birds, fish, hamsters, turtles etc. are easy to look after. They require the bare essentials, such as food and water, which must be kept clean. For those who are thinking of welcoming a larger companion into their families, there are quite a number of factors to consider: Will you be able to fulfil all its needs? Will you be able to clean up after it, give it attention, love, manage it financially (regular trips to the vet, food, paying for any damages it may cause), and put up with its training? If yes, then begin your hunt for the perfect companion! 

The one for you!

For those passive people who prefer to have a pet that is relatively independent, does not require extensive exercise, grooming, cleaning, and intense training sessions, a cat would be an ideal selection. Most cats are intelligent, and even look both ways before crossing a street. They are not very dependent on their owners and follow their own will. While having a cat can be rewarding due to their cleanliness, calmness, and friendliness, there are many things to consider. Cats, unlike dogs, are extremely sensitive, yet very dominating. Due to this, they should be firmly, but gently, taught how to eliminate their unacceptable behaviour. Cats must be litter-box trained at an early age. The owner must keep the cat-litter clean, as cats like to relieve themselves in clean places. The litter-box must be scooped/cleaned out daily.

Cats must also be supplied with their own scratching post, which is a wooden stand, covered with rough carpet. This is essential as cats often sharpen their claws, and if they do not have a scratching post, they will accommodate their needs by helping themselves to furniture! You should also keep your cat's nails short by trimming them. Many prefer to declaw their cats, but this is strongly disapproved by veterinarians. A cat's claw is a part of the paw, attached to a muscle (similar to our finger), which allows the cat to extend, and pull back its nails. De-clawing a cat is a painful and expensive surgical procedure, equivalent to removing a body part. A de-clawed cat will not be able to grasp items, climb up a tree, defend itself, and will have trouble in walking.

Cats are generally very clean and will groom/clean themselves using their rough tongue, while the long-haired breeds such as the Persian and Himalayan cats need to be brushed often. A cat that stops grooming itself may be ill. Whiskers should not be tampered with, nor should extensive grooming be applied on the tail, as these help the cat stay balanced.

Felines are pure carnivores who live on a pure-meat-only diet, requiring lots of protein. They are natural hunters (keep them away from smaller pets, if you have any!). They eat pure-meat, and not any bi-products containing grains, vegetables, dairy products etc. Strangely, cow's milk is actually harmful for cats. It causes them to quickly become overweight (which is a problem in cats, as they tend to be very lazy, so eating times should be strictly scheduled) and its large proteins cannot be digested by cats, resulting in intestinal problems, diarrhea, and vomiting. Other health problems cats may face are colds, respiratory diseases, urinary problems, and eye infections. Usually, if cats (and dogs) have an upset stomach, they will remedy themselves by eating grass or other green plants. However, if this persists for over two weeks, consult a veterinarian.

Like any animal, you should play with your cat. However, cats will take care of their own exercise needs. The lazy ones usually take long naps during the day, and can weigh as much as 9 kilograms! The more active cats that regularly roam around the house usually weigh between 2.7 to 7 kilograms. Similarly, most cats usually live to be 14 years old, while some of the really fit ones can live to be over 20!

For those of us who long for a challenge, more responsibility and vivacity, dogs would be a perfect choice. Dogs can create a lot of damage, which is why proper training is essential. Many people prefer pure-bred dogs (whose both parents are one breed) because mixed breeds usually have more temperamental and genetic problems. Dogs rely on their masters for exercise, food, water, grooming and company. They need to be around people at all times, otherwise they become lonely and destructive. Dogs greatly vary in size, and can be as small as the Chihuahua, weighing an average of 2 kilograms, to the Irish Wolfhound, weighing 65 kilograms. Dogs' temperaments also vary with the breed.

The smaller breeds, also known as toy breeds, generally tend to be snappish, shy, jealous, and can easily become neurotic. Due to the fact that they are small, they can only defend themselves by using their razor-sharp teeth. These dogs must be handled gently, and the master must not be too strict. They may become stubborn; assume the 'Alpha Position' and some are difficult to potty-train. Small dogs are also quite expensive, and very rare in Pakistan, and if they grow much attached to their owners, they may suffer separation anxiety. They are also very delicate, and tend to be prone to a number of health problems. Additionally, they are not recommended to be trusted with bigger dogs, small children and smaller pets. However, small dogs are excellent for elderly people and older children, as they do not require much exercise or space, live for as long as 18 years, make good watchdogs, and are very loyal. Mainly one-person dogs, they devote themselves to one single master. They do not have a very big appetite, and do not make much of a mess, although some are picky eaters (remember: NEVER feed your dog chocolate, no matter how much it begs. The cocoa plant contains theobromine, which speeds up a dog's heart, leads to heart failure, epileptic seizures, intense stomach pain and diarrhea). They are also very outgoing (if you raise them well), making them cute and portable travel companions, too. Some popular toy breeds in Pakistan are the Dachshund, Pekingese, and toy American Eskimo, which can be purchased from a breeder or kennel club.

Larger dogs are more of a challenge, but rewarding, too. They are excellent family companions, highly intelligent, loyal, loving, bold and love children. They can weigh anywhere between 45 and 70 kilograms, and can be as tall as 3 feet! They enjoy being played with and tolerate small children's rough-play. Many big dogs serve as helpers for the blind and physically handicapped. However, in early phases of puppyhood, especially during their teething period, they are most destructive. They will chew on anything within sight! (Small dogs do this as well, but their damages are not as eminent). They should be given chew toys of different textures. Big dogs also need to be let out to play, as they are exceedingly energetic. They must be taken out for long walks or else they will vent out their energy inside the house! Due their large size, they may be intimidating to others, and must learn to control their energy. Big dogs also have a large appetite and therefore frequently need to relieve themselves. This is why potty-training is highly crucial - especially for big dogs; but that is not a big problem, as they are quick learners. They are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, muscle problems, and problems in their joints. Although larger dogs on average live a shorter life of about 13 years, they can live longer if taken excellent care of. Some popular big breeds in Pakistan are the Great Dane, Neapolitan Mastiff, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, Dalmatian, Samoyed, American Eskimo, Golden Retriever, Labrador retriever and Boxer.

Remember, when you get a pet, you are making a commitment to care for and love it. Many of us do not see our fellow humans the way animals do. We should respect animals for their open-heartedness. Although raising a pet is tough, it is worth it, as they give us the kind of love one can only find in a family member or a true best friend.