Posted on 01/04/2012 1:12:47 PM PST by Slings and Arrows
Pets rejoice! A recent survey shows that many pet parents are making New Year’s resolutions to spend more time with their pets and make sure they are loved even more than they were last year.
More than 1,000 pet parents, including hundreds of Kibblers, recently participated in the Halo, Purely for Pets Pet Parents’ New Year’s Resolution Survey.
According to the survey, many pet parents want to do a better job grooming their pets, with 68.1 percent resolving to trim their pets’ nails more often, 52.6 percent planning to give their dogs and cats more baths, and more than 80 percent committing to more frequent brushings. A little more than 35 percent plan to give their pets supplements to help their coat and skin. Finally, the pets may not like this, but a full 50 percent of pet owners plan to brush their pets' teeth more often.
Interestingly, nearly 46 percent of respondents plan to help their pets lose weight. Considering that recent studies show that more than 50 percent of dogs and cats are overweight, this awareness and recognition among pet owners is encouraging in the battle against pet obesity.
The majority (68.7 percent) of respondents with overweight pets plan to help their pets drop pounds by increasing exercise and 44 percent are going to feed their pets better quality food. A little more than 35 percent are going to reduce the amount of food their pets eat.
An overwhelming number (94.1 percent) of those surveyed plan to help pets in need this year, with nearly 70 percent saying they will donate to a rescue or shelter. Other ways respondents say they’ll help pets in need include fostering (11.9 percent), adopting another pet (11.5 percent) and playing freekibble.com or freekibblekat.com to earn Halo Spot’s Stew donations for shelters (45.5 percent).
Survey respondents were invited to share additional resolutions. Among our favorites:
“Get an RV so we don’t have to leave them for vacation.”
“Train my cat to be a therapy animal.”
“More car and wagon rides.”
“To keep his wellness vet visits.”
“Attempt to walk my cats using a harness.”
“Not to shoo my cats away when I’m watching Ellen.”
“Take them to the beach.”
“Hand make toys and cushions for them.”
“Make sure he drinks more water.”
“Build new cat trees.”
“Train my dog to ride to the dog park in his Harley side car.”
Looks like it’s going to be a great 2012 for the pets!
I’m admittedly a grouchy old man. I have two dogs and a cat, all of whom will tell anyone they are quite well treated. However, the very term “pet parent” makes my skin crawl with its cutsyness. Aaaaagggghhhh
Making cats watch Ellen? Where’s the ASPCA on this one? The hairballs those poor little kitties must hack up when they see Ellen. Is there no humanity?
“Train my cat to be a therapy animal.”
Maybe it already is... My niece was going off to college and to live in no-pets housing. She wanted to take her cat. She claimed it was her "therapy cat." With ADA and such, the landlords didn't dare question her about it.
We resolve to respond faster,when our cats demand our attention.
I would not try to force my cats to “lose” their excess fat. It helps maintain them in their elder years.
I may get a lot of slack for saying such a thing, but I highly doubt my Kitty would have lasted over 19 years if not for her “added” poundage.
If your cat is 20 lbs overweight and is diabetic then of course, he/she needs to be put on a diet to control the disease.
A few pounds over? Screw it. Let the kitties have it. Those few extra pounds help an elder kitten.
“Get an RV so we don’t have to leave them for vacation”
Brilliant.....why didn’t I think of that.....”Dear, Mittens wanted a new Porsche. See! She looks so happy!”
Contrast between cultures...
China Tycoon ‘Ate Poisoned Cat-Meat Stew’
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2828691/posts
Celebrate diversity.
They know. I don’t know how they know, but they know.
Having driven 1400 miles in a compact car with three cat carriers, I am in no position to criticize.
Was that you? I didn’t know a compact could go so fast.
There’s something just...not right with the term “pet parent.” There’s just an air of post-modern, politically correct hipsterism to it.
Re: RV. We did that in 2006 because I’d get horribly homesick after two vacation days and wanted to go home. Unless you’ve been through it, you have *no* idea how much $ you save when you don’t kennel them. The motor home has already paid for itself!
While at first read, you’re idea sounds horrible, however, I have noticed that when cats reach what I would assume is kitteh social security age, they start to lose weight dramatically.
I’ve seen it happen more than once and it’s almost impossible to get them back to their ‘normal’ weight.
I’d don’t know why it happens and if it has a detrimental effect but I would like to keep the elder kittehs well fed.
I know. Believe me, I know.
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