"To allow outside, or not to allow outside? That’s become the question in recent years, as cat owners weigh up the health risks of open access to the outside world, against the undoubted enjoyment a cat receives from exploring and hunting. So what’s the answer? Does it come down to your cat’s personality type? After all, many believe that some cats are born either homebodies or outdoor explorers."

"Cats present their own spring challenges, particularly in the form of shedding. As the weather warms up, their thick winter coat begins to thin out, leaving behind a lot of stray fur..."

"Animal testing, as part of scientific research, is a topic that’s usually out of sight and out of mind. We have a vague impression that it's going on, somewhere, but assume that it’s limited only to essential medical research, and is tightly controlled by benign government agencies and legislation. But how accurate is this picture?"

"Next to the pub lives a very special citizen, renowned by locals, a sign announcing his existence to all who pass by. The name of this esteemed retiree is Rogan Josh, and he’s the horse who won the 1999 Melbourne Cup. Could there be any better proof of our love affair with race horses? There’s a great deal of sentiment for the champions of the turf."

"My cat may not look like Albert Einstein, but in her own quiet way she’s constructing a theory to explain the universe. You can see her at it, perched at the window, peering out at a dramatic world of buildings, cars, trams and people... and a number of tempting pigeons on the rooftops opposite. 'Why is it so?' you can sense her thinking."

"Let’s be honest: as much as we love our pets, we all have times when the relationship is a bit fraught. But there are degrees of difficulty. Ella is in a class of her own. A compact dynamo driven by her hunting instincts and overly fond of lunching on dead creatures, her colourful escapades drive Robert to distraction."

"Whether a pet has sensed a gloomy mood and is sticking close by in response, or is simply bouncing around the house in a display of crazy critter antics, people with pets know how their animal companions can bring comfort, break a grim mood or provide a moment of escape from the troubles of the human world."

"There are boarding facilities catering for every budget. Some classy pet hotels even offer private suites complete with TV, beds and bedding. As always, what you get relates to what you’re prepared to pay; but it’s important not to be so dazzled by extras that you neglect to check the basics."

"Petra is going into a cattery for her first long-term separation from us. Will she suffer from separation anxiety? I guess it’s too early to say. Will we suffer from separation anxiety? Yep, big time. In fact, I’ve already started. ‘Will she be OK?’ I ask my wife pitifully."

"The Turtle Dove has been the poster boy (or girl) for loyal, lifelong love, the sort of love we’d like to find ourselves. And this came about because nature-lovers observed that certain birds appeared to mate for life. But with the aid of DNA testing and careful observation, scientists are now revealing the truth behind the cosy image of Mr and Mrs Swan at home with the kids."

"The funniest thing is what the pet owners don’t see: the similarities between themselves and their furry charges. It’s what makes us laugh when we encounter an elegant curly-headed lady out with her similarly coiffed Poodle; or a relaxed, rumpled young guy with his lolloping Labrador. The supposed resemblance of owners and pets has made its way into popular culture. But is it true?"

"Barney was a very bad boy. The naughty British resident had been placed in solitary confinement after swearing at a mayoress, a lady vicar and two police officers in the town of Nuneaton. It’s a fair cop, you think? Well, yes and no. For Barney is a blue and gold Macaw, once owned by a truck driver. Profanity aside, what do we know about the gentle art of teaching birds to talk?"

"It’s summer, and the living is easy. Long days are spent at the beach or by the pool, with dogs joining in the aquatic activity. But contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are good swimmers. Their ability depends on breed, age and size, even hairiness: Old English Sheepdogs, for example, can become weighed down by their coats once wet. So it’s little wonder that every year, many dogs drown."

"There’s nothing more pleasing to the cat owner than hearing a feline companion vibrate with contentment. Just anticipating a purr is enough motivation to stroke a cat. But what exactly is this rumble from within? And does it always signal a happy cat?"

Examines the mysterious mechanism of a cat's purr, with comments from owners.

"What goes up, must come down. Unfortunately, it’s a saying that might apply to the feline population of the Melbourne CBD. As more cats take up residence in city apartment towers, there’s a greater risk of injury when falling from a height."

The risks and solutions for people keeping cats in high-rise apartments. 

"They say kids are exhausting. It’s true, of course, but have you ever had an indoor cat or kitten? Like kids, they have high energy levels and a low boredom threshold. And the last thing you want is a bored kitty, amusing itself by chewing your shoes and scratching the sofa."

A practical piece on how to create low-cost playthings for a cat.

If you'd like to republish one of these pieces, or would like a new arts piece, please get in touch via the contacts below.

articles by subject:
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email:
tim@iwriter.com.au

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(international +61-411-242327)

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