If until a few years ago it was difficult to recognize fundamental animal rights, today all the battles and progress carried out by volunteers and animal lovers begin to be noticed more and more every day. Among the most innovative awards, there is certainly the insurance one, which allows owners of dogs and cats to take out policies against accidental damage suffered or caused by their pet, as well as the possibility of receiving greater health protection. How do these policies work and what kind of damages do they cover?

Civil liability

In the specific case of insurance for cats, the situations covered by the policies are different from those for dogs, which we have already dealt with in a specific article.

The cat, in fact, will hardly be able to chase an angry victim intent on jogging in the park, just as it will rarely be able to bite a dog without being provoked. It is also true, however, that some cats can be really possessive, even attacking the guests who come to our house with their claws. At the same time, its common to hear stories of dogs being hit by a cat's "paw" in the eye.

In essence, cats tend to attack only when provoked. This is the case, for example, of children who mistake the house cat for a toy, pulling its tail or disturbing it while it is intent on sleeping or eating. Quite simply, cats are very independent and require great respect for their spaces. It may happen that some felines are more tolerant towards humans and other animals, but in most cases, they will react aggressively if disturbed.

If your cat belongs to the category of less tolerant felines, you could opt for an insurance that protects any damage caused to things or people, including other animals. It is a common civil liability policy, with insurance characteristics very similar to those provided for our car.

Basically, this type of policy guarantees the owner an economic protection to cover the damage caused by his animal, whether he has attacked a person or another animal, or if he has irreparably broken an object of value, walking on the shelves of the house.

Accidents and illnesses

Another type of guarantee offered by the main pet policies is the one that protects the owners' pockets in case of injury or illness.

This category mainly includes situations that occur due to external factors, for example in the event that our cat is hit by a car or is mistreated by someone with bad intentions.

In these circumstances, and in others of this type, we may receive partial or full reimbursement of the cost of treatment and any surgery, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, treatment and diagnostic testing costs.

On the other hand, all congenital or hereditary diseases, as well as any neoplasms, are excluded, since insurance policies are mainly based on the risk that certain situations may occur. In these cases, the risk is always quite high and predictable.

You can also apply this for protection in the event of your cat's death from injury.

Many policies for cats also provide the possibility of requesting advice from a veterinarian affiliated with the insurance company, in order to obtain a second opinion regarding the cost and methods of intervention. At the same time, it is possible to take advantage of a legal service able to protect us to carry out any complaints.

Situations excluded from compensation

Various situations are excluded from the policy, based on the type of contract to be stipulated. The most common are:

• Intervention of sterilization or castration;
• Dental surgery;
• Eye interventions not caused by accidents;
• Food and supplements;
• Caesarean;
• Vaccinations;
• Pesticides;
• Diseases which can be prevented with compulsory vaccinations;
• Damage caused by family members.

At the time of the contract, the cat must be in good health, regularly vaccinated for the main infectious diseases and must have a valid and updated health booklet.

 The car is a necessity for most of us during daily chores. Traveling by car is often the only solution to go to work, for domestic errands, to reach places quite far from home and, why not, to take a nice trip. In some cases, a simple gesture, such as driving, can become problematic if we decide to bring the dog or cat with us. This aspect becomes even more difficult if our friend just can't deal with the fear or anxiety of car travel. Let's see what are the causes of this situation and what to do if the dog or cat does not want to get in the car.

Problems related to transport

A very important factor to keep in mind is that almost all cats hate cars. This is because of their very particular personality, as we all know well. For some of them, the mere sight of the pet carrier can trigger panic.

For dogs, the situation is usually different. Most dogs, in fact, are quite enthusiastic when traveling by car. This happens especially if the owner has used the car for other activities rather than just going to the vet, but also to reach pleasant places, for example a countryside or a dog area.

However, it may happen that the car is automatically associated with something negative, so the dog or cat will refuse to get in, becoming dangerous for themselves and for those driving.

Causes that can trigger their refusal:

• We only used the car to get to the vet's office;
• It is the first time you get into the car;
• Something bad happened during previous trips, such as an accident or sudden braking;
• Suffering from motion sickness;
• Cannot stand places that are too closed, such as the pet carrier;
• Tends to threaten other animals in the car.

Tips

If the dog or cat does not want to get into the car for some unknown reason and they are tense and worried during the journey, we should be able to identify the source of the discomfort.

An animal suffering from motion sickness will need specific advice, which you can find in the detailed article. We remind you that the symptoms of carsickness can generate a strong discomfort in the dog and not only physical, but also mental, so let's contact our veterinarian to evaluate the problem in more depths.

If, on the other hand, we believe that the discomfort is caused by a behavioral problem, we can act through some precautions.

• We get the animal used to getting into a car from an early age;
• We use the car for pleasant experiences, for example to reach a beautiful countryside and let him run freely;
• We try to stay calm while driving, talking to him naturally;
• We avoid turning up the volume of the radio;
• For the first few times, we bring with us an object of the dog, for example a blanket or a towel, which he will associate with the positive experience of the car ride;
• Lets stop often on the way;
• Do not let him eat for a few hours before getting him into the car;
• We bring water with us to offer him during the stops;
• We use the travel accessories (pet carriers, cages, separation nets and safety belts for dogs) according to the needs and personality of our pet. By doing this, we will ensure greater safety for us and our friends during the journey and ensure that we remain in full compliance with the regulations on the transport of animals;
• We place special ramps or platforms to facilitate the entrance.

We must communicate that moving by car can also be a positive experience. In fact, in most cases, the dogs and cats that refuse to get in the car are precisely those who have not accumulated other "automotive" experiences other than visiting the vet.

We then stimulate the positive association, using the car more often, enriching the moment with many pleasant stimuli, which can include caresses, as well as reward snacks, his favourite blanket and the desired destination of the animal’s choice.

Animals, of any species or breed, are often subjected to mistreatment, despite the numerous awareness campaigns and the enormous achievements in the field of regulations. It is very important for each of us, convinced and unconvinced animal rights activists, to know what the current legislative provisions are, in order to be able to intervene promptly in the event that we become unaware spectators of animal abuse.

Thanks to the complaints and the constant commitment of associations and volunteers who have to deal with cases of mistreatment and abandonment every day, the law necessarily had to turn its attention to dogs, cats and many other animals subjected to unacceptable situations .

The law that protects all these aspects is the “Provisions concerning the prohibition of mistreatment of animals, as well as their use in clandestine fights or unauthorized competitions” of 20 July 2004, n. 189.

Thanks to this legislative provision, Book II of the Criminal Code has been extended with the addition of "Title IX bis - Crimes against the sentiment of animals".

The importance of this great achievement in the field of animal defence is mainly linked to the strict definition of all practices that can harm animals, from killing to mistreatment, including the marketing of dogs and cats for skins and furs. 

Here are the main points discussed in the appropriate section of the Criminal Code.

What are the punishable offenses?

As strange as it may seem, the term "mistreatment" does not refer only to the practice of physical violence on animals, but includes a set of situations.

An animal can be defined mistreated or abused, according to the law, when it lives in conditions that involve "injury". More precisely in the case in which "anyone, out of cruelty or without necessity, [...] subjects him to torture or behaviour or fatigue or work that is unbearable due to its ethological characteristics."

Furthermore, "anyone who administers drugs or prohibited substances to animals" is also defined as an abuser.

Similarly, anyone who causes the death of an animal "by cruelty or without necessity" is also punishable from a legal point of view.

The law also protects animals from the possibility, unfortunately still very present, of forbidden shows, races and fights. In addition, this field also includes all individuals or breeders, who are involved in the purchase and training of animals for these areas.

The last, but fundamental point of the Law on the mistreatment of animals is the one regarding abandonment. In this case, anyone who abandons their animals is punishable from a legal point of view.

The same thing also applies to those who force animals to live in conditions "incompatible with their nature".

The penalty for single offenses

As regards to the punishment foreseen for each of these situations,  in this case important progress has been made.

In case of killing of animals, the law provides imprisonment from 3 to 18 months.

For animal abuse in the strictest sense, on the other hand, based on the seriousness of the situation, a period of imprisonment from 3 months to 1 year can be incurred, with a fine ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 euros.

Furthermore, in the case of unauthorized shows and events involving animals, imprisonment is foreseen from 4 months to 2 years, with a fine between 3,000 and 15,000 euros.

Furthermore, the punishment for those who promote or organize fights between animals is particularly severe. In this case, in fact, we speak of imprisonment from 1 to 3 years, with fines ranging from 50,000 to 160,000 euros. An integration of the sentence is provided if minors or armed persons are involved, if video reproductions of the fight or competition have been used, and even for those who made these reproductions.

Those who feed the competition or fighting sector, including breeders, traders and the owners themselves with their contentment are equally punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 1 year and with a fine between 5,000 and 30,000 euros.

In all these situations, the confiscation of animals is always provided, with the suspension of transport, trade and breeding activities, up to the definitive ban in case of recidivism.

Finally, with regards to the abandonment of animals and their detention in inadmissible conditions, all persons responsible for these crimes are punishable by up to 1 year of arrest and with a fine between 1,000 and 10,000 euros.

 Even our animal can experiment temperature rise and fever. It is often very difficult for owners to distinguish a fever from a milder illness. For this reason, it is very important to be able to perform a simple operation by yourself such as measuring the temperature of the dog and cat. Let's see together how it's done.

What is needed?

What you need is:

• Alcohol
• Cotton wool
• Digital thermometer
• Vaseline or other lubricants

As for the thermometer, we have specified the type precisely to avoid the use of the classic mercury thermometers, now obsolete and even forbidden even for "human" use.

Choose a digital thermometer for children or pets, with features that make it as easy as possible to measure the temperature. The ideal would be to be able to get a thermometer with a thin and flexible tip, which follows the movements of the animal without causing pain.

It is also important that the measurement is very quick, because the dog or cat is unlikely to accept this type of operation. Make sure, therefore, that the thermometer is fast and that it has a buzzer to signal the end of the measurement.

Steps

1. We take the animal and place it on the table or in any case on a high enough surface, to feel more comfortable during the measurement. Always let someone help us to keep the dog or cat still;
2. We ask our assistant to immobilize the animal as far as possible, without feeling forced. In the case of the cat, if it really doesnt want to cooperate, we can use the classic towel method, wrapping it around the cat's body, keeping the paws inside, so that it doesn't scratch us;
3. Disinfect the tip of the thermometer with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. We wait a few moments, in order for the alcohol to evaporate;
4. We apply Vaseline or another specific lubricant to the tip of the thermometer;
5. We lift the tail of the animal and locate the anus. In the female, it is the opening immediately below the tail, while in the male it is easier to visualize;
6. We insert the tip of the thermometer slowly and gently into the rectum, making sure that they remain inside at most 2-2.5 centimetres, depending on the size of the animal;
7. We hold the thermometer slightly tilted and wait for the acoustic signal;
8. We observe the temperature indicated on the display;
9. Disinfect the thermometer again;
10. We reward the dog or the cat.

 Lately, digital thermometers now allow you to measure the temperature directly from the animal's ears. In any case, the temperature is taken more accurately via rectum.

Some people argue that it is not necessary to use thermometers, but that it is sufficient to evaluate other parameters, such as the humidity of the nose or the temperature of the ears. These are absolutely inaccurate methods, which cannot provide precise information on the actual temperature of the animal.

How to correctly interpret values

As we have extensively explained in the article on fever in dogs and cats, the ideal temperature varies according to the age, species and size of the animal.

The reference values ​​are:

• Puppies and kittens: 38.8-39 ° C;
• Adult cats: 38-38.2 ° C;
• Small dogs: 38.5-39.2 ° C;
• Large and giant dogs: 37.5-38.5 ° C

However, a slight increase in temperature can be considered normal in some situations. For example:

• After intense physical activity;
• Staying in a very hot environments;
• Fear, for example during a visit to the vet;
• Anxiety and stress.

For this reason, it is always important to observe other symptoms that the animal with a fever normally manifests. Between these:

• Sleeps a lot;
• Refuses to eat and drink;
• Has no desire to move;
• He feels discomfort if we try to pick him up;
• Breathing is more frequent;
• The nose and ears feel warm to the touch.

In these cases, we can proceed with measuring the temperature rectally, if the animal agrees to be manipulated. Next, we will need to contact our vet to find out the cause of the fever.

 Litter must be emptied, hair must be removed, bowls to be washed and floors to be disinfected and mopped. These are daily operations that dogs and cats owners must face to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the house. However, do we really do them right? Let's find out how to clean and disinfect the house and our animals object in an effective and natural way, but above all without putting their health at risk.

The litter box

Cat owners have a very important and often annoying task: cleaning the litter box. All cats, in fact, need at least one litter box to be able to do their own needs. The problem, however, is that if these are not removed often enough or if the litter box is not emptied regularly, the odours will spread throughout the house.

The type of litter we use inside the house plays an essential role in the odours of our home. However, it is essential to ensure an excellent level of hygiene and cleanliness, without harming the cat.

Here's what we need to do.

1. Empty the toilet bowl entirely, removing even the most evident encrustations with a shovel;
2. Apply white vinegar to the most encrusted areas and add boiling water;
3. Let it act for at least 30 minutes;
4. Eliminate the mixture of water and vinegar;
5. With a cloth remove the encrustations, which will have softened thanks to this mixture;
6. Dry the litter box and sprinkle the entire bottom with common sodium bicarbonate;
7. We pour a homogeneous and fairly thick layer of clean litter.

With this simple operation, the encrustations can be permanently removed thanks to the vinegar, while the bicarbonate will ensure an excellent seal against odours, as well as a high level of hygiene.

The floors

We must never use ammonia and bleach to clean floors, especially if your dog or cat tends to go to the toilet around the house. Ammonia is also contained in the urine, so the animal would sense its presence and would try in every way to cover it by peeing everywhere.

Bleach, on the other hand, releases very volatile substances, which can be easily inhaled by us and our animals. Think, moreover, that the dog and the cat are much shorter than us, so the distance between their mouth and the floor is minimal, so they would instantly breathe the bleach in. In addition, this product misused by many pet owners tends to fix odours rather than remove them.

There are detergents on the market specifically designed to ensure excellent floor hygiene, in a totally safe way for animals. Alternatively, choose an organic detergent and combine it with hot water.

Going to the toilet on furniture and carpets

It may happen that our four-legged friend chooses to "free himself" on the sofa, bed or carpet. To remove urine, stool or vomit stains from tissues, we need to follow a few steps:

1. Sprinkle the area with bicarbonate, which will absorb moisture and odours;
2. In a spray bottle, combine white vinegar with hot water and spray on the stain;
3. We wait for it to dry;
4. With a toothbrush we rub the mixture;
5. Rinse thoroughly with a damp sponge.

Alternatively, we can also use oxygenated water (hydrogen peroxide):

1. In a spray bottle, combine white vinegar with hot water;
2. Spray the mixture on the stain;
3. Let it dry;
4. Mix some baking soda in a bowl with a finger of oxygenated water and a few drops of neutral soap;
5. Apply the mixture with a toothbrush;
6. Rinse thoroughly with a damp sponge.

The bowls

The dog and cat bowls should be washed thoroughly every day. Food residues could deteriorate, becoming harmful to the animal and would also smell badly after a while. We use boiling water, which will soften food residues and sterilize the bowls. We can use a few drops of neutral soap, to be rinsed thoroughly.

After we put all these tips into practice, pets' stains and smells will be a distant memory.

The long-awaited period of the Christmas holidays has arrived, with the tree, decorations around the house and typical sweets. We must remember that Christmas and New Years bring many dangers for our animal friends, starting from the New Year's barrels to the decorations and typical dishes. 

The decorations

During the holidays, almost all families choose to decorate their home with the traditional Christmas tree. Those who live with a dog or a cat should know how interesting animals can find the decorations that are used to embellish both the tree and the crib.

In fact, many large and small objects can be gnawed or swallowed by the dog or cat, such as:

• Balls
• Light cables
• Tapes
• Ribbons
• Polystyrene
• Iron hook
• Artificial snow

To prevent our pets from getting hurt, without necessarily giving up Christmas decorations, we can take some simple precautions.

• Choose a tree that is not too big: the risk that the tree may collapse during play times and the cat's climbing habits is greater if the tree is large. A smaller tree, on the other hand, will stand up longer;
• Avoid real trees: nowadays there are few people who prefer to buy real trees rather than synthetic ones. Lets remember that, although ingesting real or plastic needles is always dangerous, in the case of a real tree the risks increase. The cat or the dog can gnaw the bark and ingest it;
• We place the tree in a safe place: the tree should be protected from the "attacks" of our animals. We try to secure it as much as possible to the surrounding furniture, perhaps using sturdy threads of transparent nylon. They will not be seen, but they will be able to keep the tree in place. Another trick is to avoid furniture nearby from which the animal can jump. A very small kitten suspended from the Christmas tree will probably do no harm, but imagine 6 kilos of feline flying on the branches;
• Choose the decorations well: the tree, the nativity scene and the decorations on doors and windows can be just as beautiful even without some elements that are more dangerous for our animals. We should avoid artificial snow, glass objects that can fall and break into a thousand sharp fragments and lighted candles;
• Make the decorations less interesting: we could use a repellent spray, easily available in all pet shops, to spray around the tree and on the crib. The cat and dog, disgusted by the intense smell, will run away. We also avoid all objects that reflect light and trinkets, which the cat can easily mistake for preys;
• We fasten the decorations to the tree well: balls, figurines, pinecones and all the decorations must be firmly fixed to the branches of the tree, for example by tying them very well with sturdy threads. We avoid the hooked metal hooks, which are simply placed on the branch, because the animal could easily remove them and ingest them;
• We decorate only the highest parts of the tree: we avoid decorating the lower parts of the tree because they are the first to be reached by the legs of our animals;
• We choose larger figurines for the nativity scene: for those who do not want to give up the tradition of the nativity scenes in our home, a great idea may be to choose larger figurines;
• We protect electrical cables: Christmas lights are a must on the tree, on the crib and on the balconies. However, we should try to protect the electrical cables by covering them with insulating adhesive tape, to prevent animals from getting shocked;
• Watch out for gifts: Christmas Eve is a joy for everyone, but when we arrive at the fateful moment of exchanging gifts, let's remember to collect all the ribbons and bows that can be ingested by your pet.

If we have cats in the house, we must also pay attention to plants. Not everyone knows, but poinsettias are very dangerous for felines, because they contain substances that, if ingested, are poisonous.

Typical holiday dishes

Our family is already in the kitchen and we can't wait to taste all the sweets and typical dishes of the Christmas tradition.

Here are some of the most dangerous foods for dogs and cats:

• Chocolate: it is highly toxic to animals;
• Sweeteners: xylitol is very palatable for our animals, but at the same time is dangerous if ingested;
• Panettone and pandoro: leavened products can annoy the digestive system of dogs and cats, so let's avoid them. In addition, they may contain raisins, which are very dangerous for animals;
• Exotic fruit: during the holidays we often decide to enrich our dining table with exotic fruits. We should pay particular attention to avocado, which is poisonous for dogs and cats.

As you can see, it is not true that those who live with a dog or a cat must necessarily make sacrifices. The important thing is to follow some simple and practical advice to peacefully experience the party atmosphere all together.