Norwegian Hamsters

So I was watching a show on the Discovery Channel about the origin and care of certain household pets. This week’s episode; hamsters. Having owned a hamster in the past I was a little curious to know more about their background. Unwittingly in watching this show I gained a greater degree of insight on an ancient Scandinavian culture which has piqued my interest for years.

Apparently there are more than one breed of hamster. There is the Golden Hamster, which is the one that most people think of when they visualize this animal. I was surprised to find out that it comes from Africa. And that all Golden Hamsters are descended from about a dozen specimens collected from Syria. Obviously I’m no geneticist, but it seems to me that all the thousands and thousands of hamsters throughout the world being descended from just 12 hamsters would necessitate an astonishing degree of inbreeding. Perhaps all their cute behavior such as running in a wheel is the result, and indicates the apex of their intellectual capacity. In that respect I suppose hamsters are quite bright by comparison to some other species. I’ve known full grown adults who couldn’t walk and speak at the same time, let alone run in a stationary wheel.

If you’ve ever owned a hamster you would know what sort of bumbling oblivious animals they are, almost as bad as people. The idea that something as small, harmless, and crunchy as a hamster lived at one time out in the wild boggles my mind. They don’t blend in with their surroundings; they’re not fast, not smart, and not resilient. It’s like a hemophiliac sleeping on a bed of nails, if you’ll forgive the allusion, there’s no question what’s going to happen.

Anyway. There is another species of hamster which originates from Norway. The Norwegian Hamster is much smaller and difficult to care for. Apparently they are much tougher despite their size. It was considerably more difficult to domesticate this species. Based on their appearance I would have to say that it’s likely the early Norse settlers borrowed the Norwegian Hamster’s image when they became known as Vikings.

Just imagine it. You’re a Norwegian farmer, walking back through the fields after a hard day. Suddenly out of nowhere comes a high pitched ululating cry. Hundreds of hamsters come running out over the hill and make a beeline for the farmhouse. They’re chittering and frothing at the mouth in berserk fury, waving tiny battleaxes and swords as they hack a hole in the bottom of your house’s front door.

A few moments later, and after much shrieking and crashing of crockery, the hamsters emerge, their cheeks bulging with looted grain and cheese as they hightail it out of there as fast as they can.

Just as you think the horror is over and you thank the gods that your home and family has been spared, you catch a whiff of the first wisps of smoke. The little buggers set fire to the place on their way out.

Now if you were in this position and had to live with this sort of thing happening on a daily basis, wouldn’t you start to get ideas about a better way of life too?

How to Identify A Havana Brown Cat

The Havana Brown cat is also known as the Swiss Mountain Cat and was well known in England since the early 1980s. The cat received its name because their dark brown or chocolate coats resemble the color of Cuban cigars. They are a close relative of the Siamese and are often interbred with them because of the rarity of pedigree Havana Browns. This would definitely be classified as an indoor cat. They don't care about hunting and hate being alone. They like being around people, will actively follow them through the home, and cuddle at any opportunity they get. This breed is very soft voiced and rarely meows unless in distress. Havana Browns are also exceptionally intelligent and can often recognize certain words if they hear them repeated often. They also use their paws to interact with their environment. Trying to open cabinets, pointing at things, and manipulating small objects of interest in a way more akin to an ape than a cat. This guide will explain the steps to identifying a Havana Brown Cat.

Identifying A Havana Brown
Step 1:
Look at the cat's general shape and build. Browns are a small species and rarely stand more than ten inches at the shoulder and are a little over a foot in length. The average male weighs between eight and ten pounds, while the females are a bit smaller at between six and eight pounds. They are generally very thin and sleek with small paws and a very long tail that narrows to a point near the tip.

Step 2:
Examine the cat's fur. True Havana Browns have only one accepted color, a rich mahogany or chocolate that gives them their name. There should be no patterning on the fur, though kittens sometimes have tabby markings that disappear as they mature. The fur should be short and densely packed; to the touch it should be lightweight and incredibly soft. It is often likened to touching mink fur.

Step 3:
Check the cat's head. The Havana Brown's neck is long and slender, which connects to a square shaped skull. The cat's jaw is squared as well, making the snout seem more prominent and jutting than it really is. Wide expressive eyes and forward pointing ears give them a constant inquisitive or curious look. The eyes are always green too. The best way to tell if the cat is a Havana Brown is to examine the nose. If you are looking at the cat from straight ahead, the top of the nose should form a level line with the bottom of the eyes. If the cat does not have this trait then it is not a pedigree Havana Brown. If it does then you're looking at one of the rarest species of domestic cat in the world and should be grateful for the opportunity.

Tips & Warnings
During WW2 This cat breed was almost lost because of unchecked breeding with other random species. As a result this is considered an endangered breed because of the very small breeding population of pedigree Havana Browns that still exist. It's thought there are only about one thousand of these cats in existence today.

How to Identify a Chausie Cat

The Chausie is a hybrid between the African Jungle Cat and a plain domestic shorthair. It's a relatively new breed and was only registered officially in 1995. They take their name from the Latin term for the African Jungle Cat, Felis Chaus. Because of their ancestry they are consummate hunters and very active when they wish to be. Despite this they are also very sweet and love to play and interact with their owners. They don't mind being touched or petted, but this species doesn't really go in for cuddling, they act as if it were undignified. That's really the best way to describe the species; regal and fearless but not aggressive or anti-social. This guide will explain how to identify a pedigree Chausie.

Identifying A Chausie Cat
Step 1:
Look at the cat's general build. You should see a cat roughly one and a half feet high at the shoulder and almost three feet long. This is a big cat, Chausie's are known for being twice the size and weight of an average housecat. Despite their size these cats are not bulky, being possessive of an athletic build with a wide chest, small paws, long legs, and a thin but dense bone structure.

Step 2:
Examine the cat's coloring. There are only three official color patterns for the pedigree Chausie. The first is just plain black. The second is a brown ticked tabby. Cats with this pattern generally have a pale belly with a light tan body and darker brown stripes. The third color pattern is unique to this species and is called a silvered tip. The cat will have a sliver-grey coloring with black splotches all over its body similar to that of a leopard.

Step 3:
Take a look at the cat's head. It should have a long, but thick neck that leads to a tall and narrow skull. The jaw should taper sharply down to the snout and the eyes are comparatively low on the face. The entire head should be dominated by extremely tall and straight ears, sometimes tipped like a bobcat. In the cat’s resting position the ears should be angled to face directly forward like a set of headlights on a car.

Step 4:
Study the cat's behavior. A Chausie will typically have fluid and slow movements. They take their time, seemingly confident in themselves regardless of what situation they find themselves in. Their behavior has often been described as dog-like; they will obey commands and come when called. They follow their masters closely and will often sit patiently at his/her feet waiting for a command or attention. If you get the opportunity, watch the cat jump. Chausies are known for the incredible strength in their haunches, allowing them to leap up to six feet straight up. If the cat matches all of these criteria then it’s likely you’re looking at a Chausie. It’s a very rare breed not often found except in catteries.

Tips & Warnings
This species doesn't require almost any grooming; their short fine hair sheds very rarely. Chausies are very good jumpers and use this to pounce on their prey, but they are not inclined to climb, so you needn't worry about them getting onto shelves and countertops. This species gets bored easily when it's by itself, so make sure it has plenty of toys to play with. Cats of this species are known for leaping up great distances in the air to catch birds in mid flight.
Be careful if you keep other pets in the house with a Chausie, anything which could conceivably be the cat's prey, will be the cat's prey.

How to Care for Albino African Black Clawed Frogs

The Albino African Black Clawed Frog is a fully aquatic species of frog originating from the west coast of Africa and makes for a fascinating pet. Both albinos and regular Black Clawed Frogs can be readily found in pet stores specializing in reptiles and amphibians as their care needs are exactly the same. But even persons who've kept frogs as pets before may have trouble with this particular species as their needs are different from the norm. This guide will explain how to properly care for this type of frog.

Things You’ll Need:
5 Gallon Tank
Low Flow Filtration System
Non-chlorinated Water
Sand or Earth
Fish Tank Decorations
Froggy Food

Step 1:
Begin by preparing a fish tank for the frog to live in. This species spends one hundred percent of its time in the water so you will need to set up a tank of water as if you were keeping fish. For one or two such frogs a five gallon tank is the absolute minimum, the females can get to be about six inches long, the males being slightly smaller. This species is very active and likes to have plenty of room to move around.

Step 2:
Use clean sand or earth to line the bottom of the tank. These frogs will actively attempt to eat pebbles or gravel if it’s small enough to fit in their mouths, so regular fish gravel is not appropriate. Along with the gravel you should also include foliage, fake or real, good sized branches, and other decorations that give the frogs plenty of places to swim around and hide under.

Step 3:
Install al low-flow filtration system to keep the frogs' wastes from polluting the water. African Black Clawed Frogs, either albino or normal prefer water with little to no current, so any system particularly loud or powerful is not recommended. The amount of ammonia from the frogs' waste can become toxic very quickly. For this reason the tank's water should be completely replaced weekly. Also the tank's water should be completely chlorine free; any chlorine in the water will sicken and kill the frogs within a matter of hours if not minutes.

Step 4:
Install a thermostat. This species is particularly hardy and has been known to survive temperatures below freezing point, but they can sicken if the temperature of their environment is off for prolonged periods. Water temperature should stay in the low 70s Fahrenheit year-round.

Step 5:
Feed the frogs roughly three times a week, but don't stint on the portions. These frogs subsist mainly on live food and have very strong hunting instinct. They can and will eat anything they can fit in their sizable mouths, though it can often be the death of them. Don't give them tetras or feeder goldfish as they contain an indigestible enzyme which can give your frog serious trouble. Instead give them blood worms, mosquito larvae, earthworms, tubifex worms, live ghost shrimp, beefheart brine shrimp, shrimp pellets, and live guppies. They will readily stuff themselves, but don't worry about feeding them too much; they have enough sense to stop before they harm themselves. With these instructions your Albino African Clawed Frogs should live long and happy lives.

Tips & Warnings
Keep the males separate from the females if at all possible. Albino African Black Clawed Frogs mate frequently and their tadpoles require care distinctly different from that of other species of frog hatchlings. This species of frog lacks a tongue to grab food with; instead it will scoop food into its mouth with its front legs/flippers.
These frogs are voracious eaters and will readily attack other species of animal or smaller frogs they come across, because of this do not put other animals or fish in the same tanks As African Black Clawed Frogs. Before purchasing these frogs ensure that you have both the time and money to adequately care for them. This species of frog can live for over fifteen years and represents a sizable investment.

How to Identify A Munchkin Cat

The first two recorded Munchkin cats were found by a school teacher under a pick-up truck in rural Louisiana two decades ago. They take their names from the diminutive munchkins from the story "The Wizard of Oz". It is from these two cats that all the known Munchkins are descended. They get their name because of an odd genetic mutation which results in legs about half the length of a normal cat. Some organizations refuse to recognize the Munchkin as a separate breed, say that it’s simply an American Shorthair suffering from a genetic disorder. Most cat breeders and enthusiasts disagree and are pushing hard to get the Munchkin into national cat shows. Though the species is often very easy to recognize, there are a slew of other traits the Munchkin possesses that one should look for. This guide will explain how to properly identify a Munchkin cat.

How To Identify A Munchkin
Step 1:
Look at the cat's shape. If it has extremely short legs it may be a Munchkin. However, if the short legs are accompanied by an over-sized head than what you're looking at is a cat with a genetic illness called achondroplasia and is not really a Munchkin. Some Munchkins are born with normal length legs, so leg length is not the final deciding factor on identifying the species. Regardless of leg length you should see a breed similar to an American Shorthair though smaller in size. It's rare to find one over ten pounds and is considered a small breed.

Step 2:
Look at and feel the fur. The Munchkin has a coat of thick, but short hairs. Their texture around the face, throat, and underbelly should be similar to that of rabbit's fur.

Step 3:
Watch the way the cat walks. Often they will begin to move with a rabbit-like hop, throwing their weight from the rear legs to their forelegs so their hind end flies up in the air. It's a very distinctive hop that is done only by the breed.

Step 4:
Watch the way the cat looks around. Often Munchkins will stand on their hind legs when looking around to get a higher vantage point. It bears a striking resemblance to the way a meerkat of Africa will stand up to look for danger. If the cat meets these criteria then you’re definitely looking at a Munchkin. They are rarely found anywhere but an accomplished breeder's facility, so it’s a rare find indeed.

Tips & Warnings
The munchkin cat is the source of great controversy among breeders and some government organizations. The government claims that these cats are classified as malformed animals and considers breeding them because of the potential health problems such animals might encounter. Breeders say that these cats are a breed unto themselves and are in no danger from the genetic mutation munchkins have which results in their shortened legs. The Munchkin is the ideal indoor cat. They don't sharpen their claws, they don't climb, and they don't shed much. They are very social and affectionate and prefer to be with people than be alone. They get lonely easily. They love to play and are a great companion to small children given their playful nature and non-aggressive nature.
Because the Munchkin has likely been crossbred with other species in its history, these cats can have virtually any fur color or pattern and as such this is not an effective way of recognizing the breed.

How to Identify a Manx Cat

Manxes come from the Isle of Man, which is how they inherit their name. Anybody coming from the Isle of Man may be referred to as a Manx. They are a very energetic and intelligent cat and are quite striking as many of them carry a genetic mutation which results in a stubby tail or a lack of one all together! This genetic mutation unfortunately makes the Manx predisposed to birth defects, bowel, bladder, and spinal problems. Manxes are often classified based on the lengths of their tails. The Dimple or Rumpy is the cat with no tail at all and is most often sought after in showcats of that breed. Because not all Manxes are missing their tails, this is not an effective indicator of the breed. This guide will show you how to recognize a Manx cat.

How To Recognize a Manx
Step 1:
Look at the body type. Manxes have short bodies, arched backs, and rounded hindquarters. All Manxes have hind legs that are longer than their forelegs, giving them a permanent arched look. They should also be no more than twelve pounds, being a medium sized cat.

Step 2:
Look at the cat's coat. The Manx cat exhibits two coat lengths. The short-haired Manx cat has a double coat with a thick, short under-layer and a longer, coarse outer-layer with guard hairs.

Step 3:
Watch the way the cat walks. Manxes don't walk so much as hop like a rabbit. This is the result of a mutation in their genetics which results in a shortened spine. Even the spines of Manxes possessing normal tails are shorter than they should be.

Step 4:
Study the cat's head. Their ears are medium to medium small in size and are set far to the sides of the head. The head itself is rounded and slightly longer than it is wide. If the cat meets this criteria than you're looking at a Manx.

Tips & Warnings
Manxes often display odd dog-like behavior they will often retrieve a small object if thrown and some even bark. Manxes come in both long and short haired varieties. The long haired is less common and genetically submissive to the short haired. At one time such kittens were euthanized as the long haired gene was unwanted in show cats. These cats take a very long time to mature and it is not until they are five years old that they are fully grown. Manxes are very skilled hunters and are highly sought after by farmers and the like because there are many accounts of Manxes successfully bringing down animals much larger than itself. Manxes are very friendly and affectionate cats when indoors, though they are far from a lap cat. They'll cuddle and then run off to do something else. They also enjoy playing in water, though will still hate taking baths as much as any cat.
Two Manxes that are completely tailless should not be breed together as this will result in birth complications and birth defects. Often such kittens are stillborn. Pedigree Manxes appear in a wide range of colors and fur patterns, so trying to identify them by this is useless.

How to Identify A Burman Cat

The Burman or Birman cat is shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about their history, though they are considered a sacred animal among certain Buddhist priests. There are very vivid legends involving the monks of Burma and these cats, who were kept nearby as they were believed to be capable of carrying the souls of the dead to their next stage of existence. Another quirk is that Burman's will have a name beginning with a certain letter based on the year they were born. This continuously rotates and allows the owner to keep track of the cat's age. A pair of them were brought to France in 1919 and those two form the basis of the modern day Burman's which one could obtain from a pet store of breeder. This guide will explain how to recognize a Burman cat and what to look for in a pedigree showcat.

Recognizing a Burman Cat
Step 1:
Look at the build, a Burman should have a long body with a thick stocky head and middle with wide shoulders. Though considered a large breed, the Burman will typically be anywhere between six and fifteen pounds in weight. The males are usually above ten pounds and the females below.

Step 2:
Look at the cat's coat. This is a longhaired breed, but its coat is packed tightly with short insulating hairs with the longer hairs toward the extremities. Also look for a thick ruff on the front of the chest up to the throat and around the neck.

Step 3:
Check the cat's eyes. Pedigree Burman's often have dazzling blue eyes.

Step 4:
Look at the cat's head. A Burman will have a short neck and a wide, thick head. Their snouts are short and often underpronounced.

Step 5:
Study the cat's coloring. Burman's come in a few different colors, but it always follows a strict pattern. Their fur is often a pale cream or white and darkens to grey or tan as if runs down the tail and legs. The tips of their ears are often dark grey, tan, or black. The face is always an oval of dark fur surrounded by a light colored head to match the body. Though it is not required, perfect white paws that look like gloves are often looked for in show cats.

Step 6:
If the cat matches these criteria it's likely a Burman. Such cats are rare and usually only sold by breeders, if you happen across one it’s a very lucky find.

Tips & Warnings
Burmans are a very relaxed and easy going animal. They have no trouble being ignored but can just as easily be affectionate, they take their cues from their owners. Rarely climbers, they are particularly good housecats that adapt to their surroundings and interact easily with children and other pets.
Be careful with Burmans around aggressive dogs as they tend to fight back if they are threatened, though it takes a lot of abuse for them to feel threatened. This breed requires weekly combing as their thick undercoat constantly sheds.

How to Buy a Siberian Forest Cat

The Siberian Forest Cat, more commonly referred to as the Siberian is the largest long-haired domesticated cat in the world. This breed hails from Russia. He prefers to live in cold climates. It wasn't until the fall of the Soviet Union that cats were really allowed to be kept as pets so finding pedigree Siberians is difficult and expensive.This breed wasn't brought to America until 1990, so only a few specialized breeders will have them. Siberian Forest Cats are quickly gaining in popularity. They are very loving and affectionate, playful, live well around other animals and children, and are uniformly in good health and long lived. One thing to remember is that this cat is programmed to survive well on its own, and they like to roam. You still want one. I know it. Here you will find how you can buy one of your own.

How To Prepare For A Siberian Forest Cat
Step 1:
Go out and purchase a litter box, good cat litter, food bowls, water bowls, and a good supply of pet food. Dry food is best to give daily with the occasional can of cat food for a treat. Such things are available in any supermarket, though a pet supply store will likely have a better selection. You'll want to get food specifically made for the cat you have in mind. If you want an adult, don't get it kitten chow, and vice versa.

Step 2:
Find a room or part of the house that can be sectioned off. When getting a new cat it will need some time to acclimatize to its new surroundings. To do this make a little room for it to live in for a few days until it calms down and gets used to your presence. A small bathroom works best.

Step 3:
Place the food and water bowls, the litter box, and a nest made from an old basket or a bunk of old clean towels in the cat's new room. With this done you're ready to go and buy yourself and Siberian Forest Cat

How To Buy A Siberian Forest Cat
Step 1:
Check the local newspaper for any local listings for cat breeders. In small towns finding a Siberian breeder isn't likely, but in large cities there's a good chance there'll be at least one. If you happen to find one make sure to ask the breeder to see their license to breed and sell animals; such licenses are required throughout all the US.

Step 2:
If you find a cat you like and negotiate on a price, make sure to receive a bill of sale from the breeder as well as a cat carrier, the breeder should have plenty of these. Then take the animal directly to a veterinarian.

Step 3:
From the breeder take the cat immediately to a veterinarian for a checkup. I'm sad to say that many animal breeders put the animals in very poor living conditions with bad food and dirty water. This combined with a lack of sanitation and close living conditions means a cat that looks healthy may in fact be very sick. It's heartbreaking that such an animal be treated like this, but there are situations were you have to get a refund from the breeder should the animal be incurably sick. If the cat can be treated then it's legally the breeder's obligation to pay for the animal's medical costs. If the cat is sick then you should ask the veterinarian about how to go about reporting the animal breeder for what accounts to a negligent criminal act.

Step 4:
If the cat has no health problems, make sure to have it get its shots and vaccinations. You may also want to consider having the cat spayed or neutered, as it’s the more responsible thing to do.

Step 5:
Take the cat home and put it in the room you've prepared for it for at least three days. It may be very hard to resist the urge to pet and play with your new pet, but the cat needs to understand that its new environment is safe, and that can't happen if you or others intrude on it often. What you can do is go into the cat's room each day at the same time. Clean the litter box, give it fresh food and water, and let it get used to you. If the animal approaches you and rubs against you leg or wants to be petted in some way then it’s alright to pet the cat, but do not be the one to initiate contact. It will likely become skittish.

Step 6:
When the animal is acclimatized, let it out of its room to roam the house. Any cat, especially one as curious as the Siberian will look over every inch of its new home. Take the time to move the litter box, food, and water dish to somewhere in the house convenient for both you and the cat. make sure that cat closely watches you move the bowls so it will know where to find them in the house. Siberians are very smart, they'll make the connection.

Step 7:
The next step will be to housetrain your cat, Siberian Forest Cats are a very outgoing outdoor kinda cat and will prefer to walk outside to do its business in the yard. If you live in a house with a yard then that's great. You don't have to worry about buying litter or cleaning the cat box. If you live in an apartment then this can be a problem. If the cat can't be let out it will look for a place to go discretely in a corner somewhere. This can lead to some nasty surprises. Should this happen simply bring the cat over to wherever it had its accident, place the litter box in the exact same spot, and place the cat in the litter box. This may take several tries but they will eventually get the message.

Step 8:
Think about training the cat in social interaction. The Siberian is an energetic cat that likes to play, and a big cat's idea of playing may involve the rough and tumble use of its claws. It's how litter-mates play as kittens. To dissuade the cat from using its claws you will want to issue a stern "NO" and tap it lightly on the top of the head with two fingers when it does this. This is not harmful to the cat but is an unpleasant sensation. The cat will learn quickly to associate using its claws with being tapped on the head. If this proves ineffective use a spray bottle filled with water. They hate that.

How To Purchase A Siberian Forest Cat Online
Step 1:
If you cannot find a good or trustworthy cat breeder locally, the internet may be your next best option. Search for 'Siberian Cat Breeders". I find that http://www.siberian-cat.net/ is particularly good, though the choice is ultimately up to you.

Step 2:
Make sure to check the breeder's references before contacting one. I find that www.breederinfocenter.com is a great site that provides reliable information about a breeder as well as reviews given by previous buyers. It's possible to actually order a cat from Russia, they will be of a purer genetic stock than those cats that've been interbred in this country. You might also get it for a better price than you would from an American cattery, but you'll end up paying a great deal more in shipping costs, so it evens out. You're greatest difficulty here will be finding the time to talk with a Russian cat breeder. If you don't understand the written Cyrillic language and they don't understand the English alphabet then your only option is to speak by phone. Assuming you can speak Russian or the breeder can speak English, you'll still have between a nine and eleven hour time difference, so finding a time to call when its convenient for both of you will be difficult.

Step 3:
Make your cat selection and use your credit card to order the kitty you want. You will have to pay extra in shipping and handling because a live animal is being transported. You should also receive a bill of sale and documentation of the cat's vaccinations.

Step 4:
When your new pet arrives put it in the room you've prepared for it for at least three days. It may be very hard to resist the urge to pet and play with your new pet, but the cat needs to understand that its new environment is safe, and that can't happen if you or others intrude on it often. What you can do is go into the cat's room each day at the same time. Clean the litter box, give it fresh food and water, and let it get used to you. If the animal approaches you and rubs against you leg or wants to be petted in some way then it’s alright to pet the cat, but do not be the one to initiate contact. It will likely become skittish.

Step 5:
When the animal is acclimatized, let it out of its room to roam the house. Any cat, especially one as curious as the Siberian will look over every inch of its new home. Take the time to move the litter box, food, and water dish to somewhere in the house convenient for both you and the cat. make sure that cat closely watches you move the bowls so it will know where to find them in the house. Siberians are very smart, they'll make the connection.

Step 6:
The next step will be to housetrain your cat, Siberian Forest Cats are a very outgoing outdoor kinda cat and will prefer to walk outside to do its business in the yard. If you live in a house with a yard then that's great. You don't have to worry about buying litter or cleaning the cat box. If you live in an apartment then this can be a problem. If the cat can't be let out it will look for a place to go discretely in a corner somewhere. This can lead to some nasty surprises. Should this happen simply bring the cat over to wherever it had its accident, place the litter box in the exact same spot, and place the cat in the litter box. This may take several tries but they will eventually get the message.

Step 7:
Think about training the cat in social interaction. The Siberian is an energetic cat that likes to play, and a big cat's idea of playing may involve the rough and tumble use of its claws. It's how litter-mates play as kittens. To dissuade the cat from using its claws you will want to issue a stern "NO" and tap it lightly on the top of the head with two fingers when it does this. This is not harmful to the cat but is an unpleasant sensation. The cat will learn quickly to associate using its claws with being tapped on the head. If this proves ineffective use a spray bottle filled with water. They hate that.

Tips & Warnings
This species does not produce the FEL D1 chemical that most people are allergic to; as such Siberians are one of the only hypo allergenic cats in the world. Only pedigree Siberians were ever sent to America, their breeding was closely monitored too, so you're not likely to find one in your local animal shelter.
Siberians are very energetic and strong cats don't purchase one unless you have a lot of room, indoors and out, to let them roam. Though mildly independent, they also have a strong need to feel like a valued member of the family; as such don't buy one unless you can provide it with several hours of attention per day.

How to Buy a Pet Lynx

You may have seen various big cats on TV with people affectionately hugging them or playing with them. This may have sparked the urge to go out and get your own big cat. Do not act rashly though. This guide will explain the necessary steps and considerations required to purchase your own pet lynx. If you're wondering why a lynx it’s because they are classified as a big wild cat, yet are not as dangerous as cougars or tigers. For someone thinking of keeping or raising exotic cats this is a good choice to start with.

Things You’ll Need:
Computer

Phone

Lots of Money

Car

Chainlink enclosure

Climbing poles

Scratching posts

Tire on a swing

Meat freezer

Steps To Buying Your Own Lynx
Step 1:
Check with your state government either by phone or website to see if owning a big cat is legal in your town. Ownership of big cats is highly regulated and you will have to apply for several licenses for the right to keep a big cat such as a lynx in a private residence. If owning a lynx is legal where you live, get the paperwork started as quickly as possible because processing the licenses can take months.

Step 2:
Build an outdoor enclosure to keep the cat in the evening. It is illegal in all states to allow any big cat to roam outdoors without a leash and the owner present. It is also inhumane to keep such an animal cooped up indoors all the time. This means an outdoor enclosure is necessary. A full grown lynx gets to be about seventy pounds and needs a good amount of room to move. The enclosure should be of reinforced chainlink no smaller than 150 square feet. As lynxes are excellent climbers the enclosure will need a roof as well. Chainlink will work for this too, but a good portion of the enclosure should provide the lynx with shelter from direct sunlight and rain. Plain packed earth will work just fine for the floors, but make sure to provide the lynx with poles and posts to climb on; a tire on a swing is also a good idea as they will play with it the way a kitten plays with a ball of yarn.

Step 3:
Next you will need to go about finding a veterinarian willing to care for your lynx. Regular checkups are often state mandated for exotic cats and should they be neglected will result in the lynx being confiscated, your license to keep the animal revoked, huge fines, and possible jail time. Not all veterinarians are willing or capable of caring for a big cat like a lynx so make sure you find one ahead of time.

Step 4:
Look into stockpiling food for your lynx. Remember lynx are carnivores and cannot subsist on regular cat food. The average lynx eats between one and four pounds of meat a day. A common diet will consist mostly of raw poultry with the bones; supplemented with beef, ground turkey, raw or canned salmon and tuna, and other game meats. Contact your veterinarian to make sure that the diet you're giving the lynx meats all its nutritional needs. Vitamin supplements may be required. They will also occasionally eat, or more often play with, whole fruits such as apples, oranges, cherries, and strawberries. These are good for treats, as is cheese. You may need a second freezer to keep all the meat for your lynx.

Step 5:
Before buying your cat, you should thoroughly research any information on the appropriate care for a lynx that you can find. Various courses by video or online are often available if you use a search engine to look for one. Pay particular attention to animal diet, exercise, health, and interaction. You will need to learn how to act around the lynx as well as learn how to recognize its moods and emotions so as not to endanger yourself or others by antagonizing an agitated lynx.

Step 6:
Having prepared for your pet's arrival, its now time to look into obtaining a lynx. Use your computer to search online for "Exotic Animal Breeder Reviews". You will be provided with a list of sites that review various online exotic animal breeders. I find http://exoticcatz.com/breeders/directory/550.html is very reliable. Use this site to pick out a big cat breeder.

Step 7:
Contact the breeder by phone or email regarding purchasing your new cat. Be straightforward and specific about what you want. A responsible breeder will want to be sure that you have the appropriate licenses and facilities to care for a big cat. But thanks to your preparations that will be no problem. A price will be agreed upon and payment sent in accordance with how that particular breeder does business. Make sure to obtain a bill of sale. Depending on the breeder you may be required to go pick up your animal in person as transporting a big cat by mail is sometimes frowned upon, though not illegal.

Step 8:
Once you've got your big cat home, be it delivered or driven yourself, bring the lynx directly to your veterinarian for a checkup and appropriate vaccinations. Given the strict laws regarding the care for large cats, it’s not likely the breeder will have neglected the animals and still be outside of prison, so you needn't worry too much about buying an unhealthy animal.

Step 9:
Bring your lynx home and put him in his prepared enclosure. It will take as much as a week for it to acclimatize to its new home. Bring its meals at regular intervals and make sure a water dish is always available. Do not try to initiate contact with the lynx, let it be the one to approach you. From there it’s up to you on how to build your relationship with your new pet. Good Luck!

Tips & Warnings
Care for a large cat is a very time and money intensive job. Do not purchase one if you are not willing to spend many thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours per year to care for the lynx. For someone not used to caring for a big cat, its best to purchase an adult lynx as a kitten will require even further specialized food and care.
A lynx, though much smaller than a tiger or lion, can still do considerable damage to a human being if it wants to. Remember these are not so much pets as companions, with all their wild instincts in tact they still have the capacity to do great harm to you or others, regardless of how much you think they love you or you love them. If it seems like a good idea at the time, they'll do it.

How to Buy Exotic Frogs Online

The internet can provide a person with a whole wealth of knowledge and resources at his/her fingertips. One little niche of the web has been used to exchange information about the care and sale of pets. Many pets can be ordered online, making the rare and exotic ordinary. This guide will explain the steps to buying an exotic frog over the internet.

Things You’ll Need:
Computer

Internet connection

credit card

fish tank

fish gravel

clean sand

organic potting soil

Fish tank bubbler

Fish tank canister

water filter

Buying An Exotic Frog
Step 1:
You must first decide what type of frog you would like. Frogs have an extremely wide variety of habitats, sleep cycles, and eating habits. You must find the frog you want first and use a search engine to look up its care needs. Though all frogs will occasionally take a dip in the water to stay moist, some spend most of their time in land, some most of their time in water, and some go between the two. For this guide let us say that we are purchasing a Blue Webbed Gliding Tree Frog.

Step 2:
With your choice of frog made, we must go about constructing its environment. Usually a clean fish tank is the best thing to use. A 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm tank is good for two frogs of the size that the blue webbed gliding tree frog becomes, though as many as half a dozen frogs of any smaller size could fit comfortably in a tank this size.

Step 3:
Fill the bottom inch of the tank with fish tank gravel as it is free of chemicals which could be harmful to the frog's skin. Atop that plain white sand, and finally another inch of organic potting soil. Mound the layers to one side so as to create incline. By doing this you can fill part of the tank with plain tap water so the frog can moisten itself. A bubbler or canister water filter that hooks onto the outside of the tank should help keep the water clean and bacteria free. As the tree frog we're buying doesn't swim much, it would only need a little water to splash around in occasionally.

Step 4:
Find plants that are common to the frog's environments. Ferns and hardy plants, with thick lush leaves are best. Plant them in the potting soil to give the frog a familiar environment, shade, and a place to explore.

Step 5:
use the lighting array that typically comes with a fish tank or can be picked up cheaply to provide the frog with a set night and day cycle. Use lamps half as strong as those that come standard for fish tanks. Turn them on during the day and off at night.

Step 6:
preparations are complete. So get on your computer again and use your search engine to look for exotic frog supplies. You will need to purchase humidifying agents to put in the tank to keep the frog healthy. You will also need vitamins; I would suggest a powder called Repton that you dust the frog's food with once a week to keep it healthy. The reason for this is you're not likely to feed it the wealth of insects it would find in its normal environment. Also you will need to purchase live food as frogs hunt by movement and smell. They can tell the difference between a live insect and a dead one. Most frogs will happily eat a diet of crickets and mealworms, both of which should be available on the frog supply sight you've found. You'll need to make weekly purchases to keep up a steady supply of live food for your frog.

Step 7:
Now use your computer to search for "Exotic Frogs For Sale". Any search engine will do, but I would suggest Google as its less likely you'll get scammed. You should have any number of purchase sights to choose from. Make sure to read the fine print of each website before choosing. Specifically you'll want to know their return policy should something be wrong with the frog when it arrives. Also check their references and linked sites to make sure these are people you feel comfortable dealing with. With that done use your credit card to purchase your frog. You will have to pay more in shipping and handling fees because they are shipping a live animal. In a little while your frog should arrive along with the supplies you ordered so that everything is set to responsibly care for your new exotic pet.

Tips & Warnings
Please be aware that frogs are not the most long lived of animals and should not be bought for small children as this will leave to inevitable heartbreak when the little frog croaks.
Unless you have a great deal of experience working with dangerous amphibians I would highly suggest against purchasing the colorful but deadly poison dart frog. Their skin produces one of the deadliest toxins known to man, and it can be absorbed through your skin. So, not only is touching such an animal incredibly dangerous, touching anything that the frog has come into physical contact may also be deadly as the toxin can stay potent and lethal for years after first contact.