NUS PEACE

In this week’s article, we propose certain living conditions for your cats and dogs at home for your furry pal to stay in an optimal environment, keeping them happy and healthy in your company!

Firstly for cats, there needs to be a safe, secure food and water station and litter box area such as an area near the toilet as cats get startled by loud noises easily. This would allow your cat to eat and drink and do their business at ease.

Secondly, your cat needs a safe place to rest and hide. Cats like their own resting and hiding places which can sometime be the same place where they feel untouchable. Like humans, cats appreciate their personal space!
Thirdly, as cats are natural climbers and scratchers, you should provide a cat stand of some sort or a scratching post for your cat. It is in their nature and for the sake of your furniture, it is highly recommended to get one.

Fourthly, cats follow routines and are somewhat disciplined creatures in this sense. They would feel most at ease when its routine is predictable. Hence there is a need for consistency in your interactions with your cat. For instance, you could pet your cat when you leave the house for the day and give it a treat when you return. This allows the cat some gauge of what to expect.

Last but not least, cats can get bored easily and it is important to keep them entertained when you are not at home. Some cat owners leave music or their television switched on while they are out to stimulate their cat’s auditory senses. Do not leave your cat in an outdoor enclosure as they are prone to escaping and this could be dangerous to their safety.

Moving on to the dogs!

Firstly, dogs require a clean bowl of water that is readily available for them to access. The amount of water your dog drinks depends largely on its activity level at that moment. If your dog is resting at home, snoozing around, chances are that he/she would not be drinking much water. But if your dog has just came back from his/her walk, he/she would often head to their water bowl almost immediately.

Secondly, dogs should eat at particular timing. Most adult dogs eat twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This ensures that your dog does not overeat or starve throughout the day. Of course, treats during the day are always welcomed but not excessively

Estimate on how much a dog should eat 

Thirdly, dogs require a lot of exercise as they are usually quite active. Bringing them out for walks reduces the risk of obesity and also serves as a great way to bond with your pal!

Fourthly, puppies love to chew on things so in order to safeguard your precious furniture and your favourite shoes, it would be best to buy rawhide or chew toys to keep them occupied when you are not home.
Last but not least, it would be ideal to toilet train your dog from young or set aside a designated spot for him/her to do her business so you would not have to risk stepping on any landmines at home!

Do you love animals but can’t have one of your own? Does your busy schedule not allow you to keep a pet? Fret not because in this week’s article, we would be recommending some places you can volunteer at to spend some meaningful time with our furry friends.

• Action For Singapore Dogs (ASD)

ASD is a non-profit organisation with the mission of improving the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore. They would rescue stray dogs and try to find them new homes. Learn more about how you can contribute to their mission here: Action For Singapore Dogs

• SOSD

SOSD shares a similar mission as ASD, in addition to eliminating cruelty and abandonment of animals. There are many ways you can make a difference, even if you don’t have time you could also donate to their cause! Find out more about how you can help here: SOSD

• Animal Lovers League (ALL)

ALL cares for an estimate of 700 abandoned dogs and cats. In addition, they feed strays in the neighbourhood. Find out more about their mission and join their cause here: Animal Lovers League

• Uncle Khoe’s K9

NUS PEACE’s Pawfriends collaborates with Uncle Khoe in volunteering to care for the dogs. Our members would help to walk and bathe the dogs, which is what you can do too! Find out how you can volunteer here: Uncle Khoe’s K9

• Gentle Paws

A small but strong privately run shelter that houses around 40 dogs. The dogs look forward to walks weekly so they really need volunteers to bring them out. Do pledge a walk with them here: Gentle Paws

• Mutts & Mittens

Mutts & Mittens takes care of dogs, cats and even bunnies! They believe in doing the best for our furry friends and in believing the good of one another. Join their family here: Mutts & Mittens

• Cat Welfare Society

The Cat Welfare Society aims to stabilise and reduce the stray cat population in Singapore. Stray cats are common sights in our neighbourhoods and should be given the attention they deserve, if you are a cat lover, there are many ways you can help out with their cause. Do consider joining their cause here: Cat Welfare Society

• The House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS)

HRSS seeks to raise awareness on rabbits in Singapore. They rescue and foster rabbits as part of their cause with the goal of reducing the number of unwanted rabbits in Singapore. They need various volunteers helping out not only through physical labour but also creative writers, fund raisers etc. If you are interested, do visit their website to see how you can volunteer with them: HRSS

Shelters in Singapore constantly need the help of like-minded animal lovers.

Make a difference today!

Most commonly used to denote someone who is being dumb, the term, “bird brain” is seen as something negative. People condemn the use of it. No one wants to be associated to it at all. It is about time someone takes “bird brain” as a compliment instead.

Did you know? Comparing a macaw and a monkey, the parrot wins hands down by having proportionately more neurons in its forebrain — the part of the brain associated with intelligent behaviour.

Birds, despite having small brains, are able to perform complicated cognitive behaviors.

Alex, the African Grey

Alex was Dr Irene Pepperberg’s research subject in an experiment to better understand nonhuman intelligence, in particular, the cognitive ability of the parrots. Pepperberg employed a training technique for Alex similar to how one who teach a child with learning difficulties. The general idea was to make Alex learn how to describe things, how to make his desires known and even how to ask questions.

Throughout the process, it was made known that he had a vocabulary of more than 100 words – the names of 50 objects and could describe their colours, shapes and the materials they were made of. He could answer questions about the properties of objects presented to him. Alex could also ask for things and would reject an item if it is not what he wanted. He could comprehend and discuss the concepts of “bigger”, “smaller”, “same” and “different”. He even knew when and how to apologise if he realised he had annoyed someone. By the end of his lifetime, Alex had the intelligence of a 5 year old child and was assumed that he had not reached his full potential!

Crows

Crows are famously known for its cleverness. Crows can recognise human faces, along with the ability to recognise us as individuals. Researchers have learnt that crows can indeed, hold a grudge if there is any wrongdoing done to them on our part and spread the news quickly to their flock. These crafty birds would conspire with one another to attack that one person.

In the story of “The Crow and the Pitcher”, a thirsty crow was witty to drop stones into narrow jar to raise the low level of water inside so he can take a drink. These birds understand the concept of water displacement and can fashion tools to reach for their food, making hooks out of sticks and twigs.

Watch now: Crow Cracking an Eight-piece Puzzle

Puck, the Budgie

Not forgetting Puck who is the most talkative bird. Do not belittle his size and of his species of being a beginner’s pet for Puck, the Budgerigar, made it to the 1995 Guinness Book of World Records as “the bird with the largest vocabulary in the world.” He knew over more than 1700 words!

What a feat!

So the next time someone calls you a “bird brain”, smile to yourself. It is a praise.

Continuing from our previous post earlier this week, we are moving on to cat care!

CATS

Cats need a little more than dogs do. But they are relatively cleaner pets but equally loving in companionship. Here are some things your kitty needs:

1. Kitty Litter Box

Cats normally like to do their business neatly in the same spot, so it may be best to leave the kitty litter box at the same place! It may also take some time before you find the most suited brand of kitty litter.

2. A Soft Bed

Although cats can sleep pretty much anywhere, some cats prefer nest-type beds, and some just insist on snuggling up to you in your bed. 

3. Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch. So a scratching pole would definitely keep your furniture safe. However, it is important to note that the scratching pole you get should be stable with a heavier base so that it does not topple easily. It should also be taller than your cat when it stands up, outstretched.

4. Food and Water Bowl

Most vets recommend stainless steel food and water bowls because it is cleaner and easier to sterilise. Some owners prefer plastic or ceramic ones because of their cute designs. However, it is still up to you to keep them clean and safe for your cat.

5. A Collar (optional)

We personally feel that a collar is important, though optional because it allows you to identify your cat, especially if you have an ID tag on the collar. Most owners also attach a bell so they know where their furry pal is!

6. A Carrier (optional)

This would be very useful on trips to the vet! Sometimes cats also like to climb in for a snooze so it can also double up as a bed.

We hope this has been helpful for you, on the basic needs of a pet dog and cat. Do remember that any kind of pet will be great company but ultimately you have to ensure you can afford both the time and money to keep a pet. If you have any queries, do send them in to our Facebook page or leave a comment on the blog post, we would be most happy to respond to them!

This week, we will be introducing how to take care of large pets like dogs and cats. There are basic needs that need to be met, depending on the size and breed of each pet. This can also serve as a checklist on whether or not you are ready to welcome a new family member.

DOGS

As majority of our population live in HDB flats in Singapore, the size of the dog is an important factor to consider before getting a pet. There are currently 62 breeds for dogs which are HDB-approved:

If you are looking at adopting, there are many HDB approved dogs in shelters that may not be pure bred but can love you equally Most sites do provide information on whether or not a dog is HDB approved.

Dogs need 3 things: food, shelter and love.

1. Food
   • Your dog’s food is dependent on its tastes and preferences. On a whole, it is recommended that you feed your dog twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
   • The amount would vary on the size of the dog.
   • It would be good to give occasional treats in the middle of the day, but not without a few tricks first!
   • Also, your dog’s water bowl needs to constantly be filled as dogs drink water at various parts of the day.
2. Shelter
   • Dogs need a nice place to sleep, for instance, a dog bed which can be easily found in pet stores.
   • Alternatively, you can also buy one on Carousell or Qoo10 for a wider range.
     Do remember to keep your dog’s bed clean just as you would like a clean bed.
3. Love
   • Showering your dog with love includes giving your companion a suitable leash and collar. More energetic dogs might require a harness as it is more secure. Bringing your dog out for walks is essential, as your dog will get exercise and you would also be able to spend quality time with your companion.
   • In addition, get your dog some chew toys to keep them occupied while you are out.

It is also recommended that younger dogs (1-10 years old) should visit the vet once a year and older dogs (10 years and above) should visit the vet twice a year for a full physical checkup. These costs may add up but in the long run it will keep your dog healthy and happy.

Now that we have covered the basics on dog care, do remember to take some time to think through any decision on getting any kind of pet. A pet is a big responsibility but a priceless companion.

Stay tuned for our next post on cat care on Thursday! Like our Facebook page to receive updates on when our blog posts come out and do comment on what kinds of post you would like to see in the future or how we could improve them! Have a great Week 4 of school!

Tortoise, Terrapin or Turtle?

Unfamiliar with the Chelonians (a category of reptiles with shell), many of us stumble to tell the differences among the tortoise, terrapin and the turtle.

The Commonly-kept Pet

Snapping, biting, shy and.. a bit smelly. TERRAPINS make excellent ‘starter’ pets as they are relatively low maintenance. They are small and do not need a lot of space and the best part, you don’t need to train them! But it would definitely work well in your favour if you check on the breed to research on its lifestyle and the maximum size before purchasing one. You wouldn’t want to realise one day, that your terrapin has taken up more space than you had originally planned to give, would you? In its lifespan of 10 to 20 years, some terrapins may only grow up to four inches in length whereas, others may reach an astonishing two feet!

DIETARY NEEDS

When it comes down to keeping a terrapin in captivity fit and healthy, it really depends on their diet. Variety is key simply because a range of food items means greater diversity of vitamins and minerals for your pet.

Besides the commercial tub of terrapin food, fruits and vegetables, finely chopped or grated, would be appreciated. To satisfy the carnivorous side of their diet, you can also give them raw meat like chicken, pork and beef. And, seafood like prawn and fish. You can also hand feed live invertebrates like mealworms or crickets. But be very careful – some terrapins are capable of biting off a finger.

LIVING SPACE

The terrapinarium is their home. It should be a clear glass or plastic tank designed to hold water. A water filter should be fitted as terrapins notoriously known to be messy. Water should be replaced regularly with any solid waste removed frequently to prevent infection and odour. A flat stone or rock that stands out of the water should also be provided so that your terrapin has an area in which to bask in the sunlight or rest. (Terrapins dislike cold water!)

Remember, taking home a pet is easy. Taking care of them for their entire lifetime is an arduous journey. Are you willing to stay committed?

FISHES make great companions for those who do not have the time or physical space to devote to a higher-maintenance animal companion. They are far easier and less expensive to feed and care for (unlike many dogs and other furry and feathered pets); fish do not require your constant attention and certainly would not develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors when you leave them alone at home from time to time!

Once any aquarium is set up, decorated with rocks and plants, and well-maintained, it can be a beautiful addition to your home. Studies have shown that fish have a tranquil, calming effect on us; it can be stress and anxiety reducing for anyone who watches them glide serenely through the water. Coupled with the fact that the gurgling sound of the bubbles and colours in the tank would have a therapeutic effect on us, overall capable of reducing our blood pressure.

Fish come in a variety of sizes, shapes and stunning, vibrant colours. They can be tropical freshwater fish, coldwater fish, or saltwater fish and have a lifespan ranging anywhere from 2 to 20 years. They can make very economical pets or become one’s expensive hobby of keeping exotic fishes.

And sometimes, by buying a tropical fish, you may be contributing to the extinction of a species. The Banggai cardinalfish, for example, is endangered because of overfishing to support the aquarium industry. And by buying a freshwater fish, you could very well be supporting an industry of fish raised on farms. Goldfish are usually bred in giant tubs in facilities that produce as many as 250 million fish per year.

Having misconceptions about fish can create an unfair and poor conditions for them. Did you know that many people thought the betta fish can survive without being fed regularly or having a “complete ecosystem”? As a result, they are only given an aquarium which has nothing more than a vase and a plant. These fishes are doomed to suffer dull, lonely lives and slow deaths by starvation.

Before getting a pet fish, make sure to do plenty of research to become knowledgeable caretakers to provide the proper environment and the correct diet for each of the different species!

Read more: Fish Species

Small animals make excellent economical pets and companions for people of all ages. In today’s post, we would be sharing about the rodent family. This group of pets include hamsters, chinchillas and guinea pigs. Each type of rodent pet species can be further broken down into different breeds.

Rodents have teeth that grow throughout their lives and are more than willing to chew through your furniture! So, are you prepared to own a mini fur ball of terror in your house?

The Hamsters. As a classic first pet, hamsters are very friendly and easily tamed. There is a vast selection of hamsters which includes: dwarf, robo, golden, fancy, teddy bear, panda bear or black bear. Golden Hamsters and Black Bear Hamsters seem to be the easiest to tame. Their lifespan is about 3 to 5 years.

Their simple care needs and small size make them perfect for anyone! Hamsters only require a weekly cage cleaning or sometimes twice a week and no grooming. And since they are hardy pets, they need few visits to the vet. However, because hamsters are nocturnal, they make noises at night by running on their wheels or rustling in their cages.

The Chinchillas. As they originated for the high mountains, the Chinchillas can move around very fast and hop quite high. They also have very thick yet beautiful soft lush fur to keep them warm. Thus, they must be kept cool at all times with plenty of air ventilation. If it becomes too humid, they may faint or die. Chinchillas also require special care in grooming. Other than that, they are very low maintenance pets. Although they make good pets, Chinchillas do not like to be cuddled too much and can become stressed easily. You need to be very patient and gentle with them.

Chinchillas come in a variety of colours with the most common being silvery grey. They also come in white, beige, black or violet. And they can live for 12 to 20 years, relatively long for a rodent. Like hamsters, the Chinchillas tend to be awake at night.

The Guinea Pigs. These cavies are herbivores unlike the Hamsters and Chinchillas that are omnivores. Cuddly and comical, they are very chatty, producing squeals, chirps, squeaks, and whistles. They are very sociable animals and require a lot of your attention (unless you have more than one for them to be each other’s company!) They are also very active but guinea pigs should never, NEVER use an exercise wheel (contrary to the Hamsters and Chinchillas) as it may result in damaged backs and injured feet. Instead, give them enough open space to run around!

The Guinea Pigs have a lifespan of 5 to 6 years. And their hair comes in a wide range of colors and the hair may be long, short or short and curly, and in any combination of black, white or brown.

DIETARY NEEDS

Besides a staple diet of dried food, these pets may also require timothy hay to aid in digestion and, assorted treats to provide nutritional variety and support natural foraging habits. Not to forget, they would need sufficient fruits, vegetables, salt/mineral blocks and vitamins as well. Chew sticks should also be available to keep their teeth trimmed.

LIVING SPACE

Their cages can come in different materials – wire, plastic or an aquarium. No matter what type of choice you make, it is always best to select one which gives them ample space for them to play around and grow to love.

Like how we have furniture, fixtures and fittings in our house, these pets would definitely love to have several hideouts to sleep in, be able to have a good workout. An exercise wheel to burn their calories, maybe? (Too much good food!) And lots of foraging opportunities to keep them busy! Bedding materials should be within reach so that they can build a ‘nest’ and chill out.

Which pet is the best choice for you? Remember, always opt for the one which matches with your lifestyle!

And… just for fun, why not try this to have a gauge on what type of pet suits you? ‘What Pet is Best for You?’ Quiz

You may come across cute and fluffy animals peering at you like this:

You can’t resist their charms and think to yourself, “I want one.” But before you head to the pet store to get one, how well do you know these fluff balls?

PARROTS are known for their beautiful plumage and have a wide range of species to choose from – from the small, chirpy Budgie to the large and squawky Macaw. Most commonly known as a beginner’s pet, people tend to forget that Lovebirds are parrots too and they are highly intelligent as well. Small birds with big personality. Parrots are a bundle of fun and affection but they will be noisy to a certain extent so you have to be prepared for it. Today, NUS Peace will be introducing three commonly owned parrots: the Lovebirds, Conures and Cockatoos.

Lovebirds

Life expectancy: Can live up to 20 years old.

Size: 13 to 17 cm

Noise level: Relatively low but can produce shrill chirps occasionally.

Characteristics: They are gentle creatures that may become aggressive and territorial over their own space. However, they can be fiercely loyal friends to their owners.

Cost of pet: Approximately $80 – $120

Conures

Life expectancy: Can live up to 30 years old.

Size: 21 to 48 cm

Noise level: Low to loud, depending on the type of conures. Green-cheeked Conures are typically much quieter than Sun Conures.

Characteristics: They are comical and cuddly but can be shy at times. These little creatures are charismatic and can attract your attention straightaway with their quirky behaviours, ranging from hanging upside down to dancing to lying on its back. However, there are different breeds of conures and each group has its unique personality.

Cost of pet: Approximately $300 – $500

Cockatoos

Life expectancy: They have an average lifespan of 50 to 70 years and some may even live up to 100!

Size: 30 to 66 cm

Characteristics: Similar to the Conures, the Cockatoo family also has a wide range of its kind. Generally, Cockatoos are very vocal and are great speakers. They are great performers, being able to pick up tricks at an astonishing speed. However, Cockatoos require a lot of attention. If neglected, it may lead to feather plucking.

Cost of pet: Can range anywhere from $800 to $20,000, depending on species.

DIETARY NEEDS

Parrots are omnivores. Thus, pet bird food comes in many forms such as seeds, nuts, pellets, fruits and vegetables. You may even purchase vitamin or mineral blocks for your parrots. You can also feed animal-based proteins, such as well-cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey or fish. As a general rule, keep their diet varied, each of which in moderate amounts.

LIVING SPACE

The general idea is to choose a cage for your parrot according to its size. Of course, the bigger the cage is, the better but most of us do not have the luxury of space. As a guide, a cage should not be smaller than 50 cm by 50 cm for lovebirds. The larger a parrot is, the more space he requires. Therefore, ensure that your feathered friend can move around and stretch itself easily. If its living space is too small for your bird size, it would not be happy and may injury itself as a result.

You may also take this opportunity to become an interior designer! Decorate their cage with perches, tents and bird toys so that your pet bird can stay comfortable, active and well-engaged!

 
Now that you know more about our feathered friends, we would be introducing our small, furry friends. Stay tuned to the next post!

Here are 7 reasons why you should adopt a dog instead of getting one from the pet shop.

• Savings!

Adopting a dog would help you save cost since puppies sold in shops often cost way more than adopting a dog.

• Dogs at the shelter have normally already been sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped.

This brings you even more savings, more money that could be channelled to getting the  best food and treats for your new best friend.

• Most dogs at the shelter are already pretrained.  

Dogs at the shelter would have been trained and disciplined to follow particular regiments

• You would be able to find a dog that suits your personality.

People who run the shelter and volunteers would be able to assess each dog at the shelter on their personality and temperaments, so you would be able to choose a dog that suits your personality or your household situation. For instance, you could get a sweet natured dog in a house of young children.

• You would be given the satisfaction of saving a life, a feeling no money can buy and a a great companion for life.

Most dogs at the shelter are there because of their previous owners’ difficulties not because they have done anything wrong. The dogs would be most grateful to you to have given them a home and they would be most happy to be in your company.

• Adoption would help alleviate the pet overpopulation situation.

As most pet mills are motivated by profit, more puppies would technically mean more profit for them. But there is always the case where not all the puppies are bought and these puppies eventually grow older and become more difficult to sell leading to an overpopulation of pets.

• The bond you’ll share with your new best friend will be strong as ever.

A dog that has been abandoned before is usually eager to become part of a loving pack once again. They adapt quickly to new families when they feel secure and safe.

However, you should also take into consideration on whether you feel you are ready to take on the responsibility of becoming a dog owner. Do remember, a pet is for life.