There are two meanings when you speak of pet kennels. One is that a kennel breeds a certain type of pet, like a dog breeder who breeds Jack Russell Terriers. The other is that of a boarding kennel. Some kennels do both. This article discusses boarding kennels here.

If you ever need to be away from home and cannot take your pet with you, you may have to leave your pet in the hands of a boarding kennel. They are essentially a hotel for pets. It can be tricky to find a good kennel, though. You need to check out the kennel thoroughly before entrusting your pet to their care.

Here are a few things to take into consideration before leaving your pet in a kennel:

Be aware that your pet will be very insecure out of it home environment and you will need to be certain that the kennel staff will be sympathetic to your pet’s anxiety.

Choose a kennel that has your pet’s best interest in mind—one designed for the health, safety and comfort of your pet.

Make sure the kennel facilities are clean and sanitary. Kennels should be cleaned and sterilized before any new pet uses it, as well as cleaned on a daily basis.

You needn’t be too concerned with exact amounts when giving your pet fresh or dried herbs, according to Randy Kidd, PhD, DVM, and author of Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Books, 2000) and Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Cat Care (Storey Books, 2000).

Absorption is limited with whole herbs compared with extracts. Plus, pets normally won’t chow down on herbs like they do on kibble. Kidd recommends giving pets anywhere from a pinch to a teaspoon of fresh or dried herbs daily, depending on their size. To increase an herb’s effectiveness, Kidd also advises taking breaks�for example, he suggests adding an herb to a pet’s diet for three weeks and then skipping it for three days.

Echinacea – (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea) – small animals: 1 pinch large animals: 1 teaspoon

* Echinacea balances the immune system.
* Sprinkle the fresh or dried herb over food.

Eyebright – (Euphrasia spp) – 1 capsule 2x/day orally

* When taken orally, eyebright works as an astringent and anti-inflammatory.
* Use an herbal tincture or decoction as an eyewash for irritation and infection.

Licorice root – (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – small animals: 1 pinch large animals: 1 teaspoon

There area many common sense rules to follow when caring for your cat. These rules are simple and will ensure your cat will be healthy and happy.

1. When your cat arrives at home:

Bringing your new cat home cat be frightening for it. Be prepared by having a food and water spot already set up. Also have a litter box setup in a quite spot away from the food. Your new cat should be transported in a cat carrier. When you bring the cat inside set the carrier down and open the door. Let the cat come out and explore on its own. Confining the cat to a quiet room for a day or two will make the experience less overwhelming.

2. Going Outside:

Before letting your cat outside for the first time be sure it is comfortable with you and its indoor surroundings. There are many dangers outside so let your cat have an escape route in case it needs it. My cat uses a cat door and it has save him a few times.

Judge the risk to letting your cat outdoors. If you live close to lots of traffic having an outdoor cat may not be a good idea.

Owning a pet has certain responsibilities. You have to feed and groom it as well as keep them away from various diseases. This is what cat care and health is all about and by doing it correctly, they can live for 10 years or even longer.

Cat vaccinations are the most effective means of fighting a disease. This also prevents the cat from ever becoming a carrier. Some of the common vaccinations given are for cat flu, feline leukemia or FeLV, Feline Chlamydophilosis and Feline Infectious Enteritis or FIE.

If your cat is given a vaccination, be aware that they may experience some side effects. This goes away shortly even if they develop flu like symptoms or fatigue in the next dew days. In rare cases, the cat may develop cancer where the injection has inserted that may develop in weeks, months or even years.

Cats just like humans experience allergies. This may come from pollen, dust, disinfectants and others. If you notice your cat experiencing any symptoms, you should stop using such products, keep them away from plants and make sure your house is clean.