A purrfect conversationalist

Most cat owners are able to interpret the range of meows their cat makes and believe it to be the means cats use for communication, but meows are directed almost exclusively at humans. In cat-to-cat communications the meow is used mainly between mother and kitten and not between adult cats.

Cats which live with humans have learnt that a small amount of effort achieves maximum results and have become highly skilled at managing humans to get what they want - food, shelter and human affection.

When cats first began wandering into Egyptian households thousands of years ago, it was probably the pleasant sounding cats that were accepted into human society. Even today it is the pleasant sounding cats which are the most likely to be adopted from pounds and shelters, while the demanding ones risk being left behind.

Scientists have detected sixteen distinct feline vocal sounds and believe there are many others inaudible to humans. It is known that cats can change the inflection of the voice to indicate whether they are happy, sad, anxious, lost, looking for someone, surprised, or even just keen to announce their arrival.

Humans can assign meaning to cat sounds because through long association with cats, they have learnt the connection between various sounds and behaviours.

As well as using the well known “meow” cats use a range of other vocalisations to express their opinion. Hisses, growls and screams are usually made by a frightened or angry cat that feels threatened and wants to discourage attack.

Cats that are permanently confined indoors make chirping and chattering sounds, often accompanied by rapid clicking of the teeth, when looking through windows at birds which are beyond reach.

The way a cat makes its purr is a mystery to scientists but it is thought that it is meant as a means of communication, although scientists are now considering whether it may have a deeper meaning - a type of cat ‘mantra’. Mother cats purr while feeding kittens and the kittens purr along with her. Purring is most often heard when the cat is being petted or stroked by a human and so is interpreted as being the sign of a happy cat. However, cats also purr under stress or when they are in pain. The pitch of the purr varies according to the cat’s mood. Scientists have measured the cat’s purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz which are the sound frequencies shown in medical tests to improve bone density and promote healing.

Cat owners who feel relaxed and happy with a purring cat on their lap may just be gaining more than companionship.

Latest research – getting a dog can get you fit

With estimates that only one in 10 Australians over the age of 50 exercise enough to gain any cardiovascular benefit , new research from the School of Population Health at the University of Western Australia may point the way to achieving a more active lifestyle.

The research, published in the March edition of the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, shows that people who acquired a dog increased their recreational walking by 48 minutes per week compared with an increase of only 12 minutes per week for people who did not acquire a dog during the period of the study.

“This means that there is a direct link between getting a dog and increasing the amount of walking you do, and clearly shows that dogs have a significant role in motivating their owners to walk more,” says Hayley Cutt, principal author of the research.

“Moderate exercise, such as walking, has proven health benefits for people of all ages but it is especially important for older people as it is a low impact, no cost option that has a lot of health benefits,” says Mr Trevor Shilton, Manager of Physical Activity, National Heart Foundation.

“Walking is good for cardiovascular health, bone density, joint health and the maintenance of healthy weight levels.

“Being active with our pets can also have social and mental health benefits. Walking is a great way to clear your head of the worries of the day and enjoy the company of others, including our pets. Improved social support is linked with reduced heart disease, and walking the dog can be a great way to improve our interaction with others and with our neighborhood.

“This research supports the idea that it’s never too late to be active. Even among those who have not been active for some years, taking up a new walking program can bring very rapid improvements to your health. Exercise also plays an important role in maintaining muscle and bone mass and our ability to function independently as we get older,” said Mr Shilton.

“Our bodies respond well to exercise, whatever our age, and it is clear that we are more motivated to go for a walk if we have a four-legged friend just waiting for the chance to get out and stretch his or her legs,” he added.

The Pug

"Multum in Parvo" - a lot of dog in a small space; a particularly apt description for one of the oldest breeds of dog, the Pug.

This endearing little fellow is thought to have originated in China around 400BC but has also been discovered in both Tibet and Japan. It eventually found its way into Europe where it quickly became the favourite of the Royal Courts.

The name "Pug" is thought to have originated from the nickname given to marmosets, a common pet in the 1700’s. It’s believed that the dogs’ facial expression was similar enough to the monkey’s to be granted its’ name.

The breed gained wide popularity throughout the Victorian era and is featured in many art forms of the period wearing either decorative collars or bows around their short, thick necks.

The head of the Pug is massive with a short, blunt, square muzzle. The eyes are large, and prominent, dark in colour with a soft expression. The body is compact and the tail curled as tightly as possible over the hip, with a double curl being considered the ultimate in perfection.

The coat is fine, soft, short and glossy and most commonly coloured in silver or apricot-fawn with velvety black ears and a clearly defined black muzzle or mask. There should be a clearly defined "thumb mark" on the forehead and a black trace down the centre of the back. Although not as common, the Pug also comes in a glossy solid black.

The Pug is an ideal pet for all ages and may be especially suitable for older folks as his exercise needs are quite moderate. It is important to ensure that the Pug is kept cool on warm days as this breed does not cope well with heat. As the Pug is very much a breed which prefers to be a house dog he will generally search out the coolest spot in the house - and certainly the most comfortable whatever the weather!

There are few more endearing dogs than the Pug. It has a natural affinity with children, craves human companionship and although he has a certain dignity about him, manages to combine it with a good sense of humour and a strong desire to be the centre of attention.

Have you heard of hearing dogs?

There would be few Australians who do not recognise a Guide Dog and acknowledge its right to accompany its owner onto public transport and into stores or restaurants.

Neither so well known nor as identifiable are the “Hearing Dogs” which alert their hearing impaired owners to a variety of sounds.

Hearing Dogs are often smaller crossbreeds obtained from animal welfare shelters after careful assessment of their temperament and trainability.

After months of intensive training using positive reinforcement methods, the dogs are carefully matched with a hearing impaired person.

A Hearing Dog alerts its owner to sounds through the use of its body. It may run back and forth between its owner and the sound or it may physically lead the owner to the sound source.

A Hearing Dog is trained to let its owner know when:

• The phone rings

• The doorbell buzzes

• There’s a knock at the door

• The smoke alarm sounds

• The alarm clock rings

• The kitchen timer sounds

• Its owner’s name is called


In response to either a smoke alarm or alarm clock, a Hearing Dog is taught to jump onto a bed or couch and alert a sleeping person using either a nose nudge or some other form of physical contact.

Because a Hearing Dog is able to alert the owner to the presence of others nearby it is also able to assist in providing a strong sense of security.

A Hearing Dog may also relieve some of the stress associated with communicating to hearing individuals and help the hearing impaired person socialize more effectively and freely. The dog may increase self confidence and esteem as they rely less on others for basic support.

Companionship is another positive aspect of a Hearing Dog with many owners and their dogs sharing a very special bond of friendship and trust.

The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk

The place to be on Sunday 18 May is at Australia’s premier pet event the Million Paws Walk.

The Million Paws Walk is a fun day for any animal lover.
Whether you’re a pet owner or not, it’s a great day out and an important fundraising event for the RSPCA.

The Million Paws Walk provides a real festival atmosphere, with entertainment, a great variety of food and drinks, demonstrations and exhibitions, competitions and a host of other great activities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Funds raised through entry fees and the sale of merchandise help assist the RSPCA to operate its animal shelters, support its Inspectorate services and provide community education on animal welfare issues.

Taking part in the Million Paws Walk is a great way to help animals in need. Each year, the RSPCA in Australia investigates more than 42,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect.
So, brush off your walking shoes, pull out your pet’s leash and bring along your “best friend” to Australia’s premier pet event.

This year’s event will be held in about 70 locations across Australia with a walk held in every state and territory.

For information on a Millions Paws Walk near you, visit http://www.millionpawswalk.com/

The Grey Ghost Dog – The Weimaraner

Weimaraners are the grey ghosts of the dog world.

Direct descendants of the St. Hubert Hounds of eight century France, the Weimaraner came into being when a genetic mutation occurred. It created the distinctive colouring that makes the Weimaraner one of the most readily recognised breeds.

In the early days of the breed, the Weimaraner was used by the noblemen of the Court of Weimar as a big game hound, taking scent from the ground, hunting dangerous quarry which it brought to bay and held it for the huntsmen.

Not long after the breed came into being, the hunting of large game became a rarity in Germany because the large game died out with the encroachment of civilisation. The sportsmen then concentrated on smaller game and required a dog which would work on both game and birds. The Weimaraner was then crossed with native bird dogs to develop the breed into the all purpose dog.

The breeding of Weimaraners was jealously guarded by a select few fanciers who selectively chose only the most intelligent dogs to produce the finest stock possible. The Weimaraner was recognised as a breed in Germany in the nineteenth century.

Today the Weimaraner is kept as a sporting dog and used in the very competitive world of field trials but he also is a wonderful family companion. He has a strong sense of territory and makes an excellent watchdog. His temperament and trainability make him a great companion for owners willing to meet his requirements for exercise.

An aristocratic large dog, measuring up to 69cms, the Weimaraner has a short smooth and sleek silver grey coat with the appearance of a metallic sheen. Although rare, there is also a long haired variety in which the coat measures up to 5cms in length on the body with longer feathering on the back of the legs and tail. The eyes of the Weimaraner are a shade of amber or blue-grey, unlike the darker brown found in most other breeds.

When walking the Weimaraner appears rather awkward, but when trotting he has smooth coordination. The Weimaraner is not a breed content to be a kennel or yard dog as he does best when allowed to share in family life.

House-hunting with pets

Finding pet friendly rental accommodation is not always easy.

Residential tenancy agreements either don’t mention keeping pets or state that written consent is required from the landlord before pets are allowed in rental properties.

In many cases a rental agent is the first point of contact and will have a great deal of influence over who the successful tenant will be. Ask the agent to raise the subject of pets in person with the owner of the property if possible.

To persuade the agent to do this you need to present them with information detailing why you and your pet should be considered as tenants. Presenting information about yourself and your pet in a face-to-face meeting will have a better impact than if it is raised over the telephone.

Seven Ways to Prepare for a Pet-Friendly Rental Agreement

1. Prepare an attractive photograph and résumé on your pet which includes medical records, obedience school certificates

2. Provide written references from past landlords, neighbours, obedience schools, groomers and veterinarians

3. Explain how you provide appropriate levels of exercise and attention and hygienically clean up after your pet at all times

4. Describe the arrangements you make for the care of your pet if you are away on business or holidays

5. If the pet is a dog, explain that you always keep control of it in public places, do not allow it to roam the streets and do not allow unnecessary barking

6. Offer to bring your well-groomed, well-mannered pet to meet the property agent and/or owner to demonstrate it is responsibly cared for and well behaved

7. In addition, mention anything about your pet’s age, activity level or traits which help reinforce that it is a ‘good tenant’.

When the above information is provided with references attached, you will be ensuring the owner/manager makes their decision with the benefit of a full description of your pet and its habits, and in the knowledge that you are a responsible pet owner.