Introducing Rabbits to Cats

For most pet owners, having a pet is simply a matter of having a companion for their morning walk; a buddy to keep the kids company; a showpiece; or simply a furry family member. For others, though, having animals around is more than a hobby -- it's an obsession. We've all known someone who keeps a miniature Noah's Ark in their house, with two (or more) of just about every critter under the sun. If this sounds like you, you know that keeping different kinds of animals in one home requires special attention to the potential for dangerous confrontation. If you are keeping rabbits along with cats, here are some guidelines and suggestions for making this process as safe and easy as possible.

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As you should know by now, rabbits are extremely sensitive animals. The mere stress of a frightening experience can kill a rabbit, and any attempt to introduce rabbits to other animals should only be undertaken in tightly controlled conditions. Remember that rabbits are prey animals, while cats are predators. When you attempt to acclimate these creatures to one another, you are fighting against millions of years of evolution. Nurture plays a role here as well as nurture. Outdoor cats are less desirable as rabbit companions, as they have likely had many opportunities to stalk and kill small animals, and will have a taste for it already. Before you introduce rabbits to other family pets, make sure they are secure and acclimated to their environment. Keep cats away from the rabbit's area until you feel that the rabbit is comfortable in an established home- about a week.

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Begin by introducing each animal to the other's scent. Present the cat with tufts of rabbit fur, or samples from the rabbit's litterbox. Let the cat satisfy its curiosity before encountering the real thing. The rabbit will benefit from the same experience, and will be less likely to be timid and fearful when meeting the cat. This is important, as first impressions will establish the relationship right off the bat. A rabbit that consistently runs away from the cat will be filed in the cat's mind under "P" for Prey.

Luckily, this will generally not be the case. Most people who keep rabbits and cats note that the rabbit is the more aggressive of the two, even to the point of bullying the cat. This is due to the fact that rabbits are social creatures, with an instinctive urge to assert dominance over subordinates. Cats, on the other hand, are solitary creatures whose instincts tell them to evade aggressive animals. Still, until you have been able to observe both animals under controlled conditions, you cannot be sure that the cat will not identify the rabbit as a meal. Even if the cat doesn't decide to take a taste of rabbit, it may find the rabbit's presence intolerable and give it a nasty scratch. The first precautionary measure you can take is to get your cat's front claws trimmed so that they are blunt. Even a relatively small wound can be dangerous for a delicate animal such as a rabbit.

With these preparations made, and your rabbit locked in its cage, bring the cat to the cage. Allow them to investigate one another. If the cat attempts to reach into the cage and scratch the rabbit, or if the rabbit seems to be experiencing intense fear- signified by remaining motionless, quivering, thumping the hind legs, or displaying the third eyelid- remove the cat and try again later. Do this for about 15 minutes at a time.

After several such sessions, your rabbit should begin to seem more comfortable in the cat's presence. When you feel both animals are ready, remove the rabbit from the cage and set it down in a somewhat enclosed space, such as a small room or large playpen. With the cat on a leash or firmly held in your hands, allow the rabbit to approach at will. Make sure to constantly stroke and soothe the cat, and perhaps give it a favorite treat. Your goal is to make the cat associate the rabbit with love, attention, and other things it enjoys. Negative reinforcement is a very poor method of training a cat -- they will remember only that the rabbit brings unpleasant experiences, or that it should wait until the humans are gone to attack. If the cat hisses, attempts to scratch, or make any other aggressive move, end the session and try again another day.

By gradually allowing the animals more and more freedom together, they should eventually become completely accustomed to one another. Ideally, they should arrive at the conclusion that the other is a member of the "family" as they are, and a source of comfort and entertainment -- or at the least, not a threat. Remember that cats and rabbits are complex animals whose behavior can be unpredictable. Leaving a rabbit and cat together unsupervised is never 100% safe for either creature. You must use your best judgment to decide what level of responsibility you can expect from them when unsupervised, and be prepared to accept the consequences if you are wrong.

With these dire warnings aside, most people find that cats and rabbits make excellent companions. The first time you see the two of them curled up together, grooming each other with purrs and tooth-clicks of contentment, the hard work and vigilance you have invested in their relationship will seem well-rewarded. We wish you the best of luck!

Introducing Rabbits to Cats

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Christmas Sales Chicco Lullaby LX Playard, Adventure 201

Dec 16, 2011 15:27:26

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Christmas Sales Chicco Lullaby LX Playard, Adventure Feature

• 4 in 1 playard includes portable playard, infant bassinet, changing station, removable playmat with toy gym
• Convenient for travel; Push button fold for compact pick up, nylon storage bag and wheels make transport easy
• Features a quilted bassinet perfect for smaller babies
• Changing table is thickly padded and has side store for quicker changes
• Includes toy gym and toys, remote control electronics, removable mattress covering and quilted mattress

Christmas Sales Chicco Lullaby LX Playard, Adventure Overview

This 4-in-1 system features a portable playard, infant bassinet, changing station, and removable playmat with a toy gym. It is convenient for travel with its' push-button fold for easy, compact pack-up. It also has a nylon storage bag with cargo pockets. The wheels make transport easy and lock for stability. The quilted bassinet is perfect for a smaller baby's naptime. The changing table is elevated for ease of use and thickly padded for baby's comfort. The side-store can be used for quicker changes. The toy gym can be used on the bassinet or as a play mat. The plush fabrics and toys are good for baby's amusement. A remote control or voice-activated music, vibration and nightlight can be used to soothe baby. The removable mattress covering is machine washable. The quilted mattress is thickly padded for baby's naptime or playtime comfort. Recommended use for playard is up to 30 pounds. The bassinet can be used up to 15 pounds, and the changing table up to 25 pounds.

Features:

• Push-button fold
• Nylon storage bag with cargo pockets
• Lockable wheels
• Quilted bassinet
• Elevated changing table
• Plush toy gym
• Remote control/voice activated music, vibration and nightlight
• Removable, washable mattress covering
• Thick, quilted mattress

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Tuscany 4 In 1 Crib

North States Superyard Classic XT Gate Play Yard, Packaging May Vary

Christmas Sales North States Superyard Classic XT Gate Play Yard, Packaging May Vary 201

Dec 15, 2011 19:00:35

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Christmas Sales North States Superyard Classic XT Gate Play Yard, Packaging May Vary Feature

• 26" high,convenient carrying strap included
• 6 panels, hexagonal shape- offers 18.5 square feet of play area
• Can be set up in seconds and used indoors or outdoors
• Lightweight and portable
• Item will be shipped in either of the following packaging: Color carton (Model number: 8666) and Brown carton (Model number 8669)

Christmas Sales North States Superyard Classic XT Gate Play Yard, Packaging May Vary Overview

Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the North States Superyard XT is an excellent solution for creating a safe enclosed area for kids and pets anywhere from the backyard to the play room. Made of durable, weather-resistant plastic, the portable play yard provides 18.5 square feet of protected play space, and it can be reconfigured into different shapes to fit a variety of spaces. For added convenience, the play yard sets up and breaks down in a matter of seconds.

Superyard XT At a Glance: Ages: 6-24 months. Requires: No tools required. Warranty: To ensure 100% satisfaction with your purchase, all North States products come with a one year warranty against manufacturer's defect. Ideal for: Who: Parents, grandparents, and babysitters. What: Providing a gated play yard for small pets and children 6-24 months. Where: Indoors or outdoors.

Keep children safe with the Superyard XT. View larger.

A Safe and Portable Indoor-Outdoor Play Yard
For busy parents and dog-owners wishing to contain their children or pets in a safe, sturdy play area while they attend to tasks, the Superyard XT is the answer. Made of durable reinforced plastic, this gate weathers both outdoor elements and the wear-and-tear of play time, so you can look forward to years of use.

Do you want to keep your dog nearby while you spend a few hours in the garden? Or finish chores in the house while keeping the little ones safe and entertained? The Superyard XT makes it all possible. Weighing less than 20 pounds, this lightweight gate folds flat and even comes with a carrying strap, making it easy to carry everywhere from the park to the babysitter's.

Easy to Assemble and Adjust
Setting up the Superyard XT is hassle-free. The six interlocking panels are pre-connected--simply pull the panels out of box, unfold and connect them together, and the Superyard XT is ready for use. To put away, simply disconnect one panel, fold together, and store. The Superyard XT is so easy you can set it up and take it down in under a minute. The hassle-free panels also give you quick and convenient access to your child or pet.

Measuring 26 inches high with a diameter of 18.5 square feet, this size-adjustable play yard provides an ample play area. If you'd like to extend the Superyard XT's overall diameter, consider purchasing a two-panel extension kit (sold separately) which increases the play yard's space from 18.5 to a generous 34 square feet.

Versatile Design Offers Many Uses
With its sturdy, flexible construction, the Superyard XT has many convenient uses. For example, you can use it as an enclosure to keep cruising babies or pets away from potentially unsafe settings, such as Christmas tree displays, office areas, storage areas, and more. And if you have a new puppy or kitten, you might also considering using the play yard as an area for house training or a timeout area for a naughty puppy.

To ensure 100% satisfaction with your purchase, all North States products come with a one year warranty against manufacturer's defect.

About North States
Located in Blaine, Minnesota, North States Industries offers versatile and economical gates and enclosures in the juvenile and pet categories. All of the company's products are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association for safety, and are engineered to provide the highest quality, durability and ease of use.

What's in the Box
North States Superyard XT with six interlocking panels (each panel measuring 26 inches by 30 inches), a carry-strap, and instructions for use.

The versatile Superyard XT can be configured in a variety of ways to fit your needs.

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Selecting the Ideal Baby Playpen For You

If you asked a parent what is the one piece of baby equipment they might hate to do without, it would most probably be their baby play yards. Often referred to as a playards or baby playpens, the majority of mums & dads own one and love the freedom and peace of mind it brings them.

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Portable playards became extraordinarily well-liked in the previous couple of years, especially with families who do a lot of travelling, visiting kin or friends. Although the transportable varieties are meant for transient use, they have proved themselves to be an absolutely essential piece of equipment for mum seeing as they are so easily carried, often have rollers or wheels and can be so easily folded into an amazingly small size.

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Baby play yards often have a standard basic set of features, but with each type then having its own specific set of added features. They are usually made round or rectangular in outline, with a base and translucent mesh sides. The transportable types have higher and lower rails that undo permitting all of it to be collapsed into a tidy size for easy storage and transportation. This of course makes them excellent for that weekend away at a buddy's or relative's house.

When you're deciding on a baby play yard or playpen there are plenty of things to think about. For starters, exactly where will you mostly be using the playpen? Will it be often at home or when travelling? Will you only be employing it inside or would you need the power to trundle it outdoors? Purchase a play yard with the features you actually need and will truly use. You could like to think about the following gizmos and features to be certain of purchasing one that closely meets your needs.

Portability : Will you need a play yard that may be packed for simple travelling or do you like a more roomy one that is meant to stay in one place. You could like one with rollers to make it simpler to move around the home.

If you are selecting a smaller playpen you may like one of the makes that come with a lift-out bassinet included. A bassinet is a snug bed for the youngster which is placed inside the playpen. It is a beautifully secure spot for baby to nap. Bassinets are sometimes used for babes below six months old.

You may like the thought of having a changing station. This is an additional option found on some designs of playpens. This changing station locates on top of the playpen to be used when baby desires his diaper changing and is simply removed when not in use.

If you plan on letting baby breathe in clean air by rolling her play yard outside often, you must look into purchasing one of the models that come with a parasol cover that may offer shade and sunshine protection for your tiny dear.

Please don't make the error of believing it's ok to leave your child in her baby play yard while you go off leaving her unattended. You do still need to be near in case they get into any difficulties. Ensure the mesh side panels are made from material with holes no larger than inch to stop baby getting caught up. If purchasing an older type wooden playpen with slatted wooden sides, make certain that the slats are not any more than 2 ½ inches apart.

Selecting the Ideal Baby Playpen For You

Playard Baby

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Setting Boundaries - How to Help Your Child Master Their Surroundings

Imagine a playpen. And imagine that the playpen is a metaphor for a set of boundaries that you believe, when in place, will allow your child the freedom to explore their environment along with boundaries to keep them safe.

Playard Baby

Now, imagine that you set your two year old in this playpen and initially they are none to happy about it. They think they can handle more than you think they can handle. They think they can eat 10 Oreo's not just 1. They think they can do without a nap - yet you know better. They think it's okay to crawl up on the counter, but you know the stove is hot.

Playard Baby

You are confident and the boundaries are clear to both you and your child. They are set. You aren't changing them. They are age appropriate, they allow the child enough freedom to explore and keep them safe physically, emotionally and intellectually and still give you some peace of mind. They can handle their surroundings but they haven't mastered them yet. They need practice and this is where they will practice until they have mastered their surroundings.

Within a day or two, your child figures out you are serious about the boundaries and instead of fighting to push the boundaries, they settle into their environment and begin to really explore it. They become stronger, more capable. Because their world is organized and orderly and because their parents are firm and kind and consistent, they can relax and enjoy the best parts of childhood - exploration.

Eventually, they master this new landscape, and then, one day, maybe a week or a month or three months from now, the child begins to push against those boundaries again. That is your cue that your child has mastered their environment and is ready to move into a metaphorically bigger "playpen."

And so you create a new, updated set of boundaries that are in line with your child's abilities and you plop them down in their new bigger "playpen."

And again, the child bucks at these restrictions, settles down, explores, learns, masters and then is ready for the next set of challenges.

I know it might sound very simplistic, but this simple metaphor helped me create 100 or more playpens for each of my five kids. And each one of those kids was different which meant that the boundaries were different. Without this system, I shudder to think of the chaos we would all have been living in.

If you are searching for a way to determine what boundaries to set and then how to set them, use this metaphor or create your own. It doesn't really matter. What does matter is your ability to create a set of boundaries that supports your child, their rate of growth and the confidence to enforce these boundaries until the child has mastered the skills.

Setting Boundaries - How to Help Your Child Master Their Surroundings

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Forget The Tie - Remembering Dads on Fathers Day

Every Fathers Day I am reminded how fortunate I was to have a Dad like mine. My Dad was "Number One," and, yes, I miss him. But I never bothered to buy him a tie. My sisters and I knew what he wanted more.

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My Dad was a very quiet, gentle, caring father of four girls - no boys! Thinking back, I am sure Dad was a little "over his head" with all of us girls. I don't think he really knew what to do with us. "No rough-housing" was a standard phrase my Dad would use. I think he thought we'd "break."

Playard Baby

But Dad would do the quiet things with us like telling stories about far away places where we could raise giant cabbages, hunt for gold or drill for oil. His stories were exciting and sometimes very funny - at least to his four daughters. We'd fall to sleep at night thinking about going on adventures with Dad.

We never knew what to buy for Dad on Father's Day. Of course we'd ask, but his answer was always the same. "I have everything a Father could want, including all the ties I can ever use." Ties were "out." What was left?

Then we caught on to what Dad really liked, not just on Fathers Day, but on days whenever he needed something on wanted something. He taught us through "trickery."

My father would "trick" us into doing chores he thought we may not want to do, such as, "Girls, don't you dare polish my shoes." Being daring girls - we'd polish his shoes. It was Dad's game, but we were always willing players.

Dad enjoyed simple things like this, and he appreciated having these chores done. He was such a kind man that he found his pleasure not in receiving, but in giving. This was one of the greatest lessons we all learned from Dad.

When his girls grew up and left the nest, food would appear in our cupboards from "no where." Money would be found in our purses mysteriously, but always after a visit from Dad. He would never mention it. He didn't want thanks. He knew we'd appreciate it and love him all the more.

Dad always worried about his girls. One time he stayed on the phone with one of my sisters while she used a pressure cooker to can. He was worried she'd somehow blow it up. He even told her to put her baby outside in the playpen while she was using the pressure cooker!

Yes, my Dad was a quiet man. He loved to read, he loved to watch the Brooklyn Dodgers on TV, he loved to have his girls do easy chores for him and he loved to spend time with his family and have a grand (simple) meal prepared for him. His wife - and his girls - could cook. This is how we showed our love, not just on Fathers Day, but throughout the year.
We made Fathers Day special by simply telling him how much we loved him, and by cooking him anything he wanted.

Remembering and thanking your father on Fathers Day need not be difficult and probably doesn't need to include buying a tie. But don't forget the old saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Often it is true.

Surprise your Dad, or your Grand Dad, or your husband with some culinary delights and his favorite beverage or two. And barbecuing is often a hit for Dad's day, if the weather is good.

Invite family to a Father's Day celebration and make it a potluck so everyone has a chance to give. It makes the day easy and enjoyable and rewarding.

Use the link below to access a large number of recipe ideas for Fathers Day, regardless of the weather - and have a wonderful day with "Dad."

Forget The Tie - Remembering Dads on Fathers Day

Playard Baby

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BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2, Silver

Christmas Sales BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2, Silver 201

Dec 12, 2011 09:14:18

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Christmas Sales BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2, Silver Feature

• Set up and ready to use in one simple movement.
• Compact and lightweight design (11 lbs) makes it easy to take with you
• Insulated mattress keeps baby warm and comfortable
• Waterproof, breathable mattress cover is machine washable
• Net fabric side panels make it easy to keep an eye on baby

Christmas Sales BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2, Silver Overview

Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib 2 - Silver

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is the perfect crib to take with you on trips. It weighs only 11 pounds (5 kg) and is set up in one simple movement. It comes with a case that is as handy as an ordinary bag. Sleeping away from home with small children has never been easier.

Christmas Sales BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2, Silver Specifications

Traveling overnight with little ones is now easier than ever thanks to the newly re-designed BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2. The Travel Crib Light 2 offers the same great features as the original Travel Crib Light, but a new leg mechanism makes it even easier to take down. Lightweight and portable, the crib is the ideal solution for making your baby feel comfortable and safe when sleeping away from home. It sets up in seconds and features a plush, cozy mattress and a sturdy base that doesn't wobble.

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Travel Crib Light 2 At a Glance: Ages: 0 to 3 Warranty: 2-Year Express Warranty Ideal for: Who: Parents, grandparents, and childcare providers. What: A portable crib you can use in any room, or take on trips. Where: Babysitter's house, airports, and hotels. Related Accessories: Fitted Sheet

The lightweight Travel Crib Light 2 is a breeze to take down and carry around when traveling. (Shown here in Blue.)

Sturdy, Lightweight Crib is Perfect for Travel
The lightweight construction of the Travel Crib Light 2 makes traveling hassle-free for parents. Weighing less than 11 pounds (including the case), the crib is easy for any adult to carry around the house, pack into a car, or carry through an airport.

Measuring 45 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches (L x W x H), the crib has a uniquely compact design that features a base with slanting edges. This means the crib stands firmly and doesn't wobble, even if little ones are standing up or if older siblings are leaning against it. The see-through mesh panels on the sides allow parents and caregivers to keep an eye on their sleeping tot.

Provides Cozy, Waterproof Sleeping Quarters
Made of soft fabric, the Travel Crib Light 2's insulated mattress is both cozy and roomy, creating a restful environment for your child wherever they happen to be. It also comes with a removable, waterproof cover, which helps protect against leaky diapers.

Sets Up, Takes Down and Transports Easily
Assembly of the Travel Crib Light 2 is an easy task. Especially convenient after a long day of travel, the crib takes seconds to set up or take down. Just remove the Travel Crib Light 2 from its travel case and unfold the frame -- no pushing, pulling, or locking of rails is necessary -- the legs will automatically set and lock in place. Once the frame is set-up, simply place the mattress in the bottom and you are set for sleep.

When traveling by car, the crib folds up small enough to take along in the trunk. For airport travel, you can easily pack it into a larger suitcase or carry it like a bag using its handy carrying case with a sturdy canvas handle.

Features Safe, Easy-to-Clean Materials
All of the fabric and materials used in the Travel Crib Light 2 are Öeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1 certified, which means they are guaranteed to be safe and free of any harmful substances. The cotton mattress cover and fabric on the exterior of the crib are removable, machine washable, and smooth on your child's skin.

The BABYBJÖRN Fitted Sheet (sold separately) is a perfect fit for the Travel Crib Light 2.

About BABYBJÖRN: Quality, Safety, and Style
A family owned company headquartered in Sweden, BABYBJÖRN has been producing innovative childcare products since 1961. Today, BABYBJÖRN works with an international network of pediatricians to develop products that reflect its core philosophy of quality, safety, and style.

BABYBJÖRN ensures the quality of each of its products--in terms of both durability and environmental impact--by scrupulously overseeing every stage of the design and manufacturing process. Safety is also guaranteed through rigorous screening by industrial designers, testing institutes, and medical experts. This exacting attention to detail has earned BABYBJÖRN international recognition for its success in creating products that balance usability with style.

What's in the Box
BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2, mattress with cover, carrying case, and use instructions.

(Shown here in Silver.)

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Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center - Dakota

Christmas Sales Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center - Dakota 201

Dec 11, 2011 12:45:05

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Christmas Sales Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center - Dakota Feature

• BABY TREND DAKOTA PLAYARD IS A FULL SIZE TRAVEL PLAYARD

  COMES WITH A FULL SIZE REMOVABLE BASSINET

  CHANGING TABLE

  CANOPY WITH TOYS

  ONE-HAND LOCKING MECHANISM

Christmas Sales Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center - Dakota Overview

Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center - Dakota

-Removable full bassinet
-Canopy with three adorable toys
-Flip away changing table
-One-hand locking mechanism
-Toy/storage pocket
-Large wheels with brakes
-Travel/storage tote bag

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