Build Your Cat Their Very Own Tower

 

How to Make Your Own Cat Tower

Cat trees, towers, condos, and scratching posts give your cat a place to relax, play, and claw without ruining your furniture. It can be fun and relaxing for you as well, watching them enjoying their tree house is fun and they look cute. They are, however, expensive and probably the most expensive item you will buy for your feline friend. Store-bought structures are expensive depending on size, quality, and amenities. Believe it or not, you can build your cat a great piece without going over budget and you can make to your specifications and cat in mind.
When you take a good look at a store-bought post, you will realize that they are basically made from cardboard, PVC pipe, rope, and carpet remnants. All you really need is a sturdy base, a few platforms, and some posts. Follow these easy steps to put together a cat tower you, your cat and your family will enjoy.

Materials Needed:

Remember to design it with your cat in mind and space in your home. Sizes can be adjusted.
3- 4"x4" posts: 2' long, 3' long, and 4' long (maybe altered).
3- Round or square shelves (about a foot square).
19- L-brackets.
A large heavy piece of wood for the base, fairly thick (3/4" is good).
Bolts with matching nuts to connect the platforms to the posts and the posts to the base with the brackets. Make sure the bolts are fairly short, but long enough to go through the wood and still have room to put a bolt on the other side.
Really short wood screws (about 1/2").
1"- Wood screws.
Drill.
Staples and a staple gun.
Carpet scraps and/or Sisal rope.

Building Your Cat Tower

First, you are going to want to cut the piece of wood to your desired size. You may want to alter the post length a little so that one 8' 4" x 4" post will be enough for your entire project. You might want to check out the scrap bin at the hardware store too. There could be a few good pieces you can use.
Mark where you want the posts to sit on the base. But keep in mind to place them a little close to the center so that the structure is steady. Mark your three outlines of the 4" x 4"s on the base.
Arrange one of the L-brackets along one side of each post's outline and mark where you need to drill the holes. Move the bracket out of the way and drill holes for the bolts all the way through the base. Do this for each of the four L-brackets that are going around each post. You may want to countersink the area around each hole on the bottom of the base to prevent the bolts from coming in contact with the floor and scratching it up.
Feed a bolt up from the bottom of the base, through the hole in the bracket, and then put a nut on it. Do this for each of the bolts until all of the brackets are in place. Test the post to make sure it fits and make adjustments if necessary.
Now it is time to cover the base with carpet. Cut a piece of carpet big enough to cover the top of the base, be sure to have a few inches left over on all sides. Set the carpet on top of the base, then mark where you will need to cut holes for the posts. Use a post as a stencil and cut an X where the post will go at first. Make sure the carpet is in the exact right place so that the brackets come through the hole. Push the carpet all the way down to where it will sit. This will leave the brackets uncovered and the carpet in place. Trim off the edges of the carpet.
Attach the edges of the carpet under the base using the short wood screws or staple gun. Then set each post in its spot and attach it to the brackets using the 1" wood screws.
Time to attach the rope. Start near the bottom of a post and attach using wood screws. Wrap the rope around the post several times until you are happy with it. Secure at the top the same way as the bottom using wood screws. Do the same thing to the other posts.
After the posts are wrapped, next you will secure the platforms to the top of the posts with the brackets. Set the platforms on top of their posts, mark where the holes need to be, and then drill holes for the bolts to go through. Put the bolts through the holes in the shelves and then through the brackets. There will be bulky ends but, they will be underneath the shelves and you won’t see them.
After the platforms are attached to the posts, simply cover each one with carpet. Wrap the edges down underneath the platform and attaching with either wood screws or staples the same as you did with the base.
BOOM! A simple and fairly easy cat tower. Remember you can customize it in any way you want, pick a size and shape to fit your space, or add a cat bed or hammock. The sky’s the limit.

Pet Boarding in Abilene TX

Treating and showing love to your beloved feline does not have to be expensive or difficult. Building your own cat tower can be a great time to spend with the family. At Diamonds in the Ruff, we understand the need to provide your pet with the best. We offer a comfortable and spacious area in our added Cattery. If you need a safe and secure place to leave your cat for a few hours or days, come by today and visit our pet boarding house in Abilene. You can also visit our website to view all of our pet services at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com.

Why Does My Dog Escape so Often?

 

Does Your Dog Run Away?

Anyone with a dog can understand that scared feeling you get if they run away. Some dogs do it all the time and runaway for hours then come back. Depending on the breed of dog, some dogs have a natural wanderlust that makes it hard for them to stay cooped up. If your dog gets out a lot, there are many unfavorable outcomes that may happen during their little trek. They could get picked up by the pound, or they could get seriously injured or killed in an accident while walking in the road. No matter why your dog gets out,  Pets Web MD has a few reasons and tips to help you and your pet get through this situation.

Reasons They Get Out

Your dog might be finding a way out because they're bored. They may not enjoy being left alone. If you leave them behind for long periods, they may get distressed and run away, possibly trying to find you. It also could be they have too much pent-up energy to use and don’t have a way to release it. As stated previously, some dogs just want to wander around. If you found your dog as a stray, then it is much more likely that your dog will want to wander off, however, this is not always the case.  
If your dog is like mine, they may be getting out because something causes some sort of stress. Our dog Toby would get anxious while we were getting ready in the morning, he would chew our shoes, and have accidents in the house. These were signs of him being nervous during our separation. Every now and then he would find his way out but luckily come back home.  Fear can be another reason, like thunderstorms or fireworks. Dogs in heat can cause them to find a way out and look for a mate. The best thing to do is to get them spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Dogs become sexually mature when they're around 6 months old.

Ways to Keep Them Happy at Home

The best thing you can do is play with them, take them for a walk before you know you are leaving for the day. Toys can keep your pet busy while you're gone, as well. Think about buying various toys to keep them occupied when you aren't around. When your dog is scared, try leaving them indoors inside a windowless room or leave music on while you're away. I leave the tv on for my dog. It’s possible your vet may suggest anti-anxiety medication if other suggestions don't help your dog with their separation anxiety. Make sure they are microchipped and always wear a collar with an ID and some form of contact information.
Check all gates to be sure they’re locked. If you find your little runaway, don't chase after them, the dog might think you're playing a game. Stop running, sit on the ground, and call your dog, instead. Afterward, reward them when they come back to you. If you choose to punish your dog when they come back to you, chances are likely that they will associate the punishment with returning to you. Another viable option to help keep your dog from getting out and running around is to take them to a pet daycare. 

Diamonds in the Ruff Pet Boarding in Abilene, TX

Dogs love their humans, so when we leave, it's no surprise they can get anxious or worried. They are a part of our family and should be treated as such. Our facility at Diamonds in the Ruff is equipped to give your pet the best care while you're gone, anywhere from playtime to a healthy lunch. If you're in need of doggie daycare in Abilene, give us a call or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com. We are here to provide the best care for your pet.

Does Your Dog have Bad Breath?

 

Dental Health and Your Dog

Our pet’s oral health is just as important as ours. Keeping up with your pet's oral health can go a long way. Gum disease can be seen in your dog by the time they turn four, not only can you tell visually, but your dog’s bad breath is also a smelly sign. There are a few helpful tips you should follow if you want to give your furry family member a head start to better oral health.

Tips to Guide You

Do a Breath Test- No one wants to do this voluntarily, but sniffing your dog’s breath is a good indicator if your dog needs to see the vet soon for a good cleaning. Chances are, you may already smell your pet's breath. Many factors can contribute to the foul odor emanating from your little buddy's mouth, ranging from relatively benign to serious conditions. Imbalanced microbiomes, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, and, of course, gum disease can all be root causes of bad breath. 
Check Out His Gums- Every now and then, lift your dog’s lips and check out their gum line and teeth. The gums should be pink in color and not swollen, and their teeth should not have any brownish tartar.
Some Signs of Oral Disease- Below is a list of signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system. Take them in if you are concerned about any of the following:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Tumors in the gums
• Cysts under the tongue
• Loose teeth

Know Your Mouth Disorders- Getting familiar with possible mouth problems, such as halitosis or gingivitis, will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment. 
Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit- Use a toothbrush designed for dogs or use a clean piece of soft gauze to wrap around your finger. You should ask your vet for a toothpaste made especially for canines or make a paste out of baking soda and water. Using human toothpaste can irritate your dog’s stomach. Special mouthwash for dogs is also available, just ask your vet.
Diet for Healthy Teeth- You can get specially formulated dry food from your vet that can slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. Another thing you can do is avoid feeding your dog table scraps, instead give him treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy.

Caring for Your Furry Buddy

Our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff encourage regular oral health care and regular exercise to ensure a healthy life. You can expect that your pet will enjoy scheduled playtime and a healthy diet while staying with us. We offer an indoor, climate-controlled area and a designed outdoor play area so they can socialize with other visitors in a safe and healthy environment with plenty of space for exercise and fresh air. Come by or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to check out everything we have to offer including doggie daycare in Abilene.

Pick the Right Groomer for your Dog

 

Choosing the Right Groomer for Your Dog

Choosing a dog groomer is a lot like choosing a hairstylist for ourselves. We not only want them to come out looking good, but we also want them to come out feeling good after a gripping experience. You will want a groomer that will treat our dogs the way we treat them home. The best sign of a good groomer is when our dogs leave happy and energetic. This is usually a sign that they enjoyed their experience and were probably treated very well.

This not only helps to ease our mind, but it also makes it much easier next time we have to drop them off with a groomer. It is heartbreaking to drop our dogs off somewhere and noticed that they are visibly in distress or anxious and do not want to be there. Now, this happens when we have to drop our pets off at the vet. This is, however, understandable, but we do not want the same reaction when we drop our pets off at the groomer.

What is the Best Way to Choose a Groomer?

Do your research. Pull up a few groomer's websites and look at their reviews. Make sure that the positive reviews outweigh the negatives. It is important to not be naïve and think that there is any groomer that will not have a negative review. This is simply because some people just cannot be pleased. Just make sure that the negative reviews do not say things like they thought their dog was abused or that their skin was cut. These are definitely signs that you should not go to this particular groomer. Look for reviews that talk about the experiences with the staff as being friendly and caring. Also, when you pick your dog up from a groomer, watch their behavior, and see how they act. They should be happy and energetic and excited to see you, but they should not shy away from the groomer when they tell them bye.

Take your research a step further and call the groomer you are interested in using. Have a list of questions ready to ask them.
They can be anything like Did you fo to grooming school? How long have you been a groomer? Are you a member of any type of professional grooming organization? Do you have experience with this specific breed?
You could even visit the facility to see if it is an excellent fit for you and your dog.

You should also ask around. If you see a dog with a clean-cut or style you like, ask the owner where the dog was groomed. You can also ask your veterinarian, kennel employee, or a random person at the coffee shop. Remember, well-groomed dogs are walking advertisements, so if you like what you see, don't hesitate to ask.

Remember to be patient. Dog groomers can be in high demand and have a tight schedule. The groomer may not be able to get back to you about your questions right away, and it may take time to get your dog scheduled for their appointment. Don't let this discourage you; finding the right fit is important to your pet, so be sure to take the time to find the right groomer.

Dog Groomers in Abilene

If you are looking for a great dog groomer in the Abilene area, then contact us at Diamonds in the Ruff. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to show you around our facility to help ease your mind. You can also meet many of our professionally trained and licensed dog groomers and see for yourself just how much they love and adore their job.

Just call and set up an appointment with us today at 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for more information about our facility and pet grooming in Abilene. We have a variety of breed-specific spa treatments to make your dog look and feel good. You can also schedule their appointment on our Facebook page.