Ethical And Eco-Friendly Pet Products
There are 8 million dogs and 8 million cats in homes around the UK. That’s a lot of animals and it goes to show that we’re a nation of pet lovers. We’re also a nation that’s becoming more aware of social responsibilities including buying goods and products that are ethical and eco-friendly. With our passion for pets and our awareness of the environmental impact we’re having on the planet, it’s little wonder that ethical pet products are in such demand.
How to be an ethical pet owner
As a pet owner you naturally want to keep your cat or dog in the best of health. Just as humans benefit from natural materials and ingredients, so do animals. When buying pet supplies, products and gifts, consider what they’re made from, how they’ve been manufactured and the impact that has on the planet. You’ll be doing your pet and the environment a big favour.
Consider these factors to determine whether your pet products are ‘green’:
The Shetland Pony – a Brief History
Shetland ponies are those gorgeous tiny horses you see in pantomimes like Cinderella. They provide rides to children on farms and in zoos, and with their shaggy faces and stocky legs, are an ideal animal for children to share their first interaction with the equine world. In fact, a Shetland pony is ideal for children as they are usually kind-natured and brave – behaviour required when dealing with youngsters. Care needs to be taken, though, that the pony is not spoiled either by the children or their parents. As with many animals, it’s the human input that shapes a pony’s behaviour, and care needs to be taken with how a pony is treated. Also, as with many animals that are thought to be ‘intelligent’, this can be construed as being ’stubborn’. And a Shetland pony is considered ‘intelligent’. Facts to bear in mind when combining a Shetland and children; they appear to have a lot in common!
An Easy Way to Keep Your Cat Happy
Trying to save your furniture and carpet from your new kittens? Or just wanting to expand the choice in cat playtime? Have you considered cat scratchers? Something as simple as a piece of wood covered in scraps of carpet can go a long way to providing exercise for your feline friends, keeping kittens amused and helping keep their claws short and manageable.
Put in the corner next to their litter box, a cat scratcher can function as both an exercise post and a manicuring station – and when adorned with catnip, a place your cat can relax and enjoy life. Grow your own catnip and take advantage of its many uses (it repels mosquitos, can be drunk as a tea for a relaxing effect, and is good for cuts and scrapes). Cats aren’t the only ones who benefit from this handy little herb!