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How to House Train Your Dog Effectively
House training is one of the first and most important steps in raising a dog. We explain how to start from day one, how to use puppy pads, how to make the move to outdoor walks, how to train an adult dog, and when toileting problems may actually be a sign of illness.
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Pregnancy in Dogs: How to Give the Mother-to-Be and Her Puppies the Best Care
A dog's pregnancy lasts around two months and calls for special attention from the owner. The Zviropolis team explains how to recognise pregnancy, which tests are needed, how to adjust feeding, how to prepare for whelping and when to call the vet without delay.
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Fruit Traps: Which Treats Are Safe for Your Dog?
Fruit can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, but not every kind is safe. We explain which fruits you can share with your pet without worry, which ones can cause poisoning or kidney damage, and how to introduce fruit into the diet the right way.
What Smells Do Cats Dislike?
Which smells do cats dislike most, and how can you avoid them?
Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and there are several scents that most cats dislike. One of them is the smell of citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons or mandarins. Strong citrus oils are very unpleasant for cats, so it is best to avoid using these scents in places where cats spend a lot of time, for example on the kitchen worktop or around the litter tray.
Another smell cats dislike is lavender. Although many people find lavender calming and soothing, cats find it irritating. You can avoid this scent by not using lavender oil in the bedroom or wardrobe, where cats may sleep or where their things are kept.
Which plants and essential oils irritate cats, and how can they be used as a deterrent?
Cats have a sensitive nose, and there are certain plants and essential oils that can irritate them. One such plant is common rue, which gives off strong essential oils that repel cats. You can plant it in parts of the garden where you do not want cats to go. Another plant cats dislike is lavender. While lavender has a calming effect on people, cats find it irritating. Lavender oil can be used to keep cats away from places such as the bedroom or wardrobes.
Besides plants, there are also essential oils that can irritate cats. One of them is lemon oil. Its strong citrus scent can be unpleasant for cats, which makes it useful for keeping them off the kitchen worktop or away from the litter tray. Another essential oil cats dislike is geranium oil. This strong scent can cause skin irritation in cats, so it is best avoided in a home where cats live.
Which smells and substances in the home are potentially harmful to cats?
Cats are very sensitive to certain smells and substances that can be harmful to their health. One such smell is ammonia, which is often found in floor and toilet cleaning products. Prolonged exposure to this smell can lead to irritation of the airways in cats. It is therefore worth choosing cleaning products with a milder scent or using natural alternatives such as vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.
Another substance potentially harmful to cats is formaldehyde, which is found in some furniture and wooden products. Cats can be exposed to this chemical by inhaling it or through skin contact. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat in cats. It is therefore worth choosing furniture and wooden products labelled as pet-safe, or avoiding such products in places where cats spend a lot of time.
How to make your own cat repellent using natural scents
If you would like to make your own cat repellent, you can use natural scents such as essential oils or herbs. Here is how to do it:
This homemade cat repellent can help keep cats away from unwanted spots in the house or garden. Bear in mind, though, that every cat has its own scent preferences, so you may need to experiment with different smells to find the one that actually works on your cat.