Creatures

Thousands of cats and dogs are put to sleep every year because they are unloved and unwanted. They are the result of pet owners who do not fully consider the implications of owning a reproductively capable cat or dog.

Have you ever tried to put a condom on your cat?! If you answered yes, then you know how futile the effort is. It’s fiddly, it’s fussy and that’s if you can actually find your cat’s penis in the first place. (If you aren’t a vet but still rate your chances of finding a cat’s penis, get yourself a more wholesome hobby, like origami.) So, ditch the pet condoms and get your animal sterilised. (more…)

One of OiP’s resident canine’s Flynn gives his take on Perth’s doggy park scene.

I know you know. There are days when, even though you’ve been looking at the same bit of backyard for hours, the thought of going for a walk around the same old paths and sniffing the same old arses is enough to make you want to hide in your kennel (well, nearly). (more…)

Ordinarily, Malarkey Molasses Baudelaire the 15th would be an incredibly long name for a cat… unless that cat is owned by a writer. And if that writer happens to be OUTinPerth’s Scott-Patrick Mitchell… well, he has an incredibly active imagination, one which seems to apply to his beautiful black boy cat, Malarkey. (more…)

Barker Family Herbal Spa Mit and Deluxe Herbal Woof Wash

Does your pooch deserve the paw-fect gift? Then get hold of some Barker Family delights, both therapeutic and luxurious. Try a Woof Wash Bar souped up on tea tree, eucalyptus and pennyroyal essential oils, designed to repel fleas and condition coats. Add Herbal Spa Mits, Snuggle Pup Heat Packs and Dog Chocs - all beautifully packaged in red or black polka dots - and this boutique range is sure to bow-wow your best friend. All herbal, all handmade, Barker Family products from the Thurlby Herb Farm are available now from Chapels on Whatley Crescent in Maylands. www.thurlbyherb.com.au/barker.htm

You’re casually strolling along on a not-too-hot summer day and the park is full of owners and their dogs, and then suddenly, it strikes you. Everyone bears an uncanny resemblance to their pet, or depending on your school of thought, every pet bears an uncanny resemblance to its owner. It’s an epiphany many have experienced. So, the question that remains is why? Well, there are a few schools of thought on the issue… (more…)

Domestic dogs are genetically indistinguishable from their ancestor, the grey wolf, and a dog’s health can benefit greatly from a diet that is similar to what wolves would eat in the wild – meat and bones, digested plant matter from their prey’s stomach, fish, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, grass and herbs – all eaten raw with enzymes intact to unlock nutrients. (more…)

• Name: Pippi
• Creature: Burmilla (Chinchilla x Burmese)
• Motto: Purr-fection is a pet cat

Vanessa May is the new advertising executive here at OUTinPerth and she’s the cat’s meow, especially when it comes to here pet kitty, Pippi. The two are inseparable, which is surprising since Vanessa always considered herself to be a dog person. That was, until, Pippi purred her way into Miss May’s heart. (more…)

From long-haired Afghan hounds and Persians cats to mid-length coated golden retrievers to smooth coated kelpies, it doesn’t matter what kind of animal you decide to have as a companion, all require a programme of basic grooming maintenance throughout their life. Before selecting an animal companion, consider what breed is best suited to your lifestyle and the people in your life. For example, do you have family member’s allergy to animal hair? If so, you may want a dog or cat that has low-allergenic fur, such as the poodle or hairless cat. Do you live on a property? Medium haired dogs such as boarder collies tend to get grass seeds between their toes and tails during summer, so consider getting a dog with a short coat or set aside time on a regular basis to check for grass seeds and groom them. (more…)

Christmas may be a warm and fuzzy, cute and cuddly time of year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a warm and fuzzy, cute and cuddly puppy or kitten is a good Christmas gift. Before giving someone a new animal, think it through and make sure that person is ready to care for an animal for years to come. Given the level of commitment required in looking after an animal, it’s not appropriate to give an animal as a surprise gift. After all, a puppy (or kitten or bird or fish or snake…) isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for life! (more…)

In Australia, it’s time to start surfing the Yuletide waves when your garden starts attracting gaily-coloured Elves. Eight-legged Elves. With fangs.

The Christmas Spider (Austracantha minax) is commonly found in gardens all around Australia. A. minax gets its common name from the time of year it emerges in large numbers and because the spider (particularly the female) looks like a tiny little Christmas tree decoration, albeit one that will fight back if your pets attempt to bat it around like they do that plasticine angel decoration that’s down to its last three flight feathers. (more…)