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Pernahkah anda dengar nama pokok catnip atau pokok galak kucing? Pernahkah anda nampak kucing anda makan rumput atau menghidu bau rumput tertentu kemudian muntah?
Jika ya, jangan risau! Kemungkinan besar kucing anda menelan pokok catnip!
Catnip pokok galak kucing merupakan suatu pokok yang mengkhayalkan, namun baik untuk kucing anda. Pokok renek ini berdaun lembut berwarna hijau dan berbunga putih-ungu. Ia juga dikenali sebagai catswort atau catmint.
Tahukah anda apa yang ada dalam pokok catnip? Batang dan bunga pokok catnip mengandungi bahan aktif nepetalactone yang memberi kesan kepada kebanyakan haiwan felin termasukalah jaguar dan harimau bintang. Pelbagai fungsi catnip untuk kucing juga kami akan terangkan.
Disebabkan adanya nepetalactone, terdapat 10 khasiat pokok catnip untuk kucing domestik:
Kucing akan menggigit dan menelan pokok ini. Kemudian, ia akan muntah. Perlakuan ini membantu merawat masalah pencernaan yang dialaminya..
Menghidu dan menggigit pokok catnip menjadikan kucing anda aktif. Ia akan bergolek-golek dan aktif bergerak. Oleh itu, ia amat sesuai digunakan sebagai penggalak untuk kucing anda aktif.
Kucing yang memakan catnip mampu menjadi lebih bertenaga. Anda akan perasan ia banyak bermain dan bergurau dengan anda dan kucing-kucing lain.
Selain itu, pokok catnip juga mampu menjadikan kucing anda tenang. Lebih-lebih lagi jika anda ingin membawa kucing anda menaiki sebarang kenderaan atau menenangkannya daripada kemarahan.
Ada sesetengah kucing yang terus tidur selepas menghidu dan bermain dengan pokok catnip. Anda cuma perlu mencuba dahulu sebelum terus memberikannya kepada kucing. Untuk memberikan kesan ini, anda hanya perlu meletakkan atau menyemburkan sedikit di tempat tidur atau istirahat kucing.
Bahan aktif nepetalactone, jika diekstrak, mampu menghalau serangga seperti nyamuk, lipas, lalat, dan anai-anai. Ekstrak catnip ada dalam bentuk semburan untuk penggunaan mudah.
Walaupun pokok catnip ibarat ‘ganja’, ia tidak menyebabkan ketagihan. Kucing hanya akan mengalami kesan-kesan tertentu tetapi kucing tidak akan ketagih terhadapnya.
Jika anda ingin melatih kucing, anda boleh menggunakan pokok catnip sebagai ‘balasan’ untuk setiap perilaku yang anda mahu kucing anda lakukan.
Jika anda berikan pokok catnip kepada sekumpulan kucing asing, ia mampu memudahkan mereka bergaul. Hal ini kerana mereka akan bermain dan menghidu catnip bersama.
Memerhatikan kucing yang seronok ‘menikmati’ catnip akan membantu menghilangkan kebosanannya. Ia juga mampu menjadi penghibur untuk anda.
Berdasarkan manfaat catnip untuk kucing di atas, jelaslah anda tidak perlu risau akan penggunaannya. Ia selamat dan merupakan penggalak semula jadi untuk kucing anda.
Terdapat bermacam-macam cara yang dilakukan kucing untuk ‘menikmati’ catnip. Cara-caranya termasuk menghidu, menjilat, dan menggigit.
Selain itu, ia juga akan menggeserkan badannya serta bergolek-golek di atas lantai. Perlakuan-perlakuan tersebut merupakan gelagat yang pasti mencuit perhatian anda.
Walau bagaimanapun, jangan pelik jika kucing anda tidak memberikan sebarang tindak balas terhadap pokok catnip. Biasanya kucing kampung atau kucing kacukan tidak hairan dengan catnip.
Catnip boleh didapatkan dalam pelbagai bentuk untuk diberikan kepada kucing anda. Anda tidak perlu susah payah menanamnya kerana ia mudah dijumpai di pasaran.
Berdasarkan senarai di atas, terdapat pelbagai cara memberikan catnip pada kucing. Semuanya bergantung pada keselesaan anda dan kucing. Jika anda tidak suka sisa-sisa serbuk catnip, anda boleh menggunakan ekstrak semburan atau dalam bentuk mainan.
Kucing sukakan catnip kerana catnip mempunyai bahan aktif nepetalactone yang membantu menjadikannya aktif dan bertenaga. Bahan aktif ini juga mampu menjadikan kucing anda tenang dan menghalau serangga perosak.
Catnip terkenal sebagai rumput untuk kucing sakit, terutamanya berkaitan masalah pencernaan. Selain itu, ia tidak menyebabkanefek sampingan catnip iaitu ketagihan seperti yang selalu diperkatakan.
Kucing anda mungkin akan memberikan tindak balas lazim seperti bergolek-golek, menggeserkan badannya, dan berperilaku aktif. Ada juga kucing yang tidak langsung memberikan sebarang reaksi. Hal ini bergantung kepada jenis dan kacukannya.
Ya, pokok catnip selamat untuk kucing. Malah, ia mampu membantu menyelesaikan masalah pencernaan yang dialami kucing. Kucing akan memakan catnip dan memuntahkan isi perutnya. Jangan risau akan perbuatan ini. Ia adalah perkara lazim.
Kesan catnip hanya terhad semasa kucing berada dekat dengannya atau memakannya. Ia tidak mempunyai kesan jangka masa lama. Jika anda ingin menggunakan catnip untuk menenangkan kucing, cukup sekadar meletakkan sedikit di tempat tidurnya.
Anda boleh menanam rumput kucing atau pokok galak kucing di halaman rumah anda atau di dalam pasu. Ia akan tumbuh segar di bawah sinaran matahari, jadi ia bukan tumbuhan ‘dalam rumah’. Anda juga tidak perlu menyiramnya dengan kerap, dan ia lebih gemar tanah beralkali.
Moving to another country is a long and tedious process, especially if you are moving with fur babies on board. You have to figure out the costs involved for each pet, time-sensitive regulations and any restrictions imposed. All of this must be considered, on top of the logistics for your move between two different countries.
In this article, we will cover the ins and outs of importing your cat or dog to Malaysia from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. From documentation and fees, this guide will help you plan and simplify the relocation process both for you and your pets.
We break down the buying/adopting process by countries around the world. Check them out below.
When you are a pet lover living abroad, you have a natural tendency to have a furry family member at home. Having pets is good for your health, with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and an opportunity to stay fit by spending time outdoors (especially for dog owners).
So what processes are involved when buying a dog in another country?
Australia
Adoption is typically the first choice for pet owners in Australia. So, if you are looking to buy, you will have to buy from a breeder. Here are some useful tips when doing your research on dog breeders:
New Zealand
Similar to Australia, New Zealand is a huge advocate for pet adoption and encourages pet parents to adopt, unless they are particular about the pets that they wish to own. When visiting a breeder, here’s what one should look out for:
United States
Similar tips apply, which is to consider adoption first and foremost, before deciding to buy from a responsible breeder. Other requirements include:
There are several things to take into consideration when importing your pets to Malaysia, including:
The next step in importing dogs and cats to Malaysia is preparing your pet’s vaccine and health certificates. Most countries have their respective vaccination rules but concerning importing pets to Malaysia, here’s what you need to know.
The following are required for vaccine certificates:
All cats or dogs heading into Malaysia must be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months before travelling. This has to be accompanied by a certificate outlining all routine vaccinations.
Apart from rabies, imported cats should also be vaccinated against:
If you are importing a dog from Australia, dogs must be vaccinated against the following diseases:
The health certificate must be obtained from the country of origin before importing cats or dogs to Malaysia.
Requirement for health certificate:
Here is the list of respective health authorities:
Otherwise, the governing authorities for importing and exporting animals in the departing country should endorse the certificate.
Be sure to prepare extra copies of the health and vaccination certificates to stay on the safe side.
Upon arrival in Malaysia, imported cats or dogs are required to be quarantined. This is to ensure that they are free from any infections and/or rabies. There are 3 animal quarantine stations in Malaysia, so do ensure you arrive at either of these arrival points. They are located in KL (KLIA), Penang (PIA) and Padang Besar, Perlis (near the Malaysian-Thailand border).
The quarantine period for animals depends on the country they were imported from. Generally, imported pets will be quarantined at Malaysia’s arrival points for a minimum of 7 days. For pets arriving from Australia, quarantine lasts for a minimum of 10 days.
Upon arrival, imported cats or dogs will be inspected by a government veterinarian. Import agents will then take the animals into their respective quarantine centres.
Quarantine may be extended for up to 6 months if deemed necessary. Reservations before arrival are required, at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information on quarantine, the DVS has provided a thorough quarantine procedure on their website.
Govt Vet will examine animals upon arrival, import agents will assist to bring your pets to the quarantine station. Daily visits are encouraged so do check their opening times to plan your visits. This is important in maintaining an environment in which your pets can spend time with you every day.
All airlines have their requirements for importing animals to Malaysia, so depending on the airline, there may be additional requirements you need to take note of.
The International Pet and Animal Association (IPATA) has a comprehensive list of suppliers to help you decide on your choice of airline.
Here are some of the options for pet transport services:
Air Canada
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo
Cargolux
Emirates (via Emirates SkyCargo)
Lufthansa (via Lufthansa Cargo)
Malaysia Airlines (via MASkargo)
Qatar Airways (via QR Cargo)Turkish Airlines (via Turkish Cargo)
The overall cost to import pets to Malaysia may vary on multiple factors. Below are the things to consider when budgeting for relocation costs:
Here are some of the well-known pet relocation service providers. The full list is available on IPATA's website.
Mamadog
PetAir
RF Pets Relocation Services
CTI Logistics
Pet Express
Worldwide Animal Travel - for importing/exporting pets to and from Canada
Global Paws - for importing/exporting pets to and from South Africa
PetAir UK - for importing/exporting pets to and from the UK
Snoopy Pets - for importing/exporting pets to and from Dubai
JetPets - for importing/exporting pets to and from Australia
Each service provider has its rates for different types of pets. Get in touch with them for a quote for their services.
Restricted dog breeds include bull mastiff, doberman, german shepherd and rottweiler. On the other hand, banned dog breeds include akita, american bulldog and pit bull terrier, or pit bull. The full list is available on the DVS website.
Generally, pets that are legal in Malaysia (such as cats, rabbits, fish, and hamsters) do not need a licence. However, all dogs are required by law to have a licence to be legally owned. This is to ensure all dogs and pets are responsibly taken care of. In the case of importing dogs to Malaysia, you can apply for a licence once you and your doggos are settled here.
As for non-typical pets, you may need a protected wildlife licence. For pet parents in Peninsular Malaysia, this can be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). For Sabah and Sarawak pet parents, you can apply for the licence from Sabah Wildlife Department and Sarawak Forestry, respectively. This should be done before applying for an import permit from DVS.
For example, certain birds can be imported with a permit from MAQIS and a health certificate issued by a government-certified veterinarian which states that it has lived in the current country for 2 months and is free from diseases. Additionally, it must go through a health check 48 hours before departure and must be transported directly to Malaysia without transits and layovers.
For rabbits, they need to be certified disease-free 60 days before import from the country of origin.
As for turtles and parrots, check if the particular species is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If they are, a special permit is required.
Deciding between handling the relocation process yourself and hiring a personal agent is up to your individual choices. This depends on your personal preference and budget. Pet relocation involves a long list of procedures and paperwork, which can be overwhelming to some.
Hence, hiring a relocation service can help to ease the process, as they will assist you in preparing the necessary documents and approvals, up until quarantine completion in Malaysia.
If you only need help with certain parts of the relocation procedure, you can alternatively get in touch with an import agent who will help you do just that.
In conclusion, importing your cats and dogs to Malaysia is a tedious process, but doing your research and planning will be a significant help during relocation.
Additionally, you can have peace of mind by hiring an import agent or a pet relocation service, if there is room in your budget. Either way, you have to be actively involved in the process as a responsible pet parent to ensure that your furkids get imported to Malaysia safe and sound.
Bagi pemilik kucing, memiliki kucing mengandung pastinya mengundang seribu satu rasa. Perasaan takut, berdebar-debar dan tidak tahu apa yang perlu dilakukan pastinya bermain di fikiran.
Bukan itu sahaja, kucing yang mengandung juga mungkin akan menunjukkan tabiat dan perangai yang sedikit berbeza berbanding dengan mereka dahulu disebabkan perubahan hormon yang berlaku. Jangan bimbang, dalam artikel kali ini, Oyen akan kongsikan tips kepada anda tips penjagaan kucing mengandung.
Sebelum kita pergi lebih lanjut mengenai , jom kita ketahui beberapa perkara penting bagi kucing mengandung ini.
Secara umumnya, kucing akan mengandung selama 63-65 hari atau 9 minggu. Ia lebih kurang 2 bulan 2 minggu sebelum mereka melahirkan anak.
Kucing biasanya akan menunjukkan tanda-tanda kucing mengandung bermula pada minggu ketiga. Antara tanda-tanda kucing mengandung ialah:
Biasanya, kucing mengandung tidak disyorkan mengambil vaksin kerana dikhuatiri akan memberi kesan kepada anak kucing. Walaupun begitu, anda boleh mendapatkan nasihat yang lebih pakar daripada pihak veterinar mengenai vaksin bagi kucing mengandung.
Jom kita lihat beberapa langkah yang boleh dilakukan bagi memastikan proses kehamilan kucing anda ini berjalan dengan lancar.
Sebaik sahaja kucing anda sudah menunjukkan tanda-tanda mengandung, bawa si ibu kucing ke veterinar. Ini bagi memastikan kucing anda tidak mengalami sebarang komplikasi sewaktu kehamilan.
Biasanya pihak veterinar akan menjalankan rawatan ultrasound bagi mengesahkan kehamilan atau terdapat sebarang komplikasi penyakit yang lain. Sekiranya tidak menjadi masalah, pihak veterinar mungkin akan memberikan anda tarikh rawatan susulan seterusnya bagi memantau kesihatan si ibu kucing sekiranya jika perlu.
Seterusnya, ibu kucing yang mengandung memerlukan nutrisi makanan yang lebih tinggi. Salah satu cara yang baik ialah menukar makanan kucing mengandung kepada makanan anak kucing. Mengapa? Makanan anak kucing mengandungi kadar nutrisi yang lebih tinggi berbanding dengan makanan kucing dewasa dan sangat sesuai bagi ibu kucing yang mengandung.
Malah, kucing mengandung juga akan makan lebih banyak dan kerap bagi memastikan kandungannya yang sihat. Berikan sahaja makanan tambahan sekiranya perlu dan diminta oleh si ibu kucing ini. Mereka mempunyai naluri yang semulajadi bagi mendapatkan makanan serta nutrisi yang secukupnya bagi tubuh badan mereka.
Sekiranya perlu, anda boleh mendapatkan nasihat pakar bagi mendapatkan vitamin tambahan yang sesuai bagi kucing yang mengandung ini. Ia boleh membantu mereka menambah sebarang kekurangan nutrisi di dalam badan.
Hidrasi, hidrasi, hidrasi! Sepenting nutrisi makanan, memastikan kucing anda mendapatkan bekalan air minuman yang secukupnya juga penting. Apabila kandungan mereka semakin besar, kucing mengandung akan menjadi kurang aktif dan juga sukar untuk bergerak.
Letakkan sahaja bekas minuman air lebih banyak di sekitar ruangan rumah. Ia akan membantu memudahkan mereka untuk mendapatkan air yang secukupnya.
Selain itu, anda juga boleh menyediakan lebih banyak pasir kucing atau litter box di sekitar rumah. Ibu kucing yang mengandung akan lebih kerap kencing disebabkan tekanan pada pundi kencingnya terutamanya apabila kandungan mereka semakin membesar.
Dengan menyediakan lebih banyak akses kepada pasir kucing ini, ia akan memudahkan kucing anda serta mengelakkan urin kucing anda terlepas ke merata-rata tempat di sekitar rumah.
Biasanya, si ibu kucing ini akan mencari tempat yang selesa untuk melahirkan anak. Bagi cara ini, anda boleh meletakkan selimut yang tebal di sekitar rumah sebagai persediaan serta pilihan bagi kucing mengandung ini. Anda boleh meletakkan alas surat khabar atau plastik bagi memudahkan anda membersihkannya nanti selepas mereka melahirkan anak.
Bukan itu sahaja, anda juga boleh menyediakan kelengkapan lain seperti pad pemanas atau heating pad, tuala atau kain yang bersih. Pastikan semua keperluan ini disediakan di tempat yang lebih senyap dan bersih bagi memastikan kucing anda berasa lebih selamat dan tenang.
Akhirnya, perhatikan tanda-tanda yang menunjukkan kucing anda sudah bersedia untk melahirkan anak. Pastikan anda sentiasa memerhatikan proses kelahiran kucing anda ini bagi memastikan anda sentiasa bersedia apabila mereka memerlukan bantuan.
Biasanya, proses melahirkan anak kucing akan memakan masa 10 minit hingga 1 jam. Namun sekiranya ia berlarutan lebih daripada 3 jam serta berlaku sebarang komplikasi, dapatkan bantuan pihak veterinar dengan segera.
Selepas melahirkan anak, kucing boleh memakan hanya masa 6 minggu sebelum mengandung semula. Sekiranya anda ingin mengawal kucing anda daripada melahirkan lebih ramai anak kucing dan mengelakkannya daripada terabai, ada baiknya mandulkan sahaja kucing.
Dengan cara ini, anda akan lebih menumpukan perhatian dan memberikan penjagaan kesihatan yang lebih berkualiti. Bagi mereka masih keliru dengan proses dan hukum memandulkan kucing, perkongsian artikel ini mungkin boleh membantu anda.
Dengan mendapatkan Oyen Pet Insurance, sekurang-kurangnya kos rawatan rutin ke veterinar bagi kucing mengandung anda tidak lagi menjadi masalah. Namun, sebarang komplikasi yang berlaku disebabkan kehamilan tidak dilindungi di bawah polisi kami.
Semak kelayakan di sini.
Picture this - you're walking home and spot a stray kitten on the road. You bring it home and try to get it to drink the milk from your fridge, which is most probably cow or goat's milk.
After, you see your kitten extremely lethargic and having diarrhea. What happened? Wasn't the milk supposed to help?
It may come as a shock, but kittens can only drink milk from their mothers or milk specifically made for kittens.
Typically a kitten has to drink milk from its mother for the first 4-5 weeks before its mother weans them. If you have to hand-rear a kitten, you can only give it kitten milk formula as it contains little to no lactose and has the nutrients that kittens need to stay healthy and active.
Anything else will only cause severe gastrointestinal issues for your feline as they don't have the proper enzymes to digest the milk.
Almond milk and soy milk are great for humans who are lactose intolerant. However, kittens have extremely sensitive stomachs. The added sugar and lack of proper nutrients in nut milk will cause dehydration and malnourishment for kittens.
As a kitten starts to grow, less lactase is produced, resulting in potentially increased digestive complications when milk is drunk.
Therefore, once the kitten gets to its 6th week or when its teeth start showing, slowly begin incorporating wet food with kitten formula and gradually decrease the formula amount day by day.
By doing so, you will allow them to adjust their palates to the wet food and stop milk dependency. At the same time, you should also provide them with fresh water.
Lucky for us in Malaysia, kitten formulas are widely sold in most pet stores. With hundreds of choices to choose from, here are the best kitten milk we recommend:
This milk substitute is suitable for newborn to six-week-old kittens. It is recommended for kittens who must be hand-reared.
It contains all the vitamins and minerals required for proper development and growth. It is designed to provide a caloric pattern similar to their mother's milk in carbohydrates, fat and protein.
Its ready-to-feed and easy-to-digest formula make it an excellent and convenient choice for all kitten owners.
Neu Zea is a milk replacer for orphaned puppies and kittens and those who do not receive enough milk from their mother.
It manages to find the perfect balance between low lactose and nutrient composition to meet the nutritional needs of young and active animals.
It provides all of the protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that puppies and kittens require for proper growth.
Adult dogs and puppies and adult cats and kittens can benefit from Zeal® Lactose-Free pet milk. It is made from fresh New Zealand whole cows' milk, and it only has 0.5% lactose, making it easy for pets to digest while retaining all of the natural goodness and taste.
Grass-fed cow milk from New Zealand is a good source of calcium, pantothenic acid, selenium, zinc, biotin, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. The quality is directly related to year-round grazing on green grass, and the milk is much richer in nutritional values when compared to milk from grain-fed cows.
PetLac Kitten Milk Replacement Powder is an excellent source of nutrition for orphaned, rejected, nursing, or weaning kittens. It is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for kitten growth and development. The milk powder can also supplement the diet of thin or elderly cats.
While it is more expensive than the other options, the powder can last much longer.
If you're not able to get your hands on some kitten formula, here's what you need to make an all-natural formula with typical kitchen ingredients:
a. Newborn to 1 week — 1 sachet of gelatin
b. 2nd week — 1 ½ to 2 sachets of gelatin
c. 3rd week — 2 ½ to 3 sachets of gelatin
d. 4th week — 4 sachets of gelatin
The opened powder can be refrigerated for up to 3 months or frozen for 6 months to maintain freshness.
Combine goat's milk and gelatin in specified amounts in a saucepan, depending on the kitten's age. Heat the goat's milk/gelatin mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Turn off the heat. Refrigerate after combining the remaining ingredients.
It will keep for up to a week. Heat the formula until it is nearly warm, then check the temperature and test a few drops of milk on your wrist first. It should be slightly warm. Do not use a microwave. If it passes the skin temperature test, you are now ready to feed it to your kitten.
If you accidentally gave your kitten cow/goat milk, keep an eye on them for 8 to 12 hours. Bring them to your nearest veterinarian if they exhibit symptoms of an upset stomach, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration caused by diarrhea can be fatal to a kitten in severe cases.
Once your kitten has grown into an adult cat, water will suffice to keep them hydrated. They no longer require the nutrients and calories that milk provides.
Setiap peringkat umur kucing sebenarnya memerlukan penjagaan yang rapi daripada pemilik kucing.
Bermula daripada anak kucing sehinggalah kucing dewasa, terdapat cara penjagaan yang sesuai bagi setiap peringkat umur. Namun, kucing tua memerlukan penjagaan yang lebih rapi disebabkan faktor usia mereka yang lebih mudah terdedah kepada penyakit.
Sebelum kita pergi lebih lanjut mengenai cara menjaga kucing tua, berapakah sebenarnya umur kucing yang sudah tua? Sebenarnya, kucing akan menunjukkan tanda-tanda penuaan lebih awal sekiranya ia tidak dijaga dengan baik sejak daripada kecil lagi.
Ada kucing yang sudah menunjukkan tanda penuaan bermula umur 7 tahun, dan ada yang masih sihat pada umur 10 tahun. Namun, kebiasaannya kucing yang sudah berusia 11 tahun ke atas akan dianggap kucing tua atau senior cat.
Sekiranya anda memiliki kucing yang sudah tua, kali ini Oyen kongsikan bagaimana cara menjaga kucing tua agar mereka mempunyai kehidupan yang lebih berkualiti buat jangka masa yang panjang. Jom kita bermula!
Jika anda sudah membela kucing anda buat masa yang lama, pastinya setiap gerak-geri dan tingkah laku kucing kesayangan sudah fasih di minda. Di mana mereka pergi berjalan, atau apa rutin harian yang mereka akan lakukan setiap hari.
Sekiranya mereka menjadi kurang aktif berbanding biasa, ia sebenarnya normal bagi kucing yang sudah semakin tua. Namun, sekiranya mereka mereka hanya tidur sepanjang hari dan langsung tidak makan dan minum, anda sudah perlu bimbang dan membawa mereka ke veterinar jika perlu.
Sebenarnya perubahan pada tabiat harian kucing ini perlu diperhatikan bagi kucing di setiap peringkat umur, namun ia sangat penting bagi kucing yang sudah tua kerana kadar penyembuhan mereka lebih lambat berbanding kucing dewasa yang sihat. Sekiranya anda terlewat menyedari perubahan pada kucing tua ini, ia akan menyukarkan proses rawatan dan mungkin sudah terlambat untuk diselamatkan.
Sama seperti manusia, kucing yang tua juga akan mengalami perubahan pada berat badan. Mereka akan kehilangan berat badan dan menjadi kurang berselera berbanding dengan dahulu. Anda boleh membantu mereka berselera semula dengan cuba memberikan makanan kegemaran dan membantu untuk makan walaupun dengan kuantiti yang sedikit, tetapi lebih kerap.
Sekiranya perubahan berat badan tidak terlalu ketara, ia tidak menjadi masalah, namun sekiranya kucing anda terlalu banyak kehilangan berat badan, jangan biarkan ia berterusan . Tahukah anda, kehilangan berat badan yang banyak juga sebenarnya boleh disebabkan komplikasi pelbagai penyakit dan memerlukan rawatan segera.
Bagaimana pula sekiranya kucing anda semakin gemuk dan bertambah berat badan? Jangan biarkan ia berlarutan! Walaupun nampak comel dan sedap untuk dipeluk, kucing yang obesiti akan menyebabkan lebih banyak komplikasi kepada penyakit.
Nak tahu cara mengurangkan obesiti bagi kucing juga? Jom baca perkongsian artikel ini.
Seterusnya, apabila kucing sudah semakin tua, mereka juga mungkin perlu menukar diet makanan yang lebih sesuai dengan usia mereka. Anda boleh mendapatkan dry food untuk kucing tua di pasaran yang lebih sesuai dengan keperluan nutrisi mereka.
Apabila sudah sampai ke satu tahap, kucing anda juga mungkin sudah tidak sesuai lagi untuk memakan makanan kucing yang berbentuk dry food. Kali ini, anda boleh mencuba memberikan mereka makanan wet food untuk kucing tua yang lebih mudah dikunyah dan ditelan.
Apabila mereka sudah tua, gigi kucing juga mungkin sudah mengalami masalah dan menyebabkan mereka sudah tidak mampu untuk mengunyah makanan dengan baik. Malah, anda juga mungkin perlu menukar pilihan makanan yang ada memastikan mereka tetap berselera dan makan untuk mempunyai tenaga bagi menjalani kehidupan seharian.
Selain itu, jangan lupa untuk memberikan mereka bekalan air yang secukupnya. Kucing yang sudah meningkat usia akan cenderung untuk mengalami sembelit dan penyakit buah pinggang.
Sekiranya kucing anda tidak terhidrasi dengan baik, ia akan memberikan kesan kepada mereka. Bagi memudahkan kucing tua sentiasa terhidrasi, sediakan bekas minuman di tempat yang mudah dan sentiasa menjadi laluan mereka.
Jangan letakkan bekas air minuman di tempat yang terlampau tinggi dan sukar dicapai mereka. Ini boleh menyebabkan mereka terhalang dan tidak akan dapat bekalan air minuman yang secukupnya.
Bagi kucing tua, bulu mereka akan cenderung untuk menjadi lebih kusut dan kasar berbanding kucing dewasa biasa. Malah, disebabkan faktor penyakit, ia boleh menyukarkan mereka untuk membersihkan badan mereka secara kerap seperti dulu.
Sebagai pemilik kucing yang bertanggungjawab, anda boleh membantu mereka dengan menyikat bulu mereka secara rutin. Jika perlu, mandikan mereka sekiranya bulu mereka terlalu kotor kerana ia cenderung untuk dijangkiti penyakit kulit.
Bukan bulu sahaja, kuku kucing yang sudah tua biasanya cenderung untuk tumbuh lebih panjang kerana biasanya mereka sudah tidak aktif mengasah kuku dengan mencakar scratching post. Kuku kucing yang terlampau panjang boleh melukakan tapak kaki kucing pula sekiranya dibiarkan. Jadi, jangan lupakan penjagaan kuku kucing juga ya!
Ya, oyen tahu pastinya persekitaran rumah pemilik kucing yang cintakan kucing ini pastinya penuh dengan kemudahan yang lengkap bagi si comel ini. Namun, sekiranya anda menjaga kucing yang tua, mungkin terdapat sedikit perubahan yang perlu dilakukan.
Contohnya, kucing tua yang mengalami masalah sendi memerlukan bantuan untuk naik ke sofa kegemaran mereka. Gunakan bantal yang lembut atau stool yang rendah bagi membantu mereka untuk naik dengan selamat dan menikmati rutin kegemaran mereka seperti biasa.
Selain itu, sediakan tempat tidur yang lebih tebal untuk membantu mereka lebih selesa untuk tidur. Letakkan tempat tidur ini di kawasan yang lebih senyap dan tenang bagi membantu mereka untuk tidur dengan lebih nyenyak tanpa gangguan. Dengan memberikan waktu tidur yang cukup dan berkualiti bagi kucing tua, ia akan membantu kesihatan mereka buat jangka masa yang panjang.
Pada usia tua, kucing anda mungkin akan lebih kerap menggunakan litter box atau pasir kucing. Sediakan lebih banyak litter box di sekitar ruangan rumah kerana kucing yang tua cenderung mengalami kesukaran untuk mengawal pundi kencing.
Sekurang-kurangnya, ia akan mengurangkan peluang untuk berlaku kemungkinan kucing tua anda tidak sempat ke litter box.
Akhir sekali, perkara yang paling penting bagi kucing tua adalah mendapatkan rawatan rutin ke veterinar. Bagi kucing tua, rawatan rutin ke veterinar amat penting bagi mengesan sebarang penyakit pada peringkat awal.
Disebabkan faktor umur, kucing tua cenderung untuk mengalami komplikasi penyakit yang lebih banyak serta faktor risiko yang lebih tinggi. Jadi, jangan sesekali lupakan rawatan rutin bagi si kucing tua ini.
Oyen tahu, penjagaan kucing tua ini memerlukan komitmen dan tanggungjawab yang lebih besar berbanding peringkat usia lain. Namun, jangan kita lupakan tanggungjawab sebagai pemilik kucing hanya kerana mereka dimamah usia. Hiburkan mereka dan berikan mereka penjagaan yang terbaik sebagaimana mereka yang telah menjadi penghibur hati kita di suatu masa dahulu.
Bagi insurans Oyen, kami menawarkan perlindungan hanya sehingga kucing berusia 10 tahun. Sama seperti insurans manusia, sebarang penyakit yang sudah sedia ada tidak akan dilindungi lagi.
Oleh itu, ia sangat penting bagi anda untuk mendapatkan insurans kucing sejak si comel ini kecil lagi bagi memastikan mereka mendapatkan penjagaan kesihatan yang terbaik sejak daripada awal lagi.
Dengan mendapatkan Oyen Pet Insurance, ia akan melindungi segala kos rawatan dan surgeri sehingga RM8,000. Anda sudah tidak perlu lagi bimbang memikirkan kos rawatan yang perlu dihabiskan bagi si comel ini.
Semak kelayakan di sini.
The age-old phrase “give the dog a bone” may not be the right call after all – especially if cooked bones are added to the mix.
While chewing or gnawing bones has some benefits for your canine, it’s got some high risks as well. As a pet owner, you should be aware of the various risks associated with any bones you give to your pets.
Your pets need to have good dental hygiene to ensure a long and healthy life. Chewing bones can help in that aspect! For dogs, chewing is a natural habit – thus, unavoidable.
Not only can chewing bones help to minimize gum disease, but it can also break down tartar. A recent study done on Beagles found that chewing on bovine bones reduced their tooth calculus by 90% within 14 days.
However, chewing the wrong kind of bones can bring discomfort to your pets. It's known that sharper bones like fish bones are the wrong kind of bones for your dog.
But did you know that cooked bones are never safe to feed to your dogs either? They can cause serious internal injuries to your pets in addition to tooth fractures and mouth lesions.
Unfortunately, cooked bones splinter easily and are naturally more brittle than raw bones. This causes the bone fragments to break down with sharp edges that are harmful to the digestive system.
Eating or chewing cooked bones can result in the following symptoms:
If the sharp edges of the bones pierces the intestine's walls, intestinal contents could leak into the abdomen which can cause internal bleeding. In such cases, a bloody stool would be an excellent indicator of internal bleeding in your pets. If left untreated, it can lead to death.
Hence, don’t give in to their pleading faces when they spot the last drumstick at the dinner table! It can save you an emergency trip to the vet.
In recent years, rawhides have gained popularity as a chewing snack for dogs! Rawhides are usually made from the inner layer of horses or cow hides. The hides are cleaned, cut, or ground during the manufacturing process. Then it is formed into various shapes and sized chewable dog treats.
Although it is well-known for satisfying a dog's chewing needs, it can also cause serious health issues for your canine. Here are some pros and cons of rawhides:
Pros of rawhides:
- Encourages chewing in dogs, which can help reduce anxiety.
- Aids in dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, providing cleaner breath, and exercising the jaw muscle.
Cons of rawhides:
- Rawhides may contain traces of chemicals that can cause your pets to become infected with Salmonella or E. coli.
- The ingredients used to make rawhides can cause diarrhea in pets with sensitive digestive systems.
- As dogs chew on rawhides, the rawhide’s size will inevitably shrink. If the rawhide is swallowed, it could pose a choking hazard to your pets.
Raw bones should be the go-to if your canine is a bone lover.
Raw bones are soft and easier to digest for your pets. They contain ingredients that will aid in your pet's dental hygiene. They are also high in nutrients and minerals, which can benefit your dog's coat and skin.
Raw bones can be classified into two types: edible bones and recreational bones.
Edible bones are simply softer bones that are covered in connective tissues or cartilages. These are bones that your dog can eat completely. Wingtips, feet, neck, and back are all popular edible bones. Beef, pork, venison, and lamb ribs can be considered edible bones for larger dogs.
Recreational bones, on the other hand, are intended for chewing rather than eating. The primary purpose of these bones is to aid in the dental hygiene and mental stimulation of the pet. Because recreational bones are typically very hard, if the bone is given to your pets, they should be closely monitored.
Knuckles, hock bones and knee caps are examples of recreational bones. Allow your dogs to chew on recreational bones for no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time - you can store the bone in the freezer afterwards! Too much chewing can cause an upset stomach.
With that said, raw pork and chicken bones should be avoided altogether because they are more likely to splinter while being chewed.
If you’re straying away from animal bones altogether, synthetic dental bones would be the next best thing for dogs to chew on.
The primary reason for your dog to chew is to keep his or her mouth clean. Brands like Greenies and Oravet produce high-quality dental bones that can provide your dog with the satisfaction of chewing while also maintaining good oral hygiene.
Store-bought bones are not recommended due to the manufacturing process and preservatives. However, if your dog prefers them, you should consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the ingredients are safe for your dog. This includes rawhides!
● Size matters - Smaller bones can be a choking hazard for your dogs, so make sure they're big enough. As a general rule, give your dog bones that are longer than the length of their muzzle; this will prevent them from swallowing the bone.
● Be present - When you give your dog a bone, actively monitor them to ensure that they are chewing it at a normal pace. Chewing a bone too quickly could be dangerous because they may attempt to swallow it when it is not small enough.
● Tooth Protection - If your dog has had any tooth restoration procedures, bones should be avoided as they can cause tooth breakage or other dental issues.
● Meal First - Bones should be given as a snack after a meal. This will allow the dog to chew slower as they are not hungry.
While there are no dedicated raw bone suppliers in Malaysia, raw bones are typically available at your local supermarket or butcher.
For some alternatives to raw bones, you can consider the following:
Synthetic dental bones, as mentioned earlier in this article, are a great alternative to raw bones.
Greenies are a favorite of ours! They are not only suitable for dogs of all ages (from puppies to seniors), but they are also widely available in most pet stores across the country. Check out this chart to see what size Greenies bone your pet needs.
If you are unable to locate a pack of Greenies at your local pet store, you can order them online here. Prices begin at RM 28 for 6-regular sized bones!
The toothbrush shape of these chews effectively scrapes plaque and tartar from your dog's mouth. Furthermore, the ridges of the chews provide a better grip for cleaning teeth while satisfying the canine chewing instinct.
For only RM2.80 per bone, your dog has a choice of milk, peanut butter, cranberry and mint.
This is definitely worth a try if your dog is a picky eater!
Made from 60% rawhide and other natural ingredients such as milk powder, calcium, and fibre. This bone is a great, crunchy alternative to regular rawhides that is free of preservatives and chemicals.
It's made with love in our neighbouring country of Thailand, and each bone is fluoride-coated. This gives your pet cleaner teeth and fresher breath.
Because of its all-natural ingredients, this bone is also easily digestible. While they are available in most pet stores, you can also order them online here.
Full-sized can carrots make an excellent and healthy chew snack for your pets. Not only are they nutrient-dense, but they are also low in calories. For heavier dogs that are on a diet, carrots would be the best alternative compared to the other dental chews or bones.
These X-shaped chews are a good all-around dental chew. Their abrasive surface and unique structure have been scientifically proven to reduce tartar buildup by up to 80%.
These chews are low in fat and sugar, and they do not contain any artificial colours or flavours. These chews, however, may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or intolerances due to their cereal composition.
Aside from that, these bones are affordable. Four sticks of Pedigree Dentastix are available for only RM15.80.
We hope this article was informative and that you are now more aware of the different types of bones that your dog can eat!
If your dog has consumed cooked bones, keep an eye on them for any unusual symptoms for at least 24 hours. If you notice them vomiting or having diarrhoea, please take them to the nearest veterinarian.
Skin problems in cats might be the last thing on your mind as a cat owner. They groom themselves constantly and are often considered among the ‘cleanest’ of pets.
It’s often until the condition sets in that you might notice something up! Here’s a quick guide into the three most common cat skin problems in Malaysia and everything you need to get your kitty back to its best health.
It’s easy to camouflage a cat skin issue with that lush and furry coat. When petting your cat, be sure there are no lumps or bumps on its skin. Look out for redness and flaking as well. Scabs and hair loss are signs of a chronic skin condition.
Your cat might be extra jumpy and sensitive when petting her. Also, constantly licking a certain area should direct your attention to a rash.
Due to the heat and humidity, fungal skin infections are fairly common in Malaysia. Both ringworm and yeast infections are common fungal infections that are easily transmissible among cats, other pets and even to humans. So, early identification and treatment are extremely important, especially if you have young children at home.
Ringworm appears as a raised, reddish patch on your cat’s skin. It often gets thickened and crusty. The affected area will become red and occasionally pale in the centre. It will become crusty and flaky if not treated early. Your cat will lick the rash to help relieve the itch.
After identifying such a rash, your first step is to contact your vet immediately to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. Your vet will prescribe antifungal treatment for your cat. If it has long hair, it's best to give it a trim as it is common for spores to linger on your cat’s thick coat.
Outdoor cats or cats with regular contact with other felines have a higher tendency to pick up injuries due to cat fights. Persistent scratching with their sharp claws will lead to open wounds that lead to abscesses after bacterial infection. Male cats are also increasingly prone to abscesses due to their aggressive nature.
Abscesses are pus-filled bumps on the surface of the skin. They may be warm and tender and fluctuate upon touch. Untreated, they could make your cat quite ill with a fever and go off their food. Consult your vet immediately as some abscesses have to be drained surgically, while others might only require oral antibiotics and topical ointments to apply on.
Speak to your vet about castration to reduce aggression if your cat develops abscesses frequently due to fights.
Mange is an inflammatory disease caused by mites. They live and burrow in your cat’s skin and fur. It leads to excessive itching and scratching. These mites breed extremely fast, and if not picked up early, it could lead to a full-blown infestation within weeks. This vicious cycle eventually leads to sore bumps on your cat’s skin with hair loss and raw areas with scabs.
Treatment with mite and flea medication is easily available after a quick visit to your vet to confirm the diagnosis. Ear mites, in particular, are quite common in kittens and adult cats too.
They’ll paw at their ears frequently and shake their heads to help reduce the itch. Ear mites can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to a bacterial infection if untreated.
If your kitty is diagnosed with mange, disinfect their bedding, collar and other personal items. Separate and prevent contact with other animals until they’re completely free of these parasites.
Here’s an in-depth piece on cat ear mites and fleas in cats from our blog.
Skin issues in cats would often be the last thing on your mind, especially if you’re a first-time cat owner. ‘They clean and groom all day; why on earth would they develop skin issues?’ You might wonder.
Like in humans, environmental factors play a significant role in skin problems in cats. Allergies to dust, pollen, grass, food and certain chemicals can lead to dermatitis or the inflammation of your cat’s skin. It’s often precipitated by itching and scratching.
When a cat is allergic to its environment, it has the tendency to over-groom. Look out for patchy fur loss and raw areas on their skin as signs of dermatitis.
Regular visits to the vet are necessary to come up with a diagnosis of allergic dermatitis. Your vet will ask you a series of questions and run several tests to identify the causative allergen.
Once identified, the best way to prevent recurrent episodes of dermatitis is to avoid the allergen totally. This can be difficult if you’re dealing with pollen or grass but much easier if it's dust, food or a chemical agent used for cleaning, for instance.
Food allergies tend to cause itching around the head and neck in some cases. Carefully ruling out food types using a process of elimination will help you find the source of your kitty’s troubles.
Patchy hair loss in cats can often be due to stress. It’s often due to excessive grooming. And related to environmental allergens but can also be due to stress from lack of care, food or sleep. Abandoned kitties and those in shelters often have alopecia without any signs of infestation with ticks or fleas.
Alleviating the cause of stress is the only way to treat this unfortunate skin issue in cats. Speak to your vet about pheromone plug-ins to help with anxiety.
Food rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for a cat’s balanced diet to maintain a healthy coat.
Unfortunately, no. While most of the active ingredients in common human skin creams (anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral etc.) are the same as those used in pets, their concentrations often vary. The skin creams used in humans might be too concentrated for your cat with a skin rash.
The same applies to antihistamines that help alleviate itching. Be sure to consult your vet if it's the first time you're dealing with a skin issue with your cat. Once a particular cream or medication is prescribed, feel free to purchase it over the counter if the condition recurs.
If you’re concerned about mounting costs for treatment and follow-ups at the vet, do the smart thing and get yourself pet insurance.
Check out oyen.my and take this quick questionnaire for a quote on the best policy for your feline friend.
While cats are well known to be great self-groomers, check their fur and skin regularly for possible issues. Be wary of changes in smell, itching, and their grooming routine. Regular vet visits help, but nothing beats an attentive and caring cat owner.
As the condition of a cat’s coat and skin can often be an indicator of their overall health, your immediate attention to their discomfort will only lead to loads of affection and kisses from a grateful furry friend.
Adakah anda sedang hamil? Pernah tak anda dengar wanita hamil tidak boleh membela kucing?
Katanya membela kucing semasa anda hamil merbahaya dan mendatangkan risiko kepada bayi dalam kandungan.
Jangan risau.
Membela kucing semasa anda hamil tidak mendatangkan sebarang masalah langsung. Malah, terdapat lebih banyak kebaikan berbanding keburukan.
Baca artikel penuh untuk mendapat maklumat lebih lanjut.
Walaupun membela kucing semasa anda hamil selamat, tetap ada bahaya kucing pada ibu hamil. Tetapi ia tidaklah begitu serius jika anda memang membela kucing dalam rumah dan tiada langsung kontak dengan kucing luar.
Menurut artikel ini, toksoplasma merupakan sejenis parasit yang biasanya dijumpai pada kucing, daging mentah, dan sayur-sayuran dan buah-buahan yang tidak dicuci elok. Parasit ini tidak mendatangkan gejala yang ketara, namun boleh memberi kesan kepada ibu hamil.
Parasit ini mampu hidup dalam usus kucing dan keluar melalui najisnya. Oleh itu, jika anda tidak berhati-hati, anda boleh dijangkiti jika anda membersihkan pasir kucing yang bernajis tanpa sebarang perlindungan.
Jika anda dijangkiti, anda tidak akan mengalami sebarang masalah, namun,boleh memberi kesan terhadap pertumbuhan bayi dalam kandungan. Selain itu, parasit ini juga boleh menyebabkan berlakunya keguguran.
Jangan risau! Bahaya kucing bagi ibu hamil yang tidak diingini boleh dielakkan sekiranya anda mengikut langkah-langkah berikut.
Terdapat pelbagai cara yang boleh dilakukan untuk mengatasi risiko yang dinyatakan di atas.
Hal ini paling penting kerana kucing luar kebiasaannya kotor dan tidak terjaga. Mereka terdedah kepada banyak kuman dan virus berbahaya yang boleh terjangkit jika kucing anda berada dekat dengan mereka. Oleh itu, pastikan anda memantau pergerakan si kucing agar ia tidak terlepas keluar rumah.
Sebaiknya, anda perlu menyerahkan tugas membersihkan pasir najis kepada orang lain. Hal ini kerana, parasit toksoplasma hanya ada pada najis kucing sahaja. Jika anda terpaksa membuang pasir najis kucing, pastikan anda memakai sarung tangan dan pelitup muka serta mencuci tangan sebersihnya.
Pastikan anda tidak memberi kucing anda makan daging mentah. Untuk selamat, berikannya makan kibbles dan wet food sahaja. Jika anda memberi kucing anda ikan, pastikan ikan sudah direbus sempurna sebelum dihidang.
Sama ada anda bermain atau memandikannya, pastikan cuci tangan sebersihnya dengan sabun. Selain parasit toksoplasma, perbuatan ini juga mampu mengelakkan anda daripada dijangkiti kuman lain.
Jika anda berasa ragu-ragu, anda digalakkan membuat ujian darah. Sekiranya dikesan awal, ia mungkin dapat mengawal penularan parasit ini dan mengurangkan risikonya terhadap anda dan bayi dalam kandungan.
Berikut juga disertakan tips penjagaan membela kucing semasa anda hamil.
Sentiasa mop rumah dengan pencuci lantai. Pastikan juga anda memandikan kucing sekiranya ia didapati dalam keadaan kotor dan sentiasa menggaru-garu.
Kucing secara harfiahnya haiwan yang pembersih. Ia menggunakan selama hampir 12 jam untuk menjilat dan membersihkan bulunya dalam masa sehari sahaja. Oleh itu, janganlah bertindak drastik dengan membuangnya hanya kerana ia mendatangkan risiko. Jika anda tidak mampu, anda boleh meminta bantuan orang lain atau menghantarnya ke hotel kucing untuk sementara.
Hal ini kerana kucing baharu, terutamanya kucing jalanan berisiko membawa pelbagai jenis kotoran dan kuman. Oleh itu, tangguhkan dahulu niat untuk menambah haiwan peliharaan baharu.
Anda boleh elakkan juga kucing anda daripada naik ke atas meja makan dan dapur. Ini kerana kawasan tersebut tempat lazim makanan.
Hubungan antara ibu hamil dan kucing sebenarnya mendatangkan kebaikan. Mengusap dan bermain dengan kucing dapat mengurangkan tekanan dan menenangkan. Semasa hamil, ia juga boleh menjadikan anda gembira dan tidak kesunyian.
Adakah anda tahu mitos berkaitan kucing dan ibu hamil? Di sini disertakan beberapa mitos kucing dan kehamilan yang tidak perlu anda percayai.
Hal ini tidak benar sama sekali. Kucing hanyalah salah satu pembawa, tetapi bukan pembawa utama. Pembawa utama parasit toksoplasma adalah daging mentah. Oleh itu, elakkan memberi makan kucing anda ikan atau daging mentah. Berikannya wet food jika inginkan kepelbagaian dalam menu dan diet hariannya.
Ini juga merupakan satu mitos. Ada pendapat mengatakan bulu kucing kotor dan boleh menyebabkan berlakunya keguguran. Anda tidak perlu risau kerana ia tidak benar sama sekali! Bulu kucing bersih kerana sentiasa dibersihkan. Anda juga boleh memandikan kucing jika berasa tidak selesa.
Namun, pastikan kucing anda tidak keluar rumah dan bergaul dengan mana-mana kucing jalanan.
Kesimpulannya,kebanyakan bahaya kucing untuk ibu hamil hanyalah mitos. Jika anda tidak pasti, dapatkan nasihat doktor dan pakar. Elakkan membuang kucing semasa anda hamil. Sayangilah sebagaimana ia menyayangi anda sebagai tuannya..
Jika anda mahukan perlindungan lebih untuk kucing anda selain penjagaan rapi, anda boleh mendapatkan Oyen Pet Insurance yang melindungi segala kos rawatan dan surgeri sehingga RM8,000.
Semak kelayakan di sini.
Are you currently planning to relocate your pet from east to west Malaysia?
At Oyen, we’d gotten in touch with numerous pet owners who relocated their pets, for instance from Sabah to KL.
What is the process of relocating pets from east to west Malaysia? Is it, in fact, difficult? What are the procedures and costs? In this article, we share all the needed documents, the planning involved, and the whole process of relocating pets by flight.
P.S: If you need tips to travel by flight with your pets, you can also read this article.
All else, let’s get into it!
Now, as the owner, what should you do before relocating your pets?
Here is a step-by-step guide on what you need to do (when not using the MASKargo services):
If there are no problems at all, you can complete relocating your pet in around 10 full days. However, there might be slight delays in getting the permits and certificate, so expect around 14 days to complete everything prior to flying.
While you are planning to relocate with your pets, make sure you avoid these from happening at all costs. This is because it could jeopardize you and your pet’s comfortable relocation experience.
You should start managing your pet’s travel documentation at least 2 weeks earlier. You can even do it a month earlier, but be reminded that the import permit expires after 30 days, so act fast.
Hard toys could cause injury in-flight. Providing your pet with soft toys should help it relax and calm a bit. This can also help your pet be occupied without you by its side.
You can feed your pet, but never a big meal. Just some light snacks. This should help your pet from feeling sick or throwing up in-flight. You can also give it some medication if advised by the vet.
We have covered the dos and the don’ts. Now, we should move on to the cost. Besides, the cost is always the main thing to consider first.
Pet relocation within Malaysia needs some costs to be covered. No matter how much you plan, you still need to prepare extra cash in case of emergencies.
Besides, we never know what will happen mid flight or after arriving at the relocation destination. Nevertheless, here are some ideas on the costs you need to cover:
The flight ticket depends on the weight and the destination you’re traveling to.
For example:
Traveling with a dog weighed 11.5kg from Sabah to KL
Your ticket + excess luggage (dog’s weight of 11.5kg)
=RM300++
Based on the step-by-step guided shared above, expect overall documentation fees of around RM85
Import permit + Export permit + Health certificate + Clearance fee
= RM10 + RM5 + RM30 + RM40
= RM85
However, you are encouraged to prepare extra money in case of emergencies and unexpected situations. Besides, it’s always better to be prepared than to face letdown.
If you don’t want to cause yourself a headache relocating pets from east to west Malaysia, why don’t you try reaching out to these pet relocation Malaysia services?
You might need to pay more, but they complete everything for you. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight and let the pet relocation service Malaysia settle your matters.
Please be reminded that these service providers are valid at the time this article is written. For further information and exact quotation, you can visit their websites:
The answer is no. It’s sad but breeds like pit bull, akita, American bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Filo Braziliero, Mastiff, and Japanese Tosa are not allowed to be relocated through MASKargo
In conclusion, as good as traveling sounds, you must make sure your pets are well taken care of. Traveling with your pet onboard might get a little overwhelming, especially for your pets. Hence, make sure you practice all the dos, don’ts, and the tips for a calmer mind.
Finally, have fun traveling and stay composed while you’re relocating with your beloved pets!
Also, if you haven't already known, Oyen Pet Insurance serves as a solution if you have any concern by covering vet and surgical fees with a value of up to RM 8,000.
Check if your pet is eligible for pet insurance here.
Are you planning to welcome a Maine Coon cat to your fur-family soon? Or have you just bought or adopted one recently? Then, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll share Oyen’s experience in caring for a Maine Coon cat, what to look out for and how best to feed and groom such this beautiful cat breed in Malaysia.
Keep reading to learn more about:
The price of a Maine Coon varies depending on its age, health, colour and pattern, pedigree status and platform you choose to buy from. A healthy Maine Coon will have beautiful, luscious fur and the price will be higher.
Maine Coon kittens are usually sold at a lower price. If you want a cheaper option, you can opt to buy a Maine Coon kitten instead.
A Maine Coon kitten can cost RM3,000 and above and if it is a pure Maine Coon breed, the cost can even go up to RM7,000.
If you are planning to buy or adopt a Maine Coon in Malaysia, here are some places you can check out.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is true at the time of writing, and although we suggest these platforms to aid in your buying/adopting process, we highly advise you to take extra precautions when dealing with online sellers to avoid getting scammed. Oyen is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned below and will not be liable for any losses or inconveniences that happen from dealings with them.
Buy
Adoption Centres
Here are some questions you can ask the seller or breeder before buying a Maine Coon (in which will affect the pricing of the Maine Coon cat):
Yes!
You may think this breed looks intimidating because of their luscious coat but in fact, this breed is easier to groom than any other long-haired cats.
They are relatively healthy and enjoy hunting and chasing which makes them excellent mousers. Here are the characteristics of a Maine Coon cat:
Maine Coon cats are a great choice as house pets because they are considered a loyal feline. They like to be with their owners and are very affectionate.
This breed will greet their owners once they are home and apart from that, they will also greet other guests as well.
They are good house pets and will treat everyone living in the household as their family. Maine Coon cats also have a nickname called “dogs of the cat world” due to their loyal and friendly nature.
Maine Coons are very good and patient with kids. They are curious and playful which matches up well with kids!
Females Maine Coons are said to be more reserved as compared to males but once they are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings, they can actually be very outgoing.
What about the males? They are the life of the party as they enjoy being silly and tend to be mischievous at home but this doesn’t mean they are always running around the house playing and being naughty.
Male Coons love spending quality time with their owners and when it’s time for quiet and peace, they would always snuggle.
Maine Coons are also known as intelligent cats. Due to their naturally curious trait, some owners may even go the extra mile to train their Maine Coons to perform tricks.
Maine Coon cats actually do not shed a lot. Some may think otherwise because of the length of their fur but in reality, they don’t.
They shed normally just like the other cat breeds do.
You do not need to invest too much time in grooming them. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to groom them professionally from time to time.
Maine Coon breeds don't require frequent brushing as they don’t have a lot of undercoat. You only need to brush them once you start seeing their fur tangling up.
In general, it is recommended to brush a Maine Coon cat every 2 to 3 days.
Although Maine Coon cats don’t need frequent brushing, using a good quality brush will in the long run help reduce the amount of fur they shed.
Here is a simple guide for you when brushing a Maine Coon cat:
If you’re willing to spend more, you can also get a furminator brush to easily remove loose fur in the most convenient way.
Cats generally don’t need frequent showers because they can clean themselves. But one interesting fact about Maine Coon cats is that they love water. This makes it easier to bathe them as compared to other cat breeds.
Bathing Maine Coon cats can be fun but definitely do not force it on them if they refuse it.
Simply clean them with a wet cloth while applying a little bit of cat shampoo, or you may choose to use rinse-free cat shampoo!
Protip: When bathing a Maine Coon cat, make sure the water is not too cold or else, they will easily get sick.
This breed was pretty rare in the 1950s and wasn’t popular among cat lovers. However, once the Maine Coon breed became the official state cat for Maine, their popularity rose and made a comeback in 1985.
As of today, Maine Coons are so popular that they are not considered rare anymore.
Maine Coons also have gorgeous long fur where their ears look tufted with the iconic mane around their neck. These distinctive features cannot be found in other cat breeds is another reason you think this breed is rare.
You may hardly come across stray Maine Coon cats on a daily basis but they are far more common than you might think. Another reason is because they are house cats and their owners will not likely let this breed play further than home or without supervision.
They can weigh as much as 11 kilograms which is double the average weight of a regular house cat.
Although Maine Coon breed is not rare, this breed has a few rare colours. Overall, Maine Coon cats can come in 75 different colours.
Two rarest colours for this breed are Shaded Silver Maine Coon and Golden Maine Coon. Both colours are gorgeous and as a result, their price is very expensive.
Maine Coon cats are not any higher maintenance than other long-haired cats.
They do need slightly more grooming than those with short hair due to their large size and long, thick fur. They need more space as well than the other cat breeds but their laidback and affectionate personality makes them easy to live with.
This breed may be needy and clingy but they are also independent in that they are rarely needy but at the same time still affectionate to their owners.
When comparing between male and female Maine Coon, both genders have the same maintenance requirements for diet and grooming but male Maine Coons are slightly more active than female Main Coons that they might need more toys or playtime.
Here are some of items to prepare if you plan to invite a Maine Coon to your home:
Other maintenance cost you need to consider which are not a one-time purchases are as below:
This breed is worth every penny!
Maine Coon is a cat breed that will offer you faithful companionships its whole life.They are also known for being a healthy and long-lived breed.
The average lifespan of a Maine Coon is around 12 to 15 years and if you take good care of them, they might even live longer.
Having a Maine Coon cat as a pet will definitely spark joy into your life. It is like a good investment to your happiness as you have a companion in your living space which is very mischievous and affectionate.
Lastly, providing pet insurance will be one of the best decisions you will make as the pet’s owner because your pet’s safety, health and wellbeing will be covered by Oyen.
Seekor kucing betina boleh mula hamil seawal usianya 8 minggu jika tidak dikasi. Walaupun ia dikira masih muda, kucing sudah mampu mengandung, terutamanya kucing jalanan. Jika anda nerasa kasihan melihat kucing bunting dan ingin menjaganya, anda perlu kenal pasti dahulu temph kucing bunting dan tips penjagaan.
Berapa bulan kucing bunting?
Pertama sekali, anda perlu tahu tempoh kucing mengandung. Kucing bunting biasanya selama lebih kurang 63-67 hari atau 9 minggu. Hal ini bersamaan dengan lebih kurang 2 bulan lebih sahaja.
Oleh itu, kalau anda nampak ada kucing yang perutnya besar dan gigih menghidu mencari tempat berteduh, itu mungkin tanda tempoh kucing bunting.
Kalau anda sendiri ada membela kucing yang sedang bunting, artikel ini akan memberikan panduan lengkap penjagaan dan persediaan tambahan untuk menyambut anak kucing nanti.
Anda biasa nampak kucing bunting dengan perut besar sahaja. Namun, ada banyak lagi tanda kucing bunting.
Puting kucing hamil kelihatan gelap dan lebih menonjol. Hal ini disebabkan oleh reaksi hormon dalma badan si kucing. Walaupun perutnya mungkin belum cukup besar, anda masih boleh mengesan keadaannya dengan melihat ciri-ciri ini.
Seperti manusia, kucing hamil juga akan menjadi kuat makan. Sediakan makanan dan air yang mencukupi agar ia tidak gelisah dan kelaparan.
Oleh sebab seleranya meningkat, maka berat badannya juga akan naik secara mendadak. Tambahan pula kandungannya bukan hanya seekor.
Kucing yang bunting juga akan banyak tidur dan kurang aktif. Ia lebih gemar duduk-duduk sahaja dan tidak berminat bermain atau melakukan sebarang aktiviti.
Jika si manja anda manja, ia mungkin lebih manja lagi ketika bunting. Ia akan sering meminta anda mengusapnya dan mendambakan perhatian anda sahaja.
Dalam tempoh bunting kucing, ciri-ciri di atas mungkin tidak berlaku serentak, tetapi berperingkat. Walau bagaimanapun, ada juga ciri-ciri yang mungkin tidak dialami kucing anda. Anda hanya perlu memberikan perhatian padanya.
Sebagai seseorang yang sayangkan kucing dan inginkan yang terbaik kucing mengandung, anda digalakkan untuk melakukan perkara-perkara seperti di bawah:
Anda boleh mempelbagaikan jenis makanan yang diberikan. Jika anda rajin, anda juga boleh memasak sendiri makanan kucing untuk diberikan kepadanya. Selain kibbles, tambahkan lebih banyak wet food juga dalam diet sehariannya.
Anda juga perlu menyediakan ruang yang selesa dan tersorok. Anda boleh menggunakan kotak atau sangkar yang besar sebagai perumah. Kemudian, alaskan dengan selimut yang gebu dan selesa.
Letakkan tempat berehat ini di penjuru bilik atau di bawah meja untuk memberikan privasi kepada si kucing bunting.
Untuk menjaga kesihatannya, jangan benarkan kucing keluar dari rumah. Hal ini untuk mengelakkan sebarang jangkitan kuman yang boleh melemahkan antibodinya.
Jika anda dapat mengenal pasti tempoh kucing anda hamil, maka anda pasti dapat mengagak tarikh atau minggu ia akan melahirkan.
Sebagai seseorang yang sayangkan kucing, anda mesti mahukan yang terbaik untuk kucing anda. Anda juga pasti tidak mahu kucing anda melahirkan dalam suasana yang kotor dan terbiar. Berikut disenaraikan persediaan tambahan untuk menyambut anak-anak kucing.
Anda boleh menyediakan sebuah kotak atau sangkar yang luas di penjuru bilik atau bawah meja.
Tuala atau selimut sangat penting sebagai alas. Hal ini supaya darah yang keluar tidak bersepah dan diserap dengan baik. Kucing juga akan berasa selesa dan terjaga.
Proses melahirkan lazimnya berlaku sehingga 36 jam maksimum. Anda harus memastikan si kucing sentiasa mempunyai cukup air dan makanan untuk tenaga. Jika tidak, ia akan berasa lemah dan tidak bermaya.
Kucing yang ingin melahirkan akan menunjukkan tanda-tanda seperti di bawah. Anda harus peka dan pantas bertindak jika anda perasan akan tanda-tanda ini:
Si kucing akan mengiau tanpa henti. Ini menunjukkan ia mungkin sedang dalam kontraksi. Perlahan-lahan bawa ia ke tempat yang anda telah sediakan dan tunggu bersamanya. Ada kucing yang tidak ingin diteman, namun, anda masih boleh menunggu berhampiran.
Kucing mengerang kesakitan dan ia mula menjilat-jilat duburnya. Ini merupakan suatu perbuatan yang menunjukkan ia bersedia melahirkan.
Tanda ini menunjukkan anak kucing bakal keluar tidak lama lagi. Anda tidak perlu menolong apa-apa keras ia akan meneran dengan sendirinya.
Kucing akan menjilat kemaluannya sebelum dan selepas anaknya lahir. Ia akan makan darah dan selaput anak yang baru lahir. Hal ini bukan sesuatu yang asing kerana darah dan uri yang dimakan dipercayai boleh memulihkan tenaga si kucing.
Selesai sahaja si kucing melahirkan, anda dilarang terus memegang anaknya. Ini kerana si kucing masih berada dalam keadaan stres dan penat. Jika ia terhidu bau lain di badan anaknya, ia akan menganggap itu makanan dan memakan anaknya.
Oleh itu, elakkan menyentuh anak kucing yang baru lahir walau apa pun sebabnya. Berikan juga masa yang cukup untuk ibu kucing kenall anak-anaknya dan memberikan mereka susu. Dalam beberapa hari awal, campur tangan anda perlu diminimumkan untuk mengelak kejadian kucing makan anak.
Kucing bunting selama lebih kurang 2 bulan.
Kucing mengambil masa lebih kurang 36 jam untuk selesai melahirkan anak-anaknya. Setiap anak memakan masa selang 5 hingga 30 minit. Pada tahap terakhir, ibu kucing akan memakan uri yang boleh mengambil masa 4-6 jam. Anda tidak perlu berada bersamanya setiap masa, cukup hanya sekadar melihat-lihat dan menyediakan air atau makanan yang cukup.
Kucing hamil boleh dimandikan, dengan syarat ia tidak melawan. Jika ia melawan, anda digalakkan menggunakan mandian semburan segera sahaja. Memandikannya mampu memberikan ketenangan dan memastikan kebersihan bulunya.
Kesimpulannya, penjagaan kucing semasa bunting dan selepas melahirkan amat penting. Ia ibarat ahli keluarga yang memerlukan perhatian, oleh itu, jagalah kebajikannya.
Jika anda mahukan perlindungan lebih untuk kucing anda selain penjagaan rapi, anda boleh mendapatkan Oyen Pet Insurance yang melindungi segala kos rawatan dan surgeri sehingga RM8,000.
Semak kelayakan di sini.
There are hundreds of dog breeds, each offering just as much uniqueness and happiness as the other. But what are the most popular dog breeds in Malaysia?
We looked at the popularity of dog breeds amongst Malaysians and curated a list to discuss. Fellow dog lovers, let's find out if your pet doggie is amongst the popular dog breeds in Malaysia. We included the origin of the breed, weight, lifespan and the typical cost of getting one in Malaysia.
Let's get into it.
Mixed or crossbreed refers to a dog born from parents of two different breeds. They're the most popular breeds in Malaysia, and the majority of shelters or adoption centres in Malaysia have mixed breed dogs.
They're suitable for owners of any kind and especially for owners who don't have any specific goals or needs in mind. Mixed breed dogs can come in all shapes and sizes, and their characteristics depend on their lineage.
Adopting mixed breed dogs is advantageous as they're likely to be pre-trained in the shelter. Moreover, you can know their characters from the shelter owner beforehand, making it easier to understand what to expect.
Weight: Small breeds (~9 kg), medium breeds (10 – 60 kg) and large breeds (29 – 54 kg)
Lifespan: Average of 14 years
Poodles are water dogs, meaning they are natural swimmers. In the past, waterfowlers trained poodles to swim and recover lost arrows and bolts. Poodles are also excellent jumpers, and they would love playing frisbee or other outdoor games.
Their playful and fun character makes them a perfect family dog. On the other hand, their appreciable intelligence and energetic nature make them helpful service dogs.
Origin: France and Germany
Weight: Males (20 – 30 kg) and females (20 – 27 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Cost: RM 1800 – RM 2800
Golden retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and loyal to their owners.
They are naturally athletic and love to go outdoors for a walk, game of fetch, or even hiking. Furthermore, golden retrievers are easy-to-train, so you won’t have any hitch in teaching them tricks like “fetch” or “stay”. Another notable characteristic of golden retrievers is that they have a huge appetite. So make sure you have a food bowl and dog food on standby at all times!
Origin: United Kingdom, Scotland and England
Weight: Males (30 – 34 kg) and female (25 – 32 kg)
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Cost: RM 2800 – RM 3800
Pomeranians are the smallest member of the Spitz family of dogs, a group of northern dogs including Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, and more. But do not underestimate them with their size because they give out loud barks and have a lot of energy.
They are also named after the province of Pomerania, located in Germany. Besides, Pomeranians come in various coat colours, with white with coloured markings being the rarest. This dog breed is highly independent, intelligent, obedient, and exceptionally resilient.
Origin: Germany and Poland
Weight: Males (2.8 – 5.2 kg) and females (2.1 – 3.3 kg)
Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
Cost: RM 2700 – RM 3700
Initially, Pembroke Welsh corgis were bred as a watchdog to herd livestock animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses. However, the easy-to-train and intelligent characteristic of this dog has made it popular in many homes worldwide.
They’re highly adaptable to their environment, so you wouldn’t have to worry too much about if your home is suitable for this dog. Though they have short legs, Pembroke Welsh corgis can move really fast—and that too in an adorable fashion!
Origin: Pembrokeshire in Welsh
Weight: Males (10–14 kg) and female (10–13 kg)
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Cost: RM 4800 – RM 5800
This dog breed can be identified by its large bat-like ears and heavy wrinkle rolls above the nose.
They look just like bulldogs but smaller. French bulldogs can quickly get along and make friends with other animals or humans. They do not bark as much, so they’re more of a companion dog than a watchdog. In terms of grooming, it’s essential to keep the facial folds of French bulldogs dry and trim their nails regularly too.
Origin: France, England
Weight: Males (8 – 10 kg) and females (9 – 12 kg)
Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
Cost: RM 3800 – RM 5000
Shiba Inus are energetic, high-spirited, and love the outdoors. That being the case, it's the best companion for anyone living the outdoor life.
You can bring along a Shibas for a hiking or biking session, and you'll see it grinning from mouth to mouth throughout the journey.
They're highly alert, too, so you'll often find them barking at anything suspicious. Note that Shibas have a strong prey instinct and may not be suitable as a second pet or in households with young children.
Origin: Japan
Weight: Males (8 – 11 kg) and females (6.8 – 9 kg)
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Cost: RM 4800 – RM 9000
Shih Tzu means “lion dog” and it used to be only owned by the royal families in China.
Thankfully, Shih Tzus are more accessible to people outside the royals today. Famous personnel such as Bill Gates, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus are also said to own a Shih Tzu. This dog breed is laid-back in nature, so you will often find them watching TV or taking a nap with you.
Origin: China, Tibet and Asia
Weight: Males (5.4 – 8 kg) and females (5.2 – 8 kg)
Lifespan: 10 – 16 years
Cost: RM 1500 – RM 2500
Miniature schnauzers are healthy and low-maintenance companions or family dogs. They're generally well-behaved, fun, and loving.
Hence, miniature schnauzers are an excellent choice for a second pet. Their people-pleasing character allows them to quickly learn and accustom themselves to the environment. Owning miniature schnauzers also comes with regular exercise because they usually are lively and highly active.
Origin: Germany
Weight: Males (5.4 – 9.1 kg) and females (5.4 – 8.2 kg)
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Cost: RM 2800 – RM 3000
Pugs are impossible to hate because they have such an innocent puppy face. They do well in small apartment living conditions. However, they dislike being left alone for long hours and are pretty dependent on the owners in that sense.
They're a very affectionate breed and will always adore you (and of course, you'll be expected to reciprocate the same feelings!)
Origin: China
Weight: 6.35 – 8.16 kg (for both males and females)
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Cost: RM 2500 – RM 3000
First-time dog owners have many things to consider before embarking on their journey of pet parenting. Selecting a dog breed that can complement your lifestyle is an essential factor in the level of difficulty in owning a pet.
So, let’s discuss some of the three best dogs you can opt for as a first-timer in Malaysia.
Firstly, golden retrievers are arguably the easiest dog breeds for beginners. They’re affectionate and gentle by nature and can get along well with children and other pets. Golden retrievers also have an appetite for learning, making training easier.
Secondly, Shih Tzus are a great option too. They’re small-sized dogs but quite energetic nevertheless. Therefore, they’re friendly house dogs and suitable for owners with kids or a laid-back lifestyle. However, Shih Tzus have a thick coat and require more grooming work.
Last but not least, pugs are friendly and happy-go-lucky dogs that will undoubtedly bring a lot of joy to your home. They’re playing and incredibly adorable! Unfortunately, many owners have reported their pugs facing frequent health issues such as eye ulcers, scratches, nerve degeneration, and allergies. That being so, you must take your financial status and time availability before getting a pug.
Every dog is unique, meaning each has its own pros and cons. Take some time to research and identify which breed is most suitable for you. If you have any doubts, try talking to other dog owners to get their two cents before deciding.
The Department Of Veterinary Services Malaysia permits the importation of dog breeds. However, their pet import regulations ban a few dangerous dog breeds, not allowing them to travel or get imported into Malaysia.
The list of banned dog breeds in Malaysia include (not a complete list here):
And that's the end of our list! We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found your favourite dog on the list.
If you're planning to get a dog soon, we encourage you to consider getting pet insurance too. We can never predict rough days, but we can prepare ourselves to face them.
Have you ever wondered about the story behind your favourite furry friend? If you are curious like many other pet parents, pet DNA tests are your chance to find out the answers!
Pet DNA tests are a genetic testing tool that helps owners learn pertinent information such as breed composition, allergy, ancestry, and risk of diseases.
So how do you get started? We have created this useful guide to help you understand everything about DNA testing and make the right decisions for your furry best friend.
Pet DNA test kits usually contain a cotton swab to collect samples and a tube to package the sample for shipping. After collecting the sample, you'll have to seal the cotton swap in a tube and ship it to a lab.
Different companies operate with different labs, so make sure to get the correct shipping address from your pet DNA test company. Once the sample arrives at the lab, a technician will extract and amplify the DNA found in the sample for analysis.
Miniature biochips, or microarray chips, are a collection of microscopic DNA spots that can measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes and match them to specific pet characteristics.
This technology, when exposed to your pet’s DNA, will detect various genetic markers to obtain a comprehensive genetic analysis.
To collect your pet's sample, you need to brush your pet's cheeks and gums with the given cotton swab. This sample will contain skin cells and white blood cells useful for DNA testing. Do not rub swabs on your pet's tongue or teeth, as this will result in a poor quality sample and subsequent inaccurate results.
Make sure your pet has not eaten or drank anything for at least 1 hour before collecting the samples.
In most cases, DNA tests are very accurate because the microarray chip technology is highly specific. However, DNA tests are not error-proof as they are subjected to the possibilities of human errors such as contamination or sample mix-ups.
Moreover, some DNA tests may have limited numbers of genetic markers it can look into. Although this wouldn’t compromise the accuracy of the results, it may reduce the quality of information you can get from the test.
No. Breed testing reveals less information compared to DNA testing. This is because breed testing only involves finding the similarity of your pet's genes with that of different breed groups. On the other hand, DNA testing allows owners to learn about their pets as a whole. On top of breed and ancestry information, you can also learn about personality, traits, and your pet's health.
The process of DNA testing and analysis must be done in a lab under sterile conditions. Most veterinary clinics do not have this facility. However, a vet can obtain a sample of your pet's DNA-containing cells and send them to an external lab.
There aren't many local pet DNA testing companies in Malaysia. Henceforth, most DNA test kits have to be shipped from overseas countries such as the United Kingdom or Australia. Considering the shipping fee and conversion rates, pet DNA testing kits may cost anywhere from RM600 to RM800.
Embark Breed & Health Kit is made in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. At the moment, they only offer dog DNA test kits. It has one of the most detailed pet breed breakdowns in the market, so it's suitable for rare or special breed dogs.
Another exciting aspect of Embark Breed & Health Kit is that you can get to know other dog owners that Embark has found share DNA with your dog. The DNA test results are usually released in 2-4 weeks of the sample arriving in the lab.
Price: ~ RM 830
Buy from: DesertCart
Basepaw is a female-founded company that focuses on making cat DNA tests accessible to cat parents. Their test kits serve as a comprehensive feline breed and health screening tool.
Apart from detecting genetic diseases, this test kit can also identify the risk for common dental conditions in cats. The report of this test will include your cat's blood type and resistance to FIV too.
Price: ~RM 540
Buy from: DesertCart
This DNA test will determine your dog’s breed and also screen for over 200 heritable diseases, traits, and health concerns. The results will be presented to you in an online interactive account, LIFE PLAN, with personalized nutritional suggestions and daily energy needs analysis.
You can also continually update your dog’s LIFE PLAN dashboard with the latest weight, body condition, nutrition, health records, and medication throughout their lives.
Price: ~ RM 500-700
Buy from: DesertCart
Wisdom has the world's largest dog DNA database, and it has tested over 2 million dogs worldwide. This DNA test reveals your dog's breed and variety with excellent sensitivity (down to 1%). Furthermore, you'll also be informed of medications and procedures that are safe for your dog through medical complications and drug sensitivity screening. These dog DNA test kits come with 98% accuracy, making them the choice for many dog parents and veterinarians.
Price: ~ RM 629
Buy from: DesertCart
No. At the time of writing this article, pet DNA testing in Malaysia is only encouraged for personal purposes.
It's not declared as a must by the laws of Malaysia or the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and is therefore not mandatory. Pet DNA tests only serve as a means for owners to have a good understanding of their pet's genetic makeup.
MKA certification contains information about a dog's lineage, origins, underlying illnesses, and health conditions.
The main purpose of MKA certs is to eliminate the fraudulent use of pedigree and protect the pureness of the genetic pool.
The MKA cert should be obtained from the breeder when purchasing. Furthermore, you should pay an annual fee of RM80 to register and become an MKA member.
On the contrary, DNA tests work on a one-off payment basis, and they provide the same information (if not more!) about your dog.
In short, MKA tests are particularly useful to verify if your dog is purebred. DNA tests, however, are cost-effective and beneficial for any type of dog—mixed or purebred.
DNA testing is an intriguing technology that's becoming popular by the day. It's crazy how a small cheek sample can reveal everything from ancestral lineage to personality traits.
Besides knowing your pet breed and characteristics, DNA tests are also powerful preventative tools for managing your pet's health and well-being. So you can consider doing DNA testing on your pet if you’d like to learn more about its health and traits.
While DNA testing is a useful tool that could help you better manage your pet’s health, it doesn’t replace vet visits and treatment.
One way to safeguard your pet’s health at an affordable cost is by getting pet insurance. Oyen’s Pet Insurance covers both cats and dogs and ensures your pet gets the best treatment and care in the event of any illness or accident.
You no longer have to worry about high vet bills, and your pet’s health is well looked after.
Bagi pemilik kucing, pastinya tidak asing lagi dengan cakaran kuku kucing. Apa tidaknya, sofa kesayangan yang baru dibeli mungkin telah menjadi mangsa cakaran kuku kucing ini. Makin dilarang, makin galak pula si comel ini mengeluarkan kuku mereka.
Sebenarnya, mencakar dengan kuku merupakan tabiat semula jadi si kucing ini. Namun, anda boleh membantu memastikan kuku kucing anda bukan sahaja berada dalam keadaan sihat dan juga selamat di rumah.
Dalam artikel ini, Oyen akan kongsikan kepada anda tips penjagaan dan cara potong kuku kucing yang betul.
Walaupun nampak remeh, kuku kucing sebenarnya memainkan peranan penting alam habitat semula jadi mereka. Kuku mereka yang tajam akan membantu mereka menumpaskan mangsa dan memburu.
Namun, bagi kucing sekarang yang kebanyakannya lebih banyak meluangkan masa di dalam rumah, mereka akan mencakar apa jua barangan di dalam rumah bagi menunjukkan tabiat semulajadi mereka.
Anda boleh menggunakan scratching post atau tiang pencakar sebagai salah satu cara mengurangkan cakaran, namun penjagaan rutin kuku kucing ini juga boleh membantu lebih banyak barangan di rumah yang menjadi mangsa cakaran si comel ini.
Sebelum kita pergi lebih lanjut mengenai rutin memotong kuku, terdapat beberapa keadaan di mana anda wajib memotong kuku kucing.
Jika anda memiliki kucing dalam keadaan sakit, mereka memerlukan bantuan anda untuk memotong kuku mereka. Biasanya, kuku kucing akan terlalu panjang dan boleh menyebabkan luka kepada tapak kaki
Kucing yang terlalu tua akan menjadi semakin tidak aktif seperti biasa. Oleh itu, kuku mereka boleh tumbuh terlalu panjang dan boleh melukakan kaki. Pada tahap teruk jika ia dibiarkan, ia boleh mengakibatkan jangkitan.
Beberapa keadaan di bawah berlaku sekiranya anda tidak melakukan sebarang penjagaan kuku kucing dari awal lagi.
Anatomi kuku kucing sebenarnya terdiri daripada satu bahagian yang dikenali sebagai quick. Bahagian ini mengandungi salur darah yang boleh menyebabkan berlakunya pendarahan jika anda salah potong kuku kucing kesayangan anda ini.
Sebenarnya, bahagian salur darah ini mudah dilihat kerana kebanyakan kucing mempunyai kuku yang lutsinar dan mudah dilihat. Jika kuku terlampau kotor sehingga menyukarkan anda mengesan di mana bahagian quick ini, bersihkan dahulu kotoran pada kuku tersebut.
Anda hanya perlu memotong bahagian kuku kucing lebih kurang 2 millimeter daripada bahagian quick kucing.
Terdapat beberapa pilihan yang anda boleh gunakan di pasaran bagi memotong kuku kucing:
Biasanya, pemotong kuku kucing jenis gunting dan guillotine dikatakan paling mudah untuk digunakan pada kucing. Namun, ia semuanya bergantung kepada keselesaan dan kerjasama daripada si kucing.
Sebenarnya, rutin memotong kuku daripada awal lagi boleh mengurangkan rasa ketakutan kucing dan akan membantu kucing anda membiasakan diri. Kuku kucing ini boleh dipotong sejak berumur 4 minggu.
Sebenarnya, ia bergantung kepada keadaan kucing itu sendiri. Anak kucing biasanya cepat membesar dan memerlukan kuku untuk dipotong seminggu sekali. Bagi kucing tua pula, mereka kurang aktif dan mungkin perlu memotong kuku kucing dalam dua minggu sekali.
Apa yang penting, sebagai pemilik kucing, anda sendiri perlu peka dengan keadaan kuku kucing anda sendiri.
Akhirnya, setelah anda tahu semua perkara mengenai kuku kucing ini, jom kita mulakan bagaimana cara potong kuku kucing yang betul!
Walaupun nampak remeh, anda pasti dalam keadaan tidak terkawal sekiranya tidak menyediakan barangan yang diperlukan lebih awal. Kucing anda mungkin tidak memberikan kerjasama dan anda pastinya tidak menang tangan jika berseorangan.
Jadi, sediakan barangan berikut sebelum mula memotong kuku kucing ini:
Kucing merupakan haiwan yang sentiasa berjaga-jaga dan berwaspada, oleh itu pastikan kucing anda berada dalam persekitaran yang tenang dan senyap. Anda tidak mahu kucing anda terkejut tiba-tiba dan anda pula terpotong kuku kucing sehingga tercabut. Eee ngerinya!
Oleh itu pastikan kawasan persekitaran yang dipilih jauh daripada bunyi yang bising dan juga kanak-kanak kecil.
Seterusnya, cari posisi yang sesuai bagi memotong kuku kucing anda. Posisi ini mestilah selesa bukan sahaja bagi kucing, tetapi anda untuk memotong kuku kucing dengan betul.
Terdapat pelbagai posisi yang boleh dicuba iaitu:
Tidak kira apa posisi yang dicuba, pastikan kucing anda mengurangkan pergerakan mereka. Anda boleh mengepit kaki mereka dengan lengan anda sendiri secara perlahan. Jangan lupa untuk bersabar dan memujuk si comel ini.
Apabila kucing sudah berada dalam keadaan yang selesa dan selamat, ini masanya untuk mula memotong kuku kucing. Pilih mana-mana kuku kucing dan tekan lembut pada paw atau tapak kaki mereka.
Dengan mudahnya, kuku akan mudah terkeluar sepenuhnya. Kemudian, perhatikan bahagian quick ini dengan teliti sebelum anda mula memotong kuku kucing ini.
Seterusnya, elakkan memotong kuku kucing dalam keadaan tegak. Dengan memotong kuku kucing ini dalam keadaan 45 darjah, ia akan membantu kucing anda berjalan dengan lebih selesa.
Sewaktu memotong kuku kucing, pastikan anda menggunakan tekanan yang cukup untuk memastikan kuku kucing dipotong dengan cantik dan tampak kemas. Jika tekanan yang diberikan terlalu lembut, kuku kucing akan hancur dan tidak kemas.
Bagi kucing yang tidak biasa dengan rutin memotong kuku kucing ini, mereka boleh menjadi sangat agresif. Jika kucing anda sudah berada dalam keadaan tertekan, berhenti sebelum mereka menyerang anda dan menjadikan si comel ini lebih trauma.
Anda boleh memujuk mereka dengan memberi makanan, atau jika mereka terlalu tertekan dan marah, mereka mungkin akan menolak makanan yang diberikan.
Sekiranya berlaku kesilapan dan anda terpotong kuku kucing sehingga berdarah, gunakan serbuk styptic serta tekan sedikit pada kawasan yang berdarah untuk menghentikan pendarahan. Jika keadaan terlalu teruk, dapatkan nasihat veterinar dengan segera.
Sekiranya perlu, berhenti dahulu dan ulang kemudian proses ini di hari seterusnya.
Seterusnya, Oyen kongsikan juga tips penjagaan kuku kucing yang anda boleh lakukan bagi menjaga kesihatan kaki dan kuku kucing:
Walaupun nampak remeh, penjagaan kuku kucing dari awal juga sama pentingnya dengan menjaga kesihatan. Malah, dengan Oyen Pet Insurance, ia akan melindungi segala kos rawatan dan surgeri sehingga RM8,000.
Bukan sahaja kuku kucing anda sahaja yang sihat, anda sendiri tidak perlu lagi bimbang memikirkan kos rawatan yang perlu dihabiskan bagi si comel ini di masa hadapan
Jom semak kelayakan di sini.
Probably one of the scariest things ever for a dog owner is to see your pooch limping all of a sudden.
Now in most cases, it might just be due to an injury picked up while playing, but if you tend to notice the symptoms frequently and progressively worsening, you might be dealing with hip dysplasia.
So what is canine hip dysplasia, and why is it so worrisome? Here’s everything you need to know about hip dysplasia in dogs.
Canine hip dysplasia or hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition where that results in the loosening of a dog’s hip joint. It can occur during the growth stage in puppies, and since it is commonly seen in certain large dog breeds, it is known to be a hereditary condition.
It leads to joint dysfunction, which causes limping and pain while walking or standing. In the long run, it may lead to arthritis, muscle atrophy or wasting and limited mobility if not treated adequately.
Similarly, hip dysplasia can also be due to trauma. It is very important to differentiate between hereditary and traumatic hip dysplasia, and a veterinary surgeon would be able to diagnose after a thorough orthopaedic evaluation.
If your pooch were to require surgery, most pet insurance companies would cover traumatic hip dysplasia and not hereditary hip dysplasia.
The most common dog breeds that are more prone to hip dysplasia are:
However, all large and giant breed dogs are susceptible to the condition and should be seen monthly by their neighbourhood vet between 2 to 8 months of age. This critical development period is when the condition usually takes root.
While hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers is a common occurrence, pups suffering from the condition itself can be also due to poor and unprofessional breeding practises.
Please be sure to get your puppies from a certified and registered breeder with all the necessary certificates from the Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA).
Quite often, the early symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs can often go undetected.
Commonly, the condition is picked up by your vet much later in its progression when your pup is quite ill with the symptoms.
Be extra vigilant with your pup to identify these early signs and symptoms. Signs such as limping with no known trauma or injury should be a red flag. ‘Bunny hopping’ while running is another sign that often goes unchecked.
If you notice your pup having trouble climbing onto furniture or getting into your car, you’d need to make an appointment at your vet at the soonest. You might notice their shoulders (front leg muscles) larger than their hips. This compensatory change is due to them putting less weight on their hips to avoid pain.
Hip pain in dogs can be tricky to pick up. Canines can be quite intolerant to mild pain and discomfort, especially when you’re around. All they want to do is play and impress you. They’d tolerate decent amounts of pain for a short car ride with you.
Signs that appear later in the disease, if left untreated, include difficulty standing and abnormal sitting positions. Another late sign is cracking and popping sounds from the joints as your dog walks.
This depends on the age at which the diagnosis is made. As with most conditions, early diagnosis is key. As mentioned above, monthly vet appointments during the developmental months are key.
If picked up early, long term effects of the disease like arthritis can be prevented. Most hip problems in dogs are managed with a combination of medication, physical therapy and occasionally surgery. This depends on the extent of joint damage and the stage at which it is diagnosed.
It is vital that once a full orthopaedic evaluation is carried out and a diagnosis of hip dysplasia made, you have an honest and in-depth discussion with your trusted vet on the treatment options for your beloved pooch.
The main aim and ultimate goal would be for pain relief and good quality of life, so bear this in mind at all times. Treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs includes a combination of medication, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
If your puppy is diagnosed before six months of age, it will be a candidate for juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, a joint-saving procedure. This will prevent any long term effects of hip dysplasia and ensure a good quality of life for your pup.
Another option before ten months of age will be a procedure known as triple pelvic osteotomy.
Hip dysplasia in adult dogs can be treated with surgical procedures like femoral head osteotomies and total hip replacements.
Speak to your trusted vet for more details about the procedure, its benefits, long term care and, of course, its costs
This includes medication for pain relief and supplements for joint and muscle health.
Your vet will recommend painkillers that are safe for canines and given at regular intervals. These are usually Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that help with inflammation in the joints. Do not purchase over the counter medication without a prescription and a proper treatment regimen.
Oral joint supplements that include glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids improve joint health.
In some cases, your vet might recommend injectables like glycosaminoglycans that are delivered directly into the affected joints.
Your vet will also advise you on specialised diets and prescription dog food that are joint-friendly.
Regular exercise and low to moderate impact workouts help with weight loss, leading to less pressure on joints and muscles. Acupuncture has been shown to increase muscle strength and joint mobility, and it also helps with pain relief.
Once again, it’s a question that can only be answered after a long, thorough conversation with your trusted vet.
Many factors need to be taken into account. Sometimes surgery might be the ‘cheaper’ option as long term medical and physical therapy with a specialised diet could end up costing a lot more in the long run.
While the cost for hip surgery in Malaysia depends on the type of surgery and where you decide to have the surgery, do bear in mind that pet insurance might cover the cost of treating hip dysplasia (only if it’s trauma-related). But if it’s hereditary, then it can’t be covered by pet insurance.
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With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, a dog with hip dysplasia can live out its best life till its old age. There should be no drop in its quality of life.
A regular visit to the vet at least twice yearly for a full physical will ensure long term joint and muscle health is maintained.
There is no known method to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs. As it can be a hereditary condition, large breed dogs prone to the condition should start taking joint supplements from the age of 3 months.
Monthly vet visits during these developmental months are crucial to ensure good joint and cartilage health.
That’s everything you need to know about hip dysplasia in dogs. Be sure to consult your vet if you think you might be dealing with this condition. While it might not be very common, early identification and treatment are crucial, be sure to identify the signs and get your pooch the help it needs ASAP.
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