In record numbers, Americans have taken a variety of animals into their homes and hearts. According to various industry sources, over seventy million homes in the U.S. have some kind of pet. This is equal to over sixty percent of all American households. Pet ownership has expanded over the last twenty years up from fifty six percent of American households to over sixty three percent.
In short, Americans are pet people and we are spending more on our animal companions then ever before.
Cats and Dogs Living Together
We love our dogs and they love us in return. Not to be outdone, cats do have the edge when it comes to popularity. It is estimated that Americans own over eighty eight million cats compared to around seventy five million dogs. Though dogs and cats are often thought of as polar opposites when it comes to living together, many households have both dogs and cats. In our house, the dogs more than tolerate their feline roommates, often showing them a great deal of love and affection. In an amusing twist on feline stereotypes, some of our cats actually seek the attention of their canine friends.
Overall, spending on pet care has grown from just over seventeen billion dollars per year in nineteen ninety four, to an estimated forty three billion dollars in two thousand and seven. Of all the money we spend on our animal companions every year, almost eleven billion is spent on veterinary care.
The medical services available for our furry companions have gone beyond just shots and checkups. Diseases and medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts, obesity, and even cancer, are being treated with state of the art techniques once reserved for humans. Joint replacements, eye surgery, chemotherapy, and joint replacements are available for pets whose owners have the means to pay for and access to those services.
Gourmet Food Goes To the Cats and Dogs
According to industry estimates, Americans will spend close to seventeen billion dollars on food for their furry friends. Part of the rise in spending can be attributed to the higher quality of foods and treats available. The market for natural and gourmet pet foods has grown for several reasons. Concerns about the purity and composition of pet food, more Americans are opting to give their pets the best.
The standards for what the word natural means when it comes to pets is still being debated. Even the standards for natural human food have not been established beyond that claims of the producer. Organic foods, whether for human or animal consumption, have standards that are more clearly defined.
Dapper Dogs and Fashionable Felines
Big names in clothing and other merchandise are offering clothing fashions for our pets. Booties for your beagle and coats for your collie are being sold by clothing labels that previously marketed only to humans. From Labrador lounge jackets to raincoats for a redbone hound, many owners are turning their pets into veritable fashion plates.
A silver bling collar would go unnoticed by my dogs, since they are just happy to be going out. No, the bling would have more to do with my desire to make a fashion statement with my dog. Still, my Cocker Spaniel would look pretty fly in a fashion collar and matching jacket.
The Traveling Tabby
Our pets are also enjoying the rise in the number of pet carriers and joggers on the market. Taking Fido on a bicycle ride has never been easier. Sales of tow behind per carriers for use almost any bike have been growing steadily the last few years.
Though most of us choose to board our pets when going on vacation, traveling with our pets had gotten more convenient. Many hotel chains offer pet friendly accommodations in response to more and more folks taking their pets on the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible that bats also eat bird seed such ...
By: aster | 06-11-2008
is it possible that bats also eat bird seed such as black oil, peanut, walnut and pecan bits? there is a bat in my ancient red cedar tree every night. i leave seed there for the birds . why else would he return to that tree every night? i discovered that he was there over the course of this week. my cats had been running outside because the weather has been nice. they don't want to come back at dusk and would rather sit under the tree for hours watching him. they literally don't move from that spot for hours. then i saw him one evening fly out of the tree, very rapidly, unlike any bird i've ever seen. tonight i heard him chirping: a high pitched, shrill voice, when i threw out some garbage. why would he return to this tree every night, if not for the bird seed?
My mum needs some good convincing...any help?
By: empty | 06-11-2008
i really really love cats...their are my ultimate favourite animal! my dad says that he's fine with the idea about getting one...the only problem is that my mom HATES them big time!!! so she says we can't get one! does anyone have anyways of how i could convince her to get one? (plz keep in mind i have had 2 in the past) thank u if anyone can reply to this!!
My older bitch dog injured by young bitch dog-what to do tonite while waitng for vet to open in a.m.
By: Tebs | 05-11-2008
how to fix dog neck ripped open help! What can I do to ease pain? It is still bleeding a little, should I wrap it? I can't afford to take her to the vet hospital tonight and have to wait till morning. The wound is about 6 inches on left side of neck and about 2 inches on other side. She is laying down quietly. What can I do tonight to make sure she will be okay until the morning? Can I give her asprin? Should I put neosporin around the wound? I have some amoxicillin 500 prescribed for one of my other dogs, 2 tabs, 2 x's a day. Will that help my girl? She has been with me for 14 years and I am not ready to let her go. She is fairly active and healthy for her age. I take good care of my pets and feed them well. What are rhe dangers associated with waiting 9 hours to get her to the vet? Someone please send me an answer asap, please. I am at a loss with what to do and need fast info. Thanks. T.
Why do ferret rub face on floor?
By: cbubblehead | 04-11-2008
why do ferret rub face on the floor and laying really low like going to vomit style. Is that signs of hairball or blockage? He/She eat very good, drink very well and play like normal.
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By: Mindy | 04-11-2008
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Alexorion cat
By: AlexOrion | 04-11-2008
Every spring, I purchase Wheat grass seed and Barley grass seed from a local feedstore and grow a yard full of grass for my beloved cats. However, the winter months always put a toll on the grass growth. My small apartment only affords space for growing a few indoor pots of this grass.
Unfortunately, my beloved nineteen (19) year old cat, AlexOrion, was just diagnosed with liver failure. My vet prescribed SAM-e and L-Lysine and Milk Thistle.
I would like to order some of your Barley and Green Kamut to administer to AlexOrion and also my to fifteen (15) old AngelMari (she is NOT an Angel -- ha!!)
What dosage would you recommend? AlexOrion weighs 22-lbs and AngelMari weighs 15-lbs.
Thanks so much and Have a GREAT Day!
Pam Joplin Killgore, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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