It's party time for our pets

STRATHPINE, April 16: First Cats the Musical, now it's cats the birthday party.
One in five pet owners are having birthday parties for their pets and Pine Rivers animal lovers are enjoying a piece of that statistical cake.
Maia Foley of Bray Park is the owner of Pet's Paradise at Westfield Strathpine and pet parties do not surprise her one bit.
``A lot of people love their pets (which) are like children to them,'' Ms Foley said.
She has not seen the pet study but she has her paw firmly placed on the trends. The study showed 85 percent of owners see their pet as part of the family, (like a child) with 57 percent saying that their pet is their best friend.
One dog owner totally supports pooch parties.
``I always celebrate my dog's birthday,'' he said.
``Last year, we had a party at the park with Bingo's doggy friends, including special treats and games. This year, I am organising a cake (because) it's my way of showing how much I care.''
Ms Foley says it is quite safe to serve your four-legged guests carob treats at parties.
It seems dogs are not quite the carnivores many of us presume they are. Cats are more likely to follow a strictly meat or fish diet.
``A cat is more a carnivore,'' Ms Foley said.
Healthy dogs can choose as treats  containing a range of grains, fruit and vegetables and milk products: barley, apples, potatoes, carrots, sprouts, yoghurt.
Senior dogs are sometimes reluctant to mention problems they can have with flatulence.
Charcoal biscuits are treats which help and should be included on a senior's party menu.
Cat breath can be  a feline problem for all ages. Candy for cats go down a treat while they sweeten the breath.
Twenty years ago, sceptics would have replied to a prediction of one in five pets having a birthday party with ``Pigs might fly''. Today, every dog's party must-haves include: pigs' ears though the treats go by the more pet-owner friendly title of porky chews. A cat having friends over to chew the fat  at parties is more likely to pass around the dried fish and lamb puffs.
Now, that's the purrfect host.

 

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