Interesting Animal Facts

With holidays almost upon us, it is important to check if you will be travelling to a high-risk tick area and require tick prevention treatment.

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is a dangerous parasite that affects both humans and pets along the east coast of Australia. In humans, it causes a severe local skin irritation. In pets it can cause paralysis, vomiting, breathing difficulty and death.  The Eastern paralysis tick are travelling to Melbourne by hitching a ride on pets, people or belongings that have visited these infested areas.  Ticks are known as “deadly, blood-sucking critters” which is an ideal description.  They like to live in bushy, native terrain and long grass. 

Yes, it can be done!

People are often surprised to learn that rabbits are more than capable of learning how to use a litter tray.  Rabbits are naturally very clean and will instinctively use a designated place as a toilet, just like cats. 

The advantage of toilet training your rabbit is that you will be able to let it roam free around the house without worrying about accidents.

Australia has created the world’s longest cat-proof fence.  It is an electric wire and netting fence in Central Australia and it is hoped that it will protect endangered native mammal species from translocating within the remote area.

Since 1788, thirty native mammals have disappeared in Australia and scientists believe this is primarily due to the hunting habits of foxes and feral cats.  Cats were introduced to Australia in the early 19^th century and have had a devastating impact on ground-nesting birds and small mammals.

Like humans, kittens and pups have baby teeth which are replaced with adult teeth from around 4-7 months.  Adult cats have 30 teeth whilst pups have 28 baby teeth and when mature have 42 permanent teeth.