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I have an 8 year old kitty (the handsome black fella on the left) who started having digestive issues in December. We got a preliminary diagnosis of IBS, but after bloodwork, they are suspecting small cell lymphoma. Since this seems to be a fairly common cat issue, I thought I'd ask for some advice. [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 6:57 AM - 6 answers

I need to clean out some dirty formicariums. Keyboard vacuums look like they might either be too cheap or not have a tiny enough attachment to really get in there, "tiny vacuums" are correspondingly useless as a search term. What tiny little suction device can I get that will be strong enough to help me clear up the cruft? Also would enjoy finding tiny stiff little scrub brushes as well for this effort, surely people need those in some hobbies...
posted by foxfirefey at 4:04 PM - 11 answers

Where can I buy or adopt a pet rat in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens? Thanks!
posted by andoatnp at 10:07 AM - 6 answers

I am a complete novice at this, where can I find a nestbox suitable for an American Robin, that is crow proof? It's heartbreaking how the robins build nests every year and the crows eat their eggs (the crows around here have plenty of food sources without that). Help me find something that will work, preferably that I can buy already made, but I can do some work on it if I have to. Thanks!
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 12:21 PM - 5 answers

Shepherd and I may have done too good a job in providing our new girls (here) with a safe space for acclimating to their new home. How to encourage them to be brave? [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 9:01 AM - 18 answers

I'm considering acquiring some flavour of small pet, most likely rats, rabbits or guinea pigs. I'm having trouble choosing between those different species, and most of the internet-at-large advice is geared towards which of those pets will be best for people with young kids, which is not and will never be a concern for me. Rat, rabbit & guinea pig owning adults of AskMe, what has your experience with these kinds of pets been like? [more inside]
posted by terretu at 7:26 AM - 41 answers

We have finally been approved for our kitten, and will be taking him home from the shelter soon. We have a small space and want to provide for the best for our new cat while at least aiming at a nice aesthetic. We know that cats will mess everything up, but we at least want to try. What are the best/most effective, stylish litter boxes (we know cats have preferences, but again, we will try), cat trees, etc. that you have come across and liked?
posted by heavenknows at 8:15 AM - 17 answers

How do you train rescue dogs that have almost no interest in toys, let alone balls, to play fetch? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 12:32 AM - 16 answers

My cat ate a couple of small pieces (about 1 tsp total) of meat that had been sauteed in a pan with plenty of onion. Cat did not eat any actual onion. Onion is toxic to cats; do I need to be worried?
posted by Frowner at 5:09 PM - 7 answers

We've been with the same vet for years. I've never had any problems with her. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 8:24 AM - 19 answers

Past and present pug owners of Metafilter, tell me everything you know about being a pug parent. [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 11:49 PM - 17 answers

My dog has reached the “cant hold her pee” stage of life. How do I minimize the mess? [more inside]
posted by mrfuga0 at 6:03 AM - 14 answers

I have 10 (?) month old kitten, who I posted about before. He is adorable and hilarious and swiftly eroding my sanity. I'm doing my best to provide stimulation, love, and positive reinforcement, but the stress and sleep deprivation are taking a toll. I've listed the main problems below the fold in the hopes that someone can help. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 6:55 AM - 21 answers

My question: Is there any danger of an aquarium breaking or cracking by being brought directly from subzero temps outside into a 70 degree house? [more inside]
posted by Archipelago at 9:28 PM - 11 answers

Help! We recently adopted a new doggie (yay!) who is a ping-pong ball in the car (boo!) … All the dog hammocks I looked at online look like they are made for ultra-chill, ultra-small doggies who stay quietly where you put them and never move. I would like to take my dogs to the park without them getting injured or my car turning into a rolling shag carpet. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 12:24 PM - 11 answers

There has to be a service or a guide for how to pick an adoptable dog. I am completely at a loss for how to sift through all of the profiles and rescues and still take into account our family dynamics. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 6:32 PM - 5 answers

We have a 1.5 year old mixed breed dog, who is generally sweet but can sometimes snap in seemingly unpredictable moments. We have an upcoming appointment a professional trainer, but in the meantime, I'm interested in your tips and resources for dealing with an unpredictable dog. [more inside]
posted by smokyjoe at 5:31 PM - 10 answers

There are field mice living in my backyard. Usually that's not a problem but just lately two of them have started coming into my house. Someone has been trimming the fringe off my Kelim carpet so I suspect they are building nests and I can soon expect to see a few more little ones running about. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 3:33 AM - 11 answers

I feed my forever cat, Arthur, and his foster girlfriend, Tina, the highest quality grain-free dry food I can afford, and some cheap and nasty (although not the worst) wet food sachets at night as part of the dinner routine. I am tried of the waste and general grossness of the sachets, and was thinking that I could supplement the dry food with some homemade dinner. What should I feed them? [more inside]
posted by Youremyworld at 4:38 PM - 6 answers

Hello! We (a family with kids) have been approved for a shelter cat and are really excited. Before we pull the trigger, as a new cat owner I have some questions . . . [more inside]
posted by heavenknows at 2:21 AM - 30 answers