The types of restraint that can be used on a cat include a scruff hold, a harness hold, or the towel technique. Figure out if your cat will put up a lot of resistance or just a little. Is your cat apprehensive even about being petted? Then it will probably need a lot of restraint. Is your cat pretty passive? Then if probably won't need much restraint. The key to successfully delivering medication to your cat is to safely restrain the cat while applying as little restraint as possible.  Restraining the cat gives you control over the cat and allows you to make sure the cat swallows the medication in a safe manner. An improperly restrained cat may spit out the medication or, even worse, get some of the medication into its lungs which may lead to pneumonia or even death. This type of restraint will only work for a cat that mildly resists taking medicine. Firmly grab a handful of the loose neck skin behind the cat’s ears. As long as you do not attempt to lift the cat by the scruff it is a perfectly acceptable means of restraint.  This technique should only be used when the cat is resting its body on a flat surface, such as a table, floor, or counter. While holding the scruff, you can also grab the rear legs to lay the cat stretched out on its side. The front feet will often grab onto the table’s edge, keeping the cat still. A harness can be used to keep a firm grip on the cat. These are more preferable than a collar, which can hurt the neck or strangle a cat. A properly fitted harness will give you a good handle on the cat when light restraint is needed. This will only leave the cat's head exposed. Thick bath-sized towels can be used to keep a cat tightly bound so its paws cannot claw at you. This is one of the best options, as it keeps you and the cat safe.  Start by placing the towel, unfolded, on a table or countertop. Put the cat in the center of the towel. Pull the towel up over the cat’s rear end and then fold in the sides, essentially wrapping the kitty up like a burrito.  Make sure the sides are pulled up snug to keep the cat from being able to pull its legs out of the towel. Remember a cat can still use its teeth when in this position. Placing a hand behind the cat’s head can keep the head steady but you should also keep your hands away from its mouth. Keep in mind that if a cat defecates or urinates while being restrained it is becoming too agitated for restraint. If this happens you should release it. You will need to try another restraint technique or get professional help if this happens.
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One-sentence summary -- Pick a type of restraint. Hold your cat by the scruff. Use a harness. Wrap the cat in a towel to immobilize it. Be prepared to change your plan.


Because no one else is home, you’ll get plenty of peace and quiet, and there will be no chance anyone will disturb your nap.   Put on some relaxing music, and use an eye mask to block out any sunlight. Since you're alone, you can nap anywhere you want, whether it’s on the couch, in your bed, or on the floor. Grab a new book or one of your favorites, and catch up on your reading. Get comfortable, and make sure you’re reading something you enjoy.  The room will be quiet, as you’re by yourself, so you’ll be able to really lose yourself in the story of the book you’re reading. Whether it’s an entire night of at-home spa treatments or just a face mask, do something to treat yourself.  Run a hot bubble bath, and light some scented candles. Rub a few drops of lavender essential oil into your wrists and behind your ears. This will calm you and help you relax.  Take time to do things like paint your fingernails a new color. Exfoliate your skin with a sugar scrub, and moisturize with lotion or an oil like coconut oil. . Make yourself something healthy like a smoothie or let yourself have a sugary treat like chocolate-covered pretzels.   Even though it’s just for you, make your plate pretty, and take your time preparing your creation. Savor it while you watch your favorite shows or read your book.
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One-sentence summary -- Take a relaxing nap. Start reading a book. Use your alone time to pamper yourself. Make a delicious snack just for yourself.


Do not breed unless you have plans that include the proper long-term commitment to the breed, the health and safety of the bitch and puppies, and the willingness to completely understand the bulldog and its needs. There are too many backyard breeders trying to jump in and breed dogs with almost no experience or understanding of this unique breed. They see the prices they sell for and try to get in and fill their pockets with money. The sad part about this is the end result is not good for the bulldog. Many bulldogs suffer from breathing difficulties because of a combination of flat faces, large tongues, and small windpipes. If either of the mating pair of bulldogs has had to have surgery in order to open up their nostrils, trim back parts of their soft palates, or remove their tonsils, do not breed them. The genetics for a crowded throat will be passed onto the pups and will perpetuate these distressing problems.  Even if your bulldogs haven’t required surgery, you should still avoid breeding them if they struggle to breathe. Do not breed the female during summer months if she has breathing troubles. The hot weather will compound the issue during pregnancy and cause the bitch undue distress. Evidence suggests that the character of the mother is passed onto her puppies. If she is excessively nervous or she is aggressive, her puppies are likely to have similar non ideal behavior patterns. The best bitch to breed from is a calm, friendly, and gentle dog. A calmer female will also make a better mother who is less likely to be snappy or insecure when it comes to her puppies. It is vital to ensure that she has healthy skin and is free from skin parasites. A form of mange caused by the demodex mite can be made much worse by the stress of pregnancy, and she could lose her fur and develop a rhino-like skin. In addition, the demodex mite can be transferred to the pups at whelping, which means they are born with the mite and will go on to have poor coats and skin. Not only is this undesirable but it can make the pups harder to sell, so you are more likely to be left with them on your hands. One full month before you want to breed your English bulldogs,  you should have your veterinarian perform a full physical examination of the female. Ensure that she is up to date on all vaccinations, that she’s free of any worms, and that she does not test positive for brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can cause spontaneous abortion.  You should also have the veterinarian perform a genetic screening. Even healthy bulldogs can still pass on undesirable genetic traits. Responsible breeding should always seek to weed out traits that can lead to health complications associated with the breed.  The stud (male bulldog) you choose should also be tested for brucellosis. Your bulldog will have her first heat sometime after six months of age, but you should never breed a bitch before her second heat, which she will have every six months after her first one.
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One-sentence summary --
Understand the responsibility of breeding. Do not breed dogs with underlying health issues. Consider the female’s temperament. Check her for mites. Have a vet perform a physical. Do not breed her before her second cycle.