Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Train your cat to use the scratching post outside. Train your cat to use a litter box outside. Take your cat to a veterinarian.

Answer: Your cat will always want to scratch on things, and if it doesn't know how to use a scratching post, it will use your furniture instead. Before bringing your cat inside, place a scratching post in a dry spot, near your cat's food. Give your cat at least a week to become accustomed to using a scratching post before bringing it inside. Before bringing your cat indoors, place a little box outside in a dry location. Fill the litter box with fine-grain, clumping litter. Give your cat approximately a week to get accustomed to the litter box before bringing it inside.  Make sure to clean the litter box every day. Outdoor cats tend to like to use clean areas to eliminate waste. If the litter box is not clean, they are likely not to use it. Put the litter box in a safe and quiet area. Otherwise, the cat might be too scared or hesitant to use it. Before bringing your cat indoors, you should be sure that it won't be bringing disease with it. If your cat hasn't already been microchipped, a process that allows it to be identified, your veterinarian should perform this procedure as well. A wild cat will also need to be vaccinated and neutered.  Before the cat is spayed or neutered, the vet should perform a test for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV is highly infectious between cats and can be deadly if untreated. The vet will do two blood tests to see if your cat has this disease.  The vet should do a complete check-up of the cat. This includes checking for ear mites, fleas, lice, and other parasites. The cat should also be dewormed.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Offer different pet services. Set up a pricing structure. Install an invoicing and payment system. Set up a marketing strategy. Guarantee your products and services. Write informational newsletters. Offer specials to potential and current customers. Encourage client referrals. Stay on top of pet store and supply trends. Sell your products online. Consider whether you want or need to hire staff to assist you.

Answer: Many pet stores will offer different services such as grooming, animal training, and boarding. The more diversified your services, the more likely you are to be successful.  If you decide to offer additional services, you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of different legal requirements and the local market. You can find this information by checking with your local regional animal care office and visiting local pet stores. Even if you offer several different services, it’s a good idea to have a service in which you specialize to help attract clients. For example, maybe you know a lot about natural pet foods and toys. Consider specializing in selling organic products. It’s important to not be too diversified. Offer several different services that you do well instead of dozens that you do marginally. Set up pricing structure for your services. Knowing how much you want to charge in advance can make you appear more professional when you meet with clients.  You may want to set base rates and tailor them according to how much work each individual product will cost. Be aware the large retailers may offer the same products for a lower price, so consider if and how you want to compete with them. Looking at what other pet stores or manufacturer’s suggested retail prices will give you a point of reference. Make sure your prices are commensurate with your experience and your region. Once you know your price structure, install an invoicing and payment system. Consider the types of payment you will accept and how you will write receipts, which will help legitimize your business and make it easier to report income.  Make sure to have a separate bank account for your business than you do for personal finances.  Likewise, have separate credit lines for your business than you do for yourself.  Make sure every aspect of your pricing and billing is transparent to clients and vendors. Maintaining fair business practices is vital to your success. Ads are often the first impression potential clients have of you and you’ll want to consider different media to attract clients. Hooking your potential customers and keeping the message simple and concise can help attract a wide array clients.  If you decide to design your own ads and website, research local businesses advertising to guide your design. You want your brand to be simple, distinctive, and attractive to your clients and potential customers. Design your ads to complement your brand. Use similar color and design schemes so that clients and potential customers associate these elements with you.  Partner with other businesses to advertise your pet store. You can work out a system where other local businesses or national manufacturers to display your business information in their office or on their website in exchange for putting their information in your store or on your website.  Getting involved in community activities is a type of free marketing, such as sponsoring a local dog park. Donating a service or making a contribution to a charity gets your name out in the public you want to serve. Guarantee the quality of your products and services. If you believe in them enough to guarantee satisfaction, potential clients may be more likely try out your business and current clients may be more likely to keep coming back. Staying in regular contact with your target markets by email or regular mail will keep your pet store name readily available. It can also direct clients and potential customers to your media accounts or retail space.  For example, you can write a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter, but make sure to keep your information concise and the sales pitch at a minimum. Let customers know about any upcoming specials or promotions you have. Develop different specials or offers for clients that do not decrease your profits. Offering people an incentive can attract them to try out or return to your store. Think of something inexpensive but effective at enticing possible clients. For example, create a food buyer club. For example, for every ten bags of food purchased, a customer could receive the 11th bag free. You can also offer a discount to first time clients or on slower business days. Small businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Train employees how to build clientele through referrals and client relationships. Give a discount or upgrade on later visit to clients who refer a friend.  Be sure your business cards, media sites, and ads mention how clients can "friend" you on social media sites. Mention the benefits of being a friend of your store and consider coupling this with sweepstakes and daily deals offered only through your social media sites.  Develop incentive programs for referrals. For example, you can run a contest for clients who refer the most new customers by rewarding them a free bag of food or other pet supplies. Pet supplies can be a very lucrative business that is as susceptible to trends as other industries. Staying abreast of current pet store and pet supply trends can help you maintain a successful and healthy business. Read trade publications, attend continuing education, and network with other pet professional to help you stay current in your skills, services, and trends. If you want to expand your business farther, consider selling your products online. This can can help increase your profits.  Your web site should present a snapshot of the experience a client will enjoy at your store. It is important that your store have a professional looking website because it can draw in potential clients and help keep your current customers. < Include sections on different services, products you sell, and any specials you offer. Structure the web site so that search engines can easily locate and bring potential clients to it. In the early stages, you may need to be the only person on staff- or you may not yet have the finances to hire staff. If you decide to hire someone to work with you, you’ll need to interview the person and make sure they are professional, experienced with animals or pet stores, and can help you grow your business.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Sterilize the sponge monthly. Microwave for 30 seconds. Let it rest.

Answer:
Even if you clean your sponge on a weekly basis, you should still sterilize it using heat at least once a month. This is especially important if you use your blender sponge on a daily basis. Standard cleaning removes surface bacteria, but the only way to kill bacteria lying deeper in the sponge is by killing it with a short burst of intense heat.  You may need to sterilize the sponge more than once a month if you notice the bacteria building up more rapidly. Signs of intense bacteria build-up include uncharacteristic acne breakouts and a foul/unusual odor coming from within the sponge. Note that you'll still need to perform a basic cleaning procedure after sterilizing the sponge. Sterilization will only kill the bacteria; it will not remove any cosmetic stains or foundation. Place the uncovered bowl in your microwave and run the appliance at full power for 30 seconds. Keep an eye on the blender sponge as you microwave it. Don't be alarmed if it expands slightly or if small trails of smoke develop, but stop the microwave immediately if it balloons up past its full size or if heavy smoke starts to form. Wait one or two minutes before removing the bowl from the microwave and removing the sponge from the water. The sponge will likely be very hot once the microwave cycle ends, and the waiting period is primarily for your own protection. You can actually handle the sponge as soon as it is cool enough to touch.