Once again this year, ICA will be present at the international pet product trade fair Interzoo’14. Our stand will include in-house products and our aquarium lines and brands of food and seeds, as well as latest new products from ICA.The trade fair is to take place from 29th May to 2nd June 2014 in Nuremberg, (Germany) and we would like to invite you to visit us at our stand located in Hall 9, Stand 431.ICA is the leader in the aquarium manufacturing sector in Spain, with the famous Aqualight, Aqualed, Aqualed Pro and Aqualux brands and, the new Nano Aqualed launched this February, a small, compact and minimalistic aquarium that we will show at the trade fair.In terms of our wide range of food and seeds for birds and rodents, we have also renewed the Delicatessen range, which is now much more complete, with new products, larger packaging and an even cheaper price to continue offering the best price-quality ratio in the market.

New colours

We are introducing the new colours for the Porter Pet Carriers: pink, sky blue and brown. They all include a metal door with a safety lock and the medium and large models are also equipped with a compartment for objects and a door to access the inside, as shown in the image.

The new PEL6000 hair clippers are a powerful, professional machine that is unlike the PEL5000 because these new clippers are cordless. In other words, they have an internal battery for power autonomy, although they also work when connected to the mains. They can be adjusted to two speeds: 3400 and 4000 rpm. And one of their great advantages is that they accept standard blades.  Sold with a full kit that includes: the electric clippers, N-10 carbon steel blade, cleaning brush, oil, charger and instruction manual. And now…

4 free attachment combs are also included! 

 

Terrariums are real windows of natural beauty and exoticism, easy to recreate and keep with a few basic notions that we can offer our customers and get them hooked!

Types of habitats

Desert or arid

This is the most suitable for beginners for several reasons:

1. Most desert species are more resistant and are more able to withstand any “mistakes” involving temperature control.
2. It is a habitat where the humidity in the room is often more than sufficient.
3. This dry environment avoids problems due to mites or fungi, and any excrements and remains of food tend to dry up, which is not the case in tropical habitats where they quickly rot and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Although the image we have of the desert habitat is of suffocating heat, it is important to know the temperature gradient required by each animal, as many desert herptiles do not withstand excessively high temperatures. This is the case of many nocturnal and crepuscular species that survive the intense heat of the day in dens or under stones.Included among the appropriate species for this type of habitat are: 

• Herptiles like many species of geckos, such as the Eublepharis macularius.
• Agamidae such as the Pogona and Uromastyx.
• Iguanidae such as those of the Crotaphytus genus.
• Also, several species of tortoises and some colubridae.

 

Forest

The forest habitat includes many typical biotypes similar to our Mediterranean forests, some warmer and others colder, but with the same common characteristic of a cool winter in which many herptiles hibernate and summers that almost never reach the extremes of desert heat.   

The forest habitat is not overly difficult to maintain in a terrarium

 Thanks to the fact that, like the desert habitat, there are no excessively high humidity values like those found in a tropical habitat, it is relatively easy to maintain this type of terrarium. However, a distinction must be made because herptiles are found here that live near pools and watercourses, for which a contain must be prepared depending on the needs of the animal that will eventually want a soak, like it would do in nature.This includes many species of treefrogs, toads, salamandras, green snakes such as those of the Opheodrys genus and many others that will, however, prefer a drier but not a desert environment.

Tropical

This is a problematic habitat to recreate and maintain for beginners: a lot more problems with bacteria, a greater likelihood of infection when wounds are healing and the need to maintain a warm temperature and more or less constant humidity throughout the year.Tropical herptiles never suffer significant variations. Very few are able to survive periods of excessive heat, low humidity or cold. 

The tropical habitat requires permanent humidity and temperature control

 This habitat also includes vivariums that contain no animals whatsoever, real windows of natural beauty, those used to house dart frogs (dendrobatidae, phyllobates and similar) or gekkonidae such as those of the Phelsuma genus.Half-way between are the species that require a land part and an aquatic part in equal proportions, such as most water turtles, water dragons (Physignathus) and many species of iguanidae, including the basiliscus and the huge green iguana, which require a larger terrarium. 

Animal maintenance in the terrarium

Terrarium animals could show high stress levels, which affect their behaviour, feeding, lifespan, etc.  If the food is correct and the parameters (lighting, humidity, heating, etc.) in the terrarium are suitable, this stress could be due to other matters that we have forgotten about. For example, providing a place where the animal feels safe and relaxed inside the terrarium.  Certain shelter elements have been developed where you will not lose sight of your animal even when it is inside and will not bother it.Reptiles are extremely territorial, particularly males. Therefore, housing them in pairs is often a source of stress for the weakest of the animals, which will be permanently overpowered by the strongest.To regulate the heat of the terrarium, we have a wide variety of accessories such as the thermal blankets or heat rocks that emulate those of their natural environment.  However, as indicated above, the heat to be provided will depend on the temperature gradient of each species and the humidity and temperature of the terrarium must be controlled, particularly in the case of delicate tropical habitats.Light is equally important for their health.  Whereas UV-A rays stimulate their appetite and encourage digestion, UV-B rays help absorb calcium.

   

Surface items

Surface items are important so that the animal can move as if it were in its habitat.  For example, terrarium backgrounds especially designed for different species and the way they act in their natural environment will allow your animal to move and climb.  A tarantula does not need the same terrarium background as a gecko, which spends a large amount of time stuck to walls and rocks.In short, the concept of environmental enhancement also applies to a terrarium and you can choose different plants, lianas and other ornaments with which to interact.With a bit of care and considering certain details like the ones mentioned, you can make sure your pet feels at home.

The cat is an animal that spends several hours a day cleaning itself, removing any dirt held in its fur by licking itself. Even so, it still requires certain essential hygiene to ensure it remains in good health. 

Basic care

The cat is a clean animal in itself and does not need significant daily care to ensure its hygiene. In general, however, many cat lovers are unaware of certain essential hygiene that is very important to avoid long-term health problems.

Correct hygiene will avoid health problems

 This “basic care” can be summarised by good brushing, occasional baths, care for its teeth and gums and cleaning of eyes and ears, as well as suitable nail clipping. Each of these hygiene processes is explained below. 

Brushing

A good brush is the best way of keeping your cat in perfect condition, as any dead hair loosened when it grooms itself will not form as many hairballs in its stomach.If you get them used to being brushed from an early age, they will consider it another habit and, in general, they like it because it is like being stroked.Short-haired cats should be brushed once a week, whereas long-haired cats must be brushed every day, particularly during moulting because this is when they lose the most amount of hair.Brush first against the direction of the hair growth before completing the process in the direction of the hair growth.  This untangles the cat’s hair, cutting out any hairballs or knots that are found.  

 

Bathing

We all know how little they like water. In fact, most cats do not need to be bathed and an adequate brushing routine will suffice.However, white cats and those that are often outdoors need a bath every two or three months but no more, so as not to eliminate the animal’s protective oil from its fur.It is best to get them used to it from an early age and introduce them to it progressively. A good way of doing this is by using a bath filled with warm water and a shampoo for cats, making sure the room temperature is not very low so that they do not catch a cold and drying them afterwards because, unlike dogs, they do not shake themselves to get rid of the water. 

Be careful with any noise, especially from the shower or hair dryer, because they do not like them and they could put up a fight and become traumatised if they are not used to them.

 

Cleaning eyes and ears

Eyes and ears are frequent sources of infection in cats.  Any sleep and dirt around the eyes should be removed by soaking a cloth or cotton disk with a few drops of eye cleaner, one for each eye to make sure any infection is not transferred from one to the other.  Cleansing wipes, which contain an anti-inflammatory compound, can also be used.

Ears and eyes are frequent sources of infection

To keep ears clean, you can use the ear cleaner that dissolves any dirt and wax to alleviate any irritation.  Wipes specifically for the ears can also be used.

Malt and cat grass

One of the most common problems in cats is the accumulation of hairballs in their intestine, which could lead to discomfort and serious blockages. To prevent this, as well as frequent brushing, we can give them malt and cat grass, which helps with purging to expel any hairballs.Cat malt is a brown paste that adheres to any fur accumulated in the intestine, encouraging it to pass and stopping it from accumulating.Some cats like malt, but others do not.  In this case, a small amount of malt can be placed on the cat’s front paw and it will lick it off when grooming.Short-haired cats should be given malt at least twice a week, increasing the dose for long-haired cats.  Cat grass has a similar effect to malt, and cat grass spray is useful for attracting the cat to a toy or scratcher by spraying it on the item in question. 

 

Tooth care

Like with any animal, brushing their teeth is not an easy task although it is extremely necessary, as the formation of tar damages the gums and favours infection, which could even mean that they will stop eating due to the pain.The best way of getting them used to it is by brushing from the age of 3 to 4 weeks. They can also get used to it as an adult, but the process is more complicated.A great deal of patience is required. The first step involves getting them used to the massages to open their mouth gradually and massaging around it.  If the cat is relaxed, while stroking it use your index finger of your other hand to massage the outside of its gums.  If it becomes nervous, you’re better of leaving it for another day.When brushing teeth, start carefully on one side and then the other. If you see any part is inflamed, stop and see your vet.Over time, the next step involves placing gauze on your index finger and continue massaging its gums and then its teeth.When it has got used to the gauze, you can replace it with a toothbrush.  Then, and only then, will you start using toothpaste for cats.

 

Nail clipping

Clipping nails will depend on each individual cat. If it is very jumpy and you cannot gain its trust, it’s best to see your vet.If it is receptive, place the cat somewhere with good lighting and hold onto the cat’s paw firmly.  It is important never to cut right back, as this would cause great pain and significant bleeding because the root runs inside the nails.   

A new concept in aquariums

At ICA we continue to innovate, this time with the manufacture of a new concept in aquariums: the new, small and minimalistic Nano Aqualed Crystal.This is a decorative aquarium thanks to its pure white design with a zen feel to give a relaxing, different space wherever it is located.

Made of glass

During the design stage, our engineers and designers considered everything down to the finest detail:

1. It had to be made of glass for greater quality.
2. With an LED lighting system because it is longer lasting, safer and consumes less than conventional lighting systems.
3. There is a hole in the top for fish feeding.

Available in 3 sizes: The smallest holding 10 litres (20.7×20.7×26cm), the medium holding 20 litres (26.7×26.7×32cm) and the large holding 30 litres (29.7×29.7×35cm).