Top Tips To Prepare Your Home For A Cat

The summer forecast is calling for cats, cats and more cats because June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! With that in mind, it's a great time to head to your local animal shelter to bring home a new furry friend. Adopting a shelter cat can make a difference for felines in need because there are approximately 3.4 million waiting to find forever home. Unfortunately, less than half of shelter cats (1.4 million) are adopted each year and your local shelter is looking for people just like you to take a feline home. Since Adopt a Shelter Cat Month was established to bring awareness to the high number of homeless kitties looking for a home, let's take a look at some tips to prepare yourself and your house for a new cat!

Huge Variety To Choose From

Animal shelters across the country are filled with all kinds of cats and that means you'll have some decisions to make when choosing one or more to join your family. From domestic short hairs to Persians to Maine Coons and more, you'll be surprised at the number of breeds available! It goes without saying that cats some in all different shapes, sizes and colors, but one thing is for sure, take one look at their eyes and you'll fall in love – no matter what they look like. While you check out the available cats, be sure to ask the shelter staff how the breed behaves because you'll want to choose one that can fit your lifestyle. Some breeds are more energetic or cuddly than others, so do some research so you can pick one that'll suit your preferences. Also, bear in mind they have their own unique personality, so it may take some time to gauge how they will behave in your home.

Stock Up

Before you head home with your new furry friend, it's important to get all the supplies they need before you let them loose in your house. Sometimes new pet owners will bring them home first out of excitement and then realize they don't have any supplies! With that in mind, you'll need the following basics:

•  Litter box & litter 
•  Food bowl & water bowl
• Collar & a cat carrier

The above items are the bare necessities, so let's take it a step further! Head to the local pet supply store and pick up cat toys – they'll need some stimulation during the day when you're not home, so consider some fun toys for them. Things like balls, stuffed mice (the ones filled with catnip are always a favorite among felines), a scratching post (you don't want them to scratch your furniture) and a cat tower (usually has a few vertical levels with little cubby holes). Additionally, if you have other pets or just want to be extra cautious, order flea prevention for cats online because you'll typically find lower priced medication.

Visit The Veterinarian

After you've taken your new furry friend home, schedule a visit with your vet for a general wellness check. Even though most shelter cats are updated on their vaccinations, it'll provide you with the extra assurance that your cat is healthy and happy. On top of that, the cat you may have chosen could have been a new addition to the shelter, so it may not have been neutered or spayed yet. The vet can provide you with that service and give you some more insight on caring for your new cat.

Are you ready to make a difference this month by adopting a shelter cat?

World Veterinary Day Is April 30th

Did you know April 30^th is World Veterinary Day?  This special day honors veterinarians all around the world to commemorate their hard work that contributes to healthier and happier animals. This annually celebrated day was first initiated in 2000 by the World Veterinary Association and is recognized on the last Saturday each April. Veterinarians play a crucial role in protecting global health because they have the responsibility and opportunity to improve the health and welfare of all animals.

Many pet parents depend on the veterinary supplies and services provided by their veterinarian because they have the skills and training to get our furry friends back to good health! So, how can you give back and show appreciation for all the hard work your veterinarian has done? Let's check out some great ways to make our veterinarians feel appreciated on April 30^th!

1. Call Your Vet

A simple phone call to your vet with a "Happy World Veterinary Day" is enough to show your appreciation! Not only will they be happy to hear that, but they will be impressed you knew about the special day.

2. Send A Card

Greeting cards aren't only for winter holidays, they can be the perfect token of appreciation for your vet. A heartfelt message and even a picture of your pet can make their day.

3. Send A Gift Basket

It's without a doubt that veterinarians will go above and beyond to help you and your pet, so what better way to show your appreciation than sending them a gift basket! No matter how small or large, your act of kindness will go a far way.

4. Send Referrals

Another fantastic way to send your vet some appreciation is by sending their clinic pet-patient referrals. Whether you tell your friends about them or send your family members to them, you are showing the vet you appreciate their care services.  

Are you ready to show your vet the appreciation they deserve? 

The Purr-fect Day For Cat Adoption

Spring is in the air and the month of March is filled with purr-fect holidays centered around fantastic felines! This month boasts two cat-loving holidays: Cuddle Kitten Day on March 23^rd and Respect Your Cat Day on March 28^th. While the origins of both annual holidays are unknown, cat lovers don't need an excuse to give their felines some extra loving. At any rate, these two spectacular days provide you with the perfect opportunity to adopt a cat from your local animal shelter. With that said, here are some cat adoption tips to make the process easy, fast and fun!

Prepare Your Home

Before you bring your new furball home, you'll need to prepare it with all the supplies you will possibly need to care for it. With that in mind, some cat caring staples include:

• Litter box
• Food & water bowl
• Toys – especially cat scratching posts
• Cat bed
• Treats

While those are just the essentials, it's important to stock up on other supplies like cat medicine, grooming tools (brush, cat-specific shampoo) and a collar. Also, be sure that you prepare yourself for a long-term furry companion as cats can live to an age in upwards of 15 to 20 or more years!

Consider The Source

One of the first places you should check for a cat is your local animal shelter because more times than not, they are over capacity in terms of how many cats they can house. Unfortunately, many felines found at shelters are euthanized each year because they simply do not have the proper funds to care for them over the long term. While it is a sad reality, you can step in to help by adopting a cat at the local shelter but the positive aspect to it, these cats are up-to-date on their shots and many are already spayed or neutered.

If the animal shelter is too far away from your home, you could consider adoption at a nearby pet store. Many pet stores will actually sponsor cats from the local shelters and have them in their care at their store. This means you could find a cat to adopt at the pet store and just following their adoption procedures. Just note that it may take a few extra days to take your kitty home because the pet store sends your adoption application to the animal shelter and that takes some time to process.

Upon Arrival

As soon as you can take your cat home, make sure that you understand most cats are not big fans of traveling, so they may be a little temperamental during transportation. Nevertheless, once you arrive home, give your cat some time to adjust to their new environment as they may be shy or nervous for the few first days. If you think about it, they were just in a completely different environment at the shelter or pet store, so they will need time to assimilate and explore their new home.

Let your new cat become familiar with a limited area at first where they will have access to their litter box and food and once they are more comfortable, you can let them roam freely. Over the next few weeks, your cat will get acquainted with you, your family members and other household pets, and you'll start to truly see their personality unravel. The amount of time it takes for your cat to get comfortable will vary, so let them adjust on their own terms and guide you through their level of attention, whether that be hand petting, sitting on your lap, etc. Provide them with the necessary creature comforts and give them the companionship they seek, and your new cat will be happy and content in no time! 

Does Your Pet Have A Healthy Smile?

Everyone smiles when they are happy; it's one of the easiest ways to read someone's emotions. When our pets are happy, it's a little harder to tell but we can usually read their body language or behavior. While many people will endlessly debate over the act of an animal smiling, one thing every pet parent really needs to invest time in is their pets' oral health. Whether or not they can smile, one thing is for sure, their oral health can play a vital role in their overall well-being. With that said, February is Pet Dental Care Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to brush up on your pets' oral health.

It may come to as a surprise to you but the American Veterinary Medical Association says that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by three years old and that can lead to serious health threats like infections in vital organs that can result in death. Some common signs and symptoms of an oral health problem include bad breath, teeth covered in tartar, loose or discolored teeth, your pet is uncomfortable chewing or being touched around the mouth and they may excessively droll or continuously drop food out of their mouth.

Now that you know the seriousness of pet oral health, here are some great tips you should follow!

Schedule A Cleaning

While many of us can just head to the dentist for a dental cleaning every six months, your pet should be treated no different. You should schedule a dental cleaning for your pet at least once a year at the veterinarian's office. Your vet will perform a full dental exam to check for oral disease and other dental dilemmas as well as properly clean their teeth and gums. They will remove any tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth as well as rid of any food debris.

Brush Up

In-between dental cleanings at the vet, you should begin an in-home brushing routine for your pet. In fact, you can pick up pet-specific toothbrushes and pastes that can help you clean their teeth and gums. You might not be able to get as thorough of a clean as the vet can, but it's a lot better than not doing it at all. Be sure to add toothbrushes and pastes to your pet supplies for optimal dental care.   

Plaque Fighting Treats

Did you know you can buy treats that help control tartar and plaque buildup? Not only can you reward your pet with a tasty treat, but it'll serve as an oral health benefit!

Pet Food With Oral Care

Alongside the plaque fighting treats, consider buying pet food with oral care benefits. Some pet food brands have specifically marked food products that have specially designed kibbles and bits that reduce plaque and tartar.

For more dental care tips, talk with your veterinarian as they can suggest even more tips! 

Three Things You Need Before You Bring Your Dog Home

There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new dog.  You’ve given careful thought to the kind of pet you want, have gone to countless shelters, and are now finally ready to bring your new friend to their forever home.  You have all of the adoption paperwork in order and have pet food, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to properly care for your pup.  Dogs require more than a leash and some food; they require a lot of care.  Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you have these things ready.

A quiet corner

If you think that you’re excited to get your new pet home, just wait until you see how your dog reacts to their new house.  New homes means new people, new routines, and a new life, and while exciting, that can get very tiring and even stressful for your new dog.  That’s why it’s important for you to make sure that your dog will have a quiet area to retreat to when they get too excited.  If you plan on crating your dog, their quiet area could be where their crate will be.  Make it comfortable for them, and maybe have a few toys and a calming blanket for them to snuggle.

A dog proof dwelling

Bringing home a new baby isn’t the only reason people should make sure that their home is safe for new arrivals.  Dogs (especially puppies) can get into things rather easily, so you’re going to want to make sure that your home is safe for them.  Tape loose electrical cords to baseboards to make sure they don’t trip or chew on them.  Have all of your cleaning supplies locked up, and make sure that you have latches on locks for any cabinets your dog could get into.  Move your breakables to high shelves, and remove plants and rugs.

The first vet appointment scheduled

Your dog was most likely checked out at the shelter, but you should still let their regular vet examine them after they’re officially adopted.  It isn’t just important to get your dog used to their vet, it’s also essential for their health.  Ticks and fleas are common in shelters along with other parasites and diseases, and it’s possible that animal doctor at the shelter missed a few things.  Also be sure to talk to your vet about what they recommend for preventative care.  Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention for dogs is a must, along with regular vaccinations.

Medical Supplies Every Cat Owner Should Have

People love their cats, and most pet owners will do whatever they can to make sure that their feline friend is well taken care of.  You’ll only buy them the best food available, give them tons of toys, and shower them with attention.  Some of your friends joke that you treat your cat like a human, and you couldn’t tell them that they’re wrong.  After all, sometimes the best way to care for a pet is to think about the needs you have, and how your pet may have similar requirements. 

You need food and water just like your pets do, and you also sometimes need a little medical help.  Our cats can get bumps and scrapes like we do, and sometimes a first aid kit can come in handy.  You have a medicine cabinet full of things for you, so why shouldn’t your cat have one?  Keep in mind that you should always take your cat to the vet if you’re concerned about their health, but there are things you can do at home to help them.  If you want to make sure that you have something available in case your cat is having a medical problem, make sure that you have these things around your home.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes happen, and with the right tools on hand you can care for any of your cat’s minor injuries.  You don’t need anything elaborate for bandaging material.  Gauze squares and rolls are essential for applying pressure to a wound.  A flexible wrap can also help apply needed pressure to the wound.

Muzzle or towel

Sometimes when a cat is injured, they may get a little agitated and difficult to control.  Remember, you need to keep yourself safe so that you can help your cat.   A towel can easily be used to hold the cat in place in case they start scratching you.

Eyedropper

If you need to administer medication to your cat, an eyedropper will be very helpful.  Getting a cat to take a pill in regular circumstances is difficult enough, but trying to do it while they’re sick or scared is going to be impossible.  Try to get a liquid form of the medicine for cats that you’re administering. 

Eyewash

Cats can get into dirt and dander, and some have a tendency to get things in their eyes.  Eyewash can help flush out any irritants easily.  Make sure that you don’t get anything that’s harsh or could make irritation worse.  The only ingredients should be purified water or saline.