Tips for the First 30 Days of Cat Adoption

Warmer weather brings kitten season, which is why The American Humane Association has designated June as Adopt-A-Cat-Month. Thousands of cats and kittens will be looking for a forever home not only for the month of June, but all year long. Start off on the right foot by being well-prepared for your furry new arrival by avoiding the rocky adjustment period and getting right down to the lovin'!

Make sure everyone in the house is prepared for a new cat. Visiting the shelter or animal control facility should be a family affair.  When adopting a new cat to join your existing pets, discuss with the adoption facility or your veterinarian how to make a proper introduction.

Spend time with a few kitties to determine which will be a good fit.  Ask to take the cat or kitten out of its cage and find an area at the shelter where you can spend some time with her.  Remember that animals in shelters can be nervous around new noises and smells so be prepared for the cat to take a little while to warm up to you.  Although, some cats are so friendly that they may begin bonding with you the moment they meet you!  Spending time petting and talking to the cat or kitten should give you insight into its personality to help you decide if it’s a good fit. 

Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives.  Try to create a “homelike” environment for your new cat right away.  You’ll need: a litter box, litter, food, treats and water bowls,  scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush, and nail clippers.

Kitten-proof Your Home. Kittens can get tangled or choked by anything swinging or hanging.  Keep your new pet safe by securely anchoring drape or blind cords out of reach. To prevent chewing on electric and phone cords, bundle them with a cord manager and fasten away from kittens' reach.  Rubber bands, jewelry, Christmas decorations, balloons and other small items are dangerous to kittens that may swallow them.  Remove poisonous plants and roach or ant traps and make sure the toilet lid is down.  Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets closed so your kitten doesn't encounter bleach, detergent, dental floss and other household items when exploring.  In the laundry area, keep washer and dryer doors closed: A kitten may climb into a warm dryer for a nap.  Remember, if something would be harmful for a toddler, it's potentially harmful for your kitten.

Do see a vet ASAP.  Kittens seem indestructible, but can get sick easily.  A vet’s early diagnosis improves the chances of a speedy recovery.  Screening tests, preventive care,  vaccinations, flea prevention and worm medications, save lives and ensure that your kitten grows to healthy adulthood.

Slowly Introduce Other Family Members.  Everyone in the family will be anxious to get to know the new cat but she may not be ready to have several unfamiliar people crowded in her sanctuary room (a room you designate as her safe zone before letting her free into the rest of the house).  Do individual introductions slowly and see how she responds.  If she’s hiding and seems nervous, back off and let her gain confidence in her new surroundings.  There will be plenty of time later to make formal introductions.

Have you recently introduced a newly adopted cat or kitten into your home? Tell us about it @fetchpetcare

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Cool and Happy on a Hot Day

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Cool and Happy on a Hot Day

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner.  While you enjoy these sunny days with your family (Fido + Whiskers included), try your hand at a few of these creative ideas that not only keep your pet cool, but also entertained.

The Doggie Ice Lick: Keep your canine friends cool this summer by making an ice lick that will peak your dog's interest by freezing chew toys inside a bucket filled with a mix of water and chicken broth. You can make the ice lick by simply adding a mixture of water and one can of chicken broth.  The mix will make it taste better and the salt will help keep Fido hydrated. The chew toys will give him or her another point of interest — especially if you add a carrot or two. 

The Kitty Snug Retreat: This is a place where your cat can retreat for relaxation and to feel safe.  It is easy to make! Simply place a cardboard box on its side and put it somewhere that is quiet and out of the way, such as in a closet, behind a chair, or near a cool spot in the house.  Line it with a terry towel or other cotton, breathable natural fabric that is not too warm.  Stick an ice pack inside a t-shirt and place it into the snug retreat underneath the towel for added cooling effect.  Another good idea is to place towels or sheets over the spots the cat usually likes to sit, to create a cool barrier between their fur and the normally warmer surfaces.  A hot water bottle can be filled with cool or cold water and left out for Whiskers to lie on.

Invest in a Kiddie Pool: I find so much joy in watching my two dogs make a splash in their kiddie pool.  Leave it filled with water so they can take a dip at their leisure.  You can find inexpensive kiddie pools at practically any big-box store, however, if you have a large breed dog, I would recommend a shallow Rubbermaid stock tank like this. Trust me, as I learned the hard way yesterday when my Shepherd puppy figured out how to tug the inexpensive kiddie pool into the house!

DIY Frozen Treats!  Your pup will love you a million times more once he gets his paws on this yummy snack!  This quick and easy recipe is also cat-friendly — you’ll need only 6 items: an ice cube tray, one can of tuna, some water, a mixing bowl, a blender, and a Ziploc bag.

         Start by mashing the tuna in a bowl.  Do not drain the water.  Add about ½ cup of water into the mix.  Blend you mixture, and place it in a Ziploc Bag. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the Ziploc Bag, and squeeze the mixture into the ice cube trays. Freeze and serve!

To make these treats even extra special – try a fabulous ice cube tray like this silicone paw print tray!

What are your warm weather tips? Let us know in the comments below or tweet them to us @fetchpetcare

What to Know About Dog Breeders

What to Know About Dog Breeders

Buyer beware: Take this checklist with you if you will be looking to acquire your dog from a breeder.

If you’re looking to bring a new furry addition into the family, you may be considering different options.  At Fetch! Pet Care, we recommend your first stop be to your local pet shelter, where many loveable pets are eagerly awaiting a new home ! If you are looking for a particular breed and are not in a hurry, let the shelter know and they can usually help you find the perfect pet.  Another option is researching one of the many breed-specific rescue organizations to find the right pet for you.  However, if you have your mind set on utilizing a breeder, we’ve put together a list of 8 qualities to help identify a great, reputable breeder.

      1.    A good breeder will offer you references, with names and contact information of clients who can vouch for the breeder’s quality and reputation.

      2.   Does the breeder allow you to take your time?  A good breeder will show you around their home or facility, answer all of your questions and not rush you into making a decision.

     3.  You should never see the breeder’s dogs overcrowded or in unkempt conditions.

     4. The breeder should be able to explain to you in detail the potential genetic and developmental problems inherent to the breed. 

     5.  Good breeders often offer guidance or training for after you take your puppy home. If the breeder does not have any training recommendations or resources, then you may not be dealing with a professional.

      6.   The breeder should specialize in only one breed of dog.  This means that they are experts in a specific breed and know exactly what they are doing and how to educate you on the breed.

      7.   It’s a good sign when breeders ask potential parents a series of questions — they want to be sure you are ready for the responsibility and are familiar with the personality and potential health risks associated with the breed.  Often times, they will want to inspect your home before making an agreement.

       8.    A good breeder should have a solid relationship with a veterinarian.  Most breeders work exclusively with one veterinarian and should be open to sharing their contact information with you.

Tell us about your experience when adopting from a breeder in the comments below, or tweet it to us @fetchpetcare.