Why You Should Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

Posted on February 18, 2021 by ralekson

With many people still struggling financially in the current economy, the decision to spay or neuter a pet may be difficult.

A number of states have proposed mandatory spay/neuter laws. However there are currently no state laws requiring pet owners to sterilize their animals.

Fortunately, there are lots of affordable spay/neuter programs available, and you may be surprised just how beneficial it is to your pet:: www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter.

Finally, spaying and neutering helps control the pet population, so I highly recommend you have your pet altered.

Please contact us if we can assist you in any way with this important decision!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Does Your Cat Have Allergies?

Posted on February 15, 2021 by ralekson

What are the General Symptoms of Cats who Have Allergies?

Sneezing and coughing if she has asthma, wheezing
Increased scratching/itchy skin
Runny, itchy eyes
Itchy base of tail and back (although this is most commonly seen in flea allergies)
Ear infections and itchy ears
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Snoring due to an inflamed throat
Swollen paws/paw chewing

What Are Some Things Cats are Allergic to?

Dust pollens, tree, weed, mold mildew and grass
Food
Flea-control products and fleas
Prescription drugs
Perfumes
Cleaning products
Cigarette smoke
Fabrics
Plastic materials and rubber

Note: A flea allergy only requires the bite of a single flea to trigger intense itching for 2 to up to 3 weeks!

If you suspect your cat has allergies, visit your veterinarian. If she/he is unable to determine the source of the allergic reaction, a skin or blood tests and/or a special elimination diet will probably be recommended.

Removing offending allergens from the environment is the best way to treat allergies.

Are There Allergy Medications for Cats?

Your vet may prescribe cortisone or steroids to help control the allergy. However, allergy injections are the best way to treat airborne injections, because they treat the allergy itself instead of just masking the itch.

Antihistamines such as Benadryl may be used, but they work best preventatively, before your cat is exposed to the allergen. There are several flea-prevention products that can be applied monthly to the skin.

Please remember to never give your cat medications unless prescribed by a veterinarian!

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Tips for Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter

Posted on February 12, 2021 by ralekson

If you’re like me, your pets are like your children and the thought of leaving them with just anyone is unacceptable. It can be quite stressful to find the right person; no matter what someone says you simply never know who you are entrusting with the care of your beloved furry family member(s).

Being a mom of several cats and an experienced pet sitter myself, I know how difficult the process can be. If you are trying to find your first pet sitter, or a replacement pet care giver, here are some tips that I would like to share with you.

First impressions are everything! You may have a wonderful conversation on the phone with your potential care giver, but she/he will be interacting with your pet 95% of the time. Pay close attention to how your pet reacts when first meeting this person: animals are a VERY good judge of character.

References of course are a must. You should request as many as you feel necessary.

While the reasons for being licensed and insured are obvious, bonding helps give my clients peace of mind, especially since I am sometimes staying in their home.

If you would like some more advice on finding that perfect pet sitter, please contact me and I would love to discuss some other ways to ensure you find that perfect match for your fur baby.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Have You Considered Fostering a Dog or a Cat

Posted on February 9, 2021 by ralekson

Animal abandonment is a growing problem.

Because there is no reporting requirement, it is estimated that 6-8 million animals enter shelters every year. They include animals that have been surrendered by their owners for a variety of reasons, and animals found abandoned on the streets, and those left behind in homes.

Animal abandonment is unlawful in most states, and the consequence vary nationwide. Cruelty charges may also be appropriate if the animal is found to be injured, sick or dead.

What can I do to help?

If adopting an animal is not realistic for you, than you may want to consider becoming a foster parent. Being released from a shelter may mean the difference between life and death for a homeless dog. Animal shelters are often filled to capacity and can’t keep dogs for very long. Even in a no-kill shelter dogs are kept in kennels.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,

Adding an Additional Cat to Your Home

Posted on January 25, 2021 by ralekson

When throwing two cats into one environment you have to give proper consideration to their respective positions. Otherwise you may be asking for trouble.

Be patient when bringing a new cat into your home. The introduction must be gradual. It takes most cats 8-12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat.

Even if she has lived harmoniously with other cats in the past or was at the humane society, it’s unfortunately impossible to predict whether or not any two cats will get along.

The more cats you have, the higher the likelihood that there will be conflicts among them. The individual personalities of the cats are more important than any other factor, such as sex, age or size.

Step 1: Controlling First Impressions

If two cats display aggression during their first meeting, this may set the mood for their future relationship. It is strongly recommended that you separate your resident cat from your new cat when you first bring her home so that you can control their initial meeting.

The two cats should be able to smell and hear – but not see or touch – each other
Each cat should have her own food and water bowl, litter box and scratching post etc.
Feed the cats near the door that separates them so they learn that coming together (even though they can’t see each other) results in a pleasant experience.
In addition to regular cat food, feed the cats extra-special treats near the door as well
After two or three days, switch the cats’ locations so that they can investigate each other’s smell.
After a few more days, play with each of the cats near the door. You can encourage them to paw at toys under the door.

Step 2: Letting the Cats See Each Other

Assuming that you see no signs of aggression at the door (hissing, growling, etc) after a week or so, you can introduce the cats to each other.

Step 3: Letting the Cats Spend Time Together

Supervise these initial face-to-face interactions carefully.
After a meal or strenuous play is a good time to bring cats together, since they are likely to be relatively calm.
In case they begin to fight, keep a water bottle handy

Allow them longer and longer periods of time together as they become more familiar with each other.

Final Tips

When it comes to a multiple cat household, introduce each new resident to the newcomer individually.

Peace and Love are present in my world now,