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Posts Tagged ‘ adopting a cat ’

When You Check out a Rescue Group, They’ll Check You Out, Too!

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Jessie, the lovable and huggable dog: So now that you have decided to get a rescue dog, what should you expect from the rescue group?  When you visit a rescue, look around to make sure it is a clean facility and that the dogs appear to be fit, friendly, and healthy.  If it is a reputable group, the rescue should be more than willing to provide references, including a veterinarian and a few prior adopters.

Rescue dogs should be spayed or neutered, have their vaccinations up-to-date, and be as healthy as possible before you purchase them.

Reputable rescue groups strive to match each applicant with an appropriate dog.  They know which types of dogs enjoy being around kids, which ones can peacefully co-exist with other pets, which ones are high-energy, and which ones prefer to just laze around (that’s code for Bo, the cat blogger here!).

Be prepared for the rescue group to ask a lot of questions, as they cannot make a good match if they are not aware of your home environment.

Among the questions you might be asked include:

*Why do you want this particular breed?

*Do you have the time and energy to handle an energetic and lively dog?

*Will the dog stay inside or outside?

*Do you have children, and, if so, how old are they?

*Do you have other pets?

*Do you plan to take this pet to the veterinarian at least annually?

This is serious business!  The rescue group is not only looking out for your best interests, but for the best interests of the dogs, as well.

It can be an arduous process.  Some rescue groups may stop by the potential adopter’s home and assess the living conditions.  They will also notice how the dog you desire interacts with you.  If it is not a positive interaction, they will probably not allow for the adoption to go through.

There are a lot of variables, but getting a pet from a rescue group is such a great thing to do!  The one thing you need to have plenty of is love, patience, and, in Bo’s case, lots of cat nip! (And a good cat bed upon which to lie around and be, well, just plain lazy!  I am the one who does all the work around here!)

Here is a dog, Turner, available for adoption in the Kansas City area from the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.  Check petfinder.com for more information on Turner!

Turner

Thanks to canismajor.com and its Dog Owner’s Guide for this great information!)

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Pure or Mixed Breed – How to Decide

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Bo, the inquisitive cat: When it comes to dog and cats, they fall into one of two categories:  purebreds or mixed breeds.  Bear in mind that the chief difference between the two is that purebred, due to their parents and ancestors before them, are all members of the same breed.  In short, they adhere to a breed standard, and, as a result, you stand a good chance of understanding their behaviors and physical characteristics.

With mixed breeds, the behavior, appearance, and size can also be predicted, as they are, after all, simply combinations of different breeds.

Do not confuse choosing a purebred with a guarantee of stellar health and temperament. In fact, when you obtain those “papers” from with the purchase of a purebred dog or cat, the only thing you are obtaining is the certification from the registry organizations of the reported lineage and identify of the animal.

Mixed breeds do come with distinct advantages.  Think about it:  when you adopt a  mixed breed, you are getting the best of more than one breed.  You are getting benefits from two or more different breeds all in one cute, adorable, and loving package!  Plus, mixed breeds are less likely to have a genetic defect that is common in certain purebred dogs and cats.

Edcuate yourself about the type of breed you desire. Learn as much about the breed, or breeds if you are going the mixed breed route, and figure out which type of pet best suits your lifestyle.  For example, a Labradoodle might not be a good fit for a small apartment dweller in the big city, and you may not want a Yorkie-Poo if you want a companion for your weekend hunting trips!

(This information was obtained through the web site of the Humane Society of  the United States.  Thanks!)

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Posted in Human Pet Connection, cats, dogs, pet care | 1 Comment »

Are You Truly Ready to Adopt a Cat?

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Bo, the esteemed scholar and educated cat: I decided to be a bit esoteric in my point of view today.  Instead of rambling aimlessly about one topic or another, throwing a jab or two at Jessie along the way, I have decided to compile a list of considerations for you to ponder before you go ahead and adopt a cat.

Adopting a cat, or any pet for that matter, is a true act of kindness, for you are saving a life.  But before you adopt a cat, be sure to consider the following before you fully commit to your new pet:

1.) Everyone in your household should be in agreement with the adoption.  Your new cat could be a part of your family for 10 to 15 years.  Is everyone ready to make that commitment?

2.) Are you patient enough to understand the needs of your cat and the manner in which it communicates to you?

3.) If there are children under the age of six, it is best to wait a few years before adopting that kitty, as they have extra sharp teeth and claws and may lash out when teased.

4.) Be aware of any cat allergies someone in your household might have.  If you have a friend with a breed of cat similar to which you are considering adopting, spend some time with that cat before choosing your new pet.

5.) Sure, your kids will tell you that they will take care of the cat, but every wise adult knows that within days, if not hours, that promise dissolves.  As the responsible adult, are you willing to commit to the responsibilities of being a cat owner?

6.) Are you a group of home bodies, or does your family travel frequently?  Cats like routines.  Consider who will take care of your pet in your absence.

7.) If you live in an apartment, condo, or other rented place, are you even allowed to have a pet?  Be sure to find out first!

8.) Are you Type A with OCD and  prone to anxiety when anything is out of order in your home?  Be aware that your new cat may destroy some of your furniture or possibly have an accident on the floor.  And, heaven forbid, consider the potential for flea infestation!  Can you handle all of that without getting too stressed out?

9.) Finally, are you financially able to take care of a cat?  This includes medical care, food, toys, kitty litter, grooming, and any other supplies that can add up over time.

One thing you probably have more than enough of is love.  If you are considering adopting a pet, it is probably the emotion that has led you to your actions in the first place.  Just make sure to do all of your homework first before making that final decision.

If you finally do decided to adopt a cat, the love you receive in return for saving its life will be exponentially multiplied.  I bet you can deal with that!

(I dug up some of this information on  the Pet Place web site.)

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So Many Cool Reasons to Adopt a Cat Now!

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Bo here, the world’s best blogging cat!  With June as Adopt-A-Cat Month, I am a living testament as to how cool cats are and why you should adopt one now.

When you adopt a cat from your local shelter, you will enhance your life in numerous ways:

**If you are so lucky as to find a cat like me, we will keep you highly entertained for hours with our fun and clever antics.  No further need for cable or Direct TV!  Just watch us!

We are loving and affectionate and enjoy cuddling with you.

We are good medicine.  Did you know that owning a cat can reduce your blood pressue and prevent heart disease?  (Dogs, however, may give you a heart attack!  Take our resident dog, Jessie, for example, why she is so….oops….the editors at Joy of Living are glaring at me right now.  Guess I should not have said that.  I retract my statement about dogs.)

Cats are clean.  In fact, we clean ourselves!

We are an independent sort, too.  Go to work or out to eat.  We can take care of ourselves.  (Unlike Jessie here, who needs a sitter!)

How cool is this?  Cats do not need to be housebroken.  We are naturals at using a litter box.

We do not require lots of space, either, so we are perfect companions for apartment dwellers!

With just 15 minutes of play time daily, we stay fit and in shape!

Got kids?  If you have a cat as a pet, it can teach them the attributes of responsibility and ownership, as well as humane values.

About four million homeless cats wind up in animal shelters each year in the US.  When you adopt a cat, you save a life!  How cool is that?

(You can learn more from the American Humane web site.)

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This Dog is Promoting Adopt-A-Cat Month!

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Jessie, the wonderful dog: I was soooo excited to learn that June is National Adopt-A-Cat Month!  What a great way for me to find a way to get rid of Bo, the annoying cat in the house.  If anyone wants a mangy cat with an attitude….I mean, if anyone wants a lovable feline who will be your best friend for life, just drop me a line and I will see how I can meet your needs in that regard.

In keeping pace with the theme of the month, I did some research and am here to give you some insight into adopting a cat.

When you are looking for that one special kitty to bring home, you will want to find one that seems friendly and sociable. (Darn…guess this means no hope for Bo!)  Find a cat that likes to be touched and held.  This is the type of cat who will usually make the best pet and will adapt more readily to its new home environment…even if that means its new home is the city dump.  (Oops…sorry….did not mean to talk about Bo again!  My bad!)

Okay.  The editors are glaring at me now.  Time to be serious.  Will do.  When you do adopt a cat, try not to overwhelm it.  The stress alone in moving from where it was living to arriving at your home can be upsetting to the cat.  If you bring your new cat home in a pet carrier, the best way to introduce it to the new environment is to simply set the carrier down, open the door, and let it look around at its own pace. Make sure your home is quiet and peaceful at this time.  Loud noises will further stress your cat out. (Trust me… a stressed out kitty is not a good thing!)

When speaking, do so quietly and in a soothing manner.  Be sure to have on hand food, fresh water, and a litterbox at the ready.  This will give signals to your cat that he is at home and is safe.

Don’t be alarmed if the cat is a bit subdued and quiet for a couple of days.  Its true personality will come alive in soon.  It may take a few days for the cat to reveal its affection towards you, but that will happen.  Give your cat lots of love and plenty of time in your lap to relieve its anxiety.  (Of course for Bo, we have to reduce ourselves to medicinal measures for his anxiety!  Okay!  I am just kidding!  Can’t a dog poke fun at the resident cat?)

Well, I have to go do some more research for my next post.  I hope you enjoyed this one.  I found this information on some web site called Wise Geek.  Didnt’ know Bo had a web site.  Well, the Geek part is what makes me think it is his.  As for the wise ,well, I guess he attributed that to me.  Actually, it is not his site, but it does have some great info!  Maybe I should be a contributing writer!)

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