The Cat Crusade

At the same time of year when the world shrugs off its brown muddy leaves and dons the lush, verdant cape of spring and summer, an audible mewing sound joins the melody of nature’s song. It’s kitten season! Kitten season begins in early spring and continues through late summer. During this time, unfixed female cats can go into heat several times a week and can give birth multiple times. It’s a busy season for outdoor cats and while an influx of kittens might seem like the cutest thing next to a basket of puppies, shelters must often deal with the repercussions, seeing their numbers of cats skyrocket in a short period of time.

Why Are So Many Cats Crowding Shelters?

The reason is two-fold. Many adult cats are not neutered or spayed and far too many cats are let outside to become outdoor cats where the world becomes their playground. This outdoor lifestyle allows them to reproduce fast and as often as they want since they have the opportunity to meet many other eligible unfixed male and female cats. Currently, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, located in Madison, NJ has 188 cats, and they aren’t alone. Animal shelters all over New Jersey and the U.S are inundated with an overwhelming number of homeless cats and kittens every year.

What’s being done to curtail this dilemma? St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ is offering low-cost vouchers for areas in Northern New Jersey that suffer the most from an over-population of cats. These vouchers allow kind care-givers of stray cats the opportunity to spay or neuter these cats for a minimal fee. The vouchers micro-chip and even provide vaccinations for the strays.

How Can You Help?
If you have a cat, make sure you spay or neuter your frisky friend. If it can be avoided, keep your cat indoors, it is much safer and will in all likelihood increase the longevity of your feline. Make sure to adopt your cat. Shelters are over-run with felines and need your help in caring for these graceful creatures. Right now, if you adopt a cat at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, you can receive a gift certificate for use at Morris Animal Inn. June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, so what better time?! If you are not ready to make the jump, foster a cat until the shelter is able to place it in a forever home. St. Hubert’s rescues a number of kittens during this season and could also use item donations to help nurture the kittens. Morris Animal Inn will be a drop-off location for these items. The items on their wish list are:
-Kitten milk replacer (KMR)
-Canned kitten food (no fish flavors)
-Toys
-Baby wipes
-Baby food (no onions or onion powder)
-Soft blankets
-Heating pads

Join the cat crusade and help our whiskered friends find homes, comfort, and the warmth of love!

Resources:
-http://www.rescueguide.com/
-http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-national/spring-marks-the-beginning-of-kitten-season

Social Kitty

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month, so if you have always wanted a spunky whiskered creature in your life, now is the perfect time to grant that wish! Cats are filling up shelters, but they all want their forever homes. If you already have a cat, are worried about socializing an older cat, or incorporating a new kitty into your life in general, read on for some tips to help seamlessly socialize your feline.

 Importance of Touch
All living things must be touched in order to feel loved, and in turn happy. This includes your iridescent eyed cat. However, it is important to remember that some cats love to be touched while others like it in small doses. Do not force it. Spend a little time each day, stroking and petting your cat in his or her favorite spots. Give kitty a little treat or some tuna after each petting session to reinforce it as a positive experience. If your cat lashes out, reprimand him or her by saying firmly, "No!"

Playtime and Activity
Cats are young at heart and love to engage in short bursts of activity. Nurture the spirited frisky side of your cat with a scheduled playtime several times a day, which can help strengthen your bond with your cat. If your cat is staying at Morris Animal Inn, we have numerous activities to choose from that will engage your cat. Our Pampered Pet Sessions provide your cat with the hands-on attention he or she receives at home with time for petting, lap time on a rocking chair, and opportunities to view our fish tank. Teaser Play Sessions are less hands on and are fun for any cat. Teaser sessions include teasing with a peacock feather, a mouse, laser light, and a variety of other toys. The Kitty Play Room is ideal for cats desiring more freedom. Allow your cat the chance to explore the fun of our play room that includes climbing and scratching posts, skylights with outside views, toys, catnip, and comfortable furniture.

Strangers=No Danger

Exposing your cat to visitors can be highly beneficial as it forces your feline to adjust to the concept of strange people moving in and around your house, i.e your cat's space. However, do not force people upon your cat. If Fluffy runs and hides that's ok. When your cat grows comfortable with the situation, he or she will eventually emerge to further investigate, which should be encouraged. Urge visitors to speak in low, soft voices and allow your cat to approach them first. Even a visit and overnight stay at Morris Animal Inn can aid in this process as your cat must adapt to new sights, smells, and people. Our staff members are trained to interact with cats and know how to make them comfortable in their new environs.

Though cats can be inherently anti-social, you can help shape your cat’s personality by the way you raise your special kitty!

Sources: Catster.com

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Memorial Day weekend will soon be  upon us ushering in the ensuing summer months of popsicles, sunburn, and bathing suits worn like second-skins, so get ready! But before the festivities begin, take time to dog proof your house and backyard to ensure your Memorial Day Celebrations run smoothly for both you and your furry guests.

SCOOP THE YARD
If your celebration is outdoors in the backyard, make sure to mow the lawn and scoop any of your dog’s eliminations so no one steps onto a smelly surprise in your backyard. Have pooper scoopers available throughout the day to prevent this from happening.

THE AQUATIC LIFE
If your pool is open for the summer, make sure there is always a lifeguard on duty to watch youngsters and water-loving dogs. Some dogs can be excellent swimmers but can have trouble finding their way out of the pool or may wear themselves out. Investing in doggie life-jackets is always a safe and an excellent idea.

GUARD FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Make sure that alcoholic beverages are not lying on the ground or the edges of picnic tables within easy reach of your curious canine. Any type of alcoholic beverage is potentially poisonous to pets. Other foods you should never let your canine ingest are grapes, chocolate, and onions all of which can be poisonous to dogs. Since your grill will most likely be fired up and an abundance of meat will be floating around, protect the food from prying wet noses and flies with mesh food tents that open up like an umbrella to fit over wide platters of food. Tell guests to keep food scrap feeding to a minimum so that your dog does not get sick from too much grub and indulgent food that he or she is not accustomed to eating on a regular basis.

MOSQUITO PREVENTION
The later your party runs, the more likely mosquitoes will show up as extra guests you did not bargain for. Preventative measures such as citronella candles and bug spray can be used, but must be monitored. You do not want your dog to get anywhere near these substances as they can be toxic for Fido.

SAFEGUARD THE EXITS
With family and friends coming and going, it is likely that a door or gate might be left open. Keep a vigilant eye on the exits to prevent this from happening and tell all of your guests to do the same. Make sure that your pet has identification on, like a collar with identification tags.

BACK-UP PLAN
If the thought of keeping an eye on your dog, let alone cooking and cleaning for a large group of guests stresses you out, or your travel plans are taking you far from home, you can always bring your pup to Morris Animal Inn where we can help Fido or Fluffy celebrate the federal holiday in safety and style!