 Advertisement
Who You Gonna Call? February 28, 2008 Lost a pet? Here are some solutions that can lead to a wonderful reunion End Bad Dog Breath Today February 14, 2008 Good dental care for your pet is quickly becoming an essential The Search for the Perfect Pet February 14, 2008 A new Animal Planet series helps would-be pet owners find the right fit Something to Chew On February 7, 2008 Getting items removed from an animal’s gastrointestinal tract can be a trying – and expensive – ordeal Snout in a Book January 24, 2008 With the help of some attentive, well-trained dogs, children across the country are learning to read Home, Sweet New Home January 17, 2008 Moving? Don’t forget about making adjustments to help your pet adjust to his or her new surroundings Dogs Hit the Catwalk for Charity January 10, 2008 An Atlanta high school teacher comes up with the perfect way to challenge his students: A four-legged fashion show TV Time for Utah Animal Sanctuary January 10, 2008 Best Friends Animal Society to be featured on new National Geographic Channel mini-series Winter Know-How Keeps Pets Safe January 3, 2008 When temperatures plummet and inclement weather abounds, take extra precautions to protect your furry friend Inside the Secret Life of Dogs December 27, 2007 Dogs can’t speak English, but they still can tell you everything you need to know to make them happy, healthy and well behaved Take 2 Wags and Call Me in the Morning December 20, 2007 Therapy dogs assist the sick, and even the well, armed with nothing but a fuzzy face and an attentive ear Rubbed the Right Way December 13, 2007 Animal massage is gaining credibility – and popularity – as a cure for what ails our four-legged friends Man’s Best Friend? December 13, 2007 Dogs often bite people they know. Here’s how to avoid potential mishaps I’m Calling on Behalf of Max … December 6, 2007 Dogs ingest many dangerous and potentially fatal items, and making one phone call could be the difference between life and death The ‘Click’ Clique November 29, 2007 Clicker training is expanding its dog-only status as the go-to method for training to include horses, rabbits, llamas and even cats Home, Not-So Alone November 15, 2007 An increasing number of pet owners are opting for in-house caregivers to tend to their pets while away for the holidays Keep Pets Safe, Happy for the Holidays November 8, 2007 An increase in food, decorations and parties during the holiday season also increases accident risks – here is how to keep your pets out of harm’s way Barking Up the Wrong Tree November 1, 2007 In the wake of the Ellen DeGeneres adoption scandal, questions abound regarding the rights of pet owners Rock-a-bye Puppy October 25, 2007 Music therapists have discovered traditional lullabies put animals at ease – just no classical, please! Care and Care Alike October 18, 2007 Mobile units across the country bring services to rural animals that would otherwise go without veterinary care and preventative treatments Break the Chains October 3, 2007 Dogs on a tether are more aggressive and susceptible to injury, and animal rights activists are aiming to bring an end the chain of terror Teething Puppies October 1, 2007 Excessive chewing, blood and tooth-loss are all common signs that a puppy is teething – here's what to do Call It ‘Puppy’ Love September 27, 2007 Trained therapy animals help patients and their families overcome trauma and cope with illness Don’t Drink the Toilet Water September 23, 2007 Dogs that dip into an unclean water supply can ingest bacteria and toxic chemicals that could make them ill Pro Athletes Make 'Time' For Animals September 20, 2007 The Houston Astros step up to the plate with a charity calendar to support the pets in their community Providing for Pets September 13, 2007 Take steps to ensure a lifetime of proper care for your pets in case of death, illness When Fido Becomes Sneezy September 9, 2007 Like humans, many pets suffer from seasonal allergies – here's how to provide relief How to Keep Pets Safe in Extreme Heat August 16, 2007 Shade, water and common sense could save your pet's life when temperatures rise That Dog’s Really Ugly August 14, 2007 Elwood holds the title of world’s ugliest dog, but at heart he’s a charmer who loves the spotlight
Adopt a pet at
PetFinder.com (Results will appear on PetFinder.com)  Ways to Welcome Home a New Feline
From Allie Phillips of King Street Cats, a cat-rescue group in Alexandria, Va., which holds open adoptions at downtown locations every Sunday
A new home can seem huge, intimidating and overwhelming. So find a room that will allow the cat to get accustomed to the smells and sounds. Placing a cat-calming Feliway plug-in device in the room may also help.
Make introductions slowly
If you have other cats or pets, a several-step introduction is best. First, allow your current pets to see the new cat through a baby-gated doorway or by someone holding the new cat while your current pet is held and petted (to reduce anxiety and jealousy.) Cats will invariably growl and hiss during introductions. Keep petting and talking to all pets. Let the pets decide when they want to get closer to sniff each other, which may take days or even weeks.
Kitty-proof your home
If this is your first cat, be sure electrical cords are hidden or secured to avoid chewing; check tables and shelves for breakable items; beware of lit candles on low tables; and be sure basements and other areas don’t have small openings to the outdoors. Lock away cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and other toxins with baby-proof hinges. Have at least one litter box per cat.
Provide supervision
During the first weeks of allowing your new cat to roam free in your house, it's best to be watchful. You can help it locate litter boxes and food/water bowls and you'll discover its hiding places. And if you have other pets, you can ensure there are no conflicts.
Give lots of love
Keep your level of attention for existing pets consistent when a new cat arrives. If you suddenly stop or reduce the level of play and interaction with current pets, jealousy can ensue and the new cat could become the target of attacks. Engage in playtime with all the cats together.
|
