Tips on Pets and Fireworks (A less than ideal combination)

"No, not fireworks!" Says Socko

Happy Fourth of July!

While we are out enjoying the independence this nation holds dear, please remember that our pets are often affected in a negative manner by fireworks. Even when we can't hear the BOOMS, they can. Also, the pressure can be felt in the air and they have no words to tell us how they feel. This can result in unusual behaviors including, but not limited to, the pet hiding, panting, running around, huddling close to the people they love and/or being more aggressive than usual.


Here are a few things we can do for our companions:

That's a good place to hide, Nemi!

• Be patient and calm but do not make a fuss. If your animal sees that you aren't reacting to the noise and the pressure, it will encourage them not to be freaked out either.

• If your pet finds a hiding place, leave them be. Sometimes the best thing they can do is wait it out.

• A bit of soothing music or white noise can help calm their fears and drown the other sounds out. 

• Don't leave them alone for too long. This will only add to their stress. 

• If your pet wears a thunder shirt or anxiety wrap during storms, put it on them during the fireworks. 

• Keep your pets inside. 

• If you have to take your dog outside, be sure they are on a leash. Even if you do not  leave your yard, that extra bit of security to keep them safe in case they get startled could save your dog from running off. 

• If they can be distracted, get them to focus on something they enjoy. (I.e. a game of fetch, a kong with yummies inside, some lettuce, chasing a feather wand, etc.) There's less room for fear if their minds are engaged elsewhere.

Lettuce distract Piglet!

What do you do to help your pets during the Fourth of July or other scary times? 

Please share your tips in the comments! 

Thanks!

ADDITION

A friend of mine pointed out this very helpful article that takes things a step further. With a bit of work, you can train your pets out of their fearful response. 

Here, she explains it better:

http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/fireworks/

A Letter to Peanut: The Not-So-Pregnant Cat

This is a difficult story to tell. But this is also an important story to tell.

Peanut

Dear Peanut,

I wish I could have done more for you. I know the truth about animal rescue lies deep in the heart of everyone who's ever tried. It's this truth that breaks our hearts: We can't save everyone.

The shelter I foster through got a call from a woman in her car. After calming her down, the receptionist found out that she'd seen a cat running across a busy street with a jar stuck on her head. The police of that town were called, but catching a freaked out cat with a jar on its head was about as easy as catching the wind. But they persevered and the cat was caught. She was brought into the shelter after hours... with the jar still on her head.

At the shelter, the peanut butter jar was removed. The vet checked her over and found that all the hair had been rubbed off her left ear and it was infected. She would need medication. It was also determined that she was pregnant.

And that's where I came in... literally. I walked into the shelter, returning my latest set of foster kittens, and was asked to take this kitty home with me.

This would be my first pregnant kitty! I was nervous and excited. All the other foster families said the mama would know what to do and all I had to do was give her safe place for her to give birth. I set up three soft and cushy nesting areas in our kitten fostering room. 

We named her Peanut for the peanut butter jar. She wasn't aggressive, nothing more than a few hisses when she got startled, but she was feral. Every time anyone came in the room, she hid. She tolerated me touching her and even putting ointment on her wounded ear, but she didn't like it. I would spend hours in the room with her. I would sit by where she was hiding and read to her aloud. After a while, she would visibly relax and seemed to become more comfortable with the sound of my voice. But she never came over to me; she never sought my attention.

She was incredibly skinny (we're talking skin and bones!) when we got her. The vet seemed to think that she'd have her kittens within a week. When that didn't happen, we figured that it only seemed like she was that far along in her pregnancy because of how skinny she was. She was putting on weight and getting healthier day by day, so we gave her more time.

At just a month of her not giving birth, we had plans to take her in to have the vet make sure everything was okay. That evening, she made some horrible meowing sounds. I kept checking on her. But every time I opened the door, she hid. Much to her disapproval, I checked her over. The next morning,  I opened the door to her room and stepped in goo. She had lost her mucus plug! According to my research, she should have her kittens with in twelve to twenty-four hours. But a day went by and nothing. So I took her in to the shelter to see the vet.

The vet checked her over and determined that she wasn't pregnant after all. She may have had a false pregnancy or there was a possibility that since she was so unhealthy, the fetuses had been reabsorbed or it might have merely been that it seemed like she was pregnant because her uterus was swollen. He also detected a mass that might have added to the confusion. At the shelter, they didn't have the equipment to assess the mass.

Then came the hardest part... The operations manager at the shelter sat me down and said she would support whatever decision I made, but I needed to be realistic. Her health wasn't stable and she wasn't becoming anymore social. Even if I took her home to foster her, even if we managed to raise the money to pay for some risky procedures, even if she survived, even if we found a home for her, she would not have a good quality of life and would have a stressed out existence. Even if I adopted her and could afford to pay her medical bills, I had to consider how having a feral cat would affect everyone - cats and humans - living in my house. Setting her free in the wild wasn't an option. The shelter I work with doesn't do that. Plus we knew she was not well and wouldn't survive.

I cried. It broke my heart, but I had to make the decision to let her go. This kitty that I had spent so much time with... Thankfully, the euthanasia went smoothly and she died peacefully.

I wish I could have done more for you, Peanut. I will never forget you.
j9

Kitten Season!

Did you know kittens have a season? 

While it is not a true season, it is the time of year that the majority of kittens are born.

Cosette

Biker Bunch Foster Kittens

It usually runs between mid to late spring and early to mid fall. I observed this first hand when I was working full time at the shelter. When I started in the winter, there were not many kittens there. But by early summer, the kitten room was overflowing into the lobby, there were kittens in almost all the foster homes and our intake room seemed to be bursting.

Female cats (or queens) are polyestrous, meaning they have several heat cycles in a year. While this means  they can have kittens any time of the year, they do not go into heat when the temperature is too cold. But weather fluctuates and there are exceptions to kitten season.

Pedro

Carmilla, Selene & St. Germaine

A little over two months after a warm snap in the middle of the winter during the second year I was working at the shelter, we had an influx of kittens being brought in. One with a frost bitten tail that half came off and another with frost bitten ears that lost their tips. Sadly, some of them did not make it.

Link

Since my bestie and I foster for a shelter, my house has seen many kittens coming through during kitten season. While they're adorable and exciting to have around, they're also a lot of work. Along with growing and socializing, they often need medications, have behavioral issues to work on, are messy, get into trouble and frequently manage to escape from whatever room they're in. The most heartbreaking part of fostering is when one of our little ones die.

Mugsy

Many times, when kittens are brought in without their mama, they are too young to be weened. Bottle feeding does not build their immune system like mama's milk does and they quite easily become sick and sometimes die. Some who come in with the mama have trouble adjusting to the new environment. Others, are just not strong enough.

This is why getting cats spayed and neutered is so very important. Many shelters and vets will have times when the offer special rates on spaying and neutering pets. I support organizations like Triple R Pets that have TNR (Trap Neuter and Return) programs to help keep the feral cat population from continuing to grow.

Foster Kittens in a basket!

   
Reference links:

     What to do and not do if you find a newborn kitten
     Cats in heat

     Low cost veterinary care
     Triple R Pets

Preparing the Kitty for Moving

One of our clients is soon to be moving with their cat. They asked me for advice about what they should do to prepare their kitty for the move and what type of cat carrier I would recommend for a cat who is not fond of travel. So, along with a link to the ASPCA's Car Travel Tips, this is what I suggested.

I would highly recommend a carrier that has a top door and to get one bigger than what the cat needs so there is space to move around. Have the carrier out in the house and open for a few days (weeks if possible) before the move. That way when the day of the trip arrives, the kitty won't run and hide as soon as it comes out. The reason for leaving it open is so that kitty can leisurely investigate it. Put some treats or food in there so there will be a nice yummy surprise which will give the carrier positive association. Also, put comfy blankets or a kitty bed that the kitty already uses in there. That way it smells like the kitty and it is available for a nap which will add more positive association with the carrier. 

During the time the carrier is just sitting out, check it frequently to make sure kitty hasn't left any "presents" in it. If there is pee or poop in it, clean all of the smell out of it. (Most cats won't, this is just a precaution.) 

On the day of the move, the kitty will sense the nervous anxiety that moving often brings with it. Try to stay as calm and upbeat as possible with kitty. If kitty likes to play, I suggest playing with kitty for as long as possible before the kitty goes in the carrier. A tired kitty will always be easier to move. Doing it the day of the move may not be possible, but even a good play session the evening before will be helpful.

So much kitty love!

Kari & Asia enjoying a sunbeam

A few months ago, I had the privilege of helping to care for two  wonderful felines, Kari and Asia. I'd met their mom  through a friend and she contacted me. Miss Kari Cat, a small Bengal, had to have her back right leg surgically removed. The kitties' mama warned me that Asia, Kari's older brother, didn't always like new people. She was nervous about the after care and someone coming in to take care of her furry kids almost as much as she was nervous about the surgery itself. So we set up a meet and greet to see how the kitties reacted to me before the care was needed.

My buddy Asia

Kari, ever the social butterfly, came right up to me. We exchanged pets for purrs and we were fast friends. Asia was aloof; sitting in the other room just watching me.
"He might hiss," his mom warned.
I nodded and told her about some of the other kitties I help with. After I'd been there for a bit so he could get used to my presence, I approached Asia cautiously. I knelt near him and held out my hand. He sniffed for a few seconds, then rubbed his face against my hand. We were going to be just fine!

For our first several visits, Kari was being kept in a crate so she and Asia didn't roughhouse while they were alone. My main job was to get Kari out of the crate and walking around safely. I also spent time giving attention to Asia. They both got lots of pets and love and treats and I took tons of pictures to send to their momma while she was at work.

Three legged kitty in the window

Asia let me pet his belly!

Miss Kari's speed of recovery was remarkable! She was soon zipping around on her three legs like shed been doing it her whole life. Asia started greeting me at the door and even let me pet his belly. His mom told me he was more relaxed than he'd been since they had moved a few years ago.

I really fell in love with these two kids! Our last visit was a sad day. But there was happiness on the horizon because while I'd been getting to know them, I'd also been getting to know their mom and dad better and we've become friends. Their mom updates me on how their doing quite regularly and I even get to go by and visit the whole family.

Hooray for new human and feline friends!

Pirate Kari!

A Bit of Introspection...

Sorry I have been absent.

It's been tough to face this blog since my last post was about Socko and I miss him and every time I read that post I cry. There's a part of me that tells me to get over it, but I have no desire to ever get over it. He was an amazing dog. Pets like him are the reason I believe so strongly in saving animals and why I help others care for their animals and foster. There is so much more that I want to do too!

Soon I will be posting about two awesome kitties and their amazing parents. Stay tuned!

Kittens and delay

I suppose I could give you excuses that all seem like rational reasons as to why I let an entire month slip by without one single post. But excuses is all they would be. So, instead of wallowing in delay, I'm going to make an effort to not let that happen again...
and also...

KITTENS!!!

Our 5 latest foster kitties!! They've all been adopted! :D

Axl

Diesel

Jade

Kyra

Maverick

Bag o' Kitties?

Last night, I got a message from my mate which started with, "don't kill me..." then told the story about how she was at the pet store picking up some much needed kitty provisions when a couple came in with two kitties in a reusable waterproof shopping bag. They had found them abandoned and it was too late to take them to the shelter, so they brought them to the pet store because they couldn't care for them since they have a puppy. My mate couldn't ignore the situation and these folks were obviously ill equipped for what they had, so she brought them home where we got them food and water and a litterbox, setting up the bathroom for them.

Today, I took them to Hinsdale Humane Society to be processed and vaccinated and checked over. Tonight, I brought them home for fostering since they need socialization. They're both girls and, most likely, the bigger one is the little one's mom.

Valentine Kitties! 

We named the mom (DLH black) Cupid and the daughter (ragdoll mix) Valentina.

Poo-splosion!!

Yoshi & Link - double the mayhem!

We have foster kittens again! At first, it was just one little guy who needed a foster family, But he needed a friend. So when two more just 3 week olds came in, they joined our happy clan. Then their brother and sister were brought in too. Well, we needed to keep the family together... So now we have five itty bitty adorable almost 4 week old fosterlings in need of socializing and growing. 

And we've got the socializing down! From the beginning, all but the solo guy would hide when anyone came into the room. Now they come running, even the girl, who was the shyest. They crawl all over us when we lay on the bed and, when we're standing, they climb our pants legs. Link, the singleton, has made it all the way to my shoulder. As far as the growing goes, that just takes time.

Zelda - who me, trouble?

But then... poo-splosion!!

At first, it was some liquidy poo in the litterbox. I note it and plan to pick up some Forti Flora then next time I'm at the shelter. The next time I'm in the room, not two hours later, there are little puddingy poo bombs all over the room! I clean and clean and clean... I wish I could go get the meds right away, but the shelter's closed so it'll have to be the next day. I clean some more in the morning before I leave to walk dogs. While I'm gone, my mate and fellow foster mom who just so happens to have the day off, sends me the following text:

< I cleaned up a ton of baby poo, went to throw away the paper towels and the little &*#%s had pooped right by the door again during that thirty seconds. >

Luigi, call me Mr. Tiny Lots-O-Poo!

She was also dealing with our Old Homeless guy's incontinence. (He had a few pee-splosions!)

"Oh dear," I think. Slightly worried that she's going to be upset and not want to foster anymore. But then I get this text:

< I forgive them for that and playing vandal horde at the door, they're climbing on me with shit paws and purring. >

I shouldn't have worried... She's just as big a sucker, I mean gentle heart, as I am.

Mario rollin' around & sticking out his tiny tongue!

Foster Kitty Drogo!

Drogo - my foster kitten

Drogo, the sweetest kitten, is now available for adoption at the Hinsdale Humane Society! He was one of the two foster kitties I wrote about back in June. Tyrion, the other one, was adopted pretty quickly. Drogo got a kitty cold, so I brought him home to recover. He's well now!
My best friend and I sponsored him to get neutered. He's been approved for placement with young children and/or other pets. Here's the little write-up I did for him:

		Drogo LOVES to run around and play and makes the cutest little chirping noises as if he's talking to himself. He would cuddle with me while going to sleep. Once he's had a good romp, he'll come over, stand at my feet and look up at me as if to say, "pick me up, please!" Then he purrs and purrs while I pet him. He even likes to be on his back getting his belly scritched! He got along well with my 4 cats and, after warming up to him, he got along GREAT with my big ole shepherd mix. He is a very fun, friendly, and happy little fellow that will make a wonderful pet.

Slumber Party!

The weekend before I left to go camping, I had a slumber party with two dogs and two cats. The best part was that these are dogs I walk on a regular basis! We had a great time playing and they were all great to take care of. The shy kitty even came out and cuddled with me by the evening of the first day! I hadn't even met the shy kitty until then 'cause he's... well, shy. (He's even camera shy. Silly kitty!!)

Ms. Molly - are we ready for bed yet?

Ms. Tailor -I'm ready for my tummy rub!

Puck - yeeeeesssss?

Wayne - the elusive kitty

Why yes! These are adorable foster kittens!

Oh the cuteness! 

Drogo*, the black short haired boy, is about 8 weeks. He needed more socialization. When he first came home about a week ago, he would hide and hiss as soon as someone came in the room. Now he just looks up and waits to be picked up. He's also playing and eating well! Woo-hoo!

Tyrion*,  the fluffy orange tabby boy, is about 4 weeks. He needed growing and medication for a wee little cold. He's feeling so much better now and is romping and playing and has the biggest purrs you've ever heard from a little one under 1 lb. What a sweety!

*the kittens are named for characters from Game of Thrones.

If you like fantasy & excellent writing, read the books!

or, to add excellent acting, watch the HBO show!

Both are yummy!

Tiny Furry Guests

Mugsy - foster kitten

Pedro - foster kitten

Tomorrow I'm picking up two tiny house guests... KITTENS!!
One is 6-7 weeks and in need of socializing (in other words, scared of people and hissy) and the other one is under 4 weeks and primarily needs feeding/growing. They are orphans without littermates. Kittens who don't have littermates when they're so young, have a hard time grasping boundaries because there isn't another kitten to say, "hey! stop that!" (in cat, of course) among other things that they learn from interacting with each other. This is why they're being fostered together. 

Cosette - foster kitten

I've done some fostering (the pics are of my previous foster kids) and there are certain things that every kitten foster needs. 

1. A safe place - especially when you're dealing with tiny kittens, you want to make sure to minimize the chances of them getting into trouble. If you don't, you may end up with a kitty falling or ended up in the trashcan, or chewing/destroying things, or countless other things. My fosters will be going into the upstairs bathroom that's practically empty. I still had to move the toilet brush and cleaner to under the sink and put the trash on the back of the toilet, but there's less that they could get hurt with than if they stayed in my room.
2. A place away from your pets - right now I have the bathroom door closed so my guys can get used to not being able to go in that room.
3. A comfortable place - CAT BEDS!! ;)
4. Food, water & litter pan (with litter) & toys
5. lots of love, patience and time!! It also helps if you have others, say a mate or a friend, who can come in and help. And how do they help? By playing with kittens!! (Oh, the work I impose on those I love!)

I absolutely adore fostering! Though, I must confess, the first night or so is a bit exhausting since I tend to wake up every few hours with a need to check on the kittens.   >^..^<

The adventures of Ink

Hai! I'm Ink!

 

Is that the time?

 

I feel like I'm in prison



Let me check that...



I'm in a box!



Wait... how do I get out?



I'm gettin' a drink!

Death and the Kitty

Nova

Nova, our 16 year old tiny tuxedo kitty, has taken a turn for the worse. While not surprising, she was diagnosed with kidney failure in November of 2008, it's still sad. We're taking her to the vet Monday afternoon to say our last goodbyes. Our vets, who are wonderful, have a relationship with Nova. She's been going to Danada Veterinary Hospital since she was about 4 years old. They've helped us & her through some really tough times including diagnosing her and helping us with her treatments including subcutaneous fluids. While we will be sad when she's gone, we do not regret the decision. Until Monday, she'll be swaddled in love as we keep vigil.
 

Swaddled

   

Swaddled and Sleeping

But cats HATE water!

Not all cats hate water. There's even a breed of cat, the Turkish Van, that LOVES water!!
  

Meander drinking from the faucet

One of my cats, Meander (the long haired gray boy), will sit on the edge of the tub and bathe himself while I take a bath. He likes for me to rub my wet hands over his fur so he can lick the water droplets off. He also drinks from the faucet. I adopted him from the shelter at 4 years of age. The first time he jumped up on the sink, I thought he just wanted to get closer to me. The he nuzzled the faucet. I turned it on and he was thrilled. "You've done this before, haven't you?"


Hey! What a good idea!! I, Ink, shall now drink!

 I have another cat Ink (the little black kitty) who learned how to drink out of the faucet by watching Meander when he was just a kitten. I don't know if he would've been such a water lovin' cat on his own since he followed his big brother around and wanted to do everything just like Meander! It's that whole "nature vs. nurture" debate... but with adopted cats.

 

Alex and Spencer drinking water from the tub



These other two cats are Alex and Spencer. I petsit for them through Out-U-Go! Every time I go over there, one of the first things I do is turn on the bathtub faucet so they can slurp up the trickels of water. They love it! Alex even gets right into the tub and, by the time he gets out, his face is all wet.


 

Ready.... set....

Lick!!!