Becoming a first-time pet owner?

Hello everyone.  It's that time of year again when Mom and I are getting tax stuff ready to get to the lady who knows what to do with all the numbers so we asked our friend Cindy if she would like to say a few words about the things you need to know when getting a pet.  Here is what she has to say.

Tips help you to choose a furry friend

Any pet owner will tell you that bringing an animal into your life is like gaining a family member. Whether you’re single or have a entire houseful, the benefits of owning a pet are endless — but which kind?

Choose The Right Pet For Your Lifestyle

When it comes to choosing between a cat or a dog, you may be partial to one more than the other — but the final decision should be in the best interest of both the animal and you. Important questions to ask yourself are:

• What’s the size of your home? This helps determine the quality of life for the animal — and you. This includes whether or not you have outdoor space the animal could use.

• Do you have permission from the property owner if you rent? Some apartments and condos only allow cats.

• Do you have the financial resources to take care of your pet’s daily needs, regular medical checkups and medical emergencies? Many animals wind up back in the shelter because owners realize they can’t afford them. Look into resources that provide financial assistance.

• What’s your activity level? If you’re relatively sedentary, keep in mind that dogs and puppies need ongoing activity including going for walks outdoors to relieve themselves and releasing energy. Staying fit with your pet is a great motivator and bonding experience.

• What would your plans be if you travel? Do you have a reliable resource to care for the pet if you decide not to bring it along?

• How much time do you realistically have to spend with your pet? There’s no point in getting one if you’re never around. Daily interaction is a must — especially before and after leaving the house. Despite their solitary reputation, cats and kittens thrive on social interaction, too.

• Dog or puppy, cat or kitten? Puppies and kittens require more 24-hour care than adult dogs and kittens. Not just because they need more stimulation, but also because they tend to be more mischievous and need to be watched. This question ties in with living space — a big dog in studio apartment without a yard doesn’t really make sense.

• Does anyone in your household have allergies? If yes, that doesn’t mean a pet is necessarily a no-go. Talk to your doctor about possible allergy medications. Short-haired animals are a better option as there’s less dander and hair flying around. Bathing your pet, keeping a clutter-free home, and covering the litter box can also help.

• Do you have kids? Certain breeds of dogs tend to be more aggressive and/or have a size and energy level not conducive to a home with small children. Breeds such as the bulldog, newfoundland, golden retriever, bull terrier and boxer are among the best dogs for children. The same rules apply for families seeking a cat — breeds like bengal, burmese, Maine coon, ragamuffin, and Siamese are among the most kid-friendly.

• Are you going through rehab? Owning a recovery animal has been proven to be beneficial in helping those going through rehab by helping to establish a regular routine, giving you a sense of purpose, and cheering you up when you’re feeling low. You’ll learn how to be social again while staying active in the process.

Preparing your home

It’s important to adequately prepare your home for your new furry friend — especially rescue pets from a shelter as they’re more apt to be nervous and/or fearful. Make sure your pet has a soft and comfortable bed, perpetual access to clean water, established feeding sessions, and toys to self-amuse when you’re not around. Some pets have a tendency to chew and/or scratch personal belongings so be sure to put those items away and set up scratching posts/boards (for cats) where necessary.

Bringing an animal into your home is a serious decision. It’s important to consider the questions so that you don’t wind up taking the pet back to the shelter down the road. Like us, animals are loving and intuitive creatures that have the ability to become sad, confused and scared due to neglect and too many lifestyle changes.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

P.S.  I hope you enjoyed hearing from our friend Cindy and remember, for the bestest pet gift baskets in the universe, go to pawpalsboutique.com 

Your tax preparing friend,
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Zeva

Travels With Kitty

We’ve talked about traveling with dogs but not about traveling with cats. Most of the dogs we know like to go for rides so traveling, by car anyway, is fun for them. Cats, maybe not so much. We wanted to get a cat’s perspective on how to successfully travel with a cat so we called our friend and guest blogger, Foe.

Here are a few tips she passed along:

1. Cats are easily stressed so a visit to your Vet for something to help calm her might be a good idea. There are some excellent natural remedies available. A general check up to be sure your pet is healthy enough will also put your mind at ease.

2. Since cats don’t take car rides as much as dogs, take her for short rides so she can get used to being in the car. If you find she gets car sick, ask your Vet to recommend something,

3. Although some people let their cat roam around the inside of the car, Foe says she prefers a cat carrier. A cat carrier will keep your cat safe. You wouldn’t want her to dart out of the car when you open the door or jump out of the window, would you? You also don’t need your cat climbing all over you when you are trying to drive.

If your cat hasn’t been a carrier before, start getting her used to it before you start your trip. Put her bed or one of your old tee shirts in the carrier. Having something familiar with a comforting scent will help her relax.

4. Make sure your cat is wearing identification. A micro chip is also a good idea. If your cat should get away, having up to date information will help anyone who finds her locate you quickly.

5. Pack everything she will need. Food and water, litter and a litter box, and any medication she is taking.

6. Spending some time playing with her before you leave will help her relax. Plan on stopping every few hours to let her out of the carrier so she can stretch her legs and take a potty break.

7. The most important thing to remember is NEVER leave your cat alone in the car. It doesn’t take long for a car to get too hot or too cold. Don’t put your cat's life at risk even for a “few minutes”!

We are so glad to hear that more and more humans are taking their cats along with them when they go on trips. After all, time spent with a cat is never wasted.

Happy trails,

Zeva

P.S. Blatant self-promotion. For the bestest Cat gift basket in the universe are found at pawpalsboutique.com