Lots of new clients for the last couple of months. I am posting a few of them.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Three Options for Caring for Your Cat While You're Out Of Town
Cats are pretty self-sufficient creatures, but that doesn't mean you can leave your kitten alone while you go out of town. Even an overnight trip can be traumatic for a young kitten or a cat that is very closely bonded to you. You wouldn't leave a five-year-old child alone to fend for herself for days, leaving a couple of boxes of cookies out so she doesn't go hungry, so why would you leave your cat alone?
As a responsible cat owner, you have three choices for being sure your kitten stays healthy while you're away from home:
1.A trusted friend or family member - If you ask a neighbor or friend to take care of your cat, you need to know that he or she will be responsible and come to visit your cat at least twice a day, feed him, and empty the litter box. If you don't feel absolutely sure that this individual will remember to do what you asked him or her to do, don't put your cat's life in their hands.
2.Boarding - Some vets offer boarding services, and a variety of other cat boarding facilities are also available. If your cat is very ill or needs daily medication, vet boarding may be a good choice. If you board your cat at a cattery, the facility will require proof that his vaccinations are up to date. Cats that are shy or easily traumatized may not handle boarding well.
3.A pet sitter - A pet sitter comes to your home, feeds your cat and administers any necessary medications, cleans the litter box, and spends time each day visiting with your cat. Because cats generally prefer not to travel, many people find a pet sitter a good option. Be sure to find out if the pet sitter is comfortable with cats (some are better with dogs or other animals) and if your cat is comfortable with the pet sitter. Pet sitting services can vary in price and quality, so be sure to check a potential sitter's references before entrusting your cat's care - and your property -to him or her.
Information obtained from catster.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Surprise...Ferrets as Gifts
Cute and cuddly, ferrets hold a special appeal to many people. Unfortunately not everyone holds this view, or even if they do, they might not be ready for a ferret at this time.
Almost every spring between the middle of January and the end of March, we see a surge of young ferrets dropped off at the shelters.
“I got it as a gift”, is often the reason given. People usually have good intentions, but don’t think things through. A friend says that they would love to have a ferret, but for some reason they don’t have one. This doesn’t mean that buying them one would be the perfect present. Maybe the reason they don’t have one is because they live in a no pet apartment, or maybe a family member is allergic to animals. Maybe they don’t have the finances right now to buy a cage, supplies and food or to pay for vaccinations and other veterinary care.
Also, people often express interest in an animal, but that doesn’t always mean that they actually want one. I love tigers and leopards, but that doesn’t mean that I would want someone to go out and get me one! I would not have room for one, nor do I have the time and proper resources to provide the attention and care that such an animal would require.
If you still want to give someone a ferret as a gift, don’t make it a surprise. Let them know that you were thinking of getting them a pet ferret and would like to have them come along to pick it out. This lets them know that you are planning a special gift for them, yet gives them a chance to say “No” if necessary. If they say yes, then at least you know that they will be getting the animal that they want. What if you had bought an albino and they really wanted a sable? Or what if they preferred a female rather than a male?
Another option would be to buy a couple of books on ferrets and give them to the person along with a note letting them know that if they still want a ferret after reading up on them and learning about them, then you would be honored to take them to get one.
If the person does decide that they want a ferret, suggest going to a shelter since there are so many ferrets in need of homes. This way you will be giving the ferret a gift, too – a gift of a new home!
Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura’s Critter Care, an in-home pet sitting service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International. For more information, visit her website or send an email
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)