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- Please help us remember our Cats -

Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town, every shelter is full - we are lost, but not found, Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare, we hope every minute that someone will care, They'll come to adopt us and give us the call, "Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!! But now we sit here and think of the days... we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways, Once we were little, then we grew and we grew now we're no longer young and we're no longer new. So out the back door we were thrown like the trash, they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash? We "jump on the children:, "don't come when they call", we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall. We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed, now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made. If only they'd trained us, if only we knew... we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too. We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam- now we're tired and lonely and out of a home. They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye... "Maybe someone else will give you a try." So now here we are, all confused and alone... in a shelter with others who long for a home. The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat, with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat, They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer... we know that they wonder how long we'll be here. We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads... of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds. Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears - our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear. If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn - could you help with the bills and fill our food bin? We count on your kindness each day of the year - can you give more than hope to everyone here? Please make a donation to pay for the heat... and help get us something special to eat. The shelter that cares for us wants us to live, and more of us will, if more people will give. --Author Unknown

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a holiday festivity with your cats. #1. First, consider what you want to do with your cat during the festivities. Would they be more comfortable locked in a quiet bedroom or would they prefer to roam the house. If you choose the bedroom, make sure you have some quiet music or the TV on to block out some of the party noise. Some behaviorists recommend a product called Comfort Zone for Cats with Feliway. It is a plug in product that releases a pheromone scent that helps to calm cats. Make sure that your cats have plenty of food and water and a clean familiar litter box in the room. #2. If you choose for them to roam the house during the party, the first rule is so obvious that it s frequently overlooked: Make sure all your guests know you have a pet in the first place. Make sure they know if the cats can go out (OR NOT) so they are careful around doors. To help prevent problems, you may want to contact all the guests yourself to tell them about your cat in the case of allergies. #3. The second rule is to clean. Clean up cat hair and any cat odors. Vacuum and clean. You want to make sure your guests are comfortable. #4. Recognize that not all people are cat lovers. You shouldn't allow your cats to "beg" or jump on guests - unless the guest is welcoming it. If you see this happening, it may be time to put your cat in the bedroom. I hope these tips will help you keep your cat and guests happy this holiday season!

The holidays can be the best of times to welcome a new pet into your home. Or they can be the worst of times. While the emotions and warmth of the season can inspire you to share your home with an animal, the distractions can also make this a terrible time to bring home a furry friend. Although it may seem like a pet would cheer someone up who is down during the holiday season, you must make certain that this person is ready for a pet. And just because you want a pet this season doesn’t mean that the holidays are the right time to introduce a new member of the family to your home. We (some of our PetPlace authors and I) have put together some guidelines to keep in mind when thinking about acquiring a pet over the holidays. First, we never recommend giving and unexpected living gift. Your intensions may be good but I’ve seen more disasters than I care to tell. People sometimes make the mistake of providing a pet to ease the loneliness of a friend, but all too often these animals wind up in a shelter by New Year's. Here are a few reasons pets never make good surprises. * You can't be sure that the recipient wants to take on the responsibility of a pet, including providing medical care for the next 10 to 20 years. * A person should be able to choose his or her own pet companion. * Never give a cat or a dog to replace one that just died. Some people need time to mourn their loss before they can welcome a new animal into their lives. Also, the holidays are a busy time. Pets need love, care, and a routine. Sometimes after the holidays is a much better time to give or get a pet.

Here are 6 good reasons to give thanks for your kitty! Love. If there's one thing you know, it's that your pet loves you. And if you love your pet, that love comes back to you tenfold. Companionship. Your pet keeps you company, and that company helps you to feel less lonely and isolated, especially if you live alone. Coming home to your pet gives you something to look forward to. Physical contact. When your purring cat sits cuddled in your lap, all is right with the world. Studies prove that cuddling and stroking your pet is good for you; it makes you calmer and can even lower your heart rate and your blood pressure. Someone to talk to. Talking things out relieves a lot of internal pressure. But having someone to talk to makes a difference, too. It makes you feel less lonely. Talk about anything - your pet will listen. Motivation to exercise. Most pets need exercise every day. Even playing you're your cat gives you some activity. Physical exercise helps you to deal with stress. Security. Cats may not be able to "defend" you or be a "watchdog" but sometimes just having your pet nearby is enough to make you feel less anxious and more secure. This Thanksgiving as we gather together to give thanks for our blessings, lets not forget our pets, those faithful companions that are such an important part of our lives. Until next time... Dr. Jon P.S. While giving thanks for your cat - consider showing your thanks by giving your cat the gift of pet insurance. Find out if it is right for you.