Resources & FAQ

A common question from cat owners is “Why should I spay or neuter my pet?” The obvious answer is population control, but there are additional health benefits as well. As the number of cats relinquished to animal shelters demonstrates so dramatically, feline overpopulation has become a big problem. This is the reason animal welfare groups and veterinarians strongly recommend spaying and neutering cats. And, it’s important to do it early in the pet’s life. In addition to helping control the cat population, it has been found that these procedures also protect cats against injury from fighting and from some reproductive diseases.

Having your cat spayed – a safe and simple operation to remove the female reproductive organs – stops all reproductive function. Your cat won’t ever be in heat again, and she won’t contribute to the cat overpopulation problem. Experts also recognize that if cats are spayed, the incidence of breast cancer, mammary cancer in cats, goes down dramatically. And there is no risk of infection or disease in those organs. So spaying your cat is a win-win-win situation. Since a female kitten can get pregnant as early as four months of age, you should consider neutering or spaying your kitten early.

Having your cat neutered – a safe and simple operation to remove the male reproductive organs – stops all reproductive function. For those of you who do not intend to breed cats, one cat plus one cat adds up to a lot more than two cats. In fact, one plus one can produce thousands of cats. Millions of cats are euthanized every year in this country. Many vets will perform a spaying or neutering procedure on kittens within the first few months of life.

If you have a kitten, handle his/her paws frequently so they get used to nail trimming. For an older cat, if you’re having a hard time, you may wait until they are calm or sleepy. A small nail trimming scissors is recommended, and can be purchased at most pet stores. It may help to have one person hold the cat, while the other person trims the nails.

If you’re alone, hold kitty in the crook of your arm and hold the paw between your thumb and forefinger to extend the claws with that hand. Manipulate cat claw scissors with other hand. Just clip the curly tip; avoid the part of the claw where you see a pink/red blood vessel. After cutting the cats nails, give your kitty a treat to reward their good behavior. It is recommended to trim your cat’s claws every other week.

Watch a video here.

It’s not for all cats. If you’ve ever wanted to give your cat a treat, you’ve probably offered it some catnip. If your cat seems uninterested in a toy filled with catnip, she’s perfectly normal. Only about half of all cats seem sensitive to catnip. That’s because only about half of all cats have a certain dominant gene. Also, catnip doesn’t seem to affect kittens under three months of age. Reactions to catnip vary from mild appreciation to extreme pleasure. But beware — cats under the influence of catnip aren’t always friendlier. Occasionally, catnip makes some cats aggressive, so never use it when you’re trying to introduce two cats for the first time.

Every home contains items that can be dangerous or fatal if ingested by a cat or a dog. You can protect your pet by learning about these hazards, including things like chocolate, hairties, cleaning products and houseplants, among other things. Read more here. 

Do closed doors mean the cat is cooped up or kept from harm? Is it cruel to keep your cat cooped up all day inside? Veterinarians say indoor cats tend to be healthier and live longer than outdoor cats. They don’t get exposed to toxic pesticides or contagious diseases. Indoor cats also can’t get hit by a car or attacked by outside animals. Chances are, your indoor bundle of fur won’t pick up any fleas, ticks or parasitic worms either. Your indoor cat’s biggest problem may be boredom. Give him plenty of toys, perches and posts to scratch. Play with him often. When it’s fun to be inside, many indoor cats who finally do go out just want to come right back in.

Cats that have faithfully used litter boxes all their lives may suddenly decide to answer nature’s call elsewhere. The most common reason for a cat to turn tail on its own litter box is that the box may not be clean enough. A change in the type of litter used, in the litter box itself, or in the location of the box can also throw your cat off. If a new cat has been brought in to the household that could be just enough stress to cause a cat to not use the litter box. A urinary or intestinal tract disorder could also be the cause, so if environmental changes are ruled out, take your cat for a check-up.

There are many different ways that you can introduce a new cat (or cats) into your household with existing pets. However, we truly believe the most successful approach is to take it slow, and to give all cats (the new cat and the resident cat) the time and space each of them needs to adjust.

Check out some great resources and suggested steps here or here. 

Your cats should be taken to the vet at least once a year for routine veterinary care, including vaccations, parasite control and dental care; proper nutrition; and grooming. Kittens will need multiple visits in their first year of life, and it’s also recommended that senior cats be seen twice a year. Check out this site for more details on the importance of routine health care for your cats.