Pet Club News 11/09
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Socialization Article courtesy of Purina Petcare
Cats like stability so an environmental or social change may have a pronounced effect on their behavior. Your cat will adapt, but it may take some time.
Tips for Introducing a New Cat to Your Old One
Chances are your cat will react to a newcomer by distancing herself. She may hide for a few days refusing to acknowledge the newcomer, or she may act up in an attempt to persuade the newcomer to retreat. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:
- Give your new cat an area where she can retreat if she becomes threatened.
- Putting her in a spare room with the door closed for the first few days will give both cats the chance to adjust to each other's scents without hurting each other.
- Give your newcomer a litter box in her area along with food and water.
Selecting a New Cat
A kitten is an ideal choice, but should you want to introduce an adult cat, try to find one that has lived with other cats. A cat that is similar in age and sex to the resident cat will be accepted more readily.
Multiple Cat Households
In general, the following combinations in a multiple cat household seem to work best: two kittens; a mature, neutered cat and kitten; or two mature neutered cats (either two females or a male and a female). The most volatile combination seems to be two un-castrated mature male cats.
Consider your current cat's personality before introducing a new cat. An active cat is more likely to accept a new kitten. A quieter, more reclusive cat might prefer a mature, adult cat as a companion.
If your cats exhibit personality conflicts, you can reduce the tension between family felines by making sure each cat has enough personal space and personal possessions to fulfill her needs.
To avoid territory conflicts between cats, consider placing litter boxes in various locations throughout the house to avoid the exclusion of one cat from another cat's territory.
Keep scratching posts and beds in several locations to accommodate all the cats in your household.
Socialization. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2009, from
http://www.purina.com/cats/behavior/Socialization.aspx
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Breed of the Month: Old English Sheepdog
Appearance:
Old English Sheepdogs have shaggy coats with a rough texture. The coloring of their coat can be shades of gray and white. This breed grows to be quite large, and way between 65-100 pounds. Their short tail has earned Old English Sheepdogs the nickname of “bobtail.”Russian Blues are famous for their soft blue-gray coat and beautiful silvery sheen. They are known to have large round green eyes and a cobra-like face.
History:
Old English Sheepdogs originated in Great Britain, where they were bred to drive cattle and sheep. This is a relatively old breed, and was recognized by the AKC in 1888.
Dimeanor:
Sheepdogs are known for being loyal and affectionate, as well as protective of their loved ones. They dogs are high energy and love to play, so they need to be walked daily. Because of their large size, they should be watched around smaller children who might easily be knocked over. This dog is best for those families with older children. With strangers, the Old English Sheepdog tends to be polite, and he enjoys the company of other pets. Proper socialization will ensure a well balanced temperament. This dog enjoys lots of interaction, and neglect may lead to boredom and destructive behavior. If you’re thinking about making an Old English Sheepdog your next pet, be aware that this breed can be difficult to train, and is best suited to those with some previous experience of dog ownership.
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Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup soy flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup dried catnip
1/4 cup canned tuna (water packed), well drained
1/2 cup juice from drained tuna (add water if needed)
1/2 cup corn oil
1 egg -- lightly whisked
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ngredients and stire until mixture becomes a stiff dough. If too sticky, add a little more whole wheat flour. Roll out to 1/4-1/2 inch thickness like cookies and use a cat cookie cutter (or whatever you prefer) to make shapes. Reroll and cut more cookies until scraps are used. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for about 25 minutes. Store in a plastic bag, that you keep tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator.
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Pet Refuge Adoption Spotlight: Wyatt
Does this happy face not say a thousand words? Wyatt is a Lab mix of 2 years old. He enjoys playing with other dogs and has lived with children. He was given up due to personal family issues and doesn't want to have to stay at the shelter for too long. He is housebroken and a fenced yard to run and play in is preferred. He is a bigger boy weighing about 70 pounds. He also does have ears but they went flat to his head every time I would take a picture of him!
To get more information about our cats and other animals available for adoption at Pet Refuge, visit the Pet Refuge website: www.petrefuge.com or call (574) 256-0886.
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Dear Dr. Paws,
Why does my dog yawn so much?
Sincerely,
Amber in South Bend
Dear Amber,
If you’ve ever wondered why your dog yawns so much, even when he’s well-rested, the answer may surprise you. When your dog yawns a lot, it could be a sign that he’s nervous and trying to relax himself. Yawning is one way that dogs communicate. So just as you might bite your fingernails when you’re nervous, a dog might yawn to calm himself down.
Owners can use this behavior to their advantage. By smacking their own lips and yawning, owners can signal to their pets that everything is okay. Try it sometime if your dog appears stressed. Get his attention, smack your lips, and show your dog a nice, big yawn. It may help calm your pooch down.
Answer courtesy of Purina Petcare
http://www.purina.com/dogs/behavior/YawningDogs.aspx
To get your advice from Dr. Paws, simply email your question to us. Each month we’ll select a question to answer here in our brand new e-newsletter.
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Upcoming Events
Martin's Paw Mart on State Road 23 in Granger
11/2 Pet Palace Nail Trims 5:00-6:00 P.M.
11/7 Earthborn Dogfood Demo 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
11/14 Humane Society Pet Adoptions 12:00-2:00 P.M.
11/19 Aussie Pet Mobile Nail Trims 5:00-7:00 P.M.
11/21 Dream Paws Pet Adoptions 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
11/22 Pet Photos 11:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
11/22 Earthborn Dogfood Demo 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
11/28 Pet Refuge Pet Adoptions 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Martin's Paw Mart on Cleveland in Saint Joseph (MI)
11/7 Animal Aid Pet Adoptions
11/14 Save a Stray Pet Adoptions and Holiday Pet Pictures
11/28 Humane Society Pet Adoptions
Martin's Paw Mart on Bristol Street in Elkhart
11/4 Nail Trims 5:30-7:00 P.M.
11/14 Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan Adoptions 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Martin's Paw Mart on Jackson Street in Elkhart
11/9 Nail Trims and Micro Chipping 6:30-7:30 P.M.
11/14 Santa Paws Day (free goodie bag with purchase)
11/21 Classic Critters Pet Portraits
11/23 Nail Trims and Micro Chipping 6:30-7:30 P.M.
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Buddy (left) & Bodie (right)
Age: Buddy is three and Bodie is two
Submitted by: Tina Michaels, South Bend
In A Nutshell: According to Tina, "Buddy and Bodie are quite the characters. Both are Siamese males, and they truly love each other, as you can see in their photo! They enjoy playing with their toy mouse, giving each other baths, and sleeping in their bedroom while mom is at work. Both cats love to pretend to talk with their "meows" and enjoy catching crickets. They like to bring them to me as presents...! When the cats first met, it wasn't love at first sight. I had to put them in separate rooms when I'd go to work so they wouldn't fight. After about two weeks, they became friends and have been inseparable ever since!"
If you have a great pet and want it featured in our newsletter, simply email us a photo. Each month we’ll be featuring a different furry (or slimy, or scaly…) friend right here in our Pet of the Month Feature!
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