Category: Behavior

Before you feed a stray cat, you should check with your neighbors that the cat does not belong to them. Some cats are allowed to wander outside at their leisure and though they are fed, they will still beg for more. If the cat does not belong to your neighbors and does not seem scared of humans, the cat may be lost. You can feed the cats if you have the means to do so and it is legal in your area. You should also refer to our lost pet guide on the next steps.

Know The Laws In Your Area 

It is illegal to feed stray or feral cats (cats who have lived their entire life outdoors and do not tolerate human interaction) in some locations, so it’s important to know the laws in your area. It’s also important to know that many communities have groups of animal lovers advocating against such laws—and they have been successful in several places.

Talk With Members Of A Local TNR Group

If you notice a cat or multiple cats that are extremely scared of humans, it is likely a feral cat. Find a local group of feral cat advocates who will be happy to give you advice specific to your area. They will know if it is legal to feed these cats and whether or not it will be helpful for them. They’ll likely also encourage you to get the cat or cats TNR’d (trapped/neutered/released), which is another great kindness to these cats. 

The amount of time that it takes for an Australian cattle dog to get used to a new home can vary based on a range of different factors. Australian cattle dogs are known to become attached to their owners, and they may have separation anxiety. As long as the dog feels safe and cared for, and they have owners who understand and accommodate their needs, they should start to acclimate within a week or so. However, it can sometimes take longer.

Understanding some of the factors that affect the adjustment period and taking steps to make the transition to a new home easier will help to speed up the process. Below, we will be looking at these factors and what you can do to make the dog feel safe and welcome.

The Age of the Dog 

The age of the dog could be a factor when determining how long it will take them to get used to a new home. Puppies and younger dogs tend to have an easier time adapting than older dogs in many cases. Older dogs might feel a bit skittish at first, but as long as they are treated well and their needs are met, they will adjust relatively quickly. With older dogs, it tends to be a good idea to continue calling them by the name their previous owner gave them. This is what they are accustomed to.

Making the Dog Feel Welcome and Part of the Family

Those who are adopting the dog should make sure that they learn as much as possible about the personality of the dog. Knowing the likes and dislikes of the dog when they come to the home for the first time helps to ensure they feel more at home. Make sure that they are on a good schedule for their walks, playtime, and bathroom time. Give them time to adjust and love and encouragement along the way.

Be Sure to Choose the Right Dog and the Right Home

If you are going to be adopting an Australian cattle dog, or if you are an owner who needs to put their dog up for adoption, considering using Rehome. This is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet that helps to make it easier to find the right homes for the dog. Owners who have pets they need to put up for adoption can add photos, videos, and information about their dog’s personality and temperament.

This information is highly valuable to those who are considering adoption. It can help them to determine whether they are getting the right Australian cattle dog for their home. The information also lets them create an environment that will be comfortable for the dog when it arrives.

Australian cattle dogs tend to be an energetic and loving breed. Some might adjust to their new life almost immediately. Others will be nervous, and it will take more time for them to become comfortable. Don’t pressure the dog. They will adjust in their own time and become a loving member of your family. 

When your dog eats too much it can lead to bloat, obesity, and, in puppies, skeletal issues. While it’s tempting to give in to those puppy dog eyes and feed your pet as much as they want, it’s not what responsible pet owners do. Instead, feed your pet according to proper guidelines so they maintain a healthy weight and stay on the path towards a long, happy life. 

Obesity In Pets 

While all overfeeding won’t result in such an extreme case of obesity, even being slightly overweight can diminish your pet’s health. Overweight dogs are more prone to develop:

• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Joint issues
• And more 

Bloat From Overfeeding 

Bloat is a dangerous condition and one potential cause is overfeeding. Food bloat occurs when the dog’s stomach gets too full, causing it to expand. This puts pressure on other organs and can cause the dog to have difficulty breathing, restrict blood flow to his heart, and cause tears in his stomach lining.

This condition is potentially life threatening, so see your vet immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

• A swollen stomach
• Pacing
• Restlessness
• Trying to vomit but not producing anything
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath 

How Much Should I Feed My Dog? 

Many pet owners who overfeed their pets aren’t aware of how much food is a proper amount. While most dog food packages have guidelines printed on them, the best way to be sure you’re feeding your dog a proper diet is to talk to your vet.

Just as with humans, a healthy diet for your dog is an important key to a healthy, happy, long life. 

When introducing a new cat into your household, gender is generally less important than matching energy level, age, size, and personalities.  

Things To Keep In Mind: 

• Cats don’t like change in general. Sure, you may get lucky and find that your cat is thrilled to have a new friend, but there is a better-than-average chance this won’t be the case. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get another cat, but it does mean you’ll have to be realistic with your expectations and take the time for proper introductions.
• Don’t force your new cat to share items. Purchase an additional litter box (it’s best to have one litter box per cat plus one additional box), bed, and bowls for the new cat, so everyone can have their own.
• Don’t just toss them together. Keep the new cat isolated for the first few days and feed your resident cat by the door. After a few days, open the door slightly so they can see other. Then, try a short meeting and slowly increase the time they spend together. This proper introduction provides a better chance for success. Check out our blog article Introducing a New Cat or Kitten to Your Cats for more guidance. 

Over time and with a little patience, it’s likely that your cats will learn to tolerate each other. It may take several months or even longer, but as long as they aren’t fighting with each other, it’s fine to let them move at their own pace. 

What happens to pets when owners die depends on whether or not the owner made some kind of plans for their pets. If not, the pets often end up at animal control. That’s why it is important for loving pet owners to make plans for what will happen to their pets after their death.

It’s In The Will

While you can’t legally leave your money and belongings to your pet, you can set up a pet trust that provides for your pet’s care after your death. In addition to the money left in the trust, you’ll also need to choose a caregiver. This is the person who will take custody of the pets and who will use the money in the trust for the pets’ care. 

If there is money left after the pets die, you can specify where the leftover money should go such as to another beneficiary, a charity, or the person who was the caretaker of the pets.

Using Rehome 

If a friend or family member of the deceased can temporarily care for the pet, the dog or cat can be posted on Rehome to find a permanent new home. Rehome is a peer-to-peer program that helps a pet go from one home right into another. Simply create a profile for your pet and it will appear on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of adopters to see.  

Caring for pets is a big responsibility, so discuss it with them in advance to be sure it’s something they are willing to do. It’s also a good idea to name a backup caretaker in case the first is unable to fulfill the role.  

It is possible to all of a sudden become allergic to cats. Various types of allergies, including allergies to cats, can develop at any time throughout your life. The good news is that, in most cases, you and your doctor will be able to come up with treatment options that allow you to continue living with your cats without dealing with constant discomfort.

How Do I Know I’m Allergic? 

Symptoms of cat allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red skin
• Itchy, red eyes
• Cough
• Facial pressure 

And in the most severe cases:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Wheezing 

Of course these are the same symptoms you may have for many types of allergies, so don’t automatically assume the cat is to blame.

The best thing to do if you start to experience these or other symptoms is to make an appointment with an allergist. They will perform tests to definitively determine if you’re suffering from a cat allergy.

Do Cat Allergies Mean I Have To Rehome My Cat? 

In most cases, it will not. Many people who have pet allergies live with a cat…or multiple cats. Of course, that’s not a good idea for those with life-threatening symptoms, but such severe allergies are rare.

In most cases, you will be able to manage your symptoms with over-the-counter medicines or with prescription medications. You can also reduce exposure to dander by bathing your cat weekly, vacuuming daily with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, and installing an air filter on your HVAC system. Check out Tips to reduce allergies to pets for more information. 

To get an emotional support animal (ESA) letter for housing, you must ask your licensed therapist or other medical professional to write one for you.

Why You Need An ESA Letter 

While emotional support animals do not enjoy the same broad protections as service animals, there are two areas in which they are protected: housing and airline travel. Having a letter ensures that you’ll be able to meet the requirements to have no-pet policies waived and to find rental housing and bring your ESA on a plane with you.

Some landlords may not require the letter, but it’s better to have it just in case. For airline travel, all airlines require an ESA letter and some may even ask for vaccination records and other paperwork.

If a landlord refuses to rent to you once you’ve shown him your ESA letter, he is in violation of the law and you can file a complaint with HUD. Most rentals are included, but there are a couple of exceptions:

• Single family homes rented out without the help of a realtor.
• Buildings with four units or less in which the landlord lives in one. 

It is also of note that the landlord is not allowed to charge you a pet fee for your ESA even if other tenants are required to pay a pet deposit. You can, however, be charged for any damage caused by your ESA.

It shouldn’t be difficult to find a rental just because you have an emotional support animal, and the law is on your side. Know your rights, secure your letter, and you should have no problem finding the perfect rental. 

In order to get your cats to like each other, start with a proper introduction. This includes four steps outlined below. After that, or if the cats have already been introduced, there are some tips you can try to help them get along. It might take some time, but if you’re patient and persistent, your cats can most likely learn to be friends.

Four Steps To A Proper Introduction

Isolation

Place the new cat in a room with everything they need including a litter box, food, water, and toys. Feed your other cat on the other side of the door. Over a few days, move the food bowls closer to each side of the door until they are right up against it.

Sight/Scent

This step involves sub-steps. You shouldn’t move on to the next step until the cats seem okay with the current step.

• Swap out the blankets between cats, so they will get used to each other’s scents.
• Prop the door open just enough for the cats to see each other.
• Put one cat in a carrier and place it in a room with the other cat.
• Confine the old cat in the isolation room and let the new cat explore the house.

Initial Meeting

Allow your cat to enter the isolation room with the new cat. Be there to observe, and be prepared to intervene in case a catfight breaks out. Offer treats and have lots of toys on hand. If either cat becomes aggressive, it’s time to stop for the day. Don’t worry, you can try again tomorrow! After about ten minutes, wrap up this first meeting.

Increase Time Together

If things are going well, slowly increase the amount of time the cats spend together by adding 5 or so minutes each time. If at any point the cats fight, separate them and then give it a day or two before trying another meeting. 

After The Introductions Have Been Made

Whether you just introduced a new cat or you’re trying to get two cats you’ve had for a while to get along, here are some tips that might help:

• Cats Like Their Own Spaces And Their Own Stuff: Try having two of everything including food and water bowls, litter boxes (one per cat plus one additional box), beds, etc… If they have their own, they won’t have to fight over them. Also, don’t force them to be in the same space. Let them come and go and be sure that each has a favorite comfy spot where they can steal away for a catnap.
• Ease Congestion: Are there spaces in your home where your cats tend to bump into each other and get into a tiff? If so, add kitty walkways or tubes along the walls to avoid that situation.
• Lots Of Playtime: Spend time playing with your cats to burn off energy and relieve stress. Playtime should be separate until they are getting along and then you can play with both cats together.
  Some cats take months—or even longer—to warm up to each other, so be patient. Even if they’ll never be best friends, most cats will at least learn to tolerate each other. 

Your dog chews up Kleenex because he finds the texture appealing, and holding down the tissue box while he shreds what’s inside may make him feel like he is killing his prey. Aside from it just being fun, dogs may engage in destructive chewing because they are bored, stressed, or anxious. No matter the cause, this behavior can cause issues, so pet owners need to find ways to address it.

Is Chewing Kleenex Dangerous? 

If your dog swallows a small amount of Kleenex, it’s not likely to hurt him. Larger amounts, however, can cause serious blockages. Also, if your dog gets used to chewing clean tissues, he’s more likely to chew dirty tissues.

Stopping the Behavior

The easiest way to stop your dog from chewing Kleenex is to limit access. Simply moving your tissue boxes to a higher shelf may be all it takes to solve the problem.  

Of course, you can’t rely on only prevention, and that’s why proper training is so important. A strong “Leave it” or “No” command should be all it takes for your dog to drop what he’s chewing. If that’s not the case, you should revisit training for his safety.

You’ll also want to provide alternatives, which means buying lots of chew toys in various sizes and textures. Replace them as they become damaged, so your dog always has something new and interesting to destroy.

Chewing Kleenex is a common behavior, but because it poses a potential danger to your dog, it’s a behavior you should work to stop in order to prevent a blockage or other issue that will land your pet at the vet. 

If you find a pregnant stray cat, you should help it if possible. What that means exactly will vary based on your own knowledge of cats and your resources. Leaving them on their own to give birth outside could be dangerous for the mom and is almost always dangerous for at least some of her litter.

Helping A Pregnant Stray 

The first thing you may want to do, especially if you do not have experience with pregnant cats, is contact a local cat rescue for advice on your best options. Prior to calling, note the difference between stray (a cat that once lived in a home and became lost or was abandoned) and feral (cats who were either born outside or spent so much time outside that they do not tolerate human interaction.) This will be an important factor in the advice the organization offers to you.

If the pregnant cat is a stray and you are determined to help her finish out her pregnancy and give birth, the shelter or rescue should have plenty of advice and resources for you. Once her babies are born and weaned, the mom and her babies can be placed up for adoption. When you get to this point, you can work with the rescue or shelter to figure out the best solution for the mama cat and kittens. If you want to rehome the cats yourself, visit the Rehome website to create profiles for the cats. You’ll also find lots of valuable information about finding a suitable forever family.