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Getting ready for a new member of the family? Congratulations! Having a baby is an exciting time that also brings about a lot of change, and not just for you and the other people in your home, but also for your four-legged companions. You can get your feline friend prepared for the arrival of a baby by taking a few simple steps that are designed to make the transition easier.

Cats, like dogs, are used to their pack and will need your help adjusting to the inclusion of a new member. If you do a little work before the baby’s arrival, you will likely make it a smoother process for all, especially for yourself! It will probably be harder for you to support your cat through this change once the baby has arrived, particularly since you’ll be getting less sleep! If these efforts are addressed beforehand, your kitty can be taken care of, ready and happy to welcome home the bundle of joy. Click here for tips on how to prepare your cat for this life change.

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Start your Monday with a big smile! Here’s a happy adoption story sent to us from an adopter who used Adopt-a-Pet.com to find their new furry friend! (Want to help spread the joy of pet adoption by sharing your happy beginnings story with our readers? Email your adopted pet story and photo to info@cms.adoptapet.com.) Here’s an email we received with a great photo from Mary: “Hello folks at Adopt-a-Pet.com,  Here is a little fellow that I found on Adopt-a-Pet.com or better said, you found him for me.  He was shown as “Bravehart”, a Scottish Terrier  found in a kill shelter in Tennessee and rescued by Helping Animals Rescue Team from Franklin, NJ.  He had been neglected and was not in the best of health.  After a visit with my vet, an abscessed tooth extraction, antibiotics, and worming medication he is in tip-top health again.  He is now known as Rory and is enjoying his life in his own home and nice fenced-in yard in the country that he shares with his “sister” Zoey the Cairn Terrier.  He is a very lovable little guy, who wants to be in my company all the time.   He loves his yard, and sits outside and watches the people across the street come and go, and chases the squirrels out of his yard!!  He is a great addition to my home and he puts a smile on my face every day. Sincerely,  Mary from Massachusetts”

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Woof University is our series of pet-related training tips, and this week we’re focusing on what to do if you have a dog who uses his mouth too much! Commonly referred to as “mouthing“, this is not to be confused with biting or aggression. Mouthing commonly occurs during play, times of excitement, or sometimes during a stressful situation. Puppies tend to mouth even more as they learn proper bite inhibition. But left without proper training, mouthing can become a problem or cause someone to become uncomfortable or even afraid of your dog. Click here to watch a video on training tips for dealing with mouthiness, and learn about how you can help curb this behavior!

By using positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to give you what you want and strengthen your human-animal bond. Please remember to seek the help of a certified, professional, positive-reinforcement based dog trainer in your area for further assistance with mouthiness or other issues.

You, too, can post your pet-related questions on Adopt-a-Pet.com’s Facebook or Twitter page with the hashtag # AskKatya and once a week, we’ll be picking a question to answer with video! Whether it’s a dog training question, how to stop an undesirable behavior, or maybe there is something that your pet is doing you’re just curious to know what it means – feel free to ask us. Did you like this article? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

Did you know that only 2 % of cat owners found their lost pets at shelters? That stomach-wrenching statistic was revealed in a recent issue of the journal Animals, which published the results of a survey of 1,015 pet households over a five-year period. So where do people find their lost cats? Read on to find out what I learned from our recent first-hand experience with cat finding experts!

When an indoor cat gets outside unintentionally, they are very easily spooked by “normal” outside things like cars, dogs walking by, or even people. But unlike dogs who tend to run when scared, cats are much more likely to find the first hiding place they can and hole up, sometimes for days in a row. So while having your cats microchipped and wearing an ID tag is super important, as is keeping your registered contact information accurately up-to-date, there are important actions you can take once your pet is lost that will increase the chances of your missing cat being found.

So in addition to following the advice in our comprehensive Lost Pet Guide (click here), here are some additional tips for finding a lost cat that has going missing outside:

1. If you can afford to hire a pet detective, and have one in your area, the good ones are worth their weight in gold for their experience. Ask for references, and hire them sooner if you can, before the trail grows cold. You can also consider a local phone calling service like FindToto.com
2. If possible and safe to do so, close your pets in other rooms of your home, and put their litter box right outside your front or back door (cats can smell great distances and they can recognize their scent) and leave the cracked open enough so your cat can squeeze inside late at night, when cats are more likely to be on the move.
3. If you live in a suburban or urban environment: Put a LOST CAT flyer with a photo on every one of your neighbor’s doorsteps, and on their car windshields. Walk around at times when dog owners may be out walking their dogs, hand them a flyer, ask them if they’ve seen your pet, explain how heartbroken you are. The more people that are helping look for your cat, the better chances you are of getting a “sighting” and being able to set a humane trap in that area and catch your cat. This is what worked for Lil C in the poster above, after weeks of searching for her she was trapped inside of a neighbor’s carport just a few houses down from where she escaped.
4. The next day, knock on neighbor’s doors and ask if they have seen your cat, hand them another flyer, and ask if you can look in their garage. (Them looking is not the same thing, as the cat will likely not come out for them.)
5. Set up a cat feeding spot outside your home: a plastic bowl with some of your cat’s favorite food works well. Refresh daily, you can set it in a pie plate of water if ants are an issue. Ask neighbors if they can do the same.  If you notice the food is being touched at all, move the food into a humane cat trap and set it for a few hours each late night. Only set the trap while you can directly monitor it, i.e. you are sitting nearby listening, or watching from your home with a clear view of the trap. Never leave a trap unwatched, even for a few minutes. Sadly, there are cases of mentally ill people who think pouring gasoline and lighting cats in cages on fire is fun. Also, opossums and other wildlife can fatally injure themselves trying to get out of a trap, and should be released immediately if caught.

Don’t give up too soon! Cats are often found weeks after they’ve gone missing. We hope these tips help you find your lost cat!

PEOPLEPets.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com continue working together to raise awareness and promote pet adoption! Each month we feature an adoptable sweetheart on PEOPLEPets.com to help him or her find a happy home. Today we want you to meet Shasta, September’s star! She is a beautiful Weimaraner who was sadly given up by her owners. But the Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue stepped up to help Shasta, providing her with a loving foster home as she waits for her forever family. She is enjoying playing with her foster brother, and even though she is eight years old she still acts like a puppy! Shasta is friendly and social, adores children, and is fondly referred to as a “velcro dog” because she just wants to be near her people.

We sure appreciate the amazing work that Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue does! They are an all volunteer, nonprofit rescue group with a mission to help save Weimaraners in the Great Lakes region including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. They take in Weimaraners of all ages and stages of life, and they go above and beyond to provide them all with the safety, care, and love the deserve.  You can read more about Shasta and how to adopt her by clicking here!

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Who doesn’t love hearing happy adoption stories? (You can email us yours at info@cms.adoptapet.com.) Our day got a lot brighter when we received an email with this sweet note about a family’s newly adopted Yorkie. She found him thanks to one of Adopt-a-Pet.com’s Search Saver emails! “We lost our sweet Yorkie in early December last year and were not sure we could love another, but then you sent me the pix of a little guy picked up in the Tampa, Florida area.  He was being fostered for being underweight, flear ridden and bald!  His foster mother like my adoption application and agreed to hold him until I was back in Florida in February.  Picked him up on my birthday, Feb 12, and we have been inseparable ever since.  He gets along well with my husband and his dog, an adopted Cavachon.  Can’t imagine our lives without him!  He is now a good weight, sleek and shiny, and so happy to be our constant companion.  Keep up the great work! Sincerely,  Judy VZ”

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I am allergic to cats.  My boyfriend has two of them in a rather small house. The first time I visited him, after 15 minutes my eyes itched, my nose ran, and I could not stop sneezing.  So as my very first romantic gift to him, I gave him a brand-new Hepa vacuum cleaner!  It improved the situation a little, but after sitting for an hour on the couch, I had to evacuate.  Long story short, I went to the allergy clinic.  The allergist, after hearing my story, asked me the following two questions: “How serious is your relationship?”  “How old are the cats?”  I turned to ever-helpful networks, the Internet and my friends.  They were a lot more encouraging than the doctor! Here’s what I’ve put together from all these sources and from my own experiences, in hopes it will help others allergic to cats, too.

First, good news!  Even though all professional allergy specialists will deny it – an overwhelming majority of people in my situation adjust over time and their allergies weakened substantially or even disappear.  Having constant controlled exposure to pet allergens seems to work in the same way as allergy shots do.

Second, controlling the exposure is not that hard! It does take some investment in technology, some organization, and some dedication from the person not allergic to pets (in my case, my boyfriend).  It is the exposure to allergens you need to control, not the exposure to pets.

Many people erroneously think that the allergens are in the hair/fur of the dogs or cats.  This is not the case.  The allergens are actually the proteins found in saliva.  This is why cats, who lick themselves all the time, tend to cause more allergies than dogs.  Also the proteins in dogs and cats are not the same, so a person can be allergic to cats and not dogs or vice versa. These proteins are rather small and sticky, which means that they tend to stay in the air once they are released, and that they do not necessarily get picked up off the carpet by a vacuum cleaner.  Here are some fixes nonetheless that could lead to great improvements for you and the cats you wish to befriend!

Fix #1, the vacuum. As mentioned above, consider getting a top of the line, powerful vacuum cleaner with a Hepa filter.  I prefer the bag-less ones because they are more economical.  I even put a surgical mask on if I’m the one emptying the stuff from the vacuum.

Fix #2, the air cleaner.  Some of these proteins will escape the vacuum cleaner filter or will be launched into the air by wind, air conditioner, or forced air heating systems.  We tested the Pet Machine by Austin Air which worked great.  My boyfriend turns it on as soon as he is done vacuuming and leaves it running until I come over. The air feels so fresh. If I start feeling a little tickle in my nose, I stand right next to it for a couple of minutes and it goes away.

Fix #3, the chemicals.  Allersearch ADMS is a spray that binds proteins. This means that if you spray it on your carpets and couches a few hours before vacuuming, you will actually be able to remove the allergens. AllerPet topical solution, which has a cat version and a dog version, neutralizes the proteins on the skin of your animals. It can be used as a shampoo if you bathe your animal (note: I find it works better for dogs!), or it can be put on a wash cloth which you can pat your animal with (note: wiping from the tail towards the head works better for cats.)  If you can’t avoid direct contact with a pet that you are allergic to, AllerPet is your a very helpful tool as it mostly nips the problem in the bud.  Of course all of these products are designed to be harmless to animals.

There are a few more tips, and even though they may only help marginally, those small benefits can help make the difference between having symptoms and not having symptoms.

– Allersearch Anti-Allergen Wash can be added to your laundry to get allergens off the sheets and clothes.

– Keep the litter box clean!

– Use an allergy-proof mattress cover and pillow cases.

– Try to avoid having other allergens in the air (dust, pollen, etc.).

– Shampoo your carpets once a year.

There is no need to choose between pets and a loved one who is allergic to them.  For more, consider reading a great book by Shirlee Kalstone called “Allergic to Pets? The Breakthrough Guide to Living with Animals you Love.” As for me, I’m happy to report that after a year of making these improvements I can spend an extended period of time at my boyfriend’s house without resorting to anti-histamines or nasal steroids. I’m not quite ready to have the cats on my lap, but I no longer freak out when they make themselves comfortable on top of the quilt or under my chair!  Most importantly, although I do have occasional sneezes, I don’t have to leave the house! The air is cleaner and we can enjoy each others’ company.  I’m sure it will only get better – and I am looking forward to a long-term relationships with the cats, and with my boyfriend!

Exercise is important for cats! You probably already know the importance of getting enough exercise for yourself, but did you know that regular exercise can significantly improve the physical and emotional health of your cat too? About 40% of cats in the United States are considered obese, a risk factor that contributes to many of the same serious diseases that affect people, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Consistent doses of physical exercise can not only help your cat stay fit, but mentally stimulated as well. Once your cat gets a clean bill of health from your vet, you can build up the length and intensity of your cat exercise sessions slowly. Cats have a reputation as lazy pets who love to sleep all day, but they can easily be bored and not getting enough attention. Instead of just leaving out some kitty toys, if you can participate in your cat’s exercise sessions, you can enjoy benefits as well.  Indoor cats especially will appreciate the opportunity to safely fulfill their natural hunting instincts, keeping them happy and satisfied.

• Invest in a laser pointer. Most pet stores and home improvement stores sell these inexpensively. Most cats will love chasing the red glowing “bug”, and you will have just as much fun watching the chase! Just make sure not to shine it directly into your kitty’s eyes, and switch to a toy they can catch at the end of your play session.
• Design a “playground” for your cat. Cats are just as happy playing with everyday objects as expensive toys. Paper shopping bags without handles and cardboard boxes can make great play areas for cats who love to actively explore. We love this video of a man who built a wonderful and easy huge cardboard cat tower for his feline friend Rufus.
• Go “fishing.” You can buy fishing pole toys designed for cats, but save yourself some money by just tying a favorite toy to the end of some fishing line or string. Move around and cast the toy back and forth with jerky movements, while your cat goes nuts. Your heart will be pumping too as you try to keep up!
• Play ball! Anything that moves across your floor, like a ping pong ball, will probably pique your cat’s interest. Cats are naturally suited for short, intense bursts of activity, so keep the game moving as quickly as possible to get your cat’s heart rate up. After play time, pick up any small objects that may be choking hazards.
• Add a catio with many levels and shelves to encourage jumping and racing around.
• Please, don’t let your cat roam outside — the risks to their life and health far outweigh any benefits.

Just a few minutes a day can go a long way in keeping your cat happy and healthy. And remember, the more you are moving along with your cat, the more exercise you are getting as well!

Recently someone wrote in an #AskKatya question and asked the following about her new rescue dog: “My adopted dog keeps getting into the cat litterbox! I live in an apartment so my box locations are limited. Are there any other tricks I can try?”  Well, unfortunately it’s not that unusual for a pooch to want to get into a kitty box! Here are a few helpful suggestions you can try.

1. Baby gate. Often a baby or pet gate in the doorway of the room that has the litterbox is the quickest and least expensive solution. If you have a bigger dog, you can purchase a tall pet gate with a built-in kitty door in the bottom. If you have a smaller dog who will not jump a shorter gate and your cat doesn’t mind jumping over it, try a shorter gate. Some baby gates are made out vertical metal bars that a cat can easily fit through, but a dog can not. It can take trying a few heights and styles to find one that works best and is safe for both your pets.

IMPORTANT: Options 2 through 6 below are all trying a new location for your cat’s litter box. MAKE SURE you are adding a 2nd litter box, and your cat is happy using the 2nd box, before you remove the 1st. Show your cat the new box, and praise him anytime you catch him using it. Once he is using the new box for at least one week, you can then remove the original litter box that the dog was accessing. If your cat doesn’t use the new litter box, you can try leaving it there another week longer, or you may need to try another option. It is not a good idea to make sudden litter box changes, and do not try to force your cat to use the 2nd box by removing the 1st. That could cause them to stop using the litter box and finding a spot – like your rug or laundry basket – that they prefer! It can also cause stress which can lead to health problems.

2. Higher up. Another option is while leaving the original litter box where it is, try putting a second litter box up high somewhere in your home that your dog can not reach, like a table or shelf. The higher platform needs to be VERY sturdy and allow for enough room so that your cat can get up onto it, move around, and step into the litter box. 

Here’s a story to brighten up your day! (You can email us yours at info@cms.adoptapet.com.) We just love hearing from happy adopters who have used Adopt-a-Pet.com to find their new furry friend, and here’s a great one that we received via email with some wonderful photos, from Pam: “Thank you for all your efforts in helping locate and English Bulldog. You connected me to Smash Face Rescue where I adopted a lovely English Bulldog. I not longer need your services. If not for you I would not be a bulldog momma now. Please remove me from your data base. He is a picture of Sadie. I have been on many sites for about a year and a half or more. Finally I saw Sadie and fell in love. I went to Smash Face Rescue in Van Nuys and they let me take her home. I have been to a vet because she has skin problems. I got an easy lead harness as recommended by the vet and I am crate training this adult dog to be housebroken. I am really lucky. I waited so long. Now tomorrow I go into the hospital for a total hip replacement and my boyfriend promised to keep up the training. My roommate Robin will babysit Sadie and Elvis, the Pug who belongs to my boyfriend. Oh yes and Daphney the Siamese cat. We are one happy family and I am so pleased I got my wish. Here’s hoping that the housebreaking won’t take too long. I have had English Bulldogs and have done the crate training method on my last puppy. I don’t see why it would be any different for an adult dog. Sadie gets lots of attention and we love her. Here are a few pictures. Sorry I haven’t had time to pose for one with her. Too much prep for the surgery. Sincerely, Pam”

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