Do I Really Need To Get Kittens In Pairs?

The answer to this question is only if you want a well socialized adult cat.  Kittens need each other to learn how to be well rounded cats.  This can only be taught by being with other kittens or other cats.  They need the mental, social and emotional stimulation that they can only give each other.  If you think about it we can't learn how to meow from them anymore than we can teach them the English language.  We need other humans like they need other cats.  It just makes common sense. 

http://www.goathouserefuge.org/two-kittens-are-easier-than-one/

http://www.mchumane.org/documents/kittencare.pdf

The above links have some very good insight into kittens.  They are work and they are very, very, very busy.  They also, like human children, haven't developed their adult personalities yet so just because they are sweet and snuggly now doesn't mean they will be as adults. 

Having two kittens is actually easier than having one believe it or not.  Two kittens will keep each other occupied and they will play with each other instead of bugging you all the time wanting to play!  They will be tons of entertainment and will keep you laughing. 

These pictures are very cute and show part of what playing is for kittens.  If you only have one then this chewing and wrestling will happen on you instead of an appropriate playmate.  Yes, you can show them a toy instead of you, but they are very social beings most of the time and will keep coming back to you for interaction. 

They will pounce, jump and stalk one another as if they are prey which is very, very normal.  If you have just one then they will do this with you!  They may do this even if they do have a playmate, but redirecting them is easier if there is something else to focus their attention like another moving target that is their size and looks like them. 

Another plus is when you are away from home, ex. at work, then they will have each other to snuggle with and play with so they are not bored.  A bored kitten is like a bored puppy...destructive.  They do not have the eduction yet to know right from wrong but if they have an appropriate playmate and appropriate toys then the likelihood of them getting into trouble is much lower.

Kittens are cute but if you want a pet whose personality is already developed then you might want to consider an adult for many reasons but 1) you know what you're getting personality wise, and 2) the chances of him/her doing well alone (if you only want one) are higher. 

If you aren't sure what you want, then you might want to consider fostering until you know for sure.  Not only does it save a life, it gives you a chance to spend time with an animal and give it a good home until the right family comes a long.  It is definitely rewarding.  Check with your local rescue organizations or shelters for more information.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope this has given you some insight.  Tell your family and friends about us and if you have a topic you'd like to see discussed please let us know.  Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Flipbook!  Again, thanks for reading.

Kitten Season Is Here In Full Force...So What Does That Mean For Us?

So people are telling you that it's "kitten season".  What is that exactly?  Well about twice a year rescues and shelters are inundated with kittens and pregnant cats because unaltered cats are mating and having babies.  Seems pretty benign doesn't it, but if you think that just two cats (one male and one female) can have over 100,000 cats in a 7 year period then it might not seem so benign.  Then think that those 100,000 cats are having over 100,000 kittens who are in turn having over 100,000 kittens in 7 year periods of time.  That's a lot of cats that need homes, are going to shelters or rescues, are left outside to fend for themselves and potentially being abused or killed, or being euthanized in shelters to make room for the other animals being dropped off because the people don't know what else to do with them.

So what can we as humans do?  Well the best thing to do is alter your cats (spay/neuter).  This does a couple of things for the cat.  It not only prevents more babies that nobody has room for but it also exponentially lowers the possibility of cancer.  I know it sounds strange but it is true.  I have heard a number of vets tell me this very thing.  Here's a link from the ASPCA verifying this information:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/spay-neuter.aspx

Another things we humans can do is adopt from the shelters and rescue organizations rather than buy from breeders.  I'm not saying not to buy from breeders at all; however, there are a lot of unsavory breeders out there so if you do get your pet from a breeder please do your homework and don't just go for the cheapest price because there is a reason for the low price more than likely.  Even when adopting you should do your homework prior to taking your pet home so it really is no different.

If there are stray cats in your area then there are organizations who will manage the "colony" or will work with you if you are willing to feed the cats in order to spay/neuter the animals to keep the population manageable and show you how to make shelters, etc.  It's not as hard as you might think.  Here is a link to a great resource:

http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_MANAGING_A_FERAL_CAT_COLONY

This is one type of feeding station for a feral cat colony.

We will probably never stop the cycle but that is what rescue people work towards.  What we humans can do to help is to spay and neuter the ones that are there and not only will it help slow the cycle but it will help the animals' health as well which is always a good thing. 

For those of you who haven't spayed or neutered your personal cats, talk to your vet about the consequences about that medically.  There are more pros than cons for having the surgery done and there are lots of low cost options around as well.  I'm sure your vet or local shelter can help you find one that is available to you.

Kittens are cute but they grow up and become adults.  Lets start looking at and talking about responsible pet ownership.  Educate the people around you because the people who read this blog and other blogs are already responsible pet owners.

As always, we welcome questions, comments and any topic you'd like to see discussed here.  Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and tell your family and friends about us!  Thanks so much for reading.

What Breed Is Right For Me?

So you've come to the point in your life where you want a pet.  That's great!  Cat or dog?  Male or female?  What age?  What breed?  So many things to think about before adopting.  These are all great things to think about but ultimately researching the breed in particular is what is more important because for the most part each cat will have the general personality of the breed.  However, there are exceptions to every rule so it is also important to visit with the particular cat as well to determine personality.  Remember, baby animals do not develop their personalities until they are a little older so at 2-3 months old you have no idea what their personality is going to be like at 6-8 months old and even older.

If you are wanting a laid back cat that loves their people and likes to snuggle and isn't much of a climber then an Abyssinian is probably not your cat because they love to climb and are extremely playful.  If you think you want a dog but aren't sure about the responsibility then maybe a Maine Coon is good for you because they are known as dogs in cat suits.  Leash training them is fairly easy and they are laid back cats but can get on the larger side.

Here are a couple of good resources for cat breeds and this will give you insight into their personality, intelligence (believe me that's important), playfulness, grooming requirements, etc.

http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/catselectorindex.do

http://simplycatbreeds.org/

Here are the dogs:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/abc.htm

Finding the right animal for your family, lifestyle, and/or home is very important because if you get the wrong one it can go very badly and the animal can end up at the shelter which always a bad ending for the animal.

Just keep in mind if you are not an active person then most dogs probably are not for you.  If you are an active runner and like being outside then a very large, 'fluffy', dog is not for you.  Just because it's a pretty animal doesn't mean he/she is right for you.

In my experience, the most loving and affectionate cats are Ragdolls/Ragamuffins.  They are great family cats and are good with kids.  They tend to bond with one person, though.  Maine Coons can be very affectionate as well but are more aloof.  They have a small voice for their large bodies which is entertaining to me.  They can growl a little when they are talking but are in general very gentle creatures.  They are the gentle giants of the cat world.

This is a baby Maine Coon...cute!

In my opinion, though, the most appreciative animals are rescued animals.  Most of them have had a hard life or have been given up by their families and simply want a good home to live out their days and have a loving family to love on and give all their attention to.  Whether you find an animal on the street and take it in or go to the shelter and save a life they will be so appreciative and will love you for the rest of their lives.

I hope this has helped you in trying to figure out where to start in your search for the right pet for your family. 

As always, we welcome any comments and questions and if you have a topic you'd like to see discussed here please let us know.  Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and please tell your family and friends about us!  Thanks so much for reading!