In spite of what many believe, felines can be trained
Buddy wishes all of you a bright, healthy and shiny New Year.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus have already returned to the North Pole after donating a hectic three Saturdays at 65 W. Seegers. We thank them for their untiring good spirit and patience. We also thank all of you who tried to help us make Christmas a little brighter for the animals at the shelter.
Your participation in Santa ornaments, Santa photos and donations was tremendous. Keep us and the animals in your heart and in your wallet year-round. We have many animals that need a home.
In fact, on the feline side of the shelter, adult animals are at a record high. The reality is adults live with us 3 to 4 times longer than a kitten or juvenile cat. If you have been delaying adding to your feline family because of the holidays, consider checking out our never-ending numbers of feline adults.
The sad reality is that animals end up in shelters because they are not neutered or develop destructive habits in a household. As caretakers, you need to take responsibility for both problems.
Felines love to please you and, yes, they are trainable, contrary to some beliefs. I train with toys, organic catnip and treats. When I advocate treats I am not advocating junking out your cat's diet with unhealthy foods. Make sure the No. 1 ingredient is protein-based and not highly caloric.
Sometimes even a high quality freeze-dried food can be used for a treat to alter behavior. A product that sends my felines into a begging frenzy is a freeze-dried food by Stella and Chewy's. Just the aroma of the bag opening causes them to relocate into the room I want to train them in.
Another product my felines like is Likety-Stick. The product comes in different flavors and it looks like a huge tube of Chap-Stick. You simply take the cap off and they will lick it. Dishing up this treat looks a little ridiculous, but the cats find it fast fun.
Tuna-flavored hairball preventive products also can be substituted for treats. The trick to this treat is to teach them to crave the product at an early age. They think you are providing a treat, but you know you are providing a health benefit when they lick the Laxatone product right out of the tube.
Always read your labels because there are unhealthy, high calorie treats out there that outnumber the healthy ones. Let's keep our felines healthy this New Year and remember preventive maintenance. Don't forget that February is dental month for our pets, and many veterinarians offer a discount on teeth cleaning. It is time to start calling ahead to make your appointments.
A healthy mouth is the steppingstone to continued good health for our felines. An unhealthy, neglected set of teeth can cause serious organ problems in the long run.
Featured Felines
Sparkle is in Room 1 and is a black-and-white female born in January 2012. She is very friendly and loves to be petted. She will stare you down until you pet her. She can be extremely loving, then will all of a sudden want to play rough. She means no harm; she may have been raised that way, so she is better living in a home without younger children. She is soft, yet her fur kind of sticks straight up in a cute way.
Angel is in Room 2 and is a female calico. Angel is extremely friendly, will be the first to sit next to you and stay until you stop petting her. She is very gentle and affectionate. Her fur is so soft, you will want to pet her forever, and she will let you, as she is a "people cat."