Why not open your heart, home to adult felines this new year?
Buddy wishes for a bright, healthy and shiny new year, both for you and your animals. 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 sprit and patience.
We also thank all of you that tried to help us make Christmas a little brighter for the animals at the shelter. Your participation with 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 for the new year.
In fact, on the feline side of the shelter, adult animals are at a record high. The reality is adults live with us three to four times longer than a kitten or juvenile cat. If you have been delaying adding to your feline family because of the holidays, please consider checking out our never-ending numbers of feline adults for the new year.
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, as the owner, need to take responsibility for both problems.
Felines love to please you and, yes, they are trainable, contrary to some beliefs otherwise. I train with toys, organic catnip and treats. When I advocate treats I am not advocating junking out your felines’ diet with unhealthy food. 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.
You can use treats to alter behavior more often than you think; as long as you provide healthy, low-calorie treats. Always read your labels because there are unhealthy, high calorie treats out there that outnumber the healthy ones. Let’s keep our felines healthy and in good health 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 for that month. It is time to start calling ahead to make your appointments.
AdoptablesBaby is am 8-year-old, black-and-white tuxedo cat. She is shy at first, but warms up and will be very sweet once she gets to know you. Baby is best friends with Bambi, a 5-year-old petite tabby with beautiful, striking green eyes. Bambi has been at the shelter for quite a while and saw her two siblings adopted long ago. She#146;s is a little reserved at first but needs the reassurance that she can trust you and you#146;ll see the beautiful personality laying underneath. Brad is a 4-year-old dark black tabby with a white face. He loves the attention when everyone #147;oohs and aahs#148; over him. Brad was a shy kitty when he came to the shelter, but a volunteer loved him and taught him to trust people. He loves to play and is very kitten-like. Brad would thrive in a home where someone would be patient with him.Ÿ Contact the Buddy Foundation at (847) 813-7206 or visit thebuddyfoundation.org. 801801Bambi 17281323Brad