Contrary to some beliefs, felines can be trained
The holidays are over and Mr. and Mrs. Claus have already returned to the North Pole after donating a hectic three Saturdays at Buddy Shelter, 65 W. Seegers, in Arlington Heights. 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 year-round. We have many animals that need a home in 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 number 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, that doesn't mean junking out your feline's diet.
Make sure the number one 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 ChapStick. 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 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 and in good shape 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 health and organ problems in the long run.
So, let's start the new year with resolutions we will keep for our felines.
Buddy's Birthday Bash:
Buddy will celebrate its 24th birthday with a celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Chandlers Chophouse, 401 N. Roselle Road, in Schaumburg. The theme is Grease Lightning. For a $40 donation in advance; $45 at the door, you can enjoy music, raffles, two drink tickets and a buffet. For information and tickets, visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.