Cat Crazy?
See If Cats Are The Right Choice For You!
Summer at Cocheco Valley Humane Society means cats, cats and more cats! And kittens too. So, maybe you want one of our awesome cats. Or could a cuddly kitten be the pet you just can’t resist. But you don’t know where to start. "Should I get a male cat or a female, a kitten or an older cat? What do I need to care for my cat?” Well, adopting a cat for the first time should be a lifetime commitment, so read on before you decide! Is my family ready for a cat? Am I ready? Adopting your first cat is a big step. Cats live between 15 to 20 years on average. Although cats have a reputation for taking care of themselves, that fact does not equal "no care is necessary." Before rushing in to adopt that darling kitten, take the time to do your homework. The result will be a happier, healthier cat and loving companionship. You are adding a living, intelligent, feeling creature to your family. Adopting a new cat should be for keeps, so consider carefully before you make that decision.
Cat or kitten? Although cute, kittens soon become cats. At the shelter, we can tell you more about the personality of our cats and their likes or dislikes concerning other animals like dogs or other cats you might already own. Kittens are harder to judge in that regard. If young children are going to be near, an adult cat would be the better choice as they are less likely to be hurt if a toddler grabs them and they can run should the baby get too close. But the life of a kitten is great fun to watch and they too will be part of your family as they grow. Just consider your needs before you choose.
Are you ready to be responsible for your cat’s care? A litter box, food dishes, proper food, and a comfy bed are just the start. Every cat leaves CVHS with its proper vaccinations but a veterinarian should be seeing your new feline friend as soon as possible with yearly checks after your cat is under the veterinarian’s care. If the kitten or cat is not spayed or neutered, your veterinarian can do that to avoid future unwanted litters of kittens. The overwhelming cat population problem CVHS faces each day is reason enough to spay and neuter. Quality food is important. Cats are meat eaters or carnivores, and need a good source of meat protein. The food should not have too much grain filler so be sure to buy high quality food. Our shelter staff is glad to make suggestions if you need help.
Cats need to live indoors. Many people believe cats deserve the freedom, fresh air, and sunshine of an outdoor life, while many others can offer proof that cats can be quite happy and healthy living totally indoors. The outdoors offers dangers such as injury due to cars and other animals. Diseases are also passed when cats roam outdoors. A leash for your cat or an large outdoor enclosure may be a solution to outdoor life for your cat. Providing climbing opportunities, scratching posts, safe toys and indoor playtime will help your cat love its indoor home.
A clean litter box is a key to success. Cats will consistently use a litter box, if it is kept clean, and if the litter is not scented or unpleasant. At CVHS we use nonclumping litter to help cats avoid eating the granules as they clean their paws that might cause a block in their digestive track.
It Adds Up: Pet Populations
Just to keep you brushed up on your math this summer, see if you can figure out how many pets you would have if your pets had all these babies! The answer to the questions is at the end of the newsletter.
1. When you started with two pets and they had a litter of six babies, how many total pets did you have?
2. Now take the total number from question #1 and divide it into pairs. If each pair has six babies, what is your total number of pets?
3. Take your answer from question #2 and figure out how many pairs you now have.
4. Take your answer for question #3. If each pair has six babies, what is the total number of pets. (Clue: remember to count the pairs too!)
Pet Facts: Why should you adopt a pet?
Adopting a pet has some wonderful rewards that might surprise you! You just need to follow the old scout motto: Be prepared! If you know what you and your family are getting into when you adopt a pet, living with an adopted pet can bring many great things to your life. Think about these:
Pets make you healthier: It's true! Pets really do make people healthier. Studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure, reduced stress, more exercise, and visit the doctor less often than those who don't own pets. And you can return the favor by keeping your pet healthy too.
Pets make you happier: Studies also show that people who have pets suffer less often from depression that those who don't have pets. Who wouldn't be happy having their dog or cat greet them at the door?
Pets teach you how to love better: When you take on the responsibility of caring for and nurturing a pet you discover a little bit more about love. Pets depend on you, changing you life and even your personality! You find out about sacrifice, how to be less selfish and about giving to another being. Pets help you understand what it means to love something other than yourself.
CVHS Thanks All Our Cocheco Amigos
The sixth grade class at Henry Wilson Memorial School made a big difference in the lives of CVHS animals. Lots of food and a super check for $500 was amazing! Thanks to Donna Therien for organizing this drive at Henry Wilson Memorial School.
City Year New Hampshire is an Americorp sponsored program for middle school students in Portsmouth. Sasha, the CVHS canine educator, and Jane Kennedy talked with this group of 20 students about animal cruelty and how they could make a difference in the lives of animals. It was an interesting visit with young people who really make a difference with their community service. Thanks for having CVHS come!
Sasha got lots of attention during a delightful afternoon visit to the Farmington Women's Club. They were a gracious group, with treats for Sasha, a check to help the animals, and a pet supply donation of treats, food and toys. Glad we got to meet you and tell you more about CVHS.
CVHS got a special visit from the young friends at Emanuel Childcare. These 2 and 3 year olds were as cute as the kittens and puppies! Thanks to the parents and Denise Grimes for bringing these darlings in for a visit! Loved it!!
Lynn Dube and her Daisy scouts came for a tour of CVHS and brought donations that helped all the animals. The girls were so gentle with our furry friends and asked many questions about our shelter. Thanks for the donations and we hope we see you all again soon!
Jen Hoyt and her scout troop learned about pet care, CVHS and ways they could help animals. Thanks goes out to this group who made some wonderful donations of food and money! Thanks again!
Answer to the Pet Population Questions:
1.) 8 2.) 32 3.)16 4.)128: WOW! That’s why CVHS says neuter or spay your pets!
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