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Knowledge is Power
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I spay or neuter my cat?
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For every litter born, more animals have to be destroyed because of overpopulation. It is truly a national tragedy that thousands of pets continue to be euthanised in our city's shelters.
A longer and healthier life for your pet - Spaying
and neutering really is good for the cat, no matter what the sex. The
reasons include: decreased aggression towards other animals, prevention of
behavioural problems, reduced chances of cancer, increased life span, reduced
instances of disease or injury, reduced urge to roam.
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What is microchipping?
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Microchipping
involves the impantation, by a veterinarian, of a small microchip under the
cat's skin. The microchip is enclosed in a special capsule and is about
the size of a grain of rice. It is a simple and safe procedure and
is not painful to the cat. Each of these microchips are programmed
with a unique identification code, and emits a signal when scanned with a
special wand. This unique number is also registered in a central database,
along with the owner's vital information, and can be used to re-unite the
animal with the owner. Microchipping is the best chance of having a
lost pet re-united with their owner.
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What is a feral cat?
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When
house cats that have not been spayed or neutered are abandoned or lost, they
and their offspring band together in groups known as colonies. Whithout
the contact of human companions these cats become wild(feral). They
make their homes wherever there is a source of food - in alleys, parks, farmland,
college campuses, and deserted buildings. Their numbers continue to
steadily grow, even if only meager scraps is all the food to be had.
Feral cats tend to lead very short and tenuous lives - many suffer from malnutrition
or starvation, some will succumb to the freezing winter temperatures, others
will become prey for other animals.
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Do cats like company?
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Judge this for yourself
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How do I know which cat to choose?
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When
choosing a cat many people make the mistake of choosing according to their
appearance. The best way to choose your lifelong companion is to take
a good look at your own lifestyle and expectations as well as how much time
you are willing to commit.
Everyone wants a kitten - they are so cute and adorable, however it is important
to consider the responsibilities that go along with that adorable little
bundle of energy.
A kitten should not be removed from its mother for the first 8 weeks at it
is still learning vital life lessons that only a mother can teach.
A kitten of 8 to 12 weeks of age, like a human baby, may need feeding every
four to six hours and cannot be left along for long periods of time. Their
sensitive stomachs require a high quality kitten food. Monthly booster
vaccines are also vital to protect them from feline diseases.
At 12 to 20 weeks of age a kitten, like a toddler, is very rambunctious,
full of energy, and will get into everything. Now is the time to make
sure that the toilet seats are down! Don't blink when you open the
fridge or oven, as kitty will be in their quicker than you can say "Garfield"!
Be prepared to have a cold nose poked into your plate of food, and
to be up at the crack of dawn when kitty want breakfast. The "terrible
twos" have arrived!
Having a kitten in the house is a time of joyous fun and laughter for those
that understand they have the equivalent of a young child in their home and
are willing to put the time and effort to play with and train that bundle
of energy.
Although cats that live indoors remain playful all of their lives, they
do start to settle down around the age of 8 month to 1 year. Now is
the time when you see all the wonderous beauty and dignity that a cat has
to offer - the rich, silky coat of fur, the intoxicating eyes, the contented
purr. This is time of quiet companionship, happy playtimes, and meditative
moments as you look out on the world through a window together.
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What about declawing?
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The
members of Homeless Cat Rescue do not believe in the declawing of cats. We
respecfully offer the following information so that you may decide for yourself
whether this is a humane option. DECLAWING IS NOT THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT SCRATCHING DAMAGE.
We beg you to read our information, and do as much research as you can, before choosing the radical option of declawing.
Declawing in a irreversable surgical procedure that involves the amputation
of the last joint of the cat's toes. It is a very painful surgical
operation which is followed by a long, painfull recovery period for the cat.
A cat's claws are a vital part of its anatomy, vital to its balance, mobility
and survival. Scratching is as normal as is eating and breathing. It
is unrealistic to try to prevent a cat from scratching. Please also
read our information on scratching as well.
Deprived of its front claws, a cat may become insecure and distressed. Feeling
defenseless without their claws, kitty may become hostile towards people
and other animals, and become more likely to bite making them less safe around
children and babies.
A cat's front claws are its primary defense. You may think "My cat
never goes outside". However what happens if the cat accidently gets
outside and you cannot find him/her. Kitty now is defenseless and unable
to climb a tree to escape from predators, unable to catch food to survive.
Consider the case of "Misty" who was rescued by our group in
November 2003.
Misty was found terrifed and starving in the Huntingwood and Kennedy area.
Unable to defend herself she had been attacked and sustained a large
cut and bruising to her face and nose. Unable to catch food she was
hungry and desperate. She was lucky to find her way into the home of
a caring person, who after a month of trying, managed to lure her into his
home. Misty has now found a home with a young lady who was willing to work with her and regained her trust and confidence.
Some cats develop an aversion to their litter box because of the pain associated
with scratching in the litter after the declawing procedure.
Declawing is very much a North American idea. The following is a list
of countries in which declawing is either illegal or considered extremely
inhumane; England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia,
Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Australia, New Zeland, Yugoslavia, Israel,
Japan, and South Africa.
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What can be done about scratching?
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Since
your cat brings you so much joy, you decide to buy him/her the softest and
most luxurious scratching post you can find. You take it home and kitty
gives you a blank stare, like only a cat can, and walks away. Your idea
of what is ideal and your cat's idea may not be the same.
Cats like rough surfaces that they can shred to pieces. The best scratching posts are those covered in sisal and they are sold by Woodruff (www.woodruff.com).
The post should be tall enough that the cats can fully extend their
body when scratching, and secure enough that it does not fall over. The
following is an example of and excellent scratching post.
Do It Yourself Options:
The reverse side of a rug provides a good, satisfying resistant texture for
scratching. You can staple or tape sections of the rug to a wall or
post. A tree stump is also an excellent natural option.
The scratching post should initially be placed in an area used by the entire
family, and not hidden in a back corner. After such time as kitty is
comfortable with using this post, you can gradually move its location to
the side of the room.
Rub dried catnip leaves onto the post to entice kitty to use it.
Reward kitty with treats when he/she uses it.
If at first your cat is reluctant to give up its old scratching areas (furniture,
carpet, wallpaper) there are ways you can discourage this. Cover the
area with aluminum foil which has a texture that cats normally do not like
to scratch.
Cats also do not normally like citrus odours so the use of lemon scented
sprays on the old scratching surface may make it less appealing.
Keep a small spray bottle filled with water - a spray of water is effective in discouraging negative behaviour.
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