Adoption Procedures, Animal Shelters, and Volunteering

There are a lot of cats in need of a good home.  If you are interested in adopting a cat, you should take a trip to your local animal shelter. You will see all kinds of gorgeous cats there. If you can't adopt a cat,but still love cats you can help by either fostering a pet or volunteering. There is always a need for help caring for the animals at the animal shelter.

You will learn a lot and have fun with what you're doing at the same time.  There are adoption procedures and fees which can be found usually on any animal shelter's website. I really enjoyed working on my blog and I learned a lot of useful information that I didn't know before. I hope my blog has helped someone else to learn something new or helped them to consider adopting a cat.

These are my special cats. Shawn and Marlon are both rescue cats. Unfortunately, my cat Shawn wandered too close to the road and got hit by a car recently. He was a really good cat and I miss him.

Angelina

Shawn

Marlon

Fluffy

Teacher Appreciation Week- All Adult pet Adoption fees waived. May 2- May 7:
https://awanj.org/event-calendar?cid=1&ceid=1613&cerid=0&cdt=5%2f2%2f2017

Free Adoption-Seniors for Seniors Pets:
https://awanj.org/seniors-for-seniors-adoption-program

Adoption Policies:
http://ccasnj.org/for_adoption/paperwork.html

Cats for Adoption: Animal shelters in Camden County
https://awanj.org/adopt-a-cat

http://www.ccasnj.org/for_adoption/index.html

http://www.vaonj.org/adoptablecats/

http://www.aacnj.org/adoptable-cats/

Foster A Pet:
https://www.awanj.org/foster-volunteer

https://www.awanj.org/foster-faq

http://ccasnj.org/you_can_help/foster.html

http://www.vaonj.org/foster/

Volunteer Websites:
https://awanj.org/volunteer-on-site

https://awanj.org/volunteer-opportunites

http://www.vaonj.org/volunteer/

http://ccasnj.org/you_can_help/volunteer.html

Pet food pantry:
http://www.vaonj.org/petfoodpantry/

Cat harness:
http://www.adventurecats.org/gear-safety/what-kind-of-harness-does-cat-need/

How to put on a cat harness: YouTube Video

Feral Cats

A feral cat is considered the offspring of a cat that was abandoned. Feral cats have some or no interaction with humans. In Atlantic City, they have a project in place that helps the feral cats there. If you walk the boardwalk in Atlantic City, there are a lot of feral cats being cared for along there. As you walk the boardwalk you will see signs posted where the feral cats are located.

Volunteers help to take care of these cats. My favorite spot along the boardwalk to visit them is right across from the Ripleys Believe It Or Not. Two of the chubby cats are really friendly. I don't know what their names are. One is orange and the other one is multicolored with gray and black fur.

If you sit down on the steps next to where the entrance to beach is with the shower, they will come and sit on your lap.

http://www.petmd.com/cat/care/evr_ct_misunderstood_feral_cat

https://www.alleycat.org/our-work/community-change/atlantic-county-new-jersey/

Atlantic City-Boardwalk Cats Project:YouTube Video

Frank Hoopes: YouTube Video

How to Make a Feral Cat Shelter: YouTube Video

Alley Cat Allies: Feral Cat Clinic Procedure: YouTube Video

Exercise, Cat Toys, and Catnip

Exercise is important to keep your cat happy and healthy. There are a variety of cat toys to choose from in stores. And there are also plenty of DIY ( Do It Yourself) videos that you can try at home. Cats that eat a lot and don't exercise can become overweight, which can lead to obesity. Catnip is also good for pets, it helps them to relax. 

Some of the toys that my cats like playing with is the laser pointer, the tiny plastic balls that makes a noise when you shake it, and the Catit Design Senses Play Circuit. The laser pointer is my personal favorite because it is a very fun and entertaining way to interact with your cats. When you first  introduce your cat to the laser pointer, make sure that if your cat is running at a fast pace to turn off the laser pointer ahead of time. Your cat might crash into objects if they are running too fast and can't slow down fast enough.

Top 15 Best Interactive Cat Toys:

http://heavy.com/pets/2015/11/top-best-interactive-cat-toys/

10 Cat Exercises Your Pet Will Enjoy:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/ten-cat-exercises.aspx

Fat Cats: Questions and Answers for Getting Your Tubby Tabby Back into Shape:

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/fat-cats-getting-tubby-tabby-back-into-shape

How To Build A Kitty Play Place: YouTube Video

Dealing with a Cat that scratches or Bites: YouTube Video

Fat Cat Goes Swimming To Lose Weight: YouTube Video

Why Do Cats Like Catnip? : YouTube Video

DIY Cat Toys: YouTube Video

Fat to Fit Cat Exercises: YouTube Video

How To Keep An Indoor Cat Happy And Healthy: YouTube Video



Grooming

Grooming your cat is important because they can get fleas, ticks, and hairballs when not groomed regularly. If you are going to let your cat go outside, they need to be checked for any ticks when they come back inside. Now that the weather is getting warmer, your cat is more likely to bring ticks into your home.  If a tick gets on you from your cat and you are not aware of it, you put yourself at risk for getting lyme disease. There are many different products on the market that repel fleas and ticks. Also, bathing your cat with a flea and tick shampoo will get rid of fleas and ticks as well.

Your cats claws need to be trimmed so that they are less likely to claw your furniture. Also cats tend to play a bit rough at times, especially if you have a kitten. By trimming their claws, you are less likely to get cuts from their scratches. Brushing your cats fur gets rid of any loose hair that can cause fur balls. And cats love getting their fur brushed so it is an easy task. 

A cat with long fur needs more attention because if not groomed often,their fur can get matted and become hard to brush.  There are professional places that you can pay for someone to groom your pet,but it is cheaper to do it yourself if you can.

How to Stop Your Cats From Scratching Furniture: 

YouTube Video

Cat Grooming tips:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips

Pet Smart Pet Grooming

http://www.petsmart.com/pet-services/grooming/

Dr. Annual Visits: What to look for And Pet Insurance

Doctor annual visits for you cat are to check your cats overall health. You should look for any weight gain or loss in your cat.  When you go for the visit, you can be prepared by knowing what vaccines your cat has had. And if they're up to date, worming history, and flea treatment.  Be sure to make a list of any important questions that you may have for your veterinarian.

When your cat gets sick, injured or has an emergency situation, getting treatment can be pretty costly if you don't have insurance for your pet.  There are websites that offer free quotes so you can see if insurance is affordable for your pet.

Expert tips on best, most affordable pet insurance: YouTube Video

What to Expect When You Take Your Cat to the Vets For a Check Up - Video Tips from Specially4Cats   : YouTube Video

Pet Insurance Quotes:
https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/cat-insurance/


http://petinsurancereview.com/


The Physical Exam: What to Expect at the Veterinarian's Office
http://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_the_physical_exam?page=2


A Thorough Cat Checkup: What to Expect and How You Can Help
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/a-thorough-cat-checkup-what-expect-and-how-you-can-help

The Importance Of Vaccines & Rabies Info

In order to keep your cat and yourself in good health, it is very important to get your cat their vaccinations. Rabies can be easily spread from animal to animal and you don’t even have to get bit to catch rabies. If an animal scratches you, you can get rabies. You will need to talk with your veterinarian which vaccines are right for your cat.  Vaccines are available at your veterinarian office and also animal shelters offer vaccines as well.

And if you check with your town's municipal office, they may offer a free rabies vaccine with the purchase of your pets license. I live in Winslow Township and every year they offer a free rabies vaccine with the purchase of your pets license. It is usally scheduled on a specific day and time once a year.

What Vaccinations Does A Cat Need? : YouTube Video

Rabies Plain and Simple: YouTube Video

The Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment of Rabies : YouTube Video

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Rabies: Simple Steps Save Lives; YouTube Video

Pet Vaccination Information

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/vaccinations-your-pet

Camden County Animal Shelter: In Shelter Clinic ( Low-Cost Vaccinations, Tests, & Treatments)

http://www.ccasnj.org/spay_neuter_clinic/in_shelter_clinic.html

AWA (Animal Welfare Association) Vaccine Clinics

Mondays   https://www.awanj.org/pet-wellness-vaccine-days

Wednesdays   https://www.awanj.org/wednesday-evening-vaccine-clinics

Saturdays  https://www.awanj.org/saturday-schedule-vaccine-days

Cat Behavior & Body Language

If you pay close attention to a cat's behavior and their body language, you will learn a lot from them.  Paying close attention to a cat's behavior can help you to determine if they are sick, injured, or need something.  If you pay attention to a cat's body language, you can pretty much tell what kind of mood they are in. Especially pay attention to how they are moving their tail.

I love the Tv show My Cat From Hell on Animal Planet.  It stars Cat Whisperer Jackson Galaxy.  He gives great advice on how to handle many different cat behaviors. It is definitely a must watch show if you want to learn more about different cat behaviors and how to correct them.

Top 10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained: YouTube Video

How To Stop Your Cat From Attacking Your Ankles: YouTube Video

Why Does My Cat Pee Outside The Litter Box?: YouTube Video

Which Personality Describes Your Cat?: YouTube Video

Clip From TV Show My Cat From Hell: YouTube Video

What Bothers Cats? : YouTube Video

How To Know Your Cat Is Stressed: YouTube Video

You're Petting Your Cat All Wrong: YouTube Video

Help your cat find the confident where. YouTube Video

How to read your cats body language YouTube Video

Cat Body Language: YouTube Video

What's my cat feeling ( Tail).  YouTube Video

Two Reasons Cats and Dogs eat grass. YouTube Video

A Cat's Diet

A cat's diet is very important to their health.  Feeding your cat the wrong foods can make them very sick or even worse they could die from it.  Some cats may need a prescription food diet if their normal diet is not working for them. You will need to take your cat to your veterinarian to determine if a special diet is needed.   

From my own personal experience, I don't feed my cats too much dry food. I either mix it with meat or give them just cans. Too much dry food on a daily basis causes them to get constipated.  My cats absolutely love Friskies cans of meat and dry food. I occasionally feed them cooked chicken or fish which they enjoy as well.

Spay/Neuter

It is very important to get your cat spayed or neutered. Cats can multiply very quickly when they're not fixed.  Cats that are not fixed will spray around the house. This is how cats mark their territory. Getting your cat fixed will reduce or eliminate this. They are less likely to wander off as well.

Low cost spay and neuter clinics are offered at animal shelters. Spaying is the procedure for female cats in which they remove the ovaries and the uterus. Neutering is the procedure for male cats in which they remove the testicles.  The procedure is done in one day and its done within a few hours. They use absorable sutures for the stitches.

To prepare for your cat to be spayed or neutered, you should purchase an E Collar.  It is basically a plastic cone that goes around their neck.  It prevents them from licking their sutures so that it doesn't get infected.  You should also empty out their litter box and shred up pieces of paper to line it with. This is done to prevent the kitty litter from getting into their wounds.

If you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, they are already spayed or neutered before you adopt them.

http://www.ccasnj.org/spay_neuter_clinic/index.html

https://www.awanj.org/spay-neuter-programs

Cat Breeds

When choosing a cat to adopt, you should take into consideration the breed of the cat.   Each cat breed has different characteristics. Here is a checklist of some things to consider to see if the cat breed is right for you.

·         The amount of shedding 

·         Health

·         Playfulness

·         Grooming

·         How vocal is the cat

·         Kid friendly

·         Friendly with strangers

·         Grooming level

·         Friendly with other pets


http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/cats-101/videos/cat-breed-videos-a-to-z/

My personal favorite cat breed is the Turkish Angora. My cat Angel was a Turkish Angora and I had her for 14 years. She passed away last year.

My Cat Blog

My blog is about Cats. Cats are a great choice for a pet. They are very playful, affectionate, great for stress relief, and make great companions. I currently have four cats that are all very special to me.

There are a lot of things to consider before deciding if a cat is right for you. The best place to adopt a cat is from an animal shelter.

 

http://www.ccasnj.org/


https://www.awanj.org/


Works Cited:
https://image.slidesharecdn.com/humanesocietypresentation-140730223102-phpapp02/95/adopt-dont-shop-marketing-campaign-for-the-humane-society-3-638.jpg?cb=1406759496