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The Joy of Koi
February 21, 2008
Filling your pond with beautiful orange fish isn’t as easy as digging a hole and adding some water – find out how to proceed
February 21, 2008
Filling your pond with beautiful orange fish isn’t as easy as digging a hole and adding some water – find out how to proceed
Serpent Tips
January 31, 2008
Thinking about getting your first snake? Read this before making your decision
January 31, 2008
Thinking about getting your first snake? Read this before making your decision
Rodents Rising
December 27, 2007
‘Ratatouille’ raised the rat profile in 2007, and experts say these rodents make loyal, cuddly – and clean – companions
December 27, 2007
‘Ratatouille’ raised the rat profile in 2007, and experts say these rodents make loyal, cuddly – and clean – companions
Under the Animal-Lover’s Tree
November 22, 2007
Presents purchased through local and national humane organizations are the perfect holiday gifts to give something special to your loved ones – and the world
November 22, 2007
Presents purchased through local and national humane organizations are the perfect holiday gifts to give something special to your loved ones – and the world
Where the Wild Things are … for Now
November 15, 2007
A new program from the Humane Society of the United States aims to better the process of dealing with wild animals in domestic areas
November 15, 2007
A new program from the Humane Society of the United States aims to better the process of dealing with wild animals in domestic areas
Here They Come To Save the Day
October 24, 2007
When danger calls, the American Human Association is there to answer – and ready to save all animals in harm’s way
October 24, 2007
When danger calls, the American Human Association is there to answer – and ready to save all animals in harm’s way
When Animals Talk
September 27, 2007
Desires to communicate with four-legged friends has sparked a trend of pet owners contacting psychics to gain animal insights
September 27, 2007
Desires to communicate with four-legged friends has sparked a trend of pet owners contacting psychics to gain animal insights
Pets At Risk
September 20, 2007
The link between domestic violence and violence against animals, once ignored, moves mainstream
September 20, 2007
The link between domestic violence and violence against animals, once ignored, moves mainstream
A Hare-Brained Idea?
September 13, 2007
As a major pet store begins selling dwarf rabbits, animal lovers voice concerns over the potential consequences
September 13, 2007
As a major pet store begins selling dwarf rabbits, animal lovers voice concerns over the potential consequences
Fire Safety for Pets
August 16, 2007
When forest fires endanger residential neighborhoods, the prepared pet and owner can evacuate quickly, safely
August 16, 2007
When forest fires endanger residential neighborhoods, the prepared pet and owner can evacuate quickly, safely
Creatures Comforted
August 7, 2007
Sanctuaries embrace least-wanted animals in order to rehabilitate, re-home or provide kill-free lifetime homes
August 7, 2007
Sanctuaries embrace least-wanted animals in order to rehabilitate, re-home or provide kill-free lifetime homes
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Releases List of Top 10 Hazards Encountered by Pets in 2006
August 2, 2007
New list reveals significant increase in calls pertaining to common household items
August 2, 2007
New list reveals significant increase in calls pertaining to common household items
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Ways to Welcome Home a New Feline
From Allie Phillips of King Street Cats, a cat-rescue group in Alexandria, Va., which holds open adoptions at downtown locations every Sunday
A new home can seem huge, intimidating and overwhelming. So find a room that will allow the cat to get accustomed to the smells and sounds. Placing a cat-calming Feliway plug-in device in the room may also help.
Make introductions slowly
If you have other cats or pets, a several-step introduction is best. First, allow your current pets to see the new cat through a baby-gated doorway or by someone holding the new cat while your current pet is held and petted (to reduce anxiety and jealousy.) Cats will invariably growl and hiss during introductions. Keep petting and talking to all pets. Let the pets decide when they want to get closer to sniff each other, which may take days or even weeks.
Kitty-proof your home
If this is your first cat, be sure electrical cords are hidden or secured to avoid chewing; check tables and shelves for breakable items; beware of lit candles on low tables; and be sure basements and other areas don't have small openings to the outdoors. Lock away cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and other toxins with baby-proof hinges. Have at least one litter box per cat.
Provide supervision
During the first weeks of allowing your new cat to roam free in your house, it's best to be watchful. You can help it locate litter boxes and food/water bowls and you'll discover its hiding places. And if you have other pets, you can ensure there are no conflicts.
Give lots of love
Keep your level of attention for existing pets consistent when a new cat arrives. If you suddenly stop or reduce the level of play and interaction with current pets, jealousy can ensue and the new cat could become the target of attacks. Engage in playtime with all the cats together.