Bird Flu/Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 virus Since the US outbreak if Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in dairy cattle began in March 2024, many cats are known to have contracted the virus, including barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild. Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe…
Responsible pet ownership involves a commitment on your part to learn everything you can to keep your new family member safe and healthy. Risk Factor Management Veterinary care should begin as soon as you get your new kitten. During your first appointment. the veterinary health care team will plan a management program promote wellness throughout…
If you see a dog with a red ribbon on their leash, this is a dog that needs some space. Please do not approach the dog or its people with your dog. There are many reasons why a dog may need space: Maybe he has health issues or is in training She may be a…
Summer brings seasonal dangers for our canine friends – here are some things to watch out for. 1. Watch out for heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your dog may have heatstroke, get the vet ASAP – the condition can cause permanent organ damage and death. Breeds with…
In response to two compelling reasons, PAWS has taken an active stance in protecting both cats and the environment by strongly advocating that cats be kept indoors or provided with safe outdoor enclosures. Everyone who adopts a kitten from PAWS signs a contract to keep the kitten indoors-only or provided with an outdoor enclosure for…
If only our pets could travel with us on every out-of-town adventure. Sadly, that isn’t realistic. There will be times you’ll have to enlist the help of a petsitter to watch over your furry friends while you’re away. While your friend or neighbor who agrees to cat sit for you may be completely reliable, before…
Cats can be social animals, however, not every cat will get along with every other cat. This can manifest itself in a number of ways from outright aggressive behavior to food issues, inappropriate elimination, scratching and overgrooming. If you live in a multicat household you should become adept at reading the body language of the…
Steps to take BEFORE your pet is lost Microchip your pet. Have a recent close-up and full body picture of your pet. Be aware of your neighborhood surroundings, which pets belong to which neighbor, and any danger areas near your home. Teach your pet to respond to a whistle for treats or canned food goodies….
Steps to take BEFORE your pet is lost Microchip your pet. Have a recent close-up and full body picture of your pet. Be aware of your neighborhood surroundings, which pets belong to which neighbor, and any danger areas near your home. Teach your pet to respond to a whistle for treats or canned food goodies….
Helping Your Cats Claw Their Way to Success A major concern for both those who already own a cat as well as those who are considering adopting one is the issue of clawing. Let’s face it, cats do scratch! In this article, we examine the topic of scratching, and the issue of declawing surgery. Why…
Cats are hunters. Refined over thousands of years, they have evolved into some of nature’s most efficient predators. It is incumbent upon owners to realize that Fluffy, asleep in the sunny windowsill, remains hardwired with the same instinctive drives as her wild cousins. The dilemma for responsible cat owners then becomes a question of how…
Emergencies are not planned BUT you can plan for an emergency How many times have you turned on the news to watch coverage of an earthquake, flood, fire or other disaster? Families left homeless, pets left to fend for themselves. What if it happened to you? Who would take care of your pets? In a…
Adding a pet to your family is an exciting prospect. Animals enrich our lives in countless ways. They provide us with the emotional outlet experienced by relating closely with a pet, strong intangible memories and very tangible photo albums, and the satisfaction from watching your family and friends interact with happy and playful pets. Pets…
Having a new cat at home is a lot like having a toddler. Household cleaners, some houseplants and other objects can all pose a threat to cats and kittens. Common household items that can be dangerous/toxic to cats 1. Aluminum Foil / Corks, etc. Cats may love to play with an aluminum foil ball or…
Presented at the October 2006 Environmental Conference on Bainbridge Island Let’s talk about the multifaceted problem of outdoor cats. It’s a problem everywhere, not just on Bainbridge. It’s actually less a problem on Bainbridge than many other places in the country. But it is a problem on a number of different levels. Cats and predators…
Going to a new home is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences in a cat or kitten’s life. Compare it to the stress we would experience if our homes burned down, we were fired from our jobs, and our friends and family disappeared—all in the same day. Adult cats are very territorial, prefer…
Scratching is a normal behavior for cats. Cats scratch to exercise muscles and tendons in their lower legs and paws. It also assists in shucking off old nail husks. The primary function of scratching however, is communication. Cats scratch to mark their territory, both the visible marks and the more subtle scents left behind are…
Why Are Cats Shy? Cats are creatures of comfort and of the status quo. They do not respond well to changes in their environment. Their usual reaction to an unwelcome change will be to distance themselves. They may retreat to a hiding place or, if pushed, they may react aggressively. For a cat, hiding is…
What is a Feral Kitten? Feral (or wild) kittens are those who’ve been living in the wild for one or more generations. Because of this, they start out different from domestic kittens in many ways. The really great thing about “feral” kittens is that with love, care and the special rehabilitation provided in their PAWS…
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