A New, Healthy Year for You and Your Cat

Every new year, we are asked the same question, what is your new year's resolution? While we often focus on improving our health and wellness, maybe this year is a good time to have that same focus on your pet! Here are a couple of ideas to improve your cat's overall wellness, and it might even improve yours:

1. Schedule regular playtime with your cat. Spending 10 minutes a day with your cat can avoid destructive or objectionable behavior, as well as decreasing your stress levels!

2. Focus on your cat's dental health. Cats can have significant dental disease by the time they are a few years old, with problems growing into their senior. Try brushing your cats teeth once a week or schedule yearly cleanings with your veterinarian. 

3. Get your cat to a healthy weight. Approximately 25 precent of cats are overweight due to their sedentary lifestyle. Change the buffet style eating to scheduled feedings two to three times per day, around the same time each day for about 30 minutes. 

4. Contribute to a savings for your cat. Vet bills are can be pretty pricey, especially if you have an emergency need. If you go a few years without an emergency, dedicate that money to a yearly teeth cleaning!

5. Help your cat tap into his or his animal instincts. Cats in the wild normally eat only after successfully catching prey. Meet your cat's needs by having them work for at least 50 percent of the daily food through food-despensing toys or puzzles. This may also help with #3!

6. Carrier train your cat. Carrier-trained cats are easier to work with in an emergency or vet visit, which results in better medical care. 

7. Enrich your cat's environment. Invest in interactive toys, scratching posts (found at the Angel's Wish retail store!), cat trees or a bird feeder outside a window. This will increase your cat's activity and keep the mind and body young.

It's important to make resolutions that are both realistic and beneficial. Not only will it be good for your cat, but it will be good for your health as well. 

Source: The Daily Cat

'Tis the Season for...Accidents?

While it may not be first thing that comes to mind around the holidays, there are many things that can be harmful to your pets — some that you might not even think of. From food to plants and trees to presents, there are some precautions you should take to keep your pets safe this season.

Food

Foods that can be toxic to your pets and should steer clear from the countertops include:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Uncooked meat – fish, chicken, etc.
• Uncooked yeast dough
• Grapes, raisins, and onions

Plants

While many of these plants are traditional holiday “musts,” most are very harmful and poisonous to pets. They include:

• Holly (leaves and berries) upsets the stomach and can be fatal to cats and dogs
• Mistletoe can upset stomachs and cause heart collapse
• Hibiscus causes diarrhea
• Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset, being fatal to cats and dogs (and even humans!)

Decorations and Wrapping

Decorations and wrapped presents are a Christmas staple. But not all that glitters is gold! Stay away of some of these harmful decorations and packaging:

• Ribbons, yarn and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Remove from all gifts wrapped with them.
• Adhesives and glues are toxic and often attractive to animals.
• Potpourri contains oils and should not be within reach, as your pets may be tempted to eat it.
• Candles should never be left unattended
• Perfumes and aftershave contain ethanol and can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• Batteries are toxic and should never be left within reach of your pet.

Christmas Trees

While artificial trees are becoming more popular, many families still opt for the real trees. Keep some of these safety tree tips in mind this year:

• Real tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation.
• Artificial needles and wire can pose problems as well.
• Chewing on electrical cords (LIGHTS!) can cause burnt mouths electrical shock, or death by electrocution.
• Cats can knock off glass ornaments and get glass shards stuck in their paws.
• Sharp ornament hooks can get stuck in your pet’s esophagus if ingested.

Visitors

While these situations are not really prone to accidents, guests may be allergic, or a large company may be intimidating to your pets. Some pets love visitors, others do not. Consider the following if you are hosting this year’s events:

• Put your pets in a quiet room, away from the commotion with water, food and litter box where they will be more comfortable.
• Ask a neighbor or friend who will be around if your pets could spend the day there.
• Use crates, gates, etc. to separate pets who are more aggressive or scared.
• If you are traveling, check local boarding facilities. They fill up fast. Responsible pet sitters are also a good alternative, especially if your pets don’t do well away from home.

Talk with an Angel’s Wish volunteer about some of the ways you can “pet proof” your home by stopping in during our adoption events. For additional information about keeping your pet safe through the holidays, read more in depth in this article from the ASPCA.

Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/holiday-safety-tips.aspx

First Annual Pet Costume Slideshow

Calling all Angel’s Wish alumni! Do you dress your pet for Halloween as pumpkins, mermaids, bugs or ghosts? If so, your pet could be famous! Just submit your pet’s photo in the comment section below to be entered into the Angel’s Wish 2011 Pet Costume Slideshow. Along with the photo, if you could add:

• Your pet’s name
• When you adopted it from Angel’s Wish

Here are the rules:

The pet must be yours and you must have permission to use the photo. Sharing the photo allows us to include your pet into the Angel’s Wish 2011 Pet Costume Slideshow. There will be no prizes, other than to have your pet featured in the slideshow that will be shared on the Angel’s Wish blog, Facebook page, website and YouTube channel.

We can’t wait to see them all! 


If you have trouble posting them, you may email them to Meredith, the Marketing Committee Chair, at meredith.beres@gmail.com.

Help out a “Less Adoptable Pet” from Angel’s Wish

Black cats. FIV+ cats. Senior pets. Special needs animals. What do all these have in common? Unfortunately, these animals are often overlooked when it comes to finding their forever homes. That’s why the next two weekends, Angel’s Wish will be recognizing Petfinder’s “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week.” From September 17^th through the 25^th, we will try to find these unusual (or, in some cases, too common) animals their forever homes. Below are some of the animals at Angel’s Wish who need your love:

Dolce 

Dolce came to Angel’s Wish in rough shape, but she doesn’t let that affect her! A loving and beautiful kitten, Dolce is playful and friendly, and likes to play with her foster parents — especially in the covers. She loves affection and is looking for a forever home where she can give all the love she has.

Nick 

Looking for a cat wants to spend time with you? Nick is an affectionate cat who likes to be held, enjoys your lap and lives to please. He is a cat who thinks the sun rises and sets because of you. Nick is about 8 years and has tested positive for FIV. He is a lover and not a fighter, and can live harmoniously in any household with other respectful pets.

Bear 

Bear is a 4 year old, short hair black cat with a lot of love! He likes to be pet and will even sit on the couch and watch TV with you. Bear is sensitive to loud noises and can be shy at first, but once he feels comfortable, he is loving as can be. He likes to be the king of his castle, so he would prefer to be the only cat in your family.

For more adoptable pets from Angel’s Wish, visit the Angel’s Wish Petfinder page. And to meet some of these loving animals, stop in at one of our adoption events held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the center in Verona. You can also visit our East side adoption center at Pet Smart East on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are interested in adopting any of the pets listed in this article, please email coordinators@angelswish.org

Save Money and Help Angel’s Wish

Looking to save money? Want to help the community? The 20^th Edition of the Bucky Book is now out and available to purchase at the Angel’s Wish Retail Store. The Bucky Book contains 2 FOR 1, 50% OFF or ABSOLUTELY FREE offers, for more than 300+ local businesses in the Madison area.

 

Bucky Books cost $35 each, and when you buy them from our Retail Store, $15 of each purchase benefits Angel’s Wish. Not only can this help keep money in your wallet, but you can help the animals in a number of ways. From spays and neuters, to vet visits and food, your purchase can go a long way. This is a great option for those looking to help the organization, but don’t have the time to volunteer.

So stop in this weekend and pick up your 20^th Edition of the Bucky Book. Retail Store hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

For more information about available pets, retail products and more, visit angelswish.org.

Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

When it comes to your health, you probably think about eating right, getting exercise and having your annual checkups. But there is one thing that most people don’t realize that is good for their health — owning a cat. Having a cat offers many health benefits to their owners physically, mentally and emotionally. Here are a few health benefits associated with owning a cat:

1. Lower risk of cardiovascular disease – A study from the University of Minnesota suggests that people living without cats were 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
2. Decrease chance of developing allergies – Thinking about adding to your family? Having a pet can help prevent your children from having allergies. Kids who are exposed to animals at an early age helps to aid immunity.
3. Reduce blood pressure – Simply petting a cat is calming, and enjoying their company lowers blood pressure. According to a study conducted at the State University of New York at Buffalo, people who own pets are more likely to have lower blood pressure than those without.
4. Reduce stress – Having a pet has many psychological benefits, including stress. Being able to care for an animal and snuggling with them can make you feel better, and reduce stress levels.
5. Help with depression – Owning a cat can help relieve depression. Though a cat isn’t meant to cure depression, it can help take your mind off problems and focus on something else. The love of a cat offers companionship and can help ease your mind.
6. Reduce loneliness – Many people who are lonely find companionship in their cat. It can help with an empty feeling, knowing that you are sharing company with another life.

Being a cat owner, you can now appreciate your pets more — knowing that they not only show you unconditional love, but they are providing you with multiple health benefits. If you don’t own a cat, maybe you should consider adopting one. At Angel’s Wish, the adoption coordinators can help match you with the perfect companion for you (and your family). Stop in at one of our adoption events on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Verona. We also have adoptable kittens/cats at PetSmart East on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Angel’s Wish, or to look at a listing of available kittens and cats, visit angelswish.org

Source: FutureMedica

Help Your Pets Beat the Summer Heat

As the excessive heat warning rages on throughout Wisconsin, people are trying to find ways to keep cool. But if the heat is tough on you, imagine your pets! Your pets rely on you for their survival, so it’s important you do your best to prevent them from overheating. Here are a couple of ways to keep your pets cool in excessive heat:

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. On a warm day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Your pet could suffer irreversible organ damage and can be fatal. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police.
• Shade and water are a must. It is not recommended to keep your pet outside in this kind of weather, but if you want them to spend some time outside, be sure that they have protection from the heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cool water, but only for limited amounts of time. Heatstroke can be fatal to pets, as well as people.
• Limit exercise. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Watch for white-colored ears and short-nosed pets (difficulty breathing). Asphalt also gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk in the grass if possible.
• Recognize heat stroke. Signs include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, restlessness, excessive thirst, a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.
• If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, act immediately! Move the animal to shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels on their head, neck and chest, or run cool (not cold) water over them. Have them drink small amount of cools water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.

If you don’t have access to air conditioning in your home or apartment, always be sure to leave lots of cool, fresh water and one (or a couple) of fans on. It also helps to close the windows (especially in humid situations) and shut all the blinds to avoid the sun from coming in and insulatating the heat. There are also a few options, especially if you don’t have air conditioning, to keep your pets cool in excessive heat. Humane Domain sells Keep Cool Mats, body wraps or vests that can be used for your pets in the hot weather. They are very handy and can be your pet’s go-to spot in a cool place in your home.

For more ways or information on keeping your pets cool in excessive heat, visit aspca.org or humanesociety.org.