Why A Tiger Should Not Live In The Living Room

We hear about it all the time in the news: Lion Trainer Mauled by Own Lion, Killer Whale Violently Attacks its Trainer, Man in Critical Condition After Chimpanzee Attack...Then, we hear a media frenzy about it for a week detailing how a docile animal went "crazy" and "violently attacked" the loving people around them. These are unfortunate events that occur when animal trainers and us average joes forget that wild animals are wild.

When wild animals are kept in small zoo or aquarium enclosures, in random backyards or in someone's living room, this may provoke an animal to attack due to the lack of space, resources and necessities to live a normal life. Wild animals will become agitated and may act violently due to stress and mania. When we have gone to the zoo as children, it is a "normal" sight to see the big cats pacing back and forth in their enclosures. This is in fact, not normal animal behavior. This is a sign of major stress and is common among animals that are caged in an unnatural environment.

It may seem horrendous and out of line when a wild animal attacks the people who have provided food and a place to live. But, when we as people are not allowed to exhibit our natural behaviors and feel trapped, it is normal for us to lash out. So why wouldn't animals do the same? At least we can voice our complaints; the animals cannot tell us that they feel anxious and quite often, their warning signs are ignored.

So when I hear that a chimpanzee attacked its owner, it comes down to the notion that maybe exotic animals do not belong anywhere but the wild. For those people who decide to own an exotic pet in their homes or own backyards, they are liable for animal attacks just as zoos and aquariums are. It is important to be aware of state laws that dictate whether or not owning exotic animals is prohibited. (For more information on state laws, check out the following link: http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals.php).

 It is a huge decision to care for an exotic animal, even when it is legal state-wide. Not only is this situation unfair for the exotic animal, it places a danger on the person's family, friends and neighbors if this animal were to act out. Check out the following article that features just that:

http://middletownpress.com/articles/2012/03/04/news/doc4f53b50a7fd7a482776450.txt

Where Did You Go? Make A Life Plan For Your Pets

While working at pet adoption centers, many animals come in without homes due to divorce, financial issues and death of family members. Quite often, the animals are distraught and are unable to cope with their new surroundings right away. I've worked with some cats who have been surrendered due to the family's life change and have not been able to adjust well without the use of calming collars, spray, diffusers, a lot of patience and understanding. After their elderly owner passes away or their family of many years decides to split up and move without them, the animals do not understand why they are left alone in a strange environment. 

Just like Aunt Sally and Uncle Joe, pets are also our family members. We need to make a life plan for our pets, just as we do ourselves. We spend so much time worrying about protecting our assets for children and other family members in case of an emergency. It should also be priority to protect our pets. I recommend planning ahead for emergencies by asking trustworthy family members or friends to adopt your pets if you are unable to care for them anymore. Write all of this information down so that if a problem were to arise, your pets wouldn't be surrendered to a shelter. For more information about this, check out The Humane Society of the United States' recommendations: http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/pets_in_wills_factsheet.pdf . 

In the case of a divorce, animal custody can get sticky. Some families may work it out and designate which household should keep the animals, while others may decide to surrender the animals to the shelter during the chaotic time. But, some divorcees are really battling it out for their pooches and feline companions. In the link below, it is apparent that it becomes just as important to plan ahead for life changes of this nature as well, because who wants to see their pets at a shelter thinking Where Did You Go? 

For more information about animal custody battles, check out this link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-brooke/who-gets-the-pet-in-a-div_b_805879.html

Hello! Get Off The Couch!

Today, it is highly recommended by vets and shelter management that all cats be kept indoors. Many cats enjoy the stimulation of the outdoors and may find living inside all the time stifling. Other cats may be so curious of the outdoors that they try to run outside. So, what happens when we are put in the position when we have to keep our cats indoors?  This has been a huge challenge for me living in a two-bedroom apartment with Cady, who was originally an indoor/outdoor cat for the 9 years prior to his adoption.

Right after Cady jumped up the tree! 

If you happen to find yourself in a similar situation, it is crucial to create an environment in which your feline friend feels like he or she can hunt, chase, watch, run and in some instances, climb. When you come home from work, it is easy to sit down with your cat and watch some TV. But, I understand why Cady glares at me from the floor as if to say, "Get off the couch and entertain me! You've been gone all day!" If you've run out of ideas (like many of us do when we are already running on fumes,) here are some suggestions that I've attempted:

1.) If your indoor cat is properly vaccinated (including  the vaccine for Feline Leukemia,) then consider taking him or her for a walk daily. I walk Cady for 20 to 30 minutes after work on a harness, and this may be his favorite time of day. He gets to socialize with my neighbors, run up trees, smell the grass, watch the birds, and run around. If you decide to do this, understand that it is a slow process. For the first 2 weeks, Cady only walked 4 feet off of my front porch and then jumped back to the door. Quite often for felines, a slow introduction is the best way to ease them into something new. Now Cady can't wait to go outside.

2.) Buy a window perch. This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve quality of life for a bored cat. Pick a window in your house or apartment that faces a tree or an active area outside and give your cat the best seat in the whole place. Some people even install bird feeders outside the window so their cats can watch the birds.

3.) Consider installing a climbing perch on the walls. I just ordered "The Cat Cloud," which is a 2 step climber that you can place high on your walls to give your feline friend a challenging climb. Check out the website: http://www.therefinedfeline.com/catcloudscatshelf.htm . For a cheaper alternative, you can build your own shelving and walkways.

4.) Make sure that you always have cat scratching posts. No matter how small, they allow your cat to scratch their nails without getting yelled at. And hey-better that than your leather couch! :)

5.)  Provide your cat with a variety of toys and set aside time each day to play. Some cats enjoy toy mice while other cats enjoy feathers and bouncy balls.

Cady enjoying the sun. 

6.) If you have a screened in porch of some kind, allow your cat to walk around out there to take in the sights and sounds.

For more ideas, check out the link below:

http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/23/Enriching-Your-Cats-Life.aspx

We All Have Instincts-Not Just Your Pet

When I was 5 years old, I remember my mother screaming at me: "Don't let Bootsey get too close to your face!" Bootsey, my gentle tabby cat and first pet, would really never hurt a fly. But as a rambunctious child, I had scratches all over me from aggravating the cat. Luckily, I did listen to my mother for the most part and didn't let him get his claws too close to my face.

Although I was only 5 years old, this story still holds true for a person of any age. We trust our pets, we love our pets, and we certainly do not think our pets would ever do us intentional harm. And most animals won't. But it is always a good idea to remember that animals do not have the ability to say to you: "Hey! Get out of my face. I'm in a bad mood today. I'm feeling threatened." Sometimes, animals may bark, growl, yowl, hiss, etc. to let you know they are not content. It is important to watch for these warning signs. But, accidents can happen in a split second.

Because I've worked with rescue organizations for awhile now, I've been around animals who have had good homes all of their lives, and animals who have been rescued from neglect, abandonment and abuse. Regardless of the situation, it is crucial that as humans, we know our boundaries. Just like animals, we need to use our instincts. I recommend to all current and future pet owners that you research animal behavior in order to truly understand the warning signs. Unfortunate events occur when people let their guard down around their own animals and around animals they do not know well. Not only do people end up badly hurt, but in many cases, the animals are euthanized. Then, there is usually a media frenzy centered around big, "vicious" dogs that attack when the incident was merely an accident on both ends. In order to avoid these situations, it is important to treat your pets with the same respect that we do people-give them space, watch for warning signs and understand your boundaries.

Check out the link below regarding a news anchor who was unfortunately attacked by an Argentine Mastiff. Clearly an accident, the anchor is in the hospital and the dog may be on his way to euthanasia. Keep in mind that the dog was on the live interview because he was just rescued out of an icy lake the day before. In my opinion, the stress from that situation alone and being surrounded by people close to his face probably prompted the attack. The following account of the situation, labeling it as a "vicious" attack, is unfair:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/46317722/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/

Rescue Pets Rescue People

For those of you who already know me, forgive me. I've said this time and time again: ADOPT A SHELTER PET. Don't spend $2,000 or more at a "local" breeder or pet store. Isn't there something odd about a business making a profit from breeding dogs? Sounds unnatural to me-and it certainly is. Not to mention inhumane. It also just doesn't make sense-EVERY 8 SECONDS, ONE SHELTER ANIMAL IS EUTHANIZED IN THE UNITED STATES (http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/). That is a devastating number of animals and that doesn't even account for those animals who die living on the streets without homes.

With that said, adopting a shelter animal is not only giving a furry friend a second chance at life (or maybe even a first chance,) it also allows you to create a bond with an animal who has often been next in the euthanasia line, neglected, abandoned and displaced by society. And believe me, rescue pets are so grateful. You can see the love and compassion in their eyes and through their actions. And just as you help them, they want to help you too.

The saying, "Who Saved Who?" is catchy and something that I support. The animals who have been rescued literally minutes away from euthanasia seem to recognize this second chance at a new life with someone who loves and cares for them. And they give back. Rescue dogs and cats are often certified as Therapy Pets who visit nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Other animals do this as well, such as minature horses. They are able to interact with people who need extra TLC and comfort. Animals who work with the disabled, the elderly, U.S. Veterans, the terminally ill and others in need often create deep bonds that have a lasting impact. If you think your pet could help others in need, search the internet for some local training classes. For dogs, the K-9 Good Citizen training is a great way to get started.

Check out the story below about a dog that provides comfort, moral support and friendship to a young, terminally-ill boy:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/46168614/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/

When You Hear a Bump in the Night

When I hear a bump in the night, it usually doesn't frighten me. Why? Because I already know that it's my cat climbing on my dressers, purposefully batting my bracelets onto the floor and watching meaningful pictures fall to the floor one by one. I hear him pacing the floors, opening doors, doing his 2am sprint from one room to the next. Open closet door, shut closet door. Paw at bed. Check. Knock glass of water off of night stand. Check. Finally settle down...possibly. On a good night.

My cat, Cayden, affectionately "Cady," is a ten year old tabby cat mix who may be the friendliest cat I have ever encountered. He greets me at the door every day after work and he is the only creature on Earth who wants to be around me in the morning. He rests his paw on my arm while I sleep at night to wake me up and give me attention. And of course, to demand it too. He purrs so loudly when I get home that I really do feel special and important, which is really nice after a long day of work at the office. Having him around as a companion does make me feel good and loved. 

Cady, who I adopted last July of 2011, was brought to a shelter by his owners of 9 years because when they relocated to a highly-trafficked area, he was unable to adjust to his new indoor life. He was allowed to go outside to a certain extent at his original home. His original owners loved him dearly but were not able to cope with the bad behaviors he developed and felt guilty that he was not enjoying his life there. This has been a challenge for me, as well. Not knowing about these issues at all (after another family adopted him from the shelter and were going to drop him off on the side of the road when he didn't fit in with their situation...dropped him off at the rescue barn where I volunteer,) I took him in when I moved into my first 2 bedroom apartment after graduating college and starting my first "real" job. 

This furry feline has been one of the greatest gifts in my life, as well as one of the largest challenges. Cady is one of the most well-behaved cats I've known. He doesn't scratch, spray, have aggression toward humans or other animals. He eats well, cleans well. What is there to complain about? Why would two different owners surrender this adorable animal? I found out about a week after the adoption that Cady is not only destructive at night, but meows excessively to the point where I could go insane. If I shut him out of my bedroom door, he meows outside my door so intensely that he will make himself physically ill. My thought is that Cady cried to go outside once his original family moved, and the situation was unable to meet his needs. Now, he cries for attention in the middle of the night and it has become quite a problem in my own life. Surprisingly, Cady is extremely well behaved during the day time. 

I have tried just about everything to calm this kitty down. I play with him 30 minutes before bed-time, feed him a larger meal as I am about to hit the sack, use Feliway Cat-Calming Pheromone Diffusers, Spray and Collars. I even walk him on a harness for at least 20 minutes a day after work and on weekends to give him outdoor stimulation. All of these things have helped a bit here and there, but his behaviors are very inconsistent. Some nights he will hop into bed with his token meow and sleep the night away until my alarm goes off. I appreciate nights like these like parents do when they have young children. Other nights, he runs around the apartment frantically looking for something-not that I know what that something is. He has 4 or 5 distinct meows. And man-he uses them all! And he is LOUD. Personally, I've never heard anything like it. 

As I sit back and think about Cady's interesting and sometimes irritating night time behaviors, it is easy to forget that cats are nocturnal creatures by nature. But even beyond this, it is so easy to forget that within today's society, even the most dedicated of pet owners can sometimes forget that while they are at work interacting with people for 8 to 10 hours a day, the domesticated dog, cat, horse, ferret, guinea pig, etc. are at home waiting and anticipating their owner's return. According to my roommate, Cady sleeps most of the day away. When he greets me so readily and joyfully at 5 o'clock at night, he is anxious to go outside and to have people time. 

Along with other pertinent animal issues, my blog will focus on my trials to be the best pet owner that I can be. I've always been an animal person-I don't return animals once they are in my life. You don't return children; you shouldn't return the animals who are also your family unless their lives in your home are not what they should be. I will willingly and desperately try to help Cady feel more satisfied with his daily life. And I will try my best to give good advice about being a responsible pet owner and an Animal Advocate...because we are their only voice. 

In a society where you may not even have time to take care of yourself, it becomes even more difficult to set aside time for a pet. That bump in the night, or in some cases, the loud meow, might mean something that we all sometimes forget: we are our pets' life lines and we directly impact whether they will have an enriching life or not. It may be challenging, and sometimes exasperating to fix a problem relating to your pet, but it is worth figuring out. Because hey-when life gets you down, who is the one always there for you? Your pet.