There are lots of things to consider when adopting a new pet.  Caring for an animal is a big commitment of time and resources.  Below is a checklist of things to consider when adopting a new pet.

 

1. Conduct research on the breed that best suits your lifestyle.

2. Animal proof your home.  Remove temptations!

3. Create a place for your new pet to sleep.

4. Purchase food, bowls, leash and collar.  Cats also need a carrier.

5. Commit yourself to daily walks, exercise or playtime with your new pet.

6. Set a budget for animal medical care like shots, immunizations and spaying or neutering.

7. If you rent your home, check with your landlord to ensure that pets are allowed.

 

8. Review your daily schedule.  Unpredictable schedules aren't usually suited for a pet. Pets require daily attention for food, water, exercise, bathroom breaks and social time.

9. Select a stable time in life to introduce a pet to your home. 

 

For more information or questions about preparing for pet adoption, contact Friends of the Animals at friendsoftheanimals@gmail.com

Declawing, or onchyectomy, is a surgical procedure to amputate the claw and tip of the toe and is most commonly done in this country on household cats.  This surgery roughly equates to removing the tip of the finger to the first joint in a human. It is estimated that roughly twenty-five percent of domestic cats in the United States are declawed. This number is high considering that most countries consider declawing inhumane and have banned the procedure.
 
Even with recent advancements in laser tools and pain management, declawing is still considered a very painful procedure. Most cats can take several weeks before returning to normal activity. Some cats continue to have chronic pain and lameness for the rest of their lives.
 
In the U. S., declawing is generally reserved as a last resort before getting rid of a destructive cat. It is recommended for pet owners that are immunosuppressed, either from illness or chemotherapy.
 
Fortunately, there are options for declawing. Most cats can be trained to only use their claws on scratching posts. There are also plastic caps that can be glued over the nail which are easy to place and well tolerated. If you are considering declawing your cat, please speak to your veterinarian.