Using a pet sitter is a great way to ensure that your cats will be taken care of while you’re on vacation. I used TLC House and Pet Sitting Service, LLC located in the East Valley of Arizona (Phoenix area). They were very professional. This is not a “fly by night” pet sitting service. I’d recommend TLC House and Pet Sitting Services the next time you go on vacation because they care about what they do and the service they provide.

Leaving your cats with a pet sitter can be traumatizing for you and your cats. It’s best to review as many pet sitting services as possible before you settle on one. This is what I did. I compared and contrasted information such as pricing, availability, references/testimonials, and location.

Tips and Tricks

• Ask pet sitters about organizations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. Find out if the pet sitter is associated with these organizations.
• Speak with family and friends. Find out if they’ve used a pet sitter and ask for a referral.
• Use your “gut instinct” when you speak with a potential sitter. Never leave your cats with someone you do not trust.
• Do you homework and research companies and people. You want to hire a pet sitter who is reliable and actually likes pets!

I found TLC House and Pet Sitting Services, LLC to be one of the best. First, they contacted me. Business owners often complain that business is down. Well, if you don’t call people back when they inquire about your services, your business will suffer. The owner of TLC House and Pet Sitting Services immediately contacted me and we discussed my needs and what services were offered by her company. When I spoke with Kara, I felt very at ease and knew my cats would be in good hands.

TLC House and Pet Sitting Services, LLC employs many pet sitters. Brittany was my pet sitter. She was very professional, and I felt comfortable with her watching my cats. I was concerned about my cat CeCe because she’s very attached to me. I left a message and Brittany immediately returned my phone call. I received an update on Benny and CeCe. Both of them were doing fine, although Benny was the one who wanted a lot of attention, go figure!

I would recommend TLC House and Pet Sitting Services, LLC. They are caring, courteous, and professional at all times. For more information, visit TLC House and Pet Sitting Service, LLC and find out how they can be of service to you and your cats.

Rebecca

What has been your experience with a pet sitter?

This is a quick post because I will be leaving in a few to fly back to Arizona from Ohio. I left my cats, Benny and CeCe with a pet sitter from the TLC Pet Sitting located in the East Valley of Arizona. I must admit that I was very nervous leaving them with a complete stranger, but it worked out. I will be writing a review of TLC Pet Sitting and my thoughts on using a pet sitter versus boarding your cats. Toodles!

Rebecca

They say that people “go wacky” around the full and new moons. Is this true for animals? I know my cat Benny has been acting up for the past couple of days. His sister CeCe has been hiding from him. Could it be he’s feeling the “pull” of the full Blue Moon that will occur on December 31, 2009? An eclipse will occur on December 31 as well. Is Benny feeling the energy of these to celestial occurrences? Whatever it is, he’s been one naughty cat!

It makes sense that cats would experience ups and downs just like humans. Why not? They get everything else humans get from allergies to deadly diseases. They are susceptible to feeling blue just like their owners. The key is to know how to handle their emotional outbursts. Don’t get upset or scold your cat. Pickup your cat and hold him for some time. If that doesn’t work, just leave him alone.

Tips and Tricks

• Spend more cuddle time with your cat.
• Separate your cats if one is “acting up” more than usual.
• Keep your cat entertained with toys; toss Mr. Fuzzy (stuffed mouse) around for some time.
• Give your mischievous cat a time out.

Cats who are bored can get into trouble. Make sure you have plenty of toys for him to play with every day. It’s a good idea to have a kitty condo or two for him to climb. Indoor cats need more exercise than outdoor cats. Perhaps Mr. Fluffy is misbehaving because he’s bored and has nothing else to do. Remedy that by providing a stimulating environment for him.

The next time your cat is having an emotional outburst, let him have his moment. Remember that saying, “…this too shall pass.” If it persists, you may want to take him to your veterinarian for an examination. If your vet doesn’t find anything wrong with your cat, ask for suggestions on keeping your cat happy and healthy. Hopefully she won’t put your cat on anti-depressants, just kidding!

Rebecca

When do your cats experience an emotional roller coaster?

Claw covers or soft paws for cats and kittens can save your furniture. They’re like “fake nails” for cats and come in a variety of colors. Your cat may need some time to adjust to the covers. Ms. Fluffy may attempt to claw at your sofa, but she won’t do any damage to it.

Instead of declawing your cat, put claw covers on him. Many people don’t know how painful and barbaric declawing is. I was given some handouts from the AZ Humane Society that showed how a cat is declawed. It was not a pretty sight to see. They chop off the claw at the knuckle! Ouch! This is very, very painful. Just imagine how you’d feel if someone chopped off your finger right at the knuckle. I thought so…

Dr. Christianne Schelling: “Your cat’s claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw; the last bone of your cat’s claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat’s “toes.”

Claw covers such as Soft Claws can be purchased at pet stores such as Petco and PetSmart. Check with your local Humane Society as well. Some of them may have a store where you can purchase the claw covers. You’ll be helping out the animals because the money goes back to the Humane Society.

Make sure you test one of your cat’s claws before you put covers on each claw. My cat Benny has sensitive claws. He’s managed to take-off the majority of his Soft Claws. When I put the covers on him he yelped. I’m working with him so he ONLY scratches the kitty furniture. It takes time and patience; he’s getting there.

Cats like to scratch. Before you adopt and rescue a cat make sure you’re ready for the entire package which includes scratching at furniture. It’s a possibility that your cat will leave your furniture alone. My cat CeCe doesn’t bother with the furniture. She has her moments, but I catch her in time.

Your cat may have sensitive claws like my cat Benny. Check with your veterinarian to see if there’s something else you can do besides claw covers. You can spray your furniture or put sticky tape on it but that’s not very attractive. You could cover your furniture to protect it. Ask your veterinarian for advice on how to deter your cat from clawing at your furniture. He may need to go to cat training. Is there such a thing? Good luck!

Rebecca

What color are your claw covers?

I’ve been blogging about my new cat CeCe whom I rescued from the Arizona Humane Society on August 9. I’ve been slowly introducing her to my cat Benny and he’s responding in a manner that has surprised me. He likes to tackle CeCe from the front like a wrestler from the WWF or WWE! New cat introductions can be a bit tricky.

CeCe was quarantined for over a week because she developed an upper respiratory infection. I was told by my veterinarian to take the new cat introductions slow. I was advised to try the “crate” technique; I didn’t do this because I was not about to go out and buy a crate. The alternative was to introduce Benny & CeCe in small time intervals each day. This was an experience.

Tips and Tricks

• Have someone else bring in the new cat. Ignoring the new cat will put the resident cat at ease. You give your cat the impression that it wasn’t your idea to bring another cat into the home.
• Keep the new cat away from your cat for at least two weeks. Even if the new cat was only at a shelter for five days or less they still can develop an upper respiratory infection.
• Make sure the new cat has its own feeding dishes and litter box. This way your cat will not be susceptible to an upper respiratory infection.
• Shower your cat with love and attention. There’s no reason to stop doting on your cat because of a new cat. And, it will show your cat that he/she still has primary status with you.
• Make sure the cats are spayed or neutered. Cats coming from the Humane Society will be spayed or neutered. Most shelters will offer the service for a low cost.
• Allow your new cat and resident cat to get to know each other under supervised play time. If their play gets to rough (fur is flying) separate them and try again in a few hours or the next day.

Benny is getting used to CeCe, although he doesn’t always show it. He was used to being the “King of the Apartment.” Now he must share me with this other cat who took a lot of my attention because she was sick. Yes, new cat introductions are just like introducing a 3-year old child to its new brother or sister.

I would like for Benny and CeCe to share a bathroom. Right now CeCe’s food and water is in my bedroom and her litter box is in my bathroom. Benny is known to use the litter box as well. It’s not fun having kitty litter all over the floor, especially when you step out of the shower and step on it. Yuck!

It’s interesting all of the “myths” that surround new cat introductions like male cats are more affectionate and accepting and a cat of one sex is more accepting of a cat of the opposite sex. These people obviously haven’t met Benny. He’s affectionate and growing tolerant of CeCe, but he’s still getting used to her in his own way on his own time.

I may not have done the new cat introductions the “right” way, but at least Benny and CeCe are getting used to each other. It may take another month or two before the claws, hissing, and spitting stop. Until then I’ll keep my chin up and pray that these two learn to get along. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Rebecca

What advice do you have on introducing a new cat into the household?

Adopting a cat from the Humane Society can be a very rewarding experience, but it can be stressful at the same time. Your new cat could develop an upper respiratory infection. If you’re a new cat owner, it can be daunting because you don’t know what to expect. Make sure you find an excellent veterinarian with an excellent staff as well who can help you every step of the way.

Upper respiratory infections in cats from the Humane Society are common. Why? Cats are constantly handled by people, and they are in and out of their cages daily. If the air quality is not that great, they’ll be more susceptible to catching the upper respiratory infection. This can be mild or severe to the point your new pet could develop pneumonia.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a humidifier so your cat can breathe. Having a stuffy nose is not fun. A humidifier can alleviate some of the stuffiness for your cat. This is one household item that will pay for itself;
• Keep your new cat away from its new siblings. Some people will allow their cats to be together; it’s better err on the side of caution. Nursing two or more cats can cause you and them unnecessary stress. Keep you new cat in a spare bedroom or bathroom until she’s feeling better;
• Do your best to open your cat’s mouth to dispense the medicine. It may not be easy to get the medicine into your cat. Take small steps because she’s probably scared. You would be to if someone was pointing a syringe filled with pink liquid that you didn’t know what it was. Try to enter from the side of your cat’s mouth. Get someone to help you if you can;
• Patience is a virtue. The upper respiratory infection is just like the flu and it must run its course. This can seem like forever, but you cat will start to feel better in 7-10 days. Make sure your cat finishes the medicine and stops sneezing before you allow her to around other cats.

When your cat develops an upper respiratory infection, don’t panic. Cats may develop it because of stressful situations like introducing a new cat or you have a baby. You cat may be given nose drops and some form of antibiotic. It will take a good 7-10 days to work itself out of your cat’s system. If you have other cats in your house, it’s a good idea to isolate the new cat from them.

If your cat starts to “gag” don’t panic, unless it is severe. They do this because just like humans their noses drain and that drainage goes down their throat and they try to clear it. Gross! Unless your cat does this each day, there’s no need to rush her to the emergency vet.

The upper respiratory infection will soon be over in 7-10 days. If symptoms progress, take your cat to the vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Give your cat lots of TLC because that is just as important as the medicine from the vet. Be patient and keep the faith! Your cat will be purring away in no time.

Rebecca

What experiences have you had with adopting a cat from the humane society?