The Challenges of Moving with A Pet and How to Do It
Fostering Animals Is Good for the Animal and Human
Tips on Socializing Fearful Cats
The Challenges of Moving with A Pet and How to Do It
Moving is never easy and can be one of life’s top stressors. When you throw a pet into the mix, things can get a bit challenging. But pets are family, and that means they move with you.
“So first and foremost, make sure you are well prepared to move an animal or beloved pet prior to the actual move,” according to the article, “The Dos and Don’ts of Moving Animals” at Moving.com. In order to prepare, the article suggests “creating checklists, researching travel requirements, contacting your vet and looking into pet relocation services.”
The following are some tips from the article:
• Bring a copy of your pet’s health record.
• Consider your pet’s emotional needs and maintain consistency.
• If flying, check with the airline’s rules.
• Ensure crate or tote is ventilated.
• Avoid feeding solid food hours before you travel.
• Keep your necessities separate from your pet’s belongings.
If traveling with pets in a crate, get your pets used to the crate, according to the article, “Moving With Your Pet,” at ASPCA.com. Help acclimate your pet by carrying her in the crate in the house or riding in the car.
“It is a good idea to pet-proof your new home,” according to the ASPCA article. Pet-proofing includes keeping electrical cords out of the way, ensuring windows have secure screens, removing poisonous plants, “and confirm that no pest-control poison traps have been left anywhere in the house.”
Don’t let your pet roam the new home just yet. New spaces can be overwhelming. “Start by allowing them to adjust to one room—their ‘home base’—which should include their favorite toys, treats, water and food bowls and litter box for cats,” the ASPCA article said.
In the end, moving with pets just takes patience. Before you know it, your pet will fit right in.
Fostering Animals Is Good for the Animal and Human
With so many animals in shelters and rescues across the nation, there is a great need not only for adopters but for foster homes. There are so many reasons to foster an animal in need. It’s great for animals and can be an amazing experience for humans.
“When you foster, you agree to take a homeless dog into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the dog is adopted,” according to the article, “Why Foster A Dog and What Does It Entail?” at Petfinder.com.
The article said there are many rescue groups and shelters needing foster homes for the following reasons:
• Some rescue groups have no physical space and rely on foster homes.
• Young puppies need care until they are old enough for forever homes.
• Injured or sick rescue dogs need a place to recuperate.
• A dog who is stressed at the shelter may need a calm, home environment.
• A shelter is running out of room.
There are many wonderful reasons to foster a dog or cat. According to the article, “8 Reasons Why You Should Foster Animals,” at PetSafe.net, “Many shelters rely on foster homes to keep pets until they have room, and some rescue groups are run entirely through foster care.”
Here are some great reasons to foster, according to the PetSafe article:
• Fostering helps increase an animal’s chance of adoption.
• Fostering is temporary until a permanent home is found.
• It keeps animals out of shelters.
• You’re helping to save a life and you help socialize an animal to get him ready for adoption.
When you foster, everyone wins. You can feel good for helping out an animal, and that animal gets lots of love before he moves on to a permanent home.
Tips on Socializing Fearful Cats
Some cats are just plain shy, fearful or scared. If you recently brought a new cat into your home, and he shows signs of fear, there are things you can do to help your cat come through to the other side.
Cats can be fearful for different reasons. “Your shy cat may have been traumatized or she may never have had a chance to be properly socialized,” according to the article, “9 Tips for Socializing a Shy Cat” at Catster.com.
Other tips to help bring your fearful cat out of his shell include being patient and compassionate; keeping him safe in a small room along with his bed, food, water, litter box and toys; keeping the room quiet; talking to him in a soft voice; using food to entice; and letting the cat approach you when he’s ready.
According to the article, “No More Scaredy Cat – 10 Ways to Make Friends with Your Scared, Shy Cat” at Healthypets.mercola.com, there are other tips to help socialize your very shy cat. “Feed and interact with your cat on a consistent schedule, and scoop his litterbox at least once daily,” the article said.
Additionally, keep loud noises at bay as they will scare your cat. Always be calm and gentle when you approach and interact with your shy cat. Make sure not to force your cat. “Don’t pull him from his hiding spot or hold him against his will (unless there’s an emergency of some kind and you need to move him),” the article said. Also, try to schedule play time with your cat.
The above tips can help bring your cat out of his shell. All cats are different and progress at different stages. Be patient and you’re bound to see improvement day by day.
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