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Understanding the Cat’s Perspective:

Cats are creatures of habit and territory. A new home means unfamiliar smells, sounds, sights, and a complete disruption of their established routine. This can cause stress, anxiety, and fear. The goal is to minimize this stress and help them feel safe and secure.

Key Steps for a Smooth Transition:

1. Prepare a Safe Room: Before the cat arrives, set up a small, quiet room (like a spare bedroom or bathroom) as their “safe room.” This should include:

• Food and water bowls
• Litter box (away from food and water)
• Scratching post
• Comfortable bed or blanket (ideally with familiar scents)
• Toys

2. Introduce Gradually:

• First Few Days: Keep the cat confined to the safe room. Let them explore at their own pace. Visit them regularly, speaking softly and offering gentle petting if they’re receptive. Don’t force interaction.
• Scent Swapping: Rub a cloth on the cat’s cheeks and body to collect their scent. Then, rub the cloth on furniture and doorways in other parts of the house. This helps them familiarize themselves with the new environment’s smells. You can also swap scents between the cat and other resident pets (if any) by rubbing cloths on each animal and then placing the cloths near the other.
• Exploration: After a few days (or longer, depending on the cat’s comfort level), allow the cat short, supervised excursions into other areas of the house. Gradually increase the time and space they can explore.

3. Provide Vertical Space: Cats feel safer when they have high vantage points. Provide cat trees, shelves, or window perches so they can observe their surroundings from a secure location.
4. Maintain Routine: Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and playtime routine. This helps create a sense of predictability and security.
5. Patience is Key: Some cats adjust quickly, while others take weeks or even months to fully settle in. Be patient and understanding. Avoid overwhelming them with too much attention or forcing them to interact before they’re ready.
6. Dealing with Hiding: It’s normal for cats to hide when they’re stressed. Don’t try to force them out of their hiding places. Let them come out on their own terms.
7. Introducing to Other Pets (if applicable):

• Scent Introduction: Start by allowing the cats to smell each other under the door.
• Visual Introduction: Supervise brief, controlled visual introductions (e.g., through a cracked door or baby gate).
• Gradual Interaction: Gradually increase the time and space they can interact, always under supervision. Separate them if there’s any aggression.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.

Things to Avoid:

• Forcing interaction: Never force a cat to interact with you or other pets.
• Loud noises and sudden movements: These can be frightening.
• Punishment: Punishment will only increase anxiety and fear.
• Changing too much too soon: Introduce changes gradually.

Signs of Stress:

Be aware of signs of stress in your cat, such as:

• Hiding
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in litter box habits
• Excessive grooming
• Aggression
• Vocalization (excessive meowing or hissing)

If you notice any of these signs, slow down the transition process and consult with your veterinarian or a certified cat behaviorist.

In summary: Transitioning a cat to a new home requires patience, understanding, and a gradual approach. By providing a safe and secure environment, maintaining routine, and respecting their individual needs, you can help your cat adjust and thrive in their new surroundings.

Every cat has their own personality. There are many factors to consider. Keep in mind there is no exact timeline for your new kitty to transition into a new environment. It could take weeks to months.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a disease caused by viruses that primarily infect birds. There are different strains, some of which are highly pathogenic (HPAI) and can cause severe illness and death in birds. The current concern is largely focused on HPAI H5N1.

Can Cats Get Bird Flu?

Yes, cats can contract bird flu, although it’s considered relatively rare compared to infections in birds. They can become infected through:

• Direct contact: Eating infected wild birds (especially waterfowl or poultry), or coming into contact with their saliva, feces, or other bodily fluids.
• Contaminated environments: Contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms in Cats:

The symptoms of bird flu in cats can vary, but may include:

• Respiratory issues: Coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge.
• Lethargy and weakness: Reduced energy levels, reluctance to move.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature.
• Neurological signs: Seizures, tremors, incoordination, changes in behavior.
• Eye infections: Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva).
• Sudden death: In some cases, the disease can progress rapidly and lead to death.

Severity and Risk Factors:

• Strain of the virus: Highly pathogenic strains are more likely to cause severe illness.
• Viral load: The amount of virus the cat is exposed to.
• Cat’s immune system: Young kittens, older cats, and cats with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to severe illness.
• Outdoor access: Cats that roam outdoors and hunt are at higher risk of exposure.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis: Veterinarians diagnose bird flu through laboratory testing of samples (e.g., nasal swabs, blood).
• Treatment: There is no specific cure for bird flu in cats. Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as:
• Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration.
• Nutritional support.
• Medications to manage symptoms (e.g., fever reducers, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections).
• Isolation to prevent spread to other animals.

Prevention:

• Keep cats indoors: This is the most effective way to prevent exposure.
• Prevent hunting: Discourage cats from hunting wild birds.
• Avoid contact with dead or sick birds: If you find a dead or sick bird, do not touch it. Contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities.
• Good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after being outdoors, especially if you’ve been in areas where birds congregate.
• Avoid raw poultry: Do not feed your cat raw poultry.
• Vaccination (potentially): There are no specific bird flu vaccines for cats currently widely available. Research is ongoing, and in specific outbreak situations, authorities might consider experimental vaccination strategies.

Important Considerations:

• Human risk: While rare, bird flu can potentially spread from animals to humans. If you suspect your cat has bird flu, take precautions to avoid contact with its bodily fluids and contact your veterinarian and local public health authorities.
• Reporting: Suspected cases of bird flu in animals should be reported to your local animal health authorities.

In summary: Bird flu is a concern for cats, especially those that roam outdoors and hunt. Prevention is key, and prompt veterinary care is essential if you suspect your cat may be infected. Stay informed about the current situation in your area through official sources like the CDC and your local veterinary authorities.

Please Join us on November 19th for the Dance for Animals Latin Social. We will be dancing Salsa, Bachata, Zouk and Kizomba at South Street Salsa – 23 N Main St, Unit 4, Milltown, NJ 08850 from 6 pm to 10 pm. We will be teaching Bachata from 6 pm for beginners and people looking to get the basics. We are requesting $15 per person at the door. All proceeds will support Coalition for Animals in their efforts to rescue and advocate for animals. Come dressed as your favorite animal.
We look forward to dancing with you!

Source: Humane Society Legislative Fund

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS

Every time you enter the marketplace, you vote for or against animals with your spending. Choose cosmetics and cleaning products not tested on animals. Adopt dogs, or cats from rescues or shelters, don’t buy animals from pet stores and never keep a wild animal for a pet. Avoid fur, exotic leathers, and the other cruel products of the commercial wildlife trade.

JOIN AND SUPPORT THE HSLF AND OTHER GROUPS THAT HELP ANIMALS

There is no substitute for organized, collective action for animals. Animal organizations rely on your support to advocate for progress in the realms of public and corporate policy and to foster greater understanding of humane issues. They mobilize their members and supporters to build awareness, to advance their campaigns, to provide direct care for animals and to apply pressure on lawmakers, corporations, and other decision-makers.

INFLUENCE LAWMAKERS

Contact lawmakers at the local, state, and federal level about pending animal welfare proposals. Enacting laws against malicious animal cruelty, animal fighting, killing marine mammals, stopping extreme confinement of farm animals, and banning trophy hunting of carnivores has been transformative for animals. So have laws encouraging positive protections and advances for animals, such as non-animal methods of research, humane technological innovation, and related measures. Public officials will act when they hear a clamor and see people demanding change. Sign up for emails alerts at hslf.org.

URGE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LAWS

Encourage law enforcement agencies to be tough on cruelty, and press mayors, governors and other officials to enforce the law. You can also write to executive agencies, such as state and federal agriculture departments and wildlife agencies.

EAT LOWER ON THE FOOD CHAIN

Make your food choices a referendum on factory farming. Nourish yourself by eating more plant-based foods, which are better for your, the planet and animals. Reduce your consumption of meat. If you eat animal products, choose those with the labeling certifications “Global Animal Partnership,” “Animal Welfare Approved” or “Certified Humane.”

MINIMIZE AND ELIMINATE FOOD WASTE

Americans throw out 40% of their food (including 22% of animal products), and there are enormous costs in the form of greenhouse gas emissions and energy inputs in producing food. We could spare more than a billion animals in the U.S. alone every year just by eliminating food waste. Ask restaurants to provide appropriate portions and take what food you don’t eat home so you can eat it later. Split a plate if you and your dining companion know that will be enough for you at that meal.

SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT ANIMAL PROTECTION

The greatest antidote to cruelty is an informed citizenry. There’s so much good information on the web about animal issues – find it, access it and share it with friends and family members on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. When you give a gift, consider a book, film or some other item that encourages them to learn more about animal protection.

RMIND CORPORATE LEADERS ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OBLIGATIONS

If you are an investor in a company, write a letter to the CEO about the importance of strong animal welfare policies. Urge its leadership to be conscientious and scrupulous about animal welfare issues and urge it to become a leader for best practices in its industry. If you are a member of a pension fund, urge its managers not to invest in companies involved with factory farming or meat processing, and if they do, ask that they strongly insist upon meaningful animal welfare policies.

TRAVEL LIKE AN ECOTURIST

Choose eco-friendly destinations for your vacations. Nowadays, such tourism drives the global economy and benefits nations whose commitment to the needs of wildlife requires habitat preservation and management, law enforcement and ranger work and other necessary services.

CARE FOR LIVING BEINGS IN ALL THAT YOU DO

Adopt pets or foster them. Pick up plastic waste on beaches and in parks. Minimize and dispose of your waste carefully, since it diminishes healthy habitats for animals and can even kill them. Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle, and bike and walk more.

When it comes to drying your dog, you need the right grooming equipment to help make it easier. Your dog is a special friend of the family, and you need to make sure he’s comfortable with a dog dryer. Also, it can be a great way to spend time with your pup. Here are some benefits of a dog dryer.

Good for Reducing Stress

A dog dryer is better than one human use because of the low sound. You’ll catch your dog in a soothing state because you can get these machines with a quieter engine. Some pets aren’t receptive to hair dryers because they’re very loud.

However, you can slowly introduce your pet to the sound and feel it. It can make for a weekly stress-relieving session because your dog has a chance to relax after getting washed. When your dog is calm, it can make the home energy feel much better.

More Efficient

While you may typically use towels or air dry your furry friend, it’s not the most efficient. Wet fur can lead to rashes or smelly skin. Also, the leftover can fall straight to the ground and cause a mess in your home.

Using a dog grooming dryer can save you a lot of time. You’ll get to all the spots you cleaned and get your pup dried much quicker. Not to mention, you can choose various speeds for your dog.

Choose a hairdryer that works well for your breed of dog. Also, your dog might be sensitive to certain levels of heat. It’ll be a good safety measure to have varying fan speeds to make things suitable for your dog’s tastes.

Pick high-velocity dryers that can make it easier to brush the fur later. Washing fur usually leaves it matted, which makes your little one look unkempt.

More Bonding Time

A canine blow dryer not only helps to keep the fur healthy, but it’s a great time to bond with your pet. It’s an intimate moment you get to share because you’re tending to your dog’s skin. You can give it a massage for some extra care.

Also, you can talk to your faithful friend to find out the things he likes and dislikes when you wash him. These are moments you can show your dog some love and attention that will make him build more trust with you.

New Place: Pet Supply Plus at Nelsons Corner in Hillsborough
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
New Time: Santa and Paws photos 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Hopefully next year we will be able to have a better time slot and therefore, a better turn out.

Thank you, our event was a huge success!!!

Hosted by Coalition for Animals and Hunterdon Animal Rescue Team.

Where: Pet Valu at Nelsons Corner in Hillsborough
When: Saturday, December 7, 2019
Time: Santa and Paws photos 11:00 – 4:00

All children and adults are welcome to take pictures with Santa and their pets or separately.

Dogs must be leashed
Cats and other animals must come in carriers

Pictures: one 5 x 7 picture for $20.00 or two for $25.00
$20.00 for three pictures/poses via email

Cinderella is a little more than a year old based upon the vets who have seen her. She was abandoned in East Orange and found underneath a car in May 2018. As she was very filthy, her rescuer cleaned her up and named her once her Beauty was revealed. She is about 8.5 pounds, timid, and a very sweet Calico.

Cinderella needs and wants a home of her own. We believe she was abused and very neglected. At such a young age she needs and wants that constant love she so deserves.

As Cinderella is FELV Positive, she has been quarantined since we’ve had her. She has been living in a bathroom. She loves looking out the window from her Cat Tree, napping in her covered bed, being brushed, and getting attention. She enjoys playing with her toys. Cinderella eats well and has impeccable litter box habits.

Cinderella has not been exposed to other Cats or to Dogs. Due to being timid and having FELV, she must be in a home which has no other Cats. FELV does NOT affect Dogs and humans. Cinderella is looking for her fur-ever home and a human who wants to share her Love. This little sweetheart is ready to enjoy a long healthy life with someone who is willing to take care of her.

Are you that someone?

Contact Coalition for Animals 908-369-0604