January 02, 2007
What's in This Issue:
- New/Updated Pages
- Did you get a new puppy over the holidays?
- Calling all Knoxvillians!
- Something Fun
New and Updated Pages
There have been several updates, but they are all because of sites going offline. I've lost a few friends in the latest shakeup and expense of the holidays. Other websites just have not been renewed, so they have gone away. Nothing really changed on the website, however. Just a few links at the bottom removed from pages.Sorry to see them go, but I'm glad to still be here myself!
Did You Get a Puppy for Christmas?
I've had several emails since Christmas about introducing an existing cat or cats to a new puppy. Getting everyone off to a good start is helpful. However, if you didn't exactly do this, I have some ideas for you.When you bring your new puppy into your home, confine it for a day or so to be sure it is housebroken and knows to go outside. Also, this gives your cat time to get used to the scent of the pup. Eventually, you will have to introduce them to each other; and this can be traumatic at best, but there IS an easier way to do this --
One of the best ways to do introduce your cat and dog to each other is to provide your cat with a cat tree. You will need a cat tree that is taller than your dog will ever be - preferably 6-8 feet high. You will want to place it in front of a window so your cat can bask in the sunlight and watch the world go by. If you want to tease your cat even more, you can put a bird feeder outside within sight of the window! ;>)
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How can you get your cats used to this arrangement? Place your cats on a high platform and allow the dog free run underneath before your cat can come down. It's tricky alone, but easy to do if you have family or friends who can let the puppy into the room once the cat is placed on the tree safely. You will want to be sure your cat has a way to get down and into a private place, but it can be a convoluted and twisted path.
The only thing you need to be sure about is that the cat has a clear path to the litter box at all times. Your cat will soil in other places if she can't get to the litter box without being harassed.
Keep your new puppy out of the litter box. There is a treatment you can give your new dog in his food that makes cat poo smell and taste bad to the dog that will act as a repellent.
As your puppy grows up and learns the house rules, it will learn to respect your cat and her claws. He will learn that cats have special privileges, such as an indoor litter box and first dibs on the bed (or chair, or couch, or lap, or ...) That cat food is not for dogs and that dog food is fine for cats. Your puppy has a lot to learn...
But safety first! Keep your cat safe from those strong jaws and large mouth of your dog. Also, the dog's size will be scary to the cat at first. Then, there is the bark, the energy and spunk (happy, happy, joy, joy) of your new dog. Cats tend to be much more laid back than dogs are.
Cats are content to train us humans to be their slaves, and if a slave decides to get a slave, the owner doesn't mind too much as long as dinner is served on time. So, your slavish dog will be your servant and friend, and your cat will expect to be served and be no one's friend; expecting respect, love and admiration; being master of all.
Calling All Knoxvillians!
If you live in or around Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, please complete the survey on this page: http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/StoreSurveyI'm trying to figure something out and I could really use your help. If you don't live here but know someone who does, PLEASE forward the link to them. I really, REALLY need the input.
Thanks.
Something Fun
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