Fear Free Happy Homes
Reading Time: < 1 minutes The phrase “fighting like cats and dogs” isn’t really accurate. In our experience, cats and dogs can become best friends–if they’re introduced properly. This handout provides guidelines on ways to set up your household to facilitate introductions, keep cats safe during the meet-and-greet, avoid mistakes, and ensure that everyone gets their fair share of attention.
Reading Time: 5 minutes While I hate exercising in general, walking our Poodle mix Dorie around our neighborhood is a pleasure because I love seeing all of her senses engaged. She’s sniffing the air, sniffing the ground, holding her cottony tail high, and like the Terminator, constantly scanning for enemies. Squirrels and grackles both incite Dorie’s wrath, but by […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes It’s a never-ending conflict: Your cat jumps onto the kitchen counter or dining room table, you tell her to get off, and she ignores you. It doesn’t have to be that way. In our handout, we explain why cats are attracted to these areas and the best ways to “purr-suade” them to perch elsewhere.
Reading Time: < 1 minutes Is your cat relaxed, interested, anxious, getting scared, or ready to run under the bed? You can tell a lot by reading body language and paying attention to vocalizations. In our handout, we offer tips on how to recognize whether your cat’s level of fear, anxiety, or stress is escalating. If you have concerns, talk […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes A cat’s claws are formidable weapons. Cats keep them sharpened and groomed by scratching–ideally on a scratching post–but to protect our own delicate skin from accidental scratches, it’s also important to keep claws trimmed. In our handout, we offer advice on how to accustom your cat to the process, offer the best rewards, and trim […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes When people don’t leave situations of domestic violence, it’s often because they fear for the welfare of their pets. Only 10 percent of shelters for victims of domestic violence have facilities that can accept pets as well as people, so women stay rather than risk harm coming to their pets. A 2021 report from the […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes The Fourth of July should be fun for the whole family, your pets included. Fireworks, parades, large numbers of strangers, and other out-of-the-ordinary experiences can be stressful and scary to your pet. Follow the tips in this handout to celebrate the Fourth of July and keep it Fear Free for your pets.
Reading Time: < 1 minutes High perches, secret hideouts, falling water: Cats are adventurers at heart, but they can be limited by the interiors of their homes. In our handout, we share some easy ways to build a paradise that will allow them to live out their catly dreams of exploration, fulfill their feline destiny, and still make it to […]
Reading Time: 4 minutes They often prefer to live the wild life, but some community cats can be wooed to live happily indoors.
Reading Time: < 1 minutes The celebration of the old year winding down and the new year beginning can be rowdy and raucous. That’s fun for people but can cause fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. But you can still enjoy a swinging New Year’s Eve while keeping furry family members calm and happy. Follow the tips in this handout […]