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In the midst of the excitement of bringing a new feline friend into your home, it's essential to remember that for this tiny creature, the entire experience is akin to entering an entirely new world. Every nook and cranny, every scent and sound is novel—and potentially overwhelming. Hence, the process of introducing a new cat to your household should be executed with patience and mindfulness.
Cats, despite their sometimes aloof demeanor, are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine and familiarity. The territories they mark, the corners they like to snuggle into, the paths they prowl—all these are testaments to their attachment to known spaces. When placed in a new environment, they can feel lost, threatened, and stressed. This is why the way we introduce them to a new space can make all the difference in their overall wellbeing.
A rushed introduction can set the tone for future anxiety. On the contrary, a gradual, gentle introduction can cultivate trust. Your new cat needs to understand that this foreign environment is safe, that these new sights and sounds are harmless, and that you, the human towering above, are a friend.
Start with a single room. Equip it with the essentials: a litter box, some food, water, toys, and a cozy resting place. Let your cat take refuge here for a few days, allowing them to grow accustomed to the immediate surroundings. This controlled environment reduces the potential for feeling overwhelmed.
Scent plays a pivotal role in a cat's life. By swapping bedding or toys between the new cat's space and the rest of the household (or with other pets), you're introducing them to new scents gradually. This can ease the eventual face-to-face introductions and mitigate potential territorial disputes.
Once your new cat seems comfortable in their initial space, open the door and allow them to explore the rest of the household at their own pace. Observe their body language closely. Ears pitched forward indicates curiosity; a twitching tail might signal irritation. By tuning into these signals, you can gauge their comfort level and respond accordingly.
If you have other pets, especially other cats, the introduction phase is crucial. Initial interactions should be brief and supervised. Gradual exposure helps in preventing aggressive confrontations and fostering curiosity instead of fear. Remember, first impressions matter, even in the feline world.
The act of slowly introducing a new cat to your household goes beyond just ensuring a peaceful environment. It's about understanding and respecting the intricate nature of these mysterious creatures. With time, patience, and love, you can create a harmonious space where your new feline family member not only feels safe but thrives.
The talented students at St. Anthony's School recently organized an inspiring Entrepreneur Fair, showcasing their creativity, business acumen, and philanthropic spirit. The event not only provided an opportunity for young minds to showcase their entrepreneurial skills but also allowed them to make a meaningful contribution to society. The students, brimming with pride, successfully raised funds and decided to donate a portion of their profits to a local charity.
With hearts full of compassion, the students proudly presented a donation of $224.50 to the Kitimat Humane Society. This generous contribution will assist the organization in continuing its vital work, ensuring the well-being and happiness of countless animals in the community. The students' decision to support the Kitimat Humane Society exemplifies their understanding of the importance of giving back to the community and helping those who are in need.
The Kitimat Humane Society expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the students' remarkable initiative. The funds received will enable the organization to provide essential veterinary care, shelter, and adoption services to animals in distress, thereby making a positive impact on the lives of these precious creatures.
The Kitimat Humane Society is thrilled to announce that it has received a generous donation of $140 from the Grade 6 classes of Kildala School. The donation was made as a result of an inspiring initiative undertaken by the students during their recent Entrepreneur Fair.
The Entrepreneur Fair, organized by the Grade 6 classes, provided an opportunity for the students to showcase their creativity and business acumen. The fair featured a wide array of handmade crafts, including bracelets, necklaces, rocks, dog treats, dog toys, and other various crafts. The students poured their hearts and souls into creating these unique items, and their hard work paid off.
Maryann, the shelter manager of the Kitimat Humane Society, and Devin, the Humane Society president, were invited to the school to receive a cheque. Accompanied by Winnie the 6 month old shepherd rottie cross, they received a warm welcome from the enthusiastic students. Maryann and Devin graciously accepted the students' generous donation and expressed their heartfelt appreciation for their compassion and dedication.
In addition to presenting the donation, Maryann and Devin took the time to answer questions from the students about the humane society's mission, their work in caring for animals, and the importance of responsible pet ownership. The interaction between the students and the representatives of the Kitimat Humane Society was educational, inspiring, and left a lasting impact on all involved.
"We are immensely grateful to the Grade 6 classes of Kildala School for their remarkable efforts in organizing the Entrepreneur Fair and their incredible donation to the Kitimat Humane Society," said Maryann. "Their dedication and compassion are truly commendable, and their contribution will directly support our ongoing efforts to provide a safe and loving environment for animals in need."
Devin, the Humane Society president, added, "The students' initiative not only raised vital funds but also created awareness about the welfare of animals within our community. Their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our furry friends is truly inspiring."
The Kitimat Humane Society extends its deepest gratitude to the Grade 6 classes of Kildala School, their teachers, and all those who supported the Entrepreneur Fair. This generous donation will have a profound impact on the welfare and well-being of animals in the community.
The Kitimat Humane Society has recently taken over the contract for the concession stand at the Tamitik Arena, and it is exciting news for animal lovers in the community. The shelter, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in need, has decided to use the funds raised from the concession stand to support their operations and care for the animals.
By taking over the contract, the Kitimat Humane Society has not only found a new source of revenue, but they have also established a presence at one of the most popular gathering spots in the town. The concession stand, which will be run by dedicated volunteers, will sell all kinds of snacks, from hot dogs to cotton candy, popcorn, and more.
The shelter's decision to run the concession stand is a brilliant way to generate funds for their operations, which are crucial for the well-being of the animals in their care. The money raised will help the shelter provide the animals with food, shelter, medical care, and any other necessities that they require. As the shelter is a non-profit organization, it relies heavily on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising activities to keep its operations going.
Moreover, the Kitimat Humane Society's involvement in the Tamitik Arena concession stand means that animal lovers in the community can also contribute to the shelter's mission. By purchasing snacks and drinks from the stand, people are directly supporting the organization's efforts to rescue and care for animals in need. Not only are they getting a tasty treat, but they are also making a positive impact in the lives of animals that need it most.
The shelter's concession stand will be open for all major events at the arena, including hockey games and skating shows. This means that the shelter will have a consistent source of revenue throughout the year, as these events draw a significant number of people. The shelter's volunteers will be working hard to ensure that the concession stand is well-stocked, and that customers are happy with the service.
As the shelter's funds and volunteer base grow, the Kitimat Humane Society plans to expand the menu and offer a wider range of snacks and drinks. This is an exciting prospect, as it means that the concession stand can continue to evolve and attract even more customers over time.
The Kitimat Humane Society's decision to take over the concession stand at the Tamitik Arena is a win-win situation for the shelter and the community. By selling snacks and drinks, the shelter can raise funds to support its operations and care for animals in need. At the same time, the community can support the shelter's mission by purchasing snacks and drinks at the concession stand. This is an excellent example of how a non-profit organization can create a sustainable source of revenue while also engaging with the community and raising awareness about their cause.
During summer, the temperature can increase more than usual, and it becomes a challenge to keep your pet cool during a heatwave. When the weather gets hotter, it becomes difficult for pets to keep themselves safe and cool. As a result, you have to take some precautionary measures to prevent your pets from a heatwave.
Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe and Cool During a Heat Wave
Follow the below-given ways and prevent your pets from a heatwave.
If it is hot out there, don’t take your pets for a walk, especially during the daytime. However, if it’s necessary, you can take them in the morning and evening. If you have a large home, you can exercise your pet inside, just as long as it’s cool enough.
When you keep your pets indoors, it will reduce the risk of them suffering from a heatwave. Try to keep the space they are occupying as cool as possible using fans, or an air conditioner.
When it is hot outside, you drink more water to keep yourself hydrated. The same is the case with pets. A hydrated pet can be safe from a heatwave. Provide them more water than usual. Keep extra bowls of water and add ice cubes to them. It will keep the water fresh and cool for a long time.
Avoid leaving your pets in the car even when the temperature is moderate outside. Leaving your pet inside a vehicle during extreme temperatures can be fatal.. It only takes a few minutes.
Cooling mats can help your pets remain cool. You can make a cooling mat yourself by wrapping ice in a towel and keep it in their bed. Moreover, you can keep a frozen water bottle in their cage. It will help to lower the cage temperature.
When you decide to take your pet for a walk, ensure that the surface isn’t too hot. Sand and concrete can get hot quickly and burn your furry friend’s feet. You can check the surface; if it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it is surely too hot for pets. You can purchase dog booties to prevent their pads from burning.
You do everything right, but still, there is a possibility that your pet might suffer from heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke can be panting, drooling, dehydration, increased body temperature, and rapid heart rate. So, whenever you notice any one of these during hot weather, it can be due to heatstroke. So, seek the help of a vet as soon as possible and cool your pet down!
During summer, the temperature can increase more than usual, and it becomes a challenge to keep your pet cool during a heatwave. When the weather gets hotter, it becomes difficult for pets to keep themselves safe and cool. As a result, you have to take some precautionary measures to prevent your pets from a heatwave.
Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe and Cool During a Heat Wave
Follow the below-given ways and prevent your pets from a heatwave.
If it is hot out there, don’t take your pets for a walk, especially during the daytime. However, if it’s necessary, you can take them in the morning and evening. If you have a large home, you can exercise your pet inside, just as long as it’s cool enough.
When you keep your pets indoors, it will reduce the risk of them suffering from a heatwave. Try to keep the space they are occupying as cool as possible using fans, or an air conditioner.
When it is hot outside, you drink more water to keep yourself hydrated. The same is the case with pets. A hydrated pet can be safe from a heatwave. Provide them more water than usual. Keep extra bowls of water and add ice cubes to them. It will keep the water fresh and cool for a long time.
Avoid leaving your pets in the car even when the temperature is moderate outside. Leaving your pet inside a vehicle during extreme temperatures can be fatal.. It only takes a few minutes.
Cooling mats can help your pets remain cool. You can make a cooling mat yourself by wrapping ice in a towel and keep it in their bed. Moreover, you can keep a frozen water bottle in their cage. It will help to lower the cage temperature.
When you decide to take your pet for a walk, ensure that the surface isn’t too hot. Sand and concrete can get hot quickly and burn your furry friend’s feet. You can check the surface; if it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it is surely too hot for pets. You can purchase dog booties to prevent their pads from burning.
You do everything right, but still, there is a possibility that your pet might suffer from heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke can be panting, drooling, dehydration, increased body temperature, and rapid heart rate. So, whenever you notice any one of these during hot weather, it can be due to heatstroke. So, seek the help of a vet as soon as possible and cool your pet down!
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Division 2 at Kildala School in Kitimat presented the Kitimat Community Humane Society a cheque for $566 after they raised over $1000 in their Dime Drive. The funds were split between the Kitimat Food bank and the Kitimat Community Humane Society. These funds will be going towards helping the animals with food and supply costs as well as vetting. The Kitimat Humane Society would like to thank Division 2 for their hard work in raising these funds.
I have been working with Animals in a shelter setting since 1996 first as the assistant Manager and Dog Control Officer for the BCSPCA and later to become a Special Constable and Manager of the Kitimat Branch until April of 2005 then became the Manager of The Kitimat Community Humane Society. I have always loved animals and vowed to change the lives of animals in the North West
I have been working with Animals in a shelter setting since 1996 first as the assistant Manager and Dog Control Officer for the BCSPCA and later to become a Special Constable and Manager of the Kitimat Branch until April of 2005 then became the Manager of The Kitimat Community Humane Society. I have always loved animals and vowed to change the lives of animals in the North West
I can tell you 21 years later we are making small dents in how animals are treated but none the less we are getting there one community at a time. We have tougher adoption policies and application processes than ever before and should be this way.
Too many get pets because its for their kids but never consider the whole responsibility it comes with, vetting, good food, socialization and most important being a part of the family like you would any human family member. Next thing that happens the pet becomes isolated or turned loose in a back yard with no human interaction or worse yet abused and neglected.
If we are lucky the owner will surrender that pet to the shelter or a local rescue, but many do not.
I have seen plenty of things with this life job that is burned in my memory. There was a time when I first started working at the BCSPCA they euthanized regularly and usually for space, and in our little shelter it was euthanasia day every Friday.
I struggled with this and would take pets home until I could find just the right owner as I knew that if we gave them enough time that most could be placed.
I remember placing pending adoption signs on their kennels just to save an animal and give it a little more time. I cried many tears and wanted to quit on many occasions but when I would look at the many beings that just wanted a home and a family of their own, I would sit with them cry my tears and vow to never give up on them. For those that were extremely sick and at that time little money was spent on medical it was always the easy way out by euthanizing them.
Everyone kept telling me we can’t save them all and trust me I know full well I can’t save them all, but I sure can give my all and save them one at a time. In the summer of 2005 I was called to a remote community as they wanted me to remove this big collie/rotti cross named chief as they felt he was a danger to their community.
Kids kicked at him he had rocks thrown at him and all he wanted to do was to greet them. When I went to his owner’s house which you could see they loved him, and he was being blamed and removed from the community when the dog that was identical to him was living next door and showed a lot of aggression.
Chiefs owners did not want to risk Chief being put down because of mistaken identity so agreed to let me take him. Chief was very timid and scared, and I could only imagine what was going through his head being loaded into a kennel in the back of my truck and being taken from his home.
When we arrived at the shelter, I set him up in the one large dog run that we had out of 6. He was scared and would try to back away from everyone. On the 2nd night there he found a way through the wiring in the back-dog run that was starting to separate from the concrete and he squeezed through and escaped.
For 4 days we had sightings called into us, but we never were lucky enough to find him until on the 5th day I received a call from a District worker that there was a big black and brown dog laying on its back enjoying the sun in front of the Chinese restaurant down the street from us. I headed out the door immediately and there he was in all his glory sound asleep on his back basking in the sun.
I slowly approached him and gently put the leash around his neck and started petting him. He was so tired and enjoying his pets then all sudden opened his eyes and seen me and then he realized he had been caught.
After bringing him back to the shelter I knew he couldn’t go back to the kennel he escaped from and needed more reassurance and to know he was safe with us, so he stayed with me and then slept in the front office. It wasn’t long, and Chief started greeting everyone that came into the shelter and loved going for walks with our volunteers. Then one day we had a very sweet kind lady that just loved Chief and wanted to adopt him. She was perfect. We helped him into her car and sad to see him go and I stood their crying like a baby but tears of happiness because this boy was going to have a home of his own. Well the next day I pull up to the shelter at 7:30 am and thought I was seeing things and there was Chief laying down by the shelters front door waiting for me to let him back in. I was shocked I called his adopter who was beside her self as she had been out looking for him and couldn’t find him anywhere, I told her he was sitting in front of the shelter this morning when I arrived.
Once again, we loaded him up and off, he went then again that night I received a call at home from his owner that Chief had escaped once again. I went looking right away around his area in Nechako and no sign of him. I drove everywhere now worried something had happened to him. I decided to head to the shelter and who I do I spot going over the bridge walking along the side of the road, but Chief. I pulled over and called him and he came running over like I was his long-lost friend. I called his owner immediately she came down and he looked at her happy to see her but stayed close to me.
The owner said I think this is his home. Please love him and make him yours. She cried a few tears and he licked her face and then she left. From that day forward Chief became our shelter mascot. Chief had been an amazing addition to our shelter and we loved him so much. He was the happy door greeter but also my consoler when things would go wrong. Lots of times I would just sit with him on his blanket and cuddle him, but I will never forget that horrible day when we received 2 litters of puppies and they came in with that deadly virus parvo. I was instructed the best thing to do would be to put the whole litter down. My heart was in my throat and I wanted to be sick. I shut the shelter down that afternoon to deal with inevitable the toughest thing I ever had to do. One at a time I put them down through tears god knows how I could even see. After I was finished and washed up, I was still bawling. Chief came over sat pressed against my legs and pressed his head into my hands. I sat down beside him he licked at my tears then rested his head in my lap consoling me. This dog helped me in so many ways and was my push to make changes for animals no matter where they were. Chief has been gone for four years now but his memory is forever burned in my heart and I will always think of him and feel his gentle nudging that I will get through this as well and to please keep on fighting. Well Chief I think you would be proud of me I am still fighting and still hanging in fighting for all the animals one animal at a time. I know you walk beside me, and you are always watching over everyone here at the shelter, but If I could have one wish It would be to have you here beside me and your head on my lap. I love and miss you Chief. Maryann
Halloween can be an enjoyable time for kids and adults alike but can be a frighting experience for your four-legged friends. Little ghosts, witches and goblins will come knocking on your door. This will make your dog go into protection mode. Loud fireworks and other unfamiliar sounds will also spook your dog. We want to make sure we keep our furry friends safe and happy during Halloween.
Keep Halloween candy away from your pet! We may love to indulge and sneak a Halloween treat from the bowl from time to time, but you must make sure your pet does not indulge with you. A good portion of Halloween treats contain chocolate, and this can be fatal for your pet. The component theobromine is toxic to dogs and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and seizures. If your dog does get into some chocolate, the best course of action is to induce vomiting and call your preferred vet.
Chocolate isn't the only danger in those Halloween treats. Raisins can cause death in dogs, and certain nuts are toxic as well if ingested. Also, just like us, sweet candy can cause health issues like being overweight, and pancreatitis.
Do not leave your pets outside during Halloween. Unfortunately, there are people out there that like to prank animals on Halloween. They want to tease your animals, steal them or even kill them. This is especially true for black cats.
Shelter them and make them comfortable. Halloween tends to bring lots of fireworks. The district of Kitimat allows fireworks during Halloween, so make sure your pets will be relaxed during the loud sounds. Put them in a quiet room where they can hide, put the TV or some music on to help cover the noise.
Keep an eye on pumpkins, candles and electrical cords. With all the chaos going on, your pet may accidentally knock down your pumpkin. Make sure never to leave it unattended and to have a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep cords up high, during high-stress situations your pet may get tangled in them, or chew them.
Halloween can be a fun time for everyone if appropriately celebrated!