Tag: RaenaBelle

Raena stands on edge of stroller and looks out

Service Cats Getting Kitty Ready For An Outing

Published on by Service Cats U.S.44 Comments

Welcome to another miserable Monday. It’s time fur another Educational Service Cat Posty. Our last few posts have dealt with training specifics dat are good fur all cats and kittens, not just Service Cats; and today’s post will be no different. We got some great questions dat we’ll be dealin’ with fur da next couple of weeks, but ‘member to ask your questions, so we can get them answered too. Now, ifin you’ve missed any of da posts in this series you can ketch up by clickin’ da links below. We do suggest befur you begin trainin’ kitty to purrform any task dat you start with mommy’s Foundation which you can read ‘bout in Part 2, Training Foundations. As with all our educational posts da followin’ will be in human English, so get your coffee, note pad and let’s get to it. 

Part 1: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/service-cat-what-to-look-for/ 

Part 2: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/service-cat-training-foundation/ 

Part 3: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/service-cats-how-to-train-kitty-to-massage-without-claws/ 

Part 4: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/service-cats-smelling-disease/ 

Part 5: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/service-cats-do-you-need-one/ 

Part 6: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/service-cats-who-bears-the-cost/  

Part 7: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/service-cats-housing-laws-and-exceptions/  

Part 8: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/service-cats-accommodations-and-common-sense/ 

Part 9: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/service-cats-what-happens-when-the-handler-dies/  

Part 10: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/service-cats-proper-training-methods/  

Part 11: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/service-cats-proper-training-methods-part-2/ 

Part 12: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/service-cats-whats-the-easiest-task-to-train/ 

 

 

Raena posing at the vets

 

Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get to our question. Our friends from Toby’s Wrecking Crew wanted to know how to get a kitty ready for something like BlogPaws. And what they are asking is how do you get a kitty adjusted to a lot of people, noise and other animals, unruly doggies to be exact?. This is a great question. It most certainly applies to Service Kitties who must be accommodating to any situation, but it’s also good for all kitties. You never know what the future holds, or what situation you may find yourself in. For instance, you find yourself having to evacuate your home and go to a shelter full of people and other animals, a kitty who is comfortable in this setting is certainly going to be easier to deal with during this time of crisis. Or heaven forbid, you have to take kitty to an emergency vet during a busy night. Again, a kitty that is comfortable with noise and commotion, is going to be much calmer than one who isn’t. Now that we’ve pointed out why all cats should be trained for commotion, let’s explain how it’s done. Remember, It’s NEVER too late to train kitty.

 Dezi laying in stroller

Of course this is something mommy starts on immediately with the new kitty. But remember that first Service Cat mommy had? Well she wasn’t a kitten when she was trained, so it can be done. The first thing you want to do is make kitty as comfortable and safe as possible. So here comes the harness and leash training. We do recommend a stroller for these kinds of outings as opposed to a carrier, but keeping a carrier on hand is also a good option. (See the photo below of sis Lexi in her carrier on top of the stroller in the car.) Even in a closed stroller, kitty should be leashed and tethered in. We’re going to take this from the start. Buy a proper fitting harness. Mommy prefers the ones with material that have closures around the neck and body, like you see in the photos. We prefer them as well. Cats are more comfortable being wrapped up. So we recommend staying away from the strappy cat harnesses and go straight to the dog department. You can also order online, there are a lot of great companies that make these harnesses for kitties. You’ll need a leash that’s not to heavy. Remember, the typical kitty weighs less than 20 pounds so they’re not going to break even the skinniest of leashes. Now that you have the proper tools, you can start training kitty. We recommend keeping the stroller and carrier out at all times and open for kitty to use for sleep or play.

Lexi riding in the car on the BlogPaws 2015 trip

Harness Training:

Each day put harness on kitty for about 15 minutes and walk away. Initially kitty may go limp and fall over. Don’t Worry, kitty is fine. Do Not remove harness or kitty has trained you. Only take the harness off after 15 minutes. And take it off even if kitty seems okay with it. You don’t want kitty to over do it initially. Do this twice a day for a few days and then increase the amount of time the harness stays on once kitty actually gets up off the floor. The amount of time this will take will vary from cat to cat, so we can’t give you an exact number of days or weeks, but once kitty is comfortable in the harness you can now add the leash. Please, Do Not Rush Kitty. Take your time, this will mean success. And remember, all of this is being done in the house. Kitty hasn’t set one foot outside. Okay, you’ve added the leash to the harness. This should be done the same way as the harness, start with 15 minutes twice a day and increase until kitty is comfortable. During this time, please be careful as kitty will be dragging a leash and this could be a trip hazard for all humans. And keep an eye on kitty if opening any doors or cabinets, etc.. Once kitty is comfortable with the harness and the leash, it’s time to add you to the mix. Pick up the leash and let kitty take you for a walk. At this time you may venture outside if you want. This is also the time to start taking kitty with you in public.

 Dezi laying in her harness

Dezi playing in her harness

Going Public:

Even tho’ kitty is now harness and leash trained, it’s no comparison for a stroller or carrier. Harness and leash kitty and tether in to stroller for your outing. Of course a pet store is the obvious choice, we like to go places like parks, banks, pharmacies, post offices, etc.. (me’s visitin’ the pharmacy in the photo below) Try going for a stroll in the park. You’ll likely encounter a few dogs and curious people. Your bank, or a small town bank will most likely say nothing and will expose kitty to a lot of lookey loo’s (curious people wanting to see kitty) During these outings as kitty gets more comfortable you can open the stroller and let people pet kitty and let kitty sniff them. You can also allow kitty to walk around a little if permitted since kitty is harnessed and leashed. These outings expose kitty to a small number of people/animals and noise, but prepare them for the commotion of a crowd. Now that kitty is comfortable in these small settings it’s time for the big crowds. Again, the pet store during an adoption event is a great place. A school football/basketball/baseball game is a great place. A local parade or flea market is another great option. Look around your area, you’ll find several great options. The more exposure you can give kitty the better.

Dezi visiting while in the stroller
Visitin’ da pharnacy

The following instructions are for BlogPaws only, and something mommy regrets having to say, and hasn’t yet done for us. Altho’ me’s been thru it already so me doesn’t need the training. Find a “yard” that’s protected by large guard dogs and take kitty to the fence. Please be sure kitty is tethered into their stroller and that the stroller is closed and secure!!! Do Not leave kittys view at this time. The dogs will charge the fence and thus the stroller, barking and growling and baring teeth. The action you want from kitty is to quietly go to the back of the stroller and lie down. Remove kitty from the situation. If kittys response is to try and fight, remove them immediately and try again another time. Not all the dogs at BlogPaws are this way, but there are a few and their humans have no respect for anyone. Of course, you never know when you walk out your front door what you might encounter. Even tho’ we are Service Cats and are taught not to react, sis Lexi and me both did hiss at a few doggies that charged us. But we did then return to the back of the stroller and lie down as we should have. So if kitty hisses and lays down, you’re alright. You just don’t want kitty going crazy and trying to escape the stroller. They need to feel completely safe with you in their stroller.

 Raena sitting pretty

Remember, Training is Repetition. Don’t rush any step or you’ll fail. If you’re planning for a specific event, stat your training early and keep at it. Don’t let a day go by without training. Once kitty is comfortable in all these situations, reward them by taking them out and about just because. Mommy says that training is also forever. Meaning you have to keep exposing kitty to these situations or they’ll grow complacent. Make it a point to take kitty out at least once a week. Mommy tries to take us for a stroll every week, weather permitting, and for a drive at least once a week, even if it’s only around the block. Most importantly, have fun. You want kitty to find this as enjoyable as you. Big snarly dogs and all we would love to go back to BlogPaws. We would be better prepared this time around. And we’ve got our paws crossed we make it there again. 

We’re gonna wrap it up for now. Hope this helps ya’. Ifin ya’ have any additional questions or comments ‘bout todays topic or another training tip you’re interested in, purrlease say so in da comments below. You can also email us using our contact page which is completely purrivate. All this talk ’bout strolls has me wantin’ to go fur one. Gotta run now.

Do you (your kitty) like to go on outings?

Would you like (your kitty) to go on outings?

We’re curious how many kitties are already harness trained?

Till da next time……………………………….Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle      

A Muddy Blest Sunday

Published on by Service Cats U.S.36 Comments

Welcome to a new Blest Sunday. We thought we saw da sun come out fur a minute, but it was just some workers’ flashlights. Da “landscapers” lawn crew was here this past week buildin’ up a hill ‘tween our pawrtment and mr. W’s. Guess me needs to ‘splain a bit fur those of ya’ dat be new to our bloggy. We live in these ‘pawrtments dat be much like a horseshoe shape. Mr. W lives on da end of a buildin’ next to da road. We live in da buildin’ right behind it dat faces in towards our pawrkin’ lot. Bedrooms are at da back of da ‘pawrtment and livin’ rooms at da front. Hims bedroom is almost our livin’ room window view. Not somethin’ we wanna see. Dat’s da only good thing ‘bout those big ole oak trees in our yard. Cuz No, he doesn’t have curtains and Yes, he leaves da blinds up all da time.

 Dezi in a frame with purple tulips

Anyways, fur whatever reason, there was a drop off behind hims ‘pawrtment. It was purretty steep, but it’s not like any of us are really out there walkin’ it. Altho’ Mr. W has been known to wheel hims wheelchair ‘round there on da occasions when Buddy escapes. So anyways, ‘member when we said da manager had come down one meownin’ wantin’ mommy to move her car? Well dat’s why. Da lawn crew was gonna be doin’ some work and to purrtect our cars, she wanted us to move them. Altho’ not sure where she wanted us to move them cuz they had trucks, dirt and equipment all over da place. Well, dat was da day dat mommy had to go to da doctor so mommy did move our car fur a few hours at least. Mommy furinally said, well they have to have insurance, so we’ll just have to take our chances. And then she watched them like a hawk.

Raena in a purple heart blooming from a red rose surrounded by blue

Now, fur all of ya’ wonderin’ why it’s such a big deal, let me tell ya’. This very same lawn crew breaks at least 3 ‘pawrtment air conditioners every summer. Dat’s basically one a month. “course dat’s not countin’ da ones dat they just chew up da wirin’ on with da weed whacker by runnin’ it up da side of da walls. And no, there ain’t no weeds up da wall. They’re just idiots. Anyways, they ran over da 6 foot steel post dat marked da sprinkler system, and broke it and caused a huge flood. We haven’t had a sprinkler system out here in over 10 years cuz of them. Once da flood was stopped, da big steel post was replaced and a circle of bricks ’round it. And yep, they ran over it again. They chopped down several ornamental bushes and left da weeds. And many more things. Don’t ask. We don’t know why they’re still da lawn crew fur our purropurrty and several others managed by the same management company. Anyways, they built up this hill and tamped down lots of new dirt and left. Mommy looked out and said, “Lovely, just wait till it rains.” And then…well as you know it’s been rainin’ ever since. MOL 

 Dezi and Raena in picture frame with blue and purple flowers surrounded by a cloudy white

And yes, we have new mud every where now. And dat’s why there were workers with flashlights walkin’ ‘round makin’ us think da sun was tryin’ to peek out from da clouds.Even amidst all of this, we’ve been blest. Me hasn’t run or hid from da thunder boomers once. And Raena’s eye got all better. Da lawn crew didn’t even touch our car. We have a home to be safe from da weather, includin’ da earthquake we had last weekend. And most of all we have each other and all of you. We are Blest!!! ‘Member to take a minute today and everyday to give thanks fur da blessings in your lives. We’s joinin’ da Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies. And be sure and stop by tomorrow, we’ve got some great trainin’ tips comin’ up in our weekly Service Cats posty.

Till da next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle 

Raena stands on back paws and flails arems

Updates and Bloopers What A Mix

Published on by Service Cats U.S.43 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Are ya’ there? Well, I’s wanted to fank you all fur those doggy wags, kitty purrs and purrayers, mines eye is feelin’ soooo much better. I’s didn’t get to go with mommy to her doctor, but at least I’s not have to go to dat mean ole VET. 

 Raena playing with Petafe cheese and mouse toy

Dezi:       Raena, are you hijackin’ me’s blog again? 

Raena: No sissy, I’s just wanted to fank everypawdy fur their doggy wags, kitty purrs and purrayers fur mines eye. You know I’s sure didn’t wanna have to go to da VET, but it was hurtin’ somethin’ pawful.

Dezi's tail and Raena on the scratcher
Blooper

Dezi:      Oh, well dat’s okay then. We are so blest to have so many pawsum furiends dat care ‘bout us dat’s fur sure.

Raena: Dat’s true sissy. And I’s know they are all gonna be thrilled and purroud of you when you tell them ‘bout da storms we’re havin’.

Dezi:        Me’s not so sure ‘bout thrilled Raena, but most will be purroud dat me’s not even actin’ ‘fraid of those ole storms dat have been grumblin’ since yesfurday. ‘Course everypawdy knows dat when it storms mommy doesn’t let us on da catputer much. So we have to tell everypawdy dat we’ll be by to visit as soon as we can. Mommy usually tries to let us visit ‘tween downpours. But it looks like we won’t be goin’ strollin’ any time soon. Anyways, we’s gonna keep it short today cuz of da storms. It’s Furiday so you all know dat means we’re joinin’ Rascal and Rocco and their amazin’ co hosts fur da weekly Pet Parade. And it’s also Blooper Roundup Furiday, so we’re joinin’ The Lazy PitBull with our blooper fotos. And… 

Raena jumping off end table
Blooper

Raena: Sissy can I say somethin’ else befur we go? 

Dezi:        Sure Raena, what is it?  

Raena: Well you know peeps are always askin’ ‘bout how we’re getting’ along, and several even suggested dat you might have caused mines eye to hurt; so I’s wanted to tell everypawdy ‘bout our relationship. I’s luvs, luvs, luvs mines sis Dezi, and truth be told she luvs me too. But, I’s also a rowdy, energetic, non stop kitten dat thinks sneak attacks, even when sis Dezi’s in da pawdee box, are great ideas. I’s luvs standin’ and walkin’ on mines back paws so I can look huge and flail mines arms ‘round in sissys’ face. Sissy doesn’t find dat amusin’ at all and generally hisses right in mines face. But I’s know she still luvs me, cuz ifin I’s get quiet and she can’t see me, she goes thru da house lookin’ fur me. And when I’s not feel good, she takes great care of me. I’s just wanted you all to know dat we’re gonna be da bestest of sisfur furiends ever, but some things aren’t gonna happen till I’s learn to act a little calmer.

 Raena stands on back paws and flails arems

 This is what sis Dezi sees most of da time. I’s just luvs

jumpin’ on her from outta nowhere. MOL

  

 

Dezi:      Well fanks Raena. Me does luv you, but you do need to calm down a bit. Even mommy agrees with dat. MOL  Anyways, we’re gonna go fur now and see ‘bout a meownin’/mid day nap. Don’t furget to check out all da bloopers and have a pawsum day.

 Dezi scratchin golden scratcher

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Raena: Navy Blue 

Till da next time……………………………………..Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle  

More Raena Drama

Published on by Service Cats U.S.48 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me RaenaBelle. Are ya’ there? Well, mommy and sis Dezi both said I’s could blog today. Mommy has a doctor’s ‘pointment this afternoon and I was ‘posed to go with her. But now she’s thinkin’ ‘bout leavin’ me at home. And all cuz I’s been favorin’ mines right eye.

 Raena lays on the floor and poses for the camera

 Mines eye be fine here

Somethin’ happened yesfurday and I’s not tellin’ what; but cuz of it, mines right eye has been hurtin’. Mommy had some antibiotic drops left from when I’s had dat infection dat she put in there last night. OMC  Dat stuffs hurted. Then she must’ve purrayed over me like elebenty billion times. I’s doin’ a bit better today, but it does still hurt some. I’s been keepin’ it closed a lot, but every once in a while a girly’s just gotta open her eyes ya’ know?. Anyways, ifin ya’ll wouldn’t mind, I’s sure could use your purrayers. Mommy says ifin it gets worse or isn’t any better by Furiday, she’s gonna find a way to take me to da (whispers) VET. Purrlease, I’s not wanna go back there and mommy doesn’t really have any money fur it. So just send those purrayers, okay?

 Dezi and Raena laying on the Liberty cat tree

 Me knows she doesn’t feel well mommy, but does

me have to take this?

Well since mommy has to go to da doctor today fur her regular monthly ‘pointment, I’s gonna cut it short. Da manager’s done been down here this meownin’. Sissy says we’ll tell ya’ ’bout dat in another posty. She also said to tell ya’ll we’ll be by to visit as soon as we can. BearCat and hims momma asked to see fotos where I’s was layin’ on da tippy top of da cat tree and sis Dezi was on da lower ledge. So mommy took some fotos last night of sis Dezi and me on da cat tree. We hope you’s enjoy today’s fotos; isn’t mines sissy sweet? Truth be told, I’s spend a lot of time at da tippy top, but sis Dezi be da Queen of da house and da cat tree, so ifin she wants up there, I’s have to relinquish. Mommy says dat’s da rule of sharin’. Seems to me this rule of sharin’ always works out in sis Dezi’s favor. Mommy says dat’s da rule of bein’ da Queen. So many rules fur this little Princess to learn. Anyways, I’s gotta go. Fank you in advance fur your purrayers, and have a pawsum day.

(turns to Dezi) How’d I’s do sis Dezi? 

 Dezi cares for Raena atop the Liberty cat tree

You did fine Raena. Now let’s go finish brekky. 

Till da next time………………………………………Be Blest!!!

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

RaenaBelle and Deztinee