Tag: #TrainingTechniques

Dezi in harness

Service Cats: Making A Local Move With Kitty

Published on by Service Cats U.S.9 Comments

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. When we started this series back in June of 2016, we had no idea how it would be received. Nor did we know all the directions it would take. But, we knew that cats were often misunderstood and many lost their furever homes due to some of those misunderstandings regarding natural behaviors. And, we’re always looking for the opportunity to share how smart and talented kitties really are. So, a little over 2 years later, we’re still here taking your questions and post suggestions and hoping that we’re helping kitties everywhere. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can always ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu. And as always, you can submit your own questions or topic suggestions by leaving a comment in the comments section or sending us an email via our Contact page.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

 

The following post will be written in human English for reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Training Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal training, cats in purr-ticular. And to offer insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, successful Training is all about Repetition and Rewards.

 

 

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

 

First up, we’d like to apologize for not posting last week. Mommy had a doctor’s appointment and just wasn’t up to computer time. But, we’re here this week and we’re going to be talking about Moving with cats. We thought our sweet angel Lexi should write this post. After all she and mommy moved 12 times throughout her lifetime. 

 

Lexi rides in her travel carrier home from BlogPaws Nashville

 

 

 

Thanks Dezi, I’s did see a lot of new homes in my lifetime. Today I’s thought we’d talk about local moves, you know moving from one place to another that’s less than a 2 hour/100 mile drive. These moves usually occur over a couple of days. If you’re renting, Please, never lie to landlords about having cat(s). Inevitably we’re going to end up in a window and be seen; so honesty is the best policy. In our experience, it’s always good if you can get a letter of recommendation from previous landlords regarding your kitties. You know, like kitty is well behaved, didn’t destroy their property and wasn’t allowed to run loose and wreak havoc in the neighborhood. So, moving week is finally here and you’ve gathered boxes, turned on the utilities in the new home, scheduled turn off times for the current place and turned in your change of address forms.

 

Dezi bathes while laying among packed boxes druing the flood of 2014

 

 

 

Packing Day:

     Most everybody knows, kitties love boxes, so make moving time fun. It will help relieve some of the stress and anxiety kitty may feel as more and more things disappear from shelves, closets and cabinets. Don’t forget to keep a Decompression room or area set up just in case kitty needs to chill. As you pack, talk to kitty about the move. Mommy always says things like, “you’re gonna love the new place.” “Don’t worry, I’d never leave you behind.” “You’re going with me.” “There’s a great window in our new place, you’ll be able to see everything.”  Whether kitty understands all the words or not, the positive tone in your voice and the inclusion of kitty will make him/her feel more secure. Lay aside a few of kitty’s favorite toys, blankies/mats/pads/bed for kitty to continue to use. Allow kitty to check out the boxes as you pack. As you start moving boxes, be sure to keep an eye on the door. You don’t want kitty dashing out or escaping. If you have help (movers, friends, etc.) close kitty up in a bedroom or bathroom for safety and let everyone know not to open that door. We also suggest putting a sign on the door that states kitty is inside. Things can get confusing and people do get sidetracked and forget, so the sign is just a little reminder to all. 

 

Dezi climbs among the packed boxes during the flood on 2014

So many places to play with all these boxes.

 

 

 

Kitty’s New Home:

     When you’re finally ready to move the last of your things including kitty, make sure the new home is set up and ready to welcome kitty home. The new place should have a litterbox, water bowl/fountain, favorite toys, blankie/bed and a highly scented piece of clothing from you. We recommend setting these things up in the areas they’ll be once everything is unpacked. You may or may not want to set up a small Decopmpressions Room/Area. Mommy’s never done so and doesn’t think it’s truly needed at this time. Kitty should be part of the last trip from the old house to the new. Because of this, you will be with kitty and that will help to relieve any stress kitty may be feeling.

 

     Now is not the time to deep clean the litterbox, however, we do recommend scooping. We do understand that Jackson Galaxy recommends leaving a few deposits inside, but we don’t find that necessary so long as the box itself hasn’t been cleaned and some of the old litter remains inside. Once you bring kitty in, mommy recommends releasing kitty in the litterbox. Yep, she carries each kitty to the litterbox and sets them down in it. Of course, no kitty stays, but we never forget where the pawtty box is. MOL 

 

Dezi and Lexi play together

Life has returned to normal. We’re together with our toys

and mommy. Nuffin’ else matters.

 

 

 

 

New Normal:

     Hopefully You will have already put away a few things so there’s some semblance of normalcy in the new home. Don’t worry if kitty hides for a day or three or even skips a meal or two. However, you should keep kitty’s schedule as normal as possible. Remember, it’s you kitty is bonded too, not a home or even things. Your calm presence will bring kitty around in no time and you can all enjoy the new place. Local moves are the easiest moves you’ll ever make with kitty. Join us next time, for long haul moves. There’s more planning and chances for things to go wrong, but they can be highly successful and easy peasy when done right. 

 

Dezi and Raena atop the liberty cat tree with Yeowww toy

 

 

 

Thanks sis Lexi, me wouldn’t mind a move and me knows mommy wouldn’t either. Anyways, anypawdy who may be thinkin’ ‘bout movin’ doesn’t wanna miss our next Service Cat posty. Mommy and Shad moved from Texas to New Mexico, to Georgia, to Tennessee, and back to Texas successfully. So, ifin anypawdy has experience in movin’ with kitties, it’s mommy A. Don’t furget to leave your questions or topic suggestions in the comments section below or send us an email via our Contact page. We’re joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday.

 

 

Have you ever moved with a kitty?

What questions about moving do you have?

 

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

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

 

with angel guest, Alexandra (Lexi)

Dezi gets loving from mommy while laying on the arm of the chair

Service Cats: Introducing The New Cat To The Resident Cat(s)

Published on by Service Cats U.S.21 Comments

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays, where we answer your questions and tackle any topic relating to pets, cats in purrticular. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can click the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And you can ask your own questions or make topic suggestions in the comments section below or by sendin’ us a private email via our Contact page. Last week we talked about introducing kitty to roommates and a new apartment. Today, we thought we’d tackle the tough topic of introducing and integrating kitty into a household with resident kitties.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

The following post will be written in human English for reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Training Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal training, cats in purr-ticular. And to offer insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, successful Training is all about Repetition and Rewards.

 

 

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

     It was long thought that cats are solitary in nature and preferred to be the only pet in the house. While that is partly true, we are/can be very social and enjoy the attention of our human/family and yes, even other animals including cats. Of course, we must remind you, that there are exceptions. Mommy A calls them Exceptional Kitties, and believes that even they can be integrated into multi pet households. Sis Lexi had been one of those Exceptional Kitties at one time. There may never be the sound of blue birds singing and bees humming, but most kitties can co-exist beside their patient and loving human(s). There are many reasons one may need to integrate a new kitty, such as adoption, marriage, rescue, new roommates, and even long term fostering to name a few. What we’re going to tell you next is the widely accepted way to introduce new kitties to resident kitties or re-introduce kitties after a trauma causes a rift. This is NOT the method mommy A uses; and we will discuss that in another post.

 

Pheremone and Stress Reducing Products:

     While we’ve not had a lot of luck with pheremone based products, you might want to try using them. They come in collars, sprays, edibles, water additives, and plugins. If you use a plugin, watch it closely and change out the entire unit regularly to avoid burning, or any other mishap. You might also want to try flower essences, treats, or other stress reducing products on the market.

 

Dezi and Raena play with the flitter during Raena's first week home

 

 

Note: Before bringing new kitty home for the first time, kitty should have been checked by a Vet and have been tested for all communicable diseases. All cats should be up to date on vaccinations and/or healthy before any face to face meetings or co-mingling of furs and bodily fluids.

 

 

 

Initial Homecoming:

     We do recommend having a Decompression Room/Area for both the resident cat(s) and the newcomer. You can learn how to prepare one here. It is recommended that new kitty and resident kitty be separated in different rooms. New kitty’s space should already be set up with everything he/she will need. We advise including scent markers for everyone in the house, such as a piece of clothing, towel, pillow case, fabric mouse/toy, etc.. Make sure you spend time with new kitty in their space. After a couple of days remove an item that new kitty has scented up and place it in the area of the resident cat(s). Begin feeding kitties closer and closer to the door that separates them. Refresh scent markers in both areas often. 

 

Site Swapping:

     Once new kitty is comfortable with you and their area, you can begin Site Swapping. We can’t put a time frame on any of this, as kitties react based on their previous experiences and personalities. Typically, kittens do acclimate quicker. Site Swapping will allow new kitty to see and smell their entire new territory as well as give them the opportunity to “stake their claim” to it. It will also allow resident kitty to fully explore the scents of their new housemate. During this time, continue feeding both kitties closer and closer to the door that separates them. 

 

Dezi and Raena eating treats on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Site Seeing:

     Once both/all kitties are within a couple of feet of the door that separates them, you’ll want to start opening the door so they can see each other. A baby/pet gate draped in a sheet or towel can be used to keep the cats separate and yet allow them to view and smell each other over a meal. NEVER leave the cats unattended until you know how they’re going to act/react. Slowly raise the towel/sheet while the cats are eating. The hope is that they will notice each other but continue to eat. Be prepared to step in and distract either kitty with a toy, wand toys work great for this, and block their site. Continue doing this until both/all cats can eat without any aggression toward the other or you. 

 

Dezi and Raena eat breakfast next to each other

 

 

 

Comingling:

     Finally, allow both/all cats to inhabit the same space at the same time. Observe how both/all cats interact with each other and be prepared to intercede if needed. Do Not be overbearing or baby either kitty during this time. There very well may be a few hisses or growls, but as long as both cats remain calm, don’t step in. And remember, keep each kitty’s Decompression Room/Area set up so they can escape if need be. Remember to take these steps slowly and be prepared to back up a step if either cat(s) shows signs of stress or isn’t ready to take the next step. We highly recommend during this step, cats be introduced face to face through play and/or treat time. We believe it helps “break the ice” and take the stress out of the face to face meeting.  

 

     These steps are also recommended if you suddenly find yourself with discord amongst your usually happy coexisting kitties. We previously wrote mommy A’s Tips for Reintegrating cats in the same household. You can read those Tips here.

 

Dezi wipes eyes while laying on the scratcher

 

 

 

Well, we do hope these tips help. Join us next week when we discuss moving with kitty. Sis Lexi used to meow ‘bout it all the time. Y, She and mommy moved 12 times in her lifetime, and she was a happy and well adjusted adventure kitty. Remember, we cats bond with our humans, not a house. And remember, if you’ve missed any post in this series you can ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And, let us know what topics you’d like to read in the comments section below, or send us an email via our Contact page in the menu above. We’re also joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. Go by and check out all the other adorable kitties. We’ll see ya’ next week or sooner. 

 

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

 

Are you an only (Exceptional) kitty or do you have housemates?

Does everybody get along?

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Raena in tiger kitty holster

Service Cats: Kitty Goes To College: Introducing Kitty To Roommates

Published on by Service Cats U.S.18 Comments

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards. 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Ifin you’ve missed any posts in this series, you can ketch up or re-read them anytime by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu above. And don’t furget to submit your questions and/or blog topics in the comments section below or by sending us an email via our Contact Us page, also in our menu bar. There’s no stupid question, and we’ll tackle them all. Mommy says ifin you’re wonderin’ ‘bout somethin’, chances are so are others; so, just ask.

 

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

     Last week, we talked about what one should do with kitty when going away to college, but it could just as easily apply to any relocation. Long story short, kitty is happiest wherever their bonded human is. Kitty bonds with people, not houses (Obviously we’re speaking of cats who are pets and not ferals). Unfortunately, many colleges still don’t allow pets in campus housing, but do require Freshmen to live on campus. So, you’ve made it thru your first year and are now moving into your off campus apartment that you’ll be sharing with roommates and possibly their furry purrers. The question now is how to make introductions so that everybody can live in peace. 

 

Dezi in a graduation cap sitting on cat scratcher

 

 

 

Introducing Kitty to their new home:

     Ideally, all humans should be moved in and unpacked. Set up kitty’s litterbox, feeding station and a few favorite toys in a quiet place, preferably, your bedroom. While the roommates are out, bring in kitty to explore the new place and new scents. Make sure kitty can escape back to your room and a safe “hidey spot”. You may want to set up one of your boxes in a corner with a heavily scented shirt or bed sheet inside so kitty can go there to decompress. Don’t worry, kitty will adjust so long as you’re there. We’ll discuss boundaries next week.

 

Introducing Kitty to the new housemates:

     The next step is bringing the roommate(s) in. Don’t force kitty to come out and be sociable, allow kitty to take things at his/her own pace. Tell roommates to avoid grabbing at or trying to pet or pick up kitty until kitty has shown he/she is comfortable with them. As tempting as a quick pet may be, pretending to not notice kitty will help him/her to acclimate quicker. You’ll also want to make sure roommates and any frequent guests know to not leave doors or windows to the outside open. And, to watch for kitty when leaving the apartment. No one wants to deal with kitty escaping. College life will keep you busy, but remember to spend time with kitty each day.

 

Raena in graduation cap sitting on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

     What if your roommate has a kitty they’ll also be introducing to the mix? Or perhaps, you’re getting married and you and your spouse both have kitties that will have to assimilate into your new lives? Or somebody decides it’s time to adopt a new furry family member? Tune in next week when we discuss introducing kitties and co-mingling households. We promise you’ll be in for a hair raising hissy fit of a good time.  

 

Dezi lays on the floor

 

 

 

Well there ya’ have it. Taking kitty with you is a breeze. Remember, when you adopt an animal, you’re making a commitment to love and care for them until the day they die. Not just when it’s convenient or fashionable, but furever. In return, we’ll give you unconditional luv, days filled with laughter and joy, and nights full of purrs. Don’t furget to post your questions and topic suggestions in the comments below or send us an email via our Contact page. We’re linkin’ up with Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday.  

 

Till the next time………………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Dezi lays in stroller with tiger kitty holster harness on.

Service Cats: Where Does Your Lifelong Furry Buddy Belong When You’re Off To College

Published on by Service Cats U.S.17 Comments

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Furstly, we’d like to apologize fur our absence last week. T’ween the stress, the added pain, and mommy’s monthly doctor’s ‘pointment, we just flaked, zoned out, didn’t feel up to posting. Ya’ know, life happens sometimes, and gets in the way of all your plans. However, we’re back this week with a pawsum and timely topic that was brought to our attention by one of the sweetest e-mails we’ve received in a while. Befur we get started, remember, you can ketch up on any of our Service Cats posts by clicking the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page from our menu. And don’t furget to leave your questions or blog topic suggestions in the comments below or send us an e-mail via our Contact page, also in our menu bar. Now, let’s get to it. 

 

Raena sits in tiger kitty holster cat harness

 

 

 

     It’s that time of year, back to school, off to college or away for internships. For many, this is the first time they’ll be away from the home they grew up in. And some, like mommy did, will be returning to school after years of holding down a household. So, what do you do with your beloved furry purrer that’s been there with you throughout the years? Especially, if like one of our pawsome readers, kitty is bonded with you above anyone else in the house. Each year, thousands of people head off to live on campus in dorm rooms or apartments with roommates. While it’s an exciting time for many, it can be a very stressful time for kitty.

 

Raena lays on cat tree looking back

To Take Kitty Or Not:

     The questions we were asked were, “My older shy cat is deeply bonded with me. Would it be less stressful to take her with me to college, or leave her in the house she’s always known, even tho’ she doesn’t get along well with anyone or the other animals in the home?” The next question was, how should I introduce kitty to roommates?” First, we want to say, Thank you for saving a life and taking responsibility for that life till the end. We are not disposable when it’s inconvenient and we appreciate that you realize that and are trying to do the best you can for kitty.

 

     Some of you may remember when we told the story of mommy and Shad being homeless but happy because they were together. If you want to read it you can do so here. Anyways, obviously, we recommend taking kitty with you as soon as possible. Fortunately, many colleges are learning about the bond between humans and pets and are starting to allow them in dorms. You need to check with the college of your choice for their pet policy. Do Not Ever try to sneak Fluffy or Fido into your dorm, apartment or rental property. It’s not fair to them or to future renters.

 

     If your college doesn’t allow pets, you’ll either have to leave kitty/woofy at home or live off campus. Often colleges require Freshmen to live on campus for the first year. Plan your finances so that you can move off campus and reunite with kitty as soon as possible. Regardless of kitty’s age or health, it’s you and not the house kitty is attached too. And, altho’ cats aren’t big fans of change, they do much better when they can be near their chosen human.

 

Raena lays on back of the chair

This throw smells just like mommy.

 

 

 

Reduce Kitty’s Stress While You’re Away:

     In the meantime, how can you make kitty more comfortable during your absence? Start off by making sure kitty has a Decompression Room (your former bedroom is the perfect choice. Don’t change the sheets when you leave.). Place all of kitty’s essentials in the room with him/her and make sure mom, dad, or sibling knows kitty’s routines (ie; meal time, cleaning litterboxes, etc.). Be sure to leave a few pieces of heavily scented clothes with kitty, so he/she can feel close to you. We also recommend coming home once a month if possible to visit and refresh the scent clothing. However, you may be too far away to come home that often, so we highly recommend sending freshly scented garments back home to replace the old ones. We recommend, night shirts, bras and other lightweight garments. They shouldn’t be too heavy and thus won’t cost much to ship/mail back home.  

 

Dezi lays in mommy's lap

Bein’ close to mommy and minglin’ our scents is the bestest thing ever.

 

 

 

 

Telepathy And Kitty:

     Years ago there was a study that talked about sending telepathic messages to your pets when you were away. The premise was that you could visualize your pet in your mind and they would be able to feel your presence. While mommy thinks this is mostly hogwash (ridiculous), still she tends to do it just in case. It certainly doesn’t hurt anyone. We also recommend phoning home and letting Fluffy/Fido hear your voice. We’d love to hear any ideas you have about communicating with your pets when you’re away. The first year of college and away from your beloved furry is going to be stressful for both of you. But, by implementing a few of these tips, you can make it less stressful for kitty. And remember, soon you’ll be able to reunite and be together again.

 

Raena looks back while standing on the liberty cat tree

What’s that you say? Togetherness is the only way to go.

 

 

We’re gonna wrap this up fur today. Join us next week when we discuss introducing kitty to roommates and other pets in the home. And don’t furget to leave us your comments, questions and topic suggestions in the comment section below, or send us an email via our Contact page. As always, you can ketch up on any of the Service Cats posts you may have missed by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. We’re joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. See you soon.

 

Do/Would you call kitty to chat when you’re away? 

Have you ever tried to send telepathic messages to your kitty?

 

Till the next time……………………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle