Tag and collar and microchip your cat. Most cats turned in to the Humane Society wearing collars with tags and/or are microchipped with current information are reunited with their owners. That's not true for cats found without identification. Nationally, only 2% of the millions of cats turned into shelters each year are reclaimed by their owners.
Keep your cat indoors. Studies show that indoor only cats enjoy an average lifespan of 16-20 years; the life of an indoor/outdoor cat is usually less than half that long and outdoor only cats only live 2-5 years on average. Even an outdoor cat can adjust to life inside. It takes patience and work, but the reward is your cat's safety and well-being.
Take your cat to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations, especially rabies. Fatal diseases, such as feline leukemia, are spread through contact with other cats - another reason to keep your cat indoors.
Spay or neuter your cat. Cats that are spayed or neutered live longer and make better companions. And they don't contribute to the cat overpopulation crisis. According to the Humane Society of the United States, one unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years.
Look for your cat immediately if it escapes outdoors. Don't assume it is out "hunting." When your cat is loose outside, it's in danger - from cars, free-roaming dogs, poisons, disease, cruel people, sharp objects, and traps.
Stay away from high places. Cats don't always land on their feet and can be seriously injured or killed in falls from upper level windows or porches that aren't enclosed.
Teach your cat some simple commands. Most cats can be taught not to eat poisonous plants or jump up on the counter. Be consistent, gentle and most of all, patient. Repeat the lessons often.
Avoid declawing if possible. This painful and often unnecessary operation can place your cat at a deadly disadvantage should it encounter a dog or other animal outdoors. Instead, provide a sturdy scratching post or other appropriate scratching surfaces indoors and teach your cat to use them. This should satisfy your pet's scratching impulse. There are also cat claw "covers" like Soft Paws that can be applied to a cat's nails to prevent them for scratching.
Spend time with your cat. It's a myth that cats are aloof; human companionship is one of their very real needs, and they establish loving bonds with their human families.
Stay up to date on the latest animal news and events through our paper and electronic newsletters.
We only have a few of our 2012 Calendars left! Each calendar is chock full of beautiful photos of our community's beloved animals & now they are only $10!.
Help raise money for Rock County Humane Society every time you send flowers! Fairview Florists in Janesville is teaming up with Flowers for a Good Cause to benefit local charities RCHS.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 18th for the 2nd Annual canine weight pull event hosted by RCHS and Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin.
