Pet Prep 101
Esme and Cameo by Diane Fanucci
It’s been a bit since I posted. My computer has been out of commission. I thought that I had completely prepared for the new pet that I had brought into my home. A minute of being lax, created an opportunity for damage. I finished using my computer and set it on the coffee table…half on and half off. My computer became a spring-board for my new cat, Cameo. The screen was shattered. So here I am, talking about preparing for a new pet.
First and most important step…research, research, research! It is of utmost importance to know what you are getting into. Every breed of animal has a set of pretty consistent characteristics that isn’t going to change when you bring them into your house. My new kitty is a Cornish Rex. Cats of this breed are high energy and very playful. They are intelligent and tend to be expressive vocally. They are people-oriented, exhibiting behaviors that seem somewhat dog-like and they love being held. Their fur is short, tight, and curly, causing them to easily become cold. For this reason, they should be indoor cats. Another important consideration when choosing a pet is being aware of their ongoing maintenance needs. What type of grooming do they require? Is it something that you can do or do you need to take them somewhere for grooming? What are the common physical ailments that they are prone to? Should you consider medical insurance for your pet?
It is important to pet-proof your home prior to bringing them home, with consideration of the particular needs of their breed. Plants are one consideration. Research what plants could potentially be toxic to the animal. Plants in the lily family are toxic to cats. I had one that my church was able to take off my hands. Electrical cords can also be a hazard. Be sure that they are tied up, tucked away, or covered for your pets protection. This is the type of cord cover that I used. It comes in various colors and sizes. Decluttering is essential, especially if items are breakable, valuable, or very important to you. Remember, they’re an animal. You need to consider what could happen. Determine if perimeter fencing may be necessary and identify potential escape routes. After I bought my home, I decided to have a deck built. At the same time, I fenced part of my yard, because I knew I wanted to get a dog. I adopted Esme from the SPCA. Upon picking her up to bring her home, I learned that she was pee-pad trained and doesn’t go outside. LOL…joke’s on me! One of my major concerns was whether Cameo and Esme would get along. I purchased a cat tree tall enough that she would be able to get away from the dog if she needed to. Provide a safe space appropriate to your breed’s characteristics. Other supplies to acquire ahead of time may include a bed, collar, identification tag, leash, toys, food, and treats. Considering an exotic pet? That’s a bit out of my wheelhouse. Here’s a link to get you started.
If you get your pet from a rescue, you may have limited access to medical history, but try to get whatever information you can. It is also good to make an appointment for your pet with a veterinarian for a wellness check. Find out ahead of time what food the pet is currently eating. It is not good to suddenly change an animal’s diet. Your breeder or rescue will most likely give you some food to start you off. If you wish to change their food, do it gradually, mixing in a little bit of the new food at a time, then start to taper off the old food. When you first bring your pet into your home, allow them to explore gradually, as they are comfortable. If you already have other pets in your home, it is best to keep them separated at first. A safe and calm introduction is the goal. Introduce them slowly, in neutral territory, and don’t leave them unsupervised. To get them used to each other’s scent, you can use a towel or toy that the other animal has been with or allow them to sniff under a door or through a kennel. At feeding time, it is always a good idea to keep them separate.
Especially during the first few weeks, it is important to spend quality time with your pet. As with children, consistency is important. Treats are great for positive reinforcement. They make a great reward, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want your pet to get overweight. Look for training treats that are small and low in calories. I’m going to start trying click training. Here is an article on clicker training. It involves teaching the cat to associate the clicking sound with a reward (treat), and then continuing to use that sound to reinforce desirable behaviors. Of course, I have also found the spray water bottle to be very effective. Just a few squirts and Cameo no longer gets on the table or counter. Cats and dogs usually pick up on your routines quickly and fall into the pattern of the household. A funny example: Esme knows that the first time I hit the snooze button, she is to leave me alone and when the alarm goes off again, that is her time to be petted and fed. Cameo is already following suit! One thing I was concerned about was how Cameo would behave when I am at work all day. (Esme is in a kennel.) I made her some cardboard scratch pads out of old delivery boxes and interactive toys are great. Here are some options. Cameo loves the one I got for her.
The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. (Proverbs 12:10 - NLT)
What has worked for you? Or not so well? Feel free to comment.
