Everybody loves kittens. Who wouldn’t? They’re soft, playful, and sweet. But if you’re thinking of adopting a feline companion, it’s worth considering that the needs of a kitten may not be an ideal fit for your lifestyle. Providing a loving home to an older cat brings its unique rewards, as many happy owners can attest. Older Cats are Tidier and Better Behaved “Older kitties are usually quieter, less destructive and neater than kittens,” says Debby F. of Napa Valley, California. “As much fun as kittens certainly are, they are so much work to protect, entertain, and help adapt. If you’ve ever seen a kitten go wild in a litter box, scramble up drapes or play soccer with kibble, you know what I mean!” Nicolas D. in Brooklyn, New York, had an especially rewarding experience with an older cat, but not until after he first understood the demands of raising a kitten. “Back in 2000, I rescued a terrified, flea-ridden kitten from under a car outside my apartment. He was a lot of work! He was ping-ponging all over the house. He got his claws on everything he could. I had to ‘child-proof’ my apartment because he had so much energy and curiosity. He was just being a normal kitten. I wasn’t prepared for the effort and supervision.” Luckily, Nicolas was able to find his kitten a more suitable home. It turned out that a senior cat was just right for Nicolas. “I adopted a cat from the KittyKind shelter. She was abandoned at a pet store in her crate when no one was looking. There was a note attached that said, ‘My name is Spirit. I’m 15 years old. Please take care of me.’ That just broke my heart.” Nicolas took Spirit home. “Spirit changed my life,” he says. “She was very mellow. Her scratching days were long behind her. She knew her litter box right away. I’d even take her to my local bar and she’d sit next to me in the booth, not a care in the world.” To a kitten, the world is brand new. Everything is something to be explored, and that means they have to be watched non-stop. Their curiosity often leads to clawing at surfaces, chewing objects, and romping around in ways that can be unintentionally destructive, like when they topple a lamp or sweep the entire contents of your desk onto the floor. Older cats are past that. Kittens also go through a teething process. Like humans, they have “baby teeth” that the Tooth Fairy collects before their permanent choppers grow in. Kittens will chew on objects as a way of shedding their baby teeth. Allison E. in Chicago, Illinois says, “I adopted an eight-year-old cat a couple of months ago, and she is absolutely perfect. She’s so well- behaved. She never scratches the furniture, keeps herself clean, doesn’t chew or bite anything.” When it comes to staying clean, kittens sometimes need help until they’ve learned how to self-groom. Until then, you may need to brush or wipe your kitten to keep them neat. They’re More Predictable “I really enjoy knowing what you’re getting with an older cat,” says Sheerah M. of Eureka, California. “With a kitten, you don’t know if they’re going to be a super mellow cat, or a little psycho.” An older cat will be more settled into who they are. A shelter can fill you in on a particular cat’s temperament, and if the cat is older, you can expect its personality to generally stay the same. An adult cat is also fully grown physically, which means you’re unlikely to experience any surprise changes in its appearance, whether in size or the length and texture of its hair. They’re Utterly Fascinating A cat that’s lived long enough to establish a personality can bring delightful, day-to-day surprises as you get to know it. Its history may be a mystery to you, but you’ll see hints of its backstory in its behavior. “As the months and years unfold with an older cat, it’s fun to discover all their little quirks and preferences,” says Nicolas D. “Like you discover that your cat goes crazy when she smells bread! Where did she get that from? You discover clues to their past. They can’t tell you, but they will absolutely show you. ‘I used to get belly rubs all the time!’” They’re More Chill “For me, the advantage of adopting an older cat is that they have an energy level similar to mine,” says Ann S. in Madison, Wisconsin. “At 55, I wouldn’t have the energy to constantly play with a kitten. I like a calmer, older cat.” While older cats should still be exercised through play, they don’t need as much stimulation as kittens do. If you’re pooped out after a day’s work, have physical limitations, or are older yourself, an older cat may be just your speed. Says Debby, “An older kitty will have routines and sleep more. They are often happy in a pool of sunshine or on an old down pillow.” They’re Great for Kids The youthful energy of a kitten may seem like a natural match for a child, but an older cat may actually be a better option for a household with kids. If you’re raising children, you may not have the extra time and energy necessary to raise a kitten, too. And because they’re full of vim and vigor, kittens are less likely to stay still and tolerate being petted, and that can be disappointing for kids. Kittens are also fragile and more likely to be hurt unintentionally. They’re a More Manageable Commitment Nicolas D. makes an excellent point when he says, “People need to remember that when they adopt a kitten, they’re potentially committed for twenty years. Are you going to be able to provide a safe and stable place for your friend for the next twenty years? What happens if you move? What happens if there are children, or partners, or roommates who can’t co-exist with a cat? It can be a big responsibility.” They’re More Loving “Older cats in general are more affectionate and cuddly,” says Debby F. “They’re done with being bouncy, chewy kittens, and finished with busy cat teenage-hood. They’re ready to sleep with you or next to you.” Debby also discovered how deeply loving and loyal and older cat can be. “We adopted a kitty whose owner went to assisted living. No one who visited the shelter wanted an old cat. He waited seven months there. When I heard this, I took him sight unseen. He’s been with us since 2015. He was my mother’s companion. Never left her side. When she died in 2018, he would not leave her bed for days. We’ve loved having older kitties. They give so much love.” They’re Waiting for Someone Like You Kittens get adopted quickly. All they have to do is look up with those big, pleading eyes from that teeny-tiny face and someone is bound to fall in love and take them home. But older cats face a bigger challenge. An older cat’s sweetness is often overlooked and they can spend months, even years in a shelter, yearning for a home and a human of their own. Some never get that chance. They’re deemed “unadoptable” and are euthanized. It’s a crying shame when mature cats have so much to offer. “Age discrimination is real in cats and people,” says Ann S. “I say equity for all!” Grieve and Adopt Again Some may shrink from adopting a senior cat because the thought of having a limited amount of time with a pet they’ve fallen in love with is heartbreaking. But what’s more heartbreaking is knowing that a loving animal is despairing in a shelter. Nicolas D. says adopting an older cat is worth it. “I’m not going to lie. Losing Spirit was awful. But then I remembered that there was another old cat in a cage somewhere, waiting for a home. That cat would much rather be in my home, while I grieve and heal, than spend another day sleeping on newspaper in a shelter.” Go to Google and search “animal shelters near me” or visit Petfinder to browse animals in your area that are available for adoption. You might also search their directory of animal welfare groups to find an organization near you that can introduce you to your next feline friend. There are so many reasons to adopt an older cat, and so few reasons not to. Heal a heart and fill your life with love today! CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
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Summer’s here, and for most of us, that means the heat is on. While all that flooding sunshine can deliver a healthy dose of Vitamin D, it can also present unique dangers, for pets as well as people. These quick tips will put you in-the-know so you can keep your beloved four-legged companions out of the danger zone. Staying Cool Heat stroke is no joke. It can be fatal. Heat stroke can happen when an animal’s body temperature rises above its normal range. A dog can suffer organ damage or death at 108 degrees. For a cat, that number is 106 degrees. Signs of heat stroke in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Cars Speaking of heat stroke, keeping your pet in a warm car alone is never a good idea, even if you crack open a window or park in the shade. You might think it’s safe because you’re “just running into the store for a minute”, but you might be surprised by how quickly a car can become dangerously hot. Consider these alarming stats from the ASPCA (American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals):
Staying Hydrated Heat stroke isn’t the only warm-weather danger that can be fatal to your pet. Dehydration is serious business, too. Animals need plenty of water to maintain good health, but this is especially true in warmer weather. Without enough water, a pet can suffer organ damage or even die from dehydration. Many pet owners may be tempted to think that just keeping an animal’s water bowl full is enough, trusting that the pet will drink when it needs to. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s water consumption and encourage drinking. For example, for dogs, adding a splash of bone broth to water can make it more appealing. If you leave the house with your pet, be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl or portable pet water bottle. It’s not a good idea to encourage your pet to drink from natural bodies of water, like ponds, rivers and lakes. These could contain harmful elements like bacteria or pollutants. Signs of dehydration in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Pavement Have you ever walked barefoot on hot pavement? Under a summer sun, concrete, asphalt, and similar surfaces can become scorching and can be painful and cause burns. It’s no different for pets. Their paws are just as vulnerable as our feet. Whenever possible, encourage your pet to walk on a cooler surface in summer, like dirt or grass. Otherwise, booties and socks can help, as can taking walks when surfaces tend to be cooler, such as in early morning or evening. Signs of burned footpads include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Burns can become infected. Shaving is Not Always Best For some breeds of dogs, the “summer cut” is an annual ritual. Pet owners take their dog to the groomer for a super-short haircut in an effort to keep the animal cool. However, a total shave or near-shave isn’t the best idea. Without enough fur, a dog is more likely to suffer sunburn. You can prevent sunburn in your dog by using child-safe sunscreen. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the parts of the dog’s body that are most likely to burn, including:
Be sure to reapply if your dog rolls around in the grass or goes in water. If you think your dog may be sunburned, get him out of the sun and apply cool, wet compresses to the affected areas. If redness or blisters are present, call your veterinarian immediately. Bug Season The insects come out in summer and they’ll be looking for someone to bug. Your pet is no exception. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are prevalent in summer. Be sure your pet is taking preventative heartworm medication. Ticks thrive in summer and can cause a variety of serious illnesses including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Consider using tick prevention medication for your pet. Your vet can make recommendations. Also, it’s smart to be cognizant of pesticides and other lawn chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Often homeowners who use these kinds of products will post a warning sign on their lawn for neighborhood pet owners, but not always. Steer your pets away from greenery you’re not sure about. Fireworks Aren’t Fun for Everyone Many pets are unsettled by loud noises like fireworks and summer thunderstorms. They may hide, paw at carpet or furniture, whine, pace, and display other signs of anxiety. Here are three ways to help your frightened pet:
Summer may present perils for pets, but with a little knowledge, awareness, and some easy preventative measures, it can be a safe and joyful season for the animals we love. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. Pet names are created in a variety of ways. I once met a woman who named her dog Dog. He was a stray that found his way into her life without ceremony, and his name served its purpose. He came when he was called. I also know a busy working woman who adopted two sibling cats and called them Brother and Sister – just as placeholders, but the names stuck because she didn’t have the time or energy to think of better ones. No approach to naming a pet is better than another, as long as our pets are given the love and care they deserve. However, some of us recognize the fun in choosing a pet’s name and we want to put more thought into it. Even when we’re enthusiastic about it, exactly how to name a pet can elude us. Here are some ideas that may generate the perfect name for your pet. Your Pet’s Appearance Plenty of pet names are inspired by physical appearance. These tend to be friendly names that make people smile, because they’re understood immediately. Who wouldn’t grin at a chocolate lab named Hershey, or a big gray British Shorthair cat called Stormy? Some things to consider: Color or texture of coat Examples:
Body type or size Examples:
Behavior Clues Sometimes a pet’s innate or unique behavior can inspire a name, whether it’s in their speed or athleticism, a habit, or their personality. Energetic pets Examples:
Affectionate pets Examples:
Exceptionally serene or even lazy pets Examples:
Your Favorite Things Many a pet name has been inspired by its owner’s passions and hobbies. Think about: Favorite TV shows, movies, books, and their characters Examples:
Hobbies and InterestsExamples:
Favorite celebrities, athletes, and people from historyExamples:
Popular Pet Names In 2020, these were the top ten most popular dog names among BarkBox subscribers:
Travel + Leisure published the entire list of the top 100 here. Curious about popular cat and dog names over the past 100 years? This fun article from Mental Floss lists them by decade. “Smokey” and “Max” are high-rankers. You Look Like a Bartholomew After all of this, if you’re still having trouble deciding on a name for your pet, sometimes it just takes one good look at their sweet face. Your gut may tell you what to name your pet, and that perfect moniker – whether it’s Princess, Zeus, of Foo-Foo – will pop right out of your mouth. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. Need an excuse to party with your dog? National Hamburger Day is May 28th. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? There’s nothing dogs love more than food, but before you treat Rover to that super-deluxe burger, consider that there are safe and not-so-safe ways to feed a hamburger to a dog. Here are some important things you should know, along with a gourmet burger recipe from chef Carmine Guglielmino that you and your dog can share. Toxic Ingredients Burgers commonly contain ingredients that can make your dog sick, and some ingredients, like onions, are flat-out toxic and should be avoided at all costs. Skip these:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers a searchable database of foods that are unsafe for dogs. You’ll also find a quick list here. Proceed with Caution Other common burger components may be used safely as long as you don’t overdo it. If you’re unsure how any of these foods may affect your pet, check with your vet. Burger Buns. They’re not exactly great for dogs because they offer lots of belly-filling bulk with minimal nutritional value. Also, buns typically contain salt and sugar which aren’t good for any living creature in great quantities. But for a treat, burger buns are fine for most dogs. Be mindful of the choking hazard when there’s too much bread in one bite. Sesame seeds are OK for most dogs in small quantities. Bacon. Mmmmm, did someone say “bacon burger”? What dog wouldn’t love it? Bacon is usually OK for dogs when used sparingly, but it can have detrimental health effects when eaten often – just like for humans. Cheese. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, which means that any kind of dairy product, including cheese, could cause gastrointestinal discomfort: belly pain, gas, diarrhea and vomiting. Talk to your vet about giving dairy to your dog. Most dogs do OK with dairy in limited quantities, and dairy products with lower fat tend to be better tolerated. Lettuce. A few small pieces of iceberg lettuce won’t hurt most dogs, and it can actually aid their digestion. Just steer clear of spinach, kale, and parsley, which can make your dog sick. Greenlight Ingredients The truth is, any dog would be thrilled if you just threw a meat patty on the floor. But where’s the fun in that? If you want to have some fun with your dog-friendly burger for National Hamburger Day, get creative with some of these ingredients:
Choking Hazard Sometimes it’s downright impressive how much food a dog can inhale in under three seconds. But when we consider how dangerous it can be, it’s not so cute. Dogs can choke to death, especially when it’s a toy poodle trying to scarf down a triple cheeseburger. If you’re going to feed your dog a burger, take the peril out of their pleasure. Break it up into smaller, more manageable pieces. It’ll taste just as good. Cooking Temperature Raw meat can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and people. Be sure to cook your burger meat well. To be sure it’s safe, use a meat thermometer. The inside of the patty should be cooked at a minimum of 165 degrees. Eating Out Cooking a burger can be fun, but America loves its fast food. Think twice about feeding your dog a fast food burger. They frequently contain toxic ingredients like onions and tomatoes. Even if you try to remove these ingredients from the burger, they may have been cooked into the meat. Fast food can also contain large amounts of fat, salt, vinegar and even sugar, which can give your dog diarrhea, belly pain, and other gastrointestinal distress. The same is true of common condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo and barbecue sauce. This doesn’t mean that you and your pup can’t enjoy a treat on the road together. Some restaurants offer dog-friendly menu items. This will help you find some in the USA. A Gourmet Burger Recipe You Both Can Share Chef Carmine Guglielmo designed this gourmet lamb burger recipe that you and your dog can share on National Hamburger Day: RECIPE Greek Burgers with Sesame "Fries" (Makes 4 burgers) Ingredients For the burgers: 1 pound ground lamb 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 large egg 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs 1/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil 4 whole wheat pitas 2 cups bean sprouts For the sauce: 1 cup plain Greek or other low-sugar yogurt* 1 tablespoon chopped Dill 1/2 Cucumber, peeled and diced small * Examples of yogurt: Chobani Greek, plain nonfat (4 grams of sugar) Smari, plain, nonfat (5 grams) Stonyfield Organic, plain, nonfat (8 grams) For the "fries" 1 large carrot, 1 zucchini and 1 apple, cut into sticks to resemble French fries 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 teaspoons sesame seeds Instructions: First, make the sauce: combine all three ingredients and stir together in a bowl. If using Greek yogurt, you might want to thin the sauce out with a little bit of water. Add one tablespoon at a time until you've reached your desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to use. For the burgers: combine the first 6 ingredients until fully incorporated. Divide into 4 patties and flatten to about 1/2 inch thickness. Set aside on a plate until ready to cook. Next, prepare the "fries": in a mixing bowl, toss all the fruit/veggie sticks with the oil just to coat. Place on a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Humans may want to sprinkle on some parsley, but skip this for dogs, as some types of parsley can be toxic to animals. For the pita: Stack pitas on top of each other and wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for a minute and let them hang out in the microwave to stay warm until you're ready to use them. Pre-heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan on medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles and disappears right away when you drop it on the pan, approximately 5 minutes. Brush olive oil on both sides of the burger patties and place them in the preheated pan. Make sure you hear that sizzle (if you don't, the pan isn't hot enough)! Cook 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the center of the meat registers 165° on a thermometer. To assemble: Take a pita and slice down the center so that you have two halves. Open up the inside of each pita and spread as much yogurt sauce as you like on both sides of the pita. Next, take a burger patty and either cut that in half or chop it up to put an even amount into each pita half. Stuff each pita half with about 1/4 cup of the sprouts, drizzle with a little more sauce, and cut each half in half, or even thirds! Continue to assemble the other 3 burgers. Serve with a side of "fries". Enjoy! Follow Chef Carmine Guglielmino on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. A first pet is a magical part of childhood. First pets awaken our compassion for vulnerable creatures and introduce us to one of life’s sweetest forms of love. Bringing home a new pet also creates a hands-on opportunity for kids to learn responsibility. But how can you be sure that your child will take their caretaking role seriously? These tips will help ensure a mutually rewarding experience for your child and your pet. 1. Have a Pet Chat. Talk with your kids about the responsibilities of pet ownership before you welcome the new pet into your home. Introduce them to the idea that a pet is not a toy; it’s a living being, just like them. Ask them to reflect on what their own needs are throughout the day. Do they feel hungry? Thirsty? Sleepy? Do they yearn to go outdoors and play? Explain that pets feel the same way, and that the pet will depend on the child to meet its needs. 2. Assign Specific Responsibilities. Every child, regardless of age, will need some guidance in how to participate in the pet’s care. Establish routine responsibilities for the child, like feeding, walking, or cleaning up after the pet. 3. Explain Safety Issues. Pets can face dangers indoors and out. Make kids aware of these hazards and explain what must be done to protect the pet. Here are some common examples:
4. Demonstrate Kind Hands. Pets invite affection, but children may not realize how their touch can be uncomfortable and even painful to the animal. Demonstrate the correct and gentle way to pick up, hold, and caress a pet. 5. Perfect Their Walking Technique. Walking a dog requires skill – especially a dog with abundant energy. Show your child the right way to:
A few sessions of professional dog training can be a bonding experience between dog and child. 6. Respect Rest. Some pets are more social than others, but even the most gregarious pet needs wind-down time. When you bring home a new pet, kids will be excited and may inadvertently overtax the animal with attention. That could lead to a grumpy pet who’d rather avoid your children than bond with them. It helps to remind a child of how it feels to be sleepy, and that animals often need more rest than people. Encourage them to “let sleeping dogs lie”. To learn more about dog sleep patterns and cycles, check out Your Dog Advisor's recent post. Now it’s time to pat yourself on the back. You’ve made the decision to bring home a new pet to your kids, and it’s one that will enrich your child’s life in so many ways – with love, compassion, and by teaching important life skills like patience and responsibility. By laying that foundation of conscientiousness and care, you’re giving your child one of the greatest gifts to humankind: the loving connection that’s possible with an animal. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
KIM BRITTINGHAMKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. |
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