Pet Adoption: A Lifetime Commitment.
How much will owning a pet cost? How much time do I really need to devote to a pet? These are questions potential pet owners should ask prior to adopting. However, not everyone takes the time to assess the responsibilities and requirements associated with pet ownership, increasing the likelihood a pet will be surrendered to an animal welfare organization. Sometimes a pet is given up for hardship reasons such as displacement after a natural disaster or home foreclosure. But one of the biggest and more controllable factors affecting pet relinquishment is a lack of knowledge on the owner's part. Pet Adoption: A Lifetime Commitment

What You Need To Know Before Adopting a Cat. Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takes research and careful planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is the right one for your pet. Read on for tips to prepare yourself, as well as your home, for a new furry friend. Adoption Tips

Advantages to Adopting an Older Cat. With so many cats in shelters, how do you know which one is right for you? Jackson Galaxy has several reasons why adopting an older cat might be the best choice for your family or home, and some of the reasons might surprise you! Expand your circle of compassion in this week's Cat Mojo! The ONE Thing to Know Before Adopting a Cat

Adopting an Elderly Cat. Cats are living much longer now than was the case 20 years ago, thanks to better nutrition, veterinary and home care. In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years old. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms. Elderly Cats — Special Considerations

Benefits of Adopting an Adult Cat vs. a Kitten. Perhaps unsurprisingly, raising kittens and younger cats can be a lot like looking after children – and seriously hard work! By far the biggest advantage to choosing a adult feline is the fact that she should already be house-trained and understand the behaviors that are expected of her. Should I Adopt a Kitten or a Full Grown Cat

Tortoiseshell Cats. Tortoiseshell cats are named for their distinctive coloring. They also have a reputation for unique personalities, sometimes referred to as "tortitude." Check out this link for details on torties and their "tude"... "Tortitude" — The Unique Personality of Tortoiseshell Cats

Are Cats Social? There is a misconception that cats are curmudgeons who do not make friends with other cats. So, do cats get lonely and do cats need other cats for company? It comes down to a few different factors, like personality and age. out about social needs in kittens, introducing cats and adopting a second cat or a companion for a grieving cat. Do cats get lonely? Or are they happier in single-cat households?

Seeing Double? If Adopting a Kitten, Consider Adopting Two! If you are thinking about bringing a kitten into your life, there are many reasons why you should actually consider doubling that and bringing home a pair. Yes, think two instead of one. Starting off with two may actually be much easier and more beneficial for the kittens and for you. Adopting a Kitten? Make it a Double!

Adopting a Bonded Pair of Cats. The philosophy of “one is good, two is better” doesn’t always apply. Take cats, for instance. If you like them, should you get two? Maybe so, maybe no! Cat Adoption: Bonded Pairs

Adopting in Pairs. Thinking about adopting a cat? Ensure it’s a success with these tips! Adoption Considerations

Tarzan Syndrome Should You Adopt One or Two Cats? When we adopt a single kitten and keep it responsibly as an indoor cat, it never gets to interact with its own species. That would make anyone a bit off wouldn’t it? Imagine you raised a human child in a room all alone it’s whole life and then decided to drop that child off at college, how great do you think that kid’s social skills are going to be? Well, that is what it is like for a kitten that spent its first year as an only kitten... Tarzan Syndrome Should You Adopt One or Two Cats

Should I Buy Pet Insurance? Article by freelance writer, Erin Gobler, discussing the pros and cons of pet insurance. The Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance by Erin Gobler

Allergic to Cats but Still Want to Adopt One? Want to adopt a cat, but suffer from allergies? Maybe you have tried coping by taking antihistamines, and have a HEPA air filter in your home. You may have even heard the term "hypoallergenic pet" but not know it applies to cats. Read on. Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

10 Cat Breeds that are the Most "Hypoallergenic" There are no truly hypoallergenic cat breeds. That being said, some cat breeds may be better for pet lovers with allergies than others, and the 10 that follow are said to be among the most "hypoallergenic" of all cat breeds. Allergic to Cats but Love Them Anyway? Try This

Getting a Cat to Like You. In this youtube video from Jaw-Dropping Facts, 10 proven ways to get a cat to like you are discussed. 10 Scientific Ways to Get a Cat to Like You

A Cat's Strange Behavior. In this youtube video from Jaw-Dropping Facts, learn the meaning behind 14 strange cat behaviors. The Meaning Behind 14 Strangest Cat Behaviors

What Is My Cat Trying To Tell Me? Have you ever wondered what your cat is trying to tell you when they purr, meow, or chirp? We might not be able to determine what they want, but Catster has you covered, just check out their article, complete with sound. 12 Cat Sounds & Their Meanings (With Audio)

Your Cat's Age in Human Years. According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven 'cat years', but in reality, a one-year-old cat is much more mature than a seven-year-old child. How Old is My Cat in Human Years?

Introducing Cats to Their New Home | Pets Bring Joy. It is very stressful for a cat to move from one environment to another. First, they are placed in a cat carrier (scary!), then driven in a car (scary!) into an unfamiliar place (new smells, new sounds, new sights – SCARY!!!). Even the friendliest and most outgoing cat will need time to settle in, feel safe, and learn to trust new human family members, as well as any other pets currently living in the home. By following PBJ's two simple steps you can help your new feline companions ease into their new home. Pets Bring Joy Two Step Plan For Easing Your New Cats Into Their New Home

9 Ways To Welcome Your New Cat. Congratulations! You have just begun a relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot, you can cut short that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through. 9 Ways to Welcome Home Your New Cat

Preparing Your Home for Your Kitty's Safety. Whether it is tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you will need to make your home safe before adopting. Preparing Your Home for a New Cat or Dog

How to Kitten-proof Your Home. Kittens are curious little tykes and love to explore nooks and crannies. Here are tips for making sure they do not find 'toys' that can harm them. How To Kitten-proof Your Home

Introducing Your Kitty to the Family. Some planning must go into the process of introducing a kitten to an older cat. Friendly, single adult cats can have trouble adjusting to living with a new kitten. Often times the older cats will appear sad, reclusive, hiss a lot, and sometimes even stop eating or start urinating in strange places if it isn't adjusting well to the new member of the family. Introducing a Kitten to an Older Cat

Introducing Cats to Cats. Some people say cats are like chips — you can’t have just one! As one of the 85 million1 cat owners out there, you may be considering adding a new feline friend to your home. Whether your current cat is lonely, her companion cat recently passed away or you simply love cats, it is important to take a few precautions to ensure that your cat-to-cat introductions go as smoothly as possible. Introducing Cats to Cats

Seven Ways to Prepare Your Cat for a New Baby. Cats are not fond of change, which makes it important to help prepare your cat for it. Bringing home a new baby is exciting, but all the sudden changes could be stressful for cats. Preparing your cat for a new baby in the home allows them to get used to the expected changes so they don’t feel too overwhelmed when the baby arrives. How to Prepare Your Cat for a New Baby: 7 Vet-Approved Tips

How to Socialize Your Cat and Dog. A great video by Legends Dog Training on how to get an excitable dog to be calm around a new cat. Dog and Cat Socialization: Training for Hyper-Excited Dogs

Can Cats and Dogs be Friends? Jackson Galaxy. Jackson Galaxy tackles the age old question: can cats & dogs really get along? As a proud bi-petual living with 7 cats and 3 dogs, he shares certain practices one should follow to set you & your animals up for success. Can Cats & Dogs be Friends? - Jackson Galaxy

Introducing Dogs to Cats. Whether you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, it is very important to think about their first introduction. Introducing Dogs to Cats

Cats and Kids. Have your children been asking you for a feline friend? Or maybe it’s your idea to welcome a kitty into the family! To encourage a wonderful bond between your cat and kids, it is important to prepare your little ones for the kitty’s arrival and continue to monitor their interactions once they meet. Follow these tips for introducing a kitten or adopted cat to kids! Cats and Kids: Tips for a Harmonious Household

Poisonous Plants for Cats. Cats will chew on plants. And, because they love to climb and explore, it is difficult to keep plants out of their reach. Therefore, if you are going to have plants in your house, or if you let your cat out in your yard, you need to be able to accurately identify the plants to which your cat will be exposed. Poisonous Plants for Cats

Which Plants are Lilies? There are plants that go by the common name “lily” that can cause cardiotoxicity or irritation to the mouth. Read which plants can harm your cat. How to Spot Which Lilies are Dangerous to Cats and Plan Treatment

Indoor Cats. When it is cold outside, help your kitty discover the great indoors. Here are some tips for making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs. 10 Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors

Answers to Questions About Letting Your Cat Outdoors. Many cat owners worry that making their cats stay inside is unnatural and deprives them of their need to roam, explore, and meet other cats. However, in our modern world, the risks of an outdoor life are far greater than the benefits. This handout answers some of the questions you may have about letting your cat spend time outdoors. Cats and the Perils of Outdoor Living

Lost Pet Tips. If you have lost a cat or dog outdoors, here are a few tips on how to begin your search. Lost a Cat or Dog?

Tips for Finding an Indoor-Only and Timid Cat. More tips for finding a lost pet. Lost Indoor-Only and Timid Cats

Should You Let Your Cat Graze? Many cat owners leave their cat’s bowl full of food so that their pet can nibble whenever they please. However, their digestive systems are not built to withstand grazing, which is the type of behavior typical of herbivores. The digestive system of a cat is built to eat 2-3 small meals a day. Free Feeding - 4 Reasons Why Grazing is Harming Your Cat

Wet or Dry Food? Cats are true carnivores, requiring a meat-based diet for optimal health. Why Cats Need Canned Food

What Kind of Meat By-Products Are in Your Cat's Food? I recently saw the results of a survey that asked 852 consumers what ingredients were legally permissible in the meat by-products that are included in many cat foods. The responses took me by surprise. What Kind of Meat By-Products Are in Your Cat's Food?

Wellness Examinations in Cats. A wellness examination is a routine medical examination of a cat who appears healthy, as opposed to an examination of a cat who who is ill. A wellness examination may also be called a 'check-up' or a 'physical examination'. The focus of a wellness examination is the maintenance of optimal health. Wellness Examination in Cats

The Importance of Annual Physicals. (Video interview with vet) An annual physical exam is a vital part of maintaining a healthy, happy, and long life for your cat. Since cats age faster than people and cannot communicate when they are not feeling well, your veterinarian will gain valuable insights into the health of your cat during this routine procedure. The Importance of a Yearly Physical Exam for Your Cat

Seven Most Common Illnesses in Senior Cats. Senior cats may be plagued by more than one of diseases at the same time. Some cats may struggle with several different diseases, making diagnosis and management of these cats more challenging. Seven Most Common Illnesses in Senior Cats

Urine Marking vs. Spraying. When you have a cat marking in the house, it is a frustrating problem. In fact, this is the number one reason that cats are surrendered to shelters and pounds. Is a Cat Marking in the House the Same as Spraying?

Litter Box Problems. Stress is a leading cause of litter box problems. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to ease your cat's worried mind. Five Steps to Solving Litter Box Problems

Wood Pellet Litter. The goal of this YouTube video is to give an introduction to wood pellet litter for your cat. How To Use Wood Pellet Cat Litter

Bathe a Cat? Youtube video by PurebredCatRescue on best way to bathe a cat. Proper Method for Bathing a Cat

Pet My Cat Without the Drama. Ever had your cat snap at you or bite while you were only petting her? It is not that she is not friendly or does not love you, it is because cats have a certain way they enjoy being petted and it is not the same way a dog enjoys being petted! Learn a few helpful tips and tricks from Jackson Galaxy and your cat will be on your lap in no time asking for more. You're Petting Your Cat All Wrong!

Stop My Cat from Attacking My Feet? If you play with your cat using your hands and feet, you are teaching your feline friend to see them as prey. E'Lise Christensen, veterinary behaviorist, has some tips on toys and other items to turn your feline's attention away from your digits. Watch her youtube video. Dealing with a Cat that Scratches or Bites

Stop My Cat From Biting Me? Why is my kitty biting me so much? Learn a few helpful tips to stop the biting by watching this youtube video by @relaxmycat. How to Stop Your Cat from Biting You

** NOTE ON CAT MEDICAL ISSUES **
There are many articles dealing with medical issues available on the Internet. It is always best to consult with your pet's veterinarian first.

Cats and Allergies. Are you allergic to cats or looking to limit cat-allergy symptoms? Find out more about coping with your cat allergy in our expert guide. Cats Protection - Cats and Allergies

Tips for Living with Cat Allergies. Does interacting with your feline companion bring tears of agony instead of tears of joy? In addition to itchy, watery eyes, do you exhibit other symptoms such as runny nose, rash, hives, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, asthma or other breathing problems? Tips for Living with Cat Allergies - Treatment and Remedies

Cat Allergies. A cat allergy can cause symptoms like itching, red eyes, runny nose, and asthma, among others. You may be able to treat your allergy with medication and by reducing your exposure to the allergen. Cat Allergies

Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats. A lot of cats love fish, but it is really not a good idea to feed it to your cat! Why not? Because it is simply no longer safe to feed fish to cats and humans should be very careful about eating it themselves, as well as feeding it to their children! Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats

Of Cats and Fish. Why do we feed our cats fish? Of Cats and Fish

Declawing Cats. Learn the facts about declawing and better solutions for managing scratching Why Declawing is Bad for Your Cat

How to Manage Your Cat's Claws. A kitten's paws are like the hands of babies. As they grow, they will become more and more important tools for life, and claws are an essential part of cats' paws. How to Manage Your Cat's Claws

Veterinarian-designed Scratching Post - PBJ recommended. Many a cat-lover has thrown their hands up in despair, crying "My cat just will not use a scratching post!" In reality, cats will not use the WRONG scratching post. This is a link to a wonderful veterinarian-designed scratching post that Pets Bring Joy recommends. The Purrfect Post

The Best Grooming Brush for Persian Cats. If you haven’t really thought about brushing your Persian cat, then you absolutely need to start thinking about it. While some cats are going to do enough on their own to keep their coats looking great, a Persian just isn’t able to take care of it on their own. The Best Grooming Brush for Persian Cats

Top-rated Veterinary School Recommendations - University of California, Davis campus. Recommendations from Feline Health Topics from the University of California, Davis campus. Feline Health Topics from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Top-rated Veterinary School Recommendations - Cornell Feline Health Center. Cat Health Topics from Cornell Feline Health Center. We know that finding reliable information on the web can be difficult at times. The Cornell Feline Health center offers a variety of articles, brochures, and videos online for cat owners and enthusiasts alike. Feline Health Topics from Cornell Feline Health Center

Diabetes in Cats. Helping diabetic cats and their people since 2009. Diabetic Cats in Need

Feline Diabetes Message Board (FDMB). Take a deep breath and relax. We are here to help you. Cat diabetes is a treatable, manageable condition. You can maintain your sanity and your cat's health, all on a reasonable budget. Medical doctors and veterinarians and many diabetic cat caretakers contribute to this site with knowledge you can trust. Feline Diabetes Message Board (FDMB)

FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. There are many myths surrounding the FIV virus. Find out the Facts, not the Fiction. Jacquie recommends this article to anyone who is unfamiliar with this virus. F.I.V. Information

FIV and FeLV Protocols. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are feline-only retroviruses that cannot be transmitted to humans or other animals. Not all cats who test positive for FIV or FeLV will develop infections or symptoms that are fatal or that otherwise seriously impact their quality of life. Though they have weaker immune systems, cats who test positive for FIV or FeLV can live fulfilling and happy lives like any other cats—and can live for many years. Protocols: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Testing

Living with FIV. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a "new" cat disease. It was first discovered in domestic cats around 1975. Living with FIV

Questions on Vaccinating and Living with FIV+ Cats. Questions regarding vaccinating an FIV positive cat and the other cats of the household. Acerlux

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term describing conditions that can affect the urinary bladder and/or urethra (the lower urinary tract) of cats. Although many different diseases can affect the lower urinary tract, frustratingly, a number of cats develop a disease without any obvious underlying cause - so called 'feline idiopathic cystitis' or FIC. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

Toxoplasmosis in Cats. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite. It is one of the most common parasitic diseases and is known to affect nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, but cats are the primary living host. Toxoplasmosis in Cats

Ringworm In Cats. Ringworm or dermatophytosis is an infection caused by a particular type of fungus that has the ability to grow on the skin and use the superficial layers of the skin, hair or nails as a source of nutrition. Collectively the fungi able to do this are termed 'dermatophytes'. Ringworm In Cats

Feline Conjunctivitis. Many cats have chronic problems with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membranes). Often, the problem comes and goes. The eyes may be red, swollen, watery, crusty, or goopy. Feline Conjunctivitis

VIP Petcare. VIP Petcare provides affordable, convenient, preventive veterinary care and wellness services to ensure your pet is healthy year-round. VIP PetCare

Animal Welfare League of Arlington. We provide a variety of services and resources to keep your pets healthy, happy, and home. Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. To inspire compassion for all living things, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in our community. Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Dominion Animal Hospital. Since 1967, Dominion Animal Hospital has provided comprehensive veterinary care to pets in the Herndon community and beyond. Dominion Animal Hospital

Friends of Animals Spay or Neuter Certificate. Spay/neuter is the best way to combat the largest killer of cats and dogs — euthanasia of unwanted, homeless animals. Get your certificate. Friends of Animals Spay or Neuter Certificate

Prevent a Litter Veterinary Hospital. Prevent A Litter is the first low-cost spay/neuter hospital in Virginia. Since opening in April 1999, PAL has performed in excess of 100,000 surgeries, preventing millions of births of unwanted animals that might otherwise be euthanized. Prevent a Litter Veterinary Hospital

Spay USA. SpayUSA is a referral network that helps people find affordable spay and neuter clinics for their cats and dogs. It also provides resources, tips, and information on the benefits of spaying and neutering pets. North Shore Animal League America’s SpayUSA

SPCA Spay Inc. Program. Spay Inc. is a program of the SPCA of Northern Virginia that provides discounted spay and neuter referrals for dogs and cats in Northern Virginia. SPCA Spay Inc Program

Giving Up Your Pet. Our pets give us so much – love, companionship and emotional support – how is it possible they can be abandoned? There are several reasons why people abandon their dog, cat, or other pets. Some are the result of people not having considered fully the responsibilities of pet ownership when buying their pet and whether they have sufficient time, resources, and the motivation to take care of a pet. The Top 9 Reasons Why People Give Up Their Pets