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Pet Sitting Options for Military Families

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Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but if you’re worried about your furry family member back home it can be anything but stress-free. Finding reliable pet pitting options can be challenging for military families. We move often and need to start from scratch building our pet care support teams.

3 Pet Sitting Options for Military Families to Consider for Their Summer Vacations

Whether you’re headed away for a long weekend or a few weeks to visit your parents in Montana, here are three pet sitting options for you to think about no matter where you are stationed with the military.

Pet Sitting Options for Military Families

Do your due diligence before hiring a pet sitter or kennel. It’s important that you like and trust the folks who will be caring for your dog or cat while you are away.

Pet Boarding Facilities

Some call them kennels (we’ll use this name) or pet hotels, but generally, these are places where multiple animals are being cared for at the same time.

Kennels are businesses that are typically owned and/or operated by individuals that have a background in pet care. They often offer complimentary services, like grooming, training or doggie daycare too. Some are operated by a veterinary clinic.

Each animal will have their own separate living area or kennel, where they will spend their days and nights. Many kennels include daily exercise in their basic package or offer extra daycare type interaction for an additional cost.

Kennels often offer trial daycare in order to ensure their facility is a good fit for your pet. They also require current vet records with evidence of standard vaccinations.

Pros:

  • Kennels are licensed businesses and have to follow laws regarding cleanliness or licensing for pet care services.
  • Your animal will get professional level care in a dedicated facility.
  • Your pet has the option for social interaction with other animals or with humans.
  • You can add on other services during your pet’s stay.
  • Staff is trained on basic animal care and health issues.

Cons:

  • There will be multiple pets in the kennel at once.
  • More than one species of animal might be boarded.
  • You will not be able to predict how your pet interacts with the other animals during the exercise or socializing portions of the day.
  • Your animal will be in a kennel, which might be different than their traditional home environment.
  • There may be a wait time.
  • Fees are non-negotiable and might add up quickly depending on your pet’s needs.

Private Pet Sitters

Another option is to work with a private individual pet sitter. This service is typically operated out of a person’s home and may or may not be licensed.

Pet sitting service platforms, like Rover, help connect pet sitters with clients. They off protections and guarantees to both their customers and their service providers.

Another option is to find an individual on your own, through social media or advertisements. You might even connect in-person by using a friend or neighbor!

Private pet sitters typically care for the pet in their home. Your pet is treated as a member of their family. Often pet sitters will watch one pet at a time or only the pets from one family at a time. If they do have their own animals, or might be watching another pet, private pet sitters could offer to arrange an initial meet-up to make sure everyone gets along.

Pros:

  • Your pet(s) might be the only one at the home.
  • Your pet will be treated as a member of the family and be in a home environment.
  • Rates are often flexible, but are usually all-inclusive (treats, walks, socialization, etc.)
  • You know exactly who will be caring for your pet.

Cons:

  • Pet sitters might not have extensive training or experience in pet care. They might simply like pets!
  • Private pet sitters may or may not be officially licensed to operate this business in this location.
  •  No other services (grooming, training) will be offered.
  • The pet sitter may or may not have training for pet health emergencies.

Pet + House Sitting

Some pets do best in their own homes. Having someone come directly to your pet can be a great option for pets that need minimal care, like fish, independent pets, like cats or reptiles, or elderly animals.

When you have a pet sitter come directly to your home, they might also water your plants, take in the mail and make your home look “lived in.”

There are different options for this type of in-home service.

  • Full care: someone stays in your home the entire time you’re away.
  • Occasional care: someone drops by your home several times throughout the day to provide walks, playtime, food and water.
  • Dog walking: someone comes at pre-arranged specific times to take your dog for a walk or to a dog park; this is not a good option for multi-day trips, but might work for a long day trip.

Pros: 

  • Your pet is in a familiar setting with all their creature comforts.
  • Your home has human activity, which could be a deterrent for burglars.
  • Your pet has regular human interaction and exercise on their typical schedule.

Cons:

  • You need to provide a key to the pet sitter.
  • The sitter has access to your home and possessions.

How to Select Your Pet Sitting Option

Before you make a final decision, it is good to explore all options to find the best fit for your pet, your budget and your own personality.

As you consider your options, it’s important that you ask questions pertaining to your pet and situation.

Consider asking all pet sitters and kennels:

  • What is your experience with caring for pets? Do you have references?
  • How will my pet interact with other animals?
  • How often will my pet go for walks/be let out of his kennel?
  • What is your pet security plan? Does your yard/facility have a fence? Will you let my pet off-leash?
  • What will my pet’s day be like when she stays with you?
  • What records and health certificates does my pet need in order to work with you?

For private pet sitters, consider asking:

  • How many other pets will be in your home during my pet’s stay?
  • Where will my pet be sleeping?
  • Will you be taking my pet off your property? If so, could you please explain when and where?

For in-home sitters, you need to ask:

  • What measures are in place to protect my possessions and security?
  • Do you/your employees have current background checks that I can review?

No matter what, do your due diligence before finalizing a pet sitter or kennel. It’s important that you like and trust the folks who will be caring for your dog or cat while you are away.

Who takes care of your pet when you go on vacation?

5 Benefits of Pets for Veterans

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Whether your pet has fur, feathers or scales, there are great benefits to owning a pet. For veterans, having an animal to love and care for can be life-changing and incredibly positive.

5 Benefits of Having a Pet for Veterans

Structure and Routine

Veterans have spent years of waking up at zero dark thirty for morning PT, lunch at the chow hall and an evening that starts when the bugle sounds “Retreat.” It can be hard to be suddenly cut loose in the civilian world. There is no longer someone else calling the shots or writing the orders.

All at once, veterans leaving active duty are without the structure and routines that have governed their lives for so long.

Pets can add that structure back into their lives. Dogs need to be walked regularly. Cats need their litter changed routinely. Even fish and reptiles live by a schedule of interaction and cleaning needs. Every animal needs to be fed on the regular, too. Then there are the veterinarian appointments. A pet’s needs automatically create the need for routine and schedule.

This type of routine can ground a veteran and replace some of the structural void left after military service. Pets provide a higher or greater purpose that could motivate a veteran to find a new non-military rhythm for life.

Companionship and Camaraderie

You often hear military troops refer to each other as brothers or sisters. The military creates a structure of shared work and deepens relationships through tough times.

After leaving the military, or even transitioning from active duty to the reserves, a veteran might find this part of their life lacking. There aren’t built-in friendships. For single veterans, it could feel as though no one needs their presence to survive.

A furry friend can provide friendship and love, plus a reason to get out of bed every day. Our pets are entirely dependent on us to survive.

Pets are there 100% of the time. Dogs and cats are ready for snuggles, long conversations and play time. Many dogs, and even some cats, enjoy going for walks with their humans. Relationships and bonds are formed and deepen over time.

Animals often know when their humans are feeling sad, angry or upset. They might react, just like a human friend, with extra love and support. While they can’t talk back, a pet is always there to listen.

Ease Mental Health Concerns

Many veterans return from active service with mental health concerns or even injuries that impact their emotions. Veterans can experience depression, PTSD and other mental health illnesses. Often these can go undiagnosed.

Owning a pet can help to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health illnesses. By providing the regular routines and companionship, many veterans feel less alone. Feeling like they have love and support can boost moods and help to lift symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Note: if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a medical professional for assistance and advice.

Provide Life Assistance

When veterans return from deployment, they often come home with injuries, both visible and hidden. Coping with these life changes and navigating the civilian world can be a challenge.

Often, a service animal can be of assistance. Many service pets provide services, like opening doors or guiding visually impaired humans safely. Other pets are medical alert animals, signaling when their human is in distress or trained to contact emergency services. Some pets offer official mental and emotional support.

For veterans who are finding their way again after injury, working with a service animal can be a vital part of their treatment plan.

Not every veteran will qualify for a service dog, which can be expensive to adopt and train. First, veterans must have a diagnosed disability. Second, they must work with a dog that is temperamentally appropriate to assist them given the specifics of the veteran’s disability.

For veterans who are interested in working with a service dog, Operation We Are Here maintains a list of organizations who might be able to help.

Serve a Higher Purpose

Veterans have offered to sacrifice anything and everything, including their lives, in the defense of our country. This can be seen as a truly noble cause, serving a higher calling or purpose.

It can be hard to return to or enter the civilian workforce after dedicating your life to service.

Rescuing a pet from an animal shelter can help to fulfill that call to duty. There are thousands of loving animals in need at shelters around the nation. Too many of them will never leave to find their forever homes.

When veterans consider adding a pet to their family, it can be rewarding to adopt their new friend from an animal rescue or shelter. For veterans who want to assist animals in other ways, they can volunteer or foster pets in need.

Do you have a pet? How does your pet help your veteran?

How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

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“Ummmm, I think I forgot the third copy of his health certificate!”

My face was absolutely panicked as I rechecked my dog’s travel folder, for the third time. I had put everything in there, in order, as directed. I had read all the rules 30 times, at least.

But we were still here, on the way to the airport and not sure what happened to that third copy of the health certificate.

Before you take off, make sure that you completely prepare your pet for air travel.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

Do you have any tips for traveling with pets?

Before You Book

Unless you are traveling on PCS orders, you might have a little more flexibility with flights. Do some research into different airlines, where they fly and their pet policies.

Some airlines only allow small dogs and cats in the cabin. Others will allow animals in the cabin and in cargo, but only in the continental United States. There are just a handful of carriers that will transport pets in the cargo area overseas.

There are also size restrictions for pets flying in the cabin. Every airline is slightly different, so be sure to triple check your pet and his travel carrier before you pay. For pets flying in cargo, there are different charges based on the size and weight of your pet plus her kennel.

Additionally, there are temperature restrictions, especially for pets in cargo. Typically, pets are not allowed to fly if it is over or under a certain temperature. This is for their safety and comfort, as well as for your peace of mind.

Your pet should also be checked out by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are PCSing overseas since your furry friend will need a clean bill of health to move with you. Your vet can help you work through any concerns you might have, like age or anxiety, and make recommendations to keep your pet comfortable during the trip.

Pet Prep

After you book, do some research into kennel requirements. Most airlines have specific rules about the size of the kennel compared to the size of the pet. Be sure you are getting the correct kennel for your flight!

Once you have the kennel, get your pet used to it. Make it a safe space where he is rewarded. Start feeding your pet in the kennel. Give treats whenever your dog follows your command to go into the kennel. You could also move his pet bed into the space or set it up by your cat’s scratching post.

Another idea is to make trips fun. Take your pet for car rides in the kennel, ending at a dog park or back home. Give lots of praise, cuddles and treats for good behavior.

If your pet is very anxious about flying, talk to your vet about possible solutions. You should also be checking in with your vet or seeking treatments according to the pet import or travel rules of your destination.

Week Before the Trip

Pay another visit to your vet’s office. Have your vet double-check your pet’s health. Be sure to ask for a certificate of health.

Depending on where you are traveling, there may be different health certificate requirements. When traveling overseas, many countries require a USDA certified veterinarian to complete a health certificate within 10 days before the pet’s arrival. Different countries also require various vaccines, microchipping and quarantine procedures.

Your vet can help with all of these. Most military veterinary treatment facilities are well versed in the pet travel rules, especially for PCSing families.

The week before your trip, you should also gather your supplies:

  • pet pee pads
  • water and food containers
  • zip ties
  • kennel labels

Now is also a great time to really make sure that you have all the copies you need of your paperwork. You do not want to be driving to the airport when you realize you’re a copy short!

Night Before the Trip

Get your kennel ready. Place the pee pads inside and tape a few extra inside of a ziplock baggie to the top of the kennel. Freeze water inside of the water bottle or bowl. This way it won’t spill everywhere during take-off. Place labels on the kennel and be sure that your information is visible. Make a few baggies of food for your pup. Tape these to the kennel as well.

Prepare your paperwork too. Secure these as directed by the airline, usually in another ziplock or watertight bag on the outside of the kennel. Keep a few extra copies in your carry-on bag, just in case.

Make sure that you have a copy of your pet’s flight itinerary, especially if he is flying separately from you or in cargo. Take a picture of him on your phone for visual identification in case there are questions or concerns later on.

In your luggage, make sure you have everything you will need for your pet at your destination. Also, pack some baby wipes and maybe a travel-size bottle of fabric spray.

Right Before You Fly

Take your pet for a nice long walk in the morning to get some energy out. Feed him according to your vet’s instructions and administer any medication as directed (and legal). Many airlines won’t fly animals that have been sedated, so clear that with your vet and check the airline’s policy.

At the airport, before you drop off your pet or before you board, make sure to take one last walk. Offer lots of praise and love as you kennel your fur baby. Make sure there is enough water in the container and that the food is ready to go as needed.

Have your pet’s paperwork ready to go at check-in. Keep the zip ties handy for securing kennels going cargo.

If your pet is flying in the cabin, keep a small empty pet water bottle with you through security. Fill it up at a water fountain before you board. Keep food and treats, as well as any medicines, in your carry-on bag.

When You Land

After you deplane or reunite with your pet, take her out for a potty break right away. If there has been an accident in the kennel, now is the time to deploy those baby wipes. Clean up your pet and their crate, replace the pee pad and maybe give a quick spritz of that fabric spray.

I went back through my folder one last time.

And I finally found that third copy of the health certificate. We were all set to fly!

What are your tips for traveling with pets?

 

6 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Rehoming Your Pet

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Even with the best of intentions and a lot of effort, it can happen. Sometimes you really do need to rehome your beloved pets.

6 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Rehoming Your Pet

There are so many life changes and situations that we cannot anticipate. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it is better for everyone to find a different home for Fido or Fluffy.

After you have made this tough decision, it’s time to explain it all to your children. This can be even harder, especially since they adore your pet even more than you do.

Use these 6 tips for talking to your kids about rehoming your pet.

1. Be Honest

Be upfront about why you need to rehome your dog, cat or other creature. Children can tell when you are hiding something or not telling the truth. It’s better to be honest now, and answer all of their questions, rather than play catch-up later to cover your tracks.

So tell them:

  • if a family member has or has developed an allergy
  • if the cost of pet care was just too much
  • if the cost of moving with the pet is too high
  • if your housing situation doesn’t allow a pet
  • if your house isn’t the best place for your pet (no yard or too small)
  • if life changes (like a new baby, illness or injury) have changed the pet situation
  • if you just don’t have time to devote to your pet
  • if the pet is aggressive with the kids or baby
  • if the pet is too old or ill to move with your family
  • if you are moving overseas and your pet can’t make the trip for any reason

There are so many life changes and situations that we cannot anticipate. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it is better for everyone to find a different home for Fido or Fluffy.

2. Don’t Blame Your Kids

Kids are kids. They are still learning how to care for themselves. It’s frankly a miracle if they remember to both flush the toilet and wash their hands. Kids, no matter what age, should not be held responsible for all of the pet care.

When you tell them that your pup or kitty is going to a new home, don’t blame the kids.

Instead, explain that as a family, things have changed or happened. As a family, you are no longer able to care for the pet the way it deserves.

3. Do Your Research

Before you even tell the kids, you need to do some research. Yes, there are animal shelters in every community in the United States and abroad. However, many of these shelters are considered “high kill.” In other words, animals surrendered to these places have a ticking clock: either be adopted by a certain date or be euthanized.

If possible, try to find another option like a compassionate animal shelter or another family to adopt your pet. There are many groups online that can help direct you toward loving foster homes, pet adoption agencies or rehoming services.

4. Keep the Kids Involved

If you opt to find another family yourself, keep the kids involved in the search process. Remember, this is a beloved member of your family. You don’t want to give your dog or cat to just anyone!

Let them help make the ads or posters to show off your beautiful pet. Have your kids help you to weed through the people who want your pet. If it’s safe, bring them with you for meet-ups with the potential new owners.

Ask your pet’s new family if they might keep you updated with pictures and stories. Your child will want to know that their pet is still loved!

5. Don’t Make Any Promises

It is so tempting to make promises when you are talking to your kids about rehoming your pet. This is especially true if your current military life circumstances are forcing your hand.

You might be tempted to say:

  • “We’ll get a new pet at our next duty station.”
  • “When the baby is bigger, we can get another pet.”
  • “When we get a house with a yard, we can get a new dog.”
  • “If we get a bigger house, we can get another pet.”
  • “Let’s get a cat/reptile/fish tank instead.”

Before you even sit down with your kids, be really honest with yourself. Why do you need to rehome your pet right now? Really consider these reasons and then don’t promise anything.

6. Let Them Be Sad

Remember, this isn’t just any pet. This is THEIR pet, their best friend and snuggle buddy. He or she will be leaving the family forever and it is sad.

Your kids might have ideas about how to keep your pet. Listen to them. They might have a creative solution that you didn’t consider.

Take time to grieve together as a family. Do some things together to help remember your beloved pet. Take pictures together, go for favorite walks or give special treats.

Talk about your pet after it is in the new home. If the new owners have agreed, let your kids write cards or letters to your pet or the adoptive family.

What tips would you offer to military families who need to rehome their pets? Tell us in the comments.

 

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

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There is little doubt (and actual scientific evidence) that pets help us live longer, happier lives. The cost of raising a pet can, however, take a chunk out of a family budget.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Adding a pet to your family can be costly. Check out this list of military savings for pet owners.

As a new pet owner myself, exploring ways to save money was at the top of my list. A little research later, and I’ve got an entire list of military savings for pet owners.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Plan Before You Become a Pet Owner

Planning ahead can help to keep pet costs manageable. Before you bring an animal home, take time to do some research.

Some breeds are prone to costly health issues. If the breed you have your heart set on has a propensity for health issues, make sure you plan ahead. Save money each month in an emergency fund or get a pet insurance policy. These policies are inexpensive and readily available. Check with your insurance provider…USAA has a plan!

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, adoption is a great, budget-friendly option. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer free or low-cost adoptions, plus spay/neutering and micro-chipping services at reduced costs.

You might also consider adopting an adult dog. Many adult dogs are already fixed, have all the vaccines younger animals require, and are house-trained.

Don’t forget to consider your military lifestyle when selecting a pet. Long hours away from home, frequent TDYs, pending PCSs and on-post housing restrictions should play a role in the breed, size and age of any animal you decide to add to your family.

Winner, Winner, Fido’s Dinner: Military Savings on Food for Your Pet

Dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, lizards…they all have to eat. But feeding your pet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Almost every major pet food manufacturer offers a coupon. You can find them on Coupons.com or by using the Commissary Rewards Card app. It only takes a few minutes to print them or sign up for a mailer, so spend the time and save the money.  And don’t miss great deals and contests brought to you by Purina!  Purina has great savings for all of your pet food needs and sponsors a new contest for a $50 Commissary gift card hosted by MilitaryShoppers.com every month.

Pet owners can maximize their military savings by shopping at the commissary and buying dog food in bulk at the case lot sales. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of pet food offered at the commissary. The commissary even has refrigerated organics! Be sure to check the pricing. Sometimes buying multiple smaller bags and boxes is less expensive per ounce than the big bags.

Military Savings on Medicine and Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are essential and ensure any potential issues are found early. Save by using on-post veterinary services when possible.

If no services are available at your military installation, reach out to local shelters or animal control services. They often offer discounted services for things like vaccinations, spay/neutering and emergency care. If neither of these are an option, research reviews of veterinary clinics in your area. Ask for a military discount or new client discount.

Military Savings on Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of pet health and it is something you can master at home. Clippers can be a bit expensive, but properly maintained, they pay for themselves after just a few uses.

And while not all animals enjoy bath time, the cost of shampoo or cleanser, a couple of towels, and some patience is infinitely cheaper than a trip to the groomer.

If you decide to use professional grooming services, don’t forget to shop around and read reviews. Watch the paper and weekly sales mailers for coupons. Ask for a military discount when visiting a professional groomer.

Military Savings on Toys and Accessories

While they love an occasional treat, our pets really love just spending time with us. Instead of buying toys, spend time with your pet, taking them for walks or do whatever rabbits and llamas do for fun.

For non-traditional pets, like lizards or snakes, save the money to invest in a good habitat or warming light so your pet is comfortable and safe.

For cats and dogs, consider making your own toys and scratch posts. There’s no shortage of how-to info online.

Military Savings on Pet Sitting

We hate to leave them, but sometimes it’s just not possible to take our pets everywhere we go. Instead of costly kenneling costs, consider trading pet sitting services with another pet-loving military family or hire a teenage neighbor to care for your pet while you are away.

Be sure to explain specific rules and expectations and let your caretaker know about any allergies or mischievous tendencies.

Are you a pet owner? What tips would you add to this list of military savings for pet owners?

Special Needs Children Benefit from Pets

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My family got our first pet, a dog, 3 weeks ago. She is a sweetheart. We always knew we would get a dog someday and it just felt like the right time. I was a bit nervous about bringing a dog into the house with our son, Drew. He has Asperger’s and you never know what will bother him until it is in front of him. Even though he said he wanted a dog, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good choice.

Benefits of dogs for special needs children

Dogs can be great companions for children with autism.

I did a little bit of reading and found that a pet can be a wonderful companion for a child with autism or Asperger’s. One of the benefits that stood out to me was how kids with autism enjoy having a pet because dogs and cats do not use words to express their emotions. My son has a hard time talking about how he is feeling and by bonding with a dog, they both can express their feelings in other ways.

In some cases a dog can be trained to work with a child with autism. This is especially wonderful for more severe cases. It is great that dogs can help kids with special needs. If a child with autism tends to wonder off, a dog can keep them where they need to be.

Benefits of pets for autistic children.

My son quickly grew attached to the newest member of our family.

Since having the dog my son has shown her a lot of love by petting her or giving her hugs. He also tells me that he misses her if we have been out for a few hours. Although he isn’t like his brothers who wants to run and jump around with her, I can tell he already has a soft spot in his heart for her.

I want to say that she has brought out a side of him that we humans can’t. He is sweet with her, even on his rough days. I enjoy seeing them together and it confirms that getting her was the right decision for our family.

Are you a pet lover?

May is National Pet Month and Purina is giving away up to $100,000 in fun prizes to those of us with an affinity for our furry friends. For every person that plays their instant win game, Purina will donate $0.10 to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Check out Paw It Forward to win. Good luck!

How does a pet bring enjoyment to your special needs child?

 

 

5 Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy

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Woman with sleeping Cat

Spend 5 minutes cuddling your cat daily.

Cats are well known for being the extra cushion on the couch. The sedentary lifestyle of a pet cat can be cute to look at, but not very good for their health. Cats need to be more active to attain a longer lifespan.

Here are 5 ways to keep your cat healthy in less than 15 minutes.

Reduce Stress

Even your cat can get stressed. For most felines, stress is created when there is a drastic change within the home, like moving, rearranging furniture, a new family member, or even losing a family member. When I deployed, my husband noticed a very big change in my cat’s behavior. His mom was missing for several months, and he had trouble eating, playing and keeping on weight. You can alleviate this by paying a little more attention to your pet. Set aside part of each day for cuddling and one-on-one time.

Exercise in the Evenings

Cats are nocturnal animals and thrive in the early evening, which is technically morning for them. Create a play routine for them: break out the cat toys after supper and play with your furry baby for at least 15 minutes. They will enjoy the attention and will essentially have their “morning workout” at the same time. Just like humans, an exercise routine will reap great benefits when it comes to the health of your pet.

What’s your cat’s play routine?

Room to Roam

While cats are great apartment pets, they still need ample room to sprint when the feeling hits them. Like felines in the savanna, the more room your cat has to roam, the better it will feel. Keep clutter to a minimum within the household, and keep your furniture as minimal as possible as well. If you would like to take it another step, place thick, reinforced shelves on walls near your windows. Cats love to climb and perch. What’s good for the cat is good for the owner; an uncluttered house will boost your health and demeanor.

Groom Daily

We take grooming for granted when it comes to cats. They seem to love to clean and groom themselves multiple times a day. But all of that grooming can produce hairballs, which can cause sickness, vomiting, and problems with their immune system. Give your cat a brush or combing session each day. Try to do this after dinner, but before playtime. A reluctant cat will associate grooming with play and will be more willing to let you brush him. Want to go the extra mile? Brush their teeth with kitty toothpaste as well. Dental hygiene is very important for cats of all ages.

healthycat

Groom your cat daily to keep her healthy.

Pick the Right Food and Ration

This is the key to keeping your pet as healthy as possible. Invest in quality cat food, like Purina and be sure to read the ingredients list. Cats are predators and carnivores, so protein should be one of the top ingredients listed. Also, check the recommended serving size of the food for either dry or wet. Ration these servings to help your cat stay at a healthy weight. Always keep fresh water available for them to have at any time.

Are you a pet lover?

May is National Pet Month and Purina is giving away up to $100,000 in fun prizes to those of us with an affinity for our furry friends. For every person that plays their instant win game, Purina will donate $0.10 to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Check out Paw It Forward to win. Good luck!