Special cat adoption fees
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
The Central Aroostook Humane Society joins the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in declaring June Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. The Central Aroostook Humane Society has planned a “Name your fee” adoption promotion (minimum $10 donation) for the month of June on all cats (a $100 refundable deposit is still required for all unaltered cats). We hope to raise awareness of the ever-increasing feline population at the shelter and to help increase our adoption rates of all cats. We have tons of cats and kittaens.
An ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital veterinarian offers advice to prevent the most common cat complaints.
Dehydration:
• Canned food usually has more than 75 percent moisture; dry food usually has l5 percent moisture. This is why cats eating all-dry or a mix of dry and canned food tend to drink more water. In fact, older cats may develop kidney disease from being dehydrated.
• If you are feeding all-dry food and change to canned, you may see your cat stop drinking as much water. This is a good sign that the cat is more hydrated.
Obesity:
• Any weight loss program is best done under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Play together actively 20 minutes a day.
• First, feed only twice a day as opposed to free-choice feeding. Then, reduce the total amount of food in increments of 10 percent a month.
• Monitor your cat’s weight weekly. He shouldn’t lose more than l percent to 2 percent of his weight in a month.
Feed a high-quality cat food. Avoid “lite” foods; they have reduced protein and fats — the nutrients cats, especially overweight cats, need.
Hair balls:
• When a cat grooms herself, the ingested hair may get stuck in her stomach, resulting in vomiting. Other times, the hair remains in the esophagus, creating irritation and coughing. To help decrease the amount of hair your cat swallows, brush or comb her daily. In addition, give her a hair ball medicine or put some Vaseline on the top part of her paw once or twice a week. The cat will lick it off as part of her grooming ritual.
Injuries from falls:
• At The ASPCA we see an alarming number of cats who unintentionally fall from high windows. Keeping your cat inside with windows closed or blocking open windows with good-quality screens may be a lifesaver for your cat.
If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
On Saturday, June 9, there will be a car wash at Dead River Oil Company from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit the Humane Society.
On Saturday, June 16, from 2-7 p.m. on the Balance BPO grounds behind the PI Inn and Convention Center, there will be a family-friendly music event “Rockin’ For Rover” featuring the band KEG & The Dreamers. Free snacks and beverages will be provided. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
