Board members give director a break
By Gloria Towle
CAHS Board member
After 10-plus years of writing this article for the paper, some of the Board members at the Central Aroostook Humane Society thought it might be nice to give our president, Christine Robinson, a much-needed break. So from time to time you will see different “names” providing their thoughts and comments and hopefully a few helpful suggestions along the way.
My love and compassion for animals brought me to the shelter Board 15 years ago, and I have enjoyed every minute. Our monthly meeting is informative, fun and new friendships are formed. We work hard to make the important decisions that will keep the shelter strong and healthy and the many fundraisers that we host throughout the year help to keep our doors open. It overwhelms me at times, the public support that we receive — whether its from a stranger thousands of miles away, a child who chooses donations to the shelter instead of birthday gifts, memorials from a loved one that has passed away or school children that show up at our door with a busload of donated items. We count our blessings every day for the kindness of others!
With the recent specials that we have run on our cats, we are happy to report that many have found new homes.
Animal.discovery.com gives a few tips when bringing a new kitten home:
• Bringing a cuddly, appealing bundle of purr home is exciting, whether the kitten is your first or an addition to your current pet family. Your kitten will be entirely reliant on you to ease his transition from mom cat’s side or animal shelter to this strange new place. Keeping him safe and happy takes planning and patience for everyone in the household. If a kitten has been gently handled and has gotten used to humans, he will be friendlier and better adjusted. In choosing a kitten, look for one that is inquisitive, doesn’t shy away from your touch and is ready to play;
• When you first bring your kitten home, he may miss his siblings and mother. He’ll meow in confusion or wake up during the night. Ease his stress by picking him up, stroking him while speaking in a soothing tone. Wrap a ticking clock in a towel and placing it near his bed to remind him of his mother’s heartbeat;
• Discourage clawing furniture; try providing a carpet-covered scratching post. Specially-formulated kitten foods fitting their nutritional requirements should be given until the kitten is a year old;
• Although everyone will want to hold the kitten, limit handling for the first few days while your new pet adjusts. Set up his bed, litter box and food in a quiet room where he can be secured until he gets to know his new home. Introduce one family member at a time, allowing the kitten to come to you and learn your touch. Also introduce one room at a time, place an open carrier in whichever room you are introducing him to so he has a retreat if he wants;
• Show children how to gently pet a cat’s head and back. Remind them to always wash their hands after being around kitty. Always supervise children’s interaction with kittens, especially if they have friends visiting;
• Before bringing in a new kitten, be sure your resident pets have recently been checked by your vet and are disease-free. Never leave a dog alone with a new kitten. Dogs can become aggressive, or a kitten may claw at a dog’s face. Make sure your dog is properly leashed as you introduce him or her to your kitten, following the same procedure you would to introduce a cat to your kitten. This lets the animals learn each other’s scent. The kitten should not be allowed to run away because the dog may think chasing it is a game. Reward both pets for calm behavior. Always supervise their interactions until the kitten is fully grown; and
• Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks of age, but your vet can determine the best time for this surgery. Spaying protects your female kitten from the risk of mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, and spares her the stresses of pregnancy. Neutering a male reduces his risk of prostate cancer, and he won’t “spray” to mark his territory. Because the urine of intact males literally stinks, neutering your kitten will make the litter box cleanup less of a chore. Spaying or neutering also helps reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
If you are looking for a lifelong companion, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 26 Cross Street in Presque Isle. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org or check us out on Facebook.
