The Halfway Home Pet Rescue of Caribou will close for adoptions from Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. until January 2, 2014. According to president Norma Milton, the rescue’s concern is for the safety and well-being of the new kitten or cat.
“People need to realize that all that excitement with extra visitors in a new home is very confusing for the pet,” she said.
In addition, Christmas decorations, ribbons and candy can cause serious health issues. “Ribbon might look beautiful on a present, but if swallowed can cause a serious blockage, and the dye in the ribbon can make for a very sick cat or dog before the holiday is over,” Milton said.
She advised the holiday overabundance of loving attention can cause illness, nervous bites or scratches that could be avoided if the cat had a few days to calmly explore the new environment.
HHPR encourages adoption at Christmas, but to adopt several days before the holiday to allow the cat to adapt to its new surroundings and people, Milton said.
For the new pet’s safety, owners should keep decorations high, avoid tinsel and ribbons, keep candy (especially chocolate) in covered dishes, and if there is a lot of company, plan to put the new pet in a quiet bedroom with food, water and litter box.
“If a person chooses to adopt at HHPR, the rescue will be pleased to keep the cat for you until after the holidays at no charge,” Milton added. Appointments to view cats can be made until Saturday by calling Mary at 999-1075.
