TNR Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Trap and Return

Best Trail Camera for TNR and Lost Pets

Best Trail Camera For TNR And Lost Pets Wildlife trail cameras are not just for hunters. Trail cameras are wireless, inexpensive, and can help you find a lost pet, manage a feral cat colony, or monitor outdoor wildlife in your area. Cats develop routines and patterns, and if you position a camera correctly, you’ll have a window into their activity. In this article, we’ll discuss the features you’ll need in a trail camera and which is the best trail camera for TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), cat rescue, and finding missing pets. The Best Trail Camera I spent six weeks and had six cameras looking for a cat that escaped her new adopter. During that time, I tested several different pet cameras, security cameras, and trail cameras in real rescue situations. For most rescue situations, you’ll want an outdoor, battery-powered camera rather than a pet camera or indoor home security camera. You’ll secure the camera about 3 feet in front of a feeding station or cat food dish. Toss treats in for good measure to get your pet’s attention. Here’s the best bait for cat trapping. The best wildlife trail cameras for TNR and finding a lost pet are ones that meet all nine of these criteria. Affordability TNR projects require multiple cameras to cover different trapping sites. Since these cameras may be placed in public areas, the risk of theft is real. Choosing an affordable trail camera is important. Fortunately, there are excellent options in the market that provide quality performance without breaking the bank. There are several good trail cameras on the market for around $45. Here’s Amazon’s list of wildlife trail cameras under $50 with 4+ star reviews. Night Vision Motion Tracking Cats, especially feral ones, are primarily diurnal creatures and are often times active at night or early morning. Thus, an outdoor camera equipped with the ability to shoot clear videos during low-light conditions is essential for TNR and pet detection. Most trail cams, pet cameras, and security cameras, like the Eufy camera, have basic features that now include night vision mode and record video in night mode and HD resolution. Resolution In many cases, you won’t need crystal clear resolution, but a good camera lens and wide-angle camera are important. The best pet camera will have at least 24 MP and 1080p video resolution, which should work in most lost pet scenarios. Most cameras offer a wide-angle lens, which can help with passing cats. Energy Efficiency In cat rescue operations, maintaining several cameras can be a time-consuming task. To avoid frequent battery replacements, an energy-efficient trail camera is ideal. The more camera features you have active, the more battery power could be drained. Consider turning off audio or even activating picture-only mode instead of recorded footage and continuous recording if you’re in a very windy location. Strap And Mount When dealing with outdoor settings, trail cameras need to be securely mounted to avoid accidental falls or tampering. A trail camera with a sturdy strap and mount system simplifies the installation process and provides peace of mind, knowing that the cameras will stay in place throughout the monitoring period. Locking Capability It’s helpful to know how to keep a trail camera from being stolen, which will happen. You should plan to lock your camera to a tree or post. You’ll need a cable that will also connect to the trail camera. Make sure you get a cable that is the right size to fit the camera’s wire hole. Waterproof and Weather Resistant This is a given if you plan to use your camera outside. The camera must be able to work outside in cold and wet conditions. You don’t need pet-specific cameras, and many pet owners own indoor security cameras, which could be used under the right conditions. But, if you are leaving your camera far from your house, you’ll want it water-resistant to prevent morning dew and moisture. Local Storage Most trail cameras will have local memory storage. A 32GB SD memory card is usually sufficient for a few days of video footage. If you are using 4k video recordings, then you may want a 64GB memory card. Traditional security cameras or indoor cameras might need Wi-Fi for cloud storage if they don’t offer a local storage option. Reliability Above all, reliability is a top priority for any trail camera used in TNR projects. Some cameras will blackout, and several or all of your videos will be useless. I’ve even purchased cameras that didn’t ever seem to work. Testing the camera ahead of time and getting familiar with the features is the best way to avoid some of these reliability problems. You can also deactivate some of the additional features, interactive features, or pet-specific features, which could impact reliability. Some pet cams, like the Wyze cam, have motion tracking for tossing treats and cat food-feeding antics. If you are using a dog camera or pet products with a laser pointer, you won’t need those features active. 3 Pet Camera Features You Might Not Need If you plan to utilize multiple of the best pet cameras, then you can save on a few features you might not need. The only pet camera, indoor camera, or home security cameras features that you need are clear video quality and reliability. However, some of these features can come in handy but may not be needed in most regular rescue situations. Audio Audio usually isn’t very helpful when trying to identify a cat’s location. If your cat is vocal, audio could help identify the cat in poor video recordings or differentiate between cats. If you are leaving your camera out for a few days, turning off the audio can help conserve battery life. In windy locations, the sound quality and audio quality are often times poor as well. 4k Resolution You may be tempted to upgrade to the 4k video quality. While poor video quality can be a problem, standard HD video recordings are usually clear enough to identify cats.

Best Trail Camera for TNR and Lost Pets Read More »

How To Use A Trail Camera To Rescue A Cat

How To Use A Trail Camera To Rescue A Cat Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly distressing experience, but modern technology can significantly aid in the search and rescue process. Wildlife trail cameras are not just for hunting; they can also help find escaped indoor-only cats or observe cat colony behaviors. Cameras can help identify cats in the area and monitor their patterns. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the necessary equipment and how to use a trail camera to rescue a cat. Make Your Plan Scout the Area: Before setting up the trail cameras, it’s crucial to scout the area where your cat was last seen. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings, including hiding spots and potential hazards. Cats often seek shelter in bushes, under decks, or by dumpsters and garbage cans. By understanding the terrain, you can identify optimal locations for placing the cameras. Create a Search Map: Create a map of the area you intend to search and mark the locations where you’ll place the trail cameras. Ideally, you would also create feeding stations to lure the cats to the cameras. Remember that areas with signs of wildlife activity or other community cat colonies are likely spots for your cat. Plan to Expand Your Search Radius: Cats are known to roam considerable distances when lost. While starting your search in the vicinity of your home, it is essential to be prepared to expand your search radius gradually. Cats can cover several miles, especially if they feel threatened or disoriented. Plan your search strategy to cover a larger area as time goes on. Take note of the community cats and feral cats, which can be a lead to finding lost pets. Camera Equipment List Once you have an idea of your rescue plan, it’s time to gear up. All these helpful items can be found on Amazon.com, and here is our recommendation for the Best Trail Cameras for TNR and Cat Rescue. Here are a few other recommendations for TNR equipment and gear. Equipment Check And Prep A good equipment check before you go into the field is a good idea. You may be in public areas or neighborhoods and want to get in and out quickly. Having your gear ready to go will ensure you can install the cameras quickly without witnesses. While there is nothing wrong with using a camera, people may take the camera or question you if they see you installing it. How to Place a Trail Camera Proper installation of trail cameras is crucial to capturing valuable footage. Placing trail cams correctly will also help conserve battery life by reducing continuous recording from wind or constant movement. Set Up Tips Optimize the camera settings to increase the chances of capturing relevant footage. Monitoring Trail Cameras Regular monitoring and review of your cameras are essential to finding your cat. Remember, cats are diurnal and are likely to be most active early in the morning or late at night. If you are actively searching or trapping cats, be prepared to be out of bed and sitting in your car between 3 am and 8 am. Trail cameras can help you identify when most of the animals are active. Using wildlife cameras to find a missing cat can be just what you need to improve your search efforts. By scouting the area, planning your search strategy, and correctly setting up the trail cameras, you significantly increase the likelihood of catching and reuniting with your beloved feline friend. You can improve the odds of bringing your missing cat safely home with determination, patience, and the right tools.

How To Use A Trail Camera To Rescue A Cat Read More »

Best Cat Trap Bait

Best Cat Trap Bait Catching a feral or stray cat can be challenging. Having the best cat trap bait can make trapping a difficult cat much easier! If you can establish a feeding routine with the cat before you trap, then you can likely use the same food for the cat trap bait. If you are trapping a feral cat you haven’t fed before, here are a few of the most enticing foods you can use for cat trap bait. Foods Irresistible To Cats We recommend using high-quality, natural, organic food as much as possible, whether you are catching domestic cats or feral cats. Bait Placement Tips Many trappers like to make a food trail leading up and inside the trap door. Place about one tablespoon of smelly food bait in a food tray at the back of the trap, behind the trip plate. The smell could be enough to entice all the cats and all sorts of wildlife. Make sure the bait is behind the trigger plate, and use a food tray small enough that it won’t get stuck underneath the trap plate. Here’s a list of our recommended cat traps. If you have been feeding the cats food, you might need to withhold food for that particular cat to ensure they are hungry enough to brave the trap. Most cats eat often because other cat owners feed outdoor kitties. Don’t use too much food if the cat is going for TNR or surgery, which should be done on an empty stomach. If you have a trap divider, you can remove the food from the trapped cat trap. If your best bait isn’t working, you can always try a laser pointer to trap cats by getting the cat’s attention inside the trap!

Best Cat Trap Bait Read More »

How To Take Great Cat Photos

How To Take Great Cat Photos Whether you are a cat lover looking to take better cat pictures of your indoor cuties or improve your cat photography skills for your animal shelter to help adoptions, this guide will give you tips on how to take great cat photos. Photographing cats is not easy. They move, cats don’t follow instructions very well, and they are furry, making lens tracking difficult. There are a few basic outcomes with great pet photography that will help your feline friend shine. Capture your cat’s face sharply and the cat’s eyes crisply. Great shots have bright sunlight or natural lighting and capture the cat’s behavior or showcase their personality. Cat Photography for Adoptions When it comes to finding a new home for a cat or kitten, having great photos and videos is crucial. With so many animals in need of adoption, it’s important to make your cat stand out and catch the eye of potential adopters. High-quality and intriguing photos and videos can help to showcase your cat’s unique personality and features, making them more appealing to potential adopters. Having great photos and videos can help potential adopters emotionally connect with your cat and help them understand what it would be like to live with them. Additionally, good photos and videos can help to increase the visibility of your cat’s profile, making it more likely to be seen by potential adopters. According to the shelter reports, the average length of stay for cats and kittens in shelters before being adopted is around two months. Improving your cat adoption profiles and photography can help speed up their time in the shelter and help them find the right forever home quickly. 21 Cat Photography Tips It’s important to know how to take good cat photos, which is essential in helping them find a loving home on adoption websites. Capturing the perfect shot of our feline friends can be a challenging feat. Good photography showcases their unique personality and physical traits and creates an emotional bond with potential adopters. Here are 21 cat photography ideas to enhance your cat photography skills. Photographing Difficult Cats Cats that are shy, skittish, or have a hard time staying still can be difficult to photograph. To get great photos of these types of cats, it’s important to be patient and take pictures often. Always have your camera ready and take more photos. Try to photograph cats when they are relaxed, sleeping, lounging, or loafing. You can also try using treats or toys to get the attention of a curious cat. Some cats, like black cats, are simply hard to see due to the lack of contrast from the cat’s fur. Bright lighting will really help to shine their coat and allow their facial features to stand out. You can also stage props and backgrounds to add effect and emotion to the pictures. If you’re really having trouble getting still photos of a black cat, try a video that will allow you to showcase other aspects of your kitty’s personality. Here Are Some Examples Of Great Cat Adoption Photos! Cat lovers take lots of photos of cats. Here are some better photos of cats that will hopefully inspire you to improve your cat photography and take the purrfect cat photo.

How To Take Great Cat Photos Read More »

How To Create A Great Cat Adoption Profile

How To Create A Great Cat Adoption Profile Creating a great cat adoption profile is crucial in helping your furry friend find a forever home. A well-crafted adoption profile can make all the difference in getting your cats and kittens noticed by potential adopters and increasing the chances of a quick and successful adoption. Having a great listing that is up-to-date, accurate, and has great photography will help your listing rise to the top of the searches, helping your cats get more views on their profile. A good listing will also help potential adopters connect with your cat emotionally and help them understand what it would be like to live with them. With so many cats and kittens in need of homes, it’s important to do everything you can to make your cat’s profile stand out and increase the chances of a successful adoption. Here are some tips for cat fosters or shelters on how to create an effective cat adoption profile that will stand out on websites like Petfinder or Adopt-A-Pet. Cat Adoption Profile Examples Here are a few examples of great cat adoption profiles. These follow the adoption profile template we outline below, with creative and personality-fitting Petfinder names, detailed and story-driven descriptions, and cute photography and videos. Name: Tatum Description: Meet Tatum! Little Tatum Tot is the full package. He’s a talkative and opinionated cat who loves to engage with humans. He’s absolutely gorgeous! He’s a strong young male cat who enjoys being active and exploring. Tatum is incredibly loving and a total companion cat. He is a lap cat, a shoulder cat, and a cuddler, and you can even dress him up in outfits for the holidays! He’ll follow you around the house and then sit next to you on the couch. He loves feather toys, scratchers, and laser points. He says he prefers to have his own space to do his activities without other pets bugging him all the time. He might be an introvert.. Tater is FIV positive, which means he is immunocompromised and should have a healthy diet and safe indoor life. If you’ve made it this far, then you can tell that there’s something special about Tatum. There is! This kitty is ready to thrive and make someone very, very happy. He will make a great friend and active companion. He’s totally a cool dude! Name: Dusty Description: Dusty is a gorgeous kitten who is extremely cuddly and melts in your arms. She is great with other cats and kittens and will be perfect as a companion to a lonely cat. Dusty has medium-length hair but keeps herself perfectly groomed! Name: Tokka Description: Meet Tokka! Tokka was born in an outdoor cat colony, but she’s incredibly friendly and ready to be indoor-only. She’s playful, talkative, feisty, and cuddly. She has it all! Tokka may cause cuteness overload! Her cuteness is overwhelming and may cause you to fall down due to excessive cute kitten behavior. Tokka has an adorable wide face and is very expressive. She will tell you about everything you did wrong with a single glare! Contact us today and ask about Tokka. This cute monster won’t last long! Name: Bebop Description: Meet Bebop! This incredibly friendly kitty is transitioning to become an indoor-only cat and looking for a new home. He’s a member of an outdoor cat colony and was, unfortunately, probably an abandoned kitty. He’s very friendly, a lap cat, and a shoulder cat! This kitty is one of a kind! Be sure to check out all his videos online because he’s a bit of a social influencer already. You’ll probably need to make him his own instacats profile or website to showcase all his crazy antics 🙂 He should go to an active family. Check out our other videos of Bebop on Instagram and YouTube @trapandreturn. Name: Skeletor Description: Outta my way, can’t you see I’m playin’ here! Ok, let’s do a quick cuddle break, but then I want to play some more. I’m very social, I have a lot of other cat friends, and I like to live my own life. I also have a lot of nicknames because I’m such a cool-looking cat! I like to play ball and catch, which is my favorite thing. I would come play for you if you would be my forever home! Cat Adoption Profile Template Here is an effective pet adoption template and tips for a Petfinder profile or animal bio that will help showcase all your pet’s best features. From a cute profile picture to a compelling description that leaves the reader feeling like they already have a new best friend, these profile tips and ideas will help your little guy find the perfect match and new family. Take Great Photos And Videos First impressions are everything, and a great photo is the first thing that potential adopters will see when they come across your pet’s profile. Make sure to take multiple photos, including close-ups of their face and full-body shots. It’s also a good idea to take photos of your cats doing something they love, such as playing with a toy or cuddling with you, as this can help potential adopters see their personality and what it would be like to live with them. Petfinder allows you to load six photos, or five photos and one video. Load as many high-resolution photos as you can. If you have a few good ones, avoid loading poor-quality photos and only use the good ones. Here are 21 more ways to take great cat adoption photos! Write A Compelling Description The next step is to write a compelling and heartfelt description of your pet. Start by introducing your pet and giving its name, age, breed, and sex. You don’t need to have great writing skills to make a nice pet profile. You can even use Chat GPT or other AI writing tools to help you! Writing the description in 1st person tone is another way to make the profile

How To Create A Great Cat Adoption Profile Read More »

TNR Certification Program

TNR Certification Program Are you considering a TNR certification? On August 7, 2022, I attended the Community Cats Podcast and Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Program, and here are a few things you’ll learn. First, it was a great presentation and training program! It was 2.5 hours on a Caturday with one scheduled break. It was easy to follow, the pace moved along nicely, and it was loaded with actionable tips and pointers for helping feral and stray cats. I also felt that by the end of the program and TNR training, I was well-equipped to start rescuing cats. Who Should Take A TNR Certification Program? Trap, neuter, return (TNR) certification is for anyone interested in learning about or getting better at rescuing cats, caring for community cats, and colony management. A TNR certification workshop can be beneficial for beginners and experienced trappers. There were a few initial survey questions and an interactive format that helped us understand who else was in the audience. 57% of the participants had never trapped a cat before, while the other half of the participants were active trappers and TNR activists. What Do You Learn In A TNR Certification Program? The program began by defining what Colony Cats are, What TNR is, What the benefits of TNR are, and what the alternatives to TNR are for managing feral cats. Colony cats definition: Colony cats share the same food supply and territory. There are all levels of socialization in entire colonies, but these cats are not traditional pets. What Is TNR? The goal is to TNR the entire colony of cats. In this section, you’ll get an overview and see video footage of actual projects for the following topics. Benefits Of TNR You might need to explain what you’re doing to the neighbors, so it’s important to know about some of the benefits of TNR. Failed Alternatives To TNR We’ve tried a lot of failed alternatives to TNR as a way to manage and care for community cats. Here are a few things that don’t work. How To TNR The TNR certification program went into great detail about how to conduct TNR, from trapping a single cat to catching an entire colony. Workshop attendees received extensive handouts about local and national animal care from the workshop’s executive director. Step 1: Community Relations How To Communicate With The Community How To Deter Cats From Certain Areas Over time, the cats will learn and be trained not to come into the yard. Step 2: Establish A Feeding Pattern Step 3: Make Preparations For Trap Day Step 4: Trapping Feral and Stray Cats Here are some steps and tips the TNR certification program covers. Step 5: Recovery Period The recovery period for post-operation spaying and neutering. Step 6: Return The Cats Release and return the cats back to their outdoor home. Step 7: Monitoring Colony Cats Managing and colony care is crucial in maintaining healthy and happy cats. Here are four affordable wet foods for feeding feral cats: Thanks for considering the Community Cats Podcast and Neighborhood Cats TNR Project and Workshop. We hope you join our ongoing Facebook group with our national programs director and follow other TNR activists to gain access to an incredible network of information and support.

TNR Certification Program Read More »

Best Cat Trap

Best Cat Trap If you’ve come across some stray cats or a community cat colony, then you might need a good cat trap. Our team of TNR and cat rescue experts have used all types of traps in a variety of real-life settings. In this review, we’ll outline what you need in a humane trap and what the best cat traps might be for your situation. TNR, or trap, neuter, return, is the process of caring for feral and stray cats by ensuring they are fixed, vaccinated, and evaluated for friendliness. The process of catching feral cats involves using a humane cat trap. TNR programs are usually run by local volunteers and animal advocates and may be able to let you borrow a cat trap and show you how to set it. Contact your local cat rescue for details. We reviewed the most popular traps for catching cats and TNR. Here’s a list of the top cat traps: Tru Catch, Tomahawk, Havahart, drop traps, and DIY traps. Two Requirements For Cat Traps There are two things each traditional trap should have. First, the trap should be big enough for the cat you’re trying to catch, which is usually at least 30 inches in length. Keep in mind that the cat will stay in the trap for a few days, so it should be tall and spacious enough for them. Second, it should have a rear door which makes managing a feral cat in a cage much easier. Three Types Of Humane Cat Traps Depending on the situation and your availability of traps, there are three different types of humane traps you can use to catch cats. Spring-loaded traps, gravity traps, or drop traps. In addition, many traps also come in small animal or kitten sizes. Spring Loaded Traps Spring-loaded traps are the original type of trap. A wire is stretched across the opening, and when the cat steps on the trigger, the door slams shut. The downside to these traps is that the spring-loaded door slams fast and loud and can scare the cat and other cats. There is also a risk of injuring smaller cats or kittens as the door slams shut. Spring-loaded cat traps are a bit easier to set than gravity traps and off a bit more all-around versatility. Gravity Traps Gravity traps are newer on the market and use a trigger plate to drop the door. You can tell a gravity trap by the rings that slide the door rather than a spring door that snaps shut. These traps are generally considered to be safer since there is less risk of the door slamming shut too hard. They are also quieter than spring-loaded traps. Gravity traps can be a bit harder to set and not as easy to use for beginner trappers. However, after a few practices, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. The doors also don’t have locks, so extra locks or carabiners are usually needed. Check out our Gravity Cat Trap video here! Drop Traps Drop traps work really well for catching many cats at once or sick, injured, or shy cats. Whereas a box trap must be manually triggered as the cat enters, drop traps are manually operated, and you determine when to spring the trap. Drop traps allow trappers to capture multiple cats at once, making them a highly efficient tool for colony trapping. One downside of the drop trap is that they often require more space to operate, and you must have flat ground otherwise, the cat can escape underneath. You’ll also need to separate the cats with a transfer cage so you can transport them. Tomahawk Live Traps Our favorite Tomahawk cat trap is the Tomahawk GT606. It’s a quiet and reliable gravity trap that fits any size cat. Tomahawk traps are also simple to set and have two locking doors for easy access to your cat. The best cat trap is one of the Neighborhood Cats line of Tomahawk traps. Many experienced trappers will say the Tomahawk trap is the best cat trap, especially for those new to trapping. It’s easy to set and has a large front door opening, making it ideal for catching larger cats. It also has a rear-release door, so you can let the cat out once it’s been spayed or neutered. Tomahawk works closely with advocates at Neighborhood Cats and is constantly working to perfect the trap. This is also known as the Neighborhood Cats gravity trap and is one of the best humane cat traps. Tru Catch Cat Traps The Tru Catch Feral Cat Trap is a favorite among trappers for its durability and ease of use. The trigger plate (or trip plate) is sensitive enough to catch even the smallest kitten yet large enough to hold an adult cat. It also has a built-in safety feature to prevent animals from being caught by the trap door. Tru Catch traps are gravity lock traps and are relatively quiet. Tru Catch traps also have a sliding rear door. The Tru Catch Fat Cat 30FCD is one of the largest feral cat traps on the market. The large size and powder coating make it a very versatile and durable trap. The Tru Catch Fat Cat trap is also large enough for a small litter box which makes it convenient for post-op recovery for a trapped cat. Our favorite Tru Catch cat trap is the 30LTD, which is the most versatile and covers all the bases. However, some trappers say the large size is too bulky for frequent trapping as it takes up a lot of space and might be harder to place. Havahart Live Traps The Havahart (pronounced Have-A-Heart) is a standard animal trap with a spring-loaded door. We recommend the Large 2-Door trap for TNR or cat rescue purposes. The Havahart traps on Amazon are the cheapest of the three top brands. If you only plan to catch a few cats, this would be your least expensive but effective option. Drop Traps Drop traps are often preferred if you are trapping in

Best Cat Trap Read More »

How Much Does It Cost To Microchip A Cat?

How Much Does It Cost To Microchip A Cat? Microchips for cats are relatively affordable. The American Animal Hospital Association supports microchipping and scanning for cats. The initial cost of getting your cat chipped is usually around $50, and there is sometimes an annual fee of $15-20 to keep your information on file. The American Veterinary Medical Association has conducted studies showing the benefits of microchipping for reuniting lost cats with their owners. Most chips also offer a free version and don’t require annual fees. Microchips For Cats Microchips for cats are a groundbreaking technology that is quickly becoming a necessity for all cats. Cat microchipping involves implanting a small chip beneath your cat’s skin, which is a safe and simple procedure that provides numerous benefits, including the ability to reunite lost cats with their owners. The microchip is implanted beneath the skin using a syringe and does not require anesthesia. If your cat ever gets lost or needs to be identified, the chip can be scanned, and you can be contacted. Microchips for cats are an excellent way to ensure that your beloved pet always has a way to get back home. In addition, microchips for cats are also helpful in identifying stolen pets and reuniting them with their rightful owner. If you are considering getting a microchip for your cat, there are a few things you should know. Microchipping Cats Is Safe And Painless The chips are inserted beneath the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The insertion is similar to getting a vaccine, and most cats do not even react to the procedure. Microchips for cats are also permanent, meaning that once your cat is chipped, the chip will remain in place for its entire life. These microchips provide a tamper-proof and permanent identification, helping to reunite lost animals with their owners. Microchips Help Cats Return Home If your cat ever gets lost, microchipping significantly increases the chances of reuniting with your lost cat. It is crucial to register the microchip with a microchip registry and keep the contact information up to date. Any vet clinic can scan a lost or stolen cat for a microchip, so it is important to make sure that your contact information is up to date. Should You Microchip An Indoor Cat? Yes! Getting your cat microchipped will give you peace of mind, knowing that they can always be returned home safely if they ever escape outside. Microchipping indoor cats is beneficial as it ensures they can be identified and returned quickly. It’s also a sign of pet ownership. Do Microchips Have GPS? No, microchips do not have GPS tracking capabilities. Microchips only store your chip’s unique identifier so that you can be reached if your pet is lost or stolen. Microchips operate at different radio frequencies, and it is crucial to use universal scanners that can detect all three microchip frequencies to ensure the microchip can be read regardless of the frequency. However, there are some new gadgets and devices for your pet’s collar that will track their location and movements. What Types Of Microchips And Microchip Registry Are There? There are two types of microchips: passive and active. Microchipped cats are more likely to be reunited with their owners compared to non-microchipped cats. Passive chips only store your contact information and need to be scanned in order for you to be contacted. Active chips also store your contact information, but they also emit a low radio frequency signal that can be picked up by special scanners. Can You Buy A Microchip Scanner? Yes, microchip scanners are available for purchase, but most veterinarians, animal control officers, and animal shelters already have them. If you find a stray cat, you may also be able to borrow one to identify the cat’s owner. It is crucial for an animal shelter to scan for microchips when a cat is brought into their care to quickly contact the cat’s owner and prevent the cat from remaining impounded and at risk in the shelter. Can You Find A Microchip Without A Scanner? No. Microchips are not visible to the naked eye and can only be found using a special scanner. Scanning for a cat’s microchip is crucial to identify the owner and ensure the pet is returned safely. They are small, rice-sized devices that are implanted beneath the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, but can move around. Are Cats Microchipped As Part Of TNR? Yes, community cats that are part of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs are typically microchipped before they are released back into the wild. Microchipping helps reunite community cats with their caregivers, reducing the risk of them being impounded or at risk. Additionally, microchipping helps identify stray cats and increases the chances of reuniting them with their owners. Microchipping ferals or strays helps to identify these cats so that they can be returned to their colony if they are ever recaptured. Conclusion Microchips for cats are important for pet safety and identification. They are safe, painless, and relatively affordable. Microchips provide peace of mind, knowing that your cat can find their way home if they escape. Microchipping can be done at a veterinary clinic, and it is crucial to update the microchip registration to increase the chances of reuniting with a lost pet. Ask your veterinarian about a pet microchip today!

How Much Does It Cost To Microchip A Cat? Read More »

How To Tell How Old A Cat Is

How To Tell How Old A Cat Is When it comes to how old a cat is, there are a few ways to tell. Kitten age is usually determined by size and weight. For older cats, signs of their age are also shown in their eyes, coat, feeding patterns, and activity levels. First, consider the size and weight of the cat. Kittens are typically small and weigh up to about 4 pounds. Adult cats typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. Next, take a look at the cat’s fur. Kittens typically have softer, fluffier fur, while adult cats have thicker, coarser fur. Activity level can also help you determine a cat’s age. Kittens are typically more active and playful than adult cats. Older cats tend to be less active and may sleep more often than younger cats. A kitten’s teeth can also give clues about their age. Kittens have small, needle-like teeth that are replaced by adult teeth as they grow. Adult cats typically have larger and more worn-down teeth. Finally, consider the cat’s eyes. A cat’s eyes will change over time, and younger kittens will have clearer eyes while older cats’ eyes become more cloudy. If you are still unsure how old the cat is, consider consulting your veterinarian. They will be able to give you a more experienced estimate based on the cat’s size, weight, fur, and eyes. How To Tell The Age Of A Kitten Getting a new kitten is an exciting and joyful experience. However, it’s important to know the age of your kitten in order to provide them with the right care and nutrition. Kittens grow at a rapid pace, so knowing their age can also help you anticipate their future needs as they develop into adult cats. Kittens should be nursing the mother cat until they are about 4 weeks old. After that, they can start to eat solid wet food and become more independent from their mother. Here are some key indicators that help determine a kitten’s age: Birth to 2 weeks (newborn kitten): At this age, newborn kittens are sometimes still blind and deaf. They are completely dependent on their mother for food and shelter. It’s important to provide a heating source because kittens at this age don’t maintain body temperature well. Here are some helpful tips if you find a stray kitten. 2 to 4 weeks: Kittens begin to open their eyes and ears around 2 weeks of age. Kittens start walking and moving around their habitat. 4 to 8 weeks: Kittens continue to grow and develop at this age. They have tiny teeth and begin to eat solid food, drink fresh water, use the litter box, play with toys, and engage with other kittens. An orphan kitten may need to be bottle-fed until this stage, when they gain weight. This is a critical period for kitten socialization to get them comfortable with humans and other cats. 8 to 12 weeks: Kittens begin confidently exploring and socializing further and should be fully weaned from their mother’s milk. Kittens’ eyes develop their permanent adult eye color at this age. 12 weeks and older: Kittens are more independent, curious, and playful at this stage. They also begin to lose their baby teeth and grow adult permanent teeth. At three months old, kittens can be separated from their mother for adoption. Cat Ages And Stages 6 months to 2 years: Cats reach sexual maturity at this age. They may start to spray or mark their territory around 1 year old. Cats are considered full-grown at 18 months of age. Between 6 and 9 months old is a good time to spay or neuter your cats. 2 to 7 years: Cats are considered to be an adult cat at this age. 7 years and older: Cats are considered elderly at this age. They may start to experience age-related health problems, such as arthritis or kidney disease. They may also sleep more and eat less. Elderly cats should begin to see more frequent veterinarian checkups to avoid health conditions. How To Tell The Age Of A Stray Or Feral Cat If you find a stray or feral cat, it can be difficult to tell how old it is. Stray and feral cats typically do not have access to regular veterinary care, so their age is often unknown. There are a few things you can look for to try to determine the age of a stray or feral cat. First, consider the size and weight of the cat. Stray and feral adult cats typically weigh between 7 and 12 pounds, but each cat breed is different. Next, take a look at the cat’s fur. Stray and feral cats typically have thicker, coarser fur. If the cat has very soft, fine fur, it’s more likely younger. Lastly, check out the cat’s eyes. If you can get close enough, the clearer the eyes, the younger they might be. Conclusion Knowing how old your cat is can help you provide the necessary care for your pet at different stages of its life. From knowing the right time to spay or neuter your kitten to how frequently your senior cat should see a veterinarian for regular checkups. By knowing how old your cat is and providing regular care, you can help your cat live a long and healthy life!

How To Tell How Old A Cat Is Read More »

How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Cat?

How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Cat? The cost of spaying or neutering a cat typically ranges from $50-$500, depending on where you have the procedure done. The price is often lower if you spay your cat at a shelter or humane society, ranging from $50 to $150, while a traditional veterinarian may charge between $300 and $500. On some occasions, there are a few other costs associated with spaying a cat, such as a vet check-up and blood work, or if complications arise during or after the surgery. Many humane societies or animal shelters offer free services or low-cost programs for community cats and stray cats. While there may be no cost to spay, the community cat programs may also require the cat to get an ear tip to show it’s a fixed outdoor cat. How Does A Spay Or Neuter Work For Cats If you go to a private veterinarian, then you usually do a few tests prior to the surgery. A blood test and physical exam will ensure the cat is healthy enough for the operation. Spaying is the surgical removal of a female animal’s reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the removal of a male animal’s testicles. Spaying and neutering are common surgical procedures that are performed on animals to sterilize them and prevent them from reproducing. Spaying or neutering your cat is almost always recommended. (source) The spay or neuter procedure for cats is typically performed under anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. The vet will make a small incision in the cat’s abdomen and remove the ovaries and uterus (in female cats) or the testicles (in male cats). The incision is then closed with stitches. Recovery from anesthesia typically takes about an hour. Post-Surgery Recovery For Spay Or Neuter Recovery for cats is typically pretty straightforward. Most cats will return to their normal selves within a day or two. It’s important to watch your cat and ensure they’re not licking or biting at their stitches. Contact your vet’s office if you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge around the incision site. Cones or surgical suits may be used to prevent licking of the incision site. Why You Should Spay And Neuter Your Cats There are many benefits to spaying or neutering a cat, especially for pet owners. When Can You Spay Or Neuter A Cat? Cats can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks old or weighing 2 pounds. However, many vets will say to wait until the cat is a few months old, up to a year when they can reach sexual maturity. If you wait too long, they may develop undesirable behaviors, such as urine marking or going into heat. The procedure is typically safe, and recovery is quick, but it’s important the kittens are strong and mature enough for the procedure. Check with a licensed veterinarian to see if they recommend spaying or neutering your cat at a specific age. Why You Might Consider Not Getting Your Cat Spayed Or Neutered There are some situations when you might choose to leave your cats intact, such as: If you are considering not spaying or neutering your cat, please consider all of the reasons why spaying or neutering is important. There are millions of homeless animals in shelters that would love to have a home, and spaying or neutering your cat can help reduce the number of homeless animals, even if you think you may have your cat forever. Why All Cats, Even Indoor Cats, Should Be Spayed Even if you never plan to let your cat outdoors, spaying or neutering is still important. That’s because any unsterilized cat, whether indoor or outdoor, can escape and get lost or end up in a shelter. Once outside, an unspayed cat is more likely to be hit by a car, contract diseases, or get into fights with other cats or animals. Intact indoor cats can also attract attention from intact outdoor feral cats, which might cause nuisance behavior like territory marking. Benefits Of Spaying Female Cats Spaying a female cat prevents unwanted pregnancy and reduces the risk of certain health issues, such as developing mammary cancer, breast cancer, and uterine infections. Spaying also helps reduce roaming, attraction from male cats, and territorial fighting behaviors. Benefits Of Neutering Male Cats Neutering a male cat prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of certain health problems, such as developing testicular cancer. Neutering also helps reduce roaming and fighting behaviors. In addition, neutered cats are less likely to mark their territory by urine spraying. How Will My Cat’s Behavior Change After Being Spayed? In general, fixing a cat will not change your cat’s personality. However, it may reduce roaming, howling, marking, and aggressive behaviors. There are generally no negative behavioral changes after removing reproductive organs. How To Get Your Cat Fixed For Free There are many ways to get your cat spayed or neutered for free or at a reduced cost. Check with your local animal shelter, humane society, or spay/neuter mobile clinics to see if they offer low-cost spay/neuter programs. You may also be able to find vouchers that can be used by participating veterinary clinics. While there may be no cost to spay at some of these clinics, community cat programs may also require the cat to get an ear tip to show it’s a fixed outdoor cat. Does Pet Insurance Cover Spay And Neutering Bills? Some pet insurance plans and policies will cover spay and neuter surgery, while others will not. Check with your pet insurance company to see if your policy covers spay/neuter surgery or other related procedures or tests. Conclusion Spaying or neutering your cat can have many benefits for both the cat and the community. It can help reduce aggressive behaviors, as well as the number of homeless animals in shelters. Spaying or neutering is also a quick and easy procedure that is safe for most cats. If you are considering not spaying or

How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Cat? Read More »