hart cat adoption packet - storage.googleapis.com...hart cat adoption packet 2 from hart team,...

HART CAT ADOPTION PACKET

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HART RESCUE

CAT ADOPTION PACKET

HART - Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team 901 W Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942

Website: hartshelter.org Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 217-283-0779


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From HART Team,

Congratulations on your approval of adopting a rescue cat! In this packet, we have compiled information regarding your pet health, safety and overall well being. Take the necessary time to learn about the various ways you can take care of your cat – especially if this is you are a first time adopter! We wish you a long life with your new furry friend!

HART is always here to help! Our volunteers are a phone call (217) 283-0779 or email [email protected] away for whatever your needs are. You can also reach us on Facebook Page Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team and send us a private message. We try to respond as soon as we can.

HART team members appreciate feedback and updated photos of your pet at his new home! We thrive on updates – updates on our pets in their new homes is what keeps us going to save the next animal in need. If you have a good experience adopting from HART please share your story and give a rating on our Facebook page. Also, please invite your friends to “LIKE” our page to help more pets find their forever homes too!

If for any reason the new adoption doesn't work out the pet must come back to HART shelter – no questions asked!

REMEMBER, the first weeks with your new pet are the toughest on both of you. Your new cat will be confused about where she is and what to expect from you. We hope that the information in this packet will help you ease into the transition for you and your new best friend!

Also, be sure to start out with the food that we at the shelter feed the cat so that you can provide the same in the beginning, again to ease the transition. After the pet has settled in, talk with your veterinarian about switching to the food of your choice. We always recommend using grain-free dry cat food. Right now we feed our cat Purina indoor Chow mixed with other donated dry foods. In this packet, we offer recommendations for healthy food choices for your cat in the following page. We use non clumping pellets litter. You can use non-clumping litter for your needs. We recommend using unscented litter, and avoiding lightweight litter for the wellbeing for the cat.


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Checklist for New Adopters Before you bring your cat home

Congratulations on adopting a pet! You are embarking on a wonderful and rewarding relationship. Because adopting a new pet comes with a lot of change for both pet and pet parent, we’ve compiled a checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Shopping Checklist:

It may be a good idea to wait until you select your new pet before you begin shopping for supplies. For example, some items, such as food and water bowls or collars and harnesses, depend upon the size of the pet you will be adopting.

Also, be sure to start out with the food that we at the shelter feed the cat so that you can provide the same in the beginning, again to ease the transition. After the pet has settled in, talk with your veterinarian about switching to the food of your choice. We always recommend using grain-free dry cat food. Right now we feed our cat Purina indoor Chow mixed with other donated dry foods. In this packet, we offer recommendations for healthy food choices for your cat in the following page.

Once you’ve selected your pet, here’s a checklist of supplies you may need:

Necessary Items for Cats:

When you plan your visit to the shelter to pick up your new cat, you will need to bring: A clean hard plastic carrier with a clean blanket/towel inside it; Your Identification; Adoption fee is either in cash or check or you can make the donation online via hartshelter.org (PayPal, Debit, or Credit Card work).

£ Food and water preferably glass bowls and Food (canned and/or dry)

£ Cat Water fountain – keeps water fresh and encourages cats to drink more

£ Collar £ Litter box and scooper £ Kitty litter £ ID tag with your phone number £ Hard Plastic Carrier £ Nail clippers £ Feline toothbrush and toothpaste

£ Super-absorbent paper towels £ Sponge and scrub brush £ Non-toxic cleanser £ Enzymatic odor neutralizer £ Cat bed £ Variety of toys (toys including

catnip are a favorite) £ Variety of treats (such as small

cookies, larger rawhides, etc.) £ First-aid supplies £ Brush or comb (depends on your

pet’s coat length and type)


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Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors It's cold outside. Help your kitty discover the Great Indoors

It's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. It also keeps local wildlife safe! With the cold weather upon us, here are some tips for making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs.

• Tip #1 Start 'em young Kittens who are kept indoors are usually happy to stay there as they grow up. Tip #2 Good fences = happy kitties Provide a screened porch for your cat to experience the outdoors safely. Consider building or purchasing a "catio" or similar enclosure to allow your cat to get a taste of the outside without the risks. A regular fence may not prevent other animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside in your yard. Be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that your fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals and other dangerous objects inaccessible. Tip #3 Hang out Install a perch indoors near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased at many pet supply stores, through catalog retailers or at our online store. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can hang out. Larger perches can attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. Tip #4 Tree's company Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A cat tree can be short, or may stretch from floor to ceiling. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space. If you can, locate the cat tree next to a window so your cat can watch the action outdoors.


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Tip #5 Play time Play with your cat each day. Try different types of toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce and kick. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm them (such as toys with strings attached) out of reach. When you can't be there to supervise, leave out "toys" such as paper bags (with the handles removed) or cardboard boxes. Be sure to switch the toys from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat. Tip #6 Bring the outdoors in Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze. Tip #7 Clean house Cats can be neat freaks, so clean the litter box regularly. Research tips for preventing and solving litter box problems. Tip #8 ID, please Even indoor cats should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat. And your cat may become frightened and make their way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. Tip #9 Chip in for safety HART cats are microchipped and registered with your name and address. This keeps your contact information with the microchip registry up to date. If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report. Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_happy_indoors.html


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Tips for the First 30 Days of Cat Adoption Before You Bring Your Cat Home: • Cats are territorial, and coming into a new home leaves

them feeling really uneasy. There’s all that unexplored space, and who knows what may lurk there. Do the cat a favor and provide a small area to call his own for the first few days or weeks. A bathroom or laundry room works well. Furnish the room with cat amenities, such as food, water and a litter box. You’ll want to spend time with your cat, so make sure there’s a comfortable place for you to sit as well.

• Fill a litter box with one or two inches of litter and place it in his room where he can use it undisturbed. After all, everyone deserves a modicum of privacy when pottying, and giving him that will help forestall litter box aversion. Set up a feeding station with food and water bowls. Locate it away from the litter box.

• Cats love to get away from it all in small places, and you can provide one for your new cat as

his own little safe haven. If he came home in a cat carrier, that might be a good choice. You can also make one by cutting a doorway for her in the end of a box. If you prefer, you can buy a covered cat bed at a pet supply store. In either case, make sure the space is big enough for the cat to stand up and turn around in.

• A cat’s claws need to be worn down, and they do this by scratching on things. Since you prefer that it not be your chairs and sofa, provide your cat with a socially acceptable scratching place. Some types are made of corrugated cardboard and lie on the floor; others are posts which have to be tall enough so that the cat can extend himself upward to scratch. You can encourage your cat (once he has arrived) to use the post by sprinkling it with catnip or dangling a toy at the top. He’ll get the idea. You’ll probably want a scratching post in each room where there is soft furniture, perhaps blocking access to it. You can also install sticky tape (available at pet supply stores) to corners of upholstered furniture to dissuade scratching.

• Look at your house with a curious cat’s eye view for its

climbing and exploring potential. When your cat is acclimated to your home, you may be surprised to find him on top of the upper kitchen cabinets, so make sure there’s nothing on display there or on other high shelves that can be damaged or knocked off.

• Look for holes or registers that leave ductwork accessible and cover them up. A kitten can easily slither into one of these. You won’t want firemen in the house, jackhammering the concrete floor to extract your cat.


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• If possible, buy a cat tree for your new family member. Cats like to survey their territory, so a high perch is often a favored resting place.

• If there are other human family members, go over the ground rules about your new pet. Remind them not to startle him and to keep the door to his room shut.

First Day: • Now, you are ready for your cat’s homecoming. Preferably, bring her home in a cat carrier. It

will feel safer to her. She has seen a lot of excitement, so take her directly to her new room. (Make sure the toilet lid is down, if she’s to acclimate in your bathroom.) Ideally, you would restrict her exposure to the whole family, but naturally, everyone is going to want to see her. Remind them of the ground rules you’ve set up.

• Sit on the floor and let her come to you. Don’t force her. Just let her get acquainted on her own time. If she doesn’t approach, leave her alone and try again later. Some cats are particularly frightened, and she may retreat to her hidey hole and not come out when you’re around at all. She may only come out at night when the house is quiet. Give her time.

• Your newly adopted cat may not eat much or at all at first. It’s best to give your cat the same food she had at the shelter or in her foster home, at least at first. Keeping some things familiar will make her feel more secure. Be sure to change her water frequently and make sure that she is drinking. If your cat hasn’t eaten for a few days, call your vet to ask for advice.

Following Weeks:

It may take your cat a week or two to adjust. Be patient. • Within a week of being adopted, take your newly adopted cat for her first wellness visit with a

veterinarian. If you have a record of immunizations from the shelter, take it with you. Don’t have a vet? Ask at the shelter for vet recommendations.

• As your cat adjusts, she’ll show signs that she wants to explore outside

her safe haven. Make sure other pets or family members won’t startle her while she gradually expands her territory. She may be ready to play, so you can furnish some toys. Many cats like feather wands from the pet supply store, but homemade toys are often favored. A wad of a tissue paper to bat around or a paper bag to hide in can be fun.

Congratulations! If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a well-adjusted feline family member.

Source: https://www.petfinder.com/cats/bringing-a-cat-home/tips-for-first-30-days-cat/


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Declawing cats: Far Worse than a Manicure!

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS AGAINST HART POLICIES FOR ANY ADOPTER TO

DECLAW OUR CATS OR KITTENS. When you adopt a cat from HART, please make sure you understand this policy and agree not to declaw your new cat or kitten EVER!

People often mistakenly believe that declawing their cats is a harmless "quick fix" for unwanted scratching. They don't realize that declawing can make a cat less likely to use the litter box or more likely to bite! Declawing also can cause lasting physical problems for your cat.

Many countries have banned declawing. The Humane Society of the United States opposes declawing except for the rare cases when it is necessary for medical purposes, such as the removal of cancerous nail bed tumors.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND SCRATCHING Scratching is normal cat behavior. It isn't done to destroy a favorite chair or to get even. Cats scratch to remove the dead husks from their claws, mark territory, and stretch their muscles. Cats are usually about 8 weeks old when they begin scratching. That's the ideal time to train kittens to use a scratching post and allow nail trims. Pet caregivers should not consider declawing a routine prevention for unwanted scratching. Declawing can actually lead to an entirely different set of behavior problems that may be worse than shredding the couch. WHAT IS DECLAWING? Too often, people think that declawing is a simple surgery that removes a cat's nails—the equivalent of having your fingernails trimmed. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe.

It is an unnecessary surgery that provides no medical benefit to the cat. Educated pet parents can easily train their cats to use their claws in a manner that allows everyone in the household to live together happily.


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SOME NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DECLAWING. Medical drawbacks to declawing include pain in the paw, infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death), lameness, and back pain. Removing claws changes the way a cat's foot meets the ground and can cause pain similar to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. There can also be a regrowth of improperly removed claws, nerve damage, and bone spurs. For several days after surgery, shredded newspaper is typically used in the litter box to prevent litter from irritating declawed feet. This unfamiliar litter substitute, accompanied by pain when scratching in the box, may lead cats to stop using the litter box. Some cats may become biters because they no longer have their claws for defense. TIPS FOR STOPPING UNWANTED SCRATCHING. If you are worried about your cat damaging your home, or want to avoid unwanted scratching, start with these tips: • Keep their claws trimmed to minimize damage to household items.

• Provide stable scratching posts and boards around your home. Offer different materials like carpet, sisal, wood, and cardboard, as well as different styles (vertical and horizontal). Use toys and catnip to entice your cat to use the posts and boards.

• Ask your veterinarian about soft plastic caps (like Soft Paws®) that are glued to the cat's nails. They need to be replaced about every six weeks.

• Attach a special tape (like Sticky Paws®) to furniture to deter your cat from unwanted

scratching. Sticky Paws on Amazon.com » Nail Caps on Amazon.com »

DON'T SUBJECT YOUR CAT TO UNNECESSARY PROCEDURES. Declawing and tendonectomies should be reserved only for those rare cases in which a cat has a medical problem that would warrant such surgery, such as the need to remove cancerous nail bed tumors. Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/declawing.html


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Learn about Healthy choices for your pets The brand you feed is the most important decision you can make as a pet parent. Because your pets eat the same food every day, it’s the primary source of nutrition. According to most recent research (https://www.petful.com/brands/lifes-abundance/), Life's Abundance has never been recalled.

Life's Abundance...Enriching Life One Product at a Time® Health is more than just eating right and exercising – it’s about cultivating the right attitude and making a commitment to feel better… to be better. At Life's Abundance, we understand commitment. We’re pledged to providing the best possible products for our customers, to help them live longer, healthier and happier lives. We provide an array of superior quality, safe and effective products that are inspired by nature, informed by science and born of a commitment to improving the health of people, pets and the planet. Welcome to Life's Abundance… we’re paving new roads to wellness, every day.

Learn more and shop for your pet at https://www.lifesabundance.com/Home.aspx?realname=40056643&cat=0&hdr=&Ath=False


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PetSmart Adoption Kit

Your adoption packet includes a PetsMart adoption kit that features what you'll need for your newly adopted pet with a lot of savings. It includes: · A free bag of food from exclusive brands · A free can of food from exclusive brands · Over $475 in coupon savings · New Pet Checklist Participating Food Brands: · Authority · Good Natured · Simply Nourish · Dentley's Coupons in the packet from PetsMart includes:

£ FREE bag of your pet's favorite food £ $5 on any Simply Nourish dry cat food £ $5 on any Authority dry cat food £ $5 on any Good Natured dry cat food £ $2 on any two Whisker City cat bowls £ 1 FREE can of any Simply Nourish cat food £ 1 FREE can of any Authority cat food £ 1 FREE can of any Good Natured cat food £ $2 on any Simply Nourish cat treats £ $2 on any Authority cat treats £ 50% on ExquisiCat Grreat Choice cat litter £ $2 on any Whisker City hooded pan £ $3 on any Grreat Choice plastic carrier £ 50% on carrier mat w Petmate carrier £ $3 on any Sentry calming product or cats £ $1 on any Jackson Galaxy cat toys £ $2 on any Whisker City cat bed £ $1 on any Whisker City food storage item £ $1 on any brush £ $1 on any shampoo or wipe £ $1 on any PetSafe Come with me Kitty £ $1 on any Whisker City collar £ $5 on any Simply Nourish dry dog food £ $5 on any Authority dry dog food £ $5 on any Good Natured dry dog food £ $2 on any Dentley's chew treats or natural

chews $5 on 6 months of heartworm prevention

£ 1 FREE can of any Simply Nourish dog food £ 1 FREE can of any Authority dog food £ 1 FREE can of any Good Natured dog food £ $2 on any Simply Nourish dog treats £ $2 on any Authority dog treats £ $5 on any Top Paw dog bed £ 50% on any KONG crate mat (with any crate

purchase) £ $4 on any two Top Paw bowls £ $2 on any Top Paw or Grreat Choice dog toy £ $10 on any Pawsitively Clean by Bissell

carpet-cleaning machine rental £ $2 on any 50 count dog training pads £ $1 on any Grreat Choice stain&odor product £ $2 on any shampoo, spray or wipe £ $2 on any brush £ $7 on any Top Paw wire crate £ $5 on any Top Paw soft-sided carrier £ $2 on any GNC Pets Vitamin or Supplement £ $2 on any KONG harness £ $1 on any Top Paw collar, leash & harness £ $1 on any Top Paw food storage item £ $1 on any Tagworks tag £ FREE half hour private training session with

PetSmart accredited pet trainer £ FREE Doggie Day Camp session for new

campers only £ FREE overnight stay in PetSmart PetsHotel £ 50% on puppy or dog bath or full groom £ 50% on kitten or cat bath or full groom £ FREE exam & consultation at Banfield Pet

Hospital


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Illinois law makes it illegal for pet owners to leave pets in extreme hot or cold conditions.

Source: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=88&GA=99&DocTypeId=SB&DocNum=125&GAID=13&LegID=&SpecSess=&Session=

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Humane Care for Animals Act is amended by changing Section

3.01 as follows:

(510 ILCS 70/3.01) (from Ch. 8, par. 703.01)

Sec. 3.01. Cruel treatment. No person or owner may beat, cruelly treat,

torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal.

No owner may abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may

suffer injury, hunger or exposure.

No owner of a dog or cat that is a companion animal may expose the dog or

cat in a manner that places the dog or cat in a life-threatening situation

for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat or cold conditions that

results in injury to or death of the animal.

A person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a Class A

misdemeanor. A second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this

Section is a Class 4 felony. In addition to any other penalty provided by

law, upon conviction for violating this Section, the court may order the

convicted person to undergo a psychological or psychiatric evaluation and

to undergo any treatment at the convicted person's expense that

the court determines to be appropriate after due consideration

of the evidence. If the convicted person is a juvenile or a companion

animal hoarder, the court must order the convicted

person to undergo a psychological or psychiatric evaluation and

to undergo treatment that the court determines to be appropriate

after due consideration of the evaluation.(Source: P.A. 92-650, eff.

7-11-02.)


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HART; Who Are We? HART (Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team) is a registered 501 c 3 (NFP) Gifts are Tax Deductible No Kill, Open Admissions, Volunteer, Animal Rescue. W believe that Every Pet Matters-No Pet Should Suffer. HART provides an open door shelter as a no kill safe environment for lost, unwanted, abused, sick and injured animals. HART ensures that those animals receive love and medically necessary care to enjoy quality of life and to find FURever homes by way of adoption. HART's Community Projects include but are not limited to:

1. Low cost, wellness, spay neuter programs 2. TNR -Trap Neuter Return for free roaming cats 3. Emergency vet care for resident pets 4. Transportation for resident pets 5. Houses Pets in times of domestic violence, HART even treats those pets for any

medical conditions and returns them when it's safe. 6. Free pet food for residents having a difficult time 7. Offers free boarding for outdoor pets during extreme weather, and in

emergencies, including when people are rushed unexpectedly to the hospital 8. Dog houses and dog crates are collected and distributed to residents to help keep

their pets safe, with encouragement on bringing pets inside 9. Offers pet care education - Teaches classes at DACC and other locations 10. Assistance with wildlife, livestock and other animals 11. Animal rescue missions both local and non local 12. Serves as emergency housing during disasters 13. Serves as animal control to house all area strays 14. HART's team is on call 24/7

HART opened its doors as a shelter and evolved into a rescue team in 2013. Since then

HART has made huge strides in the community, concerning animal welfare. HART has helped thousands of stray and owned animals with medical care, housing and finding shelter pets permanent homes. The shelter continues to grow for the good of the community. HART recently purchased 6 acres of land in Hoopeston to erect a larger shelter facility. HART's goals are to expand to better accommodate the animals and the community it serves. We rely on volunteers, fundraising and donations for food and to get the medical attention our animals deserve.

For any inquiries please visit our website at hartshelter.org; email us at

[email protected] or give us a call (217) 283-0779.


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Drop off locations: PetsMart, 2017 N Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL OR HART Shelter, 901 W Main St., Hoopeston, IL WHAT WE ALWAYS NEED! Vetoquinol Nutri Cal Paste Purina Kitten & Cat Chow

Purina Cat Chow Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

Purina Fancy Feast Seafood/Poultry/Gravy/Classic Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack

Purina Friskies Savory Shreds Adult Wet Cat Food Variety Pack

Cat litter PELLETS ONLY

Cat toys (balls, teasers, wands, with catnip, scratch posts, etc.)

SMALL Quilted Fleece Pet Bed – FOR CATS

Grain free dog and puppy dry food (any brand)

Dog and puppy dry food (any brand)

Dog toys (Kongs Extreme extra extra large AND Large Nylabones)

Lots and lots of original peanut butter (no sugar free, no artificial sweetener no palm oil)

HART PET WISHLIST

Can you help HART homeless pets?

hartshelter.org 217-283-0779

[email protected]

hart cat adoption packet - storage.googleapis.com...hart cat adoption packet 2 from hart team,...

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