While we used to only have to worry about an influx of kittens during the spring and summer months, kitten season seems to be coming earlier and earlier every year. DAWS already has its first litter of kittens in foster care, and that means our Cat and Foster Programs are ramping up for what we are anticipating will be a very busy season. There are a number of theories about why we are seeing longer kitten seasons, but there are no clear answers to that question. Regardless of the reasons, DAWS, like many other shelters across the country, will do its best to care for the many mamas and kittens that will need our help this year.

Cats differ from dogs in that they do not have heat cycles at regular intervals throughout the year. Instead, cats come into heat seasonally, based on a number of factors. These conditions include the number of daylight hours, rising temperatures, the presence of other cats, and when other conditions are optimal. With at least 10 hours of daylight and other optimal conditions, a cat’s hormonal system is activated and the reproductive cycle is initiated. The mating season for cats in the Northern Hemisphere traditionally begins in March and extends through September, but this has been getting longer over the years.

Some experts have been investigating whether warmer temperatures across the globe are not only affecting glaciers and sea levels, but also the heat cycle of cats. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that rising temperatures may cause some small mammals to breed earlier. While many disagree that this theory applies to cats, stating that the heat cycle in cats is more closely related to the number of daylight hours to which a cat is exposed versus temperature, rising temperatures could create other conditions that may contribute to a longer mating season. For example, warmer temperatures may make prey animals (mice/rats) more available earlier in the year, giving cats a more reliable food source to support them in an extended mating season. And, warmer weather can increase kitten survival rate, lending to more kittens earlier in the year.

Whatever the underlying cause, an extended kitten season puts extra burden on shelters around the country, including DAWS. Here are some ways that you can help us during kitten season:

Become a Kitten Foster

Young animals, including kittens cannot be housed in our shelter because their immune systems are not fully developed, and they would be at risk for illness. That means we rely on foster families to open up their homes and care for kittens until they are ready for adoption. Being a foster parent is a rewarding experience, and helps save lives. Refer to information on our Foster Care page to learn how you can foster kittens.

Donate

With an influx of kittens, our need for kitten food, kitten milk, and litter increases exponentially. Your generous donation of these items, or donations of gift cards or money to purchase them, helps ensure these kittens are well cared for before they find homes.

Trap-Neuter-Return

Helping to control the number of unwanted litters starts with altering cats. You can help reduce the number of feral cats that give birth to litters of kittens by supporting our Trap-Neuter-Return program. Humanely trapping cats and bringing them in to DAWS or other local shelters to be altered is a great way to reduce the number of kittens born during kitten season.

As always, spaying/neutering your own animals is incredibly important to eliminating unplanned and unwanted litters of kittens. Make sure all of your pets are altered to avoid a mishap.

Ozzy is an adorable chap, indeed! Just look at his face. And with abounding energy and spunk, it’s hard to imagine why this handsome devil is still in our shelter.

While he may be eligible for his AARP card (Amazing Association for Retired Puppies), Ozzy is all about busting stereotypes. He enjoys going for walks with his friends and is thrilled to play fetch in the yard with anyone who wants to throw a ball (did you see his video on Facebook?). He’s an active “senior” who is ready to join in on whatever adventures you have in mind.

Ozzy is full of life and is ready to enrich yours for many years to come. Stop by and visit him and see what we mean. Then…adopt Ozzy!

Winnie the dog was selected by our intake coordinators to come to DAWS for another chance at a forever home. After making the long journey from Kentucky to Connecticut, it soon became clear that she was one lucky dog.

Winnie was surrendered by her owner to one of our partner shelters. She wasn’t a dog who was neglected; she didn’t suffer from behavioral issues that led to her surrender. Her owner simply no longer could or wanted to care for her. She was, in fact, a highly adoptable dog, and therefore a good candidate for transfer. Lucky for her, she was selected to come to DAWS.

When Winnie was seen by our Clinic staff after arriving at the shelter, they scanned her for a microchip. Low and behold, Winnie had one. Because we often don’t know all the details about how these dogs ended up in a shelter, the staff followed our standard procedure and called the number associated with Winnie’s chip. It turns out that Winnie had a dad back in Kentucky who was missing her terribly. He had adopted Winnie as a puppy, but when he and his wife divorced, he lost “custody” of her. Winnie was ultimately surrendered to the shelter without his knowledge.

Winnie’s dad was thrilled to know that Winnie was safe and very much wanted to be reunited with her. We quickly made arrangements for Winnie to travel back to Kentucky to be returned to the dad who loves her.

Love that was lost was once again found. What a happy ending!

Winnie the dog was selected by our intake coordinators to come to DAWS for another chance at a forever home. After making the long journey from Kentucky to Connecticut, it soon became clear that she was one lucky dog.

Winnie was surrendered by her owner to one of our partner shelters. She wasn’t a dog who was neglected; she didn’t suffer from behavioral issues that led to her surrender. Her owner simply no longer could or wanted to care for her. She was, in fact, a highly adoptable dog, and therefore a good candidate for transfer. Lucky for her, she was selected to come to DAWS.

When Winnie was seen by our Clinic staff after arriving at the shelter, they scanned her for a microchip. Low and behold, Winnie had one. Because we often don’t know all the details about how these dogs ended up in a shelter, the staff followed our standard procedure and called the number associated with Winnie’s chip. It turns out that Winnie had a dad back in Kentucky who was missing her terribly. He had adopted Winnie as a puppy, but when he and his wife divorced, he lost “custody” of her. Winnie was ultimately surrendered to the shelter without his knowledge.

Winnie’s dad was thrilled to know that Winnie was safe and very much wanted to be reunited with her. We quickly made arrangements for Winnie to travel back to Kentucky to be returned to the dad who loves her.

Love that was lost was once again found. What a happy ending!

When choosing to add a pet to the family, you may spend more time focusing on the joy and happiness you expect your new pet will bring. While pets can certainly deliver happiness and joy, they also come with a set of obligations that everyone should consider. February is Responsible Pet Ownership month, and it is a great time to be reminded about what it means to be a good pet parent. While there is no true definition of a responsible pet parent, these are a few widely accepted tips to help you create a happy, healthy life for your furry friends.

Commitment

When adopting your pet, you should commit to caring for him for his entire life. Pets depend on their human companions for their daily care throughout their entire lives. You should consider your ability to care for a pet for however long his lifespan may be. Certainly life hands us things we don’t expect, so you should also consider who may be able to care for your pet if circumstances prevent you from being able to do so yourself.

Much like in marriage, this commitment should also be thought of as one that lasts through good times and bad, in sickness and health. Our pets are not always perfect, and you should be willing to invest the time, effort and money to work through any behavioral or health challenges that might arise.

Food and Shelter

Providing your pet with the basic necessities of life should go without saying. Your pets will need continuous access to clean water, healthy and nutritious food, and shelter from the elements, preferably within the home. Cats and dogs will live healthier, happier, more rewarding lives when they are treated as full members of the family, living side-by-side with us in our homes.

Healthcare

Regular preventive care is key to helping your pet live a long and healthy life. It’s best to establish a relationship with a veterinarian to help keep you on track with regular check-ups and vaccinations. Your veterinarian can also guide you on how to address your pet’s hygiene and grooming needs, as well as tackling seasonal issues like fleas, ticks and worms. An established relationship with a vet can also be helpful as your pet ages. Most pet owners will have to face the decline of their pets’ health as they age. Your vet can help you keep your pet comfortable, pain free, and loved, and guide you in making decisions on end-of-life care.

Spay and Neuter

Animal overpopulation is a real issue in our country and all over the world. Responsible pet ownership includes preventing your pets from reproducing by getting them spayed or neutered. Until every homeless pet has a home, there is no reason for any companion animal to reproduce.

Training and Socialization

Behavioral issues are the number one reason why animals are surrendered to shelters, so training and socializing our pets helps make sharing our homes with them much easier. A dog who has been trained in basic obedience knows what behaviors are acceptable and what is expected of him.  This can help him be more cooperative, comfortable, and confident in the home environment. Cats who are trained to stay off certain surfaces and are trained where it is appropriate to scratch will be much easier to get along with in the home.

Exercise and Enrichment

Our pets need to stay in shape just like we do. Regular exercise is necessary to keep their muscles strong, their hearts healthy, and immune systems more resilient. Regular exercise also provides the mental stimulation that keeps pets happy. It is also important to pay attention to our pets’ emotional needs. Pets long for the attention of their human companions. One of the most inhumane things to do is to leave a cat to persistently meow outside at an unanswered door or to leave a dog chained to a tree in the yard.

Love

This may be the most important responsibility of all. Our pets are not possessions we own. They are companions who depend on us for their care. They need our love and devotion throughout their lives and should be welcomed into our homes as full members of the family. Our pets are in tune with us and live for our happiness. Responsible pet parents work hard to do the same for them.

Arthritis, an inflammation of the joint, is one of the most comment ailments of older dogs and cats, causing chronic pain and potentially affecting their quality of life. Over 90% of geriatric cats and one in five dogs over the age of seven are afflicted with the condition. The most common arthritis in dogs and cats is osteoarthritis, which occurs when a joint is unstable causing abnormal movement of the bones within it. This abnormal movement breaks down the cartilage lining joints, and over time the bones begin rubbing against one another, creating chronic inflammation and pain.

Recognizing the Signs

Some signs and symptoms of arthritis, like limping or favoring one or more legs, may be easily recognizable. Others are more subtle. You may notice that your pet no longer wants to do things she used to do. Your dog may have difficulty going up and down stairs, or your cat may no longer jump onto countertops or high perches. Your pet may tire more easily and spend more time sleeping. Pets in pain may spend more time licking, chewing, or biting an area and may become more irritable, potentially biting or snapping at you if you pet or handle them in a way that could cause pain. Cats may start urinating or defecating outside of the litter box because getting in and out of it is painful. Arthritic pets also often develop muscle atrophy due to inactivity and decreased use of the muscles.

Arthritis and Cold Weather

Scientific research on the effects of weather on arthritis is limited, but many people dealing with arthritis themselves agree that the changing season can cause additional stiffness and pain. This can occur this in pets as well.

Keeping your pet warm and comfortable during the winter months can help ease his discomfort. Create a warm, cozy, and comfortable place for him to rest, potentially in a spot slightly elevated off the floor. Remember, the air near the floor is much colder than a few feet above, and cold drafts are more easily felt closer to the floor. Special equipment, such as ramps can help pets go up onto higher furniture, giving them the ability to rest in a warm spot with fewer drafts. Sleeping on hard surfaces can make your pets feel achy and stiff. Give your pet a bed that is soft, supportive, and heated. There are a number of options for pet beds made of memory foam or with built-in heating pads, that can ease some of your pet’s pain.

Keeping your pet moving is also important to ease arthritis pain, but this often is challenging during the winter months. We often feel less inclined to get up and moving in the cold. Supporting our pets with arthritis means we must combat our own reluctance to stay active. Keep your cat moving by entertaining her with her favorite toys, like a laser pointer or wand toy. To ease potential pain from rolling around on a hard floor, put down some bedding in the area where she is playing to cushion her as she stalks and pounces. Make an effort to get out at least twice a day to walk the dog. Decreased activity means muscle atrophy will more likely increase, giving our dogs less strength to partake in activities that ultimately can help their arthritis improve. It may also be a good idea to give your dog a warm coat when venturing outside. While a lot of dogs do have thick hides to protect them from the cold, most dogs do require an additional layer of covering to feel warm.

Dogs need to go outside to relieve themselves, and this can be more difficult in the snow and ice. Posturing for these activities is a significant challenge senior pets face daily, and it is more challenging when ice and snow accumulate. Make it a point to clear ice and snow in driveways and around fences, and give your dog a clear path to navigate when going out side to do his business.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of arthritis in pets is essential to helping treat them. Taking a few additional steps to alleviate their discomfort in the winter months can go a long way to improving your pets quality of life and happiness.

For more information about pet arthritis and alleviating their pain in pets during the winter months, check out some of these resources:

PetMD

Pet Health Network

vetSTREET