One of the heartbreaks of shelter work is watching an owner surrendering a loved cat.  Here are the main reasons why people choose to surrender their pets, and some ideas to try that may help you keep your companion with you. WE’RE MOVING (AND CAN’T TAKE THE CAT WITH US) This is the number one reason given for pet surrender in many shelters.  True, it is more difficult to find rental properties which accept pets, but, except for forcible eviction, most moving situations are not immediate, leaving plenty of time to find a pet-friendly alternative.  If you need extra time, see if a family member or friend will take your cat in as a temporary foster until you can find what you need.  Be considerate, though, set a time limit and communicate that limit to your friend.  Also, make sure your foster does not incur expenses to take care of your pet.  You should provide all food, toys, treats, and any necessary veterinary care. Should that not work, and if finances allow, see if you can board your feline for a…

WHAT SHOULD I NAME MY CAT?   It's time for a list of the best cat names.  Why?  Because it’s kitten season, which means lots of litters coming into shelters. And all those litters need names. Mom cat also needs a name.  And, when you adopt one of these furry bundles of activity, you might not like the name the shelter gave them.  Need some ideas for a name for your new pet?  Keep reading! Recent scientific research shows that cats do recognize their names, even when similar sounding words are used. That they don’t necessarily respond, except by a slight tilt of the head or tail swishing, has more to do with attitude than capability. Pet names, like children’s names, are heavily influenced by popular culture. I have included some of these under the TV/MOVIES category. If you want your cat’s name to be unique (or at least unusual), you’ll have to move beyond the popular names. Your feline friend is not a child – no need to abide by the “normal” names. Do some brainstorming. In this post you’ll…