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How to meet friends of felines in New York City

June 16, 2015 in Animals, Cats, New York City, pets 0

15197021552_dd9ee798faNew York City is filled to the brim with events and opportunities to meet like-minded individuals from any community. So, how do you go to find fellow feline aficionados? Here are a few ways to get started.

Join the NYC Cat Meetup

New York City is fortunate enough to have a Meetup group that is dedicated entirely to cat-lovers! In the past, this group has arranged outings to the Egyptian cat exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum as well as a trip to Meow Parlour, which is the first cat cafe to come to New York City. There have even been casting calls for Animal Planet documentaries.

Attend this year’s Broadway Barks

On Saturday, July 11, Broadway Barks returns to Shubert Alley for the 17th year in a row. Stars and celebrities come out to proclaim their love and support for both cats and dogs. The event and concerts are completely free, but the proceeds from raffles, silent auctions, and sales of signed memorabilia benefit local animal organizations. Previous years’ events have lead to the adoption of 200 shelter animals. Maybe it’s no wonder, since Tony-award winner Bebe Neuwirth strutted out on stage and declared herself a proud cat lady before introducing some of the adoptable cats one year.

Sit in on TNR Workshops and Events

Have you ever wanted to help a colony of feral cats in your neighborhood? The NYC Feral Cat Initiative, which is organized by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals, runs regular events and workshops throughout the year. You can satisfy your handy side by learning how to build feral cat shelters, or spend an adorable hour learning how to bottle-feed kittens. Chances are good that you’ll meet like-minded individuals that love to help cats as much as you do.

Volunteer with a shelter or rescue

Perhaps your home is feeling a little empty, but you’re not ready to adopt a cat of your own. If you become a pet foster parent, rescues will pair you with a loving kitty and plenty of pet supplies to take care of it. If you are unable to keep a cat in your home, you could volunteer at a shelter instead. Not only will you be helping cats in need, but you’ll become a part of a caring network of animal lovers.

Looking for more events, tips, and tidbits on everything feline in New York City? Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our blog.

—
Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.

“A girl with her cat” by Niels Kliim is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Pet food recall: Lamb Crunchy’s dog treats

May 28, 2014 in Dogs, Pet food recalls 0

Lamb Crunchy’s dog treats recallLamb Crunchy dog treats, by Pet Center, Inc., are being recalled due to salmonella contamination. New York is not included in the recall, but even so, we want to help get the word out.

From the FDA:

Pet Center, Inc of Los Angeles, CA. is voluntarily recalling its 3 oz bag of Lamb Crunchy’s dog treats (LAM-003) (UPC# 727348200038) with date code 122015 product of USA, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surface exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

This product was distributed to CA, WI, CO, and WA. to the following distributors; Gelson’s Market, General Pet, Nor-Sky Pet Supply, and Independent Pet.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Salmonella was detected by the State of Colorado, Department of Agriculture in a random sample.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-390-0575 Monday-Friday between 7:30am through 4pm PST.

Visit the FDA website for more information.

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In March, New Yorkers can adopt for free at Bideawee

March 17, 2014 in New York City, NYC Pets 0

Bideawee animal shelter, New YorkMarch is a great time to adopt a new friend into the family. But March is definitely the time for New York cat and dog lovers to get Lucky –  literally! In honor of the Irish, the folks at Bideawee are naming all of their puppies and kittens “Lucky” and letting them go to a new home without a fee.

From Bideawee:
Getting Lucky means something different to everyone. To Bideawee and animal lovers everywhere, it means long walks in the park, lots of kisses in the morning and a warm snuggle when you get home.

In March, we’ve made getting Lucky as easy as possible by changing the names of all our loving dogs and cats that are 6 months and older to “Lucky.” And as luck would have it, Bideawee is letting pet lovers make Lucky a part of their family for free.

Your luck will run out on March 31st, so be sure to visit one of our adoption center locations in Manhattan or Westhamton to adopt your lucky one this month.

Of course, you’re also free to choose your own name once you adopt one of these Lucky ones. Once you bring them home…we consider you both Lucky.

Visit Bideawee online for more info or go there in person to get your Lucky little friend!

And, of course, after you bring your new buddy home, you’ll want a pet sitter in your corner. So give us a call and one of our pet sitters will come meet you and the new lucky love in your life.

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The newest NYPD canine is an ex-military dog

February 27, 2014 in Dogs, New York City 0

NYPD canine police officerThe newest dog to join the ranks of the NYPD canine unit is a former military dog.

From

The New York Police Department is welcoming a newcomer that’s the first of his kind for the nation’s largest police department: a former military service dog.

The 4-year-old German shepherd named Caeser served three tours of duty overseas. Now he’ll be patrolling the New York City subways with Officer Juan Rodriguez.

The Defense Department has long made some of its retired dogs available to law enforcement agencies, but the NYPD hasn’t had one before. The arrangement saves the police force the $6,000 to $8,000 cost of training an inexperienced dog.

Read more here.

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NYC dog walkers urged to be careful of metal surfaces

February 24, 2014 in Dogs, NYC Pets 0

Dogs electrocuted in New York City due to melting snow, ice, and metal surfacesDog owners in New York City are being urged to be careful when walking their dogs. As the ice melts, the snow and water come in contact with metal surfaces, which can electrocution. The New York Daily News reports that a number of dogs and people have been electrocuted so far.

A group of concerned dog owners has issued an emergency alert warning pet owners in all five boroughs to be careful of stray voltage while walking the sidewalks.

The New York Council of Dog Owner Groups said the melting snow mixed with salt is a potentially dangerous combination for pets, who can get shocked while walking over Con Ed manhole covers and grates.

“NYCdog urges all pet owners to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings,” said the alert, which was posted to the group’s Facebook page Wednesday night.

The group advised dog walkers to avoid manhole covers, sewer caps, metal gratings and Con Edison repair sites, as well as all overhead scaffolding at construction sites.

This is just one more reason why we’re all so ready for warmer weather to get here. With any luck, spring is just around the corner. But, as long as there is melting snow NYC dog owners and dog walkers need to be careful where we are walking.

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iCPooch lets pet owners video chat with their pets

February 18, 2014 in Dogs, Pet products 0

iCPooch interactive pet appA fourteen year old girl is the brains behind a clever new app that will let pet owners interact with their pets via a mobile device.

From Mobile Marketing Watch:

Last year the remote treat dispenser PetziConnect introduced the idea of providing treats to your dog while you are at the office, or on vacation, as well as giving you the ability to talk to your pet through a device mounted to the wall. However, a new invention called the iCPooch created by 14 year old Brooke Martin takes this idea one step further.

iCPooch is a remote treat dispenser that allows pet owners to communicate with their pets via FaceTime from a smartphone connected to a treat dispenser that sits on the ground. Brooke came up with this idea when her dog was suffering from separation anxiety. The device allows your pet to see your face and hear your voice on FaceTime, then you can dispense a treat remotely so your pet knows you are thinking of them.

Read more here, or visit the iCPooch website for more information.

Would you use the iCPooch app to interact with your pet?

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February is Pet Dental Health Month

February 10, 2014 in Cats, Dogs, Pet health 0

February is pet dental health monthWhen is the last time you took a good look at your pet’s teeth? More importantly when is the last time your veterinarian took a look in your pet’s teeth? It’s not just about whether or not your cat or dog’s pearly whites are actually pearly white. Dental health is important to your pet’s overall health. Besides being unsightly and painful, infections can spread to the heart, kidneys, and other organs, and in some cases, can become life threatening.

It’s best to have your pet’s teeth examined before there are any signs of problems. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) here are some signs that may indicate pet dental health problems:

If you notice any of the symptoms below, take your pet into your veterinarian immediately:

  • Red swollen gums and brownish teeth.
  • Bad breath—Most pets have breath that is less than fresh, but if it becomes truly repugnant, similar to the smell of a rotten egg, it’s a sign that periodontal disease has already started.
  • Bleeding from the mouth.
  • requent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth.
  • Reluctance to eat hard foods—for example, picking it up and then spitting it out.

Since February is Pet Dental Health month it’s a great time to have your veterinarian take a look at your pet’s teeth. If there is a problem he or she can hopefully take care of it. If not, your veterinarian can give you advice on how to keep your pet’s teeth in tip top shape!

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NYC Dog Boarding – Jane

January 26, 2014 in NYC dog boarding, NYC pet sitters 0

dogHello, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Jane, and I am one of the host families (all bonded and insured) working with Peter Lindenbaum, President of Katie’s Kitty and have been happily connected with the team since 2009.

Having been a former dog owner and proud parent to a Golden Retriever for 12 years in Westport, Ct and after that, a Rottweiler for 8 years, I am delighted to say that I’m now a proud grandmother to 3 Rottweilers who live up in Nantucket, Ma with my daughter.

I have known dogs all my life having grown up with two Cocker Spaniels who lived out their lives up into their teens.

Having cared for many dogs of friends of mine and having boarded dogs whose owners have wisely connected with Katie’s Kitty,  I have dedicated my time to giving loving care to the dog being boarded and treating him/her as though the dog were my own.

I live conveniently on the upper East Side in a 1,000 sq. ft  one bedroom apt. so there is ample roaming room for your dog during his/her stay.

Since I am retired and at home quite a bit, your dog is guaranteed to have my undivided attention, which is backed up by being the only dog in my care.  We take walks four times a day unless otherwise instructed.  There is a wonderful park nearby and we can take some of our walks there if the dog’s owner says is it’s fine to do so.

Important to remember, boarding your dog with me insures you that your dog will be treated as though he/she were my own dog, thus, affording you domestic or international travel – without a worry.

I have excellent references from domestic and international travelers with regard to their complete satisfaction after boarding their dog with me which can be provided upon request.

You will receive emails every day, keeping you posted on your dog’s daily activities, unless instructed otherwise.

Please, do ask for Jane with regard to boarding when you are considering the best in quality care for your dog and peace of mind for yourself.

For New York City dog boarding, contact us today to set up a time to meet Jane!
Image courtesy of James Barker / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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What New York dog owners need to know about canine circovirus

October 3, 2013 in Dogs, Pet health 0

canine circovirusThere has been a lot of talk recently about a fairly new virus called circovirus. Although it is not widespread, dog owners should be aware of it.

From Speaking for Spot:

Some angst is brewing amongst dog lovers because of a newly discovered infectious agent called canine circovirus. This angst is justified as circovirus is suspected to be the cause of recent severe illness and even death in some dogs.

[…]

What is circovirus?

Circovirus have been around for a long time, but documentation of this microorganism in dogs is new. Pig farmers are all too familiar with circovirus which causes poor growth, a “wasting away” syndrome, and death in piglets. Circovirus can also cause disease in a variety of bird species.

While the circovirus found in dogs resembles pig circovirus, they are not identical. This canine version was first discovered in June, 2012. At that time it was not determined to be a cause of disease, simply an incidental finding in healthy dogs.

In April, 2013 circovirus was first reported as a possible cause of illness in dogs by researchers in California. Most recently, circovirus was found in the feces of a number of sick dogs in Ohio. These dogs had severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. Some of these dogs passed away in spite of aggressive therapy.

Although circovirus has been isolated from apparently healthy dogs, the consensus now is that this virus is very likely a “player” in the severe gastrointestinal illnesses reported in California and Ohio. Whether the symptoms these dogs exhibited were due solely to the circovirus or the virus acting in conjunction with another microorganism is unknown.

For more information, visit Speaking for Spot.

While New York dog owners need to be aware of this new virus, veterinarians at the Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York don’t think New Yorkers need to be overly concerned at this point. However, all dog owners should stay educated about the virus, and get their dog to a veterinarian if they become ill.

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Prepare your pets & home for your pet sitter

July 26, 2010 in pet sitting 0

Before going out of town and leaving your pet in your pet sitter’s care, you’ll want to do a few things around your home to make sure everything is in order. Here are a few suggestions from PetsitUSA on how to ready your home, and your pet, for your time away.

Preparations for your pet

  • Ensure that there will be enough food, treats, kitty litter, etc. for the time you will be away.
  • Let your pet sitter know where your dog’s leash is kept.
  • If you have a carrier for your pet, let your pet sitter know where it is kept.
  • If your pet is on medication, notify your pet sitter ahead of time. Leave detailed instructions on its use, even if you tell your pet sitter verbally how it’s administered.
  • Put ID tags on each of your pets.
  • Provide outdoor pets with plenty of water, shelter, and a secure enclosure.
  • Leave toys for your pet to play with while you’re away.

Preparations for your home

  • Inform your pet sitter of anything that may be out of the ordinary (sinks that don’t drain properly, toilet that overflows, etc.).
  • Show your pet sitter where the thermostat is and how to operate it. Be sure to leave it set at a comfortable temperature for your pets while you’re gone.
  • If anyone will be in your home during your absence, let your pet sitter know. Because of safety concerns, many pet sitters will not enter a house if they see someone there. Also, be aware that many pet sitting businesses will not accept jobs if they are requested to share pet care responsibilities with others, or if someone else will be in the home while they are caring for your pets.

You’ll find the full article, Prepare Your Home and Pet for Your Pet Sitter, on PetsitUSA.

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