Pet Lovers Guide to Loveland

/1 Comment/in , /by

Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Loveland? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Loveland Pet Sitter

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

Download our printable checklist on Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to help in your search.

To learn more about our pet sitters take a look at our About Us page. To learn about our services, visit our Services page.

If you have a pet sitter and want to make sure you are prepared for your trip, download our Preparing for Your Pet Sitter Checklist.

 

Loveland Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dog who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores around Loveland

Loveland is extremely animal friendly, and thus there are a variety of pet supply stores to choose from. We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Loveland Animal Rescues

As such an animal friendly city, Loveland has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Loveland Veterinarians

With Loveland being so CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you can make a huge difference in the life of you and your pets.

Here is a list of veterinarians that we have worked with personally and loved:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Loveland, Colorado

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Loveland Emergency Veterinarians

 

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

Here are emergency veterinary clinics and their locations:

To see the list with all of the Fort Collins emergency vet clinics, as well as signs of a pet emergency, read our recent article Fort Collins Emergency Vet Clinics.

 

Loveland Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay, or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

We have collected 3 trainers that use positive reinforcement training:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Loveland Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Loveland to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Loveland and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Loveland Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers that our clients have loved:

If you would like to get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Loveland

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Loveland:

To learn more about the costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Loveland Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of catteries in Loveland:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at the advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Loveland

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Loveland:

To read more about these dog boarding kennels, take a look at our recent article Top 5 Places to Board Your Dog in Loveland.

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Loveland Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

If it sounds like your pup would love daycare, we have collected a list of dog daycares in Loveland:

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Loveland

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Loveland we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Loveland:

If you would like to learn more about these locations, take a look at 4 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Loveland.

 

Loveland Dog Parks

In Loveland, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a favorite activity.

Here in Loveland, we have 2 dogs parks:

 

Loveland Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular hobbies in Colorado, for good reason. The trails are beautiful all year round and there are many where you can bring your furry friend with you.

4 of our favorite Loveland trails are:

  1. The Foothills Trail
  2. The Summit Adventure Trail
  3. Cathy Fromme Prairie
  4. Arthurs Rock Trail

To see all the details about these trails, read our recent article Best Loveland Dog Trails.

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Loveland? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!

Pet Lovers Guide to Fort Collins

/1 Comment/in , /by

Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Fort Collins? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Fort Collins Pet Sitter

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

Download our printable checklist on Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to help in your search.

To learn more about our pet sitters take a look at our About Us page. To learn about our services, visit our Services page.

If you have a pet sitter and want to make sure you are prepared for your trip, download our Preparing for Your Pet Sitter Checklist.

 

Fort Collins Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dogs who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores around Fort Collins

Fort Collins is extremely animal friendly, and thus there are a variety of pet supply stores to choose from. We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better-educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Fort Collins Rescues

As such an animal-friendly city, Fort Collins has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Fort Collins Veterinarians

With Fort Collins hosting CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you can make a huge difference in the life of you and your pets.

Here is a list of veterinarians that we have worked with personally and loved:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Fort Collins

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Fort Collins Emergency Veterinarians

 

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year, and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

To see the full list with all of the Fort Collins emergency vet clinics, as well as signs of a pet emergency, read our recent article Fort Collins Emergency Vet Clinics.

 

Fort Collins Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay, or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

We have collected 4 trainers that use positive reinforcement training:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Fort Collins Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Fort Collins to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Fort Collins and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Fort Collins Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers that our clients have loved!

Read more about these groomers and get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Fort Collins

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Fort Collins:

To learn more about the costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Fort Collins Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of catteries in Fort Collins:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at the advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Fort Collins

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Fort Collins:

To read more about these dog boarding kennels, take a look at our recent article Top 5 Places to Board Your Dog in Fort Collins.

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Fort Collins Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

If it sounds like your pup would love daycare, we have collected a list of dog daycares in Fort Collins:

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Fort Collins

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Fort Collins we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

To see the best pet-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins take a look at our recent article Top 5 Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Fort Collins.

 

Fort Collins Dog Parks

In Fort Collins, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a favorite activity.

Here in Fort Collins, we have 5 dog parks. Take a look at this article to pick the best one for you!

To see the City of Fort Collins rules for dog parks, visit their website.

 

Fort Collins Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular hobbies in Colorado, for good reason. The trails are beautiful all year round and there are many where you can bring your furry friend with you.

Three of our favorite trails are:

  1. Lory State Park- Well Gulch Nature Trail
  2. Fort Collins Natural Areas- Maxwell Natural Area
  3. Horsetooth Mountain Park- Horsetooth Falls

To see all the details about these trails, read our recent article Best Fort Collins Dog Trails.

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Fort Collins? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!

Cute Pet Pictures

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

We have the cutest clients! Every day our sitters send tons of pictures and video of their furry friends to their parents while they are away. We like to share these on social media and here on our website (with client permission of course). We love showing off our friends!

 

 

Best Dog & Cat Quotes!

 

 

Pet Lovers Guide to Loveland

 

 

Pet Lovers Guide to Fort Collins

 

 

Get a Free Checklist to Prepare for a Pet Sitter!

 

 

Why Hire a Dog Sitter?

 

 

Why Hire a Cat Sitter?

 

 

See WAY MORE Cute Pet Pictures (we had too many for this page)

Getting a Cat – Complete Checklist for New Cat Owners

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Cats make wonderful companions and are great additions to any family. They are creatures of comfort, so if you’re a first-time cat owner, make sure to have all the essentials ready for them. Getting a new kitty is a big change for you and for your new friend. To help make this time easier for you, we’ve got the complete checklist of everything thing you need and need to know.

Download the Complete Preparing for a New Cat  Checklist

Important Considerations:

Lifestyle: While it’s true that cats don’t exactly need as much time as a new dog, but they still need love, attention and a stable family life. Ask yourself the following questions before jumping into adoption.

  • Do you or anyone in the house have allergies to cat hair, dander or dirt?
  • Do you have any other pets that may not take well to a new cat? If so, do you have a plan of introducing them to each other?
  • Who will be the primary caretaker?
  • Do you want a long hair or short hair breed? Long hair breeds will take more time for daily grooming and may have more hairballs.
  • Will work or social life affect your ability to properly care for them?
  • Does your residence allow pets and is your home suited for a new cat?
  • Would an older cat or younger cat better suit your lifestyle? Kittens take more time and have more energy, but older cats may need more veterinarian care.

Costs: You want to make sure that you can always care for your vet. The best way is to create a budget for a new cat before you bring them home.

  • Does your new pet need to be spayed or neutered?
  • Is there an adoption fee that needs to be paid?
  • Monthly expenses such as food, litter, pet sitting or new supplies
  • Licensing fees and rabies shots
  • Litter box and scoop
  • Routine veterinary care
  • Microchipping
  • Grooming Brush
  • Beds and toys

Shopping Checklist:

Once you’ve decided a new cat will fit well into your lifestyle and you can afford the cost of care, the next thing to do is hit the pet store to get them their supplies.

  • Age appropriate food
  • Water and food bowls
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • ID tags (make sure your phone number is on it)
  • Hard plastic cat carrier
  • Litter Box
  • Litter Scoop
  • Brush
  • Sponge and scrub brush for accidents and hairball clean up
  • Non-toxic cleaner
  • Toys (feathers on wands, catnip mouse, etc)
  • Blanket or bed
  • Cat toothbrush and toothpaste

There’s no doubt that cats add spunk and tons of joy to any home. They may seem aloof, but in reality, they are just as caring as they are smart. A peaceful home full of warmth and love is a perfect place for a new feline friend.

Download the Complete Preparing for a New Cat  Checklist

Pros and Cons of Adopting a Pet

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

At some point in all pet parent’s lives, we thought to ourselves, “I think it’s time to get a pet.” After all, that’s how we became pet parents in the first place. However, if you’re new to pet ownership, you may be wondering about the pros and cons of adopting a pet. Here are the most common benefits and drawbacks when you decide to adopt a pet.

PROS

You’re giving a pet a new lease on life. This is by far one of the best benefits of adopting a pet instead of buying from a pet store. Even if the shelters in your area are No Kill, they are still living life in a cage without a proper home. When you adopt a pet, you give them a whole new life complete with a home and family to love them.

It’s less expensive to adopt. Prue breeds and pets from the store are often come with a hefty price tag. What’s more is that a lot times you can get a bundle discount fee for neutering, microchipping and shots included with the adoption fee. All of these can be pretty pricey at the vet, but you get a better rate at the shelter. Just keep in mind that all pets come with monthly and yearly expenses for checkups, food, supplies, flea and tick prevention just to name a few.

You’ll get more exercise. This one may be true for both shelter and pet store animals, but it’s still an awesome pro. Taking your dog for walks or playing fetch gets you up off the couch and out of the house. Even with cats, you can spend time playing with wands and ribbons or catnip mice. When you adopt a pet, you adopt a new routine and that often is a more active one.

adopting

CONS

You don’t know much about their history. A lot of pets in a shelter have no real background information. They may have been left behind by a loving owner who passed away or they may have been abused and ran away. It’s hard to tell exactly what their past life was like. That can make it difficult to know if they will have behavioral or health problems down the road.

 

Their breed is often a mystery. If you’re looking for a specific type of breed, it can be hard to come by in a shelter. Most shelter pets are mixed breeds. But you could be searching for a while if you’re looking for a certain breed. What’s great is thanks to recent technology you can actually get your shelter pet DNA tested so you won’t have to guess what type of mutt they are, pretty awesome right?

 

In short, there are far more pros than cons when you’re adopting a new pet. They may make your life a little more hectic and you a little more tired, but it is well worth it. You’re not only saving a life, you’re enhancing your own. Do you have a shelter pet that you love? We’d love to hear your story and see your pictures! Comment below or visit our Facebook page and let us know all about them.

Why Should I Hire a Cat Sitter?

/2 Comments/in , /by

When you leave town, deciding what to do with your cat can be a challenge. Should you hire a cat sitter? Should you board your cat? Or should you find a kind friend to step in?

She Gets to Stay Home

Cats are the most comfortable in their own space. By allowing them to stay in areas that are familiar, you cat will be happier and much less stresses. She can maintain her normal routine, feeding times, litter box and familiar space.

Keep Her Healthy

Cats who stay home are not exposed to other animals or illnesses. When boarding a cat she will be exposed to other cats and possible illnesses. Cats can easily become sick with an upper respiratory infection, which is what plagues shelters because it can travel through the air.

 

Make Sure She Eats

Cats that are stressed often stop eating, leading to a cascade of health problems. With a sitter, your cat can stay home and remain as stress-free as possible.

Sitters Notice Changes

Cats can become ill quickly, or not show symptoms until they are very sick. Since you kitty will be at home, changes in behavior will easily be noticed quickly with a sitter checking on her daily.

Home Security

With a sitter coming at least once a day, your home will appear lived in and remain secure. Sitters can bring in mail and newspaper, change lights and blinds, and take care of any other household concerns. This can prevent theft and make sure that your house is cared for in your absence.

Schedules

If you are considering hiring a cat sitter, no matter what sitter you use, we have a list of ideas for schedules. The schedule for your cat depends on your cat’s personality and finding the right one is important to keep her happy and healthy.

Questions?

If you are curious about our services or animal care in general, feel free to contact us! We are very active on social media and you can find up on Facebook Live regularly answering questions about animal care. Join us!

6 Tips to Pill a Cat

/0 Comments/in /by

 

Cats can seem impossible to pill but we have a few tips that can make the process a little easier.

  1. Stress is the worst part of medicating your cat. Giving a cat a pill is hard if your cat can run away. Make sure she is contained in a room where she cannot hide under or behind anything.
  2. Get everything prepared before you move towards your cat. Have it all ready and accessible.
  3. The key to a smooth process is to be confident and calm.
  4. Sit next to your cat. The less you have to restrain your cat, the better.
  5. Grab her head or mouth. Cats have a gap in their teeth (easier seen in the video). Insert a finger there and when your cat opens her mouth, pop in the pill. Push it far back so it goes down her throat.
  6. If you cannot get the pill all the way back, hold her mouth closed and stroke her throat until she swallows.

 

 

Our pet sitters can easily help assist your cats with their pills while you’re on vacation or even just at work. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need any extra hands to help you cat get well!

5 Steps to Start Growing Catnip Inside from Seeds!

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

Do you want to start growing catnip in your garden this year? Or maybe start catnip for your indoor cats from seed. Learn about when to start growing, how to grow catnip and how to dry the catnip!

  1. Plant seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last freeze.
  2. Catnip requires a lot of sun and water. Take that into consideration when picking a garden bed or a place in your home for your pot.
  3. Plant your catnip sprouts outside after the last freeze. If you are planting inside, make sure your plants have plenty of room to grow.
  4. Water your sprouts and watch them grow!
  5. When your plants have grown, cut trimmings to dry for your kitties. As the summer season comes to a close, take come clippings and transfer to an indoor pot to keep your plants going year-round!

*** Expert tip ***

If you are growing full catnip plants indoors and have excited cats, use a large pot. Then plant the plants at least 6 inches below the rim. Put chicken mesh or other wire over the top of the pot so your cats can reach the growth without destroying the base of the plant!

 

 

Looking to start growing catnip indoors instead? Check out this great video blog about how to make this plant thrive inside as well!

What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Shy Cat?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Are you going out of town but are worried about your shy cat? Those of us sharing our lives with shy cats know that they require some special love and attention. As pet sitters, the last thing we want to do it scare your kitty or make her more nervous. We want her to be comfortable and feel as safe as possible in her own home. We also want to make sure she is healthy and you have peace of mind, so we work to find the balance of care that is best for you and your kitty!

 

shy cat

Shy Cat Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for cats who are usually fed twice a day.

15 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and enter your home. These visits are just enough time to give your kitty fresh food, water and clean the litter box. Your sitter will monitor all of these to make sure you kitty is using them. Your sitter will also quickly peek in on your kitty to make sure she is safe and alert.

15 Minute Dinner Visit

This visit is the same as the breakfast visit. Your sitter can also alternate some lights to make sure your house looks lived in.

Shy Cat Option #2

Cats that need to be checked on once or only need to be fed once a day are the best fit for this option schedule.

15 Minute Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning and enter your home. These visits are just enough time to give your kitty fresh food, water and clean the litter box. Your sitter will monitor all of these to make sure your kitty is using them. Your sitter will also quickly peek in on your kitty to make sure she is safe and alert.

shy cat

Our Considerations for Shy Cats

For shy cats, there are some very specific steps we take to keep them as safe and relaxed as possible.

  • Your sitter will want to know where your kitty likes to hide and rest. We will avoid this area except to take a quick peek at your kitty, to make sure she is safe. This space should continue to feel safe for your kitty so we do not want to move into it accidentally.
  • Cats that are stressed can stop eating, drinking and using the litter box. We make sure to monitor food, water and litter extra closely to make sure they are being used. If we see any signs of concern we investigate further.
  • For shy cats, we try to make deliberate noises that are not too loud. That can mean talking, shuffling our feet, humming, etc. By creating some noise it allows the cat to know our location in the house without having to strain or guess. This can eliminate a lot of stress.
  • We love to send updates, but for shy cats, we do not take pictures. We do not want to put that extra stress on your already shy kitty.
    • If you travel regularly and think your shy cat will warm up to an idea of more sitter time, then we can discuss setting up longer visits. During longer visits, your sitter can sit in the same area as your kitty, without getting too close. Your sitter can talk to your kitty or just be present, allowing her to get used to a new person. Sometimes kitties will get used to your sitter and come out to ask for attention! We never push this and it always goes at your cat’s pace. We have had some cats that love their sitter after they have a chance to get to know each other!

shy catTime to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your cat, so you are all happy during your trip. We also know that each home is different, and a lot of people have more than just one cat!

After you have the basic idea of your schedule we sit down to figure out the nitty-gritty:

  • Are there any other pets in the home that need feeding, medication, etc? We make sure your visit has enough time to get everything done.
  • We like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, cleaning the litter box and some cuddles (if your cat is so inclined).
  • There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, toys, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then it takes you, especially if you have extensive routines for your pets and home. You have had years to perfect your system! We always try to make sure your pet sitter will have enough time for everything so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Work With Us to Keep Your Shy Cat Happy While You are Gone!

Set Up Your Appointment!

5 Valentine’s Day Treats for Your Pet

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

Is your pet the lucky Valentine in your life this year?  After all, they are our special friends and constant companions. So, celebrate the day with these delicious Valentine’s Day pet treats!  It’s a great way to show your precious little fur baby some extra love.

Remember to always keep your dogs away from candy, but making them there own special dog-friendly treats is a great way to include them.  Check out these easy to make recipes for your dog this year!

 

Heart Shaped Pup-cakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup of peanut butter (xylitol free)
  • 1 cup of shredded carrots or chopped broccoli
  • 2 1/2  tablespoons of honey
  • 1/2 cup of buttermilk
  • Cream cheese as frosting
  • Strawberry (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit  and grease your cupcake pan with butter or vegetable oil
  2. Mix the flour and baking powder in a small bowl
  3. Add the oil, peanut butter, and honey to the flour mixture
  4. Then add the buttermilk in a small amount at a time and mix
  5. Add in the carrots or broccoli
  6. Place the mixture into the cupcake pan and bake until a toothpick can be cleanly removed from the cupcake
  7. Let the cupcakes cool for 20 minutes and remove them from the pan
  8. After the cupcakes are cooled mix up your frosting

For frosting:

  1. Apply softened cream cheese to ice the cupcake
  2. Optional: cut up strawberries and mix them into the cream cheese
  3. Spread the strawberry cream cheese on the cupcakes

No- Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt (make sure there are no dog toxic ingredients like artificial sweeteners)
  • 1 cup of peanut butter (dog safe)
  • 3 cups of rolled oats

Directions:

  1. Mix the yogurt and peanut butter to make a paste
  2. Add oats 1/4 a cup at a time and fully mix all the oats with the wet ingredients
  3. Scoop out tablespoon sized portions of the mixture and roll it into balls
  4. Place the balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and cool in the fridge for one hour

These treats can be stored for 7-9 days if kept in the refrigerator.

 

Baked Tuna Valentine’s Day Cat Treats

These treats add a little oomph to plain canned tuna.

Ingredients:

  • Canned tuna
  • Cat-friendly garnish (like catnip or wheat grass)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Mix one can of tuna and one tablespoon of garnish in a medium bowl
  3. Use a teaspoon to scoop the tuna mix onto the baking sheet
  4. Form tuna mix piles into a heart shape on the baking sheet
  5. Bake these treats for about 5 minutes or until they are warm

Feed this Valentine’s day cat treat in moderation, too many treats can give your cat a stomach ache.

Spinach and Chicken Valentine’s Day Cat Treats

Many cats crave some roughage (like spinach) in their diets, it’s the reason many cats try to eat house plants. These treats are a great way to add some variety to your cat’s diet, all in the form of a tasty treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound of steamed boneless, skinless chicken thigh
  • 1 cup of spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup of flour
  • 1 cup of quick cooking oats
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Place the cooled chicken, spinach, oats and egg in a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture is smooth with some chunks
  3. Pour the chicken mixture into a bowl and add the flour, mixing with your hands
  4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut with a small heart cookie cutter OR make thumbnail sized balls and flatten them
  5. Place the shaped dough on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick can be cleanly removed

Be sure to completely cook the chicken before adding it to the treat mixture. Feed these treats in moderation and break larger treats into cat-sized pieces.

Cooked Salmon

Cooked salmon is great as a special Valentine’s day cat treat. Many cats love this tasty fish. Be sure to cook all salmon thoroughly (by steaming or grilling) to make it safe for your cat. For this special treat, dice a small amount of cooked salmon and feed it to your kitty in a dish.

 

Valentine’s Day can be filled with dangerous food for your pet. However, these Valentine’s day treats are sure to safely woo that special four-legged friend in your life.