Pet Grooming Orange County

Embracing Consignment

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This N That Consignment Supports Claws N Paws!

Embracing Consignment

The recent downturn of the economy has left most people looking for creative ways to stretch their money. The good news is that you can still purchase quality high-end items on a budget when you shop consignment.

A consignment shop is a store that sells gently used merchandise at a discounted rate. However, consignment stores shouldn’t be confused with thrift stores. Thrift stores sell donated items with nothing given back to the person who donates. Consignment stores actually split their profits with the people that provide the items that they sell. While the items at consignment shops are second hand, they are usually in much better condition than what you would find at a thrift store. In fact most consignment shops will only accept items that are in very good to excellent condition.

Consignment shops offer a variety of different items. Because everything is priced so reasonably, you are able to get a lot more for your money. When you shop consignment you might be able to find everything from antiques and collectibles to modern art.

If you would like to get even more out of your money, you should consider selling your gently used items to your favorite consignment shop. This is an excellent way to get rid of your unwanted things and make a little extra money at the same time. Make sure that the items you wish to sell are clean, free from tears and in good condition. Shopping consignment is an excellent way to save money and make money at the same time.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to most areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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When Cats Don’t Get Along

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When Cats Don’t Get AlongLil Girl

Cats are extremely territorial creatures. It is not uncommon for cats to not allow another cat into their home. Just because a cat is sweet and mellow with you does not necessarily mean that they will be sweet to another cat. Unfortunately there is no training method to guarantee that a cat will ever get along with another cat. Sometimes they just need to be the only cat in the household. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of aggression and what causes them.

Territorial Aggression

Territorial aggression occurs when a cat feels that an intruder has invaded their territory. This type of aggression typically presents itself after a new cat comes home, a kitten reaches maturity or a cat sees another cat outside. Behaviors include stalking, chasing, ambushing, hissing, growling, loud meowing, squatting and preventing access to places such as the litter box.

Inter-male Aggression

It’s not uncommon for male cats to threaten and fight with other males in a household. This is more common with un-neutered cats. Cats showing inter-male aggression will stalk, stare, howl and puff up their fur. If one of the cats backs down and walks away, the other cat will probably walk away as well. However, if no one backs down the cats might actually fight. You can break up a fight by clapping loudly, throwing a pillow nearby or squirting them with water. However, never step in the middle of a cat fight.

Defensive Aggression

Defensive aggression occurs when a cat attempts to protect itself from an animal or human that it feels it cannot escape. The cat crouches with legs and tail pulled in under its body, its ears flattened against its head and it will roll slightly to the side. Approaching a cat in this posture is likely to cause it to attack.

Redirected Aggression

Cats with redirected aggression show aggression to another animal or human that did not initially provoke the behavior from them. This often happens when a cat sees another cat outside. Your cat is so worked up about the cat outside that when you try to pet it, it bites you. It’s important to respond to this type of aggression in a way that keeps both you and your cat safe.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats looking for a second chance. Pictured above is Lil Miss. Lil Miss is a beautiful short hair cat. She was given up because does not get along with other cats. Please consider giving Lil Miss a chance at her forever home. For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

Is It OK to Change a Cat’s Name After Adoption?

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Is It OK to Change a Cat’s Name After Adoption?

People often wonder if they should change the name of the cat that they adopt. Sometimes they do not like the cat’s name or they feel that it doesn’t fit the cat’s personality. Whatever the reason, it’s tempting to rename a newly adopted cat. So, is it ok to change a cat’s name after adoption? Absolutely! It’s fun and easy to train a cat to accept a new name.

While some cats recognize their names, others do not. If it’s not immediately obvious that a newly adopted cat knows its name, then renaming it will not be an issue. However, if the cat readily responds to its name then you will need to make a decision. Most evidence suggests that changing a cat’s name has absolutely no effect on its long-term health and well-being. Naming a cat something you like will strengthen your connection with your new feline friend.

When you adopt a new cat, your first priority should be to make it feel comfortable. Introduce the cat to your home slowly. If your cat seems stressed out, try using its old name to calm it down. After a few days you can start to use your cat’s new name. Cats are easily trainable and name recognition is an important part of the training process. Renaming your new friend will help you build your relationship from the ground up.

When looking for a name for your new cat, you might want to use a variety of different resources. Lists can be found online for popular names, and even the names of celebrity cats. You could name your cat for its appearance or personality or after a loved one. If you choose a name that is similar to its old one, then it will be easier for your cat to make the switch.

Remember that it will take a little time for your cat to learn its new name. Positive association can go a long way towards helping it learn. Try saying your cat’s name out loud before offering food, treats, toys and affection. Once your cat associates its name with good things, it will begin to come when you call.

The cat pictured above is Max. Max is available for adoption at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Max is a neutered male, approximately one – two years old. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a visit with Max.

 

Why Adopt a Black or Black and White Cat

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Why Adopt a Black or Black and White CatLovie2

Sadly, black cats and black and white cats are typically the last to find homes. Through absolutely no fault of their own, these cats are simply overlooked time and time again as most people tend to choose “prettier” colored cats. Even black kittens are left to watch as their more colorful siblings are chosen before them. Unfortunately, the outlook for black and black and white cats is bleak. They often spend months if not years in rescue facilities, anxiously awaiting someone that will look past their color.

Some people believe that black cats are not adopted because of superstitions. Different cultures have different beliefs as to whether black cats are considered good luck or bad. While the old thinking that black cats are “witches cats” might influence some people, many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path or seen in your dreams will bring you incredibly good luck. In Scotland, finding a black kitten sitting on your porch is believed to bring riches and happiness.

Another reason that black cats are often overlooked is simply because of their color. Many people feel that it is difficult to connect with a black cat in a rescue facility because they blend in with the shadows. In addition, black cats don’t tend to photograph well, making them easy to overlook on web pages. Today, most rescue facilities are full of cats looking for homes. Potential adopters are typically drawn to the more colorful cats, while the black cats seem to fade into the background.

The fact is that black and black and white cats have the exact same charm and charisma of their more colorful friends. Black cats are stunning, regal looking animals, each with their own unique personality. Their sleek and glossy dark coat compliments their bright shining eyes. Black cats are just as wonderful as any other cat and they have the same basic needs; love, care and home of their own. If you are looking for a new feline companion, please consider adopting a black or black and white cat.

The cat featured above is Lovie. Lovie was adopted as a kitten and then returned for unknown reasons when she was two years old. She has been anxiously awaiting a new home ever since. Lovie would be best suited as an only cat or with an older cat that will not chase her. Please consider making her a part of your family!

Claws N Paws Day has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. For more information please click here or call 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten

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Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten11_02_07

Adopting a cat or kitten is a very exciting time. Most people cannot wait to introduce their new family member to friends and family and they immediately begin fantasizing about years of happy companionship. However, how you introduce your new cat or kitten to your household can have a huge impact on how well your new friend makes the adjustment. It is extremely important that you learn the basics before bringing home a new cat or kitten.

Cats are creatures of habit that like things to remain predictable day after day. When you adopt a cat or kitten you take them from a familiar environment and put them into a noisy moving vehicle and expect them to adjust to a completely new environment with new people and sometimes other pets. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible for your new friend you must take things slowly and give your cat plenty of time to adjust to its new surroundings.

Before bringing your cat or kitten home

  • Make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your new pet examined. Ideally you should schedule this appointment for immediately after you pick them up.
  • Make sure that you have a sturdy travel crate for your new cat to ride in.
  • If possible, arrange with the rescue group to take something familiar home with the cat or kitten. This might be a blanket or towel. Place it with them in the carrier on the ride home.
  • Before adopting, find out what type of food and litter the cat has been using. Purchasing the same brands will help to eliminate a lot of stress and upset stomach for your new pet.
  • Before bringing your new cat home, place its food, water and litter pan in a quiet room that can be closed off.

Introducing your new cat or kitten to your home

  • Place your new cat or kitten in the room that you have prepared. Keep the room closed off and allow your new pet to explore undisturbed.
  • Allow the cat to come out of the carrier on its own and approach you when it is ready.
  • Leave the carrier open in the room so that your new friend can go back inside if it feels nervous.
  • Introduce other family members slowly. Have children sit down and show them how to gently stroke the cat’s fur.
  • Children must be taught never to chase the cat or bother it when it is eating or using its litter box.
  • If there are no other pets in your home, allow the cat to explore the rest of the house after two or three days.

Introducing your new cat or kitten to other cats in the home

  • Before introducing your new cat, make sure that it has been tested for parasites and diseases and that it has received all of its vaccinations.
  • Keeping the new cat in a quiet, separate room is extremely important if you have other cats. They will usually sniff each other under the door. Do not be alarmed if there is some initial hissing.
  • Rub a towel over each cat in turn to get them used to each other’s scent.
  • Feed them on opposite sides of the door to your new cat’s room.
  • After a few days, take the new cat out of its room and put your other cat in the room with the door closed. Allow your new cat to explore the rest of the house for a few hours each day.
  • Allow your cats to meet slowly by propping open the door only enough that they can see each other and put a paw through.
  • After a few days, try to feed the cats in the same room but at opposite ends of the room. Monitor them closely and separate them after mealtime.
  • Every day move their dishes closer together until the cats are eating side by side.
  • Once the cats seem comfortable with each other open the door all the way.
  • To avoid litter box issues, provide one more litter box than the total number of cats in your home.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats and kittens looking for a forever home! For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

Mention our blog to receive a free teeth brushing for your pet!!!

Why People Give Up Their Cats

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Why People Give Up Their Cats06_02_08_5

Although many people believe that pets end up at shelters and rescue facilities due to behavior problems, this simply isn’t the case. Most pets are actually given up because of changes in the lives of the people that own them, not because of anything that they have done. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons why people give up their cats:

  1. Too many living in one house
    Cats can multiply quickly and people often give them up when there are too many cats living in one house.
  2. Allergies
    Frequently, cats are given up because someone in the home develops allergies. Sometimes, in the case of small children, the allergy is food related and not actually caused by the cat.
  3. Moving
    Cats don’t like change, but they can adjust to a new home if they are allowed to. Unfortunately many people feel that it is too much hassle to find a new home that allows cats.
  4. Cost of ownership
    Cats are not cheap to care for. You must pay for food, litter, toys, vaccinations and annual net visits. Sometimes cats become sick, injured, require special diets or need medication.
  5. Problems with the landlord
    When you rent, you must get approval from your landlord in order to have a cat. Sometimes people lie about their cat in order to get into their home. When the landlord discovers it, tenants often decide to get rid of their cat rather than move.
  6. Unable to find a home for litters
    A lot of people refuse spay or neuter their cats and end up with a couple of litters each year. Often, the cat’s owner will find homes for one or two of the kittens from each litter and surrender the rest to a shelter or rescue facility.
  7. Not using the litterbox
    When cats become stressed they sometimes forget to use the litter box. There are several reasons that a cat might not use its box including the type of litter used, the placement of the box, how often you clean it, how many cats use the box and the type of cleaner used on the box. Unfortunately, most people don’t take the time to figure out what is causing the problem, and surrender their cat instead. The good news is that most cats move on to their new homes without any litter box problems at all.
  8. Personal Issues
    People give up their cats for a variety of personal reasons such as divorce, job loss, major injury or home foreclosure.
  9. Inadequate facilities
    Renting a home that doesn’t allow pets or a change of situation where an outdoor cat must live inside are both reasons that people give for giving up their cats. Although many people believe that cats can’t adjust to new situations, they can. It just takes a little longer than it does with dogs.
  10. Cat doesn’t get along with other pets
    Cats can be taught to get along with other pets in a household, however they must be introduced slowly.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats and kittens looking for a second chance. For more information, please click here.

Receive a free teeth brushing when you mention our blog!!!