Now that we've gotten the cat off the printer, I wanted to share with you a few tips about cats.

Cats are now more popular than dogs as pets. This is due to their adaptability and ease of care. Most cats aren't taken for long walks in the park & are ok with spending the day at home alone when you go to work. Cats are cuddly & friendly and can be taught tricks and to come when called, just like dogs.

Cats are true carnivores---they require meat in their diet, and cannot be fed a vegetarian only diet. They actually do best on canned (moist) foods as they are higher in water content and more like their natural diet of small rodents and insects. They do kill birds, if given the opportunity, which creates some controversy for cats that enjoy going outside. Most cats will adapt to an indoor environment, and it is definitely safer for them  to live indoors. It's also safer for the songbird population.

Cats reproduce readily in a semi-wild or feral state, which leads us to a problem in the summer---too many kittens! At the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, they call it kitten season, with litters of adorable kittens coming in on a daily basis. Many of these kittens get adopted, but sadly, not all. So, it is always best NOT to let your cat contribute to kitten overpopulation by having a simple & safe spay or neuter surgery done. If you can't afford the surgery, the ARL has some programs that can help with the cost.

If you are looking for a new dedicated & loyal friend, consider a cat. Contact us at East 6th & Walnut---we are ARL adoption partners.

Next week, we will have some information about cats and the need for vaccinations.