Renting

If you have a pet, a landlord may demand that you pay a “pet deposit” to protect the landlord in the event that your pet causes damage to the unit. While such a deposit is clearly illegal if the landlord is also collecting a security deposit equal to the first month’s rent, a landlord may not let you move in unless you agree to pay the additional deposit.

Raisins and Grapes Can Be Toxic

Let’s discuss raisin and grape toxicosis. For some years now veterinarians have known that certain dogs, upon eating grapes or raisins, have reactions that range from mild GI (gastrointestinal, stomach and intestine) problems to kidney failure and death. Cats, being fastidious eaters, probably just have better sense than to eat raisins or grapes. But take no chances and do not offer grapes or raisins to your kitty.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Feline leukemia is a cancerous disease caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV causes diseases other than leukemia including other cancers and immunodeficiency. Cats may not start to show signs of disease for months or years after being infected with FeLV. Infection with FeLV is a major cause of illness and death in domestic cats. Approximately 2.3% of cats in the United States are infected with FeLV. Read more at

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If you’re for declawing cats, raise your hand.

Ever wonder what goes on behind closed doors at veterinary clinics? Why do veterinarians always take animals into the back? Are there dirty little veterinary secrets that animals can’t tell us? Declawing is one of the most painful, routinely-performed surgeries in all of veterinary medicine, and yet it is so common that one-quarter or more of all cats in the US are declawed.

Feline Vaccination Series

This vaccination series is designed to help protect your pet from several diseases. Booster shots should be given every 3 to 4 weeks until kittens are 3 months old. Adult cats should be vaccinated every 3 years but should have annual physical examination to screen for other illnesses. Vaccinations should be given to all cats even if they are strictly indoors. Recently adopted cats with unknown health histories should also

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Cancer in Cats — Fourteen Signs to Look For

Lump or growth that grows quickly A mass that seems to be attached to the underlying tissue A mass that changes its character Weight loss or loss of appetite Coughing or difficult/labored breathing Bloody urine or difficulty urinating Lethargy or a decreased energy level Straining or difficulty defecating A firm mass A pigmented mass A sore or wound that does not heal Difficulty eating or swallowing Persistent lameness Repeated vomiting

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FIV: Catching a Bad Case of Rumors

By Kristi Littrell (originally posted on bestfriends.org) Despite what many people think, cats with this condition can live perfectly long, happy, healthy lives. I was on my way back to the sanctuary after a family visit in Colorado. Curled up beside me, purring contentedly, was Reggie, the cat nobody dared take in. You’d think he was an unexploded bomb or an X-rated movie. Make that FIV-rated. FIV stands for Feline

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Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus (FIV)

The Feline Immuno-Deficiency Virus (FIV) is a slow virus that affects a cat’s immune system over a period of years. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all. FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually, like in litter boxes, water and food bowls

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Senility in Cats

Many people have known old cats that have matured to the point of minimal activity, and who have lost most of their kittenish joie de vivre. That’s normal aging. Feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), however, is a truly pathological condition represented by a constellation of behavioral signs that are abnormal, seem out of character, or are performed out of context. No one sign is absolutely diagnostic, but the insidious onset of

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Good News for Feral Cats

Feral cats — nearly invisible and often reviled — have prowled into the spotlight. The free-roamers with an aversion to humans have grabbed headlines this spring because of a bounty on their heads in Iowa, a threatened roundup and disposal in Fairfax County, Va., and other elimination plans across the country. But the cats also are receiving attention of a different sort. Grass-roots groups and animal-welfare organizations are directing money

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Feeding Your Kitten Right — From the Start

Good feeding habits will help your kitten grow into a healthy, well-behaved cat. Start early and establish a pattern for meal times according to the following guidelines: 1. Feed a food specifically designed for KITTENS or GROWTH until about one year of age. 2. Offer individual meals 4 times a day until 6 months of age, then 3 times a day until one year old. Offer a measured amount of

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Feeding Tips for Adult Cats

Cats maintained at their optimal body weight live longer than their overweight littermates. Establish a pattern for meal times according to the following guidelines: Adult cats should be fed an adult maintenance food to maintain an optimal body weight and condition. Indoor neutered adult cats should be fed a low-calorie, Light or Lite dry food. Feed the cat in the same place at every meal. Offer clean water at all

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Seven Great Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

Create a Window View. Think about getting a window perch or window seat for your cat. It is important for your indoor cat to have a “view” and the ability to watch what is going on outside. This is a great way to create a stimulating environment. There are commercially available “window beds” that attach to your window frame. Cats love these. Another option is a cat tree placed near

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Fear Aggression in Dogs

Dog fear aggression is the direct result of a dog’s fear. Just like their human counterparts, dogs have the ability to fear and can develop phobias towards certain elements. This is typically the case with dogs that have a history of abuse or neglect, but keep in mind that any dog can develop a fear. As with most humans, these fears are often irrational, but they may run deep and

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Urine Marking (Spraying) in Cats

Urine marking (spraying) is a normal feline behavior that is quite unacceptable in the human household. Cats urine mark primarily to advertise their presence to other cats and to establish and maintain territories. The most common triggers for urine marking include a new cat in the household, free-roaming cats outside, or social conflict between family cats. However, other events such as a visitor to the home, new furniture, or unfamiliar

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Cats and Their Litter Boxes

  The best thing about cats is that they don’t need to be potty-trained. Relieving themselves in soft, loose material and burying their waste is an innate behavior, so even young kittens know what to do without being shown. All you have to do is provide an acceptable place for the cat to do her business. To start out on the right foot with your new cat or kitten we

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Correcting Unwanted Behavior in Your Cat

Sometimes cats do things we don’t like such as jumping up on the table or counters, scratching on the furniture, or attacking our feet when we walk by. The first thing we need to learn before we try to “correct” these annoying behaviors is that they are all motivated by natural feline instincts. Cats naturally seek out high places to rest and survey their environment, so you should provide them

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Dealing with Abused or Neglected Cats

JUST AS YOU WOULD FEED A STARVING ANIMAL frequent small meals but never a large meal, give the emotionally deprived cat frequent light contact for very short periods. In some cases it may be necessary to pull yourself back all the way to just eye and voice contact. When you add petting, move slowly, use the light touch, and keep it short. Always stop soon enough to leave him wanting

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Stray or Feral Cats

Should I Feed Stray or Feral (Wild) Cats? The desire to help a hungry cat is such a compassionate one, and it’s estimated that 10% of the population feed outdoor cats. There are stray cats in almost every neighborhood, although they will tend to concentrate around food sources – a sympathetic person, or a dumpster. While it is a kindness to feed a hungry cat, consider how you will cope

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Zeal

Zeal

(Be sure to check out my videos below!) Hello, my name is Zeal! I am a wonderful, long haired black and white kitty with a cute mustache! I don’t like to brag, but my tail’s super bushy and I swish it with catattude!  My fur is silky soft and even kittens get envious. My foster dad thinks the tufts of fur on my hind legs make it look like I’m

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Antifreeze Bill S.88 Signed Into Law

Update: Governor Patrick signed S.88 into law on 1/4/13. You can email the Governor to thank him, via the form at the bottom of his webpage. On June 12, 2012, S.88 passed the Senate and on December 27, 2012, S.88 passed the House – both unanimously – thank your legislators for their support of S.88. If you don’t know who represents you, visit www.wheredoivotema.com and scroll down to find Rep

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Honey Boo

Honey Boo

My name is Honey Boo and I’m a healthy 4-year-old male. I was wandering the streets looking for food when a nice lady saved me and brought me to Kitty Connection to find a home. I am a beautiful all black cat with a very shiny coat. I’m still settling in, but am friendly and enjoy being petted once I get to know you.

Donations Needed for TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return)

Have you ever noticed a colony of cats hanging around your neighborhood? Perhaps you yourself have kindly been feeding stray animals? Why are there so many animals out there fending for themselves? The answer in most cases is that these animals have been abandoned or have been born into the wild without being spayed or neutered. Thus, they continue to reproduce among themselves and these colonies grow. Although no shelter

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Lost Dog, Malden

Cookie is a Chihuahua mix who was last seen at intersection of Salem and Broadway in Malden, MA, on January 23, 2013. She is probably hiding as she will be very afraid so please do not chase her. She is very sweet, 15 pounds, with long black hair with brown highlights. If you see her or find her, please call owners at 781-727-3533 or 617-406-9553.

Sloan

My name is Sloan and I’m a 2-year-old FIV-positive male cat. I was roaming around looking for food and a nice lady brought me to KC. I’m very friendly and lovable and get along with other cats.

Basset

My name is Basset and I’m a 5-year-old male cat. A nice lady called Kitty Connection when she realized that our owners moved away and left me and Cavalier behind. I am very friendly and lovable. I get along with other cats and love attention. I’ll even talk to you to get your attention. Please consider adopting me and Cavalier together!

Cavalier

My name is Cavalier and I’m a 5-year-old male cat. A nice lady called Kitty Connection when she realized that our owners moved away and left me and Basset behind. I am very friendly and lovable once I’m comfortable with my environment. You just have to put your hand down and call me and I’ll come running over to be petted and loved. I get along with other cats and

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Mom 1

My name is Mom 1, but here’s a surprise — I wasn’t a mom, just mis-named. I’m a female about 2 years old who is extremely friendly and lovable. I’m a really sweet girl who loves to be petted. I get along with other cats. Please give me a new name and a new home!

Found Cat, Medford

Do you know who I am? I was found last night by a nice couple near Medford Street (major intersection of Broadway) in Magoun Square/Powderhouse area of Medford, MA. Please contact Tawn at tnhuynh415@yahoo.com if you know who I belong to. Thank you.