WHERE TO LOOK:
LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS IN COLUMBIA
Columbia Animal Shelters
Central Missouri Humane
Society
616 Big Bear Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65203
(573)443-3893
Happy Trails Animal Sanctuary
This sanctuary does not operate a permanent facility. The animals are in foster care, and shown by appointment only.
mailing address only:
3818 Blue Cedar Lane
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 445-1680
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET YOUR CAT HOME:
Litter box training is stressful for the cat and the owner. This site provides tips to make the process easier.
And if your cats chooses not to use the box for its intended purpose...
Which cat should you take home?
http://www.choosing-a-cat.com/
Veterinary Care:
Maintaining a cat capable
of fending off infections involves vaccinations. Your veterinarian will put
your cat on a suitable vaccination program.
As a cat owner you should be aware of common
feline vaccinations.
Some owners are skeptical of vaccinations because they have heard about negative side effects. Although side effects are possible, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the possibility of these.
Cat owners need to consider fixing (spaying/neutering) and declawing their pet. These procedures are usually performed when the cat is 6 months of age. Fixing your cat is highly recommended by veterinarians, assuming that your can is not intended as a breeder. The following sites describe the spay and neuter procedures.
http://www.vetcentric.com/reference/encycEntry.cfm?ENTRY=1&COLLECTION=EncycProcedure
http://www.vetcentric.com/reference/encycEntry.cfm?ENTRY=3&COLLECTION=EncycProcedure
Declawing is a controversial procedure. Before deciding on the issue, a cat owner should know exactly what the procedure involves and explore alternatives.
Other Cat Matters:
Intestinal parasites commonly invade stray cats. Your cat may be harboring some of these, while still appearing normal. Therefore, testing for these organisms is important.
Some cats like to eat house plants. This site provides information on specific toxic plants, precautions to be taken by the owner, and what to do if your cat gets into one of these.
Adequate nutrition is vital for your cat to live a long, healthy life. The Hill's pet food company provides some useful information on how to, what to, and when to feed your cat.
