Frequently Asked Questions

We try our best to answer most of the questions that you may have on this page. If you have a questions that is not listed, feel free to call and ask our staff.

1. How do I donate? 

   Donations are accepted at our office or through our drop down menu. Any amount is helpful.

2. Can I donate items? 

   Along with money, the shelter also needs cat food, bath towels, cat litter, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and paper towels.

3. Can I volunteer at Pet Haven? 

   Yes, our volunteers are what makes Pet Haven different from other pet stores and shelters. Cats and kittens need to play and be loved; volunteers help give our cats hope that they will find a good home, and human interaction is what helps make our cats so special. We treat them like family.

4. What do I need to know before vaccination. 

   If you choose to vaccinate your own cat, shots should not be given in the scruff of the neck, as this will cause Vaccine Associated Sarcoma, aka "VAS" or cancer at injection site.  More information can be found here: VAS Link (http://www.petside.com/condition/cat/vaccine-associated-sarcoma-feline)

5. Do you have a shot clinic?

    No, but but we do provide vaccinations for our shelter cats.  Vaccinations are available at one of our partners such as Petco or with your local veterinarian.  You can purchase your own vaccines from D&B Supply and Zamzows or at a local veterinary clinic.  Vaccinations should be given between 6 to 8 weeks old.

    How to check your diabetic cats blood sugar. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE12-4fVn8)

    How to give a diabetic cat insulin. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeZgKLfIJn4&feature=related)

    How to vaccinate your cat.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSUI514lOmw)

6. What do I do if I already have cats at my house?

  (This can take as short as one day or as long as three)

   Put your new cat in a room that you do not sleep in (your other cats will have already marked this area as theirs) and close the door. Give them time to inspect the area and become comfortable with their surroundings. This can be an office, spare bedroom or even a bathroom.

    An office works best because you can let your cat inspect their new area, while you are on the computer, reading a book or some other activity. This can create a bonding experience for both of you. (A separate litter box will be needed for a short time. This can easily be created using a cardboard box, a garbage bag and some litter.) 

    Let your cats smell the door.  They may hiss, but a paw under the door is less threatening than a face-to-face confrontation.

    Give them a few hours then switch the places of your cats. This will let them smell the other cat that has been in their house and let your new pet smell your cat's scent.  If you have more than one cat, this may require doing this one at a time while keeping your other cats in a closed room.

    After at least a day, open the door slightly and let them look around; don't force your cats to see your new pet.  They know it's in the house and have been listening the entire day.

    Food brings everyone closer together.  Putting a food dish in the doorway when your cats come to the door may help make this introduction a positive experience.

    Watch for bad tempers. You know your cat best.  If it doesn't go well, simply close the doors and continue switching places for a few more days.  Not every cat will like each other, but most will live in the same house.

7. What if I have a dog?   

   Ask if the pet you are looking at is dog-friendly. Follow the same steps as  above for your dog; both animals are territorial and you need to allow your new pet to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. Your dog may feel that this new pet is invading its territory, so take it slow and use the steps listed above.

    Separate your dog and cat between feedings with a baby gate.

    Cat food has more protein than dog food and will often cause a dog to vomit, or become fat. Try placing the food in a high place for the cat.

8. Should I let my cat be an outside cat?

   Although you may want to let your pet out, many cats that have come through our shelter  had collars, but no tag.  Each person has to make their own decision. You can train your cat.  Here are some things to think about. Studies show that indoor cats live longer.  Here are some links.

6 Reasons You Might Let Your Cat Out, And Why Not To (http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/6-indoor-outdoor-cat-myths.html)

    Should You Let Your Cat Go Outdoors? (http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/cat-outdoor-indoor.html)

    How to train your cat to use a leash. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8ygBgYosJs)

9. What happens when I have my cat Spay or Neutered?

   Spay and Neutering is a simple process.  You will want to minimize activity after the operation because you do not want your pet to open its stitches.  It will still be disorientated by the pain medicine and anesthesia.  Some cats will want to rest all day, young cats may want to play after resting a short time. Just try your best to keep them comfortable. Here are some informative links.

    Cat Channel http://www.catchannel.com/care/spayneuter/article00003.aspx