Donations
Donations are accepted at our office or through our drop down menu. Any amount is helpful.
Along with money, the shelter also needs
- Kitten Chow
- Canned Food – Chicken, Turkey, and Beef (no fish)
- Dry Food (Kirkland or Purina Indoor
- Toys (washable by dishwasher or clothing washer)
- Heating Pads (no auto off)
- Towels
- Laundry Soap
- Bleach
- Softener
- Cleaning supplies
Can I volunteer
Yes, our volunteers are what make Pet Haven different from other pet stores and shelters.
Cats and kittens need to play and be loved; volunteers help give our hope that they will find a good homes, and human interaction is what helps make our cats so special. We treat them like family.
We also look for foster homes. To be considered you must be interviewed.
Shot Clinics
No, 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.
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.
Adopting
Until a volunteer makes our own video we recommend this one created by the Humane Society
Introducing a kitten or cat to your home should be taken one step at a time. Even if a cat has lived in a house before driving in a car and being in a new environment can be stressful.
Each cat has experienced life until this point differently. Even if it had a prior family your home is unique to you, and the people in it.
Find a room where the cat or kitten can explore a little at a time. An office or bedroom works. If you have other cats don’t use your bedroom yet. Their lives at the shelter have been small; it will want to explore every inch before it feels comfortable.
Put a litter box and food on opposite sides of the room. Our cats are feed Kirkland (Costco) and Purina brands. Other brands may take a few days for their stomach to get used to.
Make a place to sleep. We send out our cats with a knitted towel so that it can have a familiar smell.
Many of our cats are litter trained. If it has an accident put the accident in the litter not the cat. Cats are smart they’ll figure it out. We recommend a clumping litter. This should be in the same room that you are letting it explore. It will be mapping out escape routes and hiding places in case of danger.
You can tell when a cat is comfortable by their tail and eyes; if their tail is lifted and their pupils are not big than they feel safe.
I have dogs
Ask our staff about our cats that are dog-friendly.
Follow the same steps as “introducing a new cat” 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.
Outside Cats
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.
Diabetic cats
Diabetes Mellitus often occur in older obese cats. The symptoms of feline diabetes are an increase in eating or drinking and still losing weight.
Another symptom is unusually frequent urination. These are tell- tail signs of uneven glucose levels. Drinking more water is a result of the body not creating enough insulin and glucose not being absorbed.
Your cat should be diagnosed by a Vet.
- How to check your diabetic cats blood sugar.
- How to give diabetic cat insulin.
- How to vaccinate your cat.
Spay and Neuter
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 and not run up and down stair to get to their food and litter.
Here are some informative links.
Introducing a New Cat
A new cat should be put in its own room with the door closed so that your cat and your adopted cat can smell each other first. Than switch places so they can get accustomed to the new scent.
This should not be in a room you 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.
