THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING OR NEUTERING YOUR CAT

By: Kathleen Rodgers One of the biggest expenses of owning a cat is the cost of spaying or neutering. Spaying is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries of a female cat; neutering a male involves removing the testicles. While spaying or neutering your cat (also called “altering” or sterilizing) results in lifelong… Read more »

PLANNING FOR YOUR CAT’S FUTURE WHEN YOU’RE NO LONGER AROUND

By Kathleen Rodgers Your cat is your beloved companion. You dread the day she’ll no longer be around, but what would happen to your cat if she outlives you?   We all hate to address the subject of our own death or becoming ill or incapacitated, and even those cat-owners who do plan for the future… Read more »

THE ANNUAL COST OF CARING FOR A CAT

BY: Kathleen Rodgers  You wouldn’t trade your cat for a million dollars, but how much does it cost to keep your cat happy and healthy? As a pet sitter in Washington, DC, I frequently hear this question from new pet parents. Let’s explore the annual cost of caring for a cat. The first year of cat… Read more »

PLEASE KEEP YOUR CAT SAFE ON VALENTINES DAY

BY: Kathleen Rodgers Valentine’s Day is a time to shower those you love with roses, chocolates and sparkly gifts. Whether you are the giver or the receiver, be careful about what you bring home if you’re a cat parent. Here’s how to keep your pet safe on Valentine’s Day. FLOWERS Roses and other flowers are… Read more »

DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION ON YOUR PET’S CHIP AFTER MOVING

Making a move is always stressful.   First coming to a decision.  Finding the perfect location for your pet(s) and you.  Packing and the actual move. Then, unpacking. As a Washington, DC pet sitter, I have found that many of my pet parents forget to make the most important change-of-address notice – contacting your pet’s… Read more »

DC COMMUNITY KITTIES ARE IN DANGER – YOUR HELP NEEDED

The District’s Department of the Environment is considering a new wildlife management plan that includes a drastic recommendation for the city’s community cats. Instead of continuing the successful Trap Neuter Return (TNR) programs that have been in place since 2008, this new plan proposes rounding up community cats and transporting them to “adoption centers.” Since most… Read more »

APPROACHING OTHER DOGS – SAFETY TIPS

As a dog walker in Washington, DC, I have heard of and witnessed examples of clueless people who are unaware of the other dogs around them.  They are intent on their dog interacting with shy dogs.  Dogs just like people have a right to their personal space. It is up to you to assist in… Read more »

WALKING SAFELY NOW THAT IT IS GETTING DARKER EARLIER

Well, you reveled in that extra hour of sleep, but you are now coming to terms with the reality of it becoming darker earlier.  Last night, it may have been a bit of a shock when you went out to walk Spike at 5 or 6 p.m. Evening walking and early morning winter walking safety… Read more »

Pet Treat Recall – Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats

Another recall of pet treats has been issued.  Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats has recalled two lots due to possible salmonella contamination. After reviewing the lots and you find you have treats from one of the lots in question, toss the remaining contents. Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats LLC will provide you with a full refund.  You… Read more »

IT’S TIME TO FALL BACK… TIPS FOR MAKING THE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE EASIER FOR YOUR PET

We change the clocks back early Sunday morning.  We all can attest to the fact that we feel the effects of the change for several days or weeks.  Frequently, we forget that our dogs and cats also feel the difference. They don’t have any notice and suddenly everything is an hour later… Their biological clock… Read more »