Brave Superhero Cats That Saved People’s Lives

Most of us would do anything for our pets: we adjust our homes for them, buy them their favorite foods, and pay for expensive vet bills. Some of us would even put our lives on the line for them without expecting the favor to be returned.

So, for all we do for them, it’s pretty amazing when our furry friends do make a sacrifice for us! And while it’s dogs that are often trained to be helpful and loyal, our feline family members are there for us, too! Just take a look at these incredible cats who saved their owners’ lives…

To read more on this story, click here: Brave Superhero Cats That Saved People’s Lives


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Company Adopts 2 Office Kittens, Debit And Credit, To Boost Employee Morale, Succeeds Perfectly (21 Pics)

Some basic skills of an office employee include the ability to organize office supplies, answer phones, and work a computer – office kittens Debit and Credit have all of those skills – almost. ‘Hired’ by the finance/IT department of a transportation company in Ohio, the rescue kittens were employed not for their natural ability to play with boxes but to boost office morale.

The adorable brother and sister have managed not only to delight their office but the entire internet. Introduced on Reddit by one of their fellow employees, the sweet kitties were caught on camera hiding under and wrestling with an empty box lid. Understandably people wanted to see more of their hijinx. Debit and Credit now have their own Instagram account with 6.2k followers.

To read more on this story, click here: Company Adopts 2 Office Kittens, Debit And Credit, To Boost Employee Morale, Succeeds Perfectly (21 Pics)


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Japanese Company Is Paying Its Employees For Every Cat They Rescue

An IT company in Japan has become 100% rescue cat-friendly, and for friendly we mean they’re literally paying their employees to adopt and rescue cats.

The said company, Ferray Corporation, is now home to many rescue cats. The presence of cats makes the employees happier, more efficient and helps to cure their stress, and the company believes that it could actually be the cure for Japan’s workaholic culture. Working in an office where cats roam around has increased the employees’ productivity and lowered their stress levels.

To motivate workers and encourage them to rescue every cat they could find, the company pays them 5,000 yen or $45 for every cat they’ll adopt or rescue. In this company, it’s ‘Bring Your Pet to Work Day’ every day. The story is quickly touching the hearts of many and inspiring them to do the same and help cats in need. If you’re curious to se more of these office cats’ daily life, take a look at their Twitter account.

To read more on this story, click here: Japanese Company Is Paying Its Employees For Every Cat They Rescue

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Humane Rescue Alliance: We Have an Influx of Cats – Urgent Adoptions Needed. Fees For Cats 6 Months and Older Waived This Weekend – December 15th & 16th

WASHINGTON, D.C. –.  The Humane Rescue Alliance announced today that the organization’s two adoption centers and foster homes have an overabundance of cats six months and older up for adoption. In an effort to encourage cat adoption this weekend, the organization will waive adoption fees Saturday and Sunday. Part of the increased influx of cats is due to two back to back field services cases.

“We have more than 200 cats waiting in our adoption centers and foster homes, ready to go home with their new families,” said Becca Stern, HRA’s director of adoptions. “We encourage people to come and meet them.”

Those interested in adopting a cat this weekend should visit one of HRA’s two adoption centers:  71 Oglethorpe, NW and 1201 New York Avenue, NE.  Pets available for adoption from HRA have been spayed or neutered and microchipped. Check www.humanerescueallance.org to see all animals available for adoption.  

About the Humane Rescue Alliance: 

The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships.  HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.

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Why Does My Cat Kick Litter Out of Her Box?

Does your cat sometimes fling litter out of her box like party confetti? If so, there are usually some very simple reasons why.

Let’s consider normal feline elimination behavior. When cats eliminate in the litterbox, they typically follow a certain behavior pattern. First, they may inspect the litter material. Next, they may dig a shallow depression. Then, they eliminate. Afterward, some cats may try tocover their deposits. This is when they tend to get enthusiastic about the job and throw litter all around the box — and sometimes even outside the box.

If the sides of the litterbox are low, it is common sense that litter material may get “kicked” out of the container. The standard litterboxes we provide for our cats do not always take into account the full extent of a cat’s behavior when eliminating. 

Think Outside the Box

Wild cats exhibit the same behaviors as pet cats, but they do not have to deal with the constraints of alitterbox. I used to study feral cat behavior and observed numerous cats as they went about their business eliminating on a dairy farm. On the farm, where the cats were exposed to many “litter” substrates, they tended to dig in the finer substrates, such as sand and dirt, but they did not do this in grass or gravel. They were also able to fully extend their legs to rake the desired substrate, which they are usually unable to do in commercial litterboxes. Cats tend to spend more time manipulating the substrate they prefer. 

Size and Height Matters

If your cat always kicks litter out of his litterbox, consider getting one with higher sides. Or you can make your cat a larger litterbox by using a large plastic storage box with high sides (the ones I use are about 12 inches high) and cutting an opening in one side to allow easy access. This is also a good option for a cat who has  joint problems or other mobility issues — just make sure there are no sharp cut edges that could cause injury.

Some cats may also need a transition period, so leave the old box next to the new for one to two weeks, until you see the cat using the new box more frequently. Then you can remove the old box. You should also try to pick a box that is at least one and a half times the length of your cat from the tip of her nose to the base of her tail. Most traditional litterboxes are much smaller, so it’s no wonder if your cat is tossing some litter over the side.

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'Y'all Not Going to Die On My Watch:' Kittens Survive Hurricane Michael's Fury, And Are Now Adoptable

'Y'all not going to die on my watch:' Kittens survive Hurricane Michael's fury, and are now adoptable originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com.

Four kittens who survived Hurricane Michael's devastation and a roof collapse are now up for adoption at a local shelter, after being spotted cuddling among debris live on-air by ABC News' Rob Marciano.

The kitties were found in a home with a collapsed ceiling in Panama City, Florida, and have become a symbol of resilience and hope for some in the wake of the ferocious storm.

Marciano was assessing the damage to a home with a local resident who said that when the ceiling collapsed, "four kittens came down with it."

"Four baby kittens," she added. "And my cousin took the kittens and said, 'Y'all not going to die on my watch.'"

To read more on this story, click here: 'Y'all Not Going to Die On My Watch:' Kittens Survive Hurricane Michael's Fury, And Are Now Adoptable


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Are You Thinking About Adopting a Kitten? - 10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt Two Instead of One!

Are you thinking about adopting a kitten? Here are 10 Reasons why you should adopt two instead of one!

1.  You're saving two lives instead of one.

If it's kitten season, that's one more kitten that will get a home instead of growing into an adult which will decrease its chance of getting adopted." It is entirely true that kittens are much easier to place than adult cats, and the 15-month-old cat you see in the shelter today is very likely a holdover from last year's crop of kittens. Another way of looking at it is that it's better to get all the kittens adopted out right away, to give the older cats a better chance at finding homes.

2.  One kitten can become lonely

A kitten left alone during the day can become lonely and bored, which sometimes can lead to mischief. Two kittens will never be lonely, especially if they are siblings. In fact, you'll often find situations in shelters and rescue group adoption where a cage will contain two kittens with a sign, "These kittens may be adopted only as a pair." Shelter volunteers recognize that siblings really need to stay together. And since shelters are often frightening, unfriendly places to small creatures, unrelated cats often form close bonds that should be respected when adoption time comes.

3.  One kitten can just drive an older cat nuts.

Although it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older cat as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older cat. The kitten in return, will be "rewarded" for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older "uncle" to relax in peace.

4.  Two kittens will "self-train."

Kittens learn by copying. If one kitten is quick to learn appropriate litter box use, the other will be likely to copy. They also help each other with grooming; washup after meals soon becomes a ritual with two kittens.

5.  They help each other burn off energy.

Even the most devoted human caregiver can quickly become exhausted by trying to keep up with the energy of a single kitten. Two kittens will play until they wear each other out, leaving their human parent free to just enjoy watching them. The downside to this, of course, sometimes you have double trouble, too!

6.  Fewer behavior problems with two kittens.

Many people who experience behavior problems with kittens find that some of them go away when they adopt another playmate. What may be perceived as mischief is often just the result of boredom. Much like their human counterparts, kittens sometimes misbehave because "negative attention is better than no attention."

7.  Curiosity overcomes "food finickyness."

If one kitten is finicky about food, the distaste is often overcome by curiosity at what its sibling is eating. (Feed one cat Same Old, the other cat New Stuff, and they both end up tasting the new stuff.)

8.  They act as pillows for one another.

Kittens will often play so hard that they simply flop where they are, and more likely than not, they will flop next to (or on top of) each other. There is no sight so endearing as two kittens curled up together for a nap. Their peaceful innocence can soften the heart of even the grumpiest curmudgeon, and the sight of that blissful moment will wash clean the slate of their previous misdoings.

9.  Having two kittens is insanely fun.

They're just so much darn fun to watch!

10. They will each have a friend for life.

Two kittens who grow up together will almost always be lifelong friends. Although they will sometimes have their little squabbles (what friends don't?) you will more often see them engaging in mutual grooming, playing together, and sleeping with their best pal.

If you are considering adopting a kitten, think about your best friend and consider whether you would deprive your kitten of the enrichment a friend brings to life.

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Why Do Pet Cats Attack Their Owners?

The danger of pet cats?
Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world and are savagely beloved by millions, although the dangers present from their razor sharp claws and teeth, such as serious infection, are largely not taken seriously. But how much of a threat do they really pose to human health? Have domesticated cats ever killed a person?

In this article...
Can cats cause human fatalities or severe injury?
Overlooked dangers of pet and feral cats
Why might a cat become aggressive?
A list of reported cat attacks and aggression, plus video
Human fatalities

Cats are too small to kill a human by force with the exception of human babies, although there are no reported cat-related deaths involving infants in recent U.S. history. Domesticated cats are also the subjects of various folklore, including the old wives tale that they can suck the breath from an infant, which might lead some people to believe that they are dangerous with small children.

However, cats typically have little incentive to attack a helpless child. They are predators of small animals like mice and birds, and have territorial tendencies directed towards competing animals and predators, therefore babies are relatively safe. The recipients of reported cat attacks have largely been adults, although aggression toward infants has occurred. You won't find statistics about cat bite incidences like you will dogs and exotic pets, because people don't really care.

To read more on this story, click here: Why Do Pet Cats Attack Their Owners?

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Obesity In Cats - Is Your Cat Overweight?

Sometimes you will hear people say, "He’s just a little chubby," or "He really doesn’t eat that much … and besides, he’s cute!" Yes, he is a cutie, but is he overweight?

We sit down to eat ... and there they are those big cute begging eyes! I am sure you may think a little bit of this and a little bit of that won’t hurt him. But do you really know what table food does to your cat? Combining table food, treats and lack of exercise are all factors in making your cat fat, which can cause health problems.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says obesity is an extremely common problem in pets and, as with humans, can be detrimental to the health of a cat. The overweight pet has many added stresses upon his body and is at an increased risk of diabetes, liver problems and joint pain.  You can read their views on Overweight Cats.

Cats and Carbohydrates
Did you know that cats, unlike most mammals, do not have a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme called amylase in their saliva? Humans and dogs do, and begin the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. In our intestines, amylase secreted from the pancreas breaks down large carbohydrate molecules into absorbable smaller units of glucose.

Cats generally have less amylase activity than humans or dogs. For this reason it is very important that you do not give your cat certain human foods! Cats need the nutrients specifically provided for them in good, premium cat foods, and any "extras" that they consume will take away their appetites for their regular meals.

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How to Prevent Cat Scratching

Cats were born to scratch, and they have the tools to do it with too. The best first step is to keep your cat's claws trimmed. I do not support declawing cats, but I am a big proponent of good grooming, starting with regular nail trims every few weeks or as needed. Kitties sometimes get their claws stuck in things (including your favorite furniture), so trimming your pet's nails is good for your pet as well.

Provide your cat with a good scratcher, be it a simple cardboard one, a small flat sisal board or a larger kitty tower. Some of the latter are really beautiful these days, coming in furniture-grade wood that will enhance your home's decor while making your cat happy.

Sometimes, however, cats just get in a bad habit. If your cat is set on scratching a certain favorite item, here are some of the latest types of no-scratch products that are available:

Cat-scratch prevention tape with medical-grade adhesive: Prevention tape has been around for a long time, but manufacturers are coming up with improved adhesives that really adhere to furniture and annoy cats. They usually won't harm fabrics and more delicate materials.

Cardboard scratchers combined with mazes: The simple cardboard scratcher, found even in many large grocery stores, has received a makeover. Some manufacturers have added a maze game to the bottom of it, making it doubly satisfying for your cat.

Scratchers in cat-friendly shapes: Some new scratchers are shaped like waves, bridges and even beds, providing your pet with something to climb on, explore and scratch.

Automated cat-deterrents: My favorite new gizmos are automated cat-deterrents, which have motion detectors. Once they detect that your cat is nearby, they automatically spray a harmless, nontoxic spray that most cats abhor. You just set up the device and forget about it until the spray runs out. Refills are then available. These can be used to prevent cats from urinating on carpeting and from doing other unwanted things.

Lastly, buy furniture with your cat in mind. Microfiber and some other materials are not as easy for cats to dig their claws into. And if you often hold your cat, it will no doubt prefer to knead on you. Sometimes needy cats are more kneady on furniture, so give your cat the attention it craves, and better behavior often results.

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Cats Body Language and Vocalizations - Do You Know What They Mean?

As a pet parent you may wish that your feline friends were able to speak in clear English. However, it may be easier for cat parents to try and decipher the various noises their pets make.

Cats communicate a variety of messages using body language. Examples include arching their backs as a signal of fear or aggression, and slowly blinking to signal relaxation. A cat that chooses to lie with its stomach and chest exposed conveys trust, and comfort (this is also typical of overweight cats, as it is more comfortable for them); however, a cat may also roll on its side or back to be able to defend itself with all four sets of claws. Usually other signs (like ears and whiskers folded backwards) give an indication of the cat's overall mood. Flattened ears mean that the cat feels threatened, and may attack. A cat with its ears forward and keeping still while focusing on another cat (or other attacker) is being defensive and in a very alert state. Mouth open and no teeth exposed suggests a feeling of playfulness.

Meows are typically requests for human attention, as cats rarely meow at one another. According to the pet expert, lower tones of meows mean the cat is requesting something with more fervor.

Most people know that a purr means a cat is happy, but this sound should not be confused with a growl, which may indicate that a cat is preparing to attack. Growls are usually followed by hisses, which are also known to be aggressive feline noises.

Although, their body language reveals a lot about what they're thinking.  They also vocalize with many different sounds. Cats that are confident face forward when looking at other cats or humans, while more timid cats will stand sideways and turn their heads to observe, according to the news source.

Did you know that?

• Cats vocalize with chirrups, purrs, growls, hisses, and meows
• A purr is a sound made by most species of felines. A tonal buzzing can characterize differently between cats. Purring is often understood as signifying happiness; however, cats sometimes purr when they are ill, or during tense, traumatic, or painful moments.
• Domestic cats purr at a frequency of 25 to 150 vibrations per second.
• A cat with its tail pointing up but puffed out means it wants your attention.

Cat Moods:

The Happy Cat
You can tell from a cat's tail how happy it is because you've already seen this a million times. A cat will follow you into the kitchen with it's tail pointing straight in the air when it thinks it's getting a treat.

The happy cat tail is pointed up like the angry cat tail, except the tail is deliberately dainty. A cat with a big fluffy tail can be misunderstood by other cats that aren't used to  it. It may look like it is ready to fight all of the time!

The Ambivalent Cat
A cat trying to decide if it likes you might keep its tail slightly lower, or curved. The cat is trying to decide if it likes you enough to put its tail straight in the air, or if it should tuck it down as a non-aggressive act of submission.

The Angry Cat
A cat flicking its tail usually means that the cat is slightly annoyed. It can indicate interest, but you'll be able to tell by its ears. If the cat is actually happy, its ears will be up and alert. Otherwise, big flicking motions show that the cat is annoyed.

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Authorities Investigating Allegations of Frozen Kittens at Spencer County Shelter

ROCKPORT, Ind. — Authorities are investigating allegations in Spencer County of animal abuse in the form of freezing kittens that were still alive as a way to euthanize them.

The initial investigation was led by the Spencer County Sheriff's Office, who refused to comment about the case to the Courier & Press. Officials only have said they turned the investigation over to the Prosecutor's Office due to a potential conflict of interest. 

Former Spencer County Animal Shelter worker Bridget Woodson said during her 3.5 months working at the county's shelter, she'd been asked on two separate occasions to put still-alive kittens in a plastic bag and then into a freezer to kill them at the direction of the Spencer County Animal Control Officer. A call to the officer was unanswered as was a text message. Calls to the shelter were unanswered, and the shelter's Facebook page has been taken down.

To read more on this story, click here: Authorities Investigating Allegations of Frozen Kittens at Spencer County Shelter

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Could Your Cat’s Food Be Making Them Smelly?

No one likes having a smelly cat. It isn’t their fault, and they shouldn’t be blamed for it. The real culprit? It’s probably you.

No, we’re not saying you’re a bad parent! The majority of maldigestion issues are the result of poor nutrition. Sadly, most of the food out there is made primarily of carbs and plant based proteins, both of which lack the nutrition cats need to stay healthy. Cats have specific nutritional needs, namely protein, vitamins, and minerals. Do you know what they don’t need? 

Carbohydrates. Yes, the much maligned nutrient is something that cats are not naturally inclined to eat. Yet most commercial cat foods contain as much as 70% carbohydrates!

So, if cats don’t NEED carbs in their food, why is it impossible to avoid them, and what kind of complications do they lead to? While not inherently life threatening, carbs may hold the key to your smelly and gassy feline.

Carbs serve a fairly important job in cat food, stretching out the amount of food to help keep prices down, and providing an easily digestible energy source. That’s right, even though cats typically only get about 5% of their nutrition in the wild from carbs, they can digest carbs and use them for energy. Dry food uses carbohydrates to give the food form, texture, and to keep it together in a way that’s easy to handle. Without them we wouldn’t have dry food at all! This leads to the important question. If these carbs aren’t BAD for you cat, how can they lead to digestion issues?

The issue come from the amount of carbs you find in your cats food.

The most obvious reason an excess of carbs is dangerous for your kitty is the same reason carbs are so maligned in the human nutrition world. While a quick and easy form of energy, carbs are easily converted to glucose, meaning that it is very easy for a cat to take in far more fuel than they can burn off. The result is obesity and other serious digestion problems, from mild to severe, that can include excessive gas, bloating, and diarrhea. While small amounts are easily digestible, the larger the quantity, the more difficult it is for cats to digest, leaving portions that aren’t broken down. The undigested carbohydrates will then ferment and create bacterial overgrowth resulting in the production of gas, and leading to other symptoms of maldigestion, including that unpleasant odor.

If you need to de-stink your cat, the most effective way is to scrutinize the nutritional content in his food. Protein is the most important ingredient.  Look for “complete and balanced” on the label as a great indication that the food uses high quality proteins. The term “complete and balanced” officially indicates compliance with The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements.

Protein sources with “named” protein in the listed ingredients are vital to search for as well. Chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, etc are key. A huge number of brand name foods contain by-products, meat or bone meal, and other wiggle words that apply to things your cat should NOT be eating. Corn or rice meal are another sign to tell you to put the bag down and move on.

The final piece of the puzzle is water. Cats are not huge water drinkers, and in the wild they get the majority of their fluid intake from their food. Adding wet food to their diet is a fantastic way to help keep them hydrated, a more natural way for them to consume their nutrients, and will also help them better digest their dry food. Treat them to a few cans a week and you will notice a marked difference in their litter boxes.

And as a helpful reminder to not ostracize smelly cats, we’ll wrap up with this classic hit.  Remember while you laugh: diet can make a cat more socially acceptable – and healthier.

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National Hairball Awareness Day - April 24, 2015

Hairball Awareness Day is a time to consider the grooming challenges of our purr-fectly aristocratic pets. Being beautiful and regal comes naturally to felines, but lots of personal grooming is required to maintain that exquisite superior look. Newborn kittens are groomed within inches of their lives by enthusiastic mother cats, and personal hygiene becomes an ingrained part of the cat’s daily routine ranking above everything except food. Ferocious grooming causes ingestion of fur, and sooner or later, in a most unbecoming way, the haughty, dignified feline will hack up a hairball.

Hairball Awareness Day is an invitation to be aware and to practice preventative measures to help kitty through this nasty process. Practice regular grooming with a pet brush to reduce the amount of ingested fur, and offer a vet-recommended diet for hairball prevention. Be aware that occasional hairballs are to be expected, but frequent hairballs could indicate a problem.



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So You've Got Your New Kitten Home…Now What? Tips on Caring for Your New Kitten

Bringing a cuddly, appealing bundle of purr home is exciting, whether the kitten is your first or an addition to your current pet family. Your kitten will be entirely reliant on you to ease his transition from mom cat's side or animal shelter to this strange new place. Keeping him safe and happy takes planning and patience for everyone in the household. The efforts will pay off, as your new little friend grows into a confident, affectionate kitty who knows there's no place like home. Here are some tips for making your new friend's arrival easier.

Kittens are sometimes adopted at six weeks of age, but 10 to 12 weeks is better. Those extra weeks spent with his mother and siblings help a kitten learn acceptable behavior, from getting along with siblings to getting used to human contact. A six- or seven-week-old kitten may be stressed and confused at being separated from his or her family too soon; your kitten may be fearful of people, and could try to hide or run away from interaction. If a kitten has been gently handled and has gotten used to humans, he will be friendlier and better adjusted. In choosing a kitten, look for one that is inquisitive, doesn't shy away from your touch, and is ready to play.

Kittens are growth machines for their first year and need different nutrition than adult cats. Extra protein for muscle and tissue development, fat for fatty acids and plenty of calories are key to kittens' health. Specially formulated kitten foods fitting their nutritional requirements should be given until the kitten is a year old.

Away from his littermates or mother, the kitten needs to feel secure as well as warm. Whether you provide a cardboard box lined with a blanket or a fancier bed from a pet supply store, keep your kitten's bed in a quiet place, away from household traffic.

Litter training is easy -- cats instinctively bury their waste -- but takes patience. Put the litter box in a corner or other secluded spot. After your kitten has awakened from a nap, or shortly after she's finished eating, place her in the box. If she doesn't dig or scratch, gently take one of her front paws and simulate digging with it. Praise her if she uses the box, but never punish her if he doesn't. Just place her in it at hourly intervals until she gets the idea.
To discourage clawing furniture, provide a carpet-covered scratching post.

Although everyone will want to hold the kitten, limit handling for the first few days while your new pet adjusts. Set up his bed, litter box and food in a quiet room where he can be secured until he gets to know his new home. Introduce one family member at a time, allowing the kitten to come to you and learn your touch.

Children under five should not interact with kittens; many shelters and rescue groups will not allow families with very young children to adopt kittens because children can be rough, sometimes tragically, with kittens. Older children can be shown how to hold a cat -- with one hand just behind the front legs, the other supporting his hindquarters. They should be taught never to grab a kitten's tail or ears, or pick it up by its scruff. Show children how to gently pet a cat's head and back. Remind them to always wash their hands after being around kitty. Always supervise children's interaction with kittens, especially if they have friends visiting.

Kittens can get tangled or choked by anything swinging or hanging. Therefore, keep your new pet safe by securely anchoring drape or blind cords out of reach.

To prevent chewing on electric and phone cords, bundle them with a cord manager and fasten away from kittens' reach.

Rubber bands, jewelry, Christmas decorations, balloons and other small items are dangerous to kittens that may swallow them. Remove poisonous plants, and roach or ant traps and make sure the toilet lid is down. Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets closed so your kitten doesn't encounter bleach, detergent, dental floss and other household items when exploring.

In the laundry area, keep washer and dryer doors closed: A kitten may climb into a warm dryer for a nap. Remember, if something would be harmful for a toddler, it's the same for your kitten.

After you've kitten-proofed, introduce your kitten to your home one room at a time. Place his open carrier in whichever room you are introducing him to so he has a retreat if he wants it, and let him walk around while you sit quietly. Talk to him softly as he explores. He may hide under a bed or scoot behind a refrigerator, so you need to be vigilant. If you don't want him in the habit of climbing on your bed, gently remove him and place him on the floor. Bring him back to his own space, and repeat this introduction process in each room of your home until he has explored everyplace.

Before bringing in a new kitten, be sure your resident pets have recently been checked by your vet, and are disease-free. When the kitten is in his or her secured room, your other cat will sniff around the doorway. Give your resident cat extra attention to ease his or her anxiety. Once the kitten feels comfortable, allow the two to meet briefly. Stay in the room while they sniff and explore each other. There may be some hissing and growling. If one cat shows real hostility, separate them and try again a few days later.

Never leave a dog alone with a new kitten. Dogs can become aggressive, or a kitten may claw at a dog's face. Make sure your dog is properly leashed as you introduce him or her to your kitten following the same procedure you would to introduce a cat to your kitten. This lets the animals learn each other's scent. The kitten should not be allowed to run away because the dog may think chasing it is a game. Reward both pets for calm behavior. Always supervise their interactions until the kitten is fully grown.

A kitten's high energy level makes her eager to play at any time. To keep her safe, choose toys carefully, just as you would for a child. Avoid those with buttons, bells or other small parts that can come off and be swallowed. Watch for sharp edges, and beware of string, yarn or ribbon, as these are dangerous if ingested.

If a toy has any of these, always supervise the kitten when she plays with it. Small stuffed animals to attack and a ball too large to fit into her mouth will provide hours of kitten fun. You can hold a plastic fishing pole, anchored by a secure line to a fuzzy mouse or other small toy, in front of the kitten who will delight in chasing this prey.

Your vet should see your kitten within a day or two of his arrival. She'll check for ear mites and fleas, and examine a fecal sample, because most kittens have some form of worms. Many vets routinely deworm all kittens with an oral medication. At six to seven weeks, your kitten should receive a "three-way" vaccine that protects against the respiratory diseases FVR (feline viral rhinotracheitis) and FCV (feline calicivirus), as well as distemper (feline panleukopenia), with a booster shot given 12 to 14 weeks later. If your kitten is at least nine to 10 weeks old, he'll be tested for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). He can get a rabies shot, usually required by law, at 12 weeks of age.

Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks of age, but your vet can determine the best time for this surgery. Spaying protects your female kitten from the risk of mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, and spares her the stresses of pregnancy. Neutering a male reduces his risk of prostate cancer, and he won't "spray" to mark his territory. Because the urine of intact males literally stinks, neutering your kitten will make the litter box cleanup less of a chore. Spaying or neutering also helps reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.

A kitten left home alone should be secured in one room with his bed, litter box, scratching post, food and water. If you'll be gone until evening, add a nightlight. Give him enough safe toys to keep him busy, such as a trackball toy. Place a radio just outside his door, turned to a classical music or country western station. Many pet sitters have found cats seem to prefer these two genres. Other cats like listening to talk shows, perhaps soothed by the human voice. If your kitten will always be alone during the day, spend extra time petting and playing with him when you return.

When you first bring your kitten home, he may miss his siblings and mother. He'll meow in confusion or wake up during the night. Ease his stress by picking him up, stroking him while speaking in a soothing tone. Wrapping a ticking clock in a towel and placing it near his bed to remind him of his mother's heartbeat.

Kittens have so much energy, they need to stay active to be happy. If you bring home two kittens together rather than one, they'll focus their play-fighting, scratching and wrestling on each other, and are less likely to feel lonely. They are also a lot more fun to watch. FOLLOW US!

Heartwarming Story: Tiny Kitten Adopted by the Firefighter That Rescued Him from Inside a Wall

A Florida firefighter has taken in a kitten she rescued from inside a home’s walls, and it is not the first time she has taken home a pet she saved.

Tara Holcomb, 30, a seven-year veteran of the Mount Dora Fire Department, responded to a call March 30 from homeowners who thought there was a cat in their home’s chimney.

“We got there and the homeowners had tried to get the cat out because they heard it crying but couldn’t find it,” Holcomb told ABC News. “They had cut a little inspection hole in the wall of an upstairs bedroom next to the chimney and used a flashlight to look in but couldn’t see anything.”

Holcomb says she could not see anything inside the hole either so she stuck her hand in and originally thought she had found something much worse: a rat.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Holcomb recalled.

Instead, Holcomb had found the newborn kitten that had fallen into a void space in the wall.

“I pulled it out and it was just a tiny kitten that didn’t have its eyes open or anything,” she said.

How the kitten got into the home’s structure remains a mystery because the homeowners do not have any pets.

“We’re not positive, of course, but we’re thinking the mom was in the attic and the baby was in between the drywall and just couldn’t get out,” said Holcomb, who said she and her colleagues searched and found no evidence of more kittens or the mom cat in the home's attic or walls.

Holcomb says animal control officers instructed the homeowners to put the cat on their back porch – with a heating pad and some milk – to see if its mother would return. When the mother did not return, the homeowners, who are allergic to cats, searched for a home for the kitten.

“Originally they thought they found a home with a friend but as I was leaving work the next day, they called and told me it fell through and asked if I would want the cat,” said Holcomb. “I said, ‘Yes,’ and turned around and got him.”

Holcomb, appropriately, named the kitten, a boy, Wall-E.

Wall-E is now being taken care of by Holcomb along with another cat the firefighter rescued nearly two years ago.

“We had a cat that was stuck in a tree and when we were trying to get it out it fell and was limping,” Holcomb said. “I took that one home and adopted it.”

“So they’re all laughing at me that whenever we go on a pet rescue you’re going to adopt it,” Holcomb said of her fellow firefighters.

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