Scratching is an instinctive behaviour and cats do it for several reasons: To stretch, to communicate, play, seek attention and to maintain healthy claws. 

Here are some tips to prevent this behaviour. 

Wake up call 

Cats will often stretch and scratch after a nap. By providing scratching posts or towers near their nap places, you can encourage their use as an alternative to the couch. Rubbing catnip on the post also helps motivate their use. Observe where your cat likes to nap and what surfaces they like to scratch. Provide options close by. Follow up with treats and praise when they choose the scratching posts over the furniture. 

Reinforce good behavior  

Kittens have much more energy than adult cats, so ensuring they have lots of play time could discourage unwanted scratching. If your kitten starts scratching on furniture, immediately take them to their scratching post or tower. Allow them to continue the behaviour and reward with treats, praise and more playtime in the scratching area. Using a laser pointer or a wand toy can also help draw the cat’s interest around the post and can naturally prompt scratching on the desired surface. 

The health of the matter 

Cats also scratch to maintain their claw health. Cats’ claws have an outer husk that sheds, so scratching helps facilitate the shedding and helps to keep those claws healthy. By trimming your cat’s nails, you can minimize the damage they can do. Some experts also suggest nail caps, but only as a last resort. This option would need to be paired with other solutions for reducing scratching. 

Stress can be another reason your cat is scratching your furniture. A stress-reducing product based off pheromones, such as a Feliway diffuser,  may calm your cat so that they no longer feel the need to scratch the furniture. 

Not sure if your cat is stressed? Check out our blog on how to recognize stress in pets. 

Make furniture less appealing 

If none of these suggestions are working, you can make your furniture unappealing to scratch, or block off the room entirely so it is unavailable to your cat. Cats generally don’t like citrus, so a pet-friendly, citrus-based spray may dissuade scratching. Placing aluminum foil may also be effective.  

By understanding your cat’s motivation for scratching and providing options for this behaviour, plus lots of play time, praise and treats when they don’t scratch the furniture, your wonderful feline companion and your furniture can co-exist.. 

Help end declawing  

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has long worked to educate the public that scratching is a normal behavior for cats and can be managed to help prevent furniture damage.  

Declawing is a mutilating and painful procedure that can never be justified as a treatment in response to a cat’s normal behavior. Declawing consists of amputating the last bone on each toe of a cat’s paw, which can cause a lifetime of pain, discomfort and significant behavioural changes in the cat.  

To learn more and speak up against declawing, visit changeforanimals.ca
 

The post Tips to prevent your cat from scratching furniture  appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

We’ve put together the top three reasons why adopting from one of our 13 animal centres is a great option: 

Putting the animals first 

At the Ontario SPCA, we want to provide the very best life for the animals in our care and that starts from the moment they come through our animal centre doors. Each animal receives a thorough intake exam and receives a customized wellness plan that encompasses both social and physical needs. It’s important that each animal is properly assessed and set up for a successful adoption. 

An easy to navigate adoption website 

We’ve made finding your dream companion as easy as a couple of clicks. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view  our animals currently available for adoption. You can sort by species, gender, location, and more. When an animal catches your eye, simply click the “Meet…” button to learn more. From there, you can connect with one of our friendly and knowledgeable animal care team who will guide you through the adoption process. 

Knowledgeable staff 

The adoption coordinators are a bit like match makers. They’ll want to get to know you a little bit to make sure the animal up for adoption is compatible with your lifestyle. For example, if you are looking for a couch potato, and your chosen animal is high energy, our staff will want to ensure both you and the animal are a good fit together.  

If you’re bringing your newly adopted friend into a household with other furry family members, the Ontario SPCA can provide resources to help facilitate a stress-free introduction. Our team is only a phone call or email away! Check out our blog for some helpful animal care tips. 

More reasons to consider adoption  

Did you know animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home?  

Adopters will also receive one complimentary appointment with Vester, which provides on-demand online veterinary appointments by connecting pet parents to thousands of licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7. 

Ready for the Ontario SPCA to help you with your adoption journey? Find your perfect pal now! 

The post Top 3 reasons why adopting from the Ontario SPCA is the way to go! appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

For tips on how to prepare before your furry friend arrives, read this blog! 

Bringing your puppy home 

• Before entering your home, make sure your puppy has had time to explore the outside area on a leash. It’s also important you make sure your puppy has time to go to the bathroom.  
• Keep your puppy leashed when introducing them to their new home environment, both inside and out. Allow them to explore one area at a time rather than giving them the full run of the home right away. When introducing them to the inside it can be a good idea to walk them directly to their space/bed and reward them, so they know it is their area. Then allow them to explore the house at their own pace.   

Introducing other family members 

• If you have any other animals or children in your home, it is best to allow the puppy to explore new surroundings first before introducing them to others. 
• Any introductions should be on a leash with positive reinforcement. Treats provided during this time can decrease anxiousness and create a successful first meet and greet! Socialization is important and encouraged during your puppy’s development.  
• Read our blogs on Dog to Dog introductions and Dog to Cat introductions for more tips on furry friend introductions! 

Pet proofing 

• Once your new puppy enters your home, their curiosity will kick in and they will want to start exploring. Pet proofing your home is recommended to keep your pet safe while they learn their new surroundings. You can pet proof your home using a baby gate to keep your puppy in a safe, supervised area. This way you’re making sure there is nothing around that a puppy can eat or get into. Some other steps to pet proof your home include keeping the garbage secured, plants out of reach, and cleaning products and medications put away. 
• A crate or puppy-proofed room is recommended to keep your puppy from feeling overwhelmed when they are alone. This will also reduce any destructive puppy behaviours while they take time to learn appropriate in-home behaviours with you.  
• Crate training can be done slowly over time. For the first few days of having your puppy home, start off with leaving them alone for small increments of time. Then slowly increase the length of time left alone as your puppy acclimates to their space. It is not recommended to leave your puppy alone with another pet during this transition period.  

Supervision 

• Supervision is always recommended with a new puppy. Accidents may occur during house training, and it will take time to learn. Watch our video on house training tips. 
• Take your puppy out for frequent bathroom breaks during the day and especially right after they eat or take a nap. This will decrease any accidents inside.  
• If an accident does occur, take your puppy outside immediately and reward them when they do go outside. If needed, increase the amount of bathroom breaks until your puppy begins to demonstrate house training behaviours.  

Don’t forget your new puppy needs regular daily exercise, training, and enrichment for their development. Daily walks and training classes are recommended! 

For more tips on the first week home with your new puppy read this blog. 

The post Adopting a puppy: What to expect appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

If you’ve been thinking of adopting an animal, you’ve come to the right place! With 13 animal centre locations across the province, the Ontario SPCA has so many amazing animals who are waiting patiently for a loving home. 

Let’s get started… 

Big? Small? Young? Mature? You probably have a hundred questions running through your mind. It’s important to really think about what type of animal would fit in your life. Our knowledgeable adoption team members can help you assess what type of animal or breed would best suit your lifestyle. 

We also encourage potential adopters to do their research to ensure they are prepared for the lifetime commitment that comes with caring for that animal.  

Finding your ideal companion 

Now that you’ve determined what characteristics you are looking for in an animal, it’s time to find that perfect companion. Our online adoption site is designed to help you narrow down your search for a furry friend. You can search by species, sex, location and more.  

Once you have selected your search parameters, photos of the available animals will be displayed, and you can click on their profile to learn more. 

The adoption process 

If you find an animal that you are interested in adopting, simply contact the animal centre where the animal is located, and one of the adoption team members will schedule an in-person or virtual meet and greet.  

Talk to your adoption coordinator if you have an existing animal at home to ensure the animal you’re considering adopting would be compatible with your existing pets. The Ontario SPCA blog has some helpful articles on cat-to-dog introductions, dog-to-dog introductions and cat-to-cat introductions. Ontario SPCA staff are also a wealth of knowledge and can provide some great adoption tips. 

What’s included with adoption? 

The best reason to adopt from the Ontario SPCA is that you are giving an animal a loving place to call home. But did you know there are many other benefits as well? Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help them transition into their new home.  

You can even subscribe for your pet’s nutrition on Royal Canin’s online store, with a portion of each order donated to the Ontario SPCA animal centre where you adopted your furry friend. Plus, receive a complimentary Wisdom Panel DNA kit when you sign up for Auto-Ship on your first Royal Canin order.  

Protecting your furry friend  

Now that you have given your best friend a forever home, it’s time to give your pet forever health and happiness, too. Protecting your rescued pet with insurance allows you to fulfill your promise to them – that in exchange for unconditional love you’ll safeguard their well-being. 

The Ontario SPCA believes animals deserve the best care possible. Like us, our pets can get injured or sick. Pet insurance can help cover those unforeseen veterinary bills and help your furry friends stay healthy. That’s why we have joined paws with Fetch! 

Learn more about Fetch Pet Insurance. 

We’re here to help! 

Have questions or need guidance as you help your new furry family member settle in? Help is a phone call or email away. A team of friendly animal experts are available to help you with any questions.  

Ontario SPCA adopters receive one complimentary appointment with Vetster to ensure you’re off to a great start with your new furry family member. As a complement to your routine in-person veterinary care, Vetster provides on-demand online veterinary appointments by connecting pet parents to thousands of licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7. 

Ready to start your adoption journey?  Check out animals available for adoption and find your next best friend at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

The post Thinking of adopting? Here’s what you need to know appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

An uncertain future 

Cairo came into the care of the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre after an ear-cropping surgery that nearly proved fatal – an unnecessary surgery for this sweet pup to endure. 

Cairo has Von Willebrand Disease, which is a type of blood-clotting disorder that resulted in his ears bleeding continuously after the surgery.  

“With this disease, the injuries can heal, but it does take a lot of time and a lot of care,” says Jaclyn Wozniak, manager at the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre, where Cairo was transferred to continue his care. 

Cairo’s journey is truly a story of community collaboration. His condition required extensive care at a level the Ontario SPCA team couldn’t provide. A local veterinary team at Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital in Orillia spoke up and said they would provide the care he needed. We are so grateful they could lead Cairo back to recovery. 

“Even though he was going through so much, and probably also in pain, he was such a happy dog,” says Wozniak. “He really won over the staff’s hearts, and also broke their hearts to see him in this state.” 

A battle for survival 

Daily care for Cairo, especially at the beginning, was very extensive. The animal care team at the Midland & District Animal Centre, along with Ontario SPCA RVT Jocelyn Rutgers, put countless hours into his recovery. This included changing bandages, watching for infections, providing enrichment, and generally working to help him be as comfortable and happy as possible. 

“A really big bond was built. It wasn’t just the staff really loving him; it was him really trusting the staff to make him better,” says Wozniak. 

When it came time to help Cairo find a home, the staff made sure potential adopters had as much information as possible regarding his condition before making a decision. In time, they found Cairo’s family – two nurses who were ready to support and love him unconditionally. 

“We were well aware of his bleeding condition before arriving and did research about what to expect. We are both nurses and are familiar with clotting disorders and felt even more sure he was meant to be ours,” says Victoria Fish, Cairo’s adopter. 

Bittersweet adoption day  

On his “going home day,” Wozniak says they tried to have as many staff present as possible to say goodbye. Wozniak says it was very emotional, but after all the sad tears cried throughout his recovery, it was healing for the staff to cry happy tears seeing him go to his forever home. 

“They all fought very hard for him,” Wozniak says. “His future was not always certain and the staff fought very hard to return him to health and give him a chance at a loving forever home.” 

One staff member, a part-time animal care attendant, even got a tattoo of Cairo. She was proud to show his adopters how deep of an impact Cairo had made on her life. 

“His loving nature is a testament to the staff at Midland,” says Fish. “Seeing him you would never know what he went through, besides his unique ears. I encourage anyone interested in having a pet to visit the SPCA.” 

Happy endings like this are only possible thanks to adopters who open their homes and hearts to animals in need. Would you consider adding a furry friend to your family? Visit our website to see animals currently available for adoption.  

The post Doberman puppy fights for his life, and a second chance appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Once in the care of our animal centre, the dedicated team promptly had Skylar examined by a veterinarian. X-rays showed that both of Skylar’s hips were in serious condition. The year-old Shepherd cross was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia in both hips. His left hip was so affected that it was luxated, which is essentially a dislocated hip. The left hip was the first priority; Skylar would need a complete hip replacement.   

Astounded by X-ray results 

Both the veterinarian and animal centre team were astounded by the X-ray results. Other than his unusual gait and loss of hind muscle mass, it would have been difficult to detect that he had problems with his hip joints. Skylar is an extremely happy and active pup who loves to run and play, despite the pain he had obviously been enduring. 

As both hip surgeries are major procedures, the veterinarian recommended that they be done separately with time between to recover. With the left hip replacement booked the animal centre team began searching for his perfect foster-to-adopt family.  

They found a match in Cindi, who had ironically adopted a dog named Skye a few years earlier from the Ontario SPCA. Sadly, Skye had since crossed the rainbow bridge, so Cindi was looking for another canine companion. 

Skylar meets his match 

“It wasn’t just the similar names, but the facial expressions, the feel-good vibes and the knowledge that Skylar, just like my earlier Skye, needed to be treated just like any other dog,” says Cindi.   

Despite his upcoming medical needs, she had no doubts or worries about Skylar being the right dog for her. 

“Bionic” hip will help Skylar regain 90% joint function  

Skylar underwent his first surgery on July 12. He now has a new left hip, which is expected to help Skylar regain 90% joint function! He will remain in the loving care of Cindi during his eight-week recovery period. At that point, he will return to the veterinary clinic for follow-up x-rays to determine whether additional treatment is needed for his other hip. 

“The surgeries, the work involved in his recoveries, and administering his medications is fine,” says Cindi. “I accepted doing what is required because with one look at Skylar, I knew he was my dog! Besides, I have two shoulder replacements so we can be ‘bionic’ together! I also know all about rehabilitation, so we are a perfect fit!”  

Providing Skylar with a mobile and pain-free life would not be possible without our incredible animal care team, the dedication of fosters and adopters like Cindi, the amazing care provided by Skylar’s veterinarian, and our generous donors who make these life-saving stories possible.  Together we are changing the life of this special dog and ensuring that he gets the happy future he deserves. 

Looking to adopt? 

Looking to change a life by adopting? Check out the animals currently ready for adoption to find your perfect companion.  

If you’re not in a position to adopt, please consider making a donation to give more animals like Skylar the second chance they deserve. Donate today.  

The post Hip replacement doesn’t slow puppy down appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

1. They go with everything! 
2. They’ll help you sharpen your photography skills 
3. They’re experts at hide and seek 
4. They’re true cuddle bugs! 
5. They’re natural born ninjas! 
6. They need a loving home  

Cats have been blamed a lot through the ages for plagues and diseases, and they’ve been associated with witchcraft and other negative imagery as well. Some people even consider black cats unlucky.  Just like throwing salt over your shoulder to ward off bad luck or walking under a ladder will sour your day, thanks to science we know these superstitions aren’t true. We know that regardless of the colour, all cats are equally loveable and unique!  

While black cats are often slower to get adopted, with a strong adoption process, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is able to find the perfect homes for all our animals – including black cats. 

Interested in adopting? To adopt a cat from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, visit https://ontariospca.ca/adopt 

The post Reasons to adopt a black cat appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Adoption is a great choice if you are contemplating getting a cat, dog or other small animals, but regardless of whether you adopt, or acquire an animal through other means, it’s important to take into consideration everything involved with caring for that animal. 

Considering the cost  

Cost is a very important consideration when thinking about having an animal. While adoption has significant cost savings when it comes to the initial investment, caring for animals is a long-term financial commitment.  

According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), the annual average cost of caring for a puppy ranges from $4,589-$4,666, and annual care for a dog is approximately $3,724. For kittens, the annual cost of caring is between $3,091-$3,231, with the cost for cats being approximately $2,542. These are basic costs which don’t include additional fees such as private training classes, emergency vet bills, and boarding fees if you travel often.  

What animal is in your future? 

The second thing you need to consider is the type of animal that best fits your lifestyle and living situation. Your heart might be screaming Great Dane, but your tiny apartment is telling you otherwise. It’s important to be realistic about the type of environment you can offer your furry companion. Some animals and breeds are quite content living their days curled up indoors. Others need space to work off their energy and exhibit some of their natural instincts. 

You’ll also want to consider how much time you have to care for this animal. Enrichment, socialization and training are all important to factor into your schedule. Puppies and kittens require a lot of attention in their first years, but it doesn’t end there. Caring for your animals requires a daily commitment for the duration of the animal’s life. The lifespan of a cat or dog can be upwards of 12 to 18 years of age, but  if you are thinking about adopting a bird or reptile, be prepared for a 50-year commitment or longer. Some animals have incredibly long lifespans so it’s important to do your research.  

Tapping into resources 

Once you determine the financial viability and have done your research on what best suits your lifestyle, the third thing you will want to think about is your support system. Do you have family members or friends who can help you care for the animal if you need to travel or if you are ill? Do you have access to regular veterinarian care for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other health care needs? Does your neighbourhood have animal-friendly parks or amenities? If your animal requires training, are their local resources available? Caring for an animal really does take a village and it’s important to consider what resources and support systems are available before committing to bringing an animal home. 

Read our blog to learn more about planning for your pet in your will. 

You’ve determined you’re ready to adopt – now what? 

Once you are confident in your decision to adopt, visit the Ontario SPCA’s adoption site to see animals waiting to find their forever homes. You can also reach out to your local Ontario SPCA animal centre and speak to one of our knowledgeable adoption coordinators with any questions. They are available to help you during every step of the adoption process. 

The post Top 3 things to consider before adopting an animal appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Why not merge your special day with your love for animals? If Gil could talk, he would tell you that’s exactly what his family did. Gil’s parents wanted to celebrate their love story through charitable giving and support the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre where they first met Gil. Rather than simply ask for gifts on their registry, they decided to include the option to donate to the local animal centre, and you can too! 

Charitable giving is a growing trend, and more couples are finding creative ways to include it in their nuptials. If you’ve been thinking about giving back through your upcoming wedding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society can help. 

In Lieu of Wedding Gifts 

Asking guests to make a donation in lieu of gifts is the perfect option for couples who already have everything they need to start their life together. We’ll set you up with a custom online wedding donation page that you can share with your family and friends. All you need to do is supply a photo and a personal message to your guests about why you have chosen donations to the Ontario SPCA, and we can do the rest. We’ll even send you the list of donors  to make thanking them easier. 

In Lieu of Wedding Favors 

Making a donation to the Ontario SPCA in lieu of wedding favours is a meaningful gesture and the perfect addition to your big day. We’ll send you a full-colour, 8×10 personalized certificate for your gift table (frame not included), and the option of table cards for each table or place cards for each place setting.   

Whether it be through creating a charitable registry, donating in lieu of centre pieces, or dedicating the bar proceeds, weddings can make a real difference for animals in need.  

If you are considering adding a charitable giving element to your wedding, we would love to hear from you. 

Not getting married?  There are many other ways you can help animals in our care. Visit ontariospca.ca for inspiration on how to give back! 

The post Helping animals on your special day appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

A little Chihuahua named Misty came into the care of the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre with three other Chihuahuas and a Jack Russel type dog when their pet parent was sadly hospitalized and unable to care for them any longer.  

Misty receives much-needed care  

While Misty’s furry family were deemed to all be in good health, Misty herself likely had a fractured leg as a young puppy that affected the growth of her back leg, causing issues with her knee cap.  

“Misty came into the animal centre with some pre-existing injuries to her back leg,” says Alex Binns, Animal Care Coordinator at the Sudbury & District Animal Centre. “Luckily, she can still walk and run freely.” 

Misty doesn’t let her physical challenges slow her down. Aside from being a bit timid when she came into our care, Misty still liked to run around and play. The only thing left was to address her oral care. Misty needed to undergo some much-needed dental work to return her to health and prepare her for adoption. 

Foster parents fall in love and Misty finds her fur-ever home 

Misty was placed in a foster home while she received care and treatment. It didn’t take long for her new family to fall in love and make her adoption official. Misty is now living in her new home and enjoying the quiet, single puppy life.  

“Misty has really come out of her shell,” says her adopted family. “She is getting braver by the day, and although she is still a bit nervous, she is comfortable and happy in her new home and continues to try new things.” 

Misty’s family says that she is thriving in her new environment. They are thrilled they were able to give her a place to call home. 

Having a plan in place for your animals is important. The Ontario SPCA recommends developing a plan about who will care for your animal should something happen to you. If you choose to leave your furry companion with a family member or a friend, let them know of your intention to avoid any surprises. 

For more information on preparing a will or making plans for your animal, read the Ontario SPCA blog, Planning for your pet in your will to get the process started. 

The post Misty finds a new place to call home after unexpected life change appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.