Pet Sitter Helps Litter Train Kittens

Aren't kittens cute?  I fall in love every time I see one.  They are so playful and innocent.  As a pet sitter in Mesa, AZ clients frequently call on me when they have problem fur kids and aren't sure what to do.  I don't claim to be an expert animal behaviorist, but I have connections and professionals to call on when I need to lend a helping hand.

The most recent call I received was from a pet parent who just brought home a new kitten.  She wasn't exactly sure how to litter train her kitten, so she called me to get some tips.  This is what I told her:

1. Make sure the litter box is easy to get in to.  Some adult litter box walls are too tall for kittens to get in to.   If you are having a hard time finding a litter box small enough for your kitten try using the cardboard box from canned cat food packaging with newspaper in the bottom and half an inch of litter.  This will make it easy for them to use the box.
2. Make sure the box is easy to find.  Provide numerous boxes in various locations so it is easy for little kitty to find and have quick access.  Sometimes they do not recognize the internal signals that they need to eliminate fast enough to travel long distances to a box in another room.
3. Clean the boxes regularly.   A dirty box is no fun for kitty.  If the box is too dirty, kitty won't go inside to use it.

Some kittens are easy, they have the internal instinct to go in the box right away, some take a little longer.  If kitty starts going outside her box, pick her up and put her in the box and allow her to finish there.  Once she soils the litter box, she should recognize that is the appropriate place to eliminate.

Have questions about your pet?  Have a new puppy or kitten you need help with?  Give us a call at 480-292-9735.  We are happy to help!

Mesa Dog Walker Suggests New Collars

As a dog walker and companion for many dogs I take it upon myself to inspect my client's collars and leashes on a monthly basis.  It is important to make sure your dog's leash and collar are in optimal condition for use.

If you notice your dog's leash / collar is starting to look ragged or torn, it might be a good time to replace it.  If you are getting high mileage out of your leash I suggest checking it monthly and replacing it at least yearly.

Why you ask?  I have heard horror stories from pet parents who were not in the habit of walking their dog regularly.  One pet parent told me a story of when she took her dog out for a walk and was using the gentle leader.  The way the gentle leader works is it clasps behind your dogs ears, high on the neck for optimal control.  Well, that clasp was not working properly and the first time the dog pulled in the opposite direction the clasp snapped open, the gentle leader fell off the dogs face and the dog took off running.  Luckily the pet parent found their dog before anything bad happened, like getting hit by a car, chasing after a coyote or getting lost.

You want to set yourself and your dog up for success when taking them out for a walk. One way of doing that is making sure your gear is in good working condition.

Play Time Pet Care loves walking with dogs.  Our clients consist of professionals working long hours, business travelers, new parents, vacationers and people who are sick or disabled and cannot walk their dogs.

Our dog walkers service the following areas:

• Mesa
• Gold Canyon
• Apache Junction
• Chandler
• Gilbert
• San Tan Valley
• Queen Creek

Interested in services?  Click here to check out our rates or call us today for your no obligation consultation!  480-292-9735