Ways You Can Help Cats

Make a Difference

  …One Cat at a Time

There are many ways you can contribute to the well-being of cats, especially the feral, stray and abandoned cats in our communities. 

Click below to learn more about the different ways you can BE A KITTY SUPERHERO!

Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can provide your pet and your family. These routine medical procedures not only help control pet overpopulation, but they may also prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing, allowing your cat to lead a longer, healthier and happier.

Why should I spay or neuter my cat?

Spaying or neutering your cat, as well as outdoor community and feral cats, prevents unwanted births, which helps reduce overpopulation in shelters. Millions of unwanted animals end up in shelters or on the streets each year. Only a lucky few are adopted; the rest are either euthanized or die from trauma, exposure, starvation or disease. By spaying or neutering your cat, you do your part to prevent this tragedy.

Another benefit is that spaying or neutering reduces or eliminates sexual behaviors in cats that people generally consider a nuisance. In most male cats, regardless of their age when neutered, neutering reduces roaming, urine spraying, and fights with neighborhood cats. The plaintive howling of female cats in heat is eliminated. Overall, cats who are sexually intact are at greater risk of being relinquished to a shelter.

For more information, visit

https://resources.bestfriends.org

Visit Hearts Alive Village Cat Cafe

Book your spot now to meet their
adorable adoptable cats

If you’re as passionate about saving cats and kittens as they are, schedule a visit to the HAV Cat Cafe today! For your entry donation of $15 you can enjoy snacks and a beverage and behold the magical transformation of a shelter cat into a happy, well-adjusted kitty looking to adopt you! Your entrance donation helps to cover their costs for a cat or kitten to receive a full set of vaccines and a microchip.

Cat Cafe & Adoption Center

1750 S. Rainbow Blvd. #4
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Open daily 12pm-8pm By Appointment
Phone: 702-870-0065
Email: [email protected]

Donate Unused Food / Lightly Used Supplies

Looking to clean out some cupboards and free up some space?

Most rescues and animal welfare organizations will accept unopened pet food and lightly used pet supplies that have been cleaned or have sufficient remaining product left to be useful.

Beds and blankets, crates and carriers, lightly used scratchers, food, treats, bowls, harnesses and collars, and even shampoo are all accepted as donations to help stock the shelves.

Donate to your favorite local animal welfare organization.

If you are a client of All About Purrs, you can schedule a pick up with Lisa and she will deliver the supplies for you.

Support Rescue Groups on Social Media

While social media may often be more of a chore than a reward for humans, it’s changed the lives of thousands of animals.

As the internet has definitively proven, a photo of a kitten or a puppy is irresistible, and animal rescue organizations are using Facebook, Twitter (X) and Instagram to exploit our addiction for good.

You can help support your favorite animal welfare organizations and individuals on social media by doing the following:

  • Like / Follow the group or individual and their posts
  • Share their posts that are meaningful to you (always fact check first)
  • Use your personal network to help find forever homes, foster families and resources for pets in need
  • Write a positive Review for the group(s) you support (make sure it is based on your personal experience or knowledge of the group / individuals involved)

Warning: Beware of individuals and groups that may attempt to scam you on social media. Make sure to do your due diligence before selecting a group or an individual to support.

Donate New Supplies / Amazon Wish Lists

Most animal welfare organizations have Amazon Wist Lists set up to make it easy for you to send much needed supplies directly to them. This takes the guess work out of trying to determine what their need is at any given time throughout the year. Visit the Rescue & Assistance page for links to different Amazon Wist Lists for local Las Vegas organizations.

Support Local & National Organizations

Most of us do not have the time to volunteer but we can contribute to our favorite local and national animal welfare organizations monthly. Even if it is only $10… every little bit helps and adds up. These organizations are 100% staffed by volunteers and solely supported by the community in most cases. They need our support to continue the valuable life saving work they do every day.

If the organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, then your contributions are tax deductible.

For information on local Las Vegas organizations, click here.

To review our National Spotlight organizations, click here.

Leave a Check with Cat Sitter ... We will Mail It!

We want to encourage everyone to contribute to their favorite animal rescue group so to make it easy we suggest writing 2 checks when paying your pet sitter. One to your cat sitter and one made out to the rescue group of your choice. You can even substitute our tip for a donation. Then, we will mail it for you! 

We all have great intentions but sometimes lack the follow through due to our busy lives. We hope by offering to “put the check in the mail” this will help make it easier to contribute to the life saving work of an animal welfare organization.

Your check will be your receipt and the rescue organization will be responsible for sending you a receipt for the donation.

Thank you in advance on their behalf.

Donate thru Smith's Grocery Rewards Program

Giving more back to the community! Smiths Food and Drug is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Year after year, local schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations will earn millions of dollars through Smith’s Inspiring Donations® program. Smith’s Inspiring Donations® makes fund-raising easy…all you have to do is shop at Smiths Food and Drug and swipe your Rewards Card! To learn more and sign up your rewards card or to register your organization, visit www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/inspire.

For example, PALNV is now part of Smith’s Grocery Community Rewards Program. Click the button below to register their NPO number EM630 on your rewards card. If you do not have a Smith’s rewards card, pick one up at any Smith’s Grocery store and then go to www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/inspire to register your card and add their number to the Community Rewards section.

Note: You have to register the group number each year for the non profit to receive the Smith’s donation!

Volunteer Your Time

The most valuable assets you have to contribute are your time and love. In most cases, animal welfare organizations are 100% staffed by volunteers. This includes are the foster families that care for the animals in their homes.

The talent and time of many animal loving volunteers is essential to providing quality care for shelter and abandoned animals and finding them new homes. Whether working with the animals, the public, or behind the scenes, volunteers improve the quality of life for the animals. 

If you love animals and have skill to contribute, contact a local animal welfare organizations to complete an application.

Volunteer opportunities are wide-ranging and include the following:

  • Brush cats
  • Groom, bathe dogs
  • Assist at adoption events
  • Table at community events
  • Socialize Animals
  • Walk dogs
  • Improve the sanctuary
  • Help clean animal habitats

Many who are new to animal rescue begin helping with projects outside of an organization. Like helping with off site events, sew scarves for animals’ web portraits, make small quilts and animal beds, organize supply & donation drives, and more.

Teach Kids about Cats / Humane Animal Care

5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids How to Properly Handle a Cat

Like humans, each cat has a unique personality. Some crave lots of affection and love to be held and cuddled, while others are more independent and don’t enjoy much handling. Kids love pets and, of course, are usually eager to shower them with love and cuddles. It’s essential that we educate children of all ages on proper cat-handling techniques. This will help the bonding process, as well as ensure safety for both the cat and child.

My kids grew up with cats so they had to learn how to properly interact with them at an early age. There were some ups and downs during this process, but eventually they learned that gentle behavior meant the cats wanted to spend more time with them.

Here are six tips to help teach children proper cat-handling.

1. Set the mood

Cats are excellent mood readers and pick up a lot about us by our voices, actions and general vibes. When we are stressed, they sense it. If a child wishes to connect with a cat, it’s important that she approach him in a relaxed manner, using a calm voice tone. Younger kids can be energetic and loud, which scares cats. On that same note, teach children they should never chase kitty. This “game” only teaches the cat to fear the child. My daughter was very calm as a young child and my son was a little more rambunctious, but in time, the cats wound up feeling comfortable with both of them.

2. Take time to become acquainted

Cats feel more comfortable when we greet them on their level. Encourage the child to lie on the floor and slowly offer the cat her hand so he can smell her. Kitty may positively respond by rubbing his face on her hand or pressing his head against her hand, encouraging her to pet him. This is a good sign! If he acts apprehensively, be patient. Forcing affection on a act who doesn’t want it will only push the bonding process in the wrong direction.

3. Gently pet kitty’s back, shoulder to tail

If the cat is responsive to the child’s touch, it’s usually safe to pet him gently from the shoulder to the tail. This is not the time to try and rub the cat’s belly.

Some cats enjoy tummy rubs, but many do not, and it’s definitely not a great way to make initial contact with a cat. Over time, if you discover the cat enjoys pets to the belly, go for it. One of our cats loves it, while the other two will bunny kick your face off if your hand lands anywhere near the gut. Again, honor the cat’s individual personality and preferences.

4. Use caution with picking up kitty

If the cat has shows signs of warming up to the child — and you know kitty likes to be held — you may choose to take cat-handling to the next level. Also remember that, along with respecting the cat’s personality, make choices based on the child’s personality, age and demeanor. You know what you can probably expect from your child, and if you believe the cat may not be safe in your child’s arms, don’t place him there.

Older children or ones who’ve demonstrated they can responsibly hold a cat may next learn how to properly pick up kitty. Cats like to feel stable and secure, so it’s imperative to pick them up correctly. Make sure kitty is relaxed — picking up an agitated cat could mean scratches and tears. Always use both hands: Press one hand flat against kitty’s chest and use the other to support the hindquarters. Hold the cat securely — but not too tightly — against your chest so he feels safe and comfortable.

Do not cradle a cat like a human baby. A few cats enjoy being held that way (one of mine loves it), but most do not. The cat feels unstable and his paws and face are perfectly positioned for scratches and bites. Don’t try this position until the child and cat feel completely comfortable together and you are absolutely certain kitty enjoys this position.

5. Sit or stand

Especially at first, children should sit or stand while holding a cat. Motion may spook a cat who is just becoming accustomed to this up close and personal relationship with a small human. Younger children also may have the tendency to take off running, which will definitely make kitty feel scared and unsafe.


About the Author: Angie Bailey is a goofy girl with freckles and giant smile who wants everyone to be her friend. Loves pre-adolescent boy humor, puns, making up parody songs, and thinking about cats doing people things. Writes Catladyland, a cat humor blog, and authored whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds, a silly book about cats wheeling and dealing online. Partner in a production company and writes and acts in comedy web series that may or may not offend people. Mother to two humans and three cats, all of which want her to make them food.
Source: 11/8/2018  https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/5-tips-teaching-your-kids-properly-handle-cat-care-cats
Read more by Angie Bailey:

From Heaven Can Wait Animal Society’s Angels for Animals program

Lesson Plans for Teachers, visit Angels for Animals program page.

In an effort to foster kindness and empathy toward all living beings, Heaven Can Wait Society and Angels for Animals would like to help educators provide humane education lessons and after school clubs in their school community.  The Angels for Animals program provides units for grades 1-3 and 4-5.  In addition, there are plays, recommended reading lists, and PowerPoint presentations to aid in the learning of these important topics.  For middle and high school we have a manual to assist educators in forming an after school club that focuses on the humane treatment of companion animals.

Studies show that children who are introduced to humane education programs like ours become more empathetic and understanding toward animals and each other.

The Angels for Animals humane education materials downloaded from this site are free to educators and reproducible.  Please send any thoughts, critiques or suggestions to [email protected].

Heaven Can Wait Humane Education Mission Statement: Heaven Can Wait’s Humane Education Program strives to nurture empathy in children by teaching appreciation and respect for animals in homes, communities and the environment by providing opportunities for meaningful and rewarding service learning projects.

Get Educated About TNR

For more information, visit:

Community Cats / TNR

C5 Community Cats Coalition of Clark County

Community Cats Program,

The Animal Foundation in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society

Alley Cat Allies

Care for Feral Cat Colony

Work with your local feral cat group to help manage a neighborhood feral or stray cat population. Visit Community Cats / TNR page for local Las Vegas area group contact information.  If you are interested in starting your own Community Cat Program, then you will find the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary handbook below very helpful.

BEST FRIENDS Community Cat Programs Handbook:Administration

Operations

[1] While it can be invaluable for caregivers to connect with one another (sharing best practices, filling in for absences, etc.), it’s important that information about caregivers and colonies be shared judiciously, as doing so carelessly can expose people and cats to unnecessary risks.

Foster a Cat / Kitten

What Is Fostering a Cat?

What does fostering a cat involve?

When you foster, you agree to take a homeless cat into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the cat is adopted.

Why do adoption groups need foster homes?

There are many reasons a cat might need foster care. Some of the most common include:

  • A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for cats until suitable homes are found.
  • A kitten is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until he or she is old enough to go to a forever home.
  • A cat is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
  • A cat is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.
  • A cat has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized.
  • The shelter is running out of room for adoptable cats.

Why should I foster a cat?

Fostering a cat is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:

  • freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another cat.
  • giving your foster cat the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
  • helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the cat so he can end up in the best home possible.
  • socializing the cat to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.

Not sure you can foster a cat? We know eight reasons you can, even if you think you can’t.

How do I sign up to foster a cat?

Find a rescue group or shelter near you and contact them. They’ll likely have you fill out a foster application and, if you are approved, they will work with you to figure out the right foster cat for your household.

The above was originally published on the Petfinder Blog.
By Jane Harrell, Petfinder.com senior producer

Adopt a Rescue Cat

Give an abandoned, rescued or sheltered cat in need of a forever home a chance to win over your heart.  Rescue the cat that has been at the shelter or rescue the longest which is probably going to be the one who is frightened and needs a home the most.

When people think about getting a new cat, they think about adopting an adorable kitten (or two), not an older cat. But there are plenty of reasons why you should at least consider adopting an adult or senior feline and not instantly fall for the appeal of a cute kitten. There are 6 Reasons Why You Should Adopt An Older Cat.

And, if you’re thinking about bringing a kitten into your life, there are many reasons why you should actually consider doubling that and bringing home a pair. Yes, think two instead of one. Starting off with two may actually be much easier and more beneficial… for the kittens and for you. Read more

Report Animal Cruelty & Neglect

HOW TO REPORT ABUSE

Besides prohibiting cruelty, the Nevada State Law requires that animals receive adequate food, fresh water and shelter from the elements. Effective October 1, 2009, dogs cannot be chained more than 14 hours out of a 24-hour day and a minimum of a 12 foot chain must be used.

If you witness a case of animal abuse/ neglect/ chaining, please report it to the Animal Control agency in your jurisdiction. Before calling, have the exact address of the abuse case, the party’s name if possible and any facts pertinent to the case, including the date and time the abuse took place. Take photos or video of the abuse/ neglect/ chaining. See the following for the various animal control offices in the Las Vegas area:

Clark County  (702) 455-7710

Las Vegas  (702) 229-6444

Henderson  (702) 267-4970

N. Las Vegas  (702) 633-9111

Boulder City  (702) 293-9283

Fearful of calling Animal Control? Call the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society (LVVHS) main number at (702) 434-2009 or email [email protected].

Clark County Animal Control

The mission of Clark County Animal Control is to promote public safety, rabies control and responsible pet ownership through education, service and enforcement. If you have a complaint or a concern, please contact their office​ through ClarkConnect​​.


Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty

Survivors and advocates know that if there is violence in the home, the chances are great that pets are also victims of this violence. Shelters that do not assist in placing animals in safety or consider the safety of pets, find victims refusing to seek shelter. In many cases these animals are all the unconditional love a victim and/or child may know. These animals are a part of their family and victims do not want to leave them behind to face the violence alone.

Why would someone want to hurt an animal?

* Power and Control

* Isolate the victim and children

* Enforce the notion that the abuser is in control

* Create fear

* Use the animal as leverage to get the victim to respond the way the abuser wants

* Threaten to kill the animal to hurt the victim and/or children

* As punishment to the victim, knowing how much the animal means to them

What can victims do?

* Keep up with the animal’s vaccines so that the animal can be placed somewhere safe easier

* Keep important animal documents with other important papers

* License the pet(s) with the City or County in their name (not the abuser’s name)

* Don’t leave pet(s) with the abuser

* Create a safety plan that includes the pets

* Make plans for temporary shelter for pet(s) safety in advance; talk to vet, a trusted friend or family member where the animal cannot be located or animal shelter

In some States, including Nevada, pet(s) can be included on a Temporary Protection Order.

For more information about violence and animal cruelty:

http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/domestic-violence-and-animal-cruelty

http://aldf.org/resources/when-your-companion-animal-has-been-harmed/animal-cruelty-and-domestic-violence/

Get Involved in Advocacy

Take action to enact meaningful legal protections for animals.

For example, help protect women and pets from domestic violence. Speak up for the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act to create stronger protections for the human and animal victims of domestic violence.

professional pet sitting software


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Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based upon the opinions of All About Purrs, LLC, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified veterinarian and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of All About Purrs, LLC through its many years of working with cats. All About Purrs encourages you to make your own pet care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified veterinarian.
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