Cats, like all mammals, engage in play as youngsters and continue to do so even after they have grown up. Play is a complex learning activity that helps kittens develop social relationships and helps them hone their physical and mental skills. But it is also fun, which is why adult cats continue to do it. You can spend many enjoyable hours just watching with amusement as your cat plays. You may find her chasing imaginary playmates in her own world of make-believe. Try giving her a paper sack or a box with holes cut into it so that she can invent games for herself. But interactive play is best. How the two of you play together is only limited by your imagination. Cats do not require expensive toys. The best toys are regular items such as ping pong balls (6/$1.50 at Wal-Mart), soda bottle caps, straws, and milk bottle tear off tabs and caps

Poison Proof Your Home: Check your home for possible poisons and toxins that your pet can get into. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat or mouse bait, slug bait, and insecticides. Make sure you keep all drugs and medications out of reach. Even household items can be toxic such as the new "Gorilla Glue". This glue is activated by water and expands to more than 3 to 4 times its volume and can expand to fill the entire area in which it is confined. When it hardens – it is rock hard and a pet is unable to eliminate it. If a pet eats it – it can expand it its stomach causing a life-threatening problem that requires surgery!

Holiday Safety Tips: By following some simple tips, you can ensure a trouble-free holiday season for you and your pets:

Don’t leave extension cords fully exposed, as these can resemble chew toys and could result in serious injury to your pet. Never leave holiday lights plugged in when you are not at home. If you are decorating with tinsel, hang it out of reach of your pets, especially cats, as they are known to eat tinsel, which can result in intestinal distress. Do your gift wrapping on an elevated surface, where your pets can’t get into (and consequently eat) string, paper and ribbons that can cause intestinal blockages. Encourage your holiday guests to refrain from feeding your companion animals unfamiliar food, as this can result in diarrhea, vomiting and illness. During the stress of the holidays, your pets may drink more water, so be extra alert to providing this basic necessity

Some common holiday plants are toxic to pets. Don’t keep holly, poinsettias, lilies or mistletoe on or near the floor, where pets have easy access to them. If you have a live tree in your home, don’t let pine needles accumulate on the floor, as these needles can perforate the intestinal lining of dogs and cats. Additionally, trees should be tethered to a wall or the ceiling to prevent them from falling on pets. Don’t allow your companion animals to drink holiday tree water, as it quickly becomes stagnant and can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. Consider putting up a “creative barrier or fence” to restrict access to tree water, and to gifts. Animals can spoil the fun and sniff out their own gifts and end up getting them “early.” Thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Here Kitty, kitty, kitty. Although cats won't necessarily perform tricks like a dog, they can play various games that will keep them on the move and in shape. It doesn't take much effort on your part. Visit www.iams.com  for ideas. For example:

• Toss a small ball, a wad of paper or a piece of kibble across the floor for your cat to run after. (Don't expect the kibble to come back, though!)
• Play tag! Romp with your cat across the floor or up the stairs.
• Many cats love to play hide and stalk. You can take turns being the prey and the predator. You can even play if you're just lying on the couch.
• Consider adding a cat tree for jumping and climbing. Your pet will get exercise even when you're gone.

Just 15 to 30 minutes a day of play can keep your cat in shape, while strengthening the bond between you.

Regular exercise is essential to your dog. Giving your dog a good walk on a leash or run regularly provides him with an opportunity for experiencing new stimuli and meeting other dogs - which will help him develop into a content and well-adjusted dog. Exercise will also keep his weight down, which is important because obesity is a major health problem in dogs-It’s also good for your health, too… And aside from everything else, dogs usually love their exercise! Part of your walk should be over hard ground because this helps keep his nails short.

Yes, it’s flea and tick season and here are some tips from the ASPCA: Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific treatment for your pet, such as a topical, liquid insecticide applied to the back of the neck. Never use products for dogs on cats, and vice versa. Also ask your vet to recommend products for treating your yard. “Cats especially are extremely sensitive to insecticides, and pets can die from improper use of flea control products,” Treat all of your pets, not just those who show outward signs of infestation. Thoroughly clean your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery, and discard any used vacuum bags. Since fleas love long grass and shady outdoor spots, remember to treat and maintain your yard as carefully as your house.

It's the law ..... the Tennessee State Law requires that all dogs and cats have a current rabies vaccine. The law applies to all dogs over the age of 3 months and cats over the age of 6 months. It is also unlawful to permit a dog to run at large, unless the dog is engaged in legal hunting or herding.

When you decide to adopt an animal, there are steps to take in preparing your home for the new arrival. Adding a pet is like adding a new family member, so be sure that the entire family understands the responsibility of pet ownership. Pets are living beings that love you unconditionally and rely upon you for all their needs. They require food, water, shelter, play time, love and medical care. A special place should be designated for it to eat, sleep and eliminate. Feed your new pet a high quality diet and portions appropriate for the animal’s size, age and activity. You will need to pet-proof your home to avoid accidents. Harmful cleansers, plants, electrical cords and breakable objects should be kept out of reach.

DON'T GET A RAT! With the popularity of the recent movie Ratatouille, children have been asking parents to buy them a rat for a pet. BAD IDEA ........ once the rat looses it's charm for the child, they are often released into the wild to fend for themselves. Purchased rats are bred in captivity and are not equipped with the skills or stamina to survive on their own, so they are sent to a sure death. The Monroe County Animal Shelter houses only dogs and cats, so there is no "rat sanctuary" to care for them. When you teach children that it's acceptable to throw away unwanted animals like wastepaper, you're traveling down a slippery slope, advocating a throwaway society and creating a heartless new generation lacking in compassion.

There really is no such thing as a free pet. It's the law... while city pounds and other facilities sometimes do not charge an adoption fee, it is a State law that all adopters sign a contract stating that they will have the animal altered and provided with a rabies vaccine within 30 days of adoption. This can incur a cost of approximately $150 in vetting services that are already included in the $70-$80 cost to adopt from the Monroe County Shelter. A rabies vaccine MUST be given by a licensed veterinarian. For those who have already adopted or choose to adopt in the future from a city pound, PPAWS is a low cost spay/neuter clinic in Greenback where you can have the procedure done for a very nominal fee. Call MCAS at 423-442-1015 for more information on how to adopt responsibly.

When thinking about adopting a pet, consider an adult dog or cat. While puppies and kittens are very appealing, the care and training of an energetic youngster is often more than meets the eye. If you have young children, you may find that rearing a puppy and a child together can be overwhelming. A grown dog may already have had some obedience training, is often house-trained and has an established personality that could blend right into your family life. You have a much better chance of assessing the adult dog or cat's qualities and genetic disposition than you do in a puppy or kitten.
  
Watching TV is good for dogs! The Monroe County Shelter sends a free DVD dog training video home with every puppy and dog adopter. Training Your Adopted Dog covers important topics like crate training, house training, chewing, jumping, mouthing, and more. Each video is valued at $29, however, rescue groups and shelters can purchase copies for just $.99 in lots of 100. The Monroe County Friends of Animals (MCFA) has been donating them to the Shelter, but we would welcome groups and individuals to help defray the cost. Although an outright donation of 100 videos would be wonderful, we are happy to set any donation aside until we have enough for 100 videos. Your donation can be made by mail to MCFA, PO Box 106, Vonore, TN 37885, on line or in person at the shelter. Providing this tool can help keep animals in homes and out of shelters.

Kudos to the State of Tennessee for passing a bill that would allow adults to obtain court orders of protection for themselves that would also extend to any pets. Bill co-sponsor Rep. Janis Sontany says that "in some abusive relationship cases, pets can become hostages." "Some studies show as many as 71 percent of battered women report that their pets have been threatened, injured or killed by their partners," said Ann Chynoweth of the Humane Society of the United States. Thank you Tennessee for recognizing the value of pets in our families.

Why adopt a cat?  Everyone knows that pets can reduce your blood pressure and help prevent heart disease. But cats can provide benefits that other pets can't.  Here are some reasons to adopt a cat:

• Having a cat fights depression and loneliness

• Cats will cuddle up with you on a cold evening (or on a warm evening, too)

• Cats are independent and can be left alone while you're at work

• A cat's mere presence will ward off unwanted mice and pests

• Cats are comfortable in small spaces like apartments

• Cats are very clean; they bathe themselves!

• A cat's purr is instantly calming and relaxing

• Just 15 minutes a day of playing with you will satisfy a cat

• Cats are easy to house train, especially adult cats, who are probably already house trained

• Indoor cats and spayed/neutered cats live long lives, providing up to 20 years of companionship

• Taking care of a cat can help teach a child responsibility and humane values

• Lots of cats need good homes; when you adopt one, you re saving a life!

Improve your life with a cat's companionship, and combat the tragedy of overpopulation!  Visit The Monroe County Animal Shelter to adopt a cat!

If you need to surrender an animal to the shelter, please call for an intake appointment so that space and care can be arranged. Under no circumstances should you leave animals outside the shelter gates when it is closed. There is no guarantee that the animal(s) will survive until they can be taken in. Not only is it against the law, but they are subject to weather conditions, roaming dogs and other predators while left unprotected. Call 423-442-1015 and make arrangements to bring the animal or litter in when it can be properly cared for.

The Monroe County Friends of Animals (MCFA) conducts educational programs in the Monroe County schools, day care facilities and the Boys and Girls Clubs. "No Child Left Unkind" addresses how to care for your pet, how to approach and behave around strange animals and teaches respect for all living creatures. We are in need of volunteers to help expand our programs. If you are interested in helping us reach the youth of Monroe County with this important message, or if you would like to schedule a presentation for your class or children's group, please contact Educational Coordinator Jane Skelly at wayneandjane@tds.net.

When transporting your dog in the back of an open pickup truck on the highway it is important that the animal be confined in a safe manner. The use of a harness rather than a buckle or choke collar can save them from harm should you stop short or be involved in an accident. The dog's harness must be attached to the vehicle so that there is no chance of being thrown or falling from the truck bed.  The line needs to be just short enough for the dog to be able to lie down. If you give too much line, the dog can jump or fall from the vehicle without your knowledge. We have recently experienced a case where the dog had fallen from the truck and was dragged along the highway, causing his painful death. There's no substitute for common sense.

Spaying or neutering (S/N) your pet will prevent unwanted pregnancies and the unwanted results. This procedure can be done at a very early age and also late into the pregnancy as well. Check with your veterinarian for his or her opinion on early S/N for your animal. The shelter is full of the results of having an intact pet. Remember that males are just as responsible for the resulting destruction of lives as females, but the ultimate responsibility falls on their owners. The PAL Mobile Spay/Neuter unit will be in Madisonville on April 16. Call Kathy Wright at 423-442-8599 to make an appointment for this low-cost service. Call the shelter for other options - lives are at stake!

Easter Lilies and other types of lilies such as Tiger Lilies, Asian Lilies and others can be deadly to cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant is associated with kidney failure and death. Check petpoisonhelpline.com for a list of Spring's deadly garden threats. If you think your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your vet is unavailable, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. There is a charge for this service. 

Identify your pet. There is always a chance that your pet could become separated from you at some point in his life. If he arrives at a shelter, a collar tag with contact information can earn a speedy return to home. Microchipping is a low cost procedure that imbeds a small chip containing contact information that can be read by a scanner. Both are available at the shelter. Call 423-442-1015 for more information.

With the temperatures dipping lower and lower, especially at night, please remember to keep your cats inside. If your dog stays outside, be sure he has a warm, dry place away from the cold and wet. Provide him with a doghouse raised up off the ground, at least a few inches, and equipped with dry bedding and a door flap to keep out drafts.

Cold weather means changes for our pets when outdoors. Be sure to limit exposure for special needs animals and provide proper housing and protection for both dogs and cats while outdoors. Don't assume that because it has fur it can survive the cold. With the excessive heat of this past summer, animals as well as landscaping are having trouble adapting to the unusual weather patterns.

Play with your cat as often as you can for about ten minutes at a time, perhaps while you're talking on the phone or watching TV. You'll both enjoy this fun, silly time together; and it will help create an inseparable bond between you and your feline friend.

If you hike with your dog, both of you need to be wearing a reflective orange vest during hunting season. Don't let your dog or yourself become another hunting casualty.

Set aside time to play with your cat.  While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.

If your pet spends lots of time outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the sun/heat. Outside kennels need to be well ventilated and situated in shaded areas. Clean, fresh water must be accessible at all times.

Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car. On these warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to dangerous levels in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Heat stroke can be fatal for pets as well as people.

People should never handle any wild animals, especially not with their bare hands. Do not bring wild animals into your home in an attempt to rehabilitate them. You could wind up being bitten and run the risk of contracting rabies. Call a professional listed in the Yellow Pages or contact the shelter for information.

Warm Weather Hazards - Animal toxins ­ toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions, Blue-green algae in ponds, Citronella candles, Cocoa mulch, Compost piles Fertilizers, Flea products, Outdoor plants and plant bulbs, Swimming-pool treatment supplies, Fly baits containing methomyl, and Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde.

On July 1, 2004, a law was passed to provide felony-level penalties the first time an act of aggravated cruelty is committed against a companion animal. The State of TN recently passed a law allowing Writs of Protection to include family pets as well as humans. It is also against the law to discard animals on private or public property. If you should see someone dumping animals, please attempt to obtain their license plate number and report them to the Sheriff's office or to the Monroe County Animal Shelter 423-884-3299. Be a good citizen.

Neuter your dog. Neutering reduces aggression, especially in males. Un-neutered dogs are more than 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.

With reports that acetaminophen has recently been found in some brands of cat and dog food not included on the Menu Foods recall list, the ASPCA is urging pet parents to stay vigilant to signs of illness in their pets as large doses of acetaminophen, just like many other human medications, can be extremely toxic.

Because cats don't run up to their owners with balls in their mouths, many people assume that they don't want or need to be played with at all. On the contrary, cats need exercise and a lot of mental stimulation. Without it, they can get bored and develop behavior problems.

It's getting hot and it's even hotter in your car. Please leave your pets at home. The temperature can quickly rise to 120 degrees inside, even with the windows cracked open. Animals cannot reduce their temperature to be able to survive the deadly heat. It's a painful and senseless way to die.

If you notice raw patches of skin on your cat and observe him scratching a lot, he may suffer from dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis occurs when your cat's skin is in contact with an irritating substance. Your veterinarian can help you discover what allergen is causing the reaction and how to cure the dermatitis.

We've already had several warmer than usual days. Please be sure that when outside, your dog has access to water and shelter. Think about leaving Fido home when you run errands so that he's not at  risk of overheating while waiting in the car. The temperature can quickly reach 120 degrees and will be fatal to your pal. Many a dog has died or suffered brain damage when their owners "just ran in for some milk."

Pet food recall - please check the recall lists frequently as new foods are still appearing. A convenient place to check by specific food is the ASPCA web site http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recall_list.  If in doubt, contact your veterinarian.
       
Warm and damp weather brings out slugs and snails. Please do not use traditional baits which contain a toxin - metaldehyde - which is extraordinarily toxic and quickly fatal to pets and other animals. Instead, use a bait which contains iron phosphate.
  
Flea and tick season is here. Both can be controlled by a topical treatment obtained from your veterinarian. You can also purchase a new flea collar and place a cut section in your vacuum to eliminate any fleas that may reside in your home - just vacuum it up off the floor. Keep the unused portion in zip lock bag for later use. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly when handling ticks or fleas and their preventatives to prevent illness.
  
The Easter Bunny may be ready to make his rounds, but please think before buying or adopting a pet on impulse. Bunnies, chicks, ducks and other animals are adorable, but they always grow up into adult animals who require a commitment to provide daily care for the rest of their lives. Give your dog or cat an Easter present - spay or neuter now.
   
It's Spring! If you are planting Spring bulbs please remember that many of them are toxic. Should your pet eat some, he or she needs to see a veterinarian immediately
  
Be a responsible dog owner. Know the laws of your community and teach them to your kids.  Keep your dog on a leash when away from home, or even in the front yard. Don't let your dog charge across the street at other dogs or their owners. Bring your dog with you into the house as much as possible. Dogs become much better pets when they spend time with the family, being supervised, disciplined, encouraged, and taught manners.
   
Please check your pet's collar frequently, especially on growing young animals. A dog's collar should allow space for one or two fingers to fit between his neck and the collar. Even indoor cats should be equipped with break-away collars to avoid hang-ups. Be sure that your pet is wearing an identification tag so that if he becomes lost, he can be returned to you. Find out about microchipping your animals to insure their safe return.
  
Like humans, cats may suffer from allergies. Signs may include respiratory problems, skin disorders, diarrhea and vomiting.
    
Consider adopting more than one cat so that they can keep each other company and active when you are not home.
  
Diet is important for your pet as well as yourself. A steady diet of table scraps will soon cause digestive woes, skin problems and can cause nervous disorders. Feeding your pets the foods that have been specially blended to meet their needs will assure that all the effort you have put into your pet will pay you back many times.
  
Never leave small children alone with your pets. Teach your children how to approach a strange animal and how to correctly touch and act around both dogs and cats. It could save a life.
  
Use with caution: Antifreeze can be FATAL to children and pets - dispose of containers properly where children and animals cannot get to them. Poisoning ALWAYS requires immediate action. Fast action can save your pet. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, get it to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately! Do you know where the closest animal emergency clinic is? It can save your pet's life.
  
If you have a real Christmas tree in your home, please keep the water in the stand covered so that your animals can't drink it. Pine sap is dangerous if ingested. If your pets (or children) express an interest in playing with decorations on the tree, decorate the bottom third of the tree with wood or plastic ornaments that can't break. You can also secure the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line, so that it can't be knocked over.
  
If your dog stays outside in cold weather for more than potty breaks, he will need a warm, dry place away from the cold and wet. Provide him with a doghouse raised up off the ground at least a few inches, and equipped with a door flap to keep out drafts. Also, make sure the doghouse always has dry bedding. Please remember, though, that dogs are pack animals and you are their pack – they want to be with you, so don’t leave them out in the cold too long!
  
Many cats will go underneath a recliner chair as a hiding or resting place. Cats that are caught in the mechanism when the chair is opened or closed can be seriously injured or killed.
  
Poison alert! It's the time of year when spring bulbs are being planted. Please remember that many of these bulbs are toxic to pets. If your pet eats one of these toxic bulb(s), he or she needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
  
Protection from Distemper and Parvo is especially important this time of year as cold weather sets in.  Distemper and Parvo are both infectious viruses. Distemper affects the nervous system to the point where even the animal s skin is highly sensitive and may cause the animal to be very uncomfortable being touched. There can also be vomiting and a loss of appetite and some paralysis apparent. Droppings from dogs and even foxes spread parvo. The parvo virus causes flu like symptoms but with some extreme vomiting. Both viruses can start out looking like a cold. So keep your animal healthy be having them inoculated against these viruses. Remember a healthy pet is a happy pet!
  
Pet Hazards on Halloween. House pets become nervous and agitated with the trick or treaters constantly at the door. Please put them in a quiet place while the children come ringing the doorbell looking for candy treats. On a more serious level, Halloween is a dangerous time for pets, especially for black cats. Solid colored all black, all white or black/white dogs or cats are at highest risk. During this season, there are disturbed people who would steal your pet for satanic rituals. Please keep your pet cats and dogs in a safe place for several days during this time of mischief, and supervise all outdoor animals to prevent their becoming victims of horrific cruelty or abuse.
  
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions animal owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products can potentially cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets. Dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is crucial that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately. Contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-232-8870) for immediate assistance.
  
Several incidents of animal cruelty have been reported in our area recently. Please report any acts of animal cruelty to the Sheriff Dept.  You can report tips anonymously by visiting www.monroetnsheriff.com.  Animal cruelty is against the law.
   
When bringing home your new cat keep chaos to a minimum. Bring the cat in, but leave the carrier closed. Check that doors and windows are securely closed. Put current pets in another room with the door closed. Open the carrier door and let your new cat emerge in his own time. Offer a treat or two along with food and water and consider leaving some toys out. Give your new cat plenty of time to become comfortable in his new surroundings before introducing other pets.
   
Check your dogs feet often for mud and debris.  Long hair breeds tend to get a ball of hair between their pads with debris embedded in it. This needs to be cut out, taking care not to injure the dog. Fingernail scissors work well. Depending on the size of your dog, you might need to ask a friend for help. This service can also be obtained from a groomer or veterinarian.