If you have a pet care or behavioral question, please consult your veterinarian. We have provided some helpful links below too for quick education on many of the common issues pet guardians encounter.

BLow-cost Spay/Neuter Services

+ Spay Me! Clinic - Located in Madison, WI and open to anyone! Operated by Shelter from the Storm Rescue. www.spayme.com

Behavioral Advice

+ Contact Cats International, a Wisconsin-based non-profit organization, for behavioral advice at
(262)375-8852, or visit their Web site at www.catsinternational.org for articles on how to solve
feline behavior issues.

+ Or see Local Resources list to the right

Litterbox Problems
There are many common problems involving the litterbox—and most can be solved! Here are some handy tips:
+  Cats need enough boxes: rule is 1 litterbox per cat, plus 1
+  Cats do not like to use dirty litterboxes
+  Many cats do not like scented litter or when you change litter brands (if you do, do it gradually by mixing old with new)
+  Do not change the location of the litterboxes
+  If problems persist, a health issue could be behind your kitty not using the box; please consult your veterinarian

Declawing - Cats

Declawing is a very painful procedure that essentially removes a cat's fingers. We encourage our adopters to consider alternatives to front paw declawing. We do not allow four-paw declawing. Declawing often leads to problems with a cats' balance and litterbox problems in the future.

Visit our Declawing Facts page for more detailed info

We will trim nails for any cat who was adopted through OARS during our open hours at the Adoption Center - just bring him or her by!

+ The facts about declawing - read the article

FIV in Cats
+ Spread only through deep bite wounds
+  Kitties with FIV can live for years with proper care and shelter
+  More in-depth information: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fiv.html

Feline Leukemia in Cats
+ Spread through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and milk
+  More in-depth information: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/felv.html

Feral (Wild) Cats
+ Cats Anonymous: 920-321-1967 / info@catsanonymous.org / www.catsanonymous.org
+ Alley Cat Allies, the national resources on TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return): www.alleycat.org

Spay Wisconsin: Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

+ Spay Me! Low-Cost Clinic in Madison is available to anyone. You can read more on their Web site:

http://members.petfinder.com/~WI209/spay_neuter.htm

+ Dane County Humane Society's SNAP Program offers low-cost spay/neuter assistance. For more information visit their SNAP page on their Web site

+ The Wisconsin Humane Society launched Spay Wisconsin in July 2008. The program is a network of veterinarians and clinics willing to perform low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for low-income households and also for feral cats. Contact 1-877-510-PETS.

Spay/Neuter Information
+ Why it's better for your pet's health and the behavioral and community benefits it brings - Download our convenient brochure and share it with friends!

Puppy Mill Dogs
+ Flyer on caring for your puppy mill dog from the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project.

Pet Laser Therapy
+ Ease your pet's pain with revolutionary new laser therapy. This drug-free, surgery-free, pain-free alternative to surgery helps your pet find relief from pain and heal faster. It is great for geriatric animals for their aches and pains and for everyday disorders such as:
+ licking
+ chronic ear infections
+ arthritis
+ hip dysplasia
+ numerous skin conditions
+ post-surgical pain relief and increased healing
+ wound healing
+ degenerative joint disease
+ gingivitis

+ insect bites/stings

+ lacerations/abrasions
+ cystitis
+ burns
+ and much more.

This amazing treatment is available from Dr. Carrie Harness at American Animal Hospital in Neenah. For more information contact Dr. Harness at 920-725-8522 or visit ameranimal.com.

Healing Heart Pet Hospice - Appleton
+ Veterinary end-of-life care for your companions from two veterinarians and two veterinary technicians. Contact: 920-993-9193 or 920-450-7805.

Save Money on Pet Care
+ The top 10 things you can do to save money in the long run,

from the ASPCA Web site.

Quick Links

+ Viisit www.RentWithPets.org, which is a great resource that thoroughly outlines how to find a pet friendly

home.

+ Visit http://www.spcaonline.com/docs/king.pdf for a fabulous article on keeping your dog stimulated with a Kong toy!

Check back soon, we will be updating this page with new information regularly!