About Cat Sitting  

A Little Bit About Cat Sitting

Why a Professional Cat Sitter

What Should I Look for In a Cat Sitter

How Our Service Works

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

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Why Critters Choice of Cohoes

When you are traveling your Cats and Home deserve the same attention to detail that you would provide could you be there.

 Critters Choice provides a Complete Pet and Home Care Solution.

Full Service Cat Care (Meals, Playtime, Cleanliness) Medications/Emergency Care.

Personal Attention.

Home Management (Mail, Newspapers, Plants, General Home Security (Alarm Systems, Windows and Lighting)

Highly Trained and Committed Staff.

Strong Client Relationships, Superior Care and Peace of Mind are what Critters Choice Guarantees to You in all your Cat Sitter needs in Cohoes..

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

About Cat Sitting  

A Little Bit About Cat Sitting

Why a Professional Cat Sitter

What Should I Look for In a Cat Sitter

How Our Service Works

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT CAT SITTING IN COHOES.

 

America's first cat sitting companies began their businesses over 20 years ago. Now more and more caring cat owners around the world are discovering the many ADVANTAGES of using a PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER when they travel. Now pet owners can leave their cats at home in their own environment. Cat owners no longer need to rely on the neighborhood children who may not be 100% reliable or impose on the neighbor next door who may not have ample time to devote to your pets. Also children and many adults will not notice the early signs of illness that may need veterinarian attention. A RESPONSIBLE PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER knows what to look for. No longer does the Cat or the owner suffer stress involved in transporting to and from the boarding facility during their office hours which may not be convenient for you. Cats stay in their own home and they stick to their normal routine. However, there are some Cats that are much better suited for boarding than remaining at home and a true Professional will advise you on that as well! Most PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTERS will also bring in the mail and newspapers, water plants, set out the trash, open and close the blinds and drapes, turn lights on and off and provide other touches that make your home looked lived in. They also can prepare a special meal, medicate your pet and put the radio or TV on to the cat's favorite station.

A PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER WILL LOVE THEM WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THEM       

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

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WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER IN COHOES?

The Main Reasons for using a PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTER:

• Your cat and you will experience less stress since there are no transportation worries.

• Your cat will follow his/her customary diet and exercise routine.

• Your cat avoids illness from other animals.

• We provide loving, personalized attention to your cat and his/her special needs.

• Your cat remains in the comfort and security of his/her home in Cohoes not a strange unfamiliar Kennel. No matter how cute the name it's still a box away from the safety and security of home.

• No longer do you need to stop your mail and newspaper, your cat sitter will bring them in for you.

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

 

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CAT SITTER IN COHOES



The right choices will ensure the health & happiness of your pets.

 

• Will the child (or adult) recognize the early signs of illness (how many children would notice a cat with signs of urinary track problems or a cat that has become lethargic?)
  
   
• If an adult is caring for your cats, will they have the time to notice the problems? And will the child or adult be prepared to deal with the problem if it is noticed? Will a child have access to transportation to take a sick or injured cat to the vet or will they just leave it and hope!
  
   
• Will quality time be spent with your cat?
  
   
• Will they always remember to visit as planned?
  
   
• Will they clean up all messes and will litter boxes be cleaned daily?
  
   
• Will they be given the proper amount of food, will fresh water be given, what about medications?
  
   
• Will they stick to your pet’s normal diet or will junk food be given? Maybe just a chocolate candy bar (which can be toxic)!
  
   
• Will the child be concentrating on your home and cats or will he/she be thinking about getting done so they can be with their friends? Or will their friends be at your house?...maybe partying Will they remember to lock the house? Will they tell their teen-age friends that you are out of town?
  
   
• Will they have other priorities, thus reducing the attention to your cat that he/she needs and deserves when you are unable to provide it yourself?

• Are they trained in pet health and first aid, can they recognize the early signs of illness and will they know what to do in the event of an emergency?
  
   
• Check on (and ask to see) current liability insurance and bonding.
  
   
• Are they members of a professional pet sitting organization, these organizations keep pet sitters current on our industry and set standards?
  
   
• Do they pursue furthering their education in pet related areas?
   
• What is their level of experience in dealing with pets?
  
   
• Do they network with other pet sitters and pet related businesses to learn more about their profession and pet care in general?
  
   
• Who will be coming into your home when you are away/will you meet the person/will children be coming in without your knowledge?
  
   
• Do they provide references? (If so check them out!)
  
   
• What about vet care?  Do they get your signature allowing them to seek treatment?
   
• Is there a back up for personal illness or emergency?
   
• Do they use a written contract, that states fees and specifies services?
  
   
• Do they provide evaluation forms and handle complaints promptly?
  
   
• Can they explain company policies to you and do they maintain regular office hours?
  
   
• Are they dependable and will they make all visits as scheduled?
  
   

• Try to determine if they are cat sitting as a career or just a hobby!

• Is Cohoes an area they have easy access to in severe weather

   

  '

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

We will schedule a pre-service visit.

We can schedule a trial visit.

If your cat seems a little anxious or nervous we can schedule a trial visit again at your home in Cohoes before you actually leave. We want you to be completely comfortable so you can enjoy your time away.

When do we visit your Pets.

For our customers with special cats requiring multiple visits  we schedule your cat so that we can keep the visits evenly spaced. Cats love a consistent schedule and your cat sitter will provide this.

VALUE ADDED SERVICES

Your cat sitter will collect all Newspapers, Mail, UPS and bring them in Daily. 
If you wish we can alternate Lights and Window Treatments to make your home look more active.
Your cat sitter will water your house plants (additional fee may apply for large numbers of plants).
Special Requests are welcome, we will make every effort to accommodate.

MEDICATIONS

Your Cat Sitter will give your pets needed medication as directed by your veterinarian, this will be carefully reviewed and noted during our pre-service visit. It is our policy to always ask for medication updates each time you schedule service.

UNEXPECTED ILLNESS

Should any of your cats become sick we will not hesitate to seek veterinary care. Your Vet is always the first priority, should this not be possible we will seek care from the following.

In Cohoes we use the Cohoes Veterinary Hosp 518 235-1710

In the Albany Area we use Parkside Veterinary Hospital 518-463-0418

In the Colonie, Latham Area we use Capitaland Animal Hospital 518-785-5513.

In the Clifton Park Area we use the Animal Health Center 518-371-3606.

In the event that care is required after regular hours we use the Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic 518-785-1094.

Although emergency's are rare, we have policy and plans in place to serve your pets needs.

FAIL SAFE POLICY FOR YOUR PETS.

What is the first thing you should do regardless of the time?

  CALL YOUR PET SITTER AND LEAVE A MESSAGE SAYING YOU ARE HOME.

YOUR CATS ARE GOING TO RECEIVE CONTINUED CARE UNTIL WE KNOW YOU ARE HOME. YOUR CATS WILL NEVER BE IGNORED BECAUSE SOMEONE ASSUMED EVERYTHING WAS OKAY.

 Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

KITTY  CAT  HUMOR

A MAN, A WOMAN, AND A CAT

UNBENDING RULES FOR DEALING WITH STRAY CATS.

The Tiny Pill

CAT LAWS

YOUR KITTY AND YOUR E-MAIL PASSWORD

BATHING YOUR KITTY

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR KITTY HAS A PROBLEM

WHY CATS ARE BETTER THAN MEN

GOD CREATED CATS FIRST

FUNNY CAT STORIES OR JOKES ALWAYS WELCOME
DROP US AN E-MAIL

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

FIRST AID TIPS AND MORE

You should always have a First Aid Kit handy for your pet's. Here are some of the basic items you should have in your kit.

FIRST AID IS A SUPPORT PROCESS FOR YOUR PET, NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CARE. 

CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUR veterinarians phone number, and the phone number to the after-hours emergency pet clinic.

A veterinary first aid manual.

Round tipped scissors.

Tweezers.

Rectal Thermometer.

Syringe, minus the needle (for administering oral medications.)

Gauze.

Adhesive tape.

Cotton Balls.

Latex gloves.

Antibacterial soap.

Aspirin. Bufferin Only (FOR DOGS ONLY)

Cortaid (or other hydrocortisone cream.)

Neosporin (or other antibiotic ointment.)

Hydrogen peroxide. (external use only.)

Eyewash.

Dramamine.

ASPIRIN is a great fever reducer in humans. It works just as well in dogs, Consult your veterinarian for dosage guidance. Only use Buffered NEVER use acetaminophen (Tylenol, Advil, Ibuprofen these are VERY DANGEROUS to animals. NEVER give Aspirin of any type or kind to your Cat NEVER.

DRAMAMINE this motion sickness medicine for people also works in both Cats and Dogs . Large dogs 1/2 to 1 tablet an hour before travel. Small dogs and cats get 1/4 tablet an hour before travel. IF YOUR PET HAS BLADDER PROBLEMS OR GLAUCOMA, OR YOU EVEN SUSPECT THEY DO NEVER GIVE THEM DRAMAMINE WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR VETERINARIAN FIRST.

CUTS require immediate attention. A steady flow of blood from a wound indicates a cut or punctured vein at the least. Spurting blood indicates a cut artery and must be controlled immediately. Gently apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze over the bleeding area. This will nearly always control most hemorrhages. Applying ice packs will slow down blood flow and speed clotting. SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE.

BURNS require immediate veterinary care. Any evidence of a burn from hot liquid or an object may be concealed by a heavy fur coat. Carefully trim the hair around the burn to prevent matting and infection, and lightly apply the area with a Cold water gauze. This will offer your pet some relief and helps prevent serum loss. SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY.

HEATSTROKE if you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, place ice packs around your pets neck and head and TRANSPORT TO YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. The ice packs will help lower your pets temperature. 

POISON requires a cool head, first try to determine what your pet has ingested, this information will be of enormous value in your pets treatment. CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW THERE INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT QUESTION TIME IS EXTREMELY CRITICAL. 

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

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Veterinarians In Cohoes and the Surrounding Capital district

  ALBANY AREA

PARKSIDE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

172 Morton Avenue Albany, NY    (518)-463-0418

CAPITAL REGION VETERINARY MEDICAL SPECIALTIES PC

1506 Western Avenue Albany, NY  (518) 456-6333

CENTRAL VETERINARY

388 Central Avenue Albany, NY      (518)-434-2115

BALLSTON SPA

BATTENKILL VETERINARY

Route 29 & 40 South  Ballston Spa, NY (518) 885-2731

BETHLEHEM AREA

EQUINE CLINIC

880 Bridge Road Bethlehem, NY        (518)-767-2906

BURNT HILLS AREA

BURNT HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

145 GOODE BURNT HILLS, NY             (518)-399-5213

CHATAM (NORTH)

CHATAM SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL

RT 203 North Chatam, NY                   (518) 766-4600                  

EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER

RT 203 NORTH CHATAM, NY                (518)-766-4600  

CLIFTON PARK AREA

ANIMAL HEALTH CARE CENTER

1656 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY                   (518) 371-3606

CLIFTON PARK ANIMAL HOSP

RT 146 Clifton Park, NY                        (371) 371-5400

HALFMOON VETERINARY HOSP

240     Grooms Road Clifton Park, NY     (518) 383-2443

 COHOES AREA

BOGHT VETERINARY CLINIC

1165 LOUDON ROAD COHOES, NY           (518)-785-0718

CAPITAL DISTRICT ANIMAL EMERGENCY CLINIC        (518) 785-1094

222 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110

MONDAY - THURSDAY     5 PM TO 8 AM

FRIDAY 5 PM  THRU MONDAY 8 AM

COLONIE AREA                           

COLONIE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1946 CENTRAL AVENUE COLONIE, NY  (518) 456-1613

DELMAR AREA

DELMAR ANIMAL HOSP

910 Delaware Ave Delmar, NY              (518) 439-9361

GUILDERLAND AREA

THE ANIMAL HOSP

2 Rocking Horse Lane, Guilderland, NY       (518) 456-0851

GUILDERLAND ANIMAL HOSP

4963 Western Turnpike Guilderland, NY (518) 355-0260

JUST CATS VETERINARY CLINIC

2073 Western Avenue Guilderland, NY     (518) 869-5779

LATHAM AREA

CAPITALAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL

890 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY           (518) 785-5531

SHAKER VETERINARY HOSPITAL

223 Maxwell Road Latham, NY                 (518) 458-9669

LATHAM ANIMAL HOSPITAL

326 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY            (518) 785-1481

NISKAYUNA AREA

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NISKAYUNA

2764 Troy Schenectady Road Niskayuna, NY       (518) 785-9731

THE BIRD CLINIC

1718 Union Street Niskayuna, NY             (518) 370-3736

ROTTERDAM AREA

ROTTERDAM VETERINARY HOSPITAL

2806 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady, NY (518) 356-5568

SCHENECTADY AREA

AQUEDUCT ANIMAL HOSPITAL

2721 Balltown Road Schenectady, NY       (518) 346-3467

PAUL T. HARTMAN DVM

1718 Union Street Schenectady, NY          (518) 370-3736

SCHENECTADY ANIMAL HOSP

2275 Duanesberg Road Duanesberg, NY          (518) 356-4455

TROY AREA

Cohoes Veterinary Hosp

898 2nd Ave, Troy, NY 12182              (518 235-1710)

TROY VETERINARY HOSPITAL

840 Hoosick Road Troy, NY                   (518) 279-4668

WYNANSKILL AREA

WYNANSKILL VETERINARY CLINIC

Route 150 Wynanskill, NY                         (518) 283-1127

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

Cat Behavior

Older Cats

Cat Fleas

Litter box Trouble

Cat Dangerous Foods

Cat Diet Variety

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

What To Do if You Have Lost Your Cat
 

First, cats do not "run away" or "stray." They investigate new places and find themselves trapped, they get lost if driven away from their territory Cohoes is no exception, they are spirited off by circumstances beyond their control, they become ill or injured and creep away to a quiet dark place. But they rarely voluntarily leave their home, even if badly treated. It is imperative when a cat turns up missing to begin an aggressive search immediately. Your cat's life could depend on it.
 

Try to think like a cat, your cat specifically. Look around and try to imagine what could have happened to account for the disappearance and help you look in the right places.
 

Cats are excellent hiders. Look first in your immediate area. Check the house carefully. Then check again, even in those spaces where you are certain a cat could not fit (chances are, they can). Listen for sounds of distress (cats explore weird spaces and can be fatally attracted dark places and to vertical spaces -- look behind the water heater, for example, or in that closet or cupboard or attic you accessed a while back). If there have been changes in the environment lately, with nifty new places for a cat to explore, look there. Don't forget to look in your own backyard in case the cat has been injured or gotten stuck somewhere.
 

Then go door-to-door, taking a pad and pen with you to write down your name and number. Better still, first make up a quick poster with a brief description, a clear photo, and the cat's name and your name/phone and run copies at the nearest photocopy center -- be sure to make your phone number (or at least the "lost cat" part) prominent enough to be seen by a passing car.
 

Ask your neighbors to look and listen for a cat in their area. Ask them to check their garage or other outbuildings, look in their trees, check their basement. And ask them to call your cat's name and listen carefully for signs of distress. Leave your poster or name/phone with and a description and name of the cat. Tell them you may check back with them later. Then ask permission to enter their property to look for yourself (the cat might be too frightened to respond to a stranger). Most people will gladly cooperate.
 

Ask neighbors if they have noticed a "new" cat in the area, even if they think it belongs to someone else. Sometimes people "find" cats or kittens and decide to keep them, either assuming they are "stray" or that they are not likely to be claimed by an owner. Children sometimes "find" new pets in this way and carry them home, where the cat is either taken in or put outside by the parent to find its way home again.
 

Don't rule out neighbor malice. Neighbors, even landlords, sometimes snatch cats and dump them in another neighborhood or worse. It is worth visiting shelters out of your area. It is also worth asking neighbors if they know of anyone in the area who might be trapping cats or who has a history or the potential of wishing cats harm. Be diplomatic.

Check the streets and alleys. An injured animal may not be able to get home or may choose to withdraw into a quiet place. The sooner the cat can be gotten to emergency care the better its chances of survival.
 

Sometimes cats climb into moving vans or parked cars and are not found immediately. Was such a vehicle in your area at the time of disappearance?
 

Ask neighborhood kids if they have seen anything. Give them your name and number. Kids can be a great source of neighborhood goings-on.
 

Talk to your mail carrier and give him/her a flyer or a photo with the cat's name and your name/phone on the back.

Now put up posters around the neighborhood and take them back to those neighbors you have already contacted if you weren't able to supply a poster earlier. Leave posters at vet clinics, local shelters (even those out of your area), and all over the neighborhood. When putting up your posters don't forget to check the "found cat" posters. At the vet's ask if an injured cat was brought in as a "stray" and ask for a description. Vets will stabilize injured cats before they are taken into the animal shelter.
 

Place a "lost cat" ad in both the city and the neighborhood papers. Also check the "found" ads daily.
 

If you offer a reward, beware the hostage-taker or bogus calls. (I met a couple whose bulldog pup was held hostage for $100 when they had offered $50 reward; they paid out of fear for the pup's life.)
 

Check Animal Control frequently (every other day or at least every third day) and be prepared to go down and look at the animals in the kennels; I have heard cases of the lost animal being in the shelter but not reported to the owner (by error, not design). Your description may not be sufficient to help an attendant identify the cat over the phone. Leave a photo at the front desk and ask to visit the quarantine area for sick and injured animals (sometimes overflow animals are caged there as well). Ask if any overflow cats are being held in the dog area. Also, sadly, review the DOA list. If the cat had collar i.d., its chances of being returned to you if found are much great, but don't count on it; the collar could have been lost or even removed. Micro chipping is much more reliable. Bear in mind that some citizens are loathe to take a found animal to the shelter right away and will keep it for several days or longer before turning it in.
 

Consider using a trained tracking dog. Contact local obedience class teachers and inquire about hiring someone with a dog with Utility Dog certification to locate the cat by scent.
 

Don't give up. Keep looking in those same old spots, calling and listening. Try new spots; enlarge your search-area to the next block or the next after that. Don't be embarrassed and try not to let yourself become paralyzed with grief and anxiety (I know the feeling). Cats are tough customers and can last many days without food or water. They also can hide very well, remember, and may not be rescued by animal control or a citizen for many weeks after their initial disappearance.
 

Finally, if you find your cat and he is indoor-outdoor, please give serious thought to converting to indoor-only, to save yourself the stress and very possibly your cat its life. The next adventure may not have such a happy ending. permission to print this article from Sharon Talbert of Friends of Campus Cats

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273

Why Critters Choice of Cohoes  About Cat Sitting  Kitty Humor  First Aid  Veterinarians

Cat Care Articles  What To Do when Your Cat is Lost  Cat Resources Cat  Rescue

Quality Cat Resources

Messy Beast Cat Resource Archive

Dane County (Not Local but much information Available)

Alley Cat Allies

Paw Print Resources

Crafty Cat

Cat Therapy

Angels Wish

Amby's Cat Resources

Need a Cat Sitter In Cohoes
Contact Mary or John

Mary@CrittersChoice.com

518-783-2273