Author and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Darlene Arden gives her latest cat tip on how to integrate the new kitty into your home.

A number of cats enjoy playing fetch. What they fetch is personal preference. Some are happy with a rolled up piece of paper while others like to fetch a small toy. Many cats are perfectly fine with a pipecleaner toy while others are in danger of swallowing the pipecleaner, leading to an obstruction. This can be lethal. Also, you have to remember to tuck in any sharp edges. Always supervise your cat when introducing a new toy.

The holidays are upon us, and what loving pet owner isn’t thinking about including their cat in the festivities? Gift-giving isn’t limited to humans. There are wonderful gifts available for your feline friend but while you’re choosing, remember that you have to buy with safety in mind. There’s no governing body overseeing pet toy safety so it’s your responsibility to look at everything very carefully.

For more of: Darlene Arden’s Cat Tip #4

Check out Darlene Arden’s latest Cat Tip!:

Before you bring your cat home, be sure to kitty-proof your house. Remove all plants that might be hazardous to kitty’s health (or downright fatal!). Here’s a link to an online list of harmful plants: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/owners-corner/toxic-plant-listing/toxic-plants-to-cats/.
Pick up little toys that could be swallowed, paperclips, etc. and keep them out of kitty’s reach above ground as well. Cats can climb so any space is fair game.

To read more: Cat Tip #3

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Darlene Arden is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, a member of The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, The American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians (even though she is not a veterinarian), a World Canine Freestyle Organization Judge, Referee and Executive Advisory Board Member, as well as a member of the Dog Writer’s Association of America, Inc., and the World Dog Press Association, Cat Writers Association and Boston Authors Club. She is a learning facilitator at Kutztown University’s Canine Training & Management Program. An internationally recognized expert on behavior, training, and the wellness of dogs. She is the author of Rover, Get Off Her Leg!, The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs, The Irrepressible Toy Dog, and Small Dogs, Big Hearts. You can find her on the web at: http://www.darlenearden.com.