INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

At OARS, we promote responsible cat ownership. We understand that finding a suitable home for a pet can be difficult, so we offer support and guidance throughout the process. By adopting one of our cats, you are giving them a chance for a happy life. Thank you for your support.

cat resources

HELPFUL CAT RESOURCES

Get tips for raising a happy and healthy cat. Learn about feeding them high-quality food and introducing a new cat to your family. Find information on declawing, litter box care, and pet-friendly housing. Give your cat the best life with these helpful guides.



  • HIGH-QUALITY CAT FOOD LIST

    We recommend feeding high-quality or “premium” cat foods, or the best quality you can afford. These premium foods are made with better ingredients than economy brand foods that can be found in the supermarket. The kibble is more densely packed with nutrients and calories making the food more easily digested. Often times cats will eat less of the premium foods as they are better able to meet their nutritional needs.  


    This also equates to less waste in the litter box! Economy foods are often made with low-quality meat sources and “fillers” that make the cat feel full but don’t provide adequate nutrition in which case you will end up feeding your cat more food. This contributes to obesity in cats. It also means more waste in the litter box. Economy foods also contain chemical preservatives. 


    We recommend feeding canned and dry food in most cases. Wet food is more natural to a cat’s diet. Indoor cats often don’t drink enough water. Canned food provides them with additional moisture to maintain a healthy system. Cats are carnivores.​ Their digestive system is designed to derive nutrition from a diet consisting of mostly meat. Their bodies require an amino acid called Taurine which is only found in meat products. Seek food that lists 3 to 4 meat or fish products in the first 6 ingredients. 


    The list of ingredients is based on their percentages in the food from greatest to least. Carbohydrates include whole grains (brown rice, barley, oatmeal) and vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.) These are found in most cat foods but should not comprise most of the ingredients. Antioxidants are often added to premium cat food. They help maintain a healthy immune system. 


    Antioxidants have been found to help deter kidney, liver, and heart disease.  Fats should be from quality sources (chicken fat, lamb fat, herring oil, sunflower oil, etc.) NOT unspecified sources (vegetable oil, animal fat, poultry fat) with natural preservatives (mixed tocopherols, vitamin E), NOT synthetic preservatives (BHA, BHT, propylene glycol)  Note- sometimes manufacturers list carbohydrate sources separately, ex: corn gluten, corn meal, and brewer’s rice; however, these three carbs combined outweigh the protein which was listed first on the ingredient list. 


    Below is a list of recommended food brands (* denotes premium blend)  

    • Natural Balance (also makes a limited ingredient line)* 
    • Fromm’s* 
    • Royal Canin* 
    • Wellness* 
    • Iams 
    • Nature’s Recipe 
    • Purina Pro Plan 
    • Purina One 
    • Science Diet

    Making the Transition:

    When switching foods, expect to take 7-14 days to transition, gradually adding more of the new food and reducing what had been previously fed. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, transition to the new food over 2-3 weeks. 


    If all is going well, and your cat does not experience any vomiting or diarrhea, then you may switch to 100% of the new food. If your pet does not like the new food, gradually switch to a different variety. Abruptly switching from one pet food to another often causes diarrhea. Diarrhea can also be a sign that the diet is deficient and needs changing. Contact your vet with any concerns. 

  • INTRODUCING YOUR PETS

    Introducing Your Pets 


    Are you bringing home a second, third, or maybe even fourth or fifth pet?  


    Then please read this! ​The introduction process is critical, especially for cats - it can mean the difference between a lifetime of love versus a lifetime of loathing!  


    Please be patient during your new pet’s transition into your home, since your pet has been used to a different routine, sights, and smells. The pet may have been in several other homes in a short period of time prior to arriving into your family.  You’ll need to teach it about its new home and positively reward the behaviors you want to encourage. Use positive methods and distractions to discourage unwanted behaviors. 


    To set your new pet up for success, any children should always be supervised with your new pet.  This also encourages the development of a healthy, respectful relationship. Take the time to educate (yours/others) children on how to treat a pet, and you will be rewarded with a friendship that lasts a lifetime! 


    The key to an effective transition is a SLOW transition! Here’s some helpful advice to follow to make the pet introduction process successful – and please don’t rush it!  Each pet needs a different amount of time to adjust. 


    Before the Introductions – Advance Preparation is Key! 


    This process is extremely important! Preparing your current pets PRIOR to the arrival of the new pet is crucial, so your current pets don’t associate the changes in the household with the new pet.  If pets are not introduced well, it may take months—or even years—to make amends. Please take the time to work through the transition at the pace your pets need.  In advance of the homecoming, you may consider purchasing a pheromone spray or an electric plug-in, such as Feliway for cats or D.A.P. for dogs.  


    New Puppy/ Dog to a Cat’s House:​ If you are bringing a new dog or puppy into a home with a cat, make changes in the cat's environment well in advance of the dog's arrival. This way, your cat won't blame the dog for what she sees as unnecessary upheaval. For instance: move the cat's bowls onto a counter, washing machine, or another out-of-reach location, keeping in mind your cat’s health and ability to jump. Some dogs are quite agile, so a pet/ baby gate may not be practical while others will never attempt to jump over it.  Make certain that both the cat's food dish and litter box are well out of your new dog's reach, but still accessible to your cat. Your cat won't get as stressed if these changes in her surroundings occur gradually ​before​ the new dog arrives. 


    Introduce your new dog to the cat while the dog is on a leash and go slowly.   Don't press the meeting if kitty isn't interested in approaching the new dog. 


    Note:  Most dogs are very attracted to cat food, due to its higher fat content and flavor. They may also seek out the litter box.  


    New Kitten/ Cat to a Dog’s House: ​If you are bringing a new kitten or cat into your dog's home, get the supplies for the cat or kitten in advance, and teach your dog that these items are off-limits. Your cat will need a safe spot up high where she can get away from the dog and watch what's going on. This could be on top of the fridge, dresser, or a cat tree. Once the cat is comfortable watching from a distance, she will gradually get curious and come down to investigate.  


    Do not try to rush this process. Your cat's comfort depends on being able to adjust at her own pace. Almost all cats prefer several options for relaxing, from a sunny patch on the carpet to a tall perch where they can safely observe household activity. 


    Introducing Cat to Cat


    • Before you bring your new cat home, set up a separate room for him—​away​ from your current cat’s favorite spot.

    • When bringing your new cat home, leave the new kitty in the carrier outside in the car for a moment (weather permitting) while you run inside and put your current cat in a room and close the door. Then bring the new kitty inside, directly to his own room. Even better: ask a friend to bring the new kitty into his room. If your current cat sees you bringing in a new kitty to the house, you become the “traitor” in their eyes.

    • Cats should be kept separated for the first few days to ease the transition. ​This is IMPORTANT! Don’t rush it!

    • The first few days: take towels, blankets, or strips of paper from the new kitty’s room and set out for the current kitty to smell; and vice versa. You can also take a dry cloth and wipe along one cat's body, then leave it with the other cat.  Repeat with the remaining cat. Cats react better to each other if they are first introduced to smell. 

    • The first week, allow the cats to sniff and play with each other under a doorway (which they may not do—they may instead hiss at each other, which is normal). 

    • When hissing has minimized, place new kitty in his carrier and allow your current kitty to enter the new kitty’s room. Current kitty will sniff everything out—and may ignore new kitty. Let current kitty proceed at her own pace. Repeat this a few times until current kitty seems to recognize new kitty.

    • For both cats: use treats and attention as a reward for good behavior you want to encourage.

    • After they’ve had a few protected introductions, try letting both kitties roam free at the same time, but be sure to monitor them. If hissing is kept to a minimum and there appears to be no serious threat of a fight, things should be on the right track to a healthy friendship. Confine pets at night and when left unattended until you are sure they are amicable together.

    • Keep both kitties’ food and litter boxes separate for a few weeks until you notice both are using both areas appropriately. Then you may wish to return to having one food area.  It is recommended you have one litter box per cat, plus one (2 cats= 3 boxes). Cats are particular about where they relieve themselves, and it’s best to avoid litter box problems by providing at least two, in a lower-traffic area of your house. Consider adding a night light if in a low-light area.  Scoop daily and completely clean the box at least monthly (or as needed) to keep your cats happy!

    • Please note that this process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months—it all depends on the personalities of your cats. But over time, it all tends to work out. With patience, your kitties should become great buddies, playmates, and companions!

    Introducing Dog to Dog


    • Introduce dogs on leash in a neutral environment. This should be done at least twice. Keep your arm loose, if you’re tense, the dog will pick up on that. It’s ok to let them sniff each other, as it’s the canine way of shaking hands.

    • Introduce dogs on leash in their yard and then in the house.

    • ** ​Very important! ​Feed dogs separately (either separated in a crate or in a small room) and be cautious with rawhides, treats, and toys to avoid the possibility of toy/food/ resource aggression. Give toys/ treats while they’re in separate locations to mitigate this possibility.

    • Keep dogs separated at night and when left unattended. Never allow children and dogs to be left unattended.

    • Make sure you spend quality time with each dog and recognize each for demonstrating good behavior.

    Introducing Dog to Cat


    • Introduce the leashed dog to the cat sitting on a high surface, to allow it to look down on the dog. Do not force your cat/ dog to approach the other pet. This may take several minutes or more.

    • Do not allow the dog to chase the cat. If the dog gets excited, bring him to another room to allow him to calm down.

    • If the dog lunges at the kitty, use obedience commands to bring your dog’s focus back to you (and away from the cat), say in a firm voice “LEAVE IT” or “NOT KITTY!” If your dog listens- even for a moment- be generous with verbal praise, treats, and affection. You want to make it very clear when your dog does what you want.

    • If she bothers the cat, she gets corrected; if she focuses on you, she gets attention and happy talk.

    • You may want to keep your dog on a leash while in the house, to allow for easy correction if s/he starts to chase after the cat. Be sure to clip the handle of the leash, so it doesn’t get caught on household items. Remember, once the dog has learned to chase the cat, it will be difficult to change that behavior- your dog sees this as a fun game; prevention is key!

    • Provide a safe place for the cat to access its food and water, away from the dog. Cat food isn’t good for your dog!

    • Gate off the room/area with the litter box so only the cat has access.  It should be in a location where the cat won’t feel cornered and will ideally have another path for kitty to enter/ leave the box in the event the dog guards that space.

    • Confine the pets at night and when left unattended for periods of time to separate areas, until the dog has shown no interest in chasing the cat or the cat doesn’t antagonize the dog.

    In summary, your pets may take several months to get acquainted, they may only learn to tolerate each other, or they may become the best of friends. Please be patient and realize this is not typically an overnight process. Each pet is different, and each introduction varies.  Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your vet, a trainer, or the animal rescue for more helpful tips. There are many great resources so you don’t have to go through this alone. In the meantime, enjoy the unique personalities of your pets and spend quality time with them individually! 


    Congratulations on adopting your new pet!

  • LITTER BOX RESOURCES

    What Your Cat Wants You to Know About Going Outside the Box


    "I don't feel well."

    It's time for a vet visit to be sure I'm not sick.


    "The box isn't as clean as I'd like."

    Clean it more often and replace old boxes.


    " I need more boxes."

    Make sure there is one box per cat plus an extra and spread them apart in the house.


    "I don't like the box location."

    Get me out of high-traffic areas but don't corner me.


    "My box doesn't fit."

    I want a bigger box at least 1.5 times my body length without a hood over it.


    "I don't like this kind of litter."

    Can we try unscented, clumping this time?

  • PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING

    Find Cat-Friendly Housing


    We know that finding pet-friendly housing is a challenge. That's why we're here to help!


    We've compiled a list of resources to help you find the best place for your pet, whether it's an apartment, condo, or house.


    Here are some sites where you can search for pet-friendly housing:


    Apartmentlist.com →


    Zillow Pet-Friendly →


    Trulia Pet-Friendly →

  • DECLAWING INFORMATION

    Why Cats Need Claws 


    Claws are involved in almost everything a cat does during her waking hours. In the morning, she digs her claws into her scratching post and pulls against the claws' resistance to energize and tone her upper body. 


    During playtime, her claws snag flying toys out of the air and hold them in place. When she runs across the house and up the stairs, her claws act like cleats to provide extra traction. When she scales her kitty condo, she uses her claws like miniature mountaineering crampons that let her reach the top with ease. 


    Read more here

cat declawing facts
Share by: