We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!
​
I’m a true cat lover. When I grew up, my family always had cats in the house. At one point, we had a male and two females and both had litters at the same time, so for a while there were 12 cats in the house! One of those kittens joined the family and lived to be over 20 years old! 

I am a painter, puppet maker, and union film and stage performer. I’m also a licensed NYC tour guide. I worked on boats giving whale watch tours off the coast of New England for five years as the onboard narrator/naturalist. Lately I have been doing film writing, so I am frequently at home. I have lived in the same apartment in the East Village for nearly 40 years. My old cat passed a few years ago, and I began taking care of cats with Kitty in NY. I have a regular cat boarder who stays with me every month, and a few regular cats that I visit. I am caring and responsible, and will enjoy spending time with, and getting to know your cat. After each visit, I always send a text or email with photos and a full report. You can be confident that your cat will get full attention and care!

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​We’re 2 sisters that live together named Lindsay and Joann. Lindsay’s background is in eCommerce in the luxury/beauty space. Joann’s background is in buying and planning in apparel. Lindsay has watched cats, dogs, ferrets, and bunnies in middle school and high school. Now, the 2 sisters are caregivers at Kitty in NY and have been with Kitty in NY for at least 3 years. Cats get double the fun with us!

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

​When I was four, a stray cat (which my brother was secretly feeding) ran into my house and birthed three kittens. We weren’t a pet family at that time and my parents only had childhood experiences of raising dogs. 

We became pet/cat people overnight. 

Of that litter, one survived for 20 beautiful years. Chichi and I grew up together. Because of her, I’ve always been able to connect with cats — even ‘tough’ cats or strays. She wasn’t the only cat I raised; we came to own two other cats in her lifetime. The three cats couldn’t be more different, and yet, my relationship with each was special. Eventually, they all passed and I wasn’t sure I’d jump back into owning a cat because I was afraid I’d never find cats as great. I was so wrong.

Four years ago I adopted a 6 y.o. tuxedo cat with arthritis. He came from a hoarder home and was extremely skittish with people. I have never had to work so hard to ‘normalize’ a cat, but Figgy and I have made strides. Due to his arthritis, Fig is on a strict diet and is medicated daily. I intimately understand the importance of adhering to diets/medication routines because his comfort depends on it.  ​

I’m very good at meeting cats where they are. Figaro has taught me that some cats really operate at their own pace and can’t always be bribed. I’m comfortable with keeping my distance from a cat who wants that and also giving a kitty all of the loving it demands of me. I work as a graphic designer in FiDi and live in Harlem. Happy to visit with any kitties along the 2/3 line :)

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

3 years ago, on a rainy August evening in Miami, as I was walking up to my apartment, I suddenly encountered the love of my life. Off to the side of the path, there was a little gray and brown striped cat, wet and shivering. I stopped right where I stood, heart in my throat, and she ran right up to me. She weaved between my legs a bit before plopping herself right on my sneakered feet. I squealed (as quietly as I could) with delight: just 2 nights before, I had proclaimed to my roommate that we would be getting a cat. We had already began to rearrange our furniture, effectively baby- (or kitty-)proofing the space; we bought oodles of wet food, a comfy bed, a carrier, and tons of toys. We had no idea that 2 days later, we would be welcoming this small furry ball of energy, who came to be called Tootsie, into our home. I am so glad she did! 

My name is Gari and I am a woman of many talents. I am originally from NYC. I'm a Prep for Prep, Sacred Heart ('12), Wesleyan ('16), and AmeriCorps/City Year ('17, '18) alumna. I've lived in Miami (and briefly in Maryland) for the past 2 years. I came back to the Big Apple at the end of 2018 (for those keeping track: since moving back to NYC, Tootsie is currently living with my cousin and I visit her every other weekend). In addition to loving up on and caring for cats, a large portion of my time goes towards building my healing & coaching business, where I work to create spaces for folx to explore & better understand themselves, their feelings, and their purpose. When I'm not doing that, you can catch me cleaning/KonMari-ing people's homes, reading something about consciousness, drawing in my notebook, or working on any one of my numerous passion projects!

You’re sitting in the waiting room when the vet comes out wearing a solemn expression. That’s the day you learn your baby’s kidneys are failing. For my youngest one, Kitty Meow Meow, this was the harsh reality we were faced with. At only six years old she was in the second stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Being the most common killer of domestic cats, and the same disease that took my childhood best friend, Mr. Fluffy Copper Tail, my heart dropped at the news.

Trying desperately to keep my baby alive and healthy for as long as possible, I took to
the internet and spent days researching our options. While there’s no cure for CKD,
there are ways to slow the disease, and that’s what I was resolved to do. The first and
hardest step was controlling her weight which, I must admit, I let get out of control.
She’s always been a little heavy, but I had never done anything about it because, let’s
face it, fat kitties are pretty cute—but it was time for a diet.

If your cat isn’t suffering from CKD, you should still work hard towards implementing a
weight management system so they can hold off on getting the disease for as long as
possible. There were three steps I used to help Kitty Meow Meow, and I think they’ll
work for your fluffy friend as well. They involved sourcing the cause of the obesity,
managing diet, and increasing activity.

She had always had anxiety, and it was obvious whenever she was feeling anxious—because she’d sprint to her food dish and start eating every scrap and morsel
of food in her sight. After looking over the options, I settled on trying an anti-anxiety oil, which I figured would have a negligible effect on her kidneys compared to a prescription or anti-histamine. She did seem to calm down a lot after I put some in her food, so I’d say it was a success.

Next was actually changing her diet. Cats with CKD have to eat foods low in
phosphorus, so in addition to being on a prescription diet, I also closely monitored her
food intake. Since she would always devour every last drop and granule of food the
moment it was put in her dish, I decided to feed her smaller amounts five times a day.
At 6am, which is when I wake up, I give her 1/5 cup of dry food and then another 1/5
cup half an hour later. I do this same thing at 6pm when I get home, and for my lunch
break I run home and give her 1/5 cup of wet food—making sure it’s mostly gravy, and if it does contain meat that it’s chicken thigh, beef stew, or tuna, which are all lower in
phosphorus.
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I also began playing with Meow Meow more often to tire her out and help her lose some excess weight. Suddenly, instead of playing with her ten to twenty minutes a day it was running on an hour or more—and all it took was a laser pointer! After a couple months I noticed she was less thirsty (cats with CKD drink a LOT of water because they can’t retain fluids well) and had more energy than ever. She had also lost a cool 8 lbs of weight.

I can only wish I had done this sooner for her, and then maybe we wouldn’t be in this
position in the first place. So, if your kitten is a little hefty it may be smart to help them
lose a bit of weight, no matter how cute they are!

This article was written by Victoria Ward

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

I come from a cat lover family: my great-grand parents, my grand-parents, my parents had cats. For as far as I can remember, I have heard stories about and lived with cats.  I feel totally comfortable with them. They are beautiful, intelligent and loving animals, I love and respect them deeply: I like the fact that they are close to their true nature. By nature I am a calm and sensitive person and adjust well to the cats' personalities which are so different from one another. A part-time teacher, I am at home a lot, translating or making craft, so I am able to spend time, play and have quality time with the cats, or let them be. Since my last cat Rose died, I don't live with a cat, and I miss the companionship. My apartment is a cosy and cats friendly one bedroom so no worries about scratching furniture or rugs!

CKD is one of the most common progressive illnesses found in cats. In fact, over 30% of all cats aged 15 and above will develop some form of it. And it’s because of this, most cat owners wonder…is this condition is preventable?

And the truth is there’s no straightforward answer (helpful right…)

To better understand if CKD is preventable, we first need to look at the causes of this
condition.The causes can be split into two main categories: Congenital (conditions present from birth)or Acquired (conditions that your cat will have developed over time).

Cats with a Congenital conditions are likely to have either Polycystic Kidney Disease, Renal Dysplasia or were born with only one kidney. Each of these conditions  drastically affect your cat’s kidney function from the offset, and therefore make it very tough to prevent CKD in the future.

Cats that Acquire the condition over time may have suffered from a bacterial or viral
infections, an inflammatory condition, have been exposed to toxins ( for example anti-
freeze, grapes, raisins or lilies), had trauma to the kidneys or have been diagnosed with a form of cancer. Although it is still not possible to say that any of the acquired conditions listed above are preventable, there are several strategies cat owners can carry out at home to promote their cat’s health as they get older. These can include:

 Maintaining a healthy diet - particularly for older cats there are specialist foods
available to promote the health of their kidneys.

 Hydration levels – Ensuring your cat remains hydrated is key to maintaining the
health of their kidneys. Remember, cats tend to only drink from a full bowl of water
or even better, running water, which is why cat drinking fountains make an
excellent aid for ensuring your cat stays hydrated.
​
 Vets check-ups – Even if you think your cat’s health is in good condition, it is always
important to attend their annual vet check-up to ensure any concerning symptoms
are spotted as quickly as possible. This is particularly important in catching any
bacterial or viral infections early which could lead to CKD. Treating these ailments as
early as possible will help snuff out any chance of future kidney complications.

If your cat is diagnosed with CKD their condition will be staged depending on how far it has progressed. The staging system is based on their urine sample, the creatinine levels in your cat’s blood, along with their blood pressure.

The system ranges from mild to severe and again although it may not be possible to prevent your cat reaching the severe stage of CKD, understanding the symptoms present with CKD may help you to spots the signs and get an earlier diagnosis. These include but are not limited to:

• Loss of weight
• A lack of interest in food or a reduced appetite
• Signs of dehydration, including: dry gums and when your cats skin on the back of their neck does not spring back rapidly after being lifted
• An increase in thirst
• An increase in urination
• Signs of lethargy and appearing more tired than usual
• Vomiting and or constipation
• Signs of mouth ulcers developing, which can lead to bad breath ​​                          

A cat diagnosed with CKD at any stage can continue to live a healthy, happy life for many years to come. And with the correct treatment many cats maintain only a mild form of the condition for a considerable period.

Hopefully this article gave you better idea of the causes, symptoms and a few important tips on how to either keep CKD at bay… or at lease prevent it diagnosing it early in your furball.

Remember, if you ever have any concerns about your cat’s health, it is always best to book an appointment with your vet. They will be able to answer any of your questions and give you peace of mind.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the article, our friends at Scruffy Paws Nutrition have made it their mission to improve the lives of cats everywhere! They do this by creating treats, drops and chews that contain scientifically backed active ingredients to support your cats health
​
Check them out here: scruffypawsnutrition.com

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

Hi from Katyarina and Hailey! We both genuinely have a love for animals of all kinds, and both grew up in homes filled with them. We both have always had cats of our own, and we've missed having them around since we moved to the city, so we are more than excited to share our home with your kitties while you're away and have lots of love to give! We are very familiar with the range of attention that cats want and/or need and recognize that every cat is wildly different, each with an amazingly unique personality from the next, and that is what makes them so special, and we are more than willing to accommodate to their needs! 

We are both 20-year-old students at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I study Business Management and Hailey studies Advertising/Marketing, and Communications. We currently share a cozy apartment in the Gramercy Park / East Village area of Manhattan, with lots of natural sunlight pouring in for your kitty's daytime naps! We both work part-time jobs in fashion and retail so we are home more often than not and would have plenty of time to share with your felines!:) We look forward to meeting you and your furry friends! 

If you are looking for a loving temporary home for your kitty and are in Murray Hill or Gramercy or the surrounding area we recommend you connect with Katyarina and Hailey.  Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you need.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

I have loved animals my whole life and have a special fondness for cats. As a little girl, I fondly remember my sister’s cats Pinky [short for Pinkerton G Fobs] and Pegasus  Pinky had a litter of kittens under my sister’s bed as I watched with fascination. I shall never forget that amazing experience. In my adult years, I have had 2 wonderful cats: a Silver Tabby, named Isis who was with me for 20 years and an Abyssinian, named Ra for 17 years. I’ve been without cats in my home for quite a while now and miss their endearing company. I took care of a wonderful cat, named Mr. Pinkerton for one of Kitty In NY’s clients. It was such a pleasure. You can see a photo of “his Royal Highness”, Mr. Pinkerton, in the photo below. What a coincidence that he happened to have the same name as my sister’s cat! I’m now in a position again where I have the time to open my home to take special care of new, mysterious, feline guests! 

I am a former professional dancer and currently work as a New York State licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist. I work within about 25 minutes walking distance from my home and have been living here for 31 years. So, I’m always close by when taking tender loving care of kitties. 

Although movies and other media often show cats drinking a bowl of milk, it’s not good for most felines. Do cats drink water, though?
​
Yes, they do. In fact, water is as vital to a cat’s survival as it is to humans’. Despite being good for them, many cats don’t like drinking water, especially if it’s still or standing water.

Do Kittens Drink Water?
Although kittens drink their mother’s milk until she weans them as early as four weeks old, they also need water. After weaning, most kittens lose the ability to digest milk sugar efficiently, so their primary source of hydration is water.

Why Proper Hydration is Important for Cats
Hydration is the physiological state of balanced electrolytes, specific minerals and fluids within the body, and maintaining this balance is important. Water affects everything from circulation to digestion, so it’s evident why keeping your cat hydrated is critical.

All cats are different and have their own preferences, though. As a result, you may need to try a few different methods of providing water to find something your kitty likes.

Signs of Dehydration in Cats
If your cat neglects her water bowl, she may become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration in cats include:

• Dry mouth
• Lethargy or depression
• Panting
• Loss of appetite
• Decrease in skin elasticity

If you notice any of the above signs, call your veterinarian. They can give your cat fluids, rule out any potential illnesses and offer guidance on preventing dehydration in the future.

How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
Getting your cat to drink more water can be tricky. You may have to experiment until you find something she likes. Start with one or more of the below suggestions to see how your cat reacts. 

• Choose the Right Water Bowl: If your cat’s current water bowl is deep and narrow, it may touch her whiskers, which is uncomfortable. Try switching your cat’s water bowl to a wider, shallower dish with a smaller lip to see if she drinks more.
• Place it in the Right Location: Although it’s tempting to stick your cat’s food and water bowls in an out-of-the-way area, cats don’t like being boxed into a corner. They prefer locations where they can see their surroundings with a quick glance and don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking up behind them.
• Keep it Fresh: The longer water sits, the more particles it collects. Dust, dirt, hair and more can all collect in your cat’s water bowl, making her less inclined to drink from it. Put fresh water in her bowl one to two times a day.
• Try a Cat Water Fountain: Cats love running water and there are many theories why. In nature, felines may have learned to associate still water with contamination, so they instinctively gravitate toward running water. It may also appeal to more of their senses, as they can see it move, hear the sound it makes and even taste a difference. A cat water fountain can make drinking water more exciting and pleasurable for your kitty.
• Add Wet Food to Her Diet: Water isn’t the only way to keep your cat hydrated. If you’ve tried all the above and she’s still not drinking enough, try giving her some wet cat food. Although it can’t replace water altogether, supplementing her diet with wet food can help increase her overall water intake to help prevent dehydration.

Not only do cats drink water, but it’s vital for their survival. Keeping your cat hydrated will help keep her happy and healthy. Always check with your veterinarian before adding new food to your cat’s diet.

​

Hi! My name is Amy and I have been a cat sitter over the past five years. I am a freelance designer who lives in Chelsea. My love for cats began in childhood growing up on a nonworking farm in upstate New York. The one thing we did seem to raise was a huge colony of feral cats! I just loved every single one of them! 

You can rest assured that I will treat your pet with care and love and attention as of they were my own. I will make sure they are happy and healthy in your absence and will send you a daily email with gorgeous photos and video updates. As a member of the Kitty in NY team, I am fully insured and bonded. I can’t wait to meet you and your pet!
​

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

Hi from Jesse and Camille!  We live in Prospect Heights in a two bedroom that gets lots of sunlight and has a long hallway that cats love to run through.  We have fostered multiple cats over the last five years and love having an animal companion in the house with us.  Our most recent was Izzy, a beautiful blue korat, who found a permanent home with friends of ours.

Jesse works in film marketing and Camille is a magazine editor.  We both work from home on most days, so we are lucky to spend lots of time with any feline visitors we are hosting. We're happy to have you come over in advance to get a feel for us and our place, and to see how your cat takes to it!

____________________________________________________
REVIEWS

Shelby - survey
​* * * * *
Jesse was quick to communicate and sent us picture updates every other day. It looked like Chloe was having a blast and was extremely well taken care of!

There are some wonderful benefits to adopting two cats at a time. If the two cats are siblings or were already socialized with each other at the animal shelter, adopting them together can make the transition to their new home easier for them. 

If you’re not home a lot, your two cats can keep each other company which will prevent them from getting anxious and misbehaving. They’ll groom each other and keep each other entertained.

Having two cats doesn’t cost much more than having one either, so all the more reason to save two lives for (close to) the price of one!

Prepare Your home
You may need to do some “cat-proofing” before bringing your new feline friend home. Keep plants and breakables out of reach, and take measures to protect your furniture from your cat’s claws. A scratching post is a must!

It’s a good idea to create a space specifically for your cat where they can retreat to when they want to be alone. 

Invest in a few choice pieces of cat furniture to make your new pet feel comfortable. You can choose some beautiful pieces from this handy cat lover gift guide which has a number of stylish beds, feeding bowls, and cat toys...and perhaps snag one of those hilarious cat shirts too, you are a pet-parent now, after all!

Plan for an adjustment period
Your cat’s demeanor may change as soon as you bring them home. Even if they were sociable and friendly at the shelter, they may go into hiding as soon as you let them out of the cat carrier. Most cat’s don’t do well with new environments so they will want to remain hidden until they start feeling more comfortable in their new home.

This is totally normal, and you can expect this phase to last up to two or three weeks. 
During this time, let your cat be and just let them come out and visit when they feel like it.  As they grow more confident, you will start seeing that winning personality you fell for when you met them at the shelter!

This blog post was written by our friends at Tuft and Paw  You can find out more about them here https://www.tuftandpaw.com/​
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How Cats Lower Stress
There is something that lifts your spirit about coming home to your sweet kitty at the end of the long day. Isn’t funny how you kick off your shoes, plop down on the couch and as your pet yourfur baby all the stress just seems to melt away?

Our cats give us more than just fuzzy feelings. Scientific research proves that pet ownership improves mental health. In fact, research by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that positive human-animal interaction reduces psychological stress and increases levels of oxytocin in the brain (aka the hormone that creates a calming effect when released).

​Here’s why this is a big deal – seven out of ten adults in the US say they experience stress or anxiety daily. And chronic stress has more than a few negative impacts on overall health and well-being. Stress often leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes.

Lucky for you, your sweet kitty could help be part of your cure. Here’s how:

1. They help you calm your nerves
Research suggests even a short 15 minutes of quality time with your kitty can boost your mood and calm nerves. That’s because spending time with your cat releases a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Serotonin boosts “feel-good” chemicals and reduces cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone).

2. They alleviate the stress that keeps you up at night
When under chronic stress it is more difficult to fall and stay asleep. The problem is that while stress keeps you up at night, lack of sleep increases your stress levels the next day—a lose-lose situation. However, sleeping with your cat can help lower stress levels to help you fall asleep quicker and easier. Just make sure if you plan to sleep with your four-legged friend, you have the adequate sleeping arrangements.

3. They reduce anxiety
Not only do pets lower stress levels, their presence can even ease anxious thoughts. In fact, it’s believed service animals can even sense when anxiety levels are on the rise. Having a pet nearby will take the focus off you and allow you to focus on your
companionship. Not to mention, loneliness is a common trigger of anxiety. Having a pet around to keep you company will do you some good!

This blog post is by Lisa Smalls a freelance writer from NC.

If you live on the Upper East side and are looking for in home boarding services we recommend that you connect with Bill. ​ Contact us and send more details about your cat/s and the service you need.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

When I first took care of a cat by myself in high school I can admit I had no idea what was going on beyond what my mom, a lifelong catlover, told me. I had been tasked with taking care of a diabetic cat which meant every day I had to catch, hold, and inject a shot of insulin into the upper spine region of the cat I was taking care of. Fortunately I was able to manage through the fear and gain valuable experience in how to care and understand animals. That was towards the end of high school - I am now a recent post-grad and in my four years in college, three of those years were spent living with all kinds of animals including six different cats and four different dogs. I'm happy to say one of those cats I helped raise from adoption as a little kitten to the nearly one year old cat that it is now. When me and my girlfriend first saw Prince he was half the size of my palm in a bathtub with his brother waiting to be adopted. He spent most of his first week with us hiding in nooks and crannies but we eventually got him to come out of his shell and become comfortable with his surroundings. In the time I've spent with him I've learned a lot of about how to take care of cats as well as how to develop a loving relationship with a cat.

About me: I recently graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Business Administration and am now working a position that allows me to do remote work 2 days out of the work week. Needless to say I spend these remote days in the comfort of my home and I'd love a cat to keep me company. While I was in college I loved traveling - I spent time in Hong Kong, China, and Seoul to study abroad and explore the city. After work I like to spend an hour or two working out or swimming at my local gym. 

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

My childhood was very colorful in that I grew up in a private home with a large
backyard in the Bronx. My mother, trying to recapture her own childhood in Cuba
and Puerto Rico, had hens and roosters living in our backyard, as well as a
monkey and a talking bird in cages in our living room. She eventually sold the
monkey due to much mischief--like always trying to look up my dress (ha ha).
In adulthood, I worked as a certified dog groomer at pet-related businesses for 2
years (k-9 styles and Doggie Do). This led to my running a small pet grooming
business from my East Village apt. I eventually began boarding dogs, and
sometimes cats. I did this for around 7 years while getting a university degree.
Overall, I've had long-term as well as intermittent years of experience with
animals. The passing of my last set of pets-- 3 cats and a German Shepherd--
around 8 years ago saddened me so much that I decided not to have pets for
awhile. But now I'm ready to open my heart and home again to these lovely
creatures, albeit as visiting guests and temporary companions this time around.  

Currently, I teach 25 hours a week at a private school in Manhattan and
transcribe from home. I have also been trying to write a book so, as you can see,
I do spend plenty of time at home. I will be available during the winter and spring
holidays of 2018/19, and any other time in between the holiday seasons. My
apartment is a small one-bedroom and it is minimally furnished-- just the way I
like it. It is safe for cats to play, sleep, and just chill out. I am an affectionate person by nature and the pet(s) I host will be the object of my touch, unless your
cat, whose boundaries I will completely respect, is more standoffish.

If you live in the East Village or the surrounding area, Magdalena will be delighted to look after your cat and send regular kitty updates.  Kitty in NY will help you find the best caregiver for in home boarding or cat sitting services.  Contact us and send more details about your cat and we will be happy to help you.

​

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!
​
I had my first kittie in college and my second while living in San Francisco. Returning to New York, I lived for years in a building where I could not have any pets. So when I moved to my current location, in Manhattan's East Village, I made up for lost time. That was way, way back in 1992. I contacted an animal rescue agency named BeingKind. (That was the precursor to KittyKind in Petco.) Soon I took in a family of six abandoned cats from BeingKind. I included an old scratched photo, taken before the days of cell phones and similar devices. The momma and poppa cats were about a year and a half old. Teenagers in Love I called them. The four kittens were six weeks old and just learning to walk. They were about the size of my hand (not counting the tails). I eventually adopted out two kitties and kept four felines to myself.

They all lived exceedingly long lives, so I must have been doing something right. The momma cat lived to 18 years of age, the poppa and one daughter both lived to 19, and the final daughter lived very close to 21 (about 20 years and 9 months).

After the family went to Kittie Heaven, I took a break from being a caretaker. That ended in about nine months. One night I went dancing at Barefoot Boogie (highly recommended) and met someone who worked for Kitty in New York. That marked the beginning of the next phase of my love for felines, as I soon became an Official Kitty Caregiver.

I can now offer lots of love, a spacious one bedroom apartment, and decades of experience for my feline friends. I am able to give injections, pills, subcutaneous fluids, and blood glucose monitoring for cats with medical needs.

I am now partly retired but work about 20 hours a week as a psychotherapist. This allows me the luxury to spend lots of time with my four-legged friends. As you might guess, I love to write so I enjoy sending frequent emails or texts plus loads of photos to cat owners. This allows the owners to enjoy their vacations or business trips, knowing that their kitties are happy and doing well.

We would like to introduce you to some of our caregivers. KITTY in NY has selected over the years some outstanding people who have one thing in common: they LOVE cats!

“I work as a tax analyst in New York City and have a passion for animals and cats in particular. I grew up with two cats and am delighted to take care of yours. I am always accessible and growing up with cats has made me attentive to their needs. My apartment is on W190th Street and is very large and you can be assured your cat/s will receive lots of love, time in front of the windows watching the birds, and playing with toys and treats.” 


​

Here's a guest blog post written by Clara at petlovesbest.com ​

Did you know almost 6.5 million pets each year enters the US pet shelters and crave the love from their humans? Many of those endearing furry animals are euthanized in the shelters and never get to see the world with their parents. We can say when you buy, another cat dies.

When you buy a cat, it potentially steals the home of an abandoned cat in a shelter. And the cats that people buy may also end up being in a shelter.
Adopting is in many ways a great act than to buy a pet from the pet store.
Black Friday was just here and I’m going to tell you why you should adopt a pet.

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving which is celebrated as a shopping day in the US. This day unofficially remarks the starting of Christmas shopping season. If you’re up for welcoming a pet home in near future, the Black Friday can be your best bet to adopt a furball. Let’s see why you should consider adopting a pet

Before we discuss the reasons let’s get a little insight of  Black Friday. This will help us understand why Black Friday is the best time to adopt pets.

Pet Adoption and Black Friday
Black Friday was the term used by Earl Apfelbaum in 1966 in Philadelphia. The clash of the Army-Navy game and the shopping day after Thanksgiving means a lot of traffic in Philadelphia. The traffic accidents, mobbing, and even violence during the whole day made the police of Philadelphia name the day as ‘Black Friday’.

However, things changed as the course of time and sellers started using the term ‘Black’ in a positive manner like denoting black as profits and red as a loss. Eventually, Black Friday became a huge profit for sellers and one of the best days for shopping for the customers.

Here is why you should adopt pets on Black Friday.

#1. Adopting is a Noble Cause, #AdoptDon’tShop

Everyone knows adopting a pet is better than shopping. So adopting a pet prevails over shop the pet. Put a noble act aside, adopting pets is actually better than shopping. And why is it so? People leave their pets to shelters when they get separated or they get abandoned by their parents.

These pets have been with humans and got separated. And on the reconnection with humans in your home would make you and your pet the happiest living beings on the earth.

MOREOVER, MANY OF THE PETS IN SHELTERS ARE ALREADY TRAINED BY THEIR PREVIOUS PARENTS AND YOU WON’T HAVE MUCH TO DO TO TRAIN THEM.

When you get to know the dark and cruel world of pup mills, you’ll realize how much excruciating pain to animals you’re promoting. So, when you adopt, it will make you feel like you’ve done a great thing and achieved greatness.

Hence, if you’re looking for a new fur family member this Thanksgiving, adopting is the best option.

#2. You’ll Be Saving a Lot of Money on AdoptingTwo factors will work for you:
1. Black Friday gives you great deals on adopting just like you’ll get for other products. 2. Some sellers bear the 100% pet adopting fees for you or pay a big share of it to promote a noble act and make up the money by not giving any discounts on other products if you purchase from them. So look out for what can get you the most benefit.

#3. Because You Can Save More on Dark Colored Pets

We know pets come in many different colors and shades and they all look beautiful. And we appreciate it. When it comes to adoption, dark-colored pets stay more at the shelter than white ones.  Many people still believe that a black cat can be a bad luck. The way of thinking still is affecting no. of pet adoptions in a shelter.
To counteract this, many shelters and adoption centers offer special discounts on the dark-colored/black pets. If you are the one who doesn’t discriminate with the pet’s color and want a dark-colored pet, the Black Friday can be your best shot.

#4. You’ll Have a New Family Member to Celebrate Christmas With

If you adopt a pet this Black Friday, your adorable pet will be more than happy to reunite with humans and be loved by its new parents. By the time Christmas comes, your pet will become an integral part of your family like it has been with you forever.
If you have lost a fur family member recently, this newbie will fill the emptiness with all the mirthful moments.
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THE ENDNOTE
Black Friday has been considered as a big shopping day with many great offers we’d love. This day also comes with great pet adoption deals and the reasons I have mentioned here are apt to consider pet adoption. Well, I believe pet adoption is much more than just shopping for something. It’s a pure bliss, a feeling of greatness to fight the animal cruelty, a feeling of warmth, and celebrating festivals with your furball. So, go ahead and find the best deals near you for pet adoption if you’re looking for one!