Since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic, more and more people have begun to make the transition to remote work. In early May, NPR reported that about one-third of all Americans are now working from home. That’s a remarkable number, even though remote work was on the rise before the pandemic. 

If you’ve always had to physically go somewhere to work, remote work can turn out to be quite a challenge. Working outside of the office is often touted as the best of both worlds and praised for the extra benefits, but it can pose some unique challenges too. If it’s your first time working remotely, here are a few tips and best practices to follow to make sure you’re staying productive without stressing out.  

Experiment with What Helps Your Productivity

Remote work offers flexibility in your work environment and schedule. You can choose any area of your home to work from, whether it’s your bedroom, a home office, or the kitchen table. Working from your house also gives you the freedom to split your day into different blocks of time and fit in work where it’s best for you.  

However, without the natural rhythm of the office—a morning break to get a cup of coffee, an quick afternoon walk to stretch your legs—you may feel like you aren’t working hard enough if you’re taking breaks. This feeling that if you aren’t working constantly, you aren’t being productive is one of the surprising downsides of working from home. Rather than slacking off, conversely, people often experience burnout from overworking while at home. This may be because it’s difficult to set your own limits when your environment isn’t doing it for you.

So take some time to figure out what works for you when you’re in your home office. Set aside time for work as well as time for short breaks, and be sure to have lunch away from your workspace if possible. Maybe you know you are more productive after walking the dog in the afternoon; if so, incorporate it into your routine at home.

In an office, distractions are minimized, making it easier to stay focused. You can mimic your office at home by setting aside a specific spot at home for work. If you can find a room with a door you can close, that can help, but whatever space you choose, make it one you feel comfortable in. Try to make it well lit, comfortable, and free from unnecessary clutter so you can focus.  

Keep Communication Lines Open

One of the top problems remote workers report experiencing is issues with communication. It’s easy to feel isolated and out of the loop when you’re alone at home. Organic social interaction simply doesn’t happen.

What’s more, your communication via emails, texts, phone calls, and chats can easily be misunderstood, misinterpreted, or simply not heard due to poor connections or problems with audio or video technology. Additionally, gestures and body language are a huge part of communication. Take those away, and it can sometimes be difficult to get your meaning across.  

In order to make sure everyone is heard and understood, communication for remote workers needs to be carefully planned and extra documentation is often necessary. Record meetings, take extra notes, and collaborate on shared documents.

Err on the side of overcommunicating rather than under-communicating. Carefully review any emails, chats, or texts before you send them. You can also read them out loud to yourself; sometimes this can help you identify problems with clarity in your writing.

During video and phone conferences, check frequently for comprehension: “Does everyone understand? Anyone have any questions?” You also want to be specific. Don’t say that you’ll “circle back around later in the week”—instead say that you’ll contact the person on Thursday by 3 p.m. When people aren’t able to meet in person, projects sometimes have a way of drifting off course. If your company hasn’t already, consider using project management applications like Asana, Wrike, Trello, or similar.    

When sitting in on meetings, try to make sure that everyone turns on their video. Virtual meetings are easier when everyone is visible since it is more obvious when people aren’t engaged. When hosting in-person meetings, glancing around the table to see who is listening is simple, but during a phone meeting, participants could be doing just about anything. Make the meeting happen over video to eliminate that factor and help participants pick up visual cues from their colleagues.

If you’re a manager, you may also want to schedule regular one-on-one video check-ins with employees. This can help keep everyone on the same page. It also gives the employee the chance to communicate any problems they’re having working from home. When you have a remote team, you need to be more deliberate about reaching out to employees, since you can’t just drop by their desk or call them to your office.

Schedule Social Time

Being stuck at home all day long doesn’t make it easy to socialize with friends and family. After your remote workday is over, try to schedule time with your family and friends. In many places, it’s unwise to get together with people outside your household, so explore some alternatives, like a virtual happy hour, trivia night, or watching a movie “together’ in your separate homes. You need that socialization to keep the balance present between your work life, social life, and home life. Stay positive and stay safe while you’re at home during this unprecedented time.

In this unprecedented time, governments around the world have been forced to take actions to protect their economies and citizens. With unemployment reaching record-breaking highs across the United States, the US government quickly passed an economic stimulus bill intended to bring relief to the country.

The law is called the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. One provision of the program is aimed specifically at small businesses, many of which have been forced to shut down during the crisis. With valuable income lost and employees going without pay, small businesses all over have been forced to consider the unthinkable: closing down for good.

To help small businesses, the CARES Act offers a program called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Here is what you need to know about it.

What Is the PPP?

Back by the Small Business Administration (SBA), this nearly $350-billion program offers small businesses the opportunity to receive up to eight weeks of assistance by providing 100-percent federally-guaranteed loans. The program was intended to achieve two main goals for small businesses.

First, it would cover short-term expenses during the worst part of the coronavirus crisis. Second, it would give businesses an incentive to keep their employees on staff. This will allow businesses to stay afloat as well as help employees to pay their bills during the crisis. Though it seems new, the PPP is actually just a new addition to the existing SBA 7(a) loan program through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Eligibility for the Program

To be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program, small businesses must meet the SBA’s size standards. Generally, this means having fewer than 500 employees. However, businesses in the hotel and food service industry sometimes qualify even if the number of employees exceeds this total, and nonprofits are also considered eligible.

Additional eligibility extends to 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations, independent contractors, and individuals running sole proprietorships. One loan is available per business, determined by the taxpayer identification number (TIN).

How Does It Work?

Through the Paycheck Protection Program, loans are put into different categories depending on the length of time the business remains operational from the determined beginning of the crisis (set as February 15) through June 30. If a business was not operable after February 15 (closed due to the crisis or went out of business because of it), it will receive a maximum loan amount of 2.5 times the average monthly payroll expenses for the months of January and February.

Companies remaining operational from February 15 through June 30 can receive a maximum amount of 2.5 times the average monthly payroll expenses for this time period. Seasonal workers for the period between March 1 and June 30 will receive that same maximum amount for that specific time period. Maximum awarded amounts cannot exceed $10 million.

The PPP uses the following eligible payroll expenses to calculate the amount of a PPP loan: payment of state and local taxes imposed on employee compensation; payment of group healthcare benefits, including insurance premiums; payment of vacation, medical, sick, and family leave; payment of retirement benefits; an allowance for dismissal or separation of employees; and compensation, including salaries, commissions, wages, or cash tips.

There are a few exceptions that are not considered eligible payroll expenses. The PPP will not cover: salary compensation over $100,000 for any individual employee; compensation for any employee who principally resides outside of the US; sick and family leave already provided for under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act; or taxes imposed under chapters 21, 22, and 24 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

How Can the Funds Be Used?

Funds provided under the PPP can be used to cover payroll expenses, employee compensation, rent, utility costs, interest on mortgage obligations (exclusive of prepayment fees and the principal), continuing group healthcare benefits, and any interest of debt incurred before the covered period. However, three quarters of the approved loan amount must be payroll expenses.

Loan Forgiveness

One notable aspect of the PPP is that up to eight weeks of the loans incurred under this program could be forgiven in full if three specific requirements are met. This essentially turns the PPP loan into a non-taxable grant.

To qualify for loan forgiveness, a small business receiving a PPP loan must use the loans to offset no more than eight weeks of payroll expenses (the maximum time allowed to fully offset payroll expenses), the loans must be used only for the intended purpose, and businesses must retain their employees at salary levels that are comparable to where they were prior to the crisis.

If this eligibility is met, businesses can receive loan forgiveness for up to eight weeks of the loan. Amounts exceeding this must be repaid under a maximum repayment window of up to ten years and a top interest rate of 4 percent, and without any prepayment penalties or loan fees associated with the loan.

Government officials are certainly hoping that the PPP loans will help to keep the American economy from experiencing some of the harmful effects caused by the crisis and help keep Americans at work, hopefully stemming the increase in unemployment filings.

When you have a pet in your home, it’s always tempting to feed them little treats. But remember that you should limit those treats to foods that are made for them! Though you might be tempted to feed your pet the occasional scrap from your own table, there are many foods that are completely safe for you to eat, but potentially deadly if consumed by your pet. Here’s a list of foods you should never feed your pet.

1. Chocolate, Caffeine, and Coffee

These three types of products all contain a substance called methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are commonly found in cacao seeds (what chocolate is made of) and in some extracts used to make certain types of soda. When your pet eats these substances, they can cause vomiting, panting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, hyperactivity, excess urination, increased thirst, and seizures. In serious cases, they can even cause death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of methylxanthines it contains, and therefore, the more dangerous it will be. White chocolates are the least dangerous but should still be avoided.

2. Milk and Other Dairy Products

It’s tempting to offer your cat a bowl of cream or milk, but the truth is that your cat’s body does not produce much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Because of this, offering them milk and other dairy products can cause them to have an upset stomach and diarrhea. If you must offer your cat milk, you can buy kitten milk products that are designed to be easily digested by felines. Offer these sparingly, though, as a special treat for your kitty.

3. Foods Containing Xylitol

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute used as a sweetener in a variety of different foods and other products, from baked goods to toothpaste. Even small amounts of this substance can cause your pet’s body to release insulin, which could potentially cause liver failure. This increased insulin can cause lowered sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. Signs of xylitol toxicosis can include lethargy, loss of coordination, and vomiting, and it can eventually lead to seizures.

4. Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious side effects in your pet. Think of the effects that alcohol has on humans, and then consider how much smaller your pet is than you. Just a few tablespoons is enough to cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even more severe symptoms like a coma or death. Your pet’s tolerance for alcohol is significantly less than yours, so never offer your pet alcohol, and if you suspect that your pet has consumed alcohol, no matter how small the amount, call your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as soon as possible.

5. Citrus Fruits and Oils

The citric acid in the leaves, stems, and fruit of citrus plants can cause varying levels of irritation and even depression of the central nervous system if they are consumed in high enough amounts. However, just consuming the fruit in small doses won’t likely cause much harm other than a mild upset stomach. Keep in mind, though, that citrus essential oils—like those used in a diffuser or as perfume—could potentially cause serious side effects in your pet. Cats, older dogs, and puppies are particularly sensitive to citrus essential oils, and they can cause seizures, coma, or even death if ingested in high enough quantities. Avoid using these around your home.

6. Raw or Undercooked Meats, Eggs, or Bones

Though you might think it’s natural to feed your pet bones or raw meat, keep in mind that a raw food diet must be strictly controlled in order to be safe. It’s not safe to feed your pet raw food or eggs without ensuring their safety. Raw meats can contain salmonella and E. coli bacteria, which can cause sickness in both humans and pets. Raw eggs contain an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of the B-vitamin biotin, and this can potentially cause problems with your pet’s skin and coat. Raw bones can also be dangerous for your pet, since they can splinter and become lodged in your pet’s digestive tract or cause your pet to choke.

These six foods are certainly not the only ones you should avoid giving to your pet. Both dogs and cats should never be fed raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, nor onions, chives, and other plants in the Allium family.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether a food is safe to give your pet, contact your veterinarian beforehand. If your pet has eaten something unsafe, also call your vet, or contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center so that they can advise you what to do. Your best bet for keeping your pet safe is to limit their treats and meals to foods designed specifically for them, and to keep potentially unsafe foods well out of their reach. Stick with pet foods and keep your pet safe!

Many new cat owners have some misconceptions about cats and their needs. Too often, our culture equates cats and dogs. While we often assume that cats’ needs are similar to those of dogs, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As two unique species, cats and dogs have very different needs, and one of these pertains to bathing. People often assume that cats need baths, just as dogs do. But actually, cats are typically extremely fastidious when it comes to their grooming habits, and baths are almost always entirely unnecessary. However, there are a few important exceptions. Learn some ways that you can make the process less stressful for your adult cat or kitten.

When Should You Give Your Cat a Bath?

The answer, in short, is not very often. Cats spend up to 50% of their day grooming themselves, so not only is bathing usually unnecessary, but it also removes the cat’s natural scent, which is an essential part of what makes them comfortable. A bath can also be an incredibly stressful experience for your feline friend, and you might find that your pet begins to associate any type of handling with the negative experience of being bathed. This can prove to be a remarkably difficult habit to break. But there are a few important exceptions to this rule. If your cat is a hairless breed, like a sphynx, then baths are essential. Your hairless cat will produce excess oils in their skin, making a weekly bath essential to their overall health.

Other instances in which you may need to give your cat a bath could include if it has a particular medical condition. For example, a flea infestation on your cat may require a medicated bath to kill the fleas and their eggs and larvae. While most flea treatments are highly effective, in particularly bad instances of a flea infestation or if your cat is allergic to fleas, a bath can prove helpful. Ringworm, a particular type of fungus, could in severe cases require a medicated bath that will be prescribed by your veterinarian. In addition, there might be incidents in which your cat gets into something that will need to be removed from their coat, like motor oil, gasoline, potpourri, tree sap, antifreeze, or pyrethrin and permethrin flea-killing products. These could have devastating health effects if your cat licks them off of their coat, so a bath may be necessary to remove the offending substance.

Sometimes, cats may be unable to groom themselves for one reason or another. For instance, if your cat is particularly obese, it might not be able to reach around its body to properly groom itself. Similarly, if you have a cat with arthritis, it might not be able to move or bend appropriately in order to groom its entire body. In these cases, you may need to regularly bathe your cat in order to help keep it clean. Sometimes cats with arthritis enjoy the baths, since a massaging shampoo and the warm bath water can soothe stiff joints.

Not all cats are the same, so it’s entirely possible your cat might just love a good warm bath. If that’s the case, there’s certainly no reason you can’t give your pet the occasional dip in the tub.

How Should You Bathe Your Cat?

If it’s necessary to give your pet a bath, here are some tips to make the process easier, both for you and your cat. Gather all of your supplies before you begin and have them handy wherever you plan to bathe your kitty. Grab some particularly tasty treats, a pet shampoo designed for cats, some towels, and a pitcher or detachable shower head. It’s also a good idea to have a partner help you to bathe your pet, since it’s highly unlikely that your cat will sit still for the procedure. Put down a non-slip surface or a towel inside your sink, a small laundry basket, or another tub in your larger bathtub, so your cat doesn’t slide around and start to panic.

Fill your tub or sink with just a few inches of warm water (be sure to test it to make sure it’s not too hot). Hold your cat gently in place while your partner uses a pitcher or the shower head to get its coat wet. Lather the cat up with pet shampoo, and then rinse thoroughly with a pitcher or gentle, low-pressure setting on your shower head. Use towels to gently dry your cat off. If your cat is accustomed to a blow dryer, you can also use this, but don’t force it if your cat is not comfortable. The goal is to get your cat bathed and dried as quickly as possible and with the least amount of stress. Be fast and efficient, and reward your kitty with lots of delicious, tasty treats after its bath.

If your cat can’t handle a regular bath, try using a waterless shampoo to clean it instead. This method can prove less stressful for your cat and just as effective.

The Kansas City Chiefs succeeded in an historic Super Bowl win the first weekend of February this year, but that’s not what is still driving the internet frenzy surrounding the team. Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle, #91 Derrick Nnadi has captured national attention for another reason following his team’s Super Bowl victory.

His love for animals and dedication to helping a shelter in Missouri get animals adopted has been the focus of thousands of internet news stories in the past week, and it’s with good reason! Derrick Nnadi has partnered with a local animal rescue organization, Kansas City Pet Project, to sponsor pet adoptions during the entire 2019 - 2020 football season. He made an even bigger pledge prior to his team’s historic win. Here’s more on the heartwarming story.

Lifetime Love of Animals

Football star Derrick Nnadi has always loved animals, dogs in particular, but was never able to have one as a child growing up. As an adult, Nnadi adopted his first dog, named Rocky, as a senior in college. Remembering how shy and timid his dog was at first inspired him to get involved with a local shelter to help animals find loving homes.

Through his charitable organization, The Derrick Nnadi Foundation, Nnadi partnered with the KC Pet Project all season, pledging to pay for a dog’s adoption fee after every Kansas City Chiefs win. That ended up totaling 15 wins, including the post-season.

Super Bowl Promise

But Nnadi made an even bigger promise once his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, joined the Super Bowl lineup. If the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, Derrick Nnadi promised to pay all dog adoption fees at KC Pet Project for over 100 dogs at an average adoption fee of $150 dollars each.

Nnadi noted that his promise gave him the motivation to go out and play the best game possible. After winning the game, the joint celebrations of a Super Bowl win and a huge donation to the animal shelter were an incredible way to end his second NFL season.

Incredibly, the Kansas City Chiefs experienced a historic victory that day, with its second Super Bowl win ever and the first one in the past 50 years. And in conjunction, the KC Pet Project experienced another victory for all of its adoptable dogs housed in the shelter.

Following the win and the press surrounding Derrick Nnadi’s public promise to pay all adoption fees for available dogs, international celebrity chef and television personality Rachael Ray reached out to the center. She offered a year of free dog food from her brand, Nourish, to anyone adopting one of the dogs in the week following the historic Super Bowl win.

The KC Pet Project reported that it hopes the story will serve as an inspiration to other shelters and other communities to try and do something amazing to make a difference in the lives of homeless dogs and cats in their areas. Nnadi’s incredible promise and the story behind the shelter was shared and heard by an estimated 2 million or more people following the win.

Empty Kennels

By the end of the week, the KC Pet Project was able to report an incredible victory of its own. Every single available dog had been adopted to a forever home, and every dog kennel in the shelter’s PetCo Adoption Center was completely empty. The unusually quiet center was exactly what workers and volunteers always want to hear!

The KC Pet Project reported that it still does have some dogs available at a few additional locations and in some foster homes, which can be seen on their website at www.kcpetproject.org. Despite this, it is truly an incredible victory for the shelter and a victory for homeless animals in the Kansas City community, particularly because of the positive press and exposure adoption has gotten following this news.

Many shelters, including the KC Pet Project, receive and care for dozens of animals each week, however, so the empty kennels likely won’t be empty for long. But hopefully the positive press surrounding adoptable dogs will help inspire local residents and celebrities to promote the joy that adopted pets can bring into people’s lives.

Adopting a Pet

If you or someone you know is considering bringing home a new pet, consider looking into your local animal shelters to find your perfect fit. Shelter staff are typically extremely knowledgeable about all their available pets and can help you find the dog or cat that will fit your lifestyle best.

Adopting a pet can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do, and your pet will always return your kindness with all the love and affection you could ever want. Check your local shelter for available adoptable pets today. You might just find the newest member of your family.

If you’ve decided that you want to bring home a new pet and you know that adoption is the way you want to go, congratulations to you! You are about to make a huge difference in an animal’s life by providing them with a loving, forever home with you and yours.

Before you start your search, you might be wondering how you can be sure that the rescue or shelter you choose is a reputable organization that is actually taking good care of their animals and actively seeking to put them in loving homes. Your concern is not misplaced: in some cases, organizations that appear to be animal shelters or rescues are actually serving as a front for a breeding or even hoarding operation. Before you head to your closest shelter, do just a little bit of research to ensure you are supporting a reputable organization that truly has the animals’ best interests at heart.

Observe the Animals

If you go into a rescue or shelter and you notice that the animals held there appear to be unhealthy in some way, or if they appear dirty, lethargic, thin, or you see any other signs of concern, that might be a sign that this is not a reputable organization. Any signs of open wounds or tick infestations are a red flag, and the animals’ behavior can also be an indicator. Animals may show signs of stress, behaving very shyly or fearfully, or you might notice increased aggression, all of which can be caused by neglect and lack of socialization. Reputable organizations will look after the physical health and emotional wellbeing of the animals in their care. Though it’s not always possible to ensure that all animals are in perfect health all the time, you should see clear signs that the animals are regularly cared for and socialized with volunteers and other animals in the shelter.

Notice the Size and Statistics

This refers to the size of the shelter itself. You should notice adequate outdoor space for the animals to run around, appropriate flooring in the crates (they should not be standing on wire), and enough staff to take animals outside multiple times a day. If you note crates stacked on top of each other, or several animals housed inside one kennel, that is a warning sign that this is not an organization you want to deal with.

In addition to the actual space in the shelter, you’ll want to ask about adoption statistics. An organization with low adoption rates or many animals that have been at the shelter for an extremely long time could point to problems with adoption standards. It is possible for adoption requirements to be unrealistic, resulting in shelters being over capacity and the animals housed there not receiving appropriate care. In spite of this overcrowding issue, some shelters will continue to accept animals, creating more and more problems. Note that some organizations do provide long term care to animals, but in most cases, animals should move relatively quickly through the adoption system in a reputable organization.

Animals Younger Than 8 Weeks Are Available for Adoption

This is a very important red flag. Any shelter that is taking good care of the animals will provide proper veterinary care, ensure the animals are vaccinated, and spay and neuter them. They will not have dogs or cats under the age of 8 weeks available to adopt. At under 8 weeks, it is not possible for the puppies or kittens to be spayed or neutered or to have their vaccines administered. It’s possible a shelter might be searching for a foster home but adopting out animals at so young an age can be unethical.

Status of the Organization

Another thing you can check is whether the organization is registered as a 501(c)(3) charity. You can check for reviews at websites that track non-profit organizations and charities to ensure they are what they seem. Business review sites may also list shelters; in any case, a quick Google search can reveal problems immediately. The rescue should also have a board of directors or some management structure and volunteers helping out on a daily basis. You should see signs of frequent adoption events, responsive communication by phone or email, and a willingness to communicate with you about how the animals are cared for and how their organization is run. A reputable shelter will also be operating in compliance with applicable laws, and it should be willing to offer you paperwork, vaccine verifications, and other documents before you bring home an animal.

Do Your Research

The main things you should do when searching for a reputable shelter are to ask questions, do your research, and in the end, trust your instincts. If something seems off during your visit, there is a good chance you're picking up on something amiss with the animals or the staff. Keep searching, and you will find a reputable place to adopt your new family member in no time!

Are you considering bringing home an adopted pet for the first time? Pet adoption can be one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. All on your own, you are providing an animal with a second chance and a happy new home. That’s quite an accomplishment!

However, if you’re ready to bring home a new furry friend to keep you company, there are a few things to consider before you head to the shelter. Rather than bring home the first dog or cat that catches your eye, visit a few local shelters and interact with the animals. In addition, make sure you have all the information about your chosen pet, its breed, and proper care. To start, here are some important questions to ask before you bring home your new pet.

Does This Pet Have Any Medical Issues?

This is an important question, particularly if you are a first-time pet owner. Bringing home a dog or cat for the first time can be overwhelming, and frankly, pets with medical issues can be financially burdensome and difficult to care for. Consider whether you are truly willing to take on this burden before you bring home a pet. It’s a wonderful thing to offer a home to these needy pets, but consider your own capabilities first—for your sake, but also the animal's. The last thing you want to do is take home a pet, discover that you cannot provide or afford the level of care they need, and then end up sending them right back to a shelter. This causes the animal stress they really don't need.

If you’re a more experienced pet owner and you know you're up to the task, that’s great! However, make sure you do your research, speak with the shelter employees who are familiar with your chosen pet, and understand the care they'll need and what it will cost. Pets with medical problems can absolutely be fantastic pets, but you need to be ready to support them.

What Is This Animal’s Story?

Get some background information on the pet you are considering. Shelter and rescue workers tend to know their animals well, so they will likely be able to give you a lot of information about them. Try and find out what they know about where the animal came from and why it ended up in the shelter; also ask about any previous adoptions and why they didn’t work out. You’ll want to know the pet's potential behavioral problems when you take them into your home. Perhaps there was a problem with another animal in the home, or the pet didn’t do well with children. If this is the case, you’ll want to know about it before you get attached. You should never bring home a pet that has a problem with children if you have children in your home; it’s a recipe for disaster. Similarly, if you have a beloved family pet at home, you need to know if a potential pet has shown problems socializing with other dogs or cats. Beyond problematic behaviors, you'll also want to know about the animal's personality. For example, if you're looking to adopt a cat, ask if it tolerates petting or being picked up, if it has a favorite toy, and so on.

Similarly, you’ll want to ask about any history of abuse. Abused animals can display severe behavioral issues, and you will need to be prepared to deal with them. If the staff or foster family knows about any abuse history with the animal, have them fill you in. A history of abuse doesn’t automatically mean you shouldn’t adopt that pet; again, it’s a matter of whether you're prepared to provide the necessary extra love and care. This can be a major commitment depending on the severity and type of abuse the animal endured.

What Type Of Veterinary Care Has This Pet Had?

Get some information from the rescue or shelter on the vaccination history of the pet you are considering, as well as whether they have been spayed or neutered. Many shelters spay or neuter all adoptable dogs and cats as a matter of course, but double check to make sure. If not, you'll want to take care of vaccinations and spaying or neutering as soon as possible, and that can add to expenses. While you’re finding out about these issues, also ask about any history of illness or injuries. A formerly broken leg, past problems with heartworm—these are all pieces of information you’ll want to know before you bring your new pet home.

Worst Case Scenario: What If It Doesn’t Work Out?

No one wants to consider the fact that your new pet might not be a good fit, but it happens more often than you think. Ask the shelter or rescue about their policies for re-surrendering your new pet, and try to find out if they offer post-adoption support. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker if they don’t, but this extra line of help can really be a huge benefit if you find you’re having issues after bringing your pet home. Be prepared for the worst but hope for the best in this situation.

One of the many items you may bring home with a new dog is a crate for them to sleep or stay in when you're not home. However, if this is your first dog, or your first time using a crate, you may wonder what it’s all about. Why do we use crates for dogs? And how do you get your dog to stay in the crate without becoming agitated or anxious when you’re not at home? Let’s look at some quick tips for crate training your dog, whether you've adopted an older dog or a puppy.

Why Crate Training?

Some owners have concerns about crate training their dogs because irresponsible and abusive owners can misuse the crate. But when used correctly, crate training is actually a perfectly safe method, and it’s even natural for your dog. Crate training is a great way to take advantage of your dog’s natural instincts as a den and pack-oriented animal. Wild dogs make dens in caves or other enclosed areas to serve as their home. These small, enclosed spaces feel safe to them, and a crate can serve a similar function for your dog at home, giving them a place of their own where they can relax and feel snug. It can also be a helpful way to house train your dog, since dogs don’t like to take bathroom breaks inside their dens.

Selecting A Crate

It’s important to choose a crate that's the right size for your dog, so be sure you understand how big your dog is before you head out to buy one. There should be plenty of room for your dog to stand up and turn around in their crate, so they can be as comfortable as possible. If you have a puppy and not a fully grown adult dog, make sure to get crate that is going to be large enough for them at their adult size. Look at average sizes for your breed or type of mix and take your best guess. If you happen to guess wrong, don’t try to save money by making do with a cramped crate. Your dog will be much happier if you buy them a crate that is an appropriate size.

In terms of styles and options, you have several—there are wire crates with plastic tray liners and plastic crates that are also approved for airline travel. Choose whichever you are comfortable with, but if you choose a wire crate, consider covering it with a blanket so that it will feel more like a den.

What Goes In The Crate?

Because the crate is serving as your dog’s den, you’ll want it to be a comfortable space for them. Fill it with soft blankets or a dog bed, and include some comforting objects or favorite toys that your dog loves. A safe chew toy might be a nice addition to direct your dog away from chewing on the bedding, although don't be surprised if this happens. Only use blankets you don't care about.

You can even have a special treat or toy that is only given to your dog when they're in the crate. This can be helpful when crate training, because your dog will begin to associate the crate with fun extra treats. Above all, the crate should be a safe and comforting place for your dog—a place they want to go. That will make training much easier in the long run.

Training Your Dog

Start by letting your dog get used to the crate. Leave it open and try throwing some treats in the crate. If your dog heads in after them, offer praise and perhaps another treat or two. Be careful not to overdo this praise, however; over-praising can make your dog nervous. You want your dog to understand that this is a safe space, and that going inside is normal and natural.

Don’t worry if it takes several days for your dog to enter the crate; let your dog enter on their own time. The noise made when you close the door to the crate can make some dogs anxious, so consider leaving the door off or open at first. During this process, add an easy-to-understand, simple command—such as "Crate!" or "Bed!"—so you can easily get your dog to enter later. Once the dog is comfortable entering the crate and relaxing inside, try closing the door. At first, only close it for a moment before reopening it. Over time, gradually increase the time the door is shut.

When the dog is comfortable with that, try walking away after you've closed the door. Go about your normal activities around the house, but leave the dog in the crate while you’re nearby. Once your dog can feel relaxed in the crate with the door closed for around 30 minutes to one hour at a time, try leaving the house. Remember to treat your return like it’s nothing special. Let the dog calm down for at least 10 minutes before releasing them from the crate, and then make it just an average part of the day.

With these tips, your dog should feel comfortable in their crate in no time at all.

Do you ever wonder what your cat is thinking? Ever try to figure out what your cat is saying with that meow? Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what your cat's behavior means. They do things that don’t always make sense to us humans.

Even though humans and cats speak different languages, it is still possible to understand their behavior. There are clear feline signals that can tell humans what your cat is thinking, or at least give you an idea of what they want.

Here are some common cat behaviors and what they mean. This will help you learn how to decode what your cat is thinking. That way, you and your favorite feline friends can stay happy.

Cat Vocalizations

Cats make a lot of different noises, and they can indicate different things. The most common cat vocalization is probably the meow. Young kittens meow quite loudly in order to attract attention from their mother. It’s likely they are meowing in order to say they are hungry, cold, or just to help mama cat locate them if they wander off.

Meowing is a unique behavior in domestic cats. Feral cats typically meow very little or don’t meow at all. This is because without socialization, these feral cats don’t learn to use their meow to communicate with the humans in their life (because there are none).

Meowing is not a sound that cats use to communicate with each other; it’s primarily reserved for kittens and their mothers. Domestic cats have learned that human beings respond to the meow just like their mother cats used to. As a result, they keep up with this behavior.

Hissing from cats is a clear warning signal to stay away. Cats may hiss when frightened, aggressive, or angry, and the sound is sometimes accompanied by a yowl. It’s a pretty clear signal from the cat for you to stop what you’re doing and not to come any closer.

Yodeling or caterwauling are also interesting cat sounds, and they often cause new cat owners to become concerned. It can sound a bit creepy, or like your cat is lonely, scared, or confused. There’s no need to be worried, though. Female cats in heat yodel to signal to male cats that they are ready to mate. Male cats make a sound called "caterwauling" to warn other males off and signal he is ready to mate.

Cats also chortle, which is a high-pitched chuckling sound made in greeting. They may also chirp or chatter, which are sounds they sometimes make when they see birds out of a window, possibly an exaggeration of their "killing bite,” and purr.

Purring is a source of great controversy among cat experts. We don’t even really know how a cat purrs, much less exactly what it means. Cats typically make the sound when happy or content. However, they also purr sometimes when in distress (for example, at the vet’s office). Whatever the reason, most species of felines purr, though domestic cats are the only ones that can purr on the inhale and exhale.

Cat Body Language

Cats communicate through very subtle body language, but if you pay attention, you can start to figure out what your cat is feeling. Typically, ears forward signal alertness, happiness, or interest. Ears flat back signal fear or aggression. Swiveling ears indicate a cat is either very interested or distressed (you should be able to tell which one from other factors).

Cat tails can also be a good indicator of their mood. Tails held straight up usually indicate a happy, comfortable cat. Tails tucked down under their bodies show fear. Swishing tails usually indicate irritation or playfulness, so watch out for an upcoming swipe!

Your cat can also communicate quite a lot through its eyes, from pupil dilation to how open its eyelids are. A quick pupil dilation indicates a sudden arousal, whether it is from fear, interest, playfulness, or aggression.

Never maintain unblinking eye contact with your cat, unless you don’t mind getting a quick swipe. This is a signal of aggression or dominance to your cat. Drooping eyelids is a sign of relaxation and trust. You can try to signal "I love you" to your cat by slowly blinking your eyes and opening them again. If your cat blinks back at you, it’s a sign of affection!

Ever noticed your cat scratching on the furniture? Try not to be too upset. Your cat is actually just acting on an instinctual behavior to mark his or her territory. Provide your cat with a scratching post near what they usually scratch on. Give lots of praise when your cat scratches where they’re supposed to!

Patience Is Key

Remember, we can’t understand everything our cats do. But as a cat owner, you will likely find yourself learning about your cat every day and beginning to understand kitty behavior more and more. Give your kitty lots of love and be patient. You and your cat will understand each other in no time!

There may have been a time when you spotted a cat looking lonely and scared outside, maybe behind a trash can near a restaurant or out somewhere in your neighborhood. If you’re an animal lover, you may have wondered how you could help it.

If you want to get involved, you can join a community program that helps stray or feral cats, but if you’re looking to be more actively involved, maybe helping rehabilitate these animals is more up your alley.

Read on to learn about what feral cats are, how to rehabilitate them (if it’s even possible), and other ways you can help.

What’s the Difference between Feral Cats and Strays?

Biologically, there’s no difference between a feral cat, a stray cat, and a house cat. The biggest difference between them is in socialization. Feral cats experience no human socialization when they are young. On the other hand, a stray cat is usually a cat that has had some human contact in its life but has either been abandoned or run away from its home, possibly ending up in a feral cat colony. (You can usually identify stray cats over feral cats because a stray cat will likely meow and show less fear of humans.)

If you are in the business of rescuing stray and feral cats, that distinction will help you find the cats that are most likely to be successfully rehabilitated and placed in homes.

Is Rehabilitation Possible?

It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to rehabilitate adult feral cats. These are cats that have lived their entire lives without human contact, born in the wild to a feral cat and raised on the streets in a cat colony of some kind. Feral cats are afraid of humans and don’t trust them, so rehabilitating them is not always possible.

The younger the cat you are working with is, the better luck you will have with rehabilitation. Kittens between four and six weeks old have the best chance at rehabilitation. They shouldn’t be taken from their mother any earlier than this, as they are more vulnerable to diseases and are unlikely to survive. The mother cat should be captured as well, if possible, and spayed so she does not continue having litters of kittens. Feral kittens are often much better suited to rehabilitation efforts than adult feral cats, as they can develop into loving, affectionate family pets.

How Does Rehabilitation Work?

If you find yourself with some young feral kittens to rehabilitate, you can help them by following a few easy steps. Start with containment in a cage or a large pet carrier of some kind. Feral kittens will likely hiss and spit at you often; keep in mind, they are terrified of you. They will fight you, trying to scratch or bite if they can, and they will take any opportunity to escape. After all, for all they know, you are a large and scary predator out to get them.

Be sure to choose a container large enough to hold some bedding, food, water, and a litter box. Do not attempt to handle the kittens for at least the first two days. Talk to them and visit them frequently, but don’t touch them just yet.

After those first two days, pick up the calmest kitten in a towel and hold them gently. If they stay relatively calm, try gripping the kitten firmly by the scruff of the neck and placing them on the outside of the towel. Use a calming voice and pet the kitten gently on the back; reward the kitten for this first physical contact with a special treat. Start attempting to brush and comb the kittens, both for their health and because it will help them bond with you. Brushing mimics mama cat’s grooming behaviors. Play with the kittens as well, and be sure to repeat the handling procedure many times.

After about a week of this, you should see good progress in the kittens. Move them to a small room and kitten proof the area so they can’t hide in small spaces. Keep up the handling of the kittens, and once they stop biting or scratching, bring in other humans to handle them. This helps them adjust to people in general, rather than strictly bonding only to you.

What about Adult Feral Cats?

While there are always exceptions to the rule, most adult feral cats will not be happy in a home. Occasionally, these cats can be adopted out as barn cats, living in a warm barn on a farm somewhere and helping control rodent infestations. Otherwise, the best solution is to use employ the trap-neuter-return, or TNR, technique. This involves trapping feral cats, sterilizing them and giving them relevant vaccinations, and then returning them to where they were found.