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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 24, 2007 - 11 Socialize cats at a young age WATCH FOR E xposing your cat to a variety of people, unfamiliar places, and other animals will help it to develop into a calm adult that remains friendly in different situations and when confronted with unfamiliar circumstances. Without proper socialization at a young age cats can grow to be fearful of unfamiliar people and things that are new and different. Socialization is important for all domestic animals, and for cats, during the sensitive growth period between the ages of 2-7 weeks, it is important for them to gain social exposure to ensure proper development. Without this exposure they can become stressed and reactive. Hiding is a normal cat behaviour that allows cats to adjust to change. However, a cat that spends most of its time hiding is not enjoying a good quality of life. Avoid allowing another pet to harass your cat, or leaving them with children whose behaviour frightens them. Cats that have not been socialized properly and in a safe way may retreat to one PET OF THE WEEK: Albi is bright, active and the perfect candidate for doggie sports. He will be available after Nov. 26. Many of the other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. or two rooms to help cope with the stress of a larger world. In severe cases, and much like humans, chronic stress has been linked to disease. Irritable bowel syndrome is one of many physical expressions of stress that can develop. Avoid stress with early training and alleviate distress in older cats by understanding its fears. The Oakville & District Humane Society staff often recommends establishing a "safe" place for your cat that has all of its belongings and is not disturbed. When stressed the cat should remain in this area until it calms. Protect the cat from its fears so that it does not feel the need to hide and escape. The second step in helping the cat is to plan an encounter with something that it fears, but pair it with a positive like food or play. When introducing a cat to a new home, or new pet, provide a variety of different locations that the cat can go to as it adjusts to this change. A cardboard box, a paper bag on the floor work well, with elevated places working even better. A good quality diet may also help ease a cat's fear. Sometimes food dyes, additives and other things may cause your cat to be more reactive. It takes a lot of work and time to help a cat become comfortable. The investment of time at an early age is well worth it. Socialize well and early in the cat's life. If your cat shows signs of being uncomfortable, do something to alleviate the distress to avoid a perpetually hiding cat and possible health problems. For more information about cat care, contact your veterinarian or the staff at the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905845-1551. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society YOUR COPY INSIDE! with Holiday Gift Ideas editorialHIGHLIGHTS: · What's hot this holiday season · Running goes high-tech · Product reviews: A personal GPS system and the latest running watch · Battle lines drawn: Blu-ray vs. HD DVD · The beat goes on with satellite radio · White elephant gift card exchange ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN: Canon Powershot 870 Digital Camera Visit contests.metroland.com for contest details. Courtesy of Get Connected with Holiday Gift Ideas, published by Metroland Media Group Ltd., is distributed as a supplement to Metroland Community Newspapers to specially selected households in South Central Ontario - November 2007. CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · O R I E N TA L R U G S · V I N Y L · H A R D W O O D · Thick Berber Laminate Plank Sale Price $2.99/sq.ft. Less $1.00 instant rebate IN 6 RICH COLOURS 8.3 Microbevel $ Now pay only ft. $3.99/sq. ft. Installation & underpad included SUPER VALUE "ELEGANT" HOME OF CALVIN KLEIN 1.99/sq. Installed 50 oz. Nylon Hard Twist Sale Price $4.99/sq.ft. Less $2.00 instant rebate Now pay only $ Installation & underpad included 1000'S OF AREA RUGS REDUCED TO CLEAR! 2.99/sq. ft. Oakville Quality at Warehouse Prices! Persian Rugs, Designer Rugs, Wool/Silk Tibetian Rugs Outlet Store - Trafalgar Village Huge Super Store - 228 King St. E. Across from Home Depot · (905) 849-4472 Downtown Hamilton · (905) 546-1921 CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · C E R A M I C S · C A R P E T