Standards of Care - Cat Services

Basic Care: Each visit includes feeding, water refresh, litter scooping, playtime, and basic home care tailored to the individual needs of your cat.

Communication: We provide regular updates to pet owners regarding their cat’s behavior, eating habits, and any health observations.

Consistent Interaction: Regular positive interactions, such as petting, grooming, and playtime, help build trust. When cats associate humans with positive experiences, they become more comfortable and open.

Gentle Approach: Using a calm and gentle demeanor when approaching a cat fosters a sense of safety. Allowing the cat to initiate contact can enhance trust.

Interactive Play: Engaging in play sessions with toys like feathers, laser pointers, or balls stimulates a cat's hunting instincts and promotes bonding through shared activity.

Routine Activities: Involving cats in daily routines, such as feeding and grooming, can create a sense of partnership and reinforce the bond. Try sitting with them while they eat, or laying on the floor.

Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding positive behaviors with treats or affection encourages a cat to seek out human interaction and strengthens the bond.

Establishing a Routine: Cats thrive on routine, and predictable interactions can create a sense of security and familiarity, enhancing the bond with their human caregivers.

Reading Body Language: Understanding a cat's body language helps owners respond appropriately to their needs and feelings, strengthening the bond.

Adapting to Preferences: Each cat has unique preferences for interaction, whether it be play, petting, or solitude. Respecting these preferences fosters a deeper connection.

Cat Care

At PetPals, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care for feline companions. Our comprehensive standards of care ensure that each cat receives the attention, safety, and enrichment they need while clients are away. Not all cats are the same and differ in social skills, basic needs, or levels of care. Review this guide to learn about different aspects of cat related care.

Cats are known for their independent nature, but they can form strong bonds with humans. The bonding process varies among individual cats and is influenced by factors such as personality, early socialization, and past experiences. When bonded owners leave cats, they can act out in abnormal ways to show their discomfort. By exploring these relationships you may create new bonds with cats.

Environment Checks: Caregivers assess the environment for hazards before each visit, ensuring the safety of both the cat and the home.
Secure Handling: Caregivers are to approach based on personal comfort levels and interact with cats with safe handling techniques to prevent escapes and ensure the cat feels secure.
Emergency Protocols: Established emergency protocols ensure prompt communication with owners and veterinary services in case of sudden illness or injury.

Health Monitoring

Caregivers caring for cats daily needs can monitor cats for signs of illness or distress and report any concerning observations through service notes with photos and videos.

    
    Cat Health & Trust Building
    
Cat Health & Trust Building

            Category
            Details
        
            Signs of Anxiety & Distress
            Increased Aggression or Irritability
        
            Restlessness or Pacing
        
            Excessive Grooming or Over-Grooming
        
            Hiding or Avoiding People
        
            Changes in Eating Habits
        
            Litter Box Issues
        
            Tail Twitching and Ears Flattened
        
            Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits
        
            Weight Loss or Gain
        
            Lethargy or Low Activity Levels
        
            Vomiting and Diarrhea
        
            Respiratory Symptoms
        
            Changes in Litter Box Habits
        
PetPals Policy:
Monitor health changes and observations with pictures.
Check in with clients to monitor concern level, if further action is needed.
Under client and admin supervision, assist with vet care.

Trust Building with Cats

            Step
            Description
        
            Step 1: Understand Feline Behavior
            
                Learn the subtle cues of a cat’s body language.
Relaxed Posture: Indicates comfort and trust.
Tail Position: Upright with a slight curve suggests friendliness.
Ears and Eyes: Forward-facing ears and slow blinks show contentment.
Personal Space: Cats value their space and should be approached on their terms.

            Step 2: Create a Safe Environment
            
                Minimize Stressors: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
Hiding Spots: Ensure the environment includes cozy spaces like a bed, blanket, or a box to hide in.

            Step 3: Let the Cat Set the Pace
            
                Approach Slowly: Sit or crouch at a distance and wait for the cat to come to you.
Don’t Force Interaction: Never pick up or pet a cat unless they show signs of comfort.

            Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement
            
                Treats and Rewards: Offer small, high-value treats like greenies, salmon treats, freeze-dried chicken.
Scavenger Hunt: Try a scavenger hunt of treats around the house to encourage curiosity.
Praise and Gentle Tones: Speak softly and positively during interactions.

            Step 5: Build Association Through Play
            
                Interactive Toys: Use wand toys, laser pointers, or small balls for play.
Know When to Stop: Watch for signs of overstimulation and end the session if needed.

            Step 6: Establish Routine and Predictability
            
                Consistent Care: Feed them and clean the litter box at regular times.
Respect Their Schedule: Engage during their active times and let them rest when needed.

            Step 7: Learn the Cat’s Preferences
            
                Petting Preferences: Many cats prefer being petted on the head, cheeks, or under the chin.
Favorite Spots: Observe where the cat likes to relax and spend time.

            Step 8: Patience and Consistency
            
                Small Progress Matters: Celebrate small milestones, such as the cat sitting near you.
Trust Takes Time: Shy or mistreated cats may take weeks or months to warm up.

            Step 9: Respect Boundaries
            
                Monitor Stress Signals: Watch for hissing, swatting, or fleeing and give the cat space.
Adapt Your Approach: Adjust methods to suit the cat’s unique personality.

            Step 10: Maintain Trust Over Time
            
                Regular Interaction: Continue engaging with the cat to strengthen the bond.
Adapt to Changes: Help the cat adjust to changes in their routine or environment.

Step	Description
Step 1: Understand Feline Behavior	Learn the subtle cues of a cat’s body language. Relaxed Posture: Indicates comfort and trust. Tail Position: Upright with a slight curve suggests friendliness. Ears and Eyes: Forward-facing ears and slow blinks show contentment. Personal Space: Cats value their space and should be approached on their terms.
Step 2: Create a Safe Environment	Minimize Stressors: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements. Hiding Spots: Ensure the environment includes cozy spaces like a bed, blanket, or a box to hide in.
Step 3: Let the Cat Set the Pace	Approach Slowly: Sit or crouch at a distance and wait for the cat to come to you. Don’t Force Interaction: Never pick up or pet a cat unless they show signs of comfort.
Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement	Treats and Rewards: Offer small, high-value treats like greenies, salmon treats, freeze-dried chicken. Scavenger Hunt: Try a scavenger hunt of treats around the house to encourage curiosity. Praise and Gentle Tones: Speak softly and positively during interactions.
Step 5: Build Association Through Play	Interactive Toys: Use wand toys, laser pointers, or small balls for play. Know When to Stop: Watch for signs of overstimulation and end the session if needed.
Step 6: Establish Routine and Predictability	Consistent Care: Feed them and clean the litter box at regular times. Respect Their Schedule: Engage during their active times and let them rest when needed.
Step 7: Learn the Cat’s Preferences	Petting Preferences: Many cats prefer being petted on the head, cheeks, or under the chin. Favorite Spots: Observe where the cat likes to relax and spend time.
Step 8: Patience and Consistency	Small Progress Matters: Celebrate small milestones, such as the cat sitting near you. Trust Takes Time: Shy or mistreated cats may take weeks or months to warm up.
Step 9: Respect Boundaries	Monitor Stress Signals: Watch for hissing, swatting, or fleeing and give the cat space. Adapt Your Approach: Adjust methods to suit the cat’s unique personality.
Step 10: Maintain Trust Over Time	Regular Interaction: Continue engaging with the cat to strengthen the bond. Adapt to Changes: Help the cat adjust to changes in their routine or environment.