Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter

12/30/2024

Make sure your pets are safe! 🎉🥳

12/29/2024

12/29/2024

Protect your fur babies this New Year's Eve! ✨🐈 🐶 ✨

With the upcoming New Year’s Eve holiday and the use of fireworks, it’s important to remember that our furry friends experience these celebrations differently. New Year’s Eve is fun for us but can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for our furry family members. The loud noises from fireworks can cause stress to our pets and result in unwanted situations.

Here are a few tips to follow for a stress-free day for both you and your fur baby.

1⃣️ Microchip and ID your pets. If your pet is not wearing a collar with an ID tag, NOW is the best time to get one. If your pet is not microchipped, consider getting one. Planned PEThood offers microchipping appointments. If you already have a microchip and ID tag, double-check that the information is up-to-date.

2⃣️ Work them out. Lots of exercise during the day, so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises of fireworks start. A tired pet is a calmer pet.

3⃣️ Keep your pets indoors. Loud sounds can scare your pet, causing them to run away. It’s best to bring them indoors and put them in a cozy spot.

4⃣️ Provide a safe, quiet place. Help your pets feel safe in a quiet, escape-proof room. Try to block out the light from outside.

5⃣️ Provide distractions. Focus your pet’s attention on other things, such as toys or treats. Use music, radio, or TV to mask the noise of the fireworks.

Do your furry family members a favor and make sure they’re well-protected and safe so they’re with you for many years to come! ❤️

Have a Happy New Year’s Eve!

12/28/2024

Chip is ready for his furever family! Reach out to Gonzales Dog Adoptions / Gonzales Dog Shelter for a meet and greet! 🐶 ❤️

12/27/2024

⭐ Posted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):
With recent news about cats contracting avian influenza (H5N1), AVMA has developed a series of FAQs for veterinary professionals and animal owners to help answer questions you may have as well as tips to prevent infection. Discover more at: https://bit.ly/3DufHff

avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats

12/26/2024

Happy Boxing Day!

12/25/2024

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah! 🎄🕎 May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and wagging tails! 🐾✨

12/24/2024

Only Santa gets milk with cookies...not kitty. 🎅🏻 🍪

GIVING MILK TO CATS…AN OLD MYTH.
The myth of giving milk to cats has been perpetuated for centuries. Despite all that we now know about felines…their digestive systems…and the enzyme, Lactase…many individuals can still be seen leaving milk for feral cats or feeding milk to their own.
Most cats happen to be “Lactose intolerant.” Cow’s milk, when consumed by the majority of cats, will lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and may result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and flatulence.
Felines, especially older cats, lack the enzyme, “Lactase,” which is required to break down milk. Kittens are, of course, dependent upon their mother’s milk. However, as they grow, their Lactase level decreases.
What about other forms of milk…such as oat milk, soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk?
These alternatives should also be avoided.
Some of these milks contain sugars, oils and may be high in fat content.
Some contain preservatives…also, difficult for your cat to digest.
Some contain salt. While a miniscule amount of salt won’t likely cause digestive problems, cats with renal disease or hypertension would likely suffer.
Much like humans, felines are prone to dehydration. Cats that do not consume the volume of liquid that they excrete may begin to show symptoms of dehydration. They may become lethargic, pant, wobble and/or collapse. It is likely that their gums will be dry to the touch.
That being said, in lieu of milk, allow cats access to ample supplies of clean, fresh water!"
– Post shared from the Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

12/24/2024

What a tearjerker—such a beautiful story. Our cats don’t just run away; sometimes there are reasons behind it. Do you have dogs in the neighborhood? Loud noises? Traffic? All of these can be very scary for a small animal living in a big world.

🐾 Sadly, cats can also accidentally get locked in sheds, garages, or even someone's home! Life happens. Don’t just rely on the lost-and-found column or the local shelter. Be proactive. Knock on doors, share photos, and put up flyers. While life goes on around your neighborhood, a sign with a photo in YOUR yard can serve as a helpful reminder to your neighbors.

The best tip? Take a walk around the neighborhood and call for your cat. Evenings are ideal, when daytime noises have quieted down and your cat can hear your voice more clearly. Chances are, they’re scared and hiding close by.

Good luck bringing your kitty home!! 🐾

https://fb.watch/wFpuXU6aaK/

12/23/2024

Beware of Tinsel Ball cat toys. This seemingly harmless toy is a potential life-threatening hazard.
⭐ Here's why:
"The common sand paper feel of a cat's tongue is actually many small barbs that face backward, which benefits a cat when grooming," Dr. Katarina Luther, DVM says.
⭐⭐ "When presented with a material like a string or other fabrics, these barbs can act like Velcro and practically force the cat to continue to ingest and swallow the item, rather than spit it out. Once swallowed, the toy can then cause serious problems if not recognized and treated quickly."

12/21/2024

Look at these cuties! 🎅🏻 🎄 They’d all like a furever home for the holidays ~ Reach out to Passion for Paws Memorial Animal Shelter if you’d like a meet and greet.

12/21/2024

Great opportunity to check out some adoptable dogs from Gonzales Dog Adoptions / Gonzales Dog Shelter!

12/21/2024

Balls are for trees! 🎄

1. Neutered cats live longer, healthier lives, and are far less likely to fight other cats. FIV, FeLV, and other diseases are spread by cat bites sustained while fighting.
2. Neutered cats are less likely to spray. Smelly tomcat urine damages property and causes problems with neighbors and landlords.
3. Neutered cats are less likely to be trapped, dumped, or taken to a shelter. Being neutered advertises that someone cares and that they won’t be reproducing.
4. Neutered cats fight less often and less aggressively. This saves money on veterinary bills to treat abscesses and wounds.
5. Neutered cats stay closer to home. They are less likely to get lost, killed by predators, or hit by vehicles while roaming and searching for mates.

Sound advice from: Friends of Feral Felines 🌟

12/20/2024

How cold is too cold for your dog? 🐶 ❄️❄️

12/20/2024

How to make a shelter for community cats ~ 🐈

Help feral cats stay warm this winter! The shelter I built is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to help (You can also add a plastic/vinyl flap over the op...