FERAL CAT & KITTENS - TRAP AND RELEASE PROGRAM
Pet Haven of South Carolina operates a Feral Cat Program to help the unfortunate feral cat population in South Carolina. Our aim is to set up feeding stations, trap the cats when possible, get them spayed/neutered, allow them to recuperate, and then, hopefully, socialize them.
We will even assist you, if you would like to build a feeding station yourself.
If the cat is unable to be socialized, we will release them to farms that offer the cats shelter and food or return them to their original habitat.
Our goal is to STOP the overpopulation of cats by spaying and neutering and helping find good homes for those that we can. Our commitment, is helping animals and promoting our NO KILL policy and our continued community support. We will provide the guidance and assistance you may need to help a feral cat colony stop reproducing and find homes for the little kittens, who can surely be socialized.
If you see a cat outdoors with a tipped ear, it has already been spayed/neutered and released.
If you are witness to a feral cat colony and would like to help stop their overproduction and help save them, please contact us or your local Humane Society.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PETS
The best way to protect your pets is to keep them inside your home, on a leash or in a fenced yard at all times. Make sure that your pet has a collar with a rabies tag and a tag with your phone number and/or other information to help them get home to you safely on it.
Have your pet "microchipped" so that it can be identified if the collar gets taken or has slipped off.
Make sure your pet is always on a leash when out and about! This will prevent them from getting into or eating something that may be harmful to them!
Develop a neighborhood watch for strange trucks and vans in your area.
Have your pet spayed or neutered! Your pet will live a longer, happier, healthier life. Spaying your female pet will prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Neutering your male pet prevents testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Make sure your pet is current on all of its vaccines. South Carolina requires a rabies vaccine for your pet every year but other yearly vaccines are just as important to protect them from other infectious diseases.
Make sure your dog is tested for heartworms and on a heartworm preventive every month, because heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Also make sure to give your pet a flea and tick preventive every month to protect them from fleas and ticks.
If your pet is lost contact the Greenville Humane Society and Greenville County Animal Care immediately and file a lost report with them.
THINGS TO AVOID FEEDING YOUR PET
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol.
Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.
Citrus
The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
When ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet. The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea. Because of this, we encourage you to use caution when offering your pets these foods. Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet.
Grapes and Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 24 to 48 hours.
Milk and Dairy
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.
Nuts
Nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
Salt and Salty Snack Foods
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. As such, we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets.
Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a life threatening emergency. The yeast produce ethanol as a by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk (See alcohol).
If you suspect your pet has gotten into any of these items please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 immediately.
ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT
We pursue all reports of abuse, neglect or cruelty and cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of such cases. We support the efforts of South Carolina’s Law Enforcement agencies, Animal Control departments, and Humane Society Chapters to provide fair treatment and care for all domestic animals in the State of South Carolina.
To report an abused or neglected animal, please contact your local Animal Control agency.
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