How to Care for an Abused Cat or Dog

Sadly, across the country animal homes take in
dozens of abandoned dogs and cats every day, who
with hope await for their new home. For a lot of
animals this will never happen, but there are
the lucky ones who are rescued and have new
lives and homes to look forward to. If you have
made the commitment or are considering accepting
a pet from an animal shelter either to rescue a
dog or taking one of the many cats for
re-homing, here's some advice on how to look
after a rescue dog or cat.

• Remember that your rescue dog or rescue
cat may have had a traumatic background and you
won't ever know the full extent of the emotional
distress that the pet has suffered, so it will
always take time and patience to build up trust
between you and your pet. It won't just happen
overnight.

• When you bring your rescue dog or cat
home make an area for your pet where he or she
can go to if they are feeling unsure or nervous
(a safety zone), for example; behind a sofa or
under a table etc... This is a place where
no-one can get to them and if your pet is
feeling vulnerable, they know they can always go
to this area and be safe. Obviously over time the
pet will use the area less and less as he or she
will start to feel more relaxed around you and
understand that you are not a threat. If they
had a favourite cat toy or dog toy at their
rescue centre, bring it with him so they have
something familiar around them.

• For the first couple of weeks do not fuss
over your rescue dog or cat too much, just let
your pet settle in, it will be very daunting for
your new arrival to be in a different place. Let
your pet observe you and your family so he or
she can get used to the surroundings and
routines. When your pet is ready naturally he or
she will come to you.

• Take extra care to think around your new
rescue animal, try not to make loud noises and
sudden movements. Also things that you may not
even think of could scare or bring back painful
memories to your rescue pet things such as;
raising your hand, carrying a mop or broom or
even something as minor as dripping water.
Obviously it is not possible to know what your
pet fears or to not go about your daily
business, but be as thoughtful as you can in the
beginning.

• Let your new rescue pet sniff you and
your family's hands so he or she can become
familiar with all of the new scents and
understand that no one is a threat to him or
her. Feed treats by hand so the pet can see that
you are a food source and he or she will start to
feel positive around you. If there is a member of
your family that the rescue pet fears, try to
build their trust up with that person, encourage
the person to feed the meals everyday so that the
pet gains trust in that individual.

The main thing is you should allow your rescue
dog or rescue cat the time and patience that is
needed, for your pet to begin to trust in you.
There is nothing more rewarding than gaining the
trust of a rescued animal and seeing their newly
found confidence appearing day by day. And
remember helping save just one rescue pet can
make a big difference in life and I am sure your
newly rescued pet would certainly agree on that
one.

Cat Rescue Centres and Rescue Dogs Homes can be
found all over the country, you can easily
search online to find the nearest animal rescue
centres to you.

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Alex KellyAs a pet owner, my articles are based
on issues I feel are important for animal lovers
like myself.Pet Promenade has everything you will
need for the four, or two legged member of your
family. From pet food, dog leads, grooming
equipment and bird cages.With over 5000 pet
products, at competetive prices, it's worth
paying us a visit at
http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

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