Kittens (and Puppies) at Christmas

 This time of year, we always get lots of inquiries from parents in search of a kitten to place beneath their Christmas tree for their children. Though I am happy to see so many people interested in adopting pets, and the image of a kitten in a big velvet bow in the arms of a sweet, pajama-clad child on Christmas is a lovely one, I always encourage folks to wait for the holidays to pass before introducing a new animal into their home.

 Here’s why:

 During the holidays, stress levels are high, life is chaotic, and schedules are irregular. We travel, we have houseguests coming and going, and introducing a new pet during this time, especially a demanding young kitten or puppy, could make for a more difficult transition for the little one. Waiting until after the holidays for life to settle down and schedules to return to normal can give you the time, patience, and energy you will need to focus on training and helping the puppy or kitten settle into the new home.

There are so many pet hazards around the holidays, too. Things like tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, and trims can be dangerous when chewed or swallowed. There are food hazards, like chocolate, and toxic house plants that could be ingested. Other safety risks include Christmas lighting, cords, and candles.



Kitten and puppy-proofing is already challenging enough without these additional hazards of the holiday season.

As an alternative to giving a pet for the holidays, consider giving a gift certificate instead. This way, when the time is right and life is calm, the whole family can be involved with the pet selection process. You could include the gift certificate in a box or basket of pet toys and essentials like food and dishes; grooming tools; a collar, leash or harness; dog waste bags; or a litter box scoop.
 Picking up these supplies can help you start a dialog with your child about pet care, pet needs, and being a responsible pet owner, and it can help prepare them for what’s to come. It will show your child that bringing a pet into your life is something that requires serious thought, preparation, and commitment, and when it’s time to bring your new puppy or kitten home, it will help give the little one a very positive start in its new life with your family!

For lots of great articles on kitten and puppy care, please pay a visit to MyPetReference.com. And for a $10 off coupon for Royal Canin kitten and puppy formula and a free downloadable puppy or kitten guide, visit HERE.

A Trimble Update!

I just got word from Mel, Bess and Wee Willard's mom,  that things are going just great!  

They were a little shy the first two days, and spent some time hiding under couch, but now they're settled in,  completely comfortable and are roaming all over the house.




 They enjoyed exploring (and climbing!) the Christmas tree and as you can see, the doll house Mel's daughters received for Christmas was a huge hit too.

They've been to the vet for their wellness examine, received a round of booster shots, and both got a clean bill of health.  Everyone is eating well and pooping well!

Mel and family are so thrilled with the addition to their family, and are thoroughly enjoying their Trimbles.

And we're equally thrilled to know things are going so well!

Thanks for the update, Mel!   Please give the kittens some love from all of us!!

It's Lonely at the Top

But not for long.

All Gone!

Bess and Wee Willard found a REALLY wonderful family to join, and we're thrilled for all of them.

Their new mom, Mel, sent us a vey nice letter of introduction so it was clear from the start,  they could provide a good, loving home for a pair of precious kittens.  

For months Mel and her husband, Noah, had been discussing adopting kittens.  They wanted the timing to be right, and they wanted to prepare their girls and talk with them about the proper way to handle kittens, and all the responsibilities that come along with them.

I appreciate so much the thought they put into this and all the conversations that were had on this subject.

With the hectic holidays, and a huge family party too, they thought it would be best to wait until things settled down before bringing Bess and Willard home.

So, on Wednesday,  we packed their bags, and off went Wee Willard and Bess.

Their new family is loving and devoted and I know the kittens are going to thrive in their care.












We couldn't be happier for them.

Bye-bye Wee Willard and Bess.   Be good little kittens.  Write often, send photos.

Thanks, but No Thanks!

Thanks for offering, but I don't need your help taking down the Christmas decorations, Willard. 








(portrait of Bean by the talented Patti Kahler)

Wee Willard's Tiny Tongue

: P

Hang in There, Willard

In the Morning Light

Sparkle Ball Central

Things have been busy over here at Sparkle Ball central.   Fortunately, we've got a crack staff to insure only the finest of Sparkle Balls are shipped to the kitties around the world.

Bess is inspecting the latest batch of Sparkle Balls.  What do you think, Bess?   Are they up to snuff?

I'm afraid this batch won't do.  They're obviously not sparkly enough because they're not catching Wee Willard's attention.   SEND THEM BACK!




 And what about these, Bess?

 

These all pass the test, and I see they have been approved by Charlene Butterbean, who has even higher standards than we kitties do. 




They're perfect!  Send them out!!!




 Did you hear that, Monroe? Pack 'em up, and send 'em out!

 

Yay!!

Sparkles Balls have been flying out the door at a crazy pace.  We're running low on the holiday colors, so if you want to put some in your kitty's stocking,  please place your order soon!   Click HERE to visit the IBKC shop.

  

WWW = Wee Wet Willard

I guess Bean thought Wee Willard was in need of a bath, so she pinned him,and licked him until he was soggy and clean.  She even turned his ear inside-out in the process.  

He put up no struggle.  Wee Willard just waited until it was over.

If Charlene thinks you need a bath, you will have a bath.

He's Tiny, He's Piney

It's Wee Willard Trimble beneath the Christmas tree.

Wee Willard Trimble

Meet Wee Willard Trimble.   He's the tiniest of the Trimble Tabby Trio, and weighs about a half pound less than the rest.

The Trimbles were a tad shy when I first brought them home, but just in the few hours they've been here, they've improved greatly.   I'm sure they'll be comfortable, confident kittens very soon.

Welcome Wee Willard.  We're so glad you here.