Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

I recently adopted a cat and she keeps meowing to go outdoors. We do not know much of her history and are unsure if she was previously an indoor and outdoor cat. However, she was found stray, so we are wondering if she was used to being outdoors. Should we let her be an indoor and outdoor cat? – Katheryn Jacobs

There are many pros and cons to having your cat be an indoor and outdoor cat. That is a personal question for your family to decide, and it should depend on your cat’s behavior and her inside and outside environments. Pros for allowing your cat outside are that she will have more space, exercise, fresh air, sunshine, and enrichment. Cons for her going outside are that she will be more susceptible to illness, parasites, being hit by a car, or getting injured or killed by other animals. I recommend reading articles or working with a feline behaviorist on how to let your cat explore the outdoors safely and remember that safety and mental health of your cat should be the priority. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

We are considering getting a bunny for our daughter for Easter. We also have some cats and not sure if they would get along. Do you have any information or tips on how to introduce cats to rabbits? – Cindy Frederickson

I recommend getting in touch with the House Rabbit Society (HRS) here in the KC area before getting a rabbit. Rabbits are a lot more work than most people anticipate and they are a long-term commitment. I also recommend adopting a rabbit instead of buying one since there are many without homes. HRS can provide you with education and support about rabbit care and advice about cat and rabbit introductions and whether it is worth trying. The cats and rabbits will need a slow introduction over time to make sure the rabbits are safe and comfortable. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

What does it mean when a dog howls? My dog howls when listening to my voice on my voice recorder when people call. I assumed that meant the dog was missing me, but I am right here, so why would the dog do it when I am present? – David Garcia

Howling is a primal way for dogs to communicate with others around them. They do this for many reasons such as letting others know their presence or wailing due to loud noises that might be bothersome for them. There are different types of howling. Most people are familiar with separation anxiety howling and attention-seeking howling. It is crucial to know what type of howl it is before you train or shape the behavior. Some dogs howl just because they enjoy doing it. If howling becomes excessive, I recommend seeking a trainer to help with this behavior so that it does not become obsessive or compulsive. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Featured Pet - Taylor

Taylor is a gorgeous 12-year-old cat who has been waiting a long time for her second chance. Taylor was brought to Great Plains SPCA last summer when sadly, her owner passed away. Taylor is very people-oriented and will happily greet you each morning with a few meows and a cuddle session. Despite her age, she is still very lively! She especially loves to play with wand toys and pom pom balls. Taylor

is in diabetic remission, which is easily managed with a special diet. This loving lady deserves a home, and we hope to find her one very soon!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org