For indoor cats, life can sometimes feel a bit dull. The thrill of climbing trees, chasing bugs, stalking through grass, and feeling the sun on their fur is often replaced with the predictability of indoor living. But with a catio—an enclosed outdoor space designed for feline exploration—your cat can safely enjoy the wonders of the outside world. More than just vertical space for climbing, catios provide a wealth of enrichment opportunities that can enhance your cat's life in countless ways.

Cats are instinctive explorers, hardwired to climb, hunt, and engage with their surroundings. When confined indoors, they may struggle to find the mental and physical stimulation they crave. This lack of engagement can lead to boredom, stress, and a host of behavioral issues such as scratching furniture or excessive meowing.
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Creating an enriching environment for indoor cats is crucial. While vertical spaces like cat trees and shelves are valuable, a catio elevates the concept of enrichment to a whole new level. Let’s delve into the unique benefits catios offer.

​A catio isn't just an outdoor enclosure; it's a multi-faceted enrichment tool that caters to your cat's diverse needs. Here are some of the standout advantages:

The great outdoors is a sensory wonderland, filled with intriguing smells, sights, and sounds. Imagine being confined indoors for a long time, rarely feeling the gentle warmth of sunlight or smelling fresh flowers. Over time, such monotony could lead to feelings of restlessness.
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For your cat, a catio provides a remedy. It allows them to experience the outside world while remaining safely enclosed. With access to fresh air, rustling leaves, and passing birds, your cat can indulge their curiosity and prevent boredom, transforming their indoor life into a more enriching experience.

​One of the primary concerns for indoor cats is their inability to explore the outdoors without danger. Threats like traffic, predators, and diseases can make outdoor life risky. A catio provides a secure haven where your cat can enjoy the benefits of outdoor exploration without the associated hazards. They can engage their adventurous spirit while staying safe and sound.

Many catios include vertical elements like shelves and ramps that allow your cat to climb and survey their surroundings from different heights. This vertical space is essential for a cat's sense of control and security. Cats naturally love to perch high and observe, which provides not only physical exercise but also mental satisfaction.
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Even if a catio is primarily designed as a ground-level enclosure, it still offers valuable sensory enrichment and outdoor exposure. After all, the view from a cozy perch can be quite delightful, even if it’s only a few feet off the ground!

​Catios promote movement, which is crucial for your cat's health. Whether it’s a spacious enclosure with climbing features or a simple window box, catios inspire your cat to stretch, jump, and explore. This physical activity helps prevent obesity and maintains muscle tone, contributing to their overall fitness.

​The changing environment of a catio keeps things interesting. With different sights, smells, and weather patterns throughout the day and seasons, your cat experiences ongoing mental stimulation. Whether they're observing the flight patterns of birds or tracking insects buzzing nearby, a catio provides a plethora of mental engagement opportunities. If they can’t engage with the world outside, they might just resort to demanding your attention—especially when you’re busy focusing on something else. Funny how they can be so fiercely independent yet insist you cater to their whims, isn’t it?

​For newly adopted cats or those that are naturally shy, a catio can be an invaluable tool for easing the transition into a new environment. Cats often feel more secure when they can retreat to a quiet space with a clear view of their surroundings. A catio provides a safe and comfortable retreat, allowing them to relax and adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

To ensure your cat gets the most out of their catio, consider the following tips when designing or selecting one:

Whenever possible, choose a catio with built-in shelves, ramps, or perches. These features allow your cat to climb and observe from various heights, promoting both physical activity and a sense of security.

​Enhance your catio with sensory elements like hanging bird feeders or potted plants with cat-safe greenery. These additions offer visual and olfactory stimulation, keeping your cat’s mind engaged and curious about their environment.

​Regularly change the environment of your catio by rotating toys or rearranging features. Even minor alterations can refresh the space and prevent boredom, ensuring your cat stays intrigued.

​In addition to active areas, provide comfortable spots for lounging. Soft beds or hammocks allow your cat to relax and soak up the sun while keeping an eye on the world.

​If you have multiple cats, ensure your catio has enough space and vertical levels to accommodate each one. This helps minimize competition for resources and reduces territorial disputes.

Catios are a wonderful way to enrich the lives of indoor cats, offering a safe and stimulating outdoor environment. Whether your catio features climbing areas or is designed as a cozy lounge, it provides essential exposure to the outdoors, promoting mental and physical well-being.
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By adding a catio to your home, you’re not only giving your cat access to fresh air and new experiences but also enriching their lives in ways that indoor living alone cannot. So, if you want to keep your feline friend happy and healthy, consider investing in a catio—it may just become their favorite spot in the house!

Hey everyone, Craig here!​
 
As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be hitting the road, traveling to visit family, and spending quality time with loved ones. Bringing your furry companion along on your adventures can be an exciting experience, but it also requires thoughtful planning and execution to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your pet. Whether you’re setting off on a road trip or flying to a faraway destination, traveling with pets demands a little extra preparation. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy every step of the way.

Following these tips will help ensure that your pet stays happy and healthy this holiday season! Remember to be prepared, be safe, and have a fun time with your family, friends, and pets! 

On October 11th, 2024, our shelter pet and Resident Blogger, Bunny, crossed the rainbow bridge. Bunny was surrendered to our care in December of 2010 at only a few months old. She was deaf and had canine compulsive disorder (CCD), which is similar to human obsessive compulsive disorder. She required a strict routine in order to manage her CCD. Bunny stayed in our care for 5 years and in 2016, HSWM decided to officially adopt her! She was originally going to be put down because of her CCD, but we worked hard to care for her and give her the life she deserved. 

Bunny loved going on her daily walks, getting into fights with snakes and swimming in the lake. She loved our staff, trainers, and volunteers, and we all loved her right back! Being 14 years old, Bunny's well being began to decline and we ultimately knew this was going to happen. Bunny is a special girl. She had a lot of people in her life that have loved her over the years. The last week of her life we spoiled her with car rides in the truck (her favorite!) and on October 11th, she went on her final walk and everyone got the chance to say their goodbyes.

Bunny's legacy will forever be kept alive at HSWM. We've decided to rename Bunny's Blog to Bunny's Buds, where her shelter animal friends will take on the role of Resident Blogger! 

We piled our photos and videos of Bunny to make a tribute video for her. Bunny may be gone, but she is forever in our hearts. 

Some of our staff and volunteers have written words for Bunny, filled with memories and final goodbyes. 

Nathan Taylor:
​said he really enjoyed the time he got to spend with her. He was thrilled when he reached that point where he was trusted enough to be able to work with her. He said he was walking her around the pond, and she caught sight of a snake. He said she caught it and had done her kill shake before he hardly knew what was going on.

Emily Morgan:
​All my favorite things about Bunny. When she would come into your office to say ‘hi’ and magically ended up with her head in the trash. The way she traumatized animal care by shredding any poor critter dumb enough to cross her path while she was on a walk. Snakes were her favorite. Deaf, but you couldn’t help but talk to her. She was always such a good listener. How important it was that you stick to her schedule because she was “special”. The joy she got from being a menace, and the laughs she would get from us when she came in covered in pond water and mud. The spinning in the back of her kennel because you didn’t close her guillotine fast enough. The look in her eye when a new kennel tech took her out for the first time, wondering how many holes she could get away with digging. Deaf, but somehow always knew when you were coming around the corner with her evening meal, or when a car started in the parking lot.

Hilary Brown:
​What a special soul she is and loved by SO many of us! I will always remember her fierce spirit on the trail and her love for getting in the POND. She always put a smile in my face when working at HSWM.

​Love and miss you, good friend. Sending you a big hug. 💙🐾

Theresa Nolan:
​Bunny,

I had a great time playing and working with you on "trainer's night." But it was so much more. I so needed what you shared with me during those times together. Thank you for instructing me on how to be a better trainer and human. You shared that humans talk way too much, so you educated me on finessing human body language to speak dog! You taught me more about shaping than any book, video, or seminar I ever explored. I think I should call shaping -Bunny steps instead of baby steps!

Do you remember at the end of training night we would be in the training room and I would give you a massage?

Muscles softening, eyes half open and sometimes a roll to the side. I too relaxed leaving my crazy day behind! That was a wonderful experience to share with you!

Because of all you shared with me I am a better trainer, partner to my dogs and a better human. Thank you.

Bunny, you will continue to walk with me for the rest of my life.

​Love you little sister.
​Theresa 

Loren Knipp:
​I've never met another dog quite like Bunny, I don't think anyone has or ever will. There's something about her that's just so special, let alone her endless quirks. Her stubbornness, sassiness, fondness of terrorizing new staff, or her swampiness. The list would truly be endless. In addition to crazy, she is such a kind, gentle and sweet soul. I'm so grateful for and will never forget her chin kisses and cuddle breaks along the trails, they'll be so incredibly missed. Despite not being able to hear us, I think she knows just how much she's adored (and may or may not use it to her advantage). She may not have always been easy, but she is exceptionally easy to love. 

Namiko:
​Bunny broke the mold when she came to us. I talked to the person who supposedly rescued her and tried to find a way to work with her. I got the help from the best behaviorist to come up with a session routine. She had a lot of people on her side and worked with her religiously. We all learned so much from her and I can’t thank Bunny enough for sharing so much of her life with us. We owe her so much and are so fortunate to have been a part of her life.

Jessica Borgeld:
Back when I first started, Bunny was always my favorite part of the day. She always gave other people trouble with critters on trails (Bunny the Snake Bounty Hunter) but she never gave me the trouble that other people experienced. Bunny and I came across a Gartner snake one day, and as it slithered past us, we both made eye contact, I shook my head, and we continued to walk peacefully. Stopping at the one spot on the pond and watching her look at the fish was a fun ride too- especially when she would jump right in.

I also found it very entertaining when Bunny would haze the new kennel staff members. There were quite a few people who would come through, quite hesitant to take Bunny out due to the behavior she would show in the kennel. That was just Bunny though. So not going to lie, one of my favorite parts of Bunny was watching her haze them and making them jump back. It's just part of her process to show that she is actually the kennel manager. She's just a little sassy sometimes.

Her daily inspections of our office were another highlight of my day as well. Somehow, she would always end up with her head in the trash bin- but that's part of the inspection, ya know?
​Bunny walked around with the confidence that no other dog had. She owns this building and she knows it. I am incredibly grateful to have spent the last 5 years being in the presence of Ms. Buns. She taught me that life is worth living, you just have to figure out what works best for you.

​Love you forever, Buns ❤️

Emma Longworth:
I remember one morning after a blizzard, I took bunny on her morning walk (because bad weather never stopped her) and was knee deep in snow and she was nose deep. We made it around the pond trail and there was a huge snowbank between us and the parking lot so we decided to try and go around it. We started walking and quickly I was in thigh deep snow and bunny is fully plowing her own path at this point, so we decided to go over the snowbank. We both start climbing but bunny was struggling a bit so i was helping her up with her harness. She got to the top before I did and got so excited that she made it she decided to run down the other side and in the process pulled me to my hands and knees. I started screaming BUNNY!!! But we all know she can’t hear! So as she’s running, she’s pulling me and I’m struggling to get on my feet. Long story short, we both made it back inside safely, and Bunny was very proud of herself! I miss that spunky girl. She always kept me on my toes. I know she be plowing through all the snow in her next life too.

​Love you forever sweet girl 💛

Rabbits are known for their playful personalities, fluffy appearance, unique behaviors, and gentle nature. They are social animals that make wonderful companions. However, the joy of having a rabbit comes with the responsibility of providing the proper care. Ensuring their well-being should be the owner's utmost priority. Understanding their specific needs is crucial for creating a happy, healthy environment!

Caring for a rabbit properly requires commitment and knowledge, but it is a rewarding experience and a fun learning opportunity. Whether you're a new rabbit owner or looking to improve your care routine, this guide will cover essential aspects of rabbit care. 

Rabbits may come off as mysterious, that’s because they are prey animals, meaning their instincts are geared toward caution and self-preservation. This can make them more timid and wary in unfamiliar situations and surroundings. Unlike dogs and cats, which often seek out human interaction and affection, rabbits may need time to feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Every rabbit is unique, so take the time to learn what makes your bunny feel safe and secure. Here are some helpful tips on how to get to know your new friend and build a healthy relationship!

​Rabbits are naturally curious and social animals, but towering can be intimidating.  One of the best ways to foster a connection with your rabbit is to literally get on their level. Sit or lie down on the floor in a relaxed manner. 

Shhhh... those big ears are great at conveying sound!. Using a soft, soothing voice when interacting with your rabbit can help them feel more at ease and build trust.

​: If you are quiet and patient, they will naturally come over to inspect you. Try not to pet them right away, as they may see it as a threat.  

​Your rabbit will appreciate small pieces of carrots or apple as a snack. Feeding their food piece by piece is a fun bonding opportunity, as it helps build a foundation of trust.

Rabbits are ground-dwelling animals, and generally don’t like being held. Most rabbits like physical affection. Try petting their ears, cheeks, and the bridge of their nose, ensuring their comfort and building a stronger bond between you.

An untrained rabbit can get into a lot of mischief, so they should be kept in an enclosure while you’re not home to supervise and at night when you sleep. Having an exercise pen instead of a cage is recommended, as they usually provide far more space than a cage and can be made larger or smaller as needed.

The bigger the better! A rabbit’s home should be at least 4-6 times the size of your bunny when they are fully stretched out. Here is a general guideline for 1-2 rabbits who have an enclosure:
⦁ Enclosure space: at least 8 square feet
⦁ Exercise space: at least 24 square feet
⦁ Exercise time: able to run and play at least 5 hours per day

​Rabbits who are learning to use the litterbox need to have limited running space while they learn where their litterbox is and what it is for. More space can be provided as your bunny shows they know where to “go.” The more room your rabbit has to run around in, the more their personality will come out.  

​A proper diet is crucial for your rabbit's health and well-being. Rabbits have unique nutritional needs that require attention from the owner. Here’s a guide to ensuring your adult rabbit (1-5 years) gets the right nutrition for their health.

​Rabbits need unlimited amounts of hay! It is the most important thing they eat. Hay keeps their GI system moving properly and helps prevent blockages. 

​Minimum 2 cups chopped vegetables per 6 lbs. of body weight per day. Rabbits should get a minimum of three different types of leafy green vegetables daily.

​1/4 to 1/2 cup pellets per 6 lbs. of body weight per day.

​Look for hay-based treats and only be given to your rabbit sparingly.

For more information on rabbits, check out these information pages

The Humane Society of West Michigan does not endorse any specific business and its goods or services referenced below. Give a loving pet a forever home by adopting from the Humane Society of West Michigan!

​Welcoming a new pet into your home while starting a business presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Managing both responsibilities effectively requires careful planning and organization. You must adjust to the needs of your pet while keeping your business objectives in focus. In this article by Nick Burton from Our Best Doggo, you'll discover how to harmonize your dual roles as a pet owner and an entrepreneur, ensuring both your furry friend and your business receive the attention they deserve.

Setting a consistent daily schedule for your pet's basic needs is crucial. Regular feeding, walking, and playtimes help your pet settle into their new environment. This routine not only comforts your pet but also structures your day, making it easier for you to allocate time for business tasks. Consistency in pet care provides stability for your pet and predictability for your schedule.

Introducing basic training and socialization from the outset can significantly benefit your pet's behavior. Teaching simple commands and exposing them to various social situations helps prevent future behavioral problems. These activities also enhance your bond with your pet, turning training sessions into opportunities for personal relaxation and mental clarity. Well-socialized pets are generally happier and more adaptable, which can ease the stress of balancing pet care with business responsibilities.

Regularly scheduled breaks for interacting with your pet can be refreshing and rejuvenating. These moments away from work not only cater to your pet's emotional and physical health but also provide you with necessary downtime. Use these breaks as a chance to step away from business pressures and clear your mind. Effectively planned breaks boost your productivity and creativity once you return to your work tasks.

Before diving into business, outline clear goals, strategies, and financial projections. This foundational step ensures you have a solid plan to guide your startup process. Establishing these objectives helps focus your efforts and resources on what's most important for your business's success. With a clear plan, you can prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently, balancing business growth with pet care.

Utilize digital tools to enhance your business operations. Project management software, communication platforms, and digital marketing tools can streamline your processes. These technologies save time and reduce the manual effort involved in business operations. Efficient use of digital tools allows you more time to focus on your pet and ensures that your business runs smoothly.

Considering a return to school to enhance your business acumen can be a strategic decision. With a variety of available online business degrees, you can find courses in marketing, business, communications, or management that equip you with essential skills. These programs offer the flexibility needed to continue running your business while advancing your education. This educational investment prepares you to handle various business challenges with greater confidence and knowledge.

Identifying critical tasks in both your pet's care and your business operations is vital. Knowing what needs your immediate attention and what can be delegated helps manage your workload. Outsourcing less critical business tasks or pet care duties can free up your time for more pressing matters. Delegation is a key strategy in balancing personal responsibilities and business development.

Connecting with other business owners can provide invaluable support and guidance. Networking allows you to share experiences, gain insights, and receive encouragement from peers who understand the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities. Finding mentors in the business community can help guide your decisions and foster your professional growth.

​Integrating pet care with starting a new business requires a balanced approach and strategic planning. By establishing routines, setting educational goals, utilizing technology, and leveraging community resources, you can ensure both your pet and business are well cared for. This balanced approach helps maintain your well-being and supports the growth of your business while providing a loving, stable environment for your new pet.

​It’s Bunny, your favorite paw-fessional blogger and resident baby hippo! This month I’m excited to tell you all about my friend, Pepita! Pepita is a beloved cat whose family fell on tough times. Even with support from the kind staff here at Humane Society of West Michigan, they were unable to keep her and decided to give Pepita a second chance with us. Poor Pepita came into our care with a painful eye infection that caused her to lose her eyes and required medical attention. My buddies in vet land got to work right away treating the infection and scheduled a surgery to ensure she’d stay healthy!

During this time we learned that this two-year old sweetheart was curious and bold, and just like my deafness, she didn’t let her blindness slow her down! After Pepita’s surgery she went to a foster home to recover, and there, Pepita really blossomed into her own! This little spitfire was outgoing, spunky and fun, and her inability to see did not inhibit her want to play and be loved. She would seek out attention and instantly trusted anyone who would pet her. She returned to HSWM briefly and was even amazing with the kids in our Summer Camp!

Shortly after returning to HSWM it was no surprise that Pepita was adopted into an amazing  forever family. She is now comfortable, loved, spoiled, and living her life to its fullest! I love that the people here at HSWM are always ready and willing to do everything they can to help pets in need, just like Pepita. Though she may be a cat, I think Pepita is one of the good ones, and I loved hearing all about her Happily Ever After!

It’s the end of May already, when did that happen? It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re having as much fun at the shelter as I am!

But enough about me, let’s talk about my friend Angie. When Angie entered our care, this poor kitty was scared. She had lost the only owner she had ever known and had nowhere to go. When her owner passed away,  unfortunately, no family member was able to take her in, but we at Humane Society of West Michigan welcomed her with open paws!


At just three and a half years old, Angie was a sweet cat, but was confused and closed off when she first arrived. She had been with the same owner her whole life and she told me she felt like the  rug had been pulled out from underneath her. She shied away from attention, hid in her kennel, and was nervous around people.  


It didn’t take long for the paw-some staff here to realize she needed some quiet attention to help her adjust and feel more comfortable. Often HSWM staff would be found giving her extra gentle pets, chin scratches, and tasty treats, and within days,  she realized this place wasn’t so bad! She warmed up quickly and began rubbing against her kennel door,  seeking out the love that she had previously rejected.


Once Angie was feeling more herself, it wasn’t long before she found her fur-ever home! Her family now spoils her rotten, and she’s getting all the love and attention she deserves! Pets like Angie, (and even me!) are so lucky to have Humane Society of West Michigan to go to when we had nowhere else to turn.  Thank you to everyone who helps support the pets at HSWM, like Angie and me, so we have a chance at long, happy, healthy lives!

It’s Bunny again – did you miss me?  😊

I just wanted to check in to tell you all about a little litter of kittens that came into our care a while back. My friends here at the shelter knew, as soon as these kittens arrived, that they were really sick. Not only did they have missing hair, but they were also lethargic and not acting as normal, rambunctious kittens should! Our vet staff tested them and found out they had both ringworm and panleukopenia (which is a very serious disease that is often fatal in young kittens). Their outlook was bleak, but our tough team didn’t give up hope! 

The staff at HSWM worked around the clock to provide them with fluids, medication, and top-notch medical care! Once all of the kittens had finally kicked panleukopenia to the curb, it was time to address their ringworm. These brave little guys fought for a total of nine long weeks against their various health issues, until FINALLY, they were ready to go to a foster home to finish healing! This whole fuzzy family of siblings was able to get the space, love, and attention they needed to grow, learn, and, of course, find loving adopters! 

I don’t usually spend much time with cats, but I’m proud to say that I know Minerva, Sol, Fortuna, Poseidon, Flora, Vesta, and Vulcan – these kittens showed us all how to persevere through life’s trials, no matter what they are. After months and months of fighting off infection after infection, it’s exciting to share that they are all adopted and I know they deserve every bit of happiness that they’ve found!