Little Things Mean a Lot

By Daniel Quagliozzi




One of the hardest things about being a shelter cat is all of the changes they go through in such a small period of time. Cats are very sensitive to changes to their territory, even subtle ones. Imagine you were forced to move five times in four days. You wouldn't know whether you were coming or going and would probably have a hard time tracking down your belongings. Talk about a stressful day!

Cats are lucky. They don't have anything to carry but themselves and even that is terrifying to some. Cats that enter animal shelters are often kept in cages with no place to hide, sitting right next to their food and litter box. Would YOU like to eat and sleep next to your toilet? I didn't think so! Being able to feel safe and secure is probably the most essential quality a cat looks for. But how do you make a cat feel safe when it's it has to be moved from place to place? It's simpler than you may think.











I present to you the "Hide, Perch & Go" cat carrier. The SF/SPCA is proud to be using this new addition to our kennel enrichment. Cats now have a place to hide and feel safe or perch above the floor for a change of scenery...whatever strikes their fancy! The best thing about the Hide, Perch & Go is that it travels everywhere with its cat, reducing sickness. It goes to Spay/Neuter with them. Then, it goes back in their kennel or series of kennels depending on the situation. A shy cat has familiar smelling territory, no matter where it's being housed. When the cat is ready to go home for adoption, the Hide & Perch converts to a carrier that can be used for transport . Now, the cat can start all over again in a forever home with a place to hide that feels and smells safe! Our undersocialized Kittens are going to especially benefit from these boxes.
A simple cardboard box can really make a difference to a cat, that's for sure. The SF/SPCA is very lucky to have an animal shelter that truly gives it's homeless pets dignity and a place that feels like home. Sometimes, even the fanciest kennel can be a scary place for a fearful cat. We're very thankful to have these new boxes to make our shelter cats get to their happy homes faster & healthier.

The SF/SPCA would like to thank the Petco Foundation and Petfinder.com for their sponsorship and donation of the Perch, Hide & Go boxes. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!