Video Extravaganza!!!!!

SF/SPCA Voted BEST San Francisco NON PROFIT in The Bay Guardian!

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to place a vote for our organization. We will continue to set the pace in Animal Welfare, not only in San Francisco but across the United States.

Ask out Thomas for a dinner date. He's already dressed for the occasion!

Ariana has been waiting too long for her perfect play partner.

Read Ariana's story

Take a chance on two long term cats that need the simple things in life just like YOU!

Ahoy Matey! Cats on Boats?

By Daniel Quagliozzi

This weekend I went sailing on the San Francisco bay with some friends. We set sail from the docks of Sausalito and braved some choppy waters, taking on the powerful bay waves. I truly felt small among the vastness of the bay and somewhat helpless against the tides. Thankfully we had an awesome and capable captain.

While we cruised the bay, I couldn't help but think about the people living in the boats scattered around the shores and docked at the port of Sausalito. There were quite a few boats that were being lived in. Maybe it's a sign of the times? Possibly the economy? Talk about cramped quarters! It's got to be interesting to live that lifestyle, but I couldn't imagine living anywhere without a cat. Who says you can't have a cat, just because you live on a boat?

And then...I saw him, a nimble black and white cat scaling the deck of one of the boats docked in the harbor. He seemed well adjusted and content, just like any cat you might see sitting in the window of someone's house. He knew his boundaries and stayed within the lines. Yet still, I wondered what it must be like when the boat set sail. All the rocking and shuffling about was enough to make me a little queezy. What must it be like for a cat? For centuries, cats stowed away on ships and made their way across the oceans, landing in foreign places. Cats adapt, plain and simple.

Coincidentally, we received an email about cats on boats this week:

We adopted our adorable cat from the SF SPCA. We have special circumstance in that we live on board a boat. I have heard that in order to train a cat to stay on board you should toss them into the water the first time they try to get off the boat. I do not agree with this and certainly don't have the courage to terrify our beautiful new baby in this cruel way. My question to you is; how do we train her to stay on the boat and not get off onto the dock? She is an indoor cat, but we would like to allow her the freedom of the decks and flying bridge, if possible.

Dear Adopter,

I would agree that tossing your cat in to the water would be the wrong thing to do. That would only serve to heighten anxiety towards you and the environment in general. I would fit her for a harness and get a nice long leash. They sell thin, lightweight leashes in various lengths. This way she can explore and be safe at the same time. Of course she will most likely lay flat on the ground when you first put it on, that's normal.

Rather than thinking of her like a dog on a leash, think of the leash as just a life line. Keep it slack and don't pull her. Coax her over to you with food or toys. All cats respond differently with a harness but give it some time and keep it positive. Other than to create a barrier of some kind, there's no real way to keep a cat from roaming onto a dock. They don't respond the same as dogs and don't have the same group social needs. Cats explore.

Management is your best option.

Tessa's Time To Shine

By Daniel Quagliozzi

New cats enter the shelter everyday and everyone of them has a story to tell. Every now and again, a unique case like Tessa captures the interest of the Cat Behavior Team, both as a challenge and as a margin to judge success.

In March of 2003, Tessa arrived at our shelter as a four year old, former feral (say that three times fast), with very high anxiety and increased levels of fear. She was a difficult cat to place as she stayed hidden most of the time and would hiss and growl at volunteers if they approached without caution. In time, Tessa found a match! She would soon be living with the person that she thought would take care of her for the rest of her life.

Fast forward six years to the day Tessa originally arrived here. A very distraught client calls the shelter asking for assistance. Without warning, her life plans have changed and she will have to move to Hawaii. Unfortunately for Tessa, she will not be accompanying her guardian to enjoy the sun and fun as she was unable to make arrangements in time for her to go. Instead, Tessa will be coming back to the SF/SPCA for re-homing. There is just one catch. Tessa refuses to go into a cat carrier without a fight.

In extreme cases like this, The Cat Behavior Team will make house calls. We want to make this hard transition as smooth and stress-free as we can. Poor Tessa will need all the breaks she can get. So, with our heavy gloves, cat carriers and bravery, we headed to the studio apartment that Tessa had been living in for six years. She could hear us coming and immediately hid under the bed and inside the mattress, despite the wall of pillows constructed by her former guardian to hinder an escape. We lifted the mattress and carefully extracted Tessa from inside of the box spring. She went in the carrier with little effort and after a tearful goodbye from the person who cared for her... off we went to make her comfortable back at the SF/SPCA.

Tessa was not a happy camper. Despite our efforts to give her multiple hiding places, a quiet and sunny room with no other cats or noises to scare her, she still hid most of the time and would hiss and growl at anyone who entered her kennel. Remarkably, she would start to tone it down after a while, making personal connections with soft spoken volunteers and staff who would spend quiet time , singing her songs and reading in her presence. The success rate of working with shy cats has to be measured in baby steps.

Then, it got more complicated. Tessa would find comfort with those who spent the quality time with her but not with the animal attendants who came by for short visits to drop off food, empty a litterbox or check on her welfare. She graduated from hissing and growling to swatting and attacking.

There are common stimuli that can drastically cause anxiety in a cats behavior:

• Arrival of a stranger



• Intrusion into their personal space



• Sudden movements



• Loud noises



• Novel objects



• Novel smells



• Loss of control over the environment

• The arrival of other cats
  

This was definitely the case with Tessa. Her harsh reaction to virtually all of these stimuli (except for other cats)made the case very clear. Tessa was indeed having a very hard time adjusting to the drastic changes in her life's routine. So what do you do in cases like this?

Initially, we tried to desensitise her to the strangers, having them spend more and more time with her , especially during feedings. With her hesistance to people coming and going becoming an issue, the visitors who stayed longest seemed to be her favorite. Tessa showed us her discomfort by rolling around on the floor, showing her belly and purring like a motor. Progress!!!!
The next step was to move Tessa into an environment with consistancy. We wanted to immerse her in a room where people would stay longer than just few minutes to half an hour and be able to work with her socialization on a continuous basis, making every meal count. The next obvious place to live would be our office!

We moved Tessa in last week and so far things are really looking up! She walks freely around the room and has adjusted really well to the comforts of our office. Like a true diva kitty, Tessa has us wrapped around her fingers, catering to her every whim. It's a welcome distraction to our daily tasks and so worth the reward. Tessa is well on her way to being the shy but loving house cat that she once was.

If you are interested in keeping up with Tessa's progress or would like to take her home to live with you, feel free to email The Cat Behavior Program at catbehavior@sfspca.org

Senior Moments: Caring for your elderly cat

By Daniel Quagliozzi

After yet another visit to the veterinarian with my 18 year old cat; Matilda, I decided it may be a good time to address what it's like to care for a senior cat. You may remember Matilda from previous posts such as : My Alarm Clock Is Hungry & My Cat Made Me Do It. This time around, the exam shows the onset of kidney disease. As it is, I give Matilda subcutaneous fluids a few times a week to keep her well hydrated and functioning as normal as possible. Although, Matilda habitually defies normalcy, as you can see in her other stories. Her failing health, coupled with cognitive dysfunction (Catzheimers) make caring for her a lesson in life's mysteries.

Sure, there are challenges, disappointments, reality checks and unknown territory behind every corner, but I have news for you.... Some day, your cat will grow old too and it will suddenly occur to you that kitty is not the sharp, nimble footed acrobat s/he once was. Caring for elderly cats is not as bad as some make it out to be. It's just life's reminder that nothing lasts forever. Why not help your cat along the way with dignity and grace?

When is a cat considered a senior?

Cats often initially show age related physical changes between the ages of seven and ten years. Most human companions will notice differences, both physically and behaviorally in their cat, by the time the kitty is twelve. In my case, I started to see signs of aging in Matilda around fifteen. It's been a long three years since then!

You may notice some of these common signs of aging in your cat:

Many cats will have some difficulty jumping or climbing onto higher surfaces due to arthritis.

• Your cat may be less diligent about grooming himself. (Their hair can appear matted or greasy)
  
• Changes (in environment or routine) may be more difficult to adjust to.
  
• Increased vocalization, or meowing is louder than usual.
  
• Your cat may sleep more (ok, more than usual).
  
• Decrease in energy and zest for play.
  
• Change in appetite or refusal to eat.
  
• Litter box avoidance or aversion.
  
• An increase in aggression due to pain or confusion.
  
• Some cats become more relaxed and mellow, and may be more accepting of petting or medicating.
  
  

Ways to Accommodate an Older Cat’s Special Needs

For cats with arthritis or joint pains, ramps or stairs covered with carpeting are helpful to make access to sofas, beds, or other favorite resting places easier. There are also elevated food and water dishes available if your kitty has trouble with neck pain.

If your kitty is not grooming well, you will need to help out. Matted coats, particularly on long-haired cats are unhealthy and uncomfortable. Regular grooming is good for their fur and for skin-circulation, and many cats enjoy being brushed. Try a few different style brushes to see which your cat prefers.


Hear no evil, See no evil, Taste no evil

As hearing and sight become less acute, you may notice you cat lumbering around the house or even hiding as a result. Adding night lights or providing extra light in general is a thoughtful accommodation. If blindness appears suddenly, then it will be more obvious with the cat noticeably bumping into furniture or walls. Restricting territory or padding sharp corners of low furniture will prevent injury. In the case of hearing loss, a lack of response to sounds, coming when called (most cats ignore you anyway), or an increased vocalization or disorientation may also be apparent.

Some cats will become picky about food. This is best discussed with a veterinarian as it can indicate a tooth/gum condition or other health problem. However, some elderly pets may just need to be tempted to eat. It can help to feed smaller, more frequent meals. They may be more responsive to fresh food, or food that has been gently heated, as they can often smell it better. Older cats need to drink plenty of water, and it may be necessary to try several different water sources to insure they are drinking.

Routine is the key!

Adjusting to sudden change is difficult for most cats, but more so for older kitties. Make any changes in the environment or routine gradually. Something as simple as a variation in daily schedules can be an upset. Trying to keep as much routine as possible for your cat will be very helpful in reducing stress. This means keeping cat bedding and furniture in its usual place, and having regular times for feeding, cuddling, grooming and other interactions each day.

Gentle exercise is a great stress reducer and can maintain health. This gives them a chance for mental stimulation without a lot of physical activity. Having a spot in a sunny window to observe outdoor wildlife might be fun, too.

Preventative and Basic Care

Your senior pet should have a full examination by a veterinarian every six months, even if she seems perfectly healthy. If medical problems are diagnosed and treated early on, the treatment may be more effective and less costly. Some degenerative processes can be slowed down when detected early. These regular check-ups are the time for you to discuss with your vet any changes in behavior, appetite or sleeping habits.

We love them when they are kittens, but when they grow old they need us most. Shelters across the country have many senior cats that are looking for compassionate humans to watch over them in their golden years. Please check out amazing cats like MONKEY!

MONKEY 16 yr old with plenty of pep!

HOT, HOT, HOT! The SF/SPCA Summer Guide for Pets

Here's the SF/SPCA's top 10 list for you to keep in mind as you enjoy the summer with your family, two- and four-footed. Our Veterinary Hospital provides many of the services recommended on the list from micro-chipping to heart-worm testing, from emergency care to boarding services...consider us one of the family with our experienced team of compassionate and caring medical staff.

For the sake of fairness, Litter Did You Know will also be addressing dog safety.

1. Never leave your dog/cat in the car—even with windows cracked down—on hot days. The temperature can rise in minutes with deadly results. Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke which include profuse panting, salivation, warm dry skin, rapid heartbeat, high fever, vomiting, muscle weakness, inability to move, and collapse. Always carry your veterinarian's telephone number; better yet program it into your cell phone.
   
2. Keep your vaccines up-to-date. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats against serious and sometimes fatal diseases, which are common in all areas of the United States.
   Install screens in household windows and doors, to assist in preventing cats and dogs from falling accidents and exploring the outside world.
   
3. Be certain dogs/cats are microchipped and wear ID tags. Be sure both are current on address/telephone number information. All cats and dogs adopted from The SF/SPCA come already microchipped. If your animal is not "chipped", schedule an appointment today.
   
4. Learn about pet-friendly gardening options. Summer is time when many will use plant fertilizer and pesticides which can be harmful and fatal to our house pets. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well.
   
5. Warmer temperatures and dry conditions are perfect for the lifespan of parasites. Consult with your veterinarian regarding flea & tick prevention options. Note that Heartworm, a very serious and possibly fatal disease is transmitted by the mosquito. Be sure to have your animal tested if not on year-round preventative medication. Cats can get heartworm too.
   
6. Keep animals away from foxtails (not the animal, but the vegetation). These bushy, sticky grasses can become embedded in a pet's coat and burrow through the skin into the animal's body causing medical problems. Avoid overgrown lawns and fields while on walks or hiking. Keep your pet's coat well groomed during summer months. Inspect your pet's fur after hiking, including ears, nose and between the toes.
   
7. Use veterinary prescribed sunscreen to prevent burning and skin cancer especially in white dogs, and/or dogs with a fine coat. Apply to noses and tips of ears. Include sunscreen in your Pet First Aid kit/backpack.
   
8. Keep dogs leashed when out and about at summer fairs to avoid dog being lost in a crowd. Only well socialized and well behaved dogs should be included in large group activities. If your dog needs behavior training, register for one of our upcoming classes.
   
9. Consider a vacation location where pets are welcome. If not, do your homework on pet sitting services and boarding facilities well in advance.

For a mountain of information about Summer Health & Safety, GO TO:

http://www.sfspca.org/promotions/summer-health-and-safety.html

For The Love of Moe: A cat destined for a lifetime of love

The San Francisco SPCA makes magic happen everyday. We are always standing at the intersection of love and friendship and it truly is the best place to be, day after day. One of the most rewarding aspects of what we do each day is hearing from the people who we help to make those love connections with.

Sometimes, cats can go through several transitions before ending up in the ideal home. Unexpected circumstances like moving, allergies, new-born babies, even the passing of a human guardian will stand in the way of a cat having the rich routines they so desperately deserve.

Moe's story is a great example of one man and one cat's journey together. It twists and turns and ends up warming your heart. Without further adieu, I give you this wonderful story, written by Moe's guardian, Robert.

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According to the my documents from the San Francisco SPCA, Moe the cat was born on July 24, 1999. In the Fall of 1999 he was adopted by my friend Ken. Unfortunately, my friend Ken decided then to go graduate school and he discovered that his boy friend was allergic to cats. One would think they would have discussed this before the adoption; kind of like having a child: "Honey, you want to have kids?" No one ever likes "Oops! I'm preggers" as the proclamation of a coming child.

But I do digress. Ken surrendered Moe on January 8, 2000. When Ken told me what he had done, I called into question his parentage and vowed to go to the San Francisco SPCA the next day and adopt Moe. When Ken reminded me of my allergies to cats, I told him "I will find a way to deal with it." On January 13, I and a mutual friend of Ken and mine, drove to the SPCA location in Potrero Hill; breaking a few traffic laws in the process.

Once there, we were told Moe and a number of other cats were near Union Square for outreach. I rang Ken who works in the Financial District and told him "Get out of your office, get down to Union Square, find your cat and make sure no one adopts him until we get there!" We all arrived at the same time. As Ken walked past the cages of cats, I suddenly saw a little orange Tabby arm with a white paw reach towards Ken from between the bars of the cage. It was Moe. My heart broke...can we say "AAAAAWWWWW"?

So, on January 13, 2000, Moe the cat became my friend and companion. That night, when I went to bed, I decided to close my bedroom door as I was worried about my allergies to cats and wanted one room in the house where I could breath. Silly human, I had yet to learn the tenacity of cats and the persuasiveness of kittens. There was a meowing outside my bedroom door that I could not ignore. Poor little kitten, first time in a new place, just after being surrendered and then adopted by someone else.

OK, so I caved. Not like it would have taken much anyway. But, I told myself, I will not allow him on the bed, as being able to breath is something I find rather important. For any cat owner at this point who is reading this, you must understand, I was naive.

Moe was my first cat. Stay off the bed? I opened the door and first thing Moe did was to hop up onto the bed. So then I told myself, "Ok, he can sleep on the bed, but I won't let him near my face." You're laughing now, aren't you? You know what is coming, don't you? I lie down in bed and the first thing Moe does is to curl up next my head. I though "I am so dead in the morning. I will stop breathing at some point and just not wake up. All for a kitten." Once again, I called in question Ken's parentage.

The morning comes, and I can breath. I am fine. No allergies. Somewhere between the ages of 27 & 30, I lost my allergies to cats. How? No clue. Five years later, I would decide Moe needed another cat - he disagreed - and I adopted "Bessie" from the East Bay SPCA; and promptly changed her name to Selina Kyle. Moe having lived just he & I for five years, took some adjustment to his new friend. But after a month's time, they bonded and now seem inseparable.

Two years ago, I found myself a bi-pedal companion and adopted him too. He also came with a cat named Tanner. A twenty-five pound bundle of love who loves nothing more than to be held in your arms 24/7. Keith - my human - and I bought a house and moved in together in the Fall of 2008. When we did, we adopted a beautiful Tortoise-shell Siamese. Her name was "Monkey" but it was changed to Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. I deny having anything to do with renaming however, "Mage" proved her namesake accurate. In one word: "Diva." Surprisingly, Moe who is very much and alpha male and Madonna who is an alpha female, get along the best. They play often. Who knew?

I thought the SF SPCA would like to know how one of your adoptees is doing. Moe still sleeps with me every night, but no longer next to my head. He now insists upon sleeping ON me. Like most Leos, he loves to be held and scratched and cuddled, but only when no one else is looking. He hides when Ken pays a visit, but I have since stopped calling into question Ken's parentage.

It's a Matter of Felin-ality

This is the final article written by Barbara Kohn in this week’s three-part series about special programs at The San Francisco SPCA (The SF/SPCA) for cats, featured on www.examiner.com.


Looking to adopt a new cat? If you prefer a cat with a feisty or spunky personality that is vocal, consider a tortoiseshell. Maybe you are better suited to a mellow feline companion. If so, an orange tabby might be a good fit. These, of course, are just generalizations about the various cat breeds and there are many exceptions. Furthermore, every cat, especially an older one, has a history that has influenced its temperament and behavior. But since cats, like people, are not all the same, the odds of a successful, mutually satisfying adoption are better when you match your needs and preferences to the behavior and personality of the cat you add to your home.

The SF/SPCA wants to make sure that you and your new feline companion stay together for a long time, so about a year ago implemented a very unique program called ‘Meet Your Match' developed by the ASPCA, Meet Your Match helps adopters to get a better understanding of each cat and an expectation of how it will fit into a new household.

Daniel Quagliozzi, cat behaviorist at The SF/SPCA, explained that the shelter previously focused only on a cat’s behavior when it arrived at the shelter and did not factor in its personality. Now they do both.

“The first days at the shelter are often extremely stressful for a cat, so an initial assessment might not give you a true picture of the cat’s real personality or how it will adapt to a certain household,” Quagliozzi said. “Meet Your Match attempts to get a more accurate reading of each cat that we place for adoption.”

A few days after a cat arrives at The SF/SPCA, cat behaviorists with the help of volunteers give it a 15-minute assessment to determine how social it is and how well it adapts to new situations and people. Behaviorists put the cat through its paces, timing its cat-to-human approach, grading its reaction to petting and a variety of other tests — including hugging and tail tugging – and how much it interacts during a five-minute period.

Based on the observations and interaction, the shelter assigns each cat one of nine felin-alities, ranging from the independent and cautious ‘Secret Admirer’ to the gregarious and valiant ‘Leader of the Band.’

“Most cats grade out as 'Sidekicks,' a middle-of-the road cat who is social and affectionate and deals fairly well with new situations and enjoys plays,” Quagliozzi said. He also pointed out that a cat’s felin-ality generally begins at about nine months of age.

Each potential cat adopter also takes a survey, which asks questions about the household environment and expectations about interacting with an adopted cat, such as is it important that the cat likes being held or will it need to get on with children or other animals and more.





The San Francisco SPCA would like to thank Barbara Kohn of www.examiner.com for devoting the week to our shelter, especially with the dissapearance of our blind kitten Jack Daniels. Be sure to read her cat column every day!

Fospice Program Gives Cats a Second Chance

YO!

In keeping with Barbara Kohn's 3 -part series about the SF/SPCA on http://www.examiner.com/ we are pleased to link you to a really great article about our FOSPICE Program.

"Yo is one cat that knows what he likes. That would include both movie time and bedtime sleeping with his human companion Vaughn Korbin, a San Francisco family law attorney. One might not consider any of these activities out of the ordinary for a cat, especially an orange tabby like Yo, which are known to be highly friendly and affectionate. But Yo isn’t an ordinary cat. This almost 13 year-old, very handsome boy suffers from liver cancer and how much longer Yo will enjoy the care and comfort of life with Korbin is uncertain. Yo is part of a very unique Fospice or “foster hospice’ program of The San Francisco SPCA that gives older, terminally ill cats like Yo a caring, quality environment during their final months."

Read more by clicking the link below:

Terminally ill cats get a second chance with The San Francisco SPCA Fospice program

Stolen Kitten: Please Help The SF/SPCA Find “Jack Daniels”

Partially-Blind 3 Month Old Kitten Stolen Today from Maddie’s Adoption Center Wednesday, July 8, 2009

WHAT:
Today, July 8, 2009, between 2-3:45 pm PT, three month old kitten, “Jack Daniels,” was stolen from The SF/SPCA’s Maddie’s Adoption Center at 250 Florida St. San Francisco. A description of the perpetrator(s) is not available.A description of the cat is as follows:* Color: Black
* Sex: male
* Breed: Domestic Short Hair
* Age: 3 months * Weight: approximately 3.0 pounds
* Distinguishing characteristics: cloudy eyes (partially blind)* Neutered* Microchipped (#982009105787461)

He is a partially-blind kitten, who depends on his brother for many of life’s necessities.
He is particularly vulnerable and we are gravely concerned for his safety and well-being.

**SF/SPCA representatives are available for media interviews.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
If you have any information, or if you see a kitten fitting this description please contact Kiska Icard, Communications Manager for The San Francisco SPCA, 415.760.4265. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!


WHERE:
The kitten can also be returned directly to The San Francisco SPCA’s Maddie’s Adoption Center, 250 Florida St. San Francisco, 415.522.3500, which is open daily 11 am-6 pm (Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.).

# # #

About The San Francisco SPCA
The San Francisco SPCA is a community-supported, non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting, and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill, or in need of an advocate. The SF/SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. For more information, visit http://www.sfspca.org/.

Keeping Her Eyes On The Prize

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Today we are paying tribute to the very lovely and unique Ariana. This sleek, blue-eyed bundle of energy came to us on April 19Th from San Francisco Animal Care and Control. Her previous guardian could no longer care for her and was forced to surrender her into the shelter system. With nothing familiar to cling to, Ariana showed signs of severe fright and stayed frozen in a tight ball for days, unable to process where she was and who was trying to show her affection. We couldn't get her to leave the confines of her cat bed at all.

As the days became weeks, Ariana slowly started to understand that she was surrounded by love and the caring staff and volunteers of the SF/SPCA. She loosened up her body and started to explore her condo with more and more confidence each day. We even discovered a very playful side of her, despite the reservations she showed us in the first few weeks of her stay in Shelter Care.

Ariana is definitely a special cat. Come on, look at the expression on her face! Although she has come a really long way since her first day of arrival, some of her aloofness is still with her today. She likes petting on her own terms and slinks away like a ninja when she would rather focus on chasing her favorite tube toy around. Ariana needs a special person that understands her eccentricities and has the patience and knowledge enough to let her call her own shots.

Watch the video below and see just how far Ariana has come!

If you are interested in adopting ARIANA ID #: 7494506 Please call 415 522-3500 and speak to a client care associate.

The SF/SPCA: A vanguard in modern shelter management

Ernie ID #: 5748427

This week, we are featuring articles by Barbara Kohn of http://www.examiner.com/ . She is doing a three-part series about the San Francisco SPCA and our amazing programs that are truly changing the ways people think about animal sheltering. Like many of us, Barbara is very passionate about cats and it shows in this great article and all of her other work!

Friday she will be featuring an interview with The SF/SPCA's Cat Behavior Specialist; Daniel Quagliozzi.

Check out the first installment!!

"The SF/SPCA is the oldest animal welfare organization on the West Coast of the United States. Founded in 1868, this humane organization has been serving the needs of lost and abandoned animals in San Francisco and its surrounding communities for its 141 years. Adding to its many achievements, its historic collaboration with the City of San Francisco and the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control made San Francisco the first "no-kill city" in the United States in 1994."

READ MORE by clicking the link below:

The San Francisco SPCA raises the bar on shelter management for cats

Posted using ShareThis

July Rogue Gallery

Scarlett (A07211194)
5-year-old female
Scarlett is an intriguing combination of affection and play. One minute she’s on your lap, the next she’s ready to stalk a toy. Scarlett is FIV positive, and can live a normal life with a few simple precautions.

Jennyanydots (A05756035)
3 ½-year-old female
Jennyanydots is a very special cat for a special home. She is amazingly affectionate, a lap-cat through and through. However, she has a few simple rules when it comes to petting – or she may nip a warning. She’d do best in an adult household.

Sharyn (A07456590)
10-year-old female
Have you ever felt shy and a little awkward at a party? Then you know how Sharyn feels every day. She’s a very shy lady who won’t feel really comfortable until she leaves the shelter for her forever home. Once there she’ll be her loving self.

Linda (A07467889)
2-year-old female
Linda is relatively young, but she’s had experiences that go beyond her years. Despite her tender age she recently gave birth to four healthy kittens.. Now that she’s raised her kids, she’s been spayed and is ready for the next chapter of her life. Linda is a love bug.

Monkey (A07532809)
16-year-old female
Such a silly name for such a dignified lady. We suggest you change it in the car on your way home. This lady makes a wonderful companion. She loves people and will still get out on the floor and dance a step or two.

Ms. Cleo (A07564676)
9-year-old female
Searching for the perfect dinner companion? Look no further. Ms. Cleo simply loves eating with people. Of course she has perfect manners so she knows she eats from the bowl on the floor while her humans dine at the table in human fashion.

Moe (A06447291)
11-year-old male
Yes, Moe is 11. He still hasn’t learned how to act his age. He’s a cat-on-the-go, who loves laps and loves play. Moe has a monster personality, and your life with him will be a time of discovery and joy. Don’t let this one get away.

Luna (A06405643)
5-year-old female

Luna has this thing about people. She loves them and she can’t get enough. If you can be with her throughout the day, and if you have friends who stop by from time to time, Luna will thrive. However, as much as she likes people, she’s not crazy about other cats.

Alma (A05739274)
10-year-old female
Alma is a beautiful tortoiseshell and you can forget all those stories you’ve heard about torties having an attitude. Well… maybe she does have just a touch. She craves attention. But let’s be honest, who doesn’t? Love her, she loves you. That’s the deal.

If you are intrigued by the magic of these amazing cats, contact Maddies Adoption Center at the SF/SPCA at 415 -522-3500

I'm Sorry, Did You Say Something?

By Daniel Quagliozzi


Most of us are used to our cats ignoring us. We try and try to get their attention, but they are too busy staring off into space or licking their paw to give us the time of day. Is kitty preoccupied with the art of zen or is Mr.Fluffypants just hard of hearing?

Believe it or not, it's not terribly uncommon for cats to lose their hearing, just like humans. In fact, they can get along just fine without it, but it does present interesting challenges for those of us who care for their special needs.

In addition to the usual causes of deafness, most people don't realize that a cats’ coloring often plays a huge role in the degree of hearing loss. Studies show that about 65% of white cats who have two blue eyes are deaf in one or both ears. White cats with just one blue eye have a 40% chance of being deaf, and white cats without blue eyes are deaf, or partially so at a rate of around 20%.

Our very own Snowpea, is the exception to the rule, being deaf in both ears with yellow eyes. Snowpea is a kitten with a very challenging life ahead of her. We are hoping to set the pace for a successful match with the right person who can care for her.

Whether the hearing loss is sudden or gradual, behavioral changes may alert the guardian to the possibility of deafness. The kitties compensate so well in many cases, that it may be a very long time before the hearing loss is noticed, particularly if it is a gradual loss. Hearing impairment can cause any kitty to become irritable, confused, easily frightened, skittish, and insecure. Since they can’t hear their own voice, cats may vocalize loudly and often. In some cases the hearing impaired cat may become mute.

In the case of Snowpea, she tends to get lost in her own world, sleeping most of the day, unless there are fun activities, playful interludes with people or the distractions that can only be provided by another cat.

Deciding whether or not a deaf kitty is better off as a single pet is difficult. While some cats will take behavior “cues” from other resident cats or litter mates, some will not. Some deaf kittens will play fight more aggressively, and swat and bite more because they cannot hear the cries of the other kittens. Deaf cats living with hearing cats and/or dogs may become the “victim” of surprise play attacks, and over-react causing friction in a multi animal household. In this stalking type of situation the deaf kitty may redirect his or her aggression toward the humans in the household. All in all, a deaf cat will probably do best as a single pet or with another kitty he or she has known all their life.

So here lies our dilemma: At the tender age of 4 months, we have to decide if Snowpea will be the target of sneak attacks or the ruler of the roost. I guess it's all a matter of who shows interest. The time is NOW to make this decision!

If you are thinking about adopting Snowpea or a deaf cat in another shelter, remember the following:

Hearing impaired cats will do best with routine handling and an out pour of love. I know, what a hassle right? Cuddling them close to the human’s body and speaking will possibly allow them to “hear” your voice through vibrations. You may even experience a closer relationship with your cat as a result of all of this body to body interaction.

Hand signals similar to the ones used in dog training may be effective with some cats while others may not rely on it as much. If you are at close range and clap your hands sharply, the air might vibrate enough to attract their attention. Some people have noticed that their deaf kitties learn to respond to lights being turned on and off as signals that someone is entering a room, etc. Maybe a laser pointer will help to signal your arrival or dinner time? You will surprised how resourceful a cat can be when dinner is served. The ears may not work but the nose never breaks!

Adopting one of these “special needs” kitties is totally a rewarding and admirable responsibility to take on, as long as you are aware that it will require a bit of extra work. These cats cannot be allowed outdoors as they would be unaware of the dangers around them and fall prey to a myriad of hazards. If you're the type of person who can learn to predict a cats behavior while being a predictable schedule planner at the same time, you may just be the personal assistant a deaf cat needs. Interested in the job? Call the San Francisco SPCA at 415 522-3500 and ask about Snowpea!