Litter Did You Know...

Litter Did You Know has moved!

2010-10-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco SPCA's Litter Did You Know Blog has been moved to a new place on the web: litterdidyouknow.org.

Click here to go to the redesigned blog.

Playing the Name Game Never Gets Dull

2010-07-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

The cutest takeover mankind has ever witnessed has begun and....there is no end in sight.

It seems the most common question one might ask during a cat adoption is: "Who names the cats?". After all, there must be some mad genius writer behind the scenes whose sole purpose is to come up with unique and creative names for every cat and kitten that enters the SF/SPCA, right? Well, almost. Some of the cats come in with names from previous homes while others simply have names invented or reinvented by our intake staff. Usually it's the first person to see the cat and enter the information in a computer.

You can imagine how difficult it can be to find individual titles for over 4,000 cats a year without repeating or confusing two that already exist. It truly boggles the mind, but the challenge is a fun one, when it gets down to it.

In fact, for some of us, it becomes an obsession.

Picture yourself at home, reading a book or watching your favorite tv show. Suddenly... POP... a series of names, themes and categories enters your thought process. The next thing you know, you are writing down names on a scratch pad, searching the Internet or filling your mental Rolodex.

The wipe board outside the Non-contagious Kitten Room

There are methods to our madness. Litters of kittens are named with themes that keep them together. An example would be : Corona, Pacifico and Modelo. Maybe someone was at a BBQ and they thought, " Hmm, I think I'll name some kittens after my favorite beers!" Sometimes we choose to name them by First Initial, like Reggie, Ronald and Ralphie. Moms with kittens get named with themes that tie the kittens to the mom. For instance: A mom named Petrolina will have kittens named Exxon, Texaco, Mobil, Shell & Chevron. Not the most conventional labels but hey....we have SO MANY kittens it gets creatively competitive.

"BONES" the cat whose face looks like a skull

Then, there's the obvious technique of naming a cat based on physical features that stand out. A cat with an amputated tail will be named "Nubbin". An older more dignified mom cat that has had one too many litters is called "Grandma". A cat that was born with some toes missing will be "Little Foot". The sweet tabby with glowing orange eyes is dubbed 'XRAY Specks". The possibilities are endless folks.

XRAY SPECKS

We take our naming seriously. Sometimes we take it so seriously that we get offended when someone doesn't like our choices and changes the name of an overweight cat from ~~Tsunami~~ to Tugboat. Or, we secretly feel proud when we hear the names we created mentioned around the shelter, on the news or from an admiring would be-adopter. Imagine just how far a name can travel.

There are over 260 individual and amazing cats in our shelter. Each with a name that calls to you. Please help put the SF/SPCA this summer and put a name to a face. The name game has no losers, only winners.

Don't forget about our upcoming adopt-a-thon next weekend!!!!

Daniel Quagliozzi
SF/SPCA Feline Care Coordinator

Adoption is Patriotic! We Want YOU!!!

2010-07-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

I think this picture sums up the way most of us feel when the Kitten Season is upon us. If anything, it keeps us laughing and in generally good spirits, despite what seems to be an onslaught of fuzzy cuteness. Don't forget, no matter how adorable kittens are, 100 + that need to be fed, medically treated and cleaned up after will take their toll on the people that care for them each and everyday.

This is what we signed up for the minute we all stepped into the SF/SPCA and decided that this was where we wanted to devote our lives. However, a little known syndrome called "Compassion Fatigue" can claim many victims this time of year. We are all so very tired, yet...we don't stop. We can't stop. Animal sheltering leaves very little room for arbitrary decision making and it doesn't stop just because you went home for the day. You live, breathe and dream cats 24/7.

Adoptions are what allow shelters to save lives. Without loving homes, cats, kittens, dogs and puppies languish in some shelters and in the very worst of scenarios, are euthanized as a result of the behavior and medical changes that evolve. Our commitment to finding homes for the hard cases sometimes far exceeds our own comfort level. We depend on the Bay Area Community to alleviate the traffic much like a bottle neck on a major highway.

The total population of cats in our shelter is reaching a crisis level. Our current total number ranges from 243 to 260 cats depending on whats offered from SF Animal Control and the unfortunate circumstances of our fragile economy, often resulting in cats being returned into a system that is already operating at full capacity. As you can imagine, we keep close tabs on our cat population because not only do we want to keep them healthy and happy but we also need to maintain a work force that is physically able to care for them without spreading themselves too thin. This my friends.... is the hardest equation we have to solve each day. How much is too much?

With that being said, consider this a plea for help. We need our communities help more than ever before. If you have room in your heart and home for a cat or kitten, please come to the SF/SPCA and help our cause. Tell a friend. Tell an enemy. We need you this summer and perhaps the most patriotic move one can make is adopting a Domestic Mixed American cat. Yes, this includes exotic breeds too!

We've dropped our fees and extended our low adoption rates through the summer. The choices are limitless and the love will last a lifetime. What's your excuse?

Daniel Quagliozzi
Feline Care Coordinator

Kittens, kittens everywhere! SFSPCA’s 1st Ever Adopt-A-Thon

2010-06-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

It’s officially kitty season and you know what that means…an abundance of cats that are looking for a loving home and a little TLC. The SFSPCA is filled to capacity with adorable feline friends worthy of a serious heart-melting session and who are also part of the SFSPCA’s first-ever Adopt-A-Thon!

Join us in a history-making event for SFSPCA as we host our Adopt-A-Thon this Saturday, June 19th, from 10 a.m. to midnight. That’s right... we said MIDNIGHT! We’ll be up late in an effort to meet our goal of finding homes for 50 cats and recruiting 50 foster volunteers. Learn more about the available cats here and our kitty foster program here.

So be sure to stop by the SFSPCA to help us achieve some amazing goals for our first-ever Adopt-A-Thon!

Trauma...Episode: Foster Kitten

2010-06-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

The TV show Trauma, about paramedics here in San Francisco, may have been cancelled, but here at the San Francisco SPCA, we had our own version of an episode last week and it’s a heartwarming story of what a great group of people we have on staff here at the SFSPCA.

Our Foster Care Program thrives on the love and dedication our foster parents provide. Without these volunteers, thousands of lives would go unsaved. In addition to volunteers like you, from the community, a number of our staff are also foster parents...spending their days caring for animals here at our campus, then returning home to continue the same work.

Laura, a member of our Development Department, has been fostering kittens, giving them much needed TLC and attention to encourage healthy eating and growth. “The male was doing really poorly all day, had not eaten at all, and was fading in and out…I actually was convinced he was dying - he face planted into the water bowl and seemed to stop breathing,” she said. Laura found herself uncertain what to do – it was 1:00 am and she had no car, and her local taxi company was reporting an hour wait.

With a kitten she was concerned was fading quickly in her lap, she got on Facebook and immediately messaged one of our Shelter Medicine Vet Techs, Meagan, who was online. Several messages later, Meagan talked Laura through what was happening – a hypo-glycemic episode – and suggested Laura feed honey to get the kitten’s glucose levels up.

Through quick thinking and fast internet messaging, Laura got in touch with two of our Animal Care Attendants, Sarah and Jennifer, and they raced over to give her a ride into the City. Meanwhile, Meagan contacted Vet Tech Adam, who was manning the overnight shift at our own hospital, and arranged a 3:00 am intake.

Less than an hour later, the once-fading kitten was thriving in our hospital, and on his way to a full recovery.

He and his litter mates are now safely housed in our Shelter Medicine department, healthy again and gaining strength. This is an amazing story of the SFSPCA team coming together to save an animal’s life and it’s a tribute to people going above and beyond the call to help animals.

We hope our staff involved don't mind us calling them out here, but gosh -- we had to let you know how fantastic they are!

a bleating moment...

2010-06-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

There’s an unfamiliar sound coming from the hallways of the San Francisco SPCA this summer….. We’re used to barking, meowing, hisses and howls. But right now, there’s a definite bleating going on.

We’ve got goats.

As part of our ongoing quest for the coolest Humane Education program on earth, this summer, we’ve teamed up with City Grazing, based here in San Francisco, and introduced 10 goats to our summer camp curriculum. Under ordinary circumstances, City Grazing coordinates their goats to act as the ultimate all natural weed and dry grass clearers. For this lucky group of goats, their summer will be spent teaching campers about compassion for all animals, not just dogs and cats.

Our summer visitors are mostly female, with a few males mixed in, and right around 4 months old (don’t worry – the males are all wethers – neutered in goat speak – so they’ll be no accidental baby goats!) All have names, and each one has a distinct personality. We’re going to have such a great time getting to know each one.

While staying with us, the goats will reside in their own luxurious accommodations, far from the barks and meows of the adoption center. Sunny spots to relax, plenty of nooks and crannies to play hide and seek (they do!).

They’ll dine on the finest of goat friendly meals and be socialized and interacted with on a daily basis by our staff and volunteers. Our campers will have the unique opportunity to help feed and care for these guys and gals, and learn that goats too, can learn their name, a few tricks, and become quite sociable!

This week, being so new to our building (and to us!), our campers are working on slow, quiet introductions, armed with a goat’s favorite treat – corn flakes! Over a few days, the goats will gradually learn to trust the campers more, and interact regularly. From the looks of our first visit, these goats and campers are going to be fast friends!

Stay tuned through the summer for photos and tales from our Humane Education department’s work with these fabulous animals. And if you’ve got an animal loving kid at home – they can join the fun! Space is still available for many of our Summer Animal Camps!

Summer days are over rated....if you are homeless

2010-06-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

Warm San Francisco summer days are a double edged sword. The mild temperatures get people out of their houses and out onto the streets, riding bikes and off to the beach to lie in the sand. Unfortunately, a beautiful sunny day means nothing to a shelter cat. Another weekend goes by while they sit in a kennel waiting for someone special to come around. But….that special someone is off, having fun, kicking back with a brew and soaking up the rays. Sigh.

Every week leading up to the summer has been building and building like the onset of a thunderstorm. You can see the weather pattern slowly becoming something ominous and potentially monumental. Shelter reality is about to rain down on us real hard. Eventually there is nowhere to run for cover.

With kitten season upon us, adoptions for adult cats are down, leaving little space to bring in more, and forcing us to be quite inventive about where and how we are housing them. Not a day goes by that we are not strategizing how to save more lives while still keeping a close watch on the ones we have already committed to. What’s missing is the public help. You are the umbrella that keeps us dry during this perpetual storm of cats.

Not only are adult cats in need of homes, but formerly feral kittens, aka undersocialized kittens, are in great need of loving hands to show them the power of human compassion. If we do not strike while the iron is hot (between 4 to 8 weeks of age) these kittens continue on a path of hissing, growling, swatting and general fear of humans. While normal, happy, go-lucky kittens are being snatched up by the house-full, the shy ones wait for experienced adopters with quiet households.

To combat this problem, I've begun to teach a class on socializing scared kittens to our foster parents, which debuted this past weekend. Quite simply, the more kittens that we can get into human hands for love and attention, the easier it will be for them to move on to forever homes. Our class covered positive reinforcement around handling and being picked up, proper home set ups and the infamous “burrito” method of wrapping a kitten in a towel with only her head showing to force socialization and acceptance. It is always great to add more shelter soldiers to the ranks.

The rewards we receive from turning shy kittens around come in small doses. One day a kitten is flat eared and hissing, the next day she's purring in your arms and playing with a toy. It takes a degree of patience to make a difference, but ultimately you are left with one feeling: I have changed not one life, but many. The human- animal bond has no limits, no boundaries and keeps us tied together in a necessary way.

You can keep your suntan lotion and cooler full of beer. We saved a six pack of kittens today.

Daniel Quagliozzi
Feline Care Coordinator

To learn how you can be involved in our life saving, kitten socialization programs, contact our foster department - we'll be waiting with open arms and adorable kittens....

Welcome to Cougartown

2010-06-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Right now, at the SFSPCA Maddie’s Adoption Center, we’re overflowing with feline faces.

Sure, we have the requisite young kittens, but down these halls there’s another group of cats – our Cougars. These guys and gals have been around a little longer, been waiting a little more patiently. They've seen a little more life, experienced a few more sunrises and sunsets than our younger residents.

Day after day, they see their younger, bouncier counterparts make a love connection and head out the door to their new life. We’d like to introduce you to a few of these on the prowl for love guys and gals, and ask that you take some time to get to know them. Each of these gorgeous cats has years left to love, and is over the brim with purrs and affection.

Take a look… You may just find the love you’ve been looking for all along.

And remember...this month...all month long...is our Cat-A-Palooza! That means, if you come into our adoption center, find a kitty (6 months and older) you would like to take home all for keeps-like, we'll let you name your own adoption fee! Does it get better than that?

Faithful readers...have you adopted an adult cat? Tell us what sparked that love, and why you chose your companion.

Tales from a Foster Parent.....Goodbye and Hello...

2010-06-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Onion and BBQ weighed in at a little over two pounds last week so I emailed Alison and set up a time to take them in and get them ready for the adoption center. We all said our goodbyes and packed them in their little carrier and I drove them to the SFSPCA. Before going in I filled out an information sheet on each of the kittens, information for the adoptive parents that outlined any special needs the kittens had. These two ate well, both wet and dry food and were healthy and friendly so I knew they would be adopted quickly. And they were, Monday morning I heard back that Onion and BBQ had been adopted out over the weekend. I’m so happy because I know they will make really good pets.

While I was dropping the kittens off, my husband was at home disinfecting the kittens room so that we couldreceive new ones. So right after Alison received Onion and BBQ, she brought me out three new foster kittens to take home. Stewart, Samson and Selena came home with me that day. The sad moment of giving two kittens over was replaced by excitement at having three new tiny kitties.

The first day the kittens were shy, just as Onion and BBQ had been. They hid in their box and ate hesitantly. We gave them space, but frequently dropped by their room to pick them up and pet them a little. The next morning they hid in the box when I came in, but by the end of that same day they were running out to meet us and crying a little for our attention.

Samson is the smallest of the three and we have to keep our eye on him. He cries more and this distresses our resident cat a little. When I put the food out, Selena and Stewart tend to push him out of the way so I have to feed Samson first and apart from the others sometimes. And since the kittens are so young, they still want to suckle and they have chosen Samson’s stomach as the place to suckle. I wrote to Alison about it and she gave me some good advice, but that behavior seems to be dropping off on its own.

By now we have adjusted to each other. Its still entertaining to us to see the slightly uncoordinated kittens play and fall over each other. When we visit them, they all tilt their heads to look at us. They sleep in one little lump and meow together at me when they see me preparing the food. I’m getting a routine down with the kittens but I hope their cuteness never loses its charm on me.

I feel so fortunate to get to do this.

-Brenda

Do you have room in your home to foster this summer? You just need a few weeks, an extra room and a whole lot of love. Learn how you can become part of this life saving program!

Cat-a-Palooza!

2010-06-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

June is Adopt-a-Cat Month, and here at the San Francisco SPCA, we've got all sorts of fun in store all month long! If you've been thinking about bringing a new feline friend into your life - now is the time!

For all the details, and directions to our adoption center, please visit our website

Stories from the front line...

2010-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

And So....The Troops Move On.
I swear, cats are better than coffee. At least, that’s the way I choose to wake myself up in the morning. Another day, another cart load of cats found their way to the SF/SPCA.

The Feline Care Coordinator has to face the same challenge every day. Who will be the best candidates for adoption and where am I going to house them in a shelter already filled to capacity with cats and kittens? Combining the science of shelter medicine, cat behavior and the logistics of housing them appropriately, cats are taken from San Francisco Animal Care and Control (ACC) each day and moved into the San Francisco SPCA for adoption or medical recovery.

The flow never stops. There is no rhyme, no reason, no timing or predictability. Cats just keep coming in and you have to do the best you can to keep them healthy, happy and headed towards homes, no matter how tired you are, no matter what’s happening in the world around you. Animal welfare stops for no one and quite frankly, this is the life we chose. I am thankful for my place in this collective effort, every morning I hear those cries for help.

This weekend was especially heavy for intake. We took seven adult cats from ACC in just one morning, including four black cats and an injured cat that fell out of a window and suffered an apparent stab wound or impalement to the stomach. “Geez, this is going to be a long morning”, I told myself. With the onset of kitten season and the economy literally dumping cats into our shelter, the challenge is to be prepared for anything and I do mean anything!
After spending my morning at ACC evaluating cats and kittens for adoption candidacy, I push the cart full of cats across the street and back to our Shelter Medicine intake room for their first physical exam. We rule out any immediate concerns on the first day, thus paving the way for appropriate housing and care. Our Animal Care Attendants scramble to provide kennels complete with the enrichment they will need. It’s triage at its truest definition.

Today, the room is full. The techs are stretched thin, working on treatments for our maxed out cat & dog population and still…we charge forward with seven more. Tomorrow will likely be no different then today. Bring it on.

After these cats are examined, housed and fed, its time to keep a close watch on their behavior. Sometimes cats stress out in shelter environments. Let’s face it, they were probably very comfortable in their prior home before they ended up “in the system”. Understandably, cats will stop eating, tense up and react harshly to attention in an unfamiliar setting. Sometimes you find out the hard way that cats don’t like other cats. Hmmm, now where do we house you?

As each day grows closer to adoption, we hope and pray that all our hard work pays off. Each cat deserves an army of animal lovers to help them find their way. I am proud to be a soldier in that army. The war calls to us. Every day we open our eyes in the morning. They need us. They need you.

Daniel Quagliozzi
Feline Care Coordinator
The San Francisco SPCA

You can sponsor a cat in the care of Daniel and the Feline Care team, and assist the SFSPCA in our work to place more animals, and save more lives. Visit our website for more information.

Tales from a kitten foster mom...the resident cat....

2010-06-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Lugo is our resident cat. We got him a year ago at an animal shelter and he lives with us all the time. Cats can be very territorial, but Lugo has been quite tolerant of Onion and BBQ, watching them from a distance but mostly just ignoring them. The SPCA asks us to keep the foster kittens separate from the resident cat and we have not had any trouble with this until the day the kittens got vaccinated.

Part of my responsibility as a foster parent is to make sure the kittens get vaccinated on time and I had my appointments all lined up. I braved the rain and took the kittens in, looking forward to seeing their weight on a good scale. Onion weighed .83 grams and BBQ weighed .97 grams. BBQ weighed enough to stay for adoption, but they like to keep the kittens together as long as possible, so he will stay with us until Onion weight is up more. Both kittens have gained well and are healthy, but Onion needs to get closer to a kilo before he can be adopted.
Returning home after the vaccination, I spent a little extra time with the kittens, keeping an eye on them and comforting them like I would a child after a shot. Resident cat Lugo kept an eye on me from a distance. The day got busy after that and the kittens were doing well, so I did the things I needed to accomplish that day.
In the middle of the night, I noticed Lugo was not sleeping in his normal spot at the foot of my bed. I went to look for him and found him sleeping outside the kittens room. He was there in the morning as well. Lugo continued to act a little strange, fussing and meowing a little more than usual. It seemed like our resident cat just needed a little more attention, so we spent more time with him, sitting close, petting and playing with him, then brought out some new toys for Lugo to bat around.
Resident cat Lugo recovered and has gone back to ignoring the foster kittens and sleeps at the foot of our bed again. Over the long weekend we had a lot of visitors, all of them enjoyed Onion and BBQ at this fun stage. A couple expressed interest in adopting one or the other and that would be possible when the kittens are big enough and the paperwork is done for the SPCA.
San Francisco is a city that loves animals. At the laundromat today I met a dog adopted after the fall out from hurricane Katrina. This dog is now being trained by the SFSPCA to help special needs children. The dog that was rescued now serves to help children. Something just feels right about.

I can’t wait to see what happens with Onion and BBQ.
-Brenda

And of course -- gratuitous photos of the kittens!

Caught the foster kitten bug? Learn how to get involved!

Dogs, sunshine, San Francisco Bay....!

2010-05-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ahoy Matey!

Have you signed up for this year's Dog Day on the Bay?

On Sunday, June 6th, dogs, their best human pals, Mutt Lynch Winery and Hornblower Cruises will converge on the San Francisco Belle for the greatest off-shore adventure all year - a two hour cruise around the San Francisco Bay, complete with champagne brunch, music, dancing and plenty of doggone good times!

And you - our special blog readers, our dear friends, our favorite internet community -- you get to experience this at a deep discount! That's right -- just announced, Hornblower Cruises has released a promo code just for our internet friends...giving you access to the funnest cruise of all time for just $95! (normally $140...what a bargain!)

Don't delay! Tickets are selling FAST! Get yours today and we'll see you on board the Belle!

All abooooooard! click here for more details

tales from a foster mother....BBQ + Onion, week 2

2010-05-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Onion started purring this week.

Every time we pick her up, a little motor starts up and her whole body seems to vibrate. I have read that a cats purr will heal aching joints and bones. While I cannot prove that, I do know that holding a tiny kitten while she purrs is immensely satisfying. Seeing them grow, develop some coordination and independence are all great, but feeling them purr, that's just delightful.

Onion and BBQ spent the week lolling in the sun, sleeping, kitten wrestling and exploring their little space. Every nook and cranny. But the highlight of their day is the food. If I can manage to sneak in to their room before they wake up and shake the dry food container, I am rewarded by two kitties that come shooting out of their little box. As though shot from a cannon, they race out of the box, tumbling over each other in the process, directly to the food dish where eating becomes serious business.

They make us laugh like that all the time, but we are ever mindful of the fact that we are also preparing them for adoption. BBQ started climbing up our pant legs one day. And while that behavior is adorable from a tiny kitten, imagine how obnoxious it would be when he gets older. So we put a stop to that. We don't let the kittens play with our hands, instead we use ping pong balls or other cat toys to interact with them. The day we return them to the adoption center, we want a potential family to find a well behaved, adorable little kitten to take home.

They are growing fast, BBQ is now over two pounds and Onion is close behind. So we don't know how much longer we will have them. So very soon we'll be returning these kitties for adoption. We are probably in the optimal phase of kitten fostering. Having nursed them to health, they are strong and growing. . . and adorable every moment of the day.

- Brenda

Does Brenda's blog have you thinking about becoming a foster parent? To find out more, and sign up for an upcoming foster information session, contact us!

That kid is going to have my job one day...

2010-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Time and again, we hear those words from our staff.

Through our Humane Education program, children from all over the San Francisco area are able to have real time, hands on expreiences with our shelter animals, and learn compassion and kindness for all living creatures. We're truly building tomorrow's animal ambassadors today.

Does your child love animals? We have the summer program for him/her!

This summer, the San Francisco SPCA offers a whole line-up of Summer Animal Camps for kids interested in learning more about animals and the animal welfare community. Our camps promote kindness and compassion for all creatures. Curricula combine enriching activities and experiential learning to foster children’s love and understanding of animals. Oh, and did we mention cuddles with kitties and puppies? What better way to spend the summer than making new friends, learning together, playing outrageous games, and hanging out with amazing animals who need your help? Kids aren’t the only one who will have fun . . . our shelter animals receive tons of attention and TLC.

This summer, we have several camp sessions to choose from, and space is STILL AVAILABLE!

Three parallel, fun-filled camp sessions are offered weekly. Sessions are available for children entering grades one through eight in the Fall of 2010.

Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The tuition fee for each camp session is $400 with financial aid opportunities available.

Extended care is available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a weekly rate of $50 per child
All campers receive a t-shirt and an afternoon snack.

The camp environment and curriculum emphasizes collaboration and exchange of ideas with fellow campers.
The interactive, activity-based learning process helps students make connections and associations between animals and their own life experiences.

For more infromation and to apply for summer camp, please visit our website today!

the Office Dog Chronicles...episode Piglet

2010-05-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the shelter can be a boring place for a young, active dog. Luckily, sometimes offices can be a bit dull as well. A few San Francisco SPCA staff have opened their office doors (and floors) to special dogs in the adoption center - special guys and gals that could use a break from the hustle and bustle, and all the new faces peering in at them.

This morning, Piglet decided to spend some time with one such SFSPCA staff member.

Piglet's an active teenager, who just can't get enough of his long runs and training sessions with volunteers. His zest for life and energetic personality are a fabulous match for an active lifestyle, but unfortunatly, don't make for the most peaceful stay in the shelter. Spending time in an office helps to break the daily routine, while giving us a peek into how a dog like this will do once settled into a home of his own.
Office time has been good for this guy...he got to snooze on the dog bed with all four feet in the air, followed by a delicious Kong snack.

He's hoping to learn to use the fax machine.

As much as we love having him in the office, though, we'd rather him apply for a job as your best friend...

an onion, a bbq and a vegetable scale....

2010-05-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had been hovering over my email inbox for days, hoping that Alison would contact me and tell me she had kittens ready to foster. Last Thursday the email finally came. After calling Alison to say I was on the way, we jumped in the car so we could get to the SPCA before Alison went home for the evening.

The SFSPCA names hundreds of kittens each year so they get a little creative (or it was close to lunch time) and we got kittens named after chip flavors. Onion is a sweet little girl kitty and BBQ is a fiery black and white boy with a cute black mark on his nose. When they handed me the kittens, each weighing just over a pound, I couldn’t get over how small they were.

We took them home to the space we had disinfected and prepared especially for them. Old towels were handy to line the box with and everything was prepared just as they had taught us in the orientation class the Saturday before. At first the kittens tentatively explored their little space, but soon they were running around chasing each other and making us laugh.

Each morning I weigh them in a vegetable scale provided by the SPCA. Three times a day I feed them special kitty food provided for us. On Friday Onion seemed not to be eating well and when I weighed her on Saturday morning, she had not gained. So I called the veterinary tech and they gave me some suggestions for getting her to eat.

By Monday Onion had lost weight so I emailed the foster office and they set me up with a veterinary appointment. I took both kittens in and the tech weighed them to confirm Onions weight and be sure that BBQ was OK. Then they brought out several different types of food, offering each to Onion until we hit on one that she liked. I was impressed when the doctor came in and, rather than just pick Onion up and start examining her, she let Onion continue to eat and just watched her from a distance. Everyone was compassionate and tender toward the kittens.

Onion was given some subcutaneous fluids and anti-nausea medications. They sent me home with a bag of special foods to try her on, including several containers of the type she had eaten. While I was at the office, I met another foster mom, and we had a nice chat sharing our experiences with kittens.

Its fun to wake up every morning and check in with adorable little kittens. They know me now and come running out of their box when they hear me in the kitchen. I love kittens, but I never imagined how rewarding it would be to take in these little guys.

Just watching them makes me smile.

smile away while you watch them play in this video....

---Brenda

...to keep posted on all the adventures and tales from Brenda, our guest-blogging-kitten-foster-mom-extraordinaire, suscribe to our blog!

Interested in becoming a foster parent? Get all the information here - I WANT TO FOSTER!

Following the life of a kitten foster family...

2010-05-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon the Bay Area, and with those sunny skies, longer days and milder weather comes the inevitable pitter patter of little feet…kitten season.
As the warm weather coincides with female cats' heat cycles, female cats go into heat and male cats come running from near and far. By April, newborn kittens are brought to the shelter too young to be adopted — under eight weeks old — and shelter staff must find a way to provide them with the extra care and socialization they need during their first few weeks of life. That’s where you can step in and lend a huge helping hand.

The Foster Care Program is designed as a lifeline for animals who have a chance at survival, but are simply too young for adoption, or may be recovering from an injury or illness, and cannot yet enter the general population of the adoption center. With the love and care of devoted foster parents, these helpless animals are given a second chance for life.

We're thrilled to introduce you to a new member of our family - Brenda. Brenda is a new member of our Foster Parent ranks, and she'll soon be welcoming her first foster kittens into her home! Brenda will be posting with us on a regular basis, keeping the world aprised of the kittens' progress, growth and adorable photos.

Welcome Brenda! We're looking forward to your musings....

We're back!

2010-05-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

And a hearty hello to you. And you. And you and you and even you! And especially to YOU - since here you are, still checking our blog for updates....we cannot apologize enough for the lack of attention we've shown you these last months.

All we can say is - we promise to never leave you blogless for such a spell you again. We're back - we're pumped - and we're geared up to share more kitty, cat, kitten and kitteh information with you daily. Along with some doggie stuff too, since, frankly, the canines were getting a little jealous. So let's move forward into this new era of LDYK with the intent of showering ALL the San Francisco SPCA residents with some love....

....and because we know our apologies aren't quite enough --- we give you the internet debut of the one, the only, the world famous.....Lady Meow Meow!

enjoy.
dance.

2009 Macy's Holiday Windows: How do they do it?

2009-12-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

Every wonder how the SF/SPCA & Macy's team up every year to create such amazing displays and get so many cats & dogs into loving homes? Here is a video that shows an inside view of the process.

SF/SPCA MACY's CATS MEET MORRIS

2009-12-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

Pedaling For Our Four - Pawed Friends

2009-12-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

On December 16, 2009, JB Benna, his wife Jennifer Benna and their newly rescued dog Scooby began a 1,100 mile bike tour of California's Pacific Coast from Oregon to Mexico. Their goal is to raise money for the San Francisco SPCA as well as promote shelter pet adoption for the Holidays. ‘Tis the Season to give, be merry and help others. Its special people like you that can help!

JB and Jennifer's goal is to promote 100 nationwide adoptions and raise $5000, 100% of which will go directly to the San Francisco SPCA. Pedal for paws has joined forces with the SF/SPCA and will host an event at the San Francisco SPCA Animal shelter on December 23rd 2009. Bike enthusiasts and pet lovers can come meet JB and Jennifer and ride with them to the local SPCA, or proceed directly to the event.

JB and Jennifer will stop in and take some time getting licked by the dogs and cats. They are asking people to bring some pet food and supplies and hopefully... inspire people to donate or adopt a new lifelong friend.

In the meantime, stay tuned and check back often for blog updates. And hey, if you are super inspired, grab your bike and join them for one mile or one hundred miles as we all band together to give the animals a second chance.

If you would like to know more about this project , go to http://www.pedal4paws.com/

Follow them on twitter: https://twitter.com/pedal4paws

Watch the twitvids:

http://www.twitvid.com/DB999

Watch them on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/journeyfilm

See them on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/yc8z2w9

Thumb through some photos: http://gallery.me.com/journeyfilm#100098

We will be keeping you up to date on their progress as they embark on this very important journey!

31 cats of Christmas WEEKEND BONANZA!

2009-12-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

MARBLES

Today's kitty is so fantastic, she's taking over the entire weekend! Meet Marbles! This sweet and wonderful 11 year old lady was recently brought to us after her family for the last 10 years had a baby, and lost the time needed to care for her. She wasn't adjusting well to the new roommate, and would prefer to live without the chaos of young children. Don't let her age fool you - this spirited gal is happy to chase toys to entertain you, just as much as she'd like to curl up next to you and purr your worries away. And for those of you that like excess....Marbles is polydactyl - loads of extra toesies!

CARRIE

Carrie! She's a sweet and docile 3 yr old looking for the new love of her life. You know you love torties...This one is not going to dissapoint. She is a princess and she knows it, totally full of that tortitude people love. Snuggle onyour lap? Ok, no problem. Talkingover tea & cookies? count her in! Carrie wants to be by your side and live life on her terms. Are you ready to submit?

Cat #8 TED is the MAN!

2009-12-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

TED

The 31 cats of Christmas continues....
Cat number 8 is Ted, a big handsome fella looking for some snuggle time. Found as a stray on the streets of SF, he’s had just about enough of wandering alone, and is ready to settle into an indoor home with plenty of cozy couches to lay about on. He may enjoy sharing his home with another mellow kitty. He's either super serious of seriously looking for mischief. See that smirk? This guy is up to something for sure!

Not a creature was stirring.....

2009-12-01T11:54:00.001-08:00

31 Cats of Christmas # 7

MOUSE

We bring you Mouse, a sweet love bug. He enjoys your company and may even roll over for your attention! Believe it or not, Mouse came into our shelter as a shy cat. He's really come out of his shell here but it's important to remember that (despite his outgoing appearances here)he may need time to settle into a home. That being said the ideal home for this guy is one that has a quiet and consistent environment. Mouse is just hoping that someone will give him a second chance!

31 Cats of Christmas #6

2009-11-30T12:09:00.000-08:00

MR. CHIPS

In his own words...I'm pretty much awesome. Mr. Chips, Mr. Awesome, Mr. Terrific - call me what you want, just call me yours. I'm fluffy, I'm sweet and gentle, and most of all, I'm a wonderfully fantastic jingly toy chaser. And really - what more could you w...ant out of a handsome feline fellow? Come on - you know you can't resist me.

31 cats of Christmas #4 & 5

2009-11-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

LUIGI & JEREMY

A pair of faces! Luigi and Jeremy - a pair of 6 yr old brothers that have been hanging out, waiting for the love of their lives to scoop them up. These boys fell on hard times when their owner lost his housing, and are now hoping for a new home to take them in. They're sweet and gentle, and make terrific lap warmers! Luigi, the jet black stealthy guy, is a little shyer than his bro, and depends on him to tell him what's what. Jeremy, in true social cat fashion, will wiggle right up to you for ear and chin scratches upon contact.

Once you've spent a few moments with these boys, you'll be wondering how your home could be complete without them. They are the favorites of so many of our volunteers, and frankly, we're unsure why they are still with us. Come meet these two sweet fellows today and make them a part of your life..

31 Cats of Christmas #3

2009-11-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

Minnie is a sweet affectionate cat that loves attention from people. She will probably run right over to you when you visit her. It's best to break out the toys when you see her roll to one side or swish her tail - that's her "let's party" sign... If you let Minni...e call the shots and give her lots of play time, she should be a wonderful addition to your home.

Since she's such a little diva about her space, we'd like to see her in a home with a little sense of humor and good nature. Her feisty spirit might be a bit too much for very young children. Minnie is FIV positive. Cats with FIV can live long healthy lives. She will need to remain indoors and bet the only kitty or live with other FIV positive cats.

31 cats of Christmas #2

2009-11-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

MONKEY

Monkey is a wonderful, easy going, happy-go-lucky gal of sweet sixteen. As a special needs kitty with early stage renal disease, she's seeking a loving and caring caregiver to spoil her to pieces in her golden years. Despite her age, she is full of zesty spunky chatter. Her foster mom reports that she Monkey awaited her arrival each evening with a chitter chatter all about her day. That is, when she wasn't batting around the toys she loves so much. This kitty loves to party! She got along well with the other kitties in her foster home, and wouldn't mind sharing her love again. Monkey's adoption includes follow-up care at The SF/SPCA Veterinary Hospital.

31 Cats of Christmas

2009-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today we are kicking off the “31 Cats of Christmas”: a countdown challenge as we try to find one kitten or a cat a home every day until Christmas.

We’ve received a sudden influx of kittens and cats at the SF/SPCA, so we are asking for your help to save an animal’s life by giving them the gift of a home for the holidays.
Each day throughout the holidays, we’ll feature an adoptable kitty or cat. Please help us spread the word about our precious 31 Cats of Christmas by sharing the cat’s stories and photos with your friends on Facebook and Twitter or by visiting the Macy’s holiday windows adoption program from now until January 3, 2010.

Help save an animal’s life by giving yourself the ultimate holiday gift of a companion!Sweet 8 year old Luigi. Talk about a distinguished fellow. Luigi is a man who enjoys the finer things in life...a soft bed, a warm scratch on the chin, soft nuzzled (okay - those he gives you). He was found roaming the streets of our fine city, without a care in the world. This guy is confident and steadfast, but with a heart of gold once you've given him 10 seconds in your lap. He'd prefer to be the only pet in the home - he feels his love is exactly the perfect amount for anyone. His rough exterior is hiding a loving cat that loves to sit on a warm lap and nuzzle with his best human friends. Partying may not be his everyday agenda but he makes up for it with his graceful affinity for being cuddly and cute!

SF/SPCA ANNUAL MACY'S HOLIDAY WINDOWS HAS BEGUN

2009-11-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Every holiday season, The San Francisco SPCA holds its Holiday Windows Adoption Program. People come from all over the city, state, country and world to see the amazing window displays that Macy's creates for our special kitties. The window displays draw large crowds and donations for our cats, in a time when they so desperately need someone to provide care for them. Visit Macy's for the holidays to give homeless cats and dogs at the San Francisco SPCA a chance to "believe" as they find warm and loving homes. Holiday shoppers can catch a glimpse of some of San Francisco's cutest animals in the Macy's windows at Stockton and O'Farrell Street from November 20, 2009 through January 3, 2010.

In a sense, it's like we have created a satellite animal shelter right inside Macy's Union Square. It's a great way to give our homeless cats the exposure and to showcase our programs and mission to an audience that may not know all the amazing services that the SF/ SPCA provides.

The window displays are amazing!!! All of the "creature" comforts are provided for our companions, including temperature control, hidden litter boxes and comfortable spots for those quick catnaps. Every adoptable animal has been medically screened, vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered just like if you adopted them from our shelter. Also, each animal will come with a 30-day medical assistance plan at the SF/SPCA infirmary, plus a gift bag filled with samples, treats and valuable certificates from sponsor partners of The SF/SPCA and Macy's.

The SPCA is also seeking volunteers for the windows. Volunteers serve as a vital component to all aspects of the event's success, from meeting and greeting the public and answering their questions to collecting donations, and ultimately helping the animals get adopted. Those interested in signing up to volunteer are encouraged to sign up at http://www.sfspca.org/support/volunteer.

The SF/SPCA thanks Macy's for their generous sponsorship, now in its eighth year, on behalf of homeless cats and dogs.

CAT BEHAVIOR MAIL BAG: Rockstar Feline "Vincent"

2009-11-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dear SF/SPCA Cat Behavior Program,

We adopted "Taurus" about a year ago from your facility. He has been renamed "Vincent". He was shaved with a lion cut when we first adopted him and he has since grown out most of his fur. He is not fully fluffed yet and is continuing to grow everyday and has blossomed from a 4lb furball into a muscly 15 lb man.

In addition to sleeping with us at night, Vincent greets all of our friends with love and lap warming snuggles. He gets oils and vitamins for his fur, waterless shampoo, Cat wipes and furminated as well as tooth brushing on a consistent basis. Frequent trips to the vet and a great diet have been a lot of work, but as you can tell from the pictures our hardwork has paid off and he has almost completely regrown his facial mask (the area around his ears was almost completely bald). He's so soft and has such a luxurious coat that our friend turns the hair we furminate off of him into yarn and knits with it. It also helps prevent hairballs and mats.

When we're away, he gets to go to Pet Camp and is with other cats which he loves. He loves other cats and dogs, especially. He has even helped us rehabilitate a neighbor's unfriendly somewhat vicious cat when she stayed with us. Together, we transformed her into a lovebug by the time we sent her back to live with her family.

He truly is the most loving, adorable cat in the world and has a huge following in our community. He's the most intelligent cat We've ever known! He opens cabinet doors (until we put baby locks on them) and has learned tricks like jumping through the "hoop of fire" (a ring with ribbon around it), hopping onto a stool and posing like a seal and he even poses for photos without any positioning or prompting/etc. He does not spray, scratch furniture, dig, knock things off the counter-any of the other stuff that people usually complain about.

He watches movies and LOVES to watch Daniel play video games. He eats my homework at all the right moments.

In short, We wanted to thank you and your staff for saving our best friend.

We owe you one,

Daniel and Dellaena

HOW DOES YOUR CAT SPELL “MEOW”?

2009-10-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

By Rod Kilpatrick
SF/SPCA volunteer

First, a confession: I’m a relative newcomer to feline society. It wasn’t until four
years ago that a couple of kittens named Gary and Sponge took over my wife’s
and my house, conferred briefly in a corner of our bedroom, and decided to let us
stay.
We were honored at the time, and we are now, and we always will be. The boys
have never contributed so much as a whisker to the rent, but what can a person do?
Ever since then, Paula and I have done pretty much whatever Gary and Sponge
say. And yet we still wonder – what exactly ARE they saying?
People around the world have been asking themselves that very question for
centuries.

Here are some of their answers.

Afrikaans: miaau
Albanian: mjau
Arabic (Algeria): miaou miaou
Bengali: meu-meu
Catalan: meu, meu
Chinese (Mandarin): miao miao
Croatian: mijau
Danish: mjav
Dutch: miauw
English: meow
Esperanto: miaw
Estonian: näu
Finnish: miau, kurnau
French: miaou
German: miau
Greek: niaou
Hebrew: miyau
Hindi: mya:u, mya:u:
Hungarian: miau
Icelandic: mjá
Indonesian: ngeong
Italian: miao
Japanese: nyaa
Korean: (n)ya-ong
Norwegian: mjau
Polish: miau
Portuguese: miau
Russian: myau
Slovene: mijau
Spanish (Spain, Argentina): miau
Swedish: mjau
Thai: meow meow (with high tone)
Turkish: miyauv, miyauv
Ukrainian: myau
Vietnamese: meo-meo

Sponge, pontificating on the etymology of "Meow"
(Copyright 2009, Sponge)

I showed this list to Gary and Sponge. Their response didn’t start with an M, as in “Meow.” It was more like an H, as in “Huh?” So, as any rational person would do, I sat our cats down and demanded an explanation. It didn’t take them long to give me one. As it turns out, cats speak the same language all over the world. It’s only we humans who feel the need to figure out how to spell it. Maybe there’s a lesson in there somewhere. I don’t know. But in any case, meow for neow.

ADOPT A DANGER KITTY AT THE SF/SPCA

2009-10-25T18:29:00.001-07:00

Cats Behaving Badly? Think Again!

2009-10-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Is Mr. Fluffandstuff being naughty? Are your punishment techniques unsuccessful at getting
results? A new approach to “bad behavior” may help you change how you look at your cat and find solutions that work for both of you.

There are often times when we may find ourselves at wits end with our cat. However, most behaviors that cats are punished for are actually normal, they just may not be what we humans consider acceptable.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of outdated or just plain inaccurate information about punishing cats available. Whether you heard it from your veterinarian, your friend or the internet, we’re here to tell you that all types of physical punishment are not only detrimental to your relationship with your cat, but they JUST DON’T WORK. Physical punishment has many negative effects on your relationship with your cat. The first thing you may notice is that your cat starts to
cower whenever you approach it with your hands. For fearful cats, this will only reinforce their fear of humans.

The other thing that happens is that punishment can turn a sweet cat into an aggressive one. If you swat or spank your cat, he may feel that you are “escalating” the situation or provoking it to fight. Many cats respond to a nosetap with a bite or swat – not exactly the response you may have been expecting…especially if you were looking for guilt or remorse.

Cats have a fairly limited concept of punishment. Many people assume that their cat “knows” it is being bad, because it does something wrong, such as scratching the furniture, and then skulks away. In fact, the cat is just associating the presence of its owner with being yelled at. He is not recognizing that scratching the couch is bad – again, to your kitty, scratching is a normal
behavior (that also happens to feel good, and that may be reward enough to risk being yelled at).

Many cats engage in problematic behaviors out of boredom. Just as with children, they may see “negative” attention (such as being yelled at) better than no attention at all. Often, in the case of a very bored cat who isn’t getting enough mental stimulation, humans actually reward negative behaviors by shouting. In this situation, the cat is looking for some sort of response from the
human – that reaction is frequently enough of a reward that the cat will knock things off your dresser or scratch your furniture, even if he knows he may get in trouble for it.

So, do we just give up and let the cats do whatever they want? The answer is an unequivocal, no. But, there are ways to “correct” bad behavior that are much more effective than yelling or hitting your cat. Cats learn by trial and error. If they try something and have a good experience, they will do it again. If they try something and have a bad experience, the behavior is more likely to be extinguished – although not always immediately. Sometimes they will keep trying
in hopes that the good experience will return – just as humans will play the slot machines time and time again, hoping for the “big payoff” – before finally giving
up.

Here's an easy 4 step plan!

1. Prevention: Give your cat an appropriate outlet for “normal” feline behaviors

2. Use correction, but only when appropriate

3. Use Remote punishment to discourage undesirable behaviors

4. Reward to reinforce good behaviors

I have identified two of the most common reasons people will punish their cats below.

Scratching Furniture

The most common cause of furniture scratching is a lack of an appropriate
scratching post. Since the couch fulfills most of the cats scratching needs (tall,
sturdy, a material they like to scratch, and in an easily accessible location), it
seems like the best place to sharpen those claws.

To work with this behavior:

1. Give your cat an adequate scratching post. Scratching is a natural behavior, and necessary for all cats – it’s how they stretch, mark their territory, relieve stress and shed their claws.

2. Correction or punishment, such as yelling or squirting with a water bottle, is not appropriate in this case. Cats learn quickly that the punishment only happens when humans are around, and will just return to scratching furniture when you leave. They may also scratch furniture, anticipating some attention (remember, to a bored cat, negative attention may be better than no attention at all).

3. Make the furniture an unappealing place to scratch by using tin-foil, double sided tape, or a product called Sticky Paws. These are all unpleasant sensations for a kitty trying to scratch.

4. Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by using treats, toys or catnip to lure them into a natural stretching position. Praise them for using their post instead of the couch.
You can also read our “Paws and Claws” handout for more information on training cats to use a scratching post.

Climbing on Furniture/Knocking Over Items

Cats love to be up high. They also need lots of mental stimulation. When they don’t have outlets for these needs, they may start climbing up on your dresser, kitchen table or counters. In a playful mode, they may start batting at small objects, trying to knock them off. Not only does this provide them with some playful activity, but they may get a response from their human out of it, as well.

1. Start by giving your kitty its own cat condo or high-up places to hang out (you can clear off some shelves and put fleece pads on them to make them more appealing. More interactive playtime with toys such as the cat dancer or feather wand, in addition to solo play toys (ping pong balls, fuzzy mice) will provide more mental stimulation.

2. As in the case of other attention seeking behaviors, punishment is not effective for this behavior, and may just reinforce it.

3. Make counters and other surfaces unappealing – you can use cookie sheets or pieces of cardboard with tin foil or double sided tape attached to them. You can also “booby-trap” the area with empty soda cans with a few pennies taped inside – when the cat jumps up on the counter, the noise of the cans being knocked over will be a deterrent. Keep in mind,
this deterrent is not a good idea with shy cats or in multi-cat households where a non-guilty kitty may be scared off by the punishment.

4. Praise the kitty for using its cat tree, and make it a fun place to be – try placing some catnip, or solo play toys on the cat tree. Try incorporating the kitty condo into your interactive playtime – get your cat climbing or jumping on it to chase a toy.

So, with a little understanding, a watchful eye and maybe a little preventive re-arranging of your environment, your relationship with your furry roomates can stand the test of time!!

Cute Kittens and an Important Message From Jan McHugh-Smith, SFSPCA

2009-10-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

In keeping with our video presentations this month, we have a special message from SF/SPCA President Jan McHugh-Smith!

Adopt a kitten or two this month! The San Francisco SPCA is still over flowing with beautiful kitty critters that need special loving homes, just like your's!

Part 3: The Simple way we saved Tessa's life.

2009-10-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Do you remember Tessa, our former office cat? This is part 3 of the Feline Care video series. In case you are wondering, Tessa is now out of our luxurious office and living it up at Jamey's house.

Part 2 of 3: The Secrets to Analyzing Your Cat's Behavior

2009-10-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Saving Lives & Changing Lives Part 1 of 3

2009-10-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. Sorry for the extended absence. This has been one busy summer for all of us at the San Francisco SPCA!

The following short is one of a three part series, with The SF/SPCA's Feline Care Coordinator; Daniel Quagliozzi. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

COUGARS & SILVER FOXES: Celebrate the senior cats

2009-09-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Right now, at The SF/SPCA Maddie’s Adoption Center, we’re overflowing with feline faces. Sure, we have the requisite young kittens, but down these halls there’s another group of cats – our Cougars…and our Silver Foxes... These guys and gals have been around a little longer, been waiting a little more patiently. These folks have seen a little more life, experienced a few more sunrises and sets than our younger residents. Day after day, they see their younger, bouncier counterparts make a love connection and head out the door to their new life. We’d like to introduce you to a few of these on the prowl for love guys and gals, and ask that you take some time to get to know them. Each of these gorgeous cats has years left to love, and is over the brim with purrs and affection. Take a look… You may just find the love you’ve been looking for all along.

Kincaid (A05717165)10 year old male This total dude enjoys being by your side and goofing around with his human companion. Playing and chilling out are his main objectives, although he prefers to so this without the company of other cats. A great choice for an active household without any other animals. Kincaid has been with us since May of this year.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Moy7vdBXfqc

Mitten (A07175268)10 year old female Stop right here. We have found your purring companion. This gentle lady appreciates the finer things in life. A peaceful home, a soft scratch behind the ears, perhaps a relaxing sunny spot on the couch. Mitten is a dignified lady (she in fact, asks to be addresses as Her Royal Majesty Lady Mitten…but that’s a mouthful for us) and she wishes to lead a dignified, peaceful life in a palace of her own. Mitten has been with us since February of this year.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8asCnb5n2bQ

Thomas (A05705372)
10 year old male Thomas is a handsome, outgoing kitty who loves playtime and laps with equal enthusiasm. Despite a heart condition, currently controlled with medication, this 10 year old boy has energy galore and loves to be the center of attention—he adores people and would prefer to be the one and only kitty receiving your affections. Thomas has been with us since March of this year. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdVD50OqXUc

Roxanne (A08058602)
10 year old female Do you find yourself chatting with yourself a little too much? Roxanne can help with that – she loves to talk! In fact, given half a chance, she’ll follow you around, commenting on most each and every move. Tired of all the chatter? Not to worry – this zaftig lady is happy to settle down on the couch and allow you the pleasure of scratching behind her ears while you watch television, or read a book. Roxanne has been with us since July of this year.
 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug3Y-jSaiqY

Tony (A07578434)
5 year old male What a guy! Tony is an acrobatic, fly through the air; entertain you with his antics kind of fellow. He can’t figure out why he’s still here – folks keep coming through snatching up these kittens, but hey! He’s got just as much spunk and fun as a kitten, without all that young, unsure about the world stuff. This fella knows exactly who he is – the perfect wing man! Tony has been with us since May of this year.
 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_AAAgmclVk

Sharyn (A07456590)
10 year old female We don’t know about you, but in our book, there’s no better quality chill time than with a kitty that purrs in your ear and rubs up against your fingers for some scritchie scratchies. She’s not interested in joining the band, or debate team, or spending much time out in the quad – this graceful lady is content to work on her studies (she has a masters degree in advanced purring and scritchie accepting….she’s working on a doctorate in muffin making) and filling you with that peaceful feeling kitties are made for. Sharyn has been with us since April of this year. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwLx38QP3DQ

The Life and Hard Times of "Kitty Gaga", formerly Jennyanydots

2009-09-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Wow, sometimes it just boggles the mind that a cat so great, and so full of personality and so young (3 years old), sits in a shelter, just waiting for the right person to come in and take her home. Is it just that the stars have not been aligned? Is it her name? Is there some cosmic reason a unique beauty with spunk, admirable energy and a zest for playing hard is just spending her days looking out the window, as if to say, " my life partner is out there somewhere!"

Kitty Gaga. formerly Jennyanydots is not your average cat by any means. She does require a little guidance along the road of feline/ human partnership. What does that mean, you ask? Well, this is a cat that pretty much owns the room when you are with her. She commands her space like a captain is in control of a huge navy vessel. She calls the shots and demands proper attention on her terms, not yours. Sometimes, she communicates her needs & dislikes with her mouth. " PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!" She's the perfect cat for someone who can give her the space to be herself, provide her with outlets, not only for play but also for visual stimulation and someone able to read her signals before she has to go to such extremes. Jennyanydots will be a much happier cat if she can get out of the confines of shelter life and on to some new adventures.

Cats like Kitty Gaga are challenging to place because we like to be completely honest about their needs and to some people, that can be a tall order. It's not impossible to work with a play aggressive cat. You just have to be consistent with training and give them alternatives to focus on. Our special kitty Gaga just wants to play by her own rules. There's no reason that you can't interject some of your own with a little finesse.

We hope that by posting this blog about her, we can finally get her out of the shelter she has called home for six months. Calling all cat lovers. This Rock star deserves your special home.

If you are interested in adopting this special cat, please call 415 522-3500 for more details. Act now before we change her name!

Oops I Did It Again...Avoiding Accidental Eliminations

2009-09-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Seriously, I could devote my entire career in cat behavior to diagnosing litterbox avoidance problems. It seems that cats miss their litter boxes more often then any other behavior issue and it's apparent that we humans are having a hard time trying to figure out why this is happening in such sacred places as our bathroom sinks, tubs , beds, couches or kitchen floors. What motivates a cat to suddenly designate your back pack as the place to leave a present? Look to the litterbox. All of the answers lie in your environment.

Let's talk about expectations first. Is it just me or do we all just EXPECT a cat to enter our home and know where to poop? Technology, human convenience and laziness on our parts has made it almost an assumption that if you put a litterbox in your home, no matter what size, shape, type of litter or location...the cat will go there. This is obviously not true.

Cats are picky and vulnerable when it comes to dropping their guard and going to the loo. They look for safe and easy places with no complications. Most likely, your litterbox located in the far back washroom, tucked under the sink, filled with colorful, scent fighting crystals will not be as attractive to your cat as it is to you. Kitty is looking for a basic bathroom with an easy entrance, no frills. un-scented, sand-like substances to cover up with and an escape route. The more complicated the picture, the less likely a cat is to be successful in your home environment.

Cats are sensitive to change. They can react to sudden changes in environment by making some adjustments of their own. Ever go away for three days and come back to find that your cat pooped on your bath matt? Discovered a smelly gift on your pillow? When routines suddenly break, cats fall apart at the seams. Some adjust and roll with the punches, while others tend to just go south. What can you do to avoid such surprises? Don't ever leave your home! Just kidding. No seriously, it's all about keeping things consistant. Try to have a friend check in and maintain your routines. Sure it's a lot of work, but no one ever said having a cat was going to be a low maintenance partnership.

Don't be fooled by gimmicks! No offense to the manufacturers of automated litter boxes, but cats don't generally want a robot to clean up after them. That's your job! Cats need efficient housekeepers that are ready to clean up on THEIR schedule.

Keep you litterboxes simple. Have more than one! Clean them like it's an OCD of yours. Your cat doesn't want to sit on a dirty toilet and neither do you.

Ok, lets review:

Find a litter that is appealing to the cat. NEVER use scented litter. Perfumed, chemical scents repel cats. Use a mild dishwashing liquid or hot water and vinegar for cleaning—not ammonia or other harsh chemicals which will leave an odor.

Texture is important, too. Generally speaking, the clumping type or gravel type of litter is most acceptable. The sand type is very popular, but as a health precaution for kittens under four months old, it may pose a problem as they may ingest the litter.

Cleanliness is absolutely essential! The single most common reason for a cat’s refusal to use a litterbox is because the box is dirty—no one likes a dirty bathroom. Clumping litter should be scooped daily, and the litterboxes washed weekly. Non-clumping litter should be scooped daily and the box emptied and washed every other day.

How many litterboxes do you need? Having one box per cat in the household, plus one extra is the best formula for success. Being the individuals they are, some cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another. Some cats will refuse to use a box that another cat has already soiled.

Litterbox liners—they are often irritating to cats because their claws catch in the plastic. Covered litterboxes, or ones that are too small for the cat, may cause litterbox avoidance.The best location for litterboxes is a quiet, private place where they will not be disturbed by people or other pets. Noisy areas near washing machines, furnaces or under stairs may frighten the cat away from the box. Never place the litterbox close to food and water dishes.

Letting Go Is Never Easy

2009-08-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

It is with tremendous sorrow that I write this weeks blog entry. After 12 long and happy years, I was forced to make the hardest decision a pet guardian will ever make. My 18 year old companion; Matilda came to the end of her magical journey last week after battling many indignities that seemed to be adding up over the years. The onset of renal failure and her slowly accumulating cognitive dysfunction were making her daily life very difficult with basic needs like drinking, eating and walking becoming extremely difficult.

I could not bare to see my best friend decline this way, fully knowing that every one of her future days would be clouded with confusion, pain and discomfort. After long tear filled discussions with my wife, we made a promise to end her pain and let her go on in peace. A decision we would torment ourselves while still understaning it was righteous and necessary.

Matilda left us on August 28th, 2009. All the moments leading up to her final one were torturous. Saying goodbye to my best friend and trying to detach myself from her was something I quickly realized was going to be the hardest moment of our relationship. After all, Matilda was a truly unique friend that had so many memorable quirks. You may remember her from many blog posts in the past. My last hurrah for her was the story about how a friend watched her when I went to Hawaii. Matilda was ALWAYS by my side, starting the moment I would enter my apartment until the moment I fell asleep. We were always joined at the hip. In keeping with our commitment to each other, she never left my lap until she fell asleep that very last time.

You can imagine that there is a profound sense of emptiness in our home now. You find yourself looking for her in her normal places or hearing her when she is never going to be there, a transition I will never ever get used to. I smell her sweet smell. I still find things she hid in the corners or under the bed. Most of all I still expect her to be by my side, even though I know she always will be. My best friend is gone but forever in my heart.

For myself and others that choose to work in animal welfare, losing an animal that is close to you is very unique. You can't just go back to your desk job and forget your troubles. The next day, you are back in the shelter working with cats or dogs. There are reminders everywhere you turn. The best part is that you find yourself turning to your coworkers who support and understand everything you are going through. Yesterday, I cried on the bus, surrounded by strangers on the way to work. When I got to work, I cried among animal lovers who understood my pain.

Having worked in a shelter environment for over 7 years and seeing many cats come and go, I have been spared the pain of personal loss as Matilda was my first and only cat. I can honestly say that I am now looking at what I do for a living with a whole new perspective. Just when I thought my work was important, I now know just how much impact each cat has on the humans it touches. Matilda was a great ambassador for the cause and I will never ever forget her. I also know that she had fans all over the world. Readers of this blog would almost always respond in high numbers when I posted about her. Rest assured that she is in a peaceful place. Matilda is everywhere now.

If you are going through similar pain or loss of your animal companion, the SFSPCA has a Pet Loss Support Group once a month.

http://sfspca.org/programs-services/pet-loss-support

Pet Loss Support Group Sessions
No reservations are ever needed, and groups meet on the first Tuesday of every month in The SF/SPCA Humane Education Classroom, located at 243 Alabama Street. (View map) is staffed by volunteers from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Web Sites
http://www.aplb.org/
http://www.petloss.com/
http://www.pet-loss.net/
http://www.cvma.net/list.asp?parentid=1303&title=pet_loss&titletype=pets&ptitle=Its+About+Pets
http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=307

Cat Behavior: Don't take it personally!

2009-08-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

As a person who works not only with cats but also with their guardians, I often find myself counselling far beyond the scope of cat behavior. Human emotion is a huge factor in the way people perceive their cats actions. Can you blame us? We humans are so vested in each others feelings that it is very easy to equate the same perception to the way our cats view the world.

Did kitty suddenly pee on my pillow because he's mad at me? "My cat purposely knocks my hair brush into the toilet because he thinks I'm ignoring him and he knows how particular I am about my hair". "I was just sitting there minding my own business and my cat snuck up on me and bit my ankle! He HATES ME!!"

Believe it or not, cats care very little about how you feel, what you like, which shirt is your favorite and who you are dating. In fact, cats are quite selfish creatures. They almost always do things that are completely self serving. Ever find yourself getting up at 6 am to fill a food bowl or sitting on the edge of the couch where its less ideal because your cat prefers the middle? Cats are manipulators plain and simple and when they do things a little out of the ordinary (by human standards) they are not trying to hurt your feelings. They are however... trying to tell you that some things have to change!

Ok...perfect example: The cat who peed on your pillow. Chances are there is something about that litterbox that your cat is unhappy with. Did you forget to clean it, change the litter suddenly, add more cats to your home, go on a long vacation, have a mobile toddler running amok in the apartment? A sudden poop mishap or wayward pee points to stress, change or something new that may be triggering it. Why my boyfriends pillow? He must not approve of the guys I'm dating! No, chances are the box was such a turn off that a soft pillow was very inviting. Once the habit forms, the pillow becomes part of the regiment. Focus on what may be triggering the behavior and make things simpler.

The constant conversationalist: "Whenever I'm on the phone, my cat won't stop meowing? He must want me to get off the phone." I highly doubt that your cat knows what a phone is. Maybe he thinks you're talking to him? Usually when you talk to him, he is rewarded in some way. A treat, petting session, maybe even some playtime, will usually follow a human-cat conversation. Talking on the phone is such a tease!

The over the counter-knocker-over: Cats get bored! Could it be that your cat is knocking your pencils off the counter each day because you're not engaging her in long enough play sessions? Does she wake you up at night by making noise? Do you get up, yell or turn on a light? Guess what? You just rewarded your cat! Even responses we think are negative can be perceived as positive from a cats point of view.

The "Out of the Blue" attack: Sudden aggression without stress as a trigger almost always points to deprivation. Some cats need constant stimuli, plain and simple. Sure, most cats sleep all day and sleep even more at night. Other cats will count on you to provide them with entertainment, no matter how long your work day was or how little sleep you got because he was standing on your head all night. A sudden bite on the leg is an extreme cry for attention. PAY ATTENTION TO ME! Dancing With the Stars can wait!

Bite the bullet folks. You may have been at school for nine hours feeding your brain, but kitty was home with nothing to do all day. When you walk in the door, it's GO TIME! Get those toys out and get your cat engaged in play.

So, you see... it's not all your fault...but really it is. Don't take it personally. Just remember whose house you live in and who your boss really is and you will do just fine.

BEST NON PROFIT ...You better believe it!

2009-08-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

THE SAN FRANCISCO SPCA WINS BEST OF THE BAY FOR BEST NON-PROFIT BY READERS OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

SAN FRANCISCO, AUGUST 13, 2009---The San Francisco SPCA (www.sfspca.org), the city’s leading privately supported, non-profit animal welfare organization, is thrilled to announce it has been voted the best non-profit by the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s annual “Best of the Bay”.

“Our core mission is to serve the animals of San Francisco and enhance the human-animal bond,” said Jan McHugh-Smith, president of The SF/SPCA. “We couldn’t be more excited to have the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers recognized as the ‘Best of the Bay.’ It’s an honor.”

The “Best of the Bay 2009,” which is voted on by the readers of the San Francisco Bay Guardian, is the 35th annual celebration of the people, places, and things that make living in San Francisco so great.

Aloha For Me... Alone Time for Her

2009-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

All of us deserve a vacation once and a while. Just some time to get away and go somewhere else, without a care in the world. But, as a cat guardian, it's often very hard to step away from our homes for more then a few days without calling in reinforcements to take care of our furry friends, while we bask in the sun or hike a mountain trail, miles away from home.

I am extremely fortunate to have friends and colleagues at the SF/SPCA that are available to look after my senior cat, Matilda. In her golden years, Matilda is not the kind of cat that you can just put out a fresh bowl of food and water and leave. She requires a savvy cat sitter who knows her well and can tell if she's feeling a little wonky. With cognitive dysfunctions, spinal arthritis, intermittent vomiting, low appetite and the need for subcutaneous fluids every few days, Matilda is quite the challenge to care for. Again, I am extremely lucky to have a great cat sitter that not only gives her love and attention, but was kind enough to document each day with pictures!

World's Best Cat Sitter : Donna watches over my broken down cat Matilda

If your cat is lower maintenance, the best thing to do for long absenses is to ask friends or hire a pet sitter to check in – to feed and provide fresh water, clean the litterbox, and groom your cat at least once a day. Ask them to engage in some interactive playtime with your cat. It will provide exercise and mental stimulation, and the exercise can reduce stress. Someone who is familiar with your cat is ideal.

If you are going away for more than 2 weeks, it is best to have someone who can spend the night at least a few times a week while you are away.

When hiring a cat-sitter:

Get references from friends, your vet, or local animal rescue.

You may prefer to use a pet-sitter who is bonded and insured, and they should offer you references if requested.

Ideally, have the pet-sitter meet your cat before you hire them, to see how they interact with your cat.

Make reservations early, as pet-sitters can get booked up quickly, especially during holidays.

Leave carefully written instructions for the sitter about where food, litter and medications are located. Also note your cat’s preferences for grooming, treats, affection and interactive play.

Buy extra supplies in case your travel plans change.

Make sure your cat has an ID tag and microchip. Have current photos available in case she gets lost while you are gone.

Have a friend who has a back up set of keys and is willing to be an emergency contact.
Make sure the pet sitter has your contact information for the duration of your travels.

Have a written letter authorizing the pet sitter to approve emergency veterinary care in your absence.

A written contract outlining fees, method of payment, and the terms of the services offered (amount of time spent with pet, time of day they will visit, other services they will provide such as checking mail or watering plants) is recommended

Boarding

Sometimes there is no choice but to board your cat. Boarding can be stressful, as your cat will be out of their familiar territory, surrounded by strange people, noises, and smells. If you must board your cat:

Call ahead of time; kennels book up quickly during holidays.
Many vet offices and animal hospitals also do boarding.

Visit the kennel before committing.
Many kennels require proof of up-to-date vaccinations, so inquire ahead of time about what shots your cat might need.

It’s best to bring along familiar items for your cat – bedding, something with your scent, toys and whatever food they currently eat. Also bring along any medications your cat needs.

Give the kennel detailed information about your cat’s preferences and needs, as well as your contact information.

If your cat is staying at someone else’s house…

Although not ideal, sometimes you have to take kitty to another home to stay. A “safe room” should be provided for your cat – away from noise and other animals. Some cats will need to stay in one room for the duration of the visit, depending on how outgoing (or shy) your cat is and how comfortable they are with strangers, other animals, and new environments. Security is a big issue, so make sure there is no chance for your cat to escape (through open windows, cat doors or other doors left open) – if she does she will be lost and far from home.

RINGWORM: Winning the fight against fungus!

2009-08-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

When anyone mentions the word Ringworm, especially in animal shelters, the gut reaction is almost always to start itching. Blegh!!! Ringworm! It's a animal shelter reality and horror story all wrapped in one. It seems like every year, particularly in the summer, we are battling this fiesty fungus with everything we've got, due to the high volume of kittens and cats coming in from other shelters.

When one cat has ringworm, we have to bleach every kennel it has lived in, every carrier it was transported in and quaranteen every cat it was exposed to. Sound easy? Not if you have 30 or more cats that have transmitted or have been exposed to the fungus and every human that cleans, feeds and socializes the cat has to wear a surgical gown, rubber gloves and foot covers just to walk in the room and say hello.

RINGWORM FACTS

WHAT IS RINGWORM?

Ringworm is NOT A WORM, its actually a FUNGUS that creates lesions on the dead surface layers of skin, hair, and claws. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between people and animals. The infection is common, worldwide, and is similar to athlete’s foot. Ringworm is contagious to people and animals, and it appears in our shelter that we have the first stage of an outbreak of the fungus.

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

The fungus is transmitted by spores that attach to the skin, which germinate to produce hyphae that invade the dead layers of skin and hair. Animals become infected either by direct contact with an infected animal or by exposure to a contaminated environment or object such as grooming tools or bedding.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The signs of ringworm can vary, but most animals have the classic ringworm lesion: a circular red area of hair loss which is surrounded by broken hair and scale at the edge of the lesion. The lesions typically heal from the center as they enlarge peripherally. Other signs of ringworm may include patchy hair loss, itching, inflammation, and infection of the nails. In people, ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Yellowish crusty areas sometimes develop.

ARE YOU GETTING ITCHY?!?!?!?!

Ringworm of the body shows up as a flat, round patch anywhere on the skin except for the scalp and feet. As the rash gradually expands, its center clears to produce a ring. More than one patch might appear, and the patches can overlap. The area is sometimes itchy. Ringworm of the foot is also called athlete's foot. It appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Animals are treated with an oral medication and lyme-sulfur dips. The treatment takes 4 to 8 weeks. Humans are treated with a cream you can purchase without a prescription. If the cream doesn’t work, your physician can prescribe medication that will kill the fungus.

Ok, now that you are sufficiently grossed out, go buy a tube of Lamasil, just to be safe!

I Love You, But Please Be Quiet!

2009-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Though cats communicate mostly by body language, some cats “talk” more than others. This is could be genetic (some breeds, such as the Siamese, are especially prone to this) and partly a learned behavior. It's even been said that cats have a Manipulative Meow!

Your cat may have learned that if she meows, people will talk to her, play with her, feed her, or even yell at her (trust me, I know this first hand). Remember for some cats negative attention is better than none at all. Some owners love to “talk” with their cats, back and forth, so if you have adopted your cat as an adult, it is possible that this behavior was encouraged by a prior owner. If you have brought Kitty up, then most likely you can think of things that have “rewarded” this behavior. Cats learn to communicate with us, just as we learn to communicate with them. Maybe when the litterbox is dirty, your cat draws your attention to it by walking around and meowing, and so you clean the box. This is how behavior patterns start.

Cats also meow to express discomfort or pain, agitation, and in some cases, territoriality. Unneutered (intact) male cats may yowl in conjunction with sexual behavior, and female cats in heat may meow excessively as well.

If you have a chatty cat, how can you stop or at least curb this habit?

Do Not Reward

This should be the backbone of your behavior modification plan. Pay attention to your kitty when she is being quiet, wait for a moment of silence before you feed her. Ignore her when she meows. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, you can try earplugs, or pulling the cover up over you head! Or you could close the door to your bedroom. Remember that if you break down and give your kitty attention, you will have to start all over again. For more information on how to prevent nighttime or early a.m. wakings, please ask for our handout on nocturnal kitties.

Make Sure Your Cat’s Needs Are Met!

Cats need attention and interaction, so make sure that somewhere in your daily schedule you allot times for play and petting. Cats like routine and will meow excessively if their routine is upset, so do try to do everything, especially if it’s cat related such as feeding and changing the litterbox, on a set schedule as much as you are able. Provide your cat with stimulation. Keeping your cats indoors is much safer, but they will need to be entertained and encouraged to exercise. Even indoor-outdoor cats need owner interaction and stimulation. New toys, bought or made, food cubes that make Kitty work to get her food, and the occasional catnip toy help keep her from getting bored. Interactive playtime is the best kind of playtime for cats- toys like fishing-pole toys that your cat can chase could be integrated into a daily routine. Make sure your cat has a clean litterbox, and fresh water at all times. Make sure her diet is adequate. .

Be Patient!

It takes time for cats to learn behaviors, and often takes even more time to unlearn them. In order to make a change in your cat’s meowing, you need to be very consistent and give your cat time to adjust.

Recognize When A Behavior Is Not Likely To Change:

You may be able to reduce the amount of attention-getting meowing or feeding-time meowing by ignoring, and feeding and playing at set times, but this will not cure a hard-core talker such as some Siamese or Siamese mix breeds are. These behaviors are characteristic of some breeds, and are not likely to go away in their entirety.

THESE SITUATIONS REQUIRE A DIFFERENT RESPONSE

If Your Cat Is Grieving:

If your cat has recently lost a companion, feline or human or even canine, he may walk around the house and meow, perhaps in search of them or just reacting to the change. While you don’t want to reward the meowing, it is important to give your cat extra reassurance in these cases, spending quality time, preferably on a schedule, until he adjusts to his loss.

If You Have Just Moved To A New Home, Or Have Just Brought A Cat Into Your Home:

It is normal, especially for an adult cat, to be disoriented and unsure in a new environment. Introducing your cat to the house gradually may help prevent some agitation (see our handout on introducing a cat to a new home.) Again, don’t reward the meowing, but be a little understanding in these instances. This behavior usually takes a few weeks to wind down.

If Your Normally Quiet Cat Has Become Very Vocal:

Make sure there is nothing medically wrong with her; schedule a check-up with your vet. Pay attention to environmental changes to see if something could be bothering her, such as a new stray cat coming by your back door.

In or Out? How to make up your mind

2009-08-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

When people think of the ultimate living situation for a cat, several ideal scenarios may come to mind. Some may think that keeping their cat(s) indoors is safer, while others do not want to take away the quality of life that an outside animal has, justifying their cats need to go outside as more natural or instinctual. Does an indoor cat miss anything by never going out? Does an outside cat have a better life because it can choose it's own territory and lay in the grass?

A major risk for outdoor cats, and one we hear about all too often, is being hit by a car. Cats can also get stuck in many compromising situations, under houses or crawl spaces where they can become dehydrated or starve. Encounters with other cats can expose your cat to diseases, some of which cannot be vaccinated against, like FIV & FELV. Finally, there are people who simply do not want cats in their yard. These disgruntled neighbors may trap your outdoor cat and take him or her to the animal control center or far far worse punishments. Yikes, I shudder to think about it sometimes.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help your feline friend to have a happy, fulfilled life indoors or to allow your cat a safe outdoor experience.

Making The Outdoors Safe

If your backyard has a fence around it, consider installing a Cat Fence .This netting system prevents your cat from leaving the yard, so you know where he or she is at all times. It can also be used to keep other cats out of your yard.

Build an enclosure outside. This allows the cat to have an outdoor experience while remaining safe. Check cat magazines for ideas and plans.

If you have a younger cat, train him or her to accept a leash and harness. This way, you can take the cat on monitored outdoor excursions. While a few brave cats may enjoy walks around the neighborhood, the majority will prefer sticking close to home—the front or back yard.

Transitioning A Cat To Indoors Only

This isn't going to happen overnight folks. Hang in there and make some adjustments to your home and maybe even to your lifestyle. You will have to make Small compromises to make your cat happy

Put screens on your windows and get a kitty window seat.

Play with your cat more. Get him running around, chasing a string or other toy several times a day. A little catnip makes it even more fun!

Add vertical space to the cat’s territory. Cat trees, cat condos, shelves, and other climbing apparatus give your cat more places to climb, play, and call her own.

Provide scratching posts. Try posts made of different materials—corrugated cardboard, wood, carpet, or sisal rope. You can get freestanding scratching posts, floor level, or door hanging varieties.

Play videos. Many cats enjoy watching videos of cats, birds, fish, insects and nature scenes. Check your local pet supply and video stores.

Grow kitty grass. Available at many pet supply stores, it is safe and tasty for your cat to nibble.

If your cat is an “only child”, consider adopting another to keep him company. That would make The SF/SPCA, You and your cat very happy!

Remember: even indoor cats should always wear an elastic or breakaway collar and an identification tag. In an earthquake, fire, burglary, or other mishap, a cat can easily become lost outside, and identification is her best bet for getting home.

Why Is It Cuter To Spay & Neuter?

2009-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Overpopulation of cats is a huge concern, not just in the Bay Area but in shelters across the country. Quite simply, the more animals sterilized by spay & neuter surgery, the less homeless cats and dogs will wind up in shelters, live in feral colonies or create an epidemic of strays that carry diseases. In extreme cases cats are often euthanized for space, time and undersocialization which makes them un-adoptable or extremely hard to place in compatible living situations.

So, why should YOU spay & neuter????

• Spay/neuter surgery has health and behavior benefits. It removes reproductive organs that often cause cats to have medical problems in later life.

• Spaying reduces the risk that a female cat will suffer from mammary tumors and uterine cancer. It eliminates the risk of complications from pregnancy.

• Neutered males won’t develop prostate problems or testicular cancer.

• Altered cats are more relaxed pets, because they are not driven to mate, and they are less inclined to defend territory and spray. They are less apt to fight with other animals. They are not as likely to roam, so there’s less chance they will get lost, injured or killed.

• Neutered cats are less apt to urinate or spray in the house.

• Altered cats have fewer behavior issues.

• Contrary to popular belief, altering does not spoil your pet’s personality. Nor does it make your pet fat and lazy.

• Spay/neuter surgery also has humane benefits. It saves lives by preventing unwanted litters and homeless animals.

It's a myth that cats should have one litter before spaying:

• Motherhood does not make for a better pet; having a litter doesn’t necessarily result in a calmer cat.

• There are advantages to altering at an early age.

• Early spay/neuter surgery ensures that a cat won’t reproduce.

• Animals altered at an early age seem to recover more quickly and painlessly that those altered later on.

• There is less surgical trauma, faster recovery and fewer complications with early spay/ neuter surgery.

Still wondering why its cuter to Spay & Neuter? I didn't think so! Contact the San Francisco SPCA Spay & Neuter Program.

To make an appointment, call 415.554.3030
Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center201 Alabama StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103
Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. (except holidays)
Free client parking available in The SF/SPCA lot at Alabama & Treat streets.

OUTREACH: Adoptions Unsung Heroes

2009-08-03T00:00:00.002-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

The Outreach Adoption Program is very close to my heart as I spent three years of my early career with the San Francisco SPCA doing events all over the city & county, even across the bay. Outreach is a vital piece of the SF/SPCA mission. It takes adoptable animals out of the confines of the shelter and brings them to neighborhoods, street corners, office buildings, street fairs, adopt-a-thons, pet supply stores and practically to your living room if they could get permission to wheel the cages in.

The biggest and most noteable event is our annual Macy's Holiday Windows, which utilizes the beautiful window displays of Macy's Union Square and spotlights adoptable cats & dogs. Each year we break records, finding homes for over 300 animals.

The SF/SPCA and Macy's holiday windows are a popular, annual tradition in San Francisco, showcasing adoptable animals in displays that take into account every element of design and comfort, from temperature controls to climbing and hiding spots for the featured dogs and cats.

The philosophy of Outreach has always been to educate the public about animal welfare while still providing the very important service of finding cats, kittens, dogs and puppies loving homes. It's not hard to win over the public when you are armed with kittens. We almost always have you at "Hello"! Who can resist?

Putting together an Outreach event is no easy task. Suitable animals have to be behavior tested and selected for the drive. A foldable tent, cages and table set up have to be loaded into the van each day and set up under the backdrop of downtown San Francisco and it's heavy foot traffic. Weather, noise level and safety are always a big concern, but the staff and dedicated volunteers are seasoned and ready for just about anything. I remember one time on Castro Street, a gust of wind nearly tore down our entire site, sending our tent, literature and chairs flying. Luckily the kittens in the cages were not harmed as they were anchored down really well.

The people who happened to be just walking by really stepped up and helped us put humpty dumpty back together again. That moment really stands out for me. The support I felt for our organization and our animals was overwhelming. Outreach truly bridges the gap between the SF/SPCA and the community that supports us, even in hard times.

If you want to see what all the excitement is about and attend one of our Outreach events in San Francisco, drop by the following locations:

August
Saturday, August 1 – Justin Herman Plaza, 9am – 1pm
Sunday, August 2 – Catnip and Bones, 11am – 2:30pm
Tuesday, August 4 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Wednesday, August 5 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Thursday, August 6 – Levi Plaza, 11am – 2:30pm
Friday, August 7 – 50 Fremont, 11am – 2pm
Tuesday, August 11 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Wednesday, August 12 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Thursday, August 13 – Levi Plaza, 11am – 2:30pm
Saturday, August 15 – Justin Herman Plaza, 9am – 1pm
Sunday, August 16 – Catnip and Bones, 11am – 2:30pm
Tuesday, August 18 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Wednesday, August 19 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Friday, August 21 – 50 Fremont, 11am – 2pm
Saturday, August 22 – Justin Herman Plaza, 9am – 1pm
Sunday, August 23 – Catnip and Bones, 11am – 2:30pm
Tuesday, August 25 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Wednesday, August 26 – Embarcadero 4, 11am – 2:30pm
Thursday, August 27 – Levi Plaza, 11am – 2:30pm
Friday, August 28 – Palace Hotel Event, 11:00am – 3:00pm

*Schedule subject to change*

Mobile Outreach location details:

50 Fremont - in the Food Court Plaza
Catnip & Bones -2220 Chestnut Street at Pierce Street
Embarcadero 4
Drumm Street at Sacramento
Justin Herman Plaza
Foot of Market Street
Levi Plaza - Battery Street at Filbert Street

For more information, email us at outreach@sfspca.org.
Learn how you can sign up to help with Mobile Adoption Outreach!

Video Extravaganza!!!!!

2009-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2009-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

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”

2009-07-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

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

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July Rogue Gallery

2009-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Purrrrride Weekend!!!

2009-06-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

It was Gay Pride weekend in our beautiful city and the SF/SPCA came out in full force to support the community! We even unveiled our brand new van and brought our mascots, Miss Emmy & Sloan to please the crowds.

Check out the day in pictures:

The New SF/SPCA Van will help us reach out to shelters all over the Bay Area

Getting prepped to walk the Purrrrade

Festive friends

Oops, almost revealed our mascots identity!

Our mascots will out-cute your mascots.

Tugging the "Senior Shuttle"

The March Begins!

Miss Emmy needs a helping hand

All good times must come to an end.

The San Francisco SPCA wishes to thank its sponsors: Fifth Age of Man, Pedigree and The American Humane Association for our amazing new van.

Mingle, Meow, A Match Is Made!

2009-06-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

This week's CATNIP mixer at the San Francisco SPCA's Maddies Adoption Center was a smashing success. Cat lovers from all over the city came to Meet their Matches and mix it up with our fabulous felines. The event went off without a hitch and we are so glad that we got the chance to reach out to our supporters in such a fun way.

Attendees line up at the Catnip bar for delicious cocktails, wine and refreshments

Cat Behavior Specialist; Jamey Walker scores the Meet You Match Survey

Our Catnip Party was themed around our Felinality Program which is very user friendly and helps people to match themselves with appropriate feline companions based on their answers. It is not a test and there are no right or wrong answers — only questions intended to gauge your expectations in a pet and determine what type of cat would be best suited to your home. It's also a helpful tool in matching a new cat with any cats already in your home.

When the survey is scored, SPCA volunteers are able to determine what "felinality" suits you best. For example, most folks grade out as ideal Sidekick guardians. In turn, most of our cats grade out as Sidekicks, a middle-of-the road cat who's social and affectionate, deals fairly well with new situations and enjoys play.

Two party-goers check out the descriptions of each Felinality on our wall chart

After getting their score and finding out which cats they were compatible with, potential adopters were free to roam the halls, enjoy some finger food and begin the meet and greet portion of the party. Our ever-ready volunteers made sure to guide each person to their appropriate match. Of course, there were plenty of detours on the way. There are always distractions in a building filled to the roof with beautiful creatures.

Another match made in just minutes

The SF/SPCA has a huge variety of cats in the summer months. Not only are we flooded with kitten cuteness, but we also have some very unique adults that need a special someone to take them home. Cats like Jennyanydots are just waiting for the right moment to show you their talents.

Who says the personals are just for people?

Well folks, the party may be over, but we still need your help. The San Francisco SPCA appreciates all the support we have received during Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. We just want you to know that every day of the year is a great time to open your home and your heart to an animal that needs you.

I'm still waiting. Don't forget me, ok?

Mix It Up & Meet Your Match

2009-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Did you forget that the SF/SPCA was hosting a wicked cool party this Thursday? Well, now you have no excuse. What, you have laundry to do? You're washing your hair that night? How can you say such things when there are 100 + Festive felines waiting for you to take them home?

Take the Felinality survey and match yourself up with the perfect cat companion. It's like a dating service only you don't have to make any small talk! Enjoy a refreshment, some delicious finger food and mingle with the cat-crazy community of San Francisco!

Catnip Mixer, Meet Your Match at the San Francisco SPCA from San Francisco SPCA on Vimeo.

Need some inspiration? See you at the Catnip Party!!!!

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Rescue, Recycle, Renew.....REMARKABLE RESULTS!

2009-06-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

After an amazing weekend of adoptions, animals & awareness, the San Francisco SPCA is proud to reveal the results of our Rescue, Recycle, Renew Adoption Fair. We hosted close to 20 local rescue groups on the grounds of the new Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center, drawing huge crowds of adopters, cat, dog and small animal enthusiasts and many, many mobile canine companions. It's too bad cats don't like to socialize as much!

In just six hours, the SF/SPCA found loving homes for 31 cats (Including Sugarfoot & Gus two long term LDYK favorites) & 11 dogs. Our sponsored rescue groups placed a combined total of 20 animals, including dogs, cats, chinchillas, rabbits and birds.

People came from all over the city & county to help out a really good cause. How could you say no a to face like the one above? The Adoption fair brought the unsung heroes to the community and really helped to put faces to the names of so many rescues that are working extremely hard during these very tough times.

As mentioned in blogs prior, this summer the homeless cat population has hit local shelters heavily. "Litter Did You know" is just a drop of water in a huge ocean when it comes to getting the word out and spreading awareness about cats, their amazing qualities and their plight for staying in loving and compassionate homes.

We couldn't let this picture go unnoticed. Sure, they are dogs, don't be a hater! Look at their cute "Adopt Me" vests. A cat would never tolerate wearing something like that in public. Instead, they would rather make you wear the vest with an arrow pointing at them. Oh well, the dogs are really adorable!

Adopt a Shelter Month is not over yet and it's not to late for you to make a difference this summer. Come to the San Francisco SPCA or any shelter in your area and adopt a cat that needs a home. Together we can make a huge change and put an end to homeless pets!

Dad Doesn't Want A Tool Set or a Tie....He Wants A Tabby!

2009-06-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

BABY A06201525

12 year old, Cougar on the prowl for forever love...I`m a brunette and blond, all rolled up in a tabby pattern, with lots of energy to join you in all the good things in life, like lap-sitting, following you around the house or chasing your shoelaces. I`m a little older and I don`t have many teeth left but I still have my looks, right? Please, just come in and sit with me for a while and you`ll see that I still have a lot of spark left in me. Bring a toy. I`m still up for a little playtime before relaxing with you. Looking for someone who is ready to shower me with affection and activity. Male or female, no matter. Young or old, I don’t mind. As a gal who’s been around the block, I know what’s most important! My only request is that I be your only cat. Do you think you're ready for me!?

Instead of struggling to find an appropriate Fathers Day gift this weekend, bring Dad to the SF/SPCA's Adoption Fair! There will be multitudes of torties, tabbies, tuxedos and twosomes to choose from. Let's not forget the beautiful black cats too! What's that? Dad would rather have a dog, bird, reptile ....or even a rabbit. We have that covered too! Fifteen rescue groups will be joining forces with us to make a big difference. All we need is you, Dad and all of your friends to come. Are you taking the bus? Tell everyone on board about it too!!! I'm sure the driver won't mind.

We need your votes! The San Francisco Bay Guardian is doing it's annual "Best of the Bay" awards. On page six of the ballot, you will find the following categories that the San Francisco SPCA qualifies for.

1. Best Local Blog: Litter Did You Know

2. Best Local Website: http://www.sfspca.org/.

7. Best Local Nonprofit: The San Francisco SPCA

14. Best Veterinarian: San Francisco SPCA's Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center

15. Best Camp for Kids: San Francisco SPCA's Humane Education Camp

*29. Best Local Animal Rescue: San Francisco SPCA

SCRATCH YOUR VOTE HERE

*Remember: go to page six! *

With your help and a few hundred votes, Litter Did You Know can gain some popularity and the SF/SPCA can help even more animals!

Do you have a few minutes to spare?
The San Francisco SPCA is asking friends to complete an online survey to help improve our communications and grow our programs and services.

Take the survey now.

Eat, Drink and Be Mewwy

2009-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Stella (A005709265)

In keeping with Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, we are throwing a party At The San Francisco SPCA! If you want to meet the frisky felines (dogs too) of San Francisco's most festive animal shelter and have a drink or two (don't forget to sample the finger food) to add to the ambiance of feline romance, we would love to see you at CATNIP!

Party with the staff & volunteers of the San Francisco SPCA and stare into the longing eyes of a cat or three that want to spend their lives with you! If you get a little fuzzy, you can adopt a cat the following day.

KITTENS?....I GOT YOUR KITTENS RIGHT HERE!!!

2009-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

One persons burden can easily be another persons blessing. A day does not go by that I am not reminded of the gravity of the situation happening at the SF/SPCA. Summer is officially here, although you wouldn't know it if you lived in San Francisco, as our weather has been quite foggy and a little bit humid this month. However...if you work with shelter animals in any capacity, summer has nothing to do with weather. Summer is just another word for "Kitten Season".

Daniel Quagliozzi marvels at the overwhelming number of kittens.

We brace for the summer months every year. It's not like it takes us by surprise or something. The thing is, you can never truly anticipate just how many kittens are going to invade your shelter and this year posed a very unique threat....The Economy!!! Sure, blame the economy right? Everyone is pinning their woes on the economy these days. Lets face it, people are tightening their wallets and being very mindful of their money. Parallel with poverty, people are also losing their homes and subsequently their companion animals as a result. You put the two together and what do you get? A shelter filled to rafters with cats!!

Here at the SF/SPCA we are compensating for the kitten storm in very inventive ways. Aside from being really creative about housing the cats (3 or 4 to a room and rolling kitten cages into our lobby) we are also hosting an Adoption Fair on June 20th, reducing our fees to help out our adopters ( Fees on Adult cats over 6 are WAIVED!!) and we are even having a party called "CATNIP" on June 25th.

Please spread the word about the state of affairs here at the SF/SPCA. Open your heart and your home this summer. Skip the BBQ's and chew on some food for thought instead. These little guys don't want to spend the next few months sitting in a kennel. They would much rather go home with you.

Click here to see over 130+ AMAZING SUMMER LOVERS

CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED

2009-06-10T16:47:00.001-07:00

Awww, isn't this just the cutest kitten you have ever seen? Yes? Well, what are you waiting for? Get down to the San Francisco SPCA right now and get yourself a furry friend. We are OVERLOADED with kittens, adult cats and to be quite blunt...WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF ROOM!!!!

See for yourself!

We currently have 130 + cats available for adoption!!!!

http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats/

For most Animal Shelters, the summer time poses a series of challenges. Kittens outweigh, outnumber and out-cute the older cats that have been waiting for homes during the spring months. To add insult to injury, the economy has not helped matters at all. People are losing their homes, jobs and in turn, losing their animals.

Romeo (A7759531) 2 yr Old Male

The SF/SPCA has seen an influx of kittens and adult cats more so than last year. We are so bogged down with cats that we actually can't take in too many more. It's a particularly stressful time for us and we are pleading for your help. We want to save as many animals in the San Francisco area from euthanasia as we can, but the breaks are on until we can find homes for the cats that currently reside in our shelter.

Please, come to our adoption center and take home one or two cats. Look!!!! We dropped our fees to help you help us:

Mature cats (6 years and older) - Waived adoption fees

Adult cats (1-5 years) $35 adoption fee

Kittens (under six months): $100 adoption fee

The SF/SPCA is having adoption fair this month. Come and support local Rescue Groups and enjoy the festivities!!!

The Chronicles of Casey "The Grouch"

2009-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

As promised, we are featuring our Offspice (office hospice) cat, Casey in today's blog. After spending a few months with this very unique feline, it's high time we told the world about his amazing qualities!

Casey came to the San Francisco SPCA through our SIDO Program after his guardian became too ill to take care of himself and his cat. With no choice but to confide in the SF/SPCA for Casey's well being, he made the choice to surrender his beautiful declawed Himalayan to our shelter. The only prior health history passed along with this very unique 14 year old was a note about mysterious seizures.

After his health check, the shelter veterinarians discovered that not only did Casey have seizures, but he also had degenerative joint disease, leaving him very achy and causing him to lumber heavily on his back legs as he attempted to walk. While shaving Casey free of mats, it was also discovered that he has extreme skin sensitivity, prompting him to bite and swat when handled near his tail and back. Casey would prove to be a very challenging cat to understand.

The Cat Behavior Office seemed like the best place for our staff to gain understanding of Casey's behavior, habits and most importantly, to keep a close watch on his seizures. Like a fish to water, he made himself very "at home" in our office, enjoying the regularity of scheduled meals, companionship from Jamey and I... and most of all, the solitude of a quiet place to take some serious nap time.

We have learned quite a bit about Casey and at this point we are quite attached to him.We found out the hard way that he likes petting on his own terms and will not tolerate any hands near his tail, sides or even near his head. Now, that doesn't mean he is untouchable. Quite simply, Casey is an aloof cat that likes his distance. When he's had enough petting, he walks away. Sometimes, he turns his back on you. If you push the issue, Casey will resort to swatting or biting. His grouchy demeanor has made us very appreciative of the beauty he so richly tries to preserve. Like a fine work of art, Casey requires a very delicate touch and must be admired from a far. His nickname became Casey "The Grouch" as he bares resemblance to Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street (in the cutest way of course).

Casey doesn't really ask for much, a trait we are not used to when sponsering a cat in our office. Most of our cats are very social, actively seek our attention (even if it means crawling on our desks while we work) and are very vocal ,which can be distracting when trying to do a behavior consulation on the phone. Casey rarely makes a peep and stays on the ground because it hurts to climb up high. He will give you the occasional nudge with his head but does not require any petting. Remember: Casey is a grouch. But....he's OUR grouch!

The official terminology for Casey's disorder is Feline Hyperesthesia or "rolling skin disease". Symptoms include extreme sensitivity to touch along the spine and tail, rolling or itchy skin, seizures, hallucinations and vocalization. This disorder is prevalent in breeds such as Siamese and Himalayans. Although we have poked fun at Casey's unique personality, his disorder is no laughing matter.

None of these behaviors or qualities make Casey un-adoptable. In fact, at the age of 14, Casey would probably be much happier living in a home. If you are interested in Casey and think that you might be able to provide a loving home for him, give medication for his achy joints and keep a close eye on his occasional seizures, feel free to email us at catbehavior@sfspca.org We can set up a time for you to come see him in his habitat.

Adoption Tails

2009-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Quentin, the (Formerly) Hard-Luck Cat

Quentin, the hard-luck cat who was found living on his own outside San Quentin Prison, has taken to the domestic life quite nicely, thank you.

The 3-year-old male was found with a badly infected eye which had to be removed and severely matted hair which had to be shaved off once he came under the care of the San Francisco SPCA.

One-eyed Willie, as he's now sometimes affectionately called, made himself right at home by jumping into bed with his humans on his very first night. And there he's stayed. "I got him a little cat bed," said Natalia Banderos, who recently adopted Quentin at the San Francisco SPCA. "But he treats our bed like it's his. He likes the couch and he likes the bed."

Quentin's long, gray hair is growing back, and the scar over his left eye socket is healing nicely, giving him the rakish look of a swashbuckler. "My boyfriend calls him One-eyed Willie and I call him Onesy," Banderos said.

She and her boyfriend had initially come into Maddie's adoption center looking for a kitten. But after looking around and meeting some of the SPCA's wonderful adult cats, they changed plans – finding themselves drawn to Quentin. "My boyfriend saw him first," she said. "He was really pretty cool. And when we went in and met him he was super loving."
Banderos says she's always liked cats, and has had four. She finds them low maintenance pets.

She's also been drawn to their ability to be independent thinkers. She had some reservations about Quentin's background, but was assured it was a good match after being interviewed by SPCA volunteers and staffers. "I was afraid he wouldn't like me because he's had such a hard life," she said.

If she had any further doubts, they were removed that first night when "Onesy" jumped in bed, cuddled against her, purred and fell asleep.

Miss Fluffy Spice Girl

Miss Fluffy Spice Girl is eating well, playing with her toys and enjoying all the attention she gets. She is happy. More precisely, she is a happy senior citizen.

Christy Bergman adopted Miss Fluffy, a 17-year-old cat with signs of early renal failure at the San Francisco SPCA a year ago. Since going home, a healthy Miss Fluffy has celebrated her 18th birthday. "It's going just great," Bergman said. "Sometimes I'm surprised when I remember how old she is."

Bergman says she and her boyfriend had not necessarily been looking for an older cat when they visited Maddie's adoption center. But a certain party had other ideas. "We hit it off as soon as I met her," Bergman said, recalling their charmed first encounter. "We talked about it and decided 'hey, if we can get a couple good years, why not?'" she said.

Bergman needed some patience when she got home. It took Miss Fluffy a month to feel comfortable. In the early days she often hid under the bed or in a closet – not surprising behavior for an older cat whose routine had been disrupted.

Bergman was very happy with her experience at the SPCA. "They really understand cats there," she said. Miss Fluffy is her first cat. She had always been a dog person. She was ready to make the switch. "Our lifestyle is very busy and we're right in the middle of the city," she said. "A cat seemed ideal." And it has been an ideal experience.

Miss Fluffy still plays with toys and has developed a fondness for the barley grass Bergman buys at the Farmers' Market. All of the cats at the SPCA are altered, and the experts say cats no longer show much gender-specific behavior.

Don't tell that to Miss Fluffy. Her favorite spot in Bergman's house is in the middle of the living room, lounging on the carpet – arrayed for all to admire her beauty. And despite what the experts say, people who live with older female cats find that behavior not all that uncommon. Especially when they're feeling safe and secure in their homes.

Kitten Season at City College

On a recent day the folks in the store where Karen Sheppard works at City College held an unintended celebration of kitten season. The occasion? The arrival of litter of wandering kittens, followed soon by their feral mother.

It's a familiar scene in San Francisco. Cats breed in season. Litters, feral and otherwise, are a fixture from late spring until late fall in the streets, in the parks and in some homes with unaltered cats. Sheppard gathered the group, which had just wandered into the store, and took them to Animal Care and Control, the city's destination for stray and unwanted animals — and a primary source of the animals up for adoption at the SPCA. But it didn't end there for Sheppard, who followed the family with cat-like curiosity. She phoned frequently, learning the mother had been spayed and returned to the wilds of City College, deemed too feral to domesticate. The kittens were adopted, save one frightened male, Barnaby.

Barnaby, Sheppard learned, was still awaiting adoption at the San Francisco SPCA. "They took very good care of him," she said of the volunteers and staffers at Maddie's adoption center. "You could tell everybody cared about what they were doing, cared about animals." She took over for the SPCA, adopting the kitten and renaming him Coda. "He's doing well," she said, noting she is prepared for the patience sometimes required when raising feral kittens. "He's a little stressed."

In following the guidelines provided by the SPCA, Sheppard is keeping Coda in a small room, with his water, food and litter box all nearby. And he'll stay in his small room until he shows signs that he's ready to take on more. "We're not in a hurry," she said. "We don't want to stress him out." Sheppard describes herself as a cat person who likes dogs too. "Cats just fit my lifestyle the best," she said. And that lifestyle right now involves making time to serve as Coda's surrogate parent.

The Rogue's Gallery

2009-06-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Is a bouncy, energetic, and mischievous kitten not quite right for your household? Are you looking for a feline companion with a bit more experience under their collar? Then... The San Francisco SPCA's Rogue's Gallery is the place for you. These cats, aged 6 years and older, are the epitome of experienced. They've turned cuddling, purring, and lap warming into a true art form. If you've got an occasional bug creeping across the floor or an empty box or newspaper just screaming to be sat on, these characters are exactly who you need to meet.

Right now, in celebration of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, adoption fees on these cats are waived, compliments of Maddie's Adoption Center.

To learn more about each one, just click on their name below, or visit Maddie's to see them live and in-person. Hurry though! They're in high demand!

Gretle (A07237027) 9-year old female

Gretle is a beautiful, 9-year old Tortie who knows she is to be treated like a princess! She will want attention on her own terms and be very affectionate once she has your understanding. She has very sensitive feet, so please don't pet her there since she may warn you with a nip. Gretle would probably do best in a home without other cats or children.

Baby (A06201525) 12-year old male

Baby is a 12-year old brown and white tabby who has lost some teeth, but she still has her looks! Baby is a friendly, chatty cat who likes attention and loves to be held. You'll see that this amiable matron still has a sparkle and still likes to play.

Mitten (A07175268) 10-year old female

Mitten is a 10-year old tabby who would like to be your best friend forever! Take a chance on a mature lady who likes petting, but on her terms and will let you know she disapproves of any rough hand play with a cranky meow. Mittens is the perfect partner for a respectful human who enjoys the company of a dignified lady.

Miss Otis (A05715041) 10-year old female

Miss Otis is a 10-year, black cat who knows exactly what she wants. She's very affectionate and enjoys petting, but she'll let you know when she's had enough! Honestly, to know her is to love her: she rolls and shows you her over-developed belly, her purr has a cute squeak and she has one giant long white whisker. Miss Otis will do best in an adults-only home.

Thomas (A05705372) 10-year old male

This handsome, 10-year old boy loves to play, and likes people a lot - but not other kitties - Thomas prefers to be the center of attention. His paws, sides and tummy are sensitive and he might give a little swat or nip if he's had enough petting; give him a time out-maybe with some of those interactive toys. Thomas is an engaging, interactive boy looking for a home with experienced cat people who'll give him lots of playtime.

Tessa (A05695932) 10-year old Female

Meet Tessa, a shy 10-year old who needs someone to help her out. She's truly loveable and once she feels she can trust you, she will purr, knead, roll and ask for petting (even belly rubs!). Tessa needs a quiet, adults-only home with someone who has a bit of time to spend with her. She is easy to live with: quiet, sensitive, loving, and calm. She responds best to a consistent environment and is quite uneasy around change.

Felix (A05757876) 12-year old male 12-year old

Felix is so cute! He looks as though he's wearing a short sleeved tuxedo. This shy boy will need some time to adjust to a new environment as well as patient adopters who can ease him into their daily routine. He loves petting on his cheeks and will purr and roll over for more. Felix the cat is one handsome and well dressed playboy.

Be a hero this summer! Adopt an older cat and help us make room for more cats in need of help.

Celebrate "ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH" With The SF/SPCA

2009-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Wow, June is here already!!! School is out, the birds are chirping and the sun is shining brighter than it has been for months. Time for a vacation? No way!!!! It's time to adopt a shelter cat... because June is "Adopt a Shelter Cat Month", not just in San Francisco, but all over the country. Not only is this a great way to support shelters, but it's a wonderful way to start off the summer fun. Forget those blockbuster movies! You can have an action packed thriller in your very own home for many years to come.

To help you help the cats, the San Francisco SPCA is dropping adoption fees. We can all use a break, can't we?

ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH Adoption Fees:

For all cats 6 years and older
Adoption fee is waived

For all Cats 1-5 years old

Our adoption fee has been lowered to $35

Adoption Fees for Cats 6 months to 1 year--$80
Kittens 2-6 months--$100

This has been an especially hard year on the San Francisco SPCA. We are at capacity with cats coming in steadily each day. The older cats (over 6 years of age) are in dire need of homes. The comfort of a loving human companion is all they are asking for. With this in mind, we have waived the adoption fee. What's your excuse? Find a best friend this month. The gift of love is guaranteed to keep on giving.

The San Francisco SPCA is located at 250 Florida Street @ 16Th Street. Business hours are 7 days a week, 11 Am to 5:30 Pm.

Give us a call at (415) 522-3500 for more details on Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.

In the meantime, watch this video for some inspiration.

BONDED PAIRS: A San Francisco Tradition!

2009-05-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

At the San Francisco SPCA, we believe ALL feline bonded pairs should be recognized equally, whether they are one male and one female, two males, two females or even one cat and one dog. Bonded pairs are twice the fun, easier to keep happy through life's unpredictable transitions and let's not forget double the love!

What is a "bonded pair"?

Due to unforeseen circumstances, cats that have lived together for many years are displaced and surrendered to animal shelters, where they are forced to adjust to sudden changes and find a new home. At least they still have each other, right?

Simply put, two cats that will be incomplete without each other are a bonded pair. In some cases, they are un-adoptable on their own. The pain of being alone makes their behavior regress and their life condition take a turn for the worse. Illness, depression and lack of socialization will soon take over, leaving no inkling of the cats they once were together.

In many shelters across the country, keeping two cats together is unrealistic, due to space and time constraints. At The SF/SPCA, our adoption staff will not separate a bonded pair for a quick or convenient housing solution. Our experience has taught us that separating a bonded pair is, quite simply, inhumane. Instead, we do everything in our power to place these animals in a loving home where their bond is respected and where their love (and the human-animal bond) will flourish.

It’s not always easy or cost effective to respect a bonded pair. We accept that we might be criticized for our adoption policy. But this is San Francisco. And if we don’t lead the way, who will?

THE AMAZING BONDED PAIRS OF THE SF/SPCA

Sugarfoot & Gus

Like many victims of the poor economy, Sugarfoot & Gus lost their home and were estranged from the people they learned to love together. They wound up at San Francisco Animal Care & Control where they would wait for placement into the SF/SPCA Adoption Program. Shyness, loss of appetite and extreme fear had seemingly taken over for them. With the assistance of our volunteers, staff and Cat Behavior Team; Sugarfoot & Gus baby stepped their way back to the affectionate and quirky couple they once were. They are still looking for a happy ending to this story. Add two more reasons to wake up in the morning to your daily routine.

PUFF DADDY & NORMAN

Defying all odds, Puff Daddy & Norman did not come in to the SF/SPCA as buddies. Instead, they found their precious bond through a life threatening disease called FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Although FIV cats are compromised and may live shorter lives, it does not change the ties that bond two animals together. It's our job as humans to keep these cats indoors and smothered with love and proper medical attention in order to give them the quality of life that they will need to carry on. The SF/SPCA will pair off cats with FIV to help make room for even more cats that need our attention. Luckily, these two cats, bonded by blood... got along famously!

Puff Daddy gets his very appropriate name because like most "Tom Cats" he came in to shelter life from a prior life outdoors. His male pheromones inflated his cheeks, making his head sort of look like a triangle. Thankfully, it has since deflated. Puff Daddy's charm, zest for play and commitment to his buddy Norman make him a solid addition to a home that wants to watch a zany comedy unfold each day.

Norman is no slouch either. He demands attention from people and will sort of compete with Puff Daddy when it comes to being the center of attention. In the very first picture, you can see Puffy sneering at Norman after a quick argument about lunch. They get over it real fast and will soon be affectionately cleaning each other in the picture window. Norman prefers to go first, of course and won't waste his time unless he has an audience.

The San Francsico SPCA takes great pride in keeping bonded pairs together. Support this great cause by inviting a twosome into your home. Your life will change. I promise you.

If you would like more information about:

Sugarfoot (A7078656) & Gus (A7078619)

Puff Daddy (A7343894) & Norman (A7279115)

Call our Adoption Center at 415-522-3500 and ask for more details about these incredible pairs.

Large and In Charge: Tugboat

2009-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Jamey Walker

As you can see,Tugboat is a full figured cat. He’s 26 pounds to be exact. With his stubby little legs and some encouragement, he makes his way over to you for some full-sized love. His normal greeting is a flop to the side, followed by a roll with full belly exposed. Unlike most cats, you can pet his belly completely while he lays in apparent bliss.

Now I have to admit I can’t get enough of this cat. Tugboat makes me giggle every time I see him and if I need to take a break and unwind, I usually make my way to his room and all my stress vanishes. Tugboat is a cat that we picked up from Animal Care and Control. His owner passed away and he was left homeless as a result.

While I’m sure Tugboat’s owner loved him immensely, his weight is nothing to joke about, as it’s also a life threatening condition for him. Now I love a fat cat as much as the rest of us, but if Tugboat ever needed to be put under anesthesia, he would have a much higher mortality rate than a cat of appropriate weight.

Our plan of action for our beloved Tugboat is diet and exercise. We have him on a lower calorie food and have volunteers and staff giving him lots of playtime. He doesn’t run and jump around like most cats, but he is starting to move around more and more every day. In fact, he’s lost a half pound already!

If you’d like to adopt this charming guy, come by the SF SPCA and ask for him or call 415 522-3500.

UPDATE 5/30/09:

TUGBOAT WAS ADOPTED!!!!!!!!

Velcro Kitties: Pointers for 9 to 5 guardians and their over-attached cats

2009-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

For those of us lucky enough to be working these days, a nine to five gig is a blessing, but for our housebound feline room mates, this time of the day can be downright traumatic. The consequence of forming a tight and routine bond with our animals can often be displayed as anxiety when we leave the inner sanctum and decide to leave for the day.

Cats are solitary by nature. They can get along just fine without the company of another cat, although there are many exceptions to the rule. While maintaining a life of independence, they tend to bond strongly with their human caretakers, even when they are paired off. After all, we are EVERYTHING to them! Humans are the providers of love, conversation, physical comfort, food, water and interactive play. Another cat simply can not provide this.

How do you know if your cat is stuck to you like Velcro? My guess is.... you won't even have to ask this question!

Signs Of Feline Separation Anxiety

Over-attachment to the owner such as following the person to every room of the house (heal chasing).

Distress as the owner prepares to depart: This can take many forms, but some of the more common reactions are meowing, sulking, apparent depression, slinking away and hiding. (No, seriously it's true!)

Vocalization (crying, yowling, meowing) right after the owner has left or even when you are sleeping.

Anorexia – the affected cat is often too anxious to eat when left alone.

Inappropriate elimination – often in the form of urine marking. Deposits of urine or feces are often near to the door from which the owner has departed or are on that person’s clothing, bed sheets, or places like bath mats, rugs and behind or under furniture.

Excessive self-grooming. This starts as a displacement behavior but can progress to compulsive self-grooming if unchecked. See: Don't Lose Any Hair Over It

Destructive behavior – rare, but some cats may claw and scratch door edges presumably in an attempt to escape their solitude. This can also happen while you are sleeping to get you to wake up and give them attention.

Exuberant greeting behavior – as if greeting you after you left on a long vacation. ( Where have you been ?!?!?!)

Here come the solutions!

Enriching the cat’s "home alone" environment is the key to success! This can be achieved by means of:

Giving the cat a view of the outside world! Add climbing structures, cat trees, open windows with screens.

Strategically position bird feeders near the windows with a view.

Leave toys all over the house and change it up every now and again. The same defeated mouse that your cat played with two days ago is no longer a challenge. Hide toys in creative places like the peek-a-boo box above.

Putting the day’s ration of dry food in a puzzle toy will keep your cat focused on eating instead of your absence. Although cats with separation anxiety tend not to eat when left alone, hunger is a great motivator when other sources (YOU) are no longer available. Some caveats apply if cats refuse to eat for more than a day or so. Consult your local vet if this turns out to be the case and try to work out some kind of compromise. It can get tricky.

Leave the radio on. The "white noise" effect of the radio drowns out the otherwise perturbing sound of silence. We find that classical music has positive effects on loneliness.

If behavior modification by independence training and environmental enrichment do not work it may be necessary to resort to anti-anxiety medication for the cat for a while. Consult with a veterinarian about the use of drugs like Prozac to help calm an anxious kitty.

Ok, Now go to work and rest assured that kitty is not making long distance calls, ordering pizza or rearranging your apartment while you are away.

BREAKING NEWS: 5/20/09

2009-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Let The SF/SPCA Cat Behavior Team trim those daggers for you!

Our bi-monthly Cat Claw Clipping Clinic is happening Wednesday, May 20Th 2009 at 6pm to 7pm

Each month, we offer a Cat Claw Clipping Clinic for guardians who need regular assistance keeping kitty’s claws clipped. (Try saying that three times fast.)

Clinics are the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., and on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Clinics are conducted at The SF/SPCA Spay Neuter Clinic located in the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center, 201 Alabama St.

No appointment is necessary, but you must confine cats in carriers.
The cost is $10.00 for the front claws and $15.00 for all four feet.

* Mention "Litter Did You Know" and get $5 off your total! *

*Black Cat Bonanza*

SCARLETT

Can you believe it? At just 5 years old, our black beauty Scarlett has been waiting for a special person to come along and give her a home since February 19, 2009. She's a very unique cat, despite her everyday black cat cuteness. Scarlett likes to call the shots when it comes to petting and playtime, but doesn't let that stop her from totally owning you! She has this magnetism that kind of catches you off guard. This flirtatious feline also has FIV, which limits her availability to homes without cats or those that already have FIV playmates.

What is FIV? See our blog on FIV AWARENESS.

MISS OTIS

Oh, Miss Otis! We all know someone who has a cat like this. She`s a 10 year old who knows exactly what she wants and can be a little "persnickety" at times. For some, this is no biggie, almost not worth mentioning. Miss Otis is looking for those very people who understand her limitations. She has been in our care since February 02, 2009

Here`s her deal: She`s very affectionate, wants to be near you and enjoys petting but doesn't want you to go overboard or anything This is your dance space, this is her dance space right? Honestly to know her is to love her. She rolls and shows you her over-developed belly. Her purr has a cute squeak and she has one giant long white whisker. How can you resist?

RAVEN

Raven entered our shelter on February 15, 2009. At just 3 year of age, like most black cats in shelters, Raven has been overlooked for the very things that make her stand out from the rest. The love she shares with her human companion is immeasurable along with a chirpy purr and a penchant for chasing a fake mouse like it's a the most valuable object ever to cross her path. Raven needs a special person to take her away from the boring shelter routines and give her adventures to occupy her attention and time.

No Rest For The Weary: The kitten storm has landed

2009-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Kittens, kittens, kittens.....aren't they so cute? Everytime I see one, and let me tell you...I see my fair share everyday, I just want to kiss em' all! A kitten never gets dull. They just keep coming in like gremlins after you spill water on them. *Poof* there's another one!

The problem with all of the kittens flooding our shelter is that they take much needed space away from our adult cats that trickle in at a "slower" but steady speed all year round. Not to mention... the impact it has on our staff that tends to their feeding, cleaning and welfare. This is the way it goes every year when the California sun gets hotter and the days get longer. We are the animal welfare warriors that brave the storms and come back for more and more and more.

The following video explains The commitment of the San Francisco SPCA. Grab a tissue and a loved one. This is going to make you emotional. I ask that you take the time to watch it all the way through and reflect on it afterwards. Our dedication to the homeless animals of San Francisco is only possible with your help.

If you are interested in Fospice or Adoption, please come to The San Francisco SPCA and help us find homes for the older and special needs cats that are being overlooked.

There are currently 78 cats looking for loving homes at our shelter!!!!!!

Click http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats/ to see these amazing felines.

Did you know that there is no national SPCA or parent or umbrella organization that provides financial support to The SF/SPCA? Each SPCA and Humane Society are completely unrelated organizations. We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, independently chartered organization that is not affiliated with any other "SPCA" or humane society. When you make the choice to give a donation this year, please consider contributing to the SF/SPCA directly. The animals we care for really need your help. DONATE NOW!