BREAKING NEWS 4/15/09 :

Every Wednesday, The SF/SPCA Cat Behavior Program is going to give you the scoop (no pun intended) on what's happening inside and outside of the shelter. This week, we have some very exciting technological new additions, a wonderful sponsor and a brand new roommate coming to the Cat Behavior Office.


CAT BEHAVIOR ON TWITTER!!!!!

Yea, we're hip. We tweet and stuff. Why not, right? All the cool kids are doing it. If you want to follow us on Twitter, you can find us at http://twitter.com/LITTERDIDUKNOW


If you want to follow the happenings of the San Francisco SPCA, please go to : http://twitter.com/sfspca

TWEET TWEET MEOW!!!

Don't forget to add The San Francisco SPCA on Facebook & Myspace and share "Litter Did You know" with as many people possible. The more support we can get, the more animals we can save! Like a bad case of Ringworm (without the itch), we want to spread the word to cat lovers all over the globe.



We are very proud to announce a totally fun sponsor of the SFSPCA. This week, the Cat Behavior Program salutes the makers of LOLMagnetz!

Breadpig, the company behind a superhero pig with wings, has developed something pretty cool. Take all the fun of LoL Cats and put it on your fridge! You love cats right? You must have a fridge too!??! Why not bring your love of cats and silly cat-speak to your fridge or what the heck...stick the magnets on your lunchbox or your friends car. The possibilities are endless.

Proceeds from the sales will benefit The SF/SPCA. It's not wholly selfless, you see, because Breadpig hopes these animals will one day find loving homes and have the chance to be LOLified just like all the ones photographed and uploaded on their website.
Visit http://www.lolmagnetz.com/ to purchase a set for yourself!



NEW OFFSPICE CAT !!!


So, now that Messier has moved on to Adoption-land, we have an opening for another cat that needs our help. This month, we will be entertaining Casey, a 14 year old declawed Himalayan who was left behind after his owner passed away. The SF/SPCA SIDO Program stepped in to make sure Casey would be well cared for after he was left without a caretaker. For more information about The SIDO program and how it can help you and your beloved companions, call 415 554-3027 or click here : http://www.sfspca.org/support/donate/planning-for-your-pets.html

Casey is going to have some lab work done and relax in our office while we wait for the results. Like most senior cats, Casey has some medical concerns that we need to explore before we can find the ideal home for him. In the meantime, we can enjoy his company.



CATS THAT NEED YOUR HELP or BETTER YET....YOUR HOME!!!

Our beautiful and distinguished lady, Maya is back after she had a disagreement with the cats in her prospective home. She needs a home with low activity and someone to love her up. Her legs are little stiff so an environment with no climbing and a level playing field would be ideal.

Sugarfoot & Gus are still here waiting for a home. You may be asking how two gorgeous cats could be still be sitting here? You're not alone in that question.

This Just in! Sugarfoot & Gus were adopted today (4/15/09)!!!! Woohoooo!!!

The amazing BILLY! Poor guy had to take a hiatus in Shelter Care to overcome a cold. Now he's back and better than before. He may look a little rough around the edges, but he's all butter and practically melts in your hands.

Quentin the one eyed Miracle cat! We thought we had him in a home but the adopter had allergies that he was unaware of. Come take this beautiful boy off our hands. He's tired of being teased. Quentin needs you.

Have You Ever Walked Your Cat?

By Jamey Walker

We all know about walking dogs. They have classes, dog walkers, and about a million different leashes, collars and harnesses. Cats on the other hand are often seen as way too independent and dignified to succumb to such an extroverted and obedient activity. Now let’s be clear, many cats really do not enjoy this. If you have a cat that’s shy, nervous or reactive to other cats, walking them outside on a harness may not make them a happy camper. On the other hand, if you have a playful, young and outgoing cat, you may have a candidate….of course they should be spayed or neutered and free of any health issues. You should also have access to a quiet area that is safe for your cat to explore like a garden or backyard. The space should be free of any threats like dogs, other cats (kitties that have not met one another can be a source of stress) or lots of different people. Make sure you have a carrier handy so that kitty can be safely put away if this becomes too stressful.

Ok, now you’re ready to start teaching your cat how to feel comfortable on a leash and harness.

First, purchase a harness and leash. These come in all different styles. I find that the soft Velcro ones are sometimes accepted easily, but any will do. The leash should be on the longer side for room to roam (a retractable leash can be good for this).

Next, try putting the harness on your cat without the leash. Your cat may act uncertain for a bit. Have treats handy and give kitty lots of positive rewards just for having the harness on. Do short bursts of harness wearing and treat-giving to familiarize your cat with the sensation of wearing something on their body. Each cat’s response will be different. Don’t force your cat and be sensitive to their anxiety levels. If they fuss a lot, take it off and try again at another time.


When your cat is wearing the harness around the house normally, hook up the leash and walk wherever your cat walks. Don’t pull or allow any resistance between the cat and yourself. You simply follow the cat wherever they go.

This is the big secret; the cat is actually walking you!

When you can successfully be walked around the house by your cat, you may be ready to try a new environment. This can be an outside hallway or back porch. Start off slow. If kitty seems stressed, end the session. If your cat acts curious, let them explore. Give them a short session at first, followed by a fun familiar activity back at home base. Over time you can extend the outside sessions as they feel comfortable.

Controlled outside time can be stimulating and psychologically rewarding for the right cat. The sights, sounds and smells can add enrichment to their daily lives. Again, make sure your cat feels safe, let them take the lead, and end any outside time that seems overwhelming for your cat.

Who Are You And Where Have You Been?

By Daniel Quagliozzi

A trip to the vet can be a stressful situation for some cats, leaving behind everything and everyone they know for a strange and unfamiliar place, full of sights, sounds and smells. Then, if the vet visit wasn't unpleasant enough, the cat that was left at home is greeting your poor sickly kitty with hissing, growling and in some extremes... aggressive attacks, leaving you standing there wondering why it seems like they are strangers to one another other. Why do cats fail to recognize each other when they return from the vet?

Non-recognition aggression is actually quite common. A sudden change in routine, a new or unfamiliar scent or a stressful addition to a cat's environment can set them off on a chain of aggression that could last days or even weeks if someone (that's you!) doesn't intervene. Sometimes, even cats need a referee!

How do you get your cat's to take the boxing gloves off and appreciate each other once again? It's a slow process that takes patience and a little understanding, but ultimately... it's worth the sacrifice to your daily routine of couch potato-ing.

Rule #1.

Separate the cats!

Give everyone, including yourself, some time to breathe and relax.

Rule #2.

Start some positive reinforcement!

While your cats are confined away from each other, try feeding them on the outside of the same door. Hopefully they will associate the pleasure of eating and the scent of each other together.

Rule #3.

Crack open the door!

If the cats are eating in harmony, crack the door and let them see, sniff and interact. If they growl or hiss, close the door and start again later.

Rule #4.

Initiate play!

Get your cat's playing with each other to ease the tension. It's amazing how fast they will remember they were buddies over the slaying of their favorite toy.

Rule #5.

Try Feliway to diffuse the situation!

A pheromone spray like Feliway ( http://www.feliway.com/) can make cats feel more at ease in their territory as it mimics facial pheromones that they normally interpret as calming or positive. It might be good to spray some Feliway around before and after a visit to the vet.

By following some these simple guide lines and doing a little preparation before you cat goes off the the vet, you can make the experience a pleasant one for all parties. Now, if we can make going to the dentists office a delight, we would be all set.

BREAKING NEWS:

Cat Behavior Blog Amazes The San Francisco Chronicle

Wow... it's been a milestone week for the Cat Behavior Program! We are proud to announce that not only has "Litter Did You Know' been featured on the front page of www.sfgate.com three times, but it is among the top ten most read blogs achieving over 14,000 page views for the month of March! You can find our blog in the pets section. Just in case you want to read it twice.

MESSIER The OFFICE CAT is fully recovered and ready for adoption!

After a long road of recovery, Messier our resident Maine Coon has graduated from not eating at all to stealing bear claw pastries from the top of our file cabinet. Imagine our surprise when we found a giant hole eaten through the bag and half of the bear claw devoured! It's been a pleasure getting to know Messier but he is just feeling too well to live in our office. It's time for him to go to a real home. How about your's?

Messier is a beautiful Maine Coon that came to the SFSPCA after having a hard time living with children. He actually got so stressed out that he stopped eating and had to be revived with the help of a feeding tube. Now, he's back in action and happy to go home to a house free of toddlers. He loves petting all over his body, especially his tummy and will roll over. Despite being declawed, Messier is hard player and will love to get some playtime each day as well as some sleepytime when hes done. A great match for a home that wants a loverboy in their lap every minute of the day

If you are interested in adopting Messier (A07422587 ) Call 415 522-3500 and talk to our Adoption Services staff.

Upcoming Events!!

Give Your Cat An Over-Stimulus Plan

By Daniel Quagliozzi

Just like people, cats are unique is so many ways, especially when it comes to petting and playing. Of all the activities a human can provide for a cat, they seem to love these two activities the most. Probably because it's near impossible for a cat to pet itself or wave a toy around. This my friends... is why we were put on this earth. Hands were made for petting cats, holding toys and opening cans of food! Well, from a cat's point of view anyway....

Your cat may think that your hands are only for petting and show no interest in an interactive toy. Or...perhaps your cat gets confused about your hands all together and decides to give you a bite whenever the opportunity knocks? The question is, when is it ok to pet and when should you stop?

Cats can get overstimulated from petting the same way humans can get annoyed from a bad back rub or too much physical interaction. Sometimes, you simply do not want to be touched or talked to for that matter. Ever get on a crowded bus after a long day at work and some stranger wants to tell you their life story? You want to get home and crawl into a ball.

Well, cats tell us their feelings in many ways, some obvious, others very subtle. Here are some clues:

Opposite of dog communication, cats often wag their tails when they are getting overstimulated from petting. Also, they will look at your hand as if to say, " Uh...you keep at this and I'm going to let you know when to stop... with my teeth". They will spin around and direct their heads back into your hand, a sly way of telling you where they prefer the attention or they might just simply walk away from the action all together. Remember, just because kitty is showing you the belly, doesn't necessarily mean it's an invitation for petting. Most likely, it's a trap!

In extreme cases, cats flatten their ears, roll the skin on their backs, dilate their pupils, kick your hand with their hind legs, growl, hiss and swat. If you've gotten to the point where you cat is showing this level of aggression, your going to need to be more aware of the limits they are trying to convey to you.

So what can you do to prevent an over-stimulus reality check? Be able to see it coming. Know that if your cat has bitten or swatted before that they are likely to do it again. Give breaks when your cat is getting antsy. Come back later and pet in small doses. Try re-directing the aggression to an appropriate toy instead. Never pet a cat that has bitten from over-petting while you are tending to something else. For instance, if your cat is sitting on your lap while you pet and watch TV. Chances are you won't see the bite coming!

The most common behavior mistake that people make is to "hand wrestle" with a cat that gets nippy. Some people think its cute or spunky, but what they are really doing is training a cat to think it's acceptable to bite harder and harder each time. Keep play and petting separate!

Cats that overstimulate are more likely to be playfully aggressive, mistaking your hands for toys. So... one more time...if your cat is biting at your hands in a playful way, withdraw the reward (your hand), maybe give a verbal correction like, "NO!" and re-direct the focus to a toy. Switch the routine to an option with more value for play than your fingers.

Low activity and boredom are likely to contribute to your cat's biting behavior more than anything else. You have to create an environment in your home that is stimulating and fun. Otherwise, it's going to be you that your cat uses as a toy. A few simple additions to your home environment can make any cat feel more at ease and a lot less likely to choose biting over play time, or even just looking out a window at the birds outside. Remember, although cat's do just fine living inside our homes, they were not intended to be couch potatoes. They need to exercise, climb, play, hunt and just be cats.

Happy Cats, Small Compromises

By Jamey Walker

Do you ever feel like your cat is bored, frustrated, lonely? You leave to go to work and your cat gives you that desperate look. Then you come home and find that your “stuff” is not where it was when you left it. An odd pillow is in the middle of the floor, the garbage has been ransacked, the tattered and clawed up arm of your couch looks extra frayed, the toilet paper is shredded and your prized collection of Beanie Babies are scattered about. It’s like a crime scene that leads back to one very guilty suspect who is rolling at your feet with delight now that you’ve finally come home. Then for the rest of the evening kitty sticks to you like fly paper, even trying to squeeze through the bathroom door when you have to use the toilet (and they often stare at you which can get a bit creepy). Anyway, the point is that your cat is clearly trying to tell you something. So what can you do?

Well,the number one way to keep your cat stimulated is through playtime. Yes, we’ve all heard that one... but it’s true! One trick is to vary the toys that you give to your cat. Avoid giving them all out at one time. Instead select a few toys and switch them out every few days with different ones. And if your cat has a toy that he REALLY loves, it’s wise to put it away after a good play session. This way your cat will anticipate the arrival of this object with extra excitement and as a result get more stimulation out of that play session than they would otherwise.

Set up the space to be as stimulating as possible. Here are some quick ideas on making your home more exciting for your kitty:




Clear out a space near some of the windows and add a ledge (or even a screen for the window as long as it’s securely in place).

Have vertical climbing opportunities for your cat. Cat trees are a good option. In general, they need something sturdy that’s safe for them to climb on and explore.




Add objects for your cat to scratch on. Scratching posts, rug pieces, cardboard boxes, and wood are some great options.

Providing a kitty herb garden for them to chew on can be exciting for some cats. You can find this at most pet stores.




Add home-made toys. Paper bag, crumpled newspaper, wine corks, etc.

If your cat enjoys food and is playful you can think about adding a food puzzle to their day. These are basically toys that allow you put treats or kibble inside. When the cat plays with the toy, some food falls out. It can be a great way to mentally stimulate a cat.

Put on a cat DVD. Some cats really love them! They are specially made to be enticing for cats, with footage of birds, mice, squirrels, etc. Go to http://www.cattv.com/ or purchase a Video catnip dvd at the SFSPCA Maddies Adoption Center!

One last thought: Often, people think that getting another cat will help make their cat less bored or lonely. While it can be stimulating for the right cat, it can also be really stressful for other cats. Not all kitties want a companion, even if they have had previous cat buddies in their lives. Pairing cats can be hard and often depends on the cats individual personalities, the amount of space in the home, and the right introduction process. I advise you to use caution and do some research before making that decision.

Cat Behavior Team Adds New Roomate

By Daniel Quagliozzi



Keeping with the tradition of "Offspicing" (Office Foster Hospice) special needs cats that enter the SFSPCA, the Cat Behavior Team has made room for our newest addition, Messier!

Messier was living in a home with a very busy lifestyle, toddlers running about and more noise then he could handle. As a result, he made a turn for the worse and took to a routine of hiding and not eating, a behavior problem very common in homes with infants and cats. He was treated in the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center for malnutrition and revived back to good health with the assistance of a feeding tube and the amazing vet technicians in the hospital.

Now, Messier has taken up residence in the Cat Behavior office and is doing much better! He eats his meals with gusto, plays with exuberance and doesn't miss an opportunity to lay across a keyboard when someone happens to be working, instead of paying attention to him. k$*sJ8E%##!....See, Messier did that!!

With his feeding tube now removed and his energy level back to normal, Messier is on his way to adoption. He will be made available as soon as his appetite stabilizes.

Be on the look out for Messier if you want to adopt an extremely affectionate lap cat with a zest for play and a passion for laying on his back when the sun is shining on his favorite spot on the cat tree. We'll keep you all posted on his availability, which should be very soon!

COMING SOON: Our guide for cats & kids living in harmony!