29 09, 2018

Alternatives to Scruffing Cats

2025-07-26T22:18:23+00:00September 29th, 2018|Animal Advocacy, Animal Rescue, Cat Behavior, Cat Training, Sheltering|

Many of us scruff cats, having learned that this is how mother cats carry their kittens, or it's what we’ve observed others do—at the groomer, vet, shelter, and even at home. Fortunately, there are other ways to pick up and handle cats. Scruffing can exacerbate behavioral issues and make handling more difficult—and even harmful—over [...]

28 09, 2018

Arthritis in Cats

2025-07-26T22:15:52+00:00September 28th, 2018|Animal Advocacy, Cat Behavior, Cat Training, Pets|

Many cats develop arthritis, especially after age twelve. Animals can't tell us when they feel pain, so we have to watch subtleties in their behavior and body language. Older cats often hesitate before jumping down from surfaces. Although cats can climb, jump, and leap onto higher surfaces, most prefer walking up and down using [...]

20 08, 2018

Why Dogs and Cats Are Surrendered or Rehomed

2025-07-26T22:52:35+00:00August 20th, 2018|Animal Advocacy, Animal Rescue, Cat Behavior, Dog Behavior, Pets, Sheltering|

Recently, I read a study on the relinquishment of animals in shelters and rehoming. It looked at demographics and the reasons people give up their dogs and cats or rehome them. Of course, since the research was based on people surveys, it may not be completely accurate — as people often make up reasons for [...]

24 12, 2017

Playing with Declawed Cats

2025-07-26T22:25:49+00:00December 24th, 2017|Animal Advocacy, Animal Behavior, Cat Behavior, Cat Training, Pets|

Please note: Declawing is a painful and invasive procedure. It is an amputation. Botched surgeries are not uncommon. Pain and complications can last for months, if not years—and sometimes for the entire lifetime of the cat. Declawing can create behavioral problems such as timidity, avoidance of owners, hiding and retreating, biting (especially associated with play [...]

7 12, 2017

Stray and Feral Cats — What’s the Difference?

2025-07-26T22:12:45+00:00December 7th, 2017|Animal Advocacy, Animal Behavior, Animal Rescue, Cat Behavior, Pets, Sheltering|

There is often confusion in the use of the words feral and stray. It is important to know or be cognizant of the differences, since 'feral cat' is a label that is frequently misused and overused. The label can have dangerous consequences for cats since most shelters will kill ‘feral’ cats or people will assume the [...]

23 09, 2017

Landlords, Animals & the Need for Pet-Friendly Rental Housing

2025-07-26T23:00:08+00:00September 23rd, 2017|Animal Advocacy, General, Pets|

Pet Ownership and Renting: A Growing Problem Many people rent, though most would prefer to own. In many cities, apartment rentals cost more than mortgages and for much less space. Rentals often come with added challenges such as lack of parking, old appliances, noisy neighbors, extra fees, deposits, and instability. People with animals face [...]

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