A second chance saves a life—and gives you a companion who needs you. Tens of thousands of dogs and cats—including puppies and kittens—are killed daily in animal shelters. One large city shelter can euthanize up to 300 cats and kittens in one day. Many shelters across the U.S. still use gas chambers, heart sticks, [...]
Over the last 10-15 years, there has been a growing trend and obsession to have skinny cats, ironically at a time when the human population has gotten fatter. The eating habits and metabolisms of domestic cats are very different than those of humans and dogs. Cats naturally eat 10-20 small meals a day. They [...]
Don't carry kittens by the scruff. Many of us have been taught to scruff kittens (to carry and hold kittens and cats by the back of their necks) because this is how the mother cat carries her kittens. This is not the correct way to carry and hold kittens. Kittens need to [...]
Interview highlights from a conversation between Alana Stevenson, MS, cat behaviorist, and Dr. Sally Foote, DVM — discussing the importance of humane feline handling and low-stress veterinary care. Alana: What do you think stands out the most about the Feline Fundamentals webinars? Dr. Foote: I really appreciate the photos and step-by-step guidance. The webinars [...]
I fully support rescue and adoption. There are too many cats and dogs in need of homes. However, you may want to rethink the reason for getting another cat. Many people who have two cats, after one of their cats passes away, adopt another cat because they feel their remaining cat is lonely. This [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
When planning to adopt only one dog, cat, or another companion animal, don’t separate a bonded pair—even if one is especially cute or appealing. Look for a singleton. Shelters and rescues routinely separate bonded animals because they are quicker to be adopted, but this can lead to emotional and behavioral fallout—especially for an animal who [...]