Think
Like a Cat
It is no secret that cats are unique beings,
mysterious even. Really they aren’t so hard to understand if we just stop to
see things as they do. Those that have been well-loved by a special cat will
certainly argue there is no other relationship like it.
Do cats recognize
“their” person’s voice? A recent study published in the
journal Animal Cognition suggests
that in fact cats can tell the difference between their owner’s voice and that
of a stranger. They clearly responded to that voice--- they just did not always
respond by doing as told!
Can your cat be happy
indoors all the time? The answer to this question is a
resounding yes, but some special attention to details will make everyone truly
happy. Cats need safe, comfortable resting areas where they know other animals
or humans will allow them to rest and where they know they are free to come and
go. Cats like the option to perch up high to observe their world. Many cats
need to scratch, both as exercise and to mark their territory. They can be
trained to use acceptable scratching areas by observing the material they prefer,
whether vertical or horizontal, & experimenting to find the right location
(usually near sleeping areas and room entrances). If already scratching an
unacceptable site, make it unappealing by temporarily covering with
double-sided tape, aluminum foil, sandpaper, or underside of plastic carpet runner.
Also attaching cloth soaked in citrus smell or perfume can repel cats from an
area. Placement of scratching posts can
be gradually moved (2-3 inches daily).
Cats love to play with things, whether purchased toys or random bags,
boxes, etc, found on the floor. They get bored with them quickly too, so for an
enriched cat, rotate the choice of play items weekly. Try different types for
more laughs for you and the cat.
You know where the
toilet is, WHY aren’t you using it?? Failure to use the
litterpan is the most common cause for cats to be given up to shelters,
alternate homes, or the outdoors. There can be medical reasons & complex
behavioral causes, but if both urine & stools are found outside the box,
start with really looking at the box. Look & SMELL it as if you were 8
inches tall & had to walk into it. Cats like clean, really clean. For best
results have at least one more litterpan than would provide one box per cat
(e.g., 3 cats need 4 boxes) and pay attention to litter choices. Most cats
don’t like perfumes and most have strong opinions about the way the litter
feels. There are many, many choices & you can make several available to try
out. A study found that most cats like sandy, soft litter, 2-3 inches deep. Scoop
litter daily and completely dump and replace with new litter weekly. Litterpans
should be placed in low traffic areas with more than one way in or out. Most
cats don’t like pans with covers because it makes them vulnerable to ambush by
other pets. If bathroom problems occur,
consult a veterinary office early before bad behavior becomes a habit.
Introducing cats to
changes requires patience and sensitivity. Cats do not like
sudden change, even if it means good things. So bringing a new cat home and
just letting them loose in the big, open house to meet the whole furry household all on the first day is not
likely to go smoothly for the newcomer or the ones who may feel their home is
being threatened. First start small by setting up a place for the newbie that
is small and quiet and has some bedding and toys that are familiar, even if
there are no other animals in the home. Let the household animals come
investigate by sniffing through closed solid doors first. After a day or
several, start feeding the animals gradually closer to one another with the
door still closed. Determine how quickly to decrease the distance between
feeding stations based on the reaction of the pets. Stop moving them more
closely as soon as anyone looks stressed. Playing with toys shared under the
door is another good tool for gradual introduction. Next start rotating
location of the cats for several hours a day to allow sharing scents. Once
everyone seems relaxed, allow brief visual contact with a physical barrier
while doing something pleasurable (eating, playing, or petting), then work
toward allowing contact in a large space with plenty of escape routes. Be ready
to interrupt with noisemakers or water spray bottles. Don’t try to pick up cats
that are upset as they sometimes will lash out at whoever is nearby. The key is
to gradually reduce the distance to that which may be scary without causing
panic or feeling threatened. Going too fast can result in causing fear that
cannot easily be unlearned.
When she first
approached us with the idea of holding a fundraiser at her house, Mary Boyer
had no idea how large the event would become. Initially intended to be a nice
fundraiser and adoption event, the Woofs N’ Purrs Adoption Event and Fundraiser
turned into a showcase of the lake and surrounding area’s biggest attractions. 
It only takes one brief
conversation to recognize Mary’s charisma and passion. But the depth of her
energy and dedication to animal rescue became increasingly apparent the closer
we got to this event. She spent countless hours day and night recruiting
vendors, authors, artists, and the lake’s favorite vet to the event. She
called, texted, emailed, and visited. She completed and filed extensive
paperwork. She advertised and invested. And did you see the wine and beer
glasses? Oh my! Yes, Mary designed and ordered those, too. 
Mary spent the months
leading up to this event pouring her blood, sweat, and tears, quite literally,
into ensuring that this event was a success. And it was. Lake residents flocked
to see the inside of “the Big House” with so much history, to visit the almost
30 vendors set up on sight, and to cuddle with the sweet BHS puppies and
kittens. In total, the event raised more than $5,000 for Bedford Humane
Society. At least one sweet foster baby found her forever home at this event.
And the importance of animal rescue in our community was highlighted. 
