Animal Education Corner

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. 

Special Cats Make Great Pets

Consider Adopting an FIV + Kitty….

Like many other groups who rescue cats, BHS is looking for homes for wonderful cats with an added special consideration. We have cats which have tested positive for FIV that otherwise healthy and loving.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, sometimes also called Feline AIDS. This is a virus that causes depression of the immune system of infected cats, making them more susceptible to diseases they might otherwise fight off quickly. Despite the similar name, FIV is different from HIV and is not contagious to any person. It is spread primarily through bite wounds, during fights, rough play, and breeding.  It is possible, but not likely to spread from an infected mom to kittens during delivery or nursing.

FIV is diagnosed by a blood test, but sometimes further testing is necessary to be sure of the infection, especially in kittens. Unfortunately cats vaccinated against the virus will test positive and there is currently no test to tell between true positive and vaccinated.  There is no cure for the disease.

Gayle is a super sweet boy hoping for a forever home of his own.

Many time the infected cat does not appear ill. The most common mild symptoms are subtle, like not eating well, not grooming, or inflamed gums.  More severely affected cats may lose weight, stop eating, have enlarged lymph nodes, and/or develop one or a combination of symptoms due to the secondary infection(s) they cannot fight off.  These cats can develop blood disorders, chronic diarrhea, eye disorders, seizures, or cancer. Most cats can live long lives with the virus, if they are well protected from other diseases and get early treatment for any signs of illness.  An FIV-positive cat especially needs its recommended vaccines, deworming, and protection from fleas and ticks. Annual or twice a year exams by a veterinarian are recommended. To protect the infected cat, keep him or her indoors. This will also protect other cats from disease spread. Veterinarians strongly advise against feeding raw food diets or allowing hunting for FIV positive cats due to vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

To keep everyone healthy, we usually recommend placement of FIV positive cats into households where they can be the only cat or will live with other healthy FIV positive cats. The virus does not live long outside the infected cat, but good hand washing and discarding or bleaching supplies are recommended when handling any cat with an unknown status. Cats should be keep isolated from one another until all are tested negative.

Adoptable Spotlight

The Cattyshack Crew

They came into our foster program as feral kittens in April of 2012. They were quite hissy and reluctant to be touched. Two years later, they are a happy group of cats hoping for forever homes. They were labeled the Cattyshack Crew when they all went to foster in an outdoor cattery called the Cattyshack. While they share some common traits, their love for dogs, for example, each is quite unique.

Meet Chrissy, the beauty of the bunch. She is more independent than her siblings, rarely asking for cuddles but tolerant of petting. She is most welcoming of new cats and adjusts most quickly to new environments.

Jack is what I call Chrissy’s twin. Their markings are so similar that it took me weeks to tell them apart easily. Jack is a chatter box. He walks around chatting about random things, mostly treats. He is the most open to being held and has become quite the snuggler.

Andy has taken the longest to adjust to new people, but he blossomed once inside a foster home. He was often found napping with the resident dog or romping with the other cats. I call him the purr monster because he was always the first and loudest to start purring when I’d get their breakfast ready.

Albert has always been the leader of the crew. Aside from his already adopted sister, Janet, Albert has always been the most confident. He readily explores his surroundings and is quick to flop on his back asking for belly rubs.

Each of these cats would do well in a foster home with other cats and dogs. Like most cats, they will require time and patience while they adjust to a new home. But in time, they will make wonderful forever companions to some very lucky homes.

June is Adopt A Cat Month

Think dogs are more fun? Think again!

Cat owners are quick to point out that their feline family members not only have as much personality as dogs, but they are far easier to maintain. They make excellent pets for those that do not have the time to spend walking a dog or that worry about leaving their pet crated for hours while they are at work each day. Cats are far more flexible with the amount of time their person spends at work. (They spend much of their day napping, anyway. They may not even notice you’re gone…)

Want that special furry friend to greet you happily at the door when you get home each evening? Yeah, cats will do that, too. While they don’t demand as much of your time, they still love to see you when you come home. I have two that come running when I return home from a day running errands.

Think you’ll miss out on play time if you opt for a cat instead of a dog? Think again. I’ve had several foster cats that relish a good game of fetch.

And if you already have a dog, don’t believe the stereotype that cats and dogs don’t get along. Most of my foster cats adore my large, drooly dog. And my large, drooly dog enjoys playing with them in return.

So, what have we learned? Cats are low maintenance. They just want daily food, water, and a quick scoop of the litter box. Cats are social. They vary as much in their personalities as dogs and people do. Cats do love you. They enjoy cuddling on the couch with you while you read.

Ready to adopt? We have some fabulous felines just waiting for a forever home. Whether you’re looking for a laid back fat cat or a spunky young entertainer, we’ve got the perfect companion for you. And why not adopt two? Cats do better in pairs so they can entertain one another while you’re not home. 

Anastasha is Big and Beautiful (and Declawed)

Anastasha is big and beautiful and proud to be an All Star!

Anastasha is a sweet girl, but she does not seem to do well with other cats. She finds them uninteresting and sometimes annoying. And since she is declawed, she can do little to demonstrate her displeasure with them, so she prefers to just not be around them.

When her family could no longer keep her due to personal difficulties, they brought her to us and begged us to find their sweet baby a home. We're still looking for that forever home for Stasha, but we're sure she'll find it. She's too wonderful not to be someone's new best friend.

As a March Adoption Madness All Star, Anastasha is available at a reduced adoption fee of just $20 during the month of March!

Click here to submit an adoption application to meet this very sweet girl!

Andy is Looking For His All Star Home

Andy is looking for his All Star home

Andy and his siblings have been with BHS since they were kittens. They came to us as feisty little ferals and have blossomed into some of the sweetest, most loving cats we've known. 

In the past, Andy has been very cautious in new environments and around new people. He seems to be coming out of that, though, settling in much more quickly around new people.

Curious about the ear tip? Like his brother Albert, Andy was originally set to be a barn cat and was ear tipped at the time of his neutering. Since that plan fell through, Andy has become increasingly social and would now do best in as an indoor cat. He has grown quite accustomed to the comforts of indoor living.

Andy does well with other cats and he is especially fond of the big dog in his most recent foster home.

As a March Adoption Madness All Star, Andy is available at a reduced adoption fee of just $20 during the month of March!

Click here to submit an adoption application to meet this very handsome boy!

Dandelion Was Discarded Like A Weed

Dandelion is a friendly little girl with a gentle spirit & beautiful amber eyes. Her photos don't even begin to do her justice.

This pretty little flower was discarded like a weed from her crowded home, yet she remains a happy and loving girl. 

She is about 4-5 years old. She was raised with multiple cats, dogs, & small children. She is an easy kitty, content to lay in the sun or on your lap but also playful with her toys. She loves to play in boxes, and she loves belly rubs. Won't you let this unassuming girl be the bright spot in your heart?

As a March Adoption Madness All Star, Dandelion is available at a reduced adoption fee of just $20 during the month of March!

Click here to submit an adoption application to meet this very sweet girl!

Joplin is Ready For a Better Life

 

Do you recognize this girl? We're calling her Joplin. She's not a big fan of cameras. But she is a big fan of the lady that saved her life.

Last week, Joplin was hit by a car. Thankfully, she was rushed to Blue Ridge Animal Hospital where her injuries were attended to. She was combo tested (negative, yay!) and vaccinated. 

Now Joplin will be joining the family of BHS fosters unless or until she is reclaimed by her family. We will hold her until her stray hold time is up and then she will be available for adoption.

She is estimated to be about 6 months old with unusually soft fur and is reportedly very sweet, despite her recent trauma. She holds no grudge against those that accidentally hurt her. And she may have a family missing her, though without a tag or microchip, we have no way of knowing. But we do know that she is ready for a better life indoors where she doesn't have to scavenge for food or shiver alone on a cold night. Where she doesn't have to fear getting hit by a car or fight for her survival.

While her rescuer has offered to pay for some Joplin's care, she is limited in what she can do. We are committed to help with the costs of her care, which will include her spay, microchipping, and additional vaccinations if she is not reclaimed. If you would like to help with Joplin or other cases like hers, CLICK HERE to donate now.

2014 March Adoption Madness!

To help some of our longer-term foster animals find their perfect forever homes, we are running another March Adoption Madness special this year. 

Select dogs will be available for a $50 adoption fee.

Select cats will be available for a $20 adoption fee.

Not looking to adopt? You can help by sharing with friends and family.

BHS Receives McCausland Grant for 2014

Bedford Humane Society is excited to again be a recipient of the McCausland Trust grant award. This grant is crucial to the continued operation of the many unique programs we offer to the Bedford community.

Foster Care & Adoption Programs 
The funds from this grant help us continue to keep our adoption fees as low as possible while still providing high quality of care for our foster animals. This is particularly critical when foster medical costs far exceed that of regular care. All of our fosters are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. We also combo test all of our cats and test all of our dogs for heartworm. Some animals also require significant medical treatment. The funds received from this grant allow us to avoid passing all of these costs onto adopters. Visit our website at www.bhsva.org to see our current adoptable pets.



Emergency Funding Programs
By helping us maintain our emergency fund, we can help ensure that animals in need of emergent medical attention are not left untreated simply because of their owners' inability to pay.

Forgotten Felines Program
Through the continuation of our Forgotten Felines program, we can offer extremely low cost

spay/neuter and rabies vaccination to feral cats throughout Bedford County. This approach is critical to reducing the feral population and the number of cats being euthanized at the pound. Cats that are fixed through this program are ear-tipped for easy identification. If you know of a feral population that is not yet fixed, call us at 540-586-6100 for details about this program. 



Subsidized Spay/Neuter Services

The key to reducing the number of animals that end up at the pound is spaying and neutering family pets. Our low-cost spay/neuter program is open to all Bedford residents. Continued funding of this program is critical to our mission of ending pet overpopulation in this area. Do you have a pet that needs to be spayed or neutered? Visit our website to learn more about this program and submit an application.

Pet Food Distribution Program
Our Pet Food Distribution Program helps struggling families feed their pets. Our goal is to keep pets out of the pound and in their loving homes during times when families may be experiencing financial hardship.

Humane Education Program
Humane education is key to raising awareness of what we do and reduce the number of animals that end up in the pound every year. At the core of this program is spay/neuter and responsible pet ownership to reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

For more information on any of our programs or to volunteer, visit our website at www.bhsva.org. You can also contact us by phone at 540-586-6100 or by email info@bhsva.org.

Thank you for your continued interest in our efforts to end pet overpopulation in Bedford and find safe, loving homes for homeless pets. 

Blue Belle: Sweet Sixteen All-Star

Blue Belle

2013 Statistics

Born: ~2011

Weight: Medium

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair

Adoption Fee: $20 during March Adoption Madness

Career Stats:  My name is Blue Belle, I am a loving 1 year old girl who so desperately seeks a home. I was found at a dumpster by a volunteer. I begged her to take me home and she did. During my checkup I was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia. I am currently healthy otherwise and showing no symptoms of my disease. I am desperate to find a loving home where I can live out my life and with a family that understands my disease. 

Career Prospects: I must be in a home as an only cat, or with other Feline Leukemia positive cats. I am such a love bug that I would like a lap of my own and not have to share it!

Watch Blue Belle's special dance in this episode of BHS Desperate Housecats (Blue Belle's segment starts around 5:15):

If you're interested in meeting Blue Belle, you can visit our Headquarters during office hours. Email info@bhsva.org for more information. Or submit an adoption application at www.bhsva.org/adoption-home.htm.

March Adoption Madness Update

March Adoption Madness is well underway and things are getting exciting!

We've had one All-Star adopted so far and we're so happy for sweet Holly.

Take a look at the rest of our All-Stars available for a significantly reduced adoption fee during the month of March!

Elite Eight All-Stars available for only $50 adoption fee during March:

 

 

Our Sweet Sixteen All-Stars available for only $20 adoption fee during March:

 
 
 
 
 
Visit http://bhsva.org/adoption-specials.htm for more information or read more about highlighted All-Stars on 

Freckle Face: Sweet Sixteen All-Star

Freckle Face

2013 Statistics

Born: ~2010

Weight: Medium

Breed: Domestic

Adoption Fee: $20 during March Adoption Madness

Career Stats: Freckle Face is very affectionate and thoroughly enjoys being petted. She is friendly with other cats and seems to miss the other cats in the colony room when they get adopted. We call her Freckles, but since there is a second Freckles at HQ right now, we have reverted to her full name of Freckle Face. She really seems to be a great mix of quiet, but social.

Career Prospects: Freckle Face would likely do well in just about any environment. She hasn't lived with a dog in about two years, but she would probably be fine with any new animal if given the appropriate time and space to adjust. 

See Freckle Face in action in this episode of BHS Desperate Housecats:

If you're interested in meeting Freckle Face, you can visit our Headquarters during office hours. Email info@bhsva.org for more information. Or submit an adoption application at www.bhsva.org/adoption-home.htm.

Anastasha: Sweet Sixteen All-Star

Anastasha

2013 Statistics

Born: 2004

Weight: I'm a big girl

Breed: Domestic

Adoption Fee: $20 during March Adoption Madness

Career Stats: Anastasha came to us when her people could no longer keep her. This funny girl is front declawed and very chatty. She makes a funny "growly" sound when she is happy. She recently moved from her foster home to our HQ for our March Adoption Madness event so people could stop by and meet her. She is adjusting to the new environment, but would prefer a loving forever home.

Career Prospects: Anastasha ("Stasha" for short) does fine with cat-friendly dogs, but prefers not to live with other cats. 

 Download or submit an adoption application at http://bhsva.org/adoptions-home.htm