Open House

Come see us at our open house on Saturday from 12:00-5:00.  While you are there be sure to check out some of the great cats from room four.

Abner

Artie

Greta

Teddy

Willis

Bert

Edith

Artie and Willis

Guide to Behavior Problems in Cats

Even though they have a reputation for being independent and self-sufficient, some cats develop behavior problems or bad habits that demand attention. Before finding a new home for your cat, or banishing it to the perilous outdoors, consider learning what is causing the problem, how to deal with the behavior, and how to re-train your pet. With proper know-how, your cat can once again be a loving and enjoyable member of the family.

Inappropriate elimination. Inappropriate elimination is not one condition but rather a cluster of conditions: some medical, some physiological (pertaining to normal biological functions), some to do with elimination preferences, and others related to anxiety and stress. Some cats just stop using the litter box. Others use the litter box for elimination purposes but also mark their territory with urine or feces.

Feline aggression. Aggression is a natural behavior for the cat and was a survival-necessary behavior for the cats' wild ancestors. Although cats have long been thought of as solitary creatures, it has recently been recognized that they can live in true societies and that some may develop as leaders or "alpha" cats. Cats of this persuasion will use affective offensive aggression to procure privileges for themselves.

Aggression directed at other cats. Cats show several different types of aggression toward other cats including status-related (dominance) aggression, fear aggression, territorial aggression, and redirected aggression.

Play aggression. Kittens are adorable, but when they are around four months of age, a shady side of their personality often emerges – a side that involves aggression. In an instant, a kitten can turn aggressive, inflicting painful scratches and bites on its owner. Play aggression is a normal feature of development. In time, it diminishes and eventually disappears but sometimes owners need it to stop or be redirected NOW.

Predatory aggression. Predation is the way in which cats in nature obtain their food. It is debatable whether this behavior classifies as aggression in the true sense of the word but, because it involves the destruction of a third party, it is usually classified along with other types of aggression. Typically, cats hide behind walls, stalking and pouncing on approaching feet and ankles, inflicting scratches and minor bite wounds. Mature cats will capture and kill small rodents and birds.

Medical problems. There are a variety of medical causes of aggression in cats. These include hyperthyroidism, ischemic encephalopathy, brain tumor, head trauma, and thiamine deficiency.
         
Feline fear. As unpleasant as fear may be to experience, it keeps us and our animals safe by encouraging caution and by preparing us for fight or flight when danger threatens. Problems arise, however, if fears become so excessive and irrational that they disrupt normal functioning.

Separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in any species implies a lack of confidence and an over-dependence on others. Cats with separation anxiety don't howl and bay like dogs and they don't chew on doors and windowsills in frantic attempts to escape. Their misery is far less obvious and it sometimes takes a sleuth of an owner to appreciate what is going on. Housesoiling occurring only in the owner's absence is a good clue.

Thunderstorm phobia.  Few species – including humans – are happy with the sounds of a rip-roaring thunderstorm, complete with darkened skies, lightning, and crashing thunder. But some animals become extremely fearful to the point where they show a full-blown phobia. Cats are probably far from comfortable in storms but most don't become phobic – although there are a few notable exceptions.

Compulsive behaviors. Compulsive behavior initially may be performed as a displacement behavior. For example, when a cat is torn between responding with aggression or running away, he may displace into a seemingly unrelated behavior, such as grooming, as a way to reduce emotional tension. The most common compulsive behaviors exhibited by cats include wool sucking or fabric eating, over-grooming/hair-barbering/hair-pulling behavior, and feline hyperesthesia.

Feeding compulsion. Many cats suffer from eating compulsions. Like people, cats may use their compulsive disorders as an outlet when natural behaviors are inhibited by poor management practices and/or a restrictive environment. Genetic factors may also be involved.

Hoarding behavior. In the domestic situation, depositing dead prey animals on the front doorstep is probably one of the most well known forms of feline gathering behavior. Collecting and hoarding of shiny objects, including jewelry and small metal objects, may also occur; the items are not just retrieved; they are stashed and hoarded.

Hyperesthesia. Cats affected by this syndrome show the most bizarre character changes, sometimes appearing to hallucinate, act manically, schizophrenic, or even "possessed." This behavior occurs in bouts.

Psychogenic alopecia. The result of compulsive hair pulling is alopecia (baldness) that can be so mild as to be barely discernable or so severe as to completely denude the skin. The areas most commonly involved are the abdomen and the inside of the limbs.

Furniture scratching. Cats love to scratch. Unfortunately, the things they love to scratch are often the legs of your antique table, your upholstered sofa, or your expensive stereo speakers. And no amount of reprimanding or pulling out your hair in frustration will make them stop. But there are ways of redirecting this species-typical behavior of cats.

Jumping on counters. There are two main reasons why cats find countertops so appealing: 1. Because cats naturally prefer a three-dimensional environment 2. Because they occasionally find food morsels while patrolling the surfaces. You can either work hard at retraining your cat(s) or teach yourself not to worry so much about your cat's counter-surfing.

Once you understand what is underlies your cat's behavior and realize what is needed to correct the problem, you are well on your way to keeping your family intact.

Source: http://www.petplace.com

Cat Facts

1. On average, cats spend 2/3 of every day sleeping. That means a nine-year-old cat has been awake for only three years of its life.
2. Unlike dogs, cats do not have a sweet tooth. Scientists believe this is due to a mutation in a key taste receptor.
3. When a cat chases its prey, it keeps its head level. Dogs and humans bob their heads up and down.
4. The technical term for a cat’s hairball is a “bezoar.
5. A group of cats is called a “clowder.”
6. Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more often left pawed. Interestingly, while 90% of humans are right handed, the remaining 10% of lefties also tend to be male.
7. A cat can’t climb head first down a tree because every claw on a cat’s paw points the same way. To get down from a tree, a cat must back down.
8. Cats make about 100 different sounds. Dogs make only about 10.

Taken from: http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-cats.html

Argo

Nadine

Ponsford

Stars and Stripes

Willis

Deniro and Desi

Cher

Mindi and Jonny

Kitten & Cat Proofing Your Home

Here are some ways to kitten (and cat) proof your home to keep them safe!

1. String –
Keep string, ribbon, yarn, tinsel, rubber bands, plastic jug rings, paper clips, pins, dental floss, and other temptations away from your curious cat.  Anything string-like that is swallowed by your cat can cause a partial or complete obstruction.  It can saw through the wall of the intestinal tract and cause peritonitis, an inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs.

Keep sewing baskets behind closed doors.  Put dental floss and string in a trash container with a secure lid.  Don’t use yarn or ribbons to decorate packages.  Hide rubber bands and toys with tails or streamers.  Keep shoes in closets to protect kittens from ingesting the shoelaces.  Put away decorative throw pillows, blankets bordered with tassels or fringe until the kitten is older and less curious.

Toys that dangle from a string are great fun and an excellent way to interact with your pet.  However, these should never be left alone with the kitten because they pose a risk if the string is swallowed or if it gets wrapped around the kitten’s neck during play.  Put fishing-pole toys in a closet with a closed door when you can’t be around to supervise playtime.

2. Cords and Curtains –
Fold and secure your window blinds cord out of kitty's reach. If she gets tangled up in it, she could strangle.  It never hurts to flip your curtains up over their rods for a couple months.  Tuck electrical cords out of the kitty’s reach.  Cover electric cords, such as the tangle from your computer, with covers sold for that purpose.  Look for cord organizers that enclose them in chew-proof tubes.

3. Medication –
Never give a kitten any medication without checking with your veterinarian first.  Be extra carful to pick up any pills you drop.

4. Plants –
Kittens love to nibble on greenery.  Keep harmful plants like chrysanthemum, azalea, tulip bulbs, oleander, sago palms, rhododendrons and castor beans are just a few of the plants that can be harmful to your cat.  Lilies are particularly poisonous, and even small amounts can make your kitten sick.

Put away or throw away anything that might tempt a kitten to eat it, including potpourri scented with aromatic oils.  It may smell wonderful, but it can be deadly if your cat eats them.

5. Appliances, Furniture & Crawlspaces –
Kittens will explore, play or nap in small, dark places like the washer or dryer, the sleeper sofa or under the recliner.  Always keep the door to your clothes dryer closed, and double-check inside before using it. Be aware of where your cat or kitten is before closing the refrigerator door.  The food can be enticing, but they can quickly suffer from hypothermia.

Do a kitten search before folding up the sleeper sofa or lowering the footrest of a recliner.  Pets can become trapped underneath and be severely injured.  Keep your toilet lid down at all times, lest kitty fall in or drink from it. Better yet, keep your bathroom off-limits to your kitten unless you absolutely have to keep her litter box there.

Consider purchasing inexpensive baby latches for floor-level cupboards and closets.  An especially curious cat may need baby latches on upper level cupboards as well.  Be on the lookout for potential access points that your kitten could sneak into.  Watch out for spaces under curios and hutches.  Kittens can become trapped there.

Adding Kittens to Your Home

Kitten season is upon us.  Be sure you have everything ready before brining your new kitten home. 

1.       Litter box – The sides should be short enough that the kitten can easily climb in and out.  Place the box in a quiet spot and show her where it is.  If possible, keep a litter box on each level of your home.  You may need to have a litter box in multiple rooms on a single level for your kitten.  Kittens are small and may not be able to get to the litter box in time if it is too far away.  While they are new to your home, they may not remember where the litter box is located.

2.       Cat carrier – Your pet needs a safe place to be when being transported to the vet or other destination.  Hard-sided carriers are best as they provide better protection than a soft-sided carrier if you are in an accident.

3.       Cat bed – Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, kittens even more.  If you have a dog, it’s important to give your kitten a safe and private place to sleep.

4.       Kitten food – Until they are 1 year old, kittens need up to three times the calories as adult cats.  Look for food made especially for kittens and feed the recommended amount on the label.  If you have a dog, place the food where the dog cannot get to, as kitty food can upset a dog’s stomach and add unwanted pounds.

5.       Water bowls – Place several water bowls throughout the house.  Keep them clean and filled with cool, fresh water.  If your kitten is not drinking much, try a flatter dish that does not surround her small face.  Some cats do not like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl.  If your cat prefers running water, a kitty water fountain may work better than a regular dish.

6.       Cat proof – Put away cleaners and pick up anything they could swallow.  More information on properly kitten-proofing your home will be posted later this week.

7.       Perches & toys – Kitties enjoy looking out windows and watching the birds.  Cat stands and window beds allow your pet to be safely entertained by birds, rabbits and other wildlife.  They also provide a safe place to get away from other pets in the house.  Cats and kittens love to play.  Ensure that you have safe toys for your pet to play with.  Even commercial cat toys should be checked for loose strings, holes and small pieces that can come off (e.g. eyes and noses).  Some cats will eat these small items which can be dangerous.  

8.       Scratching surfaces – Kittens (and cats) need to learn where it is OK to scratch.  To keep kitty off the curtains, give her a sisal-covered pole to climb up.  Don’t wand kitty clawing the couch?  Put up scratching posts.  Show your kitty how to use the approved scratching surfaces.  Pretend to sharpen your claws on them, or sprinkle some catnip on the surfaces.  Make sure that any posts are well secured.  Bitter Apple or lemon-scented sprays are both great for marking areas you want to be off-limits. Cats hate the taste and/or scent of them.

9.   Play –  Be prepared to gently play with your kitten each day.  This keeps her fit, develops coordination and provides an outlet for chasing and pouncing.  If she likes to use her teeth or claws, give her something to bite on or cling to when playing.  Do not use your hand as a toy!  If she thinks that hands are toys, she might accidently hurt someone.

Source: pets.webmd.com, petstreet.com, cats.about.com

Valley Cats Video Contest

Hello Red River Valley.  Have you adopted a cat from CCS?  Even if you have not, we invite area cat lovers to submit their on cat videos as part of the Internet Cat Video Festival screening at the Fargo Theatre on September 4.

Entries will be juried and the winners will appear in a special segment called Valley Cats.  Entry forms are due by Friday, August 8.  Submit the form to Becky Dunham at bdunham@plainsart.org along with a .mov file via Dropbox.  Each video must be two minutes or less.  Click on the link below for the entry form.

Valley Cats Entry Form

Open House - KITTENS!!!

Kittens, kittens and MORE kittens!  We have over 60 kittens in foster care, some of which will be at our open house on Saturday from 12:00 - 5:00 pm.  If you are looking to add a kitten (or two, or three…) to your family, stop by and see us.  We are located at 9  9th Street South, Fargo.

Here are a few pictures of our cute and curious kittens.

Chevy

Deniro

Desi

Finch

Harry Potter

Jewel

Ron Weasley

Stars-n-Stripes