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Cats don’t ask for much. They are social, but quiet in the house. They offer unconditional love. So why then would they ever come to a Humane Society?
Because they hate change.
It sounds odd. I know. And. in fact. the reasons listed on intake paperwork talk about specific behaviors like litter box issues or problems getting along with other cats.
Almost all of these reasons, however, have an underlying cause. Usually this is a change of some sort that caused your cat to feel anxiety.
Remember, cats can’t talk! New people, people leaving, moving or even just changing your schedule all can cause a cat to “act out” with any number of undesirable behaviors.
They are trying to tell you something!
Caring Hands Humane Society has helped a lot of people through issues like this without giving up their cat! The key lies in introducing change gradually. Take bringing a new cat home to meet a resident cat.
Go slow! Give them time to adjust. Keep the new cat in a “base” room at first. They should be able to scent each other but little else. Then crack the door a bit. Next allow them in the same room but on different laps.
Bring the new cat out in the rest of the house for short times. If you see territorial behavior drop back a step.
Wait till it goes away then try again — even more slowly! The whole process could take two months or more.
With knowledge and patience you can fix almost any behavioral problem — or even better, prevent it!
Allergies are another problem. Most are mild enough you can buy time to find a home for your cat with over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.
Remember cats don’t do well with change. A home-to-home adoption will be much less stressful for your cat. I will cover ways you can find a new home for your pet in an upcoming article.
I don’t want you to think we’re not here for you if you need to give up your cat, though. We are, and we have an excellent save rate. But the best way we can help you with your cat is to help you solve the problem.
To learn how, call us at 283-0839 or visit the online behavioral and training center at www.caringhandshs.org/center.html.
— Jack Brand,
marketing and public
relations coordinator,
Caring Hands Humane
Society
Cats don’t ask for much. They are social, but quiet in the house. They offer unconditional love. So why then would they ever come to a Humane Society?
Because they hate change.It sounds odd. I know. And. in fact. the reasons listed on intake paperwork talk about specific behaviors like litter box issues or problems getting along with other cats. Almost all of these reasons, however, have an underlying cause. Usually this is a change of some sort that caused your cat to feel anxiety. Remember, cats can’t talk! New people, people leaving, moving or even just changing your schedule all can cause a cat to “act out” with any number of undesirable behaviors. They are trying to tell you something!Caring Hands Humane Society has helped a lot of people through issues like this without giving up their cat! The key lies in introducing change gradually. Take bringing a new cat home to meet a resident cat.Go slow! Give them time to adjust. Keep the new cat in a “base” room at first. They should be able to scent each other but little else. Then crack the door a bit. Next allow them in the same room but on different laps. Bring the new cat out in the rest of the house for short times. If you see territorial behavior drop back a step. Wait till it goes away then try again — even more slowly! The whole process could take two months or more.With knowledge and patience you can fix almost any behavioral problem — or even better, prevent it!Allergies are another problem. Most are mild enough you can buy time to find a home for your cat with over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.Remember cats don’t do well with change. A home-to-home adoption will be much less stressful for your cat. I will cover ways you can find a new home for your pet in an upcoming article.I don’t want you to think we’re not here for you if you need to give up your cat, though. We are, and we have an excellent save rate. But the best way we can help you with your cat is to help you solve the problem.To learn how, call us at 283-0839 or visit the online behavioral and training center at www.caringhandshs.org/center.html. — Jack Brand,marketing and public relations coordinator,Caring Hands Humane Society
