Cats – Ontario SPCA and Humane Society https://ontariospca.ca Protecting Animals Since 1873 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:44:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.3 It’s happening meow: Animal centres gear up for kitten season https://ontariospca.ca/blog/its-happening-meow-animal-centres-gear-up-for-kitten-season/ Wed, 01 May 2024 12:00:44 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=41642 Kitten season is upon us, which means it’s the time of year when Ontario SPCA animal centres see an increase in the number of feline families, pregnant cats and litters of orphaned kittens come into their care.   During this busy time at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province, our staff and volunteers are focused […]

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Kitten season is upon us, which means it’s the time of year when Ontario SPCA animal centres see an increase in the number of feline families, pregnant cats and litters of orphaned kittens come into their care.  

During this busy time at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province, our staff and volunteers are focused on helping these tiny feline friends and their moms thrive. It can sometimes mean sleepless nights, round-the-clock bottle feeding, veterinary appointments and all the usual care that comes with keeping cats and kittens happy and healthy.   

Kitten season might begin in the spring, but it doesn’t typically peak until the late summer months. That’s when the number of kittens coming into Ontario SPCA animal centres can double or even triple monthly intake numbers compared to earlier in the year.   

Foster families save lives   

When a pregnant cat comes into our care, we try to place her in a foster home wherever possible. This gives mom a quiet, comfortable space to have her babies. As her kittens grow, that one-on-one time with their foster family in a home environment helps socialize them and prepare them for the day when they will be adopted into their loving home.  

Fostering kittens is a big job, especially when it comes to caring for orphaned kittens who need constant care and feeding. Without a mother, they depend on their foster family for everything.   

To help set our foster families up for success, we send them home with all the supplies they will need to care for their feline family. Our animal centres are in regular contact with the foster families to help ensure things go smoothly. The kittens come back to our animal centres every two weeks to be weighed, and so we can administer any de-worming or vaccinations needed at that time.   

Learn more about becoming a foster volunteer   

Teaching social skills  

 It is much easier to socialize kittens born to a socialized mom.. Like all baby animals, they take their cues from their mothers. Still, they need to be handled regularly once they are old enough to get them used to being touched – important prep work for the day they are old enough to be adopted into a loving home!  

Sometimes kittens are born to under-socialized or community cat moms who come into our care. These kittens need extra socialization away from their mom. If she’s fearful of people, she passes that fear along to her kittens.   

Once the kittens are past the most fragile period of their development, we begin to separate them from their mom for short periods of time to pick them up and handle them. As they get older, we spend longer periods of time with them, playing with them and letting them explore. The goal is always to make every interaction as positive as possible to help prepare them for life with a family in a loving home.   

Our animal care team also tries to expose kittens to as many things as possible. One day could include bringing an umbrella to work to let them see new objects; another day could be wearing a hat while working around the kittens. They even go so far as to play real-life sounds like thunderstorms or household noises to familiarize the kittens with common sounds.   

Preventing kitten season  

Spaying and neutering animals is the key to reducing the number of homeless cats and kittens that come into our animal centres. To put it in perspective, one female cat is capable of producing as many as 120 kittens in her lifetime!   

You can help reduce pet overpopulation by speaking to your veterinarian about having your cat spayed or neutered. To learn more about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s spay/neuter services, visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter 

Already have your pets spayed or neutered? Thank you! Please consider “Spaying it forward” by making a donation to cover the cost of a spay or neuter surgery for an animal in our care.   

Adopt a cat or kitten  

If you’ve been thinking of welcoming a furry friend into your family, visit our adoption page at ontariospca.ca/adopt to see cats and kittens available for adoption. Animals adopted through the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, de-wormed, up to date on vaccinations, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.  

 

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Using Growth Charts: Atomic Habits for Our Furry Friends https://ontariospca.ca/blog/using-growth-charts-atomic-habits-for-our-furry-friends/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:00:55 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=49104 Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America  March 1st, 2000  As the veterinarian stepped into the exam room, she couldn’t help but notice the litter of adorable puppies snuggled up together in a small crate. They had been brought in for their first check-up, and the vet was […]

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Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America 

March 1st, 2000 

As the veterinarian stepped into the exam room, she couldn’t help but notice the litter of adorable puppies snuggled up together in a small crate. They had been brought in for their first check-up, and the vet was eager to ensure their health and growth were on track. 

As the consultation progressed, she couldn’t shake the thought that perhaps she should have growth charts for the puppies, like in human medicine. After all, it was always an essential component of pediatric check-ups when she brought her own children to the doctor. The idea made perfect sense. What better way to monitor healthy growth than to collect quantitative data like weight and height and compare them to the standard values listed in the charts her doctor used. 

It would be a great tool, just like growth charts in human medicine that could provide valuable insights and early detection of any potential issues for these puppies.  

To her knowledge, no such tool existed in veterinary medicine, but hey, this would certainly be a game-changer.  

March 1st, 2023 

Pediatric growth charts for puppies and kittens are a reality that is available to all veterinarians and pet parents. And I believe they are true game changers!  

What are pediatric growth charts for puppies and kittens?

You are certainly familiar with the growth charts that are used in human medicine by pediatricians. Now, in veterinary medicine, we have them as well for puppies and kittens!  

I see them as a modern-day compass, guiding pet parents through the maze of growth and development. And in their hands lies the power to not only nurture, but to also protect the well-being of their beloved pets. 

Pediatric growth charts in puppies and kittens track two parameters: weight and age. As you can see on the pictures 1 and 2, they are made of several lines (called centile lines) and help us analyze an animal’s growth pattern.  

A normal growth pattern should follow along the centiles lines that are drawn there. However, if it crosses 2 centiles upwards or downwards, we have a growth alert. If the pet exhibits such a sudden decline or stagnation in growth, the growth chart serves as an invaluable reference that allows pet parents to promptly consult a veterinarian and address the issue if needed.  

You can access them here for puppies, and here for kittens. 

Puppy growth chart

Kitten Growth Chart

The importance of growth charts for pet health

Monitoring the growth and development of our furry friends is just as important as it is for human children when it comes to their health. 

We used to say “puppies/kittens need to grow harmoniously,” but we were mainly looking at it from a qualitative aspect, unable to objectively quantify what it meant. 

Now that we have growth charts, we can.  

Yet, we are still facing the same challenge that human medicine faces. 

We have the tools, but we do not always use them. 

Overcoming obstacles to using growth charts

As I was going through the literature on pediatric growth charts in human medicine, I noticed that one obstacle to implementing them in a country is ensuring that… doctors actually take the time to use them. 

This “time constraint” excuse is frequently used by doctors, despite the wealth of evidence showing the benefits of growth charts in promoting children’s health. 

However, in human medicine it is clearly established that underutilization of growth data can have severe consequences, such as missed opportunities for early detection of growth disorders and inadequate monitoring of treatment effectiveness. 

Therefore, making time for thorough analysis and monitoring of growth patterns is essential, and it would be time well invested! 

True for human doctors…. and true for veterinarians and pet parents I guess. 

Sure, they have some limitations. 

We don’t have growth charts for giant dogs because the study showed significant variations in giant breeds. 

The charts for kittens are based on domestic short hair kittens, and one can argue that in Bombays or Maine Coons, we might be looking at very different growth patterns. 

But think of the story at the beginning of the post. 

Twenty years ago, we had nothing at all. 

And in our data-driven world, I am sure that, with time, those puppy and kitten growth charts will be perfected. 

After all, even in humans, they did not get it right immediately; they constantly revisit and adapt their models. 

There is no doubt that, in veterinary medicine, we will get there as well. 

Making growth charts an atomic habit in veterinary medicine

Despite these limitations, growth charts can still be a valuable tool for monitoring the health of puppies and kittens. 

When used in conjunction with other assessments, such as physical exams, they can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a puppy or kitten’s health and development. 

As mentioned earlier, we are fortunate to live in an era where we have numerous resources to help enhance the well-being of puppies and kittens. 

On this topic, I refer to James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits.”: 

“Atomic Habits are the Building Blocks of Remarkable Results”.  

This evaluation should be a standard aspect of every pediatric appointment.  

We must transform it into an atomic habit of veterinary pediatric consultations. And this is something pet parents should implement for their puppies and kittens as well. 

When “atomic habits” become ingrained, they bring about significant changes. 

Growth charts are available, so let’s make the most of them! 

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EmmanuelFontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, he continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d’Etude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and completed his PhD in 2012 on the use of GnRH agonists in canines. From September 2011 to September 2018, he worked as Technical Services Veterinarian for the PRO team at Royal Canada. He then was in charge of Scientific Communication for the Americas until August 2022. He now works as Senior Scientific Communications Veterinarian for Royal Canin North America.   

 

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Sifting through litter box options to find the purr-fect fit for your cat https://ontariospca.ca/blog/sifting-through-litter-box-options-to-find-the-purr-fect-fit-for-your-cat/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:29 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=48448 Providing your cat with the right litter box is essential for their comfort and well-being. With various options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best fit for your feline friend. We’ve explored the different types of litter boxes to help you find the right one.  Open vs. covered litter boxes  The first decision […]

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Providing your cat with the right litter box is essential for their comfort and well-being. With various options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best fit for your feline friend. We’ve explored the different types of litter boxes to help you find the right one. 

Open vs. covered litter boxes 

The first decision to make is whether you want an open or covered litter box. Open litter boxes are spacious and provide easy access for your cat. They are a great choice for cats who may feel confined or claustrophobic in covered spaces. On the other hand, covered litter boxes offer more privacy for your cat and help contain odors. Some cats may not like the enclosed feeling, so it’s essential to observe your cat’s preferences. 

Selecting the right size 

Choosing the right size of litter box is crucial for your cat’s comfort. A litter box should be large enough for your cat to move around comfortably and turn without feeling cramped. If you have a kitten, consider the future growth potential when selecting the size. Cats generally prefer larger boxes, so opting for one that exceeds the minimum recommended dimensions is a wise choice. 

Entrance design  

The entry style of the litter box is another factor to consider. Traditional litter boxes have a low entry point, making them accessible for cats of all ages. However, if you have an elderly cat or a cat with physical limitations, consider a litter box with a lower entrance or even a top-entry box to make it easier for them to access and exit. 

Self-cleaning options 

For cat parents with busy schedules, self-cleaning litter boxes can be a game-changer. These automated systems use sensors to detect when your cat has used the box and automatically scoop away waste, keeping the litter clean. While they can be convenient, it’s essential to introduce your cat to the new system gradually to ensure they feel comfortable using it. 

Litter box material 

Consider the material of the litter box, as it can impact both your cat’s experience and the ease of cleaning. Plastic is a common choice due to its affordability and lightweight nature. However, some cats may develop aversions to certain textures or materials, so if your cat seems hesitant, explore alternatives like stainless steel or high-quality, odor-resistant plastics. Cats also have a very strong sense of smell, so you may want to consider a non-scented litter in place of a scented litter.

Multiple boxes for multiple cats 

If you have multiple cats, it’s essential to have multiple litter boxes. The rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus an additional litter box. Cats can be territorial (resource guarding), and providing separate spaces for each cat helps prevent conflicts and ensures that each feline friend has their private area. Place the boxes in quiet, easily accessible locations to accommodate the needs of all your cats. 

Litter box location 

Another important factor to consider is the location of the litter box. If you have multiple litter boxes for multiple cats, consider dispersing them around the house and make sure that there is one on each level. This will prevent one cat from getting territorial (resource guarding) over all the boxes and causing your other cats to have accidents elsewhere. Cats are also private about doing their business, so establishing litter boxes in quiet areas with less traffic will help encourage them to use the litterbox. 

Having a hard time getting your cat to use the litter box? Check out our blog on troubleshooting litterbox issues. 

Finding the best litter box for your cat involves factors like box type, size, entry style, and material. By observing your cat’s behaviour and preferences, you can choose a litter box that aligns with their needs, promoting a positive and stress-free litter box experience. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep your cat’s space hygienic and comfortable. Remember, a well-chosen litter box contributes to a happier and healthier life for your beloved feline companion. 

Visit the ontariospca.ca/blog for more tips on litter box maintenance and training! 

 

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Can my dog be trained not to chase cats? https://ontariospca.ca/blog/train-dog-not-to-chase-cats/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:06 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=37181 Dogs and cats can be known to be best of friends – or worst of foes! For dogs who have not been introduced to cats before, the urge to chase can occur. When a cat is being chased, it creates a stressful and potentially dangerous environment for both the cat and the dog.   In this […]

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Dogs and cats can be known to be best of friends – or worst of foes! For dogs who have not been introduced to cats before, the urge to chase can occur. When a cat is being chased, it creates a stressful and potentially dangerous environment for both the cat and the dog.  

In this blog, we share tips to increase your dog’s familiarity with cats, as well as develop their recall and cue training. This will encourage them to pay attention to you during an exciting situation, and help you train them not to chase cats.  

Good behaviour begins at home  

Before you introduce your dog to a new family member, such as a cat, be sure to keep them safely separated for the first few weeks.  Slow introductions, such as allowing them to smell each other through a fenced space, like a baby gate, are recommended.  

You can also allow your dog to smell cat-related items prior to the introduction, such as cat toys or bedding. This will help your dog get familiarized with the cat’s scent. Keeping your dog on a leash may also be a good idea, in case they get overwhelmed with excitement at the presence of the new cat 

You should give your cat a space within your house that is off-limits for your dog until they are acclimated to each other. Make sure to never leave a dog and cat alone together unattended. It is also important to always use positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour. For example, give your canine companion a treat whenever they remain calm around the cat, sit when asked, or don’t engage with the cat. This will encourage your dog’s respect towards their new furry family member.   

Read more about introducing dogs and cats here on our blog 

Work on canine cues  

You can use treats for both your cat and dog to keep them focused on you instead of each other in those first few meetings. Practice basic verbal cues with your dog such as stay, come, and leave it. You can also try clicker training as a way to create a positive bridge between your dog and your cat. Many dogs respond very well to clicker training when done correctly.   

If you find your dog is too enthusiastic with your new cat, consider speaking with an experienced professional positive reinforcement-based dog trainer or behaviourist. They can help you to reinforce your basic training and provide suggestions to keep both of your furry friends comfortable around each other.  

Click to learn more about choosing a dog trainer.  

In the neighbourhood  

Even if your dog is being respectful of cats in your household, always keep your dog on a leash when outside the home. This is not only in case they see a community cat, but for the general safety of your dog, as well.  

With proper training and introductions, many dogs can learn to respect and even become good friends with their new furry family member!  

 

 

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Pet allergies: how to manage them https://ontariospca.ca/blog/pet-allergies-how-to-manage-them/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:00:22 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=37877 Have allergies but still want animals? This blog is for you! While allergies can be a bit of an obstacle, having a four-legged friend may still be a possibility. The ASPCA breaks down some tips for managing allergies as a fur parent, so let’s get into it!  What are allergies?  Before we get into how […]

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Have allergies but still want animals? This blog is for you! While allergies can be a bit of an obstacle, having a four-legged friend may still be a possibility. The ASPCA breaks down some tips for managing allergies as a fur parent, so let’s get into it! 

What are allergies? 

Before we get into how you can manage allergies, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. The medical term for allergies is an allergen – the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Individuals experience a reaction when inhaling or touching an allergen.   

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction according to the ASPCA, are: 

  • Red, itchy, watery eyes and nose 
  • Coughing 
  • Scratchy or sore throat 
  • Itchy skin 
  • Difficulty breathing (in more serious cases) 
What’s causing you to react to your animal? 

Any animal can trigger an allergic reaction. However, cats are the most common animal to trigger allergies.   

According to the ASPCA, the most common animal allergens are proteins found in the scales of old skin that are constantly shed by the animal, also known as their dander. They are also commonly found in animals’ saliva, urine, and sebaceous cells. 

Fur length or type do not prevent allergies. In addition, there are no species to which a human cannot develop allergies. That being said, certain animals or breeds can be less irritating than others.  

How to manage allergies 

We recommend you contact your veterinarian and physician as your ultimate resource for information about the health of your furry friends or your family. We also recommend you consult your veterinarian before using any products on or around your companion animals to ensure they are safe to use.  

The ASPCA suggests that to potentially alleviate allergic reactions to your animals, you can decontaminate your home environment, limit furniture exposure to allergens, as well as find a physician to discuss allergy management. The following are a few more helpful tips from the ASPCA: 

  • Create an allergy free room, such as a bedroom, by preventing your animal from entering this room. Hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials are a smart choice. 
  • Limit fabrics, as allergens tend to collect in drapes, rugs, and upholstery. Washable blinds or shades, as well as cotton-covered furniture are a good idea as well. 
  • Use a vacuum equipped with a disposable electrostatic bag or a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Vacuum frequently. Consider an air filter fitted with a HEPA filter, as well. 
  • Equip yourself with anti-allergen room sprays, which work to deactivate allergens. 
  • If you have a cat, regularly clean the litter box. Unscented, dust-free, clumping cat litter may make the process easier. 
  • Clean your animal’s bedding often.  
  • Bathing and brushing your animal frequently will also help wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur and prevent dander from flaking off into the environment. Check out our guide to bathing your cat. 
  • Wash your hands after cuddling with your fur baby and avoid touching your face. Additionally, pick a designated “animal outfit” that you will wear when cuddling your fur baby. 
  • Have someone else do the house cleaning and animal grooming, if possible.  

For more information and in-depth tips, check out the ASPCA’s blog on animal allergies. You can also find helpful tips for overcoming fear of vacuuming, stress-free grooming, and more on the Fear Free Happy Homes website. 

 

 

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Silverado gets the VIP treatment and a fresh start https://ontariospca.ca/blog/silverado-gets-the-vip-treatment-and-a-fresh-start/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 12:00:27 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=48122 Animals of all types and sizes come into the care of Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres every day. From sweet puppies to frisky cats, we love seeing the different personalities that emerge when an animal is in our care. But sometimes animals arrive who need a little extra help coming out of their […]

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Animals of all types and sizes come into the care of Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres every day. From sweet puppies to frisky cats, we love seeing the different personalities that emerge when an animal is in our care. But sometimes animals arrive who need a little extra help coming out of their shell, or additional support to learn appropriate behaviours before they are ready to find a loving home.  

This was the case for Silverado. When Silverado arrived at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre he was very nervous and anxious in the shelter environment. The stress was affecting him so much that he needed anxiety medication and was placed in the VIP program to give him more one-on-one support.   

The Ontario SPCA’s VIP program, which stands for Very Important Paws, helps animals like Silverado who need a little extra help. Sometimes it’s a puppy who needs to learn new behaviours, a cat that needs more socialization, or and adult friend who is having challenges adjusting to major changes in their life. Whatever their needs, the VIP program is uniquely tailored to each animal. 

Once Silverado was identified as a good candidate for the VIP program, our team of animal behavioural specialists created an individual plan using evidence-based training and Fear Free® techniques to help reduce his stress and build his trust. The team knew Silverado could overcome his challenges with appropriate enrichment and socialization. 

With Silverado on the path to success, he was matched with a foster family who was committed to helping him be his best self. In his new environment, Silverado was given his own room and the space he needed to adjust at his own pace. After a few weeks, Silverado was exploring his new environment and starting to seek attention from his foster family. 

With the help of the VIP program and Silverado’s foster home, he was finally able to be adopted to his furever family! 

Silverado is now feeling like the king of the castle in his new home. He loves climbing up the 7.5-foot cat tower he shares with his feline family members where he claims his spot at the top of his throne. He spends hours perched there but still likes to come down for love and attention. 

“Willow, one of the other cats, really helped him come out of his shell. They are a real pair those two,” says Jeff, Silverado’s adopter.  

Looking back at Silverado’s journey, this once high-stress cat has come a long way to living his best life.  

The VIP program has allowed Silverado to overcome his behavioural challenges and helped him put his best paw forward. Now he is enjoying the loving home he deserves.  

Visit our website to learn more about the VIP program and how it’s changing the lives of animals. If you’ve been thinking of adopting, visit our adoption page to see animals waiting for loving homes – watch for the VIP icon to meet our most special furry friends! 

Not in a position to adopt? Please consider donating to support the VIP program. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals. Please donate today. 

 

 

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Coming together to help community cats this winter https://ontariospca.ca/blog/coming-together-to-help-community-cats-this-winter/ Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:00:52 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=48088 Ensuring animals are safe and comfortable is at the core of what we do at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. This includes our feral cat friends! Thanks to our community partners, we were able to build hundreds of feral cat shelters to help cats across Ontario.   As a direct result of animals left unaltered […]

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Ensuring animals are safe and comfortable is at the core of what we do at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. This includes our feral cat friends! Thanks to our community partners, we were able to build hundreds of feral cat shelters to help cats across Ontario.  

As a direct result of animals left unaltered and abandoned, cat overpopulation is an issue across Ontario and has resulted in a staggering number of feral cats, also known as community cats. A trap, neuter, vaccinate, return approach is the only economically viable and truly humane approach to feral cat population stabilization. These cats often spend the winter months trying to survive the outdoors in extreme weather.    

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society developed feral cat support programs, which includes feral cat shelters, to assist feral cat caretakers in managing their colonies. With these incredibly important shelters, we can ensure that these cats stay safe and warm during the cold winter months. 

In 2023, our goal was to surpass the number of shelters built last year, and we are so excited to announce that we successfully constructed over 200 shelters for cats in need! Achieving this milestone required the collective effort of dedicated staff and corporate volunteers coming together to help animals. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Honda Canada, Under Armour, Liberty Mutual and Desjardins for their incredible support and hard work in helping us build these feral cat shelters. It’s through the collaborative effort and compassion of the community that we can aid animals in need across Ontario! 

For more information on how your company can get involved and support animals, visit our website. 

 

 

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How to teach a cat to wear a harness https://ontariospca.ca/blog/how-to-teach-a-cat-to-wear-a-harness/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:18 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=47572 Have an adventurous kitty who always loves to be by your side? Or a feline friend who begs to go outside? In this blog we’ll break down choosing a harness, and steps to help your cat feel comfortable.  Start with a collar  If your cat doesn’t already wear a collar, we would recommend you get […]

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Have an adventurous kitty who always loves to be by your side? Or a feline friend who begs to go outside? In this blog we’ll break down choosing a harness, and steps to help your cat feel comfortable. 

Start with a collar 

If your cat doesn’t already wear a collar, we would recommend you get them acclimatized with this first. Should your cat become lost, a collar can help someone identify them and increase the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend. For tips to train your cat to wear a collar, click here. 

Choosing a harness: 
  • Choose an H-type harness or a walking jacket. 
  • Figure-eight type harnesses are not secure for cats. 
  • Adjust the harness so when it is on the cat you can place two fingers between the cat and the harness. Make sure it is snug enough the cat can’t slip out. 
  • For a larger cat, you may need to buy a harness made for a small dog. 
Helping your cat acclimatize to the harness 

Most cats initially dislike the feeling of the harness, so you’ll want to distract your cat in some way while the harness is on. Using treats works well here. 

Create positive associations with the harness. You can put the harness on your cat at feeding time and have him wear it for a few minutes while he is eating, play a favorite game with him while he is wearing it, or just give him a tasty treat. All create positive associations! 

Follow these steps to get started:  
  1. Show the cat the harness, laying the harness beside the cat allowing them to sniff as you immediately provide treats, praise, and/or pets.
  2. If the cat is not interested in the harness, place some treats or their food bowl beside or on the harness to entice them to go to it.
  3. Continue these steps until they don’t react when picking up or putting down the harness near them. 
Putting on the harness
  1. Lure the cat into the harness leaving the harness hanging on the cat while you feed them. Repeat this step several times before putting the harness on fully. 
  2. Gently put the harness on the cat and reward right away with a high-value meal.
  3. Have the cat wear the harness for a few minutes while they are eating.
  4. If the cat is not eating with the harness on, try to engage the cat in play for a few minutes. 
  5. Slowly increase the time the harness is on and reward during that time.
  6. Once the cat is comfortably wearing the harness for 5 minutes or more, you can add a leash.

It’s important to supervise your cat at all times while they are wearing a harness. With patience, many cats come to accept the harness and enjoy the freedom that comes with enjoying the outdoors in a safe, supervised setting.   

Congratulations! Your cat is ready for the next step: training them to walk on a leash. Happy adventuring! 

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Touch the target – Enrichment game for cats https://ontariospca.ca/blog/touch-the-target-enrichment-game-for-cats/ Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:00:16 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=47458 Does your cat ever get the “zoomies”? Although this behaviour is quite normal, it can also be an indicator that your furry friend is looking for some additional activity and enrichment. In today’s blog, we’re going to walk you through the “Touch the target” game and why your cat will enjoy it!  Why the Touch […]

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Does your cat ever get the “zoomies”? Although this behaviour is quite normal, it can also be an indicator that your furry friend is looking for some additional activity and enrichment. In today’s blog, we’re going to walk you through the “Touch the target” game and why your cat will enjoy it! 

Why the Touch the target game? 

The targeting game can be played in very short sessions, with one cat or several. It can also be played frequently or just occasionally, and by one person or several people. 

Keep training sessions short, 1-2 minutes, and take many breaks to set the cat up for success. For cats who aren’t as interested in the target, stick add a very small amount of high-value spreadable food at the end. 

You will need:   

  • A highly preferred food treat, such as canned tuna or tuna in a pouch   
  • A pencil, chopstick, popsicle stick, or dowel, to serve as a target   
  • Clicker (optional) 
Teaching your cat to touch the target 
  1. Hold the target item within an inch of your cat’s head to introduce the target. 
  2. The cat should naturally put their head out to sniff the target item. 
  3. As soon as the cat touches the target with their nose, mark (click or say “yes”) and reward with a high-value treat. Read more about clicker training on our blog.  
  4. Continue steps 1-3 a few times in several different sessions, taking breaks before the cat becomes disinterested and until the cat is consistently touching the target. 
  5. Once the cat is reliably touching the target, add the verbal cue “Touch” as the cat touches the target stick, then mark (click or say “yes”) and reward. 
  6. As the cat is successfully touching the target, increase difficulty by moving the target away by 1-2inches and eventually in different areas around the cat so the cat must move to get to the target. 

In later sessions, try placing the target further away from your cat so he must take a step or two towards it, offering the target when your cat is in motion, or seeing if you can get your cat to follow it.  

Targeting can simply be a fun activity (you can get creative with how you use it) – or it can be used to help redirect behaviours you don’t like, such as pouncing, scratching or biting. 

We hope you have fun teaching your cat this enrichment technique! 

Check out more cat training and care tips on our blog.  

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Halloween costume safety https://ontariospca.ca/blog/halloween-costumes-tips-for-your-pet/ Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:00:50 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=37912 This Halloween, you may be planning on dressing your furry friend to take part in the festivities with you.   But how can you safely introduce your fur baby to a costume, and what are some warning signs to watch for in case they aren’t comfortable with it?  Here’s how to make sure dressing up for […]

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This Halloween, you may be planning on dressing your furry friend to take part in the festivities with you.  

But how can you safely introduce your fur baby to a costume, and what are some warning signs to watch for in case they aren’t comfortable with it? 

Here’s how to make sure dressing up for Halloween is a safe and fun experience for your furry family members: 

  • Make sure your companion animal is costume-comfortable 
    • Prepare for Halloween by ensuring your companion animal is comfortable and enjoys wearing their spooky get-up. As much as you may want them to dress up, their safety and comfort should always come first.  
  • Set up time in advance to introduce the costume to your furry friend 
    • Many animals are okay with costumes when they get used to them. However, if your companion animal never feels comfortable in the costume, that’s okay, too – you can still rock your own costume. Read for more tips on how to introduce a costume. 
  • Do a pre-Halloween practice 
    • Let your furry family member smell and check out the costume a week or so before Halloween. Give them a treat, wrap a towel around them cape-style to get a sense of how they’ll feel in it on Halloween, and use a light and relaxed tone.  
  • Watch for their response 
    • Any movement like shaking, scratching, or rubbing to remove a costume piece is a clear sign from your fur baby that they aren’t comfortable with the costume. If this happens, you can try modifying the costume so they may be more comfortable.  

Costumes also shouldn’t get in the way of a leash or harness. If the one you’ve chosen does, you may want to simply share pictures from home, and then take the costume off before leaving your home. Also, consider these tips from Fear Free Happy Homes before deciding to bring your pooch along for trick or treating. 

Never include human hair dye in your animal’s costume 

Human hair dye does not belong on animals. It’s toxic to animals and using it just once can be harmful. Glitter should also be avoided.  

Whether your companion animal enjoys being in a costume or not, their safety and security should always come first. Halloween is meant to be enjoyed. Following our tips will help ensure both of you can enjoy the day to the fullest!  

Discover more costume tips, as well as how your furry family member can have a fun, fear free Halloween this year.  

 

 

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