Next time you go to the pet store to get some fancy new toys for your cat, consider an additional route to your nearest discount store and pick up a box of ping pong balls.  The expensive ones are about 25 cents per ball.  And look how much fun you and your cat can have:

• Roll one down the hallway.
• Bounce one down the hallway.
• Thread or tape a long string to a ball and drag it under the sofa.
• Thread several on to one long string and drape the string over your doorknob.
• Cut a few holes in the top and sides of a shoe box.  Drop 2 in and fish for them. 
• Cover the bottom of a low flat bucket with about a half inch of water and float them.
• For even more fun, use the bathtub.
• Fill a small cardboard box half full with ping pong balls, then put a couple treats in the bottom.
• Put 5 or 6 of them on the floor of your bathroom and chase them around.
• Put a couple in a stopped bathroom sink and start a slow stream of water running.  (This one, of course, assumes your cat has permission to be on the bathroom sink.)
• Put a couple in a large metal or glass mixing bowl and put it on the floor.

Tell us about your cat’s favorite cheapy play toy!  We love creative ideas. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

An anonymous reader posted a comment over the weekend in response to our blog about community involvement in caring for feral cats. The comment questions our care for the pets at the Robins-Starr Humane Center.

The Richmond SPCA is committed to finding a loving home for every cat and dog in our care and for ending needless loss of life for homeless animals in our community. The writer is correct that we do not perform invasive background checks as part of our adoption process. The adoption procedure at the Richmond SPCA is one often referred to as “open adoptions.” This means that in most cases we try to find a way to make a placement work – by providing education and other tools to help a new adopter provide the best home possible for a pet – rather than seeking reasons to disqualify a person from bringing a pet into his or her home. 

While there are several reasons that our counselors can deny an adoption, we take any denial very seriously and would prefer to provide education to help the adopter become a better pet guardian whenever possible. Consider that being denied adoption by a humane group does not prevent a person from acquiring a pet. It simply sends him or her to seek another source. Pets available for sale through pet stores or newspaper and internet advertisements do not come with the education and training resources we provide and usually are not spayed/neutered and vaccinated, as are all pets adopted from the Richmond SPCA. We would rather a person chose adoption and be given the support we can provide, and every adoption at our center is two lives saved. When you adopt from the Richmond SPCA, you’ve enabled us to save the life of another homeless animal in our community.

Today’s blog author is Tabitha Hanes, community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

Q: My dog can spend hours outside, then as soon as I let him inside he relieves himself on the kitchen floor right in front of me!  How long do I have to keep him outside? 

A: This is actually an easier problem to resolve than it seems.  Your dog’s behavior is telling you that he actually feels more comfortable eliminating in your presence.  And that’s a good thing.  The simple solution to this problem is to make your presence present outside.  In other words, don’t send your dog outside alone.  Go with him – for a while. 

Your dog may actually be worried about being outside alone.  If you take him outside on a regular schedule for a few weeks, you can gradually decrease the time you spend outside with him.  Or you may find you actually enjoy spending time with your dog outside.  Long walks with a friendly companion are actually good therapy for people.  And long walks help your dog eliminate more comfortably outside.  Nothing like a little activity to get the juices flowing – if you know what I mean.  Walking in slow small circles or figure 8’s has also been known to trigger a dog’s need to relieve himself.  Then you’ll be able to praise your dog for relieving himself in front of you – because he did it outside. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

A week has passed since our community was first shocked to discover the brutal decision by Fox Richmond to hire a pest control company to exterminate a colony of feral cats, followed by efforts to bulldoze the cats’ habitat. Yesterday, the operator of that company, Critter Control, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. You can read more about our ongoing efforts to ensure that the colony is humanely managed.

Compassionate members of our community have clearly voiced that the lives of feral cats are not disposable, and the news coverage has provided a platform to provide education about humane and non-lethal approaches to caring for feral cats. The Richmond SPCA supports Trap-Neuter-Return and provides the resources to enable caretakers to manage colonies. Trapping feral cats is rewarding and more simple than it sounds. We will provide the training and perform the sterilization surgery for free (along with rabies vaccination). A nominal trap rental fee is refunded once the trap is returned.

Still have questions about feral cats? Download our frequently asked questions.
Get involved! Sign up for trap-neuter-return training and other volunteer opportunities.

We alerted you yesterday of the inhumane response of WRLH Fox Richmond to the presence of a feral cat colony on their property at 1925 Westmoreland Street. Many of you have quickly responded to our request to contact the station, and we are grateful for your efforts to encourage a compassionate solution. The Richmond SPCA is unwavering in our position that the proven method of Trap, Neuter, Return is in the best interest of the feral cats remaining on and around the property.

We wish to correct misleading statements that have been made to members of the public who have expressed their concern about this important issue. WRLH Fox General Manager Steve Genett has issued a misleading generic form response to concerned citizens who have expressed their outrage with him, WRLH, and Sinclair Broadcast Group over their reckless and inhumane treatment and killing of the feral cats on and around their station. We have also heard from several Richmond SPCA supporters that the person answering the phone in the office of Sinclair Broadcast Group President and CEO David Smith is calling our account of the actions shown on local news and seen by dozens of eyewitnesses untrue. This duplicity is quite troubling.

Fox Richmond is misleading the public by stating that they are working with humane organizations on a non-lethal, humane solution. They have not been in contact about working on a non-lethal solution with the Richmond SPCA, and other humane organizations have confirmed to me that WRLH has not been in contract with them either. Furthermore, WRLH’s plea to have individual members of the public trap and relocate or re-home the feral cats at the station is irresponsible and poses a serious threat to the well being and safety of the cats involved. 

It is vitally important that all who are concerned with the survival of the colony understand that WRLH’s suggestion that individuals trap and relocate or care for the cats themselves is an unacceptable proposition and one that will seriously jeopardize the cats’ safety. 

The Richmond SPCA stands willing and able to work with WRLH Fox on a valid humane and non-lethal program that is in the best interests of the cats and their safety. I will be happy to discuss with WRLH what can be done to achieve those ends but I have not been contacted by them to accept that help as of this time.

For more information about Trap, Neuter, Return please tune in to NBC 12 tonight from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. when members of our Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic staff will answer questions on the Call 12 line. If you have specific questions about caring for feral cats and Trap, Neuter, Return, please call 804-345-1212 or 1-800-733-2812. You may also learn more by visiting our Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic website.

I appreciate your continued interest in this lifesaving subject and all the efforts of our supporters to spread awareness of the value of the lives of feral cats.

Sincerely,

Robin Robertson Starr
Chief Executive Officer
Richmond SPCA

We learned early yesterday that WRLH, the local Fox affiliate located at 1925 Westmoreland Street in Richmond, had contracted a local pest control company to trap and kill stray and feral cats and kittens residing on and around the station’s property. This course of action was deeply troubling to us and I communicated to them our willingness to help manage and control the cat colony using non-lethal humane methods such as trap-neuter-return or relocation.

Yesterday I spoke with a representative of Sinclair Broadcast Group, current owner of the Fox affiliate and recent acquirer of WTVR Channel 6. This representative was unswayed by our offers to assist. This morning I spoke with Steve Genett, General Manager of Fox Richmond. At first he seemed willing to discuss a compromise solution that would incorporate non-lethal methods, but later in our conversation he admitted that bulldozers were plowing through the cat habitat at Fox’s offices at that very moment. I immediately rushed to the location and was shocked and horrified to see the swift and total destruction of the area.

Sinclair Broadcast Group and Fox Richmond’s unconscionable actions are cause for great concern throughout our community. I cannot begin to understand what manner of corporate culture and leadership it would take to behave in this cruel way. I encourage you to contact the following individuals and companies to express your outrage: 

Fox Richmond WRLH Channel 35
Phone: (804) 358-3535
General Manager: Steve Genett
Online Feedback Form: http://www.fox35.com/inside/contact.shtml
Mailing Address: 1925 Westmoreland Street, Richmond, VA 23230

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
Phone: (410) 568-1500
President and CEO: David D. Smith
Online Feedback Form: http://www.sbgi.net/contact/contact.shtml
Mailing Address: 10706 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030

It is also important that other members of the media are made aware of just how upsetting this series of events is to our community. Please let them know by sending e-mails to the following addresses:

I know that Richmonders consider the plight of homeless animals and feral cats to be a very high priority and a cause that is close to their hearts. I had hoped that Fox and Sinclair Broadcast Group would reconsider and continue to operate as a kind and responsible media partner in our community, but that hope was dashed with their inhumane actions this morning.

Sincerely,

Robin Robertson Starr
Chief Executive Officer
Richmond SPCA

In recognition of our contributions to animal welfare in the City of Richmond, last year Mayor L. Douglas Wilder declared June 19 to be Richmond SPCA Humane Education Day. The mayor’s proclamation recognizes the importance of education in making Richmond one of the safest communities in the country for orphaned dogs and cats.

In honor of Richmond SPCA Humane Education Day, we’re inviting all area kids to visit our Robins-Starr Humane Center today. We’ll be passing out free Waggles’ World memberships and dolls in our Lora Robins Gift Shop and will host a kids story time in our Exploratorium at 11 a.m. Waggles, our Humane Education mascot, may even make an appearance!

The Robins-Starr Humane Center is located at 2519 Hermitage Road in Richmond and is open to the public today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no fee to attend these events.

Humane Education at the Richmond SPCA includes programs for both kids and adults that help to instill compassion, kindness and empathy for both humans and animals, develop character, and promote a sense of responsibility. Here’s how you can help!

• Talk to the kids in your life about what to do if they witness animal or any other abuse. Let them know that it’s okay to tell someone they trust about what they saw.
• Talk to the kids in your life about how to be safe around animals. For example, never pet an animal without asking the owner first, never pet an animal that is loose without an owner, don’t interfere with a dog while it is eating, and don’t bother or surprise a sleeping dog.
• If you volunteer at your child’s school, talk to teachers about the possibility of introducing humane education messages in the classroom.
If you are an educator or administrator, consider ways that you can support humane education in the classroom. There are lots of quality lesson plans available on the internet, and our Humane Education Department would be happy to assist.
• Choose an activity that your child can participate in at the Richmond SPCA during his or her summer vacation or throughout the school year. Learn more
Refer a friend to our behavior helpline, which offers free animal behavioral assistance by our expert training staff. 804-643-SPCA or .
• Tell five friends about our free and low-cost Smoky’s Spay-Neuter Clinic, which in 2007 performed more than 11,000 spay and neuter surgeries. Learn more
• Share with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors your thoughts about adopting an orphaned pet and encourage them to look to the Robins-Starr Humane Center when searching for a canine or feline companion to enrich their lives. Learn more

For more information about our Humane Education Program, please call Phyllis Harris at 804-521-1327 or e-mail .

Your answer is:

Birds of prey
Disease
Worms
Injuries
Dogs
Automobiles
Very tall hiding places

What are… “Things that could happen to a cat when he’s left outside?”
That’s correct!  All of these things are dangers for cats left outside unattended.  Cats roaming free can also cause people to have accidents.  It’s all-in-all an unsafe habit to begin – letting your cat outside. 

However, there are safe ways to expose your cat to the outdoors.  Cats can be trained to walk on a leash and harness.  OK, maybe not as reliably as dogs, but that just makes them easier to “walk.” Cats are typically happy to pounce around in the grass chasing twigs or simply bask in the sun.  So you may find it only necessary to walk your cat to the front porch and just sit there with him, holding on to a long light line attached to a harness.  What an enjoyable way for both of you to enjoy the nice weather. 

Do make sure your cat is used to sporting a leash and a harness inside before attempting it outside, though.  If he’s going to be frightened of the equipment, you are best off discovering that inside rather than outside.  Give him time to get used to the idea before trying it outdoors.  And make sure he gets play time and/or treats from you outside as well.  That way he knows who to run to if he gets worried.  Teach your cat to enjoy the outdoors with you rather than running from you. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

With an ongoing heat wave, and cooling shelters being opened in the city for humans, it’s important to remember our pets’ safety as well. Here at the Richmond SPCA, where we’re caring for 112 dogs, many of whom are housebroken (or working on those skills), we’ve adapted their walking schedule so they don’t go out in during the hottest times of day. Yesterday, our Running Buddies – volunteers who provide additional exercise for some of our pooches – program had to be adjusted for the temperature. The first run group run started at 6 a.m. and the second at 8:15 a.m. to stay ahead of the heat. A water station is set up at the half-way point on the 5K course, and at the end of the course, a wading pool gives the dogs a place to splash around and cool off. We’re also seeking water bottle belts so our runners can carry a fresh supply of water for themselves and the dogs.

For your dogs at home, if at all possible, keep them indoors during the hottest times of day. Modify their exercise routine to ensure they don’t over-exert themselves. While outside, make sure they have access to shade and fresh water. It’s a good rule of thumb that if you’re uncomfortable, your pal wearing the full-body fur coat feels it worse than you. Remember, he can only release heat through his tongue and the pads of his feet.

Additional tips:
• When walking or jogging with your dog, stay on the grass or concrete sidewalks and away from the blacktop as much as possible, as the asphalt is typically much hotter and has more debris that could potentially injure your pet’s paws.
• Do not overexert your dog.  If your pet has been ill or injured recently, undergone surgery, is aged or significantly overweight, or has known cardiovascular disease, start slowly and increase your pace over time.
• If your dog is a braciocephalic breed (such as a pug, Boston terrier, or boxer), he or she may be more prone to heatstroke due to the conformation of his or her nose and face.  Make sure you provide your pet with plenty of breaks and water stops.
• Heatstroke is a serious, often unexpected problem.  Some of the more common signs of heatstroke are excessive panting, drooling, bright red tongue/gums, swollen tongue and eventual collapse.  If you think your dog is experiencing signs of heatstroke, stop and seek veterinary attention immediately.  Offer your pet plenty of water and then fan.
• Your dog should not exercise after a meal in high heat.
• Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water too quickly before or after exercising.  In some dogs, especially larger breeds or those with deep, narrow chests, this can cause a serious condition called bloat.  Signs could include attempts to vomit with no production, a distended abdomen, shock and collapse.  Seek veterinary attention immediately if you are concerned about your pet.
• Keep your dog out of a parked car. Even with the windows cracked on a 75 degree day, the car temperature can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• Dogs can get sunburn just like humans.  Use sunscreen.  A good hypoallergenic product should be used on noses and other exposed areas. 

We are blessed here at the Richmond SPCA to have a reputation that attracts many fourth-year veterinary students. They come to us prior to graduation to learn about shelter medicine from veterinarians in our spay/neuter clinic and medical department.

We recently had a wonderful student from the Richmond area. During his time with us he said he could not understand why anyone wouldn’t seek out such an experience before entering practice.  We afford them the opportunity to help with sterilization surgeries for our shelter animals and they are often able to perform enough procedures that they will have enormous confidence once they go on to private practice. His comment got me wondering what would keep someone from wanting the experience.

Then I came across the dismal comments from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about the projected critical shortage of veterinarians needed to protect the country’s food supply in the future. There is such a shortfall that in 2003 President Bush signed into law the National Veterinary Medical Service Act (NVMSA) which would implement a loan repayment program for veterinarians who pledge to practice in underserved areas of veterinary medicine. This program has remained dormant and unimplemented by the USDA.

The average debt incurred by today’s graduating veterinarians is nearly $140,000. I find it hard to understand the language of the politics involved but cannot understand why, with that kind of debt load facing recent graduates, the program would not be implemented by the USDA. It would surely be a great success for the new veterinarians and for the communities they serve.

So why not get the program going, and include small as well as large animals? Why not use it to also support veterinary care in community spay/neuter programs and animal shelters, both underserved areas of veterinary medicine? Think of the strides we could make against companion animal overpopulation with new graduates, every year, in every community in need, donating hours every month, for years, to their local animal shelters.  Seems like a winning combination to me.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, medical director at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Last week we talked about how a well-appointed crate can be a boon to a pet family. Unfortunately, there are situations in which a crate can breed panic instead.  Some dogs come packaged with a conditioned emotional response to crates – panic and hyperactivity. 

Puppy Mill dogs or dogs raised in otherwise neglectful or abusive situations spend long days and nights in small wire boxes with no opportunity to relieve themselves outdoors or socialize with others. These dogs learn repetitive behaviors like barking, pacing, panting or digging. They can’t differentiate easily between food and feces because they spend their days and nights running around in both. Other dogs are literally thrown into a crate every time someone gets upset. For dogs in these abusive situations the crate can become a symbol of fear, pain and suffering. They will literally panic when placed in even a well-appointed crate, because of the abuses they have suffered at the hands of people who are not well. 

People with more compassionate souls will sometimes be tasked with the responsibility of undoing these wrongs. And oftentimes they can slowly be undone. More often, though, these dogs will prefer a more open form of confinement. Maybe a room with a door closed, or a baby gate across a doorway will be sufficient. Sometimes a room divided by an exercise pen will be spacious enough.  Some dogs are so damaged that they panic if left alone in any confinement situation, even if they are given the entire house. That’s a topic for another day.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

The Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center is closed today so most of our staff may enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday. Rest assured, the orphaned pets in our care continued to be well cared for even when we’re closed to the public.

We hope you and your pets also enjoy the holiday! Before you head off to that barbecue or picnic, here’s something fun to enjoy.

The Engineer’s Guide to Cats: http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/04/an-engineers-gu.html

While I’m on vacation, my pet sitter’s instructions for the cat will definitely include “corporal cuddling.”

Tabitha Hanes is the community relations manager for the Richmond SPCA.

Tat, a 2-year old male tabby, came home with us on a Friday, and the guest room was prepared as his own private retreat: litter box, food, water, bedding and ample hiding places. The lining under our old box spring became an instant kitty hammock, cradling our new cat while he peered out at this strange new land. My husband and I both spent quiet time with Tat in his room, and he would come out and visit us briefly. By the end of the weekend, he was growing confident in his own space, and we began leaving the door open when the dogs were outside or secured downstairs.

As for the dogs, well, they’re not the brightest pair. More than 48 hours passed before either clued in that anything was unusual about that closed door. Once they did, curiosity grew to involve a little whining, likely because they suspected food was in there. It wasn’t time for introductions yet. The door remained closed, and the dogs were ushered back downstairs.

I did make an attempt to rush things. Wanting Tat to relax on the bed with me, I invited him up with a pat, but he wasn’t taking the bait. I picked him up gingerly, which he tolerated, but when I got him close to the bed, he growled and hissed at it. Foolishly certain that it would pass, I tried to place him on the bed and deservedly got scratched on the hand. We eventually forgave each other.

The next time I tried to hurry his progress, I took a different track. Tat had become comfortable lounging on the landing at the top of the stairs, so I took out kitty treats to lure him down the steps. He came down one step, and I placed a treat two more steps down. He replied with a look that plainly said, “Lady, you’ve lived with dogs way too long,” before snubbing the treat and returning to his nap spot.

Next time: meeting the dogs

Today’s blog was written by Tabitha Hanes, community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

“I got rid of his crate as soon as he was house-trained.  He didn’t need it anymore.” Yes, a crate can serve a strictly utilitarian purpose.  Or it can instead serve a more humane purpose – comfort and security for your dog.  A well-appointed crate can also provide more comfort and security for you. 

When you were a baby and you grew out of your crib, did you stop sleeping in a bed, or did you simply move to a bigger fancier piece of furniture?  And when you grew out of your crib, did you then move your bed out into the living room?  My guess is you enjoy the comfort and solitude a warm, comfy bed in a quiet room provides.  Most animals do – human and non-human.  That crate may well be providing a sense of security for your dog.  And if it’s well-appointed with a comfy bed, toys, food, water, etc. your dog will likely prefer to be in his crate over the floor in the living room.  Remember, most dogs, when left alone for extended periods of time will chose to sleep in one or two places.  They don’t spend their time roaming the house while you’re gone.  If the “place” your dog chooses is his crate, better for you.  And no one says you have to close the crate door all the time.  Lots of dogs will willingly enter and sleep in a crate on their own if it has been presented in a positive light. 

A dog who does not enjoy the chaos of company coming for dinner will likely feel much better in a well-appointed wire-framed “bed” in a back room.  You can provide a frigid prison cell, or you can provide a nice room with a comfy bed and a door that closes.  The second choice will probably make you and your dog feel more comfortable.  Next week we’ll talk about situations in which a crate may not be the best option.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

Those of us who travel with our pets are very grateful for the increasing number of hotels and other vacation spots that accept pets in their guests’ rooms.  We understand the risks hotels take with such a venture, so we go out of our way to ensure our pet’s best behavior during our stay.  If you are considering staying in a “Pets Welcome” hotel or vacation home, make sure your pet is prepared. 

We people don’t typically notice such things, but pets tend to notice every noise in a new location – especially hotels, which are relatively quiet.  Your pet may be used to the sounds in his regular home.  That tolerance does not necessarily transfer to noises like trucks pulling up in the parking lot, ice-makers running, or even the door of the room next door closing.  Keep in mind also, that potty-time will require your donning shoes, jacket and leash, as opposed to just opening the back door. 

Once you and your pet are used to travelling together, the prospect becomes much more pleasant to consider.  Until then, try staying overnight with your pet in a nearby hotel before investing in a week-long stay at the beach that may end early in disaster.  Or you may want to spend the weekend at a friend’s house with your pet.  If you run into snags during your stunt vacations, be sure to call our Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-7722.  We’re happy to discuss ideas that might help improve your pet’s behavior while away from home.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

On May 2 we added a feline to our two-dog, two-human household. We’d long considered it, and my work puts many great cats in my path every day. When I met Tat, I was convinced it was time and only had to convince my husband and the dogs that he should become part of our family.

Tat had become a favorite among some of the staff here at the Richmond SPCA. When he first arrived, he let everyone know that being caged in a room with other cats simply did not work for him. This got him a place in an office, where he closely supervised the work of our Spay/Neuter Helpline.

My description of what I was looking for in a cat was, “a grouchy Tom cat who will stand up to my dogs.” Tat fit that description, but his cat-itude would have gotten him labeled a “bad” cat by some. It just goes to show that there really aren’t good or bad feline-alities – each one can be loveable to someone.

Next week: adjusting to his new home.

Today’s blog was written by Tabitha Hanes, community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

Let’s face it, litter box maintenance entails some yucky tasks: scooping the waste, emptying the litter, cleaning the box, cleaning the scattered litter outside the box, and re-filling the box from a 40-lb. container of dusty litter.  What we wouldn’t do to take all that away.  If only the litter box could clean and empty itself.  Well, litter custodians, your dream has come true.  There is now a product on the market that professes just those abilities.  The self-flushing, self-cleaning, never needs re-filling litter box. 

It’s important to keep a few things in mind while considering this option— the most important issue being your cat’s comfort.  Remember, if your cat is not comfortable with the litter situation, he won’t be able to tell you, he’ll simply find somewhere “more comfortable” to relieve himself.  Resolving that problem is a very unpleasant task.

Multi-cat households. Even though this box allows for frequent use, there’s no substitute for multiple boxes in a multi-cat household.  If the box is in use, when your other cat needs it, you will want to have a second box immediately available. 

The noise factor. You absolutely do not want a cat in or heading to the litter box when it starts the scooping/cleaning/drying sequence.  We recommend setting the auto-clean option to manual so your cat does not experience a surprise cleaning. 

Size. Make sure the box is a suitable size for your cat(s).  These boxes don’t come in a variety of sizes.  Compare the size of the self-cleaning box to the size of your current box.  A box too much smaller may cramp your kitty’s style. 

Advanced technology is great.  I remember when “clumping” litter was a new item.  Make sure this advanced technology suits both you and your cat before committing.  Take advantage of the 90-day money-back guarantee if you need.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

As a mom I am always amazed at what my children pick up on even when I was unaware that they had been paying any attention at all.  This past weekend we were out to eat and a young man came into the restaurant with a red, number 7, Michael Vick jersey on.  My son actually noticed it before I did and asked my husband why anyone would want to still wear one.  Even before either of us could say anything his sister asked, “Yeah mom, since he went to jail isn’t it illegal?” I said that even though he was in jail everyone has the right to say or wear what they want, despite the horrible things he was convicted of doing.  Then her brother said, “Well, I think the dogs should get the last say in the whole thing.”

I just have to wonder if my children grasp the concept of what had happened that simply. What about the children of the parents who thought what Vick and company did was okay and still let their children don a Vick jersey?  Who are their role models for a change in attitude and behavior?  We can never become complacent enough to think that that the battle is over as long as one animal is suffering because of someone’s inhumanity.  But I have to believe that the fight is won with our next generation grasping that every life really is precious.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, medical director at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

See the cutest pets in town – and they need a good home, too!

http://gadzoo.com/pe/gadzoo2/pets.aspx

Covered or not covered – which litter box should I choose?  So many box design choices are available these days.  Deciding whether your cat’s box should come with a lid or not is just one consideration.  This one serves purposes other than just appearance.  Your cat probably won’t notice if you attach racing stripes or a sun roof to her litter box, but she will most likely care whether there are 4 high sides and a top.  Some cats prefer relieving themselves discretely, while others feel somewhat claustrophobic if asked to relieve themselves in a covered box. 

Your decision becomes more important when other cats live in the same household.  If a box has only one entry and exit point (created by a covered box) and another kitty household member approaches the box while it’s occupied, the occupant will have to be quite comfortable passing the waiting cat when she exits.  She’ll also have to trust that the other cat won’t force her out of the box by squeezing in with her.  When a box is clearly visibly occupied (no cover on the box) the approaching cat can quickly re-direct himself to another nearby litter box. 

One more point to consider when making your decision is – how do I put this politely? – whether your cat will FIT into a litter box with a cover or not.  Lids do restrict the comfort zone.  If your cat is on the hefty side, she may not feel comfortable relieving herself in a covered box.  And you know what happens when a cat does not feel comfortable using her litter box.  Yep, she’ll find somewhere else more comfortable to “go.” This is definitely one area where you’ll want to consider your cat’s comfort over yours.

Next week: the benefits and drawbacks of “self-flushing” litter boxes. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

Humans use various behaviors to diffuse difficult social situations.  If you were ever “cornered” at a party by someone you really wanted to avoid, you might…
…notice something far away and very interesting out the window;
…drop something on your shirt and have to run to the bathroom to clean it;
…suddenly get an important call on your cell phone which was set to vibrate. 
Nobody really teaches us these behaviors.  And some of us can get pretty creative.  Less socially creative people might just say, “Hey!  Leave me alone.”

Dogs do the same thing.  They don’t get cornered at parties because they don’t usually attend parties.  They can, however, get “cornered” in other social situations.  When a dog is socially trapped he may choose from an array of behaviors.  He might…
…notice something very interesting far off to the right or the left;
…lay down and roll over on his back;
…spin and spin and spin in circles;
A less socially creative dog might just growl. 

Growling is not your signal to step in and “help your dog make friends.” The growl itself informs you that this dog is already uncomfortable.  Moving closer may make the dog even more uncomfortable.  Then he may be forced to move past the avoidance/aversive behavior, right on to offensive behavior (like lunging or snapping) to deter someone’s approach. 

If your dog is growling or otherwise behaving uncomfortably in social situations, you can help them worry less.  But taking away one of their social tools is not the best path to recovery.  Make your first priority to remove your dog from any uncomfortable situations and your second priority to call us for further assistance.  We’re happy to help. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.