UNDERSTANDING AND WORKING WITH CATS FROM HOARDING SITUATIONS 3100 Cherry Hill Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 662-5585 www.hshv.org
Animal hoarding is a complex issue Occurs when individuals house more animals than they are capable of caring for Encompasses mental health, animal welfare and public safety Defined by an inability to provide minimal standards of nutrition, veterinary care, sanitation and shelter Individuals often believe that they are providing this care, that they re keeping the animals safe from harm
What distinguishes a hoarder from someone with multiple animals? Often have more animals than they can count or name Inability to provide basic needs for animals in their care Home has deteriorated Strong smell of waste in the home Animals in poor condition, often poorly socialized Parasites and/or vermin present in home Individual may isolate themselves and their animals from others Individual insists that all animals are happy and healthy, even if that s clearly not the case
What can it look like?
Just a few more
How common is this? Not all cases are prosecuted Not all cases come in via cruelty and rescue We have seen the numbers increase since 2013 More reporting/ awareness More support from judicial system
What does this mean for the animal? Health concerns Inbreeding Compromised immune system Exposure to illness Untreated illness Fear Aggression Lack of socialization Repetitive behaviors
From Seizure to Safety Search warrant served Shelter notified of approximate numbers Intake exams Cruelty exams Housing considerations Communal Cages Crates
THEY RE HERE NOW WHAT?!? 3100 Cherry Hill Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 662-5585 www.hshv.org
Assessment Assessing for treatment initially Separate based on needs, if possible Behavior trumps medical in most cases Move through as quickly as possible- capitalize on marketing, if any Focus on those with the biggest needs
Biggest Hurdles Lack of socialization Fear Handling issues Acclimating to a new environment Housing large numbers Stress on the organization Medical needs/ handling
Starting out: Initial assessment and Identification First visits are for information gathering more than anything else Identify anyone ready for adoption Identify who needs treatment Identify those who need limited interactions Decide on individualized plans
Moving on Move social cats into adoptable area after traditional assessment Separate into treatment and need time groups, if possible Treatment cats most likely can have visits from comforters Need time cats receive minimal interaction
Treatment group No handling unless cat instigates this interaction Food motivators Clicker work Read/ talk to them Interact at their pace Non-invasive handling when they re ready No flooding Very slow pace
Looking for: Engaging with visitor Can be fearful Forward movement Loosening body posture Accepting handling Instigating interaction Improvement with acceptance of interaction Grooming/ eating habits Litterbox habits Interaction with other cats (if housed communally)
Working with treatment cats The work is no different than any other shy cat Have more barriers than a typical shy shelter cat May take more time Much more patience! Need bigger motivators Stress bonding with other cats slows progress
The needs time group Interacting on any level reinforces their fear Give them a clean, safe place to acclimate Daily rounds Very non-invasive checks throughout the day Lots of food motivators Limited stimulation
Handling concerns Most likely have never been to the vet Most likely have never been picked up Most likely have never been brushed May not have even have received normal pets Does not mean unsocial
Desensitizing to handling Completely food motivated until we know them better Reward, reward, reward Never push, never reach threshold All on their terms Clicker work
Adoptions concerns Litterbox use Suppressed behaviors Acclimating to a new home Behavior with other cats Change in behavior once comfortable
Barn adoption considerations For those who can t engage Handling issues that can t be overcome Progress is key Resources available Every group is different
QUESTIONS? 3100 Cherry Hill Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 662-5585 www.hshv.org