THINKING OUTSIDE THE LITTERBOX: HELPING OUR COMMUNITY SOLVE CAT BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS Amanda Kowalski, M.S., CPDT-KA Behavior Center Director
Cats Surrendered to Shelters Over 3 million annually!! Behavioral Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters (Salman et al. 2000)
San Diego County Demographics 3.2 million residents 4,500 square miles 230,000 active military and families 12 animal shelters
SDHS Demographics Founded in 1880 350 employees 5,000 volunteers Multiple campuses, each with their own strong community ties 30,000 animals in care annual
San Diego Humane Society
6 City Contracts - Current
Limited to Open Admissions 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2006 2008 2010 2012 2016 2018
Cats at SDHS 16-17 8672 Cats and Kittens Annually 2565 Owner Surrenders and Returns 289 for Behavior Reasons
Top Behavior Reasons for Surrender or Return Fearful/Aggression Towards Other Animals in the Home Fearful/Aggression Towards People Litter Box Issues Not good with Kids
Behavior Resources and Pet Retention Pre- and Post- Adoption Consults On the Spot Behavior Consults Community Events Behavior Helpline Community Training Classes Kitten Kindergarten Resource Library
Behavior Helpline est. 1994 2016-2017 1718 2015-2016 1642 2014-2015 1365 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 # Helpline Calls
Behavior Helpline TOP Behavior Issues: Multi-Cat Household (26%) Aggression Towards People (19%) Litter Box (16%) Managed by Community Training Coordinator 3 Volunteers, 5 Trainers Calls/Emails are logged and tracked Excel Google Drive
Call Log
Email Template
Starting a Behavior Helpline Identify Key Staff Member(s) Trainer, B&T Supervisor, or Shelter Manager Designated Phone and/or Email Application for Tracking Recruit Volunteers! Pre-Drafted Emails/Phone Scripts Trainings Marketing
Sit, Stay, Really?
Kitten Kindergarten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=524r9jbkgr4
3 Week Curriculum Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 How Cats Learn Group Play Practice Veterinary Handling Intro to Class-Why you are here Practice Handling Practice Harness How to play with your kitten Practice Training: Sit, Target, Recall Practice Training: Review, add cues, following a target Kitten/Cat Behavior Practice Harness Behavior Prevention: Counter Surfing, Door Dashing, Discuss Socialization Intro to Clicker Training Behavior Prevention: Litter Box Intro Handling Basics Intro to Harness Group Play Behavior Prevention: Scratching, Nail Health, and Biting Playtime with Kitty Agility Equipment Graduation!
Starting your own Kitten Kindergarten Instructor (B&T staff/high-level volunteer) Create your Curriculum Length (typically 3-4 weeks) Choose a Secure Location Supplies Ex-pens, tongue depressors, syringes, towels, sheets, high-value treats, variety of toys, clickers Decide Cost Establish Prerequisites Consult with your Veterinarian What about Auditors?
Which Kittens Can Attend? SDHS Prerequisites: (Proof Required for all vaccines, deworming, and negative FELV test) Kittens must be no older than 13 weeks by the first class Kittens must have at least one set of vaccinations given 7 days prior to class start date. Kittens must be up to date with vaccines, dewormed and tested negative for FELV Be in good health- no diarrhea, sneezing, congestion, missing hair We reserve the right to turn any kittens away if we notice any of the above issues (missing hair, sneezing, etc). Participants participate at their own risk. Owners will be turned away at start of class without proof of vaccinations, deworming, and negative FELV test and will not receive a refund.
Online Resource Library
Behavior Tips Info Sheet Do Your Research Which behavior concerns are the most common in your communities? Provide Takeaways Provide real solutions your readers can implement right away Choose A Good Title Choose a title that will attract readers but not confuse them Design For Readers Bold title, short paragraphs, lists, pictures, additional resources!
Video-Helping Your Fearful Cat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oes3akllefi&feature=youtu.be
The Litter Box Do s and Don ts https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=28&v=ovz0vcf1fjy
Getting Started Pick a Topic Which is the most common behavior question? Create a Script Keep it Short Be Concise Stay Natural Create a Vision What will your video look like?
Smartphone Video Tips Use the Back Camera Landscape Mode and Wide Angles Focus (use two hands) Avoid Unnecessary Movement Avoid Zooming Be Mindful of Lighting Avoid using your flash
Editing Your Video Open and Closing Screen Brand it, add contact info Video Editing Application Music Music can elevate your video Keep it Short ~2 minutes Avoid Unnecessary Cuts
Break into groups by Topic Inappropriate Elimination Overstimulation/petting-induced aggression Cat-Cat Aggression Enrichment for Cats Cats and Kids Cats and Dogs Destructive Behavior Spend the next 15 minutes drafting an outline for a script to take home to create your own videos to help your community Title Intro (20-30 Seconds) Tips (45 secs-1min 15 sec) Conclusion (15-30 Seconds) Fearful Cats
Let s Share! One person from each group share content idea for video
Future Ideas Video Consults Webinar Series Expand Cat Training Classes Kitten Pre-School Kitten Playgroups Support Group for Owners of Animals with Behavior Problems
Questions?
We re Hiring! Animal Trainers Behavior Modification Coordinator Community Training Coordinator And MANY more.. https://sdhumane.org/careers/
akowalski@sdhumane.org Thank you!