» POSTED BY Jen

Submitted by Joan Ballitch, HSofMC Publicity Chairman

Cat overpopulation is arguably one of the largest problems facing animal advocates and the figures increase annually.  Shelters are forced to destroy at least 3 to 4 million homeless cats each year.  In addition to the approximately 60 million pet cats, the feral cat population is estimated to be at least 60 million, possibly as high as 100 million.  Feral cats that are left unaltered continue to reproduce adding to the cat overpopulation problem.

The good news is that something both positive and humane can be done about the feral cat problem.  Within a community, feral cat populations can be stabilized with an aggressive TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program.  According to Alley Cat Allies, a national feral cat support organization, studies show that TNR leads to a long-term decrease in colony size.  A 10-year study of managed feral cat colonies shows that after 3 years of TNR, the average number of cats per colony had declined 16% to 32%.  Studies also show that TNR benefits cats, improving their health and decreasing their tendency to roam.

 Many feral cats reside in colonies that are managed, that is, fed regularly by human caregivers.  If you are the manager of a feral cat colony, consider asking a rescue organization to help you get your feral cat population stabilized by providing traps for capturing the cats and funds for altering them.  Understand that rescue organizations have a limited amount of funds, resources and personnel and may not be able to help immediately or accomplish what you ask them to do.  Also, understand that it is difficult to successfully relocate feral cats.  Barn homes that are willing to accept feral cats are rare and most feral cats have difficulty adjusting to a strange environment.

Knowing there are cats which live successfully with little or no human intervention leads some people to believe they can abandon their pet cat and it will adapt successfully to its new environment.  Tame, socialized cats do not possess the skills to survive on their own as feral cats can.  Abandoning a tame cat is a crime of cruelty punishable by law.

If you are feeding stray cats or managing a feral cat colony, the Humane Society urges you to take action to have the cats altered.  Remember that the cat breeding season in Ohio begins in early February and that pregnant cats can be spayed.  Remember, also, you CAN make a difference.

» POSTED BY Jen

The Importance of Microchipping

Whether it is an open door, a broken leash, a loose window screen or a stolen pet, microchipping could help get your pet home faster and safer. Here are some quick facts:

• Over 10 million pets get lost every year.

• Over 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year, including lost pets never found or claimed by their owner.

• Only 20% of lost dogs and 2% of lost cats ever find their way back home.

• Only 10% of Pets in the US are microchipped and of those, only 58% were registered.

• 75% of owners of strays were found when the pet was microchipped.

When choosing a microchip service, here are a few items to consider: 

• Find out if there is a fee to register your pet once microchipped or a fee to update your personal information if you move or change your phone number.

• Is the microchip a universal frequency?  There is a standard (ISO 11784–International Organization for Standards) recognized by 140 countries that use 134 kHz frequency.  Some microchip companies still operate using 125 or 128 kHz, rendering microchips virtually useless unless you have the specific type of scanner needed to read it.

• Does the company send annual reminders to update your personal information?

Microchipping doesn’t replace the need for tags or collars on your pets.  Often times when your pet is found by a stranger, they look for your information on tags and may not realize your pet is microchipped.  It is when your pet finds its way to a shelter or veterinarian that the microchip can really be most helpful, but only if you register your microchip.  Remember: a microchip is only as good as the information provided with the registration.  All veterinary offices, shelters and rescue organizations that have a microchip scanner should be willing to scan a found dog or cat for you at no charge, to aid in the return of the pet to its owner.  Won’t you please consider microchip placement for your pet?

» POSTED BY admin

The winter weather is upon us. Snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and blowing winds are often times a part of the forecast, and therefore, it’s important to be sure that your pet’s living conditions are, well, weather-proofed. Keeping your pet indoors during these types of conditions is really the best choice, but if that’s not an option, here are a few pieces of advice you can use in order to ensure your pet remains safe and healthy in colder climates:

If you have any questions about proper care of your animals during the winter weather, don’t hesitate to call your nearest animal shelter or veterinary clinic and ask questions. And if you’re in doubt as to whether or not it’s too cold to leave your animal outside – simply bring them indoors. It’s the best interest of your animal.