Are the words we use to describe cats actually doing more harm than good? When you hear “feral cat,” what image comes to mind? More cuddly or sassy? The term “feral” could actually be hampering efforts to gain support for community cat programs.

This and other vocabulary we use will be explored in a quick 30-minute Million Cat Challenge webcast, Language That Harms Cats, presented by Monica Frenden-Tarant, Danielle Bays, and Julie Levy. This fast-paced and practical session will be held on August 18, 2021, 12 PM PT/3 PM ET.

The language we often use to talk about cats may actually be making our work harder. Those carefully crafted fundraising appeals could accidentally be creating backlash against important programs. The words, images and stories we use are incredibly important, especially when we are trying to change the way the public views and responds to our work.

Not only will this webcast be applicable right away, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun with a rousing round of bingo! To play along, just download the bingo card PDF and get your dauber ready.

Be sure to join the discussion over on Maddie’s^® Pet Forum. While you’re there, you can enter to win a brand-new Tomahawk Gravity Trap (contest closes one hour after webcast ends. .

Register now for Language That Harms Cats. This webcast has been pre-approved for 1.00 hour of Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and continuing education by the National Animal Care & Control Association. 

Presenters:
Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst, Cat Protection & Policy, The Humane Society of the United States
Monica Frenden-Tarant, Maddie’s Director of Feline Lifesaving, American Pets Alive!
Dr. Julie Levy, Co-Founder, Million Cat Challenge, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at University of Florida