The link between stress and disease in cats is well-established, and it’s hard to imagine a more stressful environment for a cat than an animal shelter. Researchers at the Koret Shelter Medicine Program found that stress-induced loss of appetite and weight may provide an early warning sign for impending URI in shelter cats.
Which antibiotic is your best bet for treating feline upper respiratory tract disease in shelter cats?
Will adopters in your community provide medical care for their adopted pets? Where do they draw the line – daily injections? Medication? Surgery? And can shelters and rescue groups find more homes for pets with treatable and manageable health conditions by knowing the answers to those questions?
The presence of maternal antibodies can interfere with successful immunization of kittens even as late as 20 weeks of age. In two studies published this year, researchers concluded that vaccination of kittens should continue beyond 16 or even 20 weeks to ensure successful immunization.
Looking for yet another reason to practice strict vaccination on (or before!) intake at your shelter? A study done at a Florida animal shelter should give you one.
A round-up of new and interesting findings from the world of shelter behavior.
What kind of home is right for that dog in your shelter? Is it safe to adopt him into a home with children, cats, other dogs? Is he a dog who might display aggression toward people?
Are your adoption listings full of information about a pet’s past? Do you focus on the sad story of how the dog or cat became homeless, or experiences they had before coming into the shelter or rescue group? If so, you’re missing out on the information that gets adopters to choose a pet.
What can you do about shelter dogs who are fearful? How about those who are jumpy or mouthy? More than you may think!