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THINKING OUTSIDE THE LITTERBOX: HELPING OUR COMMUNITY SOLVE CAT BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
Amanda Kowalski, M.S., CPDT-KA
Behavior Center Director
Cats Surrendered to SheltersOver 3 million annually!!
Behavioral Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters (Salman et al. 2000)
San Diego County Demographics3.2 million residents
4,500 square miles
230,000 active military and families
12 animal shelters
SDHS DemographicsFounded 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
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
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 RetentionPre- and Post- Adoption Consults
“On the Spot” Behavior Consults
Community Events
Behavior Helpline
Community Training Classes
Kitten Kindergarten
Resource Library
Behavior Helpline est. 1994
1365
1642
1718
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
# Helpline Calls
Behavior HelplineTOP 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 Behavior Prevention: Scratching, Nail Health, and Biting
Playtime with Kitty Agility Equipment
Intro to Clicker Training Graduation!
Behavior Prevention: Litter Box
Intro Handling Basics
Intro to Harness
Group Play
Starting your own Kitten KindergartenInstructor (B&T staff/high-level volunteer)
Create your Curriculum
Length (typically 3-4 weeks)
Choose a Secure Location
SuppliesEx-pens, tongue depressors, syringes, towels, sheets, high-value treats, variety of toys, clickers
Decide Cost Establish Prerequisites
Consult with your VeterinarianWhat 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
Fearful Cats
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)
Let’s Share!One person from each group share content idea for video
Future IdeasVideo 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/
Thank you!