I’m counting on you.
I am smaller than you and have nowhere to go to escape your hands.
I’m counting on you to move slowly and to be gentle.
I am not sure of your intentions when you open the cage door.
I’m counting on you to talk to me softly as you enter my space.
I am not able to find fresh food, water, or a dry place to lie down.
I’m counting on you to give me new food, clean water, and dry bedding.
I am not able to find a new place to do my business.
I’m counting on you to provide a clean place for me to go.
I am not able to amuse myself or to find a way to relax here.
I’m counting on you to give me something to pass the time.
I am not able to tell you how I feel or what I think.
I’m counting on you to notice if I’m not eating, drinking, doing my
business, or just “don’t look right.”
I am not capable of asking for a good, caring home with kind, committed
people.
I’m counting on you to find me a safe haven for the rest of my life
where I will be provided for, understood, loved, and cherished.
Remember these things as I wait here in this place and you care for
me.
I’m counting on you.
~ Diane M. Furiga
Thank you so much for giving up your time to help
these furry felines.
Here are some general guidelines to assist you as you care
for the cats in the shelter.
• If the cat you are working with is a recent arrival, and appears
to be nervous and scared, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HANDLE THE CAT.
Some cats are very stressed when they arrive and even the nicest
ones may scratch or bite. Only meet the basic needs of food and
water. The Animal Control Officer can help with the litter and bedding
if necessary. Wear protective gloves. This method should be in place
for at least 72 hours after arrival.
• Always move slowly and talk calmly to the cat when you open the
cage door. Explain what you are going to do, even though they don’t
know what you are saying. It helps just to hear a gentle voice and
cats will pick up on your intent, if not the words.
• If the cat cowers in the corner and lowers its head, closing its
eyes, it is trying to “escape” from you. This is a good indication
that it may “flip” or attempt to escape if you disturb it too much.
Don’t touch it at this time.
• If you touch a cat that you are unfamiliar with, stay in the head
area. Usually a cat who is “ify” will tolerate that much, but watch
for signs of a curled lip, or if it starts drawing back on its haunches.
If the cat does this, slowly withdraw your hand. DO NOT
make any sudden moves.
• Other signs that a cat is not used to being handled by people
are curling into a ball or “twitchy” skin when you pet them.
• If you aren’t sure about a cat, don’t force it. Ask someone else
if they know the cat’s temperament.
• A cat or kitten new to the shelter may not eat the first few days.
At this time, give the cat or kitten whatever they will eat. WATCH
KITTENS CLOSELY - they can quickly starve to death or become
seriously ill from rich, canned food. Log all food/water intake
and the cat’s/kitten’s output on sheet in sleeve on cage door.
• With kittens, be on the alert, especially after the age of 6 weeks.
They move quickly and can be out of a cage in a flash.
• Also with kittens, be gentle. They are very fragile. If you need
to subdue them, loosely grab the nape of their neck and they will
instinctively relax into the “carrying” mode.
• With older cats who are more comfortable in the shelter, feel
free to pet and brush them in their cage, as much as you want, and
as much as time permits. (Remember: wash hands and brushes between
cats)!
• Provide all cats, even the “ify” ones, with at least one toy.
You’d be surprised how much they play when the volunteers are gone
and the shelter is quiet.
Finally, when in doubt –
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS and ASK FOR HELP!
Here are some general guidelines to assist you as you work
with the public.
The Parma Animal Shelter is provided by the city of Parma for the
stray and adoptable animals of the community. Under certain conditions,
euthanasia is employed and the Animal Warden, will be responsible.
Our objective is to reduce the stress and trauma of lost, stray
and abandoned animals in Parma. Also:
1. Provide care for the animals while at the shelter.
2. Find new homes for abandoned animals.
3. Offer public education and awareness.
General Guidelines
When Someone is Interested
When a visitor is interested in a cat or kitten, here are some general
questions you can ask before giving them an adoption application:
• Do you have any other pets?
• If yes, ask where the animal stays (indoor or outdoor).
• If they have a cat, ask if it is current on vaccinations and who
their vet is.
• If they do not have a pet, ask if they ever had one. If yes, what
happened to it. (This can tell you a lot).
• Where do they live? In a house, or apartment? Do they own or rent?
Are pets allowed?
• Are there children in the home?
• Can they afford the expense of a pet - the food, vet care and
other necessities?
If a visitor is hesitant to answer these questions, or if you get
a “funny” feeling about them, let them fill out an application for
the animal they are interested in. Then, give the application with
a note of your concerns, to a more experienced volunteer who will
review the application and call the applicant back.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
Tips for Handling Cats at the Shelter!
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