Following Up on FIV

A few posts back, I tried my hand at editing a Wikipedia page about FIV. More specifically, I edited the section about the transmission of FIV and how it can be prevented for indoor and outdoor cats. I circled back to see what came of my edit and unfortunately, it had been removed. The reasoning was that I had not provided enough citation which I totally get. I'm going to go back and edit the page again and attempt to link the correct information. I feel that my addition to the page wasn't just fluff and that it could legitimately help people trying to deal with FIV in their house or in their community. I'll check back once a few days have passed after submitting my edits. 

Reporting Animal Cruelty: What You Can Do

Visiting this blog and others like it means that you care deeply about the welfare of not only feral cats, but domesticated animals in general. As much as you educating yourself and taking action helps so many, there are other people who are careless and ignorant when it comes to interacting with animals. Alley Cat Allies is an organization that works in communities to champion low-cost spay and neuter policies and programs, as well as lifesaving Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR). They also specialize in areas like veterinary outreach, disaster response and legal advice regarding cats. Alley Cat Allies has hit many hot button topics in the feral cat arena. One issue that they covered back in 2018 that I believe is particularly salient was how to navigate animal cruelty perpetrators in one's own community.

In their article "Animal Cruelty Suspects Must be Prosecuted to Protect Communities" published in October of 2018, they outline an unfortunate case of animal cruelty that unraveled in Taylor, PA, angering much of the community. Taylor is home to a feral cat colony that one landlord saw as a nuisance rather than a part of her town. Alley Cat Allies reported that,

Landlord Jennifer Oustrich allegedly poisoned at least two feral (also called community) cats at the property she owns and rents out in Taylor, Pennsylvania, just outside Scranton. When she allegedly killed the cats, she also tainted the values of her community. 

Oustrich was reportedly angry about the community cats getting into the garbage of her tenants, and had vented to neighbors of her intent to poison the cats. Necropsy reports, administered by local police with assistance from Cornell University’s Veterinary Medical Center, revealed that industrial rat poison mixed with dog food was set out for the cats, which slowly and painfully killed two cats, and possibly more.

Oustrich had many options available to her instead of being inhumane to living animals. Something as simple as providing her tenants with animal proof garbage cans would have prevented the suffering of these animals. Thanks to Governor Tom Wolf's Libre's Law put into effect in June of 2017 increasing penalties for animal abuse, Oustrich was arrested on two felony charges of aggravated assault, as well as six other criminal counts.

Alley Cat Allies left us with this call to action,

Alley Cat Allies urges the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office to prosecute this case to the full extent of the law.  We must ask every state to prosecute abusers so they can never maim, starve, poison, or kill our animals or our justice systems again. It’s what the animals deserve.

If you witness or hear about any possible case of animal cruelty, please contact your local authorities or the Department of Agriculture. I've linked two resources to read up on what your state's animal cruelty laws are so that you know what to demand of your local authorities for the sake of any abused or neglected animal.

Animal Cruelty Laws State by State
The Humane Society of the United States' State Animal Cruelty Chart

Preventing the Spread of FIV

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is much like HIV in that it compromises the immune system and infects many types of cells. The good news is that cats can generally tolerate FIV fairly well with complete immune system debilitation at less than 5%. That's compared to over 50% in humans. However, there are some crucial steps an owner needs to take to prevent the spread of FIV. When reading up on transmission prevention of FIV on Wikipedia, I felt that there were some important information missing. Below is found under the Transmission section of FIV on Wikipedia.

The primary mode of FIV transmission is via deep bite wounds, where the infected cat's saliva enters the other cat's tissues. FIV may also be transmitted from pregnant females to their offspring in utero, however this vertical transmission is considered to be relatively rare based on the small number of FIV-infected kittens and adolescents.^[3][9] This differs from FeLV, which may be spread by more casual, non-aggressive contact such as mutual grooming and sharing of food bowls.Risk factors for infection are being of the male sex, adulthood, and outdoor access. One case study conducted in São Paulo found that 75% of the FIV-infected cats were males. Higher rates of infection in males than females occurs due to biting being more frequently engaged in by males defending their territory.^[8]

While it provides necessary information regarding the logistics of transmission, it neglects to advise for proper actions an owner or community can take to prevent transmission. Below is what I've added to the article to give owners of cats living with FIV some peace of mind and solid tactics.

As with all cats, FIV-infected cats should be spayed/neutered and should be confined indoors to prevent spread of the virus to other cats in the neighborhood. Keeping them indoors also reduces their exposure to infectious agents carried by other animals that can cause issues due to their compromised immune system. Diet is also of the utmost importance for FIV-infected cats. Providing them with all of the necessary nutrients to help combat this virus can be achieved by feeding them a balanced diet. A diet of raw meat and eggs as well as unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided to minimize the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections. If there is an uninfected cat in the household, FIV+ cats can share water bowls, pellet bowls, eat from the same bowl of wet food, and use the same litter box with low danger of transmitting the disease.  

Hopefully this will create a fuller picture of the tranmission of FIV as well as its prevention.

The Reality of Kitten Mills

Everyone has heard of the infamous puppy mill. These commercial "breeders" don't respect the lives of the dogs they house and breed resulting in unsafe and unsanitary living conditions and a myriad of widespread health problems. Although many puppy mills are still in operation, there has been an increased awareness and rejection of these businesses leading to more dogs being rescued from those conditions. Unfortunately, dogs aren't the only ones affected by these large scale breeding practices.

Cats and kittens are still undergoing this tremendous abuse all over the world. For one, kitten mills are much easier to conceal than puppy mills. Breeding facilities for dogs are usually outdoors and can be very noisy. However, with cats, due to their smaller size they are kept indoors in small, wire cages that can seriously damage their feet and legs. Several articles have been written about these inhumane breeding practices by shelters, blogs and news forums alike. I conducted my research via Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, One Green Planet and The Dodo. 

From living in these harsh conditions, many of the cats are riddled with health problems. Most of the breeder cats’ coats have been destroyed and their bodies are infected with ringworm and other fungal diseases. Also common are painful dental issues, infected or ruptured eyes, and claws grown into the paw pads. As well, these commercial breeders are not retiring their female cats from birthing litters at a responsible, young age. Many of these females are being bred into their old age which can result in complications for the mom and the babies.

One would think that it'd be easy to report any unsafe facility and get them shut down, but that's simply not the case. Breeders who sell cats and dogs to pet stores are required to be licensed and inspected by the USDA, but according to the Humane Society of the United States. The Dodo cited that a woman accused of having unsafe breeding practices who was investigated was only fined $5,000 and put on probation for a year, which means that USDA inspectors will be visiting her facility and fining her more money for every sick cat they see. Yet she still has her breeding license. These breeders are not selling their kittens to reputable, responsible buyers either. Most of their customers are pet stores which will only result in more abuse and neglect of these animals.

This is a depressing reality, but there are tangible things that any individual can take to combat this terrible system. At the end of the day, these breeders are in it for the business. The law of supply and demand trumps all. So don't think that buying a poor kitty from the pet store is helping the cause. That's just showing the store and breeder that there is demand for these cats. If kittens are purchased at a slower rate, pet stores will lose profits and purchase less animals. The eventual goal is to eliminate all consumer support of kitten mills, so that these corporations would no longer have adequate demand for motivation to continue breeding.

Litter Training Tips

One of the many wonderful things about having cats is that they don't need any extensive potty training! Unlike the house training process for dogs, cats are much more relaxed. Cats are naturally drawn to using the litter box as long as they are provided with a comfortable environment and encouragement. Still, when bringing in feral kittens there are several things that a new foster parent can do that'll make the transition smoother.

• Introducing litter at the right time.

Some kittens may be too young to start using the litter box when you first bring them inside. If their mother is absent and you bring a litter of babies inside when they're newborns, they need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom as their mother would do. Kittens don't usually start using the litter box until three or four weeks.

• Choosing the right litter!

Safety and preference are the operative words when choosing the proper litter. Of course, using the safest, most effective kind of litter is paramount for any pet parent. There has been some controversy surrounding the use of clumping litter recently. This clumping litter is made out of sodium bentonite which expands when it comes into contact with liquid. Some of the concerns are that as cats and kittens clean themselves and lick their paws after using the litter, they can ingest clay particles. As well, kittens don't know exactly what is safe and what isn't yet so the risk of them chewing on some litter is an issue. Litter dust is also a potential cause for respiratory issues in people and pets as it contains crystalline silica particles. The safest bet, especially for kittens, is using a pellet based litter that is less likely to be ingested and doesn't give off dust.

Preference is also extremely important when selecting a litter. Cats can be finicky and sometimes are so stubborn that if they don't love the texture of a certain litter then you might find some unwelcome surprises around your house. Again, patience is key. You might have to try out several kinds of litter before the kittens settle on one they like best.

• Choosing the right placement.

The litter box should be placed in a safe, smart space. What I mean by this is that the box needs to be set up in a way that makes natural sense to the kitten. Cats are drawn to corners and areas away from where they sleep or eat. Placing the litter box in the farthest corner or perhaps in the closest with the door open at all times is the best option. If you're fostering kittens that are 3-8 weeks then they should have no problem having access to the box as they are being housed in a single room of your home.

• Positive reinforcement!

Positive reinforcement comes in two forms here. Making sure the kitties have a clean toilet to use and praising them when they use or attempt to use the litter box. Cleaning the litter box once a day is essential for the cats comfort and for the sake of the smell, honestly. If a kitten uses the box, shower them with pets and treats to show them that this is good behavior that you want to continue.

Best of luck with your potty-training!

Pet Poisons

It can happen to the most diligent and caring pet owners. Whether you turn your back for a second or you try to let your pet try some of your dinner, there are so many accidents that occur with pets from accidental poisoning. Here, we'll discuss some of the most common household items that can make your fur babies really sick. 

Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol and many other medications, can cause serious liver damage in dogs and cats. Cats especially are sensitive, as only a single tablet for an average sized cat can cause anemia and unfortunately, sometimes is fatal. In 2012, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported that most of the cases they deal with are the accidental ingestion of prescription pills by dogs and cats.

Chocolate is a classic no-no for pets. Dark chocolate is particularly damaging to dogs and cats as it has a higher concentration of cocoa. Ingesting chocolate can result in seizures and even death.

Grapes, even in very small amounts, can lead to the rapid development of kidney failure. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs of sickness.

Onions and garlic can severely damage your pets red blood cells which can lead to anemia. Even exposure to concentrated forms of onion or garlic like powders or soup mixes is also toxic. Symptoms of this type of poisoning are lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, and pale gums. 

Mothballs, weirdly enough, can be poisonous to cats and dogs especially if they contain naphthalene. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur as well as increased drinking and seizures.

Lilies are a huge problem for the kidneys and hearts of our pets. In some cases, ingestion can be fatal. Be aware of the foliage that surrounds your home if you let your kitty outside.

Cleaning solutions/materials, such as bleach, drain cleaners, and ammonia, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers which can be extremely painful for any pet. 

Here are some simple tips to help keep your pets safe:

Store foods and medicine out of your pet's reach (even cats) and install cat-safe locks for your more curious than average kitty.

Do not let your cat on the counter while preparing food or eating. This is more sanitary for you and will prevent any sneaky bites of people food.

Do not feed your pet table scraps.

To learn more about how you can protect your pet from accidental poisoning, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's website and read more.

Basics for Fostering Ferals

So you want to start fostering that litter of kittens in your backyard? Great! Fostering feral kittens takes thoughtfulness and some patience, but it is easier than you might think. There are a few basics that you need to have in place before taking any outdoor kitties into your home. Here, we'll talk about necessary prep, actually trapping the kittens, and socializing practices.

Where to keep the kitties? Luckily, fostering kittens can be done in basically any style of home. All you need is a warm small, closed off area that the cats can call theirs for the time being, for example, a bathroom. "Warm" is an important word here, as kittens have a harder time regulating their body temperatures. All they need in that space is a litter box or two, a readily available supply and wet and dry kitten food, and some blankets and toys. Of course, it's extremely important to keep their area clean and dry as they mature and can be adopted out. Having high places they can climb to will make them feels safer as well. Feral kittens will usually make themselves known to you around four to six weeks old, but it's vital that they stay with their mother until they are at least eight weeks. Mom's milk provides important nutrients that encourage proper growth and development until the kitten's immune system can support itself.

How do you get the kitties inside? The best time to trap kittens is from eight to ten weeks, when they have developed enough to leave their mother while still be young enough to be trained. Kittens can be super tricky to catch especially if they won't let you hold them, which is often the case. Baited traps are the best option for safe handling and transporting. Larger traps won't seem as scary to cats as smaller traps do, boosting your chances of catching them. As well, using smelly bait like tuna or jarred baby food is more enticing. Placing the traps in a more secluded space helps as the cats feel safer away from human eyes. Even with the trap as a safeguard, be sure to use gloves when first handling feral kittens and don't underestimate how quick or liquid-like they can be.

Some concerns that potential foster parents have when preparing their home for new feline residents are mostly hygienic in nature. This is for good reason, especially if there are other pets in the house. A lot of nasty things like to latch onto kittens in their first few weeks, but the good news is that they can be squeaky clean with just a bit of TLC. The number one nasty that clings to kittens is the flea. Fleas are smart and they are a pain. Upon bringing the kittens into your home, they should be given a flea bath and administered flea and tick preventative medication immediately. The process of bathing kittens for fleas is a very specific process which will be covered in a later post to give it the time it requires.

Some feral kittens can be a bit aggressive as that's what they've been taught by their mother as a survival skill. The critical socialization period for kittens is from two to seven weeks. So before you bring them into your home, it's so important to make them aware of your presence and that you are not a threat. Wet food and treats help a lot with that. The process of training feral kittens can span from a few weeks to two months. After they've been brought inside, the kittens will need an adjustment period before they should begin to be socialized. After about two days, try leaving on the TV or radio so they can get used to human voices. Be down on their level when engaging in play with them with toys, not your hands. If they exhibit friendly behavior, don't be afraid to reward them with treats or pets! Be sure to remember that they are still outdoor animals, so use gloves or protective clothing while you are still gaining their trust. Remember that you are in charge and can scruff an aggressive kitten to gain control. To scruff a kitten safely, use your whole hand to grasp the kitten by the back of the neck or by the back without pinching, pull the cat up and support the hind legs.

Fostering feral kittens is a labor of love and requires a special touch. Remember that these are only the basics of taking kittens into your home and more detailed information is to come. Patience is key and the knowledge that they'll be placed into a loving home where they can thrive is motivation enough. Below is a beautiful tabby boy, Sunny, who I recently fostered and adopted out to a neighbor!