Hours: Thurs-Mon, noon-6 pm
If you love cats, you may have heard the term “kitten season” before—but what exactly does it mean? Kitten season is the time of year when shelters and rescues typically receive an influx of newborn kitten litters as well as their mothers. This surge in cats can create challenges for pet shelters, but with the right knowledge and support, everyone can play a part in helping shelters, ensuring the well-being of the cats, and finding them a loving home.
Kitten season typically occurs from early spring through late fall, with a peak in the warmer months. During this time, unspayed female cats go into heat more frequently and have the potential to give birth to multiple litters, with an average of 4-6 kittens born per litter. This can really add up! Many of these kittens are born outdoors to feral or stray cats and end up in shelters or on the streets.
While kittens are undeniably adorable, the large number arriving at shelters during kitten season creates a high demand for resources like medical care, food, and space. In Colorado, kittens cannot be adopted until they are two months old so shelters are providing lots of long term care for them! Shelters and rescue organizations work tirelessly to care for these kittens and their mothers, but they often face challenges like overcrowding and foster home shortages.
Foster homes help address space shortages but they also play a crucial role in keeping all cats healthy. Kittens don’t yet have a fully developed immune system or GI tract making them more vulnerable to catching and spreading illnesses, which can further overwhelm the shelter and impact other cats. Kittens do not begin to receive illness preventing vaccines until they are at least four weeks of age. Additionally, kittens require frequent monitoring, socialization, and specialized care, which can be challenging for shelters managing many animals at once. Foster caregivers help by providing individualized attention, ensuring kittens receive the care they need to grow strong and healthy before adoption.
To reduce the number of kittens in shelters and ease the ongoing pressure on resources, shelters also focus on spaying mother cats, preventing future litters. This helps break the cycle of overcrowding and ensures that shelters can better meet the needs of all the cats in their care. With community support—through fostering, adoption, and other forms of assistance—we can give every kitten the best chance at a healthy, happy future.
There are many ways you can make a difference during kitten season. Whether you’re able to adopt, foster, volunteer, or support from afar, every effort counts. Here are some suggestions:
Many shelters and rescues rely on foster homes to care for young kittens
who are too small to be adopted. These kittens need a safe and loving environment where they can grow, socialize, and receive proper medical care. Fostering is a rewarding experience and saves countless lives. Learn more about being a foster with Cat Care Society and apply online.
Preventing unwanted litters starts with responsible pet ownership. Ensure your own cats are spayed or neutered, and encourage friends and family to do the same. We have a resource list of lost-cost clinics that can help make this more accessible. Encourage your friends and family to read more about the benefits of spaying and neutering your cats in one of our other blog posts.
If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a cat into your family, kitten season is an ideal time to adopt. Shelters are overflowing with kittens and adult cats looking for homes. We also suggest adopting two kittens at the same time so they can continue practicing great behavior habits! By adopting, you’re not only giving a cat a second chance but also freeing up space in shelters for other animals in need. Check out our cats available for adoption!
Cat Care Society has a robust in-house cat socialization and enrichment program, and we also have many great resources to help you bond with your new kitty once it’s home and set up an environment where your cat can play, express their natural behaviors, and thrive!
One of the most effective ways to reduce the number of kittens born on the streets is through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). This humane approach involves trapping stray and feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, and then returning them to their outdoor colonies where they have adapted to live. TNR helps stabilize cat populations and prevents future litters from being born. Read more about TNR in one of our other blog posts and check out our list of TNR organizations that provide services in the Denver metro area if you’d like to get involved or need support.
Whether or not you can adopt or foster, there are plenty of ways to make a difference! Here are just a few ways you can help:
EduCATion is key to supporting our cat population—it’s built right into the word! Share information about kitten season, TNR programs, and responsible pet ownership with your community. Social media, local events, and word-of-mouth can all help raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for helpful, shareable content. Sign up for our email newsletter, aka our Mewsletter, to stay updated on upcoming events, adoptable cats, must-read stories, and ways to support the shelter. We also publish a quarterly print newsletter called Cat Care Quarterly that you can sign up to receive at home for free!
Kitten season is a challenging time for shelters and rescues, but with community involvement, we can help save lives and reduce the number of homeless cats and overcrowded shelters. Whether you open your home to a cat in need, contribute supplies or funds, or simply spread the word, your support makes a meaningful impact. CCS is grateful to all of our supporters, including our dedicated volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters and beyond. Let’s continue working together to give kittens the best start in life and create a brighter, more hopeful future for all cats!
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and served on the organization’s junior board. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
In the realm of feline health, panleukopenia, commonly known as panleuk, has long been a significant health challenge, especially for young kittens and unvaccinated cats. As a highly contagious and often fatal disease, panleuk can rapidly devastate entire cat shelters. Fortunately, here at Cat Care Society (CCS), we have a compassionate and innovative veterinary care team, including Dr. Cecily Palamara, our lead veterinarian. In this post, you’ll get to learn from her expertise, including the causes and symptoms of panleuk, as well as how CCS is giving cats a fighting chance to overcome a disease that traditionally carries a grave prognosis.
Panleuk is the cat counterpart of the parvovirus in dogs, targeting rapidly dividing cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Palamara emphasizes the destructive nature of the virus, causing massive and often bloody diarrhea, leading to dehydration, lethargy, vomiting, hypothermia (due to loss of fluids), and even sepsis. Notably, it also attacks white blood cells, resulting in leukopenia and a weakened immune system. Early symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, often with blood. (Fun fact: Leukopenia literally means low white blood cell count.)
Panleuk is a serious condition with a poor prognosis; typically, only 20% of cats with it survive three to five days after diagnosis. At CCS, our survival rate is much higher, thanks in part to our proactive approach and early intervention. More on that soon!
Learn more about panleukopenia in this video from Kitten Lady:
The transmission of panleuk in cats and kittens primarily occurs through fecal-oral contact, where they are exposed to infected feces. Contaminated items such as food, water bowls, toys and bedding can contribute to its spread. Additionally, people may inadvertently carry the disease on their clothing and shoes. Even after a cat is cleared of the virus, they can continue shedding it in their feces for an extended period.
Panleuk is more widespread in summer, due to kitten season, and in wetter months due to how the virus lives in the environment. However, panleuk poses a constant year-round threat as it can survive in most environments for an extended period, up to a year! It is even resistant to certain disinfectants, including alcohol and iodine.
“We have to be really careful about contagion control in the shelter,” said Dr. Palamara. “Because it survives in the environment for so long, it’s so important to be practicing good hygiene and good contagion control for anyone that is coming in. We can all work together to keep our shelter as disease free as possible.”
Prevention is always best; the FVRCP vaccine, included in routine vet and shelter care, is the most effective in providing protection. Early detection has also been key to Cat Care Society’s higher than average survival rate. Dr. Palamara and the medical team at CCS conduct panleuk tests on all kittens under a year, aiding in early detection of mild cases. They also treat all cases aggressively. Because panleuk is so contagious, CCS would need a dedicated ward for panleuk treatment, which is something being considered as a part of future building improvements. Currently, the team aims to move infected cats to one of our experienced fosters for personalized care within 24 hours of diagnosis, minimizing the risk of spreading the illness to other cats.
“In previous shelters that I’ve worked at, even a totally bright alert kitty that’s blowing diarrhea and has panleukopenia gets euthanized on the spot,” said Dr. Palamara. “So [at CCS] it’s a very different approach than I’ve ever worked with, and it’s been a great learning experience for me to see how these guys can succeed.”
Raechel, one of our experienced fosters, has helped treat several CCS kittens with panleuk. She emphasizes that subcutaneous fluids administered once or twice a day, along with antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, heat, nutritional supplements and probiotics, facilitate a kitten’s ability to continue eating and growing during recovery. While there’s no cure for panleuk, this supportive care alleviates the worst symptoms.
“Even in young kittens, symptoms start to improve in just a couple of days with supportive care,” Raechel said. “Before I started panleuk fostering, I heard about how scary and terrible this virus can be, especially for kittens. I’ve found that as long as they’re given these fluids once or twice a day during their worst symptoms, they’ll continue to eat, grow, and bounce back pretty quickly! It’s amazing to see how much better these kittos feel after getting a boost of hydration.”
Raechel, along with all our fosters, has access to CCS’ medical experts for assistance when needed.
Panleuk might be scary, but there are ways to minimize its spread. Here’s how you can be a part of the solution:
Despite its severity, cats can overcome panleuk when it’s found early and treated aggressively. The proactive measures we take at CCS and the dedication of our foster care volunteers showcase the transformative impact of compassionate care. We hope to continue to pave the way for success stories by spreading awareness and support.
For even more information about panleuk, please visit the panleuk shelter medicine page from UC Davis. Learn more about our CCS medical team and all the life-changing work they do on our meet our shelter medical team page.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster to help cats in need, please visit our foster page to learn more and apply!
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and served on the organization’s junior board. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, young daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Looking for information on FIV? Read our companion blog post here!
A feline leukemia virus, also known as FeLV, diagnosis used to be a literal death sentence for a cat. Even just 10 years ago, many shelters required euthanasia for all cats that tested positive for it. Now, we know that cats can live with this condition, but there are still many nuances in the understanding and treatment of FeLV.
Despite its name, FeLV is not actually a form of cancer or leukemia. Instead, it is a retrovirus (in the same family as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV) present in approximately 2-3% of all cats in the United States. FeLV invades and replicates in cells of the cat’s immune system and tissues that create blood cells. Low white blood cells are a sign of a weakened immune system, and illnesses acquired from this virus are typically related to a weakened immune system.
FeLV is defined as one of the most common feline infectious diseases in the world, and complications or progression of the virus can cause cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and other FeLV-associated diseases: neurologic, secondary infection, immune mediated disease, etc.
There are actually a few different subgroups of FeLV, as well as different stages and outcomes of the disease as it is a dynamic virus that can switch back and forth between infectious and non-infectious states, making testing pretty tricky.
Whereas FIV used to be thought of as the “fighting disease,” FeLV has been known as the “love virus” or “friendly disease,” due to its ability to be easily transmitted to other cats through mutual grooming. It can also be passed through shared food and water bowls or litter boxes, fighting, or from a pregnant or nursing mother cat to her kittens. The virus sheds in high quantities of saliva and nasal secretions, and can also be found in urine, feces and milk of infected cats.
Feline leukemia is passed only from cat to cat, meaning humans, dogs and other animals cannot contract it.
A blood test can confirm whether or not FeLV is present in your cat. If the initial test is positive, a second sample is sent to a lab to confirm diagnosis. Cats can test positive within a few weeks of exposure, and most cats who are positive were infected within 30 days. Younger cats are more susceptible, and sadly, infected kittens have an average life span of just two years. Most vets recommend retesting after six weeks if a test has questionable results.
While certain symptoms can be managed and supportive care can be offered, there is unfortunately no cure for feline leukemia. There are some expensive treatments available at some vets, but these are outside the scope of shelter use.
And while there is no commercially available vaccine for FIV, there is, however, a vaccine available for FeLV in negative cats. The Feline Leukemia vaccine is recommended as a core vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Spaying and neutering your cats and vaccinating your FeLV negative cats is the best way to stop the spread of FeLV.
Although a diagnosis of FeLV can feel devastating, it is important to realize that cats with FeLV can live mostly normal lives for prolonged periods of time — though their lifespans will be shortened by several years. On average, most FeLV+ cats live about 2-5 years after diagnosis.
Because FeLV affects the immune system, like FIV, it means that your cat is more susceptible to other illnesses, and may not recover as quickly from common infections or after surgery. It’s important to note that FeLV itself does not cause death; rather, it is the subsequent diseases that often come up because of the weakened immune system.
Once a cat has been diagnosed, careful monitoring of weight, appetite, activity level, elimination habits, appearance of the mouth and eyes, and behavior is an important part of managing the disease. Maintaining dental care should be a priority, as infections of the mouth and gums can pass through the blood stream and cause more issues. Raw foods and unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided because of their high risk for food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections. A high-quality diet and low-stress environment will also be beneficial.
At Cat Care Society, once we see a positive FeLV test, we have a few possible courses of action. After another test, we can find out whether the disease is present in their bone marrow or blood. If it’s in only in their blood, the disease hasn’t progressed yet, and the cat actually has a chance of kicking the virus out through his or her immune response. If it’s already made it to their bone marrow, the bad news is that they will have FeLV for the rest of their life. It may lay dormant for awhile and the cat appears to be doing fine, but FeLV could rear its ugly head years down the road and cause the immune system to wreak havoc, progressively deteriorating a cat’s health. If this confirmatory test is negative, it might mean the disease is “floating around” and hasn’t made it to the marrow yet, and we test again in a month, explained CCS’ chief veterinarian Dr. Cecily Palamara.
If a FeLV positive cat is asymptomatic, this is good news for his or her quality of life! However, if the disease is progressive, the cat may display symptoms of anemia, lethargy, malaise and weakness. Because their immune system is suppressed, it may develop into leukemia or lymphoma. These cats often die young, and it can be upsetting to navigate.
Because of the severity of this disease, FeLV cats should be the only cat in a home or paired with another FeLV+ cat, and should be kept indoors.
If you want to add an FeLV cat to a household of negative cats, the safest option is to make sure that the other cats are adults and fully vaccinated against FeLV, Dr. Palamara advises. There is still a small risk of transmission, but the risk is low with immunocompetent, vaccinated adults.
Cat Care Society provides a safe haven for many special needs cats because we believe that all cats deserve a chance at a loving home, regardless of medical diagnosis. Therefore, we take in many FIV and FeLV cats that wouldn’t have a chance at other shelters.
When we receive new adult cats at the shelter, we screen for both FIV and FeLV so we know what we’re up against.
Many shelters don’t adopt out a cat with FeLV because they don’t want to put that burden on adopters, although some cities and states across the U.S. are becoming more progressive in the way they view this condition.
“I think, culturally the shelter sheltering and adoptive community have really evolved,” Dr. Palamara said. “Right now, we are not having a lot of trouble adopting out feline leukemia cats, which just speaks to Colorado’s unique adoptive community. These cats wouldn’t have this opportunity in other communities.”
Instead, we aim to be transparent with all potential adopters about a cat’s condition and his or her medical needs so that they can make an informed condition about what they’re willing to take on and manage their expectations. We’re so lucky that many CCS adopters are willing to give these cats the best life possible for however long they have left, which we think is a beautiful act of love.
Take it from Emma, a CCS adopter who brought home a FeLV cat named Maximus (pictured at top) back in 2020. She wasn’t planning on adopting a cat with FeLV, but Maximus caught her eye and stole her heart right away.
“When we adopted Maximus, he had FeLV and was diagnosed with a chronic upper respiratory illness,” Emma said. “He wheezed heavily and sometimes it seemed like he could barely breathe through the congestion. In the three years since, his nose has cleared up and his breathing is much better. He has very occasional FeLV-related issues like seizures, but they are rare. Overall he’s a happy cat, who loves playing games, following his humans around, staring out windows, and zooming up and down the stairs.”
If you’re thinking of adopting a cat with FeLV, we recommend talking with your veterinarian first as they will be the ones to help you navigate managing this disease. FeLV cats should not live with another cat unless he or she also has FeLV.
They may have a shorter life span and require more attentive care, but FeLV cats can be wonderful companions and deserve the chance to live happy lives filled with love.
Looking for more info on FeLV? Check out these recommended sources and resources!
September 28 is World Rabies Day, serving as an important reminder that although rabies is 100% fatal, it is also 100% preventable through proper administration of the rabies vaccine.
Rabies is a viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and eventual death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predominantly receives reports of rabies cases in wild animals, including bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. However, it is essential to note that any mammal, including both cats and humans, is susceptible to rabies.
The short answer is yes! Not only do many counties and states mandate rabies vaccines, but there are also scenarios where your indoor cat could be exposed to rabies. For example, your cat may accidentally escape outside or an animal carrying rabies may unintentionally get inside your home.
This leads me to a brief personal story: One morning, I awoke to my two cats cornering a bat on the floor. I quickly got the bat outside, but I had no idea what sort of interactions my cats had with the bat while I was asleep. Being uninformed, I had let their booster shots lapse since they were strictly indoor cats, so I promptly took them in that day for their shots. The next several weeks were stressful as we continued to observe them for any signs of illness. I’ll never let their boosters lapse again!
It’s also worth noting that if your cat is unvaccinated and bites another person, there are serious risks to the animal and human — especially if there is any concern of potential rabies infection.
Kittens receive their first shot around three to four months of age. Booster shots are generally administered every year up to every three years based on veterinarian guidance and/or legal requirements.
You can check current requirements in your state online. The AVMA also has a chart by state for 2023.
In some areas where rabies vaccines are mandated, the cat’s veterinarian can document the need for an exemption if the vaccine would compromise the cat’s health. In some locations, the exemption request may require approval by the local public health authority.
Even if your cat’s rabies vaccine status is current, the CDC still recommends they get an additional booster immediately after potential rabies exposure. You’ll need to monitor them for up to 45 days for any signs or symptoms.
The first symptoms of rabies may include low energy, fever, vomiting and low appetite. Within days of exposure, weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, excessive salivation and aggression may occur.
Becoming informed about rabies is the first step. The next step is to take action, if needed. Please use our Resources & Info page to find emergency cat care and low-cost clinics. The page also provides contact details for various local animal control centers. These centers can be contacted if you spot wild animals displaying rabies symptoms. Finally, explore our other blog posts and sign up for our Mewsletter at the bottom of this page to stay informed on all the best ways to care for your cat companion(s)!
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and served on the organization’s junior board. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, young daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
This post was authored and edited according to Cat Care Society’s editorial standards and style. Opinions expressed may not necessarily reflect that of CCS.
If you love cats, you may have heard the term “kitten season” before—but what exactly does it mean? Kitten season is the time of year when shelters and rescues typically receive an influx of newborn kitten litters as well as their mothers. This surge in cats can create challenges for pet shelters, but with the right knowledge and support, everyone can play a part in helping shelters, ensuring the well-being of the cats, and finding them a loving home.
Kitten season typically occurs from early spring through late fall, with a peak in the warmer months. During this time, unspayed female cats go into heat more frequently and have the potential to give birth to multiple litters, with an average of 4-6 kittens born per litter. This can really add up! Many of these kittens are born outdoors to feral or stray cats and end up in shelters or on the streets.
While kittens are undeniably adorable, the large number arriving at shelters during kitten season creates a high demand for resources like medical care, food, and space. In Colorado, kittens cannot be adopted until they are two months old so shelters are providing lots of long term care for them! Shelters and rescue organizations work tirelessly to care for these kittens and their mothers, but they often face challenges like overcrowding and foster home shortages.
Foster homes help address space shortages but they also play a crucial role in keeping all cats healthy. Kittens don’t yet have a fully developed immune system or GI tract making them more vulnerable to catching and spreading illnesses, which can further overwhelm the shelter and impact other cats. Kittens do not begin to receive illness preventing vaccines until they are at least four weeks of age. Additionally, kittens require frequent monitoring, socialization, and specialized care, which can be challenging for shelters managing many animals at once. Foster caregivers help by providing individualized attention, ensuring kittens receive the care they need to grow strong and healthy before adoption.
To reduce the number of kittens in shelters and ease the ongoing pressure on resources, shelters also focus on spaying mother cats, preventing future litters. This helps break the cycle of overcrowding and ensures that shelters can better meet the needs of all the cats in their care. With community support—through fostering, adoption, and other forms of assistance—we can give every kitten the best chance at a healthy, happy future.
There are many ways you can make a difference during kitten season. Whether you’re able to adopt, foster, volunteer, or support from afar, every effort counts. Here are some suggestions:
Many shelters and rescues rely on foster homes to care for young kittens
who are too small to be adopted. These kittens need a safe and loving environment where they can grow, socialize, and receive proper medical care. Fostering is a rewarding experience and saves countless lives. Learn more about being a foster with Cat Care Society and apply online.
Preventing unwanted litters starts with responsible pet ownership. Ensure your own cats are spayed or neutered, and encourage friends and family to do the same. We have a resource list of lost-cost clinics that can help make this more accessible. Encourage your friends and family to read more about the benefits of spaying and neutering your cats in one of our other blog posts.
If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a cat into your family, kitten season is an ideal time to adopt. Shelters are overflowing with kittens and adult cats looking for homes. We also suggest adopting two kittens at the same time so they can continue practicing great behavior habits! By adopting, you’re not only giving a cat a second chance but also freeing up space in shelters for other animals in need. Check out our cats available for adoption!
Cat Care Society has a robust in-house cat socialization and enrichment program, and we also have many great resources to help you bond with your new kitty once it’s home and set up an environment where your cat can play, express their natural behaviors, and thrive!
One of the most effective ways to reduce the number of kittens born on the streets is through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). This humane approach involves trapping stray and feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, and then returning them to their outdoor colonies where they have adapted to live. TNR helps stabilize cat populations and prevents future litters from being born. Read more about TNR in one of our other blog posts and check out our list of TNR organizations that provide services in the Denver metro area if you’d like to get involved or need support.
Whether or not you can adopt or foster, there are plenty of ways to make a difference! Here are just a few ways you can help:
EduCATion is key to supporting our cat population—it’s built right into the word! Share information about kitten season, TNR programs, and responsible pet ownership with your community. Social media, local events, and word-of-mouth can all help raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for helpful, shareable content. Sign up for our email newsletter, aka our Mewsletter, to stay updated on upcoming events, adoptable cats, must-read stories, and ways to support the shelter. We also publish a quarterly print newsletter called Cat Care Quarterly that you can sign up to receive at home for free!
Kitten season is a challenging time for shelters and rescues, but with community involvement, we can help save lives and reduce the number of homeless cats and overcrowded shelters. Whether you open your home to a cat in need, contribute supplies or funds, or simply spread the word, your support makes a meaningful impact. CCS is grateful to all of our supporters, including our dedicated volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters and beyond. Let’s continue working together to give kittens the best start in life and create a brighter, more hopeful future for all cats!
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and served on the organization’s junior board. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
In Colorado, caring for animals isn’t just a calling—it’s a fundamental responsibility governed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA). Established in 1994, this program protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals in pet care facilities while also protecting consumers who utilize pet-related services.
Whether someone runs an animal shelter (like we do at Cat Care Society!), a pet grooming business, a breeding operation, or a rescue, PACFA requires a license to legally care for animals. This state law sets comprehensive standards to ensure that animals in licensed facilities receive proper care. Through regular updates and inspections, PACFA prioritizes animal welfare, positioning Colorado as a leader in this field. In this article, we’ll explore the broad and comprehensive scope of PACFA, clarify what it doesn’t cover, and explain why it matters for pets and pet owners across Colorado.
PACFA is Colorado’s state law that regulates companion animal care facilities, ensuring animals receive proper treatment and live in environments where their physical and emotional needs are met. Some animals covered under PACFA include cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
One of the strongest aspects of PACFA is its comprehensiveness and level of detail. Below are just some of the areas it covers. Note that requirements are individualized based on animal type.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is responsible for enforcing PACFA regulations. This oversight ensures that any organization involved in pet care operates with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the animals in their charge. To earn and maintain a PACFA license, facilities like shelters, rescues, pet stores, and groomers must pass rigorous inspections, meet specific criteria on an ongoing basis, and complete annual reporting.
PACFA’s licensing program isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about safeguarding animal welfare. By maintaining a PACFA license, facilities commit to meeting essential standards for animal housing, health, and safety, all under the enforcement of the CDA. And as these standards are regularly updated, shelters and rescues must stay current, adapting to new regulations that reflect the evolving practices in animal care. Additionally, current PACFA licensees must complete a qualifying continued education every two years to stay up-to-date with PACFA’s standards.
While the terms shelter, rescue, and sanctuary are often used interchangeably, the Colorado Department of Agriculture provides distinct legal definitions for each. The Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (8 CCR 1201-11) specify the classifications for various types of animal facilities. At Cat Care Society (CCS), we operate as a private non-profit animal shelter and do not receive any government funding.
PACFA isn’t animal control or animal protection. Municipal animal control units enforce municipal and state ordinances typically related to private citizen pet ownership, such as dog licensing, leash laws, lost and found, and cruelty/neglect. However, PACFA staff may partner with a local animal control unit if animal cruelty and neglect is discovered.
Additionally, PACFA is required by the state to report animal cruelty and neglect to local law enforcement or the Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP). BAP conducts outreach and education to prevent neglect and mistreatment of domestic and companion animals in Colorado and follow-up on complaints to help enforce pertinent laws.
PACFA doesn’t oversee licensure of veterinarians or vet techs. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine within Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Medicine regulates and licenses/registers veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the State of Colorado.
Since 1981 Cat Care Society has been committed to a very simple mission: provide cats with the best possible care until they find their forever homes. We fully comply with PACFA’s standards, and our commitment to evolving with the research behind these regulations reflects our ongoing dedication to providing the best possible care for the cats we serve. But we don’t stop there. We believe every cat deserves a safe, loving environment, regardless of age or medical condition.
From individualized care plans to behavioral enrichment programs and our exceptional volunteer and foster teams, we strive to exceed PACFA’s requirements to make sure each cat is living its best life. That includes having a free-roaming environment for our cats and going above and beyond in evaluating older and special-needs cats to determine the best course of treatment and care.
PACFA isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s about creating a culture of responsibility and compassion across the entire pet care field. By ensuring that everyone in the business of caring for animals meets high standards, PACFA guarantees that every cherished pet gets the attention, safety, and love they deserve.
And at Cat Care Society, we’re all about love—our love for cats and our dedication to upholding the values that PACFA instills. Together, with PACFA’s guidance, we’ll continue to make Colorado a better, safer place for animals, one purr at a time.
We want all animals to be treated with respect and care which is why we encourage you to reference the PACFA Active Facilities List when selecting a pet care service. The CDA also provides detailed information on their website including data, FAQs, and of course, the full PACFA legislation. Here at CCS, we’re committed to transparency, so on our About Us page, you can find details about how we care for our cats, our latest impact report, our strategic plan, and much more! We also offer an extensive list of recommended pet service providers on our Resources page.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Winter, with its short days and chilly weather, often confines us indoors, making it the perfect season to enjoy the warmth and company of a cat. A field of study known as zooeyia (pronounced zoo-AY-uh) explores the positive impact of human-animal interactions on health, including physical, mental and emotional health. Meaning a cat isn’t just comforting a cozy companion during the colder months, but you share a beneficial, lifelong bond. In this article, we’ll explore the many health benefits to sharing your home with a cat. We’ll also provide some fun activities to enjoy with your cat during a cozy snow day.
Derived from the Greek word for “animal” (zoion) and “health” (Hygeia, the ancient Greek goddess of health), zooeyia encompasses the wide-ranging physical, emotional, and social benefits of owning pets. Cats, as beloved companions, exemplify zooeyia by their ability to:
Combat winter monotony by getting creative with your cat! These activities not only enrich your pet’s life but also elevate your mood and strengthen the bond between you and your kitty.
Note that some cats need breaks from physical touch. Read our blog post on overstimulation in cats to learn how to recognize the signs to ensure a positive experience.
Cats offer much more than companionship—they embody the principles of zooeyia by enhancing our mental and physical health, especially in challenging times like winter. Pairing these benefits with fun activities ensures both you and your cat stay happy and engaged. We always have cats available for adoption, so check them out if you’re ready to embrace the warmth and joy they bring to your home (or multiply it if you already have cats!).
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Resources
Allen, K., Blascovich, J., & Mendes, W. (1998). Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends, and spouses: the truth about cats and dogs. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 30(1–2), 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-8760(98)90295-1
Anderson, K. L., & Olson, J. M. (2015). The value of a pet in enhancing the quality of life. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 28(4), 526–534. https://www.jabfm.org/content/28/4/526.long
McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239-1252. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024506
Stammbach, K. B., & Turner, D. C. (1999). Understanding the Human—Cat Relationship: Human Social Support or Attachment. Anthrozoös, 12(3), 162–168. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279399787000237
With Halloween approaching, it’s the perfect time to spotlight a particular type of cat—and no, we’re not talking about black cats! Instead, we’re focusing on tri-color cats, whose coats feature a mix of black, orange, and white in varying patterns and ratios. While “tri-color” and “calico” are often used interchangeably, calico cats have a distinct coat pattern. Tortoiseshell cats are also considered tri-color, even though they usually lack white and have their own unique pattern. It’s important to remember that “calico” and “tortoiseshell” refer to coat patterns, not breeds. These color combinations are the result of genetics and can appear in any breed, though they are more commonly found in breeds like American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, and Persian.
There are also diluted and tabby variations of tortoiseshell and calico cats—so many colorful kitties to love! In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the different markings and patterns that define each type of tri-color coat. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize the unique beauty of every tri-color cat you encounter.
Tri-color cats are almost always female, with approximately one in 3,000 being male. This is because two X chromosomes are needed to have a distinctive tri-color coat. Typically, if a cat has an XX pair, she will be female. Male cats have an XY chromosome pair, so they’re not tri-color unless they have at least one extra chromosome (XXY). Unfortunately, these males often suffer from Klinefelter’s Syndrome, a condition that can negatively affect their health and longevity.
Calico cat coats feature patches of solid orange, black, and white. The white color is a result of a genetic condition called piebalding, which occurs in a range of other domestic and farm animals. In a diluted calico, the colors are more muted to cream, gray, and white, due to a gene inherited from one of the parents that diminishes color intensity.
“Tabico” is a term for cats that have a combination of tabby and calico markings. These cats have large patches of orange and black on a white background, with tabby stripes overlaying some of the black and orange areas. When tabby stripes cover the forehead, they form the distinctive “tabby M.” A diluted tabico’s coat features cream, gray, and white fur.
Tortoiseshell, or “tortie,” cats have brindle patterns (irregular stripes or streaks) of orange and black with little to no white. A diluted tortie has gray and cream colors and is a result of both parents carrying a recessive gene that impacts the intensity of the colors.
A torbie cat exhibits both the multi-colored brindle pattern of a tortoiseshell cat and the characteristic stripes or spots of a tabby. Like the tabico, if there are tabby stripes on the cat’s forehead, they will display the “tabby M.” Diluted torbies usually have a cream, gray and white coat.
A “tortico” is a combination of classic tortie and calico markings, featuring large patches of orange and black brindling on a white background. A diluted tortico is relatively rare, and will be gray and cream, and white.
As you can see, there are many variations of tri-color cats but you can still count yourself lucky if you run into one! In many cultures tri-color cats are connected with good luck and good fortune, and in the U.S., they are sometimes called “money cats.”
People who have tri-color cats often report that they’re equally sweet and sassy and tortoiseshell cat owners often refer to their feisty side as having “tortitude.” However, since tri-color cats aren’t a breed, research hasn’t been able to confirm that this extra feistiness is a distinct trait related to their coat pattern. That said, if you haven’t taken our “Whats Your Cat Purrsonality” quiz on our Just Fur Fun page, now’s your chance! Discover which cat breed or color pattern best represents you—maybe even find out if you have a bit of tortitude!”
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Please include your full name on a gift note when sending donations through Amazon or Chewy, so we can properly acknowledge your generous contribution! Without it, we won’t be able to identify that the items are from you. Also, please keep your shopping receipt, as it serves as your official donation receipt.
Copyright © 2024 Cat Care Society. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy
The Cat Care Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our tax identification number is 84-0869447.
