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Enrichment is an important element in caring for cats, especially in the often-stressful shelter environment. CCS has always had a dedicated team of volunteer socializers and animal care technicians to support cats. But when two current staff members started, they saw an opportunity to increase the impact.
One animal care tech took an interest in feline enrichment and laid the groundwork. Kelly Cunningham, now our lead enrichment specialist, created an “enrichment calendar” to use with the cats. However, with few supplies, she had to get creative, collecting paper towel rolls, crinkly paper and pipe cleaners to provide enrichment on a shoestring budget.
Once Sonia Holmstrom, CCS’ foster & behavior supervisor, joined the team last year, things took off. With a background in animal behavior and experience in zoos, she has been hard at work creating our own behavior & enrichment program. Thanks to our recent partnership, we’ve implemented KONG’s toys in the shelter to create specialized enrichment experiences for the cats.
“Since the enrichment program found funding, we were able to get more supplies, treats and toys to stock the shelf,” Kelly shared. “The kitties are spoiled with the coolest and newest cat toys on the market! Everything we use for enrichment now benefits the cats by allowing them to feel safe, comfortable and confident enough to express their natural behaviors. We’ve already seen such an improvement in the overall happiness of our cats.”
“It has been fun to build a program that targets improved mental stimulation, exercise and socialization for cats in the shelter, as well as for adopted cats,” Sonia said. “We want to see cats expressing their natural behaviors while also strengthening a bond with humans. The enrichment program has also supported our efforts with cats who need behavior modification.”
“Our shy kitties come around at a much quicker pace than before,” Kelly added. “Many of the anxious and fearful cats come out of their shell faster, and it’s because we have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who make sure these cats are enriched and happy. Before the program, it would take some cats months to show any behavioral improvement. Now, most of them improve in weeks! This can drastically reduce the length of time they spend in the shelter. Confident cats are adoptable cats!”
What’s the difference? Cat enrichment enhances overall well-being, while behavior modification targets specific behaviors for improvement.
A cat’s enrichment is tailored to their needs based on factors like age, diet, medical needs, behavior and personal preference. A successful tailored enrichment program provides:
“First, I consider the environmental enrichment,” Kelly said. “The rooms are set up to fit the individual needs of the cats to reduce stress and anxiety: Where do they like to hang out? Do they like vertical space? Do they prefer to have their own ‘corner’? In a multi-cat room, this is accomplished by splitting the room into smaller areas, each spot with its own bed, food/water and litter box so each cat can claim their own space and reduce tension over territory. The furniture is strategically placed to maximize the ‘cat superhighway’ space and allow for more vertical movement. I also consider what kind of bedding they prefer, if they sleep up high or down low, if they hide/play in tunnels or use them to cross the room unseen. Many cats prefer water fountains, which are great for environmental enrichment. A variety of scratchers are also a necessity for scent-marking. I make sure to include several different kinds of toys; I put battable toys of different textures, (crinkly, soft, jingle bell) on the floor and on high surfaces. I also set out solo play toys, such as the ball & track type or interactive/motion toys. Finally, I leave out treat puzzles for cognitive stimulation. Before I leave the room, I engage in hunt and play sessions with the kitties. Our enrichment charts have a spot for comments where we write the cat’s preferences or favorite toys, which has been helpful in deciding what to use each day.”
Kelly’s favorite recent success story is Holly and Chloe, a pair who came to CCS extremely fearful and reactive. Because of their age and some medical issues, at first we did not believe they would have a successful outcome. Kelly began to visit them several times a day, playing David Teie’s cat frequency music while sitting on the floor, offering a Churu treat and some calming words and pets with a telescoping brush.
“Chloe seemed to be a bit more social and less reactive than Holly, but I was still determined to help these two feel safe and happy,” she explained. “Holly moved into her own room and relaxed only a tiny bit, so she went to a lovely behavior foster who put in so much time and effort helping her come out of her shell. Truly, Holly’s behavior would not have improved without the help of our foster. In the meantime, Chloe was moved into the shy cat room. I visited her several times a day and gave her lots of treats and attention. For a while she would remain in the hidey cube and let me pet/talk to her, but after two weeks, she would come out of the cube to greet me and solicit pets. Then I began short play sessions and offered treat puzzles (which I discovered she absolutely loved). A month or so later, Chloe had improved remarkably and was greeting most people who entered the room and showed her some attention. Holly came back from foster and joined her sibling in the room. I used the same methods on Holly then; consistently going in to sit with her, establish trust and build confidence. About a week before she got adopted, she was also coming out of the hidey bed to greet me when I approached. I truly believe these two became so confident and happy because of the dedication of our love, attention, time and enrichment we provided for them during their stay. I’m so happy they both found their forever homes. I’m so proud of how far they came!”
There can be misconceptions about what enrichment for cats. Though cats can be independent or aloof, that doesn’t mean they don’t need interaction. “Enrichment is necessary for the physical and emotional well-being of cats, which is more than just playing with them,” Kelly said. “Enrichment provides an environment that is comfortable, safe and stimulating. Enrichment gives cats the confidence to be their best selves. Imagine if you lived in a house with nothing to entertain you or make you feel at home! No comfy beds or couches, no TV, no video games, no snacks or hobbies. Life would be pretty boring. Cats are no different, and it’s our responsibility as pet owners to give our animals a fulfilling, happy life.”
To learn more, visit our Behavior & Enrichment program page!
It’s another busy summer season here at Cat Care Society. As is typical for this time of year, we are seeing a rise in requests to take in cats as we — and many other shelters — navigate the influx of kittens. As we head toward the final peak of the season around October, we also have several irons in the fire for CCS’ future. You may have noticed some construction recently as we install a new elevator. More special projects are in the works to ensure our building can best serve the cats in our care.
In our summer 2024 Cat Care Quarterly, you will find several articles about cat behavior and enrichment — two topics that we’ve been focusing on lately that you will hear more about! It’s so important to us to offer experiences that help build the minds and bodies of our feline friends so that they are happier, healthier and more adoptable.
But there are actually some common misconceptions about why exactly enrichment matters. In fact, research about cats has been significantly behind what has been done for behavior modification in dogs. Why is this? While there is a long and varied list that has brought about this lag, much of it is related to the idea that cats are more independent and not as social as dogs.
Posing a potential risk to the public, animal welfare policy has been directed at statutes focusing on dogs as well as the creation of animal shelters to house them. This focus is partially why they’ve received the bulk of behavioral research! Unfortunately for cats, they haven’t received the same level of support until recent years.
Throughout my time working in shelters, I’ve seen a few trends play out. Dog owners experiencing unwanted behaviors often think about working with a professional to resolve an issue. Plus, it’s easier to find a dog trainer than a cat behaviorist. Cat owners are more likely to view a problem as unfixable (or too hard to fix) and rehome or surrender them.
Some shelters don’t take in cats in the first place, and even more aren’t able to offer formalized enrichment to the cats in their care due to capacity. The flip side of this is that cats are more at risk for health issues in shelters because they don’t handle stress well. Additionally, behavior exhibited by cats is often labeled incorrectly, limiting our ability to create possible interventions and support plans.
That’s what we’re trying to change. By building a comprehensive cat enrichment and behavior program, we hope to begin slowly changing the narrative and evening out these trends. Cat Care Society has long been dedicated to supporting cats and their owners through adopter education and seminars. But now, we’re ready to take it a step further. We want to up our game and offer better avenues for cats in our care to exhibit normal behaviors. The opportunity to learn to trust humans, to play with toys, stimulate their senses and increase their physical and mental development, is something we are so passionate about and excited for.
When we take in unsocialized or fearful cats, we’ll now have a system for them to gain confidence faster, to address their needs in meaningful ways and create opportunities for those who have a need that has gone unfilled.
We couldn’t do this work without the support of our partners, though. We are so thankful for the other shelters in our area who trust us to take in their animals and work with them successfully. Because other rescue groups — especially those in rural areas — don’t have the same resources, we welcome their animals to our facility to work with our medical and behavioral team and have a real chance.
We have seen countless animals who weren’t thriving in other shelters or a prior home come out of their shells and completely transform once they’re in an environment that offers them the space and support to blossom. No shelter is the same as a home, but the closer we can get to that, the better a cat will do. Our free-roaming spaces and enrichment opportunities means that these kitties can become their true selves, find their natural behaviors and let their personalities shine. This makes adopters be able to envision that cat in their home easier and have a more successful adoption story. And every adoption — and foster home — means that we are able to help one more cat have that same opportunity.
If you’re looking for more information on cat enrichment or need help finding a behaviorist, please visit our website’s Resources, Enrichment and Blog pages, or reach out to talk to us about how we can help!
More Resources
A woman full of life, love and light, another Cat Care Society supporter, Leanne Emm passed away this past March.
A fourth generation Colorado native, Leanne was known for her sense of adventure, intellect and devotion. With decades of public service, she held roles in city and county government, going on to lead as the deputy commissioner of the Colorado Department of Education. When she wasn’t working, Leanne loved fitness, river rafting, watercolor paintings and napping in the sun with her cats (four of them adopted from CCS!).
Leanne served on CCS’ board of directors in 2017, and after retiring from her career in 2018, stepped into a larger, critical role as interim executive director. “It had been a turbulent couple of years for CCS, and Leanne was such a positive, steadying influence,” remembers Clyde Dawson, another long-time board member. “And what a sense of humor! As it turned out, one of the most important contributions she made to CCS was organizing and conducting the search for a permanent ED. She was an avid whitewater rafter and had been looking forward to river-running nearly full time in retirement. She also remained a strong supporter of the organization.”
Clyde recalls Leanne as a tremendous asset to CCS — “exceptionally intelligent, with a keen grasp of finances and management issues of all sorts, as well as warm and engaging,” he said. “I think she won us all over when she wrote in her board application that one reason she was interested in board service was that it would give her an excuse to come into the shelter more often and play with the cats!”
Leanne’s daughter Charlotte says that her mother loved cats her whole life, that they were a really grounding thing for her. “She just loved all animals, and cats were her favorites — that and baby goats and horses!” she said. “She loved CCS and seeing how happy people were when they got to bring a cat home.”
Leanne’s last update in the summer 2018 Cat Care Quarterly oozed her warm, bright personality and gratitude. For everything that she brought to our organization and the world, we’re grateful for her, too.
A long-time Cat Care Society supporter and leader, Gail Tinianow, passed away this spring, leaving behind a commitment to cats and a love for travel.
A child of Air Force parents, Gail was born in New York and lived in various parts of the U.S. and Spain. Early in her career, Gail worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C., and eventually earned a degree in business administration from Arapahoe Community College. She and her husband Marty married in 1985; she retired in 2006. Marty shared that Gail’s love of cats was extensive.
Her retirement marked the start of a 10-year dedication to Cat Care Society, when she began looking for volunteer opportunities. Jane Dorsey interviewed Gail to work in Cajun’s Closet, Cat Care’s thrift shop, in 2008. In 2011, she joined the board of directors to help ensure the financial success of CCS. Over the next several years, she would go on to hold roles of secretary, vice president, and president. In those days, CCS had a working board, recalled Ken Dobrovolny, so Gail was hands-on in the day-to-day operations of the shelter “and ran a tight ship.”
Jane Dorsey recalls Gail’s enjoyment of the Santa Paws Festival and the role she played in the planning committee. “I remember her bringing detailed records of everything from the prior year and challenged us to make it even better,” she said. “She was so enthusiastic about everything she took on, and that made it fun to work with her.”
Gail also generously donated a trip to her timeshare in Hawaii for the Tails of the Painted Cats auction more than once. “She was so excited when she came up with the idea of pairing a trip with a Hawaiian-themed sculpture,” Jane said. “Artist and volunteer Pat Lickly created the Hawaiian cat, and we had fresh flower leis made for Gail and the high bidder that night. She loved that event and whole-heartedly supported it.”
In the winter 2016 Cat Care Quarterly as board president, Gail wrote: “Our first order of business in the new year entails recruitment of an executive director. Your board has been running the Society since 2011, and I’m happy to report that we are now financially strong enough to fill this position. I’m simply honored to be at the helm of this great organization and cannot express enough appreciation for our amazing donors, volunteers and staff.”
Gail eventually stepped back from the board in 2018, but we will remember her for many, many more years to come.
It’s hard to say who is most valuable to an organization, but for a cat shelter, the medical and veterinary team is absolutely crucial in keeping our animals healthy. Here at Cat Care Society, a small handful of employees are responsible for the overall well-being of the cats and caring for any medical issues that come through the doors.
Many people may not realize that the vet team in a shelter looks very different than a traditional private vet clinic. This is because not only do they treat any current medical needs an animal has, but they’re also responsible for considering the medical pathway for a cat all the way through adoption. This dynamic team treats animals not just in our shelter, but readies them for life in a home setting. And, they have to balance this work in a noisy setting with multiple animals and people coming in and out, often with unexpected challenges to pivot around.
“The medical team in a shelter is a highly skilled team that we couldn’t do without,” said EC Michaels, CCS’ executive director. “They are asked to be on their feet while thinking big about the whole animal. When we get a cat with kidney disease, for example, they’re not just saying ‘they have kidney disease,’ but also looking at what we do to manage it here and how to educate adopters so they can manage it later. We are able to decrease the spread of contagion and increase adoptions because of this way of thinking.”
This team must also be ultra-coordinated because of the high volume of care that is needed, everyone has a role to play. The veterinary services manager oversees the whole process by scheduling the team, organizing surgical days, monitoring the shelter population, maintaining SOPs and protocols, monitoring inventory, and exploring new treatments. Our vet techs ensure the flow of animals that need treatment or surgery, run anesthesia, prioritize needs, check medications, maintain records, approve animals for adoption, and work with the foster team to build a plan for each cat. On surgery days, they ensure there is always a patient ready for a vet and administer drug protocols while the assistants monitor vitals, check diagnostics, sanitize tools and ensure the cats wake up appropriately.
Our veterinarians are able to perform about 30 spays and neuters in just one day! This happens about three times a month in the busy season and twice in the slower winter. They also do about 4.5 dental procedures a week — or 200 a year.
The medical team begins each morning by taking blood glucoses on the diabetic cats and feeding them breakfast, then providing treatments for the rest of the shelter. Then they either have scheduled surgeries, work through the CVT checklist or complete intakes on new cats. After this, they clean up the clinic and get ready for evening treatments, which includes another blood glucose reading and dinner for the diabetics, and medications for cats in the rest of the shelter.
On a daily basis, the medical team is constantly performing phlebotomy to obtain lab work, performing radiographs, running anesthesia for procedures, performing dental prophylaxis under the supervision of a veterinarian, performing intake exams on new cats arriving at the shelter, and making sure that our population is healthy and thriving. And of course, responding to any emergencies!
Another misconception is that every single animal in a shelter receives a full medical exam from a veterinarian. Because our shelter vets time is so limited, we preserve the resources we have. Therefore, only cats that require their attention are escalated to a vet by the rest of the team. Our techs are responsible for intake exams, which includes a general once-over and any vaccines and dewormers. Then, they are trusted to route the animal to either the adoption floor, for behavioral attention or to receive additional vet care.
We are also proud to take on some pretty complicated medical cases that weren’t previously managed for a cat before he or she came to our shelter. We’re often able to identify the source of a cat’s medical or behavioral issue and provide medication or treatment to improve their quality of life. It’s kind of like a medical makeover or a glow up so that they leave the shelter in better shape than when they came in. A recent example of this is Rambo (pictured above), who came to us early this year with three housemates after his owner passed away. After his initial exams and bloodwork, we noticed some lameness and within a few days, a limp was isolated to his left hind leg. Rambo was discovered to be walking flat on his entire foot rather than just on his toes. We also discovered pancreatitis and early stage kidney disease. He was switched him to a new diet, which helped Rambo’s daily life. After a few months, Rambo was fitted for a leg brace thanks to the help from an orthopedic specialist. He now has increased mobility and comfort to walk around thanks to his new brace!
“Our team truly loves their patients and remembers each and every one,” Crystal Evans, vet services manager, said. “We provide cats with a turbulent past or medical issue that would normally not be adopted out a second chance at finding their forever homes.”
Not only is this team advocates for the voiceless, but they ensure our cats receive the best care possible.
In calendar-year 2023, the CCS medical team was responsible for:
As of summer 2024, the CCS medical team consists of:
We thank each of our veterinary staff for their dedication, skills and contribution to the livelihood of our cats.
Now that 2023 is in our rearview, I am so humbled and excited to share our calendar-year stats and successes with you all. It was a busy year, with numbers up across the board. Even though we saw more cats in need than ever before, we also adopted more cats than ever before. Last year, over 1,000 cats were placed into loving homes thanks to your support!
In comparison, in 2022, Cat Care Society took in 860 cats and adopted out 750 of them.
Across the country, many shelters faced an increase in animals in need and owner surrenders. Economic conditions, inflation, lack of veterinary care and access, and the veterinary shortage, all affected the tough year that many shelters, rescues and animal welfare organizations faced.
I think it’s important to acknowledge that our statistics do not reflect the larger trend in animal welfare. It’s likely our specialty that makes us an anomaly. Because we care for so many special needs cats, our status as a limited-admission shelter, and our policies and partnerships, we recognize how special it was to help more cats find homes than we’ve ever been able to before. We also want to give a nod to the other shelters in our region, who work just as hard as we do to save and adopt as many pets as possible. We were happy to support their work by increasing the number of transfers we took in from our local shelter partners.
Over the last year or so, we’ve shifted how we think about taking in new cats. It’s easy to focus on the numbers above, but it’s just as important to think about the why behind them. For us, it’s all about balance for the entire shelter ecosystem.
This balance has helped us increase our support of special needs cats — as demonstrated by having over 100 diagnosable conditions we treat and place for — but we also know that CCS is more than that. No matter our niche, we will always support all cats in need. That includes young and healthy cats. Or cats who simply haven’t found a home in another shelter.
We’re proud to be members of the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance (MDAWA) and work with many other organizations in the region to transfer cats in so they have a new opportunity here. We also aim to offer education for adopters on how to care for their cats.
Through it all, we balance our cat population against our resources; our staff size and budget must support our ability to care for the cats in our shelter. We’re constantly evaluating how we can grow proportionately. This is, after all, also aligned with our new strategic plan and CCS’ mission.
This level of control is one of the benefits of being a limited-admission shelter. By contrast, open-admission shelters are required to take in any animal that comes through their doors. If they happen to have an influx of complex medical cases (which require more time, money and expertise) at one time, they do not have the same options we do. It requires creative solutions — as well as some strain — on how they make it work.
Having worked in both types of shelters, I am so grateful for the unique community that Cat Care Society has. In my time here, I’ve challenged the team to be thoughtful and strategic in everything we do. Remaining a safe place for cats who need help, and finding them loving homes, is always our top priority.
I am more energized than ever to see what the rest of this year brings. As always, thank you for your support!
EC Michaels
Executive Director
Cat Care Society
Kathy McChesney doesn’t do anything lightly. This Cat Care Society supporter extraordinaire goes the extra mile by serving on the board of directors and multiple committees, volunteering her time and resources, helping at events and providing transportation, and donating on top of it all. Why does she go so “all in” for CCS? “Because everything is about the cats!” she proudly exclaims.
Originally from Texas, Kathy moved to Denver in 2018 after years of running her own cat rescue. Relocating for work as an airline pilot, she retired in 2021. With her own passion for cats, she was on the hunt for a new cat shelter to help. Thanks to the suggestion of her financial advisor, Michaela Sullivan (who also now serves on the CCS board), she began donating to us. The real turning point was when she was invited to a holiday event and met some of the staff and saw the shelter in person.
Shortly after, Kathy joined the board and became even more involved. Today, she serves as secretary, is on the governance committee and strategic plan workgroup, assists at events, transports cats to specialty medical appointments, writes for our blog, donates financially through a donor-advised fund (DAF), and is a member of the Nine Lives Legacy Society.
Kathy has multiple cats of her own — all sweet rescues and strays that she has adopted who follow her everywhere — and is shining example of what a cat lover who gives back can look like. Kathy often brings her experience and perspective to the table, advocating for black cats and sharing how unique and special the animal welfare landscape is in Colorado. For instance, she shares that in Texas, shelters in the state are overwhelmed in a way that we haven’t quite seen here. Attitudes are cultures are different there, where it is more prevalent for animals to not be spayed or neutered, and sadly, often dumped if they’re no longer wanted. This is what fuels her to give back now.
“I donate because I’ve run own rescue and know how hard it is to get people to give; I understand the need,” she said. “Cats are the most important thing in my life, and I‘ve been fortunate in my career, so I’d rather help cats than anything else.”
The reason Kathy keeps coming back to Cat Care Society in particular, she says, is because of the cats themselves and our policies. “It’s just everything, the open concept, the way we take in animals that would be put down somewhere else, the Temporary Care Program and how it helps people, and that we always go the extra mile for every single cat,” she said. “I’ve never seen a shelter that does that. It is so unique, and the cats are so happy. I can feel comfortable walking into CCS and not feeling like I need to bring every cat home.”
Kathy also appreciates the variety of ways in which she can give. The DAF provides so many tax benefits, and is easy to set up with a financial institution. And the Nine Lives Legacy Society gives her reassurance that her animals will be taken care of if both her and her husband are gone. “I know they’ll be well taken care of, and I trust they’ll be adopted into good homes,” she said. “It’s the best way I know to support cats in the way they should be supported.”
Another innovative idea that Kathy helped facilitate was a relationship between CCS and Colorado State University in Fort Collins. There, Dr. Michael Lappin, director of companion animal studies, runs a program called Saving Animals in Shelters by Teaching (SAST). This program accepts animals from shelters who need complex surgeries that go beyond a shelter’s capacity. Used for things like heart surgeries, which would be incredibly costly at a specialist, it also affords veterinary medicine students the ability to learn and practice. Kathy was generous enough to use her connections at the school to expand their service to CCS as well, and now a year later, our first cat underwent a successful internal hernia surgery there. “Something this complex would be so expensive, and we got it at cost,” she said. “Plus, we don’t have enough vets The country doesn’t have enough vets! So anything we can do to train vets is hugely helpful.”
“My whole life, all I’ve wanted to do is take care of cats,” Kathy added said. “I give to CCS because I know that all the money donated is used for the right reasons. It all goes to the cats, and Cat Care Society is the best place I can imagine for a cat in need to be — if not in someone’s home of course.”
If you’d like to give to Cat Care Society too, visit our Ways to Give page for a list of ways your support can help save more cats in our community!
Cat Care Society is lucky to have hundreds of incredibly dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been staples around the shelter for years or even decades. One long-time volunteer is about to approach her 10th year!
Melissa Colsman began volunteering with CCS in 2014, originally drawn to spend time here after she first visited when looking to adopt a new kitty. It was the atmosphere of all of the cats roaming, playing and lounging that drew her in. Since her first CCS introduction, Melissa had adopted three CCS cats, and her parents adopted two. “The love and care for all of the cats is apparent in everything from the shelter design to the adoption policies to the focus on housing cats who have more needs,” she said. “I love being able to go to the shelter and interact with cats so readily. You can feel the love at CCS!”
Melissa’s first volunteer gig was our nursing home program, in which she brought shelter cats to senior centers for snuggles (a program that ended when the pandemic hit). Later, she was trained to be an adoption assistant, which provided extra help to staff on busy weekends. There, she helped greet clients, orient them to the shelter, provide information about adoption and link them to staff to start the adoption process.
In 2022, Melissa retired after 34 years as an educator. At that time, she started working with another volunteer, Erin, to assist with our on-site store, Meow Mart. Together, the two keep it stocked, price new items and assist with inventory — while making plenty of time to snuggle all of the kitties. “I just have a great time with my Meow Mart partner, Erin,” she said. “We laugh, problem-solve, and have fun helping Mandy keep [it] running.”
Melissa also helps at various events like Santa Paws and the golf tournament, both of which are great fundraisers for the shelter. “With each job, I’ve been able to see that I’ve been able to help staff and clients have a good experience at the shelter,” Melissa said. “It’s gratifying to be able to help, even if it’s just keeping wand toys stocked so cat owners have ways to engage with their fur babies. It feels good to help an organization that you believe in. It’s one thing to provide funding, which is incredibly important! But it is also personally satisfying to be able to give my time, energy and love directly to the shelter.”
“We love having Melissa’s help around the shelter!” added CCS’s Volunteer & Events Manager Mandy Babb. “She is consistently reliable and has played such a crucial role in keeping things running for many years. I know that when Melissa is on hand at an event, or when she’s managing Meow Mart, that we can count on everything running smoothly. Her history here is invaluable, and her passion is evident in the work she does for the CCS cats, and we couldn’t thank her more!”
If you’re interested in volunteering, learn more and apply at www.catcaresociety.org/volunteer.
What a summer it was for us here at the shelter. From a very active kitten season to several unexpected surprises and multiple significant and successful events, there were definitely no dull days.
Summer is often the busiest time of year for shelters across the country. Kitten season, aka feline breeding season, typically occurs between late March and October. We see many kittens and momma cats in need during these months, and our incredible fosters take care of the little ones until they are 2 pounds, at which point they can be spayed or neutered and ready for adoption. From April 1 to September 24, 2023, CCS took in 342 kittens. Of those, 258 were adopted and many are still growing in their foster homes!
In August, we hosted a waived-adoption-fee event in honor of Clear the Shelters month, and were overwhelmed at the positive response from our community! That day we adopted out the most cats ever in a single day for our shelter: 31 cats went into loving homes. We also received incredible support from our partner organizations and individuals that ensured the day went off without a hitch. We can’t thank you enough.
We know that there were some concerns over the decision to offer “free” adoptions, and we appreciate the concern for our cats’ well-being. The decision to offer this was made after much discussion and consideration. Please know that we always do our due diligence. All adopters must fill out an application and be approved before bringing any cat home. We want to make sure all our cats end up in loving and committed homes, and we’ll never compromise these values. There have even been multiple studies done by respected animal welfare groups that have found that waived adoption fees do not affect animals’ outcomes in any negative way.
Throughout the month of August in total, we had a total of 132cats come into our care, and we successfully adopted out 141cats. In September, we helped 120 cats — 79 kittens and 41 adults, 13 of which were seniors — find new homes. As we reflect on the prior fiscal year, we also know that we cared for about 400 more cats than the year before. We are so excited to be expanding our ability to help more cats than ever, thanks to your support.
Speaking of stats, I also want to call out a national database called Shelter Animals Count. This platform brings together 6,936 animal welfare organizations to share credible and accessible data to positively impact our animals and communities. Participating in this allows CCS to offer data transparency and greater understanding of cat’s needs across the mountain region. With this knowledge, we can deepen our impact. I encourage you to browse their data to evaluate trends and know that we are supporting these positive outcomes.
I also want everyone to know that my door and phone lines are always open. If anyone has questions or would like any clarification on our statistics, policies or our animals, I would be more than happy to discuss it with you; just reach out!
Over and over again, I am beyond impressed with the dedication our employees, volunteers and donors demonstrate. Every single time we ask for something, someone delivers. I am humbled and so grateful for every one of you who shows up when we need it most. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
EC Michaels
Executive Director
Cat Care Society
Hello friends of Cat Care Society! As I reach one full year of service with this incredible organization, I can’t help but beam with pride for everything we have achieved together and are still working to accomplish. And, I’ve got some great updates to share with you all.
CCS has so much rich history, and as we continue to drive ourselves forward, it was time to think big-picture as we go into the next era. So, to celebrate our past and expand on our offerings, we engaged in setting forth a new strategic plan. This ambitious plan helps us refine our identity and keep up with what’s needed in the animal welfare field and in our own community.
It started last February with a situational analysis of where we were, where we want to be and how to get there. We partnered with a company called Mission Spark, who conducted interviews with key staff and board members and guided a community survey that many of you reading this may have received. We were thrilled to see so many of you respond and offer your input — in fact, we had a higher-than-average response rate, which is a testament to the passion and dedication you all have. Thank you! We also took into consideration state and national trends, animal-related legislation and other peer organizations to make sure our services fit what our community needed.
The results of this work showed that we already had great dedication to the organization, strong core operations and a solid reputation among those who know us. What we discovered validated where we need to improve, which is in the areas of staffing, systems and structure, visibility and our facility.
After further analysis and a retreat with our board of directors in June, we began building a new visionary plan that focused on our guiding principles and perfectly reflected who we want to be and how we can best help the cats in our care.
What we’ve developed together sets forth a new comprehensive and cohesive identity, which embraces the building blocks that will propel us into a successful future. This plan went into effect at the start of our fiscal year on July 1, 2023, and we’ve already started the work to implement these new priorities.
But that’s not all. If you visit us online, you will see an entirely redesigned website with fresh content and new features to make it even easier to find the information you need. You may have also noticed a slight change to our logo, which features a cat with one eye and another one with one leg to reflect our values of caring for every cat, regardless of his or her condition.
Over the past year, we have also welcomed a few new members to our board of directors, who have already offered invaluable insight and experience to our leadership. Returning for another year as chair of the board is Mark Colsman, who has led this dedicated group of volunteers through a time of change as well as opportunity. We are so appreciative of all our board members have done to guide our organization forward.
I am also happy to share statistics from our most recent fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023:
As you can see, more cats than ever need our help, and we’re doing all we can to step up to the plate. There is so much to look forward to as an organization and a community, and I just know that our years ahead look as bright as ever.
Rest assured that even with our new identity, there will be no changes to our existing programming. We are as dedicated as ever to serving cats and the people who love them!
Cat Care Society’s new strategic plan and identity couldn’t have come together without you, our loyal adopters, donors, volunteers, staff and community members. I am so grateful for everyone’s support and participation in helping us provide life-saving treatment and adoption services for the cats of Colorado.
Thank you.
EC Michaels
Executive Director
Cat Care Society
Spaying and neutering are critical procedures in the fight against pet overpopulation, but they also do so much more than that. For cat owners and advocates in Colorado, understanding the importance of these surgeries is essential not only for the well-being of individual cats but also for the health of the community. February is National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, which makes now the purrfect time to reflect on the significance of these procedures and take action to support them. In this post, we’ll explain why spaying and neutering matters, highlight pertinent Colorado-specific data, laws, and resources, and explore the role these procedures play in ensuring a safe and healthy future for all cats.
The biggest benefit of spaying and neutering is helping to control the pet population. Population control has countless advantages, from reducing the number of homeless animals to improving overall community well-being.
Each year, millions of cats across the United States end up in shelters. Despite significant declines over the last few decades, an estimated 3.3 million cats entered shelters in 2023, according to Shelter Animals Count. Colorado contributes to this number with animal shelters statewide reporting significantly higher intake numbers since 2021, making overcrowding a continued and consistent concern. Considering that millions of pets were not spayed or neutered during the pandemic, it is increasingly important for pets to receive these surgeries and support the decrease in shelter populations.
Fortunately, spaying and neutering are simple, effective tools to prevent unwanted litters. Beyond population control, these procedures also offer additional health and behavioral benefits!
Spaying (most commonly removing the ovaries and uterus of female cats) and neutering (removing the testicles of male cats) offer numerous benefits:
Colorado has made significant strides in promoting spaying and neutering through state and local legislative action. The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA), overseen by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, regulates shelters, rescues, and pet care facilities. PACFA mandates that all pet shelters and rescues spay or neuter each cat before releasing them to a new owner.
Cities also have local laws in place for spaying and neutering. For example, Denver requires cat owners to spay or neuter their cats by six months of age. Alternatively, owners can obtain an annual permit for unaltered cats while also complying with all licensing requirements. Breeding cats requires a separate license. Always check your local laws for specific requirements.
In Colorado, feral cat colonies pose unique challenges. These cats, often unsocialized and unadoptable, contribute significantly to overpopulation. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs are a humane and effective solution. Through TNR, feral cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their original location. This approach stabilizes colony sizes and reduces the number of kittens born in the wild. Cat Care Society rents traps to help support TNR efforts. These initiatives not only control populations but also improve the quality of life for feral cats by reducing health issues and reducing conflicts with humans.
Cat Care Society has long championed spaying and neutering as a critical part of its mission, performing over 400 spay/neuter surgeries in 2024. Every cat adopted through CCS is spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter (unless there is a documented medical reason preventing the procedure from being performed safely), ensuring that adopters take home a pet that will not contribute to overpopulation and have the best chance of living a healthy and happy life.
Despite widespread advocacy, myths about spaying and neutering persist. We address some common misconceptions below:
If you’re a cat owner or advocate in Colorado, there are several ways to contribute to the spay and neuter movement:
Spaying and neutering play a crucial role in shaping the future of animal welfare. In Colorado, a state known for its vibrant and dedicated pet-loving community, these procedures are essential to giving every cat the chance for a safe and healthy life.
By prioritizing spaying and neutering, we can reduce shelter intake numbers, minimize euthanasia rates, and improve the overall quality of life for cats across the state. Donating makes a tangible difference—for example, a $25 donation covers the cost of one neuter surgery here at Cat Care Society. Together, we can make Colorado a model of compassion and care for our cat community.
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.
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.
Imagine a cat who embodies charm in the most unexpected ways — a grumpy old soul with baggage yet a heart full of hidden warmth. That’s Scrunkly for you. In October 2023, this white senior arrived at Cat Care Society, the perfect blend of quirky, disheveled and endearing.
Rescued from the streets of Longmont and sent to Cat Care Society, Scrunkly arrived with a hefty dose of grump and a laundry list of medical issues.
We knew Scrunkly was going to be a special case needing a high level of care. He was in poor condition and quite simply, a hot mess. He refused to be handled for his intake exam and required sedation.
Once we got a better look at what was in front of us, we realized the extent of his conditions. Chronic kidney disease, arthritis, asthma, anemia, a heart murmur and inverted eyelids were just the beginning. Add a breaking upper respiratory infection (URI) and conjunctivitis, and he was placed on an aggressive medication and treatment schedule.
But no matter how much he fought us, we were determined to give Scrunkly the care he needed.
Within a week, the first breakthrough. His URI resolved and congestion cleared. Then we discovered at least one source of pain: a mystery mass in his abdomen, which turned out to be a massive hairball we removed.
He was stable, but the road ahead had more bumps.
It was time for Scrunkly to go to a foster who could better assess his quality of life in a calmer environment. In Emma’s home, he slowly began to present another side of himself. One that started to like being pet and demand a spot on the couch, his grumbles slowly turning into greetings.
With his most urgent issues addressed and his other conditions chronic, Scrunkly was up for adoption.
This grumpy old man with a penchant for complaining was about to hit the jackpot. Dylan, a veterinary professional with a soft spot for elderly cats, stumbled on Scrunkly’s photo on Petfinder. After showing his partner, they couldn’t wait to meet him.
“At the shelter, Scrunkly was very shy, but the gingerly way he walked melted our hearts, and we decided we loved him and wanted him to live with us,” Dylan recalled.
Unafraid of his medical needs, Dylan and Dante’s patience was worth it. It took months for Scrunkly to allow them to touch him, but he slowly began to trust them. He leaned into their hands. Now, he greets them with headbutts and purrs when they come home. 
“He’s just a gem, and his grumbles melt my heart!” Dylan said. “We’re obsessed with him. He’s hilarious, and he makes us laugh all the time with his sweet and silly personality.”
We knew that Scrunkly was never going to be the world’s most affectionate, outgoing cat. But we also knew that someone would love him for exactly who he is.
What we did for Scrunkly is what we inherently do here at CCS. By figuring out what he needed and creating a plan to manage his conditions, he was set up for success.
When you donate to us, you ensure that the future Scrunklys have a shot at finding a loving home, too. Your financial support means we can continue to diagnose and treat the hardest of cases. We can say yes to helping more cats who need a second chance.
Thank you for supporting this work!
EC Michaels Executive Director
Is your cat constantly scratching or grooming themselves? Allergies could be the cause.
Just like humans, cats can suffer from food allergies, environmental allergies such as pollen, dander, mold, feathers, cleaning solutions, etc., as well as flea allergies. The incidence of allergies in cats has been rising, and determining the specific allergen can require some detective work and assistance from your vet.
In this post, we’ll explore the complexities of identifying cat allergies, discuss treatment options and share an inside look at how Cat Care Society (CCS) handles allergies in our shelter cats.
Regardless of the allergy trigger, the most common sign a cat has an allergy is itchy skin, which often leads to excessive scratching and overgrooming (or licking themselves, sometimes to the point that you may notice bald patches or hair loss, maybe even infection).
In most cats, flea bites cause only minor irritation in cats. However, if a cat has a flea allergy, it can trigger a severe reaction, resulting in excessive scratching, hair loss and the development of sores and scabs. Food and environmental allergies can cause similar symptoms of overgrooming and scratching. These open sores can become infected with bacteria, creating an even more significant issue. The scabs, known as miliary dermatitis, are named for their resemblance to millet seeds.
For example, Bitter, one of our shelter cats pictured below, came to CCS with miliary dermatitis all over her face and was a very itchy girl. After a couple of months and some adjustments to find the right treatment, her skin improved, and she is now a happy, friendly and playful kitty enjoying her new home.
At Cat Care Society, every cat with a suspected allergy has an allergy waiver included in his or her records. This waiver provides potential adopters with insights into what they might expect if they adopt the cat and includes useful information to share with their veterinarian for developing a long-term allergy management plan. If a cat remains in CCS’ care long enough to show positive results from the allergy protocol, the waiver is updated with details about the cat’s response and the suspected allergy status. See the example allergy waiver below.
This cat is being treated for allergies. Allergies may have multiple causes, including food or environmental causes. While humans generally develop upper respiratory allergies (runny nose, watery eyes), cats tend to develop skin allergies which leads to itchiness and scratching, which can cause secondary infections. This cat is currently being managed with antibiotics to treat the secondary infection and a corticosteroid called prednisolone that treats the allergy itself. He has also been placed on a special diet to help control any underlying food allergies. He will likely need long-term, ongoing treatment to manage his condition, and his skin may never fully resolve to that of a normal cat. The goal for cats with allergies is to minimize itchiness/discomfort and minimize secondary bacterial infections of the skin. Cats with allergies will sometimes have “flare-ups” requiring additional veterinary care, even when allergies are generally well controlled. Please share these medical records with your veterinarian and discuss what long-term management strategy will be most effective for this cat; most likely, he will need long-term management with daily medications and a prescription diet.
This condition is likely to require ongoing care and management. Please consult your vet regarding ongoing monitoring and management of this condition. CCS is not responsible for any further diagnostics or treatment regarding this condition.
If your cat has a suspected food allergy, your vet may recommend a dietary elimination trial to remove common allergens. There are also blood tests your veterinarian can run to help identify your cat’s allergy trigger. Once the trigger has been identified, treatment is often manageable by simply avoiding or eliminating the trigger, such as a specific food ingredient or household product.
For flea allergies, regular use of a flea control product can effectively prevent flea bites. If your cat has seasonal environmental allergies, your veterinarian can recommend the best management approach based on your cat’s specific needs. Since there is no cure for allergies — only treatment of symptoms to improve quality of life — it is important to monitor your cat for flare-ups so treatment can be adjusted as needed.
Dr. Cecily Palamara, CCS’ lead veterinarian, shared the approach her team takes with cats in the shelter suspected of having allergies. First, cats are typically identified by excessive scratching and grooming. Those cats are put in a special room together and fed prescription allergy food. They’re also given Atopica, a medication that suppresses the immune system but is generally safer than steroids with fewer side effects.
If you visit CCS, you’ll notice that some of the cats are wearing cones or donuts to help prevent overgrooming, allowing their scabs and wounds to heal properly. CCS’ medical team uses this multipronged approach to help alleviate symptoms as soon as possible and to help make the cats feel more comfortable. And it has proven to be very successful.
“In the shelter, our main goal is to make these cats comfortable quickly, give them the best chance of adoption and show their adopter that it can be managed,” Dr. Palamara said.
Additionally, many times, CCS takes in cats with limited or no documented history, so it’s initially unclear if there’s a behavioral issue causing the overgrooming, such as anxiety, arthritis or FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis). One CCS cat, Chief Benja, is a great example of this type of situation. At first, the CCS medical team wasn’t sure if his overgrooming and hair loss on his back was due to a behavior issue or underlying pain and discomfort. After a behavioral and pain medication didn’t make a difference, they switched to their full allergy protocol, and now he has a full, healthy coat. In the picture below, you can see the hair growing back on Chief Benja’s side and leg. He is now thriving in his new forever home!
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an estimated 10% to 20% of the global population is allergic to cats, making cat allergies the second most common indoor respiratory allergy, after house dust mites. The rising rates of cat allergies align with the growing number of Google searches for “hypoallergenic cats” over the past two decades. For those interested in hypoallergenic options, Sphynx cats, which are hairless, are among the closest you can get to a hypoallergenic cat, although their effectiveness can vary from person to person. This is because allergies can also be triggered by proteins in cat saliva and cat dander (dead skin flakes), not just fur. Every person’s body and allergy response is different, so it’s best to consult with your doctor to identify your specific allergy triggers and find an appropriate solution.
Dr. Palamara shared some comforting words for anyone interested in adopting a cat with allergies — or someone who already has a cat with them! “Allergy cats can be very challenging, but they can also be very, very rewarding,” she said. “Don’t overlook these cats, even though they may be a little bit more intensive in terms of care. Our allergy room is my favorite right now because you walk in, sit on the ground, and all the cats come up and lay on you; they’re the sweetest kitties. Once you’ve educated yourself about what it entails to take care of one of these cats, it’s it is doable for a lot of people.”
If you suspect your cat has an allergy, visit our Veterinary and Medical Services resource page to find a vet for support. Check out other CCS blog posts related to cat health and medical care to stay informed about your cat’s wellness, and if this article sparked your interest in learning more about cat behavior, there are plenty of blog posts about that, too!
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.
In today’s busy world, finding time to contribute to causes we care about can be challenging. Workplace giving programs make this easy, offering a unique and impactful way to make a difference. These programs empower employees to support their favorite charities directly through their employers via automatic payroll deductions, fostering a culture of giving and a community of change-makers.
When you participate in workplace giving, you are able to easily support your favorite charities
Last year, Colorado employees made a significant difference in the lives and well-being of shelter cats! Thanks to these generous donors, the average gift amount made to local non-profits like us was $494 per contributor (source)!
When Cat Care Society receives donor contributions, we put the money directly into the care of our cats. Here are just some of the ways your dollars are at work:
The first step to participating as an employee is to check with your employer (try your supervisor or HR manager) to find out if they allow workplace giving and offer payroll deductions. If they do, you should receive a form where you can designate which charity you would like to support and how much of your paycheck should be deducted for donations. Then, you can rest assured that your funds are being provided to charities who need your support.
If your employer does not (yet) offer a workplace giving program, you can request that they offer it as a benefit! Encourage your colleagues to do the same; the more voices advocating for this benefit, the greater your chances are of getting it in place! Try out this sample template to send to your company’s HR contact:
Dear [HR Director Name],
One of the things I value most about [COMPANY NAME] is its commitment to community, and that is why I would like to suggest that we start a workplace giving campaign.
Workplace giving allows employees to make automated tax-deductible gifts through payroll deductions, and it is the highest yielding, lowest cost method of fundraising for non-profit organizations. In addition to boosting our company’s reputation and other benefits, workplace giving demonstrates [COMPANY NAME’s] support for the charitable interests of its employees, encourages teamwork and allows employees to assume ownership of a visible and important event.
Being able to give to charitable organizations that I care about through payroll deduction at the workplace is important to me, and I would appreciate it if our company would offer it.
Questions? Contact Ashleigh Leader, director of philanthropy, at aleader@catcaresociety.org or 303-237-4559 to learn more!
Cat Care Society has proudly participated in Community Shares of Colorado and the Combined Federal Campaign since 1997.
The following quotes are direct from the mouths of local state employees who participate in the Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) about the positive community impact of workplace giving:
Together, Colorado employees can contribute to positive change in their communities, impacting lives and creating a better world. Start your contribution today!
Ever wonder how our shelter came to be? This is our origin story.
Cat Care Society (CCS) was founded in 1981 by Linda East, DVM and Lynn Rowe. It began on the second floor of East’s Lincoln Street cat-only veterinary clinic near downtown Denver and became an official 501(c)(3) federally tax exempt non-profit organization in October 1982.
In 1985, the founders purchased a small home at 11th and Harlan in Lakewood, which was converted and served as a shelter for the next 16 years. The house was sold when the shelter later relocated, but it still stands there today.
Kathy Macklem Hill was the organization’s first executive director, serving 20 years in total until January 2006. The first statistics collected in 1986 for eight months showed 146 adoptions, an average of 16 per month (compare this to our stats today!).
The current property was purchased as a parcel of land in the fall of 1994 to serve as a new cage-free cat shelter. It took much work to rezone the area from office to industrial use. A capital campaign was established to raise funds to build the shelter.
At this time, CCS only had three paid employees — a shelter manager, cleaner and a volunteer coordinator. The shelter manager also served as the vet tech, receptionist, adoption coordinator and fill-in cleaner, on call 24/7. The executive director volunteered her time at 60 to 80 hours a week. By this time, CCS was doing an average of 27 adoptions per month.
The small white house on the front of the property is the original farmhouse located on the property. In 1995, it was renovated to house a charity thrift store called Cajun’s Closet, named after CCS’ mascot at the time. Cajun was a large long-haired orange tabby in residence at the shop until 2002 when his health began to fail. After losing one eye and becoming blind in the other, it was time for him to retire. When the thrift shop closed, it was again remodeled for much-needed office space and now holds multiple administrative offices and some very special cats.
It took six years of grassroots fundraising from 1995 to 2001 to break ground on the $1.2 million, 10,000 square foot custom-built facility at 5787 W 6th Avenue in Lakewood. The shelter as we know it opened in 2001 and is where we still are today. The new building also allowed us to open our first in-shelter store, Meow Mart!
By 2002, adoptions increased to 862, an average of 72 per month.
In October 2005, we completed the lower level of the shelter and opened The Cat Clinic at Cat Care Society, which served both private-pay clients and low-income families. In 2018, the clinic was closed as it was no longer financially sustainable. However, the shelter cats are still taken care of in this area by our medical care team as all medical and treatment care remains in-house.
The first-ever Tails of the Painted Cats event was announced in 2010 and debuted in 2011, now heading into its 10th gala.
Learn more about us in this 40th-anniversary video produced by 9News Denver:
What do you remember of Cat Care Society’s early years? Share your memories and favorite moments in the comments!
Regular nail trims are an essential part of cat care, promoting both cat and human well-being while protecting your furniture, clothes and skin! However, it can be an anxiety-inducing task for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are many effective approaches to trimming your cat’s nails, and finding the right strategy can make the experience more manageable and less stressful for both you and your cat. Here, learn why nail trimming is important, when and how to trim a cat’s nails, and bonus tips for addressing issues that can arise from nails that would make even Freddy Krueger jealous.
Cats typically have 18 claws in total, with five on each front paw and four on each hind paw. The inner, shorter claw on the front paws is called a dewclaw. Unlike the other claws, dewclaws don’t usually touch the ground while walking. However, they still play a role in climbing and grabbing. Since they don’t wear down naturally, dewclaws need regular trimming alongside the other claws to prevent them from getting overgrown and uncomfortable.
If a cat’s nails grow too long, they can start to curve and may puncture their footpads, leading to discomfort, mobility issues and infections. Longer nails are also more likely to snag on soft surfaces, potentially hindering their ability to climb and causing injuries.
If you adopted your cat as a kitten, it’s a great idea to start getting into the habit of trimming right away so your cat gets used to it (not to mention, the kitten age is often when they are the most destructive!).
All claws, including dewclaws, need regular trimming, typically every 2-4 weeks for indoor cats. You may discover that your cat’s front paws need more frequent trimming than rear paws. Older or arthritic cats, who tend to be less active, often require more frequent trims compared to younger, more active cats. Additionally, older cats may develop thicker, brittle nails, further increasing the need for more frequent nail care.
We want to be clear that a nail trim is not the same as declawing. A nail trim for a cat is equivalent to humans trimming their fingernails. Declawing, on the other hand, is a surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe on a cat’s paw. In human terms, it would be akin to cutting off every finger at the first knuckle. Declawing should NEVER be used to prevent unwanted scratching.
Declawing has been found to cause behavioral and health issues, including back pain, litter box aversion and biting. It is banned or considered unethical in dozens of countries and states. In several U.S. cities, such as Denver, it is illegal to declaw cats!
Cat Care Society supports this ban. Scratching is a normal cat behavior that serves multiple purposes: removing dead husks from claws, marking territory visually and with scent glands, muscle stretching, and expressing energy and emotion. If you’re frustrated about your cat scratching furniture, starting with regular nail trims and positive reinforcement for using approved trees and posts is a great approach! We also share some other tips later in this article.
Most commonly, cat owners use a nail trimmer specifically designed for cats (or small dogs) like the one shown below. If the clippers are new, let your cat smell them first.
Before diving in, make sure your cat is in a comfortable position and relaxed. You can opt to be positioned behind your cat or holding them with both of you facing forward to make your cat more secure. You can also make it a two-person job and have one person hold the cat in a comfortable position while a second person trims the nails. If your cat is more experienced and/or super relaxed, you may find that you can position yourself in front of your cat.
Cats have retractable claws, so to trim them effectively, gently press on the top of their paw to extend the claw completely. Use your other hand to hold the clippers and get ready to trim. Only trim the white part of the claw. The pink part of the claw contains actual tissue and can cause pain if trimmed. The Kitten Lady has a great analogy: Just like when we trim our own fingernails, we only trim the white parts!
Continue trimming each claw on every paw. If your cat begins to get squirmy, take a break! It’s perfectly fine to trim their nails over multiple sessions. Be patient and offer praise or treats throughout to keep your cat calm and cooperative.
If your cat becomes very anxious or upset when having their paws touched and nails trimmed, you might find the “Kitty Burrito Method” helpful! All you need is a thick bath towel or blanket. Watch the video below for detailed instructions. Notice how the vet tech gently applies pressure from above to keep the cat secure.
Pro Tip: If you are unable to trim your cat’s nails for any reason, you can always find a groomer to do it. Many veterinarians and pet supply stores, such as Petco, Chuck & Don’s and PetSmart, offer nail trimming as a service.
There may be times when trimming a cat’s claws doesn’t completely solve the problem. Jake Confer, Cat Care Society’s shelter operations manager, recommends nail cap products like Soft Paws for situations when you want to ensure the safety of children or other animals from sharp claws. Claw caps can also help if a cat has skin issues and/or scratches themselves excessively. While it may take some time for the cat to adjust to the feeling of the caps on their claws, they do not interfere with nail growth or the cat’s natural ability to extend and retract their claws.
Other humane solutions for preventing cats from damaging furniture include using scratch barrier tape, applying deterrent spray to the area, and providing scratching toys that cater to your cat’s preferences. For instance, if your cat prefers scratching carpets, provide more scratching mats. If they scratch vertically on couch ends, add additional scratching posts. If you’re able to offer a catio space, that can also help deter inappropriate scratching.
Regular nail trimming for your cat is not just about protecting your furniture and skin — it’s a crucial part of their health and well-being. Fortunately, in most cases, nail trimming can become a manageable and stress-free experience for both you and your cat. Remember, it’s a gradual process that can be made easier with practice, patience and positive reinforcement.
Be sure to check out Cat Care Society’s Resources page to find cat behavior and cat medical specialists, and read more about other ways you can help maintain your cat’s well-being in other blog posts!
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.
If you have ever searched online for “Is ____ plant cat-safe?” only to be met with confusion or fear, or felt like you needed to choose between having cats OR plants in your home, this post is for you! While some plants are absolutely poisonous to cats, there are many beautiful cat-friendly plants and flowers that you can incorporate into your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore which plants to avoid and which ones are safe for your cat-friendly oasis. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep your curious kitty from turning your plants into a 24/7 salad bar.
Below is a list of common plants you absolutely want to avoid if you have a cat. From azaleas triggering heart failure to lilies causing kidney failure in just three days, caution is essential. Lilies, in particular, require special mention. Every part of the plant is toxic to cats, including stems, leaves, flowers, pollen and even the vase water. Simply brushing against lily pollen and then grooming themselves can trigger a dangerous reaction in cats.
If you have concerns that your cat ingested a poisonous substance (even beyond plants), contact the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or contact your veterinarian right away.
The plants below are considered toxic to cats and usually cause mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary irritation of the mouth, throat and skin. The severity of these effects depends on how much of the plant is ingested and your cat’s unique biological sensitivity. To be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid keeping these plants in your home altogether.
Fortunately, there are plenty of cat-safe plants and flowers to brighten your home! While individual sensitivities can vary, the plants listed below are generally considered non-toxic and won’t cause serious problems if nibbled. However, if your cat experiences any digestive upset after contact with a plant, always consult your veterinarian for peace of mind.
Even if you only have cat-safe plants, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want your cats chewing on them. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to deter them from making a meal out of your marigolds!
The research isn’t totally clear on why cats have an instinct to eat grass and greens. Some theories suggest plants may soothe upset stomachs, aid digestion or offer missing nutrients. It could also simply mean that they’re bored. Enrich their environment through play, cat TV, treat-dispensing toys and adding or switching up their vertical territory. This can help keep your cat stimulated and your houseplants safe.
With a little planning and creativity, you can create a harmonious home for both your cat and your houseplants. It is important to note that while you will carefully choose cat-safe plants for your home, your neighbors’ yards and gardens might include hazardous plants, making it one of the many good reasons to keep your cat indoors.
If you have concerns that your cat ingested a poisonous substance (even beyond plants), you can contact the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. They also offer a huge database of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats, including less common plants, shrubs, and trees. However, if you think your cat ingested one of the more poisonous plants, be sure to take them to your veterinarian right away or locate an emergency vet clinic near you.
Finally, to ensure your new cat and plant paradise remains safe, share your newfound knowledge and this article with family and friends. That way, you can avoid well-meaning but potentially poisonous gifts like bouquets!
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.
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