Animal Welfare Professionals

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

We call our challenging kitties "Spicy"

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Thank you again for sharing! I listened to the webinar and have some take-aways.  Talking about "cattitude" and the cat being 'prone to aggressive/defensive behaviours or touch sensitivity', focuses on labeling the cat with negative terms. I really like the idea of calling them a Fearless Feline and pairing it with actions people can take to support them. I think I came up with the start of a proposal for the Fearless Feline Program:

The Fearless Feline program aims to shift the focus away from the cat's attitude and instead provide solutions to improve their welfare by highlighting what they need for success. The goal is to foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat. 

I also wrote up a template that could be added to the cat's bio: 

I'm a Fearless Feline! 

I am learning to be brave and feel safe with people.

Please support me by: 

Not making direct eye contact. 

Speak quietly and move slowly around me. 

Listen to my body language and respect my personal space. 

Keep petting to a minimum until I get to know you better. 

And I think I'll need another writeup for cats who are easily frustrated  and need help building impulse control. 

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Alicia - That's excellent that you're focusing on solutions and what the humans need to know to set everyone up for success! I love how you phrased it: "Foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat."  These instructions are accessibly written. Thank you for sharing them so others can benefit!

In case it's helpful for your adopters or volunteers, we recently created a short video on asking a cat for petting consent. 

Thank you again for sharing! I listened to the webinar and have some take-aways.  Talking about "cattitude" and the cat being 'prone to aggressive/defensive behaviours or touch sensitivity', focuses on labeling the cat with negative terms. I really like the idea of calling them a Fearless Feline and pairing it with actions people can take to support them. I think I came up with the start of a proposal for the Fearless Feline Program:

The Fearless Feline program aims to shift the focus away from the cat's attitude and instead provide solutions to improve their welfare by highlighting what they need for success. The goal is to foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat. 

I also wrote up a template that could be added to the cat's bio: 

I'm a Fearless Feline! 

I am learning to be brave and feel safe with people.

Please support me by: 

Not making direct eye contact. 

Speak quietly and move slowly around me. 

Listen to my body language and respect my personal space. 

Keep petting to a minimum until I get to know you better. 

And I think I'll need another writeup for cats who are easily frustrated  and need help building impulse control. 

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Alicia - That's excellent that you're focusing on solutions and what the humans need to know to set everyone up for success! I love how you phrased it: "Foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat."  These instructions are accessibly written. Thank you for sharing them so others can benefit!

In case it's helpful for your adopters or volunteers, we recently created a short video on asking a cat for petting consent. 

Thank you again for sharing! I listened to the webinar and have some take-aways.  Talking about "cattitude" and the cat being 'prone to aggressive/defensive behaviours or touch sensitivity', focuses on labeling the cat with negative terms. I really like the idea of calling them a Fearless Feline and pairing it with actions people can take to support them. I think I came up with the start of a proposal for the Fearless Feline Program:

The Fearless Feline program aims to shift the focus away from the cat's attitude and instead provide solutions to improve their welfare by highlighting what they need for success. The goal is to foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat. 

I also wrote up a template that could be added to the cat's bio: 

I'm a Fearless Feline! 

I am learning to be brave and feel safe with people.

Please support me by: 

Not making direct eye contact. 

Speak quietly and move slowly around me. 

Listen to my body language and respect my personal space. 

Keep petting to a minimum until I get to know you better. 

And I think I'll need another writeup for cats who are easily frustrated  and need help building impulse control. 

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Thank you again for sharing! I listened to the webinar and have some take-aways.  Talking about "cattitude" and the cat being 'prone to aggressive/defensive behaviours or touch sensitivity', focuses on labeling the cat with negative terms. I really like the idea of calling them a Fearless Feline and pairing it with actions people can take to support them. I think I came up with the start of a proposal for the Fearless Feline Program:

The Fearless Feline program aims to shift the focus away from the cat's attitude and instead provide solutions to improve their welfare by highlighting what they need for success. The goal is to foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat. 

I also wrote up a template that could be added to the cat's bio: 

I'm a Fearless Feline! 

I am learning to be brave and feel safe with people.

Please support me by: 

Not making direct eye contact. 

Speak quietly and move slowly around me. 

Listen to my body language and respect my personal space. 

Keep petting to a minimum until I get to know you better. 

And I think I'll need another writeup for cats who are easily frustrated  and need help building impulse control. 

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

Thank you again for sharing! I listened to the webinar and have some take-aways.  Talking about "cattitude" and the cat being 'prone to aggressive/defensive behaviours or touch sensitivity', focuses on labeling the cat with negative terms. I really like the idea of calling them a Fearless Feline and pairing it with actions people can take to support them. I think I came up with the start of a proposal for the Fearless Feline Program:

The Fearless Feline program aims to shift the focus away from the cat's attitude and instead provide solutions to improve their welfare by highlighting what they need for success. The goal is to foster understanding, compassion, and curiosity about the emotional state of the cat. 

I also wrote up a template that could be added to the cat's bio: 

I'm a Fearless Feline! 

I am learning to be brave and feel safe with people.

Please support me by: 

Not making direct eye contact. 

Speak quietly and move slowly around me. 

Listen to my body language and respect my personal space. 

Keep petting to a minimum until I get to know you better. 

And I think I'll need another writeup for cats who are easily frustrated  and need help building impulse control. 

Thanks for bringing up this topic! It's helpful to align on how terms across the industry, and to share/learn about which terms resonate with adopters, clients, and staff. We recently had a panel Q&A with shared resources on this topic: ASPCA Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Changing How We Talk About Behavior Dogs and Cats. This talk included representatives from administration, marketing, and behavior. 

I'm excited to see what others share here on how they describe various feline behaviors. 

------------------------------
Renee Dunaway
Dir. Learning Design & Development
ASPCA
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2024 02:51 PM
From: Alicia Naundorf
Subject: "Cattitude" behaviour cats

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats! 

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Alicia Naundorf
RVT
Edmonton Humane Society
------------------------------

I was wondering what words other shelters use to describe different categories for their cats. For example, some of our categories for adult cats are 'cattitude', and 'barn buddy'. 

Our cattitude program is for cats that may be prone to aggressive or defensive behaviours, touch sensitivity, and/or general intolerance to handling, and may need additional support in the home.  We inform adopters that the cat is likely best suited to an adult only household. 

I would like to propose a change away from 'cattitude', as it has some negative associations (cats just have a 'bad attitude') and I think it's unfair because most of these cats are fearful. I just can't think of a name that would be easily understood, create positive associations, and indicate that these cats actually need patience, respect, and/or confidence building. 

We use 'barn buddy' to indicate a cat that may be best suited for farms, acreages, or shops due to house soiling/marking or behaviour (ie: poorly socialized/semi-feral cats). I think it's okay, although perhaps people who may have an appropriate property don't consider these cats if they don't have a 'barn'. 

I'd love to hear everyone else's favourite terms for cats!