Is “Cage-Free” the Way to Be? Rethinking Shelter Housing for Happier, Healthier Cats
When it comes to caring for cats in shelters, housing isn't just a place to stay—it’s a critical factor in their health and happiness. But how do you know when to go "cage-free" or stick with individual enclosures? In this engaging and practical webinar, we’ll explore the ins and outs of non-cage housing for shelter cats.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the risks and benefits of cage-based versus non-cage housing options.
- Design and furnish non-cage cat housing spaces that support positive social interactions, environmental enrichment, and stress reduction.
- Make decisions about how and when to utilize group housing in ways that support cats' natural behaviors and well-being.
Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/cathousingreg
View Discussion Thread: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/discussion/is-cage-free-the-way-to-be-rethinking-shelter-housing-for-happier-healthier-cats
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Becky Stuntebeck DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine)
Facility Design and Outreach Veterinarian at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Becky joined the KSMP team as a Facility Design and Outreach Veterinarian in April 2022. She obtained her DVM degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She completed a shelter medicine internship at Dane County Humane Society via the KSMP team in 2014 and a shelter medicine residency with the UW Shelter Medicine Program in 2018, achieving board certification through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners that Fall.
Becky has worked as a shelter veterinarian at two private shelters in Wisconsin. In addition to facility design her interests include shelter data, proactive population management, infectious disease prevention in shelters, and building relationships with folks across the sheltering field.
Outside of work she enjoys petting kittens, getting outside, and reading. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, 1 aged moggy, and 1 rowdy mutt.
Dr. Denae Wagner, DVM
Facility Design Veterinarian at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Denae Wagner has been a member of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program since 2007. She overseas and conducts much of the research as well as is the lead team member for organizing facility design consults. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a Masters degree in Preventive Veterinary Medicine and a residency in Food Animal Reproduction and Herd/Health at the University of California, Davis. She is able to apply her population health training and field experience from large animal practice to the many challenges of caring for companion animals in shelters. Her interests include the impact of shelter design, housing and the environment on health and welfare of shelter animals. Dr. Wagner combines her scientific interests with her hobbies of carpentry, stitchery and metal work to create practical applications for animal care. She designed and brought to fruition – the “Portal”, which can be used to remodel small single cat cages into fabulous low stress, more spacious, double compartment portalized cat palaces.
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#OrganizationalManagement