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  • 1.  Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session

    Posted 03-20-2025 02:27 PM

    Thanks to everyone who attended the Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session on 3/18/25! Our four presenters, @Julie Levy, @Monica Tarant, @Marnie Russ and @Tabitha Kucera fielded a clowder (see what I did there?) of questions during the two-hour event. We'll post some of the questions we weren't able to get to on this thread. 

    Here's the recording from the event: 

    And last but not least, I've attached a list of additional resources shared on the call. 

    Thanks again to all who attended!


    #AccesstoCare
    #AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
    #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
    #CommunityCatManagement
    #CommunityPartnerships*
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    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
    #EducationandTraining
    #FosterPrograms
    #LawsandPublicPolicy
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    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 2.  RE: Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session

    Posted 03-20-2025 02:30 PM
      |   view attached

    Here's the Additional Resources attachment!



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    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
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    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    camp-maddie-kitten-resources.pdf   2.36 MB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session

    Posted 03-20-2025 03:27 PM

    Some of the Questions that didn't get answered during the follow up Q&A call:

    • "For Monika- if feral mom has the kittens and are less than 4 weeks, can the mom be spay and vaccinate or wait to TNVR the mom at that point you remove her from the 4 week kittens?" - Anonymous Attendee
      • I would vaccinate the queen immediately and spay when you separate her from the kittens - Monica Tarant
    • "My local shelter is through the county (meaning government-run).  They are only open to the public 11-5 tues - sunday.  Do you have any suggestions on how to encourage them to extend their hours during the week to (1.) expand the public's opportunities to adopt on a week day and (2.) create the opportunities for volunteers to donate their time after work during the week? "- Samantha Mir
      • Have you approached officials and suggested a plan in which volunteers could do exactly this, and shown the benefits of being allowed to do so? Shorter length of stay and increased adoptions equals lower costs to the county! - Monica Tarant
    • "How do you help get black cats into new forever homes? We have a lot of black cats/kittens that are not very popular. even if they are open adoption at the shelter." - Charity Schwank
      • Black is the most common feline coat color and, as such, some studies indicate they are the MOST adopted cats! To make them stand out, though, use brightly colored blankets and bedding and get great photos of them. Don't hesitate to have adoption promos just for black cats, too: Black Friday is a popular example when many shelters promote animals with black coats. - Monica Tarant
    • "Ref TNR relocation.  I apoloigze I may have missed the answer but what about returning cats to their original location when there is no feeding source other than rats/mice?  There is no housing areas near a location that is flooded with cats in an environemnt that is essentially a major junk yard with some active 18 wheeler transporters.  The cats are wanted to only to keep mice/rats from chewing wires in vehicles but individuals that use this area do not understand the need for medical care and feeding due to cultural differences. (they may on occassion throw some bread, chicken bones, or noodles out for the cats) but most of these truckers are gone for days, if not weeks, at a time." - Sherry Turner
      • Are the cats consistently in good body condition? If so, that would suggest that there are ample resources for them in their area. However, this sitiuation is a good example of the need for ongoing colony management so you can keep a loose eye on the colony's health. Would the people who pass through this area be willing to restock large hopper feeders when they do pass through? Can an organization supply free cat food for such a program? - Monica Tarant
    • "Do you adopt to people that come in realy drunk or high? Are they legally able to sign the adoption contract with them being impaired?" - Charity Schwank
      • I would not adopt to a person who is under the influenence, but this is challenging from an HR perspective. Before you ask, or suggest, that a visitor is under the influence, talk to your HR or legal department for guidance on how to handle this! - Monica Tarant
    • "What to do if cities have laws against rereleasing feral cats? And thoughts on the environmental impact on native species by outdoor cats. Any studies I could read?" - Anonymous Attendee
      • The good news about ordinances is that they can be changed, and it's not all that hard to do! Meet with your elected officials and find a friendly advocate to update those outdated laws! My favorite webinar about environmental concenrs of TNR, packed with studies to check out, is Dr. Kate Hurley's "Cats, Birds, and Animal Shelters: Seeking Common Ground" - Monica Tarant


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    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session

    Posted 03-25-2025 11:01 AM

    "How to manage stress of mother cats who are separted from kittens at the shelter and can still hear their babies? Especially when all but one kitten are just fine, but that one kitten seems pretty bonded with mom? Bare with me for my wording isnt the best. Is it okay to give a kitten back to the mom to ease both of their stress?" - Anonymous Attendee

    If possible, it is always recommended to keep the kittens with their mother, as this is generally best for both the kittens and the queen. The presence of the mother cat provides essential physical and emotional support, which plays a crucial role in the kittens' development and well-being. Interaction with the litter in the presence of their mother promotes proper socialization by offering them a sense of security, maintaining familiarity, and helping regulate their responses to new experiences. Research has shown that kittens are more likely to explore and engage with people when their mother is present, while they may become hesitant or cautious in her absence.


    Moreover, the queen's social contact with her kittens is vital for their emotional and behavioral development. Kittens deprived of maternal care are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, fearful behaviors, and aggression toward other cats. The queen's relationship with people also influences her kittens' socialization. If the mother cat is comfortable and friendly around handlers, her kittens are more likely to adopt the same behavior. Her calm and trusting demeanor helps the kittens feel safe and gradually adjust to human interaction.


    Creating a supportive environment for the queen and her kittens is essential and involves providing enrichment, positive social interactions with humans, a quiet, warm, and clean space, and ensuring their needs are met by following the [5 Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment] (https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/07/the-five-pillars-of-healthy-environment.html ). One effective way to build a positive relationship with the queen is through a technique called "picnicking," and spending time in her space without forcing interactions. Simply sitting nearby, reading a book, or offering treats can help her become more comfortable with your presence. For further guidance on picnicking and other socialization techniques, refer to the [Fearful Kitten Socialization Guide](https://chirrupsandchatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/FearfulKittenSocialization-2020.pdf).


    If physical reunification isn't possible or advisable, there are still other ways to reduce stress. Providing the queen with bedding that carry the kittens' scent, and vice versa, can be comforting for both. Additionally, consider soundproofing the space or relocating them to reduce the stress caused by hearing each other without direct contact, and using white noise machines or calming music may also help. Feline pheromone diffusers like Feliway can further promote relaxation, and offering enrichment activities like food puzzles, scratching posts, and hiding spots can help redirect stress-related behaviors.



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    Tabitha Kucera
    RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP
    Chirrups and Chatter
    OH
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session

    Posted 03-25-2025 11:35 AM



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    Laura Groves
    Director
    AlterClinic Animal Care
    OH
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition Follow Up Q&A Session

    Posted 03-25-2025 11:06 AM

    "For Tabitha, I'm new and would like to foster but am very nervous about it. I have 2 cats now and my male is territoral. I have a very quiet home. Any help for someone new to fostering?" - @Anita Selby

    It's wonderful that you're considering fostering, and it's completely normal to feel nervous about it! Since you have two cats,  careful planning can help ensure a positive experience for everyone.  


    To start, I recommend creating a designated space for your fosters that is separate from your resident cats. Ideally, this would be a spare room where the fosters can settle in without any direct contact with your cats. Avoiding any interaction between your resident cats and fosters is the best approach, as it reduces stress for all animals and prevents the spread of illness. Even if your foster animals seem friendly, maintaining separation is key to keeping everyone comfortable and safe.  


    It's also helpful to increase resources for your resident cats. Provide multiple and separated key resources, including water bowls, food stations, scratching surfaces, litter boxes, hiding spots, and vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves. Spacing these out helps reduce competition and provides your cats with plenty of options to feel secure. Meeting their social, physical, and mental needs is a great way to minimize stress and territorial behavior. You can find more information on how to create a cat-friendly environment [here](https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/07/the-five-pillars-of-healthy-environment.html).  


    Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, and preparing ahead of time will help you feel more confident. Consider learning more about feline body language and behavior to better understand both your resident cats and the foster animals. There are also plenty of resources available that offer guidance on the fostering process via Maddie's Fund. A few other great resources are Cat Adoption Team, Icatcare.org and chirrupsandchatter.com.


    With patience and preparation, fostering can be a wonderful experience for you, your cats, and the animals in need.



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    Tabitha Kucera
    RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP
    Chirrups and Chatter
    OH
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    Original Message


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