Domesticated cats were carried to Europe by Phoenician trade ships about 3000 years ago. This African subspecies mingled with European subspecies giving rise to the domestic cats we still keep today. There is some debate whether, in ancient times, cats were considered pests or prized predators. It is evident that these pets were valued for their hunting prowess, often tolerated for keeping rodent populations at bay and left free to roam temples and estates for the same reason. Roman soldiers transported cats on conquests to keep grain stores safe. There are also other positive associations of cats in lore that supports that they were more than just a presence, though not perhaps favored as pampered pets as much in Roman society as dogs, birds and other exotic pets at the time. Cats are associated with the goddesses Diana (goddess of the hunt) and Libertas (goddess of freedom). Regardless of how the Romans of that age felt about cats, their place in culture had been established.

Cats continue to freely roam the ancient ruins of metropolitan Rome today, thousands of years after they were left behind by the fallen empire. Today there are more than 2000 colonies of feral cats in the city, populated with an estimated 300,000 individuals. In 2001, city government proclaimed the cats protected as part of the city’s long heritage–cats roaming the Coliseum, the Forum, and the Torre Argentina are permitted free access to these locations. These felines are as much a tourist attraction as the ruins they live amongst, and the people who help to provide for them depend largely on contributions from tourists to fund thier efforts.

In 1929, the Torre Argentina (the place where Julius Caesar was murdered) was excavated and a cavernous area was opened under the street. The cats quickly populated the protected dwellings and soon the location became a massive cat sanctuary. While the cats continue their work as exterminators feeding on birds, rodents and lizards in the city (as well as scavenging in restaurant alleyways) during the summer, they are also fed and protected by many of the women of the city – known as “gattara”. These dedicated caretakers provided for the cats from 1929 to the early 90′s mostly with their own funds. Over time, the sanctuary evolved into a large scale professional operation, collecting funds and using volunteers to provide medical assistance, spaying, neutering and other care as well as increasing public awareness for the Torre Argentina and other local colonies.  Some of the Roman cats are even being offered for adoption if it is deemed that they need prolonged care when examined.

The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary continues its important work today, though the recent economic crisis has had a negative impact on their efforts.  While their facilities are less than ideal and doing their work can be a struggle, fundraisers and donations have aided in raising much need funds for improvements, as well as medical evaluations, supplies and continuing efforts on mass sterilization and re-homing cats when necessary.

I wonder if the ancient Romans had any idea that common cats would be flourishing thousands of years after their empire fell.  Chances are these animals will outlast the architecture they inhabit, too, a perpetual legacy to an empire in ruins.  You can contribute to the cause! Like local shelters the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is in need of funding, supply donations, volunteers, and other assistance in their cause.

Cat Mosaic from Pompeii image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Mossimo Finizio
Torre Argentina image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Helix84

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A Legacy of Cats in Rome From Antiquity to Present Day

The luxury of insurance to the average pet owner may seem like an unnecessary expense, but emergencies can occur at any time and very expensive vet treatment may be required. Pet insurance is comparable to health insurance in human terms. In exchange for a monthly fee, most policies will cover up to 90% of the cost of veterinary care should your pet become sick or injured, and some may even cover the cost of vaccinations, physical therapy, medications, or even dental care depending on the policy. However, pet insurance is not technically health insurance. It is actually a form of property insurance (even though most of us like to think of our pets more as family than property!), so policy holders usually have to pay the entire cost of care up front and then submit the claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. Be sure you’re ready to cover the cost of services that may be administered when you take your pet to the vet.

I always recommend that prospective pet owners start a savings fund dedicated just to the health care of their pets, just in case. Of course we hope that nothing bad ever happens to our pets and we do everything in our power to feed them right and take good care of them, but as pets age, the possibility of major problems like cancer and arthritis does increase. As a pet owner, you may eventually be faced with the decision between expensive treatments for health issues or possibly having your pet be put to sleep–sadly, a decision which may be based largely on how much you are able to spend vet care. Surgeries and other treatments can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, and most people just don’t have that kind of money laying around.  Dedicated savings and pet insurance can provide pet owners with a safety net to help when these harrowing situations arise.

Before you dive into a pet insurance policy, but sure to look at the terms and guidelines to see what best suits your situation. Questions you should ask include:

What types of animals does this policy cover?

Some policies will only cover cats and dogs, while others cover everything from rats to race horses. Most likely, the insurance company will base their rates on the life expectancy of your pet. While parrots can live 60 years or more, hamsters may live up to about 3 years, and a policy may have to be altered with this in mind.

Are Pre-existing, congenital and hereditary conditions (heart defects, cataracts, diabetes, ect.) covered in the plan?

Some plans cover emergencies only and not pre-existing or genetic conditions. Let’s say you have a dog who has torn his ACL in the past. If you decide to insure your dog, and he has had surgery to repair his leg before you buy the policy, the policy may not cover costs if he tears his ACL again or injures his legs in any other way as a result of having a weak ACL. Some animals ar prone to certain disorders and health issues, for example rats are prone to tumors. Some policies, knowing this, will not cover tumors in rats because it is very likely yours may develop a tumor in its lifetime. 

How is my reimbursement calculated?

Some policies calculate your reimbursement based on your actual vet bill, others may stick to a benefit schedule. Some may have a flat rate of pay out, which means they will only cover up to a specified amount, no matter how high the bill is.

Are there any limits to my pet’s benefits?

Some policies only cover a certain number of emergencies annually or in a lifetime. This may even include illnesses and accidents, so it is important to research the policy and read the fine print.

There is a lot to consider before picking a policy, so it is important to research the company and policy you are interested in before committing. I probably won’t make the investment for Charlie since she’s older, but should I decide to get another bird, I intend on investing in an insurance policy, particularly to cover emergencies. It is my hope that I will never have to use it!

Until next time,

Jess

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Investing in Pet Insurance

People often mistake young rabbits as helpless and abandoned, ususally because their found alone and in the open. Several times each year we have patrons that present us with wild rabbits they come across while mowing the lawn, or that were discovered by the family dog or cat and rescued before becoming a mid-morning snack. While people have the best of intentions, removing the babies from the area where they are found often creates even more of a problem for the little guys.

Mom Knows Best

Anyone who lives in a suburban setting can vouch for the success of cottontail rabbits in the wild. I can walk into my backyard any day and count multiple cottontails within eyeshot, grazing or resting in the shade of my shubs and trees. They are surprisingly successful and prolific, despite their seemingly haphazard way of raising their broods. Females create their nests, also called “forms”, in rather open areas, sometimes in plain view, of loosley piled grasses and fur. Once the babies are deposited in the nest the mother only visits them about twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening, to allow them to feed for a few minutes on her rich milk. Her infrequent, short visits keep the nest safe as the attention of predators is kept away from the location. Otherwise, they are pretty much left to fend for themselves, remaining quiet and still unless disturbed. The babies remain in the shallow nest, insulated by the mother’s downy fur, for 3 to 4 weeks until they are able to venture out to explore and the mother weans them. They may be found in and around the nest periodically for a week or two after they are weaned until they move on.

What to do or or when to intervene

So, what do you do if you should happen to find yourself faced with an adorable kit or kits in your backyard? There are several things to consider before you whisk the babies away from their present location. First of all, carefully inspect the rabbit and its surroundings. If your pet has found or disturbed the nest, remove your pet from the area to prevent any further stress or disturbance. Try to gauge how old the babies are–try to do this visually, handling them as little as possible (if at all), to avoid stressing them further. Newborns are “naked” and pink, but develop a full coat in about a week, their eyes open in about 10 days, and they can be on their own at about 4 weeks. Babies still in thier mother’s care may have a small white blaze on their head.

If the foundling is unharmed, tuck them back into the nest and fix the nesting material as well as you can before leaving the area. You can even move the nest a short distance (not more than 10 or 15 feet) if you think it will put the babies in a safer position. Simply create a shallow hole or indentation in the ground and use the hair and dried grasses from the original nest to line the hole. Cover the babies loosely with some of the material. The mother should come back to find the nest in the night, and may even move the nest again on her own. Place two small sticks over the nest in an “#” arrangement…this is a common trick to tell if the mother has returned in the night as she’ll usually have to disturb them when she finds the babies. At the very least the babies should be healthy and warm if you see them the next day. Keep pets away from the nest until you know the babies have gone off on their own.

There are some situations when the kits should be removed and taken to a vet or licensed rehabilitator.  If the mother doesn’t appear to have tended to the babies after 24 hours, check their condition. If a baby is injured, cold, or dehydrated, contact a vet or animal rehabilitator for assistance. Do not try to feed the rabbit, that is best left to a skilled rehabilitator. The harsh fact is that injured kits and kits taken from a nest away from their mother have a very low survival rate, especially when very young. Their best chance for survival if uninjured is to stay put and wait for the mother to return and care for them.

I hope this information helps! Please feel free to share experiences and questions in the comments section below.

Until next time,

Patty

Post from: That Pet Blog


Bouncing Baby Bunnies – Wild Rabbits in the Spring

Frostbite

Symptoms: Bluish color to paws, tail, or other extremities. Extremely cold to touch.

Treatment: Immediately get your pet out of the cold and into a warm environment. Fill the bath tub or sink with warm water that is approximately 85-90 degrees and submerge the animal in the water, being careful to hold your pet’s head up so it cannot slip under. The skin may appear pink when it is warming up, but this is good. If you cannot get your pet to warm water, gently massage the affected area with your hands to increase blood circulation and cover the animal with a warm towel or blanket until you can get him/her to a vet.

Choking

Symptoms: Unable to breath or swallow, drooling, change in color and/or pawing at the face

Treatment: Make absolutely sure that you are not mistaking difficulty breathing with choking. If you know for sure your pet has ingested something he/she cannot swallow, then precede with the following. First, see if you can physically remove the item from your pet’s throat by opening the mouth and examining the inside for the object. Only stick your hand into your pet’s throat if you can see the object, NEVER blindly reach inside as you may cause more harm than good. If you cannot remove the object yourself, use an open palm and slap your pet on the back between the shoulder blades to see if you can dislodge the object. Be careful with small dogs, cats or other small pets. If this does not work, a modified Heimlich maneuver can be attempted. Hold your pet around the waist with his/her rear facing you, placing a fist just behind the ribs, compress the abdomen several times with rapid pushing motions. Do this several times and check the mouth to see if the item has been dislodged enough to be removed. If you are able to get the item out, still take your pet to the vet to check for internal injuries.

Cuts/Lacerations

Symptoms: Open wound that is bleeding

Treatment: First apply pressure directly to the wound using a clean towel or cloth in order to slow the bleeding. Depending on the severity of the wound, this may take a few seconds or several minutes. Clean the wound using mild soap and water and apply a mild antiseptic to clear it of bacteria and dirt before bandaging. Apply gauze to the cut and wrap the pet’s wound with bandaging found in your first aid kit. Be sure that the bandage is wrapped tightly enough to stay on, but not too tight as to cut off circulation. Change the bandaging frequently and wash the wound out each time you do so to prevent infection until you can take your pet to a vet. Usually mild cuts and scrapes heal quickly and will not require emergency assistance, but any wound that is profusely bleeding or especially deep may require stitches and should be attended to by a vet immediately.

Diarrhea

Symptoms: Frequent watery stool

Treatment: Though diarrhea may not seem like an emergency, frequent loss of water through diarrhea can result in dehydration which can be fatal. If your pet has prolonged diarrhea (lasting more than a week), or if you notice a marked change in your pet’s behavior, you should schedule a vet appointment for as soon as possible. Provide your pet with plenty of water mixed with pedialyte or another drink high in electrolytes, but low in sugar. You may need to administer water with a dropper or baby bottle to get fluids into smaller pets if they refuse to drink. Minimize food portions and adjust the diet to something bland, such as cooked chicken and rice. Keep your pet inside away from extreme heat and try to keep him/her calm, minimizing stressful activity.

Snake or Spider Bite

Symptoms: Two round puncture wounds on the body, can be accompanied by swelling

Treatment: If your pet is bitten by a venomous snake or spider, the best thing to do is immediately tie off the area surrounding the wound with a make-shift tourniquet such as a belt, a ribbon, or even a rubber band. The circulation around the bite should be cut off as much as possible to prevent the venom from spreading through your pet’s body. Keep the bitten limb elevated if possible and rush your pet to the nearest emergency vet. DO NOT suck out the venom or try to drain the wound with cutting. These methods do not work, and can actually cause harm to your pet. If possible, try to get a picture of the snake or spider that bit your pet with your cell phone or camera, so that the species can be determined and the right anti-venom can be administered to your pet. NEVER try to capture or kill a snake or you may be bitten yourself and then you and your pet are both in trouble. If you can safely scoop up a spider into a small container and take it with you to the vet, do so with caution.

Post from: That Pet Blog


Pet First Aid – Handling Common Emergencies

Novelty vs. Routine

Experience has taught me that stress plays a major role in the health of all captive creatures, be they insects or elephants.  While novelty and new experiences may be positives, established routines also have their uses. 

For example, I recall that when working with Marsh Crocodiles I had no difficulties as long as I cleaned their exhibit in exactly the same manner.  But were I to backtrack or make another change, I could expect anything from a retreat to a full-blown attack…every animal keeper has similar stories.

Cats: Ultimate Survivors, but….

Domestic cats, however, have always struck me as among the most resilient of all creatures.  Cats that survived a shipwreck off the tip of Argentina, and now live on a near-Antarctic island, are the southernmost population of any non-marine mammal, and have adapted to extreme diets and temperatures; others living in central Australia never encounter standing water, yet thrive.  So I assumed that they would be relatively insensitive to most disturbances.

However, an Ohio State University researcher working with chronically ill cats noticed that their symptoms improved when she established a set care routine.  The cats were fed and groomed at the same time each day, their litter boxes and food bowls were positioned in the same places, and they were provided with many hiding spots, toys and a daily opportunity to play with other cats.  As a consequence, vomiting, hairball regurgitation and defecating outside the litter box declined. 

Subsequent experiments documented a 75-80% reduction in pain symptoms when the cats were provided with an environment that offered opportunities for exercise and exploration.  Healthy cats that were stressed by being restrained, fed at odd intervals, or denied their usual exercise periods quickly exhibited vomiting and other signs of illness.

Human Health Implications

The cats being studied at Ohio State were afflicted with Interstitial Cystitis, a painful inflammation of the bladder wall.  People are also susceptible to this disease, and there is no effective treatment as of yet.  It is hoped that this research may be useful to people and to captive animals of many species.

Bored Rabbits are Sick Rabbits

The health of rabbits on commercial farms was the subject of an article recently reported by the European Zoo Nutrition Center.  Boredom, which is common in the sterile environments offered by most commercial rabbit-rearing facilities, leads to serious health and behavioral problems. 

Studies testing the use of wood blocks as an enrichment item found that rabbits ignored hardwoods but eagerly gnawed willow, linden, Norway spruce and other soft woods.  Chewing wooden blocks kept the rabbits occupied and led to a reduction in abnormal behaviors.

The provision of hay and straw was even more effective in reducing boredom, and also provided valuable bulk to the diet.  However, damp hay presents its own health problems, and so must be monitored carefully. 

Overall, digging opportunities provided rabbits with the greatest improvement in quality of life and health…all important points for rabbit-keepers to bear in mind.

Further Reading

Stress and Cats (Ohio State University)

Housing Standards for Lab Rabbits: an examination of captive rabbits’ needs

Domestic Cat Origins  

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

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Stress-free Homes Improve Health and Behavior of Cats and Rabbits

Emergency Contacts List

Supplies

Remember to keep an eye on the expiration dates of all medicines and supplements and replace these products as needed. It is a good idea to go through your kit every six months to check to see what needs replaced or replenished. Next time I will go over what to do in case of a few common emergencies.

Post from: That Pet Blog


First Aid for Pets – Creating an Emergency Kit

Organizations that provide food, supplies and shelter to aid our fellow human beings start campaigns to gather donations for the cause immediately. Mainstream organizations receive a lot of media attention and donations from the public. The organizations that provide care to our four-legged friends in need are less well-known, but they do exist, and you can help too! I’ve listed just a few of the organizations that are dedicated to helping the furry victims, as well as the furry aid workers, now in Japan.

Ark Bark – This amazing Japanese rescue group is gearing up for the arrival of homeless and displaced pets. They’re hard at work building additional shelters for the large amounts of pets already arriving. You can donate to the cause on their website, just add “for earthquake animals” in the notes.

World Vets- World Vets provides veterinary aid all around the world. They are currently coordinating with other rescue organizations to provide care to Japan’s many lost or injured pets. Donations to the organization are tax deductible.

AKC’s Companion Animal Recovery Canine Support & Relief Fund – Started in the wake of 9/11, this 501C 3 charitable organization’s mission is to fund canine search and rescue teams deployed throughout the world, wherever tragedy strikes. You can donate to their cause through the link above. Remember to note that it is on behalf of Japan.

The Annenberg Foundation – The Dog Bless You project harnessed the power of the Facebook community to donate $100,000 to Japan animal relief efforts. Check out their page here.

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Rescue and Recovery – Lost and Injured Pets in Devastated Japan

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council

PIJAC does a fine job of promoting responsible pet care by providing information to animal owners and industry leaders.  I especially favor their policy of offering expert testimony to lawmakers. 

The PIJAC website actively solicits the opinions of the general public, and provides a simple means for users to contact lawmakers and voice concerns.  PIJAC’s efforts were instrumental in revising a recent law that might have had drastic consequences for reptile breeders and owners (please see article below).

The Humane Society of the United States

A long-established animal welfare advocate, HSUS posts a status report on pending state laws affecting captive wild and domestic animals and provides a simple tool that allows people to submit petitions and contact politicians. 

The laws tracked by HSUS cover every conceivable animal welfare issue, from circus elephant care and cock fighting to dog shelter operation.

The Sierra Club

This conservation organization’s Legislative Tracker is a valuable tool that monitors all pending federal bills related to the environment.  While not specifically pet-related, the topics covered will be of interest to those who keep “non-typical” pets, and for all who are concerned about the health of natural habitats.

Users are provided with background information and status reports, and are able to register their opinions with the lawmakers.  Recently tracked bills involved sustainable electricity sources and the fate of the Saguaro National Park.

The Center for Biological Diversity

The actions of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and related federal agencies are the main focus of this organization’s activities.  Native and exotic animals that appear in the pet trade are frequent subjects of the laws tracked by CBD.

Website visitors are provided with detailed information concerning pending regulations and “Action Toolboxes” that enable one to register opinions with the government and take other steps to help ensure responsible action on behalf of native wildlife and habitats. 

ThatPetBlog

I’ve provided testimony on pending legislation several times over the years, and try to remain current through contacts I’ve established.  I also post blog articles on law-related subjects that may be of interest to pet owners, such as this recent one on Animal Abuse.  Please feel free to post questions or to email me directly.

Laws and related topics affecting captive and wild reptiles, birds and fishes are also posted on ThatReptileBlog, ThatBirdBlog and ThatFishBlog (please see article below for an example).

Further Reading

May Hatchling Red-Eared Sliders be Legally Bought and Sold?

PIJAC Position on an Act Limiting Snake Ownership.

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

 
Dog in Shelter image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Nhandler
Baby Guinea Pig image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Sandos

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Staying Updated on Laws Affecting Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

Typical Volunteer Duties

Hands-on animal work at shelters may involve walking, grooming or bathing dogs, cleaning cages and preparing food.  Many volunteers find interacting with dogs, parrots, cats and other animals in need of human contact to be a very pleasurable aspect of their experience.  In doing so, they make the residents’ stay more pleasant, and fulfill their desire for close contact with a variety of creatures.

People with other skills can often help out in office work, fund-raising or educational programs.

Donations and other Support

Shelters are almost always in need of funds, but cash donations are not within everyone’s means.  However, donations of blankets, newspapers and pet food for the animals, or of used televisions, radios, refrigerators and other appliances for the staff, are always greatly appreciated.  You can find your local shelter by logging on to the Pets911 Website.

If hands-on work is not within your means, there are a number of other ways that you can assist your local pet shelter.  For example, you can adopt rather than buy a pet (please see the PetFinder Website for help), and can encourage others to do so as well.

The Long View – Supporting Favorable Laws

Supporting legislation that is favorable to shelters can make a real and lasting difference to millions of people and animals.   The website of the Humane Society of the United States, the country’s leading animal welfare organization, is packed with valuable information on lobbying for animal-friendly legislation and addressing unfavorable conditions noted at animal shelters. 

The Humane Society Website also maintains status reports on pending animal welfare laws and, most importantly, provides a simple tool for submitting petitions and contacting politicians.  The laws tracked cover everything from circus elephant care and cat kennel size to cock-fighting.

If you are interested in following and commenting on laws affecting wildlife and the environment, please check out the legislative trackers hosted by the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity.

Adoption Events at ThatFishPlace/ThatPetPlace

We at ThatFishPlace/ThatPetPlace work hard to do our part for homeless animals by regularly hosting pet adoption events in conjunction with local animal welfare organizations. 

Please check here to learn more about our long association with the Humane League of Lancaster County and our upcoming Greyhound Adoption Events (irresistible, adoptable greyhounds will be at our store on October 30 and November 27, 2010!).

Career Boosting

Working at an animal shelter is a wonderful means of building skills and making contacts that will help you in a future career with animals, should that be your goal.  My own volunteering efforts took me to the Bronx Zoo and then on to a lifelong career; please see Volunteering at Zoos, Aquariums and Nature Centers to learn more.

Further ReadingMany of the articles posted on ThatPetBlog address animal welfare and similar concerns.  Following is a small sample:

Adopting Shelter Pets

Animal Abuse – Understanding the Law and Reporting Violators

Orphaned Wild Animal Babies

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

 

Post from: That Pet Blog


Animal Shelter Volunteers – Having Fun While Helping Creatures In Need

Typical Volunteer Activities

Volunteers become involved in a host of interesting activities and often have more frequent contact with the public than do staff members.  Those seeking to enter the zoo field as salaried employees usually acquire useful job experience as well.

Volunteers provide valuable information about animal behavior and conservation by answering questions, conducting tours and helping visitors to interpret exhibits.  In some institutions they also interact closely with animals – preparing diets, monitoring animal contact areas and using hand- raised creatures in educational and outreach programs (i.e. nursing home visits).

Research

Volunteers may also assist animal keepers where long periods of observation are required, as is the case, for example, when new animals are introduced to an exhibit.  They also participate in research efforts – at the Bronx Zoo, a group of dedicated volunteers documented the fact that Alligator Snapping Turtles remain submerged for over 2 hours.  This discovery eventually led to important new information concerning the physiology of these rare and unusual reptiles. 

Everyone Benefits

Unfailingly, volunteers report that the experience adds a new dimension to their lives…my mother, for example, volunteered at the Bronx Zoo for most of the 21 years I spent working there, and counted the opportunity as one of her life’s most rewarding.  Elderly and retired people make up the bulk of the volunteer force at many institutions, and I can’t help but believe that they also pass along a bit of valuable “life wisdom” while working with youngsters. 

While not everyone will be able to duplicate the experiences pictured in the accompanying photos, I hope they will give you some idea of what may be in store should you follow this exciting path.

Further Reading

Specific information is best obtained from your local institution.  A centralized listing of zoo opportunities is available here.

You can read about an exceptionally well-run volunteer program on the website of the St. Louis Zoo.

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Post from: That Pet Blog


Volunteer Opportunities in Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Nature Centers