Does your cat's destructive behavior have you at your wit's end? Here are some tips that we discussed in our second column for the North County Times' "Unleashed" section, which published on June 11:

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, and although we encourage cat adoptions all year long, it’s a special opportunity to put a spotlight on our feline friends.

Cats enrich our lives in many ways and are wonderful, loving companions. But what do you do if your feline’s destructive behavior, such as scratching or house soiling, has you at your wit’s end? Unfortunately, those are two of the main reasons we see cats returned to the Escondido Humane Society, even though there are steps you can take to ensure your cat is on his best behavior. 

Scratching

Anyone who has ever had their furniture or carpet destroyed at the paws of a cat knows how frustrating scratching can be. But it’s important to keep in mind that scratching is a normal behavior for cats – they use it to play, to flex their feet and claws and to mark their territory. The trick is to redirect their scratching away from your couch and onto acceptable objects.

Pay attention to the items your cat is scratching, particularly the location and texture. Once you have an understanding of your cat’s preferences it will be easier to introduce similar items for him to scratch, such as a cat tree or scratching posts or pads. Our local pet stores offer a myriad of options, or you can be creative and cover a piece of wood with carpet or sisal rope. Corrugated cardboard and even a log are also cost-effective alternatives.

Place the scratching post near the inappropriate object your cat is already using, taking care to ensure the post is sturdy (if it tips over it could scare your cat into never using it). Discourage your cat from scratching the inappropriate object by covering it with something unappealing, such as double-sided sticky sheets, sand paper or aluminum foil. Once your cat is consistently using the appropriate object you can gradually move it – about an inch a day – to a more suitable location and remove the unappealing coverings. Keep the post as close to your cat's preferred scratching location as possible. 

Punishment is an option only if you catch your cat in the act; otherwise, you may cause him to fear you or the environment. Appropriate punishments include squirting him with a water bottle, shaking a can full or rocks or coins, or slapping the wall.

A good preventative measure is to trim your cat’s nails every few weeks. Just be careful not to cut into the “quick,” which is the pink part of the nail where blood vessels and nerve endings lie. 

House soiling

In my book, scratching is just a minor offense when compared with house soiling. But just like scratching, there are measures you can take to avoid this unsavory behavior. 

First things first: If your cat is soiling outside his litter box it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. There are some medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, that could be causing your cat to have difficulty using his litter box. 

If you have ruled out a medical condition, it’s time to turn to the litter box. Cats are very particular, so if your cat finds anything unfavorable about his box he may not use it. Keep the box clean by scooping it daily and changing scoopable litter weekly. When you change the litter, take the opportunity to wash the box with soap and water. 

Keep the litter box in a quiet, private place like the bathroom or laundry room. If you have just adopted a cat or he is new to your family, carry or lead him over to the box and praise him with treats or affection once he has successfully used it. A simple rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus one. So if you have one cat you should have two boxes, two cats should have three boxes, and so on. The litter box should be big enough for your cat to comfortably move around in.

Cats also can be particular about the kind of litter you use, so don’t be afraid to try out several types until you find the one your cat prefers. If there is too much litter in the box your cat may avoid using it, so aim for 2 inches deep. 

As a cat owner who experienced both scratching and house soiling, I know how disheartening and frustrating it can be to come home to a shredded chair or soiled room. But don’t give up! There are ways to help your cat follow the rules of the house, and the love they offer us is all that matters in the end.

Join us for Dads & Dogs June 10!

Join us for a Dads & Dogs Celebration at Lexus Escondido, 1205 Auto Park Way, from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10. The Escondido Humane Society will be on site with adorable adoptable animals so you can adopt the love of your life, and there will be fun activities for the entire family.

Bring your children and pets down for a FREE 5x7 digital Father's Day portrait by Sandra Kay Photography. Hullabaloo will perform two free 30-minute musical shows for kids starting at 12:45 p.m. Kids can make crafts just in time for Father's Day gifts. There also will be free refreshments for all attendees and drawings for prizes, including free passes to the new Children's Museum.

We hope to see you there!


Photo courtesy of Skyy Blue Photography

Cats and Dogs Can Share a Home in Peace

Our latest installment of Pet Parenting Tails column on Poway Patch discusses how to get your dog and cat to live in harmony. Here's a link to the column online, and it's also below in its entirety:

Are your dogs and cats fighting like, well, cats and dogs?

Sorry for that obvious reference, but there’s a reason that idiom exists: Dogs and cats really do fight and don’t always get along.

I adopted my cat Minnie when she was just a kitten, and she was the queen bee over five different dogs before she passed away in September at age 18. That’s not to say there weren’t some squabbles, and she was chased her fair share of times.

By the time my current dog, Blue, came into the house seven years ago, she was a grizzled veteran and cranky to boot. She had no patience for shenanigans, but luckily she needed just a few hisses and paw bats to show Blue who ruled the roost (of course it helps that Blue is pretty much afraid of everything, so it didn’t take much to be the boss in that relationship).

But not every relationship is that simple. We often have adopters come into our shelter asking if our dogs are OK with cats, and we can never answer with 100 percent certainty. It is your responsibility to take the proper steps to ensure a cordial and safe introduction and co-existence.

First, it’s important to know what to expect. If your dog has never lived with a cat before, he will most likely react in one of three ways:

1. He’ll think the cat is just like another dog and will want to play with her. Even if your dog and cat seem to be responding well to each other, play should always be closely monitored. Keep in mind that, even in play, a dog can easily injure a cat if he plays by biting or chasing, and an angry cat’s claws can seriously injure a dog.
2. He’ll perceive the cat as prey and chase her – especially if your cat runs from him.
3. Your dog may be intimidated by your cat and will approach her cautiously or watch her from a distance.

Cats who have never lived with dogs may react in one of two ways:

1. Your cat may be cautious or just avoid the dog, choosing instead to watch him from a distance or approach inquisitively.
2. She may see the dog as an intruder and will react defensively.

Before the formal introduction, work with your dog on basic obedience skills, including sit, down, leave it, come and stay. These skills will help you control your dog if he gets excited around your cat.

Confine your dog to a room using a baby gate. Cats are much more environmentally driven than dogs, so don’t change her routine or environment any more than necessary. One way to get them used to each other’s scent is to switch their bedding so they can smell each other.

Start by introducing your cat and dog with the gate between them and your dog on a leash (have someone help hold the dog if needed). If your dog is rambunctious it might help to take him outside for play time or a run to burn off some energy. Sit in front of the gate and call your cat, and have your dog lie down or sit, praising both with treats. Do this several times a day for a couple of days to help your cat and dog associate each other with their favorite treats. If your dog gets too excited, redirect his attention by having him do a sit or down and reward him with treats.

Once you are comfortable – and your dog and cat seem comfortable around each other – you can move to a bigger room and ditch the baby gate. Always keep you dog on his leash, and make sure your cat has an escape route in case she gets frightened. Continue this for a few weeks until your dog and cat interact together in a calm, friendly manner. Signs that they are getting along well include your cat rubbing against your dog, and your dog gently nudging your cat.

Keep your cat and dog confined in separate areas when you’re not home or aren’t able to supervise them.
Dogs love to eat cat food, so be sure to keep your cat’s food out of the dog’s reach. I kept my cat’s food in my closet to keep Blue away. It’s also important to keep your cat’s litter box out of your dog’s reach. Not only can it be stressful for your cat, but some dogs think it’s fun to raid litter boxes … gross!

I was lucky that my cat was very dog-savvy and knew how to establish herself at the top of the hierarchy, but not all introductions go so smoothly. I hope I’ve been able to offer some insights on how to ensure a smooth transition for your new dog or cat. Happy Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month!

Have you liked us at our new Facebook page yet? You should! More 'likes' = more chances to promote our adoptable animals, like Estelle!

Poway Patch is a wonderful online resource for all things Poway, and since we provide Animal Control services for the city of Poway, we are regular contributors to the site. Our Pets of the Week appear every Friday on the site, and we also write a bi-weekly "Pet Parenting Tails" column that offers tips and insights into pet parenthood. With spring (and allergy season) upon us, we recently did a two-part series on allergies ... for pets and for people.


Spring Allergies Also Strike Our Pets

Spring is one of my favorite times of year. Flowers are blooming, leaves are budding and temperatures are mild. But while spring brings a bounty of beauty upon us, it also comes with Benadryl and Claritin to help combat those pesky allergies. It’s easy for us to simply avoid those things that bring on our allergy attacks, but pets have a much harder time avoiding the elements.

Allergies can cause misery to people and pets alike. Last summer, my dog Blue developed a food allergy that caused itchy, flaky and scabby skin. The poor guy was stopping what seemed like every 20 seconds to scratch, which made me feel terrible because I knew he was suffering. As it turns out his condition was easily remedied by switching foods, but not all allergies are that easily fixed. So how do you cope with a pooch or feline that suffers from allergies?

It’s important to note that a dog or cat can develop allergies at any time in its life. My dog is almost 8 years old and never had a reaction to his food, so I was surprised when he developed such a bad allergy last summer.  Just like in humans, pets with allergies will display symptoms such as sneezing, scratching, redness, runny nose and eyes, and licking (OK, that one isn’t really like humans, but you get the idea).

If you suspect that your dog or cat is suffering from allergies, it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian so you can determine the cause and develop a plan of action. But here’s what you can do at home to alleviate your pets’ symptoms:

Keep coats clean: Our pets’ coats are good at attracting dirt, pollen and other allergens, so it’s important to keep them clean. Bathe them often with over-the-counter or prescription shampoos that are gentle on their skin. Bathing your pet too frequently or using the wrong shampoo can dry out their skin, so ask your vet what is appropriate. Cats can be harder to bathe, so check your local pet store for spray-on products or wipes. If you suspect dust is the problem, clean your pet’s bedding once a week, vacuum a few times a week, including rugs and curtains, and do frequent sweeps over you wood or tile floors to keep the dust in your home at bay. 

Prevent pests: Flea bite hypersensitivity and flea allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in pets, according to PetMD. Saliva from the flea is believed to be the cause of the sensitivity, so it can affect both dogs and cats. Symptoms include itching and scratching, hair loss and scabs on the skin. Flea control and prevention is your best defense against these pesky critters. Preventive options include Frontline or Advantage, shampoo and topical treatments or sprays. It is a good idea to start a flea-control program for your pets now before the season really ramps up. Ask your veterinarian which option is best for your pet and how often you should use the products.

Food allergies: As I mentioned before, I went through this with my dog last summer. Changing Blue’s food and treats was the first thing I tried when he started showing signs of an allergy, and his problem started to improve within a few weeks. My dog’s symptoms included dry, scabby, flaky skin, but you may also notice biting, licking, skin redness, hair loss and even ear infections.

I switched Blue from one over-the-counter food to another with great success, but you also can consider prescription food or home-cooked meals for your pets. Check with your veterinarian to help decide which option is best for you. The biggest challenge is making sure that you stick to the new diet! If you continue to feed your dog or cat treats, snacks or human foods it will be difficult to pinpoint what is causing the allergy.

Foods that may cause allergies in dogs include beef, chicken, corn, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, lamb, pork, rabbit, duck and venison. In cats, foods include beef, fish, dairy, wheat, barley, egg, lamb, pork, poultry, rabbit and duck.

We all want to do what is best for our pets, but we can’t do it alone. I hope these tips have helped, but always consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your pets aren’t feeling well or are suffering from allergies.

Now that we’ve discussed how to help pets cope with allergies, I will be talking about how people can deal with allergies to their pets. I myself am allergic to cats, but I lived with my feline Minnie for 18 years before she passed away in September. Many of us with allergies can’t bear the thought of living without a pet, and there are ways to cope. See you here in a few weeks to discuss it!

Allergic to Your Pet? Steps to Stop Sneezing

A few weeks ago we discussed how to cope with a pooch or feline that suffers from allergies. But what if you are the one who is sneezing and itching and needs allergy medicine to cope with allergies to your pet?

I am allergic to cats, so this is certainly a topic I can relate to. But I’m proud to say that I lived with my feline Minnie for 18 years before she passed away in September. I have to admit that it wasn’t always easy, and I had my share of itchy skin and red, puffy eyes. Despite my occasional suffering, I couldn’t bear the thought of living without my pets, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. In fact, an estimated one-third of Americans who are allergic to cats (about 2 million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway.

Before you can learn how to cope, it’s important to have a good understanding of what causes your allergies. According to the Humane Society of the United States, glands in the animal’s skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins called allergens that linger in the animal’s fur but also float easily in the air. Allergens are present in the animal’s saliva and urine, too, and may become airborne when saliva dries on the fur.

The severity of reactions to these allergens varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma, and can be complicated by simultaneous allergies to other irritants in the environment.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your symptoms:

Create a pet-free zone in your house, preferably the bedroom, and deny your pet access to it. I know this can be difficult because we want to integrate our pets completely into our lives, but having an allergy-free zone that you can escape to is important. Even though your pets aren’t allowed in the room, that doesn’t mean you won’t bring a little piece of them with you in the form of hair and dander. To minimize allergens, use a HEPA air cleaner and impermeable covers for your mattress and pillows.

Keep your home clean. Use the HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of your home. This is one thing that I utilized in my house, and although it wasn’t always 100 percent effective in eliminating my symptoms, I did notice a difference. Place filters on air ducts and change them monthly. Avoid cloth curtains and blinds (they catch dust and dander).

Some people even suggest forgoing carpeted floors, but tearing out carpeting can be an expensive endeavor. If you do have carpet, vacuum frequently using a microfilter bag and do periodic steam cleaning. Dust and wash your couch covers and pillows, curtains and pet beds in hot water every few weeks. Open windows to refresh your home (unless you also are sensitive to outdoor allergens).

Keep your pets clean. Bathe your pet at least monthly (that includes your cat if she will tolerate it). Frequent brushing also helps, but be sure to do it outside so you don’t spread hair throughout the house. Between baths you can rub down your pet with a wet paper towel or allergy wipes. After walks or playtime outdoors, comb and brush your dog so he doesn’t bring pollens inside.

Always wash your hands! My allergy symptoms around my cat were mostly skin related, so I never really had a problem until I petted her. And if I ever petted her and touched my face without washing my hands first … let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. Always wash your hands and arms after handling your pet, and it doesn’t hurt to wash your face at the same time.

A few more tips: Clean litter boxes every day, and place them away from air filtration vents so you don’t circulate allergens throughout the house. Wash your pet’s toys with mild soap and hot water to remove saliva, which is an allergen.

Before you adopt: If you are considering adding a pet to your family and know you’re allergic, please weigh the pros and cons and make sure you can live with the symptoms before adopting. We’ve seen many cats come back to our shelter because the new owner was suffering from allergies, and it’s painful for all parties involved.

Our love affair with our furry friends shouldn’t have to end because we suffer from allergies. I hope these tips will help you cope and save you from sneezing and sniffling when you should be enjoying time with your pet.

Rattlesnake safety for you and your pets

The North County Times recently rolled out their new pet section called "Unleashed," and they very kindly asked EHS to contribute a regular column for their readers. Check out the new section every Monday to see our pets, and keep an eye out for our column. Our first installment was about rattlesnake safety - very relevant considering that we're in their peak season. Here's a link to the article online, and it's also below in its entirety:

Spring is a great time of year here in San Diego County. The sun is out and temperatures are on the rise, so it's the perfect time to get out and about with our dogs. We're lucky to live in an area that boasts countless dog-friendly trails that are perfect for enjoying hikes with our canine companions.

But before you hit the trails with your pooch, please keep in mind that a serious threat accompanies those rising temperatures - rattlesnakes.

Spring and summer are the active season for rattlesnakes, and there already have been stories in the news about sightings and even a few bites. Snakes are not typically aggressive, but they will strike when disturbed or if they feel threatened. Here are a few tips to help you and your pets co-exist with these reptiles:

A quick inventory: Before you head out with your dog, make sure that you have packed your cellphone and have told at least one person where you will be. It's a good habit to bring your veterinarian's contact information, as well as contact information for the nearest emergency vet hospital, with you on your hike just in case.

Stay on the trail: If you are out on a trail with your dog, it might be tempting to let him run off-leash. But not only is that against the law (San Diego County has a 6-foot leash law), it's dangerous because your dog could stumble upon a snake and you won't be close enough to prevent a bite. Snakes also could be hiding under rocks or brush off the beaten path, so it's safer for both of you to stay on the designated trail.

Proactive measures: Always keep your eyes and ears open, and watch where you step at all times. Rattlesnakes do make a distinct sound, but don't count on just your ears. Young rattlesnakes, which are more venomous than their adult counterparts, don't always have a full-formed rattler, and even adults can have damaged or malformed rattlers. If you approach a fallen log in your path, keep your dog behind you, step on the log and look at the other side before stepping down -then let your dog follow. If you stop to take a water or lunch break, diligently check out the area before you or your dog sit down. In the event you do come upon a snake, take two giant steps backwards and move on.

At home: Tall grass, leaves and woodpiles are all ideal hiding spots for snakes, so always keep your property clean and clear. If you have fruit trees, be diligent about picking up fallen fruit so you don't attract rodents - who in turn can attract snakes. Before letting pets out to play, it's always a good idea to scan your yard for snakes and other hazards. If you do see a rattler in your yard, keep your pets inside and call the Fire Department. If the snake is inside your garage or home, call your local animal control agency immediately.

If your pet is bitten: I know it's difficult, but if your dog is bitten, you will need to stay calm and keep your dog calm. Immediately call the closest emergency hospital (earlier I recommended bringing that information with you) to let them know you are on the way, and let them know the size, breed and age of your dog. Many snake bites are on dogs' necks or faces. If that's the case, remove your dog's collar to help alleviate the pressure from swelling. Do not apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck out the venom yourself.

Avoidance training: Rattlesnake avoidance training is a safe, humane way to teach your dog to avoid rattlesnakes. A wide range of such classes are offered in San Diego County. A quick Google search will help you find local trainers who offer the service.

I hope these tips will offer a good resource as we head into the hotter spring and summer months. With diligence and awareness, we and our pets can safely share the great outdoors with rattlesnakes. Be safe, and happy hiking!

Help us celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week

The Escondido Humane Society is teaming up with Baron's the Marketplace to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week from May 6-12.

Stop by Barons The Marketplace in Rancho Bernardo, 11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, or Point Loma, 4001 W. Point Loma Blvd., to put your kindness on display. For a $1 donation (or more if you like), they will provide a paw print for you to sign that they will proudly display to show the world how kind you are to animals. Your generous donation will ensure that homeless animals have a safe, loving place to call their own until they find a permanent home.

Thank you Barons The Marketplace - you demonstrate the true meaning of Be Kind to Animals Week!

Here are some tips from the ASPCA on how to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week. How will you be celebrating?