ALLEY CAT RESCUE
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      • TNR Support Letter
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        • Shelters with Working Cat Programs
      • End Deadly Eradication Methods
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  • Spay/Neuter
    • Early Age Spay/Neuter
    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
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    • Find a Stray Cat?
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • TNR-- What does this mean? >
      • TNR Statistics
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      • Targeted Trapping
      • TNR Tips
      • Hard to Catch Cats
      • TNR Equipment Loan Resources
      • Where to Buy TNR Equipment
      • TNR/Community Cat Care Financial Resources
      • Helping Shelters Implement TNR Programs
      • Common Complaints
    • Providing Shelter
    • CAT Action Teams: TNR Groups by State
    • Health Care
    • Cat Overpopulation
    • Relocation
    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Stages of Kitten Development
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Socializing Feral Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • How Rescuers Can Effectively Adopt Out Cats >
      • Adopting Adult Feral Cats
    • Winter Tips for Protecting Cats
    • Summer Tips for Cats
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Cats and Predation
      • Where have all the birds gone?
      • Debunking the Myths and Misinformation: Cat Predation
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook Download
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      • Wellness Vet Checkups
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      • How to Prepare for an Emergency
    • FIP, FeLV, FIV >
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      • Fleas
      • Zoonotic Diseases
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      • Ringworm Myths Debunked
      • Obesity in Cats
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        • Cat on Cat Aggression
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      • Urine Marking
      • Behavior Issues in Elderly Cats
    • Introducing Cats
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    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Cat Supply Resources
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    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
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5/18/2020

Toxoplasmosis and Cats: Facts vs. Myths

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​There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding toxoplasmosis and the potential threats it poses to pregnant or immuno-comprised individuals. To begin, toxoplasma gondii is an intestinal parasite that is most often associated with cats. The parasite causes the disease toxoplasmosis, which is a potential health concern for pregnant women. This parasite is estimated to infect as much as one third of the world’s human population, but very rarely do those infected get sick.

However, the parasite can be dangerous in rare cases. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients, can sometimes become seriously ill as a result of infection. Similarly, pregnant women can pass on the parasite to their unborn child. For this reason, many doctors are quick to tell pregnant women to get rid of their cats. However, it is important to note that there is less risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis from cats than from eating raw vegetables and undercooked meat. Additionally, owning a cat does not increase the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. 

Still, pregnant women can take certain precautions when in contact with cats. If pregnant, one should avoid cleaning litter boxes if possible, as infected cats could pass the parasite in their feces. If a pregnant woman has no alternative but to clean the litter box herself, she should wear disposable gloves and wash her hands thoroughly afterwards. Furthermore, it is important to scoop the litter box frequently, ideally daily, to decrease the chance of infection as the oocysts in cat feces takes one to three days to become infectious. 

​Pregnant women should also keep their cat indoors, so that the cat is not exposed to other animals who may be infected. Additionally, all newly adopted cats should be tested for the disease. Pregnant women can also be screened for toxoplasmosis. The only risk occurs when the parasite infects a woman during pregnancy; if she was exposed to toxoplasmosis before pregnancy, there is no risk to her child since she will have developed antibodies. If a woman is pregnant when she contracts toxoplasmosis, medication is available for effective management and treatment. 

ACR does not want to make light of the fact that if a pregnant woman does contract toxoplasmosis it can be dangerous for her unborn baby. However, individuals who are uninformed and those who do not like cats exaggerate this particular hazard. Many doctors are unaware that the risk of toxoplasmosis transmitted via infected cats to pregnant women is very low, and acquiring it through exposure from cat feces is far less likely than from raw and undercooked meat. Thousands of women with cats go on to give birth to happy, healthy babies, and being pregnant is not a reason to give up your cat. By simply following basic safety precautions, you can protect yourself and your baby from acquiring toxoplasmosis without having to give up your cat.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Toxoplasmosis.” CDC.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2014.
Montoya, J. G., and O. Liesenfeld. “Toxoplasmosis.” Lancet 363.9425 (2004): 1965–76. NCBI PubMed. Web. 29 Sept. 2014.
Vittecoq, Marion et al. “Cat Ownership Is Neither a Strong Predictor of Toxoplamsa Gondii Infection nor a Risk Factor for Brain Cancer.” Biology Letters (2012): rsbl20120625. Rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org. Web. 17 July 2014.

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5/15/2020

How to Keep Cats from Using Your Yard or Garden as Their Own Personal Litter Box

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One of the common complaints among people with gardens and yards is that feral cats will often use their outdoor area to urinate and defecate. However, there are a number of different solutions to remedy this problem. Cats can be discouraged from digging in your garden beds or wandering around your yard by employing a few tactics or products. Be sure to change your tactics regularly, as a new cat might not respond to your usual methods. 

The first option is to use an odor barrier. Cats have extremely sensitive noses, with 200 million odor receptors, compared to humans, who have a measly five million. By making your garden or yard offensive to a cat's sense of smell, you have a greater change at keeping them away. Commercial cat repellents use the odor barrier method to discourage cats from entering off-limit areas. Shake-Away powder, a commercial cat repellent, has the scent of predators that cats fear, such as coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. It comes in a granular form, which you can simply sprinkle on your garden or yard. It is non-toxic, organic, and will not harm your plants. Additionally, some plants give off an unpleasant odor to cats, such as Coleus canina, rue, lavendar, and pennyroyal. Cats also dislike the smell of citrus, so you can try using the peels of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits in your garden. 

Using a physical barrier is another form of deterrent. Chicken wire is very efficient at keeping cats away, as they hate bristly material. Additionally, cats prefer to dig and defecate in loose dirt, so using sharp-edged pine cones, holly cuttings, eggshells, or stone mulch will deter them from using your garden as a litter box. 

Finally, another effective option is to use sound barriers. Cats are far more sensitive to sounds than humans, therefore it is effective means of prevention. Cat Stop is an electronic cat deterrent decide that produces a high frequency which is inaudible to humans but extremely unpleasant for cats. It works by using a motion sensor, and when it detects an intruder, it emits the high-frequency sound thus scaring off the cat. The SsssCat! is also motion activated and uses sound and a sprayed repellent to keep cats away. 

While it may be annoying to deal with cats using your garden or yard as their personal litter box, the problem is not without its solutions. There are many safe and humane options and products available to prevent cats from visiting your property, so do some research and decide which method works best for you.

References:
https://www.thespruce.com/cat-repellents-to-keep-cats-out-of-your-yard-2132573
https://www.tuxedo-cat.co.uk/how-to-stop-cats-pooping-in-garden/

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5/8/2020

Can FIV+ Cats Live With Other Cats?

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For many years there has been a widespread misunderstanding around the topic of FIV+ cats. However, a recent long-term study conducted by Purdue University’s College of Veterinary examined FIV+ cats in shelters and drew two important conclusions: FIV-positive cats can live with FIV-negative cats and not infect the FIV-negative cats during normal day-to-day interactions, and mother cats infected with FIV don’t pass the virus on to their kittens. 

While this has been a widely known and accepted fact among cat experts, the general public is generally misinformed when it comes to FIV+ cats and the risk of transmission to other household cats. The study confirms that there is no reason for FIV cats to be adopted only into homes with other FIV-positive cats. The disease is transmitted only by deep bite wounds, which happens only if the cats get into intense fights, which can usually be easily prevented by taking the necessary steps.

The incorrect belief that mother cats can pass FIV on to their kittens is widely believed by cat owners. As a result, many thousands of cats and kittens have been unnecessarily euthanized. These otherwise adoptable animals are destined for euthanasia because of the false beliefs perpetuated by stereotypes and misinformation. 

Compounding this issue is that cat owners often confuse FIV for FeLV (the feline leukemia virus), which is transmissible through cohabitation and casual contact. These two diseases are retroviruses and both affect the immune system. However, there is a critical difference. FIV does not easily cross the mucous membranes (the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals, and intestines), which is why it’s so difficult for FIV to be transmitted to other cats.

Ultimately, this study confirms what cat advocates have known for years - FIV+ cats can live a long and healthy life in the company of other cats in the home, without significant risk of transmitting the disease. It is time to end the stigma surrounding FIV and FIV+ cats, and place them in loving homes just as all cats deserve.  

References:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-vet-study-fiv-positive-cats-living-together

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5/1/2020

How to Keep Your Cat Entertained During Quarantine

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During this pandemic, everyone is probably feeling a little stir crazy, your cat included. Here are some fun ways to keep your cat entertained while you're both staying at home.

​1. Food Puzzles​ - This will help with your cat's natural instinct to hunt for their  food. There are many types of food puzzles available at your local pet  store or even DIY ones.   

2. Vertical Space​- Provide your cat with the feel of outdoors without leaving  the house. By creating perches, shelves or having a cat tower by windows  will allow your cat to view the outdoors and release their climbing and  clawing needs. There are many different ways to create vertical spaces for  your cat! 
3. Interactive Toys-  ​These toys create a bonding experience between you  and your cat. They can include wand toys, strings, and laser pointers  (remember to always have a toy for them to catch in the end!).
4. Self Play Toys.-​ These are types that a cat can use on their own. There are a  variety of battery operated toys, balls or even something as simple as a  cardboard box! Check out your local pet store for many options!     

Providing your cat with an enrichment filled environment will lead to a mentally, ​emotionally and physically happy cat! 

References:
​
https://www.petsecure.com.au/pet-care/10-ways-keep-cat-entertained-youre-house/

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  • Home
    • About >
      • Mission
      • Our Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Financial Information
      • Email Sign-up
    • ACR in the Press
    • ACR Publications >
      • Newsletters
      • Blog
      • Press Releases
      • National Surveys
    • Adoptions >
      • Adoption Application
      • Cats available for adoption
      • New Cat Checklist
      • Introducing A New Cat
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
    • Partners
  • Action Alerts
    • Spay Neuter Pledge
    • No Declaw Pledge
    • Campaigns >
      • TNR Support Letter
      • The Feral Fix
      • Working Cats Program >
        • Shelters with Working Cat Programs
      • End Deadly Eradication Methods
      • "Fix the Family"
  • Spay/Neuter
    • Early Age Spay/Neuter
    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
  • How to Help Community Cats
    • Find a Stray Cat?
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • TNR-- What does this mean? >
      • TNR Statistics
      • TNR Step-by-Step
      • Targeted Trapping
      • TNR Tips
      • Hard to Catch Cats
      • TNR Equipment Loan Resources
      • Where to Buy TNR Equipment
      • TNR/Community Cat Care Financial Resources
      • Helping Shelters Implement TNR Programs
      • Common Complaints
    • Providing Shelter
    • CAT Action Teams: TNR Groups by State
    • Health Care
    • Cat Overpopulation
    • Relocation
    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Stages of Kitten Development
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Socializing Feral Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • How Rescuers Can Effectively Adopt Out Cats >
      • Adopting Adult Feral Cats
    • Winter Tips for Protecting Cats
    • Summer Tips for Cats
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Cats and Predation
      • Where have all the birds gone?
      • Debunking the Myths and Misinformation: Cat Predation
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook Download
  • Cat Health & Supplies
    • Health Care for Your Cat >
      • Vaccines
      • Wellness Vet Checkups
      • Microchiping
      • Nail Trimmings
      • Effects of aging
      • Hospice Care and Euthanasia Decisions
      • Financial Assistance
      • How to Prepare for an Emergency
    • FIP, FeLV, FIV >
      • Testing for FeLV/FIV
    • Common Cat Health Issues >
      • Feline Panleukopenia
      • Fleas
      • Zoonotic Diseases
      • Rabies
      • Toxoplasmosis
      • Ringworm - Symptoms and Treatment
      • Ringworm Myths Debunked
      • Obesity in Cats
      • Diabetes
      • Indoor/Outdoor Cats
    • Cats & Claws
    • Animal Cruelty Against Cats
    • Hazardous Poisons
    • Poisonous Plants
    • Cats and COVID-19
    • Cat Supplies
    • Pet Food Banks
    • Pet Disaster Preparedness
  • Cat Behavior
    • Solutions to Prevent Surrendering your cat >
      • Rehoming
    • Common Cat Behavior Issues >
      • Litter Box Problems
      • Scratching and Destructive Behavior
      • Aggressive Cats >
        • Cat on Cat Aggression
      • Meowing and Yowling
      • Urine Marking
      • Behavior Issues in Elderly Cats
    • Introducing Cats
    • Cat Enrichment
    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Cat Supply Resources
    • Lost Cat
  • African Wildcats
    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
    • Differences between AWCs and domestic cats
  • Donate
  • Store