CATS SEEKING

Cooler temperatures are coming. And with cooler temperatures there is increased activity in mice and rats seeking indoor shelter and food. Many people are discovering that cats provide a safe and effective way to deter these pests. Yet it’s not a new discovery. There are many theories regarding when and where cats were first domesticated. However, the why is well known – they were tamed to control the rat and mice infestations in barns, granaries, monasteries and homes. A mutually beneficial relationship developed between cats and people; cats were fed and they earned their keep by doing pest control.

How effective are cats at pest control? Cats are natural predators. Just their scent alone can be effective for getting rid of rodents. Cats mark their territory by rubbing against things leaving their scent. The smell of cats causes fear in mice. It’s as if they’re “hard wired” to fear cats. When rats or mice sense the presence of cats they usually resettle somewhere else. I know, you’re glancing at your fluffy ball of fur that spends 20 to 24 hours a day grooming, sleeping or eating and you’re questioning if they would be good in the role of pest patrol. Probably not - outdoor cats are better suited for controlling rodent population.

Nationally, working cat programs are experiencing a demand for working cats especially in larger cities. In addition to providing people and businesses with a safe and natural pest deterrent they provide homes for cats who are not suitable for adoption. Not all cats can thrive in a home environment especially cats that have not experienced early human contact and socialization.

We’re excited that two local shelters have developed working cat programs.

The Animal Foundation has a few organizations participating in their Working Cats program and over 200 individuals have adopted cats to keep around their own residence. Since the program started they have placed 226 cats. According to Communications Coordinator, Kelsey Pizzi, the adopters are glad to take these cats. Their rodent problems go away and they get to save a life. In fact, most people hear about the program through positive word of mouth. We provide everything needed to acclimate them to their new outdoor homes, and as long as their new families continue providing food, water, and shelter, the cats will keep working happily.

Nevada SPCA No-Kill Animal Shelter launched its Patrol Cats program late 2019. The purpose is to turn cats at risk of never finding homes into employeesof-the-month at local residences, businesses, and community buildings. The shelter finds suitable homes for the cats which helps solve the growing rodent problem in the Las Vegas area. This year they placed 15 cats with individuals who have property and can provide shelter for them. The cats are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Adoption fees for them are waived, although they must be adopted as a pair to help them settle into their new routine.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES… the job locations and possibilities are endless: barns, warehouses, green houses, private homes, breweries, warehouses, stables and churches, or any place with a pest problem.

Remember when you “hire” a working cat you are saving a life and gaining a loyal critter control employee.

For more information: https://animalfoundation.com https://nevadaspca.org

One happy Working Cats Program participant: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

John Koutsulis, one of the persons responsible for taking care of the two cats, Koukla and Pontiki, said “They’ve become part of our family; they’ve stolen our hearts. Though not domesticated, they are as curious as any home cat, they follow us around. Even though we cannot pet them, their presence in our community is a blessing.” John is very enthusiastic about the program of working cats. He encourages more people and businesses to get involved.

Working cats can hold many job titles. Koukla’s titles include “Head Greeter” and “Critter Control Manager”.

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MINI ISABELLA DUGGAN FRANKY & CHILLY PETS Las Vegas One photo per family please! Show Off Your Pet! Email: info@lvpetscene.com By submitting a photo, you are giving Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine permission to use the photo in our magazine, emails, and social media/facebook.

READER RESPONSE

I lost my Tuffy Boy on August 26th and was having such a difficult time dealing with it. The article Keeping Memories Alive (Sept/Oct issue) by Elizabeth Parker helped me heal from losing my beloved pet. Here is Tuffy Boy’s Story:

I just arrived home when a neighbor’s friend called out to me to come see her. To my surprise she handed me a children’s shoe box and asked me if I could take it and care for it. I opened the box and out popped a little Chihuahua’s head. Its tiny body wiggled from head to toe and my heart was taken over by this little one. That was fifteen years ago. The angels came and it was time to let him go. He touched so many lives; brought smiles to the children in the cancer ward and children’s hospital. When we went for nursing home for visits we had a difficult time leaving because all the residents would line up to give him a hug and say goodbye. When we retired and moved from Honolulu to Las Vegas Tuffy Boy got to ride in the plane. He sat in our laps and by the time we arrived more than half of the people on the plane had become his friend because of his silly actions and friendly manner. As he got older he was not able to walk because of a problem with his bones. We built him a wheel chair and he managed to get around the home just fine.

For now and always you will remain in our hearts - Tuffy Boy.

Lisa, Tootsy and Jerry

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