What sorts of programs does your shelter have to focus attention on cats?
Urgency:Just Curious
Category: Adoptions
For: cats
Asked by: Andy K. (Krochalk) 9 months ago
Does your shelter have programs that help turn not so easy to adopt cats into more attractive critters?
Answers from Zootooers
Answered by: Amy R. (ALR) 9 months ago
I volunteered at an animal shelter where I helped to socialize the cats. We would go around to each cat cage and encourage the cats to come to the front of the cage. Using positive reinforcement, we rewarded any cat who would come to the front of the cage see his or her visitor a treat. Potential adopters are more likely to choose the kitty who comes to greet them than the kitty sitting at the back of its cage. With our socialization efforts, the cats learned that people who came to their cages see them were friendly too.
Part of our volunteers are "cat socializers". They spend time with shy, scared, distrusting kitties to teach them that humans can be good guys and to get them used to being petted. We've seen some amazing turnarounds.
