November 2013

Audience: Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Can cats who are shy and fearful in the shelter still get adopted? Can cats who may never be well-suited for a home have happy outcomes, too? The answer is yes!

The Webcast
On November 14, 2013, Maddie's Fund® presented the webcast Helping Cats Who Hiss and Hide: Assessment, Behavior Modification and Re-Homing Strategies for Shy and Fearful Cats, with Dr. Sheila D'Arpino, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and Director of Maddie's® Animal Care Center. Dr. D'Arpino discussed the tools and techniques that can increase your lifesaving of cats, as well as ensure an outcome tailored for the well-being of that individual cat. Feline behavior while in a shelter is not always a good representation of that same cat's behavior in less stressful surroundings. Proper housing, handling, and, if needed, behavior modification can turn that hissing and hiding cat into a beloved family pet.

The Survey
Those who registered for the live webcast were asked to fill out a quick online questionnaire about their own experiences with shy and fearful cats. The results of the survey are shared in this report.

Click here to see our survey results

Click here to view the free on-demand webcast