Today (27-12-08)

This was a very interesting article about how Singaporeans do care about animal welfare - contrary to the misconception that we are a 'minority'. thanks to Eslina for sending this in.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope it's a joyful and peaceful one to everyone who celebrates.

Athens and their policy on animals

Thanks to Chinky for sending in this very interesting article on Athens.

Pet Photos

In case you want to enter those cute pet photos, here's a website sent in by Dan and his team who run the website.

Forum (18-12-08)

Thanks to Chinky for sending this letter in.

Wild Boars

So it looks like in Singapore there is friction when it comes to cats - whereas in Berlin, they also have wild boars . As with cats, shooting them is not bringing the population down - so there must be another way to handle the problem, more effectively AND more humanely.

Increase in littering

This is an interesting article on how littering is on the increase in Singapore. Thanks yskat for sending this in.

Colour playing a part in adoption?

I don't know if it's true for dogs - but I do think it's true for cats.

Dogs and jealousy

Here's a very interesting article about dogs and their sense of jealousy (and fair play). It probably won't surprise any of you who have cats and dogs at all though and I am pretty sure these results would replicate in cats.

Funding for pet contraceptives

When I mentioned to some friends of mine who are scientists that there are no contraceptives available for cats, they were very surprised. As Simian who sent me this mentioned, it might very well be due to lack of funding and incentive as a result. Fortunately now there is someone who is offering a grant to encourage pet contraception. Whatever works to reduce overpopulation!

Pet friendly housing

I liked this ad that showed a property agent that sources for pet friendly apartments for rent.

Text of Postcard

 

Here's the text of the postcard.

Front of Cat Postcard

 

Some of you might remember we had a discussion on sending postcards to your town councils and MPs on the previous blog. Guess what just came in the mail from Alley Cat Allies?

Pardoned turkeys

It's Thanksgiving in the US today and here's a funny tradition that is celebrated every year - a turkey gets pardoned and not eaten!

Animal conflicts

Here's an interesting article about trying to get birds (starlings) and people to live together. I really like what Mr Albarella says right at the end of the article.

MUIS' view on animals

Thank you to Aminah for sending this link about MUIS' views on animals. It was very enlightening.

I am very glad to see that MUIS is supportive of sterilisation of animals, and promotes kindness to animals. However I was disappointed to see that they mentioned that if an animal causes conflict in the family, it is permissible to kill it. Aminah, who is Muslim herself, was quite disturbed by this and sent in the link, urging everyone to write to MUIS.

Money put to better use?

More information about funds that were invested by the TCs in investments that lost money. Certainly one can imagine that it is important to have capital for long term investment, but if the rationale behind it is to change lifts every twenty-eight years, then perhaps it might have been better to pick something lower risk? This seems to be especially so when the investment gave a return of over 3% but government securities gave an average of 2.9%

I am not disputing that in any investment there is risk, but this isn't money that an investor is investing on his or her own behalf. This is taxpayers' money that has been entrusted to TCs.

A while ago some of you may remember seeing my post about how much TCs have in reserves. How does this relate to cats? Obviously because if there seems to be not much public feedback/insight into how this money is being spent, then money is being spent on things that people don't want or agree with - point in case, higher risk investments and also on things like spending money on pest control costs. Instead, if residents had a say in it, perhaps this money could be put to better use in sterilising cats - it seems arguable that it would have cost less in Holland-Bukit Panjang's case then the amount they may have potentially lost. As an aside, Teo Ho Pin is also the MP we met who told us that there should be 'zero stray policy' in TCs.

Conflicts arising

This is a very interesting video and article - it's not only cats and people that sometimes meet and result in conflict, but also other animals. I like the solutions that were proposed and hope that some resolution can be reached.

Cat quiz

According to this quiz, at least one of my cats is plotting to kill me! :)

Ninja Kittens

Just a funny video :)

"Relocating cat"

A good post sent in by Chinky - thanks Chinky. It refers to a letter sent in today apparently by the HDB saying that the cat would be 'relocated'. Relocation doesn't work as the blog writer noted - the problem is that it doesn't stop the owner from being irresponsible if that is the case. It does mean that there's another quick band-aid solution, without solving the inherent problem.

I think the main problem is that no wants to take on the cat issue because it means more work for them - the TCs don't want it. HDB doesn't want it. Just because it's unpleasant or means more work doesn't mean that it should be ignored - regulation of cat ownership, not a ban is probably going to result in LESS work overall, because there are likely to be less complaints. This is because (1) cat owners who have guidelines now are more likely to follow them as opposed to now, where anything goes and (2) people will stop complaining for frivolous reasons - or at least these complaints can be ignored if there is no good reason for them. Right now HDB deals with repeat complaints with no merit just because a cat is present.

Compulsive behaviour in animals

Just the other day I posted an article about how animal welfare guidelines that are suggesting that some animals are bored at home and how stimulation might be needed. Whether you agree with that or not, here is an article about how some animals show compulsive behaviour, not all of it due, of course, to boredom. I am sure some of you are familiar with animals you live with, or your community cats exhibiting this behaviour - and fortunately there are some treatments available.

Rescue dog for first family?

Imp sent me this - great to read the first family is thinking about getting a rescue dog!

AVA Roadshow

Found this on Otterman's blog in case - the AVA Roadshow starts today if anyone wants to go!

Choosing a pet

For those of you who saw or read President-Elect Barak Obama's victory speech the other night, he promised his daughters a new puppy. Here's a video that is about that, but which I think gives good advice on what to look for when adopting in general.

I was speaking with someone the other day who was worried about shelter animals because she felt buying an animal would ensure some sort of assurance on the temperament of the animal. Really however as this video points out, it is the animal, not the breed, or where the animal comes from, that is important.

Animal welfare guidelines

New animal welfare guidelines in the UK. It will be interesting to see what the guidelines actually say, though I do know that if I had a litterbox for each cat, there would be more litterboxes than space! :)

ST (5-11-08)

Thanks Chinky for sending this in! Great letter.

Cats and machines

I have to admit being a big fan of the Roomba (it's amazing when picking up animal hair - and human hair too). When I saw this article, I had to laugh - it's almost akin to introducing a new member of the family. My own cats weren't too upset with the Roomba though. One of our cats even occasionally goes for a ride on it.

Willa Catter

I met this lovely cat, Will Catter at a bookstore. She is the official bookstore cat. I bent down to speak with her (and she was appropriately enough in the animal section) and she jumped right into my lap! So lovely to see stores with animals.

Spay Day

Spay Day is today - good luck to everyone for a successful Spay Day!

Missing cats in the UK

Anyone wonder if there's someone trapping cats in this neighbourhood? We know some neighbourhoods (and neighbours) like that in Singapore too. In the end, it's just safer to keep home cats in - though community cats are another issue because they are already home on the streets.

Cat flushing the toilet

This is just too cute :)

Transit for animals

This is a nice story about animals traveling and transiting through Frankfurt - unfortunately I don't think Singapore allows animals on board in the cabin, which some other countries and airlines do.

Happy Depavali

Happy Depavali to all who are celebrating it! For the rest, I hope you had a nice day off work!

Dog risks life for kittens

This is just too sweet.

Air purifying litter box

Air purifying litter box, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I just saw this today at a pet shop here in the US - I wonder if it really does absorb the smells. This would be a godsend for people who are out for long periods of time, as well as those with multiple cats.

HDB flats

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in which was ostensibly about banning dogs in HDB flats, but again, we see Tan Khuan Khoon chiming in. The man really has an axe to grind and won't see reason. As I tried to explain to him, cats don't need to be trained because they are naturally toilet trained, but where are community cats supposed to use the toilet? Perhaps if he would be willing to set up a sand tray in his garden?

I always wonder how someone can claim with a straight face that they love animals and then proudly proclaim that they have killed so many of them. I also don't believe the SPCA approves of him getting rid of the cats :)

Ebay and Ivory

Good to know that Ebay is banning ivory though how they intend to police it, is difficult to gauge. Whatever it is, a stand against ivory is good no matter what!

Men and cats

I was just having a conversation about caregivers who are men the other day - and here's an article that talks about more men sharing their lives with cats. Interestingly, they found that men said they were more likely to make a sacrifice for the cat than women were.

ACA - National Feral cat day

ACA - National Feral cat day, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Today is National Feral Cat Day in the US (16th October) and I went down to celebrate with Alley Cat Allies and the people they invited. There was a video, a silent auction and just the opportunity to speak with other feral cat caregivers and advocates.

Adoption

Check out the Cat and Dog adoption videos under the Videos section - one cannot agree more. I just had a friend who just went through a horrendous experience with a shelter here in Maryland. She found a lost dog the other day and not knowing what else to do, took it to a local shelter. She would have taken it home but she has to adopted cats herself. She isn't local and thought the shelter would try and place the dog. When she found out that the dog would be killed within 72 hours, she rushed around trying to find a new adopter, and managed to find one. However the shelter had a long list of criteria. When the new adopter asked to come before work at 10 am, they said they didn't open till noon. When he asked if he could come after work, they said that they closed at 6 pm. When my friend gave up, took time off work and went down, they told her the dog couldn't be adopted till the next day - and then they called her to say that they were going to put the dog down the next day and she rushed down.

Eventually the dog went home last night safely - but one wonders. Many shelters 'blame' the people who give up animals - but if their own policies are so terrible, are just the people who give the animals up to blame? It almost seems as if it would be easier for the shelter workers to put the animals down - and then blame the people who brought them in in the first place.

Nathan Winograd makes the same point in his book Redemption, which I blogged about earlier. Why not just make it easier for people to adopt cats and dogs? Shockingly, they just might end up taking more animals home!

Chimp and Tiger

These photos are just too sweet. I wonder what will happen as they grow older.

These pet shop owners apparently ask potential buyers to sign a contract before selling their huskies. While it's certainly better than no screening, wouldn't it be best if they just didn't sell huskies at all?

ST (10-10-08)

Thanks to Chinky who sent this in. Unfortunately I've heard of a woman in the area and spoken to someone matching her description on the phone. The people I know who sterilise there also have problems with her. One of the people I know in the area who sterilises, complains a woman sprinkles food all over before she goes to trap and so she can't trap the cats for their appointment.

Cat repellent

Cat repellent, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I bought this Cat Repellent from Daiso at Plaza Singapura the other day - the only question is, what does it actually do? It doesn't say - or rather the information is all in Japanese, so I have no idea how to use it.

One quarter of wild mammals may face extinction

Thanks to Chinky and Eslina for sending this letter in.

Also, very worrying news - one quarter of wild mammal species may face extinction. The reason - mostly habitat destruction and hunting.

Pema, the school cat

Thanks to Chinky for sending in this very interesting article. How the school can have the lack of resources to care for one, sterilised cat is beyond me.

No feeding cats with CWS photos

No feeding cats with CWS photos, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I saw this sign the other day when I was out and have just sent it to CWS. If they're interested in solving the problem (and I have spoken to some feeders in the area in the past and I do think there is some validity) then this might be a good starting point to work with them. If not, they should at least take those photos off, since those are CWS' photos.

World Animal Day

Happy World Animal Day! Here's hoping that we remember to treat our fellow animals well not just on this day but on every other.

There are events with the SPCA and ACRES this weekend to celebrate the occasion.

Hemingway cats

Some good news - the Hemingway cats get to stay!

Defenders of Wildlife Advertisement

This is certainly very disturbing. Shooting wolves from planes? Factcheck does add some clarifying details, but it certainly seems that most of it is true. Shooting animals is already terrible in my book - shooting animals with an unfair advantage is much, much worse.

Selamat Hari Raya

Selamat Hari Raya to all everyone celebrating today! For everyone else, hope you had a restful day!

ST (29-9-08)

Thanks to Chinky and eslina for sending this letter about this man's experience with the SPCA. It seems to me that the SPCA in this case probably was going to release the cat to him. Interestingly, our old friend Tan Tuan Khoon somehow tried to make this an argument about cats though it was so disjointed, I couldn't quite follow the logic. He also claimed I said cats couldn't be toilet trained - when what I explained was that cats are naturally toilet trained, and aren't like dogs in that essence. I also have no idea what toilet training kits for cats in pet shops are.

There were a lot of nice articles about animals, including an ASD article in the press on Saturday - unfortunately they cannot be accessed unless you have a Straits Times account.

Pet Vet

Quite a lot of people often wonder if their animals needs to go to the vet, or what is wrong with their cats or dogs. It is almost impossible of course to diagnose over the phone or via email, but this website seems to give you some idea of what may be wrong before you head to the vet.

TNP (24-9-08)

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in. It's very kind of these two individuals to have taken the dogs in - and not at all unusual. I know of many caregivers who have had cats boarded because they couldn't take them in. Unfortunately, there are many other animals that weren't as lucky - even in the first case, it seems likely that all the dogs in the park were rounded up. Instead of counting on the compassion of individuals like these, the only way to guarantee the safety of animals is to run a TNRM programme - AND for the rules to change to allow animals a safe place in our communities if they are properly cared for.

ST (24-9-08)

A way to determine if the defecation really belongs to a community cat or someone's pet dog? Of course if it is a community cat - then steps can be taken to ensure that it doesn't defecate just anywhere.

Today (22-9-08)

I'm glad to see an MP suggesting publicly that residents who have problems with each other talk it out rather than go to the authorities. Thanks to Chinky for sending this in.

Working together

Some caregivers recently copied me on an email because pest control had been sent down to one of the caregiver's areas. It seems that the TC officer had recently been changed and someone new was there. In addition, when the caregivers saw the pest control on site, they approached the pest control personnel, who were seen wearing the uniform of one of the pest control companies. The pest control personnel then apparently claimed to be from NEA!

What I was impressed by was that the caregivers were not taken in by this, and one of them immediately wrote to the TC for clarification (the officer so far has been giving rather unsatisfactory answers to this one caregiver). Even more impressive though, was the fact that the other caregivers in the area also chimed in with their dissatisfaction. They wrote to query why the TC had done this, and wanted to get some answers even though their areas weren't affected directly during this occasion. I am pretty sure they will get a response to their concerted efforts.

It's this willingness to work together - and the fact that they are not isolationist in their approach (ie I only care about my cats in MY area) that makes this group so effective. If every group could work similarly, then the cats will be truly protected. Squabbles among caregivers really should have no place in dealing with the TC - if a united front cannot be presented, then why would the TC work with anyone in the area?

Complain again

I can't believe it - but this woman apparently wrote to CWS again. And she repeated the same complaints ad nauseum. Apparently, she has a son who is quite seriously ill, and is in and out of hospital, for which I truly am sympathetic. However her grouse is with her mother in law. Her mother in law cares for some of the community cats in the neighbourhood - to make sure they don't have additional areas of contention, she even leaves the food OUTSIDE the house in a cupboard. Still the daughter in law is unhappy - she has again written to the MP, the TC and everyone else. The last time I spoke with the TC, they also agreed it was a family dispute.

The woman refuses mediation and just wants to complain to everyone. I wonder if it's a ploy to get rid of her mother-in-law, whom she doesn't seem to be very happy with.

Feeding despite the consequences

It's not just people who sometimes feed cats without considering the consequences, like leaving food upstairs, and luring them into areas where the cats will be complained about - some people apparently do it with bears. While I don't agree that the bear should have been shot, feeding the bear in this case, jeopardises its life - and yet the feeder didn't stop. Sounds familiar to many of us.

Dog saves owner

And they say animals are dumb.

Dewey

Dewey, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I read this lovely book over the last few days. It's about a little cat that was found dumped in a bookdrop of a library on the coldest night of the year and how he became not just the library's mascot, but the town's symbol.

Dewey wasn't an extraordinary cat in that he didn't do special tricks or save babies from burning buildings - but he did have a huge capacity for love and that was what set him apart. He eventually became famous all over the world and brought fame to his town of Spencer, Iowa.

It's an easy read and a heartwarming book about how a cat (and a small kindness) can change lives - and especially the life of Vicki Myron who wrote the book about him.

A big thank you to Anna from Hachette Book Group who sent me the book to review.

Spay Day

Good to hear CWS is having another Spay Day this year at the end of October - do spread the word to caregivers who may need the slots!

Prosthetics for animals

This is a very interesting post on prosthetics for animals and what can be done now. It would give a lot of animals a new lease on life.

Worrying track record

It is worrying that new US Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin seems to have a record that scares most environmentalists and people concerned about animal welfare. Even more worrying, according to her friends on this video, she doesn't care for cats - this is a long video, skip to 5:25.

WWF Ball

Thanks to yskat for sending this in. Looks like it's going to be a very gala affair.

Grants

Here's an article about the animal protectors' grants that were handed out yesterday. It's good to know that there is now some money available locally for groups to spend on welfare initatives.

New Swiss laws

Interesting new laws in Switzerland on animal welfare.

Strawberry headed cat

Just something amusing :-

Strawberry headed cat

ST (3-9-08)

It's a little worrying how many of the comments in this forum post seem to be about how it isn't a big deal about bringing a whale shark into the Integrated resorts. ACRES and SPCA have been very vocal about their disagreement to this ill conceived idea.

Firstly, a whale shark isn't a 'pet' in any sense of the word. Secondly, even if the argument is that people want to see the whale shark up close, this isn't a zoo. Arguably zoos do have an important role to play - in conservation and also in allowing people to see animals up close. This is a commercial entity that is basically bringing in a novelty - what happens when the novelty is gone? Thirdly, a tank cannot replicate the shark's natural environment. When entertainment takes precedence over life and dignity, it makes one wonder.

Alley Cat Allies: Targeted Trapping - Step by Step

Here's an interesting video from ACA on trapping - obviously not everything is applicable to Singapore (and it would be very difficult to get so many traps at one time) but there are some good pointers.

New Orleans

Thanks to yskat for sending this in. It looks like more people and animals are going to be in trouble again in New Orleans. Many of you will remember that in addition to the thousands displaced and homeless people, that many animals were also left lost, abandoned or dead in the wake of Katrina. Let's hope that this time, the damage is not going to be as great - though the news right now is not promising.

Mandatory spay-neuter law

California just voted down a mandatory spay and neuter law - Alley Cat Allies explains why this is a good thing.

Cat walled in

Interesting story about a cat walled in for 7 seven weeks. This is not the first case of a cat I've heard of that has been stuck for weeks in a place. Most cats are actually lost quite close to home - so it's good to concentrate your search around your home if you ever lose your cat.

Cats to be killed

Thanks to Tarsiergirl for sending this in - I have actually been to Laguna Park and the cats there are very well managed. With all the en bloc disagreements going on, one wonders if this is actually motivated by other non-cat motivations yet again - and the cats are the ones who pay as usual. I remember reading a while ago that residents were vandalising and scratching other residents' cars - so are the cats really to blame?

Geese flying over field

Geese flying over field, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

This is for Otterman who asked about birds in the area. It's fascinating to me that geese really do fly in a V-formaion.

Kitten nursing kit

Kitten nursing kit, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Here's a whole kitten nursing kit in a box - I thought this looked good for when you have orphaned newborns.

Snuggletime

Snuggletime, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

This was cute - a soft toy with a little device that replicates a heartbeat for orphaned kittens. Of course an alarm clock wrapped in a towel will also do.

Adoption

Adoption, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I was at Petsmart today and there were gorgeous kittens up for adoption. Some girls walked by and they mentioned that one of the cats there was too old - he was an adult, perhaps a year or two. It is a shame that older cats find it so difficult to find a home.

Pet cremation

It's good to know that people care about their animals as part of the family and want them to have a good send off too. At the same time, I believe it's more important to care about them and spend time and money on them (and with them) before they go. I knew someone who kept asking what to do for the cat's burial and for the cat's remains before finding out what was wrong with the cat and whether it could be saved (for the record, when the cat was brought to the vet and treated, it got better and is now fine).

I know some caregivers will cremate the cats, and I can understand that. After all, everyone wants to honour a deceased loved cat. However it can be a very expensive proposition. If it's at the expense of the other community cats, then I think that it would be best to spend the money on the other cats that are alive in the colony. Those few hundred dollars could do a lot for the other cats who could benefit from the money.

Whale bonds with ship

This is pretty amazing - when you think about orphaned kittens and how they need to be looked after and how difficult it is to keep them alive, you read about this and realise that there really is no way to bottle feed a whale.

Ikea hacks

This is a pretty good idea - and would also prevent cardboard bits from the scratching posts flying all over the place. Any basket would do really - but the nice thing about this basket is that the cats can also scratch on the sides.

Animal 'clients'

I just ordered something online for someone and when I got to the checkout page, I saw this. I like that the company is obviously so animal friendly :)

Complaint again

Some of you who have followed the blog in it's previous incarnation may remember this case. I chatted online with one of the new CWS comm members today and it seems this case flared up again! Now the complainant is apparently accusing the feeder of throwing cat litter on his car. It's amazing that the animosity is still there - and the problem seems to be that neither of them is willing/able to let bygones be bygones. And it's STILL not about the cats. Seriously, there are some cases that are going to happen again and again till someone moves out of the area I think.

Poor Salina - I wish you the best mediating in what is obviously a very difficult case, which really isn't cat related to begin with!

Siberian tiger

All together now - Awwwww. Cute photo of the day!

Koala bears

You have to wonder about the sort of people who would violently attack koala bears.

Geese on field

Geese on field, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

At the moment I'm living in the country, and it's amazing how many birds you see out here (including wild rabbits, badgers, etc). I've been fascinated by the Canadian geese that I see flying overhead morning and evening and that are in the field down the road from where I live.

I found that they can be a nuisance to some, or that they can be hurt when they come into contact with aircraft, etc. Here's an ingenious way to stop the birds from getting into those areas without killing/harming them. I also like that rescue dogs are often used.

Olympics today

The Olympics start today - and the news isn't very promising for the cats as I mentioned in an earlier blog post. No one is still exactly sure what is happening to the cats though one hopes that at least when the Olympics are over that they will be left alone. For that alone, I hope the Olympics hurry up and end already.

Imagine-Nation

In celebration of National Day this year, there's another Catmasutra exhibition, so if you're wondering what to do this weekend, you can check it out!

Rare breed of love

I was at the bookstore and saw this very interesting book about a three legged dog. Apparently the author adopted the dog, Baby, and they started a campaign against puppy mills and to encourage people to adopt their animals instead of buy them.

Animals abandoned

Now the mortgage crisis in the US is affecting cats too - like Princess Chunk (actually Powder). Sadly, it's not unusual in Singapore either - because of problems with housing, people give up their animals, whether it be because of work, losing a house, a divorce or other reasons.

Some of these problems are unavoidable - but if there IS any way to plan and someone thinks their life isn't stable enough for an animal, then please don't get one. When people date and have a 'joint pet', what happens when they break up and no one wants the animal for example? Or if you know you're living in a rental apartment that doesn't allow animals and that you have to move?

No feeding of pigeons

No feeding of pigeons, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in - we were both commenting that it seems that some posters at least try and explain about littering, and not leaving food around. An improvement at least!

No more sale of pets in

Here's an interesting article about banning the sale of pets in Saudi Arabia - but not for the usual reasons one would think of.

Article on animal abuse

This was a very interesting article sent in by Coboypb. I thought the point about people buying animals to fit their perceived ideas of what they ought to look like was a good one. The other day at the vet, a girl came in with a tiny puppy (far too young I thought to have been sold) and she had it in her handbag. It seemed like an accessory more than a puppy.

Christian the lion again

Apparently I'm not the only one fascinated by the story of the lion, Christian - the followup on the story is still phenomenal. It's great to see the two men involved are now involved in wildlife preservation.

Princess Chunk

This cat is certainly overweight - and while some people think fat cats are cute (I plead guilty), there is such a thing as TOO fat. This cat can barely walk. Bear in mind that cats that are overweight are more inclined towards diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems and make sure to put your cat on a diet if it needs one. How do you know if your cat is overweight? Check out this link.

Also please remember - keep your cats in. They could get lost easily otherwise.

TC poster

Thanks to Chinky for sending in this blog post on a better TC poster. TCs still don't quite get that caregivers are not 'owners' of community cats but it's still a better poster than the 'don't feed cats' posters we see.

Bird flu

It seems that a cat found dead in Korea in April died of Bird flu, but that bird flu cannot be spread by cats. Cross your fingers and hope there's no hysteria.

National Day Dog Walk to save Strays

National Day Dog Walk to save Strays, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in. I'm sure some of you will be taking part :)

Today (27-7-08)

Thanks to Chinky for sending in these two great letters from Today :- Relaxing pet ownership rules may be the answer and We donate to humans but not to animals.

Cats not the danger, inattentive drivers are

Thanks to chinky who sent this piece in, in response to the article about cats being a danger on the road in Jalan Penimpin. I especially like the line about how cats aren't a danger, but inattentive drivers are. How true.

Just the other day, a child ran behind my car as I was reversing. Do we then ask that children be banned from the roads because they could potentially be a danger?

Article on dogs

This is one of the perennial problems that the dog groups face - the fact that whether or not they sterilise, the dogs still get rounded up. It really is a disincentive to sterilise - and it means that less dogs will get sterilised overall. If the idea is to make Singapore 'safer' than sterilisation should be encouraged.

I remember meeting someone at a conference a few years ago, and he mentioned that because rabies is rampant where he's from (someone had just gotten bitten), sterilisation of dogs was pursued aggressively and they saw fewer people get bitten, and better results healthwise. With less dogs, there will be less attacks, and less incidents obviously. Try and round the dogs up, and there will always be those that elude the traps and will just run around reproducing, meaning there will always be more dogs.

Community cat photo exhibition

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in - it looks very interesting!

Hoarding

This is the problem when people have an issue of pet hoarding - how do you stop them from taking in more cats? Often when I was with CWS, people would ask us to remove the cats from an overcrowded house - only to find the person took in more cats again, just like this woman.

ST (19-7-08)

Thanks to Eslina who sent this in. I missed it as I was really busy over the weekend - again, it's a case of the writer not being aware of what is really going on here. This is very likely someone's cat not a 'stray cat' or a community cat someone is feeding upstairs especially as the writer says she's lived there for years and the cat only recently started defecating in her pots -and the caregiver has said it's not one of hers. Stopping the caregiver from feeding will not help - it's important to find the person who is letting their cat roam. Also it's not about 'toilet training' - the problem is that if the cat is wandering down from a flat and has done it in that pot, it considers the pot it's 'toilet' so in fact, it IS toilet trained. To quote the writer none of the solutions she suggested go to the 'root cause'.

Cats in accident

Here's an article about cats in the Jalan Penimpin estate. Apparently one of them was run over and now people are complaining about the cats being a traffic hazard. The caregiver says that she was misquoted and that the two security guards there were actually new and not very aware of the situation in the estate. It is a shame that a situation like this, while undoubtedly unfortunate for the man and the cat involved, should make it to a national newspaper. Also how this has become 'cat town' is also beyond me. One can only assume it was a slow news day.

Cat Licensing

Here's an interesting article about why cat licensing should not be supported and I think it's a pretty succinct summation of the reasons why. If cats are licensed, then all community cats are at risk - and much more money would be wasted on enforcement, money which could be spent on TNRM programmes.

No feeding of cats

No feeding of cats, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Certainly yesterday's poster was better than this gem sent in by coboypb. Is one of the cats chasing the others? And if it's about stopping irresponsible feeding why is there no evidence of feeding at all? If I didn't read English, it'd look to me as if it said no cats - perhaps the subliminal message the TC is trying to put across?

Feeding Poster

Feeding Poster, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in. As he very succinctly put it, this is better than a 'no feeding' poster but still isn't a responsible feeding poster. Would it really kill TCs to put up a poster telling people to feed responsibly?

Travelling dogs

Here's a great little video about two traveling dogs.

Animal Issue

Here's an interesting article about cats in the Urbanite magazine - this month's whole issue is on animals so you might want to read the rest too.

Voices

Thanks to Chinky for sending in this scan - nice to know that the most touching stories were about cats, but then we already knew that I'm sure!

Frank waiting for food

Frank waiting for food, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I was at a friend's house today - and this is her cat waiting for his dinner (you can see the bowl on his right) :) He would poke at her when she took too long with the food. This got my friend and I talking about the various ways your cats tell you that it's time to eat. How does your cat remind you that you've forgotten feeding time?

Today (9-7-08)

Nice letter in Today - thanks Chinky for sending it in.

Morning blues

Morning blues, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Just a funny photo of Scout who can barely get her eyes open - something I think all of us can sympathise with from time to time!

Reunion with lion

A while ago, Wiggie sent me this story about a lion that was brought up by two young men in London and how they were reunited a year later when the lion had been released in Africa. This is a video of the reunion sent in by Tarsier Girl - see if you don't sniff at least once while watching it :)

ST (5-7-08)

Sounds like a neighbour dispute to me - I have to say that if someone does come and tell you that your cat is wandering, it is best to do something about it, whether it be to keep the cat in, or to work with your neighbour to ensure that the soiling doesn't happen again. I have to say though I'm not sure how the cat dirties cars (walks on the car with dirty little paws?). I also don't think the cat intends to hide in corners and 'startle people'.

Sleeping cats

Sleeping cats, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Someone had made a little shelter for these cats. Unfortunately right next to the cats was a huge lump of food left on the pavement which was already beginning to attract flies.

Cats in the heartlands

Great article - thanks Chinky for sending this in. I think one point that perhaps wasn't emphasised enough (if the comments are an indicator) is that if the cats are sterilised, they won't breed.

Prosthetics

Some interesting news on prosthetics used for a dog. I've seen the little wheel cart used for hind legs - but this is the first I've seen for a set of missing front paws. This design also looks quite sleek.

Here are some photos to melt your heart - Odd couples.

Puzzles

For a bit of pointless fun - and we all need that once in a while.

Abandonment not 'cruelty'

I read this post from Meowies and was disappointed to see that yet again, it seems that there are some police officers still unaware that abandonment is an offence. They met some people who abandoned their cat and admitted to it. However when they went to the police to file a report they were told there was no 'cruelty' involved.

If you go to the Animal and Birds Act at the Singapore Statutes online however and look at Section 42(1) (f), you'll see that not only is abandonment a crime, it is defined specifically as cruelty to animals.

Irresponsible Feeding

I was speaking with a caregiver today about a woman who feeds in her estate. The woman feeds early in the morning and goes off to work and then does not clear up often till afterwards, which can be as late as in the afternoon when she comes home. The caregiver said that if it rains, it looks as if someone has vomited all over the area because the food gets smeared.

She has spoken with the feeder several times and she says that she doesn't want to get the feeder into trouble because the feeder's husband doesn't like her to feed. The irony in this case is that she says the TC has been quite sympathetic but that the area is a mess and she can see why there are complaints.

After the TC called the last time, she said that she spoke with the feeder again. The feeder threatened to stop feeding - but then left food again that same night. The caregiver explained that the cats might get rounded up and killed, but the feeder was unmoved and said that if that was what happened, then so be it.

I told the caregiver she may have no choice but to let the TC know whom the feeder is. Perhaps if the feeder's husband finds out and is disapproving, that may be a factor that will cause her to stop - and stop putting the cats in danger.

Muhammad Ali Cat

Something amusing for a Friday.

Why a Cat?

This is a lovely post sent in by Chinky from a gentleman who took in a community cat in danger. Here are his reasons for why to adopt a cat.

Today (25-6-08)

Good letter in Today. Thanks to Chinky and Eslina for sending me the link.

Scout and Cat Toy

Scout and Cat Toy, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I realise the irony about all the talk about obsessive pet owners who spoil their pets and then posting this photo, but I swear this wasn't an expensive toy! I actually bought it in a supermarket which goes to show it can't have cost too much :)

Scout loved it when we opened it for her.

Man in Japan robs pet stores

Why is it that the minute there's an animal mentioned, that the person involved usually becomes an 'animal lover' no matter how crazy their behaviour? This is a person who used stolen cash to buy a dog - and then supported his 'habit' by robbing pet stores. It sounds more like he has issues - and less to do with the fact that he 'loves' animals.

Say you had a person who liked children so much that they decided to go out and say kidnap a few. Would that person described as someone who loves children? Chances are that person would be locked up. When it comes to animals however, any behaviour is explained because the person is an 'animal lover'. It seems that there is a bias that if you like animals then you're probably not too sane to begin with. Tell that to the 71.1 million households that have animals living with them in the US alone - I don't know of an equivalent study in Singapore.

Pet detective

Nice article about a pet detective - wonder if someone will ever do something similar here at some point. There are some useful pointers in this article though, that most lost and found websites will tell you. For one thing, small posters may look prettier but you want something loud and eye catching. Also you want to make sure your number is big enough so that passing cars and pedestrians can see it from far away.

Moscow Cat Theatre

I treat my cats with tenderness and love - but they're not starting a performing circus for me :) Seriously though, I wouldn't want them to either. One wonders if the cats are unhappy performing and what sort of techniques are used to make them do so.

Orang Utans on the Singapore Flyer

Putting Orang Utans on the Singapore Flyer seems like a stupid idea - and now it seems that the orang utans were actually very frightened. Considering that there are people who have a fear of heights, one wonders why this was thought to be a good publicity stunt and how exactly it was to have drawn attention to the plight of orang utans. Someone also wrote in to protest in today's online forum.

Do Not feed Pigeons, Cats and Dogs

Do Not feed Pigeons, Cats and Dogs, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Here's another poster care of Yskat. Thanks for sending this in. I am wondering why there is a spate of anti-feeding posters of late.

FYI

Aminah has written in to let me know that a programme called FYI, which is to air on Suria tonight at 8:30 pm will feature segments on the SPCA, ACRES and on Aminah's cat Lucky. Do tune in.

ST (19-6-08)

Nice letter in the Forum today on Louis and ACRES.

Feeding of Stray Cats and Birds Poster

Placing of Food Poster, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Thanks to Chinky for sending in this poster. I believe that the section that the poster may be referring to is Section 17 of the Environmental Public Health Act. You can look it up at Singapore Statutes Online. However that section refers to 'throw or leave behind' food or food containers. Caregivers aren't doing that - they are feeding the cats but are going back to clean up afterward.

ACA flyer

ACA Flyer, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I helped to put up some flyers for Alley Cat Allies over the last few days. People were really nice and willing to put the flyers up and several people said they were happy to help with a good cause!

Bad Poster

No feeding of Stray Cats, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Again thank you Chinky for this.

Here on the other hand, is an example of a bad poster. This came from a bigger poster on feeding pigeons as well. This poster also makes no sense - if the cats are fed, they are LESS likely to go into garbage bins. Hungry cats do that - but well fed cats are far LESS likely to do that.

Good Advertisement

Advertisement, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in. This is a nice advertisement because it features a lovely, healthy, NON-pedigree cat.

Hit and run with an animal

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in - apparently the same law applies if you hit an animal and drive off as it would if you hit a person.

Cats blamed

Articles like this one make me upset. I understand that these are endangered iguanas and need protection but it's the fact that the cats again get blamed, and then killed, that makes me angry.

First, the cats on this island were killed because supposedly they were killing the iguanas. Here's an article on the various things that are killing the iguanas - if you look at it, it seems that the iguanas went extinct after an army base went up during World War II and several of the iguanas have been killed by cars (20 out of a population of 220 or so at the time). So my question is - why cats? It seems odd again to me that cats are singled out. Why not ban cars on the island, or aircraft since they seem to be a significant factor in why the iguanas are dying? I also wonder what percentage of the iguanas dying can be linked to the cats? Also is it not possible that it's just greater human activity (with all its attendant issues) that has led to the population of iguanas dropping?

Secondly, there was an increase apparently in the iguana population, but at the same time this may well have been due to the fact that iguanas were introduced or other factors. If you introduce say X number of iguanas and they are old enough to reproduce, then it's not a surprise really that the population would increase. So why were cats killed as a first result before taking all these other issues into consideration?

Fortunately a group called Animal Balance was started to deal with this and to do TNR on the islands. They are working with the local authorities to get all the cats and dogs sterilised. I saw a presentation that the founder did at a conference a few years ago and now have a renewed appreciation of the work she is doing.

It seems that one of the problems is importation of animals - which is supposedly not allowed. While it seems that Sea Shepherd has a problem with the cats and dogs being there as well, they do not want the cats to be killed and are working with Animal Balance though they want the law on dogs and cats to be strictly enforced. What I did find interesting in the editorial as well was that it seems that many birds were seen killed by traffic - and the presence of cats was noted. I am not sure however that this correlates with the cats killing the birds or lizards - just because the cat was there doesn't mean the cat necessarily killed the lizard or bird.

At the same time, having a group like Animal Balance working there means that the animals are in better health and less likely to have disease. It would be almost impossible to stop people owning cats and dogs as well, so it's best to ensure that they know how to do it responsibly.

Marine expelled

Some of you may remember the puppy thrown off a cliff in a youtube video a while ago. The marine in question as expelled.

TNP (12-6-08)

A great letter on the importance of speaking with complainants first. Thanks Chinky for sending it in.

Kitten rescued by vacuum cleaner

Thanks to Tasiergirl for sending in this article. It's also nice to know that the fire department would go to such lengths to save a little stuck kitten.

ST (11-6-08)

Interesting letter in the forum about speaking up against the exploitation of animals in advertisements.

Town Council Poster

Town Council Poster, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Thanks to Chinky for sending this in. This is a very worrying - not to mention misleading - poster. Has anyone else seen it?

Cat Hook

Barffie sent this over. In case you guys would like to help a good cause, here's a link to get a limited edition hook!

ACRES

Nice to see this article about ACRES and Louis. Also amazing that it's already been seven years!

Tree

Thanks to Chinky for sending in this article. Interestingly, I've been to a house in the vicinity - someone there is feeding and not sterilising and there have been complaints as well. It's sad that a complaint could result in a tree being felled.

Hitting an animal

I'm doing my driver's license here in Maryland and the interesting thing is that there is actually an obligation to notify the police here if you happen to knock down a domestic pet. I was quite impressed by this till I read this article. Poor horse.

ST (4-6-08)

Sound familiar? It may be that this isn't just about cats as we suspected but a lack of efficiency within some TCs.

Be a responsible Owner Poster

Be a responsible Owner Poster, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Having some problems with my internet connection so my blog entries may be a bit more sporadic.

Here's a poster Chinky sent in. Thanks Chinky.

Closeup of poster

Be a Responsible Owner closeup, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Again thanks to Chinky for this photo.

The concern about this poster is what 'under his charge' means. Could this possibly be extended to caregivers as well?

Be a Responsible Owner closeup

Be a Responsible Owner closeup, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

The concern about this poster is what 'under his charge' means. Could this possibly be extended to caregivers as well?

Grants

Thanks to Chinky for sending me the newspaper writeup on the Animal welfare symposium. Unfortunately I can't link to it because it's a subscription only area - but there was mention of grants being given and you guys might be interested. Here's the link from the website.

More suspected abuse cases

Thanks to E_ cat for this news. It seems that more cats have been found dead in Pasir Ris and that the SPCA is investigating as well. The problem is that as we've all found, it's so difficult to find cat abusers. They often do it in the middle of the night when no one is around. Hopefully the caregivers get a break soon and are able to put an end to this.

Cat Basket at ACA

Cat Basket, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

Here's a basket for the office cats to sleep in. You have to love an office that is so animal friendly - though of course they would be!

Save this Cat

Save this Cat, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I went by to see the lovely people at Alley Cat Allies today and saw these gorgeous posters!

I also got to play with the office cats and a new office dog - a huge, friendly black dog.

The Press

I'm posting this after reading some letters and thinking about some comments that people have made to the press. I am sure that most people when speaking to the press mean well - they want to share information/get the message out and the press can be an incredibly powerful ally. After all, they have the reach that none of us have and is a great way to get your message out there.

On the other hand, remember the power of the press can work both ways. It's a double edged sword and has brought even Presidents down. It can also be very harmful if the wrong message gets out.

So here are a few basic pointers I think are worth bearing in mind when dealing with the press.

Firstly, what is your message? I have spoken to caregivers who were thinking of writing in or going on television who did not have know what message they wanted to impart. If you don't know what you're trying to say, you can't convey it. You are also far more likely to say something that can be harmful to your cause.

Secondly, keep it concise. You need your message to be short. If it's in a letter, then check what the word limit is - most forums will have one. The less you put in there, the less the editors will have to cut out.

On television it's even more important to be concise. When you see someone on television in advertisements, you rarely hear them give long, rambling discussions. They speak in soundbites - short, pithy, easily remembered sentences. These should be as short as possible - around 30 seconds at most.

Thirdly, focus on one issue at a time. There are often many reasons for why something happens. For example, why are cats killed? Is it because of complaints? Abandonment? People who aren't sterilising? Irresponsible feeders? The list goes on. Too many issues cloud the whole discussion. Focus on one or two of these issues - you can also mention the rest at a later time. What are the most important issues right now in response to what you want to get across?

Fourth, weigh the pros and cons. If you're going to the press, what do you hope to achieve exactly? There must be an end goal. If the end goal is just 'press attention' I suggest you re-think it. That attention has to serve some purpose. Also weigh the bad press and backlash you are going to get in response - and there will always be backlash. For example, in this case of the Jurong dogs, the backlash is obviously one, that ALL animals could get complained about because there will be complainants who like neither cats nor dogs. Two, it can be blown up into what becomes a schism in the animal welfare groups - ie dog versus cat.

Fifth, remember you set the agenda. You don't have to talk to the press. If they ask you a question that you're not comfortable with, then you can refuse to answer. Sometimes saying nothing is better than saying something harmful. It's best in fact if you are doing an interview - radio, television, etc - to get a copy of the questions beforehand so you can prepare.

Sixth, if you DO get thrown a difficult question, you can choose to answer it or not. However if you can answer in a calm, reasonable manner, then do. If you are able to bring up facts, even better. For example, a 'controversial question' may be about why all cat feeders are crazy, unmarried women. If you are able to, then it would be a good time to contradict that and say that this is untrue and that caregivers cut across all races, genders and marital status. The more factual your comment, the less likely they are going to be able to drum it up into something 'controversial'.

Finally, always be polite and act reasonably. If you're going on television, dress sensibly. Wearing a t-shirt that says "the more I meet people, the more I like my cat" for example may be amusing to those of us who see it is a joke. To the general public however it may spell crazy cat person who doesn't care about people's concerns.

I am sure there are many other little pointers people who have dealt with the press can share. If you'd be willing to share some of those pointers, please do!

ST (27-5-08)

Here's a letter about dogs again. The problem as we've seen with cats is again, not about the dogs. Unfortunately we've often seen what happens when people who feed cats don't sterilise - the cats are the ones who get blamed and are trapped as a result. The same principle applies here.

If something can be done to ensure that all feeders are responsible caregivers then there really won't be a problem. The issue is that often when letters like these are published, it focuses attention on the wrong thing - the dogs and not the feeders . Nothing is going to happen to the feeders. After all, not sterilising is not illegal. However irresponsible behaviour of the feeders is going to lead to more animals being killed.

It would be good if the responsible caregivers - both dog and cat caregivers - speak up about sterilisation and what behaviour should be practised. With one voice, they should decry the practices of irresponsible feeders - whether they feed dogs, cats, monkeys or lizards. If an animal is hungry, it will eat - it's not the cat or dog's fault that it didn't get sterilised obviously.

Cat becomes stationmaster

Here's a funny article sent in by Chinky - thanks Chinky!

Cat named stationmaster in Japanese train station.

The cat has apparently become a tourist attraction - something the authorities may want to consider perhaps? :)

Workgroup to promote Harmonious living

Here's an interesting article - thanks to Yskat for sending this in. What was said about the necessity of getting along with your neighbours is very true.

Do Not Feed

Do Not Feed, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

You guys might be interested in these signs asking you to please not feed the geese! This was in a state park.

ST (24-5-08)

Here's a nice reply from the SPCA to the letter from Tan Tuan Khoon.

Unfortunately he is at it again with this new letter. Again he refuses to acknowledge that these aren't pet cats but community cats. Also I love how the vacuum effect is dismissed as 'not practical in our highly urbanised theory' - and some people say the same about evolution. Just because it doesn't suit your point of view doesn't mean it's not true because the facts speak for themselves. As I've said time and again, there shouldn't be ANY cats left in his estate if the vacuum effect isn't true.