Preventing Halloween CATastrophy

Much has been said about the violence to animals during the month of Halloween. Although some stories might be categorized as urban legend or hearsay, it is true that ritual sacrifice does still exist, as do practises of other types of animal abuse in the form of 'pranks'. There are also instances of animal sacrifice and torture at the winter and summer solstice, but it is the Halloween holiday and the danger to cats that we will focus on for this alert.

Stray cats are an especially easy target during this time of year. Some shelters report a significant increase in requests for black cat adoptions shortly before Halloween, so much so that October is sometimes called "Black Cat Month". Consequently, many animal rescuers and adoption organizations now refuse to allow the adoption of black cats during October and some organizations do not adopt out ANY cats at all for the entire month, regardless of color.

A subtler form of cruelty can also happen during Halloween with people who want a black cat as part of their costume or as a living decorative prop for a Halloween party, haunted house, Halloween game or prank, as a scare or surprise. These cats are later returned or dropped off somewhere after the holiday is over.

Throughout history, cats have long been associated with magic, mysticism, the occult, and myths, ranging the full spectrum of human imagination. Even today, many of these old superstitions still survive. Black cats in particular, are the unfortunate recipients of a plethora of projected superstitions that cast them as an omen for bad or good, depending on where people happen to live or what they were raised to believe.

For all these reasons, if you care for or know of an animal in need of a home and are approached by a person or persons looking to adopt or foster but with whom you have even the slightest misgivings, it is best to err on the side of caution and NOT let the animal go with that person(s).

During the month of October it is also best to keep cats indoors, regardless of their color, but especially if they are black. Cultists and pranksters aside, just the number of strangers who are out and about on Halloween, along with extra cars, people partying and playing pranks, can make the outdoors unsafe for animals during this holiday.

For additional information on Halloween safety for animals, including tips on safely decorating with the well-being of animals in mind, please see the wide range of articles on this topic and more on Humane Society's website at www.hsus.org

Safety FURst,
Big Purr

October Paws for Thought

Greetings fellow animal lovers. It is October and the Autumn litters of kittens being born are happening as fast as the changing leaves. It is probably no coincidence that this month, October 16^th, is the date of National Feral Cat Day.

A feral cat differs from a house cat or a stray who is lost or abandoned, or even a cat who is very shy or skittery. A feral cat is not socialized to humans. Feral cats are not homeless pets. They have a home - it's just not a home with humans, and it's a home that is outdoors. Feral cats are not without a family - they have a family, it's just not a family with humans. Their family members are other cats, with whom they share a very deep bond and connection.

Feral cats, for the most part, are widely misunderstood. They are largely perceived as a nuisance, based on generalized and erroneous misconceptions about cats as a species overall, and misinformed ideas about disease and wildlife depletion

According to statistics from Alley Cat Allies, 70% of cats entering the nation's shelter system are euthanized, with the rate being 100% for feral cats. Even no-kill shelters can be greatly challenged by the resources needed for feral cats, especially when there are so many other adoptable cats in need of placement who are already well socialized to people. Feral kittens can be adopted if they are taken and socialized at a very early age but for adult feral adults, the best proven method towards a compassionate and effective solution is TNR - Trap, Neuter, Release.

A.W.A.N. supports and salutes our animal loving friends who work hard towards reducing the overpopulation of feral cats through the care and management of feral colonies and TNR. In doing this intensive work for animals, they help to provide a better life for cats in existing feral communities and for other cats and wildlife as well.

For more information about feral cats and how you can help, please visit our friends at Alley Cat Allies www.AlleyCat.org and check out the resource library at Best Friends www.BestFriends.org/NoMoreHomelessPets . There you will find information about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release), how to care for and manage feral colonies, how to socialize feral cats and where to seek resources for assistance.

May the Furs Be With You...
Big Purr