Stimulate Them!

Animal enrichment promotes naturalistic behaviors that stimulate the mind and increases physical activity.  It reduces stress and therefore promotes overall health by increasing an animal's perception of control over their environment and by occupying their time.  While working for a decade as an Enrichment Coordinator for various animal sections at the Audubon Zoo, I learned that …

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The Far Reaching Effects of Pain and Discomfort

Look beneath the surface; let not the several quality of a thing nor its worth escape thee. ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Pain is a very common medical issue that can create or exacerbate behavior problems in our animal companions.  We must be aware of this.  Labeling behavior as "acting out" or "misbehaving" is not going to …

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Celebration of All Things Felis sylvestris

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat" ~Ellen Perry Berkeley 2013 Today, cat lovers all over the world celebrate and honor the felines that have touched their lives.  We also come together to encourage their adoption. This national day of feline adoration and acknowledgment started in 2005.  Eight years later, the organizers hope …

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