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September October
2014
Lunenburg SPCA
Upcoming Events
SPCA Christmas Sale
For People and Pets
See pages 7 and
Poster page 13
Lunenburg SPCA AGM
Nov 26 See pages 5, 6
Pets Unlimited
Petvalu Cats and kittens are
available as they are ready
Past Events
August 30 –31 Garage Sale
$3,400 raised
Frosty Waking
Up to a New
Adventure
See , pages
3—5
IN THIS ISSUE Page
Announcements 1
Cats in the Limelight: Endearing and Annoying
Attention-Seeking Behavior in Cats
2—3
Frosty’s Side to the Story in photos
AGM Announcement
3-5
5
Call for New Board Members 6
Announcing Christmas Sale for People and
Pets
7
12 Favourable and Fun Facts about Black Cats 8
SPCA Lottery and 50/50 Draw 9
Third Quarter Statistics
Newsletter Editor Wanted
Outdoor Cat Shelter on Offer
More Foster Homes Wanted
10
For Adoption 11
In Our Care 12
Adopted 13
Poster for
Christmas Sale for People and Pets
14
2
Cats in the Limelight
Endearing and Annoying Attention-Seeking Behavior in Cats
By Janice and Frosty Kenefick
Some cats seem to be born attention seekers. They use repetitive behaviors to get attention from their favorite
person. Your cat may want to be petted, or played with, or cuddled or given treats, or all four and he uses atten-
tion-seeking behaviour to get it.
His tactics for getting your attention may be endearing or annoying – pawing your leg, meowing in your face,
knocking everything off tables and desks, sitting on your computer keyboards or your favourite newspaper and
counter surfing. These are conspicuous behaviour designed to interrupt whatever you’re doing, so you’ll turn
your attention to your cat.
Attention seekers quickly learn which tactics work. If a conspicuous activity is ignored, your cat will learn to
stop doing it. When one behavior doesn't get results, he may try another. He’ll continue to repeat any behaviour
that rewards him with what he wants.
Intentionally Reinforcing Endearing Behaviours
Some attention-seeking behaviors are so endearing that you may want to encourage and reward your cat so he
repeats it. These behaviours build and strengthen relationships between cats and their people. For example, if
your cat brings you his favourite toy and you respond by tossing it to him, he’ll be rewarded, assuming he wants
to play. (If what he really wanted was to sit on your lap, he may try behaviour and another until he gets the de-
sired result.)
However, some attention-seeking may not only be annoying but dangerous. Examples include counter and
stove surfing.
Unintentionally reinforcing Annoying Behaviour
Sometimes people unintentionally reinforce annoying behaviors. Actions as simple as talking to your cat,
making eye contact, or absent mindedly giving affectionate squeezes while moving the cat off your computer
keyboard can actually encourage him to persist. After all, he has your attention.
If you react by yelling or chasing him away, it can backfire and strengthen the undesirable behavior instead of
stopping it – because it got your attention. From your cat’s point of view, when he does specific behaviors, his
people pay attention to him.
The trick is to reinforce the attention seeking behaviours you find adorable by playing, petting, talking, or giv-
ing treats to your cat when he does them and find a way to stop the annoying behaviours.
How to stop annoying behaviors
Although the exact steps to change a particular behaviour may vary, the basic concepts are the same for all
annoying behaviours.
1 Start with a Veterinarian Check-up
your cat may be misbehaving because he doesn't feel well. Rule out possible medical problems by having
your veterinarian examine him before you do anything else.
3
2 Find the reasons for the behavior If there is no medical cause try to identify the motive for your cat’s annoying behavior. What exactly does
he want?
3 Identify the place and pattern where the behaviour occurs
Your cats may act out at the same time every day. He may be doing this in a specific location. Sometimes
a cat’s activity is early in the morning while everyone sleeps or in the early evening when you come home.
Typical locations include desks, stairs, kitchen counters, and bathrooms. Because attention seeking can
have a food enhanced motive, note behaviours and times when your cat eats and get treats.
4 Don’t reinforce unwanted behaviors
Be careful not to accidentally reinforce unwanted behaviors. Don’t make a big deal out of it, as negative
attention may be more important to your cat than no attention.
5 Don’t ignore unwanted behaviours, deal with them
Depending on the problem, your cat may need a time-out. Time-outs consist of leaving the area when your
cat acts out. Don’t interact with him at all. He will eventually realize that certain behaviors make his favor-
ite person disappear. Other behaviors may need to be handled differently. If an attention seeker has to be
removed from an area (e.g. your desk while you are working), do it quickly with as little interaction as pos-
sible. You must act immediately. It isn’t effective to discourage a behavior if your cat’s attention has
moved on. Ensure that no one else in your home is reinforcing his unwanted behaviour. It doesn't take
much to reinforce attention seekers.
6 Find an alternative activity for you and your cat
Having identified what causes the unwanted behaviour, look for another activity to take its place. Activi-
ties such as play can give your cat the attention he craves, in a positive way for both of you.
7 Reinforce acceptable behaviors
Reward and encourage good behaviors. Treats, affection, grooming and encouraging words are examples
of reinforcements that may work for your cat. Some veterinarians recommend clicker training. A click
communicates to your cat that he’s doing the right thing. Follow up with a treat.
Now for Frosty’s side of the story-
Frosty VS the Food Cupboard
1. Here I am counter-
surfing between the
fridge and the cat food
cupboard.
4
2. I’m so clever I’ve learned to open the door to the
cat food cupboard
Frosty VS the Food Cupboard
3. I’m not really hungry be-
cause I’ve just been fed, but I
can’t resist sampling. I guess
my humans don’t mind.
They’re even taking pictures
of me. Maybe I’ll make it to
4. What’s this! A bungy cord to keep the door closed?
5. Doesn’t look like there’s a way to get into the
cupboard down here
NEXT DAY
6. I gave up on the cupboard and jumped to the
floor. Now this looks like something new. Some-
thing to play with?
5
Frosty VS the Food Cupboard
6. This is interesting I have a new
game and a new toy!
7 Nuts to the food cupboard. I
really need a nap after my hard
day.
SPCA Lunenburg Branch
AGM
November 26, 7:00 p.m.
Sobey’s Community Room Upstairs
All Welcome
Members will Vote For New Board
Members
Light Refreshments
6
Make a difference in the lives of
local animals!
The Lunenburg SPCA Board needs
new members The SPCA Lunenburg Branch has openings for new Members
on the Branch Board. We have three positions vacant and elec-
tions will be at the Branch’s Annual General Meeting on Novem-
ber 26th 2014. Board Meetings are monthly in Bridgewater.
We are a foster based branch with no shelter to support; all our
animals are cared for in private homes prior to adoption. Join the
team that makes it happen and help the animals in Lunenburg
County.
The Nova Scotia SPCA is a “No Kill” organisation; the Lunen-
burg Branch is part of the Nova Scotia SPCA, an Award Winning
progressive organisation.
Closing date for applications is November 10th 2014.
For more information about the vacant positions and to apply
please contact Brian Kenefick, Vice President, Lunenburg SPCA
Branch at 902-543- 2334 or by email to vicepresi-
7
Please Support The Lunenburg SPCA
Christmas Sale for People and Pets
December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, Alexandra
Street, Bridgewater.
Enjoy baking (including vegan), fudge, pre-serves, gourmet teas, spices and specialty foods, treats, gifts and toys for pets, plant
based personal products, knitting including mug warmers and hats, cards, art, gifts for
gardeners, natural Christmas arrangements, candles, jewellery and new and gently used
Christmas decorations. Light refreshments available.
For more information please contact the
Lunenburg SPCA at 902-543-2334
8
12 Favourable and Fun Facts about Black Cats By Janice Kenefick
With Halloween tonight, you may be reminded of all the silly superstitions
about black cats being unlucky. But here are some favourable and fun facts
about black cats.
1. Black cats look so elegant. Their coat has a satin sheen which is often
described as “sleek.” Their fur shimmers in the light.
2. The black cat’s startling eyes can be green, yellow, and even copper. At
night you might see only a glowing pair of lovely eyes.
3. Black cats often have a sturdy build and thick, full coat – like our Pepsi
(alongside) on the SPCA adoptable list.
4. Black cat colouring isn’t as simple as first appears. It can be different
shades. Some appear more brown, others more grey. Some black cats
have tabby markings. In the right light you can see the tell-tale stripes.
Black cats often have white markings, the most common being a few
white hairs on their chest or necks.
5. Some people love black cats so much, there is a black cat breed – The Bombay. Distinguished by its
sleek black coat and gorgeous golden eyes, The Cat Fancier’s Association (USA) describes the Bombay
as a miniature panther in appearance. They say that if you want a dog, a cat or a monkey all rolled into
one mischievous package, then the Bombay is the breed for you! They can be leash trained, enjoy play-
ing “fetch” and are fond of inventing new ways to entertain themselves and their humans. Their nick-
name is the “parlor panther,” because of their resemblance to the big cat.
6. There are lots of famous black cats including Black Pete (Mickey Mouse), Pluto (The Black Cat, Edgar
Allen Poe), Salem (Sabrina, the Teenage Witch), Snowball II, Snowball V (The Simpsons), Socks
(“First Cat” during Clinton Administration) and Sylvester (Looney Tunes).
7. There are lots of famous black owners too including Fred Astaire, Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge,
Ernest Hemingway, and Queen Victoria.
8. In many cultures such as Britain, Scotland, and Japan, a black cat crossing your path is considered good
luck.
9. In addition, if you dream about a black cat, you will have good luck.
10. Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats and thought black cat ownership was lucky.
11. In the theatre world, a black cat’s presence has been credited with bringing about show-stopping per-
formances.
12. Black cats are just like other cats, but in view of their bad press they need our support. Share these fun
facts with your friends!
Pepsi out for his evening stroll
9
Nova Scotia SPCA
Lottery Tickets on Sale The Nova Scotia SPCA is hosting a province wide lottery, and
the prizes will have your tail wagging for weeks to come!
With three early bird prizes and a grand prize this lottery is the
first of its kind for the Nova Scotia SPCA and we are super excited!
Second Early Bird Prize- enter before November 10th, 2014 to
be eligible to win a stay for 4 at the pet friendly Whitepoint Resort!
Third Early Bird Prize- enter before January 9th, 2014 to be
elegible to win a trip for two to New York City! Included with this
prize is a shopping spree that could fill anyone's closet!
Grand Prize Draw- A trip for a family of 4 to Universal Stu-
dios! Draw date for the grand prize is March 13th, 2015!
Tickets are: One for $10, Three for $25, & Seven for $50
Order tickets online WWW.SPCANS.CA or the toll free number
1 (844) 835-4798.
The volunteer who sells the winning ticket wins $1,000. Their
SPCA branch wins $1,000 too!
Province-wide 50/50 Draw Tickets Available In addition to our Lottery there will be the opportunity to purchase 50/50 tickets, one for $2.00, three for
$5.00, or seven for $10.00.
Those who are interested in purchasing a ticket my do so online at WWW.SPCANS.CA (available in the near
future) or the toll free number 1 (844) 835-4798.
Tickets will be available for board members and volunteers to sell.
The volunteer who sells the winning ticket wins 2% of total sales,
and their SPCA branch wins 5%
If you want to book a table somewhere, we have display boards and SPCA information materials you can bor-
row.
Call the Lunenburg SPCA at 902-543-2334 for tickets to sell.
10
Third Quarter Statistics Lunenburg SPCA
18 kittens adopted
6 cats adopted
12 cats and kittens are at fosters
Margaret Garland Fund (for spaying and neutering pets in community)
4 female cats
3 female dogs
More Foster Homes Needed Would you like some kitten cuddles without the expense of permanent ownership? SPCA needs
volunteers to provide temporary foster homes for kittens.
Food, litter, and medical care provided. Call 902-543-2334 or 902-764-2145
We have three new fosters. A big thank you to each one! It helps reduce the waiting list so we
can bring cats in before the cold days of winter
The Lunenburg SPCA
is looking for a
newsletter editor. Two people have expressed
interest, but nothing firm.
Experience in social media and
web sites helpful
If interested, call 543-2334
If you know anyone who needs an outdoor insulated shelter for a single out-
door cat, please call the SPCA at 902-543-2334
11
Pepsi wasn’t in good shape when he
was found full of mats with a bite on his
tail. His fur has grown in, his tail healed
and he’s ready for a forever home. is an
affectionate and very smart cat.. He en-
joys walking around the block on a leash.
Pepsi is FIV positive.
Miss Mew is a special needs kitten.
Do you have a dog who is alone all day and needs
company or has separation anxiety? Miss Mew
loves dogs, but isn’t as fond of people. She doesn’t
like being picked up and isn’t social with anyone
but her guardian. If you and your dog would like to
meet Miss Mew call the SPCA.
Mitzie is a young grey and
white tabby who doesn’t like
to be picked up but is affec-
tionate. She appears to like
dogs. She is shy and needs a
patient guardian who will let
her come out in her own time.
Like any kitten, she loves
playing and happily chases
toys on a stick.
For Adoption If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting any of these cats,
please call the SPCA at 543-2334
Phoebe is a quiet and sweet. Tortie. She
enjoys cuddling on the couch and will
sleep on the bed. She doesn't like to be
picked up and will only allow herself to be
petted by people she knows. Phoebe would
make a great companion for an older per-
son.
12
Keefer, is in long term fos-
ter care for
behavioural problems that
stemmed from
living in a harsh
environment George is recovering from
bite injuries
Myrtle, is sweet elderly Sia-
mese cat in long term care
Sweet Pea is an elderly cat who
was emaciated and had a
broken leg
Permione Granger A groups of four
Kittens with Mom
Izzy, a shy white kitten
Two Cats found under a fish
shack
In Our Care
13
Adopted
Five Kittens
adopted, Mom kept
by her guardian
Dennis
and
Daphne
Pierre
Apollo Spice Girl
Betty Boo
Minnie
Oreo
Jakey
14
Christmas Sale for People and Pets
The Lunenburg SPCA is holding a Christmas Sale for People and Pets on December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, Alexandra Street, Bridgewater.
Enjoy baking (including vegan), fudge, preserves, gourmet teas, spices and specialty foods, treats, gifts and toys for pets, plant based personal prod-ucts, knitting including mug warmers and hats, cards, art, gifts for garden-ers, natural Christmas arrangements,
candles, jewellery and new and gently used Christmas decorations. Light refreshments available.
For more information please contact
the Lunenburg SPCA at 902-543-2334
