News Briefs for the Week of September 16, 2002
By Marcella Durand for Cat Facts
- Keep Kitty Safe From Pesticide Spraying
As towns and cities across the United States implement measures to control the spread of West Nile virus (a mosquito-borne infection that attacks the brain), cat owners should know that those measures, which include spraying pesticides, could be harmful to their pets.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have issued a list of suggestions for how pet owners can minimize the risk of pesticide exposure for their pets:
- Find out the schedule of sprayings in your community and make sure to keep your cats indoors during those times.
- Close all windows and turn off air conditioners during spraying.
- Bring all your cat's toys, dishes and bedding inside during spraying.
- If any of these are somehow exposed, wash them with soap and water and make sure to rinse them well.
- Remember that older cats and cats with health conditions such as heart disease or asthma, may be more sensitive to airborne pesticides.
- If you think your cat is experiencing health problems associated with the spraying, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Recycling Program Helps Pets
Bring your aluminum cans to your local humane society or rescue group, and you can help more than the environment. As part of the Paws to Recycle program, when you bring your cans to a participating shelter from September 1 through November 30, you can also help them win cash prizes. The program, started by American Humane Association, Friskies PetCare Company and ALCOA nine years ago, aims to raise $3 million this fall. Call (800) 646-PAWS to find a participating shelter near you. If there is none, it's not too late for your local humane society or rescue group to participate. They can call the same number for more information.
- The Cat Who Chased the Postman
One daring cat has decided to break the stereotype of the postman-chasing dog. In an interview, Boo Boo stated, "In a blow struck for all kittykind, I have shown that not only can dogs chase mail carriers, but cats can, too! So take that, Marmaduke!"
Well, Boo Boo didn't actually say that, but his actions spoke louder than words when he sunk his claws into a postman's hand in Cardiff, South Wales. And the Royal Mail has warned Boo Boo's owner that his mail could be suspended unless he curtails Boo Boo's revolutionary activities (that is, keeps his teeth and claws far from the postman's hands).
"The postman was concerned because the scratches to his hand resulted in blood stains on the post he was delivering to the address," says Stuart Thompson, the area manager for the Royal Mail. "He pushed a handwritten note through the customer's letterbox apologizing for damage to the mail." According to Thompson, there have been 49 reports of mail carriers being injured by animals in the Cardiff and South Wales Valleys area, but that the majority of attacks are by dogs (geese and pheasants have apparently gotten a few nips in, as well).
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