2009 Summit ReCap #2: Cats Our Biggest Opportunity

Highlights from the Panel Discussion at the 2009 Summit

The panel discussion on the last day of the National Alumni Summit For Urban Animal Strategies always provides opportunity for lively discussion and information sharing. In effort to remind alumni of the importance of this dialogue, and to keep these issues top of mind, here are a few powerful quotes excerpted from the session:

On the issue of managing TNR Colonies:

“[With many feral cat colonies] people don’t realize that there is a community caregiver. Occasionally the cats are trapped and taken to Animal Services… and we go and pick them up. [Upon their return to the colony] we distribute pamphlets in the neighbourhood, to let people know these community cats are being cared for, with tips on keeping the cats out of their yards if they don’t want them there.”

Debbie Nelson ~ MEOW Foundation, Calgary

“Sterilization may be the key [to controlling the number of unwanted cats and kittens] but in our minds, the biggest issue for feral cats is finding someone to be the caretaker of that colony. If we just spay and neuter cats and then turn them back out on the street, there could be health issues immediately after surgery. There is also a concern with neighbourhood acceptance. Some people don’t necessarily care whether the cat will reproduce or not… they still consider them to be a nuisance.”
Tim Dack ~ (Retired) City of Winnipeg Animal Services

On the issue of feral cats, as an ‘invasive’ species:

“In one of the presentations, cats were referred to as ‘second only to rats’ in terms of being an invasive species. Since cats are not [technically] native to Canada, there are concerns about predation on migratory birds and the fact that they may be a food source for coyotes, etc. Have any communities looked into this?”
Patricia Cameron ~ Calgary Humane Society

“In Calgary we studied coyote scat and discovered that [judging from the fecal analysis] inner city coyotes had minor predation of cats. More often, they ate bird seed and garbage. Coyotes are inherently lazy and would rather eat garbage than chase cats. Foxes, on the other hand, are a concern since they can follow a cat over a fence. TNR cats are well aware of predators. The real victims here are the household cats that are put outside every night… and they think every animal is their friend!”
Bill Bruce ~ City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services

Summit to Aid in CBC Cat Documentary

"Kitty Gone Viral" will air on Doc Zone in Fall/Winter 2010

We are pleased to announce that a collaborative working agreement has been signed with the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies and Vancouver-based Bountiful Films. The documentary production company is working on an in-depth feature about the problem of cat overpopulation.

"We made the decision to work collaboratively with film producer, Maureen Palmer, after an extensive review of her synopsis," explains Summit Chair, Larry Evans. "We felt that assisting Palmer with research, community resources and content for her project was in the best interests of Summit delegates, considering that this film will address the same issues that we struggle with on a daily basis."

"We want [to attend the Summit] to build some important relationships," explains Palmer. "We want to listen, and make sure we have a firm grasp of all the issues and positions, so that the documentary we create is a fair representation of what is really happening at the grassroots level. We want to make sure we are correct statistically and that we do indeed have our finger on the pulse of 'state of the art' research. We need to know the people we have identified as 'key players' are indeed such."

Bountiful's most recent film, How to Divorce and Not Wreck the Kids had its genesis at a family lawyers conference in Toronto in fall 2007. "We did film sparingly there," said Palmer, "but none of that made it to air. We did however, make priceless contacts and left confident we had a handle on the story... and that is why we want to attend the Summit."Quite often, complicated issues [such as cats overpopulation] get the depth and context they deserve only in documentary," adds Palmer. "The challenges facing those who care about cats are nuanced and sensitive. We will present them as such."

Summit Presentation Synopsis #6

Building a Feline-Friendly Community

Presenter: Nadine Gourkow ~ Esteemed researcher, educator and companion animal activist

All of us working for feline friends have experienced moments of despair, wondering how to shift from a world where millions of cats are abandoned, abused, and put to death, to one where cats are valued and every kitten has a loving, forever home.

"Although creative solutions, devotion and hard work have done much to improve the plight of cats in the last few years, much remains to be done," believes Nadine Gourkow. "Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an innovative approach that can help cat welfare professionals and activists better understand the root causes of problems. Furthermore, it provides guidance in the development of effective targeted solutions and a methodology for measuring effectiveness. The EBP movement has already been adopted by many in disciplines such as Social Work, Education, and Veterinary Medicine, among others. Recently EBP has been used by some animal welfare professionals, yielding effective measurable solutions to human/cat problems in their community."

Nadine’s Summit presentation will review a number of concepts central to EBP and describe leading edge case studies including the CatSense System – an evidence based approach to the care of cats in animal shelters. Her presentation will be followed by a though-provoking and dynamic brainstorming session on how evidence based practice could be applied to different aspects of cat welfare work.

Summit Gala ~ Master of Ceremonies

Andrew C. Patton has been with The Canadian Kennel Club for more than six years. His focus is Communications, Sponsorship and Membership Development. Andrew says that he is delighted to be at the Summit again this year.

Andrew sees great opportunity for the companion animal industry in "big-picture collaboration, allowing us the prospect of touching every pet in Canada and engaging and offering value to the pet families with whom they live."

Andrew aspires to be the person the dogs in his life think he is and enjoys misquoting one of Napoleon’s generals: “We can either love cats or understand them, but never both.”

Summit Presentation Synopsis #3

Survey Says!
Presenter: David Web, Research Consultant, dmrkynetec

The results of the 2009 North American Urban Animal Survey (NAUAS) ~ the Responsible Pet Owner Segmentation Study ~ are sure to be an eye-opener for all of us!

"The presentation will go far beyond superficial attitudes and behaviours to provide us with never-before-seen information about the underlying motivations of pet owners," explains Webb. "This research was specifically designed to be relevant for all members of the companion animal chain."

The NAUAS encompasses the results from 1500 interviews with cat and dog owners in Canada. It includes a segmentation of these pet owners that will distill this diverse group into four or five basic typologies (or segments) based on their attitudes and behaviours relating to pet care. This analysis will help industry stakeholders better understand pet owners and allow for more informed decisions regarding how to best reach this market.

"Given that the topic for this year's Summit is Urban Cats, the presentation will pay particular attention to the different attitudes and behaviours between cat and dog owners and the segments that exists between these two groups," adds Webb. "Only by truly understanding the unique characteristics and motivations of cat owners can the industry develop the necessary strategies to reach this group and maximize the opportunities."

Summit Presentation Synopsis #2

Learn to be a CATalyst for change
Presenter: Dr. Jane Brunt

Regardless of what segment of the companion animal industry you represent, statistics relating to urban cats and cat ownership can be discouraging.

The Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, for example, reports than an average of 70% of cats presented to U.S. animal shelters are euthanized. For every four cats coming into shelter, only one finds a permanent home.

This, despite the fact that statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association reveal an "owned cat" population of 81.2 million. That's almost 10 million more cats than dogs -- making cats America's number one animal companion. Yet in 2006, 36% of those 81.2 million cats did not visit a veterinarian. Cats are twice as likely as dogs to not be taken to a vet, leaving many of them undiagnosed and untreated for illness, disease, pain and discomfort.

The CATalyst Council is an initiative to champion the cat in light of these troubling statistics -- in effort to change society's image of cats as aloof creatures, not in need of human contact or care. The vision of CATalyst is to raise the level of care and welfare of cats by cat owners, supported by increased adoption rates, the highest quality of veterinary care, preventative medicine and cat-friendly products.

"The Summit for Urban Animal session will provide an overview of the CATalyst initiative, its challenges and achievements, and show the results of collaborative efforts across all channels to reach common goals," explains featured speaker, Dr. Jane Brunt, a feline-exclusive veterinarian and executive director of the CATalyst Council. "By working together, CATalyst intends to make a difference in the way people in the United States and elsewhere see and experience cats."

Summit Presentation Synopsis Series #1

We're excited about the remarkable people who will be featured speakers at this year's National Summit for Urban Animal Strategies! And we want to share our enthusiasm with delegates!

This is the first in a series on "Summit Presentation Synopses" to give you a "sneak peak" at some of the intriguing topics that will be covered and the various presenters.

The Year of the Cat Initiative
Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien

According to the Vietnamese calender, 2008 was technically the Year of the Rat. But that didn't stop Jim Sykes, CEO of the Hamilton Burlington SPCA and his team from designating it "The Year of the Cat" in his community.

The purpose of the campaign was multi-fold:

• to make citizens realize the nation-wide severity of the cat overpopulation problem and the degree of the problem within their own community;
• to educate people about the various misconceptions about the cat -- the most misunderstood, yet popular of all domesticated pets; and
• to encourage the various appropriate team leaders in the community to work together, including the HBSPCA, Hamilton Animal Control, veterinarians and rescue groups.

"All of the community leaders needed to step up to the plate and become part of the solution," explains O'Brien. "It was intended to create a ripple effect. A wave of problem awareness and joint community solutions, which would continue once the year was over."

Dr. O'Brien's presentation is designed to explain the various initiatives that took place during the year-long promotion, to encourage other communities to duplicate its success.

"Looking to the future," adds Dr. O'Brien, "the actual 'Year of the Cat' according to the Vietnamese calendar is 2011. I hope that this presentation will encourage other communities -- or better yet, national organizations -- to take political license and create a North American Year of the Cat for 2001!"

Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien is one of only four board certified feline specialists in Canada. She is a member of various feline organizations and is the chair of the Feline Advisory Committee for the Hamilton Burlington SPCA.

Mark Labelle Entertainer for Summit Gala

Mark Labelle aka Mr. Music, the comic entertainer with the keyboard, is back for the National Summit Awards Gala in Lake Louise on Thursday, 15 October 2009.

We first saw Mark at Agribition as he entertained the crowd at one of Canada's largest agriculture shows in Regina. When the opportunity came to use Labelle for the 2007 Summit Awards Gala there was absolutely no hesitation. We weren't disappointed. Labelle received rave reviews from his performance and a few new bookings from delegates in the audience. Mark's ability to engage the audience and to integrate music with comedy ended the 2007 celebration event on a high note.

Those attending the 2009 Summits Gala will have an opportunity to enjoy a high energy show to which Fairmont has now added a room and continental breakfast option. Those travelling up just for the Gala who are not delegates can bring a companion to the Thursday evening Gala and spend a relaxing Friday morning at one of the nicest resorts in the Rockies.

'I know of no other entertainer who has made me laugh, touched my heart and lifted my soul in the same performance', said Larry Evans, Chair, Organizing Committee for SUAS, 'We are so pleased to have Mark back in 2009. With his background in entertainment, film and now broadcast, Mark Labelle is worth spending time with.'

In addition to celebrating the achievement of your peers from the industry, we promise a really enjoyable evening full of fun, laughter and good fellowship. Register for the Summit Gala here

Campaign to End 'Cattiness'

National Survey Reveals 'Catty' Stereotypes Amongst Non-Cat Owners

Thought leaders attending the October 2009 National Summit on Urban Animal Strategies are not the only pet industry professionals who have recognized the need to address the status of cats in our society. It seems we need to examine the status of cat owners, too!

A recent study in the USA shed some light on what non-cat owners think about those of us who share our homes and hearts with more than one cat. The survey revealed that much work still needs to be done to change public perceptions of multi-cat owners from 'crazy cat ladies' to simply people who love cats!

ST. LOUIS, July 27 /PRNewswire/ Owning multiple cats is a way of life for millions of Americans. In fact, 71 percent of all domestic cats living in the U.S. reside in multiple cat households. However, while owning more than one cat is the status quo in America today, a new national survey reveals a surprising number of stereotypes still exist about people who own multiple cats.

According to the survey, the majority of non-cat owners have negative perceptions about multiple cat owners and their homes, saying that they would describe people with more than one cat as....

* A homebody (75%),
* Lonely (69%) and
* A "crazy cat lady" (58%).

And, multiple cat owners' homes as....

* Smelly (75%)
* Having furniture and bedding covered in cat hair (85%) and
* Being cluttered (66%).

To help debunk these perceptions and celebrate the millions of multiple cat owners, Tidy Cats brand cat litter launched the "Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness." The campaign includes a national contest in which multiple cat owners can share their stories about their fulfilled lives with their cats to help redefine what it means to be a "cat lady."

The Year of the Cat Initiative - A Business Case from Hamilton/Burlington

Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien - On cats in the community

You have a great big passion for cats, which makes you work tirelessly in your practice, with your peers and across your community with other service providers to elevate the status of cats and move towards a more feline friendly environment.

Just how would you convince your community to increase adoptions, reduce euthanasia and improve other measurable metrics.

Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien will present a business case that shows how passionate, practical activities can move the yardsticks towards the goal line and will show the experiences of this project in Hamilton/Burlington during 2008.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien, DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners certified in feline practice, is the current owner of two successful feline exclusive practices, The Cat Clinic in Hamilton and Village Cat Clinic in Ancaster.

Dr. O'Brien graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario in 1985. Today, Dr. O'Brien is the only board certified feline specialist in Hamilton with only 4 in Canada. In partnership with the Hamilton Burlington SPCA, Dr. O'Brien piloted a trap-neuter-release program in 2004 in hopes of developing a program that will reduce the stray and feral population.

Dr. O'Brien received the prestigious Jean Rumney award in 2008. This award recognizes those who have shown outstanding commitment and dedication to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA and to the animals and the communities it serves. The award is the most esteemed honour the HBSPCA can bestow upon an individual. The Cat Clinic was also the recipient of the National Award for Animal Wellness in 2008 at The Banff Summit for Urban Animal Strategies which is the highest honor bestowed by the alumni of the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies in Canada.

Dr. O'Brien is member of various feline organizations including Cornell Feline Health and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She chaired 'The Year of the Cat' for the SPCA, is chair of the 'Feline Advisory Committee' for the SPCA, appeared on several radio talk shows and spoken for numerous events including youth education on animal care.

Nadine Gourkow - Improving the Quality of Life for Cats

Nadine is a researcher, educator and activist on behalf of companion animals. For the last twelve years, Nadine has developed and implemented science-based animal management practices to help shelter staff ensure good animal welfare, quality adoptions and to reduce disease and euthanasia.


Nadine is the Animal Welfare Manager of a large Humane Organisation in Canada and has been providing consultations internationally to other organisations. She holds a Masters in Animal Welfare Science and is currently working on her PhD. Her current research examines the interrelationship between emotions, immune competence and Upper Respiratory Infections. Knowledge uncovered will be developed into science-based shelter practices to further increase emotional well-being in cats and reduce Upper Respiratory Infection.

Nadine has won an international award for her video “The Emotional Life of Cats.” This video is the first educational video for shelter staff to help them recognize the behaviours associated with anxiety, fear, frustration and depression. Together with her CatSense program, this education material helps shelter staff ensure good mental health, low disease rates and quality adoptions for their cats. To help cats more directly, Nadine has developed the Hide Perch & Go Box™. This simple welfare tool now makes the shelter stay more tolerable for thousands of cats in animal shelters in Europe, North America and Australia.


Nadine’s work has been featured by the Humane Society of the United States, The Latham Foundation, the International Society of Anthrozoology, The Sir James Dunn Welfare Centre, The Ontario SPCA and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.

Dr. Leslie Lyons brings the Genomics of Cats to the National Summit for Urban Animal Strategies

Dr. Leslie Lyons is well known for her work in genomics and her passion for cats. Her recent work has included the analysis of the origin of cat breeds and the sites of cat domestication. This body of knowledge was recently featured by the National Geographic program, 'The Science of Cats'.

National Geographic - The Science of Cats I

National Geographic - The Science of Cats II

Leslie Lyons was born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania, one hour south of Pittsburgh, in Uniontown. Dr. Lyons received her graduate degrees from The University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Human Genetics. Both her Masters and Doctorate degrees are in human genetics, specializing in both laboratory and data analysis of human disease gene mapping.

In 1992, Dr. Lyons joined the National Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Genomic Diversity for her post-doctoral career in comparative genetics. While at the NCI, she helped organized the Feline Genome Project. Dr. Lyons developed a feline genetic mapping pedigree using natural mating and assisted reproductive techniques between domestic and Asian Leopard cats. These hybrid cats are known as Bengals by cat breeders. Dr. Lyons was promoted to Research Fellow at the NCI and expanded her interests by initiating population genetic and disease gene mapping projects for the domestic cat.

In the fall of 1999, Dr. Lyons joined the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, to further pursue disease gene mapping and genetic map construction in companion animals, including the cats, dogs, horses and primates. The laboratory’s major focus is the genetics of the domestic cat, including disease, inherited traits, and population diversity.

Dr. Lyons’ research laboratory has had recent success with the identification of the gene causing Persian cat polycystic kidney disease, which is the most prevalent inherited disease in cats. The laboratory has also identified the mutations for Siamese, Burmese, albino, chocolate and cinnamon coat colors as well as the mutation causing cat blood group B. Each of these mutations can now be used as a genetic test in cats.

The Lyons’ laboratory has also led an international collaboration to develop a worldwide genetic panel for parentage and identification profiling in cats, which is even being used in forensic applications.

Dr. Diane Frank moderates Urban Cats Summit

Dr. Diane Frank, well known behaviorist, practitioner, educator and advocate has accepted the role of moderator for the 2009 National Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. Dr. Frank is currently serving as the 2008/2009 President of the Canadian Veterninary Medical Association.

Dr Frank received her DVM from the University of Montreal, Faculty of Veterinary medicine in 1983. She worked in companion animal practice for 13 years before completing a residency (1996-1998) in Animal Behavior at Cornell University. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) in 1999. Dr Frank was a lecturer in behaviour at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1991-2001, an assistant professor (animal behaviour and animal welfare) from June 2001- May 2006 and is now an associate professor at the University of Montreal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Frank brings to this role her passion for cats and her vision of a healthy community for pets and people.