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Hot animal news.
We begin with animal news items from around the world, including the death of the fourth dolphin at Dolphinaris Arizona, salmonella risks posed by pet hedgehogs, new insights into the intelligence of dogs, sleeping with bed, the unremitting Norwegian whaling industry, and more.
Suspicious activity at the Safari Club International Hunters’ convention
We continue with Iris Ho, Senior Wildlife Specialist with Humane Society International, reporting on the 2019 Safari Club International convention in Reno, Nevada. Representatives of HSUS and HSI posing as conventioneers surreptitiously collected video and photos depicting the illegal sale of wildlife products, as well as vendors offering canned lion hunting trips, in violation of the club’s own rules.
The findings were presented to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, which has opened an investigation.
Caring for community cats in cold weather.
Peter then welcomes Molly Armus, staff attorney at Alley Cat Allies, who offers useful tips on making harsh winters a bit easier on community cats.
Alley Cat Allies offers four simple ways people can make life outdoors more comfortable for cats in the cold:
- Provide Shelter to Protect from the Cold
- Provide shelters to keep cats warm. These can be easy and inexpensive to build yourself, or can be purchased pre-made online. Check out our do-it-yourself shelter video.
- Insulate shelters with straw. Not only is straw less expensive and easy to come by (just check your local pet supply store or garden center), but straw repels moisture. Avoid using fabric blankets or towels because they absorb moisture and can make the interior colder.
- Remove snow from all shelter entrances and exits. It’s important to keep cats from getting snowed in.
- Provide Food and Water – Increase Portions and Check Often
- Increase food portions to help cats conserve energy and stay warm. Canned or wet food, which takes less energy to digest, should be in insulated containers. Dry food, which will not freeze, also works.
- Keep water from freezing to prevent dehydration. To keep water drinkable, use ceramic (crock) or plastic bowls that are deep rather than wide and place them in a sunny spot. Or use heated electric bowls. Avoid using metal bowls.
- Remember Safety – Precautions Can Save Lives
- Do not use antifreeze, which is deadly, in an area accessible to cats. Keep antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Most antifreeze brands use ethylene glycol as the main ingredient, so be sure to switch to a brand made with propylene glycol because it is less toxic.
- Refrain from using salt and chemicals to melt snow. These can be lethal when licked off paws or ingested from melting puddles. They also hurt a cat’s paw pads. Alternatively, pet friendly deicers are available at most pet stores.
- Tap the hood before you drive. Give the hood of your car a few taps before starting it to make sure that a cat has not hidden underneath the car or inside the engine for warmth. Also, always check between your tires and wheel wells.
Idioms about cats.
And finally, you’ll be sitting in the catbird seat, as we trade colorful idioms about felines. It may be raining cats and dogs outside, but this show is the cat’s pajamas!
Artist Debra Cooper paints wildlife scenes onto elephant skin and ears, her works are for sale at the SCI show.
A Narwhal handled knife for sale by the German company Gaston at SCI
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