Tag: cat

Pet Poison Prevention: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A dog sniffs some flowers outdoors. Pets' curious nature can often lead them to come across hazards, which is why pet poison prevention is so important.

In honor of March being National Pet Poison Prevention Month, we wanted to spotlight some of the most common poisoning hazards our pets encounter and how to keep your furry friends safe from harmful substances. Items which are harmless to humans can be hazardous to pets. It’s important to be proactive and make sure these materials are out of paw’s reach.

Keep an Eye Out for Household Hazards

There are several hazards pets may come across within the home environment. According to the ASPCA, the top toxins that caused the most issues for pets in 2023 included over-the-counter medications and human food and drinks. We’ve compiled a list of items you may have in your home that can cause problems for pets.

A graphic from the ASPCA lists off the top pet poison prevention hazards of 2023.

Kitchen

There are many items in the kitchen that, while benign for humans, are pet poison. Common foodstuffs which are toxic to animals include…

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and Raisins
  • Nuts such as Macadamias, Pecans, and Walnuts
  • Garlic and Onions
  • Alcohol
  • Salt and excessively Salty Foods

Another common culprit in pet poisonings is Xylitol, also known as “birch sugar.” Xylitol is a sugar alternative which is often found in sugar-free foods. Even small amounts of Xylitol can be dangerous for pets, causing symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, seizures, and sometimes death. Gum, candy, toothpaste, and condiments may contain Xylitol.

Garages and Sheds

In addition, many pet poisons can often be found in storage areas such as garages and sheds. Items to be aware of comprise of…

  • Insecticides or Pesticides
  • Rodent Poisons or Baits
  • Antifreeze
  • Ice Melt
  • Fertilizer

If you keep the above items or similar products in these storage areas, you’ll want to make sure they are in a place your pets are unable to get to.

Garden

Gardens and yards are such pleasant places for pets to visit, especially as the weather gets nicer. However, not all plants you may find in your garden are safe for pets. Flora pet guardians should be aware of include…

  • Lilies
  • Tulips
  • Daffodils
  • Oleander
  • Sago Palms
  • Azaleas
  • Hyacinths
  • Poppies

The ASPCA has compiled a comprehensive list of plants that have been reported to pose an issue for pets. The list also includes plants that are relatively safe for pets, so pet guardians know what they can safely plant in their garden!

Restroom

Another critical area of the home for pet poison prevention are restrooms. According to the ASPCA, the number one culprit in pet poisonings in 2023 was over-the-counter medication, with prescription medication not too far behind. Make sure these items are stowed away safely in a cupboard or medicine cabinet where pets are unable to reach them.

Additional hazards for pets in restrooms include…

  • Any and all cleaning products
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Essential oils, perfumes, and colognes
  • Laundry detergents and bleach
  • Other cosmetic products, such as lotion
A tabby cat sniffs the inside of a full grocery bag. The kitchen is often a hub for hazards which need pet poison prevention measures to be taken.

Steps You Can Take Towards Pet Poison Prevention

The number one thing pet guardians can do to protect their furry friends from poisoning is to pet-proof the home. Though it may seem like a daunting task, putting in a little effort to ensure each area of the home is safe for your pets leads to a huge return on investment!

Additionally, supervising pets or setting up a safe room or area (such as a crate) that they can occupy while you are unable to watch them is key to pet poison prevention.

In case of emergency, we recommend having the phone numbers of both your emergency veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on hand. If you believe your pet has accessed something toxic, please contact one of these resources immediately.

Lending a Paw: HSU Helps Community Cats from Payson, UT

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A community cat from Payson, UT peers out of a humane trap at the Humane Society of Utah.

In early 2025, the Humane Society of Utah was informed of a dire situation concerning community cats in Payson, UT. Community cats are unowned, sometimes feral, cats who live outdoors. Residents of Payson reported a shocking number of unfixed cats living in the area, with more arriving continuously. Though the neighborhood was inundated with cats, there were no TNR (trap, neuter, return) resources available locally. Aided by donor support, the Humane Society of Utah jumped into action.

Two community cats in Payson, UT are curled up together on a striped piece of outdoor furniture

A Community in Distress

As the population of community cats in Payson continued to increase, residents expressed concern that genetic defects were manifesting in the younger population of cats. Many of the new kittens suffered from Manx syndrome, a condition affecting the spinal cord. Cats with Manx syndrome can experience incontenence, mobility issues, and in some cases, full paralysis of the back legs. Additionally, many of the cats were suffering from parasites, eye infections, and upper respiratory issues.

Although local individuals and shelters were caring for many of the sick cats and kittens, they were fighting an uphill battle. Payson had no way to address the root issue— the continued overpopulation of cats.

The cats in Payson were in need of a TNR (trap, neuter, return) program. TNR programs spay or neuter and vaccinate community cats. These programs both protect cats from disease and stop cats from being able to reproduce. TNR services are vital for controlling community cat populations and preventing new litters from being born into areas that are already overrun, where cats will have to compete for fewer resources.

This is where HSU, and our wonderful donors, were able to step in and help out!

A community cat and kitten in Payson, UT are curled up next to each other inside the home of one of the local fosters who is nursing the cats back to health.

Community Cats Receive a Helping Paw

In early February, over 30 community cats from Payson received TNR services at the Humane Society of Utah’s Murray clinic. The cats arrived in three groups over three days, and our clinic staff and veterinarians worked tirelessly to help them. Afterward, the cats were able to return to their preferred habitat, safer and healthier than before!

However, the real heroes in this story are our donors, without whom none of this would have been possible! Thanks to you, existing cats in this area are now better protected from maladies and disease. We also expect to see a sharp decline in kittens born with dangerous and painful conditions. Through your support, you are creating a healthier environment for these community cats, as well as the people living in Payson. We are so grateful to our caring donors for extending a helping hand when their neighbors needed support!

If you would like to learn more about our work with Payson, UT, and the TNR process, you can find a video here. You can also learn about HSU’s TNR program, CATNIP, here.

Humane Society of Utah to Distribute 100 Cat Spay/Neuter Vouchers on World Spay Day

Posted on by Shae

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Feb. 24, 2025
Media Alert 
Humane Society of Utah to Distribute 100 Cat Spay/Neuter Vouchers on World Spay Day

WHO:

The Humane Society of Utah (HSU)

WHAT:

In celebration of World Spay Day, HSU is distributing 100 spay/neuter vouchers for cat owners. Each voucher provides a $100 discount on a spay/neuter procedure and includes a free FVRCP vaccination and booster, made possible by Petco Love Foundation.

WHEN:

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, starting at 8 a.m. (while supplies last)

WHERE:

Humane Society of Utah Murray Clinic

4242 South 300 West, Murray, UT

Murray, Utah, Feb. 25, 2025—The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) welcomes the media to attend and report on its World Spay Day event. HSU will distribute one hundred $50 cat spay vouchers. These vouchers will provide community members with a $100 discount off regularly priced producers. Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8 a.m. at the Murray clinic. 

Voucher recipients must present their voucher at check-in to receive the $100 discount on a cat spay/neuter procedure. An appointment is required, and all cats must be at least 16 weeks old and up to date on their FVRCP vaccination to qualify for surgery. Cat owners may also use the vouchers for neuter procedures. Thanks to the generosity of Petco Love Foundation, voucher recipients will also receive a free FVRCP vaccination and booster at the time of surgery.


“Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce pet overpopulation and ease the burden on animal shelters,” said Guinnevere Shuster, director of marketing and communications at the Humane Society of Utah. “By preventing unwanted litters, we can ensure that more resources are available for pets already in shelters, giving them a better chance at finding loving homes.”

Vouchers are limited to one per household and expire on Dec. 31, 2025. World Spay Day, an annual campaign by the Humane Society of the United States, highlights the importance of spaying and neutering pets to reduce pet overpopulation.

Suggested Tweet: 🐱💙 In honor of #WorldSpayDay, @UtahHumane is giving away 100 cat spay/neuter vouchers ($100 discount) starting at 8 a.m. on Feb. 25! First come, first served at 4242 South 300 W in Murray.  Plus, get a free FVRCP vaccine and booster, thanks to @PetcoLove.

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest private animal resource center in the state, the Humane Society of Utah welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West, Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Last Litter: An Important (and Adorable!) Community Resource

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Four kittens sit on a rainbow blanket against a white backdrop promoting the Last Litter program.

Have you heard of the Humane Society of Utah’s Last Litter program? This program was designed for pet guardians who need help getting their mother pet spayed and rehoming her final litter of puppies or kittens.

A Last Litter kitten peers out from inside a blanket fort. Only their eyes and nose are visible.

The Origins of Last Litter

HSU created the Last Litter program in 2021 after seeing an influx of kittens in the community. The program was later opened to puppies in 2023.

“We started our Last Litter program out of a deep respect for mama cats and dogs and the people who love them, but who were unable to access spay services to prevent unintentional breeding,” said Juli Ulvestad, HSU’s Pet Resource Center Director.

“The benefit we hadn’t planned on is that the program has drawn litters of puppies and kittens to HSU who otherwise may have been given away without vaccination or spay/neuter themselves, so their guardian can take advantage of the free spay for mama.  This means those puppies and kittens won’t ever have an accidental litter themselves and increases the impact of this program exponentially.”

Two kittens pose against a white backdrop promoting Last Litter. One cat is tortoiseshell, and the other is a brown tabby.

How It Works

The first step for pet guardians signing up for Last Litter is to fill out an application on our website. A $30 deposit towards the $100 intake fee is required to hold an appointment. Program requirements to be aware of include…

  • Kittens in a qualifying litter must be between 2 and 5 months old and weigh at least 2 lbs.
  • Puppies in a qualifying litter must be between 2 and 4 months old and weigh at least 2 lbs.
  • The mother pet must be sufficiently healthy for surgery and safely handleable for staff
  • Qualifying pets must be owned pets rather than stray or community pets

On the morning of the Last Litter appointment, pet guardians drop their mother pet off at our clinic for her spay procedure. In the afternoon, pet guardians should bring her last litter to our Admissions Department for intake into HSU’s care. Then, mama can go home with her human family, and her puppies or kittens will be prepped for adoption!

Although Last Litter is for owned pets, The Humane Society of Utah also has options for community cat caregivers. CATNIP is HSU’s TNR (trap, neuter, return) program, created to serve free-roaming cats in the area. You can learn more about CATNIP and schedule an appointment on our website.

“We wanted to figure out a way to address overpopulation concerns while providing services for the mother pet and current litter,” said Amber Henry, HSU’s Senior Manager of Admissions and Pet Resources. “Last Litter has continued to grow year to year, and we are excited with how popular it has been!”

The Importance of Cat Enrichment

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
Orange cat in an outdoor catio

As cat owners, we all want our feline friends to be happy, healthy, and comfortable in their home. Luckily, there are many ways to enhance the lives of indoor cats through enrichment activities that keep them engaged, active, and at ease in their surroundings. Whether you’re introducing a newly adopted cat to your home or looking to add excitement for a long-term companion, these tips will help bring variety and joy to their daily lives, giving them a taste of the adventure they naturally crave.

The Dangers of Boredom and Lack of Enrichment in Cats

Mental Impacts:

A lack of enrichment can lead to significant mental health issues for cats, impacting their mood and overall behavior. Without proper stimulation, cats may experience problems like:

  • Depression: Marked by a loss of interest in play and social interaction.
  • Anxiety: Often seen through excessive grooming, hiding, or clingy behavior.
  • Boredom: Leads to restless behavior, such as pacing or vocalizing more than usual.
  • Aggression: Frustration from lack of activity can cause irritability and aggression toward people or other pets.

To recognize if your cat is under-stimulated, watch for signs like excessive sleeping, lethargy, or destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture or knocking things over. These behaviors often indicate they need more mental and physical engagement in their environment.

Cat Enrichment Graphic

Physical Impacts:

Without sufficient activity, cats are at risk for physical health issues that can significantly impact their quality of life, including:

  • Obesity: Often a result of inactivity and overeating, leading to joint stress and other health concerns.
  • Diabetes: Reduced activity and weight gain can increase the risk of insulin resistance.
  • Muscle Weakness: Lack of exercise can cause muscle loss and reduced mobility.

To spot signs of physical decline, watch for noticeable weight gain, reduced movement, or a lack of energy during playtime. As a guardian, it’s essential to monitor these signs closely to ensure your cat maintains a healthy, active lifestyle.

6 Easy Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Life

  1. Interactive Playtime
    Daily play is essential for cats. Use feather wands or battery-operated toys that mimic prey to promote exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding.
  2. Food Puzzles & Treat Dispensers
    Engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts with puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. These encourage problem-solving and help prevent overeating.
  3. Rotating Toys
    Cats love novelty! Keep playtime fresh by rotating toys regularly to prevent boredom and maintain interest.
  4. Scratching Posts & Climbing Furniture
    Provide scratching posts, cat trees, and wall-mounted shelves to satisfy climbing and scratching urges—saving your furniture in the process.
  5. Window Perches & Bird-Watching Stations
    A window perch offers sunlight and a safe outdoor view, making bird-watching a mentally enriching activity for your cat.
  6. Catio: The Ultimate Enrichment Solution
    A catio (cat patio) lets cats safely experience the outdoors. These enclosed spaces encourage climbing, scratching, and exploration while promoting mental and physical well-being.
Cat jumping from a perch

Enrichment’s Role in Helping Cats Adjust to New Homes

We all want our cats to feel safe and comfortable, especially those adopted from shelters or rescued from challenging situations. Cats may sometimes struggle to adjust to a new environment, but with the right enrichment activities and practices in place, you can help your new cat feel more at ease. Enrichment can bridge the gap between you and your cat by creating a stress-free environment that offers ample stimulation and fosters a lasting bond.

outdoor catio

Why Enrichment is More Than Playtime

Finding the balance for each of our cats’ unique needs can be challenging.  Enrichment is vital to our cats’ overall well-being. Arguably, it can be the difference between a cat simply surviving versus thriving.  A well-enriched environment allows cats to engage in their natural behaviors, improves their mental health and physical health, and prevents boredom that could lead to behavioral problems. Interactive play, scratching pads, or even a catio, are excellent ways to significantly improve your cat’s life. An enriched cat is a healthy, happy, and fulfilled cat.

Cat sleeping in a catio

Adopt a Senior Pet: They May Be Your Perfect Fit!

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Ferdinand, an adoptable senior pet at the Humane Society of Utah, tilts his head and looks up into the camera.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we wholeheartedly believe that our furry friends age like fine wine! So, we’ve come up with just a few reasons why adopting a senior pet may be your perfect fit.

Kito, an adoptable senior pet at the Humane Society of Utah, lies on a bed and looks into the camera.

1. You Can Bet on Senior Pets!

    When you adopt a senior pet, what you see is often what you get! When it comes to older pets, you already have basic information like their adult size, whether they’ll need to be groomed, and even elements of their purr-sonality!

    2. Oodles of Training? Not When You Adopt a Senior Pet!

    Want to avoid the dreaded potty training stage? Adopting a senior pet can, more often than not, help you do that! It’s not just that, either: many senior pets come with a myriad of manners ready to go! Whether you’re looking for a pup who walks nicely on a leash or a kitty who doesn’t scratch up the furniture, a senior pet could very well fit the bill.

    That said, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be an adjustment period while your furry friend gets used to their new home. We go by the rule of threes at the Humane Society of Utah, which you can learn more about here!

    3. Old Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks!

    We’ve all heard the old adage, but it couldn’t be further from the truth! If there’s a new cue that you’d like your pet to learn, don’t count a senior pet out. Seniors tend to have a greater attention span than a puppy or kitten, which means they often pick up cues even faster than their younger counterparts.

    4. Plenty of Loving Years Ahead of You

    Just because an animal has reached senior status doesn’t mean their golden years will be short-lived! Cats, in particular, routinely live into their late teens or early twenties, signifying that you could easily have a decade or more left together when you adopt a senior pet. Just make sure to keep up on vet visits and be sure your furry friend has the proper care for a good, long life.

    5. Save a Life… And Your Wallet!

    Many animal welfare organizations offer discounts, or even entirely waive, adoption fees for senior pets. This means you can rescue a new best friend without breaking the bank! At the Humane Society of Utah, our senior pets are “Name Your Own Price,” meaning adopters can choose what they’d like to contribute towards their furry family member’s adoption fee.

      Bentley, an adoptable senior pet at the Humane Society of Utah, lounges in some grass and looks at the camera.

      They say that the best friends are old friends! Adopt a senior pet today from the Humane Society of Utah and find out firsthand just how true that is!

      More than a Bonded Pair: Bumblebee and Ladybugs’ Story

      Posted on by Maddie Cushing
      Bonded pair of persian cats Ladybug and Bumblebee pose in a room in Kitty City.

      The Humane Society of Utah is no stranger to aiding with hoarding cases. However, taking in these large groups of pets often presents unique challenges. Hoarding pets are oftentimes undersocialized and display fearful behaviors when interacting with new people. Many times, these pets also have medical concerns that need to be addressed.

      When seven Persian cats ended up in HSU’s care due to a recent hoarding case, their physical state was notably worse than is typical. Most of the cats were severely matted, and a few had untreated open wounds. Nearly all the Persians needed moderate to severe dental services. Some had teeth so decayed that most, if not all, of their teeth would need to be extracted.

      Various teams at HSU jumped into action to give each of the cats the care they needed. After medical care had been provided, several of the Persians were placed in foster homes to recover before being put up for adoption. Bumblebee and Ladybug were two of these cats.

      A Bonded Pair Emerges

      Bumblebee and Ladybug were two of the cats in the worst shape out of the seven. Both had undergone severe dental treatments and extractions, with Ladybug needing to have all of her teeth removed. Bumblebee had an open wound on his chin and most of the fur on his back formed a massive mat. The duo was sent to the same foster home for their respective recoveries.

      When the time came for Bumblebee and Ladybug to return to HSU and take up residence on the adoption floor, their foster let HSU staff know just how close the two had become during their stay. They said that Bumblebee and Ladybug comforted and leaned on one another and appeared to have a very special relationship. Ladybug and Bumblebee were determined to be a bonded pair.

      A bonded pair consists of two animals who have developed a relationship so strong that it would be distressing for them to be separated. Small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs most commonly form these types of bonds, but occasionally cats and dogs do as well. HSU honors these relationships by exclusively adopting bonded pairs out to homes where they can go together. This would be the case for Bumblebee and Ladybug.

      Persian cat Bumblebee looks through the railing of the stairs in his new home with the other half of his bonded pair, Ladybug.

      Finding Forever Together

      Bumblebee and Ladybug were in HSU’s care for over a month while they waited to find their new family. A bonded pair to their core, the cats boosted one another’s confidence in Kitty City. They warmed up more to new people each day. HSU’s staff worked hard to spread awareness about the two kitties, and their desire to go home together. Finally, on one fateful August morning, their wait was over.

      Nadia and her boyfriend always wanted Persian cats, but they both advocated for rescue and were determined to adopt rather than buy. The couple had a strong understanding of the work and needs associated with the Persian breed. They also had experience owning cats with medical issues. When they came across Bumblebee and Ladybug on HSU’s social media, it felt like fate.

      “It was rather spontaneous,” Nadia said. “my boyfriend is the one who says, ‘no,’ and I’m the one who always comes home with kitty surprises. But this time, when I showed him [Bumblebee and Ladybug], without hesitation he said, ‘Let’s go to the Humane Society and meet them!'”

      Nadia’s boyfriend did have one condition— he had always wanted to adopt a bonded pair and name them “Guts” and “Gore.” Nadia laughed as she recounted that if her boyfriend was on board with adopting two more cats, she could no longer refuse him the names he loved so much.

      Ladybug (now Guts) sits in her favorite chair in her new home with the other half of her bonded pair, Bumblebee (now Gore).

      More than a Bonded Pair

      It didn’t take long for Guts and Gores’ personalities to shine through in their new home. Nadia describes the joy the pair have brought into her life with a smile. She said she and her boyfriend will look at the Persians, and the Persians will stare back, and they’ll burst into happy laughter. The cats were assigned their respective names as their individuality emerged.

      “Ladybug is now Guts. We decided to name her Guts rather than Gore because she’s all GUTS! She’s so adventurous and wanted to skip the 3-day separation period (from other pets). After the first night, she kept wanting to run out of the bathroom to play with the rest of the gang and explore the house! We love that about our Gutsy girl. She’s brave and seems to just want to soak up the sun and enjoy life, which is amazing given what she’s been through. 

      That left Bumblebee with the name Gore and it actually suits him! We call him ‘Gore Bore’ because he just loves sitting in his heated bed, not doing anything. He allows the rest of the busy world go by, and he totally deserves the slow life if he wants it! We also call him Gorebee to honor his past self.”

      Nadia says she is grateful to have adopted Guts and Gore together and to see their special bond. Guts brings Gore out of his shell, and they’ve both helped Nadia and her boyfriend to “slow down.” She recounts the time period before the bonded pair’s elevated dishes had arrived. She and her boyfriend would sit hold the cat’s bowls while they ate to help them breathe better.

      Take the Plunge

      When asked what she would say to those considering adoption, Nadia did not hesitate to answer.

      “Just do it. You are missing out on so much joy. My boyfriend was always frustrated that I’d bring a new friend home, then they’d always end up liking him more than me, and now he can’t live without them! Definitely make sure your heart is in the right place as you are their everything. They’re all a lot of work, but moments like this morning when they’re all lying in the sun and napping together, and you’re the reason they’re so happy and at peace, is what makes it so worth it. You truly are their everything and it is such an honor to care for these sweet babies.”

      All the adoptable pets at the Humane Society of Utah can be viewed at utahhumane.org/adopt. Your purr-fect someone, or maybe even a bonded pair, is just waiting to meet you!

      Ladybug and Bumblebee) now Guts and Gore) curled up in their new home together with their new family.

      Lending a Community Cat a Helping Paw: Lady’s Story

      Posted on by Maddie Cushing
      Community cat Lady lies on a yellow blanket in a cat carrier.

      Community cat Lady was in trouble. She had found herself tangled in barbed wire underneath a mobile home in the Southern Utah summer heat. Luckily for the 3-month-old kitten, she was rescued from her dangerous hiding spot and taken to One More Chance, a rescue group dedicated to providing TNR and other lifesaving services to stray cats in the St. George area. Unluckily, her back leg and paw were badly injured from the wire.

      A Community Cat’s Uphill Battle

      Team members at One More Chance knew they had to seek urgent help for Lady if there were to be any chance of saving her paw. When the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic got the call, we were immediately on board to help Lady.

      The sweet community cat arrived onsite at HSU St. George on the morning of 6/13/24. Under anesthesia, HSU’s vets discovered a very infected wound that wrapped entirely around Lady’s leg. Her foot was extremely swollen, and one of Lady’s toes appeared to be necrotic. After removing the decomposing digit and debriding lacerations, the St. George team cleaned and bandaged Lady’s leg.

      Although Lady was on the road to recovery, she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. She would have to undergo daily bandage changes until the swelling of her leg was reduced. If the swelling subsided, there was a chance that Lady would only lose her toe. However, if Lady’s leg continued to swell, her entire limb would need to be amputated.

      Lady was facing an extra challenge in her recovery as a community cat— she was not used to human interaction. This meant that changing Lady’s bandages and keeping her wound clean could be difficult. However, the rescuers at One More Chance are used to working with skittish felines, and they were up to the challenge!

      A green cast is applied to community cat Lady's injured leg

      An Unexpected Twist

      Lady’s caregivers at One More Chance were dedicated to saving as much of Lady’s leg as possible. However, it was Lady herself who contributed the final puzzle piece to her recovery! Lady turned out to be quite a friendly community cat and was open to help from her human friends. She allowed her daily bandage changes, handling from rescuers, and even enjoyed some cuddles.

      By the time Lady returned to HSU’s St. George Clinic on 6/27/24, she was basically a brand new cat! The circumferential wound on her leg had almost entirely healed, and all the swelling had dissipated. In fact, Lady had full function of her hind leg and foot! This meant HSU’s veterinarians were able to save Lady’s leg, sans a single toe. Lady headed back to One More Chance that night, good as new.

      However, the best news was yet to come! Because Lady had become so friendly and accustomed to handling during her recovery, she was able to be put up for adoption! A community cat no longer, Lady would be able to find a family to call her very own.

      Community cat Lady looks up at the camera with her beautiful golden eyes

      We are so grateful to have been a part of Lady’s journey, and her happy ending! To learn more about our St. George clinic and the services we offer, visit utahhumane.org/stg today.

      Dangers of Foxtail Grass – Protecting Your Pets from Hidden Hazards

      Posted on by Guinn

      Summer brings sunshine and outdoor adventures for pets, but also hidden dangers of foxtail grass. This common weed’s barbed seed awns can burrow into fur and skin, causing severe health problems.

      Understanding Foxtail Grass

      Foxtail grass has a bushy, spike-like seed head that resembles a fox’s tail. The grass awns, designed to burrow and plant seeds, can also burrow into a pet’s skin, causing pain and infections.

      The Dangers of Foxtail Grass

      Unlike typical grass blades, foxtail awns are barbed and don’t dissolve. They can penetrate a pet’s skin, eyes, ears, nose, or other openings. The barbs prevent them from backing out, allowing them to move deeper and cause serious injuries and infections. Left untreated, they can even reach internal organs and become fatal.

      Symptoms of Foxtail Embedding

      Be aware of signs your pet might have a foxtail awn embedded:

      • Persistent licking or biting at a specific area, especially paws.
      • Swelling, redness, or limping.
      • Sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge (if inhaled).
      • Head shaking or ear scratching.
      Collage image of three. One image is a dog's leg x-ray showing embedded foxtail. Another image is a picture of a dog's paw with swollen toes showing where the foxtail is embedded into skin. Third picture is of foxtails seeds.

      Preventing Foxtail Grass Problems

      The best defense is avoidance. Here’s how to protect your pet:

      • Yard: Remove all grasses with barbed seeds.
      • Leash walks: Keep your dog leashed in areas with potential foxtail grass, avoiding fields, overgrown paths, and tall, dry grass.
      • Regular inspections: After walks, thoroughly check your pet’s paws, ears, and between toes.
      • Grooming: Regularly groom and trim fur, especially around the feet, to prevent foxtails from attaching.
      • Protective gear: Consider dog booties or body suits for frequent walks in foxtail grass areas.
      Beware of Foxtails safety tips infographics by Red and Howling.

      If Your Pet is Affected

      If you suspect a foxtail awn embedment, seek veterinary care immediately. Depending on the location, removal often requires sedation or surgery. Early intervention is crucial for a quick recovery and to prevent complications.

      Plato’s Story: A Cat’s Transformation

      Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
      Three photos of an orange cat

      There is nothing more heartwarming than an animal’s story of transformation. And Plato’s story is one of our favorites. Plato was one of 14 cats surrendered to the Humane Society of Utah. His guardian cared about him, but it was unsustainable to provide for so many pets at once, and Plato ended up in the care of HSU. As often happens when a large number of animals are living in close quarters, Plato and his companions arrived at our facility very shut down, under-socialized, and wary of unfamiliar people or animals. We knew it would take a lot of work and patience before Plato became comfortable enough to even meet a potential adopter. But we didn’t see a lost cause; we saw a cat who needed extra support and deserved a second chance.

      An Early Struggle

      Plato spent his first few weeks at HSU completely petrified. He did not come down from his cat tower or allow staff and volunteers to approach him. It is perfectly normal for some cats to be shy, but this was extreme. We tried coaxing him with treats, food, cat toys, you name it. Nothing was working. It became apparent that Plato needed a change of scenery, or his condition would continue to deteriorate.

      We reached out to our amazing foster network to find a temporary home where Plato could decompress. Laura Miller has been a foster with HSU for years, and she is experienced in fostering cats with a number of special needs. She graciously stepped in to see if she could work her magic on Plato. 

      A Transformation Journey

      With Plato settled in her home, Laura began the long and patient process of bringing him out of his shell. Everything happened in baby steps. As Laura explains, “he was not aggressive, just very shy.” He spent the whole first week on a shelf away from people or in his crate. “After about a week, I was able to reach into the crate and pet his head.” As the days passed, Plato continued to hit new milestones until he finally started approaching Laura on his own and asking for pets. But he still struggled to interact with anyone besides Laura. We worried that he might not warm up to potential adopters. But we didn’t stop trying. We all crossed our fingers and hoped the right fit would come along.

      Orange cat in a crate

      In March 2024, Laura received the number of a woman named Emily Shelton, who had expressed interest in Plato. Emily was a self-proclaimed dog lover, but something about this sweet-looking orange cat with the name of a Greek philosopher caught her eye. With cautious optimism, Laura gave Emily a call and set up a meeting. Although Plato was nervous and kept his distance during their first meeting, Emily felt an immediate connection. She knew that she was meeting her cat. She left Laura’s house that day and came to HSU to finalize his adoption. 

      Plato’s New Groove

      Cut to today, and Plato is a whole new animal. From the cat who would not come down off the shelf, Plato has transformed into a talkative, affectionate, and goofy companion. He loves to cuddle with Emily and happily asks for head scratches and belly rubs. Emily tells us, “I’ve absolutely fallen in love with him. He never fails to make me laugh and smile.” But this transformation story did not happen overnight. Emily approached Plato with patience and empathy when she first brought him home. As she describes, “I wanted to be able to hold him and play with him right away, but I had to try and imagine how afraid and confused he was.”

      Emily’s patience paid off, and now she has a best friend in Plato. She still shares pictures of Plato with Laura, the amazing foster who brought them together. Laura tells us, “so very happy they found each other; definitely one of the top 2 foster stories in my 15 years of fostering close to 500 cats and kittens. Fills my heart.”

      Orange cat laying on a couch

      This story is a testament to the difference we can make in the lives of animals when we are willing to put in the work. Plato was lucky enough to have in his corner a caring group of staff and volunteers, a dedicated foster, and an adopter who was the right person at the right time. But Plato’s story does not have to be unique! When you adopt, volunteer, donate, or even share animal stories on social media, you are contributing to saving more lives like Plato’s!