Roice-Hurst Humane Society V-2 Cat Volunteer Class

Summary

Welcome to the Royce Hearst Humane Society's Level 2 Cat Class for volunteers. This training, led by Foster and Volunteer Coordinator Jenna Crutchman, covers essential cat behavior and body language to prepare you for success as a V2 cat volunteer. Learn how to socialize cats, handle them at adoption events, and assist with post-surgical recovery. After completing the video and quiz, you'll practice techniques with Jenna to become an official V2 cat volunteer, committing to at least two hours of monthly duties. Discover the importance of play, understanding feline aggression, and the natural cycle of hunting, eating, grooming, and sleeping. Engage with kittens to create positive human associations and consider additional volunteer opportunities like fostering or participating in the Grand Valley Cat Project.

Takeaways

• 🙋‍♀️ The video is a training for volunteers at the Royce Hurst Humane Society, emphasizing the importance of volunteers in socializing cats for adoption.
• 📹 New volunteers are advised to watch the orientation video first before proceeding with cat-specific training.
• 👩‍💼 Jenna Crutchman is the Foster and Volunteer Coordinator and can be contacted for further guidance.
• 📚 The training covers cat behavior, body language, and the basics needed for successful volunteering with cats.
• 📝 After the video, volunteers must take a quiz and then contact Jenna to schedule hands-on training.
• 🐾 V2 cat volunteers can perform tasks like cleaning, handling cats at adoption events, and assisting with post-surgical recovery.
• 🚫 Caution is advised with 'door darters' - cats that may escape when a door is opened; if this happens, alert staff and retrieve the cat.
• 🧼 Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections among the cats.
• 🔑 Understanding cat body language is fundamental for successful interaction and to ensure the cats feel safe and comfortable.
• 🎮 Playtime is vital for cats' physical and mental health, fulfilling their natural hunting instincts and reducing unwanted behaviors.
• 🚫 Avoid using hands or feet as toys to prevent cats from developing aggressive behaviors towards people's hands or feet.

Q & A

What is the primary role of volunteers at the Royce Hurst Humane Society?

Volunteers at the Royce Hurst Humane Society play a vital role in helping cats and kittens become well-socialized, adoptable, and ready for their new homes.

Who is Jenna Crutchman and what is her role at the shelter?

Jenna Crutchman is the Foster and Volunteer Coordinator at Royce Hurst Humane Society. She is the main contact for volunteers and coordinates their activities and training.

What is the first step for new volunteers before starting the cat class?

New volunteers should first watch the volunteer orientation video before moving on to the cat class.

What are the responsibilities of a V2 cat volunteer?

V2 cat volunteers are expected to help with cat-related animal care tasks, handle cats at adoption events, transport cats, and assist with post-surgical animal recovery on the mobile unit.

What is required after completing the cat class video?

After completing the cat class video, volunteers need to take a quiz linked in the video description and then email Jenna to schedule a time to socialize cats with her.

What is the minimum time commitment for a V2 cat volunteer?

A V2 cat volunteer needs to maintain at least two hours per month of V2C duties to keep their status.

What should volunteers do when they first come in to volunteer?

Volunteers should sign into the volunteer log in the break room before heading to the cat room.

Why is it important to wash or sanitize hands when entering or exiting the cat room?

Hand washing or sanitizing is crucial to prevent the spread of germs and upper respiratory infections among the cats, as they are susceptible to kitty colds.

What is the purpose of leaving some cage doors of under-socialized cats open?

The purpose of leaving some cage doors open is to allow under-socialized cats to wander and explore while still having a safe space to return to, aiding in their socialization process.

How should volunteers introduce themselves to a cat?

Volunteers should introduce themselves by offering their hand to the cat in a fist shape with the middle knuckle sticking out, allowing the cat to sniff them.

What is the significance of the 'Cat I Love You' technique?

The 'Cat I Love You' technique involves slow blinking to mimic the relaxed body language of a content cat, breaking direct eye contact and showing the cat that the volunteer is relaxed and non-threatening.

What is the recommended way to pet a cat and how can it prevent overstimulation?

Volunteers should be aware of signs of overstimulation such as a swishing tail, vocalization, or claws coming out. They should pet cats in areas they generally enjoy like behind the ears, under the chin, down the back, and at the base of the tail, and stop petting if the cat shows signs of overstimulation.

Why is it important to use toys instead of hands or feet when playing with cats?

Using toys instead of hands or feet prevents cats from developing bad habits of attacking people's hands or feet, which could make them less adoptable and lead to lifelong issues.

What is the cycle of the feline and how does it relate to a cat's well-being?

The cycle of the feline includes hunt, eat, groom, and sleep. This cycle is important as it satisfies a cat's hunting instinct through playtime, ensures proper nutrition, and promotes relaxation and sleep, contributing to the overall well-being of the cat.

How can understanding cat body language help volunteers?

Understanding cat body language helps volunteers to interpret a cat's emotions and intentions, allowing them to interact appropriately and safely, and to create positive experiences for the cats.

What are some additional volunteer opportunities mentioned in the script?

Additional volunteer opportunities include becoming a kitten foster to care for kittens in need, and participating in the Grand Valley Cat Project, which involves trapping, neutering, and returning community cats to prevent overpopulation.

Outlines

00:00

😺 Introduction to the Cat Volunteer Program

The script begins with an introduction to the Royce Hurst Humane Society's Level 2 Cat Class for volunteers. It emphasizes the importance of volunteers in socializing cats and kittens for adoption. New volunteers are advised to watch the orientation video first. The speaker, Jenna Crutchman, introduces herself as the Foster and Volunteer Coordinator and provides contact information. The video's purpose is to educate volunteers on cat behavior and body language, which is essential for successful volunteering. After the video, volunteers must take a quiz and schedule a practical session with Jenna to learn proper socialization techniques. The responsibilities of a Level 2 Cat Volunteer (V2C) are outlined, including maintaining a minimum of two hours per month of duties and assisting with various cat-related tasks. The script also includes a slide from the volunteer orientation detailing the V2C role and emphasizes the importance of hygiene and caution when interacting with the cats.

05:01

🐾 Understanding Cat Behavior and Interaction Techniques

This paragraph delves into the nuances of cat behavior, body language, and how volunteers should interact with them. It advises against direct eye contact as it can be perceived as aggressive and suggests mimicking a content cat's slow blink instead. The script covers the importance of respecting a cat's boundaries, such as not petting them if they show disinterest. It also explains how to introduce oneself to a cat, the signs of overstimulation during petting, and how to handle it. The types of feline aggression are introduced, with a focus on fear and petting-induced aggression, and the importance of play in satisfying a cat's hunting instinct. The paragraph concludes with the significance of interactive play for a cat's well-being and the types of toys that are most fulfilling for them.

10:02

🎮 The Importance of Play and Managing Cat Aggression

The script discusses the significance of play in a cat's life, linking it to their natural hunting cycle. It explains how play helps reduce unwanted behaviors, boosts confidence, and strengthens the bond between humans and cats. The importance of using toys rather than hands or feet during play is highlighted to prevent cats from developing bad habits. The paragraph also addresses how to handle cat fights and the need to separate adult cats from kittens due to differences in size and energy levels. Kitten season is introduced, explaining the influx of kittens that require care and the need for foster homes. The script provides tips for interacting with kittens, such as carrying treats and wearing appropriate clothing to prevent injuries from playful claws.

15:03

📚 Cat Body Language 101 for Volunteers

This section provides an in-depth look at cat body language, teaching volunteers how to interpret cats' feelings through their tails, facial expressions, and overall body posture. It explains the meanings behind different tail positions, such as an erect tail signaling confidence and a tucked tail indicating fear. The script describes how a cat's ears, eyes, and whiskers can reveal its emotional state, from a happy cat with forward ears to a scared cat with flat ears and dilated pupils. The importance of recognizing distance-reducing and distance-increasing behaviors is emphasized, as well as how to identify signs of a cat ready to attack. The paragraph concludes with a visual example of a cat's body language, helping volunteers to better understand and respond to the cats they will be working with.

20:03

🙌 Advanced Volunteer Opportunities and Conclusion

The final paragraph offers additional volunteering opportunities beyond the Level 2 Cat Volunteer role. It discusses the need for kitten fosters during the busy kitten season and introduces the Grand Valley Cat Project, which focuses on trap-neuter-return programs for community cats. The script invites interested volunteers to contact Jenna for more information. It then directs volunteers to take a quiz after watching the video to test their understanding of the material covered. Following the quiz, volunteers are encouraged to email Jenna to schedule a shelter tour and a practical session for socializing cats. The script concludes by expressing gratitude for the volunteers' interest and looking forward to meeting them in person.

Keywords

💡Volunteer

A volunteer is someone who offers their time and effort for a cause without financial gain. In the context of the video, volunteers are crucial for the well-being and socialization of cats and kittens at the shelter. The script emphasizes the importance of volunteers in helping cats become adoptable and ready for new homes.

💡Socialization

Socialization refers to the process of helping animals become comfortable with humans and other animals. The video script discusses the role of volunteers in socializing cats to ensure they are well-adjusted and ready for adoption, highlighting techniques such as allowing cats to sniff and interact with volunteers.

💡Cat Behavior

Cat behavior encompasses the actions, reactions, and body language of felines. The script provides an overview of understanding cat behavior and body language, which is essential for volunteers to successfully interact with and care for the cats at the shelter.

💡Adoption Events

Adoption events are organized activities where animals are presented for potential adopters. The video mentions that volunteers can handle cats at adoption events, which is a key part of finding homes for the shelter cats.

💡Post-Surgical Recovery

Post-surgical recovery refers to the period after an animal has undergone surgery and is recuperating. The script mentions that volunteers can assist with post-surgical animal recovery on the mobile unit, indicating a broader scope of care provided by volunteers.

💡Behavior Modification Plan

A behavior modification plan is a structured program designed to change an animal's undesirable behaviors. The script refers to cats in white cages that may be on such plans, indicating that volunteers need to be aware of and sensitive to the individual needs of these cats.

💡Under-Socialized

Under-socialized cats have had limited exposure to humans or other animals, leading to discomfort or fear in social situations. The video script notes that many cats come to the shelter under-socialized, and volunteers play a vital role in helping them become more comfortable with humans.

💡Cat I Love You

The 'Cat I Love You' is a technique described in the script where volunteers mimic the slow blinking of a content cat to show relaxation and trust. This non-verbal communication helps build a bond between the cat and the volunteer.

💡Petting-Induced Aggression

Petting-induced aggression occurs when a cat becomes overstimulated from petting and reacts by biting or scratching. The script warns volunteers to watch for signs of overstimulation and to stop petting or offer a toy instead to prevent such behavior.

💡Interactive Play

Interactive play involves toys that require the cat's interaction, such as toys on a string that mimic the movement of prey. The video emphasizes the importance of satisfying a cat's hunting instinct through interactive play, which is crucial for their mental and physical health.

💡Kitten Season

Kitten season refers to the time of year when there is a surge in the birth of kittens, often due to uncontrolled breeding among community cats. The script mentions that during kitten season, the shelter takes in many kittens that require care and socialization by volunteers.

Highlights

Introduction to the Royce Hearst Humane Society Level 2 Cat Class for volunteers, emphasizing the importance of cat socialization for adoption readiness.

Requirement for new volunteers to watch the volunteer orientation video before proceeding with cat training.

Jenna Crutchman's role as the Foster and Volunteer Coordinator and the provided contact information.

Education on cat behavior and body language as a foundation for successful volunteering.

The necessity of taking a quiz and scheduling a session with Jenna to become a certified Level 2 Cat Volunteer.

Maintaining a minimum of two hours per month for Level 2 Cat Volunteer duties to retain the status.

Description of Level 2 cat volunteer responsibilities, including handling cats at adoption events and transporting them.

Instructions for volunteers on signing in and the protocol for entering and exiting the cat room.

Caution regarding 'door darters' and the procedure to follow if a cat escapes.

Importance of hand hygiene to prevent the spread of upper respiratory infections among cats.

Details on the behavior modification plan for cats in white cages and the guidelines for interacting with them.

The method for properly introducing oneself to a cat and respecting their boundaries.

Tips on understanding cat body language and avoiding behaviors that may cause stress or aggression.

Guidance on how to pet a cat to avoid overstimulation and the signs to look for.

Explanation of the different types of feline aggression and how to handle them.

The significance of play in fulfilling a cat's hunting instinct and the importance of interactive toys.

The role of play in reducing unwanted behaviors and the need for satisfying play sessions.

Instructions on how to pick up a cat and the importance of respecting their comfort levels.

The cycle of a cat's day and how it relates to their well-being and the volunteer's role in it.

Information on additional volunteer opportunities such as kitten fostering and the Grand Valley Cat Project.

Final steps for volunteers after watching the video, including taking a quiz and scheduling a shelter tour.

Transcripts

hello and welcome to the royce hearst

humane society level 2 cat class for

volunteers

thank you so much for giving your time

to our cats and kittens at the shelter

our cat volunteers are vital in helping

our cats and kittens become well

socialized adoptable and ready for their

new homes

if you're a new volunteer and haven't

already watched the volunteer

orientation video

please do that first before moving on to

this training

my name is jenna crutchman and i'm the

foster and volunteer coordinator at

royce hurst humane society

you can contact me at the contact

information on the screen

this video will teach you about cat

behavior and body language

and set you up with the basic knowledge

to be successful as a v2 cat volunteer

after you complete this video you will

need to take the quiz linked in the

description of the video

and then email me to schedule a time to

socialize cats with me

so that i can show you proper techniques

and where the supplies are located

after that you're an official v2 cat

volunteer you'll need to maintain at

least two hours per month of v2c duties

to keep your v2c status

here is the v2 cat volunteer slide from

the volunteer orientation

which outlines what you can do as a v2

cat volunteer

we ask that you continue helping with v1

tasks like cleaning

but now you'll be able to do cat related

animal care tasks in the cat and kitten

rooms

handle cats at adoption events and

transport cats

you'll also be able to assist with

post-surgical animal recovery on the

mobile unit

the first thing you'll want to do when

you come in to volunteer is sign into

the volunteer log in the break room

before heading to the cat room you do

not need to grab a radio to work with

the cats unless you want to

we have a limited number of radios so we

try to save them for our dog volunteers

some of our cats live in a colony

setting inside the cat and kitten rooms

which means they're free roaming and not

in cages

use caution when entering and exiting

some cats are what we call door darters

and will bolt out of the door as soon as

it's opened if this happens don't worry

just yell down the hallway loose cat and

go grab the cat

if you need a staff member's help any

staff member would be happy to assist

when entering or exiting the cat room

please wash or sanitize your hands

cats are susceptible to upper

respiratory infections or kitty colds

so we don't want germs to be moving in

or out of the room

in the cat room you will see white cages

against the wall

the cats in these cages are often on a

behavior modification plan

are easily overwhelmed or can't be with

the other cats for one reason or another

many of our cats come to us

under-socialized and are not yet

comfortable with humans

which is why we need your help to

socialize them

sometimes their cage doors are

intentionally left open

so they can wander throughout the room

but still have a safe space that's their

own to come back to

you're totally welcome to interact with

these cats but please don't let them out

of their cages without permission

many of the cats have kennel cards on

their cages or on the wall of the cat

room

so you can get to know them if you're

unsure about a specific cat in the room

feel free to ask a staff member about

them our cat behavior counselor arlena's

desk is located inside the cat room

and she is a great resource to answer

any cat related questions you have

just like when you're meeting a new

human the polite thing to do when

meeting a cat is to say hello

cats greet each other nose to nose so

the best way to introduce yourself to a

cat is to offer your hand to them the

way we do this is to make a fist with

your middle knuckle sticking out to

simulate the shape of a cat's face

and allow them to sniff you like in the

picture

if the cat is receptive to you and wants

you to pet them

they may present their head to you or

rub on you to continue that interaction

if the cat does not want to be petted

don't pet them

cats are big on boundaries and forcing a

cat to do something that they don't want

to do

is how you lose their trust and regress

their behavior if a cat doesn't want to

be petted

you might want to try offering a toy to

them instead

another way to introduce yourself to a

cat is to present the end of your

glasses

the part that goes around your ear to

the cat so that they can sniff your

scent

cats have some interesting behavior

because they're both predator and prey

because cats are a prey species it's

important for them to feel safe

many of our cats come to us from living

on the streets and are fearful or

under-socialized to humans

because they were never closely exposed

to people

it's our job to teach these cats that

humans are friendly fun

safe and trustworthy to help our cats

feel safe around humans it's important

that you approach them slowly and always

introduce yourself

you'll find a lot of our cats up on the

perches in our cat room

because some cats feel safer higher up

be sure to give cats exit routes and

don't corner them when you approach

we'll talk a little bit more about cat

body language in a few minutes

but this is an easy way to help cats

trust you called the cat i love you

cats perceive direct eye contact as

aggression so avoid staring directly

into cat's eyes which might put them on

guard

instead you can mimic the body language

of a content cat and blink slowly

when cats are content and relaxed they

blink their eyes slowly

by doing this back to them this breaks

your direct eye contact

and shows the cat that you're relaxed so

they can relax too

another way cats tell you that they love

you is when they rub up against you with

their face or body

mingling their scent with yours which is

how they claim you as theirs

petting a cat may seem straightforward

but it can be a little more complicated

than you think

all cats are different but here are some

general tips

first be aware of over stimulation when

you pet a cat you're adding energy into

their bubble

after a while that bubble will pop and

they may try to bite or scratch

this is what we call petting induced

aggression

you'll know a cat is getting over

stimulated by watching their body

language

like i said we'll talk about body

language more in depth in a few minutes

but here are a couple things to pay

attention to

a swishing tail vocalization or claws

coming out

means that the cat may be reaching

threshold when this happens

stop petting the cat and offer a toy

instead

like i mentioned earlier it's important

to go slow and meet the cat where they

are

because some cats are learning to trust

humans you can offer pets but don't

force them

be sure to make your interactions

positive a great way to do this is to

reinforce brave or friendly behavior

with treats

you want every cat to leave your

interactions feeling a little more

confident around people

remember that every cat is different but

in general most cats enjoy pets behind

their ears

under their chin down their back and at

the base of their tail

as a rule of thumb don't rub the cat's

bellies

your cat at home might like it but many

shelter cats are unknown to you

and may react differently cats expose

their abdomens as a sign of trust

because it's the most vulnerable part of

their body

by petting their bellies you could be

betraying their trust

remember not all cats enjoy being picked

up

but if you do want to pick up a cat

here's how you do it

place your hand under the cat's chest

and use the other hand to pick up and

support

the cat's rear end like in the picture

if the cat vocalizes gets tense or tries

to wiggle away

stop and let the cat down here's a list

of the different types of feline

aggression

the ones in bold are the most common

that you may experience so we'll just

talk about those types

first is fear aggression which is when a

cat is scared and becomes defensive

you may see the cat hiss spit or lunge

a cat like this does not trust humans at

all and needs significant behavior work

if you're ever uncomfortable working

with a cat or you believe the cat needs

more behavior work

please let a staff member know

next is petting induced aggression which

we talked about earlier

sometimes cats become overstimulated and

will direct their energy into scratching

or biting you

like i said be sure to watch their body

language and either stop petting them or

offer a toy

next is play or predatory aggression

which you'll see when a cat plays with a

toy

as predators cats have a natural

instinct to hunt

we'll talk more about how cats play in

just a couple slides

if a cat doesn't get enough playtime you

might see this type of aggression

directed at you in the form of a cat

biting at your hands or feet

now let's talk about the cycle of the

feline cats naturally go through this

process several times throughout the day

which is hunt eat groom sleep

cats are predators and have an instinct

to hunt and kill

for our domesticated cats this instinct

should be satisfied through playtime

after a satisfying play session it's

meal time

in the wild cats will hunt and then eat

their prey

in our case this is treats or a meal

next the cat needs to wash up after

eating by grooming

which relaxes them and puts them back to

sleep and the cycle starts again

this cycle is the recipe to creating a

happy fulfilled cat

playtime is super important to fulfill

that hunting instinct

every cat has a prey preference which is

the type of prey that they're most

inclined to catch

or in our case the type of toy that

provides the most mental and physical

stimulation during playtime

the best types of toys are interactive

toys which are the type of toy that is

attached to a string that you move

around

this is the most fulfilling type of play

it's important that cats get at least

one satisfying interactive play session

each day

cats who prefer air prey will enjoy

feather toys that they can jump in the

air to catch

at the shelter we have a toy called the

bird that looks and sounds like a real

bird when swung around in the air

cats who prefer ground prey will enjoy

chasing toys on the ground

like mice on a string we have a toy

called the mouse which cats love

[Music]

and lastly cats who prefer insect prey

will enjoy small things that bob and

wiggle around in the air and on the

ground

to make this satisfying for the cat you

need to use a little creativity and

really try to mimic the behavior of the

prey that they're chasing

mice don't fly around in the air so keep

the mouse toy on the ground and make it

act like a real mouse

interactive play is an important part of

a cat's physical and mental health

remember to satisfy this hunting

instinct the cat needs to catch the toy

can you imagine how frustrating it would

be to spend all your energy hunting and

not get the satisfaction of catching it

here are some of the reasons why

interactive play is so important

first it reduces unwanted behaviors

cats have an instinct to hunt whether

you play with them or not

so if they don't have an appropriate

outlet for that energy they'll start

hunting you

or other cats potentially leading to

things like cat fights

or the cat attacking your hands or feet

next it boosts confidence catching prey

makes a cat feel like they're on top of

the world

it's an outlet for excess energy and it

reduces stress

and like we talked about earlier it

maintains the natural cycle of the cat

hunt eat groom sleep and lastly it helps

strengthen the bond between humans and

cat

and while we're on the topic of

appropriate outlets for energy

here's something to avoid doing never

use your hands or feet to play with a

kitten or cat

instead always use an appropriate toy if

they pick up the habit of attacking your

hands or feet it can make them less

adoptable now let's talk about cat

fights

they're rare but they do happen on

occasion if you witness two cats

starting to escalate with each other

block the line of sight between the two

cats using a towel or blanket

never use your hands or feet to block

the line of sight or to break up a cat

fight

your safety is most important also do

not throw the towel

over the top of the cats as that can

make matters worse

if a cat fight does occur first make a

loud noise to distract them

like yelling or clapping find a staff

member for assistance

or if the fight has already ended let a

staff member know what happened

if a cat fight severely escalates you

can use more extreme measures

such as using a broom or dumping a water

bowl on the fighting cats

just beyond the cat room is our kitten

room we separate adult cats and younger

kittens because of their different sizes

and energy levels

the kitten room is empty during the

colder months of the year

but once the weather starts to warm up

kitten season starts

kitten season is when cats begin having

babies

community cats on the streets give birth

to thousands of kittens in mesa county

every year

who are found by people in the most

random places

under houses inside trash cans in the

bushes

and they end up in our care many of

these kittens first move into foster

homes

but then come back to the shelter once

they're old enough and healthy enough

for adoption

just like we talked about with the adult

cats it's never a good idea to use your

hands

feet or hair as toys it's really cute

when they're little

but imagine a 10 pound adult cat

attacking their adopters hair or hands

it's a bad habit for them to get into

and could cause lifelong issues

so just stick to playing with toys

the more exposure kittens get to humans

the better

at this age kittens are little

information sponges

and the kitten room is a great place to

create positive associations with humans

kittens get adopted when they're

confident enough to walk right up to an

adopter and ask to go home with them

here are some general tips for

interacting with our cats or kittens

carry some treats with you and give a

cat a treat when they show brave or

friendly behavior

like approaching you or allowing you to

pet them

remember our dress code of long pants

kittens think humans are really fun

climbing gyms as you can see in the

picture

take my word for it it does not feel

very good when they sink their claws

into your legs

i recommend wearing thicker pants like

denim rather than things like leggings

if you're going to be working with the

kittens

when you're in the kitten room do the

kitten shuffle this is when you shuffle

your feet along the ground rather than

picking them up with each step

kittens are tiny and have a tendency to

end up under feet

so shuffle around to avoid stepping on

them

now let's move on to cat body language

what i'll be showing you today is a

basic version of a cat's body language

a cat's whole body from their head to

their tail works in unison to show you

how they're feeling

but in general i'll teach you a few

things to watch out for

first let's talk about tales

don't read cats like you would read dogs

a wagging tail on a cat is a sign of

overstimulation or agitation

if a cat is swishing their tail they

might be getting ready to attack

if you're petting a cat with a swishing

tail leave them alone or give them

something else to attack

like a toy a cat's tail will show you

how confident they're feeling at the

time

an erect tail means that a cat could be

feeling confident explorative

happy or excited as the tail moves

down a little bit so does the cat's

confidence a flat tail could mean the

cat is feeling apprehensive

guarded or cautious and as the tail

moves down even lower

the cat may be getting scared about

something happening around him

a tucked tail means that the cat is not

happy at all and is a sign of fear

a fluffed out tail is also a sign of

fear but more defensive

they're puffing up to show you how big

and tough they are

next let's talk about the cat's face the

main things you'll want to watch for are

their ears eyes and whiskers

there are small subtle differences in a

cat's facial positioning

that can give away how they're feeling

you'll notice this happy cat has his

ears forward

and a relaxed face nothing is bothering

him and he's just having a good time

notice the differences in the angry

cat's face

his ears are flat against his head

pointing backwards

and his eyes are more focused his

whiskers are also more focused in

forward facing

next is the scaredy cat you can tell

he's scared because his ears are flat

and his eyes are dilated so he can see

everything going on around him

notice the difference in positioning of

the ears between the angry cat and the

scared cat

the playful cat is similar to the happy

cat but his eyes are more dilated

because he's intently watching what's

around him

his whiskers are pointed forward because

he's focused and ready to attack

and lastly is our content cat this cat

also looks like the happy cat but more

relaxed he's giving us the slow blink

and is probably purring

now look at this cat as we put together

his body posture

tail and facial expression to read his

mood

take a look at his body language and

take a guess at how you think he might

be feeling

if you said he's feeling happy or

confident you're right

you can tell he's feeling confident

because his tail is up

his ears are forward and we can read

that his pupils are a normal size

here's the confident cat in a relaxed

state his pupils are normal

his ears are up and he's obviously

relaxed

we can read that his paws are making a

kneading motion which is a sign of

relaxation

and he's showing off his belly which is

a sign of trust

distance reducing behaviors are what we

like to see

this is when a cat attempts to reduce

the distance between you

and him oftentimes by coming to ask for

a pet

or to sit on your lap in this picture

the cat is marking the human

by rubbing his face on him claiming the

human as his

you can tell the cat is acting friendly

and holds his tail confidently up high

the opposite of distance reducing

behaviors are distance increasing

behaviors

which is when a cat tries to increase

the distance between himself and someone

else

the cat in the picture is showing off

how scary and intimidating he is

and hopes that you might back off his

fur is puffed

aka pylorect and his back is arched so

others will think he's big and scary

we can read that his tail is swishing

his claws are out

ears are flat whiskers are back and

pupils are dilated

this is a cat who is not comfortable

with you being near them

this is another type of scaredy cat

except this one is less defensive as the

puffball on the last slide

you can see that his ears are back or to

the side his pupils are dilated his body

is hunched over he's tense and his tail

is tucked

opposite of the cat on the previous

slide he's trying to make himself appear

small

here's a cat ready to attack from fear

when distance increasing measures like

puffing up or making himself small don't

work

defensive aggression comes into play

this cat is feeling very threatened

with his ears back and flat against his

head his teeth showing and claws out

this cat is ready to attack whatever's

coming at him

if you see a cat like this you need to

back away and leave him alone

here's a cat on the hunt this cat is

stalking his prey

whether that's a mouse a toy or maybe

even your feet if he hasn't gotten any

good playtime recently

you can see this cat's ears are forward

his body is low to the ground

muscles tensed and ready to pounce

and that's it now you know the basics

about how to be a successful

v2 cat volunteer if you're interested in

volunteering with cats in other ways

here are a couple more options like i

mentioned earlier we intake hundreds of

kittens every year during kitten season

and almost all of them require foster

care if you have a spare bedroom or

bathroom

and you want to take home a few kittens

for a couple weeks

we are always in desperate need of

kitten fosters

another way you can volunteer with cats

is through our program grand valley cat

project this project is where we go out

and trap

community cats in the 81501 zip code

get them spayed and neutered and then

release them back to their outdoor homes

where they can no longer reproduce

this process is called trap neuter

return and we could always use trappers

transporters and even canvassers to go

door-to-door educating our community

about trap neuter return if you're

interested in helping with either of

these volunteer opportunities

send me an email at jenna

rhumanesociety.org

now that you've watched this video it's

quiz time please click the quiz link in

the description of this video

and answer a few questions about what

you've learned

after that send me an email at jenna

rhumanesociety.org

to schedule a time to come in for a

shelter tour and to socialize some cats

with me so i can show you how it's done

thank you so much for your interest in

volunteering with our cats

and i hope to see you in person soon