You've digested the lists for top dog towns and cities that rank high for animal welfare concerns, but have you ever read one that tells you where you might rather live if you love cats?
CATalyst is a multi-group organization founded in response to the growing concern that while cats are pulling away from dogs as the most popular pets in the US, their veterinary visits are on the decline.
That’s scary for a whole top-ten list-worthy number of reasons, but mostly because it means individual cats are not getting the healthcare they need. It also means less research is headed in the feline direction. Depressing.
That’s why CATalyst is working on ways to raise the profile of cats in private and public life through a variety of measures. Ranking cities by their cat friendliness is one PR-worthy way to get this done. After all, everyone loves a list that trades on happy cat thoughts, right?
To that end, here’s the CATalyst ranking:
#1 Tampa
#2 Phoenix
#3 San Francisco
#4 Portland (Ore.)
#5 Denver
#6 Boston
#7 Seattle
#8 San Diego
#9 Atlanta
#10 Minneapolis
According to CATalyst, which is unveiling this list today at the American Animal Hospital Association conference in Phoenix,
“The list was compiled after reviewing the top 25 standard metropolitan areas for such data as cat ownership per capita, level of veterinary care, microchipping and cat-friendly local ordinances. The CATalyst Council hopes to include shelter data in the 2010 list.”
It’s always good news knowing our cities might actually attempt to raise their standards for cats through some healthy competition. God knows our cats could use some dedication, if not through all cat owners, then at least through the work of organizations and municipalities working together for their benefit.
PS: What is my thing with cats this week? I just noticed that four of my last seven posts are kitty-centric––and another I was planning for tomorrow includes a personal cat story. Interesting...
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Interesting. About a month ago someone posted on a list I read, asking for advice on a problem in a town right outside Tampa; she'd been cited for feeding three kittens left orphaned when their mother was caught by animal control, and AC was requiring her to trap them so they could be turned over to AC. She was not given any option that would allow her to keep the kittens. (Last I heard she was ignoring them and trying to keep the kittens anyway, but that AC was definitely not being friendly.)
Galadriel March 27th, 2009 12:21:25 PM
Dr. K: what is it? I'm starting to get kitty-cat Spring fever! It's been years since my last one died.
Barb Albright/NH
Pocket's Story from N March 27th, 2009 03:58:44 PM
Well, I'm in the Inland Empire in CA. Not too far from San Diego, CA. So, I guess I can reap some of the benefit? :::shrug::: I own two cats. Doing well.
Our vet has an awesome cattery for boarding and recuperation. Local Petsmarts and PetCo's have cat adoption centers built into the stores. I used to trap and spay/neuter strays but I don't see many around here now. Plus, my husband has told me I cannot leave food out. Damn!
Laura Sherman March 27th, 2009 04:28:50 PM
Barbara: Yes, I guess I have kitty Spring fever. Lots of kittens in the hospital. Wait 'till I post tomorrow on one of my awesome cases! (and a thoroughly adoptable one, too).
Dr. Patty Khuly March 27th, 2009 04:50:16 PM
And, yes, I was just informed that the cities ARE ranked in order. Will amend the post.
Dr. Patty Khuly March 27th, 2009 05:27:50 PM
This is a really great top ten list, love the picture of the two cats that you inclided. H aving lived in San Frnacisco with a cat I would have to agree that it is a very cat frindly city. Anyone can post their own cat reater top ten list or on any other subject, to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/. The coolest feature is you can let other people vote on the rankings of your list.
Vince March 27th, 2009 06:50:50 PM
Sometimes I feel that cats are overlooked on the feral and loose front as well, not because there are not groups out there helping them, but because one loose dog in my area would cause massive panic, people would stop and try and help, but no one (but me) it seems will even stop and remove a dead cat from the road.
no one would leave a dead dog in the road...
cats seem more disposable....
people are less likely to s/n, you see more free kitten signs then free puppy signs...now maybe it is because there used to be a lot of farms here...and if you get a microscope out you still a few in between the McMansions...
LorriM March 27th, 2009 07:16:25 PM
Oh boy, I've gotten emails lately with adorable cat pics, it does give me kitty-cat fever. The blog pic is irresistable too.
Maybe I was one of the lucky ones, but my cats didn't "need" to go for medical issues and were healthy until the last years (of life).And I was just as big on not bombarding them with vaccines, too. They saw quite a few dogs born & die, and got along with all of them...or maybe "they" were the ones in charge.
LorriM: My boyfriend drives around with a shovel in his trunk, and removes dead animals to the side of the road, day or night, anywhere.
Barbara A./NH March 27th, 2009 10:33:18 PM
Vince: San Fransico, Ahhh... I can't imagine a better city for me to live in. I love sailing, hiking, pets and more. SF always gets top marks for dogs and given that next year's rankings will include shelter details I can almost promise you that SF will rank #1 when the dust settles.
Dr. Patty Khuly March 28th, 2009 07:34:26 AM
Barbara A: There's never a bad time to add a kitty to your home!
2CatMom March 28th, 2009 03:15:26 PM
"their veterinary visits are on the decline"
Maybe people are taking better care of their cats?
Evet March 28th, 2009 05:28:23 PM
Evet: Your laconic style has its charm.
Dr. Patty Khuly March 28th, 2009 05:37:48 PM
San Franicsco was "The City" when I lived there. They still call it that?
Evet March 28th, 2009 05:39:01 PM
I know but you are still may favorite web Vet. If I lived in your area you would be our Vet. I would feel extremely confident with your style and expertise.
I do however still like to take pokes at authority on occasion.
Evet March 28th, 2009 05:41:47 PM
Or excert my authority on occassion LOL.
Evet March 28th, 2009 05:43:50 PM
Hello Dr. K. Thanks for posting the list. AAHA is working with the AAFP to produce feline wellness stages guidelines for veterinarians. We are all hoping the CATalyst movement will lead to more cat adoptions and better feline health care. Have a great day!
Jason Merrihew March 30th, 2009 01:35:05 PM
I love cats
Brendan April 6th, 2009 02:18:07 PM
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