The Ruff Report: Dogs (Cats, too!) and Surveys

10 major cities that are just 'purrfect' for cats

Ten cities, including Boston, are being touted as the best places in America to own a cat by a feline advocacy group.

The list - which is based on cat ownership per capita, level of veterinary care, microchipping and cat-friendly local ordinances - was compiled by the CATalyst Council. According to American Pet Product Manufacturers Association statistics, nearly half of all dog owners own cats.

Story continues below

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A book about a rescue dog
that will touch your heart

THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

For more details and to order, go to the

MySetterSam E-store

Also find The Hunt of Her Life on:
Facebook/thehuntofherlife
Amazon.com

CLICK HERE TO LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Story continues here

Twenty-five metropolitan areas were reviewed by the organization, a coalition of veterinarians, academics, industry and animal welfare organizations. The other cities named in addition to Boston are Tampa, Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland (Oregon), Denver, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta and Minneapolis.

Ithaca, N.Y., home of the Cornell Feline Health Center, which educates the public about felines and their health, received an honorable mention.

The top-10 communities have the tools and resources to properly care for cats, according to the CATalyst Council.

"We applaud the efforts of these major metropolitan areas for providing a wealth of resources for cats and their owners along with their earned accolade of being one of America's Top 10 Cat-Friendly Cities," CATalyst Council Chairman Dan Kramer states in a media release.

Dogs are known as man's best friend, but statistics show cat ownership in the United States is actually higher. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, the number of cats owned is 81.7 million compared with 72 million dogs.

"Cats really are America's number one companion," Mr. Kramer said. "(The council's) goal is to recognize and celebrate why cats are such popular companions."

People sometimes fail to realize that more cats than dogs are surrendered to shelters, according to the CATalyst Council.

"We are eager to showcase these cities that demonstrate outstanding compassion and resources for cats and their owners in order to elevate the status of the cat," CATalyst Council board member Jan McHugh-Smith said.

According to the CATalyst Council, education is key to understanding and improving conditions for felines. Cats often hide symptoms so owners fail to realize any health problems exist, underscoring the importance for owners to make regular veterinary visits.

American Veterinary Medical Association statistics show an increase in the cat population coupled with a decline in veterinary visits for cats by 11 percent from 2001 to 2006.

More reports about dogs and surveys:
Admit it, your pet is really the one in charge
For showing affection, moms say dogs nose out kids
The top 10 dog parks in America
Face it, you really do look like your dog
Smokers willing to quit for sake of pets
Labrador Retriever again most popular dog
Max again most popular pooch name
The canine is top dog in Britain
Pets are best medicine for sadness and stress
Pet parents come up with unusual dog names
More reports about dogs and surveys

"I've spoken with animal control officials, welfare organizations and veterinarians across the country and often hear that cats are more likely to be neglected than dogs, more likely to wind up in shelters and less likely to be seen by veterinarians," CATalyst Council board member Steve Dale said. "Obviously there is room for the nation to improve the overall status and care of cats, but these cities are overcoming the current standard."

HOME

THE RUFF REPORT
So easy to read. You choose the topic!
Adoption | Food | Health | Money | Rescue
Safety & Behavior | Surveys & Studies

Like MySetterSam on Facebook