Chirrups and Chatter

🎉 Happy National (Don’t Hug) but interact with Your cat in a way they enjoy day

Today and everyday, we celebrate our feline friends by understanding and respecting them. Here are a few ways to honor this special day while respecting your cat’s space: 1. Interact with Your Cat in a Way They Enjoy: Every cat is unique, so learn what your kitty loves. Whether it’s a gentle petting session, a fun game with a feather toy, or some quiet time by the window, find activities that make your cat happy. 2. Let Your Cat Initiate, Choose, and Control Human Contact:Cats, like people, have their own preferences for physical contact. Allow your cat to approach you for affection and respect their signals if they need some space. 3. Educate Children About Cat Communication:It’s essential to teach children how to interact safely and respectfully with cats. Many cats feel uncomfortable or threatened by hugs, which can lead to misunderstandings and potentially scratchy situations. Teach children to recognize signs of discomfort in cats, such as twitching tails, flattened ears, or hissing, and to always ask permission before approaching a cat they don’t know. 4. Pay Attention to Cat Body Language: Cats communicate through body language. Watch for signs of stress or discomfort, such as flattened ears, swishing tails, or avoiding eye contact, and respond by giving your cat space or redirecting their attention to something more enjoyable. Also, assess body language to identify if the cat is enjoying the onteraction, your cat may enjoy a hug, but for 1-3 seconds. Just like, I love a hug but hugs can vecome uncomfortable really quick based on who and how they are hugging me, also how long. By celebrating National (Don’t Hug) Your Cat Day, we not only show our love and appreciation for our feline companions but also promote a better understanding of their needs and preferences.

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A gradual introduction going at each individual cats pace may take a few months but it is more than worth it for a lifetime of cats who are not only comfortable around eachother but enjoy eachother❤️ Received this awesome update today from a client. “These guys play every morning after breakfast and before bed at night! Muppet is still in her room when we sleep and when we aren't home but they are doing so well! Our intro was long but I really believe it's what they both needed to actually enjoy each other!” We worked together to gradually introduce the cats to eachother and to identify and manage Rupert’s pain ❤️

‼️Injections don’t have to be stressful and scary! 😻This is my friend, Mia, and her senior cat, Pterry, he needs a solensia injection monthly to help manage his pain, as a veterinary technician and a friend, I come over to help. 🎉Each injection experience has been less and less stressful, and today, Pterry was excited to receive his injection! 🐈‍⬛You see in the video he chooses to come to the cat tree (there are cat stairs to make more accessible you can’t see) and remains there eating even after the injection, enjoying his churu. When giving him his injections, I always use considerate approach which includes approaching him from the side and setting up the environment to be comfortable along with minimizing stressors. He remains in a position that is comfortable for him, standing up. I changed the needle to a fresh needle after drawing it up, gave the injection using a 25 gauge needle which he prefers and used a touch gradient prior to, during, and after giving the injection. ❤️Chirrups and Chatter offers cooperative care and medication training for cats and dogs along with fear free handling education via lectures and workshops to shelters and veterinary clinics. ❤️Like and follow for more cooperative care and handling tips

🐾 Struggling to get your cat into their carrier?

🐾 Struggling to get your cat into their carrier? 🎥 Watch for tips to help get your cat into the carrier 🙀Say goodbye to the stress of the "tip and dump" method or coaxing your kitty through that tiny carrier door. 😻Discover a gentler, more effective approach: dismantle the carrier, calmly guide your cat inside using treats or toys, then reassemble. If your cat is stressed or not feeling well, gently picking them up and placing them in the carrier is best and then reassembling. Reduce anxiety levels and make those trips smoother for both you and your furry friend! 🚗💨 Even better, you can teach your cat to love the carrier. Follow and head over to chirrupsandchatter.com for more resources on helping your cat love their carrier! 📚

🎉 Happy National (Don’t Hug) Your Dog Day! 🎉⁣ ⁣ Today is a great day to celebrate our furry friends and emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting their boundaries. ⁣ ⁣ Here are a few ways you can celebrate this special day while respecting your dog’s boundaries:⁣ ⁣ 1. Interact with Your Dog in a Way They Enjoy- Every dog is different, so take the time to learn what your furry friend loves. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a belly rub, or a relaxing walk in the park, find activities that bring joy to your dog.⁣ ⁣ 2. Let Your Dog Initiate, Choose, and Control Human Contact: Dogs, like people, have their own preferences when it comes to physical contact. Allow your dog to approach you for affection and respect their cues if they prefer some space.⁣ ⁣ 3. Educate Children About Dog Communication: It’s essential to teach children how to interact safely and respectfully with dogs. Many dogs feel uncomfortable or threatened by hugs and kisses, which can lead to misunderstandings and potentially dangerous situations. Teach children to recognize signs of discomfort in dogs, such as stiff body language, growling, or showing teeth, and to always ask permission before approaching a dog they don’t know.⁣ ⁣ The Family dog and Family Paws Parent education are great resources @thefamilydogpros @familypawsofficial ⁣ ⁣ 4. Pay Attention to Dog Body Language: Dogs communicate primarily through body language. Watch for signs of stress or discomfort, such as ears pinned back, yawning, or licking lips, and respond accordingly by giving your dog space or redirecting their attention to something more enjoyable.⁣ ⁣ By celebrating National (Don’t Hug) Your Dog Day, we not only show our love and appreciation for our canine companions but also promote a better understanding of their needs and preferences. Let’s make every day a happy and safe day for our beloved dogs! 🐾❤️⁣

🌟 You better reward that sh*t

🌟 You better reward that sh*t ⭐️ Ever notice how we often overlook the behaviors we like that our animals do? We tend to ignore behaviors we like, not only with our animals but with our friends and family too! For example, my partner routinely does the laundry and I used to ignore it but when he didn't do it, I would get upset and say, I don't have any clean scrubs, what am I going to do?! Not only, did I ignore the behavior I liked but then I added punishment (me getting upset) which is going to decrease that behavior and negatively affect our relationship Now, I do my best to reinforce all the amazing things my partner does By expressing gratitude and appreciation, not only do I maintain those behaviors, but our bond grows stronger with each gesture. The same goes for our pets! Positive reinforcement not only maintains but also strengthens desired behaviors. Positive reinforcement can transform everyday moments into opportunities to connect and grow with your pet! So next time you catch your pet doing something you love, don't ignore it – reinforce it! It may be checking in with you during a walk or your cat scratching their scratcher. Tshirt from Woof Cultr #positivereinforcement #animalbehavior #dogtraining #cattraining #doglover #catlover #dontignoreitreinforceit

🐾🌟 Transforming nail trims and medical procedures into fun experiences with my dog, Ness!

Ness and I have worked together to make nail trims, taking medications, and undergoing medical procedures less stressful and even fun! Cooperative care is all about collaboration between animal and the people providing the care. With cooperative care, we are focused on both the physical and emotional well-being of the animal and adapt our interactions based on body language and other behavioral signals from the animal. It is a dialogue between animals and people, rather than a one sided conversation controlled by people. 🤝 Collaboration is Key 🐕 I prioritize Ness's physical and emotional well-being. 🐕Our interactions are based on her cues and signals, creating a two-way conversation. 🔆 Empowerment through Choice ✨ Ness actively participates in her care, showing readiness and comfort. ✨ She comes over to me eagerly. ✨ Offers one of her consent behaviors. Consent behaviors are trained behaviors which allow the pet to say they are ready for the next repetition. Ness’s consent behavior is laying on her side with her head down on her mat. ✨ She exhibits relaxed body language ✨ She eats and takes treats softly throughout ✨ When tossing a treat away, she chooses to come back so we can continue to training game ✋ **Gentle Touch and Predictor Cues** - I use a touch gradient. When touching, start with the least sensitive area first and once I have made contact, I glide my hand from one body part to the next (neck to rear leg) instead of abruptly grabbing leg and pulling the leg up or back. I start with her back nails which are the least sensitive area for her and gradually move up to her front nails. I avoid stretching out her legs which can cause discomfort. - Predictor cues help Ness understand what's coming next, building trust and cooperation. Predictor cues are a form of cooperation care training. Unlike a typical cue taught to prompt a behavior in the animal,. A predictor cue communicates to the animal what the person is going to d

🚫 Let's Avoid Pen Tapping! 🚫⁣

🚫 Let's Avoid Pen Tapping! 🚫⁣ ⁣ Today, let's delve into why pen tapping isn't recommended as a distraction when handling animals. The objective of using distractions is to prevent, decrease, and manage fear and stress. Unfortunately, pen tapping achieves the opposite effect. Here's why:⁣ ⁣ 1. Sensory Overload: Animals have highly sensitive hearing and touch. The sharp, repetitive sound of pen tapping can overwhelm their senses, heightening fear and stress levels, and causing discomfort.⁣ ⁣ 2. Fear and Agitation: Animals, much like humans, can experience fear and agitation when confronted with sudden stimuli. Pen tapping can startle them, creating a sense of threat and exacerbating fear and anxiety.⁣ ⁣ Instead of pen tapping, let's explore alternative distractions such as:⁣ - Gentle petting and stroking⁣ - Brushing ⁣ - Breaks during handling⁣ - Offering treats or engaging toys ⁣ - Providing verbal praise ⁣ ⁣ When using distractions, it's crucial to introduce them before, during, and after the procedure. Assess whether the distraction effectively manages or decreases fear and stress. For example, some dogs may respond positively to a high-pitched, happy tone of voice, while others may find it stressful. It's essential to observe the animal's body language and adjust accordingly.⁣ ⁣ Remember, not all distraction methods may be suitable for every animal. Always prioritize the animal's comfort and well-being when choosing distraction techniques.⁣ ⁣

Every interaction you have with an animal, there are always steps we can take to minimize fear, stress, and pain

Today, my friend Mia’s handsome senior cat, Pterry needed a solensia injection, and I came over to help as a vet tech specialist in behavior. His vet and I work together and they were aware I was assisting. This marked my first interaction with Pterry regarding medical procedures, and it was crucial to prioritize his comfort and well-being throughout.⁣ ⁣ By employing handling foundation techniques, communication, and a handling plan, he received his injection in less than 30 seconds, ensuring minimal discomfort for Pterry and a positive experience for everyone involved. ⁣ ⁣ Handling foundations include:⁣ ⁣ ✨ Creating a Comfortable Environment: Setting up Pterry's surroundings thoughtfully, including providing a cozy cat tree with a heated bed for a nonslip surface, elevated plate for food, and cat stairs for him to easily access cat tree.⁣ ⁣ ✨ Assessing Body Language and Preferences: Understanding Pterry's body language and preferences helped us tailor our approach for maximum comfort.⁣ ⁣ ✨ Effective Communication: Maintaining clear communication with Pterry’s caregiver ensured we were all on the same page, addressing any concerns and identifying sensitive areas.⁣ ⁣ ✨ Gentle Handling: Utilizing a touch gradient and approaching the situation with empathy and consideration minimized stress for everyone⁣ ⁣ ✨ Structured Handling Plan: Establishing a clear plan of action, including who would be doing what and where procedures would take place, identifying his sensitive areas, and selecting a location for the injection to minimize discomfort based on his needs, ensured a smooth process.⁣ ⁣ ✨ Managing Pain: Prioritizing his comfort meant managing any potential pain effectively. This included me giving the injection in the left rear along with the environmental setup listed above, and starting my touch below the shoulders since his shoulders are sensitive due to pain. ⁣ ⁣ Every little step we take to minimize fear, stress

My cat Jellybean required medication before I began training her for it. Even without a history of cooperative care training, there are steps you can take to make medications less stressful. Within a few days, she was willingly approaching her medication spot, even allowing my husband to administer the medication without stress. I wanted to share a few steps I took because medicating your pets doesn't have to be a stressful experience for you or them! Just a few weeks after starting medications, Bean now is at her station at med time, reminding me its time for meds! Each experience was less stressful and I did what I can to make it as comfortable for her as possible. 1. I selected a spot for administering her medication where she already had positive associations. Each evening, while I fill puzzle toys, Bean joins me on the counter, and we practice targeting together. 2. I found treats that Bean loves most—Tofurkey and her dry kibble. 3. I allowed Bean to remain in her chosen position, sitting down. 4. I always use a considerate approach and gentle handling, approaching her from the side and use gentle handling avoiding holding her mouth shut, and instead, giving her check and neck rubs to encourage swallowing. I follow up with a syringe of water after pilling. 5. When first starting the medications, I chose a liquid medication instead of pills and administered them on the left side of her mouth due to a painful tooth on the other side. This decision to use liquid medication instead of pills was made considering her comfort. She has a dental appointment scheduled to address this issue and was receiving pain medications. After administering the medication, I offered her favorite treat and made the experience more enjoyable by tossing kibble for her to catch. You can find more medication tips by following and at my website, chirrupsandchatter.com If you have trouble medicating your cat, chirrups and chatter can help! I offer individualized cooperative car

📘 🐾3 Veterinary Behavior Textbooks you need on your shelf in animal welfare and vet med! 🏥🐶 Behavior is medicine! 1. “Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses” 🐾 This book presents a comprehensive, up-to-date guide for veterinary professionals seeking to understand their patients on a deeper level. The book provides guidance in meeting the behavioral, mental, and emotional needs of dogs and cats, and offers an invaluable daily reference for daily interactions with patients and clients. 2. “Behavior Problems of the Dog & Cat, 4th Edition” 🐾 This book offers diagnostic guidelines, preventive advice, treatment guidelines, and case examples, along with details on the use of drugs and natural supplements to help optimize the behavior services offered in practice. 3. “Veterinary Psychopharmacology” 🧠💊 Designed to be an accessible resource, this book is a comprehensive reference on the use of drugs for veterinary mental health care, it offers thorough explanations of options, and explores why a particular drug should be prescribed, and why it works. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to provide comprehensive care and behavioral support for caregivers and their pets! 🐾❤️ Follow for more practical tips to help integrate behavioral wellness into animal care

📘 🐾3 Veterinary Behavior Textbooks you need on your shelf in animal welfare and vet med! 🏥🐶

📘 🐾3 Veterinary Behavior Textbooks you need on your shelf in animal welfare and vet med! 🏥🐶 Behavior is medicine! 1. “Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses” 🐾 This book presents a comprehensive, up-to-date guide for veterinary professionals seeking to understand their patients on a deeper level. The book provides guidance in meeting the behavioral, mental, and emotional needs of dogs and cats, and offers an invaluable daily reference for daily interactions with patients and clients. 2. “Behavior Problems of the Dog & Cat, 4th Edition” 🐾 This book offers diagnostic guidelines, preventive advice, treatment guidelines, and case examples, along with details on the use of drugs and natural supplements to help optimize the behavior services offered in practice. 3. “Veterinary Psychopharmacology” 🧠💊 Designed to be an accessible resource, this book is a comprehensive reference on the use of drugs for veterinary mental health care, it offers thorough explanations of options, and explores why a particular drug should be prescribed, and why it works. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to provide comprehensive care and behavioral support for caregivers and their pets! 🐾❤️ Follow for more practical tips to help integrate behavioral wellness into animal care

Join me at HSUS expo 🙌

😻 Join me at HumanePro HSUS expo 🙌 Join me at my workshop Nurturing paws-itive futures: The importance of kitten kindergarten and initiating a shelter program In this workshop, I will delve into the significance of Kitten Kindergarten, teaching kittens essential life skills and fostering their development. You'll learn about the crucial role this phase plays in shaping their physical, emotional, and social growth, and explore the steps to establish a successful program within your animal shelter. Learn more here https://ace24.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=218&fbclid=PAAaYGQoCaQ92CaIVjijtQqRD3A935m8cyRhc_4WwY2HMZGLpF9crVMPtE16E_aem_ASCmOY8lvUYp1PErSn4UJi7Xam8I2AgN8e8ldD4emySOfn6CgqNNT3WC9S8BmMOwCAQ

Cooperative care for the win!

Skip putting the meds in their meals which can cause a food aversion and can often not work after a few attempts and instead do the 1-2-3 medication technique ⁣ Found 2-3 treats your pet loves and start the process: 1. Approach and offer a treat. 2. Offer a second treat. 3. Reinforce their treat-eating behavior. Gradually introduce adding different foods with the 2nd treat, Experiment with different treat consistencies and flavors. This approach builds trust and cooperation, without trickery. Capsules are also a game-changer, preventing bitterness and simplifying medication administration. Don't miss out and follow for more cooperative care tips! ❤️

PSA: Behavior is medicine

🐾 **PSA: Behavior Is Medicine!** 🌟 As Veterinary professionals, We want to provide the best care we can provide and have opportunities to support, educate, and help caregivers. That’s why I am excited to announce I will be creating resources on how to practically apply behavioral wellness into your care To start, lets highlight the importance of integrating behavioral guidance into the care we provide and wellness appointments Here’s a few reasons why it’s crucial: 🔍 Diganostic Tool: Behavior is a key indicator of health. By understanding it, we can enhance well-being and welfare. It aids in diagnosis and assessment of treatment. 🤝 Trust: Caregivers trust us with their concerns. By addressing behavior, we offer support and hope, encouraging timely intervention. 🛡️ Safety: Behavioral insights help us prevent and manage aggressive behaviors, ensuring a safer environment. 💙 Strengthening the human animal bond: Addressing behavior strengthens the beautiful bond between humans and animals. 💸 Revenue Boost: Offering behavioral services not only improves outcomes but also benefits our hospital financially. 🧠 Mental Health Matters: Recognizing mental health’s role in overall well-being is vital. Let’s prioritize it together! Stay tuned for resources and tips on how to practically apply behavior wellness to your care #behaviorismedicine #veterinarycare #AnimalWellness #mentalhealthmatters #vetmed #dogbehavior #catbehaviorassociates #cattraining #dogtraining #listen #vetmed #veterinary #vts #tips #psa #animalwelfare #veterinary #vettech #behavior #cats #dogs

10 out of 10 Fear Free Tips

10 out of 10 of my @fearfreepets series of short videos dedicated to quick tips on reducing fear, stress, and pain when handling animals. ⁣ ⁣ Handling our patients is just one part of the puzzle. Understanding their body language, and managing their environment and stressors are key elements in reducing their stress levels.⁣ ⁣ Consider things from your patient’s point of view: sights, smells, sounds, touch, and even tastes can influence their stress levels. Prioritize setting up the environment to minimize stressors within your control. This could involve adjusting lighting, noise levels, or even the presence of unfamiliar objects. ⁣ ⁣ Here are just a few examples: ⁣ ⁣ Nonslip surfaces—Should be made available in all areas of the hospital in which patients have access. Examples include exam and treatment tables, exam and treatment room floors, reception area, kennels/cages, radiograph table, bathing area, scales, etc.⁣ ⁣ Acoustic and/or music therapy— A neutral white noise machine can be used to muffle other hospital sounds. Classical music can be used throughout the hospital to facilitate relaxation and dilute potentially unpleasant sounds associated with the hospital.⁣ ⁣ Incandescent lighting and/or natural lighting—Provides for a more home-like feel. One of my favorite things is inexpensive fluorescent light covers which provide a less stressful environment for animals and humans. ⁣ ⁣ Calming pheromones—Can be used on towels, bedding, scrubs, or as a diffuser in all rooms within the hospital.⁣ ⁣ Visual barriers- Examples of visual barriers include plants, brochure stand, the strategic placement of towels, and utilizing tables or other natural barriers while moving patients through the hospital.⁣ ⁣ Fresh needles—For injections, to make for a smooth insertion into the skin.⁣ ⁣ Topical anesthetics—Can be used to numb an area prior to injection or procedures, if medically appropriate.⁣ ⁣ By minimizing pot

9 out of 10 of my Fear Free tips⁣ ⁣ My 9th tip focuses on saving time and decreasing stress when handling our feline and canine patients ⁣ ⁣ When it comes to examining our patients, it's important to do so where they feel most comfortable. This may be in the bottom of their carrier elevated on an exam table or a window perch in the room for a cat. It may be with the caregiver in the room with a dropped or loose leash (always assessing body language and factoring in safety) on the floor with a nonslip surface for a dog.⁣ ⁣ 🏥Many clinics I work with have low stools to avoid from having their knees on the floor to replace thr huge office chair rolling towards the patients and commomly causing us to loom over patients during the exam process. ❤️Let's talk comfort. Every pet, just like every human, has unique preferences when it comes to handling. Medium to large dogs often feel secure on the floor, while cats prefer elevated spaces. By considering their natural preferences, we can create an environment that fosters security and well-being.⁣ ⁣ 💕 We need to recognize and celebrate the profound bond between pets and their caregivers. In moments of vulnerability, such as an exam, blood collection, and injections, the presence of their trusted human can be the ultimate source of comfort and reassurance.⁣ ⁣ 🚫 Let's challenge the notion of whisking pets "to the back" during nontrue emergent procedures. This practice can inadvertently increase feelings of fear and apprehension in our patients. Instead, let's prioritize transparency and open communication. I always make sure to ask caregivers if they're comfortable with needles or blood. If not, I invite them to step out and grab a cup of coffee or offer to move to a quieter exam room if there are distractions present. Our goal is to mitigate anxiety and promote trust and security every step of the way.⁣ ⁣ 🕰️ Not only does this approach benefit our patients emotionally, but it also

8 out of 10 of my Fear Free tips⁣

8 out of 10 of my Fear Free tips⁣ ⁣ My eighth tip focuses on starting off on the right paw when greeting our cat and dog patients.⁣ ⁣ Often, when approaching our patients, we approach similar to how we approach humans, forward approach, leaning in, smiling, looking into eyes, and reaching out for some tough (handshake, hug, high-five), all of these can increase fear and stress in our patients. When greeting our patients, we want to approach with care and consideration. Instead of diving in like you would with a human friend. Approaching with care and consideration includes: ⁣ ⁣ 🚫 Avoid direct eye contact or looming over them.⁣ 🔄 Turn sideways to appear less intimidating.⁣ 🧘‍♀️ Move smoothly and calmly; sudden movements can startle them.⁣ 🐾 Let them approach you first.⁣ 🍖 Consider tossing treats or giving the caregiver treats or a toy to give the animal. Avoid placing the pet in a motivational conflict of wanting the food but also wanting to stay at a distance from you, start by tossing the treat rather than reaching out⁣ to hand the treat to the pet.⁣ And if they're showing signs of fear or anxiety:⁣ 🐱 Elevate the cat carrier and cover it.⁣ 🐶 Advise caregivers not to hold the leash tightly.⁣ 🗣️ Depending on the dog's body language, suggest they drop the leash and let the dog explore.⁣ ⁣ Like and follow for more tips to reduce stress for our feline and canine friends ⁣ ⁣ #vettechtok

7 out of 10 of my fear free tip series ⁣

7 out of 10 of my fear free tip series ⁣ ⁣ My seventh tip focuses on decreasing stress while transporting cats and dogs throughout the hospital. Here's a helpful tip to reduce stress and prevent potential conflicts when transporting animals throughout the hospital. When moving animals, it's important to carefully plan the route. Opt for the least stressful path, steering clear of noisy or crowded areas. Keep the staff informed as necessary and take steps to avoid or minimize anything that might frighten the animals. 🚶‍♂️ Check your route and communicate your plan with teammates. 🏥 Ensure the area is ready and clear for the patient. 🐶 Face the direction you want dogs to go, and use treats for encouragement. 🤝 Utilize gentle control and considerate approaches to minimize Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS). 👀 Choose the least stressful path, avoiding crowded or noisy areas. 🔒 Use barriers during transport to prevent interactions between animals. 🗣️ Inform staff and politely request assistance in opening doors and clearing pathways. 🛑 Minimize potentially frightening stimuli and ensure other patients are moved out of the way. ⚠️ Stay mindful of surroundings, avoiding loud noises and sudden movements. 🙅‍♂️ Refrain from moving animals through areas with barking dogs, loud equipment, or crowded spaces. Follow and check out my other tips to reduce stress for you and the animals you work with