News Alert: June 17, 2011

1. Protecting Kitty from High-Rise Syndrome

Summer doesn’t officially start until next week, but a distinctly seasonal affliction is already in full bloom. High-Rise Syndrome, a term for when an animal falls out of an open window or off a balcony, affects countless cats every year. Felines are especially vulnerable since their natural prey drive may lead them to pursue birds or insects.

During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City see as many as five cases of High-Rise Syndrome per week—many involving shattered jaws, ruptured lungs, and broken limbs and pelvises.

Just last week, we treated a two-year-old cat named Moreno who fell from his pet parent’s apartment window. Luckily, the kitty survived and received treatment courtesy of the ASPCA Trooper Fund, which helps certain needy pets and their families by covering medical expenses.

High-Rise Syndrome is completely preventable, and there is a 90-percent survival rate for feline victims who are given immediate medical attention. Check out some of our expert tips for keeping kitty safe this summer:

• Install snug-fitting, sturdy screens that are tightly wedged into window frames.
• If your cat falls, assume he has survived and immediately rush him to the nearest animal hospital.
• Go directly to the hospital even if your apartment is on the first or second floor of your building. Shorter falls may prove more dangerous since they don't give cats enough time to adjust their body posture to land correctly.
• Check your balcony or terrace to be sure that kitty cannot fit through ironwork or lounge on the balustrade.
• Use deck netting or wire mesh to ensure safety, and only allow the cat access to a balcony when properly supervised.

For more information about protecting your pet from warm-weather catastrophes, please visit our Pet Care pages.

2. Rock ‘n’ Run with Team ASPCA!

Team ASPCA is our national endurance training and fundraising program dedicated to helping animal lovers walk, run or cycle toward helping the ASPCA provide services to millions of animals. Get fit and help the ASPCA in our fight to end animal abuse, homelessness and neglect by joining Team ASPCA!

This fall, we’re rolling out the red carpet and welcoming animal lovers from across the country to sunny California as the benefiting charity of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles^® Half Marathon. As one of more than 400 Team ASPCA members, you’ll experience non-stop energy and excitement as we hit the streets of Los Angeles for the second annual event, held October 30. With ideal L.A. weather, rockin’ bands at every mile of the course and a red carpet finish, you’ll feel like the ultimate rock star!

Team ASPCA benefits include:

• Professional half-marathon training
• Weekend travel accommodations
• Guaranteed race entry
• Official Team ASPCA gear
• Access to exclusive race weekend events

Want to learn more? Visit teamaspca.org to locate an information meeting near you or to register for one of our virtual meetings!

3. Joplin Adoption Event Set for Next Weekend

Since a tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, in late May, the ASPCA has helped rescue more than 1,000 animals who were affected by the disaster, and we’ve helped hundreds more find their way into their families’ arms again. Still, the devastation has left nearly 600 animals homeless, and they need your help.

As Joplin begins to pick up the pieces and rebuild, the ASPCA is committed to making sure every animal finds a great forever home. So we’re joining the Joplin Humane Society to host a very special adoption event on June 25 and 26.

This is your chance to make a difference for the Joplin community and its families and animals—and to come home with a grateful new family member.

The dogs and cats vary widely in size, age, breed and personality—ranging from chatty Siamese cats to darling Shih Tzus to tiny calico kittens to lovable Labs. But they do have one thing in common: They’re sweethearts who are ready to be someone’s new best friend.

Each dog has also undergone a SAFER evaluation by ASPCA Animal Behavior Center Vice President Dr. Pamela Reid and her team. The pups in our emergency shelter, the team reports, showed off myriad wonderful qualities during testing.

“These animals have been through a lot, and they certainly deserve a new start,” says ASPCA animal behaviorist Kristen Collins. “The dogs’ evaluations revealed their different personalities—and it’s clear to me that there will be a perfect companion for just about anyone!”

Here’s what you need to know to attend the event:

What: Joplin adoption event, featuring nearly 600 cats, kittens, dogs and puppies who need new homes.

When: Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on both days.

Where: Joplin Humane Society 140 E. Emperor Lane, Joplin, Missouri 64801

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What to bring: A government-issued ID and proof of address. If you have an extra cat carrier to transport your new pet, please bring it with you.

Cost: Adoption fees are waived for this event, and all pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and with free microchipping and tags.

4. Sport Your Support with the Online Store

Looking for another way to help animals? Browse some of our hot new items at the ASPCA Online Store. All proceeds from your purchases go to support our life-saving programs. Plus, for a limited time, we’re offering free standard shipping on all orders over $55.

Animals Can't Dial 911 T-Shirt
Our snazzy message tees are a great way to remind others to speak up for helpless animals and sport your support of all things humane.

I Love My Shelter Cat Tote
It’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, people! If you’re lucky enough to be a shelter cat’s pet parent, then check out this good-looking bag that will get people talking.

Emergency Preparedness for Pets
Mother Nature is unpredictable, so we gotta be prepared—that means pets, too! Browse our full stock, including Pet Grab ‘n’ Go Bags and Pet First Aid Kits, for disaster planning.

For more tees, toys, gifts and pet supplies, visit the ASPCA Online Store—we’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

5. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Big Personality

Jade is a young, energetic cat who’s been waiting to go home for far too long! But don’t think of this little lady as a damsel in distress—she’s a feisty, independent tortie who loves to play with people—especially if toys are involved. (She’s also full of affection to give her new family!)

Jade is looking to meet her match: a savvy cat adopter who knows what Jade means when she flicks her tail (I’m busy here—let me be.) and what she means when she rubs your hand (I’m in the mood for love!).

Says ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor Katie Watts, “Jade likes other cats but can overwhelm the shy, quiet types, so an outgoing, playful friend would suit her just fine!”

Adds Watts, “Jade is more than ready for a home that can appreciate her big personality!”

Interested in making Jade a part of your family? Please call our Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. Or to view other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center Online.

***Want to help Jade find her forever home? Donate your Facebook status to this wonderful cat! Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that this kitty needs a home!

[Name] is donating my status to Jade http://www.aspca.org/jade, a cat at the ASPCA who needs a new home.