May 6, 2005

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Kitty questions

By Maureen Strenfel
Humane Society Silicon Valley

Q: We adopted a 3-year-old cat about four months ago. Recently, he’s started to sit in the bathroom and yowl his head off if anyone takes a shower. It’s not the water, he doesn’t start yowling until you actually get in and close the door. Why is that?

Animal Behaviorist Maureen Strenfel and her dog Ms. Jitters.

A: There could be any number of reasons that the cat chooses to do this. More commonly, the behavior is reinforced when you talk to the cat, pet him or even simply “yell” at him during the time. I suggest giving him another activity during this time (such as a food search activity) and shutting him out of the room. If the cat is not already altered, then have that done ASAP.


Q: I have a Siamese cat that is more than 18 years old. I was in the hospital for two months and left him with a friend while I was away. When I was ready to take him home, he acted like he didn’t know me and hissed when I attempted to pick him up. What’s wrong?

A: Cats identify family primarily by smell. If you were treated with different medications while you were in the hospital, then I am sure you smelled differently. Your cat just did not identify you as you! Be patient and feed your cat some extra special treats to reinforce that you are indeed friendly and part of the family.


Q: Where can I get my male cat neutered that won’t cost me a fortune?

A: Several Humane Societies and animal shelters offer affordable spay/neuter services to the public. Now through June 24, at the Humane Society Silicon Valley, every Friday is “Tomcat Friday.” All male cats can be neutered for just $30. Neutering helps reduce cat overpopulation, spraying and roaming.

If you have any questions, problems or concerns, please call Humane Society Silicon Valley’s FREE Animal Behavior Helpline at (408) 727-3383, ext. 753, or e-mail at animalexpert@hssv.org.

New endangered jaguar at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Sophia to make debut May 19

Evergreen families will have the opportunity to see Sophia the jaguar, the newest resident of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, beginning Thursday, May 19.

The 17-month-old, 65-pound feline arrived from the Fort Worth Zoo on March 30 and has spent the last few weeks in mandatory quarantine. Zookeepers report that Sophia is adjusting well to her new home and is very curious, playful and alert.

Sophia the jaguar will be ready to greet the community starting May 19. She spent the last few weeks in mandatory quarantine after arriving from the Fort Worth Zoo on March 30.

Zoo staff, as well as the community, mourned the loss of longtime zoo resident Jezebel the jaguar in February.

“We received flowers, notes, posters drawn by classrooms and many people shared their memories on the memorial page of our Web site,” shared Heather Vrzal, Senior Zookeeper. “It was very touching and reminded us of the impact that such a magnificent animal can have on a community.”

Like Jezebel, Sophia is part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Her arrival at Happy Hollow marks an important step for both the zoo and this endangered species. Participation in the plan gives zoos the opportunity to directly impact the status of an endangered species.

A program of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Jaguar SSP consists of 39 zoos dedicated to long-term management and conservation of the jaguar. This “computer dating plan for jaguars” maintains genetic records of the jaguars in captivity throughout North America and makes recommendations to zoos regarding breeding.

“We are particularly thrilled to be able to assist the Jaguar SSP by providing a home for Sophia,” shared Valerie Riegel, curator. “As part of the plan, Sophia could potentially be given the opportunity to breed with an SSP-desired male.”

The San Jose community has supported Happy Hollow’s conservation efforts for many years. More than $10,000 in contributions have been collected at the jaguar exhibit, all of which has been sent to conservation partner, The Belize Audubon Society.

The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas, with a record weight of more than 347 pounds. At one time, the species had a presence in every country in the Americas except Canada. Its habitats range from rainforests to deserts.

Today, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lists jaguars as endangered, and the jaguar is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which means that all international trade in jaguars or their parts is prohibited. Major threats to the species are population fragmentation, deforestation and deliberate elimination.