Shop at the Humane Society of Missouri this Mother's Day for all your pet-themed gifts. Visit our Gift Shops for jewelry, apparel, photo frames and more! We're near you- in St. Louis City, the Westport area and Chesterfield Valley.

Want something unique? Honor your mom with a Barn Buddy sponsorship in her name!

Maybe she has been thinking about adopting a companion. We have wonderful pets waiting for a new forever home. See our special pets we have selected especially for Mother's Day.

Click here for great gift ideas for mom!

Mark your calendar, grab the kids and load up the dogs! Bark in the Park, sponsored by Purina®, is just days away. Register today and get ready for a dog-gone good time!

It’s a fun time for a good cause at an awesome value. Kids 12 and under are only $5 (kids under 3 are free) and adults are only $25. For your registration fee, you’ll get a Bark in the Park bone-shaped key charm. You’ll also have access to all family activities including:

• Your dog's paw print on a huge Purina® Paws for Hope canvas
• Performances by the Purina® Incredible Dog Team
• Family Fun-games, inflatables and interactive activities sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation and Heartgard/Frontline
• Enjoy interactive games, win prizes and learn dance
  moves from the Disney Channel’s High School Musical
• Exotic animal ambassadors from SeaWorld®/Busch Gardens®
• Live bluegrass music by local bands

Click here for more information about day of event activities.

Raise Money, Win Prizes!
Raising money for the animals could qualify you for prizes like a digital camera or a trip for two! More info.

A Big, Wet, Sloppy Thank You to our Title Sponsor:

Designer Purses - Networking - Adorable Animals

Thursday, June 26, 2008
6-8 pm

Enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres from
St. Louis' best restaurants

Help homeless animals

|Network with professional women

Win fabulous designer purses!

Get Details and Register Today!

Don't Forget About Mom Humane Society of Missouri Gift Shops

These items and many more can be found at our Humane Society of Missouri gift shops.
Click here for HSMO gift shop locations.  

Remember: Each time you shop, you are helping homeless animals find new, forever, loving homes!

Benefits of Exercise for People and Pets

"Tails on Trails" is a joint promotional campaign of the Humane Society of Missouri and Trailnet. Through this campaign we hope to raise awareness of the benefits of regular exercise for people and dogs. Read about the many health benefits of walking your dog!  

Kind Kids Can Make a Difference! Ways to Help the Animals

One year ago, on April 18, a new colt arrived at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Mama, a Thoroughbred mare, was pregnant when she was rescued in September 2006 from the horrible trailer wreck on I-44. Amazingly she survived and she gave birth to a healthy colt named Twist of Fate or "Twister" for short. The miracle colt was born with long legs and full of spunky spirit.

 
Watch Twister LIVE at the Ranch

Read updates on all the horses from the I-44 wreck.

Dr. Suzanne Saueressig, DVM

My cat recently started sneezing a lot. What's going on? 
 
A lot of things could cause a cat to start sneezing. Here are a few possibilities:

Dust, pollen, or other airborne particles: These can cause sinus irritation in cats, just like they can in people. Sometimes we can unintentionally put a lot of irritating particles in the air by doing things like lighting a candle, turning on the heat or air conditioner after not using it for a season, keeping windows open, dusting, or lighting a fire in the fireplace.

Allergies: Though allergies often cause skin problems in cats, they can also cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Your cat may be allergic to something new in his diet, a new cleaning product, or something as simple as pollen.

Cigarette smoke: This is actually the most common cause of respiratory problems in cats.

Infection: Has your kitty been boarded or groomed or around new cats lately? She may have picked up an upper respiratory viral or bacterial infection from another cat. Respiratory infections can have effects much like human colds and sinus infections.

Dental problems: The sinuses are closely connected to the roots of the teeth. If a tooth root is infected or inflamed, it can easily cause drainage into the sinuses and lead to sneezing.
This is an incomplete list - there are other things that could be making your cat sneeze as well. If he doesn't seem better in the next few days, you can take him to your veterinarian for a thorough examination.
 

“Cat Sneezes"
Healthypet.com. American Animal Hospital Association. <http://www.healthypet.com/faq_view.aspx?ID=162&sid=2>.

Your Talkative Cat 
 
Vocalizing is one way for your cat to communicate with you and with other animals. Some cats "talk" more than others, but most cats do make noise some of the time. We're all familiar with the meaning of hissing and growling, but there are also many other sounds that your cat is capable of, and a variety of reasons for vocalizing. If your cat is hissing or growling, please read "Understanding Cat Aggression Towards People."

Medical Reasons
If your cat's behavior changes suddenly, the first thing you should do is take her to your veterinarian for a thorough health examination. Cats often hide symptoms of illness until they're seriously ill. Any change in behavior may be an early indication of a medical problem. A new vocalizing behavior, in particular, may indicate physical discomfort stemming from an urgent need for medical attention.

Breed Tendency
Oriental breeds, such as the Siamese, are known to be very vocal. If your cat has a pointed face and a long, lean body, chances are she has some oriental heritage, so "talking" may be a part of her character. Avoid giving her any attention when she is vocal because this will only encourage the vocal behavior. Instead, give her attention when she is quiet.

Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some cats "talk" because they know they'll get a reaction. People may talk back, feed her, yell at her, pick her up and lock her in another room, or pick her up and soothe her. All of these responses will encourage an attention-seeking cat. To discourage this behavior, simply ignore your cat when she does this, and when she is quiet, pour on the love, feed her or give her some treats. This will teach your cat which behaviors you would like her to continue.

Your Cat Wants To Go Outside
If your cat was previously an outdoor cat and you plan to keep her inside, then good for you! Following are some suggestions to help make the transition easier on both of you.

Spay or Neuter: Spaying or neutering will rid your cat of hormonal urges to go out and seek a mate. This will result in a calmer, friendlier cat.

Play Schedule: Schedule play times during the times your cat would normally be outside. This will distract her from her normal routine and establish another, safer routine.

Window Seat:Be sure your cat has a view of the outdoors and a sunny place to lie. Cats like to watch birds, so putting a bird feeder outside this window is likely to make it a favorite spot for your cat.

Scavenger Hunt: Give your cat a game to play by hiding bits of dry food around the house. Hide the food in paper bags, boxes and behind open doors. This will give her exercise and keep her busy so she doesn't think of going outside. This is especially good to do right before the family leaves the house for the day.

Attention: Try to give your cat extra love and attention during this difficult transition.

Deterrents: If your cat still won't give up meowing by the door, try an aversive. Leave strong citrus scents by the door or hide behind a wall and shake a pop can filled with coins to interrupt the behavior. When she is quiet, walk out and give her a food treat and encourage her to play or cuddle.

Grief
Sometimes after the death or departure of a person or animal in your cat's life, she will vocalize to express her grief. This can be a normal part of the grieving process. The best thing you can do for her is keep her schedule the same (or as close as possible) and spend some extra cuddle and playtime with her. With time, this problem should take care of itself.

Transition
If your cat is new to your home or has just gone through a change (move, new person/animal in the household, person moved out) and has just started her talkative behavior, be patient. This may be happening due to the transition and will stop on its own if the behavior is not encouraged. Remember, even scolding can be perceived by your cat as attention, and thus encourage the behavior.

Copyright Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.

If you have questions about talkative cats or other behavior-related issues, contact the Humane Society of Missouri Behavior Helpline at (314) 951-1540 or e-mail our behavior department.