Cat News:Jackson Galaxy Foundation Initiative for Shelter Cats, “Cat Pawsitive” launches April 19

“Cat Pawsitive” teaches positive reinforcement to improve adoptability

The Jackson Galaxy Foundation will partner with shelters across the U.S. to implement Cat Pawsitive, an initiative that introduces positive-reinforcement training to shelters, beginning April 19.

Developed by Jackson Galaxy and a team of animal behavior experts, Cat Pawsitive is a positive reinforcement training program aimed at:

·         enriching day-to-day life for cats in shelters

·         building social skills

·         promoting the human-cat bond

·         improving “adoptability”

Three feline behavior experts hand-picked by the Foundation will lead the pilot program in nine shelters across the country, ranging from small, limited-admission private shelters to large, open-admission municipal facilities. The shelters will each participate in three webinars with the trainers and will have direct access to the team for consultations throughout the three-month program.

“Our goal with Cat Pawsitive isn’t just to keep cats in the shelter behaviorally and physically active—we’re also working to empower staff and volunteers to continue using positive reinforcement methods when the program concludes,” says Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat from Hell on Animal Planet and Founder of his namesake organization. “This program will raise the public profile of cats, demonstrate their trainability and will serve as a model for organizations helping animals everywhere.”

Photo Courtesy of jacksongalaxyfoundation.org

Cats who are exposed to reward-based training methods gain confidence and experience reduced stress through clicker training sessions; soon they are building connections with staff, volunteers and potential adopters. Cat Pawsitive can help a shy cat learn to feel comfortable coming up to the front of her cage to meet an adopter, a feisty cat learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty learn to give an endearing "high five" to his visitors to seal an adoption deal.

“We are thrilled to be working with organizations all over the country to show the world what can be done to step up the game, and improve outcomes for cats in shelters,” says Galaxy.  Cat Pawsitive will run from April 19 through mid-July and will conclude with an analysis of the program’s impact.

PARTICIPATING SHELTERS:

• Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League (Washington, D.C.)
• Animal Care Centers of NYC ( New York City)
• Maryland SPCA ( Baltimore)
• Furkids ( Atlanta, Georgia)
• Cat Adoption Team ( Sherwood, Oregon)
• Anti-Cruelty Society (Chicago)
• Providence Animal Rescue League ( Rhode Island)
• Tabby Town ( Blasdell NY)
• SPCA of Texas ( Dallas) 

ABOUT THE JACKSON GALAXY FOUNDATION

The Jackson Galaxy Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that improves the lives of animals at risk by transforming the places they live and helping the people who care for them. JGF is led by the vision of Jackson Galaxy, who through his years in animal welfare, as an animal advocate, his work as a behaviorist and host of his globally popular TV show, ”My Cat from Hell,” has developed an unwavering commitment to help animals at risk and the people who work tirelessly to get them homes.

The Jackson Galaxy Foundation focuses on programs that drive innovation; promotes improved shelter design and construction; and provides “Elevation through Education”—increased knowledge that inspires and empowers staff, volunteers, rescuers and adopters to continually raise the bar for animals at risk.

More info about the Foundation’s programs and services is available at www.jacksongalaxyfoundation.org