The Mayor kisses the cat. Noah Foster, held by his mom, First Lady Nancy Foster, receives a buss from Dad. Judy is frankly delighted about the whole thing. By Kate Karp

12:00pm | It’s been almost a week since licensing of cats became mandatory for the City of Long Beach. Aside from the benefits of healthy cats and a healthier city (through the mandatory rabies inoculations), helping to curtail pet overpopulation (through the mandatory spay/neuter requirement for all cats in Long Beach), the increased chance of reuniting a lost pet with his or her human (through the license tag or the microchip), and the latest “Sweet Bastet on a baguette, what’s about to disturb my nap now?” reaction from the cat, the licensing initiative brought forth the awwwwwwwww moment that featured First Cat Noah Foster and his parents.

On Saturday, July 17, Noah Foster received license 001, the first issued by the City of Long Beach.

“First cat—first cat license,” quipped Animal Care Services (ACS) manager John Keisler as he affixed the tag to Noah’s collar.

Noah was docile and calm, surprising for a cat in public, as he strolled around the lawn on his lead held by Long Beach’s first lady, Nancy Foster (although he did have a couple of ear-raising moments when the dogs in the kennel barked). Mrs. Foster said that Noah, one of the animals rescued by Long Beach Animal Control (now ACS), travels with them and goes for frequent family walks. With the license and chip, she said, he’s extra-protected.

“Licensing helps not only Noah but all cats,” Mrs. Foster said. “I urge you to go to the animal shelter and pick out a pet. We got a good one.” (Disclosure: Noah actually picked the Fosters out by reaching his paw from his cage and cuffing them every time they pet another cat.)

The cuteness factor of the event shouldn’t overshadow the purpose of cat licensing, which has received both praise and criticism. (In full disclosure, Kate wrote the article solo; Judy spearheaded the effort to create and push forward the legislation and so has recused herself from writing.) The legislation was supported by local animal advocates from the community and at the shelter and was brought to the council by 2nd District councilmember Suja Lowenthal.

“This is about equality and how we treat our best friends at home,” Lowenthal said, referring in part to the idea that if there is mandatory licensing for dogs, so should there be for cats. In effect, dog license fees are going toward shelter felines as well as canines.

Noah appeals to a higher power as Suja Lowenthal speaks.

The license is mandatory for household cats over 4 months old in the City of Long Beach. Owners must show proof of rabies vaccination and spay or neuter. The actual cost of the license hasn’t been finalized, but ACS is giving licenses free of charge until Jan. 1, 2011. Licenses may be obtained in person or by mailing copies of the cat’s medical papers (get them from your vet if you haven’t kept them) to ACS. The cat’s human has the choice of tag or microchip; I personally prefer the chip because collars can be removed or lost, especially if the cat should run outside. Of course, if a cat with a collar is found with a license tag, you can call the shelter right away. If your cat is microchipped already, send or bring the paperwork to ACS. Click here to download the license application.

An estimated 120,000 household cats live in Long Beach. Health and Human Services director Ron Arias said that so far this year, we’ve had the highest percentage of animal returns and the lowest euthanasia rate in 23 years, but the cat euthanasia rate remains higher than that of dogs and cats far outnumber dogs in shelters. He restated the good effects mentioned in the first paragraph of the article. ACS reported that since Noah padded into the media spotlight, 32 people got cat licenses—and that was during the first 24 hours. As of Thursday morning, the total has grown to 47.

Even before May 4, when cat licensing was brought up for City Council discussion, there have been supporters and critics of the new law. Besides Arias’s statement, the licensing fees will go toward ACS improvements, such as hiring a full-time vet and making inoculations and spay/neuter affordable for people in need. The intention of this program is not to be punitive to cat owners but to help reunite owners with their lost cats. Criticism has included such opinions as the difficulty of enforcement (I agree) and fees are just another way to get money out of residents (again, the money will be well spent, as ACS is at the bottom rung of the funding ladder). We expect and welcome discussion.

What cannot be argued, however, is that few felines enjoy a ride anywhere and an even smaller number like the vet. Even though a trip to the pet doc is no picnic for many dogs, it’s worse for cats and their humans. We searched to find a veterinarian who makes house calls, but couldn’t. If anyone knows of a local house call vet whom they recommend, please post it below. Greg Perrault of Cats and Dogs Animal Hospital also attended the event and said that one of the things that ACS is working on is a mobile clinic. But so far, we have to rely on subterfuge to get kitty into the carrier. My friend Margo Carter’s cats become recalcitrant and whiny when it comes to trips; she suggests quietly getting your carrier open and ready and hour or so ahead of time, and then hide it.

“If the cat hears that carrier open, [he or she] will probably be under the bed before you know it,” Margo said.

When the cat has forgotten (or seems to have forgotten) that you’ve lugged the carrier down from the shelf, quickly catch the animal and put him or her into it. Ignore the sounds of abject misery and torture on the way to the vet. Instead, put on soft music and talk to them—to no avail, Margo tells us, but it makes her feel better. Be sure the car isn’t stiflingly hot. Depending on your vet, they may be able to give the inoculations through the carrier; at any rate, let the vet remove the cat from the carrier.

“Odd how, on the way home, the meowing pretty much—well almost—stops,” Margo said. 


For FAQs about cat licensing, click here.

What the heck do you mean—the license fee’s coming out of my allowance? Photo by Nancy Foster

Virtually Pets

Harley
Deborah Turner, the spunky human companion of the beloved Wheely Willy, is quick to respond to an animal in need. Meet Harley, a purebred dachshund left lying on a lawn in the rain, unable to stand and walk. He was taken directly to Long Beach ACS, where the nonprofit animal organization Friends of Long Beach Animals donated a complete medical evaluation, and Medical ID Systems donated a cart to help Harley get around. And he did. Because of Turner’s experience and expertise gained by living with a special-needs dog, FOLBA asked me to foster Harley.

Now, Harley no longer needs his wheels. He’s recovered, healthy and happy, and runs and plays on his own. He’s sweet and docile, loves to go on walks, and adores children, other animals and, naturally, attention. He’s been neutered and vaccinated. After getting a wonderful new lease on life with Turner, Harley will continue to enjoy life and provide his new family with years of love, loyalty and laughter. E-mail Turner at Deborah@wheelywilly.com.

Pet Projects

Suja Tours ACS
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Back in November 2008, we introduced the new ACS manager, John Keisler and, with the help of our dauntless editor, Ryan, toured the ACS facility. Now, John’s passed it forward to 2nd District councilmember Suja Lowenthal. Click here to view.

Order Your Spay/Neuter California License Plates
New license plates that foster spay/neuter and help California’s shelters are available for order. Revenue from the plates, designed by actor Pierce Brosnan, will fund spay/neuter surgeries through local animal care and control voucher programs such as the ones in operation through Long Beach Animal Care Services; none of the proceeds will go toward shelter overhead costs. Plates will be sent out when 7,500 have been ordered—great way to fund a great cause and get people aware of pet overpopulation. Click here to view and order the plate.

Thursday, July 29, FOLBA Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA) will elect its 2010–11 board at 6:30 p.m at the Signal Hill Community Center, 1780 E. Hill St., Signal Hill. Special guests include Greyhound Pets, from the racetrack to the couch. Click here for more information.