1. The document discusses play behavior in cats and the use and selection of toys. 2. It describes the development of three types of play in kittens - social, locomotory, and object play - and how these types change and develop from kittens into adulthood. 3. The article provides guidance to owners on encouraging appropriate play in cats through the use of various toys that simulate different aspects of predation, as well as maintaining stimulation and play sessions as cats would receive in natural environments.

1. A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
FEBRUARY 2006 VOLUME 4, NUMBER 1
Feline Play Behavior and the
Use and Selection of Toys
Gary Landsberg, BSc, Sagi Denenberg, DVM
DVM, DACVB Ridge Veterinary Hospital
Veterinary Behaviorist Medicine Hat, Alberta,
Doncaster Animal Clinic Canada
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
DEVELOPMENT OF available. Social play involves rolling, variety of aspects of the predatory
PLAY IN CATS biting, chasing, wrestling, and play sequence. This type of play involves
Feline play behavior can be divided fighting. There appears to be no stalking, chasing, pawing, and biting
into to three types: social, locomotory, significant differences in affiliative or the object (Figure 1). Object and
and object play. Defining the exact aggressive behavior based on gender, locomotory play arise from 6 to 8 weeks
function of play is difficult because it although it has been shown that of age and peak around 18 weeks of age;
is a component of many other behavior littermates spend more time in physical they are generally the most dominant
patterns in cats (e.g., predation, mating, contact, groom each other more, and are types of play in adult cats. Object play is
social communication). However, there more likely to feed close to each other also the most practical way for owners
is little doubt that it is an important part than are unrelated cats.1,2 Social play in to play with their cats.
of learning and refining intraspecific older kittens (≥14 weeks of age) and
communication and motor and adult cats can develop into more
predatory skills, defining social and aggressive behavior. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
sexual partners, and learning about one’s Locomotory play can be solitary or The Role of Toys in Canine
environment. with playmates and includes patterns Behavior ..................................... 4
Social play behavior begins around such as jumping, rolling, climbing, and
the fourth week of life, peaks at about 6 running. This type of play develops at 5 Ask the Vet ................................ 7
to 9 weeks of age, and begins to decline to 6 weeks of age as the neuromuscular
toward 12 to 14 weeks of age. This type system develops and the kitten’s Hartz Glamour-Puss
of play can be with one other individual coordination improves. Award Recipient Announced ..... 7
or a group of playmates and may be Object play can also be solitary or
directed toward humans or other species, with playmates. It involves an object Veterinarian of the Year.............. 8
especially if there is no other cat as the target of play and stimulates a

2. One common question or concern is A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
that of early weaning and hand rearing. FEBRUARY 2006 VOLUME 4, NUMBER 1
Kittens weaned early (4 weeks of age)
develop predatory behavior earlier and Consulting Editors
show an earlier increase in object play, Albert Ahn, DVM
while normally weaned kittens are less Vice President of Corporate
likely to become predators and have a Communications and Consumer
later onset of object play. Previous Relations
studies have indicated that kittens The Hartz Mountain Corporation
separated from their mother earlier than Bruce Truman
normal develop a variety of emotional Senior Director
and behavioral abnormalities, including Animal Health and Nutrition
excessive fear and aggression toward The Hartz Mountain Corporation
Figure 1. A kitten’s play behavior other cats and people, slower learning,
often simulates aspects of the predatory and hypergregarious social behaviors, Associate Editors
sequence. (Courtesy of The Hartz and cats that are deprived of interactions Jill A. Richardson, DVM
Mountain Corporation)
with littermates may be slower to Director—Consumer Relations
develop social skills and may be The Hartz Mountain Corporation
STUDIES ON CAT PLAY hyperreactive to play objects and in David Levy
It has been demonstrated that object social play.6,7 However, a more recent Assistant Manager
play may be motivationally identical to study found that hand-reared kittens Animal Health and Nutrition
predatory behavior and that it can be were no more likely to develop behavior The Hartz Mountain Corporation
controlled or altered by the size and type problems than queen-reared kittens if
of toy (mouse size versus rat size) and raised by experienced personnel in the HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMAL SM
degree of hunger. Mouse-sized toys in a presence of a second cat and if wand- is produced for The Hartz Mountain
hungry cat were more likely to elicit close type toys (e.g., a catnip mouse on the Corporation by Veterinary Learning
contact play and killing bites.3 A more end of a fishing rod) were used to Systems, 780 Township Line Rd.,
decrease the propensity toward human- Yardley, PA 19067.
recent study compared the effects of
different types of toys on play behavior in directed aggression. In addition, there Copyright © 2006 The Hartz Mountain
cats. A used hair band seemed to interest did not appear to be any effect of Corporation. All rights reserved.
most cats, although the author needed to weaning history on frequency of such
behavior problems as pica, self-licking, Hartz® and other marks are owned by
stimulate this toy by pulling it along with
The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
a string. A food toy (i.e., a toy in which and inappropriate elimination.8
one can place food or treats) seemed to Printed in U.S.A. No part of this
be the next most favored; most cats TEACHING OWNERS ABOUT publication may be reproduced in any
would play with this toy with a minimum PLAYING WITH THEIR CATS form without the express written
of external stimulation by the owners.4 Cats that are housed indoors or that permission of the publisher.
Studies have also found that cats spend a majority of their time indoors
For more information on The Hartz
rapidly habituate to the sensory interact more with their owners than do Mountain Corporation, visit
characteristics of an object but that play outdoor cats. These interactions should www.hartz.com.
itself may be heightened or intensified, therefore be designed to help prevent
especially within the first 5 minutes; behavior problems that may arise from
thus, alternating toys throughout the the restrictions associated with living scratching toward household items,
play session is advisable. Only after an indoors. The environment and daily family members, or other pets. In
interval of 25 to 45 minutes between routine should be designed to provide addition, cats that are deprived of
sessions does play interest become less for all of a cat’s “needs,” including social sufficient stimulation may develop
intense. Therefore, play is motivated by and object play to simulate predatory redirected aggression, vacuum behaviors
two mechanisms: an initial interest if play and predation, perching and resting (i.e., activities performed instinctively or
the toy possesses appropriate stimulus sites, scratching posts, and opportunities unconsciously with no useful purpose in
characteristics (texture, small size) to climb and explore. Alternatively, the the absence of the stimulus that would
and rapid habituation unless the consequences may be that the cat directs normally cause the response), or
characteristics change.5 its playing, climbing, perching, and displacement and compulsive behaviors,
2 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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• FEBRUARY 2006 • VOL. 4, NO. 1

3. simulates the chase-and-capture activity.
Preferences of play (and prey) type vary
among cats, and a variety of toys might
need to be tested. This play provides
alternative outlets for predation as well
as improving owner–cat bonding.
Owners can use many different toys,
including wands with feathers, mouse-
like toys on ropes, dangling toys, or
battery-operated toys. Owners should be
reminded of the research that indicates
the preference for small and novel
Figure 2. Cats’ natural curiosity regarding their environment can make an activity objects and individual preferences so
center the focus of much play behavior. (Courtesy of The Hartz Mountain Corporation) that they choose toys that interest their
cat. In addition, since play can heighten
the desire for additional play, the owner
which might include chasing imaginary Self-play toys, such as small fuzzy should rotate through a few novel
objects, chewing, sucking, self- mice, balls, or toys with feathers or fur, objects during each session.
mutilation, and tail chasing. simulate prey that cats can swat, pounce Cats tend to be most active in the early
Toys can be an invaluable tool in on, or carry in their mouths. Other play evening or early morning (crepuscular),
directing social, object, and predatory toys, such as a closed track with a ball although some are fairly active throughout
types of play toward objects that are safe inside, “cat towers,” toys on springs, the night and spend much of their day
and appropriate. Toys might be defined as dangling toys, and battery-operated toys sleeping and grooming. Kittens tend to
self-play toys (i.e., either play itself is provide opportunities for cats to climb, be active for short periods frequently
reinforcing or playing with the toy jump, bat, chase, and otherwise “expend throughout the day. Owners should keep a
delivers food, treats, or catnip during energy.” More static “self-play” toys are diary of their cat’s schedule and implement
play) or owner-initiated toys, which less appealing to cats, and some cats play sessions during the cat’s active periods.
stimulate the chase and predation completely ignore these toys if they do Most cats can adapt to their owners’
sequence. In addition, a cat’s interest in not stimulate predation or feeding. schedule if provided with sufficient
climbing, jumping, perching, scratching, Rewarding toys include food-stuffed stimulation during the daytime and
exploring new objects (e.g., boxes, paper items that immediately reinforce play evening hours. When one considers that an
bags), and experiencing the sounds or behavior. For the most part, these toys average outdoor cat would eat about eight
sights of new stimuli (such as when should be small and light so cats can carry to 10 mice a day and make many other
perching on windowsills, watching kitty them in their mouths and easily and unsuccessful attempts at predation, a
videos, or observing the family aquarium) simply remove the food inside. Playing minimum of three or four play sessions a
allows owners many opportunities to with these toys occupies the cat for day is advisable. Ideal times for initiating
provide a wide variety of new and extended periods without the need for play with cats are when they are in the
stimulating routines. owner attention, except perhaps initially mood to play, before meals (hunger may
Many cats enjoy exploring novel items to gain a cat’s interest. Owners should be increase the desire to play), and well after
and areas; thus, providing the cat with advised to estimate the calories the cat meals (cats may be less interested in
some empty boxes, paper bags, or a feline consumes while playing with these toys so playing on a full stomach).
activity center (Figure 2) and new places that the amount of other food provided
to climb and perch can be useful. can be adjusted accordingly to maintain WHEN PLAY GOES AWRY
Inappropriate exploration, on the other an appropriate body weight. Some of Kittens and adult cats that lack
hand, can lead to destruction of household these toys can be filled with canned or appropriate opportunities for play and
objects and ingestion of items that might even frozen cat food; that way, the task of investigation can develop play aggression,
prove toxic or dangerous, as well as getting the food takes longer so that the destructiveness, exploratory behavior, or
increased levels of anxiety and arousal, cat is occupied for longer time. excessive nocturnal activity. Owners who
which can lead to redirected aggression in Perhaps the most useful and practical attempt to inhibit these behaviors with
some cats. Owners can also use food, form of interactive play is to stimulate punishment may inadvertently reinforce
treats, catnip, or additional play to reinforce chasing and pouncing on toys that the the undesired behavior or, alternatively,
desirable play and exploratory behavior. owner moves and drags in a manner that cause fear and defensive responses so that
(continues on page 7)
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • FEBRUARY 2006 • VOL. 4, NO. 1 3

4. The Role of Toys in
Canine Behavior
Katherine Albro Houpt, VMD, PhD, DACVB
James Law Professor of Animal Behavior
Department of Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
One of the most endearing traits of are an artificial substrate for canine be dangerous as toys—especially small,
dogs is their playfulness, which often gnawing, which might otherwise be cooked bones that are friable. This has
extends beyond puppyhood to the dog’s directed to the owner’s shoes, table legs, led some veterinarians to advise against
life span. Play behavior begins during or other undesirable objects. The wolf providing bones to dogs. The recent fad
the critical or sensitive periods of gnawing on the leg of its prey has its of feeding bones and raw food (BARF
development, when puppies are about 3 counterpart in the beagle gnawing on a diet) may help determine whether these
weeks old.1 At that age, they mouth; by 4 sterilized bone purchased by its owner warnings are justified.
to 5 weeks, they scruff hold and can from a pet store or even an untreated Bones are the most defended of toys.3
“worry” (shake) one another. By 6 weeks, bone from the butcher shop. Bones may Dogs are most likely to be aggressive—
they can signal play with the play bow.
Humans can use a bow-and-lunge
movement to initiate play in dogs.2
Social play decreases with age in
puppies, but exploratory play increases.
Although play may be directed toward
other dogs or humans, it is also directed
toward inanimate objects—toys. Owners
are often discouraged from wresting with
their dogs because of the possibility of
encouraging dog-to-human aggression.
This leaves toys as a primary way in
which owners can interact with their
dogs.
TOY TYPES
Toys can be classified into three main
types: retrieving toys, usually balls but
also simple objects such as sticks; chew
toys, which are less interactive; and puzzle
toys that reward the dogs with food.
Chew toys are attractive either because
they have interesting textures or because
of their resiliency, which stimulates the Figure 1. The texture of toys made of resilient rubber is often attractive to dogs.
dog orally (Figures 1 and 2). Chew toys (Courtesy of Dr. Tom Houpt)
4 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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• FEBRUARY 2006 • VOL. 4, NO. 1

5. mouths, feeling and tasting their world.
This is why it is so important to provide
puppies many types of toys.
An important warning to owners of
puppies is that discarded human clothing,
especially shoes, should not be used as
toys. Any money saved on puppy toys is
soon surpassed by the replacement costs
of good shoes, which the puppy believes
are just another chew toy. The pup may
even associate the smell of human feet,
common to discarded and in-use shoes,
with desirable chewing surfaces.
“TUG OF WAR” GAMES
Figure 2. One goal of a chew toy is to redirect the natural chewing instinct to a more
acceptable object. (Courtesy of The Hartz Mountain Corporation) The importance of chew toys for some
adult dogs is exemplified by dogs
employed in sniffing out ammunition or
growl, snap, or bite—when a human rubber toys is a hollow portion that can narcotics. The reward for many of these
attempts to take a bone from them. This be filled with food or a treat, which can dogs is not food but the opportunity to
problem is so common, even among dogs encourage the dog to chew on it. Items play with, tug, and worry a rolled-up
that otherwise do not defend food, that such as peanut butter or liverwurst are towel. Owners are often counseled not to
many owners do not classify it as good choices; cheese can be melted play tug of war with their dogs, especially
aggression or even a problem. Many inside some such toys (by placing it in a if the dog is aggressive. The only
veterinary behaviorists classify it as microwave), or biscuits or other treats published experiment along these lines
“possessive” aggression.4 can be wedged inside. Another option is involved golden retrievers; the
The next chew toy most likely to be to first freeze the food or treat in water experimenter played tug of war with the
guarded is a rawhide. These are large or or broth. Popcorn can be used for dogs dogs in forty-eight 3-minute sessions,
small pieces of dried animal hide or other prone to obesity. The principle is that the half of which the dog won.7 These dogs
body parts, such as hooves or penises. dog will spend a long time extracting the did not become aggressive, but different
These, too, may cause choking if a contents from the toy. Dogs often hold results might be obtained if a guard-type
piece of rawhide is aspirated or the toys between their front paws while (i.e., aggressive) dog played tug of war
gastrointestinal obstruction if a dog they chew the outside or lick the inside. with its owner for the first 2 years of life.
swallows a large piece of rawhide. For this reason, these types of toys are If the owner always wins, it is probably
Despite these possible consequences, suggested as part of the treatment of safe to play this game enjoyed by so many
bones or rawhides enrich the lives of separation anxiety.5 dogs and their owners. Alternatively, tug
many dogs, helping them endure the Dog toys are sold in a dazzling array toys can be suspended from a tree branch
absence of their owner or serving as an of colors, but because dogs are for the dog to use alone. Dogs are more
evening treat, almost like a cocktail, to dichromatic—they perceive fewer hues rewarded if they win, so dogs being
help the dog relax. Artificial bones may than humans—the reds and greens are rewarded for detecting drugs or explosives
not be as attractive to dogs. more apparent and, presumably, more should be allowed to win.
Some dogs favor fabric or fleece toys. pleasing to the owner than to the dog.
These do not provide the same dental Dogs see the world in shades of yellow, RETRIEVING
stimulus but are more flesh-like, which blue, and purple.6 Toys in those colors Retrieving is a form of play that has
may be why such toys often release would be more distinguishable to the dog been selected not only in retrievers but
predatory behavior; the dog may shake or but may not be any more attractive. also in herding dogs. It appears to be
worry it and then carry the toy. Some innate in many breeds but may need to be
dogs destroy fabric toys within minutes A NOTE ABOUT PUPPIES encouraged during puppyhood for this
or hours, in which case a tougher chew Puppies can be very destructive. They particularly rewarding form of play to
toy is needed. Chew toys made of rubber probably do not aim to destroy things but persist into adulthood.8 There are three
are usually strong enough to withstand rather are exploring their environment. stages of retrieving—chase, bring back,
canine teeth. A popular feature of many Lacking fingers, they explore with their and release—and not all dogs will do all
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • FEBRUARY 2006 • VOL. 4, NO. 1 5

6. three. Some dogs chase and grab a ball or diagnosed with an OCD. Dogs such as playing,9 owners should be encouraged to
stick and then either do not return it to border collies, which have been selected use toys to strengthen the human–dog
their owner or will return it but not for long attention spans and intense bond with their pets.
relinquish it. Some owners use two balls concentration, may be predisposed.
so that the dog must release or spit out Retrievers may also be compulsive. Care REFERENCES
one to pick up the other. Flying disks are must be taken that such dogs do not 1. Freedman DG, King JA, Elliot D: Critical period
in the social development of dogs. Science
another popular retrieving toy and injure themselves or become exhausted 133:1016–1017, 1961.
provide even better exercise because dogs or overheated when they play for too 2. Rooney NJ, Bradshaw JWS, Robinson IH: Do dogs
respond to play signals given by humans? Anim
must jump to catch them. long a period. Observation of fly ball Behav 61:715–722, 2001.
competitions suggests that participating 3. Houpt KA, Zicker S: Dietary effects on canine and
WHEN PLAY ISN’T A dogs are compulsive. OCD may be feline behavior. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
33:405–416, 2003.
GAME ANYMORE treated with tricyclic antidepressants, or 4. Overall KL: Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small
There are large differences in the the object with which the dog is Animals. St. Louis, Mosby, 1997.
playfulness and types of play preferred obsessed can be removed from the 5. Houpt KA: Domestic Animal Behavior, ed 4. Ames,
IA, Blackwell Publishing, 2005.
by dogs. At times, play can become environment.4 6. Neitz J, Geist T, Jacobs GH: Color vision in the
almost pathologic. Some dogs may dog. Vis Neurosci 3:119–125, 1989.
7. Rooney NJ, Bradshaw JWS: An experimental study
even display play-related obsessive– CONCLUSION of the effects of play upon the dog–human
compulsive disorder (OCD). It can be Toys are a form of environmental relationship. Appl Anim Behav Sci 75:161–176,
2002.
difficult to know if a dog is obsessing, enrichment for clients’ dogs, which may
8. Scott JP: Critical periods in behavioral
but a dog that lies in front of the cabinet otherwise lead unstimulating lives development. Science 138:949–958, 1962.
in which the tennis ball is stored and without performing the tasks for which 9. Hubrecht RC: A comparison of social and
environmental enrichment methods for
that plays fetch with the ball to the they were bred. Because dogs may spend laboratory housed dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci
point of exhaustion can safely be as much as a quarter of their time 37:345–361, 1993.
These Pals are
For more than 10 years, the American
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In honor of their dedicated service, Hartz® is
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But that’s not all. For each Hartz® Vet Pal™
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7. Feline Play Behavior and the Albert Ahn, DVM, is Vice President of Communications and
Use and Selection of Toys
Consumer Relations at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
(continued from page 3)
the cat becomes increasingly uncertain
when and how to safely approach the
owner. The keys to managing these
problems are to prevent inappropriate
ASK TH E VET
behavior (through confinement or
avoidance), to stop using punishment as a
means of inhibiting undesirable behavior,
to increase play using appropriate toys
Q I picked up a Hartz brochure about dental care for pets at a
recent veterinary show. How can I obtain more of these for
my practice?
and stimuli, and to avoid reinforcing
undesirable forms of play (e.g., wrong
type, wrong time). Placing a bell on a cat
helps owners to stay aware of their cat’s
A The Hartz dental brochure is a great tool for educating your clients about the
importance of dental health. The brochure highlights the advantages of veterinary
dental examinations and the basics of home dental care. The brochures are free and
can be ordered in quantity by calling 800-275-1414 or emailing dental@hartz.com.
whereabouts. Another valuable tool is to
use a command or a “shake can” to teach
the cat to come for a treat or catnip toys;
not only does this preempt inappropriate
behavior, it also provides an opportunity
Q I heard that you are collaborating with a veterinary group to
help raise funds for animals involved in disasters. Could you
shed some more light on this for me?
A
The Hartz Mountain Corporation has created “Hartz® VetPals™” plush dog toys to raise
for desirable forms of play to be funds for the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), which has helped save
instituted. thousands of animals from hurricanes, fires, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters. A
portion of the proceeds from each Hartz® VetPal™ sold will be donated to the AVMF. The
REFERENCES Hartz® VetPals™ represent six animal species—parrot, cat, dog, gerbil, rabbit, and horse—
1. Barry KJ, Crowell-Davis SL: Gender differences in and wear green scrub shirts with the American Veterinary Medical Association logo. Each
the social behavior of the neutered indoor-only toy comes with a descriptive tag that tells a dramatic animal rescue story and explains the
domestic cat. Appl Anim Behav Sci 64:193–211, 1999. AVMF’s mission. To order, visit www.vetpals.org or call 888-281-6400.
2. Bradshaw JWS, Hall SL: Affiliative behaviour of
related and unrelated pairs of cats in catteries: A Additional newsletters may be obtained by contacting us at
preliminary report. Appl Anim Behav Sci 63:251–255,
1999. feedback@hartz.com or by phone at 800-275-1414.
3. Bradshaw JWS, Hall S, Robinson I: Behavioural
enrichment for indoor cats: A role for object play.
Proc 1st Int Conf Vet Behav Med:216, 1997.
4. Denenberg S: Cat toy play trial: A comparison of
NOTEWORTHY
different toys. Proc Annu Sci Symp Anim Behav: Veterinarian Arnold Plotnick Wins the
25–33, 2003 Hartz Glamour-Puss Award at the 2005
5. Hall SL, Bradshaw JWS, Robinson IH: Object play Cat Writers’ Association Conference
in adult domestic cats: The roles of habituation and
disinhibition. Appl Anim Behav Sci 79(3):263–271, Continuing its dedication to the human–animal
2002. bond, Hartz is proud to announce that the winner of
6. Turner D, Bateson P (eds): The Domestic Cat: The the 2005 Hartz Glamour-Puss Award is veterinarian
Biology of Its Behavior, ed 2. New York, Cambridge
University Press, 2000, p 14. Arnold Plotnick. The Cat Writers’ Association, an
7. Beaver BV: Feline Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians.
organization dedicated to professionals writing about Dr. Arnold Plotnick, left, receives the 2005 Hartz
Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1992, p 128. cats, teamed up with Hartz for this award that honors Glamour-Puss award from Dr. Albert Ahn, Vice
8. Chon E: The effects of queen (Felis sylvestris)- the best entry on the topic of feline skin and coat care. President of Corporate Communications and
Consumer Relations with The Hartz Mountain
rearing versus hand-rearing on feline aggression Dr. Plotnick’s winning article, “Brush Up on Hair Corporation, at the 2005 Cat Writer’s
and other problematic behaviors, in Mills D, Levine Loss,” gives important information to pet owners Association Conference.
E, Landsberg G, et al (eds): Current Issues and about caring for the feline skin and coat and discusses
Research in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine. West common reasons for hair loss in cats. The Hartz Glamour-Puss judge, Carol Harvey, said, “I found
Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Press, 2005, pp
it to be very informative, educating, and interesting.”
201–202.
Dr. Plotnick is a veterinarian and owner of Manhattan Cat Specialists, a feline-exclusive
veterinary facility located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. He is board certified in feline
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES medicine and is a frequent contributor to both Cat Fancy and Catnip magazines. He is also the
Indoor Cat Initiative: Available at www.indoorcat.org/ Medical Editor for Catnip magazine.
index.php; accessed December 2005.
According to Dr. Albert Ahn, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Consumer
AAFP Behavior Guidelines: Available at http://aafponline. Relations with The Hartz Mountain Corporation, “Hartz appreciates the opportunity to
org/resources/guidelines/Feline_Behavior_Guidelines. acknowledge great cat writers like Dr. Plotnick who help enhance the treasured relationship
pdf; accessed December 2005. between pets and their caring owners.”
As an award recipient, Dr. Plotnick received a cash prize, as well as a custom-designed award
FEBRUARY 2006 • VOL. 4, NO. 1 7 by renowned Texan artist, Peggy Dee.

8. Hartz Names Hurricane Relief
Volunteer “Veterinarian of
the Year”
Dr. Michael Reinhart, right, receives the 2006
Veterinarian of the Year award from Dr. Albert
Dr. Michael Reinhart, a passionate hurricane relief volunteer, Ahn, Vice President of Corporate Communications
has been named Veterinarian of the Year for 2006 by The Hartz and Consumer Relations at Hartz.
Mountain Corporation. example to us all of how we should react in times of crisis—to
A graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary help those in need get back on their feet in any way we can.”
Medicine, Dr. Reinhart is heavily involved in youth and Dr. Reinhart was nominated for this award by Deborah
educational programs in his area, routinely speaking at local Whitman, a longtime client who praised not only his diagnostic
schools about the veterinary profession and animal care and and surgical abilities but also his dedication to his patients and
encouraging students to shadow him in his clinic, the Jacaranda community. Ms. Whitman wrote, “He left his own family, two
Animal Hospital in Venice, Florida. towns away, on Christmas Eve, to hurry down the interstate and
Dr. Reinhart’s relief efforts began during Hurricane Charley. met my son and his critically ill dog at the office. Dr. Reinhart
He and his staff mobilized immediately after the storm. Driving immediately performed emergency surgery, saving the dog’s
into total devastation, they began to rescue people and their life.” Dr. Reinhart has a reputation of putting his patients ahead
animals trapped in their homes. Within 24 hours, he helped set of himself, often staying overnight at the hospital if an animal is
up a mobile, round-the-clock clinic to treat animals that had in critical condition.
been lost or injured during the storm. The runners up were Dr. James Zgoda of the Otterkill Animal
After Charley, Dr. Reinhart spent 3 weeks in the hurricane- Hospital in Campbell Hall, New York, and Dr. Ava Frick of the
damaged area providing veterinary services and working with Animal Fitness Center in Union, Missouri. Dr. Zgoda, a graduate
volunteers from the ManaTEEN Club, a local organization that of Cornell University, volunteers at a no-kill sanctuary that houses
engages teenagers in community service. He also contacted homeless, retired, and special needs animals. His mission is not
major corporations and solicited donations of cameras to take just to save the lives of companion animals but also to ensure the
pictures of the destruction for insurance payments, paint cans best possible quality of life for them. Dr. Frick, a graduate of the
for makeshift mailboxes, cell phone service, and animal food and University of Missouri, is the only veterinarian in the state of
medical supplies. Missouri who is certified in animal chiropractics practicing totally
“Dr. Reinhart’s dedication to his profession and his in the specialty of animal rehabilitation. Her innovative facility
community has touched the lives of many in their hour of provides a variety of treatments including nutritional support,
need,” said Dr. Albert Ahn, Vice President of Corporate massage, hydrotherapy, and ultrasound to help heal animals
Communications and Consumer Relations at Hartz. “He is an following illness, injury, or surgery.
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