Canisius College hosts 'Cats in Context' symposium

The Canisius College Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations will host a symposium, titled "Cats in Context," on Sunday, Jan. 20, from 4:15-6:15 p.m., and Monday, Jan. 21, from 8:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Regis Room located in the Richard E. Winter '42 Student Center. The event, sponsored by a grant from college benefactors Al and Noura Gress, is free and open to the public.

"There is no question that cats of all types captivate us and inspire us," said Michael Noonan, professor of animal behavior and director of the college's ISHAR program. "At our symposium, experts from multiple disciplines will come together for a thorough examination of humankind's relationships with cats. They will discuss everything from the history of cats and humans to the welfare of cats in animal shelters." 

The format of the program will include formal presentations, roundtable and open discussions by prominent experts, including:

• Linda Case, AutumnGold Consulting - "The Nutritional Idiosyncrasies of the Domestic Cat";
• Katherine Houpt, Cornell University and Animal Behavior Consultants of Northern Michigan - "Coping with Undesired Behavior in the Domestic Cat";

• Warren Johnson of the Frederick National Lab/National Cancer Institute - "Evolution and Taxonomy of Cats";

• Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States -

• "Impact of Domestic Cats on Wildlife";
• Janet Scarlett, Cornell University - "The Welfare of Cats in Animal Shelters"; and
• James Serpell, University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School - "The History of Cats and Humans".

View the full schedule of speakers at http://www.canisiusishar.org/symposia/cats_in_context.htm.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations at 716-888-2790.