I'm on the hunt for a foster home for four kittens currently on campus that I'd love to have adopted instead of released after sterilization. I'd post pictures, but we're trying to avoid them until it's time to trap so that the mother doesn't move them again. This is their third home as it is, and they were only just rediscovered last night at 3am. Finger's crossed we'll have them by next week.
Please let me know if you're interested in helping to raise and find homes for these kittens... it really is a rewarding experience!!! I'll take care of the sterilization and vaccination of the kittens, and will help provide food and litter for them as well.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Prepping for the next wave...
I've started preparing for the next round of trapping by stocking up on feline medicines and vitamins for the ferals on campus (in additional to the usual stock piling of food and litter). I try to go the holistic route whenever possible, considering how many companies out there make products that do more harm than good, so I've been reading up on product reviews and nutritional information... never a really fun thing, but always a necessary thing.
For those of you in blogland who are interested in what products I use (all highly recommended), here's a brief list:
For kittens, I like to give them PetAg® Bene-Bac® Probiotic Pet Gel to help with digestion and strengthen their immune system. Bene-bac provides a concentration of seven beneficial live-culture probiotic digestive bacteria.
For the older cats I like to slip a little Nutri-Vet Probiotics with Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil into their food, for similar results as the bene-bac.
For general vitamins I use: Nu Cat-Chewable Supplement
Medicines I use are Ivermectin for mange (something a lot of these cats have), Pyrantel for worms, Terramycin for eye problems (usually associated with respiratory infections), and Clavamox for general antibiotics (also great with respiratory infections). Revolution is the best product to treat fleas, lice, mites and heart worms all in one.
For those of you in blogland who are interested in what products I use (all highly recommended), here's a brief list:
For kittens, I like to give them PetAg® Bene-Bac® Probiotic Pet Gel to help with digestion and strengthen their immune system. Bene-bac provides a concentration of seven beneficial live-culture probiotic digestive bacteria.
For the older cats I like to slip a little Nutri-Vet Probiotics with Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil into their food, for similar results as the bene-bac.
For general vitamins I use: Nu Cat-Chewable Supplement
Medicines I use are Ivermectin for mange (something a lot of these cats have), Pyrantel for worms, Terramycin for eye problems (usually associated with respiratory infections), and Clavamox for general antibiotics (also great with respiratory infections). Revolution is the best product to treat fleas, lice, mites and heart worms all in one.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Our First Adoption Event....
Well, I took the ladies to their adoption event today, and learned a lot about campus cat programs, but still came home with both girls. There were two women very interested in Emily, but each of their respective husbands said no to cats.... so to all the men out there, you guys need to man up and accept some cute kittens into your homes!! Adam is a 6'5" self proclaimed "dog person" and is also now a cat lover, so it can be "cool" and "manly" to have feline friends!!
All in all it was still a good thing to go to, and the girls got used to being in such an environment (I want to take them to more adoption events in the future). I also learned a lot from Sandy (the woman who runs the Barry cat rescue program), and now feel even more confident for my meeting tomorrow at UM to discuss the spay and neuter program on campus. It's not always easy trying to start this whole thing from scratch, so meeting people who have already gone through it and learning from them has been invaluable!
And now on to the next milestone in this adventure...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
In Case of Emergency, Break Glass...
I know we're still two months away from the start of Hurricane Season, but you never know what could happen at any given moment so best to plan ahead. Here is an email from a Cat Network board member, reminding everyone to create an emergency plan for their pets. I'd also like to direct your attention to this site for more resources on how to plan for various situations with animals:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp
For a free pet safety pack:
http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.aspx
Fellow Members,
I want to use the recent discussion thread as an opportunity to remind everyone that it is so important to make plans for the future care of your animals in the event of your death, incapacity, or an emergency such as unexpected job loss. We like to think of ourselves as immortal, but the reality is no one knows what life has in store and we need to make sure our pets are cared for in the event we are no longer able to provide for them - whatever the reason might be.
Today, an individual went to MDAS to make arrangements to surrender FIFTY cats because the person is being evicted from their home in two days. Thankfully, because so many cats were adopted over the weekend, more space is available to accommodate the cats at the shelter temporarily. However, that doesn't mean there's much hope for them given the precarious predicament of a shelter cat due the overpopulation crisis in South Florida.
It is very easy to become overwhelmed in rescue efforts. I maintain that it's not the number of cats that you have, but rather the conditions in which they are kept. However, the more cats you have, the more difficult it becomes to care for them. With the full fury of kitten season upon us, it is important to keep in mind that no one person can save all the cats. We cannot single handedly, or even as a group, bear the full responsibility of a society that does not prioritize sterilization of animals. We have to remember our individual limits, and that we cannot loose ourselves in our rescue efforts. Below is the wesbite to Tuft's University's study on animal hoarding.
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/hoarding/abthoard.htm#A4
While this may not apply to you, it may be beneficial to know the signs to recognize it in someone you may know. There is a constant battle between our hearts and our minds when it comes to animals, so it's important to be cognizant of potential problems that animal rescue presents.
Those of us who care about animals are vastly outnumbered by those who don't, so we must continue along in our struggles to help our furry friends- but all the while keeping in mind that we must maintain ourselves as the priority in the equation. That way, we can help even more animals.
Two more cents from me,
Sylvia.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp
For a free pet safety pack:
http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.aspx
Fellow Members,
I want to use the recent discussion thread as an opportunity to remind everyone that it is so important to make plans for the future care of your animals in the event of your death, incapacity, or an emergency such as unexpected job loss. We like to think of ourselves as immortal, but the reality is no one knows what life has in store and we need to make sure our pets are cared for in the event we are no longer able to provide for them - whatever the reason might be.
Today, an individual went to MDAS to make arrangements to surrender FIFTY cats because the person is being evicted from their home in two days. Thankfully, because so many cats were adopted over the weekend, more space is available to accommodate the cats at the shelter temporarily. However, that doesn't mean there's much hope for them given the precarious predicament of a shelter cat due the overpopulation crisis in South Florida.
It is very easy to become overwhelmed in rescue efforts. I maintain that it's not the number of cats that you have, but rather the conditions in which they are kept. However, the more cats you have, the more difficult it becomes to care for them. With the full fury of kitten season upon us, it is important to keep in mind that no one person can save all the cats. We cannot single handedly, or even as a group, bear the full responsibility of a society that does not prioritize sterilization of animals. We have to remember our individual limits, and that we cannot loose ourselves in our rescue efforts. Below is the wesbite to Tuft's University's study on animal hoarding.
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/hoarding/abthoard.htm#A4
While this may not apply to you, it may be beneficial to know the signs to recognize it in someone you may know. There is a constant battle between our hearts and our minds when it comes to animals, so it's important to be cognizant of potential problems that animal rescue presents.
Those of us who care about animals are vastly outnumbered by those who don't, so we must continue along in our struggles to help our furry friends- but all the while keeping in mind that we must maintain ourselves as the priority in the equation. That way, we can help even more animals.
Two more cents from me,
Sylvia.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Pet Show Realities
I came to the pet show expecting to learn a little something, but what I learned was to expect nothing. The pet show, like most things, focused primarily on dogs and only had a small fraction dedicated to cats (who were also lumped in with ferrets and guinea pigs!). The show in general felt more like they were pushing products than sharing information on how to help the animals, but in all fairness there were quite a few adoption areas, including this one with a lot of adoptable cats... I found a few I would have wanted in my pre-freak show days:)
There was also a lecture on introducing cats to a household and how to deter unwanted behaviors, but it wasn't a lot of new information (if anything new at all). But I did meet a few people, and gathered a lot of pamphlets I hope to find a use for in the future (litter pan liners?). I also saw the Cat Network booth and was disappointed to find it unused.
All in all I at least learned that I never need to go to another one of these types of events ever again.
Friday, March 25, 2011
2011 South Florida Pet Expo
I'm not really sure what this is all about, and I'll admit that I'm a bit freaked out by it, but I'm also curious and am tempted to go check it out. The Cat Network will be present at the event, so it can't be all bad, right? Maybe I'll learn something, or meet some people who can help me on my mission. And I do like the part where it's "indoors in AC comfort"... I'm a big fan of comfort.
Free Nail Trims
Agility Demonstrations
Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/Book Signings
The Latest & Greatest Pet Products
Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How YOU Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet
The 2011 South Florida Pet Expo
Saturday, March 26, 2011
10AM to 6PM
Free Admission * Free Parking
Bring Your Pet!
(on a fixed lead with proof of vaccinations, please)
Shop * Learn * Play * Adopt
www.facebook.com/southfloridapetexpo
Indoors in A/C Comfort!
Tons of Exhibitors
Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged
Adopt! Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event
Discounted Vaccinations, Microchipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives
Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged
Adopt! Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event
Discounted Vaccinations, Microchipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives
Free Nail Trims
Agility Demonstrations
Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/Book Signings
The Latest & Greatest Pet Products
Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How YOU Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet
And MUCH MORE!
Look who joined the party...
With the "no more mites" prognosis came new levels of freedom.... Lemur is now allowed to roam amongst the indoor freak show as she pleases. She's still a bit timid, especially when she gets the unexpected swat to the head, but she's learning to hold her own and even dared to enter the feeding frenzy at dinner. The furry freaks usually play musical food bowls, which Lemur didn't quite understand the rules of, but I have faith she'll get there.
Zadie gets to eat on the counter because she has no patience. If she doesn't get her food first, and set aside so no one else can touch it, life becomes very difficult to say the least:
And after she's done eating she like to sit in the window and watch the kittens play their eating games:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Message from the President
Well, it's not from Obama (I'm still hopeful he'll contact me soon for a special government cat project), but it is from the President of The Cat Network. It's always nice to hear that people appreciate what you're doing!:)
And the box trap is in reference to a special trap that makes catching kittens easier (literally one of those old traps with a box, a stick and a piece of string). There are a few litters on campus that I want to rescue and find homes for. The kittens are young enough that they can be socialized, assuming we can catch them. One litter in particular has already been moved a couple of times by an untrusting mother not amused by the people poking their heads in her child rearing business.
From: Charlene Grall
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 5:30 PM
To: Shannon
Subject: Re: [Dear Tabby] Fwd: spay/neuter program at UM main campus
You are one amazing lady! I can't wait to meet you. I will get my box trap back asap.
No More Mites, No More Mites!
Lemur went back to the vet this morning for a checkup and the second round of her vaccinations, and we got the best news... she has no more ear mites or worms!!!! And while the ear mites were especially cool to look at under the microscope, they were not so cool in Lemur's ears. But now they're history and she's just one set of shots away from being 100%!! Her spay is coming up next weekend too, so we're right on track to getting her into her forever home:)
Can't you just hear all the people chanting....
Can't you just hear all the people chanting....
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Low Cost Spay & Neuter (for cats & dogs!)
Hooray for Animals Services getting more money to offer low cost spay & neuter to the public!! I may have to start taking a few early week day trips to drop off cats for a little slice and dice. Finger's crossed they'll allow after work pick ups, although I think this would be an excusable absence from work to sterilize the cats on campus, since it is kinda work related. A tiny bit. In that it's the same location.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
INCREASED DONOR SUBSIDIZED SPAY/NEUTER SURGERIES AT ANIMAL SERVICES
MONDAY & TUESDAY FOR DOGS AND THURSDAY & FRIDAY FOR CATS
Miami-Dade Citizens Urged to Spay or Neuter Their Pets
(MIAMI, March 21, 2011) Animal Services is excited to announce additional donor-subsidized surgery days for Miami-Dade County residents. In an effort to help control the pet overpopulation problem, Miami-Dade Animal Services will offer donor-subsidized ($25 owner co-pay) spay/neuter services every Monday and Tuesday for dogs and ($15 owner co-pay) spay/neuter surgeries for cats every Thursday and Friday at the Animal Services shelter located at 7401 NW 74th Street, Miami, FL 33166.
“There are simply too many stray and abandoned dogs and cats and not enough homes to save every pet surrendered to Animal Services. Spaying or neutering your pet helps reduce the number of unwanted litters and protects them from health issues that may develop later in life”, said Dr. Pizano, Animal Services Director.
WHAT: Spay & neuter surgery for dogs and cats, limited space, first come first served.
COST: $25 Co-payment for dogs and $15 co-pay for cats.
WHO: Miami-Dade Animal Services Department.
WHEN: Monday and Tuesday, dog surgeries
Thursday and Friday, cat surgeries
Check in at 7:30 a.m., starting Monday, April 4th, 2011
WHERE: Miami-Dade Animal Services Shelter - 7401 NW 74 ST - Miami, FL 33166.
Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs over 4 months of age. Rabies vaccine can be obtained the day of surgery for $10 (or $3 if qualified low-income). Microchipping available for $10. Up to 4 pets per household; 3 months and older. No food or water after 12 midnight the night before. No appointment necessary. Veterinarian may decline surgery due to health reasons.
Pet overpopulation is something we can control, but we need the community to make a difference. Be part of the solution, spay or neuter your pet.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
INCREASED DONOR SUBSIDIZED SPAY/NEUTER SURGERIES AT ANIMAL SERVICES
MONDAY & TUESDAY FOR DOGS AND THURSDAY & FRIDAY FOR CATS
Miami-Dade Citizens Urged to Spay or Neuter Their Pets
(MIAMI, March 21, 2011) Animal Services is excited to announce additional donor-subsidized surgery days for Miami-Dade County residents. In an effort to help control the pet overpopulation problem, Miami-Dade Animal Services will offer donor-subsidized ($25 owner co-pay) spay/neuter services every Monday and Tuesday for dogs and ($15 owner co-pay) spay/neuter surgeries for cats every Thursday and Friday at the Animal Services shelter located at 7401 NW 74th Street, Miami, FL 33166.
“There are simply too many stray and abandoned dogs and cats and not enough homes to save every pet surrendered to Animal Services. Spaying or neutering your pet helps reduce the number of unwanted litters and protects them from health issues that may develop later in life”, said Dr. Pizano, Animal Services Director.
WHAT: Spay & neuter surgery for dogs and cats, limited space, first come first served.
COST: $25 Co-payment for dogs and $15 co-pay for cats.
WHO: Miami-Dade Animal Services Department.
WHEN: Monday and Tuesday, dog surgeries
Thursday and Friday, cat surgeries
Check in at 7:30 a.m., starting Monday, April 4th, 2011
WHERE: Miami-Dade Animal Services Shelter - 7401 NW 74 ST - Miami, FL 33166.
Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs over 4 months of age. Rabies vaccine can be obtained the day of surgery for $10 (or $3 if qualified low-income). Microchipping available for $10. Up to 4 pets per household; 3 months and older. No food or water after 12 midnight the night before. No appointment necessary. Veterinarian may decline surgery due to health reasons.
Pet overpopulation is something we can control, but we need the community to make a difference. Be part of the solution, spay or neuter your pet.
Big Kitty THANK YOUs!!
Big THANK YOUs to the people who have helped me catch, feed, sterilize and vaccinate all the kitties thus far!!! We still have a long way to go, but we've already made a huge difference, and I couldn't have done it without you!!!!! Love you guys (and little furry high fives to you from the cats)!!!
VIPs:
Charlotte
Aubree
Anna
Adam
Mom
Dad
And of course all the people at The Cat Network, Humane Society, Animal Services, Trail Animal Hospital and Ponce de Leon Animal Clinic. You guys rock!
VIPs:
Charlotte
Aubree
Anna
Adam
Mom
Dad
And of course all the people at The Cat Network, Humane Society, Animal Services, Trail Animal Hospital and Ponce de Leon Animal Clinic. You guys rock!
Sunny Shout-Out
"Day man
Fighter of the Night man
Champion of the sun
You’re a master of karate and friendship…for everyone"
Every time I think about trapping cats at night I think of the above "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" song. Probably because the cats are going to fear me like the night man, even though I'm trying to help them like the day man. It makes sense if you watch the show. Sort of.
I currently have plans to stalk a few kitties during the night in order to trap them without certain people knowing about it. Mostly because I've noticed a few neighborhood cats that are being kept as pets, but allowed to roam free without being sterilized. And of course they're mating. In Anna's yard. The gall!
So once I sew my superhero cape (everyone needs a cape, right?) I plan on setting up my traps and catching a few cats in the middle of the night, unbeknownst to their "owners". And with a drive-by release in the morning no one will ever be the wiser (mostly because it's not my neighborhood).
Morally wrong to sterilize another person's cat without asking? Probably.
Morally wrong to let an unsterilized cat roam free? Definitely.
Fighter of the Night man
Champion of the sun
You’re a master of karate and friendship…for everyone"
Every time I think about trapping cats at night I think of the above "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" song. Probably because the cats are going to fear me like the night man, even though I'm trying to help them like the day man. It makes sense if you watch the show. Sort of.
I currently have plans to stalk a few kitties during the night in order to trap them without certain people knowing about it. Mostly because I've noticed a few neighborhood cats that are being kept as pets, but allowed to roam free without being sterilized. And of course they're mating. In Anna's yard. The gall!
So once I sew my superhero cape (everyone needs a cape, right?) I plan on setting up my traps and catching a few cats in the middle of the night, unbeknownst to their "owners". And with a drive-by release in the morning no one will ever be the wiser (mostly because it's not my neighborhood).
Morally wrong to sterilize another person's cat without asking? Probably.
Morally wrong to let an unsterilized cat roam free? Definitely.
Justification
This is why I started my crazy cat sterilizing campaign (aside from trying to help the cats.... having too many litters makes females very sick, and the mortality rate for feral litters is 50% in the best situation).
One unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce 11,606,077 cats in 9 years. 11 MILLION...... That number is beyond insane!!! The gestation period for cats is about 9 weeks (60-67 days), meaning they can each have 4-6 litters a year (usually closer to 4). Each litter will have on average 2 to 5 kittens, and since kittens reach reproductive maturity as young as 5 months, that means the babies can start having babies before they've celebrated their first birthday.
They may be more prolific than cockroaches...
The Animal Services mobile clinic:
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
To Release or Not To Release... that is the question.
I released Alejandro last night (after giving him a name so I can keep these neighborhood ferals straight - and because I keep their medical records so names help), to his great happiness, but I still have the lucky black UM cat and Gremlin in the recovery ward. Gremlin will likely stay in one more day just to make sure she's alright (I figure she'll end up avoiding our house for a while...), but lucky black cat will hopefully be transported to his new home this evening. I was contacted by the interested student this afternoon about getting him (a PhD student who was already working to help the UM cats, so I know he's at least responsible), which means another successful rescue story to add to the list:)
I've also started communications with the University Facilities Office about funding for the spay/neuter program at UM.... looks like we'll get the help we need to help the UM cats!!
UPDATE:
Lucky black cat went to his new forever home last night. I know he'll be a happy kitty now that he's got full time love and care. He really was a sweet cat!
Also, Gremlin was released this morning (3/23). I guess now we play the waiting game to see if/when she shows up for food again.
I've also started communications with the University Facilities Office about funding for the spay/neuter program at UM.... looks like we'll get the help we need to help the UM cats!!
UPDATE:
Lucky black cat went to his new forever home last night. I know he'll be a happy kitty now that he's got full time love and care. He really was a sweet cat!
Also, Gremlin was released this morning (3/23). I guess now we play the waiting game to see if/when she shows up for food again.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Q & A
Q: When is cat rescue not fun?
A: At 7am when you have 11 kitties in your care.
This weekend was exhausting, and having 11 cats in my care is a continuous battle. Because of course they all just can't eat the same food or the same portions! It took a good 45 minutes this morning to get them all fed, which means I didn't get to wake up in any sort of leisurely way... never a good way to start a Monday!
At least the two neutered males will be able to be released this evening, taking us down to 9.... a more manageable number.
And at last count I only had 4-5 more unsterilized feral cats in the colony on my street, which makes me feel pretty good!! Hopefully after April 17th (next spay-a-thon event) we'll be down to zero!!!!
A: At 7am when you have 11 kitties in your care.
This weekend was exhausting, and having 11 cats in my care is a continuous battle. Because of course they all just can't eat the same food or the same portions! It took a good 45 minutes this morning to get them all fed, which means I didn't get to wake up in any sort of leisurely way... never a good way to start a Monday!
At least the two neutered males will be able to be released this evening, taking us down to 9.... a more manageable number.
And at last count I only had 4-5 more unsterilized feral cats in the colony on my street, which makes me feel pretty good!! Hopefully after April 17th (next spay-a-thon event) we'll be down to zero!!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Spay-a-Thon
The spay-a-thon was a great success... at least in that it got three more of my ferals sterilized and I learned what exactly happens during these events. I've also got my name down for the next one in April, and found a new volunteer to help with the UM sterilization mission. Slowly but surely it's all coming together!!
Gremlin's capture and recovery
Gremlin was, as expected, a tough cookie to catch. She would sit in front of the trap for a few minutes staring at the backdoor to see if there were any people around. Then she'd take a step in the trap, come back out again and stare at the door some more. Eventually she didn't see any people for a long enough amount of time, and finally went all the way into the trap (thank goodness hunger almost always wins out!!). She was not at all happy when the trap went off.
Gremlin also had a hard time with the sterilization. She turned out to be in the beginning stages of pregnancy, which tends to make recovery a little harder on the ladies. After not coming out of anesthesia past the recommended time the vets on hand had to give her an injection to wake her up, which is never something they like to have to do. She's feeling better now though, still groggy but at least active and aware. Only a couple more days of recovery and she'll be able to go back out and cause trouble in the neighborhood.
Gremlin also had a hard time with the sterilization. She turned out to be in the beginning stages of pregnancy, which tends to make recovery a little harder on the ladies. After not coming out of anesthesia past the recommended time the vets on hand had to give her an injection to wake her up, which is never something they like to have to do. She's feeling better now though, still groggy but at least active and aware. Only a couple more days of recovery and she'll be able to go back out and cause trouble in the neighborhood.
Rehab
I've turned our storage shed into a makeshift rehab facility for the sterilized kitties. There are a couple windows and a fan in there to keep them cool, and on really hot days there is an AC unit that can be turned on for them. The shelves that were out there already make for easy organizing of the cats and carriers too. All in all I think it's a pretty handy space that will be put to good use as we get this feral problem under control.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
UM lucky black cat
Trapping at UM proved to be harder than I imagined, and we ended up with only one cat to bring to the sterilization event. Just to be clear though, we had caught two only I managed to let one of them escape. Lesson learned.
This is the super sweet kitty that was neutered on Sunday, and is currently in recovery. There is someone who has expressed interest in adopting him, so fingers crossed that works out.
This is the super sweet kitty that was neutered on Sunday, and is currently in recovery. There is someone who has expressed interest in adopting him, so fingers crossed that works out.
Friday, March 18, 2011
I spy with my little eye....
The cats at UM are EVERYWHERE!!
They're pretty sneaky too...!
And while they look like they're in good health (who wouldn't be when you have 8,000 students feeding you anything and everything all day?!), they definitely need their shots and to be sterilized. Tonight I'll be hunting down the unsterilized ones, and have a few specific cats that are on the top of the to do list (Gracie, I'm coming for you!).
Hopefully they'll all come quietly, although I sort of doubt they will...
UPDATE: Gracie turned out to already be spayed... hooray for whoever did that!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Japan's Cat Network
For anyone out there wanting to help the animals of Japan, this is a great organization that is helping to rescue and house the animals affected by the earthquake (not just limited to cats):
http://www.japancatnet.com/
And for those of you who don't know just how awesome Japan is, take a look at this:
http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,104576135001_2000212,00.html
http://www.japancatnet.com/
And for those of you who don't know just how awesome Japan is, take a look at this:
http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,104576135001_2000212,00.html
Spay-a-thon : 3-20-2011
For those of you out there in blog land who have feral cats you'd like sterilized, the Humane Society of Greater Miami will be holding a massive spay-a-thon this Sunday and is accepting walkins. They also need volunteers, so contact them if you're interested in helping out!!!
The Spay/Neuter Miami Foundation, Inc. sponsors
free roaming & FERAL cat spay/neuter event
(MIAMI, March 7th, 2011) – Thanks to the generosity of the Spay/Neuter Miami Foundation, Inc. (formerly known as the Miami-Dade Animal Services Foundation), Animal Services, The Humane Society of Greater Miami, and The Cat Network will offer free spay/neuter surgeries for free roaming and feral cats only on Sunday, March 20th, 2011 at Spay/Neuter Clinic located at 10700 S.W. 211 Street, Miami, FL 33189.
“There are simply too many stray and abandoned cats and not enough homes to save every pet. Spaying or neutering your pet helps reduce the number of unwanted litters and protects them from health issues that may develop later in life”, said Dr. Pizano, Animal Services Director.
What: Free spay/neuter for feral and free roaming cats for Miami-Dade residents.
For appointments, please call 305-805-1603.
Up to four (4) appointments per person. Walk-ins welcome.
All cats will be vaccinated against rabies, sterilized, dewormed and ear tipped.
Veterinarian may decline surgery due to health reasons.
When: Sunday, March 20th, 2011-check in at 7 am and 8 am by appointment.
Where: South Spay/Neuter Clinic at 10700 S.W. 211 Street, Miami, FL 33189.
The pet overpopulation crisis needs the entire community to work together in order to reduce the number of animals abandoned and ultimately euthanized at Animal Services. For more information about donor-subsidized sterilization services, please visit www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 311. Please spay/neuter your pets!
Miami-Dade Animal Services is responsible for enforcing Chapter 5 of the Miami-Dade County Code, as well as Florida Statutes 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues. Unlike private shelters that have limitations on the number of pets they accept, Animal Services accepts all dogs and cats. Each year, the shelter impounds more than 36,000 pets. The goal at Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find life-long homes for as many animals as possible. Related links: www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 311.
# # #
Lemur's Close-up
Lemur got a bath last night, and since she was looking so pretty we decided to take a few action shots. At least now you can see her big eyes and three grey circles.
Only 12 weeks old and already a star!
This is what we do most of the time when we hang out:
Only 12 weeks old and already a star!
This is what we do most of the time when we hang out:
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
ADOPTIONS
Anyone interested in adopting one of these lovely furry friends, please feel free to send me an email: queennov79@aol.com
Each kitty comes with a 100% return policy, no questions asked, at any time (even 10 years from now, for whatever reason you can dream up including, but not limited to, "my goldfish doesn't like cats", "it's too old and no longer has fur", and/or "it looks at me in a threatening way"). They all will have been vaccinated, sterilized and loved by the time they are put up for adoption.
Each kitty comes with a 100% return policy, no questions asked, at any time (even 10 years from now, for whatever reason you can dream up including, but not limited to, "my goldfish doesn't like cats", "it's too old and no longer has fur", and/or "it looks at me in a threatening way"). They all will have been vaccinated, sterilized and loved by the time they are put up for adoption.
Next up on the Chopping Block
Gremlin is, I believe, the sister to Zadie (hence her name being Zadie's "Gremlin") and the mother to Lemur Cat. She has the most piercing eyes, and her coat is almost identical to Zadie's. She's also incredibly smart, and not all that trusting of the people (although she does come and eat the food in the shed after mama cat is done), so I'm pretty certain catching her is going to be tough. But I like a good challenge and she needs to be sterilized as I've noticed her flirting with some of the males in the neighborhood. I have four appointments at the Animal Services spay-a-thon this Sunday, and her name is down for one of those spots. The other three I hope will be some of the males across the street.
I'll also be volunteering for the first time at the spay event, which is pretty exciting. I can't wait to see all the behind the scenes action, and to help with the effort in any way I can. I also just volunteered to help with the University of Miami's TNR Program. Now to just find those extra 8 hours in the day....
Here's more info on the Animal Services spay-a-thon:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=602853622&aid=247537#!/event.php?eid=167783786606414
Lemur Monkey Cat
This is the latest rescue. I stand by my belief that her mom brought her to us, because the day before the mother cat (also known as Gremlin) spent the afternoon on our front porch watching all our cats inside. Then the next morning this little girl showed up, and seemed to be goaded into the trap by her own mother (who hopefully isn't really that smart because she's next on the cutting board).
Here she is on the first day with her stuffed kitten to keep her company:
It's a little hard to see what Lemur Cat looks like in the above picture, but it's basically like this:
She has the biggest eyes with dark circles around them, a grey head, an all white body except for a few grey circles, and a grey tail. Seriously, she's like the cat version of a Lemur Monkey. And now that she's been inside two weeks and is on the mend, I'll have to take some better pictures of her for the site. She's still in isolation (bad case of ear mites and worms), but she's on meds and in the midst of getting all her vaccinations so soon she'll be ready for adoption. She also has an appointment to get spayed the first weekend of April (Madeline is tagging along for that as well so they can be recovery buddies).
By April 15th she'll finally be off the medication, have all her vaccines and be sterilized so she can find her forever home. Of all the cats and kittens we've rescued thus far, this is the only one that from the first moment we caught her was calm and friendly. She loves to just sit in your lap and purr, and while she plays a little bit, snuggling is much higher on the to do list.
She also has no real name, other than little lemur.
Here she is on the first day with her stuffed kitten to keep her company:
It's a little hard to see what Lemur Cat looks like in the above picture, but it's basically like this:
She has the biggest eyes with dark circles around them, a grey head, an all white body except for a few grey circles, and a grey tail. Seriously, she's like the cat version of a Lemur Monkey. And now that she's been inside two weeks and is on the mend, I'll have to take some better pictures of her for the site. She's still in isolation (bad case of ear mites and worms), but she's on meds and in the midst of getting all her vaccinations so soon she'll be ready for adoption. She also has an appointment to get spayed the first weekend of April (Madeline is tagging along for that as well so they can be recovery buddies).
By April 15th she'll finally be off the medication, have all her vaccines and be sterilized so she can find her forever home. Of all the cats and kittens we've rescued thus far, this is the only one that from the first moment we caught her was calm and friendly. She loves to just sit in your lap and purr, and while she plays a little bit, snuggling is much higher on the to do list.
She also has no real name, other than little lemur.
Skelator and Bea
About three weeks ago I noticed one of the feral cats across the street was preggers (Madeline's mother to be exact). And while we now have such a cute kitten thanks to her, she did lose the rest of the litter to sickness and we didn't want to see that happen again. So Anna and I once again set off on a cat trap mission to catch this lady and get her spayed at the Animal Services spay-a-thon.
Handy dandy trap baited and set, she out maneuvered us for hours and eventually sent her little minion in to test the food. CAPTURED!!! Although it wasn't Bea it was Skelator, another kitty I'd been trying to catch to have sterilized and examined (only has one good eye and seemed a bit on the sick side....). He was a she, which pretty much makes it 100% of the time that I've been wrong about guessing the sex based on looks (orange, black & white tabbies and pregnant mothers aside).
Trap rebaited and reset, she eventually dared to make her way inside and was caught that evening. Her little buddy alerted us to the capture, as he sat by her in the cage until we went across the street to collect our prize. He also remained sitting in our front yard for the next few days until she was released back to her friends. I will leave out the part where Adam gave us "what is wrong with you guys?" faces, as Anna and I literally danced with joy over our capture of Bea!
Bea and Skelator were both sterilized, dewormed and given rabies shots by the amazing Miami Dade Animal Services team that held a spay day event in South Miami. If only I had more cages and traps I would have brought more!!!
Here are the two recuperating after the surgery, along with the other feral cats sterilized that day:
They're the two all the way to the left in the middle row (Bea is under the beige cat blanket, and Skelator is in the grey carrier right next to her).
Photo credit to the Cat Network.
And here they are after a couple weeks... still growing the hair back, but otherwise good to go!
Handy dandy trap baited and set, she out maneuvered us for hours and eventually sent her little minion in to test the food. CAPTURED!!! Although it wasn't Bea it was Skelator, another kitty I'd been trying to catch to have sterilized and examined (only has one good eye and seemed a bit on the sick side....). He was a she, which pretty much makes it 100% of the time that I've been wrong about guessing the sex based on looks (orange, black & white tabbies and pregnant mothers aside).
Trap rebaited and reset, she eventually dared to make her way inside and was caught that evening. Her little buddy alerted us to the capture, as he sat by her in the cage until we went across the street to collect our prize. He also remained sitting in our front yard for the next few days until she was released back to her friends. I will leave out the part where Adam gave us "what is wrong with you guys?" faces, as Anna and I literally danced with joy over our capture of Bea!
Bea and Skelator were both sterilized, dewormed and given rabies shots by the amazing Miami Dade Animal Services team that held a spay day event in South Miami. If only I had more cages and traps I would have brought more!!!
Here are the two recuperating after the surgery, along with the other feral cats sterilized that day:
They're the two all the way to the left in the middle row (Bea is under the beige cat blanket, and Skelator is in the grey carrier right next to her).Photo credit to the Cat Network.
And here they are after a couple weeks... still growing the hair back, but otherwise good to go!
Jasper Finds a Home
Despite my intense love for this cat, Jasper has found his forever home with a truly loving and great family. His new residence is on Key Biscayne, with a wonderful view of the beach and all the birds that go with it. He also has two doting humans who adore him (as it should be) and was completely at home within minutes of being delivered.Best part is that the people are friends (Adam works with the male counterpart), so we get much appreciated updates on his new life, and Adam gets to visit with Jasper when at work. And while I miss the nightly snuggles and *sort of* miss waking up to my hair being "groomed" (it was a little annoying when I was trying to sleep to be honest...), I know that he's in a very happy home, and I'm glad that his is now the best rescue story ever!!
And I'm also a bit jealous of his new view:)
Jasper battles the evil toilet paper:
Jasper with his ladies:
Mama and Co.
Well, apparently not long after Zadie was born mama cat had herself another litter. It took about 5 weeks before we even learned of the new batch of kitties, and of course as soon as we did I set up an elaborate cat tunnel to get them trapped and taken care of. Not that mama was doing a bad job, they just needed medical attention and I wanted to try and find them real homes.
So back to the tunnel... the litter had its home base in a little dirt pile on the other side of the wood fence in my back yard (staying on the side with the crazy dogs that I knew would eventually try to play "catch the kitties"). So I devised a tunnel leading from the hole they would slip through into our yard all the way to the trap filled with tuna a few yards away. Within minutes I had caught two of the babies, and it only took resetting the trap to catch the third. Mama was a little smarter, and outwitted me for a good half hour (she figured out how to reach in and steal the food without actually going inside and setting it off), but eventually she was captured as well. The kittens all came inside and were put in "the cat house" until they calmed down. Two of them were pretty sick already (one couldn't even open it's eyes they were so bad), but they were well fed and clean and playful. The next morning they were taken to see Dr. Tonarely at Ponce de Leon Animal Clinic (I highly recommend them!!) and given some medicine. Although they hated taking it, it only took a few days before you could really see the change in each of them.
It's hard to see, but here are the three on their first day with the people:
They spent about 2 weeks separated in the spare bedroom, until they had finished their antibiotics. After that they were introduced to the other 4 cats and immediately took over the house. They adjusted pretty well once they met the other cats and learned what indoor life was like. Jasper (the orange kitten) was the most friendly... he loved the love, and always wanted to be next to the people. He was also the most playful and daring, and had somehow managed to lose his whiskers, which made him pretty funny looking until they grew back. Emily (the black and white tuxedo kitten) was the most timid, but you could tell she just wanted to be babied. She is now officially the biggest baby ever, and will meow in your face until you pet her with all available hands. Arianna Fluffington (all black long hair kitten) is the most independent... she's a cat who knows she's pretty and is going to make sure you know it as well. She's also the one who is happy to play alone, but will occasionally let you pet her if you're deemed worthy.
In the days since these three first came inside they've made a full recovery, gotten all their shots, been sterilized and are now ready for adoption.
As a side note, although no less important, mama was sterilized the next day after she was trapped, and has been released back outside. She wanders around the neighborhood in her spare time, but mostly keeps to our yard. She also knows that she has her own dish of food and water in the shed in our backyard, and enjoys sleeping on our back patio area when the sun is bright and shining. Mama also has a new habit of meowing in the morning if she isn't greeted with a nice bowl of wet food by 7am (also wake up time for the indoor cats, despite my attempts and protests to sleep in on weekends).
So back to the tunnel... the litter had its home base in a little dirt pile on the other side of the wood fence in my back yard (staying on the side with the crazy dogs that I knew would eventually try to play "catch the kitties"). So I devised a tunnel leading from the hole they would slip through into our yard all the way to the trap filled with tuna a few yards away. Within minutes I had caught two of the babies, and it only took resetting the trap to catch the third. Mama was a little smarter, and outwitted me for a good half hour (she figured out how to reach in and steal the food without actually going inside and setting it off), but eventually she was captured as well. The kittens all came inside and were put in "the cat house" until they calmed down. Two of them were pretty sick already (one couldn't even open it's eyes they were so bad), but they were well fed and clean and playful. The next morning they were taken to see Dr. Tonarely at Ponce de Leon Animal Clinic (I highly recommend them!!) and given some medicine. Although they hated taking it, it only took a few days before you could really see the change in each of them.
It's hard to see, but here are the three on their first day with the people:
They spent about 2 weeks separated in the spare bedroom, until they had finished their antibiotics. After that they were introduced to the other 4 cats and immediately took over the house. They adjusted pretty well once they met the other cats and learned what indoor life was like. Jasper (the orange kitten) was the most friendly... he loved the love, and always wanted to be next to the people. He was also the most playful and daring, and had somehow managed to lose his whiskers, which made him pretty funny looking until they grew back. Emily (the black and white tuxedo kitten) was the most timid, but you could tell she just wanted to be babied. She is now officially the biggest baby ever, and will meow in your face until you pet her with all available hands. Arianna Fluffington (all black long hair kitten) is the most independent... she's a cat who knows she's pretty and is going to make sure you know it as well. She's also the one who is happy to play alone, but will occasionally let you pet her if you're deemed worthy.
In the days since these three first came inside they've made a full recovery, gotten all their shots, been sterilized and are now ready for adoption.
As a side note, although no less important, mama was sterilized the next day after she was trapped, and has been released back outside. She wanders around the neighborhood in her spare time, but mostly keeps to our yard. She also knows that she has her own dish of food and water in the shed in our backyard, and enjoys sleeping on our back patio area when the sun is bright and shining. Mama also has a new habit of meowing in the morning if she isn't greeted with a nice bowl of wet food by 7am (also wake up time for the indoor cats, despite my attempts and protests to sleep in on weekends).
Enter the Cat Network
After our many visits to Trail Animal Hospital, Dr. Lista recommended that we look into an organization called The Cat Network. Apparently if you live in South Florida and are trying to save the kitties they're the ones you need to know. I like to think of them while picturing the Godfather, only with cats instead of mobsters (and a whole lot less violence).
After looking them up online it was obvious they'd be my greatest asset and ally. I quickly became a member and started planning my TNR siege on the Bird Road kitties. And thanks to a visit to my father and step-mother's house in St. Augustine, I had myself a handy dandy cat trap (my dad is a big champion of animals, and has been one of my greatest "sponsors" in all of this!).
So armed with my trap, a group of amazing people willing to sterilize any cat I caught, Sterilization Superheroes was born!!!
And for more information on the Cat Network and all that they do, visit their site at:
http://thecatnetwork.org/
After looking them up online it was obvious they'd be my greatest asset and ally. I quickly became a member and started planning my TNR siege on the Bird Road kitties. And thanks to a visit to my father and step-mother's house in St. Augustine, I had myself a handy dandy cat trap (my dad is a big champion of animals, and has been one of my greatest "sponsors" in all of this!).
So armed with my trap, a group of amazing people willing to sterilize any cat I caught, Sterilization Superheroes was born!!!
And for more information on the Cat Network and all that they do, visit their site at:
http://thecatnetwork.org/
Madeline
As soon as we returned from Oliver's visit to the vet, one kitten short, Anna and I began Operation Kitten Abduction. And although it was Adam who finally caught our next kitten (man, was she smart!!), we finally brought Madeline into the fold shortly after Christmas.
At 5 weeks old she already had an advanced upper respiratory infection, every kind of worm, fleas, lice, parasites and a really odd purr. She also had the biggest eyes and cutest all orange leg we'd ever seen. And that purr....
She had to be on a heavy regime of antibiotics and remain in isolation, but it was only a matter of seconds before I knew we were going to be a four cat household. She's just the strangest little animal I've ever run across... gives herself some pretty fashionable hairstyles when cleaning her fur, and purrs as if she was part bird. Apparently being so sick so young left her with a damaged voice box, but I'm quite proud of our broken cat. Everyone who steps in our house can't stop laughing at the sounds she makes, and even the Trail Animal Hospital team are amazed by our turkey cat (or Hokie cat, according to Adam who is a VT alum). Dr. Lista constantly tries to take videos of Maddie to put on YouTube, and says that in all her years practicing medicine she's never seen or heard a cat like Maddie. I'll take that as yet another confirmation we have to keep our unique little kitty!
Maddie is now a full fledged member of the team, and entertains us all with her funny little personality. She's taken a little longer than the others to love the love, but she's absolutely on board now!!
At 5 weeks old she already had an advanced upper respiratory infection, every kind of worm, fleas, lice, parasites and a really odd purr. She also had the biggest eyes and cutest all orange leg we'd ever seen. And that purr....
She had to be on a heavy regime of antibiotics and remain in isolation, but it was only a matter of seconds before I knew we were going to be a four cat household. She's just the strangest little animal I've ever run across... gives herself some pretty fashionable hairstyles when cleaning her fur, and purrs as if she was part bird. Apparently being so sick so young left her with a damaged voice box, but I'm quite proud of our broken cat. Everyone who steps in our house can't stop laughing at the sounds she makes, and even the Trail Animal Hospital team are amazed by our turkey cat (or Hokie cat, according to Adam who is a VT alum). Dr. Lista constantly tries to take videos of Maddie to put on YouTube, and says that in all her years practicing medicine she's never seen or heard a cat like Maddie. I'll take that as yet another confirmation we have to keep our unique little kitty!
Maddie is now a full fledged member of the team, and entertains us all with her funny little personality. She's taken a little longer than the others to love the love, but she's absolutely on board now!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)