2011 Adoptions This Year!

Not only are we busy with getting cats healthy and ready for adoption- we're adopting out a lot!

For 2011, our goal is to adopt out 52 animals. Yep, one a week. And so far, we're ahead of the game with 6 before January is out!

In case you can't read that small print, the adoptions are: Waffle, Agent Orange Stripe, Eva, Tigerlily & Faustina, and Beta. Congratulations!

Lots of special needs right now...

  What's the best thing you can do to help a rescuer or foster parent? Come over to their house for a few hours and offer to help. I've had friends coming over to help bottle feed kittens and play with cats so they don't feel neglected. It's amazing. If you want a gold star, offer to scoop litterboxes/walk dogs or wash towels that have been soiled. But really, just playing with kittens and cats, or helping with the care of orphans, means so much. And talking to the rescuer. I feel so much saner after hanging out with a human for a little while as opposed to being alone, taking care of all the cats' special needs all day.

That being said, all my wonderful friends who have dropped in to help are making me feel like my house has officially become a shelter! Ha!

Here's some of the special needs right now:

There are 3 kittens who are being bottle fed. One, the runt, is currently getting formula when she actually drinks from the bottle, and weight-gaining gruel mixed with formula fed to her via a syringe when she refuses. I’m also giving them subq fluids (the vet gave me saline and a bunch of needles) and daily medicine. I actually have to drop off a poop sample today so the vet can see if there’s anything more to treat for, but I really just think it’s because she’s the runt. She might not make it, even with all this work. She weighs 8 ounces and her siblings weigh 10 and 11 ounces.

Then there’s one older kitten (Anne Bonny, named after the pirate because she only has one eye) whose cold is so bad, she can’t smell anything. I keep on having to clean out her nose with a bulb syringe and crack off the nasty crust. I put her in a room with a heater and humidifier to help her breath better. Since she can’t smell, she hasn’t been eating much, so I’m syringe feeding her, too. And giving her subq fluid to prevent dehydration.

Then there’s one guy (Big Papa) we got this weekend who is so upset at being abandoned, he’s barely eating. I might have syringe feed him, too. But I’m trying the smelliest, cheapest food possible and heating it up in the microwave to make it more aromatic today. We’ll see how that goes, first.

At least Mara’s eyes are doing better. They’re a beautiful shade of blue, not red! Antibiotics are the best.

Pets & Pregnancy/Children, Part 3 of 3

Most of the tips in part 1 & 2 were directly concerned with cats and dogs. Here is a list of health worries you may have have regarding other critters, along with a note about cats.

Special Concerns

Cats

Toxoplasmosis is a common concern with people who are pregnant. At least 15% of people are immune to the disease, and the likelihood of someone being immune who has had cats long-term is high. While there are dangers involved- for mothers who are infected between weeks 10-24, the risk for severe problems in the newborn, or even a miscarriage, is about 5-6%- it does not mean you have to get rid of your cat! Strictly indoor cats have very, very low rates of toxoplasmosis- you’re more likely to be infected while gardening if there are cats that live outdoors in your neighborhood. In fact, the number one cause of toxoplasmosis isn’t even cats- it’s consuming animal products such as meat.

If you are considering a pregnancy, you can get tested for immunity to the disease with a simple blood test. However, it’s important to be tested before conceiving. Additionally, a good precaution is to wear gloves (disposable or washed between uses) while gardening or cleaning the litterbox, followed by a good washing with hot water and soap. Or get someone else to do the chores, since toxoplasmosis can be spread by inhaling litterbox dust. It’s possible cats and people with toxoplasmosis show no symptoms and pass the illness easily, but it may still injure your fetus.


Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians also pose a potential threat to a pregnancy and newborn. Direct or indirect exposure to their feces may lead to a salmonella infection. It is important to note however, that the most common things people get salmonella from is animal products- especially meat and eggs. You can get your animal tested for salmonella, but false negatives are common. Up until the child is 5 years old, it is important to follow these guidelines:

-Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water following any handling of a reptile, amphibian or its cage
-Do NOT allow reptiles or amphibians in the kitchen, on the counter, or near any other food preparation area
-Do NOT use the kitchen sink to give the reptile a bath or to clean the cage. Ideally you should clean the cage outdoors; however, if you use the bathtub, make sure you disinfect it with bleach.
-Do NOT allow a young child to handle the reptile, amphibian or to play with the cage.
-Do NOT let the reptile roam around the house. If your animal requires lots of exercise, set up a room or space just for him or her so everyone can be happy & healthy.

Birds

People who care for birds also have their own concerns. Birds can carry several diseases that can be spread to humans, so get your bird a full exam before bringing a child into you home, or before you get pregnant/as soon as you find out afterward. Some birds can be very dusty, which can be helped by running filters through your home, for the health of the whole family. Always wash your hand thoroughly with soap and hot water after handling the bird or its cage- better yet, get someone else to clean the cage. Keep the bird away from talcum powder, baby lotion, safety pins, formula, aerosols, or dirty diapers which may all cause harm to the bird.

Rodents

Rodents may carry a virus called lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV). The house mouse, a wild rodent found near and in homes, is the main source of the virus. Pet rodents like hamsters and guinea pigs can become infected with LCMV after being in contact with wild rodents at a breeding facility, pet store or home. You can catch LCMV through contact with an infected rodent’s urine, blood, saliva, droppings or nesting materials- including inhalation. LCMV can cause severe birth defects or loss of pregnancy.

To lower the chances of getting LCMV while pregnant:
• Ask another family member to care for the pet and clean its cage
• Wash hands with soap and water after handling pet rodents
• Keep rodent cages clean and free of soiled bedding
• Clean the cage in a well-ventilated area or outside
• Keep pet rodents away from your face
• Avoid contact with wild rodents

If you have children, especially under the age of 5:
• Be sure an adult closely watches them when they are around pet rodents.
• No one should kiss pet rodents or hold them close to the face.
• Anyone who plays with the animals or cleans their cages or bedding should wash their hands afterwards.


Farmed Animals

Animals who are traditionally farmed may also carry hazards.

• Do NOT participate in silage feeding
• Do NOT handle stillborn animals
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water following any contact with farm animals or their living areas

Preparing Pets for a New Arrival, Part 2 of 3

Preparing for a new born or other young child

Are you adopting? Make sure to see if the child has been exposed to the kinds of animals you have. Of course, allergies can be managed, but it’s good to know ahead of time! Talk to the child before s/he meets the pet about appropriate behavior around animals. Also warn them that the pet may be shy at first but hopefully they will be friends in the long run.

It’s important to get a dog or cat use to the noises of children- laughing, running and especially crying. Many dog trainers offer baby readiness classes, but cats benefit from getting use to these noises, too. Recordings are available of these noises, and be sure to play them at different volume levels to prepare the animals for the noises in real life. You can also try keeping a child’s TV station on for long amounts of time. Depending on how your pet reacts to friends and family, ask people to come over with their babies and/or children to get them use to the different size, energy, etc. of children. Take your dog (or cat, if they are lucky enough to go out on the leash) to the park to observe children playing.

If your dog is a jumper, you should start preparing him or her to curb that behavior. In addition to talking to a dog trainer, you can start occasionally walking around the house, cradling a baby doll while positively rewarding the dog for calm behavior. A baby doll that cries is prefect, but any doll can mimic things a normal baby would do- sitting in chairs, laying on the floor, being pushed in a stroller, being rocked or sung to, etc. Additionally, you may want to try to get them to differentiate between their toys and the new arrival’s toys. Other things that may help: getting your dog to calmly stay until you tell him or her to come unto your lap and getting your animal use to nail trims, if they aren’t yet.

You should also start identifying behaviors that are OK now, but may become a problem once a child is brought into the picture. Start consulting with your vet or a trainer/behaviorist for tips. Additionally, your critter may become jealous of the attention directed at the new child, so you’ll want to include the animal in play with the new addition, and/or schedule special playtime with the pet.

Especially with dogs, it is important to consider their quirks and plan accordingly. How would your dog react to little fingers playing in their food or water? You’ll most likely want to move such things to a spot where the new arrival won’t be able to bother them. How would you cat react to being grabbed while in the litterbox? It’s very important that cats only have positive experiences in litterboxes, so move those where the cats can have some peace.

Since cats- and sometimes dogs- can be weary of change, it’s important to get them use to the sights and smells of the newcomers. Set up baby/child equipment and accessories as soon as possible so the items aren’t as unexpected when in use. Maybe bathe them with the shampoo the new arrival will be using (make sure it’s safe for animals!), sprinkle a little powder on their beds/favorite spots, or use the products yourself. Rock in the rocker, put on mechanical swings and other electronic toys/equipment so they get use to the sounds and movements. Walk your dog with a stroller/carriage/baby wrap so you can both get use to managing with them.

Consider what the new sleeping arrangements may mean for your critters- will the baby be sleeping with you? Get the cat or dog use to sleeping at the bottom or side of the bed. Will there be a crib, bed, changing table or nursery/bedroom? Decide whether the animals will be allowed in/on them or not, and train accordingly. The basic idea is to have the changes be old news by the time the baby or child is brought home.

If you give birth away from home or have access to the soon-to-be adopted child, have someone bring home a clothing item the new addition wore or blanket that s/he laid on and let the animals smell/be near it so they get use to the smell before they are brought home.


New Arrival!

If adopting or returning from a hospital, your pet may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Come in first and have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome. If the child is old enough to walk, remind them to be calm and come in after you. Keep some treats handy so you can distract your pet.

After the initial greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the child; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your pet to associate the new arrival with positive experiences. To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the child, and always supervise any interaction.

Life will no doubt be hectic, caring for your new addition but try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day— it may help relax you, too.

Place treat jars around the house, so that when you engage in activities such as changing diapers, feeding the baby, playing with children, etc., you can offer your dog or cat a treat so he will associate the new comer with pleasant experiences.

Always monitor the baby or child when s/he is around the pet. Never leave them alone together.

Continue to play with the pets to not only run off their energy, but make sure they feel loved. Cats and dogs especially can feel as if they have to compete for attention if they don’t get enough. Play with them alone as often as possible so they still feel part of the family.

Lastly, store soiled diapers/clothes/bedspreads where the critters can’t get to them.

Preparing Pets for a New Arrival, Part 1 of 3

In the excitement of pregnancy- or preparing for an adoption- many people say their animals sense the changes in the household and respond accordingly. Whether you’re preparing your house for a child or to take care of a grandchild, niece or nephew or friend’s child who will be over often, it is important to prepare your animals, too.


Pregnancy

Sometimes, a dog can become very protective of a person who is pregnant, even snapping at people s/he was previously very affectionate with, to “protect” the pregnant woman. And why not? Pregnancy changes things that companion animals can pick up humans normally wouldn’t. Changes in your mood, posture, behavior, and body chemistry tell them that a big change that is about to occur. They may even realize there’s a change happening before you even realize you’re pregnant. Additionally, in the excitement of a pregnancy, routines may be forgotten or changed a bit- or maybe just done a little slower. All of these factors can change an animal’s behavior. Some pets may seem more loving and cuddly than before, whereas others can can become more stand-offish or seemingly indifferent.

To prevent problems, try to stick to your routine as much as possible. Ask friends or family members to help out if necessary, especially with daily needs like a run or long grooming session. Write down your pet’s routines and have them posted somewhere visible in case of an emergency. Arrange for someone to take care of your pets while you’re gone if you have a hospital birth and appoint someone to care for the critters, to keep them occupied and less stressed out, if doing a home birth.

Even with a home birth, you may want to consider having someone watch your animals for a day or two, especially if they are very attached to you. Imagine if a bunch of strangers came over just as your favorite person is in terrible pain. Sometimes cats or dogs determine the midwife or doulas- or even familiar friends/family that have come to help with the birth- are to blame and become aggressive towards them. Other times, cats or dogs “sit” in on the pregnancy or even “labor” with the mother. Consider your animals temperament and previous experiences. Most of all, be flexible with your plan and have back ups. And watch out with birthing pools and your pets! Even cats have been known to fall in while trying to figure out what all the fuss is about.

Alternatively, you may want start training you pets to be a little more flexible. What happens if the baby wants to eat right as you’re leaving to walk the dog, or as you’re getting up to feed everyone? Begin by gradually varying your pet's feeding and exercise times, but make sure all their needs are still being met, too!

It’s important to watch your body language. Pregnant women often unconsciously place their hands over their stomachs and dogs read this closed-arm posture as saying "I'm unavailable" or "step back." Open-armed postures, on the other hand, send dogs the message to "come here."

Fabian!

Fabian has gone through two homes, but he is super sweet and super soft! He is the kitten we are recommending to families who want an outgoing and playful cat or to families with children (Handsome would be an excellent choice too!)

We are hoping his adorable pouncing, super sweet disposition and bunny soft fur will help him overcome the "curse of the black cat" - for some reason black cats are adopted at half to one third of the rate of other cats. This boy wants his forever home soon!!

Fuzzy Mama! (Soon!)

Slippers came to us pregnant a month ago. From what we'd been told we expected her to be further along. She is a calico - so I'm getting excited for very likely a rainbow of kittens. Also her coloring reminds me of something. I think it might be the 80s.

2011 is going great!!

2 adoptions in two days, and maybe another tomorrow!

Congratulations to Waffle:




and Electra also known as Agent Orange:



Our goal is 52 animals rehomed this year - but if present trends continue (lol) we'll have 365!

Happy New Year!!!