WELCOME TO TAKE PITY ON THE KITTIES

I Miss Tekoe!

2009-03-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

My Visit to Florida was so much fun. I sent my buddy Tekoe a catnip mouse and by the looks of these pics, she loved it!

A Little Did you know about Cats"

If Cats had their own way, they would eat small portions of food throughout the day, just as their ancestors did, but most will settle for two good meals a day with dry food set out for "grazing". If your cat eats mostly canned food, it is advisable to to add a dry, crunch food to his diet for chewing excercise and teeth-cleaning benefits. I feed my kitties "wet" food in the morning and again in late afternoon. I also keep a dish of high quality dry cat food available during the day. This way, if I leave for a day or so, they just eat the dry and I dont need to worry about them. MEOW!

Spring is in the Air!

2009-02-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air! Its still cold out, but you can feel it...and so can the animals! My indoor kitties are "frisky"! Tearing around a little more than usual. Ricky tries to slide out the door every time I open it. I think they all have cabin fever...

I also have noticed that our town feral cats are getting amourus. I know its time to begin trapping. We may try this Thursday night. We will put a trap in Sow-a-Seed's Courtyard. If sucessful, we will take the kitty in for its neutering or spay on Friday morning. This is always nervewracking. I want to do it, but I hate scaring the cats.

"A Little Did ya Know about Cats"

Just like about everyone else, cats enjoy a home that feels safe and offers no surprises, which is why establishing a daily routine is essential. Setting meal, play and sleep times whenever possible should be a priority! Meow!

Cats in Trees!

2009-02-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

Tekoe Loves Her New Tree and me!

My trip to Pensacola to spend ten days with my friend and her new little kitty was so fun. I made a new friend in Tekoe. She is fondly known as "Psycho Kitty" to many who know her, but to me, she is a sweet baby that is just a tad testy and particular! Most likely taken from her mother too soon and undersocialized with humans, Tekoe is a bit strange and hard to figure out. BUT...she is a wonderful feline and a good friend to my best friend Kathy. I am so proud of Kathy for taking her in and giving her the home this sweet kitty deserves. Tekoe lost her owner and was kept in a kennel for several months before finding a good home with Kathy. She is fearful. She will give you one good swat it you try too hard to love on her and she will give you two if you persist. She is very good at hissing and giving you the "horned owl" look that says " "you better stop or I will rip you to pieces" and you believe it! But while there, and after deciding to leave her completly alone, she warmed up and began seeking my company on the couch and finally spending each evening on my lap. I talked to Kathy today and she said Tekoe is curled up sleeping on the couch on the spot I "hung out" on while there. I am so glad she knew I loved her!

She is one spoiled kitty! Kathy bought a new kitty tree for her while I was there and it is a great hit. She spends most of her day "perched" on the top shelf, looking out the window. This is one fortunate cat to have someone to love her and care for her like my friend does...

These pictures are the first day on the "tree" and her first friendly approach to my knitting spot! I am so blessed!

A Little Did you Know about Cats....

... Many cats (like Tekoe) were not handled by humans much between the ages of 2 and seven weeks of age. These kittys may not tolerate handling well and may lash out and bite and become quite upset with human contact. Unfortunatly there is not a lot that can be done to socialize them. Try handling them frequently for short periods of time, being sure to stop before they become agitated. Let them "be" and realize that they may need to be close, but not touch their human and that must be ok. Flattening of the ears and twitching of the tail and restlessness are all signs that your kitty wants you to stop whatever you are doing. R-E-S-P-E-C-T is the key here. Respect her and she will love you...kitties are very independant animals...They need you but they may not need your touch or cuddle...let that be ok.

It's In the Bag!

2009-02-07T07:13:00.001-08:00

Im getting ready to take a few days off from my blog and go to some warmer weather for a week or so.

I just wanted to issue a warning. Please, please be sure to keep all plastic bags (like the ones you get at the grocery store) completely out of reach to your kitties. I had one laying on the table yesterday as I had just emptied it. Ricky was rolling around trying to figure out what might have been in it that he could enjoy and ....oops...head got in the handle "loop" and there it stayed! He couldnt get out. It occured to me that I often leave those bags laying around, either empy or with something in it that I havent used yet or take care of. Our kitties are just too curious to leave them lay. What if I hadnt been home? I have been going thru the house all morning attempting to "kitty-proof" my house. Being a quilter/sewer I have lots of dangerous items around here, like pins and thread. Also be sure you keep the items up that you dont want to find "hair-ball" stuff on too. I know that sounds gross, but about the time you leave that favorite quilt on the floor, that is where they will decide to dispose of the ball. Ask me how I know. Yuk!

Visions of What Could Be!

2009-02-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

Lucy and Ricky watch my baby Boo eating his food from the outside dish. Boo has been sleeping on the front porch and makes daily appearances to eat. What must be going on in the heads of my kitties? Ricky for sure is wishing he could get out there with Boo. He has escaped out the front door 3 times in the last few days. He has cabin fever in a major way. I put him out on the balcony yesterday for an hour or more and that seemed to help, but he sure wishes he was an outdoor cat. Maybe they are wondering what it would be like to live outside. One thing is for sure they would rather have Boo's food. I feed them all natural, expensive stuff that is good for them, and just like humans, they would rather have the junk food!

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats

According to an analysis by Veterinary Pet Insurance of 450,000 clients, MAX has been the most popular name for cats and dogs over the past five years. A spokesperson for the company speculated that not only is it an easy name to say, but it cant be confused with ordinary one word commands. The next four favorites on the list: Chloe, Lucy (yeehaw!) Tigger and Tiger.

MEOW!

Baby Possum

2009-01-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

Baby Possum Helps me sew!

Just like our kids, we love looking at old pictures of our pets too. This was so cute. Possum, just a tiny little thing, had to be in the center of my sewing experience. Things havent changed. As you know most of my photos of quilts and other projects include a cat!

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats

This hint comes from my heart.....I do a lot of sewing and quilting, which of course means I have pins and threads and other objects that can be dangerous to our kitties. I have watched my Lucy sit on the quilt machine and pick ALL the pins out of the take up roller and drop them one by one onto the floor...she usually does this when she wants attention. I know she could swallow one or get one caught and it terrifies me. One other time, Ricky was making a funny smacking noice with his mouth and I found thread in there that he was dragging down from the attic! The spool was up there on my table, about two feet was down his throat and the rest was strung thru out 3 floors of house! If it wasnt so dangerous it would have been funny! Please be careful with your hobby items. They can be deadly to your pet! Meow!

This is Pathetic, not Pitifull!

2009-01-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

I wonder if Ricky and Lucy and Possum know exactly how fortunate they are to have found my house! Not only are they warm and fed, but I make them their own quilts and toys! Oh brother. This little creation, I'm calling a Kitty Play Pad...is actually a small quilt with attached ribbons so that you can tie on toys or just leave free to dangle...My kitties love it! Especially when I filled the little "pillow" with fabric scraps and catnip....I have a video on my personal blog if you are interested....wwwhumantouch.blogspot.com Check it out if you are bored. These play pads will soon be available for sale at my Etsy shop at www.katsfabricsnmore.etsy.com Oh! And when you aren't using it on the floor with toys and catnip, put it on the chair or sofa back a cozy place for your kitty to rest and protect your furniture.

A Little Did ya Know About Cats!

You don't have to look very far to find some simple items that make fascinating toys for Kitty. Save the tubes from inside paper products and let her roll them around to her hearts content. Or string plastic shower curtain rings together and let them hang down within Kitty's reach! Meow!

This Cold is Killing me!

2009-01-20T20:43:00.001-08:00

This picture is from tonight, when the temperature is 21 with a wind chill of 13. I put a little box in the corner of the front porch. This is the area that is the most protected from wind and weather. I lined it with a fleece baby blanket and extra quilt batting and hoped that "someone" would find a warm bed there...Well here he is. I've noticed that the blankets are flat and slept on, but hadnt seen who it was until just a few days ago. Now it seems most nights he is there. I think its Boo but Im not sure. I put food out every night and its gone in the morning. Its just too cold to mess with the trap, so Im just glad he is warm and fed. This pic was taken in total darkness, with my flash. He tries to stay very still so I dont notice him. I was surprised the flash didnt scare him out of the box, but it didnt. Maybe he is starting to trust me alittle. I have to tell you, its hard to be inside in the warm house, knowing that just outside the wall is a cold kitty. eeeekkk!

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats

Did you know that mixed-breed cats who need adoption offer many advantages as pets. Because they come from a larger gene pool than the purebreds, they're generally less prone to abnormalities and are apt to have stronger immune systems. They're also every bit as intelligent and full of fun. So come to Walnut and take your pick! MOEW!

Little catnip mouse is finished!

2009-01-17T13:09:00.001-08:00

Wow..I made two posts in a day! Of course I have no idea if anyone in this vast world really reads anything I write (please comment if you do!). So I may well be talking to myself...but here is my little catnip mouse, all done and waiting for a home. Donate a minimum of $10 to Take Pitty on the Kitties...and this little guy can belong to your favorite kitty. Right now this little toy is living in the freezer. The aroma of catnip and the allure of the red wool was just too much for Ricky. He went berserk! So I have to make him his own toy today! Each little mouse will be different, and I will also be making other shapes; hearts, stars, heads and even a little "person". These are perfect for your pet and purrfectly cute!

Catnip Toys and Inquiring Letters!

2009-01-17T06:34:00.001-08:00

Attack with a vengance!

What do you mean it isnt "done" ?

Free with $10/$15 donation to Take Pitty on the Kitties!

Ok, this little catnip toy isnt done, but as you can see, Ricky cant leave it alone already. I had several other pics, but the cats were a blurrrrrrr of movement trying to play with this already. I think it will be popular! It is made of recyled wool, some embroidery and filled with fabric scraps and catnip from my own garden! Even cat toys 'Go Green' !

My idea is to offer one to anyone in the US who donates at least $10.00 (includes shipping). If you are out of the US..minimum donation is $15. Every one will be a little different and I have an idea to make "heads"....cats always leave the heads for last. Watch for more pics.

Help us help our out door friends.

Our weather has been really cold, sub zero and I worry so much about the kitties I see outside. Its really hard to find a place in the snow and cold to put the live trap, where they will go to it and where I can moniter it. With wind chills at 40 below, Im having a hard time getting what I want to do done.

So for now, I am just feeding them. I purchased two big bags of food, one from Aldi. As the cashier was lifting it to skan it, the bottom broke open and cat food splayed everywhere. Of course I bought a different bag....BUT I asked the manager if I could purchase the broken bag for a lesser cost and she said NO. The company will not allow broken pet food to be sold or given away. I explained our project to no avail....the same thing happened at Target and Petco. Now, that seems totally stupid to me. They will throw away good food that could go to a good use. Dumb! I will be writing inquiring letters to these companies and more.

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats!

We all know the appeal of catnip to our feline family members! Catnip is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. Catnip contains a naturally occurring compound found in fragrant plants and essential oils. It is neither toxic or addictive, and its greatest effect is on cats of reproductive age, rather than the very young or the very old. Catnip is easy to grow, but be careful, it can be quite invasive! MEOW!

More Good News!

2009-01-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

I talked to Pott County Animal Control today. They have dropped off a new trap for us to borrow to trap some more kitties to get in to get fixed. They sound so kind and very cooperative in our efforts. I am happy and hope to get some of our babies taken care of before things get out of hand.

We received another donation! My sister visiting from LasVegas, NV gave us $25 to get one spay! Thank you, Kris! She saw first hand, some of our kitties and, just like me her heart was touched.

I have to admit, I am a little overwhelmed with this project. I'm not sure where to start nor what to do. I just know that I love these babies and that I don't want them to be trapped and euthanized. I guess we take it one step at a time... Step one was to get a vet....did that! Next, was to ask for cooperation of the county animal control...did that...! Now I guess we just start with the funds we have received and get TWO kitties fixed.

"A Little Did Ya Know about Cats"

With the inauguration of the new Pres in just a week away, this quote seems appropriate!

There are people who reshape the world by force or argument,
but the cat just lies there, dozing; and the world quietly reshapes itself to suit her comfort and convenience."
Allen and Ivy Dodd

I meant to do that!

2009-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Ricky with that "look"...I wonder what he did...?

A Little did ya know about Cats!

"Cats keep their cool, no matter what. Even when they do things like fall or lose their balance, they'll walk away with an attitude that seems to say 'I meant to do that.' " Michael Jordon

Moses, the Wanderer...

2009-01-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

Who is Moses?
Where did he come from?
Where does he belong?

This guy has been spotted all over town. He has been eating from my back porch food for a couple weeks and was spotted in Cheryl's courtyard this week. Cold day...and he was pawing at the door to get in to get warm. It sure "appears" that he is declawed in the front, and most likely neutered already. We dont know if he belongs to a Walnut resident, but he is friendly and is really, really pretty (did I mention I can only have 3 cats??)! I plan to post a pic of him at the post office to try to figure out if he is owned or stray. I call him Moses...as he is a wander-er...

"A little did ya know about Cats!"

Cats rule...dogs drool! In the US there are an estimated 69 million cats compared to 62 million dogs....

We want this "win" to be because more people love and care for cats as pets than they do dogs, NOT because we are leaving our cats to multiply, wander the streets and fields alone, hungry and feral...

Our First Donation!

2008-12-31T13:56:00.001-08:00

"There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat!"
Tay Hohoff

HEY! We got our first real monetary donation to "Take Pity on the Kitties"! We are so excited. MamaKat received a really cool picture frame that we are just sure that she will fill with our pictures...her daughter and family gave it to her for Christmas. It has the cute quote above and also a hand drawn picture of me, Possum! Aren't I pretty???? Anyway, it came with a real check for real money! MamaKat is real excited. She is waiting for a call from the county animal shelter to see if they will help her with our TNR program. So things are moving along!

See how pretty our frame is? Isn't mamaKat's little girl talented? Isn't the check awesome!!!

A Little Did ya Know about Cats

Did you know that in 1936 the first feline racetrack was opened in Dorset, England? Cats chasing electric mice failed to attract large audiences and the last track closed in 1949. Cats chasing an electric mouse??? What dignified cat would follow an electric mouse?...oh wait! I love my laser light, is that the same thing? I hope not!

Why Do Cats Purr?

2008-12-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

"If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr."
- Barbara L. Diamond

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats?

Why Do Cats Purr?

Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

Contentment, comfort, security... for many pet owners, the humming purr of a squinting cat is the unmistakable signal that their feline is happy and healthy.

In many ways this is true: behaviorists believe the original function of purring was to enable a kitten to tell his mother that "all is well." This often occurs during nursing. A kitten can't meow and nurse at the same time, but can purr and nurse without any problem. The mother often purrs back, reassuring the kitten using this tactile, resonant communication.
This is why your cat purrs when petted, instinctively giving the signal "all is well," a message you can both feel and hear.
But this isn't the only message purring may signal:

Older cats purr when they play or approach other cats, signaling they are friendly and want to come closer.

Veterinary Perspective...
When a cat is purring, it is almost impossible to hear the cat's heart or lungs very well, making examination of vital signs difficult. Oddly enough, many cats will stop purring if they're near the sound of running water. This is why you may see your veterinarian turning on the faucet in the exam room in an attempt to get your cat to stop purring - so your cat can get a better exam.

Cats also purr when they are distressed or afraid. Sick and injured cats, and those in veterinary offices often purr. It is thought that this is the cat's way of reassuring and calming herself.

Purring is one of several methods of non-verbal communication felines use to convey their moods and needs. Others include squinting or slow blinking, stretching, scratching, facial rubbing, and spraying. So the next time your cat is purring deeply while curled in your lap, try purring back - she'll know what you're saying!

for more see:.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=892

Christmas is over...

2008-12-28T11:03:00.001-08:00

and we are beat! Actually this is a picture of my, sister, Lucy, sleeping under the empty Christmas tree. I cant wake her up, even if I chew on her behind! She is such a party animal and a social creature. My mamaKat said she was in the thick of things all day yesterday when 14 humans, including four really short ones that made way too much noise and ran in directions I couldnt keep track of, spent 24 hours in my house! I found places in the basement I didnt know existed, just to hide out and wait for them to leave.

O! My name is Ricky. You've seen pictures of me before here. Im taking over mamaKat's blog. After all, I should know about cats since I am one.

Its a little bit warmer out today, so I got to spend some time on the back porch, which is my "outside". The sun felt good and I noticed that the porch kitty food was gone again. I dont know who is eating it. That drives me crazy, I watch all day out the window and no one comes...

This is a picture of me and my dumb sister, Possum. She wouldnt move out the basket, so I sat on her...told ya she's dumb!

MamaKat is worried about the Take Pity on the Kitty project. She said a lady told her that the county is trapping cats in town and taking them to the "pound". I dont know what the pound is, but she said it with a tone that makes me think it is not a good place. I wonder if it is where I went after someone found me and my sister in a cold metal place that had no food and nothing to drink??? I thought the place they took us was nice...it had cages. I didnt like being in a cage, but it was warm and there was food and water and nice place to bury my ...you know... :) It was better than where I came from. They put stinky stuff in my ears, they gave some yukky stuff in my mouth that tasted horrible, but made me feel better and some other "surgical" thing that they said was for my own good, but I cant imagine why they call inflicting major pain in a majorly sensitive area for my own good!. We didnt stay there very long. We went to another warm place that had lots of people coming and going with other animals...dogs, cats, birds even a couple hamsters! We just sat in a cage (still dont like the cage, but we felt safe) until a lady came and took me out...only to put me in another cage...what????" WAIT! You are leaving my sister!!!! NO!!!" She put my in the loud moving thing and I cried...the next thing I knew we were back where my sister was and the lady opened the cage and put my sister in with me. I was so happy! The lady is my mamaKat. I love her. She feeds us and takes care of us. We belong to her family and some people call her a "Cat Lady", so mamaKat really fits her.
I have a step-sister too! Possum. We all get along as well as a brother and two stupid girls can. MamaKat says we have a cushy life in the house, but I would kill to get outside to catch something other than a lasor light! MamaKat's Take Pity on the Kitty project is so she and others can help lonely hungry cats in town. I hope she can find out why they are trapping and taking our town's cats to the pound. If it is to find them a good home, like we got, then good. If not, what will happen to them???

This is a picture of me and Lucy our first day at MamaKat's! Did ya know if you click on the pic you can see me up close???

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats!

Did you know that even if you live in a small space, two cats are often better than one? They keep each other from getting lonely, groom each other and use each other as a soft pillow! Meow!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

From Ricky, Lucy and Possum...a very restful and peaceful Merry Christmas!

" In these days of tension, human being can learn a great deal about relaxation from watching a cat, who doesnt justl ie down when it is time to rest, but pours his body on the floor and rests in every nerve and muscle." Murray Robinson

A Little Did Ya Know about Cats!

Did you know that when your cat is in the habit of rolling over and exposing her stomach, you can be sure she feels perfectly safe with you? Actually, for our feline friends, there is no more convincing sign of affection! Meow!

The Stockings were hung....

2008-12-24T05:24:00.001-08:00

"What Greater Gift than the love of a Cat?"
Charles Dickens

As you prepare for Santa's arrival tonight, please don't forget to put out extra treats for your feral cats...

Our indoor kitties love toys and getting into things. Here Ricky wormed his way into a box I was going to use for gift-giving. He is such a squirt and into everything. I have to be very careful about what I leave laying around. He will manage to get in it, on it or eat it!

I found a great website from the Humane Society of the United States. So much information to share from there. This, being Christmas eve, I will share a piece of the article and the site so you can go get more if you want.

For now, from my house to yours, from my kitties to all your kitties...Merry Christmas!

"Cat Toys...You need them!"

Although cats generally have different play styles than their canine counterparts, toys are as much a necessity for cats as they are for dogs. Toys help fight boredom and give cats an outlet for their instinctive prey-chasing behaviors. And when you are the one moving the toy around while your cat fishes for it, chases after it, or jumps in pursuit of it, playtime becomes a bonding experience for you and your cat.

"Safe" Toys

Our mothers always told us "no playing ball in the house," but cats can usually participate in that forbidden exercise without knocking down a vase or a lamp (and being grounded for two weeks). Still, there are plenty of factors that may contribute to the safety of the toy they're batting around...

For the rest of the article...go to www.http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/cat_toys_you_need_them.html

**Wont you share with me your kitty's favorite toy??? Lucy's is a small laser light I purchased at the pet shop.. It drives her crazy! I will attempt to get a video of her chasing it and will post it for you. She now realizes that the little red "bug" is coming from the yellow flashlight I am holding in my hand. She knows where I keep it and if I move toward that direction, she gets excited and starts looking all over the floor to see where the bug is! If I turn off the light while playing, she will come over and bat at my hand to get me to turn it on.

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats...

Did you know that it wasn't until after WW2 that cats became popular house pets? Before than, they lived mostly outdoors. One reason for their change of residence has been attributed to Edward Lowe of Cassopolis, MI, who introduced the convenient pellets known as kitty litter in 1947. Ricky says, Thank you very much Mr. Lowe! Meow!

Dont Forget to Feed the Feral Kitties!

2008-12-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

My Frozen Tundra of a backyard!

Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way!
John Mult

Right now the glimpse I am getting into the life of a feral cat is a nightmare. I'm officially really worried about our ferals. I continue to put out dry food and the bowl continues to be empty each morning. But it's so cold!!! Right now the real temp is 4 below and with wind chill I know it is really bad. And water? Well, it freezes before you can walk away from the bowl...

I usually get a money gift from my mom at Christmas. I always go buy something special that I wouldn't otherwise spend money on. A new purse, perfume, this year I was thinking about one of those little steam cleaners for my wood floors...heated water bowls cost around the amount she gives me so I think I will invest in one this year...Merry Christmas Boo!

If you have been feeding any ferals, please don't stop now. This will be when they need it the most. Once they begin to depend on human feeding, they will not be as self sufficient. They will be looking to you for food, don't let them down.

I worry about their warmth too. I know they must have special spots all figured out where they can keep out of the elements, but my mind goes nuts thinking they are shivering somewhere. I found a website that tells an easy and inexpensive way to make little houses for the ferals. You go to restaurants and ask for the Styrofoam boxes that meat and seafood is delivered in, which they just throw away. These can be made into great "huts" that will keep these babies nice and warm. I plan to see if I can find a few tomorrow when I go to the "cities". If you would like to check this method out, see http://www.all-creatures.org/ak/feral-shelter.html You can get complete directions at that site.

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats...

Speaking of water... Humans generally think of water as a tasteless liquid, but did ya know that scientists have discovered that cats are able to detect different flavors in the water they drink? This may help to explain why some family pets prefer to drink from the faucet! Meow!

Living with our Kitties...

2008-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Lucy and Ricky waiting for the installer!

Princess Lucy among the lace curtains!

Princess Lucy getting situated in the curtains!

"Since each of us is blessed with only one life...why not live it with a cat?"
Robert Stearns

As you can see, I experienced, in living color my life with cats yesterday, as I was taking down the window treatments so I could get some new blinds put in. These kitties are so funny...they are typical cats and MUST be in the middle of anything and everything you are doing. I don't have many pictures without at least one of them in the shot. I must be ever so watchful to see that they don't get into trouble that would would harmful or hurtful to them.

A Little Did Ya Know about Cats..

Did you know that between 3 and 6 months, when their permanant teeth come in, kittens often experience discomfort and begin to chew on everything in sight. Your vet can provide a topical medicine to soothe sore gums ( hope your finger comes back out intact!). Solid rubber toys can also be helpful! Meow!

Neuter- time!

2008-12-18T05:13:00.000-08:00

A little Did ya Know about Cats!

Kittens should be neutered at about six months of age, before they reach sexual maturity. Neutering a safe, inexpensive and permanent procedure, not only prevents accidental breeding, but also reduces behavioral and health problems.

Our "Take Pity" vet, Dr, Sharyn Jones, says when considering neutering feral cats, younger is better. If they are at the age where you see them during the daytime (mama doesn't have them hidden away), then they are old enough to bring in for the procedure. This is also a good time to try to tame them if you are going to get them "off the streets" and into a good home. Meow!

Snowy days...fearful feeders...

2008-12-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

Ricky is ab0ut to either burn his tail, his nose or the house down!

Lucy is being a "good girl" napping beneath the tree...

The weather has been so cold and nasty. We had 3-4" of snow on top of 2 degree weather. Myself and several of the other community cat "feeders" are worried to tears for our babies that live outside. The bed I made for "Boo" or whoever decided to sleep under my porch is getting snow inside, so if I can, I will try to make it better tomorrow. All the food was gone this morning, so someone is eating, but no one is in sight. All we can do is try to give them a warm place to sleep and keep their tummys full...

A Little Did Ya Know About Cats...

Trivia is good and fun, but my little did ya know may also feature some helpful info about our feline friends...please enjoy. Christmas is a time of good cheer, but for cats there are certain hazards that must be taken into account. Hanging tinsel, dangling ornaments and lit candles are especially tempting, so make sure the tree is firmly secured and accessible to Kitty only when you are on the scene. I have a friend that puts a big hook on the ceiling to tie the tree top to, just to make sure it doesnt fall over...

Boo Kitty

2008-12-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

Boo Kitty

This is "Boo-Kitty", my new porch cat...another feral. This one is somewhat familiar though. He has been coming around since he was a kitten and I have posted pics of him before. I hadn't seen him around for weeks, but now that Toby is gone, he must feel safe enough to come. He spend a whole 24 hours sleeping on a lawn chair cushion next to the back steps, but now its so cold, I haven't seen him. The food on the back porch is disappearing so some one is eating it. I hope its him. Larry and I fashioned a bed of sorts semi-underneath the porch, and someone has been sleeping there...This frigid cold weather concerns me for these babies. I will try to get him very used to spending time here before I attempt to trap him and take him in for his neuter. He initially was hanging around my house during Halloween, he looks totally black, so "Boo" seemed to fit. He isn't all black tho, he has some white strands of hair sprinkled around, and when he rolls on his back he has a nice sized patch of white on his lower belly...he's a beauty!

A Little Did Ya Know about Cats....

Did you know that every cat's nose pad. or nose leather, has unique characteristics? Just as no two humans have the same fingerprints, its a fact that no two feline nose prints are ever alike! Meow!

When you measure your life in the cats you have loved,

2008-12-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you Dr. Jones...

I got the sweetest card from Sharyn Jones, DVM yesterday....so kind and thoughtful to send a sympathy card with a lovely note. I scanned the front of the card here. Probably no accident that the kitty on the card looks very much like Toby. Yes, I miss little Toby's face each morning....but the good news is that there is another kitty (maybe 2?) that are eating the food I continue to put out on my back step (old habits die hard). Maybe soon they will visit in the daylight and I will see who they are(?) :)

Our First Endeavor...

2008-12-06T04:22:00.000-08:00

Several quotes come to mind this morning...

If something bad can happen, it will.
If at first you don't succeed, try try again
For every thing there is a season, a time to live and a time to die...

None seem appropriate, they all pierce my heart. My little Toby passed away yesterday. Our wonderful vet not only performed the surgery, but also treated him for ear mites and gave him a rabies vaccination. All was well until he started coming out of the anesthetic, then he lifted himself up, laid back down and died. My personal blog will tell Toby's story if you are interested. I will write it today, or maybe tomorrow. This has been a very hard time for me.

BUT, we will go on to help more kitty's. Our Dr. Jones is so compassionate and kind. We have not lost faith or trust in her. We know this is the right thing to do for these kitties.