WESTERN IOWA'S FERAL CAT PROGRAM

Western IA Feral Cat Program Going Strong !

2012-01-24T20:20:00.000-06:00

Sharing our most recent Newspaper Article. We thank The Walnut Bureau for allowing us to submit photos and occasional articles!

Western Iowa’s Feral Cat Program had a successful first five months. Kathy Humann, who has volunteered her time to help feral and free roaming cats in and around Walnut has set up 8 active feeding stations where the animals receive food and water on a daily basis. Donations have come in from local supporters as well as from face book contacts nationwide. WIFCaP is currently working with the Mullin Foundation to receive their official tax status as a tax deductible 501c3.

But does Trap Neuter and Return work? While its still too early to know for sure what impact the program will have in Walnut, Kathy has gotten positive comments from some of the residents close to the feeding stations. Some have thought the cats were gone, but because of the food they are receiving and the veterinary services they have gotten, the cats are no longer fighting and creating nuisances.

In five short months WIFCaP has vaccinated 24 cats, spayed 7 females and neutered 15 males! The females could easily have had two litters next summer. If each of the 7 spayed cats were to have a conservative litter of 2 surviving kittens in each litter,, our feral cat numbers could have easily risen by 84! WIFCAP has also been able to find homes for 7 stray cats.

Kathy is looking to build a volunteer base for fund raising efforts and for foster care of the occasional lost cat/kitten. If you would like to help, please call her at 712-784-2660. You can also follow the WIFCaP activity on face book at www.facebook.com/wifcap2

As Our Year Comes to a Close and a New One Begins!

2012-01-01T09:13:00.002-06:00

The final 2011 edition of The Walnut Bureau came out last week! On the front page, 2011 in Review included our very own Amber and Einstein!!!

Also chosen as a top story, was the creation of Western Iowa Feral Cat Program!

Here's a bit of a close-up of what the Bureau had to say about our program.

"Feral Cat Program Started"
Western Iowa Feral Cat Program was started in Walnut this year to provide a humane way of reducing the homeless cat population. Best of all, it's all done with contributions. The program receives no funding from the city, state or federal government."

I'm so happy they included us as one of the highlights of the year. Love how they emphasized that no funding comes from the city, state or federal government. Like that's something to be proud of.

This week I will be working on a year end review of our accomplishments! I cant wait to report on all we've done!

A huge thank you to everyone that has been involved with WIFCaP in any way. Whether it be an donation, adopting one of our lonely felines, time spent helping or even an encouraging comment on face book. We need you ALL. We are hoping that you will stick with us through 2012 and beyond! Just wait to see what we can do as we all pull together!

It's About to be...

2011-12-15T10:07:00.002-06:00

It's about to be Christmas, and no matter your background or belief system, Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and hopefully peace. We gather together with friends and family, we eat way too much and buy and receive way too many "things" and we wonder what the year ahead will bring.

We send and receive Christmas Cards, some with the annual Christmas letters. I don't do Christmas letters. I never have and I don't like them. I mostly don't care where everyone vacationed or who got what promotion or how the house sale went. I hope that doesn't sound like Scrooge, I want it to sound honest. What I care about I will already know about my friends and family. I will know how they felt about getting that promotion because I would have been there to help celebrate. I will have seen the vacation pictures while we sipped coffee or tea. I will have helped with the moving after the big sale of the house or sent a housewarming gift that would arrived their first day in their new home. I wont need to read it in a letter.

But this year, I actually considered sending a Christmas letter. It wouldn't have been about my new garage, or the fact that my son is finally home from a 5 year stint in the US Navy. It would been about my furry friends in and around Walnut.

I would tell them about Gibbs, who came to my porch after being left alone by his owner. I would tell of his beauty and his gentleness. I would whine about how the four cats don't get along, but we are working things out and he will stay.

And then I would tell them about Western Iowas Feral Cat Program. How we have worked to spay or neuter, vaccinate and give medical care to 25 cats since August. How we have set up six feeding stations to keep them well fed. How they now have shelter and are living happy, healthy lives outside.

I'd tell them about Spider Mansion, which has become famous because of a feral cat who sunned himself in the window last winter...The soon to be demolished house will now live on.

I would tell them that each kitty has a name and there is a reason for that name. I would tell them that while most have forgotten about these little creatures, we have not.

I would tell them that through WIFCaP, we have met people all over the country that care as much as we do. That we have friends out there that understand and support us.

I would tell them to do something for someone less fortunate. I would tell them if we all did that, our world would change.

And I would say " Merry Christmas".

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Oh Yes, They Are Thankful!

2011-11-25T07:54:00.002-06:00

Possum

I took this shot of my Possum the other day. I had the piece of lace draped over a lamp to use as a backdrop for my etsy listings. Both she and Gibbs were happy to keep it warm for me and to "help" me with my work.

Gibbs

Yesterday we spent time with our families and ate ourselves sick. This morning, I was watching Gibbs gather 3 toy mice into a little herd and then bat them all over the house. He likes being scratched on his stomach and will lay there and purr for as long as I can scratch. I was telling my husband how he was born to be a house cat and how he loves to play (all 15 pounds of him) and how happy I am that he will never have to live outside again, wondering why he was abandoned or when and if he will eat again.

He is grateful. I can see it in his demeanor, I can hear it in his purr and I see it in his eyes. I know all my cats are grateful. I rescued my other 3 when they were tiny and I am in hopes that they don't have memories of the darkness beneath the porch or the cold trailer house with nothing to eat or drink...Gibbs remembers....and he is grateful.

I am thankful that out of all the places in town he would stray to, it our house. Even though the others don't seem to like him yet, he came here. He was a starving, lost little cat soul and God drew him to the place he could call home.

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and that you know how grateful your cats are that they have you to care for them and to love them. They give us unconditional love. They don't care about how we look, or what we do for a living. They just know that they are secure and they are loved, and they give back so much more! ~Kathy

Western Iowa/Walnut Iowa Feral Cat Program is all about saving the lives of feral and free roaming cats in Western Iowa...see our Donation Page to see how you can help!

Smith and Wesson Find Their New Home and Head to the Mountains!

2011-11-17T19:49:00.001-06:00

It is with great pleasure I can tell you that our little kittens found in Walnut have found their new home. Susan and Rich Prince fell instantly in love with these two and headed back to their home in Castle Rock Co with both little boys in tow!

They have been renamed Smith and Wesson...and pretty much "shoot" around the house until they drop with fatigue! We are looking forward to watching them grow and hearing all the tales of their new wonderful life!

Sweet Babies need a HOME!

2011-11-01T07:40:00.001-05:00

Just like Einstein, these two were found outside drifting alone. Hannah J. 's brother and his girlfriend found them. They were filthy dirty, full of fleas, little bellies tight with worms and skinny. Thankfully Hannah called me right away and off to AVC we went.

They were there for the weekend and I picked them up yesterday!

These sweethearts have been wormed, given a flea bath, gotten their vaccinations, and have both been neutered. We are calling them Mutt and Jeff. Mutt is on the right, the smaller one and Jeff, the larger on the left. Mutt also had a damaged tail and about half of it had to be removed. He is in a bit of pain from it, but the stitches come out next week and he should be fine. They seem healthy and tame. They just want to explore and sleep, like all babies do!

They are living in my cottage in a cage lent to me by Cheryl at AVC! Our vets office is awesome. This job of cat TNR and foster parenting is a big one. Fulfilling and busy. Without the help and cooperation of Avoca Veterinary Clinic, and from all of you out there that help me too, I would have already given up! Some days I feel alone in this, but I know I'm not. So thanks go out today to everyone involved with WIFCaP in any way! I need you all out there to spur me on!

Please pass the word that these kitties are available!

You can have this kingdom, because I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your home. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you came to visit me.

Feral Cat Garage Sale a Success

2011-10-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

Walnut Iowa's Feral Cat Program held a garage sale last Saturday to commorate National Feral Cat Day, which was October 16th.

Community members showed their support not only by purchasing items from the sale, but also by donating money and cat food. The program collected two bags of dry food and seven cans. Everyone who brought cat food or made a $2 donation was entered into a drawing for a kitty litter box full of treasures for their cat. The winner was Petra Heiny of Walnut.

The sale was a huge success and brought in $500. This money will go to continuing to spay and neuter all the stray cats of Walnut. Thanks to everyone who helped support by donating or purchasing at the sale and to Kathy Humann and the rest of the Feral Cat Program Volunteers.

So sorry to be days late getting this article posted. This one, I didnt write. I was told that we needed to reduce the articles to once a month. So this one was a nice surprise and I thank The Walnut Bureau for printing it!

Garage Sale was a big Success!

2011-10-17T09:02:00.002-05:00

The day started off perfect! A bright, crisp fall day was just the ticket for our garage sale. This is part of the crew and customers that helped us get off the ground! Pam, Linda, Cheryl, Becky and Amber!

We had such fun, educating (you can see our information table in the lower left) and meeting people that wanted to know or already knew about feral cats. This is Cindy. She lives in Avoca and has been a faithful caretaker of ferals in her area and needs help, so we can expand at some point and help in that direction too!

Living in Iowa's Antique City and living right on main street has advantages! We were able to have many travelers stop by. One couple from Wisconsin stopped by and told us of the 18th century mosaic quilt they had just taken to the University of NE Quilt Study to be authenticated. They were nice enough to unwrap and show us!!!

Getting young people involved in community service is a huge thing to us. Here is Amy and Marye from a youth group in town that came by to make our winter shelters! Thank you girls!!!

And of course Kathy's cats had to get in the act! Here is Lucy, checking to be sure we got everything unloaded from this box. Such a helper!

Some of our customers, supporters from Omaha even came. This is my nephew David. He is a wonderful man who loves cats!!! He has rescued two kitties that now live with him and is fostering a kitten at this time as well. Here he tries to befriend Ricky, who is the shyest!

Our facebook friend Dawn came to help too! She lives in a town about 25 miles from us. So good to have her here and so glad to meet her. Dawn and Kathy will go to the conference in DesMoines next Saturday together. Right now....the name of the conference is slipping my ever-loving aging mind and I will add later...geez!

Anyway, all in all it was a great day. The weather could not have been more perfect. We had LOTS of people and they opened their pocketbooks for the kitties. Many of them were very excited to hear about the cause and were eager to learn and to share what they know. While I was totally exhausted at the end of the day, I, Kathy cannot wait til the next one! We even had participation online. Some of our facebook friends that were too far to join us, purchased items online and made donations to our chip in account.

Much gratitude goes to everyone involved in helping to make this happen. All of you who donated items to sell, that helped set up, that spent part of your weekend working, that sent encouraging notes, who made things for us to sell, who came and purchased items here or online...we love you and appreciate all you do to help us.

I signed up on my email to receive google alerts on feral cats. Its amazing EVERY DAY how many articles and how much activity is going on in this area. The word is getting out and people are beginning to notice!

National Feral Cat Day Garage Sale Fundraising Event!

2011-10-03T09:06:00.000-05:00

October 16th is National Feral Cat Day!

To bring awareness to our new program and to fatten the "kitty' for your TNR Program, we are holding a huge garage sale on SATURDAY October 15th

100% of the funds will go to WIFCap!!

Lots of Garage Sale items!!! Make us an offer we cant refuse!

BRING A DONATION OF CAT FOOD or a $2.00 donation to recieve a chance to win an awesome Kitty Basket! A basket filled with kitty things, for you and for your kitty! Even a "National Feral CAT Day" T-shirt!!

BOY SCOUTS will be on hand to sell their wonderful popcorn. Come and stock up for the winter

WINTER SHELTERS are going to be constructed during the hours of 10-noon. Our Walnut Youth group is coming to help us get ready for cold weather!

EDUCATION TABLE: Information about TNR and what we do will be available.

NEW ITEMS: We plan to have available some handmade items, like crocheted dish cloths for you to purchase...AND some kitty catnip toys...come early, these will go fast!

HOT CHOCOLATE for a free will donation!

You might even catch a glimpse of my kitties. This is Lucy at our last yard sale event!!

The Walnut Bureau September 22, 2011

2011-09-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

Walnut Iowa’s Feral Cat News

Did you know that October is National Feral Cat Month and October 16^th is officially National Feral Cat Day??? To commemorate this date, Walnut Iowa’s Feral Cat Program will be host to a huge Garage Sale event. The sale will take place SATURDAY October 15^th 8am-5pm at 400 Antique City Drive in Walnut. ALL PROCEEDS will go to continue the work of the group to spay/neuter, vaccinate and return the feral cats in our community and to find new homes for friendly strays.

“We are finding that there are more friendly strays than we first anticipated” says Kathy Humann. “ We treat these just as we would the feral cats. They all get their surgery for sterilization, vaccinations and a clean bill of health. So far we have had great success in re-homing the friendly ones.”

The Avoca Veterinary Clinic in Avoca has been a God-send for the group. “If it weren’t for Doc Hoffmann and Dr. Schultz we couldn’t do what we are doing. They are able to give us the flexibility we need and we’re confident that the kitties are well cared for.” Kathy adds.

The sale will include vintage glassware, Christmas items, TVs, and tons of other items. There will also be a CAT FOOD DRIVE. Bring a can or bag of cat food or a $2.00 donation for a chance to win a litter box full of kitty treasures!!!

An information table will also be set up with information you might find interesting about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets and your community cats.

For information, questions or to get involved, call Kathy Humann 712-784-2660 and follow them on face book at www.facebook.com/wifcap

Cheryl and Tom True - Our True Inspiration!

2011-09-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

BONNIE... Sneutered by WIFCaP August 2011

Dont you love her ear tip? I call it her ruffle!

On our facebook page and in most of my writings, you dont hear much about Cheryl and Tom. They are both busy working people but they have a huge place in their hearts for cats! They are both Crazy Cat People and have been helping the strays and ferals of our town for years. In the past 22 years they have sneutered 66 kitties! It's truely amazing how their love of these little animals has helped so many kitties live long and happy lives.

This is Butterscotch, lovingly known as Mrs. B. This is only one of the fun feeding stations that Tom has constructed. Dont you love the welcome mat???

Little Max was found wondering the streets of Walnut about a year ago. Just a kitten at the time, Tom took one look and fell in love. He took him home to their "haven" and little Max fit right in!

I remember the day Cheryl found Toby. He was about as big as my hand and was squealing while trying to climb the lattice work in the courtyard of Cheryl's shop downtown. We tried to find a mama with no success, so Cheryl became that mama/ He has grown into a most beautiful boy. Click for a closeup of his eyes...they are not quite blue and not green..like aquamarine!

Last, but certainly not least are Scooter and Tara. Tara is Scooter's mother. Tara appeared in Cheryl's courtyard with 2 kittens. They lived there happily for months. One of the babies dissappeared and Cheryl brought them into the shop. Nice to have shop kitties, but not so nice that they were destroying merchandise at night when no one was there! Would have loved to have hidden video to watch that party! They now live at "True Haven" and even have their own enclosed kitty kondo...

There are others that hang around True Haven and we will focus on some more of them in the future. One thing is for sure, lost kitties seem to find their way there. Its no wonder, Cheryl and Tom's love for cats is on the radar!

WIFCaP is happy to have Cheryl and Tom as part of our group. They dont have time to post on facebook, write blogs or help with other things. What they do in the background at their "haven" is way more than most us do all together. We are happy to begin giving them some relief in cat food bills and vetting.

Awesome Art by AA

2011-09-14T13:59:00.002-05:00

Today I'm featuring one of our very good friends and supporters, Autumn Armstrong. Ive know Autumn for a couple years now. She is a friend of my daughters, a cat lover and a great artist. She paints kitty-atures... Autumn will take a picture or pictures of your cats and create a fun and winsome painting for you!

Autumn tries to capture your kitty's personality and she does a great job of it!

Autumn has been cartooning and painting for years, but has recently combined the two. By the request of many friends, she started creating her Kitty-atures and has started her business as Art by AA!

You can follow her on facebook @ Art by AA

I almost forgot to mention that Autumn and her family adopted one of Walnut's friendly strays a year or so back! Edwyn had strayed into my yard, and Autumn took him in!

By the way, be on the lookout for our new logo, which will be created by Autumn!

Walnut Iowa's Feral Cat Program News

2011-09-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Walnut Iowa’s Feral Cat Program Update:

August was the first official month of Trap Neuter and Return of feral cats in Walnut. We’ve had much success. We were able to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return 5 feral cas; trap, neuter vaccinate and re-home two strays, and vaccinate and find a home for one kitten.

Einstein was the kitten found in town by Hannah Johnk. We found her a foster home and put her up for adoption at the Avoca Veterinary Clinic in Avoca. Doc Hoffman and Doc Schultz, along with Donna have been fantastic in helping us with our program. Einstein ultimately went home with her foster mom, my comrade in feral cat tending, Amber Heiny.

Einstein is doing well. It is a huge responsibility to own a cat. One must see that they are vaccinated and spayed or neutered to keep from continuing the overpopulation and risks that come with free roaming cats. Amber has taken on that responsibility by being sure that Einstein has her vaccinations and when the time is right, to have her spayed.

WIFCaP wants to urge all cat owners to be responsible as well. Please see that your pet is spayed/neutered and that they have the necessary vaccinations. It is irresponsible humans that have caused the feral cat problems and now the only way to prevent its increase is to properly vet our animals. If you would like information regarding what you can do to help, please see our website at www.takepittyonthekitties.blogspot.com or our face book page at www.facebook.com/wifcap You may also contact Kathy Humann at 712-784-2660.

The Spider Mansion!

2011-09-05T09:20:00.001-05:00

This is the 2nd feeding station that we set up in Walnut. It's an old abandoned house that we've seen cats living in. Its a mess...all windows are broken, its totally falling apart. We first dubbed the structure "The Mansion", but having walked thru it, we have decided "The Spider Manson" is a way better fit!

These pics of the windows and the inside of the porch, show the destruction. I've seen cats fly down into the hole to hide when we come in.

There is feces and other litter everywhere. Including evidence of drug usage. This place is being used not only by cats, but by people too.

Anyone know what this is???

I must admit I felt a little like CSI when "touring" this place. I didnt have a flashlight, but I wish I'd had a gun....just in case!

It is on the city council agenda for next month to be abated for abandoned and nuisance property.

In the meantime, we will continue to feed the kitties here. This coming up week, I will start to trap here and see what we find. I dont know if there are 2 or 12!

August 2011 In Review

2011-09-01T07:02:00.002-05:00

During the last week of July 2011, Kathy and Pam finally put boots on the ground and decided to launch Walnut Iowa's Feral Cat Program. From the first "go live" weekend, we have been in a whirlwind of feral and homeless cat business! Our team is unbelievable! All the way from Las Vegas Nevada, Kathy's sister Kris is a huge help with administration and social networking support. Pam, in Omaha is a source of physical help when possible and encouragement and financial support as well. Amber and Cheryl and Linda are always standing at the ready to help where ever needed.

As for me, Kathy, I'm sort of the runner. I have the privilege to be ringside for all the activity and I'm loving it. We are counting Gibbs as our first "sneuter". He has become a beloved member of my family, along with my other 3 rescued kitties. After vowing I would never have more than 3, Gibbs taught me never to say never.

We've been busy! From caring for and finding foster and fur-ever homes for town strays and abandoned or lost kitties, to

trapping and taking care of feral cats and kittens.... to setting up and maintaining feeding stations and

collecting the funds to do so!

In August of 2011, we were able to spay/neuter, vaccinate eight cats, and feed and care for many more through our stations. We are happy with that total for our first month.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved with helping us get our wings. We have experienced such generosity and we are humbled by the signs of compassion for these furry little friends. Donations of food, traps, and finances have been overwhelming.

September will be even better! Stay tuned!!

Relentless!

2011-08-31T13:31:00.002-05:00

This is our newest feral. We've named her Jenny....the director on NCIS...We are working through the cast, naming our ferals after Kathy's favorite show. Yes, we will eventually move on...and yes we will be giving opportunity for our supporters to name our sneuters...This little girl is the mousy little gray one that I first saw in Mrs. Gray's yard. She has been elusive, but hunger got the better of her this morning. I set the trap this morning, caught Tony, let him out and reset. She was trapped and at the vet's office with 30 minutes of the 2nd set of the trap! We only have one more sibling and the mama, Mrs. Gray to go before we move on to the next area. I will be attempting to trap both mama and baby yet today. We are at 7 now!! Our goal was 10. We may not make it but it wont be for not trying!

Kathy's son is in the Navy on board the USS George Washington CVN73 Aircraft Carrier. He is home ported in Japan, which means when he isn't at sea, his "home" is Atsugi, Japan. Kathy has done some preliminary work with Bellevue University in Bellevue NE so that he can start school as soon as possible when he gets out. Major obstacles didn't deter Kathy. Jeff emailed and said " Mom, you're relentless!" I never thought of myself in that way, but when I'm passionate about something...I guess you could call me that!

Look out Mrs. Gray, Im after you!

Meet McGee!

2011-08-29T10:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know it looks like Im posting the same picture every time I report a new snueter! But, honest, each of these is a different kitty! I set the trap this morning and had him within ten minutes!

So off to Avoca to see Dr. Schultz we went! ITS A BOY! Going along with our NCIS theme of the day, we've named this one McGee!

McGee is another sweetie! He now has his sneuter, vaccinations, de-worming and ear mite treatment. He is resting well in my cottage. I will keep watch over him til he is ready to go home. Its another good day for WIFCaP!

Please consider helping us to keep up our work with the kitties...you can chip in or send a check to PO BOX 244, Walnut, Iowa 51577

One of our vets asked me today how we are going to keep going at this pace. My response was, "We will do it as long as we have the funds. After that, we stop til we get some more. Please help us continue!

Another Mrs. Gray Baby Neutered!

2011-08-25T14:48:00.000-05:00

This time its a boy!!! We named this one Tony...again after an NCIS character...Love NCIS!!! This little guy was in our new trap before I could out of the yard! Success!!! I took him right over to the vet and stayed for the surgery! I got observe, which I have always wanted to do.

Tony did great during surgery and is now resting comfortabley in my cottage. I will watch him til maybe dusk and then let him go back to his home. He seems to be doing well. A beauty!!!

Thank you for all your donations that have made this possible for Tony. Without you, he would be left to father many kittens, and go unvaccinated...our vets also treat for ear mites and deworm our kitties. Please consider making us a regular drop off point for your charity dollars. We have a long road ahead of us to get Walnut's problem under control. You can "chip-in" at the top of this page...its easy and 100% goes to helping kitties like Tony.

Walnut's Feral Cat Program News!

2011-08-25T14:39:00.001-05:00

Here is our most recent Newspaper article. As you can see, I sort of added a Q&A feel to it. Im hoping I will get some Q's!!!!

Here is the copy....

The Walnut Iowa’s Feral Cat Program is in full swing. We are happy to report that we have been able to spay or neuter 4 cats already.

As we continue to update you on our progress, we will also attempt to answer some important questions, you might have.

Q: Why not just let animal control come in and take these cats?

A: Animal control’s traditional approach for feral cats, which is catch and kill - is endless and cruel. Cats choose to reside in locations for two reasons: there is a food source (intended or not) and there is shelter.

When cats are removed from a location, new cats move in or survivors breed to capacity. This vacuum effect is well-documented.

Q: Are you sure Trap- Neuter - Return works?

A: Yes, TNR benefit’s the cats and the community. Cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and ear tipped (the universal symbol of an altered and vaccinated cat), and then returned to their outdoor home. The colony’s population stabilizes- no more kittens! TNR improves their relations with the community - the behaviors and stresses associated with mating stop. Trap - neuter- return is the humane, effective approach for feral cats.

If you have a question you would like addressed, please email us at wifcap@gmail.com or call Kathy Humann at 784-2660

To learn more about our program or to donate to our cause, visit our website at www.takepittyonthekitties.blogspot.com and to keep up with all the feral cat happenings, you can follow us on our face book page at “Walnut Iowa’s Feral Cat Program”.

Bonnie is Home and All is Well

2011-08-23T10:43:00.002-05:00

I picked Bonnie up this morning. She did very well during surgery. She's in the bathroom now, recovering for a day or so.

Bonnie is not feral. Ive learned to tell the difference thanks to articles Ive read on the Internet. Bonnie was crying and meowing in the cage and didn't totally freak out.

I feel she is most likely another stray cat that has been left in Walnut, by someone who didn't want her anymore or couldn't take care of her. How in the world do they think that just leaving them outside somewhere is somehow OK?

I'm finding that we have a lot more of this kind of cat in Walnut than I realized. We are not a shelter, but we have been able to re-home some of our tame kitties. I have been contacted by another animal shelter a bit to the north of us that wants to talk about helping us out. I don't have any details yet, but stay tuned!

Meet Bonnie!

2011-08-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

This little lady is "Bonnie" She has been wandering Walnut with her kittens for a couple months. It turns out she is a bit wild, but not feral. She has warmed up to several people in town, thus the live trap was not needed in this situation. We were able to get her and keep her overnight in the bathroom of one of our foster homes. Her kittens are gone...we dont know how many she had or where they are. She kept them hidden quite well!

She was frightened this morning, but we got her to the vet at 8 sharp! Welcome to WIFCaP family, Bonnie!

To those of you reading this blog, please consider a small donation to offset the cost of spaying, deworming and vaccinatting this little girl! We need your help to continue helping our babies. We are a small town that needs big support to get where we want to be! NOT Feral Free....Feral Friendly!

Our Very First Trapping Day!

2011-08-17T23:37:00.001-05:00

This is Abby...named for one of my favorite NCIS characters...black hair and would be tattooed if she could...She is one of Mrs. Gray's babies, about 4 months old and caught in our trap! We caught this little one and Big Daddy and both are safely back home. We are monitoring them to be sure all is well and by tomorrow they should be out and about and free from the worry of having unwanted babies!

Our trapping went really well. We had Abby by 9:30am and Big Daddy by 3:30! A good day!

Now we are ready to set traps again. We will continue at Mrs. Gray's as there are four other babies in the litter and Mrs. Gray herself. I'm planning on using both traps for the Gray family until we get them under control.

Please realize that all of our activities are volunteer and donor driven. We need you! Please help us if you can. You can "chip in" if you have pay pal by clicking the chip in button at the top of this page!

Traps Are OUT!!!

2011-08-15T08:03:00.000-05:00

We've positioned our two traps! One is in the Courtyard of Cheryls Shop to catch Big Daddy! The other is now at Mrs. Grays House (feeding station #1).

Our goal is to trap and take in two kitties this week.

I saw Mrs. Gray yesterday. She was roaming around across the street. I didnt see any of her babies with her. All the food at their station is gone each morning and I can see the area they are using for a litter box. So they are for sure calling that area "home". I will leave the trap for two days and then bait it.

Big Daddy should be pretty easy to catch, maybe even today. His trap has been out for several days now and he goes in and eats all the food each day. I might be making a trip to the vet tomorrow morning! :)

Our Huge Saturday Surprise!!

2011-08-13T14:07:00.001-05:00

Pennies-4-Paws Inc is a wonderful organization that fund raises for groups like us. Unknown to us, they decided to focus on The Walnut Iowa Feral Cat Program today. What this means is that ALL donations made to their spay and neuter fund today, will come to Walnut. We are ecstatic! We have been working all morning to get the word out. Facebook status updates on our kitty page and our own personal pages are nothing but donation calls today. PLEASE, make a donation to Pennies-4-Paws before 9pm central time tonight. This is be a huge jump start to our endeavor and the kitties will be so appreciative! Thank you and thank you to P-4-P inc!!!

Catch us in the Walnut Bureau!!

2011-08-12T17:17:00.002-05:00

I wrote an article and sent it to our local newspaper and they printed it! The whole thing!!! They even gave me credit for writing it. NICE!!! We are happy that the "news" of your new program is out. We had many comments about how informative the article is. Education is power and support!!!

We are so in need of your support. If you enjoy our website and have compassion for these feral and stray kitties, please "chip-in" or mail your donation to Walnut Iowa's Feral Cat Program the address listed on the left sidebar! Thank you in advance for your support.

Here is the text from the article!

The Walnut Iowa Feral Cat Program is a new group of concerned citizens that have joined together help and care for the many feral cats that are living in our little town of Walnut Iowa.

A "feral" cat is a cat who has reverted in some degree to a wild state. They originate from former domestic cats who were lost or abandoned and then learned to live outdoors or in environments involving little human contact, such as warehouses, factories or abandoned buildings. In most cases, feral cats are not completely wild because they still depend on people for their food source, whether it's a caretaker who comes by once or twice a day, a dumpster outside a restaurant, garbage cans, or the like. Relatively few feral cats subsist only by hunting.

It's important to recognize that if a cat is truly feral, then the most compassionate choice might be to allow them to live outdoors. Trying to domesticate them would be no different than trying to make a squirrel or a raccoon a household companion - you might succeed somewhat, but never fully and only with a great deal of time and patience. Moreover, you would not be permitting the animal to live in a manner that suits him best. Many well-meaning people, convinced they are "saving" a feral cat by bringing him indoors, end up condemning the poor creature to a life of hiding under the bed and being in constant fear.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) respects a feral cat's wild state. The neutering of the ferals prevents tremendous suffering and shields the cats from the hostility their behavior might otherwise draw from human neighbors. But the return of them to their own territory and the providing of adequate food and shelter gives them the opportunity to live among their own, to be free and to answer to their own unique natures.

Trap-Neuter-Return, commonly referred to as "TNR," is the only method proven to be humane and effective at controlling feral cat population growth. Using this technique, all the feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered and then returned to their territory where caretakers provide them with regular food and shelter. Young kittens who can still be socialized, as well as friendly adults, could placed in foster care and eventually adopted out to good homes.

TNR has many advantages. It immediately stabilizes the size of the colony by eliminating new litters. The nuisance behavior often associated with feral cats is dramatically reduced, including the yowling and fighting that come with mating activity and the odor of unaltered males spraying to mark their territory. The returned colony also guards its territory, preventing unaltered cats from moving in and beginning the cycle of overpopulation and problem behavior anew. Particularly in urban areas, the cats continue to provide natural rodent control.

Another significant advantage to TNR is that, when practiced on a large scale, it lessens the number of kittens and cats flowing into local shelters. This results in lower euthanasia rates and the increased adoption of cats already in the shelters.

TNR is not just the best alternative to managing feral cat populations - it is the only one that works. Doing nothing has resulted in the current overpopulation crisis. Trying to "rescue" the cats and find them all homes is utopian and unattainable given their numbers and the futility of trying to socialize most of them. Trap and remove, the traditional technique exercised by animal control, is simply ineffective. If all the cats are not caught, then the ones left behind breed until the former population level is reached. Even if all the cats are removed, new unneutered cats tend to move in to take advantage of whatever food source there was, and the cycle starts again. This explains why more and more animal control agencies are willing to try TNR.

Finally, TNR is an idea whose time has come. It recognizes there is a new balance in our urban and rural landscape, one that includes feral cats. It seeks to manage this new population with enlightened techniques that allow the cats to live out their lives and fulfill their natures, while minimizing any possible negative impact. TNR is a movement that will continue to grow as more and more caring people see its potential and, in time, it will become the predominant method of feral cat management.

Walnut Iowa’s Feral Cat Program will be also be vaccinating the cats against rabies to protect our residents.

What can you do?

We would love to have more volunteers to assist in the trapping and feeding of these animals.

We would appreciate any and all donations, as this effort will go forward only with your monetary help or donations of food. You will see cans in several downtown businesses. You can make a donation on our website at www.takepittyonthekitties.blogspot.com

If you have a pet of your own, PLEASE be sure they are spayed or neutered. Also realize that your cat should wear a collar if they go outside, so we don’t trap your cat and take it in for unnecessary surgery, and come home with a clipped ear.

The group is putting together a resource list of area vets that will spay or neuter your pet. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Kathy Humann at 784-2660 or Cheryl True at 784-3320

McKenna's Kitty Kastle!! Feeding Station #2

2011-08-11T17:45:00.003-05:00

Welcome to our Kitty Kastle!!! I was so excited to meet with McKenna today to set up our 2nd feeding station. She has a wonderful shed in her very large backyard. We believe this was used for some type of animal in the past and kittens have been born in here in the past. It's PERFECT for a feeding station and winter shelter. There is inside space that we can set up to keep some fur babies warm and dry this winter.

This is McKenna armed with a can of cat food! She will watch over the next few days to see how many kitties find her kastle! It so blesses me to see some of our young people in Walnut getting involved in community service. Thanks McKenna!

Honestly, we are short on food. We need you!! Please "chip in" if you can. We have many expenses coming up and every dollar counts. Thank you in advance for your compassion for these helpless ferals.

Mrs. Gray and her Babies Emerge!

2011-08-10T18:16:00.001-05:00

This morning I finally saw Mrs. Gray's babies! I replaced the food and water dishes with fresh and when I turned around, there were 3 of them at the corner of the house, peering at me, waiting for me to leave so they could feast! I didn't have my camera, so I thought I'd go back this afternoon and put a little more food out and maybe get some pics to share.

This little one seems to be the bravest! Isn't it cute???? Two others were right around the corner, patiently or not, waiting for me to leave.

I, however decided to go around the house from the front and see where they were hiding. I think I just found their "house". I'm thinking they must live under the porch and this little gray one is sunning him/herself on the front porch!

She/he did decide to wake up and take a longing look at the food across the yard, so I decided to leave.

One final look at the feeding station revealed that Mama, Mrs. Gray decided to show up and have supper!

I actually gained a LOT of info today. There are at least 3 babies, maybe 4. I 'thought' I saw 3 blacks, but the baby sunning itself is definitely gray. They are all definitely eating and they do indeed live at the green house, under the back porch. They are about 2 1/2 to 3 months old.

All this to say...the trap goes out tomorrow. I will place it next to where they have been eating and put a small dish of food inside. My hopes are they will gain some trust in the trap and in a few days, I will attempt to trap one.

Also I worked downtown today for Cheryl. She has a donation can on her counter and I got $5 from it today! Yay!!

If you are reading this blog and your heart is melting for the welfare of these sweet kitties, would you please consider "Chipping IN" to help us take care of them??? If you dont have paypal, you can send a check to WIFCaP PO Box 244, Walnut, IA 51577

Thank you in advance for being an advocate for these helpless animals.

Our First Success Story!

2011-08-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

So happy to report that the little stray kitten found in Walnut has found a home here. I guess you could call it a "failed foster". Amber, who so graciously took this baby in, gave it a week at the vet's adoption area and went and got her yesterday. I actually found out that my neighbor was there on Friday looking at her and trying to decide if they should take her home. You know the saying " get while the gettin' is good!". I'm so happy I will actually be able to watch this little one grow up!

Please consider a small donation to WIFCaP! We are trapping, spaying, vaccinating and feeding these kitties and the cost is high! Your few dollars make a huge difference! Thank you in advance!

Mrs. Gray's House - Feeding Station #1

2011-08-04T10:08:00.004-05:00

Kathy set up the first feeding station today. It doesnt look like much, but we dont know how many cats are out behind this vacant house. We know there is a mama whom we have named Mrs. Gray. Until this morning, we didnt know how many babies she has. Coming home from the post office, Kathy ran into a resident who lives on the other side of the alley. She says there are two black babies. She said they arent really little and are as cute as buttons!!

This is a distant view of Mrs. Gray's "house" feeding station. The bowls are underneath the overhang on the North side of the building. It is very sheltered, so will be a good place for some winter shelters, once those are ready. This seems the perfect spot for our first station. If they dont find the food today, we will add some wet food to the dry tomorrow. Maybe the smell will lure them. Kathy wants to camp out with a camera.

Clearing the Air...

2011-08-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

Wanting to be totally above board and clear about what our mission is, I thought it would be good to spell out again our plan for the Walnut Feral Cat Program.

The problem is feral cats overpopulating our community. They need our help. They need to be altered so they cannot multiply. We need to care for them by providing that altering and then feeding them and supplying them with some winter shelter.

At this point we are at the very beginning of fund raising and without donations, nothing can be done. We are researching grant money and soliciting donations so we can move forward.

Altering the ferals and strays is only half the battle. We need the community cat owners to be sure their animal is altered as well.

I do want to be clear that WIFCaP cannot provide spay and neuter for cats that have homes. We have two vets that have graciously offered to help with the ferals only. We are however, creating a resource list of some area vets that will include their charges. That list is in process and we hope to have it soon.

We are also NOT a shelter for homeless cats. We simply are not set up to take in strays. At this time, I am working with a Omaha Organization to see if they could meet that need for us.

Please call or email if you have any questions!

We are Off and Running!

2011-07-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

To say we are off and running is an understatement. I got a call this morning from Hannah J. A former Walnut resident who is home visiting family and who saw our facebook page. She found this little sweetie all alone and wandering around a neighborhood. After checking around and finding that it had no home, she called me!

At this point we are in no way set up to take in kittens and strays, but I promised to do what I could to figure out what to do with this little one. After posting on our facebook page, I got a note from Amber who has graciously offered to foster this baby until we can decide what to do.

This is Amber with the little sweetie. Im sure it will be well taken care of. It seems to maybe have alittle upper respiratory thing going on and is very skinny, but we have it on medication and it will get lots of LC! I will meet with Joni, from Homeward Bound in the Heartland on Monday to see if they can help with this area of our kitty care package! Social networking is amazing!

Job Well Done!!!

2011-07-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Mariah and McKenna took on the responsibility of making posters for our downtown district to bring awareness to our project. Imagine how happy we are that they have already made at least a half a dozen posters like the one you see here. We will begin posting them around town today!

The young ladies made fundraising cans to place in businesses in town as well. Here is what they look like! They did an awesome job! Thank you ladies!!!

Hello? Are you Ready???

2011-07-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

While Lucy hung out at home, we held our first ever real WIFCaP (Walnut Iowa Feral Cat Program) meeting. Cheryl, Pam and Kathy were so excited to have four people come to hear about our new program and give ideas and support to this new project.

This will be a great and fun way to give some of our younger residents the opportunity to gain some leadership skills and do something good for their community. McKenna and Mariah are taking the responsibility of making posters and fundraiser cans for our downtown businesses! We are eager to see their creativity.

We visited our cable company and have arranged to have some public access TV advertising to inform the public of what we are doing and how important it is for them to spay or neuter their own pets. Our cable station also makes videos of area activities and we dropped a major "hint" that we would like to be featured on one!

We have a volunteer to help drive cats to and from the vet!

We had a lady attend who volunteered the backyard of her house for a feeding station and she also donated a bucket of dry food!

We will be running a press release in next weeks newspaper.We will send copies to several area newspapers as well and hopefully get some additional "press".

We will contact Omaha Steaks to see if we can obtain more Styrofoam coolers for shelters. Hopefully, free.

We will begin looking for donations of food from places like Petco, Purina, etc. and begin researching grants.

We will be asking the city of Walnut to make a monetary donation for food and vet services.

We have four cats identified as needing to be the first four to take in. There is "Big Daddy" (nuff said) who hangs out at Cheryl's shop and most likely has fathered many of our local ferals. There is a gray mama cat who reportedly has five or so kittens living behind a vacant house just off main street. There is a tabby/white male that loves to fight with my cats and then there is a black that shows up at my house around 6pm every night on his "rounds"..

Our fund right now has $53.00 in it...

Honestly, to be blunt, our need right now is money or food donations. We must buy food and have enough on hand to continue feeding. If we start, we must continue. Cats love routine and once they know they will be fed, they will be watching each day for us to come.

So MUCH was accomplished today and we are happy. "One step at a time" keeps echoing in our heads, and we are fighting the feeling of being overwhelmed. There is much to do, but passion and our love for these furbabies will win over any fear we have.

Please share this blog on your facebook page by clicking the "facebook share" box on the right sidebar.

We Are On Our Way!

2011-07-24T07:52:00.000-05:00

Our first informational meeting for Walnut Iowa's Feral Cat Program is set!

When: Wednesday July 27, 2011

9:30 am

Where: Walnut Iowa's Welcome Center

This meeting will be informal and will give you information on TNR programs, opportunity for questions and of course a chance to volunteer
.

We are hoping for many to attend.

Thanks to previous donations, we were able to purchase two live traps.

We are on our way!

A New Stray has Found a Home!

2011-07-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, this guy showed up on my porch. As hard as I tried, I couldn't ignore him, or not feed him, or totally and completely fall in love with him. I named him Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Named after Mark Harmon's character in NCIS. I figured hes a tall, gray haired, blue-eyed handsome man...the name fits perfectly!

So he has been neutered and vaccinated and is acclimating to a household with 3 other cats. He so wants to fit in and become part of our family. He was starving when he found us and eats like a hungry dog. I'm hoping that calms down soon, as the others are nervously protecting their food. I have to supervise.

This kitty is not a feral. I believe one of two things have happened. He either got lost and ended up on my porch or he was dumped. I don't want to think that someone dumped this wonderful feline. He is loving and gentle and quiet. His purr is loud and comforting. All he wants is a family. Now he has one.

And the feral cat problem prevails in our little town. And still nothing has been truly organized to take care of the problem. Although we have found homes for some, spayed and neutered a few and attempted to feed some, we are not "up and running" and the thought of all that needs to happen is daunting.

My first agenda item is to hold an organizational meeting. My mind gets overwhelmed when I think of all the facets of this project and I cant help but think no one will want to help and I will be alone, with Pam and Cheryl to try to do this. I feel like I dont want to start if we arent totally prepared.

What we do have is the following:

A wonderful vet that will spay or neuter and give the rabies vacination for a very reasonable rate.
A volunteer to drive kitties to the vet for SNV (spay, neuter, vac)
A source for some donated food.

What we need:

Cages for trapping
Volunteers to set traps
Locations for Feeding sites
Volunteers for Feeding Daily
Education to the community on the importance of TNR
Encouraging community to Spay, neuter and vac their pets.

When I put it all on paper, it doesnt seem so crazy or overwhelming. I guess its just taking the first step, once Im sure what the first step is....

Home Sweet Home?

2011-03-30T08:54:00.000-05:00

A sad portrait of one of our feral cats here in town. This is an abandoned house down the street from me. Somehow they have figured out how to get in and sun themselved in the window.

2010-12-22T22:07:00.000-06:00


Please stay tuned for news about Walnut's Feral Cat Program!

If anyone is watching this blog, please dont give up on us. We are trying so hard to organize a feral cat program in our little town, and are having a "time" finding time to put things in place. Thanks for your loyalty!

Always nice to have a Friend with the same Passion!

2010-07-21T22:56:00.001-05:00

Yep! One must not go it alone when endeavoring to swim into the unknown and take on challenges of astronomical proportions...its impossible to get anything accomplished and its no fun either! Thanks to Pam, I have a partner in crime and someone who can spur me on, encourage me and make my inadequacies feel a little less inadequate! Together, we can conquer the Walnut World of Feral and Stray Cats...or have a blast trying!

Informational Meeting Coming Soon!

2010-07-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

It's time to jump in with both feet and either @$#$ or get off the pot! I'm gathering information, creating flyers and writing newspaper articles so that our Walnut Feral Cat Program can actually get off the ground. I'm ready, so here we go!

Walnut's City Council gave me the go ahead to put jars or cans for donations in approving merchants shops in town. We really need a couple traps to even begin. A few volunteers would be nice too. We will see. I cannot do this alone, so if you think of me, please pray for help!

Now There Are TWO more!

2010-07-08T08:15:00.000-05:00

This is Be-Bop! I think anyway....I believe this kitty belonged to a family in Walnut, who decided to move and leave their cat to fend for himself. He is a nice kitty. A bit shy right now, but he needs a home. He also needs to be altered. :(

This is the kitty that rode 60 miles on the undercarriage of a pick up truck. From Corning all the way to Walnut! She has found a new home in Omaha with my nephew and her name...PIXIE!

This is Boo. He has hung around my house since he was a kitten. He is feral and Im worried that he might be sick. He is very thin. Eating and sleeping. Coat doesnt look real good. I heard him coughing this morning. I hope it was a hairball but...I think I need to trap him and take him in. Breaks my heart, he's been around nearly two years.

This is the sweet little black cat that strayed up to my porch. One of the feral gene pool, but very friendly! Took him in for altering and happily found a home for him. His name EDWYN!

There is a little gray stray hanging out at Kelly Reed's shop. They asked if I knew of a home for her. I dont. :( She needs fixing.

Cheryl's stray Tara has brought her two little babies to the feeding spot in the courtyard. We've lovingly named them Rhett and Scarlett.

I going to the City Council Meeting tonight to ask permission to put money cans in the downtown businesses for donations to get these babies all fixed and maybe find homes for them.

Take Pity on the Kitties is on a roll!

Hello Again!

2010-02-13T11:12:00.000-06:00

Hang in There...we are still active and well!

This picture of possum is such a great picture to start this blog post off on. Wow, its been nearly a year. I think the word "burn out" would fit how I had been feeling. Take Pity on the Kitties is still alive however. I will try to bring more frequent updates on our feral efforts and also boast and post about my kitties whenever I can.

I will be attending the March City Council Meeting to request funds to purchase a new live trap for TPK. The "season" is upon us and its time to try to round up some of our ferals and get them in for their "fixes".

I Miss Tekoe!

2009-03-11T08:46:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-25T07:53:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-02-18T20:56:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-02-07T09:13:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-02-02T09:02:00.000-06:00

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

2009-01-29T07:15:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-01-23T16:58:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-01-20T22:43:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-01-17T15:09:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-01-17T08:34:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-01-13T23:01:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-01-10T12:08:00.000-06:00

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...

2009-01-08T18:59:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-12-31T15:56:00.001-06:00

"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?

2008-12-29T13:03:00.000-06:00

"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...

2008-12-28T13:03:00.001-06:00

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!

2008-12-25T08:26:00.000-06:00

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....

2008-12-24T07:24:00.001-06:00

"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!

2008-12-21T07:48:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-12-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-12-18T07:13:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-12-16T20:16:00.000-06:00

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

2008-12-14T19:55:00.000-06:00

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,

2008-12-09T08:31:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-12-06T06:22:00.000-06:00

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.

Getting Nervous

2008-12-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

We are finally ready to take our first kitty in for his spay. This Friday is the day. Toby will be the first one....Im sure he would be just thrilled if he knew what was going on, but thankfully he doesnt. I have a pic of Toby, but cannot locate it right now. I will get a pic of the "new" Toby. I have the live trap and I am praying he will actually go into it when the time comes...We will be taking him to Omaha's "Completely Cat Clinic" at 108th and Q Streets. Dr. Sharyn Jones is our hero! She is giving us a great discount and the office staff (Missy) is so easy to work with.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-26T08:09:00.001-06:00

"Boo" Lives in the SASPA Courtyard

Fanny, Freddy and Charcoal live there too!

Possum, Ricky and Lucy enjoy the chaise lounge!

A drastic difference between the sets of kitties above. Boo, Fanny, Freddy and Charcoal are huddled against the cold. We do the best we can to provide a warm place and food in their bowls, but the winter is going to be rough. I wish I could take them all in, but 3 is my limit and Im sticking to it! When you see sweet little kitties (and they all are) its really hard to not want to go over the limit. Possum, Ricky and Lucy are enjoying the comfort of the house and the furnature! I wonder if they know how lucky they are? Possum, found under my cousins porch inside a concrete block, and Ricky and Lucy abandoned in an old trailor

We have our first scheduled TNR date. We will try to take 3 in for their spay/neuter on December 1st. Old Toby will be lured into the live trap. Im putting his food dishes close to the trap so he wont be scared of it...also giving him warm milk again every morning. He so loves it and I imagine that the warmth spreads thru his body and provides a comfy feeling against the coldness of the outdoors. I even warm a little fleece baby blanket for him to stand on while he eats. He looks at me like Im crazy, but it makes me feel better, if nothing else.

The Life of Riley and Jake!

2008-10-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

Sweet Jake...we miss you!

Riley in her most comfortable position!
This story comes from Kris B. in LasVegas, Nv. Thank you Kris for taking in a little lost kitty and giving it:

"The Life of Riley"

A little more than a year ago, I had dropped my husband off at the airport, and was coming home. It was dark as I slowed down for our drive-way. I caught a glimpse of a kitty in a neighbors yard, and thought it was our 17 yr old cat, Jake, sitting there. I wondered how he got outside! I quickly parked, and jumped out and started calling "Here kitty, kitty". A small gray tabby cat came running...it wasn't Jake, though. She was very anxious for me to pet her and was obviously a stray...skinny and dusty. My first thought was "I don't want another cat". Jake, the old guy, wasn't going to be with us much longer, and I honestly was looking forward to no litter box! But I thought I would feed her and try to find her owner in our neighborhood. You see, we live in an area with lots of new homes and construction, and there always seems to be lost cats and dogs. I brought out a dish of food and fresh water, and she devoured it. I left her outside, and went to bed. She was slinking around the front courtyard in the morning, and was happy for more food. I took a picture of her and emailed it to a partial neighborhood list, hoping I would have luck in finding her home. One woman did come, thinking it was her lost cat. It wasn't, but she said she'd take her home anyway. I thought "Good! The kitty has a home, and the family has a kitty!". But the next day, there was the lost kitty again, outside the front door. I don't know if she got away somehow, or if the woman put her out. Anyway, I kept feeding her outside, and implored all my friends "Don't you want a sweet kitty?". No takers. All of this went on for about 2 months, and it was beginning to get pretty cold at night. The kitty curled up in a spot under a small bush in our front yard when she slept. I put an old blanket by the door, but as far as I know, she didn't use it. Anyway, John and I finally accepted the fact that she had found a home...she knew it, but it took us a while to figure it out. We brought her in the house. She was a bit skittish at first, and Jake wasn't happy at all. Our pug, Spanky, also wondered "What the heck!". I took her to the vets to get shots & spayed, and was surprised to find out that she had already been spayed. Of course, we still had to pay the cost, because the surgery still happened. And she went through the surgery twice in her life...poor thing! It took us a long time to name her....I just couldn't think of one that fit. Then, one day I was telling a friend about her story, and said she now lives the "life of Riley". Eureka! So Riley it is. I've sent a picture of her in her favorite sleeping pose. I've never had another cat that sleeps like this, but she looks pretty content and happy, doesn't she? I've also added a picture of old Jake, one that was taken his last morning, sitting on the patio. I lovingly took him to the vet right after taking this picture. He was 18 yo, and was not having an easy time any more. So now he's in kitty heaven. And Riley is now our kitty, with a sweet personality and funny quirks.

Arent they just too cute???

2008-10-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

Ricky and Lucy...again

2008-10-26T00:08:00.000-05:00

These two are so cute I can hardly stand it! I have been playing in my pictures today and have found some cute ones I want to share with you all. This is when they could still both fit in this basket. Now their tubby little bodies wont. Its late and the 3 of them are tearing around the house like they are possessed! Its just their normal before bed romp! Monday, I start planning our first meeting!

Tekoe's Story....

2008-10-23T21:18:00.000-05:00

I received the following note from my friend in Florida. She has recently "rescued" a little cat that would have been doomed to be put "down", if Kathy hadnt decided to take her.

"Tekoe was my cousins 93 year old Mother's cat. Her Mother died, and I had recently had to put my dog to sleep after 15 years. My husband died almost two years ago so it can get very lonely here. I thought about another dog, but did not want to have to worry about letting it outside. I thought of a kitten, and then it smacked me in the face. What about Tekoe? I called my cousin, and asked if I could take the cat. Tekoe had been at the Vets for two months while they were trying to get her adopted. Tekoe needed me and I definitely needed her. My cousin had her front claws removed. After the healing process, Tekoe was shipped via airplane from Seattle, WA to Florida. All of this was so traumatic for the sweetheart.
This five year old little Tuxedo Cat and I bonded immediately. I am getting used to the cat type behaviors-the more I leave her be, the more she seeks me out. She has a great personality, and can be very loving when the mood strikes her. I love this little cat and am so grateful for her. Thanks for all the great work you and your community are doing for the stray kitties.
Here's a couple of pictures of Princess Tekoe."

It's compassionate and caring people like my friend Kathy that will make this little grass roots effort work. Kathy has decided to donate to our cause and I am so thankful to her.

Please share your rescued Kitty story with us along with a couple photos. We would like to share your story!

Getting Nervous!

2008-10-19T20:19:00.000-05:00

By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other!

Dr. Louis J. Camuti

Now that we have been approved for non profit status with the Community Club, I am so anxious to get started. I keep seeing strays and I know they are hungry and I know they are going to multiply...Where to start? What to do? Ok...settle down. haha!

I will be gone to a tourism conferance for the next couple days, but will keep up with comments and mail. So if you have ideas, I'm totally open. I sent an email to Hearts United in NE City, NE. They are a clinic that might be able to help us and I am waiting to hear back from them. As soon as I get back I will set a date for the first meeting, make some posters, inform the newspaper and go from there! I wonder if we should invite Avoca to join us in this project. I have heard many stories of feral kitties around the truck stop. I went there the other day and was told that there are 3 living close to the cafe...they are everywhere and they are beautiful. It feels good to know they are going to get some help. The time cant get here soon enough!

We are a "GO"!

2008-10-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

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

I attended the Walnut Community Club meeting tonight and asked that they become our "sponsor" so that we do not have to file for our own non profit status. They were happy to be part of our effort. I even got at least one more excited person that wants to serve and help. I cant wait now to organize our first meeting. Must look at calender and decide!

On the way down to the meeting a little "gray" was wondering around the main street. She kind of wanted to follow us, but was too frightened. Then after the meeting two little black ones were trying to get into the ally garbage...I think one was "Boo", a little guy that used to be on my front porch and doesn't come anymore. I went home and put more food and fresh water out there, just in case he is coming when I don't see. Saw another, bigger black on running up the street when I got out of the car. Its time...we must do something.

Possum

2008-10-14T15:31:00.001-05:00

"Perhaps it is because cats do not live by human patterns, do not fit themselves into prescribed behavior, that they are so united to creative people." Andre Norton

This is Possum. My rescued baby that is now 2 years old. Possum's story is a sad one. She was one of a litter that was born underneath my cousins porch. Thinking she had been abandoned by her mother, Susie and I sawt her out and found that she had been trapped in an upturned concrete block over more than a day! After sawing open the porch and concocting a very interesting "ladder" made of cardboard and tulle', Little Possum emerged, hungry and frightened into the hands of her new person...me! As you can see she is quite creative and loves to help me sew. Quilts are her favorite. No longer frightened or starving, she enjoys lounging around the house and attempting to eat thru my screens!

Happy Saturday!

2008-10-11T07:55:00.001-05:00

If you would like to help our group, please leave a comment and we will get back to you.

What is a Cat?

2008-10-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

"A cat is, by and large, sophisticated and complex, and capable of creating three-act plays around any single piece of action!" Gladys Taber

Spay or neuter your cat today!

Welcome to Take Pity On the Kitties

2008-10-01T15:24:00.001-05:00

This is a first of many posts. This little organization is made up of several Walnut Iowa Residents who love cats. We are a small town in Southwest Iowa. Like many small towns we have a problem with stray and feral cats. While we love cats, we cannot keep them all in the house. The population is growing by the day and we finally realize we must do something about it. We are starting our group with the goal of safely capturing these kitties, taking them in for spay or neuter and then releasing them back into their colonies. At the time of this posting, we have not yet had our official meeting, but I want the word to get out as soon as possible. If you have any information or ideas for us, please comment.