Happy Holidays! We're in full holiday mode here, which is one of the reasons I'm so remiss on my blog entries (more on that in a minute). Readers have been clamoring for news. The big news is that adorable petite Sierra (also known as Sweet Pea) went over to my friend Wendy's today, on a trial basis (kind of like "a lease with an option to buy"). Wendy wants to make sure that she bonds well with her older cat, Figaro, who is a big black bundle of shaggy fur (with white paws). He was curious, they touched noses a few times, and very well behaved (no hissing and posturing the way many cats do on first introduction). Sierra of course was timid (and demure) and went under the bed when I let her leave my lap. Then she found a hiding place that took us a while to figure out -- behind two picture frames that were placed on the floor. It's an adventure -- those two look like a black and white matched pair. I told Wendy I feel like CAT-MATCH.com.
One of the holiday projects I've been working on is my holiday card to 150 friends and family. This year it features photos of four of the kittens with a message on the back describing our Kitten Rescue operation and asking them to participate by passing on the news to any loving homes in the market for an adorable, playful kitten or two (I'd really like to adopt Charlie and Oscar out together, you can see how attached they are by the photo below).
Tomorrow I have an appointment to take five other kittens (who are just 7 weeks old) to PetMania in Burbank (they couldn't take the 6-month-old kittens I'm fostering, because they were already too big and they only take teeny tiny kittens). Next week I'm taking the kittens' mom in to Dr. Moon to be spayed.
Just read a new cat survey that says they spend a surprising amount of time looking out the window. I could have told them that -- there is lots of wildlife in my backyard (squirrels, doves, sparrows, and scrubjays) that I feed a few times a day, so the big and little felines in my house get quite a show. Here is a new photo of the little ones pressed up against the glass.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
FixNation
I'm discovering that there are many wonderful cat groups in L.A., some small one-or-two person rescue groups, and some much larger. FixNation is a nonprofit organization that "Operates a free full-time spay/neuter clinic for homeless cats, serves as a one-stop shop for TNR (trap, neuter, release -- for feral cats), and provides low-cost spay/neuter for tame cats." They are very organized. You hop on their website (www.fixnation.org), download the application, fill it out, and fax it in. Then they get back to you with an appointment time. For stray and homeless cats, there is no charge -- they "eartip" them, a small knick in the ear so others know the cat has been fixed. If you want to take a household/tame cat and not have the "eartip" the cost is VERY REASONABLE. In my case, I picked up three Neuter Coupons for $30 off at the East Valley Animal Shelter, so I had three kittens fixed (two girls and a boy) for a total of $45.
The cats can't eat or drink after 10 PM the night before, because they're getting anesthesia and their stomachs need to be empty, so that meant I couldn't catch them in the morning by putting out wet food (in case they actually started eating it) -- my normal method for capturing wayward kittens. Miss Sierra (the scaredy one) gave me quite a run for the money for about 20 minutes.
The scene when we arrived at FixNation was fascinating. There were about ten women (yes, all women) with anywhere from 2 or 3 to 7 or 8 cats, each in their own separate cage. Most of the women did some kind of rescue. One had driven to Bakersfield to rescue a litter of Siamese kittens who were about to be put to sleep at the shelter there (she lives in L.A. and specializes in Siamese rescues). Interestingly, she already has homes for all the kittens she brought in that morning. I, on the other hand, am just getting started finding homes for my six bundles of joy. Now that my charges are all fixed and ready to leave the nest, we're starting our outreach in earnest.
The cats can't eat or drink after 10 PM the night before, because they're getting anesthesia and their stomachs need to be empty, so that meant I couldn't catch them in the morning by putting out wet food (in case they actually started eating it) -- my normal method for capturing wayward kittens. Miss Sierra (the scaredy one) gave me quite a run for the money for about 20 minutes.
The scene when we arrived at FixNation was fascinating. There were about ten women (yes, all women) with anywhere from 2 or 3 to 7 or 8 cats, each in their own separate cage. Most of the women did some kind of rescue. One had driven to Bakersfield to rescue a litter of Siamese kittens who were about to be put to sleep at the shelter there (she lives in L.A. and specializes in Siamese rescues). Interestingly, she already has homes for all the kittens she brought in that morning. I, on the other hand, am just getting started finding homes for my six bundles of joy. Now that my charges are all fixed and ready to leave the nest, we're starting our outreach in earnest.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Big Day Tomorrow at FixNation
I'm back from my quick trip to N.Y. Our Petsitter, Daron, reported that all the felines Big and Small were pretty well behaved. The little ones did manage to "rearrange things" in my bedroom a bit (they are exuberant and like to climb). Since I've been back, I feel like a rock star -- they're all clamoring for my attention. As soon as I sit in the chair, three of the kittens (Charlie, LoverBoy, and Tango) pile into my lap and start purring up a storm. Sierra is still very shy, but I am managing to hold and pet her for a few minutes each day.
Big day tomorrow -- the last three (Bellissima, Sierra, and LoverBoy) are being neutered at FixNation, a nonprofit that fixes strays and tame cats if you reserve a few weeks ahead. Their operation sounds very professional and the rates are good, so I'm looking forward to checking it out in person and taking the final step before the kittens are ready for new homes. Because there is anesthesia involved, I'm instructed to take away the food and water by midnight -- and since all the kittens are together, that means the other three won't be eating breakfast until I manage to capture the three going in and put them into carriers. Wish me luck!
Next a full report on what I've learned about inexpensive places to get cats fixed in L.A.
Big day tomorrow -- the last three (Bellissima, Sierra, and LoverBoy) are being neutered at FixNation, a nonprofit that fixes strays and tame cats if you reserve a few weeks ahead. Their operation sounds very professional and the rates are good, so I'm looking forward to checking it out in person and taking the final step before the kittens are ready for new homes. Because there is anesthesia involved, I'm instructed to take away the food and water by midnight -- and since all the kittens are together, that means the other three won't be eating breakfast until I manage to capture the three going in and put them into carriers. Wish me luck!
Next a full report on what I've learned about inexpensive places to get cats fixed in L.A.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Pet Sitter Adventure
I'm off for a quick 3-day trip tomorrow morning, so the little ones will have their first experience with our Pet Sitter. Daron is an animal lover who works at my Vet's office, so they're in good hands. Hopefully, they'll behave! He'll be coming in twice a day, morning and evening, which is not the same as me cleaning out their litter boxes every couple hours, so I'm putting out a third box. Here are a few of the instructions I gave him:
· They eat up a storm, but they should just get a little bit first (otherwise they eat too fast and throw up).
· Also, when you first put food down they tend to bunch up, so you need to make sure each kitten has their own bowl.
· Then you can give them a second serving. And fill the bowls when you go.
· Keep an eye on their water bowl (they like to put their paws in and get it dirty).
· Please open the blinds and pull them up in the AM and close them in the PM.
· There are extra bags of their food in the cupboard next to my back door.
I'm going to miss the little guys, but I'm sure they will win Daron over with their playful personalities.
Now on to the question of the day:
WHY AM I SLEEPING ON THE GUEST BED IN ANOTHER ROOM?
I'm keeping the kittens in my bedroom, until they've all passed their blood tests for FIV/FELV and to give them a cozy space. I figured they'd be worn out by evening, and I could get a good night's sleep with them in the room -- Dream On! They're jumping and thumping, chasing their tails in circles, climbing up windows, you name it. So, I'm getting a peaceful rest in the guest bed with a few of the big cats.
We'll see what Daron has to report while I'm gone.
· They eat up a storm, but they should just get a little bit first (otherwise they eat too fast and throw up).
· Also, when you first put food down they tend to bunch up, so you need to make sure each kitten has their own bowl.
· Then you can give them a second serving. And fill the bowls when you go.
· Keep an eye on their water bowl (they like to put their paws in and get it dirty).
· Please open the blinds and pull them up in the AM and close them in the PM.
· There are extra bags of their food in the cupboard next to my back door.
I'm going to miss the little guys, but I'm sure they will win Daron over with their playful personalities.
Now on to the question of the day:
WHY AM I SLEEPING ON THE GUEST BED IN ANOTHER ROOM?
I'm keeping the kittens in my bedroom, until they've all passed their blood tests for FIV/FELV and to give them a cozy space. I figured they'd be worn out by evening, and I could get a good night's sleep with them in the room -- Dream On! They're jumping and thumping, chasing their tails in circles, climbing up windows, you name it. So, I'm getting a peaceful rest in the guest bed with a few of the big cats.
We'll see what Daron has to report while I'm gone.
Monday, November 9, 2009
How Did I Come Up With the New Kittens' Names??
First, let me introduce the other three furry beasties (photos below):
Tango (the Tiger) -- Who is white with orange markings. He's the biggest of the boys and very affectionate. Purrs up a storm and rubs against my leg. He sits watch at the window facing the front yard to check out the action (lots of neighbor dogs being walked)and let the outside animals know to Beware of Cats inside.
Sierra (the Scaredy Cat) -- She is the smallest and has a white body with a black tail and black diamond marking on her forehead. She has been the most timid but is starting to show her playful side -- she races to the closed door when the older cats are lurking on the other side and tries to lure them to put their paws under the door so she can play footsie with them.
LoverBoy (that says it all) -- This handsome black and white boy with very soft fur and an adorable face is super affectionate and desirous of my attention at all times. He also "plays well with others" cuddling and wrestling with his five siblings.
Now, how does one come up with six kitten names in a hurry? Luckily, my friend Gita (known as Geet), an experienced cat mom herself, came over to meet the adorable ones and had a brilliant idea. She suggested we look up the Aviation Alphabet -- think Alpha, Bravo, etc. -- and draw from there, which we did for four of the six names (Charlie, Oscar, Sierra & Tango). Bellissima and LoverBoy felt they should have something a little different. Here is the whole list, in case you want to use them yourself:
Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu
Tomorrow I'll explain why I'm sleeping on the guest bed.
Until then...
Caroline & the Fab Felines
Tango (the Tiger) -- Who is white with orange markings. He's the biggest of the boys and very affectionate. Purrs up a storm and rubs against my leg. He sits watch at the window facing the front yard to check out the action (lots of neighbor dogs being walked)and let the outside animals know to Beware of Cats inside.
Sierra (the Scaredy Cat) -- She is the smallest and has a white body with a black tail and black diamond marking on her forehead. She has been the most timid but is starting to show her playful side -- she races to the closed door when the older cats are lurking on the other side and tries to lure them to put their paws under the door so she can play footsie with them.
LoverBoy (that says it all) -- This handsome black and white boy with very soft fur and an adorable face is super affectionate and desirous of my attention at all times. He also "plays well with others" cuddling and wrestling with his five siblings.
Now, how does one come up with six kitten names in a hurry? Luckily, my friend Gita (known as Geet), an experienced cat mom herself, came over to meet the adorable ones and had a brilliant idea. She suggested we look up the Aviation Alphabet -- think Alpha, Bravo, etc. -- and draw from there, which we did for four of the six names (Charlie, Oscar, Sierra & Tango). Bellissima and LoverBoy felt they should have something a little different. Here is the whole list, in case you want to use them yourself:
Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu
Tomorrow I'll explain why I'm sleeping on the guest bed.
Until then...
Caroline & the Fab Felines
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Kittens Gone Wild
I'm fostering SIX KITTENS, and it's so energizing that I've decided to start a blog to share our journey -- and possibly find happy homes for these bundles of joy. I'm already blessed with five adult felines, so many of my friends exclaimed, "Caroline, are you out of your mind!!"
When I learned that my elderly next door neighbor was about to take a litter of 4-month-old kittens to the animal shelter (that only keeps cats a few days before putting them to sleep), and that all the nearby rescue groups were full, I decided to take the plunge. I figured 'I'm a professional woman who knows about cats, I should be able to handle this.' I have to admit, it's been an adventure.
So far, I'm feeling this is one of the best things I've ever done. Sure, there's some work and expense (getting them all fixed and shots -- that's another story, stay tuned), but the reward from these grateful balls of fur is priceless. In the beginning, they were timid and hid under the bed. Now they are hearty eaters and pile into my lap purring up a storm the moment I sit down. And their playfulness with each other is boundless.
Let me introduce the first three kittens. Here are photos of two of the four boys -- Charlie & Oscar, who are loving, playful, and very attached to each other as you can see. I'm holding Bellissima, the Calico (their mom is a Calico and their dad is black and white).
A future blog installment will cover the wild world of finding low-cost neuter clinics and places to post listings to have cats adopted -- it's more organized than you would think (some cat adoption forms are four pages long, and practically ask for the new owner's FICO credit score). We're off for our afternoon cat naps now.
When I learned that my elderly next door neighbor was about to take a litter of 4-month-old kittens to the animal shelter (that only keeps cats a few days before putting them to sleep), and that all the nearby rescue groups were full, I decided to take the plunge. I figured 'I'm a professional woman who knows about cats, I should be able to handle this.' I have to admit, it's been an adventure.
So far, I'm feeling this is one of the best things I've ever done. Sure, there's some work and expense (getting them all fixed and shots -- that's another story, stay tuned), but the reward from these grateful balls of fur is priceless. In the beginning, they were timid and hid under the bed. Now they are hearty eaters and pile into my lap purring up a storm the moment I sit down. And their playfulness with each other is boundless.
Let me introduce the first three kittens. Here are photos of two of the four boys -- Charlie & Oscar, who are loving, playful, and very attached to each other as you can see. I'm holding Bellissima, the Calico (their mom is a Calico and their dad is black and white).
A future blog installment will cover the wild world of finding low-cost neuter clinics and places to post listings to have cats adopted -- it's more organized than you would think (some cat adoption forms are four pages long, and practically ask for the new owner's FICO credit score). We're off for our afternoon cat naps now.
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