Cat Channel / All About Cats / Cat Resources

pregnant neighborhood cat

montyboy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:54:36 GMT

Just wanted some advice from anyone who's been in this situation before. My friend has a neighbor who lets their cat outside free to roam during the day. From another neighbor, my friend has learned that the cat is less than a year old, does not wear a collar for identification, and is already pregnant. I want to inform this household that they need to get their cat spayed. I also am worried about the kittens. I do not want them running around as well- free to get injured. Any suggestions as to what I should do?

I'm hesitant to knock on their door and tell them how to take care of their pet, because the police have been there regularly due to drug accusations!

Thanks.

Information about Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Maria3 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:37:46 GMT

The have recommended me this website about Feline Infectious Peritonitis:

www.catvirus.com

I wish you don't need it

Tabby? Torbie? Tortie?

PeaLoki&Gabe — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:38:08 GMT

I know Pea isn't a tried and true tabby...not anymore at least when she was younger maybe you would've called her a Mackerel Tabby, but s she's gotten older her stripes have vanished, and her fur is gray white and orange kind of at the same time. the only stripes she really has left are on her front legs, and on her hips, they're pretty much vanished everywhere else.

Let the games begin!

BISSELL — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:18:23 GMT

Does your pet play games, do amazing tricks or have a talent that the world should see? This summer, BISSELL is searching for the funniest and most unique pet videos, so grab a camera and capture your playful pet on tape for a chance to win the grand prize.

The grand prize winner will be featured on BISSELL’s Lift-Off ^® Revolution ^® Pet Vacuum packaging. The winning pet’s video will also air on Animal Planet’s Web site, and BISSELL will make a $10,000 donation to the pet charity of the winner’s choice. Pets who receive the most votes each week will receive a Pet Hair Eraser ^® Vacuum and runners-up will receive a SpotBot ^® Pet Compact Deep Cleaner.

Visit www.bissell.com/petvideocontest to upload videos and read official contest rules and regulations.

Easy-To-Make Flea Killing Trap

Sallamaie — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:44:01 GMT

Hello fellow cat fans out there! Having a little trouble with fleas in your house and can't seem to get rid of them? Well I recently picked up a little trick to help edge the process of controlling the flea population along. All you need are a few household objects:

1. A Large Dish (Low Rim Like A Dinner Plate)

2. A Solution Of Part Water And Part Dish Soap (Any Dish Soap Works)

3. A Bright Lamp (Preferably A Headrest Lamp Or Something That Can Get Close To The Dish)

Now, just fill up the large dish with the water/dish soap solution and set it on the floor in a room filled with pests. When you go to bed or work, simply turn off every light possible in the house and leave the lamp on while you work/sleep.

Since fleas are attracted to light sources, they will all head torwards the lamp and jump to "get" it, only to fall down into the dish of solution and die almost on contact! This solution is not poisonious (depends on the type of dish soap you use) and will not harm your precious little pet although I doubt they will drink it again. I hope this helps everyone out there!

Cat Newsletters

vettechgirl — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 06:51:18 GMT

Hello all,

I have recently subscribed to two Cat Newsletters and am very happy with them and wanted to share them.

The first is called Cat Nip and it is put out by Cummings school of Veterinary Medicine. This is a great resource for first time cat owners, and a great gift for the 'nieve' cat owner.

The Second is Cat Watch and it is put out by Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine. This one is really great for the more experienced cat owner, and those interested in more medical related topics.

The regular price I believe is $29 for a year subscription. I got mine at an introductory rate of $20 for a year, but my offer came in the mail to me, so you might try looking online (google) to see if you can find a discount. Even if you can't, it's a great price for what you get. I would recommend Cat Watch over Cat Nip to most of the regulars on this site.

Getting a Cat Adopted

Elistariel — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:31:57 GMT

Hi, quick intro (must be off to work soon). My friend/roomie obtained a cat from a coworker who randomly rescues animals. She agreed to keep him over the weekend. Well about 2 months later we still have Tango. (I've even named him.) My roomie and I will both be moving by the beginning of August and while I'd love a cat, Tango isn't the one for me. I can't afford him right now. Heck I can't even buy him a $40 cat tree. The coworker is supposed to be looking for him a home, but I don't think she'll find one by August. I have no clue what methods she's using, but they don't seem to be working.
She keeps dropping the ball as far as Tango is concerned. She has yet to take him to the vet to be fixed. (I can't afford it.)

I'll have to post more info on Tango later. Thanks all.

Overall, he's a good cat (despite a few annoying traits), but I just can't take keep him. (I also refuse to put him in a shelter.)

Ferals need help

normy — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:48:05 GMT

Subject: ACTION ALERT -- Richmond, VA --- BOMBARD FOX NEWS - local pest control is trapping/killing feral cats/kittens on Fox News prope

PERMISSION GRANTED TO CROSS POST !!

To any and all who would be willing to assist through calls and e-
mails, I have just received word regarding the planned mass killing of
a colony of 40+ cats and kittens. The location is the local FOX TV
affiliate. The caretaker has been told to cease feeding and trapping
has already begun.

Trapping is being conducted by a private pest control company:
Critter Control http://www.critterc ontrol.com/ REMOVE SPACES

FOX Studio General Manager:
Steve Genett (804) 938-6446 (home)
sgenett@sbgnet. com - remove space -- (his message says he is out of office, but he will
be in during the week.)

http://www.fox35. com/inside/ contact.shtml - remove spaces

Phone804) 358-3535 Main phone number. (Elizabeth is secretary to
Steve Genett)

FOX Regional Manager: William Fanshawe (410) 294-9565

This TV station is owned by The Sinclair Broadcast Group:
http://www.sbgi. net/ - remove space

free kittens to loving homes

amabrat777 — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:19:29 GMT

I have 5 precious kittens that I need to get rid of. 1 is a little fluff ball that is white w/gray paws. 1 is all black, w/gray around its eyes. And 3 are black and gray stripes. I am in the Orange County, CA area. We have 3 cats, 7 Chihuahua's, 6 puppies, and these 5 kittens. So you can see they need to go fast. Only respond if truly interested, or if you can suggest an adoption agency that could take them?.

Thanks

Feeding cat human food

Magic's Moma — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:29:11 GMT

My sister feeds my cat human food.

kitten in heat

morah — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:20:25 GMT

I hope someone can help me. My girl kitten in 5 months old and she is in heat. I am having her spayed in two weeks. Her brother is of the same age, and I do not know if she will want/try to get her brother to sleep with her. I have never owned unaltered cats before, this is all new to me. Can anyone help me?

kitten breed?

sensi77 — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:25:40 GMT

My mother found a kitten about 6 weeks ago and i have been helping her take care of him. he is doing wonderfully and is growing very fast. i was wondering if he was a maine coon. i know he probably isnt a pure one at least, but hes features are very similar. i was wondering if there was any way to tell or if anyone could tell just by a picture.

SPAYING

leshad — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:39:50 GMT

MY CAT HAD KITTENS 5 WEEKS AGO, HOW SOON CAN SHE BE SPAYED AFTER GIVING BIRTH?

moving from WI to TX

larthawyn — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:02:19 GMT

I'm moving from Wisconsin to Texas in the fall, and I was just curious what would be the best possible way to transport my two cats across the country. I have harnesses for both of them and carriers. I wasn't planning on stopping anywhere and staying the night, considering the drive is going to be about 18 hours and I want this trip to be as stress-free as possible. Any advice would be welcome and appreciated!

Need Help Finding Temporary Home

maggiej — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:41:09 GMT

My daughter is very sick in the hospital and will not be going home for some months. She has two indoor cats she needs to find temporary homes for but she will want them back. Knowing she can have them back will be a huge incentive for her to live. We live in the Los Angeles area. Is there any place that will temporarily adopt cats?

Cutie the Calico (REPOST)

ourcats1961 — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:53:23 GMT

We had to leave Cutie the calico behind on he farm in Red Hook, NY (Dutchess County), when we moved cross country and I cannot stop thinking of her.

We left her in trust of "Animal Kind", a cat organization that finds homes for cats in need. I am in contact with them and they seem to be having trouble trying to catch her. I just wanted to let everyone here know about Cutie and maybe someone here will be interested in helping Animal Kind to catch her and find a good home for her. They are located in Hudson NY:

Animal Hudson

Meet Cutie

We never thought we would be in a situation where we had to leave her behind. My dream would be to find a way to bring her back home to me.

Cutie the Calico

ourcats1961 — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:17:40 GMT

We had to leave Cutite the calico behind when we moved cross country and I cannot stop thinking of her.Ileft her in trus of "Animal Kind", a cat organization that finds homes for cats in need. I am in contact with them and they are having trouble trying to catch her. I just wanted to let everyone here know about Cutie and maybe someone here will be interested in helping Animal Kind. They are in Hudson NY:

http://www.all-creatures.org/ak/index.html

Here is Cutie with lots of photos:

http://community-2.webtv.net/ourcats1961/CUTIE/

Pet Insurance for my Kitty

Arabella's Mommy — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:23:12 GMT

Hello. I was thinking about purchasing pet insurance for my cat, Bella. I just had a few questions first. 1. What brands do you know of that are worthwhile? 2. Does the cat have to under go any type of testing, etc..before you get the insurance? 3. Is it like human health insurance and certain vets participate with certain pet insurance companies? I would appreciate any help I could get! Thanks in advance!

CLOTHS for my puppy

loops88 — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:10:47 GMT

hi guys i need some warm cloths for my 2 months old puppy..his race is cocker spiner and he is so sweet some of his portraits are availble herepet portraitsmy location is australia..you people just guide which is best site which give me best warm cloth collection with home delievery service cz its hard to go outside..

My cat is lost! Help

peruanitabonita — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:23:30 GMT

My cat is gone since Saturday evening! She usually goes outside to the back garden, couple of rounds and gets inside the house right away, but this time she didn't! The thing is my husband and I didn't realise she was gone until Sunday morning, we keep on calling her and searched everywhere around the house, the neighbourhood but nothing! It's Monday and still no signs of her....We don't know if she's ok, if she has eaten....help! What can I do? She is not a very sociable cat (she is scared even from birds!), and she has a chip in case she's lost...but I don't know if when found she'll be able to be handle! Help! What can we do??? BTW she is 10 years old, operated (no kittens) but healthy. Thanks!

Learning to live outside........

miahawk2002 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:31:38 GMT

My Calico is about 6 years old. She has always been an inside cat, but likes to hang around outside some as well. I would like to have her stay outside some and inside some. However, I don't want the experience of staying oustside more often to scare her or be a bad experience for her. She is a good cat, she just has some minor behavior problems!! She stays up most of the night scratching, meowing, etc, etc which usually keeps me up. I have had the vet test her for numerous things, all negative. I have bought toy after toy to entertain her while inside, but nothing works. Any advice or suggestions??????

BTW: I love her dearly, so please don't think I will just throw her out to stay all of the time. I have pondered the inside/outside situation for a while and it has been a tough decision. I just want her to be happy.

Feline Approved Treats

Kenneth — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:45:09 GMT

Just thought I would start a thread listing treats that our kings and queens approved. I particularly am interested in hearing suggestions on dental cleaning type of treats. Here are two that I recently tried. One both of them love and the other they would not even lick it.

APPROVED

They are on sale now at drsfostersmith!

RUN!

If there are enough suggestions, I will try to make a long list on this thread.

"MADE IN THE USA"

divinemslou — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:04:13 GMT

Can anyone supply a list of American cat furniture, toy manufactures, etc.

Big Cats

BigCatRescue — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:44:53 GMT

Summary of the Tiger Trade in FL

Florida leads the country in the number of breeders and dealers of exotic animals and also leads the nation in the number of killings, maulings and escapes by big cats. It is probably true for other exotic animals as well, but only Big Cat Rescue seems to keep track and their records only reflect exotic cats. The reason Florida is such a haven for this activity is because, unlike other states, Floridians cannot appeal to their legislature to end it.

Back in the 1940’s Florida's constitution was amended to give the Fish and Game Department, now called the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWC, absolute authority over all that pertains to wild animals. The legislature only retained the right to set fees and penalties and was precluded from enacting laws to over ride any other aspect of managing wildlife. It was intended to pertain to native wild animals, but didn’t specify that and when keeping wild animals as pets came into vogue, the FWC maintained that they had ultimate authority.

The FWC boasts that they have the most comprehensive set of laws in the country, but based upon the fact that these laws create a haven for breeders, dealers and exotic pet owners, that only goes to show that regulating the industry is not going to stop the problem. The only states who have seen a decline in killings, maulings and escapes are those who ban the trade altogether. In every single case, the numbers dropped to zero or near zero as soon as the laws were passed. Washington state just passed the best laws yet and should be used as a model around the country. What makes their new law the best is that it limits the loop hole that most other states have in allowing anyone with a USDA license to be exempted.

Florida classes wild animals into 4 classes: Class I (incl. lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars, gorillas, bears, etc.), Class II (incl. cougars, servals, bobcats, most monkeys, wolves, etc.) Class III (anything that isn’t Class I or Class II) and venomous snakes is the 4th category. Class I permits requires 1000 hrs experience (which is often falsified because there is no cross check) and costs 150.00 a year and there are 362 people in FL with such licenses. Class II requires 100 hrs experience and costs 150.00 a year and there are roughly 1500 people in FL with this sort of license. Class III requires no experience and in most cases there is no cost involved and there are about 8000 people in FL with this sort of license. You are not allowed to have a Class I animal as a pet, but if you call yourself an Exhibitor, you can have the Class I animal in your back yard or in your house. Cougars are legally kept as pets and can be walked on leashes, taken into schools, flea markets, and driven around town in the car like a dog.

If you have spent any time on the Internet at all, you probably saw photos of the alligator-eating-python in the Everglades. Up until July of 2007, there was no regulation of pythons, boas, nile monitors and many other dangerous reptiles. Big Cat Rescue, the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Rights Foundation of FL fought for two years to get a bill, called The Python Bill, passed which now requires people to obtain a permit to have such animals. The most important part of the Python Bill was a clause that requires all Class I Exhibitors to post a 10,000.00 bond. The FWC can use the bond money if the person abandons their animals, or if someone gets hurt and the owner won’t stand good for the injury. If the person doesn’t want to post a bond, they can present a bank letter of credit or show that they carry two million in liability insurance, but the latter does not give the FWC any money to care for the animals if they are abandoned. While this was a huge victory this year, it is just a very small step in the right direction.

In 2008 these same groups were working with Rep. Ellen Bogdanoff, the majority whip, to try and stop the flood of exotics into Florida’s ports and to put the power back into the hands of the 17 million Floridians who do not own exotic animals. Animal protection groups are hoping to persuade Florida's legislators to introduce a joint resolution that amends the constitution to put the decision making authority back into the hands of the legislature so that voters have a voice in Florida’s future. None of the FWC are elected officials and thus do not have to answer to what the public wants. In 2008 the FWC struck down a measure that would require a person moving into a neighborhood with tigers to notify their adjacent neighbors of that fact.

In October of 2007 there were public workshops about these neighbor notification issues but the FWC only seeks input from the industry, not from the public, so Big Cat Rescue sent letters out to all of the neighbors surrounding these exotic owners. The big question on the agenda was: If a tiger gets loose should you have to tell your next door neighbor? As long as none of the neighbors knew about the meeting, the resounding answer would be, “NO.”

Cities and counties should be given the right to enact their own more restrictive rules. The Florida Association of Counties wants the ability to ban these kinds of abusive back yard menageries. Big Cat Rescue is also working to have the cougar re classed from a Class II pet to Class I. That would require the cougar owners to post the 10,000.00 bond which should eliminate a lot of the trade.

On a Federal level the most important big cat bill in 2008 is Haley’s Act HR 1947, a bill to ban contact with big cats and their babies. The main reason so many big cats are bred and discarded is because people make money off letting people pet and pose with babies. Many pseudo sanctuaries breed big cat babies and then charge the public to feed them. If that became illegal, then there would be no reason to breed so many big cats. When this bill passes, it will take care of more than 90% of the problem.

This link is to the 188 pages of rules FL has regarding wildlife: http://myfwc.com/codebook/2006/68A_Freshwater_Fish_and_Wildlife.pdf

Link to permit applications so you can see how little is required: http://myfwc.com/permits/index.html#Wildlife

The following poll shows that 76% of the public would support a ban on all exotic cats as pets:

Would you support a ban on exotic cats as pets?

Answers
Votes
Percent
1.

Yes
4418
76%
2.

No
1433
24%

Public opinion isn’t the only reason why these back yard menageries should be outlawed:
Killings, maulings and escapes: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/big_cat_news.htm

Recent laws to protect big cats: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/lawsbigcatbans.htm

Change is coming.

According to the Internet dictionary, the definition of Critical Mass is: 1. The minimum quantity of fissile material required for a nuclear chain reaction. 2. The minimum amount of people with shared understanding to tip the balance and instigate change.

When a proportionately small fraction of electrons line up in an atom it creates an invisible force that causes all of the other electrons to snap into the same line. When enough people begin to think in certain ways, and reach a critical mass, then all of a sudden all of society begins to align that way. Changes that happen in one place begin to happen all over the world at the same time. Slavery began to be stopped in England in 1807 and around the middle of the 19th century, not only here, but in Asia, Africa and Indonesia because the belief emerged that this was no longer something we could tolerate. It started because one man, William Wilberforce, began to change the way the English viewed slavery and the rest of the world snapped into alignment.

If you saw the movie called Amazing Grace, you may remember that in 1824 William Wilberforce started the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was the beginning of a change in consciousness toward animals. Up until 1920 women weren’t allowed to vote because they were thought to be irrational creatures and not as intelligent as men. The movement for female equality began in the 1500’s, but it wasn’t until 400 years later that it became law. We are seeing the same changes in attitudes toward the animals.

Big Cats have had big wins in the past couple of years. It began in 2003 with a law to ban the sale of big cats across state lines as pets. It was called the Captive Wild Animal Safety Act and even though it took six years to get it done, the vote was unanimous when it was finally heard. Since then eight states, including AR, IA, IN, KY, LA, MD, NY and WA have banned the keeping of big cats as pets. Three countries including So. Africa, Australia and Ireland and 12 communities in Canada have banned the keeping of big cats as pets. Five countries, including Brazil, Croatia, India, Scotland, the UK and 20 communities in Canada have banned circuses that use big cats in their performances. Five states, including AL, IN, MT, OR and WA have banned killing exotic animals in canned hunts and 27 states, including AL, CA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MD, MS, NH, NJ, NM, OR, RI, SC, TX, WI & WY have banned killing animals over the Internet. Scores of cities and counties have also enacted similar protective measures for the cats and many more have bills that are currently pending.

One definite sign that things are changing is that on May 16 the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian opens in theaters and not a single display of a baby lion petting booth has been announced. In times past there would have been dozens of baby lions bred to capitalize on such an event; babies that would soon be discarded if they didn't die from all of the handling. Thanks to the Internet the public and the press are better informed and that means a much more humane world for all of us.

Cat Question Corner

TaffyCat — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:20:58 GMT

Do you have any questions that you really need answers to? Then post them here!

daughter has leukemia and must get rid of cat-heartbroken

Lemona — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:40:26 GMT

Hello Everyone, When I saw this website, I greatly hoped that you or someone you know may be able to help with this situation.

My friend's 2 year old daughter has been diagnosed with Leukemia and has been in the hospital for over 5 weeks now. My friend has a 6 year old cat
named Shadow, who has Cerebral Palsy. She is a very small back cat ( I think about 4-6 lbs.) who walks a little like she is drunk. She's a nice cat who loves affection. She sometimes has trouble using the litter box. For this reason, my friend must get rid of her since her daughter will be coming home from the hospital soon and has a compromised immune system.

They are looking for a home for Shadow. If you, or anyone you know would be willing to take her, we would greatly appreciate it. Maybe you already have a cat or cats and one more wouldn't make much of a difference, or maybe you'd just like an animal who loves affection. Please give it some thought, but my friend does not have much time because her daughter will hopefully be coming home very soon. It would be awful, with everything that my friend has been through to have to also face putting her pet down -- hopefully someone out there can help. I would take my friend's cat but I am very allergic to her. We have investigated no-kill shelters but these places will not take a cat with litter problems since they will most likely not get adopted. If you can help, please please please e-mail me!! michelle.cronin@gmail.com

Oh- my friend is located in Chelmsford, MA.
Thanks so much for your time!

TNR ear marks

PeaLoki&Gabe — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:17:20 GMT

I have at least two stray or feral cats, and they both have identical ear "notches" I know most TNR programs notch cats that have been altered as a sign they've already been captured, altered and released. Can someone post a picture of the ear notch used so I know if what I'm seeing is genetic, or if a neighbor has been participating in a TNR program?

HUMANE TNR TRAPS

divinemslou — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:13:16 GMT

For those of you interested in participating in a TNR program or just neutering ferals on your own, here is website where you can purchase your own traps:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/shop.cfm?c=3261

Perhaps some of you know of some other sources. It would be good to have some alternatives.

Cats getting to know each other

Arabella's Mommy — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:08:54 GMT

Hi everyone! Hope someone can help me with this question I have. I would be very much appreciative.

First a little background. My kitty Arabella is 3 1/2 years old. She is my only cat. Up until last summer, she and I lived alone.At that time I had had her for a little over a year. She was previously at a shelter, so she had "mingled" with other cats before. Last summer we moved into a basement apartment below my parents and sister. Only a few days after we moved in, my sister got a cat from our neighbor, which she had rescued from the ditch in front of her house. I was very concerned because Arabella hadn't been around other cats in over a year. Well she did NOT like Bo, the new cat at all to begin with. We bascially just left them together (supervised) all the time. They got used to each other, they love each other now. she will lick his face, and vise versa. They still get in little tiffs here and there, but not anything to worry about.

In January of this year, my Mom adopted a kitten, Boots. I thought well, Arabella got used to Bo so she will get used to Boots too, it will be fine. However, they have yet to be friends. Boots wants to be friends really bad, and seems to get offended by Arabella. Arabella hasn't ever physically attacked anyone or anything, but she hisses at him and swats a paw at him when he comes within 5 ft. of her. He looks at her, not understanding at all. They have not been together all the time like she and Bo were.

My question is: Should I put her with him all the time like I did with her and Bo? or if not, What should I do? I really want them to be at least friendly. I would really like it if they could be close like her and Bo are.

Thanks a bunch for your help!!

You Can Help Homeless Cats with Operation Happy Sock (make catnip toys from unwanted socks!)

Happy Sock — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:45:17 GMT

Operation Happy Sock creates and delivers catnip toys to homeless cats in animal shelters. Volunteers of all ages make simple toys, called "Happy Socks," by stuffing catnip and polyester fiberfill in the toe of a sock and tying a knot at the ankle. Simple, but a GREAT catnip toy!

Ideally, the people (usually children) who make Happy Socks also get to deliver them to the cats themselves. This is a great way to get kids to visit their local animal shelter and learn that THIS is the place to find a feline family member – not a breeder or pet store. This is also a terrific opportunity to deliver the spay/neuter message to kids.

Happy Sock catnip toys are more than mere playthings for stressed-out cats in strange surroundings. A whiff of catnip can be very therapeutic, and a soft, fluffy Happy Sock is the feline equivalent of a cuddly teddy bear. Since many shelters have no budget for toys, these big, generous Happy Socks are a very special and welcome donation.

Ready to start Operation Happy Sock in your area? Then please pass this message along to your email community or post it in your next newsletter. When anyone emails happysock@cox.net , they receive a FREE “Operation Happy Sock Info Kit” by email. This Word document includes ready-to-use signs for collecting sock donations, suggestions for finding affordable supplies locally, photos of finished Happy Socks, and step-by-step instructions for each phase of the project.

With your help spreading the word, Operation Happy Sock can continue to bring fun and relaxation to homeless cats around the world. Please tell your friends, neighbors, and any kids you know about this project, and THANK YOU for your help.

May all your socks be Happy Socks!

Martha

Martha Powers

www.operationhappysock.com

EMAIL: happysock@cox.net

Operation Happy Sock

Operation Happy Sock™ is a nonprofit project with no official affiliation to any other animal charity or organization. No one associated with Operation Happy Sock is paid for their work. Materials (catnip and polyfill) are purchased by individual project leaders locally at a cost of under $30 per 100 Happy Socks.

FeLV+ Friendly Shelters

vettechgirl — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:49:19 GMT

Hello all!

In an effort to offer additional information to FeLV+ cat owners, or those who are just curious, I am dedicating a section of my website felvadvocate.com (currently under construction- will inform when ready) to shelters around the nation that are FeLV+ friendly. This means that they accept FeLV+ cats, and will not put them to sleep, but will attemp to find them homes.

If you know of a shelter, or are a shelter owner/volunteer, post your information here.

If you believe you know someone who would know of a shelter, they can contact me at felvadvocate@gmail.com

I AM NOT OUT TO SCAM ANYONE! THIS INFORMATION IS TO HELP FELLOW CAT OWNERS!

Thank you! If you have any questions, you may post them here, or again contact me at felvadvocate@gmail.com

BLANK FORM to provide to vet

Ragdoll Mom — Tue, 23 May 2006 18:53:36 GMT

A long time ago I came across a great form to provide to your vet. I used it on the old Cat Fancy board. Too many times we are taking sick cats to the vet and we are upset and we can forget to provide important details to the vet. I would GREATLY APPRECIATE if everyone would provide some feedback so we could turn this form into a really good form for our Cat Channel members to use when they take sick animals to the vets.

CAT CHANNEL SICK CAT VET INFO FORM

YOUR CAT'S NAME:

YOUR CAT'S BIRTHDATE/PRESENT AGE:

MALE/FEMALE

NEUTERED/SPAYED AND WHEN?

AREAS WHERE CAT IS KEPT (PARTICULARLY IF YOU TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET) On a ranch, on a farm, in a barm, swamp area

Is your cat strictly indoors or outdoors?

When was your cat's last vet visit and for what?

Has your cat been vaccinated for FIV and FeLV and when?

What situations apply to your cat and check all that do apply:

Has been outside unsupervised ___
Was exposed to a cat with unknown FIV/FeLV status ___
Was in a fight with another cat ___
Lives in a household/apartment/roomates with other cats of unknown FIV/FeLV status ___
Lives in a household/apartment/roomates with a recently adopted cat ___
Was a stray or obtained from a shelter: ____
Any weight Loss ____
Not eating or decreased appetite ____
Not groming or decreased grooming ___
Decreased energy or general weakness ___
Vomiting ____
Diarrhea ____

Urinating _____
Swollen or red gums ___
Pale gums ___
Mouth sores ___
Enlarged sides of neck (lymph nodes)___
Abscesses in mouth or elsewhere ____
Bladder Infections ______

Cystitis ________

Eye discharge or pus ____

Excessive meowing _____

Hiding away and not coming out to eat or drink ____

What medications does your cat take _______

Current and Past Medication Conditoins and Dates _____

What could make a cat loose it's fur?

loveablecat99 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:33:09 GMT

I have an indoor/outdoor cat that has started to loose it's fur for no reason at all. any ideas on what might be causing this? Thanks

Cat allergies?

snazzy1113 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:50:29 GMT

I really want to adopt a cat but my boyfriend is somewhat allergic. I say "somewhat" because he says he was fine with his grandmother's cats growing up but he had one friend who had a cat and whenever he went to his house he'd get sneezy. So it seems that he is allergic to some but not others.

Last weekend we went to an animal shelter for their open house. There were two rooms with about 20 cats each. In the first room, I fell madly in love with a beautiful gray cat and my boyfriend and I spent a good 45 minutes to an hour in that room. He said he felt fine. Then we decided to take a look into the second room. Within a minute he started feeling itchy and sneezy. So it seems that something in that room set him off while he was fine in the other.

So my question is: How do you pinpoint what kind of cat you're allergic to? How long would it take for someone to show symptoms? Could it be that he was also allergic to cats in the first room but the symptoms didn't kick in till the second room? Or is it possible that he is fine with the cats in the first room and therefore I could potentially adopt one...?

The last thing I want to do is bring home a cat, find out my boyfriend is allergic, and have to bring the cat back to the shelter. That's not fair (to my boyfriend or the cat). I'm just trying to figure out a way to make this a good experience for all of us. Any advice would be greatly welcome!

Moving with cats

marymery — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:06:10 GMT

I'm getting ready to move myself and 2 cats about 175 miles aprox 3 1/2hr drive. my younger cats (a Tonkinese) I'm not to worried about but my 11yrs old siamese I'm worried about. most of my moves have only been a few miles. my vet has offered something to calm them down during the long drive, but I'm worried that my very sensitive siamese will have a reaction to the meds. Does anyone have any ideas how how to make the move less stressful. i might add that i have tried the feliway products and they don't affect him at all.

mary

Cats ears

Magic's Moma — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:09:52 GMT

I was feeling my cats ears the other day,and they were cold.Why are cats ears cold?

Adoption Scam?

ladykay2574 — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:55:07 GMT

I was wondering if anyone has ever encountered a scam when looking to adopt a kitten from a rescue group. I was looking at a kitten I saw on Petfinder.com and I emailed the rescue group about him. They sent me back this generic response that the kitten was out of state and on death row so to speak. They went on to say I would need to put a $75 deposit down and then pay the remaining $150 when I picked up the kitten and linked me to PayPal. At first I thought it was a bit strange and went on to ask some more questions. It took them almost a week to respond however, they had originally claimed the cats were typically destroyed on Wednesdays and Fridays. Now I continued to research petfinder.com and I happened across a few more picture of the same cat, this time with a different name and associated with a different rescue group. All these groups supposed saved death row cats but I'm just not sure. While my heart bleeds for this cute little kitten the question is: Is He Real? Every bell inside is ticking off that this sounds like BS so I'm asking everyone out there if anyone has heard of this before.

Alley Cat Allies offers free workshops: How to help community cats

AlleyCatAllies — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:57:34 GMT

ALLEY CAT ALLIES OFFERS FREE WORKSHOPS: HOW TO HELP COMMUNITY CATS

Alley Cat Allies and Tree House Animal Foundation host monthly free workshops at four locations in Chicago to provide information for residents who want to help the city’s stray and feral cat population.

The workshops provide information on how to create a safety net for the cats and stop the cycle of breeding. Learn how to reduce the population of outdoor cats with Trap-Neuter-Return and network with other caregivers.

Through public education, awareness campaigns, community organizing, and partnerships with leading animal protection agencies and shelters, Alley Cat Allies hopes to bring Trap-Neuter-Return to the forefront of public awareness in Chicago.

For more information and a full schedule of events, see www.alleycat.org/chicago.

DATES & LOCATIONS:

The Anti-Cruelty Society

157 W. Grand Ave., Chicago

(Every 3rd Monday of the month at 6 p.m.)

January 21

February 18

March 17

Bucktown Branch

1629 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

(Every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6PM)

January 9

February 13

March 12

Pilsen (Dvorak Park Field House)

1119 W. Cullerton St., Chicago

(Every 2nd Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.)

January 12

February 9

March 8

Soggy Paws (Uptown)

1148 West Leland Ave., Chicago

(Every 3rd Saturday of the month – 1 p.m.)

January 19

February 16

March 15

REGISTRATION:

Space is limited. Please contact Anna Morrison-Ricordati to reserve a space. admin@chicagocatlady.com

(312) 755-0513

About Alley Cat Allies

The mission of Alley Cat Allies is to protect the lives and promote the wellbeing of stray and feral cats. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.

indoor kitty with itchy ears AND housing for outside kitties

dds — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:26:11 GMT

My 3 year old calico has been rubbing her ears against things- a lot- and has even worn paint of a door corner. I've made a vet appt. Does anybody have any experience with this in indoor cats? When she came in from under my car as a kitten, she was treated for ear mites, etc etc.

Also, I bought a dog house for outside cats near my highrise- they are very well cared (food, registration, spade) Please tell me any suggestions on how to make the dog house better for the outside kitties- it is medium size and hidden somewhat in bamboo trees to avoid detection by hostile people.

all information enormously appreciated

FREE SAMPLE of purina naturals from walmart.com!!!

Nermal — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:20:26 GMT

http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid22772.aspx

mine came within a week! enjoy catchannel ppls