Feral Cat Awareness Day - October 16, 2011

Feral Cat Awareness Day is probably not being marked by many people today.  It's not a subject that is garnering national headlines.  It is an issue that impacts communities both big and small.  Colonies of abandoned and often un-neutered or un-spayed cats that can number in the hundreds hold up in holes, abandoned areas, or roaming the streets.  These unwanted animals become fearful and timid of humans making it difficult to care for them - but it's not impossible.

Many groups are coming forth to capture, spay/neuter, and release these forlorned kittens and cats to help control these burgeoning populations.  Local humane societies are beginning to participate in such programs.  Individuals are taking up the cause and spending their own time and money to care for these animals including spaying/neutering and medical needs.

Outdoor living shortens the lives of animals.  The elements take a toll on them as much as they do us.  The lack of food and clean water contributes to malnutrition, illness, and death.  To the animal lover, these are unbearable conditions that we, as a society, can prevent.

Solutions:

Consider in participating in the local humane societies that are working with the feral cat colonies - including trapping, spay/neutering clinics, and caretaking.

Donations of money, food and time can help reduce feral cat colonies populations.  

Spay and neuter your pet to prevent unwanted litters and illness.

HUNTSVILLE, AL - In Need of a Good Home

New mother and two kittens need a good home.
Presently in Huntsville, AL.

Kibble disappearing from the dog's dish was the first indicator that something was up in my friend's neighborhood.  So the stakeout commenced and it was discovered that a young, black female was hiding under a neighbor's car with her two young bushy tailed kittens.

As you can see from the photo, she's been outside for a while as her coat is dull and need of car.  She's spent most of her time trying to care and feed her young.  No one knows where she came from - apparently dropped off in the neighborhood.

What she and her kittens need is a home... and spaying and neutering.  If you have room in your life for a cat, please contact Animal Ark Blog and I'll help you get in touch with her present caretakers.

I encourage you not to judge her by her coat color.  She's a lovely cat whose just had a bad run of luck herself.  With love, care, and time - she could be a welcome addition to any home.

I hope we can give this little princess and her babes a happy ending.


UPDATE  September 24, 2011:

According to her caretaker, the mother cat is very good with other cats and dogs- including large playful ones.  She has adjusted well to being kept in the spare room and has joyful adjust to occasional forays into the rest of the house.  The kittens are weened and are playful and energetic and have adjusted to the dogs and other cats as well.

They are still available for adoption.

Heat Hazard and Animals

Sure, the thermometer outside reads 96 degrees Fahrenheit and the weatherman tells us it feel likes 113 degrees.  You walk to the mailbox and back and your drenched from sweat.  You make yourself a tall, cold glass of lemonade to combat the swelter.  But how often do you think about the animals outside - be them pets, wild creatures, farm animals, or those housed in shelters or pounds?

I'll admit, I do think a lot about the heat with 2 black cats as they love the sun and heat on the screened in porch but don't know when to call it quits.  So I lug them in, occassionally to mad growls, and plop them down by the water bowl and inform them, "It's too hot to be out any longer... so enjoy some fresh water."  Occasionally, I'm forgiven quickly and other times - well - there have been some close calls at the top of the stairs.


Oh, It's Hot Outside-

Animals like humans are susceptible to heat and can experience heat exhaustion and heat related fatalities.  They don't have the luxury of dropping the A/C another degree or two to make things comfortable.  They can't just turn on the water and get an ice cold drink when they want.  They can't dress for the heat.  Their coping mechanism for heat are what nature gave them - panting, sweating (if they can), avoiding the sun, and drinking some liquid.


A lot of the steps we apply to ourselves should be considered for our furry friends.

• Avoid the hottest part of the day - noon to 3pm.  
• Keep plenty of fresh water available and check frequently to make sure no bird droppings, insect larvae or bacteria is present.  
• Provide shade - who wants to spend all day in the sun with no escape - put up a tarp, old sheet, or relocate to a shaded portion of yard.  
• Consider introducing ice cubes or frozen wet towels or toys for outdoor play. 
• Install fans to keep the air moving - there are some new and inexpensive solar fans for attics and roofs that can be adapted for pet houses, bunny hutches, and other structures.  
• Check on animals frequently - they can develop sunburns, heat exhaustion, or heat illnesses quickly especially if they are already diagnosed with an illness or condition.

 Not Just Dazed and Confused...


Some signs of heatstroke in animals to watch for include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness. If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps immediately to gradually lower her body temperature and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Here are some suggested tips that could save your pet's life if you notice any symptoms:

• Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to his or her head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over him or her.
• Let him or her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Take him or her directly to a veterinarian -as there can be serious side effect to heat crisis.

 More great information on helping animals in the heat, visit the Placer County California blog, Heat Stress in Pets and Livestock.


A Forgotten Summer Hazard
 
Now, another caution to the heat hazards is radiator overflow.  This time of year, cars overheat and the radiators can boil over leaving a puddle of radiator fluid behind.  Desperate animals looking for water might find this puddle and ingest it.  Make every effort to clean up boil-overs no matter where they happen.  Kitty-litter or oatmeal, a plastic bag, and cardboard to scoop up the absorbed overflow and dispose of it properly could save an animal from a very brutal and painful death from anti-freeze poisoning.

Remember Your Feather Friends-

Make sure birdbaths are clean and changed frequently.  The birds will most likely bath more frequently and splash more water out during the hotter days - so keep an eye on water levels.


Have a few planter saucers/bottoms setting around- why not make a few informal birdbaths about the yard?   Choose a location near shrubs but where birds would fill comfortable lighting for a quick splash and sip.

If you like to offer a little treat- chill or freeze melons pieces, berries, or even bird seed in water and set them out in trays for the birds to enjoy.


You're Not the Only One Getting Sunburned-

If you can't walk on the pavement - it probably hurting your furry friend to do the same.  Watch paws, noses, ears, scalps, and backs for signs of burns or cracks in the skin.  Just like with humans - sunburns can lead to skin cancer in animals.  Consult a Veterinarian if you notice burns, blisters, "moles" or nodules.


For our less fortunate furry friends --

Consider donating tarps to shelters for outdoor pens.  Your old box fan would probably be appreciated too to add a breeze to kennels, barns, hutches, and other animal holding areas.  Some shelters employ mister stations - check your local facilities as that may be an item to consider donating.  Ask the shelter if that old plastic pool the kids won't play in anymore would be helpful.  Some shelters with horse and cattle that have been rescued have even employed old tubs for holding water - doesn't hurt to ask if you're remodeling.


Remember, if you're hot and miserable - so are the animals.

Humanity

Humanity -- the quality of being human;  showing kindness or mercy

It's hard to imagine the cruelty set upon animals daily and most of wouldn't really want to dwell on it long.  However, there are thousands of strong souls who make it their mission to make a difference, intervene, and save a life - the living embodiment of humanity.

They're not millionaires -- actually the contrary.  They're scraping by, pinching pennies, foregoing a "luxury" or even a necessity to step into the brink and make a difference.  I can identify with that - most animal lovers will and so many will be racked with pain for not being able to do more.

I am one of those people - financially strapped and tender hearted.  I've rescued 3 cats - Bandit who passed away at 20 plus years of age Valentine' Day of 2009 and now my 2 black furry children - Casanova and Puddin'.  They each have a story... (which I'll save for another blog)... but I couldn't turn my back even when groceries a spare they're mine.

What I hope to do here is highlight the efforts, the stories, provide information, hopefully educate and make a tiny dent in this world for animals.

Hope you will go on this journey with me.