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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Kitten Update!

The kittens turn 4 weeks old tomorrow!

They are just starting to be interested in everything that moves.  They haven't started to pounce on anything yet though.  I am looking forward to seeing them play more.

I have two boys and two girls and the boys seem to be more advanced at almost everything.  The boys started eating wet food first, they started playing first, they started responding and running to me when I walked into the room first.  They were just one or two days ahead of the girls.

Today they all started eating dry food-none of them had eaten any yet even though I have offered it a few times.  For a few days, the boys have been eating wet food with lots of water in it for two days or so but the girls just started eating it today.


(That is wet food on the toy, just in case you are wondering.  She just got done eating and had wet food on her chin...haha...she couldn't figure out how to get it off.)


Saturday, April 25, 2009

It's an Adoption Weekend!

Petsmart is having an adopt-a-thon and you are invited!

We will be there!  The dates are May 1-3, the hours vary by which store you go to but we will be there on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday 10-4.  Come by and pick up a friend!

Click here for more information.

Another Example of the Link Between Animal Cruelty and Violence to Humans

It has been nine years since the brutal slayings of Margarita Ruiz, 72, and her daughter Esperanza Wells, 42, in the small Sumter County community of Tarrytown, Florida.

The crime appeared to be a random act of violence — no one could think of a reason anyone would want to hurt Ruiz or Wells.

No one knew who could do such a thing.

Six years later, authorities connected the double homicide to a man in Wisconsin serving time in a mental-health hospital for cruelty to animals. Now, suspect Bill Marquardt finally will be making his way to Florida to stand trial for the killings of Ruiz and Wells.



Read More... 

Friday, April 24, 2009

Pictures of the Kittens!

The kittens are 3 weeks old now!  They are beginning to play, very slightly.  They kind of hit toys and smell them but that is about it.  They are also almost constantly "wrestling" with each other-well, when they are awake anyway...





Cats Will Be Trapped and Killed "On The Spot" by U.S Navy

I am enraged at an article I read recently.  I am appalled at the ignorance behind these proposed and current actions.  They are killing one species to save another.  
Apparently, in the 1950's, people brought cats to San Nicolas Island, a small island (the island is 9 miles long and about 3.5 miles wide) off the coast of California, to help control rat populations and as personal pets.  Now, because the seabirds and shorebirds are declining, the Navy has decided it is time to kill all the feral cats on the island because they say that cats are killing the birds.  The primary method of capturing these feral cats will be through padded leg traps or being shot!
Those not deemed healthy will be trapped and killed "on the spot".  What is just as appalling is that the Navy went to the Humane Society of the U.S for advice and the HSUS will take custody of any healthy cats.  The HSUS, does not have a shelter and are not affiliated with any shelter or other organization.  They have no facilities for taking care of cats or any animal for that matter.  They are also known for promoting killing dogs from dog fighting rings, killing feral cats, they do not agree with the No Kill philosophy and they are "friends" with PeTA.
Why wouldn't the Navy contact an actual feral cat organization such as Alley Cat Allies to deal with a feral cat issue?  The island has an estimated 100-200 feral cats on the island and the Navy does not want to get these cats fixed and wait for their natural decline.  They also claim there is no way to identify cats who are fixed and cite that as one reason why they do not want to do TNR. (What is TNR?) Obviously, they are not familiar with the process because all feral cats who are fixed are "eartipped".  They must not have done too much investigating into it if they don't know that.
Currently, they are already shooting feral cats (which might be a crime) as a "necessary management action".  In the news articles, they leave out some important information that I have copied verbatim and provided the sources for.  They will use dogs to "hunt" the cats, causing them to run up trees and cliffs where experienced hunters will shoot them.  The cats who run into fox holes will be surprised with a padded leg trap at their only exit.  Other cats will be trapped in padded leg traps put randomly on the island with a few traditional "cage" traps being set.
During a 30-day public opinion period, they received 5,788 total comments.  Of those, 4,323 were basically dismissed because they were form letters emailed to them with identical text.  
They understand that their local shelter on the mainland is a high kill shelter and they even admit that healthy, adoptable animals were killed and that basically, feral cats won't have a chance. 
They have had these birds die for years, supposedly because the cats are killing them.  They know that the cats will not live very long.  Why wouldn't they do the more humane thing?  Spay and neuter the cats, return them and wait for them to die a natural death?  The ways in which they are going to trap the cats sound horrendous.   

What I want to know is how do they justify killing one species to save another?!

Be sure to contact:
Jane Hendron 
Public Affairs Division Chief 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
6010 Hidden Valley Road 
Carlsbad, CA 92011 
760-431-9440 

**********
Please read all of the information below and visit the source if you doubt it's authenticity.  When available, I have provided information to locate the specific quote.  
Currently, feral cats on San Nicolas Island are subject to periodic population control through trapping and hunting, a necessary management action undertaken by the Navy as part of their commitment to protecting wildlife on the island. (Q11- http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nic_FAQs_seabirds.pdf)
Once the cats are trapped, many will be euthanized on the spot. However, some of the kittens will be taken out and put up for adoption, and some of the healthy cats will be taken by the humane society. --U.S. Navy!
“Specially trained dogs will be used to track the scent of the feral cats in order to find their dens,” Hendron (Jane Hendron, spokeswoman for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife office in Carlsbad) said. “However, the dogs will never come in contact with the cats.”
Although the complete removal of the cats may appear to be a drastic measure, Hendron said it is imperative that the FWS remove every cat from the island, or the problem will just reoccur in the future.
“I myself have three cats,” Hendron said. “Sometimes difficult decisions must be made.”  http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=18738 
Predation by feral cats is responsible for the extinction of at least 33 bird species (Lever 1994), including the Stephen Island wren (Traversia lyalli, New Zealand), Socorro dove (Zenaida graysoni, Mexico), and Guadalupe storm-petrel (Oceanodrama macrodactyla, Mexico). (D3.2 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/msrp_rp_appendixd3.pdf)
Although the FWS has attempted to remove cats from San Nicholas in the past, cats that were not trapped or killed reproduced and the problem returned.
The plan entails the use of live traps, padded leg traps and hunters, as well as tracking dogs,  to remove what are believed to be between 100 and 200 feral cats.
The wild cats came from domestic cats that escaped from their owners or were brought to hunt mice decades ago. There are records of feral cat populations back to the 1950s.  Another source says, cats were first introduced to San Nicolas Island during the 1800s and later by Navy personnel. (D3.2.6 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/msrp_rp_appendixd3.pdf)
Padded leg-hold live trapping is an effective technique for capturing feral cats on San Nicolas Island and will [be the] primary method used as part of the Proposed Action.  -From an internal document from the Department of the Navy
After a short stay on-island, the cats may be transported to the mainland into the custody of HSUS and/or a similar USFWS-approved party if HSUS or other approved party provide adequate assurance that the cats would be cared for in an enclosed facility or other secure indoor location for the remainder of their lives.  The enclosed facility or facilities would be required to maintain humane conditions and to prevent the cats from being able to adversely affect birds or other native wildlife.  -From an internal document from the Department of the Navy
On June 17, 2008, the 30-day public comment period closed.  The Service received approximately 5,788 comments from individuals, conservation groups, and other organizations in response to the Draft EA.  Out of the 5,788 comments, a total of 1,465 represented unique comments.  The remaining 4,323 comments were generic electronic form letter submissions that all contained identical statements regarding the proposed project. (p. 2 
 Feral cats may also carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis and rabies that can be transferred to the island fox and southern sea otter. Removal of the feral cat may potentially reduce the risk of disease to native wildlife. (Q3 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nic_FAQs_seabirds.pdf )
The primary methods of euthanasia that would be used on San Nicolas Island are noninhalant pharmaceutical agents, such as potassium chloride combined with a general anesthetic, and physical methods, specifically an accurately placed gunshot. All persons implementing euthanasia would be appropriately trained in the technique used. (3.1.1.4 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nicolas_Final_EA.pdf )
Dogs would be trained to find feral cats by following ground and / or wind-borne scents.  Dogs would not attack the feral cats, but would “bail them”, that is drive them by barking, into holes, rocky features, or trees.  The dog handler would shoot the feral cat when a clear, fatal shot can be delivered.  In some instances, feral cats may be deep in holes.  If this occurs, a live trap will be set at the entrance to the hole. (3.1.3 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nicolas_Final_EA.pdf)
In order to protect native wildlife, Navy policy prohibits Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) on their property; therefore, TNR is not an option on San Nicolas Island.  Moving captured feral cats and releasing them into feral colonies on the mainland is not an appropriate option for this project. Given the negative impacts of feral cats on wildlife, the USFWS does not consider the addition of feral cats from San Nicolas Island to the existing free-roaming cat population on the mainland to be consistent with our obligations to protect wildlife. (Q9 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nic_FAQs_seabirds.pdf )
Currently, feral cats on San Nicolas Island are subject to periodic population control through trapping and hunting, a necessary management action undertaken by the Navy as part of their commitment to protecting wildlife on the island. (Q11 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nic_FAQs_seabirds.pdf )
The presence of neutered and re-abandoned feral cats on San Nicolas Island would greatly decrease the ability to trap the remaining un-neutered feral cats because of an inability to determine through traditional methods (sign, dog tracking, etc.) between feral cats that had already been neutered and re-abandoned and new or not previously trapped feral cats.  (4.3.6 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nicolas_Final_EA.pdf)
Between 2003 and 2007, as part of island fox population studies, box traps were set for a total of 4,292 trap nights.  A total of four cats were caught in box traps during that time period.  During the Pilot Program with HSUS in 2008, box traps were set for a total of 1,176 trap nights during which four cats were caught.  The average capture success for box traps was 0.37 percent, with a low of 0.34 and a high of .40 percent (Garcelon 2009).  During the Pilot Program, padded leg-hold traps were set for 71 trap nights during which three cats were caught.  The average capture success for padded leg-hold traps was 5 percent, with a low of 4.2 and a high of 6.2 percent (Garcelon 2009).  Overall, the capture success was 12-15 times greater for padded leg- hold traps over cage traps (Garcelon 2009). Comment #2 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nicolas_Final_EA.pdf 
Comment #1: Several commenters recommended that feeding stations be set up on San 
Nicolas Island so the feral cats would not prey on native species. 
Response: Cats are natural hunters and will instinctively continue to hunt even when other food is available.  Due to rough topography and large roadless areas, maintaining feeding stations throughout the 14,230-acre island would be impractical.  Any artificial food sources would also be taken advantage of by the island fox, thereby creating an unnatural situation for this species. (p. 85 http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/southwest/montrose/pdf/San_Nicolas_Final_EA.pdf 
It is important to balance this challenge against difficult realities regarding the existing domesticated pet overpopulation, which poses an additional hurdle for these feral cats.  Statistics from the local shelter on the mainland, Ventura County Animal Shelter, indicate that in 2006-2007, out of 3,608 cats in their care, 1,256 were adopted, 148 were reclaimed, and 2,157 were euthanized.  Most of the animals euthanized were healthy, domestic adoptable cats (http://www.countyofventura.org/animalreg/ 2008).  When viewed against these statistics, a feral cat has little chance of adoption. 
For more information, contact:
Jane Hendron 
Public Affairs Division Chief 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
6010 Hidden Valley Road 
Carlsbad, CA 92011 
760-431-9440 
Sources:

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Man beheads his horse and feeds its head to his dogs, police say

A California man was arrested on charges of felony animal cruelty after police say he bludgeoned his horse with a sledgehammer, decapitated it with a chainsaw and fed it to his dogs.

  
Wow, this guy is a real winner!  Authorities say, in the past, that he has been cited for inhumane living conditions for his animals.  He has also faced multiple kennel violation charges and failing to get his animals vaccinated.  This guy had at least 33 dogs, 8 puppies, 10 goats, peacocks and geese on his property as well.  


The horse's remains have been taken to a state lab where a necropsy (autopsy for animals) will be done to see if decapitation was the cause of death or if it was alive when it was decapitated.


Read more... 

Monday, April 20, 2009

Update on Scarlet and her three week old kittens!

The kittens are beginning to play with each other!  It's so exciting seeing them grow!  Scarlet is gaining weight and doing great!  The kittens are also starting to respond to me when I pet them and when they hear my voice.  They are so adorable!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Cat Risks Life to Save Owner

Kimberley was in her garden when, suddenly, she was confronted by a snake. Only inches away, hissing and shaking its tail, the viper was ready to strike when Sosa the cat interceded – lashing out at the snake and protecting Kimberley.


Kimberley was spared, but Sosa was bitten on the paw as a result. Amazingly, Sosa pulled through after just three days in an animal hospital.


Source: http://www.petcentric.com/article.aspx?C=1&OID=25# 


Friday, April 17, 2009

More pictures of the kittens-now two weeks old!

Here are the kittens-they are two weeks, two days old in these pictures which were taken this morning.  Enjoy!




Scarlet is doing great!

Scarlet went to the vet today and is doing great!  Last Saturday, she weighed 4 pounds, 8 ounces and today she weighs 5 pounds 5 ounces!  She is eating a ton and feeling lots better.  She is still on medication for her hookworms and coccidia but I can tell she feels lots better.  I am so happy to see her change from a lethargic, sick kitty into a vibrant, energetic mama!

Her kittens are also gaining weight and doing great!  I have noticed that they are starting to smell things and they are definitely getting more curious about their surroundings.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Pictures of Scarlet and Her Two Week Old Kittens!

Scarlet is getting better everyday!  She is eating more and acts like she feels much better.  She is on a lot of medications and we are still doing Sub-Q fluids every night.

The kittens are two weeks old today.  They are growing everyday and gaining weight.  I think two of them are starting to play already!

All of these pictures were taken this morning.  The kittens are getting so cute!! (They were cute before, but everyday they seem to get even cuter!)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Jonathon Had Three Molars Removed


Jonathon had dental surgery yesterday and had 3 of his 4 molars (the big teeth used for chewing) removed.  The vet said he will still be able to eat dry food.  His teeth were removed due to recurring infection in these teeth causing him pain.

Jonathon had periodontal disease...hopefully, removing these teeth will help his mouth become healthier.

As periodontal disease progresses, you may observe the following signs:
  • Purulent exudate (pus) around the tooth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Sensitivity around the mouth
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Gums that are inflamed (red), hyperplastic, or receding
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach or intestinal upsets
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty chewing or eating
  • Irritability or depression

Cats infected with feline leukemia virusFIV or calicivirus have a much higher incidence of periodontal disease.


For more information, visit peteducation.com.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Update on Scarlet, the mama cat

I received the results of the blood work and stool sample for Scarlet. She has hookworms and coccidia. We started her on medication this morning.  She has been eating for the past two days-although not as much as we would like.  We gave her sub-Q fluids last night and we are instructed to do that everyday for at least a week.  I think the fluids are helping her feel better.  Of course, the medicine is too.  She is still being a good mama despite not feeling her best.    


Sunday, April 12, 2009

Scarlet is not eating!

You may know that I have a mama kitty and now 10 day old kittens.  I realized that Scarlet was not eating on Thursday.  I offered her every type of cat food I had.  I offered her Wellness, Natural Balance, Felidae, Science Diet, Instinct, two "recovery" foods for kitties who had surgery or are sick, and PetGuard wet food.  I offered her Science Diet dry food, Evo, Jonathon's Diabetes food, and finally 9 lives which is for my ferals.  Last night, she ate some of the 9 lives!  She also ate some of the Science Diet A/D food that I got from the shelter last night.  She ate almost 1/3 of the can!  


I took her to the vet yesterday because she wasn't eating, the vet wanted to see her.  She was worried that she would stop producing milk.  She weighed Scarlet, who only weighed 4 lbs, 8 ounces.  She was also slightly dehydrated.  They gave her subcutaneous (sub-Qfluids and I have to do that again today.  Click here to see what sub-Q fluids are.


They also took blood and a stool sample, which the results will hopefully be back today-tomorrow at the latest.  They did a quick blood test last night and found nothing abnormal.  The more in depth test that they sent out to a lab might tell us something.


As you can see from this picture, Scarlet is very thin.  You shouldn't be able to see her legs stick out so much.  I can feel her hip bones and her entire spine.  


Hopefully, we can get her eating more today and tomorrow.  If not, it's back to the vet!  


Saturday, April 11, 2009

Help! My cat has acne.

I have two cats that have white fur and I sometimes see dark spots on their chin.  This is actually feline acne.

The bowl below is perfect for kitties who are prone to acne.  It is wide and made of stainless steel.  Sometimes plastic and ceramic bowls get germs inside microscopic cracks inside the bowl, which are transferred to their chin when they eat.  Also, clean the bowls at least once a week or when they look visibly dirty.  That can help, if you don't want to go out and buy new bowls.

Also, while I was at the vet one day, I asked what I could do.  She told me to buy some Stridex pads, or a similar product.  I bought the kind with aloe and it worked well.  I used it every other day and after about a week, I noticed a decrease in the black spots.


Friday, April 10, 2009

More pics of Scarlet and her one week old kittens!

Karma is in her new home!

Karma went to her her new home on Wednesday. I feel very happy about the family who adopted her. I think they will take care of her just like I did. I think she has a very good home! Yay!  Poor Artie misses her though.  We just play with him more since they used to run around and chase each other.  We miss her too but we couldn't keep her.  If we keep every kitty we loved, we would have an apartment full!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

A Video of Scarlet and Her Kittens!

Here is a video of Scarlet and her sweet kittens!


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Low Cost Vaccinations in Kansas City

Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic April 11!!
$5 Vaccinations for targeted zip codes
$10 Vaccinations for all other zip codes
$15 Microchips
KCMO Pet Licensing

Spay & Neuter Kansas City
6817 Stadium Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
10am to Noon

816-353-0940

Our new mama kitty....

We have decided to name the mama kitty Scarlet.  We do not have names for the kittens yet.  These pictures were taken this morning.

I have 7 day old kittens!!!

A good samaritan called the shelter and said that a mother kitty had kittens in their garage.  We found out about it on Thursday and I said I could take them but asked if I could wait until Tuesday since I was trapping this weekend.  So, I picked up the mama and kittens last night.  They are sooooo sweet!  The mama is very friendly and thankfully tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia.

I will post regular updates on these sweet little kittens!