Keeping Your Cats Calm with Holiday Guests

The Holidays should be a happy time for your whole family, including your furry ones. If you are welcoming friends and family into your home, this might create a stressful situation for your cats. Advanced planning, some extra attention, and a little assistance from guests will help keep your cats calm during Holiday festivities.

Make sure your cat has a sanctuary to get away from it all with access to food, water, litter box, and familiar items (like toys, blankets, cat trees). If these items are normally in an area that will be occupied by guests, move them several days early and help your cat discover them in their new location. Cats are creatures of habit, so they may not like to find their favorite things suddenly in a new location. Give them a few days to get acclimated. 

Remind guests that you have cats and ask for their help. Ask them to make sure no kitties bolt out the door unexpectedly; mind children to make sure they are treating the cats kindly or leaving them alone altogether if desired; ask about guests’ allergies in advance so overly friendly cats can be spared rejection; remind guests not to feed people food to your cats, even if they beg for it.

If a guest brings holiday plants or flowers, keep them away from your cat until you can ensure they are not poisonous to cats. You can view of list of plants toxic to cats at the ASPCA’s website.

Most importantly, give your cats extra love and attention. This will not only help keep them calm, it will help keep them safe from the many holiday hazards for cats: tinsel, ribbons, ornaments and hooks, candles, candy, alcohol, and more. Things that make the Holidays merry and bright often do not mix well with curious felines.

Wish you and your kitties a safe and happy holiday season!

 

Tori's Wish

I'm Tori. I grew up outside, always having to compete for food. I was used to being around people but not necessarily right up close. So when I came into rescue with my two young kittens, Razz and Tazz, it was scary for me. But I learned to like living in a home. And I've learned that with these nice people here, I will never have to worry that my boys won't be safe and well fed. This has always been my wish for them. Now I have one wish left, and it's a big one. I wish that I could find a home with at least one of my boys and hopefully both, so we can all stay together. I love them so much. My boys are very sweet and special guys. 

Razz and Tazz are outgoing and social with people and other cats. Everyone loves them. And they love and trust everyone. If you are kind and patient, I will learn to trust you too. I hope you can help make my wish come true. You can meet my little family at Woody's Pet Food Deli in Woodbury, where we are currently fostered with other friends.  For more information about adopting us contact Molly at 651-295-3758 or outreach@felinerescue.org.

Learning to Trust

The following story written by Marie one of our fabulous foster caregivers is a perfect example of the dedication and care that Feline Rescue's volunteer foster caregivers devote to the cats and kittens in their care. This story also demonstrates how many cats deemed "feral" just need some time to learn to trust people.

On July 24th we took in the IT Crowd Feline Rescue, Inc. foster kittens: Roy, Jen, and Moss. Roy was affectionate at the get-go. Jen took a little bit of time to warm up. But Moss. Oh, Moss. Moss was hostile. Had this group been at an animal control facility, Moss might have been deemed feral. If you approached her, she freaked out, hissed, hit you, ran away. I wasn't sure what was going to become of her. I tried to be patient and give her space. She made very small steps forward. She would stay out of the kennel when I came in. She would not flinch if I moved my arm toward her. She would smell my fingers but run away if I moved. So, I hate doing this, but I used food as a tool. Instead of leaving dry food out for them to chow on all day, I left nothing out. So after 10 hours, when I get home from work, they're hungry. I would open a can of wet food and Jen and Roy would go at it. Moss would be anxious in a corner. Eventually she started coming to the food if I stayed very still. If I moved at all, she would run away. Then she would stay at the food even if I made movements but still wouldn't tolerate movements towards her direction. Then, finally, I was able to touch her. She was so engrossed in eating that I was able to lightly touch her. She flinched and would run away. I continued to do that day after day. One day, she didn't run away. She still flinched and you could see in her body language that she was irritated but I was able to pet her twice before she would run away. Then one day, she allowed me to pet her repeatedly as she ate. Once she was done eating, though, see ya. Or if she turned her head up and actively saw me petting her, see ya. But then just recently, she has let me pet her while she eats, repeatedly, on her spine, her sides, her neck her head, and that body language isn't there anymore. Just the other day, she started enjoying the petting so much, she fell over to her side to get tummy rubs. It was as if even SHE was surprised she fell over. She quickly jumped up and ran away, shocked at her involuntary show of vulnerability. And then 2 days ago, she broke.

She is all over me now. She loves to be pet. She rubs against my leg. She licks my toes and my fingers. She will take belly rubs for a few scratches. She has really turned a corner. And it only took nearly 2 months. It was really, really, really frustrating, I can tell you that. I wanted to shake her and say, "MOSS! I AM NICE! LET ME BE NICE TO YOU!". But that would be abusive and also cats don't speak English and do have sharp claws. But with patience and food, Moss is turning into a cat who really digs humans. And I feel grateful that we were able to help another living being overcome its fears and allow itself to be loved during the short time it has on this pale blue dot.

Moss and her siblings Roy and Jen are available for adoption. If you'd like to learn more about them, please contact Joan at 651-705-6264 or submit our Adoption Inquiry Form.

Looking for More Foster Caregivers

If you were a foster caregiver, this is something you could see every day!

A plea for more caregivers
We're well on our way to another record year, with this year's numbers pulverizing last year's pretty awesome numbers.  The one thing that is holding us back from saving more cats and kittens is open foster homes. We have no open homes right now but our phone is always ringing with requests to help another stray cat. If we had more caregivers, we could have more cats in the foster care program. We need you to help us.

What does a caregiver do? 
Being a caregiver is fairly easy. It does take a bit of your time. Part of the caregiver experience is chores - cleaning litter boxes, washing dishes. Another part is putting on your chauffeur hat and transporting the kitten to the vet (usually 1-2 times) and to our Foster building (usually twice). And finally the best part is playing with kittens. You will find yourself saying over and over and over again, "You are the cutest kitten EVER!" to each and every one of your fosters. Being a caregiver means some chores, some transport, and lots of cuteness. But mostly, it means saving a cat.

Who qualifies as a caregiver? 
Anyone over 18 who is fine driving to St. Paul for vet visits, has a spare room to confine the fosters, and who has a few extra hours a week to spend with their fosters.

What cats go to the Foster program? 
Kittens under 5 months of age, pregnant momma cats, moms with kittens, special needs, and the elderly are all candidates for the Foster program. We need caregivers for all of these cats and kittens.

How do I learn about fostering?
We've got a great support network of caregivers who can help guide you and answer questions. We even have written instruction manual and classroom "training." You won't go this alone. We're here to help you.

In a nutshell
We can provide you with food, litter, medicines, and pretty much any other cat supplies you need. We pay for vet visits. You simply need to transport them there when needed and spend time kissing them, petting them, cooing over them (and.... cleaning litter boxes and washing their dishes). If you've got some time to spare, we'd love to have you.

Frankness.... 
Okay, being a caregiver isn't all kissing bellies and cuddling with kittens. For the most part and most days, it is fun. But sometimes kittens unexpectedly get sick. There may be more vet visits. There may be some sleepless nights, up caring for a sick kitten. You will clean litter boxes more than you've ever cleaned before. And vacuum more. And pick up toys more. And ask, "Okay, which one of you did this?" more times than you care to count. And worry more. And analyze litter box contents more than you ever thought in a million years you would. And have more cat hair on your clothes than you think could possibly be on the kitten itself. And sleep less.  But it means saving more cats. That can't be stressed enough. The work a foster caregiver does is rewarded when that little face looks up at you and you realize, "He may not be alive right now if I hadn't started fostering."

To apply
You can apply online here:   http://felinerescue.org/volunteering/foster-volunteer-application/
We'd really love to have you. And so would the cats.

The Dangers of the Great Outdoors

Some people think cats are outdoor creatures. They think their cat is happier living outside. They use the excuse that "They're wild creatures at heart. They need to be outside!" or "I just can't bear to keep him inside. He howls at the door until I let him out." Indeed, a little romp outside can be a nice change of pace.  For some cats, feeling grass under their feet and all the different smells really do make them happy. However, opening the door and letting them roam free is quite dangerous. Anything can get to your cat outside - people, cars, other animals. If you do take your cat outside, the cat should be on a harness and with you at all times. The following two tales really emphasize the importance of not letting your cat roam free outdoors.

Quade was an indoor-outdoor 6 month old kitten. For the past couple of weeks, Quade would return to his house with a new wound somewhere on his body. His owner couldn't figure out what was causing these wounds. A week ago, when Quade returned to his house, he couldn't put any weight on his back leg. The owner then discovered why. The neighbor kids were using Quade as target practice. His previous wounds were caused by BB gunshots. With this last round of target practice, one of the BBs broke Quade's leg. His owner couldn't afford the vet bills and surrendered her kitten to Feline Rescue.

Quade's BB wounds

Quade will have surgery to repair this fracture. The vet brought in a specialist because this fracture is particularly tricky. It's just below the knee. We're gambling that Quade's leg can be fixed.


Addy was another indoor-outdoor cat. Addy's owner didn't like to confine this fun-loving, earthy cat to the house. She thought he could - and would - always be able to look out for himself while outside. Unfortunately, a few days ago, Addy was hit by a car. He was caught in the wheel well and dragged for a few blocks before he fell free of the vehicle. It would seem as though the driver of the car never even slowed down. Addy's injuries are absolutely ghastly and look like something out of a horror movie. One of his paws was completely degloved.

Addy's owner couldn't afford the vet bills and surrendered him to Feline Rescue. Addy's injuries are quite severe and his leg cannot be saved. He will have amputation surgery later this week.

Addy wearing his cone.


Both Addy and Quade could have been spared these painful injuries if they were kept inside. On one hand, they're lucky because they've survived their ordeals. They could have suffered through much
different fates.

Both Addy and Quade have months of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of them. Both cats, despite the pain of their injuries, are sweet and affectionate guys. They know that even though some bad people hurt them, not every person is bad. They will be ready for adoption as soon as they master their rehab classes.

Addy and Quade have another thing in common - their surgeries are quite expensive. To contribute towards Addy's and Quade's vet bills, you can donate via either the "Network for Good" or "Pay Pal" or go to our web site.  Please make sure to enter "Addy's and Quade's vet bills" in the Designation field. Any amount will be thoroughly appreciated.

We're also looking for a caregiver for Addy. He will need to be on kennel rest for a good 3-6 weeks (we can provide the kennel). If you'd like to foster him, please submit a Foster Caregiver Application Form.

Donating by credit card via Network for Good Online:

Donating by PayPal or credit card via PayPal Online:

Donations by personal check can be mailed to:

Feline Rescue, Inc.
Attn: Donations
593 Fairview Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55104

 

Earning Bucky's Trust

Cap and Bucky are brothers who were born outside and rescued during a TNR project.  Volunteers Stacey and Brian, who have helped many foster kitties find their forever homes, agreed to work on these shy brothers to get them ready for adoption. Having the patience to help scared kitties come out of their shells is rewarding. Here is an update on Cap and Bucky after just a few weeks in their foster home: 

Thought I would give you an update on the boys. Cap is doing amazing, he's like a normal indoor cat, and has connected with the other cats in the house. He loves to snuggle and be pet, and is extremely playful/destructive towards cat toys. All I need to work with him is being picked up.

Bucky, on the other hand, is a different story. He's taken longer to warm up to us than any other cats we've had. He's just started to come out of hiding though, and has been VERY curious about us lately. He started out just peeking around the kitchen to watch us (I make sure he watched us interact with the other kitties in a very positive way). Now he comes out to eat with the rest of the kitties (he LOVES the other cats, he rubs all over them; he will soon learn that to be friends with the other cats he'll need to be friends with us, because the cats follow us everywhere we go in the house). He will let us get a little close to him (he will run down the stairs if we get too close, but comes right back), he does hiss and growl still, but when I go to hand feed him treats he will swat them out of my hand, he does it nicely though with no claws, so that's a good sign.
I had a breakthrough with him last night and he followed me to the living room and sat on the coffee table and ate treats I gave him. (I also caught him in the kitty tree with Cap last night.)

Little by little Bucky is improving every day with us, he just takes a little more time than some of the others. We do have a big kitty tunnel in our kitchen that he feels very safe in; you can tell he wants to be a part of the family already, but is just scared. So he likes to lay in the cat tunnel and watch us, to be around everyone and still feel safe.

A few days later:

Bucky has already improved so much since I sent that email. He is now staying in rooms with us and the other cats because he's so curious about us, and LOVES all the cats. We have now gotten Bucky to be able to eat out of our hands. He still doesn't like being touched yet, but when we do pet him, he doesn't run much. 

Cap and Bucky don't mind the dog at all, very dog friendly.
Cap has started to cuddle in bed with me every now and then, and he loves to lick and nibble on fingers and toes. 
I can't wait to see more of Bucky's progress. (He's definitely food motivated now.) :)

Amazing Tricolored Dreamcoats!

Tricolor cats – it’s like having 3 cats in one! Feline Rescue has several beautiful tricolor momma cats that have been the very definition of selfless caregivers, yet during the very busy kitten season they are often overlooked as potential additions to families looking to add a feline companion to their home. Many of the Feline Rescue moms are just youngsters themselves at only a year or two old!

Ripley

While the lure of adorable little fluff ball kittens is understandable, don’t forget the momma cats who have cared for their little ones for several months and now want a chance for a forever family of their own or maybe together with one of their kittens!

Pastiche

Momma cats at Feline Rescue are colorful, social and like to play! Come meet one of them today in their foster home and see what a joy it would be to have a momma cat as part of your family!

Martha

For more information about visiting some of our gorgeous tricolored, momma cats, submit an adoption inquiry form or contact Joan at 651-705-6264.

For a listing of all of our available cats and kittens, check our web site's Available Cats and Kittens page.

Hey! Check us out too!

We're kinda getting overlooked not sure why since we're just as fun and cuddly as our brothers and sisters who have been adopted or have visitors coming to meet them. Is it because we're not as colorful?

We're a bunch of mini black panthers which is even better.

Black Velvet

Cola

Freyja

Guinness

Khalo

Oso

Sierra

For more information about visiting some silly, purry black kittens, submit an adoption inquiry form or contact Joan at 651-705-6264.

For a listing of all of our available cats and kittens, check our web site's Available Cats and Kittens page.

Happy 9th Birthday to Nelson!

UPDATE FROM ADOPTER:
Hello Denise,

It’s that time again and Nelson will be 9 on June 1st.

NELSON

Nelson is doing very well and has become quite the snuggle buddy. He seems to be mellowing in his older years which for me is wonderful given his troubles with food allergies and behavior. He has been thriving since he started on Prozac which keeps his rolling skin, twitching, and self-biting at bay. 

Once again I need to thank all from Feline Rescue who chimed in with their thoughts and ideas for his care over the years, you all are the best!! With the help of my vet Nelson is finally at peace with himself and is happy.

LANA KITTY PIERSON

Lana Kitty Pierson was adopted last fall from a Feline Rescue foster Mom Coleen. Lana was a mother of 5 beautiful babies and is now 2 years old and very precocious. She is full of personality and very gentle and kind.

LANA KITTY PIERSON

I was hoping that Nelson and she would be pals however he wants no part of her. My introductions have ended with both of them fighting and have produced some bloody scratches. I am pretty convinced that Nelson is a one person cat. 

Nelson and Lana live in separate rooms and get alternate times out with the run of the house.

My hope is that someday Nelson will accept her.

NELSON

Thank you for all you did for Nelson and thank you to all the great Feline Rescue folks for their dedication and service!

Sincerely,

Lisa R~

NOTE FROM FORMER FOSTER MOM: 

Nelson was one of a litter of tabby kittens that I called the Chipmunks: Chip & Dale, Simon, Theodora, Alvinia. Ironically, the mother of the Chipmunks was a lovely solid black cat named "Lana" -- the same name as Chip/Nelson's new sister!! Perhaps he doesn't like his mother's name for this new sister :-)

Check out some kitten photos here:

http://felinerescue.blogspot.com/2008/04/fr-photo-archives.html

Revised schedule for Cat Claw Clipping Clinics

Pistachio and Butternut Adoption Update

In honor of former foster momma cat Peanut's kittens' birthday today, we have another fabulous update for two more of her kittens.

Pistachio's and Butternut's (now Anouk) family saw the update for Hazelnut and Filbert.

We adopted Pistachio and Butternut (now Anouk) almost two years ago. They will turn two on May 17, 2016. We could not be happier with these two amazing kittens. They have brought so much joy to our household.

We adopted Pistachio and Anouk (Butternut) at the start of a huge remodeling project. Both kittens quickly learned how to climb up and down ladders. The house was a kitten paradise/jungle gym. Pistachio made friends with the framers. Pistachio (a good helper) would even sit atop a ladder, remove screws from the box, and drop them on the floor for the framers. Pistachio is quite the talker and enjoys speaking to himself and anyone else who will listen.

His sister Anouk (Butternut) waits for me to come home every day. She is a quiet, gentle kitten who enjoys a soft touch and being praised for all of her good deeds. She follows me around like a little puppy. She is pure sweetness in a kitten body.

Her brother Pistachio is a happy boy who loves everyone. He loves to cuddle. He also enjoys playing with his twisty ties and springs. He likes to share the fun by hiding toys for us in our work bags and shoes, or under rugs for safekeeping.

Anouk loves her sisters and just looking cute for the camera.

They have many good places to sleep and a lot of space to play or watch birds.

Everyone gets along really well. Adopting litter mates is the best, and I highly recommend it.. We are so grateful to Feline Rescue and their volunteers for all of the work they do to rescue kittens, and for all of the joy and happiness those kittens have brought to our household.

Thank you!
Dawn and Curtis

Thank you for all the wonderful photos! Maybe we'll get an update for Peanut next.

Filbert and Hazelnut Adoption Update

Filbert and Hazelnut came into foster care 2 years ago at just one week old with their mom Peanut and siblings Pistachio and Butternut. Peanut had given birth to her kittens at a tree farm and a wonderful person working at the farm rounded them all up and brought them to Feline Rescue.

We recently received an adoption update, with lots of great photos, from their mom Kate.

Filbert and Hazelnut are wonderful cats. They enjoy looking out the window; they both run to their perches in the morning when they hear the blinds being opened.

Even though she does the "crazy kitty", bolting around the house and scurrying up her cat tree nearly every evening, Hazel is more reserved than Filbert. He, in contrast, is very social and likes to walk around meowing at anyone who will respond.

They both enjoy scratching their posts, and they use their claws to toss tennis balls in the air. Neither kitty scratches anything other than their posts.

Mostly, they enjoy each others' company. Thankfully, they were adopted together.

Thank you Kate! Feline Rescue foster caregivers, shelter caregivers and supporters love updates!

Save the Date - First Avenue Rebel, Rebel RFP XII!

A Tribute to David Bowie

Friday, June 10th, 2016
First Avenue, Mainroom
Doors: 8:00 p.m. 18+
Tickets: $15
Proceeds benefit Feline Rescue

Hosted by Mary Lucia (89.3 The Current) and David Campbell
Featuring an all-star band led by John Eller (The Shiny Lights) with special guest DJ Jake Rudh and much more

Happy Mother's Day for Mom & kittens from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue

A skinny dehydrated mother cat who had given birth to five kittens on April 1 was dropped off at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue (on the Red Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota) a few days later, after two of the kittens died. Karen Good (caregiver at RLRR) fed the hungry mama and kept the kittens alive with formula until the mama started to produce milk. The little family came down to the Twin Cities on the next transport to be fostered by Feline Rescue, Inc.

MAMA AND KITTENS AT RLRR

Mama is a pretty calico and her surviving kittens are all orange and white boys. I am their foster mom, so I got them set up in my bathroom/nursery.

MAMA SCOTCHEROO

THREE LITTLE MEN IN THE TUB

Kittens are safely in the tub lined with padding and fleece and a cozy teepee den. Mama is free to come and go from the tub when she needs a break to eat or use the litterbox.

It wasn't long before the tent bed was too small for the whole family, but the kittens kept using it for naps until they learned how to climb the tent bed and then they slept on top!

PINWHEEL SLEEPING FORMATION

CREEPING LAPS

Originally, I thought I would call the group the April Fools because of their birthdate and name them after famous red-headed comedians, but the kittens were just too yummy and sweet, so I named them after favorite golden treats with fun names.

TWINKIE

DREAMSICLE

SNICKERDOODLE

Mama now gets time out in the rest of the house and the kittens are approaching six weeks of age and are anxious for life outside the confines of the bathtub. The bathroom will be space enough for them for a few more weeks. They will be ready for adoption after spay/neuter when the kittens reach 12 weeks of age. Contact Feline Rescue foster adoption coordinator Joan at 651-705-6264 if you are interested in meeting them!

REST TIME FOR MAMA

Denise
RLRR & FR volunteer