Update on Charlie, the bloodhound

We have found Charlie a sanctuary that is a little closer to home. Greener Pasturse in PA.

The admission fee there is $3000 instead of $5000. We are still in need of $2000 of that fee.

 

If you can find it in your heart to donate even $1, we, and Charlie, would be so greatful.

Please visit www.awlfc.org to donate. Please reference CHARLIE so we know it's for him.

 

Thnak you so much!

Cold Weather Preparations

It is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn their lovely fall colors. Kids are back to school,
and grown-ups back to work, with little vacation in site. What does all this mean to a feral cat colony
care taker? It means clean up and winter prep.

It's time to empty out those shelters; removing all the old straw, washing and disinfecting them
if you can. Maybe laying down some flea repellent under new straw, (be careful to only put down
safe repellent as cats do burrow into the straw and stir it up) and removing bugs. Shelters are great for all kinds of insects and other critters. Stink bugs love them, but a cat doesn't love stink bugs. Your
ferals will not use your freshly made up house if it is harboring smelly bugs. Also, the stink bug smell just attracts more stink bugs, telling them there is a nice cozy place to hibernate for the winter.

You can get rid of the smell by first scrubbing thoroughly with a mixture of 1 qt of peroxide, 1/4c
of baking soda and 1 tsp of liquid ivory, then rinsing well. And to discourage stick bugs from re-
inhabiting, mints are a natural repellent. This includes catnip and cat mint, so have at it, grow it like gangbusters around your shelters, use it under straw or wherever you want!

If you have wood houses with home insulation you need to check that there are no holes,
all insulation needs to be safely tucked away from digging and burrowing cats.
If you use styrofoam as insullation, you'll want to be sure that there are no holes and shredded foam laying around, sometimes cats try to eat it, and that causes digestion problems and blockages. Straw
is a great natural insulator, so you can pack those walls up with it and not worry about what your
cats are digging into.

Once everything is clean it's time to pack with your new straw. Please, use only straw. It wicks away
moisture from cats when it's rainy or snowy. It does not mold or harbor bacteria that can lead to
URIs.  Do not be afraid to overstuff your shelter! The cats do burrow and create little sleeping areas deep down where it's warm.

Now that everything is ready in your shelters, it's time to start thinking of feeding and watering. Please do not use heated water dishes; cats can chewor scratch the wires, and they become brittle in
winter, causing shorts or electrical problems. You may need to go out and replenish water several
times on very cold winter days, but it's better than accidently electrocuting one of your babies. If you can find a bowl with a dark interior, it will retain more heat and keep the water from freezing
so quickly. As far as food goes, add 10-20% kitten kibble in with your regular food, it gives the cats some extra needed calories to stay warm during the cold winter months.

Remember to always care for your cats to the best of your ability. They count on you and in return
give you so much more!

Pure Breeds and Genetic Problems vs Robust Ferals

Purebred is a misnomer, if you're honest about it. There are so many different breeds
now that it can be quite difficult to tell one from another, unless there is a striking difference.
Breeding for specific color or feature is actually taking away a lot of genetic diversity, therefore
creating unforseen health problems. With every mating of two cats with certain traits, more genetic
information is lost, creating even more problems.

This is why a feral cat is healthier and genetically stronger than your purebred pet.
With all the diversity in a feral colony, you see the many colors, features and traits that you
have in the pure breeds.

I am working with a small colony right now that is mostly black cats, except for one that looks
just like a Tonkinese. In my colony, I have tuxedos, tabbies, long hair, short hair, solid black, and
gray kitties. I've seen a litter of Siamese kittens with 2 ornage and white siblings. The diversity is
what makes each cat a surprise, and I am the happier for them.

I am not saying purebred cats are not terrific pets, and I am not saying that people should not get one
if they want, but I will say this, if you are looking for a purebred breed, be aware of the genetic issues
your new pet will have. You can do a search online, or there is a great list on Blog About Cats. Also, and this is VERY important, please get one from a breed specific rescue. They will have kittens and adult cats. These cats are usually rescued from pet stores, backyard breeders and hoarders, and they make wonderful pets. As the saying goes...."don't breed or buy while other pets die".