Chloe and Sasha

Dear Reader,

        Chloe and Sasha have grown quite close over the past few days, which has been an absolute pleasure to watch.  Sasha is usually quite scared of new cats, and she was actually terrified of this tiny little kitten for the first few days.  However, she and Chloe are like sisters now, they play all the time!  I saw Sasha kneading today for the first time, so she must be rediscovering her inner kitten.  Here are some videos, in chronological order.  Happy viewing!

Chloe

Dear Reader,
          I was giving Chloe a bath and I realized that she had a ton of fleas on her!  I'd never dealt with fleas before, so I went into panic mode and actually tried removing fleas by hand.  And I mean without a flea comb or anything.  I actually killed a good 20-30 fleas that way, but it took like close to 3 hours.  The amazing thing is that she didn't complain at all!
          Well today, I treated all of the cats with Revolution and washed all the bedding so that problem should be contained.  She has a heck of an appetite, today she ate two small cans of Wellness.  She does have a cute little quirk though.  She normally never complains about handling, but when she's eating and you pet her, especially her feet, she sometimes lets out this loud squeal.  At first, I thought she might've been hurt or something, but since she never makes that noise when she's not eating, I'm convinced that it's just her being a a bit of a drama queen :p.  I'm trying to adjust that by consistently handling her while feeding, and so far, it seems to be working.

I have a bunch of awesome footage of the little girl, but unfortunately, my iPad cable just stopped working so I'm waiting on a new one to get my videos up.

More Cats

Dear Reader,
          Yesterday, Alaska was returned to me by her adopter.  She and Persia (Alaska's mother) had a nice little reunion.  Apparently Alaska scratched and bit the adopter's girlfriend, which really surprised me, since she was curled up in my arms last night, purring.  I'm guessing it wasn't Alaska's fault since the adopter changed his mind and is coming to take her back at the end of the week.
          Today, I got ahold of a stray kitten who was left in a building out in Brooklyn.  A very nice couple sheltered her last night and I picked her up a couple of hours ago.  She is about 4-5 weeks old and her eyes haven't changed color yet, but she's the sweetest and most playful little girl.  I've decided to call her Chloe for now, we'll see if the name sticks.

           Chloe is apparently really smart as well.  The couple told me she didn't know how to use a litter box, but I decided to set one up for her anyway.  I nudged her into it and she started doing her business right away.  Thank God for that!

Ear Tipping

Dear Reader,
          Some people who have come to view our cats at adoption events have commented on the fact that our cats have been ear tipped.  Most instinctively see this as cruel as wonder why anyone would do such a thing - I did too before I was educated on the subject.  While I certainly don't love the idea, I now realize that it's a necessary evil, done for the benefit of stray and feral cats.  Neighborhoodcats.org provides a terrific explanation.  Their article can be found at http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_EARTIPPING.  I'm going to quote the article below in case the link changes in the future.

"Eartipping is the universal sign of a neutered feral cat. The procedure involves removing approximately a quarter-inch off the tip of the cat's left ear in a straight line cut. This is done while the cat is anesthetized for spay/neutering and healing is rapid. As a guide to veterinarians, a detailed description of the procedure is provided at the end of this page.

When we first started working with feral cats, we avoided eartipping as it seemed like a kind of mutilation. But everything else we tried failed. Taking photos of the neutered cats was fine if you saw the cats often and could easily tell similar-looking ones apart. But in colonies where the cats were all black and white and the caretaker caught random glimpses, the photos were useless. We tried tattooing the inner ears, but then it was impossible to tell at a distance whether the cat had the tattoo and needed to be trapped or not. Ear tags, which are small metal clips, can get caught in twigs, branches or the like and cause the ear to tear and become infected. In some cases, they fall off.

We were won over to eartipping when we had a cat operated on who had already been spayed, but not eartipped. Fortunately, the veterinarian saw the scar and stopped the procedure. Nonetheless,
the cat was unnecessarily trapped and anesthetized, with all the corresponding stress.

In addition to avoiding needless trapping and surgery, eartipping also benefits the cats by clearly identifying them as members of a managed TNR colony. In New York City, animal control notifies us whenever an eartipped cat ends up in one of their facilities, giving us the opportunity to find the caretaker. In addition, depending on local policies, animal control may refrain from trapping eartipped cats, knowing they "belong" to someone."

I hope you learned something today!

The Good and the Bad

Hi Reader,
         Lets start off with the good.  Today, I delivered Sherri to her forever home.

         She now lives with a very nice family and has a new brother, who I'm sure she'll become great friends with.  The lady who adopted her asked me why I think we may develop deeper bonds with our cats than our dogs, and I didn't really have a good answer, but I think I do now.
         I adopted my dog when she was 2 months old and she's been a perfect little puppy.  She loves everybody and everything.  My cat, on the other hand, hid under my bed for a good month and was still quite shy for a few months afterward.  I got her when she was about 3 months old.  When she was about 7 months old, she finally grew close to me and started snuggling with me, even grooming my hair when she catches me off guard!  She now sleeps with me every night and is supremely comfortable sitting on my lap.  My dog trusts me fully as well, but I didn't have to work nearly as hard to gain her trust, and she's basically comfortable with everybody.  My cat, on the other hand, is really only completely vulnerable with me, and that is why I feel I have a deeper bond with her than I do with my dog.  Of course, I love them both with all my heart!

         Here's the bad: Last week, I was showing my foster cats at an adoption event when someone came up to me and asked if we had any declawed cats.  I told her no, we didn't, and we would never think of declawing any of our cats.  It shocks me how backwards America is when it comes to this issue.  Most countries in Europe and even elsewhere have banned this cruel practice.  It's basically mutilation and serves no purpose other than saving someone's precious furniture.  If they really cared about their cat, they'd clip their nails or use Soft Paws.
         However, what's even worse is that there are vets out there who not only perform, but encourage this cruel procedure.  These vets deserve to have their license taken away because they clearly care more about making money than they do about the welfare of their furry patients.  If they treated people instead, they would never get away with this blatant abuse of power.
         If you're interested in reading more about why declawing is such a horrible practice, check out Gary Lowenthal's article Why Cats Need Claws: http://halrescue.org/declaw.html

Sasha

This is why I can never get any work done!

Dear Reader, I just took Sasha to the vet for her spay surgery. I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep all night, but at least I was able to cuddle with the best cat in the world. Hoping to bring her home safe and sound tonight. Joe

Sasha playing with Persia's tail

Hi Readers,
         Here's the video, as promised!

Persia Pics

Hi Readers,
           I've got some more great video footage for you guys, but while it's loading, I'll leave you with these adorable pictures of Persia.  Isn't she wonderful?

P.S. - I'm trying to figure out who my audience is so I can better focus this blog.  I've been thinking of writing a few articles on dealing with shy, scared, and aggressive cats drawing from my own experience.  Please let me know what you think or what you'd like to see!  Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail at joezoey@gmail.com.  Thanks!

Sherri and Persia Video

Hi Readers!

          Persia purred for the first time today.  She and Sherri and both so sweet.  Check out the video below.

I brought them to a couple of adoption events so far, but surprisingly, nobody has expressed interest.  They're such perfect cats!

New Foster Cats!

Hi Readers!
        Sorry it's been a while, but change is a brewin around here.  Last Wednesday, I brought Persia to her first adoption event, and funny enough, it happened to be her last adoption event.  No, she didn't misbehave.  In fact, she was absolutely lovely, and a nice gentleman adopted her.  She's now living out in Queens and from what I've heard, she's adjusting very nicely to life there.  Of course, she was still quite shy at first, but eats out of her new dad's hand and accepts touching.  Yay Persia!

Persia, adopted 4/11/2012

        I've got two new cats now, one is a Maine Coon named Sherri.  She's an absolute sweetheart.  Most Maine Coons I've met before have tended to be quite energetic and a tad crazy, but Sherri pretty much lies in one spot all day and stares at me.  It's quite endearing.  She does shed all over the place though, so I had to give her a bath and daily brushing.  She still provokes my allergies though, so I've had to kick her out of my bed a few times.  Sorry Sherri!

Sherri

        And this is the other cat, the newest addition to the foster family.  Look familiar?

Alaska

        If she does, that's because she and Persia are related.  In fact, she's Persia's mom!  They look pretty much identical, except that Alaska (the mother) is quite a bit rounder.  She's also a LOT nicer than Persia was at first, though Persia is definitely getting there with her new family.
         I'll be bringing Sherri and Alaska to an adoption event tomorrow at the Petco on 86th St and Lexington Ave.  Hopefully we can find them their forever homes, these two girls are too sweet!


P.S. - Cats aren't typically known for guarding homes, but my Sasha is an exception.  She's constantly on the lookout for flies, or annoying little flying things.  Today she caught her first one!  And then she ate it... =x
And this is her eating some catnip.

Sasha getting high

Pictures!

Dear Reader,
        Sorry for the radio silence, but I come bearing good news.  Persia is almost unrecognizable.  Four days ago, she basically tried to rip my hands off when I pried her from the balcony window.  Yesterday, she cuddled with me all day as I did my studying  and then ate out of the same can of Soulistic as my adopted cat Sasha.  At Persia's previous home, she dominated the other cat, which is why her foster mom decided to get rid of her.  However, she actually stands down to my Sasha, which is frankly quite surprising since Sasha is just about the smallest and gentlest cat ever.  Seriously, this is her.

Her head's about the size of my dog's foot, and Cassie's pretty small for a chow chow.  Anyway, if Persia's been acting submissive to this cat (which she has), then she's obviously not an aggressive cat.  I think she was just scared, for whatever reason, but the good news is, she's now more confident, calm, and even affectionate.  Anyway, I realize that I probably write too much, so instead I'll leave you with a bunch of pictures.

Persia's going to be ready for a new home soon, so if you're interested in adopting her or another one of our adorable kittens, please visit http://2000spaysandneuters.org/.  Wish her luck!

One hell of a day

Dear Reader,
       Today was one hell of a day.  Well, it actually all started with last night.
       Alaska had stayed in her carrier all day yesterday, and while conventional wisdom told me not to bother her and wait for her to come out and explore of her own accord, my instinct was telling me that she just needed a little encouragement.  Of course, it helped that I'd been winking at her throughout the day, whenever I could, and she had started to wink back.  Winks have much the same meaning for cats as they do for humans - both imply trust, affection - but winks carry far more weight in cat language.  In fact, it's widely accepted that winks are a cat's kisses.  Why is that?  Enemies, especially predators, do not attack with their eyes closed, so shutting one or both eyes, if even for a second, is quite a strong display of vulnerability.
       After a few careful attempts, I was able to put my hand on Alaska's forehead.  Still quite apprehensive of how she would react, I gently stroked her for a good half an hour before I felt confident enough to move her.  I plopped her onto my mattress and let her crawl under the sheets.  She curled up next to me and seemed comfortable.  From what Joan (from 2000 Spays and Neuters) had told me, nobody had ever touched her or shown her love before.  I felt excited, like I was treading on new territory, and needless to say, I was happy that I'd trusted my instincts.

Alaska, watching Weeds, 4/4/2012

       In the middle of the night, I was awoken by a bloodcurdling scream, and something bolted from under the covers and ran into the cat carrier.  It was Alaska, of course.  I can only imagine what she'd been dreaming about, but I really felt for her.  We all have things in our past that we're running from (well I do, at least), and whatever was haunting Alaska, it must've been absolutely terrifying.
       The next day, I had an easier time coaxing Alaska onto my bed for some snuggling time.  Although I'd made a ton of progress with her, and she obviously trusted me enough to let me pet her for as long as I wanted, she still remained a very fearful cat.  Every time I approached her, she would hiss at me, but I knew by now that it was almost second-nature for her, and I also knew that I shouldn't show fear or back off - that would only reinforce the hissing behavior.  Getting my hand on her forehead was the biggest obstacle, and there aren't any fancy tricks for accomplishing that.  You really just have to go for it, even in spite of the hissing, and she'd immediately calm down from there.

Alaska, 4/5/2012

       Everything was going fantastic, and I couldn't wait to tell Joan about this other side of Alaska.  I'd even been able to trim her nails, which looked like they had never been touched.  They were razor sharp.

Persia, nails trimmed, 4/5/2012

       Then, I went to take a shower.  I could've sworn I'd closed my bedroom door - I always make sure to do that - but when I came out, Alaska was nowhere to be found.  I searched everywhere, and then I realized the balcony window was open.  I peered outside, and sure enough, she was curled up just out of sight.  By then, I was terrified, but I didn't even want to consider the possibility of what could happen.  I knew I had to be extra careful, or she might bolt, and then I'd never forgive myself.
       I reached my hand out towards her, all the while reassuring her.  Good girl, Alaska.  Everything's gonna be okay.  I got a hold of her, and felt a sigh of relief as I lifted her back through the window.  Suddenly, she transformed into this savage, wild cat and viciously attacked my hands.  I count myself extremely lucky that I'd trimmed her nails just moments earlier, but even still, the damage was substantial.  Click through to see the pictures; they're not pretty.

picture 1

picture 2

picture 3

picture 4

       That episode made me extra thankful that God had chosen me to watch over this kitten.  Who knows what would've happened if she'd ended up at the Animal Control Center?  More likely than not, she would've been deemed a dangerous animal and euthanized without a moment's thought.  But we're all God's creatures, and we all deserve a chance - I know I've been given more than a few.  Though I'll have a few scars, and one that'll probably be permanent, to remind me of what Alaska's capable of, I also know that I won't give up on her.  Alaska, I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure you're the happy, healthy, confident cat I know you can be.  You deserve at least that much.
       She can't hear me now, but she seems at peace.  Give your furry companions some extra love today.  They deserve it too.

Alaska, 4/5/2012

Day 2

Dear Reader,
       Persia seems to be a nocturnal kitten.  I heard her roaming around my room last night, calling for her mom.  Meanwhile, my own kitten, Sasha, hid under the covers in my bed.  She sleeps there every night, but I also get the feeling that she doesn't like Persia very much...yet.
       By morning, Persia was back in the cat carrier and has refused to come out the entire day.  She still seems quite scared and it may take weeks, even months for her to come out of her shell, but I think she'll get there.  Let me tell you the story of Sasha.

Sasha, January 2012

       November of last year, I decided that I wanted to get a companion for my dog, Cassie.  At the time, we were living in a sublet in Washington Heights with 3 other people who all loved animals very much.  They had 3 rescue cats and one yorkie, who was cute, but very dumb. (sorry Winnie!)  I knew I was moving out in January, and Cassie was probably so used to having other animals around, I didn't want her to be lonely when I was out working or studying.
       I found an adoption event hosted by a group called Anjellicle Cat Rescue and went to check it out.  They had quite a few cats, but apparently none of them were definitely dog-friendly.  I ended up volunteering with the cat rescue and a month later, they found the perfect kitten for me.  She was a tiny little white and orange domestic shorthair being fostered by Deb Twiss.  I met the kitten for about two minutes before making a verbal agreement to adopt her - I tend not to put a whole lot of thought into major commitments.
       A few days later, Deb delivered her to the apartment where I was staying at the time.  It was a huge apartment, with a long hallway, and my room was at the very end.  Deb put Sasha on the floor and she ran off.  Deb had to leave, so I walked her to the building entrance.  When I got back to the apartment, Sasha was nowhere to be found.  I searched for about half an hour before realizing she'd hidden in a corner under my bed.
       For the next couple of weeks, until I moved out at the beginning of January, Sasha rarely left her safe place beneath the bed.  I coaxed her out with food twice a day, and occasionally she'd hop on top of my bed to stare out the window.  She never left my room.  She'd hiss at the other cats if they wandered into my room, but she seemed fond of Cassie.  However, she didn't seem to fond of me, and I'll be honest, that was quite disappointing.

Cassie and Sasha, December 2011

 To be continued...

Day 1

Dear Reader,
       Welcome to my very first blog, a place where I will chronicle the journey of my first foster cat, Persia.  But before I go into that, a bit about me.  I'm Joe, I live in an apartment in New York City, specifically Hell's Kitchen.  I absolutely love animals, and I'm the proud father of Cassie, a cream white chow chow, as well as Sasha, a beautiful domestic shorthair.  I'm 20 years old, currently taking classes at Hunter College, and I'm thinking of majoring in anthropology.  Aside from being passionate about creatures of all sizes and shapes, I take a very vested interest in the future of our planet, and right now, I believe that how we choose to use and allocate our natural resources is the most important issue facing us.

Cassie and Sasha, January 2012

       But enough about me, let's talk about Persia.  Yesterday, I met with Joan Berg Victor from 2000 Spays and Neuters, a cat rescue group based in NYC.  She told me she had the perfect cat for me, a beautiful white kitten currently being fostered with her mom by a nice lady uptown.  Persia had recently began acting aggressively towards the lady's cat and was also becoming protective of her mother.  Joan believed it was best that little Persia find a home separate from her mother.
       I'd recently had to relocate my puppy to my mom's place in Queens temporarily.  It's a long story, but let's just say that one of my roommates was the main reason.  In any case, I felt a void in my  life and was all too happy to open my door to Persia.
       So today I went up to the tippy top of Manhattan, a place called Inwood.  I had fond memories of hiking in Inwood Park a couple of times in high school.  I was also quite nervous about meeting Persia, I had never fostered a cat before and didn't know what to expect.  Her current foster, Gloria, greeted me at her door.  She told me she had successfully trapped the kitty in the bathroom.  I found that odd, but I soon found out why it was necessary.
       We opened the bathroom door and I immediately saw two wide eyes peering out at me from behind the toilet.  Poor kitty, she must be scared.  Even though she was hiding, I could see how gorgeous she was.  I reached out a hand to stroke her, which I'd done countless times volunteering at cat rescues in the past.  I was rewarded with a loud hiss and an attempt to take my hand out with her sharp claws.  Uh oh, this was gonna be more difficult than I'd expected.
       It took a good half hour, some clever maneuvering, and a healthy dose of courage to finally get Persia from behind the toilet to the cat carrier.  I reached for the handle on top of carrier, but Persia promptly let out a loud hiss and swiped at my hand through the window on top.  It was a near miss, but my heart was racing now.  Thankfully, the carrier came with a shoulder strap, or I might not have survived the trip back.
       We made it home, and I felt Persia loosen up once I set her down on the floor in my room.  She was no longer hissing at me.  I left he carrier door open, and after a while, she wondered out, hopped around my room a bit, and settled down in a cardboard box under my study table.
       I sat down and started winking at her, determined to gain her trust.  Eventually, I mustered the courage to reach out a hand and pet her.  She accepted my touch.  Though I'd done this countless times with other cats, this time it was different.  Her previous foster told me she had never even been able to touch Persia.  I'll admit, I was quite terrified, but a wave of relief washed over me as she closed her eyes and seemed to enjoy being stroked.  Excited, I called Joan and told her about what had just happened.  We agreed, she'll be alright.

Persia, 4/3/2012

       ]I tried to pet her a while later and sure enough, she was back to trying to take my hand off.  After a few more attempts, I decided it was best to give her her space.  I had already gotten a rare glimpse at the sweet kitten underneath, that was good enough.  With enough TLC, I know she'll get there someday.  I said a prayer for her and if you're reading this, I hope you will too!

Persia, 4/3/2012