Lucky Mutt Strut: MaxFund Fundraiser

MaxFund's annual Lucky Mutt Strut is being held on June 7, 2014 at Cheesman Park in Denver, Colorado, and you and your canine friend are invited!  This year's Lucky Mutt Strut includes a 5K run/walk, picnic, vendors, and prizes.  A 2K run/walk is also available.  All are welcome to attend with or without their canine friends.

Registration is open now.  You can register as an individual or as a team.  You can register online here or on the day of the event.  Pre-registration for adults is $30 and $20 for children under the age of twelve.  If you choose to register the day of the event, adult registration is $35 and children under the age of 12 can be registered for $25.  Teams of five can register for $100.  Additionally, Lazy Dogz and Sleepy Catz can register for $30 - stay in bed and still support MaxFund!

Encourage others to pledge on your run/walk for a chance to win prizes for the most money raised.

Schedule of Events

7:30 - 8:45am - Check in/Registration.

9am - Runners begin.

9:15am - Walkers begin.

MaxFund is a non-profit, no-kill shelter, founded in 1988.  The organization takes in and cares for animals who have no known owner and works to find homes for these animals once they are ready.  The organization depends on donations to help homeless cats and dogs.  

You can learn more about MaxFund by visiting their website.  You can also view the dogs and cats available for adoption on their site.  

Source:

MaxFund: Lucky Mutt Strut 

Thankful Thursday

We received this very sweet card in the mail for Jewel from Cinco, Manna, and Robin of Playful Kitty.  When I showed it to Jewel, she seemed to know it was just for her!  Thank you so very much, Cinco, Manna, and Robin!!  You are great friends, and we love you! :)

Words on Wednesday: Update on Jewel

Yesterday, I took Jewel to the vet for a follow-up regarding her blood pressure.  She's been on the Amlodipine for about a week and a half now.

We'll start with the good news, shall we?

Her blood pressure has gone back to NORMAL!!!  And her retinas are already 90% REATTACHED!!!!  Yay!!!  The vet wants to see her in 3-4 more weeks to make sure the medication continues to work.  Jewel has made that horrible howling/crying sound since late last week, either, so I figured things were on the right path where her blood pressure is concerned.

Jewel's legs, on the other hand, don't seem to be doing so well.  The vet says her back legs are very weak (and last potassium level was normal).  She suggested giving her some kind of injections......but I can't remember the name of them.  I know that her arthritis is advanced and severe, but I'm not sure what these injections are supposed to do exactly?  Carmine's going to the vet on Friday (but don't tell him that) so I'll ask more questions then.

Fortunately, thanks to a very sweet friend and his wonderful fur babies, I was able to restock all of Jewel's meds - and she was out of just about everything.  We appreciate it so very much!!

Jewel has lost 2.5 ounces in the past week and a half, which isn't good.  The vet suggested we try to give her a 1/4 Cyproheptadine twice a day instead of once.  I got her some different canned food yesterday, too.  The Fancy Feast usually goes over pretty well with her, so I got her some of that.  She's working on her favorite right now - the savory seafood one.  She hasn't been eating that much lately, so whatever she'll eat, I will go get for her.

Maybe some of you should come over and bring your favorite can of stinky goodness.  We could have a nomming party and remind Jewel how fun it is to eat all the stinkies!

Handsome Manfred Wants A Forever Home: Opt to Adopt

Manfred

Cat Care Society, Lakewood, CO

Photo from Manfred's Adopt a Pet profile page.

He's quite the handsome mancat!

Hi everybody, my name is Manfred!  I'm a handsome medium-hair brown tabby.  I came to the shelter when somebody dropped me at Cat Care's front door one day.  I'm a very sweet and affectionate kitty.  I love to cuddle with all the people who visit the shelter.  

I am 10 years young, and because of my age, I qualify for the Perpet-U-Care program, which will pay for a portion of my health care for the rest of my life.  I'm neutered, up-to-date on my vaccinations, and declawed. 

I'd really love it if you'd come visit me sometime and see how great I am for yourself.  You can find me in the Green room at Cat Care Society, located at 5787 W. 6th Avenue in Lakewood, CO.  

Memorial Day

Thank you to everyone who is or ever has served our country!  

Easy Like Sunday with Jewel

Jewel: You woke me up for this??  *sigh* Humans...

While I'm awake, I guess I'll share my good news.  You won't believe this, kitties!  The Mom says she was going to take me to the pokey place (vet) on Friday, but she said she was too afraid to take me out and have me waiting for the bus with her when it was so chilly and raining and stormy out, so she cancelled it!  I wish that would happen more often!!

Now.....back to my nap!

Mom here: Since we weren't able to go to the vet on Friday, we're taking Jewel on Tuesday instead, but she doesn't know that, of course!  She has to get her blood pressure rechecked to see if the Amlodipine is helping her any.  We noticed she may be having pain in the leg she injured a little while back, too, so she may have to go back on pain medication until it feels better again.  Please keep your paws crossed and the purrs coming for good news!

Have an Easy Sunday, everyone!

Preparing for Cat Emergencies

As much as we may not want to think about it, occasionally cat crises happen.  In order to take the best care of our furry friends in emergencies, we need to be prepared.  Here are some tips for making sure you're ready if a cat emergency arises.

1. Post Numbers on the Fridge: Post the ASPCA's Poison Control and your nearest after-hours vet on your fridge.  It's also a good idea to program these numbers into your cell phone if you have one.

Open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, the ASPCA is a fantastic resource if you think your pet has eaten or ingested something toxic.  Their number is: 888-426-4435.  There is a $65 consultation fee.

To find a local after-hour vet clinic or hospital, do an Internet search, and call the vet to ensure they're still open.  I've found that the Internet sometimes lists businesses that no longer exist.  You don't want to go to the address of an after-hours vet clinic only to find out they are no longer there!  Alternatively, ask your vet for an after-hours clinic recommendation.

2. Have Enough Accessible Carriers: If you have to evacuate your home for any reason, you'll want to have a carrier for each of your cats in an easily accessed place, such as near your door.

3. Have a First Aid Kit: Caring for Your Aging Cat by Janice Borzendowski suggests making a first aid kit for your cat or dog.  She asserts it should include the following items:

• Gauze pads and medical paper tape.
• Rolled cotton and cotton balls.
• Tweezers, scissors, and nail clippers.
• Muzzle to prevent biting.
• Pillowcases or towels (to wrap kitty up in for treatment).
• Latex gloves.
• Ear cleaning solution.
• Sterile saline solution.
• Wet wipes.
• Syringe and plastic eye dropper.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Nonstick bandages.
• Ice pack.
• Rectal thermometer.

4. Learn Basic First-Aid: It's important to learn basic first-aid procedures so that you can care for your pet until you reach your local animal hospital for further treatment.  Organizations like the American Red Cross offer pet first aid classes for the public.  You could also ask your vet to teach you how to do basic first aid and CPR.

5. Keep Medical Files: Make a medical file for each of your cats, and keep it somewhere easily accessible in an emergency.  Keep vaccination records, test results, and medication lists (including dosages) in the file.  When your usual vet isn't open, the vet treating your cat will need to know this information to help you make the best care decisions for your pet.

6. When You're Traveling: Make sure your pet sitter, close family, and friends - anyone who takes care of your cat regularly - has a copy your kitty's medical file, veterinary contact information, and the ASPCA Poison Control number.  Ensure that your pet sitter also has the contact information of a close family member or friend whom you trust to make medical decisions for your pet if you cannot be reached.  

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Carmine: Do you think anybody will find me in here?

Sweet Talia Seeks Her Forever Home: Opt to Adopt

Talia

Cat Care Society, Lakewood, CO

Photo from Talia's Adopt a Pet profile page.

Hi, my name is Talia.  I'm a beautiful black domestic shorthair.  I'm almost 10 years young (9 years and 11 months).  I came to the shelter when my person moved away.  I'm a quiet kitty, and I love to be scratched behind the ears.  

I've met Talia, and you can usually find her curled up by the window in the laundry room.  She seems to really love sun puddles!  She's a very sweet girl.

Talia is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations.  You can find her in the upstairs hallway.  Please visit this sweet girl at Cat Care Society, located at 5787 W. 6th Avenue in Lakewood, CO.  

Mancat Monday: Carmine Update

Thank you, everyone for the purrs, prayers, love, hugs, and nice words for Jewel and the Mom!  We really appreciate all of you!  If you missed Jewel's update, you can read it here.

The Mom also dragged ME to the vet on Friday.

After Jewel got done fussing on the table with her exam, it was my turn.  The vet loves mes because me doesn't fuss or complain at!  Mes just tries to become invisible.

The vet weighed me, and mes is up 6 ounces!!  Mes weighs 9 pounds and 12 ounces nows.  That made everyone very happy.

So the verdict is.......mes DOES NOT has Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.  Just Irritable Bowel Disease.  Mes gotted my B12 injection and me gets to keep eating those yummy chicken liver thingies the people keep tossing in my mouth (Prednisone).

We hopes you all has a wonderful Monday!

Purrs and Prayers Needed for Jewel

Jewel: There I was hanging out in my green house (cube) and the Mom just *had* to wake me up to take my picture.  

Mom here: I took Jewel to the vet on Friday because as many of you already know from Facebook that she has been howling/crying at random times, and I couldn't figure out what was wrong.  It was really upsetting to hear her cry like that.

It's a really good thing that I took her i.

Jewel has maintained her weight at 9 pounds, 3 ounces, which I thought was really amazing seeing as she has been feeling poor lately.

We discussed Jewel's crying/howling, when she does it, where, etc., as well as other symptoms she's exhibiting.  The vet did an examination and noticed that Jewel was putting most of her weight on her front legs and paws and was concerned Jewel's arthritis has gotten worse.  We aren't completely sure because the table was slippery and she may have had trouble balancing, so I'm going to watch her around here and see how she sits.

My friend D had noticed Jewel didn't respond when he waved his hand in front of her eyes one day, so the vet also looked at Jewel's eyes.  Jewel's retinas are halfway detached on both sides!! :(  This news really upset me quite a bit.

The vet said Jewel's heart was beating too fast, even for being stressed, so she took her and checked her blood pressure.  She said Jewel's blood pressure is "off the charts," but she didn't tell me the number.

It's only by God's grace that Jewel didn't have a stroke or a seizure before we got her to the vet.  The vet has switched her to Amlodipine (from Benazepril) for her high blood pressure.  From what I read, Amlodipine is pretty darn good stuff!  They are also smaller, which means D can get them down her a lot easier than the big Benazeprils.

Please pray for my little baby.  I'm having to make some really tough decisions about her care right now due to finances.  I want to give her the best, and I do not want her to suffer in any way.  I love her so much.

Please pray that Jewel's retinas reattach and that this medication works for her.  We would also appreciate purrs, hugs, good thoughts, love....anything you'd like to send :)

Carmine also went to the vet.  I will update you on him tomorrow for Mancat Monday.  HINT: It's good news!

2014 Tails of the Painted Cats

Last week, a friend and I went to the public reception Cat Care Society held for their annual fundraiser, Tails of the Painted Cats.  It was a great time, and I loved seeing what all the artists did this year!  I wanted to share a few of my favorite cats with you.

PurrFectly Purple Puss by Betsy Keyser

Colorado Cat by Jamie McWhirt

Here I am with Bastet, Cat Goddess by Pay Lickly

Here I am with Cerulean Ming by Kristina Spargo

The Pattern Cats by Katherine Ross

Frome left to right:

Odonata by Kristina Spargo

Zentangle Kitty by Cam Williams

Meowl (Barn Cat-Owl) by Cortnye Rusch

Dandy Lion by Karen Mahnken

O'Sole Meow by Bobbi Shupe

Dandy Lion

Purr Lancelot by Karen Mahnken and Kyle Hardyway

Wildflower by Wendy Luck

Edwina Degas by Jane McFadden Dorsey

This is this year's Raffle Cat.  You can enter to win this kitty for $10 per ticket.

New to the Tails of the Painted Cats this year are flat cats.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

Phaedra by Jane McFadden Dorsey

I Love Cats by Ellen Auchter

Bidding is now open for the Tails of the Painted Cats.  You can place a bid on-line here.  

On July 26th, Cat Care Society will hold its 2014 Tails of the Painted Cats Gala Dinner & Auction.  You can buy tickets for the event now here.

Please help support Cat Care Society in its efforts to help homeless kitties.  

Tips for Caring for A Blind Cat

Have you recently adopted a blind cat?  Are you thinking about adopting one?  Has your beloved companion suddenly lost his sight?  No matter what the case, caring for a blind cat is nearly as easy as caring for a sighted one.  Here are some tips to help you out.

Keep the Environment Familiar: It's very important for blind cats to have stable environments.  Don't move the furniture in your home.  Don't leave clutter around for your kitty or trip over.  Don't move her bowls or litter box.  It will take some time for a blind cat to adapt to her environment, and once she does, she needs to know that things won't change on her.  

It's also a good idea not to pick up your kitty and carry her around.  This will likely disorient her, and she won't know where she is in the home.  This is especially true for kitties who are still adjusting to a new home or to recent blindness.  

Safety Concerns: It may be a good idea to leave your cat in a safe room when you go out if he is still adjusting to blindness or to a new home.  Introduce your kitty to one room at a time so he doesn't become overwhelmed.  Block off your stairs with a baby gate until your furry friend knows where they are located.

Do not let your cat go outdoors alone.  The outdoors present dangers to sighted cats; however, blind kitties are more vulnerable to outside hazards.  If you want to take your cat outside to enjoy some fresh air, put him in a harness on a leash, put him in a carrier, or build him a cat enclosure.  Make sure your kitty has a breakaway collar, ID tag stating that he is blind, and microchip so that if he does get out accidentally, it will be more likely that he's found and returned to you.

Help Her Use Her Other Senses: In blind people and cats, the other senses are heightened.  Help your kitty keep track of where you are by talking to her each time you enter or leave a room.  Always speak to her before you pet her or pick her up to avoid startling her.  Additionally, if you have other pets in your home, put bells on them so that your sightless companion knows where they are.  

Your companion's toys should be ones she can find with her other senses.  Give her toys that make noise, such as bell balls, or that have a strong smell, like Yeoww! catnip toys.  

Blind cats need a little extra care and attention from you, but they are totally worth it!  If you would like more information about blind cats or would like to adopt one, please visit the Blind Cat Rescue.

(Almost ) Wordless Wednesday

A rare occurrence: Carmine and Milita laying together!

Affectionate, Playful Missy Needs A Home: Opt to Adopt

Missy

Cat Care Society, Lakewood, CO

Photo from Missy's Adopt a Pet profile page. 

Hi everyone!  My name is Missy, and I'm a beautiful blue cream tortie.  I came to the shelter when my human became ill and couldn't care for me any longer.  I'm kind of sad, but I feel safe here at Cat Care while I wait for my new home.  

I am quiet, affectionate, and a little nervous.  If you come spend a little time with me, I love to be pet and brushed.  I also like to play.  

Because I am a senior kitty, I am in a program called Perpet-U-Care, which will pay for a portion of my medical care for the rest of my life.  That's a pretty cool deal, don't you think?

I am spayed, up-to-date on my vaccinations, litterbox trained, and declawed.  I hope you'll come spend some time with me soon and allow me to show you why I'd make a wonderful companion for you!

Please remember, the Spring the Seniors event is still going on!

Cat Care Society is located at 5787 W. 6th Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado.  

Mancat Monday

Hi everybody, Carmine here!

I gotted this pickle for mes birthday.  At first, the Mom thought me didn't care for it too much because mes didn't play with it a lot.  Then I started attacking it after mes got my pills.  It helps to calm mes down after fighting with the humans in the pill battle.  Since then, the Mom gotted me these YUMMY pills to take instead (Mom here: the pills are medi melts - they taste like chicken and liver and make giving Carmine his Prednisone a LOT easier!).

Then one day, the Mom noticed my pickle was missing, so hers went to find where it gotted losted.  The Mom's friend found it under the coffee table.

Now me has rediscovered the joy of the catnip pickle!  Me has been attacking it and playing with it a lot these past few days!  Mes loves it!

What is your favoritest toy right now?  Please share with mes in the comments, okay?

P.S. Sorry for the picture quality. It's hard to get non-blurry photos when Carmine is in so much motion!

Happy Mother's Day!

Graphic by Ann of Zoolatry

Happy Mother's Day to all of our kitty, woofie, rabbit, donkey, and horse mom friends out there!!

We hope it's a wonderful one!

Purrs and hugs,

Carmine, Milita, Jewel, and Mom Sierra

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Jewel: I'm helping the Mom knit!

Sweet, Affectionate Jay Seeks His Forever Home: Opt to Adopt

Jay

Foothills Animal Shelter

Photo from Jay's profile page on Foothills Animal Shelter's website.

Hi, my name is Jay.  I'm an 8-year-old orange domestic shorthair.  I'm a big boy, weighing in at 23 pounds, and I am full of love!  I love to snuggle, catnip, and playing on my scratching post.  I came to the shelter when my previous people were unable to care for me any longer.  Although I am making progress, I will need a person who can help me stay on my diet.  

I am neutered, and my adoption fee will cover the cost of a vet visit, vaccinations, and microchip.  Won't you come visit me soon?  You can find me at the PetSmart in Glendale, located at 4300 Alameda.  

You might also be interested to know that each Wednesday from now through August 27, 2014 from 3-4PM, Foothills Animal Shelter is offering low-cost vaccinations and microchips.  You can learn more by visiting their website or calling 303-278-7575.  

Also remember that the "Spring the Seniors" event is still going on at Cat Care Society.

Mancat Monday: Carmine Update

Carmine: Me is just hanging out, waiting for story time.  We is reading Insurgent right nows.  It is a very good book; me listens every night with Jewel, and sometimes even Milita joins us.

Me had to go to the v-e-t on Friday -- again. The v-e-t and the Mom talked about a lot of stuff that made no sense to mes, so me will let hers tell you about it.  All me knows is me is sick of being poked so often!

The Mom here:  Sorry, Carmine!  You know I only take you to the doctor because I love you so much - although I'm sure it doesn't feel that way to you.  You have to get your B12 injections so you can stay my healthy baby boy for a long, long, long time.

As Carmine said, we went to the vet on Friday for another check up and B12 injection.  Carmine is maintaining his weight at 9 pounds 6.5 ounces.  I was surprised he hadn't gained any with all that he's been eating with his appetite stimulant, but I'm happy he is maintaining at the least.

Now that he is stable, the vet wants to take him off the Prozyme to see if he starts losing weight.  If he starts losing weight again, we'll know for sure that he has Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and that he'll have to take the Prozyme for the rest of his life to stay healthy.

Have a great Monday!

Easy Like Sunday with Milita

Milita: I'm enjoying my Easy Sunday on the couch.  How 'bout you?

By the way, the Mom wanted me to tell you that we haven't been ignoring any of our friends.  Hers hasn't helped us visit you because hers has had a really stressful week.  We will try and catch up with everyone very soon!  Sending you all purrs.