Got Ferals? What You Can Do to Prevent Animal Cruelty

Fall 2014
Volume 13, Issue 3
www.catsangels.com
709 South 8th St. (Between Gum & Hickory), Fernandina Beach, FL • 904-321-2267 • Email: [email protected]
What You Can Do to Prevent
Animal Cruelty
We all hear in the news about animal cruelty when dog fighting and
animal hoarders are reported, but it
has a much broader implication. Animal cruelty is when someone hurts
an animal or does not care for an
animal responsibly, like not giving an
animal food and water or providing
veterinary treatment. It is against the
law to be cruel to or harm animals,
even your own pets. It’s also called
animal abuse or neglect. Because
their misery goes on for so long, animals who die of neglect can suffer just as much as animals that are
harmed on purpose.
Many people let bad things happen to animals and don’t realize
it, although common sense should say otherwise. Here are some
suggestions on properly caring for cats.
The safest place for your cat is indoors. Cats are very happy inside
when provided love, attention and toys. They will be away from
predators, cars, poisons and threats from humans. The owner of
an indoor cat will know the habits of their pets and be better able to
pinpoint changes – if and how much they are eating and drinking,
if they are scratching from fleas or ear mites, not using the litterbox
properly, drooling, injuries or infections. If you see these changes,
take them to a veterinarian for evaluation. Never give an animal
human medication unless directed by your vet.
Under no circumstances should these pets be left outdoors:
Cats that are missing limbs or are declawed – how can they get
away from danger if they don’t have the ability to get themselves
off the ground?
Cats who have one eye or blind in one eye – they are challenged to
see danger coming from all directions.
Cats that are FIV+ should live indoors only since they can be more
susceptible to health issues and can spread the disease if another
cat fights with it resulting in a bite wound.
Animal cruelty, neglect and abuse are serious matters and these
animals cannot speak for themselves. Be their voice and step up to
help make their lives better. If you think you know of or suspect an
animal cruelty, neglect or abuse situation, contact the authorities.
All local animal control agencies have the authority to investigate,
start a case and even file charges.
Got Ferals?
Caring for outdoor feral or community
cats is something many of you do.
When a cat shows up, do not assume
it has been spayed or neutered (unless the left ear is tipped). If you are
feeding it, take the next step and get
the cat spayed or neutered and vaccinated. There are low cost options
for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return to Caregiver). If you live in the Jacksonville
area, First Coast No More Homeless
Pets provides this service. If you live
in Nassau County, all cats (and dogs)
are spayed and neutered for free with
a $10 county license fee. You can
contact FCNMHP at 904-425-0005 for
appointments or visit their website www.fcnmhp.org
With another chilly winter predicted, provide shelter to outdoor
feral or community cats where they can be warm and protected
from predators. There are many ideas in all price ranges and skill
levels at www.alleycat.org/sheltergallery. Please make sure your
ferals have fresh, clean water (no green algae growing in water
bowls.) Food dishes can be set in a litter pan containing a small
amount of water to keep ants from getting into the food. Feed
ferals discreetly. If possible, pick up food when cats are finished
eating to discourage wildlife or other animals from coming into the
area. Please don’t feed chicken bones – pick the chicken off the
bones first. The bones splinter and can easily get caught in the
cat’s throat. Shrimp shells are not good either and can cause many
intestinal problems.
KUDOS to Nassau County Animal Control and shelter Director Joe
Novello for achieving the status of a no-kill shelter for the first time.
TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) of feral cats and spaying/neutering of
pets played a major part in reducing the shelter intake and euthanasia numbers. The adoption rate at NCAC is also three times
what it was a few years ago. This is all good news for the animals,
but the folks at NCAC cannot do it alone. It is the responsibility of
the community to help keep up the good work and maintain this
status. If you don’t want the unwanted litters of puppies and kittens
- get those animals fixed! If you think your one litter won’t make
a difference, visit your local shelter, humane society and rescue
groups. You can multiply your litter by 100+ and see the results.
Spay/Neuter is the responsible solution to pet overpopulation
and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return to Caregiver) works!
Life Lessons
from Lydia
Hello to all my loyal peeps. Summer
has come to a close and the holidays
will be here before you can twitch a whisker.
Today we are going to talk about adding new pets to your home.
You know many cat owners assume that their furry feline child
would just love a new playmate. This is a natural assumption as
humans normally crave the company of other humans…normally.
But did you remember to ask your current pet how he feels about
it? Introducing a new feline into the home can be a very tricky situation. Below are a few points to remember when attempting this.
* Take into consideration your current cat’s age. Older cats may
not adjust well to a new companion. They are set in their ways and
do not like change.
* Are all members of the family in agreement with the decision to
acquire a new family member? Remember adoption is a lifelong
commitment.
* Is your current pet in good health? Get a checkup with your vet
before considering a new family member.
* Check with your landlord and make sure you can have multiple
pet’s in your home.
www.catsangels.com
So let’s assume that you have made the decision and you are going
to adopt a new cat. Introductions should be done slowly. This is not
a process that can be rushed.
* You should set up a spare room in your house for the new kitty with
all the things he/she will need. Litter box, toys, food/water bowls,
bed, and a TV or radio that be left on with a low volume. This will
help the kitty get used to the normal noise levels of your house.
* Let the current kitty and the new kitty meet by sniffing under the
door. This will spark their curiosity about each other but keep them
apart so no fights break out.
* Several times a day take a dry washcloth and rub your new kitty
with it, capturing his scent on the cloth, then take it to you older kitty
and rub him with it. Repeat this back and forth several times per day
so they become accustomed to the other pets scent.
* After about a week of the above mentioned routine then you can
bring the two cats together. Make this a positive experience by offering treats and favorite toys to both cats. Do not leave the cats alone
together till there is no hissing or spitting and the two seem relaxed
with each other.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day and be sure to check out our
upcoming events.
MEOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Miss Lydia
Have you seen our new billboard on Hwy 17 near Harts
Road in Nassau County? Our message is large and clear
that spay and neuter help is a phone call away. Thank you
ISAR for the eye-catching billboard and VISTA Advertising
for displaying it.
EVERY DOLLAR YOU DONATE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Cats Angels receives no government funding.
All of our revenue is raised by private donations, grants
and fundraising. The Nassau County Animal Expo and
our “Rescue Me” Fall Fundraiser help bring in much needed money to carry on our Spay/Neuter, TNR and Adoption
Programs. These monies help us give the best care possible to all the cats, especially our Adoption Center kitties.
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA
MiSSioN STATeMeNT
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
believes that animals, as living creatures, have value beyond economic
measurement, and are entitled to legal, moral and ethical consideration
and protection.
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA will act as an advocate on behalf of animals and
as an enforcer of their rights;
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA will provide for the well-being of animals who are
abandoned, injured, subjected to unfair or cruel treatment, or otherwise
in need;
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA will continue its work of ending the animal overpopulation crisis by providing a community-wide low-cost sterilization,
vaccination, and adoption program;
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA will cultivate respect and awareness for the rights
and needs of animals through an educational program.
If you like to work in retail sales and interact with people,
then Cats Angels is looking for YOU! Volunteers are
needed for the Cats Angels Thrift Store. Shifts are from
11 AM - 2 PM and 2 PM - 5 PM Monday through Saturday.
Our Volunteer Application is available online at catsangels.
com or just stop in or call to sign up.
The kitties thank you!
Cats Angels Thrift Store
709 S. 8th Street, Fernandina Beach
Open Monday through Saturday - 11 AM to 5 PM
HUGE selection of used books of every type,
Furniture, Appliances, Decorations & Pet Boutique
Garage Sale leftovers? We accept clean, working items
(no clothing, computers or old TV’s) during business hours.
Donations are always appreciated
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Will you be a Cats Angels VIP at our Seventh Annual
Will you be a Cats Angels VIP at our Seventh Annual
“Rescue Me” Fundraiser? We have a limited number
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The Purrfect Cats of Cats Angels 2015
Calendar will be launched at our Seventh
Annual “Rescue Me” Fundraiser at The
Surf Restaurant and Bar on November 8.
The calendar will also be sold at the Cats
Angels Thrift Store and online through
our website www.catsangels.com
The Purrfect Cats of Cats Angels
Calendar makes a great gift
for cat lovers of all ages.
HAPPY TAILS
My new kitty Nacho (formely known as Bryce) 5 years old and a sweetie. He is just a lover
boy and could not be any sweeter. Loves to sleep in the big bed, naps on the couch with the
dog and only gets rambunctious if his food bowl is anything less than full or if he smells fried
chicken! Thank you so much Cats Angels for this Angel boy!
Here is the kitten we adopted at the MEGA Adoption in July. We named her Ginger and pictured
here with Fred who was adopted at the MEGA event in Nov 2012. They are indoor only and
have free run of the whole house. They follow each other everywhere. :)
We’ll come to see you when we adopt again. Teresa
First Coast No More Homeless Pets holds MEGA
Adoption Events quarterly at the Jacksonville
Fairgrounds and supported by Petsmart Charities.
Over 1,000 animals are available for adoptions at these
events. Look for the next one December 19-21.
You may remember from about eight years ago, a cat named
Saddlebags. Here he is all grown up and with the same ‘attitude.’ We renamed him Mr. ‘T’. He’s the most lovable and
social cat we have ever owned, except he picks on his ‘sister’ and steals her food at every chance.
Jodi and Jeff
Just wanted to let y’all know I adopted
this awesome cat named Olive a few
years back she had only one eye and no
tail. She is the sweetest cat and she is
doing very well. This is my baby. Thank
you all for doing what you do. Michelle
Thanks to everyone who
shares their stories and
pictures with us.
These former residents of the Cats Angels Adoption Center found forever homes. Email pictures to
[email protected] and let us know how your kitty is doing. You may be a “Happy Tail”.
Why your Donations are so important to Cats Angels
When we got the call about Phoebe, it was particularly heartbreaking.
She was dumped in an area where many unwanted dogs and cats are
left by uncaring humans to fend for themselves. Good Samaratins
know about this place and make their best efforts to get the animals
fixed and find homes for them, but they cannot keep up. The dogs
form packs, birds and other wildlife prey on the weak. Phoebe has
three legs. She was pregnant and emaciated. There was no way she
could live or take care of kittens in that environment. Her kittens
didn’t survive. The situation took it’s toll on Phoebe, but with the
love and help of our volunteers she is slowly regaining her health.
Phoebe is just one of the cats we helped rescue from desperate
situations this year. It is because of your generous
donations and support of our fund raising that
you can help Cats Angels help these animals have better lives.
Your donation of $25, $50 or other amount will help
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA achieve our mission to provide for
the well being of animals who are abandoned, injured and
subjected to unfair or cruel treatment.
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA
P.O. Box 16072
Fernandina Beach, FL 32035
Thank you for your help
and support
Saving one animal won’t change the world, but
it will change the world for that one animal.
CATS ANGELS, INC. SPCA
“RESCUE ME”
SEVENTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TICKET ORDER FORM
You can also purchase your “Rescue Me” tickets at our Thrift Store or online through PayPal.
Just go to our website www.catsangels.com and click on ‘Donate’
OR
Please fill out and detach form and make check payable to Cats Angels, Inc, SPCA
(A self-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience)
NAME __________________________________________________________________
CONTACT TELEPHONE NO __________________________________________________
NUMBER OF TICKETS @ $25
______ VIP TICKETS @ $75 ______ AMOUNT ENCLOSED $________
Tickets will be available for pick up at the door the night of the fundraiser.
SORRY I CANNOT ATTEND, BUT PLEASE ACCEPT MY DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
$25 _____
$50 _____
$100 _____
OR OTHER $_______________
All proceeds benefit Cats Angels Spay/Neuter, Adoption and TNR Programs
NONPROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE PAID
Fernandina Bch., FL
SPCA
MAILING ADDRESS:
PERMIT NO. 48
P.O. Box 16072
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035
Cats Angels is on facebook
Become a facebook friend
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
See you at Cats Angels
7th Annual “Rescue Me”
Fall Fundraiser
You can be a “VIP”
DETAILS INSIDE
Please help us keep our mailing costs down.
If you no longer wish to be on our mailing list or have
changed your address, please notify us by email at
[email protected] or in the enclosed envelope.
Please include your name and address or mailing label.
You can also view our current newsletter and donate online
at www.catsangels.com. Thank you.
DOUBLE IT!
Does your company match donations to Cats Angels?
Halo says,”Aluminum cans
help homeless cats”!
A collection bin is in the parking lot at our Thrift Store
709 South 8th Street,
Fernandina Beach, FL.
Many employers will match employee (and some match spouse
and retired employee) donations to charity organizations. Contact
your Human Resources Department to see if you can double your
dollars to Cats Angels and send the matching gift form from your
company along with your donation.
Visit www.catsangels.com and cllick on ‘‘ways to support our work’
from the home page for more ideas on how to to stretch your
donation dollar. The kitties will be twice as grateful.
Cats Angels Adoption Center/Thrift Store located at 709 S. 8th
Street in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is open Monday
through Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM.
SPAY AND NEUTER
THE RESPONSIBLE SOLUTION
Visit Petfinder.com or our website catsangels.com to see their
pictures and read about Cats Angels kitties waiting for their
forever homes.
Adoption Center at Cats Angels
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA
Seventh Annual
“Rescue Me”
Fundraiser
Saturday, November 8, 2014
The Surf Restaurant and Bar
3199 S. Fletcher, Fernandina Beach, FL
5 PM - 8 PM
Tickets $25 • VIP Ticket $75 (limited)
Dinner / Cash Bar / Silent Auction / Door Prizes
Be a Cats Angels VIP for $75 - includes ticket plus a special
gift bag containing a commemorative T-shirt, jewelry and more!
Tickets on sale at Cats Angels
Thrift Store/Adoption Center
709 S. 8th Street Fernandina Beach
online through www.catsangels.com
or call 904-321-2267
Music by Ronnie Stoots