Cat Writers' Association, Obituary, Rescue

Mission Accomplished: Lorie’s Kitties are Rehomed

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lorie beautiful bestFriends, Cat Lovers, Countrymen,

Lend me you ear. I know politicians have a bad habit of saying “mission accomplished” before the job is really finished, but I believe I can say that, mostly.

With the exception of Lilly, all of Lorie’s babies are in their new forever homes. Cross-country transport would be too traumatic on the little white three-legged cat, so she’s staying at Lorie’s clinic (Hoffman Animal Hospital) until a new family is found. Lilly must go to a quiet local with no dogs, small kids, or aggressive cats. Tia, the receptionist at the clinic is carefully screening adoption applications.

Thank you to everyone for their financial contributions, for opening your homes to these little orphans and for spreading the word.

 

 

Rhette at his new home2
Rhette went to live with Dolly the Doxie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SONY DSC
Dillion found his way to Kentucky to live with Rachel Phelps where he now tests cat products and models.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midge & Merlin
Merlin & Midge have been adopted together by one of Lorie’s neighbors.
rusty
Rusty was adopted by one of Lorie’s clients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to;

  • Tia-Elise, Kelly Brady-Famiglietti and Mary Pepin for their boots-on-the-ground work. They cared for the kitties and transported them as necessary, until homes were found.
  • Incoming CWA President Marci Kladnik for arranging transportation.
  • BlogPaws’ Chloe DiVita for raising money to pay for vet care and transport and Pets360.com for offering cat food.
  • The BlogPaws community, Susan Gingrich, Diane Stuckart and Allia Zobel Nolan for your monetary donations.The funds allowed us to ship cats, buy food and litter, pay for shipping and diagnostic tests. After all the volunteers have been reimbursed for their expenses, I will send the remaining funds to Lorie’s brother, Tim. Lorie has an enormous outstanding hospital bill and the money will help at least a little.

Despite this shocking and devastating loss, I am glad that the animal blogging community, Lorie’s friends, family, clients, employees and the Cat Writers’ Association came together to save her kitties. Lorie would be pleased.

Feline Health

Early Spay Helps Prevent Feline Mammary Cancer

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breast cancer_smallerThe Winn Feline Foundation reminds cat owners that female cats get malignant mammary cancer too. According to the Winn Feline Foundation 2012 study, Developing New Therapies for Feline Mammary Cancer Siamese, domestic short-haired kitties and tri-colored cats are at increased risk of developing the third most common feline cancer. While males can also get develop breast cancer, it’s rare. Typically tumors appear between 10 and 12 years.

Prognosis is usually poor because owners delay seeing a vet for an average of five months after discovering lumps.By the time kitties are often taken to the vet, the disease is quite advanced. Vets treat the cancer with a radical mastectomy on both sides. Even with a radical mastectomy average survival time is only a year after the detection.

The 2012 Winn study, reveals that spaying a kitty before she reaches six months reduces the chances of developing breast cancer. Please have female cats spayed by 5 months of age to avoid this problem.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Herman’s mother, Lyra, lost her fight with breast cancer when she was only four years old.

To catch any potential tumors early, perform a breast exam on your kitty every month. Pick a special day, the first of the month, the day you make your house payment, the day you put heartworm preventative on your dog and cat and cop a feel. Run your fingers up and down your cat’s underneath region. Better still, move your fingers in small circles, in the same way a woman performs a monthly breast exam. You’re looking for lumps, bumps, swelling, discoloration or areas of sensitivity.

Never ignore a new lump. Statistically, lumps in dogs are likely to be benign (but still shouldn’t be ignored), lumps in cats are likely to be malignant.

Cats, Feline Health, News, Uncategorized

What the CDC says about Cats & Dogs & Ebola, Oh My!

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EbolaNow that Ebola is in the U.S. (and for those of us in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, it’s in our community), there is an understandable concern about Ebola and your cat and dog. People want to know can pets catch Ebola from humans; can people catch Ebola from their pups and pusses.

While the information available suggests that the virus may be found in several kinds of animals, CDC, the US Department of Agriculture, and the American Veterinary Medical Association do not believe that pets are at significant risk for Ebola in the United States.

Which animals can become infected with Ebola?

CDC: Scientists believe that the first patient becomes infected through contact with an infected fruit bat or primate (apes and monkeys)…In some past Ebola outbreaks, primates were also affected by Ebola, and multiple spillover events occurred when people touched or ate infected primates. In the current West African epidemic, animals have not been found to be a factor in ongoing Ebola transmission.

Can cats and dogs become infected with Ebola?

CDC: At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or other animals. Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola. There is limited evidence that dogs become infected with Ebola virus, but there is no evidence that they develop disease.

Are cats and dogs in the U.S. at risk of becoming sick with Ebola?

CDC: The risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the United States is very low. Therefore, the risk to pets is also very low, as they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a person with Ebola. Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola.

Can humans get Ebola from cats or dogs?

CDC: At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats being infected with Ebola or of being able to transmit Ebola to people or other animals. The chances of a dog or cat being exposed to Ebola virus in the United States is very low as they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a symptomatic person sick with Ebola.

Can a pet’s body, fur, or paws spread Ebola to a person?

CDC: We do not yet know whether or not a pet’s body, paws, or fur can pick up and spread Ebola to people or other animals. It is important to keep people and animals away from blood or body fluids of a person with symptoms of Ebola infection.

What about a pet living in the home of an Ebola patient?

CDC: The CDC recommends that public health officials in collaboration with a veterinarian evaluate the pet’s risk of exposure to the virus (close contact or exposure to blood or body fluids of an Ebola patient). Based on this evaluation as well as the specific situation, local and state human and animal health officials will determine how the pet should be handled.

Should I get my dog or cat tested for Ebola?

CDC: Currently, routine testing for Ebola is not available for pets.

What are the requirements for bringing pets or other animals into the United States from West Africa?

CDC: The CDC regulations require that dogs and cats imported into the United States be healthy. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies before arrival into the United States. Monkeys and African rodents are not allowed to be imported as pets under any circumstances.

Each state and U.S. Territory has its own rules for pet ownership and importation, and these rules may be different from federal regulations. Airlines may have additional requirements.

How does Ebola spread?

CDC: When infection occurs in humans, the virus can be spread in several ways to others. Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with

  • In Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats.
  • Only a few species of mammals (for example, humans, monkeys, and apes) have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus. There is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus.

Can monkeys spread Ebola?

CDC: Yes, monkeys are at risk for Ebola. Symptoms of Ebola infection in monkeys include fever, decreased appetite, and sudden death. Monkeys should not be allowed to have contact with anyone who may have Ebola. Healthy monkeys already living in the United States and without exposure to a person infected with Ebola are not at risk for spreading Ebola.

Can bats spread Ebola?

CDC: Fruit bats in Africa are considered to be a natural reservoir for Ebola. Bats in North America are not known to carry Ebola and so CDC considers the risk of an Ebola outbreak from bats occurring in the United States to be very low. However, bats are known to carry rabies and other diseases here in the United States. To reduce the risk of disease transmission, never attempt to touch a bat, living or dead.

Where can I learn more information about Ebola and pet dogs and cats?

CDC: The CDC is currently working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and many other partners to develop additional guidance for the U.S. pet population. Additional information and guidance will be posted on this website as well as partner websites as soon as it becomes available.

Cat Writers' Association, Obituary, Rescue, Uncategorized

Left Behind: Help Rehome Dr. Lorie Huston’s Kitties

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loriehustonprofile-1333478613My friend and Cat Writers’ Association President Dr. Lorie Huston passed away yesterday after a lifelong struggle with liver disease. Lorie had six rescued kitties whom she dearly loved. They are living in Providence, RI. The family has asked that homes be found for Lorie’s babies. As you might expect, they are all fixed, current on their vaccinations, and negative for diseases. Some or all are declawed. The kitties are all rescues, not closely bonded and do not necessarily need to be placed together. They are special needs, of course, because that’s how Lorie rolled. Read details below.

Lorie’s vet clinic does not have the room to board the kitties. The clinic’s receptionist is trying to help, but is recovering from a serious dog attack and has transportation limitations so it is very difficult for her to check on them. We are looking for forever homes, foster homes, no kill shelters, people to transport and possibly even donations to pay for transportation or boarding.

BTW–Pet Assure veterinary discount plans has offered three free months to anyone who adopts one of Lorie’s babies.

If you’re interested in adopting or fostering any of Lorie’s kitties or helping out in any way, please fill out the form below.

 

Lorie’s cats

lilly-1

 

Lilly is Lorie’s 11 year old and a tripod. When Lilly was just an 8 week old kitten she lost her leg, part of her tail, and several toes after a dog attack. Rather than euthanizing the homeless brown tabby, Lorie performed the necessary surgery to save her life, then adopted her. Lorie said Lilly is laid-back and very sweet. She’s a happy, healthy, older lady who doesn’t even realize she’s one leg short of a full set. She cannot go into a home with dogs. She is spayed and FeLV/FIV/HW negative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midge-Grooming

Midge is about 6 years old, spayed, declawed and FeLV/FIV negative. Midge came from a litter of orphaned kittens, hand-raised by a friend. Lorie had room for one more cat and Midge joined her family. She is a shy girl and would do well by herself, as the other cats pick on her. CORRECTION: Midge is friendly. Lorie always fed her separately, and watched to make sure the others left her alone. Lorie said Midge is standoffish with the other cats but loves people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

rusty

adopted!

Rusty was left at Lorie’s clinic by an animal control officer. The poor kitty was extremely ill with a respiratory infection and was treated at the hospital. After he recovered, he would always find his way into Lorie’s exam room and hang out in her sink. Lorie couldn’t resist him. Rusty, who’s between 4 and 6 years old, is a personal favorite of clinic staff. Lorie said Rusty is shy at first and easily frightened, but very sweet. He’s declawed, neutered, and negative for FeLV/FIV/HW.

 

dillon

adopted!

Dillon, who is between 4 and 6 years old was left in a cardboard box on the clinic’s doorstep. He immediately began rubbing all over Lorie. It was love at first sight. She adopted him the next day after being neutered and tested for FeLV/FIV. Lorie said Dillon is curious about everything and seeks attention from anyone.

 

 

 

 

rhette

adopted!!!!

Rhette is a 6 to 8 year old neutered and declawed boy who was left in a carrier in the hospital parking lot. After being examined and found to be healthy, he joined Lorie’s growing family as well. Lorie said he is demanding and very vocal. He thinks he’s the boss. He can be a bully. He’s confused and a little nervous in Lorie’s absence, but friendly.

 

 

 

 

Merlin-FBMerlin, now 6 to 8 years old, is neutered and declawed. He was living unsuccessfully as stray cat near the hospital. He was determined to become a member of the staff. When someone opened the door, he strolled right in and made himself comfortable. He’s a funny cat who always made Lorie laugh because he likes to throw his whole body over his food bowl. He’s mellow and minds his business, and does his own thing. Lorie said Merlin seeks attention but is less confident than Dillon.

Please fill out form to adopt or foster a kitty






Rescue

Taco Survived a Brutal Attack; Now He Wants a Forever Home

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Taco | Share this pet with Friends

Taco Sock Taco Shady 054

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Animal ID 23865927
Species Cat
Breed Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age 1 year 15 days
Sex Male
Size Medium
Color White/Grey
Spayed/Neutered  
Declawed No
Housetrained Yes
Site Animal Allies of Texas
Location Foster
Intake Date 9/17/2014
Adoption Price $110.00
It’s been a rough year for Taco. He’s such a sweet boy. All he wants is a home of his own and a family to love him.Around the middle of March Taco showed up at an Irving automotive repair garage with a massive burn on neck. The garage took the injured stray to Irving Animal Services. At first they thought it might have been an accident-perhaps from Taco rubbing up against a hot muffler-but then two more cats showed up with similar wounds. Taco’s was the most severe. One of his vets had no doubt that his injury occurred at the hand of a bad person. Trusting, affectionate Taco, loves people and would have gladly approached the attacker who burned him from the base of his skull to below his shoulder blades.

Irving Animal Services needed help with Taco. For a week those dedicated volunteers sent out desperate emails begging for a foster home to take their sweet boy. Animal Allies of Texas stepped up and took him in.

Poor Taco had to endure twice hydrotherapy treatments. He never ran from his foster mom and he stood in the kitchen sink as gracefully as a wet cat could. No fighting, no hissing, simply embarrassed resignation. For four months Taco had to wear a T-shirt to prevent him from scratching his wound. He’s the perfect companion for the lady who wants to dress up her cat.

Today Taco has completely recovered from his attack. He’s active and affectionate. He’s quick to claim an empty lap. He gets along with other cats. He even likes the family dog. This gray tabby and white, gold-eyed boy is about a year-old (born in Summer 2013). His adoption fee is only $110 and it includes:

Neuter surgery (already done)
Microchip
FVRCP and rabies vaccinations
Negative feline leukemia and FIV test.

Do you have room for brave Taco? If you are interested in adopting Taco, please go to animalalliesoftexas.org, fill out and submit our online application. He’ll be waiting!

You can support Animal Allies of Texas whenever you shop online by choosing Animal Allies of Texas as your AdoptAShelter.com charity and then going to your favorite e-store.
Adopt and Protect this pet with the 24PetWatch Gift of Pet Insurance.
Visit us at www.24PetWatch.com or call 1-877-291-1524.
Save on top named brands and help homeless pets when you shop online at www.ThePetangoStore.com.
Shop now to save on pet food, flea, tick, heartworm treatments, and much more!

 

Obituary, Special Days, Uncategorized

Sept 19 is POW/MIA Recognition Day

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HOMECOMING
Former POW and U.S. Air Force Capt. Darrel Edwin Pyle shortly after his release by the North Vietnamese in Hanoi on 12 Feb 73. Pyle was captured on 13 Jun 66.

Darrel Pyle photo 4When I was in high school and the Vietnam was was in full swing, I wore a POW bracelet to honor and  remember an American prisoner of war. It was an simple stainless steel strip engraved with a POWs name and the date he was captured. You were supposed to wear it until your guy came home.

POW bracelet
Jerry Singleton\’s POW bracelet

My POW was a young pilot named Darrell Pyle who was held captive for seven years. Pyle was in the very first group of prisoners to be released on 12 Feb 1973. I placed a star sticker on my bracelet to indicate my POW had returned safely home.  I continued to wear Pyle’s bracelet for several years to remember those who are still MIA.  I only removed when it I feared it would break in half from wear.

Although I never got to meet Darrel Pyle, I had the honor of interviewing another Hanoi Hilton alumni, Jerry Singleton, in 1995. During that interview I learned the real horror of what these brave people went though. Jerry informed me that Major Darrel Pyle died in an aviation accident less than two years after his release.

Rest in peace, Major Pyle. Thank you for your sacrifice. And thank you Jerry Singleton. We are grateful.

HOMECOMING
Former POW and U.S. Air Force CPT Darrel Edwin Pyle, wife Karen, son and an escort look over the giant C-5 Galaxy aircraft on the flight line.

PowerNetwork.org says about Pyle’s capture: “On June 13, 1966, while on an armed reconnaissance mission in the southern part of North Vietnam, the F4C Phantom fighter bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire and became uncontrollable. Both ejected, but Lurie ejected from low altitude (about 350 feet at 450 knots), and sustained a compression fracture of the spine. The DRV used Plye, the Systems Operator and Lurie as a traveling show until 29 June when they arrived in Hanoi and were thrown into Hoa Lo prison, more commonly known as the Hanoi Hilton.\r\n\r\nThe day was February 12, 1973. The location was Gia Lam Airport, North Vietnam.

The sky was broken to overcast and the air was chilled by the winds which swept down from China. I sat in a bus beside a bombed-out hangar and watched a plane taxiing toward the runway. The plane was a 141 and had big letters which said, “UNITED STATES AIR FORCE.” I was crying. Before the plane could take off another 141 broke through the overcast and roared over my head. My plane – my chariot had come to take me home.

Sadly Darell Pyle was killed in a plane crash in Alaska only a year-and-a-half after he returned home. Here’s the account of his tragic death less than two years later in the Anchorage Times, 29 Dec 1974

“27 Dec 1974: Maj Darrell Pyle died when his Piper PA-18 crashed around noon at Six Mile Lake, Elmendorf AFB. His nine year old son, Philip, survived with minor injuries.”

Darrel Pyle arrival
Former POW and U.S. Air Force CPT Darrel Edwin Pyle is greeted by MGEN John Gonge, Commander 22nd Air Force and BGEN Ralph Saunders after his arrival from Clark Air Base, Philippines.

The fuel tank in the plane ruptured on impact causing minor fires. Major Pyle was recovered from the wreckage and taken to the Elmendorf AFB Hospital where he died of injuries sustained in the crash. His son was treated for cuts and bruises and released.

“He was born on 24 April 1940 in Long Beach, CA; graduated from Compton High School, Compton, CA, in 1958; and the University of Arizona and joined the Air Force in 1963.\r\nHe had rowed down the Amazon River and spent time in the jungles of Ecuador. While in captivity, he dream ed of coming to Alaska.

“He was assigned to the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron as an F-4E pilot. Major Pyle had been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with V device with oak lead cluster and a second oak leaf cluster to the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was cited for his resistance to more than 40 days of extreme physical and mental torture. He had written a book about his POW experiences. The publisher, however, wanted more details on his torture, which he did not want to go into again, and it was never published. The 3rd Wing Headquarters Building is named after Major Pyle.

HOMECOMING
Former POW and U.S. Air Force CPT Darrel Edwin Pyle, wife Karen, son and an escort look over the giant C-5 Galaxy aircraft on the flight line in February 1973.

If you are interested in more information on heroic Major Pyle, visit TogetherWeServed.com,

 

 

 

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Cat Writers' Association

Cat Writers’ Association Announces Muse Medallion Finalists

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Heidi & Typewriter IMG_2767_webThis week the Cat Writers’ Association announced recipients of this year’s Certificates of Excellence. Entries are judged by three professional CWA members. Averaged scores of 90 or higher receive a Certificate of Excellence. The top score over 90 wins the Muse. However, CWA considers the Certificates of Excellence awards in their own right.

It’s exciting to see the names of so many wonderful writers, producers and artists recognized. I’m product to say that many of these talented folks are my friends.

The Muse Medallion winners will be announced at the CWA Awards Banquet, the grand finale of the MeowWorld Presented by CWA/BarkWorld Conference in Atlanta October 29 through November 1. For more information about the conference and banquet go to the CWA website.

Congratulations to the Certificate winners listed below.

I.1 Monthly Magazine: National
Susan Logan, Editor, “Cat Fancy”

I.2 Magazine Article: Health & General Care
Deborah Barnes, “Don’t Delay” Cats Fancy
Helen Jablonski, “Orphan Care” Kittens 101 2015
Bernadette Kazmarski, “Tail Vaccines for Cats Could Save Lives” Pittsburgh
Ingrid King, “Feline Medicine Goes High-Tech” Cat[ Fancy
Ingrid King, “It’s In the Will” Cat Fancy
Ramona Marek, “Faint Heart” Animal Wellness
Arnold Plotnick, DVM, “Change of Heart” Cat Fancy
Dusty Rainbolt, “Cat Bathroom Basics” Ready, Set, Rescue 2014
Dusty Rainbolt, “Hunters by Nature” Cat Fancy
Genevieve Rajewski, “Itching to Know” Tufts Veterinary Medicine PetConnections
Fran Pennock Shaw, “A Glimmer of Hope” Cat Fancy
Fran Pennock Shaw, “A New Frontier in Medicine” Cat Fancy
Fran Pennock Shaw, “Raw Intelligence” Cats USA 2014
Rebecca Sweat, “Happy Tails” Cat Fancy

I.3 Magazine Article: Behavior & Training
Maryjean Ballner, “Winning the Affection of the Scaredy Cat” Pet Sitter’s WORLD
Helen Jablonski, “Solve Litterbox Issues For Good” CATS USA 2014
Jacqueline Munera, “Training for Cats in the Shelter: Part Three” The APDT Chronicle of the Dog
Jacqueline Munera, “Training for Cats in the Shelter: Part Four” The APDT Chronicle of the Dog
Jacqueline Munera, “Dogs and Declawed Cats: Extra Caution Required” The APDT Chronicle of the Dog

I.4 Magazine Article: Rescue/Advocacy
Kate Hurley, DVM and James Hettinger, “For Community Cats, A Change Is Gonna Come/Putting it
Into Practice” Animal Sheltering Magazine
Bernadette Kazmarski, “The Invisible Cat” Pittsburgh PetConnections
Cimeron Morrissey, “Pure Joy” Cat Fancy
Cimeron Morrissey, “The Quiet Living Legend” Cat Fancy
Cimeron Morrissey, “Setting the Records Straight” Cat Fancy
Cimeron Morrissey, “Up to the Challenge” Cat Fancy
Cimeron Morrissey, “the things we do for (cat) love” (all lowercase) Cat Fancy
Nancy Peterson, “The Challenges of a Rural TNR Project” Animal Sheltering

I.5 Magazine Article: Any Other Topic
Jim Baker, “Free to Good Home” Animal Sheltering
Stacy Hackett, “Around the World With 18 Breeds” CATS USA 2014
Bernadette Kazmarski, “Never Enough Time, But Enough Time to Love” Pittsburgh PetConnections
Marci Kladnik, “Kittens Gone Wild! The Feral Cat Challenge” Pet Sitter’s WORLD
Audrey Pavia, “Black Magic” Cat Fancy
Jen Reeder, “How Cats Broke the Internet” Modern Cat
Sandy Robins, “How Smart is Your Cat?” CATS USA 2014
Kim Campbell Thornton, “Protecting Jaguars” CATS USA 2014

I.6 Magazine Column
Cimeron Morrissey, “Cat Champions” Cat Fancy
Sandy Robins, “Life’s Purrfect” Cat Fancy
Nancy Peterson, “Catty Corner” Animal Sheltering

II.1 Newspaper Article: Health & General Care
Fran Pennock Shaw “Heartworm disease in cats on the rise” Intelligencer Journal-Lancaster New Era

II.2 Newspaper Article: Behavior & Training
no entries

II.3 Newspaper Article: Rescue/Advocacy
no entries

II.4 Newspaper Article: Any Other Topic
Jen Reeder “Celebrating National Pet Week With Jake the Therapy Cat” Huffington Post

II.5 Newspaper Column
Amy Shojai “P’etiquette” Herald Democrat

III.1 Newsletter: Breed Specific
Brigitte McMinn, Editor, Bengals Illustrated
Brigitte McMinn, Editor, Savannahs Illustrated

III.2 Newsletter: National Circulation
Cimeron Morrissey, Cat Tales

III.3 Newsletter: Regional or Membership Circulation Advocacy
combined with III.2

III.4 Newsletter Article: Health & General Care
Arnold Plotnick, “Blood Test to Detect Cancer” catnip
Arnold Plotnick, “Double Whammy!” catnip
Arnold Plotnick, “Cryptococcosis in Cats” catnip
Arnold Plotnick, “Hypertension in Cats” catnip
Arnold Plotnick, “Heart Disease or Not?” catnip
Arnold Plotnick, “New Advances in Treating FIP” catnip
Fran Pennock Shaw, “Pursuing a Cure for Breast Cancer” Cat Watch
Kim Campbell Thornton, “Hospice Care for Cats” catnip
Kim Campbell Thornton, “Holiday Hazards Can Tempt the Curious” Cat Watch
Kim Campbell Thornton, “A Simple Way to Check the Ears” Cat Watch
Elissa Wolfson, “The Coat Tells the Tale” Cat Watch
Elissa Wolfson, “Be on the Lookout for Nail Injuries” Cat Watch

III.5 Newsletter Article: Behavior & Training
Kim Campbell Thornton, “Fearful Cats Can Go on the Attack” Cat Watch
Kim Campbell Thornton, “Appealing to the Heart of a Hunter” Cat Watch

III.6 Newsletter Article: Rescue/Advocacy
Kim Campbell Thornton, “Kitten Nurseries Save Lives” Catnip
Nancy Marano, “Albuquerque’s Community Cat Program” Petroglyphs

III.7 Newsletter Article: Any Other Topic
Nancy Marano, “Cat Colors and Stereotypes” Petroglyphs
Lee Wardlaw, “Eight Things I’ve Learned from My Cats about Writing Haiku” Meow

III.8 Newsletter Column Topic
Lyn Garson, CVT, “Technically Speaking” OurCompanions.org

IV.1 Short Story
no winner

IV.2 Poem
Andrea Dorn, “Once a Cat” Meow
Andrea Dorn, “Lady Butterfly” Meow
Carole Nelson Douglas, “Feline Domestic” 2013 CWA Conference Program
Bernadette Kazmarski, “Once” thecreativecat.net
Linda Mohr, “Untitled Haiku” nlapw.org

IV.3 Humor
no winner

IV.4 Brochure, Pamphlet, or Short Publication
Teresa Keiger, “CFA World Show Ad” The Detroit News

IV.5 Annual or Long Publication
Bernadette Kazmarski, 12 Sketches of Cats
Susan Logan, Editor, Kittens 101 2015
Brigitte McMinn, Editor, Ragdoll Illustrated Calendar

IV.6 Opinion Piece, Essay, or Editorial
Deborah Barnes, “The Many Shades of a Crazy Cat Lady” Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection
Janiss Garza, “Cats Do Not Equal Children” CatChannel
Janiss Garza, “Soul Cat” CatChannel
JaneA Kelley, “I Think Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws Do More Harm Than Good” catster.com
JaneA Kelley, “9 Reasons I’m Adopting Special-Needs Cats from Now On” catster.com
Dusty Rainbolt, “When is it Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat?” catster.com
Amy Shojai, “Cats Under Attack! TNR, TB, Toxo and Talkback” AmyShojai.com

IV.7 PR / Humane Education / Press Kits
combined with VI.1

V.1 Books: Fiction
Catherine Holm, The Great Purr
Belea T. Keeney, The Tiger Whisperer
Amy Shojai, Hide and Seek
Clea Simon, Panthers Play for Keeps
Linda Stewart, The Great Catsby

V.2 Books: For Children
no winner

V.3 Books: Health & General Care
no entries

V.4 Books: Behavior & Training
no entries

V.5 Books: Gift
Angie Bailey, whiskerslist (all lowercase)
Bernadette Kazmarski, feline style sampler (all lowercase)

V.6 Books: Poetry
no entries

V.7 Books: Other
Bryan Kortis, Community TNR , Tactics and Tools for PetSmart Charities

VI.1 Video, DVD or TV Production
Alana Grelyak, “CHATastrophe” catcatastrophes.com

VI.2 Broadcast, Audio – Any Format Advocacy
no winners

VII.1 Online Magazine or Newsletter
Vicky Walker, Editor, Catster

VII.2 Online Article: Health & General Care
Lorie Huston, “Seven Common Pet Parasite Myths Busted” pet-health-care-gazette.com
Ingrid King, “The Feline Health Care Crisis” The Conscious Cat
Letrisa Miller, DVM, “Senior Cat Dental Health” catwisdom101.com
Letrisa Miller, DVM, “Squeaky’s Long Fall” catwisdom101.com
Dusty Rainbolt, “The Feline Quality of Life Scale” catster.com
Sandy Robins, “How to Form a Lifelong Bond with Your Cat” pawnation.com
Sandy Robins, “What You Need to Know to Keep Your Cat Healthy” momtastic.com
Sandy Robins, “Summer Cat Concerns” on pawnation.com

VII.3 Online Article: Behavior & Training
Marilyn Krieger, “What Do You Do When Your Cat Shows Signs of Senility?” catster.com
Marilyn Krieger, “Why do Cats Purr? Some of the Reasons Might Surprise You” catster.com
Marilyn Krieger, “How to Stop Litterbox Problems Before They Begin” catster.com
Marilyn Krieger, “I’m Willing to Bet Your Cat Hates Her Litter Box – Here’s Why” catster.com
Nancy Peterson, “It’s National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day” catster.com
Amy Shojai, “Why Cats Hate Halloween Costumes and How to Get Your Cat to Tolerate One”
catster.com

VII.4 Online Article: Rescue/Advocacy
Deborah Barnes, “World Spay Day: Setting the Record Straight—The Basic Facts on Cats,
Conception, and the Benefits of Spay/Neuter” Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection
Janiss Garza, “10 Signs of Cat Hoarding” CatChannel
Joanne McGonagle, “Love At First Sight” Rescue Me I-5
Dusty Rainbolt, “9 Reasons Why Yours Should Become a Cat Foster Family” catster.com
Sandy Robins, “We Chat With Beth Stern About Her Life as a Foster Cat Mom” catster.com
Sandy Robins, “Meet the Stray Cats Who Live in Nelson Mandela’s Former Jail” catster.com

VII.5 Online Article: Any Other Topic
Janiss Garza, “Top-Secret Tips to Get Your Cats to Pose for Your Camera” catster.com com
Janiss Garza, “5 Totally Legal Ways to Get Your Cat Stoned” catster.com
Elyse Orecchio, “Cats, Kids, Reading = Enrichment, Adoptions, Compassion” aspcapro.org
Paris Permenter, “Zeki the Pet Safety Cat: From Rescued to Rescuer” Pet360.com
Dusty Rainbolt, “The History of Cat Litter and Litter Boxes” CatWisdom101.com

VII.6 Online Column
Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton & Mikkel Becker “Pet Connection” uexpress.com
Keith Bowers, “Cat Dandy” catster.com
Dusty Rainbolt, “Ask Einstein” catster.com

VIII.1 – Blog: Health & General Care (URL plus 3 blog posts)
no entries

VIII.2 – Blog: Behavior & Training (URL plus 3 blog posts)
no entries

VIII.3 – Blog: Rescue/Advocacy (URL plus 3 blog posts) Advocacy
combined with VIII.5

VIII.4 – Blog: Entertainment (URL plus 3 blog posts)
Lisa Richman, “A Tonk’s Tail Blog”

VIII.5 – Blog: Any Other Topic (URL plus 3 blog posts)
Janiss Garza, Sparkle the Designer Cat
Alana Grelyak, The Cat in the Fridge
Amy Shojai, Bling, Bitches & Blood
Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCApro Blog
Layla Morgan Wilde, Cat Wisdom

VIII.6 Website
no entries

IX.1 Black & White Photograph (Single)
Debbie Glovatsky, “I’m Innocent”

IX.2 Black & White Photography (Series)
Debbie Glovatsky, “As Moody as B & W”

IX.3 Color Photograph (Single)
Bernadette Kazmarski, “Frankencat and Old Grand Dad”

IX.4 Color Photograph (Series)
Jerry Thornton, “Protecting the Jaguars”

IX.5 Photographic Art
Janiss Garza, “Tortie”
Lisa Richman, “Monday Mathematics”

IX.6 Cartoon
Bernadette Kazmarski, “Purring Points”
Bernadette Kazmarski, “Saturday Morning”
Stephanie Piro, “Favorites”
Stephanie Piro, “Litter Boxes”
Stephanie Piro, “Peace on Earth”
Stephanie Piro, “Rainbow Bridge”
Stephanie Piro, “House Cat”
Stephanie Piro, “Endorsements ”

IX.7 Illustration (Single)
Bernadette Kazmarski, “The TNR Story”
Dawn Secord, “Mr. Knuckles”
Cori Solomon, “Kissin’ Cousins”
Cori Solomon, “Milly”

IX.8 Illustration (Series) Website
no winner

Cats, good fortune, Good luck, Just for Fun, News, Odd News, Rescue

Russia’s Largest Mortgage Lender Offers the Gift of House (Cat) Ownership

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Sberbank 10 cats
Sberbank in Russia provides world’s best house warming present, at least for two hours.

Sberbank, the largest bank in Russia largest bank, is offering to a new benefit to its first 30 customers who take out home mortgages of over $116,000. According to Bloomberg Business Week Global Economics, not only are they lending money, their lending cats.

Sberbank Cesar
Like any good financial supervisor, the mustached tuxedo cat named Caesar monitors home loan negotiations quietly from the top of the computer printer at Russia’s  Sberbank.

According to a Russian legend, If a cat walks through a new home before you move in you’ll get have good luck. The state-controlled bank set up a special  website to publicize the puss promotion. “Order a cat for your housewarming, and bring happiness and luck to your home,” reads campaign web ad. Future homeowners can choose between 10 feline talismans: a mustached tuxedo named Caesar, Sonia a red lynx point, the Angora named Fedor, Caramel the calico, Toffee a Siamese, orange tabby Apricot, Kuzya a Peterbald, a gray and white named Knoop, the brown tabby Timothy and of course a Russian Blue named Smoke.There’s even a video on the that shows a couple of homeowners having their home blessed by the kitties.

Sberbank cats
(L-R) Meet Caramel, Toffee, Apricot and Smoke.

The kitties are all actually family pets. Some of them belong to Sberbank employees. As soon as the bank announced the launch of the puss promotion in mid-August they began receiving requests for loaner cats. Ownership lasts for two hours, barely time to even set out a litter box. Cat recipients must agree to an 8-page contract.

Even if you don’t live in Russia or  aren’t buying a home you can still have the benefit of a short term “tailisman” by contacting a rescue group or animal shelter in your area and offering to foster a cat. If a two-hour stroll fills a Russian home with luck, just think about good fortune in store if you save a life and give a kitty a safe place to stay for a couple of weeks.s

Cats, Feline Health, News

Winn Feline Foundation is Calling for Research Proposals

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe Winn Feline Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization that funds research into health issues affecting cats.This is so important because feline health issues are the redheaded stepchild of the medical world. That’s why most cat meds were originally for human or canine patients. But as you and I know, cats are not little dogs and they aren’t people either. Physically and behaviorally they are complicated creatures. So cat specific-studies are necessary

Each year, Winn funds feline health studies through the generosity of their donors. Last year Winn funded nine studies  including research on gastrointestinal disease associated with E. coli infection in kittens,feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), kidney disease, oral squamous cell cancer, feline calicivirus,and new drug treatments forTritrichomonas foetus.

In the past I have lost foster kitties to virulent E. coli, and my personal kitties to FIP, HCM, kidney disease. I hope they will soon fund studies on feline pancreatitis.

Maybe your vet is interested in pursuing a research grant. If he/she is, the deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, December 15, 2014 and awards will be announced in April, 2015. Here are a few Winn grant FAQs.

  • The maximum grant amount is $25,000.
  • Projects should have discrete and achievable goals within the $25,000 limit.
  • Continuation of grants awarded in 2014 or earlier will be considered.
  • Studies applicable to all cats are encouraged. The Winn Feline Foundation is also interested in projects that address issues in individual breeds, nutrition and behavior.
  • Although we are interested in all areas of feline health, we have dedicated funds for research in feline infectious peritonitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and lung cancer in cats.
  • In addition to the aforementioned funds, current breed specific funding is available for Norwegian Forest Cat and Persian HCM studies and Birman heart disease studies in general.
  • Applicants may be faculty veterinarians, post-doctoral fellows, practicing veterinarians or veterinary students.

For detailed instructions please review the Winn Foundation Grant Guidelines Document. All studies must abide by our Humane Guidelines. All studies must use our cover sheet for submission. A document and pdf version are provided.

The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has funded more than $4.8 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions world-wide. For further information, go to www.winnfelinehealth.org.

 
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August 15 is National Homeless Pets Day

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HomelesscatAugust 15 is National Homeless Pets Day

Wouldn’t it be fun if you could have a constant supply of fresh kitten faces around your home without contributing to the growing pet overpopulation problem? You can, by providing a foster home (and a chance to live) to a kitten who would otherwise be put to sleep in a shelter.

Why don’t you Rent-A-Kitten (become a foster home) from your local animal shelter so you can continually enjoy those few months of adorable early kittenhood? That way you can have your catnip and sniff it, too.

Go to your local pet supply store or call area animal shelter to locate a Rent-A-Kitten center (rescue organization) near you. They’re always looking for volunteers to take their youngest charges.

And, if you feel it’s important to show your kids the “Miracle of Life”, go for it. Spay your cat tomorrow and “Rent” an expecting mother. A healthy mother cat is the June Clever of the animal world.

Mom does all the work: she’ll feed her kittens, keep them squeaky clean, teach them to use the litter box and growl when they get out of line. You provide high quality cat food and scoop (a lot.)

The shelter or rescue group should cover the veterinary expenses including vaccinating and neutering/spaying. It also means you will be able to take them to adopt-a-pets while they’re cute and easy to find homes for.

On the day he was born, Sam was left at the door of a vet clinic in a sealed cardboard. Thanks to foster care and a wonderful adopter, Sam is 14 and a happy camper.
On the day he was born, Sam was left at the door of a vet clinic in a sealed cardboard. Thanks to foster care and a wonderful adopter, Sam is 14 and a happy camper.

Your job description as foster mom will look something like this:

Travel agent– Book your foster mom into a spare bathroom, bedroom or laundry room makes a great nursery. It’s better if the floors are easy to clean.

Security guard– Keep them away from your own pets until you know both mom (and company), as well as your guys, are all healthy.

Food server-A nursing mom’s energy needs will be two to three times a normal adult cat. You can free feed mom a high quality dry kitten diet and change her water daily.

Janitor-Scoop three or four times a day. It’ll only take a second or two. To feed her babies, she’ll be eating like a horse. She’ll be pooping like one too.

When the kittens are about three weeks old give them a box with low sides so they can jump inside without having to scale the side like a rock climber. When kittens start learning to use the litter box, there will be accidents. Lining the room’s floor with newspaper makes clean up much easier.

Keep the room clean. Change the linens daily (or several times a day when necessary.) See, now you have a reason to keep those 1970s orange and green sheets in the back of your closet.

Safety inspector-Make sure the kitten room is a safe place. Take all poisons out of there. Remove anything that they can break or bring down on top of themselves. There may have to some house-retraining of the males around the house; not male cats’, the humans. The toilet lid should stay closed in any room the kittens have access to. Block off little holes and crevices. You’d be surprised the places kittens can hide.

Exterminator-Check mom and the kittens for fleas. They’re not just an irritation. Those little vampires and can be real killers and they cause tapeworms. Talk to your vet about a flea treatment that will be safe for the kittens. Get the kittens wormed by a vet as soon as they’re old enough.

Chauffeur-Occasional trips to the vet will be necessary for shots, worming, spaying/neutering and emergencies.

Nurse-The two most common health problems are kitty colds and diarrhea. Unless you’re an experienced kitten keeper, call the vet when you first notice dripping from either end. Watch them closely. Make sure all the kittens are nursing and growing. If one is lagging too far behind or isn’t as active as the others, take the whole kitten caboodle to the vet.

Groupie-This is the most important aspect. In order to make sure your kittens is successful (happy and comfortable) in their forever homes, they’ll need to experience a lot of different activities when they’re very young. Love, cuddle and play with your kittens every day. When they are three weeks old, allow calm/gentle children to hold them for short periods. Kitties need to get used to being normal activities and noises like the TV, kids playing, the doorbell and kisses on the nose.

Adoption counselor-Yes, it’s hard to let them leave, but it’s easier when you realize you saved a life and made the new family very happy you’ll know it’s worth it. Beside there will always be another kitten at animal control who would love to be ‘rented’.

 

Where Everthing is Possible

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