“Feral cats live healthy, quality lives outdoors, but there are ways to make their lives even better, including programs like trap-neuter-return,” said Becky Robinson, National Director of Alley Cat Allies. “National Feral Cat Day is a great opportunity to learn more about feral cats and why trap-neuter-return is best for the cats and the community.”

So what’s the difference between a feral cat, stray cat or free-roaming cat? Free-roaming cats are usually pets that are allowed outside, but are still family pets. Stray cats were once pets, but were lost or abandoned and live permanently outdoors. Feral cats are the offspring of lost or abandoned cats or other feral cats who are not spayed or neutered. Females can reproduce two to three times a year, and their kittens, if they survive, become feral due to lack of contact with humans.

Here are ways to prevent feral cat colonies or assist existing ones in your area.

* Spay or neuter your cat and encourage others to do the same.
* Keep cats indoors or, if outdoors, in contained spaces.
* Donate cash or time to shelters.
* Adopt from shelters.
* If you see feral cats, report them to your local animal shelter or a trap-neuter-release group.

The HAPPY Act would amend an IRS code to allow a deduction for qualified pet care expenses of up to $3500 a year.

Qualified pet care expenses are being defined as “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet,” and can be applied to any legally owned domesticated animal, with the exception of those used in research or as part of a business.

Critics of this act are arguing that it’s not an important issue in the face of other problems, such as unemployment. However, considering the state of the economy, offering a tax deduction for the costs of pet care, particularly veterinary expenses, could provide a huge relief to those who are suffering financial strains.

According to the National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of households have pets, which means a lot of people and animals would benefit from this act.

Additionally, this could encourage more people to license their pets, along with encouraging them to make sure their pet receives adequate veterinary care and vaccinations. Regular checkups at the vet may also mean catching potential health issues before they turn into serious, and expensive, complications.

This act could also mean fewer animals getting euthanized or winding up in already overflowing shelters as a result of sickness or injury or even simply because owners can’t afford the costs of basic care, while simultaneously promoting adoptions by those who might be worried about the financial aspects of owning a pet.

Please take a minute to sign Care2’s petition in favor of passing the HAPPY Act.

Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO said, “Kindness toward animals is a building block of a humane and compassionate society.”  “We celebrate and encourage that all year long,” she said.

Not that we need a designated time of year to do this, in honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, here are some tips on how you can show your appreciation for animals:

Speak out for animals
Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country. Also, register to receive Action Alerts from American Humane — you’ll be able to speak out for animals with just the click of a mouse. Advocacy for animals can make a huge difference in their safety and well-being.www.americanhumane.org.

Report animal abuse
Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious — a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard –  please don’t hesitate.  Let your local animal control, humane society or animal shelters know.

Appreciate wildlife
All animals deserve to be treated humanly — family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely. Teach children to appreciate animals and wildlife. Lead by example and demonstrate how we can make a difference in the lives of all animals.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
Every year, an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. American Humane has tips to find the animal companion that’s right for you and develop a bond that will last a lifetime.

Take care of your pet
Pets are like children who never grow up. Along with love, they need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives.  Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure he’s wearing proper identification and/or get them microchipped.  Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

For more resources, visit http://americanhumane.org.

Litter Box and Litter Mat Experiment with different litter boxes to find out which kind your cat likes better — some prefer a covered environment while others, an open one. You might even get a mat to place right outside the litter box to ensure that your cat doesn’t track excess litter throughout your home. Make sure the opening to the litter box is nice and large so even a larger cat can get in easily. A cat should not have to struggle to fit into the litter box — if your cat can’t fit inside the box, it will surely find somewhere else in your house to do its business. Covered boxes are great if you have dogs in the house, who often consider cat poop attractive. It’s also important to use one litter box per cat — they, like humans, prefer privacy when using the facilities.

Litter It’s important to keep your cat’s litter box as clean and odor-free as possible. If your cat’s litter box is not pleasant to the cat, it could lead to house soiling, which is a leading cause of cats being returned to shelters. There are lots of different litters on the market — some are clumping (also known as “scoopable”), and some are non-clumping. It is important to find a litter that controls odor, like Fresh Step, which contains carbon. Carbon works to continuously eliminate odors, helping to keep your cat happy and your litter box smelling fresher. Scoop litter daily. For more information, visit freshstep.com.

Scratching Post Cats need to scratch! It’s a natural instinct to them. When a cat scratches, its old outer nail sheath is pulled off, and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Provide a sturdy scratching post, at least 3 feet high, which will allow your cat to stretch completely when scratching. The post should also be stable enough that it won’t wobble during use, and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap, or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads. A sprinkle of catnip once or twice a month will keep your cat interested in her post or pad. It’s also important to cut your cat’s nails every two to three weeks so they will be relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture.

Climbing Tree Similar to a scratching post, a cat climbing tree can be a great source of enjoyment for your cat. Cat trees usually include several resting platforms atop the “trunks” and can be covered in tree bark or carpeted. Placement near a sunny window or patio door guarantees enjoyment.

Catnip Toys Cats love catnip — more than 50 percent of felines go wild when they smell it. Catnip comes from the leaves of the Nepeta Cataria plant, and even scientists don’t fully understand why felines respond to it the way they do. What they do know is that the reaction is caused by a chemical in the herb called transnepetalactone. A sprinkle of catnip once or twice a month will also keep your cat interested in his scratching post or climbing tree.

My cats are asking that you PLEASE choose AniMeals of Missoula Montana.

**The last contest ended November 1, 2008. The lucky winner was Independent Animal Rescue, Inc (IAR) of Durham, NC  www.animalrescue.net

CONGRATULATIONS!! w00t w00t!

Your local animal shelter cares for displaced animals and adopts them into new homes. It investigates cruelty and neglect, reunites lost pets with their families, teaches kids to care about animals, and provides spay/neuter services.

“In 1996, The HSUS launched National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (based on an idea from the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska). This campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, the first full week of every November, The HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach. “ Taken from www.hsus.org

Pledge to Support Your Local Shelter….

1 – Sport a Special Shirt or Tote Bag

Show your support for The HSUS and local animal shelters with an exclusive Shelters Rock t-shirt or tote bag available at all G by GUESS stores, or you can buy the t-shirt online.

2 – Support the no-kill shelters!

Please do let your money go to killing an animal.

3 – Say thank you.

Drop a note of appreciation in the mail.

4 – Add a Banner to Your Webpage

Post a banner to your MySpace profile, blog, or website to show your appreciation for your local shelter.

5 – Make a Small Donation

Shelters can always use cash, but why not get creative? Donate a year’s subscription to Animal Sheltering Magazine for just $20, or check out your local shelter’s wish list on their website (food, litter, office supplies, cleaning supplies, pet toys pet beds).

6 – Volunteer Your Time

Bathe, feed and help socialize the animals.
Help at adoptions.
Return calls or make calls to recent adopters.
Help do the laundry and other cleaning.

7 – Foster an animal!

Many shelters are over crowded and understaffed.

By fostering you’re freeing up space for the many more animals that will come through the doors. Not only that but because the animal lives with you, you help socialize that animal and learn more about their likes, dislikes and personality which makes for a very informed adoption when someone comes asking about that particular animal. Check with the shelter to see if the food, litter and vet costs are covered. Some shelters only offer paying for vet care, others, may pay for everything.

]]> http://www.purrsandhisses.com/2008/11/06/shelters-rock/feed/ 0 http://www.purrsandhisses.com/2008/10/17/vote-for-americas-favorite-animal-shelter/ http://www.purrsandhisses.com/2008/10/17/vote-for-americas-favorite-animal-shelter/#comments Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:49:04 +0000 MizPandora http://www.purrsandhisses.com/?p=76

If you live in Western Montana PLEASE vote for AniMeals!

Over 7 million adoptable dogs and cats are put to sleep each year due to overpopulation. Through this contest Care2.com will reward shelters and rescue groups who work tirelessly to care for homeless animals, and raise awareness about the importance of supporting pet adoptions and taking action to save animals’ lives.
Care2 will donate a total of $15,000 to the local animal shelters or rescue groups with the most votes.

* 1st Prize — $10,000
* 2nd Prize — $3,000
* 3rd Prize– $1,000
* 4th and 5th Prizes — $500 each

And our friends from Adopt-a-Pet.com are sponsoring the following prizes:

A $1,000 donation to a randomly selected participating shelter each week for five weeks.

Recruiters Rewards: The 20 contest participants who recruit the most friends to vote for their favorite shelter will receive a $50 gift certificate for pet products sponsored by Adopt-a-Pet.com as special thank-you gifts for them and their beloved companions.

AniMeals Recycling Program

Help AniMeals feed hungry animals by recycling your cardboard, newspapers and aluminum cans! For your convenience we have set up accounts at both recycling centers! Just take all your recyclables to Pacific Recycling located at 2600 Latimer Street or Allied Waste Missoula Recyclery located at 3207 W. Broadway and tell them to put it on the AniMeals account. Both recycling centers are open 8:00 to 5:00 Monday thru Friday. AniMeals also has bins available for your recyclables on weekends and after hours at 1700 Rankin Street.

This amazing fire fighter not only saved a cat from a burning apartment building, but when he saw the tiger angora wasn’t breathing he preformed CPR and revived the distressed cat. Here is a video from the scene, shot on September 10, 2008.

You’ll also notice that a dog that was also rescued was being given oxygen.

According to The Berlin Longevity Institute, cats can add as much as 10 years to their owners’ lives. Picking up a cat has a nearly instantaneous calming effect on humans, causing blood pressure to drop and the heart rate to slow.

The estimated population of homeless cats in the United States (70 million) is almost equal to the number of owned cats (75 million).

Throughout the spring and summer, animal shelters throughout the country are inundated with dozens of litters of kittens. Tragically, about 71% of these animals will have to be put to sleep because there are not enough loving homes.

There are a number of things families should consider when choosing to adopt a cat:

Age: While the playful antics of kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers. The ultimate choice when considering the best age of a feline for you is whether your household is ready for a grown-up cat that can turn on occasional playfulness, or the constant playfulness (with regular naps) that kittens are known for.

Number: If you are thinking about adding another cat to your feline fold, it’s important to consider the facts about a multi-cat household, including feeding, multiple litter boxes, and most important, whether the cats will get along.
Personality: Be aware that many cats are under a great deal of stress in the shelter environment. A cat’s true personality may not come out until he has been in his new home for several weeks. Visit the cat you’re interested in several times and read any information available from a previous owner. Generally, kittens should be active and enjoy being handled. And shy cats are best suited to quiet households.

Coat: Decide if you want a long-, medium-, or short-haired cat. The longer the coat, the more brushing that is needed to prevent painful matting.

Nutrition and Health: Good nutrition and regular (at least yearly) vet visits will keep your cat healthy and happy. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from getting into accidents or fights with other cats. Check your cat for fleas, and make sure the litter box is clean and odor-free. Finally, set aside time every day to play with your loving companion; it is beneficial for you both!

If you decide to adopt a cat:

Get your cat a tag: Animal shelters take in millions of lost cats each year and most are not wearing any identification. Fewer than three out of four lost cats are ever returned to their caregivers. And the ones who are wearing tags are the ones that get home to their families the soonest. Make sure to include your cat’s name and your name, address, and phone number on the tag. Even “indoor” cats can slip outside, so make sure she’s wearing her tag at all times.

Prepare your house for your new cat or kitten: Adult cats and kittens love to climb and explore. Curiosity need not kill the cat. Be aware of possible hazards. Keep trashcans closed, toilet seat covers down, and cabinets latched. Don’t let cords or wires dangle, and cover any floor heating or air vents. Houseplants may be pretty, but many are toxic, so check with your vet for information on cat-friendly indoor plants.

Provide the best care for your new cat: The cat should have bright eyes; clean ears, nose, and teeth; and a shiny coat. A veterinarian should examine your cat as soon as you adopt her, and at least once a year. Provide good nutrition, flea and heartworm control, home dental care, and other preventive care. Make sure her litter box is clean and odor-free. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from getting into accidents or fights with other cats.

A cat will provide years of love and happiness to families that give them the same!