FELINE DEFENDERS WINTER of the National Cat Protection Society W. Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA (949)

Transcription

1 FELINE DEFENDERS of the National Cat Protection Society WINTER W. Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA (949) Birch Street Spring Valley, CA (619) The National Cat Protection Society is a shelter whose primary mission is dedicated to the protection and welfare of cats.

2 EDUCATION Providing humane education to protect health Common Mistakes We all want to win the best owner of the year award, but everyone makes mistakes. What are some of the most common ones? Feeding only dry food causing urinary tract issues from dehydration. To promote a healthy bladder, some vets recommend canned foods, which are about 78 percent water, reports WebMD. Forcing vegetarianism eliminating nutrients that cats need for survival as obligate carnivores, such as taurine, possibly causing death. Maintaining a full food bowl encouraging overeating, causing weight problems and resulting health issues. Minimizing litterboxes encouraging elimination outside of the litterbox. Experts recommend having one litterbox for every cat in your home plus one extra, says WebMD. Not deworming causing diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly serious illness, and leaving roundworms to spread to humans. In humans, roundworms can cause blindness and other tissue damage. Not treating fleas leaving them to spread throughout the home and to humans. In humans, fleas can cause itchy sores and transmit diseases. Not treating ringworm ultimately causing fur loss and skin infection, and leaving it to spread to other cats and humans. In humans, ringworm can cause bald patches and discolored, thick, and deteriorating nails. Not spaying or neutering causing millions of animal deaths from overpopulation. Spaying and neutering rids poor behaviors and reduces the risk of cancers. Providing milk causing diarrhea from lactose intolerance, as cats usually can t properly digest milk sugars. Based on information from: Cook, Audrey, BVM&S (reviewer). Slideshow: Risky Mistakes Pet Owners Make. (2012). WebMD. Ringworm. (2012). American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Ringworm. (2011). A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. FELINE DEFENDERS 2

3 EVENTS Keeping you informed of community events... Newport Beach Events February 26, 2013, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Cat and Dog First Aid A course on protecting cats, dogs, and yourself in emergency at American Red Cross of Orange County, 600 Park Center Dr., Santa Ana (714) April 19 to 21, 2013, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Fri. and Sun.)/7 p.m. (Sat.) America s Family Pet Expo A large-scale pet and pet product expo at OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa (800) May 5, 2013, 1 to 4:30 p.m. National Cat Protection Society Open House and Fundraiser An open house and silent auction that supports our cats and kittens at the Newport Beach shelter RSVP (949) Spring Valley Events March 24, 2013, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Paws in the Park A pet walk with contests, games, entertainment, shopping, and food (benefiting the Escondido Humane Society) at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido (760) June 2, 2013, 1 to 4:30 p.m. National Cat Protection Society Open House and Fundraiser An open house and silent auction that supports our cats and kittens at the Spring Valley shelter RSVP (619) If you d like to receive the latest news and announcements from NatCat, please send your address to newport@natcat.org. NATIONAL CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY, INC. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Founder: The Late C. Richard Calore President: Denise Johnston Vice President, PR Director & Treasurer: Gerri Calore Vice President, Legal Counsel & Secretary: Richard Tanzer Editorial Advisor: Nanci Burris Editor-in-Chief: Alexis Ravey Art Director: Steve Kinkaid 3 FELINE DEFENDERS

4 NEWPORT BEACH COSTA MESA CHAMBER LUNCHEON Our very own operations manager and cat rescuer Nanci Burris helped out human rescuers at the Costa Mesa Public Safety Recognition Barbecue for local police, fire, and 911 departments. Hosted by the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the annual event recognizes these everyday heroes for protecting our community. They put themselves on the line every day throughout the year, and we appreciate it, Ed Fawcett, the president and chief executive of the Chamber, tells the Daily Pilot. Nanci gathered raffle prize items from local businesses, the fairgrounds provided hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, chips, ice cream, and freshly squeezed lemonade, and Nothing Bundt Cakes delivered their mini bundt cakes called Bundtinis. Throughout the event, the honorees won the raffle prizes and we had enough for nearly everyone! I really enjoyed volunteering at the event, says Nanci. I even met a few contacts who want to help us with our Open House! CALIFORNIA PET LOVER S LICENSE PLATE As an active advocate of spaying and neutering, NatCat supports the California Pet Lover s License Plate! The plate will provide a large-scale, permanent funding source for spay and neuter programs across California. Recently, the California Spay and Neuter License Plate Fund, Inc. reached its needed goal of 7,500 pre-orders to produce the plates! To order your plate and learn more about the efforts, visit FELINE DEFENDERS 4

5 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT, PHILLIPS FAMILY In early 2012, Isabelle Phillips and her children, Tom, Jack, Jessie, and Lea, started volunteering with us. Ranging from 9 to 16 years old, the kids joined our Student Awards Program, have already earned the Bronze Tabby Award, and are now working on getting the Silver Tabby Award to properly provide top shelter-cat care. At home, the family cares for two rescue kitties including Robin, a brown tabby shorthair male from our shelter! Previously scared of loud noises and shy with people, Robin is now a happy, affectionate boy in the Phillips household. He loves hanging out in their pantry, sleeping and eating nearby, and leaving to use the litterbox. Then right before returning to his coveted cubby, he rolls over and purrs while they rub his tummy. Thank you, Phillips family, for giving Robin the TLC he so deserves! IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER Congress extended IRA charitable donations through 2013, allowing taxpayers 70½ and older to donate a portion of their individual retirement account up to $100,000 directly to a charity. They can count this contribution against their minimum required distribution. If you d like more information, contact newport@natcat.org. NatCat FEEDBACK We hope you enjoy purr-using Feline Defenders every quarter. Let us know what you think or what you d like to see in future issues at newport@natcat.org! CAT CLUE Cats experience allergies just like people, which can cause itchy, irritated skin. This irritation can cause a hot spot. For more on hot spots, check out page 8. 5 FELINE DEFENDERS

6 SPRING VALLEY CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE 2012 Our first Christmas Boutique was a great success! Throughout the perfectly warm cat-urday of Saturday, November 17th, we browsed tons of cute, unique items purrfect for holiday gift giving! A few of the highlights were handmade scarves, hats, and jewelry, gift baskets, artwork, our new t-shirts that turn to color in the sun, and arts and crafts items. SUCCESS STORY, MAELING AND PIPER Maeling and Piper came into NatCat together and left the same way! From the same litter, the siblings simultaneously met a nice couple who came in looking for furry additions to their family. They instantly fell in love with the dynamic duo and eagerly took them home. All our best, you fearsome foursome! CAT CABLE (Continued from page 10) 13. When the grass wilts, pull out the shoots and plant more seeds As your cat enjoys his grassy treat, just make sure he isn t eating too much of it. Based on information from: Cats Who Eat Plants. (2012). The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). How Does Your Cat Grass Grow? Plant a Feline-Friendly Indoor Garden. (2012). The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Plants Potentially Poisonous to Pets Information. (2012). All Animals magazine. FELINE DEFENDERS 6

7 IN MEMORIAM, ERNEST I. BROTAN Gracing our worlds from 1913 to 2012, Ernest Brotan was a dedicated board member of the National Cat Protection Society for decades. His long-time financial advice and guidance helped keep our doors open and achieve success for our shelters and service. We fondly remember his humane commitment, welcomed wit, refreshing humor, and cherished friendship today and will sorely miss his kind presence always. FELINE FIELD (Continued from page 8) aggressively when you re touching it, reports VetInfo. Also, provide stimulation and exercise and leave out plenty of fresh water at all times, as hydration can prevent stress. Based on information from: Cat Hot Spot Treatment. (2012). VetInfo. Cat Fancy, Plotnick, Arnold, DVM. Cat s Sore Could Be Food Allergy. (2012). CatChannel. Parker, Hilary. Cats and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing. (2012). MedicineNet. NatCat protects and defends all felines of all breeds and mixes. Knowing increasingly more about felines can help you understand your own cat s behavior and desires. Visit Feline Field in Feline Defenders every issue to obtain such knowledge, which can only nurture a happier and healthier relationship with your faithful friend. CAT TIP Did you know that the bird-of-paradise, daffodil, and day lily can be toxic to cats? If your cat likes to graze, cat gardens are a safe alternative. For more on safe grazing, check out page FELINE DEFENDERS

8 FELINE FIELD Helping you get to know more about your cat... Hot Spots If you happen to notice a raw, round patch or oozing lesion on your cat, she may have a hot spot. What is a hot spot? A spot on the skin that a cat bites, licks, chews, or scratches, which aggravates it. This aggravation makes it itch, causing her to bite, lick, chew, or scratch it more. What can cause it? Flea, mite, or insect bites Allergies Poor grooming Dry skin Boredom or stress Infections Take your cat to the veterinarian to determine the cause, especially since hot spots usually indicate deeper skin infections or other health issues. He or she may recommend a hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic, steroid, or antihistamine. For allergic reaction to a bite, your cat likely needs topical treatment. To detect a food allergy, try a hypoallergenic food, which your vet can suggest. Feed only this food to your cat for up to 10 weeks to see if the sore persists. If it does, your cat is not allergic to her previous food. A skin biopsy can also reveal a food allergy. To temporarily treat a hot spot at home, gently clean the area. Keep in mind that Hot spots can be extremely painful; your cat might react Continued on page 7 Like National Cat Protection Society Spring Valley at and National Cat Protection Society Newport Beach natcatnewportbeach to learn the latest at NatCat! FELINE DEFENDERS 8

9 NatCat MEMBERSHIP Help NatCat offset the costs of producing our quarterly newsletter by becoming a purroud NatCat member. Your membership also furthers our other efforts as a non-profit organization entirely dependent on the loyal support of our members and friends. Choose from three types of membership: Membership Cost Annual $10 Supporting $250 Lifetime $1,000 To become a member, contact a NatCat shelter. MEWS NOT TREES Want to help us save resources along with cats in need? Notify newport@natcat.org that you d like to receive our e-newsletter, NatCat Mews, linking to our latest Feline Defenders online vs. receiving it in print by mail. RETIREMENT RESERVATIONS Plan for your kitty companion s future today. Just call our Newport Beach or Spring Valley shelter to reserve space in our retirement program, locking in the current rate and promising lifetime care for your furry friend. 9 FELINE DEFENDERS

10 CAT CABLE Supplying the latest information in cat care... Safe Grazing Many common plants are potentially toxic to animals, including the Easter lily, hyacinth, and laurel. But what if your cat likes to graze or even eat plants around the house? He may do it because he likes playing with or chewing the leaves. He could also be looking for hairball relief, digestive comfort, or nutrition, though these effects haven t been proven. Whatever the reason, satisfy his craving while preventing harm by planting your own cat grass. How? 1. Choose seeds from a pet supply store 2. Fill three-quarters of a heavy, shallow container with loose potting soil, as you wet the soil 3. Place the container on a tray 4. Evenly spread the seeds on the soil 5. Spread a quarter inch of soil on the seeds 6. Loosely cover the container with plastic wrap 7. Place the container in a temperate, sunless, protected environment 8. In a few days, check the container 9. Remove the plastic wrap from the container 10. Stick the container in the sun 11. Water the sprouts whenever the soil feels a bit dry, without pooling any water 12. When the grass reaches 3 to 4 inches tall, give it to your cat Continued on page 6 FELINE DEFENDERS 10

11 Where There s a Will, There s a Way Protect the Ones You Love Give the gift of quality life after you re gone by including the National Cat Protection Society in your will. Our humane education programs teach animal population control and responsible cat care to children and adults. These programs aim to reduce the number of unwanted cats and enhance animal welfare for years to come. Your bequeathed donation can support these efforts by helping us promote the humane treatment of all animals and adoption of the homeless cats continually entering our shelters. Please write today for our free brochure: Planning for Your Charitable Donations c/o National Cat Protection Society 6904 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA NAME STREET CITY STATE ZIP 11 FELINE DEFENDERS

12 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LONG BEACH, CA PERMIT NO. 491 National Cat Protection Society PO BOX 6218 Long Beach, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED