FELINE DEFENDERS of the National Cat Protection Society FALL 2018 6904 W. Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 650-1232 newport@natcat.org 9031 Birch Street Spring Valley, CA 91977 (619) 469-8771 springvalley@natcat.org The National Cat Protection Society is a shelter whose primary mission is dedicated to the protection and welfare of cats.
KITTY MEWSINGS Giving you insight into a world of cats... There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. - Albert Schweitzer EVENTS Keeping you informed of community events... Newport Beach Events January 19, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pet Days A pet adoption event featuring vendors, education, products, and services at Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa http://ocmarketplace.com/events/9th-annual-pet-days TBD 2019 National Cat Protection Society Open House and Fundraiser An open house and silent auction that supports our cats and kittens at Newport Beach Marriott Bayview RSVP (949) 650-1232 Spring Valley Events October 6, 2018, 6 to 11 p.m. Fur Ball An animal fundraiser featuring an on-site raffle, live and silent auctions, dinner and wine selections, and live music (benefiting San Diego Humane Society) at San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines St., San Diego furball@sdhumane.org https://one.bidpal.net/2018furball/wecome November 17, 2018, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Doggie Street Festival A pet adoption festival featuring animal products and services, vet tips, music, a kids area, and food at NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego doggiestreet@gmail.com http://doggiestreetfestival.org TBD 2019 National Cat Protection Society Open House and Fundraiser An open house and silent auction that supports our cats and kittens at our Spring Valley shelter RSVP (619) 469-8771 If you d like to receive the latest news and announcements from NatCat, please send your e-mail 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, and Treasurer: Gerri Calore Editorial Advisor: Nanci Burris Editor-in-Chief: Alexis Ravey Art Director: Steve Kinkaid www.natcat.org FELINE DEFENDERS 2 3 FELINE DEFENDERS
NEWPORT BEACH VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT, JO KRASKIN We weren t the only shelter Jo started volunteering with after her retirement four years ago, but deciding that we provide the best care and most comfortable environment around, she chose to only volunteer at our shelter in the end. While here, she spends as much time as she can with our retirement cats and socializes our adoptable cats to help them find homes. What does she fancy most about felines in general? They re independent, yet they still request and show affection in their own way. It is loving them and knowing that they need just as much attention as humans do that motivates her to continue volunteering, and she compassionately encourages those who want to do more for cats in their community to volunteer at local shelters and rescues. We want the cats to find their forever homes, and they need to get love from us to give love to others, she says. Jo has gone beyond volunteering for many at NatCat by taking care of one from our shelter in her own home. His name is Radar, who joins his kitty brother in giving Jo love, joy, and contentment every day. CAT CABLE (Continued from page 10) Based on information from: Shy or Fearful Cats. (2018). WebMD. Becker, Karen, DVM. No More Scaredy Cat - 10 Ways to Make Friends with Your Scared, Shy Cat. (2015). Mercola Healthy Pets. Visit Cat Cable in Feline Defenders every issue to read the latest in cat care. If there s any specific information you d like to see in Feline Field or Cat Cable, please notify the Newport Beach shelter. 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! SUCCESS STORY, BJORK Last April 7th, our staff member Joey was cleaning our windows when he noticed abandoned kittens by the side door. He told our shelter manager, Chelsea Blaisdell, who proceeded to survey the scene when she saw four black, one tuxedo, and two tabby kittens looking up at her from inside of a stroller hitch wrapped in duct tape. She also saw some blankets next to the hitch, and when she moved them aside, found a carrier underneath holding two more black cats. After Chelsea brought the cats in and reported the abandonment crime to Newport Beach Animal Control, she went back to pick up one of the blankets that had dropped, and to her surprise, discovered four more small kittens. By the time she brought in those kittens, an Animal Control officer had arrived. They ultimately asked if we could take in any of the kitties because their shelter was overwhelmed, and we agreed to take in the two black cats from the carrier. Our exam determined that one of the black kitties was about 10 months old, and when Chelsea and our IT manager Darren Kimble took her out of the carrier, they noticed that she had swollen nipples and blood in the vulva area. So they took her to Dr. Rachel Landesfeind at Hamilton Animal Hospital, who discovered that Chance Darren s name for her was pregnant with two large kittens, and she didn t know if they were alive. The next day, Dr. Landesfeind reported that the kittens were in fact deceased and that Chance would be ready to be spayed the next Tuesday. Following the procedure, Chance came back to us for her recovery. It had just ended, when she was adopted on April 25th and renamed Bjork! Since then, Bjork has brought happiness to her loving family and thrived in her safe and warm home. CAT CLUE Because medium- and longhaired cats have longer hair, they re more prone to hairballs, which may explain an upset stomach but there are many other possible causes. For more on stomach upset, check out page 8. FELINE DEFENDERS 4 5 FELINE DEFENDERS
SPRING VALLEY VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT, BLAINE AND ANN DOKKEN Ann Dokken started volunteering with us on January 20, 2016, and then two years later, her son was inspired by her to join us as well, on March 22, 2018. I wish I would have known about the shelter sooner, as I love cats, he explains. I particularly enjoy socializing the shyest cats. Like mother, like son, Ann reflects his thought saying, I like how the cats warm up to you when you come around more often it s a fun challenge to earn their trust. When asked about their favorites, Blaine asserts that he loves them all but has a special fondness for Lady and Isabelle in our Retirement Center, and Ann s main man is JC also in our Retirement Center, since he was the first kitty at our shelter to embrace her presence. As for their favorite thing about our shelter in general, they both find it relieves stress. In fact, Blaine is often so relaxed when he leaves that he is ready for a nap! Ann also likes that our shelter is so clean and cheery. When they aren t bonding while volunteering, the mother-son duo gives plenty of TLC to their 8-year-old cat, Kyo, and 16-year-old dog, Princess. And when they aren t with animals, Blaine likes to do cosplay in detailed costumes he has crafted himself and video editing, and Ann likes to sew, crochet, bake, walk, and really just do anything outdoors. We want to take this opportunity to say thank you, Blaine and Ann, for what you give of yourselves to our shelter. We know that if you ever have to miss one of your days with us that you can t wait till you re back. All of us at the shelter sure feel the same way. RALPHS COMMUNITY REWARDS Did you know you can support us just by grocery shopping at Ralphs? Visit natcat.org/donate/more-ways.html to learn how! FEATURED FRIEND, PATCHES Patches is a 1-year-old dilute tortie domestic shorthair female. She loves to play with all types of toys and explore various items, but she prefers to be doing so on her own without any young kids or other pets around. She also enjoys getting petted, though she d rather not be picked up. She is an independent girl with one very important need a loving owner in a forever home. FELINE FIELD (Continued from page 8) Motility disorders Cancer If he isn t eating at all for more than a day, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Possible Treatments A blood panel, urinalysis, radiographs, an ultrasound, and other tests can all help the vet learn the cause and severity of the upset. After making a diagnosis, they can determine what treatment, whether it is antivomiting medications, subcutaneous fluids, or surgery, your kitty needs. Based on information from: My Cat Has an Upset Stomach. What Can I Do? (2015). Vetstreet. Birken, Alison, DVM. Does Your Cat Have an Upset Stomach or Is It Something More? (2018). Chewy.com. 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. Like National Cat Protection Society Spring Valley at http://www.facebook.com/natcatspringvalley and National Cat Protection Society Newport Beach http://www.facebook.com/ natcatnewportbeach to learn the latest at NatCat! CAT TIP When your shy cat is around visitors, carefully note any signs of fear such as hiding, freezing in place, or crouching down, and let her do what she needs to find comfort. For more on shyness, check out page 10. FELINE DEFENDERS 6 7 FELINE DEFENDERS
FELINE FIELD Helping you get to know more about your cat... Upset Stomach If your cat starts vomiting or stops eating, he may have an upset stomach. These different reasons could explain why: A sudden switch of food A hairball An abdominal obstruction like string Side effects from a medication Ingestion of a toxin A disease such as pancreatitis A parasite A viral or bacterial condition Stress Some Symptoms Symptoms of an upset stomach instead of or in addition to vomiting and lack of appetite may be abdominal discomfort, depression, lethargy, sickness, and/or pain. He may also be retching, chronically passing soft stool, or hiding. Other Considerations An occasional episode of vomiting or diarrhea is usually not anything more serious, Victoria Park Animal Hospital Owner Dr. Alison Birken tells Chewy.com. If your cat is having an episode every few months that resolves quickly or with medication, I [wouldn t be] too concerned, especially if these episodes are associated with eating something unusual, or a situation that may have caused stress (such as their owners leaving on a vacation, or a new pet in the home). However, if your cat has been throwing up or avoiding food for a while, consider taking him to your veterinarian to address or rule out these (among other) conditions: Bacterial or fungal infections Inflammatory bowel disease Metabolic diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, and liver failure Continued on page 7 FELINE DEFENDERS SUPPORT Help NatCat pay for printing and mailing our quarterly newsletter with just $10 a year. Please mail checks (payable to NCPS), give online at natcat.org, or mail this credit card form: Name: Full address: Amount: $ Card type: American Express Discover MasterCard Visa Number: Expiration: CVC: Signature (required): 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, to view 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 for a modest fee. Your reservation will lock in the current rate while promising lifetime care for your furry friend. FELINE DEFENDERS 8 9 FELINE DEFENDERS
CAT CABLE Supplying the latest information in cat care... Shyness Normally friendly cats that are shy around visitors are often that way because they didn t meet new and different types of people when they were 2 to 12 weeks old. A traumatizing event or genetic predisposition to fearfulness can also explain the shyness. If you d like to make your cat a little more social with guests, you can: Ask them to let your cat approach them, while sitting or squatting down; staying quiet, calm, and gentle; and avoiding direct eye contact to seem less intimidating. Offer your cat treats or play with her away from your guests to create comfort, and then use those treats or toy to bring her closer. Then, ask your guests to try to engage her with the same treats or toy. Encourage your cat to come out by opening or shaking her cat food. Don t pull him from his hiding spot or hold him against his will (unless there s an emergency of some kind and you need to move him), says Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets. If your cat hangs out for a few minutes and then leaves, let her and then try again later. If your cat is unusually fearful, consider giving her antianxiety medication recommended by your veterinarian. Give your cat an easy-to-access retreat space to observe your guests if she prefers, such as a cat tree or cat bed on top of your furniture. Try using a FELIWAY spray, a pheromone product clinically proven to calm and comfort cats, when your guests arrive. Continued on page 4 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 cat shelter and humane education programs provide responsible cat care, teach animal population control, and enhance animal welfare for our communities. Your bequest can support these efforts by helping us promote the adoption of cats and kittens, and the humane treatment of all animals for years to come. 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 92663 NAME STREET CITY STATE ZIP E-MAIL FELINE DEFENDERS 10 11 FELINE DEFENDERS
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