Newsletter - February 2009!
Welcome to the February issue of our Newsletter, which we have jam packed full of information for you this month as we look forward to the impending Spring and Summer months ahead. If you are having difficulty viewing our newsletter you can view it online by clicking here.
We hope that you all had a wonderful Xmas and New Year and made the most in taking advantage of the time of year as an excuse to indulge in those little luxuries of chocolate and the odd tipple! ;)
Whilst quiet from a homing point of view during the Xmas period at Sunny Harbour we were busy catching up on lots of paperwork and tending to our current residents. We also had a couple of new arrivals during the Xmas break, including a cheeky little tike called Eve (can you guess what day she came in???) You can read more about them in our Residents Update section.
Our Xmas Fund for 2008 raised a wonderful £58 for the kitties and so we had great fun in venturing out to treat all of them to some lovely new toys and beds for the pens and cat room. All are going down a real treat and we have had Trixie's seal of approval on the new beds, however getting her out of it is another matter altogether!
So a huge, heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who donated to the fund.
Speaking of funds, we are still running our appeal for Monday & Penny with a target amount of £500. To date we have managed to raise a wonderful £230 thanks to all those kind souls who have donated towards their care. For anyone not up to date on Penny & Mondays history then please click here to view their full story.
The latest news on this wonderful duo is that Penny has had her surgery and is responding very well. She is looking much better and once again enjoying life as you can see in the pic opposite. However, Monday is not fairing quite so well.
It is believed that the scabbing to his face are pre-cancerous scabs, which with the administration of steroids has helped to keep them at bay. He is currently pending a follow up with the vet at which time we will know the best course of action to take for the wee fella. So please keep your fingers, toes and paws crossed for this wee chap.
They have been through so much already it is heartbreaking, but they are comfortable for now and as such we will continue to give them the care, veterinary treatment and love they need.
Our thanks go to their fosterer, Mary, who has worked wonders with them.
Spring Dangers for your Cat
As we move into Spring it is always lovely to brighten up the house with some colourful plants or flowers from the garden. But did you know that annual favourites such as Daffodil's and Lilies are highly toxic to your cat?
Listed below are just some of the plants toxic to your cat that we commonly have in our homes and just how they can affect your furbabe.
Plant Common Name |
Effects/Symptoms |
Amaryllis |
Stomach and intestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) |
Azalea |
Incoordination, trembling, collapse |
|
|
Cactus |
Punctures skin, infection |
Caladium |
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking head, difficulty breathing |
Creeping Charlie |
Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps |
Easter Lily |
All parts can cause kidney failure |
Dieffenbachia |
Affects central nervous system |
Ivy |
Vomiting, diarrhea, excitable behavior |
Mistletoe |
Ingesting berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing |
Philodendron |
Same as Caladium |
Poinsettia |
Same as Mistletoe |
Did you know that if your cat eats any part of a Lily or Daffodil, not just the pollen, it is highly toxic and even a small amount can cause kidney failure?
It is vital that should your cat eat any of the above that you seek veterinary advice as soon as possible to minimise the chance of serious poisoning and ill health.
For a complete list of the plants that are toxic and those that are safe for cats then please visit http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants-non-toxic.html
Black Cats - Dispelling the Myths
Black cats are gorgeous and often have fantastic purrsonalities but did you know that they are often overlooked in rescue just simply because they aren't as 'pretty' coloured as others such as tabbies and torties?
It is often amazing how many people we speak to who are still superstitious especially about black cats. However, one fatal issue is the mix up between superstitions; for example
Black Cats crossing your path in the UK are considered GOOD LUCK
Black Cats crossing your path in the USA are considered BAD LUCK
So, is there anything to these myths and superstitions?
Personally, we think not. A black cat can give as much love and happiness to a new family as any other cat and it is so sad to see black cats sit in rescue's for so much longer, simply because of superstitions.
To that end, we found a fantastic resource which actually covers ALL myths about black cats from around the world, which is actually very interesting to read and so, we though we would share our find with you!
To read this article and make up your own mind please visit:
http://www.best-cat-art.com/black-cats.html
Cat Collars
We have covered the issue of collars in a previous newsletter Aug 08, however we thought it important to mention again as we are still receiving enquiries about this topic and have been rather dismayed at the lack of true safety collars in pet shops.
What is a true safety collar?
The only appropriate safety collar to purchase for your cat is a quick release or Break Away collar. Collars labeled as safety collars simply because they have a piece of elastic ARE NOT TRUE SAFETY COLLARS and can still result in serious injury or death of your cat should they become entangled.
Whilst there are 'prettier' designs available in other collar types the safety and well being of your cat must come first and as such we would urge you to please only use trust safety collars of the Snap / Break Away type.
You should also regularly test the safety collar to make sure it is operating correctly.
We now have Break Away collars in stock at the rescue which can be purchased by phone and will be available from our Online Shop in the next few days. These are priced at £3 including P&P.
Wormers & Flea Control
Thankfully we find that cat owners regularly treat their cat with flea preventative applications. These are available from supermarkets, veterinary surgeries and even from the internet in spot on and tablet form.
The same can also be said for wormers these days too. But how do you know which products to purchase for your cat?
Well our advice is to go with a brand that is well established in the market place and used and recommended by veterinary surgeons.
Here at Sunny Harbour Cat Rescue we currently use Frontline for flea prevention and Drontal or Milbemax for worm control which is effective against both round worm and tape worm.
There are also many more products on the market and you should speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice regarding the best treatment option for your pet.
Why is it important?
It is very important to keep your cat free from parasites such as fleas and worms. These can carry virus's and infection between cats as the fleas feast on the blood of your cat. Very large infestations of fleas can also lead to your cat becoming anemic and generally making them feel very unwell.
In addition to this fleas can also carry and transmit worms to cats. So, if you treat your cat for a flea infestation ensure that you also treat them for worms.
Worms live in the intestine and prevent your cat from gaining the goodness from their daily food. They grow at an alarming rate and in a very short space of time your cats intestine will become bloated and they may or may not suffer with sickness and diahorrea. They can also cause damage to the lining of the intestine causing inflammation of the bowel and make your cat very unwell as they prevent your cat from getting the nutrients they need.
Why does my cat have fleas?
Cats who live indoors and outdoors will be most likely to bring fleas into the home environment. Shaded areas under bushes and trees are prime sites for fleas to sit in wait for a passing dog, cat or even a person on which they hitch a ride indoors and can live happily in your soft furnishings in your lovely warm home.
Contrary to popular belief fleas do not live on your pet. Instead they live in your carpet, bedding, soft furnishings and hop onto your pet purely to feed. This is why it is very important that you always wash all bedding / furnishings thoroughly and treat them with a good flea prevention treatment to prevent re-infestation.
We recommend that you treat your pets with flea preventative measures e.g. Frontline all year round. Whilst fleas are predominantly around in the summer months if you do not treat your pets and home they will live quite happily in your warm, central heated home year round.
You should also treat your pet with wormers at least once a year and more often if suffering from flea infestations and you should always seek veterinary advice regarding the products and treatment routines that are best suited to your cat.
Non prescription applications can be purchased from your veterinary surgery or from sites on the internet. Products such as Drontal Wormers and Frontline Flea Spot On treatments can be purchased from Petmeds by following the links on our website.
If purchasing these or any other cat related products from the internet we would ask if you could follow the links from our website or from our easyfundraising page to ensure the companies concerned donate a percentage of your sale to Sunny Harbour Cat Rescue.
Residents Update
Latest Arrivals at Sunny Harbour
There have been a few new arrivals over the festive season and some of them have been real big characters! We are pleased to say that all of the cats with us over the Xmas period, with the exception of Trixie, are now happily in their forever homes.
Eve
Eve, strangely enough arrived with us on Xmas Eve!
She is a very comical and very cheeky little character however so loving you couldn't help but fall head over heels for her.
She was approx 6 months old however only the size of a 3-4 month old kitten when she arrived after being found wandering the streets. After some feeding, care and lots of TLC she came on in leaps and bounds.
She kept us laughing all over the festive period and was introduced to her new family just last week. She is settling in well and no doubt causing havoc in the cheeky, happy little way she does!
Fizz
Fizz was a gorgeous little girl of 6 years old, who sadly due to being unable to adjust to an indoor only home came to us to find a new family.
We were thrilled for Fizz when she wasn't with us too long as a lovely new family came along and fell in love with her instantly.
She is currently settling into her new home where we are very sure she rules the roost and is very happy.
Henry
Henry came to us after being taken to a veterinary surgery following a traffic accident that left him with head trauma.
Recovering well he had shown himself to be a gentle wee soul, however he has very much lost his trust in humans. We were asked if we could help Henry and shortly thereafter Henry came to live with us at Sunny Harbour.
We are working with Henry to gain his trust and boost his confidence in the hope that we will be able to place him in a, quiet, loving home in the near future. For the moment he is very afraid and unsure but with time and TLC we are confident he will make it into a new loving home.
Roxy
Friends and family will tell you of my love for ginger cats due to their great fun loving purrsonality and affectionate, cheeky nature and Roxy was no exception.
This little girl was so full of fun there was no stopping her at play time. Roxy came to us due to a change in circumstances of her owner and once spayed and vaccinated she was chosen by a wonderful family who fell in love with her instantly.
She is currently settling into her new home and getting to know her new family who are over the moon with her.
Storm
Storm came to Sunny Harbour Cat Rescue after being found on someone's doorstep suffering from disfiguring injuries. She was rushed to Sunny Harbour and veterinary care sought for her injuries which are consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
She suffered from a dislocated hip, cuts, bruising and abrasions and it was heart breaking to see her in so much pain.
She is currently suffering with a dislocated hip and her open wounds and abrasions are healing well after 10 days of care with our veterinary surgeons however, she still has a long way to go. Unfortunately for Storm her hip will not stay set in place and she is undergoing strict cage rest for the next few weeks with a view to possible surgery should the hip joint refuse to knit together.
We hope for her sake that surgery can be avoided as this poor little mite has been through so much already. Despite this it doesn't dampen her spirits any and she has remained affectionate and bright throughout her treatment to date.
Teddy aka Hendrix
Teddy came to us as an injured 'found' cat following a call from a member of the public.
He was treated for several bite wounds and advertised locally as having been found. Thankfully his owners saw our posters and came forward to claim him.
It did however highlight the importance of microchipping which would have had Teddy back with his owners much quicker than the 10 days it took.
Trixie
Trixie arrived with us over the festive break after wandering into someone's garden looking rather bedraggled and lost. After a fortnight of advertising her locally and no response we were asked to take in Trixie who has now been with us for around a month.
Having just been spayed Trixie is currently up for adoption and we hope to find her an experienced cat owner who will give her the love she so dearly craves. Trixie is a crafty little character and a typical dark tortie who can be temperamental so whoever her new family is they will have to be sure who is boss..... Trixie!!!
Past Resident Updates
Abs
We were thrilled to hear from Abs and his family over the festive break. He has settled in brilliantly now and has even started to venture outdoors into the garden with mum and dad, which he is thoroughly enjoying.
Abs, who was rather feisty on his arrival, to say the least, has turned into one amazing little cuddle monster. It just goes to show how the right family can bring out the best in the wee souls that cam to pass at Sunny Harbour in their moment of need.
We hope he had a wonderful first xmas in his new home.
Cheekie & Smokie
The boys are continuing to settle in brilliantly in their new home and have started to venture out and explore their new garden. On their last report they are having great fun and have certainly claimed both house and garden as their own!
Mystic
Mystic, or Misty as she is now known has been in her new home for around 5 weeks now and has fully settled into a new routine and is loving being part of her new family. By all accounts she has found a new lease of life and is very very happy.
She has recently started to venture outdoors and comically has even worked out how to open the back door to let herself out and back in again! Clever girl Misty.
Please remember that if you have adopted one of our previous charges we love to hear how they are doing and of course, pictures are fantastic too. It always makes us smile to read the great stories of how happy our babies are now, especially when we deal day in day out with the hardships they face.
Remember to send us any questions or comments for
inclusion in our Newsletter
Well that about wraps things up for this first issue of Sunny Harbour's newsletter for 2009 and until next time please take care and keep safe!
Hugs n Purrs
Sarah, Paul & The Gang
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