Speak Up For Paws

09/08/2024

Only 2 weeks away. Hurry and buy your tickets ASAP!

09/04/2024

Come join us for bingo! Bring your family, neighbors, friends, work colleagues. 

We will have door prizes, 50-50 draw and lots and lots of fun! There will be 10 games, 9 of which will be gift cards prizes and the final game will be a beautiful gift basket!

Limited seating so save your spot as soon as possible by sending an e-transfer and including your contact name and phone number. See attached flyer for details.

PS you will need to bring your own bingo dabber.

08/31/2024

Which means that they have multiple estrus cycles during the breeding season. As the amount of daylight begins to increase at the winter solstice (yesterday), the reproductive cycle of intact females kicks into gear, and most will go into heat by late January. A female cat will keep coming back into heat every 1 to 2 weeks until she gets pregnant, or the amount of daylight decreases (October). The feline gestation period is about 63 days, so the first kittens of the season will start arriving in late March.

NOW is the ideal time time to spay and neuter feral and stray cats to get ahead of kitten season and end the breeding cycle before it starts.

~My Feral Fix

08/22/2024

Have you reserved your spot yet?

08/17/2024

This will be a blast!!
Have you bought your tickets yet?

08/05/2024

08/04/2024

Your cat’s vaccination reminder comes in the mail with a confusing array of letters—what the heck is an FVRCP vaccine? My cat doesn’t go outside, so why does she need it? You toss it aside as you sort through the rest of the mail, but it still nags at you.

Is this something important? Why would your veterinarian send a reminder if your kitty didn’t need it?

Well, the FVRCP vaccine is an important part of your cat’s core vaccine protocols. Here’s what you need to know about this vaccine and how it helps keep your cat protected from some serious diseases.

What Does FVRCP Stand For?

The FVRCP is a combination vaccination, which means that it protects against more than one disease—similar to the DHPP vaccine for dogs.

Here is a breakdown of the diseases covered by the FVRCP vaccine.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

The “FVR” refers to feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1). This disease can lead to a severe upper respiratory tract disease (including rhinitis, sneezing and conjunctivitis). Other less common symptoms include oral ulceration and primary pneumonia.

Similar to people with cold sores, the virus can lay dormant in cats until they are stressed, which causes a flare-up of symptoms.

The real risk of FHV-1 is that it impairs a cat’s pulmonary defense mechanisms, which leaves them susceptible to secondary bacterial pneumonia or to a coinfection with feline calicivirus.

Feline Calicivirus

The “C” in FVRCP stands for calicivirus (feline calicivirus or FCV). Similar to FHV-1, feline calicivirus typically causes upper respiratory tract disease and oral ulceration. It can also cause chronic stomatitis, pneumonia, systemic disease or lameness.

Occasionally, a more severe strain—virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV)—can travel through a population, which can result in more debilitating symptoms as well as infection of the internal organs. This more severe strain is frequently fatal.

Feline Panleukopenia

Finally, the “P” stands for panleukopenia (feline panleukopenia or feline distemper or FPV). FPV is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate. It causes anorexia, vomiting, fever and severe diarrhea.

The virus also attacks the bone marrow and lymph nodes, which leads to a very low white blood cell count and prevents the cat from being able to activate their immune system normally.

Why Is the FVRCP Vaccine Considered a Core Vaccine for Cats?

Core vaccines for cats are those that are strongly recommended to be administered to ALL cats—even for cats that don’t go outside. The FVRCP vaccine is one of two core cat vaccines—the other being the rabies vaccine.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association says, “Core vaccines protect animals from severe, life-threatening diseases that have global distributions.” All three of the viruses that the FVRCP vaccine protects against are widespread and have the potential to be fatal.

All three viruses are also highly contagious. FVR and FCV are spread through sneezes, saliva or eye secretions, but can also be transferred through the environment.

FPV can also be spread through the same bodily fluids, but is predominantly spread through contact with contaminated f***s—similar to parvovirus. The virus can live for up to a year in the environment on things like bedding, food bowls, litter boxes, cages, clothing, etc.

This means that your cat does NOT have to come into contact with an infected cat to become ill—they just need to be exposed to something contaminated with the virus.

How Often Should My Cat Receive the FVRCP Vaccine?

The FVRCP vaccine for cats is generally given to kittens every three to four weeks until they are 16-20 weeks old.

The series of vaccines is necessary because it takes a number of “booster shots” to convince the immune system to recognize the components of the vaccine. The series also helps ensure that the vaccine starts working in kittens when the immunity from their mother’s milk wears off.

After 16 weeks of age, the kitten should get a final booster after one year. Then the vaccine only needs to be given every three years. While the kitten series is a bit intensive, once the protection has developed, it becomes much easier to maintain an adult cat’s vaccination schedule.

Does the FVRCP Have Any Side Effects?

Side effects of the FVRCP vaccine for cats are generally quite minimal.

Some kitties will develop a low-grade fever, have a decreased appetite or feel a little sluggish. There may also be a little swelling at the site of the vaccine administration.

These signs almost always go away within a few days.

Rarely, cats will have a more significant allergic reaction to the vaccine, which generally happens within a few minutes to a few hours of receiving the vaccine. In these cases, cats may develop hives, redness/swelling around the eyes and lips, or a mild fever. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and itchiness.

If you suspect an allergic reaction to the vaccination, contact your veterinarian right away.

Any swelling that remains at the vaccine site for more than three weeks should be checked by your veterinarian. Reactions to vaccines are very rare, and the vast majority are also mild and resolve without any treatment.

How Much Does the FVRCP Cat Vaccine Cost?

There are quite a few different brands of FVRCP vaccine for cats on the market, so the cost charged by your veterinarian will largely depend on the brand they have chosen to use. Typically, the FVRCP vaccine will cost 30-60 dollars.

Your veterinarian’s office can clarify how much the vaccine will cost and whether your veterinarian is currently using an adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted vaccine. Adjuvants are added to the vaccine to help stimulate the immune system. As a rule, for cats, non-adjuvanted vaccines are preferred, but they will be more expensive.

Source: petmd.com

08/01/2024

I’m so excited to announce our September event-BINGO!

We will only be selling 80 tickets so buy yours as soon as possible. $20 buys you three cards for 10 games. Prizes will be gift cards. Additional cards will be sold the day of.
Send e-transfers to [email protected]
Include your phone number and full name. 

07/27/2024

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)

FeLV is a common infectious disease, specific to cats, that impairs a cat's immune system. It can cause cancer and leaves the cat susceptible to illness. There is no cure.

**LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FeLV CAN BE FOUND IN THE COMMENTS BELOW THIS POST.**

🔶Quick facts:
➡FeLV is transmitted through the saliva, nasal secretions, urine, f***s, and milk of infected cats.
➡Direct contact with these bodily fluids, mutual grooming, shared litter boxes and food dishes, and bite wounds all expose uninfected cats to the virus.
➡A vaccine is available but not 100% effective.
➡An infected cat can be asymptomatic and live a NORMAL LIFE for a prolonged period of time!
➡FeLV is quickly diagnosed through a blood test.
➡FeLV is NOT transmissible to humans or other animals.
➡If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, you risk its FeLV status every time it goes outdoors.
➡In the U.S., approximately 4% percent of cats are infected with FeLV.

📢 EDUCATION IS KEY!!!!!
➡FeLV+ cats are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to adopt out because many people are uneducated about FeLV.
➡FeLV+ cats are often immediately euthanized, even though they show NO SIGNS of illness. 💔 Stop unnecessary euthanization through education!
📢 FeLV+ cats should NOT be EUTHANIZED unless they are ill or suffering beyond what can be treated.
📢 If you're in rescue or doing TNR, please note:
➡Before you place a cat for adoption (or in a foster home with other cats), it should be tested for FeLV.
➡Adopt that cat out with full disclosure about its FeLV+ status. The adopter must be aware that the cat MAY require more veterinary care than the average house cat.
➡Beware of false positives in FeLV tests for cats of all ages.
➡To limit the spread of the disease, FeLV+ cats should be placed in homes with other FeLV+ cats or homes without cats. Or, FeLV- cats already in household could be vaccinated against the disease. Consult a vet.
➡We don't FeLV test the cats we TNR. Alley Cat Allies also holds this position.
➡ADVOCATE for FeLV+ cats! 💪

Original content provided by Cat Project.

07/27/2024

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

FIV is a virus specific to cats and is often erroneously referred to as "cat AIDS." It is similar to AIDS in that it attacks and weakens the immune system and there is no cure. Reliable information about FIV is plentiful on the internet. We encourage you to learn more about it!

Here are some quick facts:
➡FIV is transmitted through deep bite wounds.
➡FIV is NOT transmissible to humans or dogs.
➡Cats with FIV can live long, healthy, happy and normal lives!
➡Intact males with outdoor access are most likely to be infected.
➡Kittens may be infected before, during, or after birth (while nursing).
➡FIV is quickly diagnosed through a blood test.
➡If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, you risk its FIV status every time it goes outdoors.
➡FIV+ cats CAN live with non-infected cats as long as they can co-exist peacefully. (Remember, this virus is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds. If the cats don't fight, there's little worry about transmission.)
➡In the U.S., approximately 2.5-5% percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV.

📢 EDUCATION IS KEY!!!!! FIV+ cats have a VERY difficult time getting adopted because of their status. In the past, they were immediately euthanized instead of put up for adoption. Help CHANGE THE PARADIGM! Educate others about the virus and how cats can live a long, healthy, normal life with FIV. Manage expectations. Let's get these cats in homes!

📢 If you're in rescue or doing TNR, please note:
➡Before you place a cat for adoption (or send it to foster in a home with other cats), it should be tested for FIV. Adopt that cat out with full disclosure about its FIV status.
➡Beware of false positives in kittens under 6 months of age!
➡You can place FIV+ cats in homes with other cats that are not FIV+. Educate the adopter and make sure the cats are not likely to fight with each other.
➡We don't FIV test the cats we TNR. Alley Cat Allies also holds this position.

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.
Graphic of unknown origin.




🐱❤️

07/20/2024

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: Pregnancy vs. Pyometra

Can you tell? Is she PREGNANT or does she have a LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION?

Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus of an unspayed cat. It causes the uterus to fill with pus, often making the cat appear pregnant. This is a VERY SERIOUS condition that needs veterinary attention immediately as this infection can be fatal.

Signs of pyometra include a bloated abdomen, lethargy, vomiting, decreased appetite, excessive licking at the va**nal opening, blood in the urine, urinating outside of the litter box and more. There may or may not be discharge from the va**na. 🚨🚨 If your cat appears unwell, please take it to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. 🚨🚨 This can't wait. Pyometra can be avoided: spay your cat!

For more information about pyometra, visit https://www.thesprucepets.com/treating-pyometra-in-cats... or speak with your veterinarian.

Content provided by Stray Cat Project.
Graphic by Catadelphia.

07/12/2024

Do you know what the "Vacuum Effect" is?

You may have heard the expression “nature abhors a vacuum.” It refers to the phenomenon that when a space is emptied, nature will fill it. Once you understand this reality, you’ll know why killing cats (or otherwise removing them) from a given location is doomed to fail.

Understanding the vacuum effect is vital to saving lives. For cats who live outdoors, it is literally a matter of life and death.

So, what exactly is the "Vacuum Effect?"

“[E]ach animal has their territory, they have their space so when you remove them from that space, that allows somebody else to move in and thrive, because obviously, that animal was thriving there, which is why they were reproducing so much. So now that space that's probably plentiful with a warm spot to sleep, food and water is now available, there's free real estate there, somebody else can move in and start doing the same thing. . .[But] by going in and preventing them from reproducing, they still maintain that territory; they don't allow another animal to move in and start taking over. But they can live out their life, just the way that they were living before happy and content." (Marshall, Amber. Interview. By Diviya Roney, 26 April 2022).

Please help community cats by practicing trap/neuter/return because removing them is NOT a good option. A fixed and vaccinated community cat is a healthy community cat.

More information on the Vacuum Effect ... https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-vacuum-effect-why-catch-and-kill-doesnt-work/ #:~:text=The%20Vacuum%20Effect%20occurs%20when,dip%20will%20only%20be%20temporary.

Quick Facts: If cats are removed from their outdoor home, it creates a territorial opening, or vacuum, that will not remain empty. Removing cats from an area may cause a temporary decrease in the cat population, but more cats WILL take their place–and it won’t take long. This phenomenon is known...

07/10/2024

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: "feral"
What is a feral cat, and why should one be careful when using this word? 🤔

A feral cat is AN OUTDOOR CAT THAT HAS NOT BEEN SOCIALIZED WITH HUMANS; they have not had human interaction by being spoken to, played with or held. These cats fear humans and prefer to live outdoors, away from people.

📢PLEASE NOTE: "feral" does NOT refer to any cat living outdoors. "Feral" refers to DISPOSITION only.

Feral cats typically live in colonies with other feral cats and are not suitable as indoor pets. They tend to be nocturnal, coming out overnight to avoid interacting with and being detected by humans. You will not be able to catch a feral cat without a trap; they will never allow you to get close. They will not make eye contact with you, will not meow, and will usually appear well-groomed and healthy. Feral cats want nothing to do with you!

There are varying degrees of "feral." A cat that has never had human interaction and refuses human interaction might be labeled "totally feral." Another cat that has had some interaction--perhaps with a feeder--and will allow a human to come close might be described as "semi-feral." Sometimes, semi-feral cats are taken into foster care for socialization. Success depends on the cat and the person doing the socializing. Socializing a semi-feral cat is a long-term proposition requiring tremendous patience.

👉Are all outdoor cats feral? NO.
👉Can the terms "stray" and "feral" be used interchangeably? NO.
👉Should we use the word "feral" for ANY cat that lives outdoors? NO!

BE CAREFUL of using the term "feral" when describing a cat, as the word has negative connotations. Describing a cat as feral could lead to its immediate demise. Feral cats should never be taken to a shelter; they will be immediately euthanized there as feral cats are considered unadoptable.

What can we do for feral cats? TNR them and let them be. If possible, provide food and shelter to make life easier. 🐈💙

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.

06/30/2024

Keep your pets indoors with windows shut and doors locked. In extreme fear animals will escape backyards and open windows.

06/24/2024

Save lives and spay and neuter your cat and spay and neuter your community cat.

Something we don’t share a lot on our page, because we really try to show the more happy side of fostering/rescue …. But the suffering we witness some of these babies endure, some days is tooooo much. This morning, was one of those times for me, it was a tough one. In the past 2 - 3 weeks alone, we have had several kittens come in with horrific injuries & illnesses….

A single kitten who’d been doused in kerosene, suffering skin burns as a result, as well as an upper respiratory infection.

A momma & her baby, who’d been attacked by another animal/bird of prey ???? …. Mommy saved one of her babies, but sadly the others were found deceased near her.

A litter of neonates covered in fly eggs & had extensive wounds from flies attacking their helpless bodies.

Two kittens with severe eye infections, whose eyes were so swollen they couldn’t see.

Several newborn kittens found cold & abandoned. Young mommies aren’t prepared for motherhood, or mommy could’ve been killed or simply out looking for food & the kittens kidnapped.

A litter of kittens that had panleukopenia … 3 passed away. One has now recovered after intense supportive care with our foster, Leigh.

Numerous kittens with upper respiratory infections, flea & tick infestations causing subsequent anemia…as well as a litter with a lice infestation.

Thankfully, due to the guidance of the amazing, Dr Jenn Mahan & her awesome vet tech, Hannah, who taught us very well over the last few years….we don’t say no to these intakes. However, caring for them takes a lot of time, dedication & especially money for vet appointments & medications. We think all kittens deserve a chance…

Together, we can all help end the suffering of these precious souls….
PLEASE SPAY & NEUTER YOUR PETS! AND IF YOU TAKE CARE OF STRAYS, PLEASE SPAY & NEUTER THEM AS WELL! THERE ARE GRANTS, ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS & HELP AVAILABLE! PLEASE!!!

PayPal & Venmo:

06/19/2024

Beat the heat and help some cats at the same time!

06/09/2024

Amazing news for all cat owners.