CATS Cradle Shelter

06/25/2024

SORRY… We are closed for tours today.

06/24/2024

Update: Foster FOUND

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No…this is NOT a Sprite advertisement…we are in need of more bottle fosters. These four were apparently found in a box in a ditch. No momma to be found anywhere. Looks like they may have been dumped.

If you have experience bottle feeding and have the time, these kittens will need at 11 weeks in fostercare.

Please email GailV@CatsCradleShelter (dot) Org

06/24/2024

YANKEE (formerly known as Edmond)
One of the van cats from 2019. He is 6 years 9 months old.

Hello.

My name is Yankee - because my current owner thinks I look like Theodore Roosevelt.

My name should be “Companion.” And, “Affection” should be my middle name. I am a lap cat who loves to cuddle. I would love to cuddle with you when you nap or sleep. I enjoy being petted, head butting, rubbing cheeks, hanging out with you and simply being close to you and with you wherever you are. Do you like to watch movies or tv? I’m your man, I mean cat.

I love humans! Humans are my favorite members of the animal kingdom. Although I am shy at first, people who tower above me or make sudden movements might frighten me at first. I should mention that toddlers are definitely not my favorite humans although I can somewhat tolerate them.

One of my least favorite things is other cats. Ugh. They get in the way of me and my human.

Have I mentioned my skills? I am a good eater although I should probably be on an all protein, no carbs or grain diet, to keep my blood sugar levels even. If you throw me a soft fuzzy ball or a wadded up receipt, I will swat it back to you like a baseball batter. My current owner says I remind her of a player on the Red Hawks team.

I will play “swat the ball” and chase balls and strings until I am tired. Despite my superb athletic ball-swatting expertise, admittedly, I become a little tired more quickly than most cats because of my heart condition.

Yes, sad but true. I take a tiny heart medication twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. It’s not expensive at all but my visits to my cardiologist in the cities once a year may add up. I was first diagnosed to live 3 years but my cardio. says I will now live a normal cat life and my visits to the cardio are becoming fewer and further between. My current owner (yes, the one with the other cats) says that it’s during my visits to the cardio at UofM when she gets to spend the weekend in the cities. I enjoy car rides and do well in the vehicle in my carrier. (I started my life in a van.)

I just want to love you and be the one true love in your life.

06/24/2024

LUCY (formerly known as Chain Link) originally found trapped in a hole in a chain link fence, Lucy is 7 years old.

Hello. My name is Lucy and I had a bit of a tough start in life. But now, I am beautiful (yes, it’s true) and playful, fun and funny.

Even though my current human enjoys giving me an occasional hug, I only let her because it makes her happy but it is not my favorite thing. My favorite thing you ask? Brushing!! With a light touch, I love being brushed and petted. My fur is so beautiful, fine and soft that my current owner takes me to get a Lion’s Mane shave every year. She says she cannot keep up with the matts. Everyone says I’m cute with this cut. It’s possibly true.

Two of my other favorite things are my cat toys and I am in heaven when laying in the sun. There is nothing better. My all-time favorite cat toy is a little miniature house with windows and a bell that tumbles around and I can jump in and out of the holes. When I am playing, you will truly believe, that I am the cutest kitty you have ever seen in your life.

Although I may not sit on your lap too much, I am smaller than most cats, and I would love just to sit near you and keep you company.

You may want to be very careful when you feed me. The shelter that found me tried everything to help with my digestion and my current human has tried many different diets. She finally found one which, after eating, leaves me enough time to get to the cat litter box in time. If you are able to leave a few cat litter boxes at different, private locations in the home, I should not leave messes anywhere else. Unless . . . you feed me something that disagrees with my digestion. I am on a strictly pureed chicken breast diet with a touch of Weruva chicken gravy and although I love pureed fish or tuna water, feed it to me at your risk . . . or only perhaps a small spoonful once a month.

I will great you at the door and be the happiest cat in the world to see you. Other cats are fine but so annoying. It’s better if it’s just you and me.

Could I be your one and only?

06/22/2024

Follow-up Friday:

***ADOPTED***

Say hello to the latest round of felines that found their “fur”ever homes. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission of rescuing and rehoming.

06/21/2024

Cats Cradle will be CLOSED for TOURS Saturday 6/22/24.

We will only be OPEN from 12-4 for people who have cats or kitten p scheduled for PICK UP tomorrow.

06/19/2024

Do you all remember the kittens who boarded the transport train from Bottineau to Fargo on June 10th? Well, just look at them meow…I mean “now”.

Just 9 days of awesome Cradle Care has made a world of difference to Rugby, Larimore and Bottie. It is hard to believe these are the same kittens. Bottie still has a little healing left but all three kittens are doing fantastic thanks to the loving care they are getting from their foster mom Julie.

Thank you everyone who helped get them to us. We are so happy to see them getting healthy. Never again, will they have to endure the risk of starvation, illness, injury or death from living outdoors. Indoors only for this crew now. Safe, warm, fed and loved.

06/13/2024

Hello on this beautiful day everyone. Please join Cats Cradle Shelter for our VIRTUAL KITTEN SHOWER! We are already approaching close to 100 kittens in foster care and that number is climbing every day.

We need the following in order of highest need;

Gram Scales
Snuggle Safe Warming Disks
Fancy Feast canned kitten food
Nutrition-Vet Milk Replacer
Miracle Ni***es
12 ounce squeeze (condiment ) bottles for premixing formula.

Items can be dropped off Saturday 12-4 or shipped to;

Cats Cradle Shelter
9 - 9th St. S.
Fargo, ND 58103

*Amazon kitten shower Link in comments

Thank you all in advance for supporting our mission to save one cat at a time.

06/13/2024

Follow us on TikTok

273 likes, 12 comments. “ ”

06/12/2024

UPDATE; 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 YAYYYYY 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

😻😻😻😻 Foster FOUND 😻😻😻😻

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This little family was living under someone’s porch. Mom and one baby came in last week, the other two kittens staggered in over the past 3 days. They are scared but will likely socialize very quickly as their comfort level is improving daily.

If your foster room is open and you would like to help us get these lovelies ready for adoption, please email GailV@CatsCradleShelter(dot)org

*fosters must be kept in an isolated room and not mingle with owned pets.

06/12/2024

Rugby, Larimore and Bottie UPDATE;

All of the kittens have gained weight. They are well hydrated, eating well and playing like crazy. We will continue to monitor them closely with frequent vet tech checks.

Early personality assessment -
- Rugby is a tiny bit leery, but has quickly learned that we are here to help him. He climbs into my lap and perches on a leg, facing out to see the room, but with gentle pets, a very soft purr emerges, and he starts to lean into the hand for more. With his sisters, he's a total big-brother menace, chasing their tails and jumping on them when they try to use the litter box. He's definitely the most independently playful of the three at the moment.
- Larimore is the most affectionate. She will do anything to get into my lap, and once in it, demands belly rubs by flipping belly-up and grabbing my hand for pets. She has a LOUD and constant purr and just wants to be loved as much as possible.
-Bottie loves attention also, but needs to learn that teeth are for eating, not biting. She seems to think hands could make great chew toys... we're working on helping her see that hands are for giving love (and meds 😂). She fluctuates between a completely silent meow and a very croaky, loud, demanding meow. She is not quick to purr yet - I've only heard a slight rumble once or twice. But she's a ferocious eater and energetic playmate with her siblings. She definitely doesn't let her smaller stature stand in her way!

All three have gained so much energy over the past 36 hours and now spend their days alternating between intense rough-and -tumble play sessions, chowing down on kibble and wet food at the buffet bar, demanding pets and snuggles, and taking much-deserved power naps.

06/11/2024

INTAKE UPDATE from our Vet Tech, Sarah 😻😻😻

We just finished evaluating these babies. Checked the eyes for ulcers and the eyes themselves are not injured. They are very thin and they can’t smell their food because their noses are all stuffed up. So they haven’t been eating well. One of the girls, Larimore, doesn’t seem to see well as she was running into the sides of the kennel. The tissue on the inside of the eyelids (the conjunctiva) is so swollen there are only small spots she can see out of. Once the swelling goes down, she should be able to see fine. We gave fluids and anti nausea medication right away. The littlest girl, Bottie croaks like a frog unless you pick her up and then she purrs. We loaded up the foster, Julie, with dewormer, antibiotics, nutritious food and she will weigh them every day and take their temperatures. The poor boy, Rugby the black one, sneezed and has a bloody nose as his nasal passages are dry and damaged from the bacterial infection caused by the virus. Julie is going to give them the spa treatment and a humidifier will help soothe their respiratory tracts. I have high hopes for these babies. We will recheck at the shelter tomorrow and update.

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 🚗🚐🛻🚙 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

😻😻😻 KITTEN TRANSPORT COMPLETE 😻😻😻

We want to welcome these three little angels into our rescue. Say Hi to BOTTIE, LARIMORE & RUGBY who with the help of so many people are here at Cats Cradle Shelter to receive a little extra help to get well and ready for adoption. These little ones have already captured the hearts of everyone who has met them along their 200 mile journey to get to us. They were found in pretty scary condition up in the northern part of the state just 10 miles south of the Canadian border. They are safe thanks to everyone who helped them. Tasha, thank you for going outside your wheelhouse to rescue these babies when you have so many “Kritters” to care for. Tasha drove the first leg of the transport and then Kraig, Tiffany and Lydia stepped up to fill the remaining 3 legs of the drive. Thank you Sarah, our vet tech who was there to receive them and send them off to Julie who will foster them. We are so grateful to have so many wonderful people willing to help these 3 little kittens get the help they so desperately needed and deserved. We can now take the night to recharge and hit the ground running tomorrow morning. In rescue, there are no days off but every lifensaved makes our long days worth it. Thanks again everyone for your love, support and encouragement. It truly means the world to us.

06/10/2024

KITTEN TRANSPORT UPDATE #3

Leg 3 (Devils Lake to Larimore) of kitten transport is complete. Thank you Tiffany for handing off to Lydia. We are in the homestretch and Cats Cradle Vet tech, Sarah is awaiting their arrival. We will get them a little steam sauna to help open their nasal passages and they will be going into foster care tonight.

06/10/2024

KITTEN TRANSPORT UPDATE;

Leg 2 (Rugby to Devils Lake) of transport complete. Thank you Kraig for handing off to Tiffany. Next stop, Larimore.

06/10/2024

KITTEN TRANSPORT UPDATE;

Leg one (Bottineau to Rugby) of kitten transport completed. Thank you Tasha for handing off to Kraig. Next stop…Devils Lake, ND.

06/10/2024

TRANSPORT HAS BEEN SECURED and these little darlings are on their way to Cats Cradle Shelter.

Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help form a transportation train to get them safely delivered. We have an estimated time of arrival of around 6pm.

We are very hopeful that these kittens can make a full recovery and if you know us at all, you know we will do everything possible to make sure we save the eyes. Thank you to Tasha at Kritter Krazy- Reptile and Exotic Rescue for not only getting them off the street, but for getting them to the vet this morning so they could be cleared for transportation from Bottineau to Fargo.

I will post updates as they come in.

06/09/2024

😻😻😻 UPDATE…UPDATE…UPDATE 😻😻😻

🚗🚗🚗TRANSPORT HAS BEEN SECURED 🚗🚗🚗

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We need transport help!

Cats Cradle Shelter will be taking in a shelter to shelter transfer of three sick little kitties who need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

After they get assessed, they will need transport to Fargo and we are looking for volunteer drivers to help get them to us.

If there is anyone in the Bottineau area willing to either drive them to Fargo, that would be amazing. If that isn’t possible maybe we could find 3 drivers to do a leg and meet up for handoffs. The legs are Bottineau to Rugby, Rugby to Grand Forks and Grand Forks to Fargo. Once we get them, our vet tech, Sarah will see them and get them to our vet.

Is anyone willing to help? We can try and go as soon as tomorrow.

If you are willing to sign up for a leg of driving, please email GailV@CatsCradleShelter(dot)org with your contact information and location.

06/06/2024

Just a reminder that this sweet girl is still looking for her forever home.

05/31/2024

YAYYY….FOSTER FOUND

05/31/2024

This is Otto. He is a VERY, VERY sweet senior boy who is always looking for a lap to lay in. Otto’s foster mom is allergic to him so we need to find a new foster or even better, an adopter. Otto is about 10 years old and he came in with diabetes. His original foster got him into remission with a canned food diet of fancy feast chicken pate twice a day. He has been off insulin for months now and as long as his new foster (or adopter) is willing to keep him on his strict low carb diet, he will not need insulin.
Otto does not like other animals and would do best as an only pet.

If you are looking for a sweet lap cat on a special diet and have the desire for only one cat, Otto is your man. Please call 701-356-PURR (7877) and leave your contact information.

05/27/2024

All of us at Cats Cradle Shelter want to wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day.

Please take a few minutes today to honor all of our service members and loved ones who have passed before us.

05/18/2024

Follow up Friday:

***ADOPTED***

Please meet the latest round of felines that found their “fur”ever homes through CATS Cradle. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission of rescuing and rehoming.

05/11/2024

We have SOOOO MANY kittens in foster care at the moment. Some are hitting that 5-6 week age and are beginning the process of self weaning. This means it is time to introduce canned kitten food, and with so many kittens, we are plowing through it. If you would like to help restock the shelves, please visit our wish list (link in comments section).

It won’t be long now. In about 4-6 weeks we will have so many kittens available for adoption. Please keep us in mind if you are looking to add a furry friend to your home.

Fancy Feast canned kitten food is one of the fan favorites, but we will accept any and all canned kitten food brands. One litter of 5 kittens will go through 24 cans of kitten food in about a week so the shelves can be full one day and empty the next. Donations can be dropped off at Cats Cradle Shelter 9-9th St. S., Fargo, ND any Saturday 12-4 or Tuesday 3-6.

04/17/2024

***REMEMBERING THE CATS***
Thousands of cats were dispatched to the trenches during WW1 to keep rodent numbers down and act as early warning detectors for mustard gas. So many gave great comfort to the troops as companions and mascots. How many cats survived we will never know?
Paws At The Ready -
The cats of World War One had significant role in all the campaigns, we must honour their bravery too.
Give thought to all the kitties
who served in World War One.
A battalion of the finest
who never fired a gun.
What was their role?
Whether hunting rodents out at sea,
or loyal friends to men,
these many cats had vital roles,
time and time again.
The food was saved.
A common sight in trenches deep,
dispatching mice and rats,
the soldiers’ had a special bond
with many of these cats.
Many were treasured mascots.
Five hundred thousand cats were sent
to serve in the Great War.
Some detected mustard gas,
whilst others were off shore.
Some of the feline heroes -
Togo was the Dreadnought’s cat,
The Swan had their lad Ching.
Pincher was the Vinex’s mog,
it was luck they hoped they’d bring.
‘Martinpuich’ was aptly named,
by The 9th battalion chaps.
Pitouchi was the orphaned kit,
who’d survived on army scraps.
Spark Plug, Tabby and many more
were companions to the troops.
The feline unsung heroes,
those cats who became recruits.
We’ll never truly realise
just what these cats went through.
So spare a thought and give some thanks
for what they did for you!
Lest We Forget!
A gunner with the regimental cat in a trench in Cambrin, France, February 6th, 1918.

04/15/2024

Update on Zelda

We adopted her at Kitten Event at Natural Pet Center on Oct 14th 2023.

She is doing great! Plays with our other cats and loves looking at the birds outside. She has her own special window perch. Loves her toy wand and can play fetch.
Do you happen to know her date of birth?

Thanks!

Joe Heinan

04/15/2024

It’s Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week!

We want to thank all of the animal control officers in the Fargo/Moorhead and surrounding area who work so hard to help animals on the streets get to safety. These officers often find themselves in uncomfortable predicaments that require them to think on their feet. They assess the situation, form a plan and put it into action to save the lives of innocent animals in peril. What they sometimes see in forms of cruelty and neglect cannot be unseen. We want these officers to know we appreciate their ingenuity, dedication and kindness.

04/14/2024

Exciting Update:

We have just been notified of an anonymous donor who is going to sponsor $70 towards Cinders adoption fee.

Still available!
“CINDER”
3.5 years old
Spayed
Felv/Fiv Negative
UTD on all vaccinations
Microchipped
De-wormed

We posted this sweet kitty at the end of January, but she has made so much progress in the meantime, we just have to post her again, as she is so ready to find her furever home!

Cinder came to us in summer 2022 as a VERY skittish new momma with her litter of kittens. She has been in a foster home since December of 2022 to work on her trust in humans. She has come a long way, and will now constantly requests pets, nose boops, and belly rubs. She is VERY chatty and loves to have a "conversation" with any human who is willing to engage in her monologues. Her purr is non-stop from the moment her foster enters the room until she leaves. Cinder is extremely food motivated and will most certainly continue to grow in comfort around people as they continue to work with her to gain her trust. She also loves to curl up alongside, or on, outstretched legs, so we fully anticipate that she will be a couch dweller with her future owners and will likely become a regular lap lander. A little patience and a lot of love will go a long way with this sweet girl. If you're willing to invest a bit of both into her, we are confident that she'll provide you with a lifetime of kitty chatter, purrs, and companionship!

04/13/2024

Follow up Friday:

***ADOPTED***

Please meet some of the sweet felines that found their “fur”ever homes in the month of March. Thank you to our supporters, fosters, volunteers, and adopters for helping us continue our mission.