Lis's Pet Sitting Service

01/21/2025

01/21/2025

Interesting

After 60 years, researchers have finally discovered the genetic cause of orange fur in cats: a genetic deletion near the Arhgap36 gene on the X chromosome initiates the production of orange pigment, which explains why almost all calicos and tortoiseshells are female and most orange cats are male.
The deletion activates a molecular pathway that produces reddish-yellow pigment in melanocytes, avoiding the Mc1r gene.
This discovery, which was published on bioRxiv, is the first connection between Arhgap36 and fur color, providing new insights into feline genetics and revealing an unexpected molecular pathway.

01/19/2025

WINTER TIPS FOR TRAPPING

I've always been a firm believer in "if you are the person doing the work, decisions rest with you." I'm not okay with others telling volunteers what to do with their own time. BUT, if you would like some winter weather GUIDELINES, we've gotten these straight from Alley Cat Allies.
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In colder regions, female cats go into heat and could already be pregnant by the time the snow melts. That’s why most kittens are born in the springtime, or whenever the weather in an area begins to warm up. Doing TNR in the cold months is the best way to Beat the Heat® and get out ahead of this “kitten season.”

So, don’t be afraid to break out the humane traps in the cold season! Remember, cats live and thrive in all sorts of climates, including during the harsh winters in areas like Canada and even Siberia. Wherever community cats are, you can do TNR all year round.

1. Use your best judgment.
This may seem obvious, but if the weather is too severe for you to be out in it, don’t do TNR. The cats may already be hiding in the places they know are safe and warm.

2. Don’t trap if dangerous weather is forecasted.
The less time community cats spend confined indoors, the better—for them and for you. If dangerous conditions are on the way, wait for a longer stretch of milder weather before starting TNR at all.

3. Try to trap during warmer times of day.
Instead of after the sun goes down.

4. Use oil-based bait.
To inhibit freezing.

5. Don’t leave traps unattended.
It’s harder for a community cat to stay warm while confined in a trap.

6. Double check your holding/recovery area.
Setting up a dry, temperature-controlled (about 75˚F is best) recovery or holding area for cats is a standard part of TNR. It’s especially important when it’s cold out!

7. Yes, it’s okay to return cats in the cold.
If the weather is around the typical temperature for your area in the coldest season, as cold as that may be, community cats are used to it and will be fine. You don’t need to, and shouldn’t, wait for a warmer day to return them outdoors.

8. Hold male cats for no more than 24 hours and female cats no more than 48 hours, but not before anesthesia has worn off. Return community cats to their outdoor home as soon as possible after their surgery, including in colder weather. No matter how nice your holding area, community cats are extremely stressed by confinement. They need to go back to the home they know and their feline family outdoors.

*Adjusted text from Alley Cat Allies.

01/19/2025

ARTIC BLAST COMING OUR WAY!
Temperatures are going to seriously drop starting tonight and outdoor dogs WILL freeze to death! An igloo with straw is NOT enough. If you have an outdoor dog you must bring them inside starting tonight until Thursday.

They are counting on YOU!

01/18/2025

It's going to get super cold again. Get those cat shelters ready for your furry friends now ... they will need them!!

See this link for further winter weather tips as well: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/cold-weather-tips/

-OR-

https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how-to-tnr/colony-care/feral-cat-winter-shelter

01/15/2025

Just for fun

01/14/2025

There are coyotes in Midland County.

This article is from CT, but the same applies in Michigan. Please stay alert and keep your pets and children safe.

01/12/2025

From the Merck Veterinary Manual…

"Mange" is a general term for infectious skin disease cause by mites of the genera Sarcoptes, Notoedres, Chorioptes, Demodex, Psoroptes, and others. Mites are highly contagious. If a pet has mites, all other animals in the household need to be treated as well.

Share this graphic with pet owners, then click to learn more:

Learn about the veterinary topic of Disorders of the Outer Ear in Dogs. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.

01/11/2025

HORSE & PET FRIENDS!!! Please share this list of SAFE SHELTERS for Southern California LIVESTOCK and SMALL ANIMALS that are displaced due to evacuations. Vets are on hand at most facilities to treat burns. Donations can also be made as these facilities are offering free board and feed.

01/11/2025

From the Merck Vet Manual

Share this infographic with clients to remind them why they should be wiping their pup's feet after a winter walk. Learn more: https://mrkmnls.co/3ZJmURl ❄

Learn about the veterinary topic of Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.

01/10/2025

Chihuahuas are fearless, and Great Danes are so laid back that they’re practically horizontal.

01/09/2025

Due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, the following shelters are available for animals affected by the evacuation orders. Please note capacity details and staffing information:

Large Animals

📍Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
📍Pierce College 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 AT CAPACITY with 200 horses; staffed by DACC – FULL
📍Hansen Dam Horse Park 11127 Orcas Ave, Hansen Dam, CA 91342. LA City Sheltering Site; AT CAPACITY not staffed by DACC
📍Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744. Capacity for 200 horses; not staffed by DACC
📍Pomona Fairplex 1101 W Mckinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768. Receiving horses only. They have 50 and capacity for 100 more

Small Animals

📍Agoura Animal Care Center 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
📍Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
📍Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
📍Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
📍Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
📍Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
📍El Camino High School 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 *American Red Cross Sheltering Site with mobile animal shelter for small animals only

Visit animalcare.lacounty.gov for more information on sheltering animals during LA County fires.

01/09/2025

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping across Southern California. During this time of crisis, Dogs on Deployment is here to support:

🐾 Service members, DoD Boarders, and Veterans impacted by the wildfires who need assistance with pet care.

🚒 First Responders bravely fighting the fires and requiring help caring for their pets while on duty.

🌊 Those still recovering from Hurricane Helene and experiencing challenges with short- or long-term pet care.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance for their beloved pets, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email us at [email protected] or visit our website for more information.

We remain committed to supporting our American hero community and their pets through every challenge.

01/08/2025

What temperature is too cold for cats? ❄️