Fourteen Cats Left Outside of AniMeals
This morning, AniMeals staff found 14 cats of various ages stuffed inside of three kennels and left outside of our building. Staff immediately went to work cleaning up the cats, conducting visual intakes, and placing them into pop-up kennels complete with food, water, litter, and soft hidey holes. We will start our full nose-to-toes intake exams today and finish tomorrow. The four females are scheduled for ultrasounds to check for pregnancies next week, and the wounded male cat will receive treatment and get neutered. The 8 to 10-week old tuxedo and orange kittens will get fixed and prepped for adoption.
AniMeals understands that cat populations can grow out of control rather quickly and become quite overwhelming. We are here to assist. A heads up, or even just a little medical information, really helps. In order to better serve the cats, please either complete a handwritten surrender form found right next to our front door and attach to the kennel or fill out this surrender form https://www.animeals.com/surrender-waitlist-form and submit. This allows AniMeals staff time to prepare a plan for intake to adoption, including medical care.
As always, if you need help with animal food, please visit the shelter Friday through Wednesday between 2pm and 6pm.
Thanks for helping us rescue, feed, and heal.
THANK YOU
💜THANK YOU💜
🐾Amount Donated in 5 Days🐾
1.96 Tons of cat food
1,742 Pounds of dry dog food
244 Pounds of canned dog food
It’s hard to believe that only 5 days ago, our shelves were completely empty. We were not expecting the response that we received to our pet food plea, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Food was not only coming from our community in Montana, but from all over the country! We received food from as far as New Hampshire, which is truly amazing! Community members were calling the shelter and stopping by with food almost immediately after we put the plea out!
Our pet food plea was shared over 460 times and reached a total of 18,000 people! There is so much power in sharing a post, and we hope you share this as well so all the people who helped us can see our fully stocked shelves! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and support! We couldn’t be more grateful!💜
Together, We Rescue. We Feed. We Heal.
Sheldon's Story
❣Our FIP Warriors~ Sheldon’s Story❣
Sheldon has been in our care since the beginning of November 2022. He is diabetic, one of our roamers, and a shelter favorite! Less than two weeks ago, Sheldon stopped eating and was experiencing very low energy levels. Sheldon loves food and treats more than anything, and when he turned down food, we knew something was wrong.
Sheldon was taken to Pet Emergency Center at the beginning of last week for rusty colored urine, jaundice, fever, and lack of appetite. They were unable to determine the cause, so we were referred to Dr Bostwick at Missoula Veterinary Specialty Clinic. An ultrasound was taken by Dr. Bostwick, which revealed fluid in his abdominal area. It was determined that he had Wet FIP. We immediately started him on Mutian.
Initially, he did not show any improvement and we feared were faced with Euthanasia. He was extremely nauseous, vomited large amounts of liquid, could not walk, and could barely lift his head up. We had Sheldon’s bloodwork sent to a pathologist and the pathologist had a strong suspicion that there was a raging infection located somewhere in his body. We started Antibiotics and something amazing happened! He ate treats, and yes, that may not sound like much, but it was huge for him! It meant that he was feeling better and that we were going in the right direction.
Sheldon went home with an employee this past weekend, for close 24/7 monitoring, and the difference we have seen in him is amazing! Prior to starting Mutian, Sheldon’s eyes were extremely cloudy, his balance was unsteady, and he was experiencing head bobbing. He is now walking around more and eating lots of food! We couldn’t be more thankful that he is with us today! We still have a long way to go in Sheldon’s FIP journey. We suspect that he has 2-3 pounds of fluid in his body to reabsorb. We are extremely hopeful that in the next few weeks, we will see even more progress! At 10 years old, Sheldon is truly an inspiration
Virtually Mine
💘8 MORE DAYS TO REGISTER💘
Virtually Mine~ Online Valentine Auction
When: February 9-15
How to register:
▪Click the link ~ https://events.readysetauction.com/animeals/virtuallymine
▪Click “Sign In” in the right hand corner
▪Create an account
Only 8 more days to register for Virtually Mine!! To participate in our Valentine Auction, you must first register! Follow the instructions above and register today! Tickets to the Country Music Awards, 6 nights in Ireland, or a one-hour massage could be yours by participating in our online Valentine Auction!!
~We are their voice; may their voice never fade~
🧡Update on Artemis' Kittens🧡
Artemis' five kittens are doing great in foster care and a couple of them are already up to a pound in weight!! Yay!! Artemis was no longer able to care for her kittens and her kittens were placed in foster care with two of our bottle baby fosters. It was discovered last week that one of her kittens has pneumonia. With supportive care and the help of an antibiotic, this particular kitten is on the road to recovery!
When Artemis was brought to us, she was actively seizing, and was immediately rushed to Sentinel Emergency. She had pneumonia and was severely underweight and malnourished. Artemis is now in foster care recovering from her pneumonia and will remain there for the next few weeks.
We feel so grateful to have the means to care for young kittens and help create a pathway towards a better life for them. Your generosity is the reason we can continue to rescue, feed, and heal innocent lives in our community.
When you support our shelter this #GivingTuesday, you help support families like Artemis and her kittens. Your kindness and support of our shelter gives young kittens a voice. We, collectively, give them a voice. We hope you continue to use your voice and support the innocent lives in our community by donating this #GivingTuesday.
Thank you, Mills and Diane, for everything you have done for Artemis' kittens!!
Thank you, Haley, for fostering Artemis!!
Thank you, Sentinel Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, for everything you did for Artemis!!
✨Ways to Donate✨
▪️Our website~ https://www.animeals.com/
▪️Stop in at the Shelter~ 1700 Rankin, Open Tuesday-Sunday 12-6pm
▪️By mail~ 1700 Rankin Street, Missoula, MT, 59808
▪️Facebook Fundraiser~ https://www.facebook.com/donate/385649633709031/500381528786131
▪️Instagram Page ~ Please select the Donate Button under Support or visit fundraiser link in bio
▪️By Phone~ 406-721-4710
▪️Venmo: @Animeals (Look for our logo and a blue checkmark)
✨Giving Tuesday is Here!!✨
#GivingTuesday is here, and we are so excited to celebrate this day with you all!! We sure could use your support! Help us reach our Annual Fundraising goal of $30,000 for 2023 shelter operations! If you donate to our shelter this Giving Tuesday, share a post, story, or comment, using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and tag our shelter!! If you have pets, upload a picture of them as well!! We would love to see your support and photos of your furry family members!! Help us make this Giving Tuesday one to remember!!
✨Ways to Donate✨
▪️Our website~ https://www.animeals.com/
▪️Stop in at the Shelter~ 1700 Rankin, Open Tuesday-Sunday 12-6pm
▪️By mail~ 1700 Rankin Street, Missoula, MT, 59808
▪️Facebook Fundraiser~ https://www.facebook.com/donate/385649633709031/500381528786131
▪️Instagram Page ~ Please select the Donate Button under Support or visit fundraiser link in bio
▪️By Phone~ 406-721-4710
▪️Venmo: @Animeals (Look for our logo and a blue checkmark)
🖤Cheese is Back Home with His Adopter!!🖤
Cheese was adopted at the end of September, and not long after he went home, he started experiencing lack of appetite and minimal weight gain. He was taken to the vet by his adopter earlier this week. He was lethargic, had a fever, and was experiencing abdominal distention. We have seen this before, and we unfortunately knew the prognosis based off his bloodwork. Cheese has FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
FIP is a mutation of the Feline Corona Virus that up until recently has been 100% fatal. We see it on average five to ten times a year and the results are always euthanasia. It affects the young (8 weeks) to five years old, sometimes older, but this is the most common age group. Needless to say, it was very devastating to his adopter, us, and everyone involved. Cats that end up with this mutation come from all different backgrounds. It doesn't matter if they come from breeders, shelters, a friend, relative, or off the streets; there is no true way to test for it other than symptoms and confirmation that they have the Coronavirus. Most cats have the Corona Virus, and very rarely do we come across one that doesn't.
Two years ago, we successfully treated 4 cats diagnosed with FIP with a drug called Mutian. To date, we have successfully treated 7 FIP cats with Mutian. We were beyond happy to say that FIP is no longer a death sentence. Within 24 hours of starting Mutian, we already started to see improvements in Cheese. His stomach distention started to decrease, his energy levels were up, and his spirits were high! The duration of the treatment is 84 days on the drug, 84 days of observation. Cheese went home with his adopter yesterday to continue his treatment and we couldn't be happier for these two!! We are hopeful that Cheese will sail through his 84 days of treatment, 84 days of observation and be on his way to a great life!! We love you Cheese and you are in the best hands!!
When you support our Annual F
✨The Importance of Shelter Buddies✨
Our Shelter Buddy program continues to be one of the most influential/important programs at our shelter. Many of the cats in our care have either gotten adopted, or learned to trust, because of the compassionate and patient individuals who come in and work with the cats in our care. We are a behavioral and medically focused shelter and many of the cats that come to us require extra love and attention to get them ready for adoption. Helping timid/unsure cats grow in confidence is the greatest gift we can give them. Teaching and helping them break down those walls are very rewarding experiences. One of our Shelter Buddies, Kristy, comes in almost every day to work with the cats in our care, and here is what she has to say about her experience:
"I've been volunteering as a Shelter Buddy since May of this year. To say that it has been a gratifying experience is an understatement! I most enjoy helping to socialize the shy, unsure, adult cats. Seeing their confidence build over time, as they become more comfortable around humans and learn to accept love, is truly amazing.
Smokey is one of the cats I've been working with for the past few months. When I first met him, he was very nervous and reactive. He would hiss and swat if I got too close. Being an introvert, I definitely understand what it's like to be anxious in an unfamiliar environment. So, I took things slowly with him, letting him largely take the lead, and paid attention to his social cues. Using treats, string toy playtime, and good old-fashioned patience, in time Smokey began to show clear signs of trust. He now allows full body pets and chin scratches. Just this week he made biscuits and purred for the first time! Cats like Smokey are why AniMeals is one of my happy places and why I would wholeheartedly recommend being a Shelter Buddy."
We are always accepting Shelter Buddies of all ages and no appointment is required to come in and work with the cats in our car
UPDATE: Thank you everyone we found a driver.
‼️LOOKING FOR A DRIVER‼️
We are looking for a transport for an at-risk cat located in Great Falls. He is FIV+ and he needs a ride from Great Falls to Missoula. Is anyone traveling from Great Falls to Missoula over the weekend who would be willing to transport this sweet boy to our shelter?! If you are interested, please contact Kate at 406-750-6559.
Together, "We Rescue. We Feed. We Heal."
We hope whoever shot Midnight sees this. The shooter didn't win, Midnight did :)
Look at him cleaning his feet. We are so excited that this is the outcome we hoped for but didn't think we were going to see. He is doing great.
🎉MISSOULA GIVES🎉
We believe each animal deserves a forever home, unconditional love, personalized care, and a brighter future. We are the bridge, between what was and what can be. We are the pathway to a new life. When you donate to our shelter this #MissoulaGives, you become a part of our pathway to a better future.
Be a hero to animals in need and help us strengthen animal welfare across our state! Donate this #MissoulaGives and be the change you want to see!!
https://www.missoulagives.org/organizations/animeals
‼️3 DAYS UNTIL MISSOULA GIVES‼️
~Help us reach our goal of $10,000~
Only 3 more days until Missoula Gives!! We are asking YOU, to join us in our efforts to make this the biggest day of giving Missoula County has ever seen! Missoula & Bitterroot Gives is a 26-hour online celebration of nonprofits and the role they play in making our community great. It is a day to support and connect with the causes that are most important to you!
Our fundraising goal is $10,000 and we are hopeful that with your help we can achieve this goal! The power of giving comes from the heart and this #MissoulaGives when you donate to our shelter, you help us create a positive change in the world. You help the lives of the innocent, abandoned, and forgotten animals in our community. Your donation makes a direct impact in the life of animal.
Join us this Thursday & Friday as we celebrate the role nonprofits play in our community!! Spread the word, text a friend, post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #MissoulaGives #AniMeals. Oh, and you can also just tell someone in person...that works, too!
✨Donating & More Info✨
https://www.missoulagives.org/organizations/animeals
You can also stop by our location, mail in, or call-in donations for #MissoulaGives!!
❣Neonatal Kitten Care❣
Goliath is the second neonatal kitten to come into our care this year, so far. Neonatal kitten care can be very exhausting, but it is worth every second! Neonatal kittens rely on their caregivers for everything. Waking up every few hours to feed, helping them use the bathroom, and cleaning them can be challenging work. There is so much joy that goes into raising bottle babies, and nothing is more rewarding then taking care of young kittens! Goliath loves when its feeding time, and his little ears wiggling say it all! We are so thankful that we are able to help young kittens like Goliath!
We are so grateful to have experienced fosters who take on bottle babies. We are looking for more individuals with bottle baby experience, who would like to foster for us! If you are interested in becoming an AniMeals foster, please visit the link below!
https://form.jotform.com/animeals/AniMealsFosterForm
If you would like to order supplies for bottle babies, please visit the link below!
https://www.revivalanimal.com/wishlist/28861/ovCMcKWx
✨WE ARE HIRING✨
We are looking to hire a Fundraising Coordinator with experience in nonprofit fundraising! Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of the animals in our community? Are you passionate about animal rescue and fundraising? Apply today and join our amazing team!
If you are interested in the position, please submit a resume to [email protected]. If you have questions about the position, please call the shelter at 406-721-4710.
Thank you, ABC FOX Montana, for the PSA!!
🐾Community Cat Colony of Missoula Update🐾
As many of you know we have been working over the past few months to trap and bring into our care a large Community Cat Colony based here in Missoula. This colony’s current living situation is no longer an option and we have been working with the help of volunteers to bring this group into our care. We currently have 29 total from this group so far.
We originally thought that there were only about 16 left to trap, however, that number changed today. After going down to feed today we counted somewhere between 20 to 30 more cats that need to be brought into our care this could bring the total to almost 60 cats! We will be trapping this coming week but unfortunately after this next week we must take a break from trapping due to lack of space. We will not leave any member of this group behind and will continue to help them however long it takes.
We are surprised and thankful that we have had no pregnant cats yet from this group, however, as time goes on this might not be the case. This group has had no shortage of medical needs. Most cats from this group have the herpes virus, upper respiratory, and many have eye complications. Currently in our care, we have 3 cats from this group that need eye surgeries. We are so thankful to be able to help these cats. Many of these cats have been friendly and very trusting of us which is amazing! Many of them have probably never had their own individual food bowl and boy do they love it! These cats know how to eat that’s for sure!
We are beyond thankful for all the food donations we have received in the past few weeks. The food donations we received help give these guys a chance. We can feed and help this large colony because of the generosity of the public, and for that we are so grateful. Without the generosity of the public this groups situation would be very different.
We also would not be able to help this group without the generous members of our community who sponso
💘The "Ginger" "Gin" "Purrito" Update 💘
This boy is doing amazing. Five days ago he was 100% dependent on oxygen. He is getting closer to getting completely off of oxygen which will make him so happy!!!! We get asked several times a day how he is doing, we have a feeling he will probably have ten names by the time his adoption day comes.
**He does have an adopter**
We are hoping by Sunday we can move him to a bigger area. He has an appointment next Wed to have x-rays hopefully it will show that his lungs are improving. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
The fur is starting to grow back in the area of the burns so he looks a little weird on that one side. The legs have healed completely.
We are starting to see his true personality and he sure is busy. Amazing how fast they heal. He has changed so much in the last 5 days. The only thing he hasn't mastered is not sitting in his poop as you can see in the video. He was in such a hurry to go play with toys he had half of his business stuck to him, he didn't care.
If you missed Gingers story here they are on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/animeals/posts/5981552491919296
https://www.facebook.com/animeals/posts/5935048766569669
