Caring For Creatures

01/13/2025

The Best in Gato Gossip

The on-again/off-again romance between Oliver and Gertie is DEFINITELY on again! Last week, a reliable source observed them cuddling together in their wicker love nest in the Senior Room.

Oliver approached the hidey house and peered inside. Gertie was sound asleep. He stared at her for at least a minute, then stuck his head inside and licked her. She was instantly awake and welcomed his advances.

He slowly edged inside and managed to curl up next to her as she made room for him. They ended up head-to-head. Over the next 90 minutes, they lay face to face, often touching their foreheads together.

Oliver broke the romantic spell. He emerged, stretched and loudly vocalized as only Oliver does. His meows could be heard throughout the Friede building.
Was he announcing his everlasting love for Gertie? Or was he hoping the afternoon feeding would arrive early?

Gertie was her usual demure self but seemed quite content with her latest assignation with Oliver.

Steve, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/gertie/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/oliver/

01/10/2025

Save the date!

01/09/2025

LEND ME AN EAR

Fred and Lil were two happy cats. Fred came to CFC in 2011 and Lil two years ago. But both came down with Aural Hematoma last year. Ear mites were thought to be the blame. WebMD defines Aural Hematoma as "An aural (ear) hematoma refers to the collection of blood in the cat's earflap or cartilage." What it looks like are ears that are swollen with fluid and drooping. When drained they look crinkled. But while it's occurring the cat is miserable

Fred went from being one of the cats who'd seek me out when I was in the room, to staying up on one of the cat condos most of the time. He lets me pet him, but he doesn't enjoy it as much. He's a more subdued cat than he used to be, maybe starting to feel his age. But he has friends to hang out with - Patsy Cline, Belinda, and Tibby are often found keeping him company.

Lil is one of the FIV cats who made a fine addition to her room. While she was experiencing her hematoma (as well as having a mammary mass removed) she was, understandably, unhappy. Fortunately, she has mostly recovered her sweet nature. When she spots me coming over to her usual spot (a cat bed next to a window) she looks eager for a good long petting session. There is purring involved!

Both have recovered but to different degrees. But before, during, and after they are loved.

Scott, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/fred-2/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/lil/

01/08/2025

CFC volunteer, Nora, has kindly taken Hunny Bun into her home for an Extreme Sleepover. Here’s what she had to say:

“Things here are going very smoothly, and Miss Hunny Bun is indeed enjoying every minute of her "house dog" respite. She would do just fine as a prized pet, and I think although she does well with other dogs, it's really human companionship she seems to relish most. She is not at all clingy, but enjoys just being nearby and watching the goings on.

She has had zero accidents in the house thus far, and we have been taking her out for breaks after long naps or meals to keep her on track. She will also go sit by a door when she thinks we're due. She also used the doggie door without much coaxing, so can't tell if that was ever part of her previous life.

Because of her age & weakness in her back legs (I understand this is to be investigated for potential treatment), the fewer stairs the better, but she can walk a mile no problem, if slow & easy.

Here are a few more shots of her holiday adventures.”

Looking for a senior foster or adoption? You can’t go wrong with Hunny Bun! Reach out for her today!

01/07/2025

We're grateful to CFC volunteer, Margaret, for taking Scooby into her home for an Extreme Sleepover! She says, “He's been great. His house training has been perfect. He's been content to relax on the various dog beds located throughout the house and watch me work. His favorite bed is located near the fireplace.

01/06/2025

From Colony Cat to Lap Cat

Suki is the latest addition to the Senior Room. She arrived in late October. She’s from a colony where Volunteer Ed has been feeding cats for the last three years. He thinks she’s about eight years old. She hissed at me the first time I met her.
But her transformation over the last two months with me—a stranger—has been remarkable. I easily petted her on our second meeting. Thereafter, she seemed to recognize me by coming forward when I approached her condo.

Her progress toward socialization is best described by our last three encounters. At the first, Suki came to the front of her condo. I opened the doors and petted her for a couple of minutes. Then, I boldly picked her up and cuddled her. We walked around for maybe two minutes. She didn’t struggle.

At our next encounter, she came forward as usual. I petted her for only 90 seconds before picking her up and sitting down in a chair. Again, she didn’t struggle and I actually heard a brief purr. She appeared relaxed. She made no effort to return to her condo although she was within jumping distance of it.

On New Year’s Day, I had a breakthrough with Suki. I sat in a chair and opened her condo doors. With no hesitation, Suki walked onto my lap. I heard a longer purr and she gave me lots of head butts and cheek rubs. And one Wet W***y lick in my left ear. I petted her for almost 20 minutes.

Other volunteers have had similar results. This sweet girl is far from feral. Could she be someone’s abandoned pet?

Steve, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/suki/

01/05/2025

Everyone’s favorite girl, Babe Ruth, is on an Extreme Sleepover! This is her first night away from the sanctuary in all the 10 years she’s been here. A wonderful volunteer, Judy was instrumental in doing several tabling events for us while she lived in Charlottesville. She now lives in Madison but has never forgotten her friends here at CFC, having recently delivered coats and other goodies for our dogs. Judy reports that Babe has been busy checking everything out, both inside and outside. And they’ve discovered how much Babe loves belly rubs! We are beyond excited for this sweet girl – stay tuned for more updates.

01/04/2025

Looking for a cozy kitten (or 2) to cuddle up with during the cold weather? Look no further than this delightful pair!

Pixie, along with her littermate Marmalade, came to us from a large unmanaged colony of ~100 cats. While she was initially shy, her spunky and lovable personality quickly emerged.

Pixie adores attention and doesn’t mind being held, though her curious nature often draws her to explore. She’s a playful and adventurous kitten, spending her days climbing, dangling, and perfecting her parkour skills in her condo. Pixie loves scratching on cat trees, chasing toys, and even tolerates baths with ease!

If you’re looking for a friendly, energetic, and curious kitten, Pixie would be a perfect match. She’d also thrive in a home with other playful cats—maybe even her littermate Marmalade!

Meet Marmalade, the sweetest little kitten with a heartwarming story! Surrendered alongside her sister Pixie from a large cat colony, Marmalade was initially shy and hesitant, unfamiliar with human affection. But thanks to the love and care of our staff and volunteers, she’s blossomed into a playful and affectionate kitten who adores attention.

Marmalade and Pixie fill their days with playful antics, chasing toys and exploring their condo together. She loves being petted and doesn’t mind being held, though she currently prefers keeping her paws on the ground—this might change as she grows.

Looking for a friendly, energetic kitten to join your family? Marmalade would love to meet you! She’d thrive in a home with other playful cats—maybe even with her sister Pixie!

Top: L-R Pixie and Marmalade Female DOB 7/4/2024

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/pixie/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/marmalade/

01/03/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you are interested in helping Sam, or have any questions, please contact Sarah Midkiff 304-881-7936 [email protected].

Sam is a sweet and handsome Pit mix. He will be 3 in January. He is neutered and current on all vaccinations.
Sam came to me as a foster from CASPCA and I decided to keep him as a companion for my other dog.

Sam is very sweet and loves people, he does great with my older grandkids. He hasn't been around any young kids but greets the neighborhood children that come up to my fence with tail wagging.

Sam loves to snuggle and be on the couch when not playing. He is a good boy, he's good in the house and doesn't get into things. He has such a sweet personality. If I have to correct him he gets his feelings hurt. Sam will do best in a home where he will be the only dog, so he can get all the snuggles and all the love.

I would love to keep Sam forever but my first dog has decided he no longer likes Sam. This is just not fair for Sam to be somewhere he doesn't always feel at home.

Contact:
Sarah Midkiff
304-881-7936
[email protected]

01/02/2025

With a cold stretch headed our way this weekend, we are looking for people who are able to take a CFC dog into their home for a limited time.

Taking a dog into your home would free up much needed indoor space and would allow more dogs to be moved inside and out of the elements. Caring For Creatures will provide everything you need – food, dog bed, crate, leash, harness, toys, etc.

If you can help, please click on the link below to fill out an application. Based on the information you provide, we will match you with a compatible animal. Questions? Call (434) 842-2404 or email us at [email protected].

https://caringforcreatures.org/dog-fostering-application/

01/01/2025

When Karen visited Reese, it was love at first sight and she couldn’t wait to bring her home. Reese’s wish for the New Year is that her friends here at Caring For Creatures find their loving, forever homes just like she did. ❤

Update #1 (day two): Reese loves the sunroom in her new home and she slept in the bed with Karen!

Update #2: Miss Reese is sooo loved....she has been a blessing to all three of us! She jumps up in all our laps....My goal is to put a little weight on her...I just took her to the vet this week and her mouth is healing nicely....She IS eating well and doing her business....She likes to sleep with us.

She has helped me so much with my grief of losing my previous pet and the stress of being a caregiver of a parent with dementia....my mom really makes over her and she just loves that attention as well and my husband just lost his brother who had been sick since July.....so you can understand how wonderful the timing was....
I'm going to attach a few pics. She loves her cat tree.

Thanks to all for the sweet baby. - Karen

12/31/2024

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Honey and Hazel didn’t have an easy start to life but are making up for it in their forever home. They are thriving with a huge yard to explore, daily walks to enjoy, and a family that cherishes them every step of the way. We’re so grateful that Honey and Hazel have discovered the joys of belly rubs, cozy naps, and endless love.

“They are doing great! We are so fortunate to have them, they are a big comfort and joy to have. We let our little beagle, Ruby pass in November. She was the one with cancer. Our 17-year-old, Lulu passed a month later. Needless to say, we were devastated but had Honey and Hazel to love on.

They enjoy their 2x daily walks and have progressed really well on leash. They sleep in the bedroom with us and love it. Just some minor things I will continue to work on, but they are sweet pups for sure. I try to take them for car trips at different walking areas to help them with being nervous in the car.

Thank you to all who had a hand in rescuing them, they certainly deserve a great life.”

- Jill

12/29/2024

PREPARING FOR GOODBYE

I took Possom to the vet last week. As I feared, her cancer has returned.

During the past twelve years as I’ve socialized cats, I’ve tried to treat them all equally and not play favorites. But every so often, a cat especially touches my heart. Like Possom.

When I began volunteering at CFC, she was the first cat to settle down on my lap, purring loudly. As I got to know her, she would always purr before I even touched her. She still does.

The vet said her cancer has spread so much that surgery is not recommended—especially for the third oldest cat (at least 17) at CFC. Fortunately, both the vet and I don’t think she’s in discomfort. But the vet gave CFC advice on recognizing when that’s no longer the case.

I’ve never met a cat I didn’t like but Possom is one that I truly love. While I’m sorrowful that she’ll likely soon cross the Rainbow Bridge, I’m determined to give her extra love and attention in the days ahead.

I’ll never know for sure if that will comfort her. But my experience with a tough tomcat named Stewie the Boss tells me it will. He chose to curl up next to me to cross the Bridge. Maybe Possom will too.

Steve, CFC Volunteer

12/28/2024

Staff and volunteers love snapping pictures of our mischievous Melon as she goes about her busy day at the Scratching Post kitchen. Typically, she can be found goofing off and playing with her sister Lime and another kitty Gemma. This very active trio of kitten mischief are in constant motion in our kitchen area. The 3 of them love batting and swatting anchored feather toys in the room and if we open up our large wooden trunk loaded up with a myriad of toys, well they will all stand on their rear legs, take a peek in and perhaps fish out a toy or two in need of activation.

Melon thrives in the heart of the action and, to help her continue to grow into her best self, she’ll need a new home with playful and confident resident kitties to show her the ropes. We’re thrilled about the bright future ahead for our sweet girl and hope that you might be the one to share it with her.

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/melon-kitten/

12/28/2024

Happy news for one of our staff and volunteer favorites, Gypsy!! She has been adopted by Reggie & Tanya of Powhatan! "Immediately we were drawn to the beauty of Gypsy and how sweet she appeared and we also noticed that she had been at CFC for several months which made us hopeful of giving her a loving home. She would be a great fit to our quieter home and lifestyle." - Tanya

Updates:

12/16: "Gypsy is slowly coming around as of yesterday! She did not eat but a few bites of food on Sat., but ate half a bowl last night. She sleeps under our bed, but her confidence is showing now. She comes out from under the bed to investigate and play with her new toy mice and crinkle ball. We have shown her the litter box & where it is, but she hasn't gone yet. I absolutely love her so much already! So tiny but has the biggest purrs "

12/17: Tanya reached back out about her litter and a few issues they were having and I gave a few suggestions. They have added a crate to their bedroom for the time being and changed over to the same type of litter we use here at CFC.

12/20: "Gypsy is doing great!! The change of litter and having a crate made all the difference!! She is becoming comfortable in our room and bathroom. I sit beside her when she eats and we hang out on the floor and she plays swatting the ball back and forth to us. She LOVES this plastic round toy with balls in it. I love her so much already! She's a bit priss ... lol. I have not tried brushing her yet but she cleans herself all the time. Each night I put her beside me in bed and we have a good hour and a half together and then she loves to sleep in her crate."

12/26/2024

We’re grateful to all our friends who stop by the sanctuary this time of year with gifts for our animals. This means the world to them and your kindness brightens their days.

Pictured below: Gifts dropped off by Sam, Barbara and Casey Clarke.

Thank you all!! 🐶😽💕🐾

12/25/2024