Northstate Cat Coalition

01/27/2025

Dear Friends:

I’m very sad to let you know that Juice is no longer with us… but his suffering is over.

This morning, I brought Juice to Doc, who immediately took us into the exam room and gave him a sedative. Quickly, Juice fell into deep sleep, and I carried him out of the trap onto the exam table.

After feeling his bad paw, Doc went on to palpate all his other joints, including his jaw. Then he told me the awful news: The paw wasn’t broken or abscessed — instead, poor Juice had a painful genetic disorder in which the cartilage overgrows, fusing the joints throughout the body. Tragically, it is progressive and in its later stages untreatable.

It often manifests in mid-life, and Doc estimated that Juice was about 8. With his degree of overgrowth, he had been suffering for several years. Movement and even eating had been painful, which explains why Juice was so thin despite the feeder keeping the bowl filled with kibble.

As a rescue, we face many rough choices. And as heartbreaking as this one was, we knew it was necessary, so we made the only humane decision possible: letting brave Juice sleep on.

The gentle send-off is such a sad end to a rescue… but this is a rescue nonetheless. Our deepest gratitude goes to all of you whose hearts reached out to this precious boy — your caring and generosity made an essential difference: Now at the Rainbow Bridge, Juice is finally freed from pain.

If any of you who donated hoping for a happier outcome would like a refund, let us know and we’ll return your share of any overage from the cost of his final care. Otherwise, we’ll use the funds to help the next cat in need — there are always many more.

As we in Northstate Cat Coalition bid a sad farewell to Juice, we know we’re not alone: This courageous kitty’s story resonated far and wide with so many of you — our followers and beyond — and we’re comforted and grateful to share our mourning with such a caring community.

Rest in peace, dear Juice. At the end of your harsh life on Earth, you were loved by many, your pain was ended, and your brave spirit was released, now flying free.

Northstate Cat Coalition

01/27/2025

Huzzah for Juice!

01/27/2025

Juice Update: Sunday, January 26, 9:35 p.m.

Friends — we got him! Juice is SAFE!

As soon as we arrived onsite this morning, stellar mega-trapper Kirsten spotted him, still down in the storm drain. At first he was with Calico, but as soon as we started our prep work she made herself scarce and we saw no sign of her all afternoon.

Today’s mission had many moving parts — literally! It took a day-long combo of muscle (Kirsten hoisted that heavy iron storm-drain lid like an Amazon!) — and essential strategy (storm-drain lid dislodgement, kitty surveillance and hours of watch-and-wait) — plus some high tech (Kirsten’s amazing automated trap).

It was such a thrill to lift that trap out of the storm drain — with Juice inside!

Of course, he didn’t share our excitement, so we draped the trap immediately and put it in the back of my Subaru, where he calmed down (see pic).

As dusk fell, we cleaned up the bait mess, replaced the “man”hole cover, packed up all our gear, shared a hug of thanks and congratulations, and bid each other farewell.

Then, rescue Amazon that she is, Kirsten hurried off to help some other errant kitty reunite with his caring human.

First thing in the morning, I’ll be taking Juice to Doc to get an exam, bloodwork and a treatment plan for his paw and any other issues.

For that, friends, we need you. So far, our Juice fund has nearly $300, but that won’t even cover the above basics. So please share this post — and join the Ginger Juice Gang to help our boy get the care he needs.

Donate here: https://linktr.ee/northstatecatcoalition

Thanks so much! With your help, Juice will become the strong, healthy ginger boy he was meant to be.

01/25/2025

More Juice!

01/25/2025

Juice update, Saturday 1/25, 2:10 a.m.

Friends, apologies for the absence of Juice updates: He’s been doing well, but two of our elder companion animals went to the Bridge, so it’s been a tough week.

On Thursday, I spotted Juice sunning himself in the parking lot where he hangs out, & soon after his calico companion hopped down into the nearby storm drain, he followed her. (It’s a 3x3-ft. & 3-ft. deep space with an opening that’s too narrow for a human to enter.)

After awhile, Calico hopped out, but Juice didn’t. I dropped some wet food, he ate it & then disappeared into the tunnel inside. We waited & called him for more than an hour, but he didn’t return, though Calico hopped back in & out again.

Yesterday (Friday morning), I came back to check on him. Though Calico was in the parking lot, there was no sign of Juice there or in the storm drain — but he could be in the locked dumpster enclosure, where he often hangs out — he slips through the gate, but we humans need to unlock it to look inside. I’ll look there tomorrow morning (the store employees are all on board to help/rescue Juice & will open it for me).

Though this is his home turf and he could be anywhere in the vicinity, he might still be in the storm drain — & if so, with his injured paw, we’re concerned that he might not be strong enough to jump out. So we decided that the best way to get him out would be to make a ramp he can walk up & out on for the time being.

So yesterday (Friday) afternoon, Sarah brought us a 6-ft. wooden plank, & I bought a carpeted mat that my daughter stapled onto it to make a textured ramp Juice can grab easily. Then I went back onsite & called for him, but didn’t see him, though Calico jumped in & out of the storm drain.

I put the ramp into the storm drain & kept watch past dark. No results, so I left after putting a big helping of tuna in the bowl at the drain outlet/entrance, figuring the scent might lure him up & out on the ramp.

I also talked with the store employees & manager — all are cat lovers & on board with us rescuing Juice, have my phone number, & will keep me posted on any sightings.

Later this morning I’ll go back and check the storm drain again & ask them if there’s any footage of Juice on their security cam.

We’re not too worried: he’s on familiar turf, & if he is in the storm drain, now that the plank is in place he should be able to walk up & out whenever he wants to. We just want to see him — & hope to trap him & Calico soon to get them to Doc’s for a general checkup — & a diagnosis of that paw.

We’ll keep you posted… & we’re so gratified that Juice’s story has resonated with you all. He’s such a trouper — &, we suspect, a sweet soul.

Thanks so much for caring, all of you!❤️

01/20/2025

Friends, This poor cat needs your help desperately.

For a long time, Juice has made intermittent appearances at an inhospitable location with no shelter… and we spotted him only occasionally.

Today, after a long absence, he reappeared, in terrible shape: now bony, ragged and limping on what looks to be a badly broken and painful front leg.

He’s out in the cold, scrounging for garbage and hiding behind a dumpster.

We need to trap and get Juice immediately for the emergency care and bloodwork he needs for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Please share this post and donate what you can to get this poor kitty off the street and into lifesaving care ASAP.

Thanks so much, friends!

01/18/2025

Happy Adoption Day to our sweet Willow!

Nine months ago, we received a call from a landlord who discovered Willow trapped in an abandoned house after her owners moved out. Though they had left food and water behind, Willow’s bowls were empty after three days, and we shudder to think what might have happened if she had checked on the house later. Laura, one of our volunteers and board members, immediately took her in, giving her lots of love, as she was traumatized by being abandoned by her family and left on her own for days.

Willow’s new family was searching for a calm, dog-friendly cat who could be a companion for their son. From the moment they met, shy Willow blossomed, and she immediately warmed up to him with affection. We knew right away it was meant to be! Now, Willow spends her days curled up on his lap while he plays video games, and they’ve become the best of friends. We couldn’t be more thrilled for this sweet girl’s new chapter.

01/13/2025

We have kittens! 🐾
Introducing Hazel, Willow and Jasper.

It all began with a trip to pick up groceries in town back in August, a seemingly ordinary errand that led to an unexpected rescue. These kittens, now known as the “snake food babies,” were saved just in time from a person who had been muttering about feeding them to a large snake. 🐍 During a conversation with the caretaker, who was actively seeking good homes for the kittens, we learned that he also spays and neuters cats in his area. In fact, he had a pregnant cat back home, nearly ready to give birth. With no options for the expectant cat in Round Mountain over the weekend, we agreed to take in the three kittens he had with him. Off they went to foster care.

A few weeks later, the kittens were transferred to a no-kill shelter in a neighboring community, where they continued to thrive.

👉 Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when we were contacted about another person standing outside a market in Redding, looking to rehome kittens. As it turned out, he was the same individual from Round Mountain—the one who had been caring for the original “snake food babies.” This time, three more kittens were in need of help.

We learned that these new kittens were born to the same mom cat we had heard about before, and the caretaker was continuing his efforts to spay and neuter the local cat population. But with foster homes and rescues at full capacity, including us, he had reached out to everyone for help.

Though financially stretched and with no space available, something about this situation just tugged at us—sometimes a cause resonates so deeply that you can’t turn away. 🙏 Fortunately, our volunteer Sharon had just enough time and room to take in these three little kittens to help them get healthy and ready for their next chapter.

Once they are ready, we will transfer them to the wonderful no-kill shelter, in a neighboring community, that we partner with.
They are doing wonderfully, growing stronger and healthier every day.

Thank you for being part of our “rescue village” and joining us on every step of our journey. Your support makes all the difference!

***************
P.S. Our sweet trio of kittens have healthy appetites (which we absolutely love to see!), and they’re growing strong every day. If you’d like to help keep them well-fed and thriving, we’ve created an Amazon wish list with their favorite foods: Fancy Feast Wet Kitten Food and Purina Cat Chow Dry Food.

➡️ https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/11I1WQZOS3SY7?ref_=wl_share

01/10/2025

Exciting Update on Lulu’s Surgery!

We have wonderful news to share—Lulu’s surgery went incredibly well! The ear polyps were successfully removed, and she was also spayed. She’s now recovering in her foster mom’s care, enjoying cuddles with her furry friends and eating well.

Even better, the soft palate polyps we were concerned about turned out to be blisters, not polyps! While that’s a relief, it also leaves us with some uncertainty. Given Lulu’s history of multiple viral infections at rescue, we’re unsure what these blisters might mean for her long-term health. They were biopsied and we’re awaiting the results.

On a brighter note, the surgery ended up costing $1,000 less than expected, since we didn’t need to remove the soft palate polyps (phew!). Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $200 through our Facebook/Instagram fundraiser and received a $100 donation from one of our volunteers. We also had $400 set aside in our budget, so we’re just $300 short of covering the total surgery costs.

If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount, it would go a long way in helping us cover Lulu’s medical expenses.

You can donate here: https://linktr.ee/northstatecatcoalition

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing donors from Monday: Valerie, Christy, Dave, 6packofpaws, Alyssa, and Patti. Your support means the world to us and to Lulu!

01/06/2025

🐾 Urgent Help Needed for Lulu's Surgery Today 🐾

Our sweet Lulu is finally ready for surgery, but she needs your support!

Lulu was one of the four kittens we rescued in August of 2023 from the forest, where they were abandoned and left to die. Since then, her journey to recovery has been anything but easy. She’s faced serious health struggles, and it wasn’t until recently, after much care from her dedicated foster mom, Sarah, that she was strong enough for today’s crucial surgeries.

Today, Lulu will undergo surgery to remove polyps from her ear and soft palate, be spayed, and receive dental care. These procedures are vital for her health and well-being, and we could really use your help to cover the costs, estimated to be almost $2,000.

💖 How You Can Help 💖

Please consider a donation to help give Lulu the care she needs. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward her surgery and recovery.

You can donate through the Facebook donate button on this post, or at the link below for Credit Card, PayPal, Venmo and Apple Pay. You can also donate directly to her care at Millville Vet, under "Lulu the cat," account 15067 at (530) 547-4457.

👉 https://linktr.ee/northstatecatcoalition

Lulu’s journey has been tough, but with your support, we can help her take the next step toward a happy, healthy life. Thank you for your generosity and continued support – we couldn’t do this life-saving work without you! 🙏

12/27/2024

Haven is one of only two local places that offers low-cost spay and neuter (the second being SNAP Spay, Neuter, and Protect vouchers to Shingletown Vet).

In the past you had to call on Mondays only, and often call many times to get through, to make an appointment. This new program is going to make spay/neuter appointments so much easier!

***Please note this is not for Feral Fiesta, Princess Memorial Spay and Neuter Day, or the M-Th 7 cats a day feral program. Those are still first come, first served.

🚨 Big scheduling news from Haven Humane Society’s Public Spay & Neuter Clinic! 🚨

Beginning Monday, December 30th, we’re launching an online waitlist to help you schedule a spay or neuter appointment for your furry friend more efficiently. 🐾

We’re switching to an online waitlist form! Here’s how it works:
1. Visit our website to sign up on the waitlist.
2. Once an appointment becomes available, we’ll contact you directly.

All appointments will now be scheduled through the online waitlist.

Sign up starting December 30th at https://www.havenhumane.org/spay-neuter-clinic-1

Thank you for helping us streamline the process so we can better serve you and your pets! ❤️ 🐕 🐈

*Please note that the daily feral cat program, Feral Fiesta days, and Princess Memorial days will still be operated on a first-come, first-served basis.*

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays from the kitties of NCC! We hope your Holidays are full of joy and kitty cuddles.

12/24/2024

Feral Fiesta is the day after Christmas this month. Go early to get a spot!

🐱🎉 Join us for Feral Fiesta Day this Thursday! 🐱🎉

Bring your neighborhood feral cat to our Veterinary Hospital Thursday morning for Feral Fiesta Day! We will spay or neuter up to 50 cats on Thursday.

Please remember this is for stray, non-pets ONLY. All cats receive an ear tip. Cats MUST be in a wire cat trap, —the minimum size is 12 " x 12 " x 32".

More information here: https://www.havenhumane.org/trap-neuter-release-program

12/21/2024

Heartrending… and then heartwarming — a ginger boy’s story.

For 12 years, I was passed to 3 different parents on a small island in the Bahamas. When the last “Mom” moved in with her boyfriend and a d-o-g, I’d had enough. I decided I’d rather live under the old house and take my chances. I did this for 3 long years. I survived the heat, cold, torrential rain–even hurricanes. And I’d get lonely and go out to the street looking for attention.

Everyone on the island knew who I was. Many would pass by. Some would even pet me, and I relied on the local “cat ladies” to feed me. But I got bored living under that house. So, I became the island cat from hell, or “devil cat” as some of the locals called me!

Dogs provided a distraction. I could chase the big ones and bite them in the butt, or I could ride the smaller ones home. One day I decided to pick a fight with two Jack Russell’s and a Golden Retriever. Silly dogs. I won. When I stopped at the church, covered in blood, that’s when my life changed. I was taken to the vet. I only had a small bite on one leg–the blood was not mine!

You both did not want an ORANGE cat, and--after the two mini rescued tortoiseshell girl cats you'd had--probably didn't want a 25-pound giant male cat, either. But yet you agreed to take me, at least until the stitches healed. I think at first you were a bit intimidated by me, and I don't blame you. After all, I was a big cat with a bad reputation and attitude!

I pulled the screen door to your apartment open, flopped on the floor, and soon worked my way into your hearts. And the best part of MY life began. You and “Dad” showed me love and spoiled me rotten. I got brushed every day. I got fresh fish treats in the afternoon, and I found a warm, safe place to sleep at night--next to you, under your arms.

When you moved away from the Bahamas, you brought me with you. My first boat ride, airplane ride, and then the beginning of car rides across the USA! How many of my Bahamian kitty buddies can say they've been thru 22 states? I loved the car rides!

Wasn't I the best behaved? I knew to use the litter box before we started driving, I knew to eat and drink at rest stops, and I knew when to jump into my carry bag to go into the hotels. During the drives, I loved sitting on your lap the entire time. And I got to come back to the island twice more as a tourist!! How cool was that?

The condo in Washington state was nice. I loved the rare sunny days on the back balcony, but the cool, rainy weather fired up my arthritis and hip dysplasia. You had accepted me even though I was old, but then you discovered I had diabetes and had to give me expensive shots twice a day. Still, you were willing to do anything to try to make me well. You even slimmed me down to 17 pounds. If I was still a Bahamian cat, I know I probably wouldn't have survived very long.

When you took me to the desert (Palm Springs), I felt at home. Warm sunny days, dry air, I seemed almost healed. My favorite memories will always be sleeping on the sun lounge on the back deck, watching birds and lizards.

You understood when I howled to be lifted up because I could no longer jump. You bought me a ramp to get up to the bed. You gave me medicines and kept trying to find a cure for me. And kept giving me fresh fish and treats and love. And knowing how my life was made so much better because of the two of you, I became the most loving, sweetest, and the smartest cat you'd ever meet.

I would greet you at the door when you'd been away. I'd come out and meet your friends. I would follow you around to be next to you, touching you, and sleeping between you guys at night, as close to you both as I could get. I couldn't have been happier. You knew that, though. My purrs were so loud I'd wake you sometimes.

And when things got harder for me, you still loved me through my pain and accidents. But finally, you knew it was time. You had both done everything you could, and you cried a lot making the decision, but we all knew it was for the best. I went in peace, surrounded by love. I know I will always be in your hearts, and you will stay forever in mine.

Thank you for taking in an older stray. You made the last 6 years of my life the best ever, and I love you for it.

Love, Tommy (from Hope Town, Abaco; Vancouver, WA; and Rancho Mirage, CA.)

12/18/2024

At the ophthalmologist’s office…