March 10, 2011

PITTER PATTER
Animal Talk Rescue email newsletter

Feature feline: Bug

Bug came to us with his bug

feral mom when he was just a kitten. He is doing well with socialization, but he needs to find an adult home with someone willing to continue socializing him. If you are willing to handle an opinionated cat, Bug will reward you with lots of love! (DOB: approximately 7-1-07)

Upcoming Events

Adoption Events

March 11, 6 - 9 PM
April 22, 6 - 9 PM

Car Washes
held at
Roosevelt Whole Foods
1026 NE 64th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
(Volunteers needed! Call 206-526-1558)

April 19
May 15
June 12
July 17
Aug. 21
Sept. 18

Wanted: A Few Good Stories!

Want to share your kitty success story? Have an idea for a newsletter article? We’d love to hear from you! Email us: animal-talk-rescue@googlegroups.com

We love to hear your experiences and how our rescue kitties are doing in their new homes! Your recommendation is our greatest compliment and very helpful for other pet searchers. Please post your rescue animal's story on Yelp or on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/animaltalkrescue

THANKS!

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, foster families, adopters, donors and friends!
You are so important to the success of our mission. We couldn't do it without you.

The Clover Fund for Special Medical Needs

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the "Clover Fund" so far! The Clover Fund helps pay for special medical procedures that any of our cats and kittens may require.

dallas A current urgent need is for Dallas's ultrasound. Dallas was diagnosed with a stage IV heart murmur, which if left untreated, can be fatal. Animal Talk’s goal is to raise money for an ultrasound to diagnose the cause of the heart condition which will dictate treatment. Dallas is a loving and outgoing long haired blue kitty of 7 months. So far he has not suffered and is awaiting care in a foster home.

Ongoing medical needs include the dental treatment of rescue kitties, so they can have have their painful teeth treated, become healthy, and get adopted. In January, we provided dental treatment for nine cats. We still have a long way to reach our goal of raising $1,500 for the fund by March 31. Can you help? Every little bit counts, and donations can be made in person at the rescue or online.

Warm Fuzzy Tales

Little Kozi came in to the rescue with his mom and two brothers, and the feline family became very sick with the dreaded Calci virus. Kozi was half the size of his brothers and refused to eat. The tiny kitty was dehydrated, limp, and cold. He was such a sad sight that rescue volunteer Rebecca decided he needed a warm, safe environment with someone to watch over him so she took him home to foster. Although she prepared herself each morning to find that Kozi had passed on, she managed to keep him alive with fluids and force feeding. Kozi was a super cute little fighter! He loved the attention and started eating on his own after several weeks. He slowly grew and transformed into a very enthusiastic, loving kitty.

Eventually, Rebecca also fostered Kozi’s family members and nursed them back to kozi family

health as well. Kozi began to flourish when he was reunited with them! His brother and best friend Keebo lost the sight in one eye due to the nasty virus, but the whole family ultimately pulled through. Kozi was adopted by a loving couple who also adopted his mom, Kasey, and Keebo! Now, they are one big happy, healthy family. (see photo.)

Our wonderful foster families save the lives of many kitties like Kozi who wouldn’t otherwise have a chance. If you are interested in fostering, please visit our website and read our foster handbook!

It''s Hairball Season

As spring approaches, days get longer and cats begin shedding their winter coats. As they groom themselves, this extra fur accumulates into a sticky mess that’s no fun for anyone.

Hairballs can also be lethal, and now is the time for Kitty’s pets (i.e. humans) to step in and help with prevention, identification, and treatment.

Prevention: Break out the Brush
During hairball season, kitties needs their resident humans to groom them a little more than usual. Set aside at least fifteen minutes every couple of days to brush out excess fur.

Warm bathing can encourage shedding and is a good idea when paired with brushing. Also, check with your vet or local pet shop about special diets that can be effective in preventing hairballs.

Identification: Spotting the Signs
A tell-tale sign of hairball issues is vomiting of intact food. Due to hairball blockage, food can’t get into Kitty’s stomach, so it comes right back up. These blockages don’t show up on x-rays, so you need to be vigilant.

The older the cat, the more likely hairballs will become a problem. Also, cats with mouth problems don’t groom themselves properly—if Kitty is not grooming this time of year, check for dental issues!

Treatment: Cough It Up, Kitty
If Kitty is already suffering from hairballs, check with your vet or local pet shop for hairball remedies. Making kitty eat a little of these products once a day won’t make you popular with your pet, but it should help clear up the problem.

Tel: (206) 526-1558
6514 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
www.animaltalkrescue.org
Email: atrescue@aol.com