Canuck PetAll about Canadian Pets

It takes a lot to be a feral caretaker, to find home for strays or work in any kind of rescue.  It really is not for those who get very emotional, but unless you have that emotion there – you would never get into rescue/caretaking.  It really is a fine line you have to balance.

I have met some great caretakers over the years, some a little kooky but their hearts and heads are in the right place.  Having found and shared resources with these caretakers, maybe I am lucky in my experiences.  I have seen bad rescues but never a bad caretaker – all of the ones I know practise TNR along with feeding.

However, a recent posting I read (and banged my head against a wall replying to several times and trying to help the person find a rescue to help her) just made my blood boil.  The kinds of people who half-heartedly rescue/caretake are those who give the rest of us a bad name and cause the disconnect between the different groups.

This person rescued a stray cat and took it to her home, where she has several unneutered toms (she called them feral but said they were completely approachable) and several (if not all) strays and pets are FeLV+.  Said stray went into heat (you know being Spring and surrounded by intact males will do this) and the person was overwhelmed by dealing with it.  She did find a home for the stray but after the stray was exposed to FeLV and stressed her own cats out by doing so and was upset that she didn’t find more support amongst the rescue community online.

I realise that not everyone will ever use the best practises, but there does need to be a level of common sense used as well as knowing what will put you over your emotional and financial limits in order for this disconnect in the rescue world to stop

Laurie’s response to the “One Billion Birds” often touted by anti-TNR people has been featured on a new blog, which is a great read, albeit very new but is going in a great direction, VoxFelina

Peter Wolf of VoxFelina hopes to do mini studies in each of his blog posts:

This blog is intended to be a repository of research notes, news stories, correspondences, and associated commentary focused on a range of issues related to “the plight” of feral cats in general, and trap-neuter-return (TNR) in particular. The blog format offers two significant benefits for this project: (1) by limiting the scope of each post, I’m able to zoom in on the details—critical for understanding deeply the complexities of the topic, and (2) the hypertext and tags permit linking and cross-referencing impossible in the print domain.

As the blog evolves, its focus will likely shift somewhat—or perhaps dramatically, into territory entirely unforeseen at this early date. Surely, such an endeavor would benefit from more extensive planning, yet there’s an urgency behind it that compels me to get started with what I’ve got, and figure out the rest as I go.

The impetus for Vox Felina was a series of events (the details of which will be the subject of numerous posts) that revealed (1) the lack of rigorous research related to the efficacy and impact of TNR, (2) the flawed science promoted by many TNR opponents, (3) the unbalanced—often dishonest—nature of the feral cat/TNR debate, and (4) the disastrous consequences of these circumstances.

There are legitimate issues to be debated regarding the efficacy, environmental impact, and morality of TNR. But attempts at an honest, productive debate are hampered—if not derailed entirely—by the dubious claims so often put forward by TNR opponents. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m very interested in asking better questions—the sort of questions that might stimulate a more conscientious debate of this important issue. And in any event, I feel compelled to speak out on behalf of the cats.

OK he isn’t ugly, but he isn’t outstandingly handsome and he does have a health issue…

Toronto Cat Rescue is taking part in the Petsmart adoptathon this weekend, but as a foster rescue, don’t overlook those other cats on their website who they do not have space for at Petsmart

The Good (OMG if I had the space, these two are cuties)

Forever/Foster Home needed for these feline friends – they are currently being fostered at Cosmopawlitan Pet Boutique & Spa in Toronto.

Mickey: DSH, brown tabby and white, male, neutered, vaccinated, DOB March 1, 2008.
Minnie: DLH, black and white, female, spayed, vaccinated, DOB June 1, 2006.

Minnie and Mickey were rescued from a shelter together as they are best friends and very bonded – they must be adopted into their forever family together. We are not sure how they ended up there, but they were obviously very loved at one point.

Minnie is a very sweet cat with a wonderful temperament. She loves to have her long hair brushed while she sits contentedly in your lap. Mickey is a very sweet and loving big boy. He can get nervous in new situations and will look to Minnie for reassurance. Mickey’s new family must be willing to go slowly with Mickey until he feels secure. He could also lose a few pounds, so lots of interactive play is a must! These two sweethearts cannot wait to be loved – they will give you double the love and bring double the kitty fun to your home!

The Bad (for bad teeth now removed)

Persian, white, male, neutered, vaccinated, DOb April 1, 2001. Mr. Magoo is a sweet little cat with a big personality. His origins are a bit unknown but that hasn’t stopped him from the best cat he can be. He plays all day and snuggles all night under the blankets! When he isn’t snorting or telling you a story, he likes to follow people around because his curiosity knows no bounds. Mr. Magoo did have to have most of his teeth removed, but his appetite is great for wet food and he is known to sneak some kibble every now and then. Mr. Magoo is very people friendly and can tolerate other cats and dogs but would prefer to be the only man in your life. Once you meet him, you will never be able to get him out of your mind – he is that amazing. Please meet him and see for yourself! Mr. Magoo is ready to be your forever friend.

and The Ugly (as I mentioned, OK he isn’t ugly, but he isn’t outstandingly handsome and he does have a health issue…) – I know there are people out there who fall for the cat who needs them most…

DSH, black, male, neutered, vaccinated, FIV+, DOB February 2007. Baby is an all black boy who is placid, quiet, and happy. He is friendly and likes people – he is always at the door to greet his foster family when they arrive home! Until his caring foster family saved him from the very cold, lonely streets, Baby has not had an easy go at life. He has suffered frostbite on the tip of his little ears, but this is just cosmetic. He is currently in good health and is not on any medications, even though his has tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV+) – Baby is expected to live a long and normal life! FIV is not a highly contagious virus and TCR believes these cats deserve a chance at a normal home like any other. If you have laid back cats at home there should be no concerns of adding a cat-friendly FIV cat such as Baby. For more information / get a better understanding of FIV, please click here. Don’t judge him on his rugged appearance or a blood test, he is a beautiful kitty – inside and out! If you are looking for a very lucky, very affectionate, very deserving kitty to be your loyal companion – please adopt him.

DogsInCanada Cat Photo Contest.

I too am a little confused by why DogsInCanada is holding a cat photo contest (its actually for a Cats In Canada calendar), but it has a nice loot bag so I will enter anyway, once I sort through my 1000+ cat pictures and choose one to enter

Taking photos of cats isn’t easy! To get one great shot, you’ll need to take a lot of photos. Practice is the key, so start shooting!

The winner will receive a great big bag of loot for cat lovers, including a scratching pad, grooming tools, food and water dishes, toys, treats, catnip spray and a collar. Value: $150.

The winning photo will be published in the 2011 edition of Cats in Canada – deadline for submissions is June 15, 2010

Laurie of Stray Pet Advocacy has worked very hard on researching the ‘facts’ used in the recommendations for NJ allowing hunting of feral cats.