Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts

For the Birds: Feathers versus Felines

Monday, March 14, 2011

Photo by Christine Southwick
By Christine Southwick

Cats are smart, adaptable, prolific carnivores. Prehistorically, they existed on all continents except Antarctica.

Cats have the most ingrained prey drive of any group of mammals. They will hunt and kill even if they are not hungry.

This has been proven in cat studies repeatedly. Indeed, some studies in the US have shown that well-fed cats become Super-Predators, and proceed to reduce a wide spectrum of wildlife including shrews, voles, amphibians, and of course birds. Birds that feed or nest on or near the ground are the most threatened by pet and feral cats. In this area, that’s Bewick’s Wrens, Juncos, Robins, Varied Thrushes, hummingbirds, Flickers, and Band-Tailed Pigeons.

When I was a teenager, I had a cat that would deposit 3-6 shrews, voles, field mice, and other little furry bundles on the backdoor mat every morning. I would praise her, and then feed her. She never ate what she brought me, but she was a mighty hunter. She probably killed birds. I know she caught moths. Why would she ignore birds?

I protect and feed birds because I think that humans have stacked the odds against their survival by:
  • Cutting down, building on, and paving over their feeding, watering, and resting stops they need every spring and fall migration, and eliminating their nesting sites once they get there;
  • Creating barriers of glass and towers of light that kill hundreds of thousands of flying birds each year;
  • And by poisoning their food, and their water, with pesticides, oils and acid rains.
It is estimated, that in the US, alone, over a million birds are killed annually by cats. Some groups say this number is too low, and others that it is too high; I feel comfortable accepting this number as being a mid-range number.

Best estimates are that outside cats, including pet cats allowed out during part of the day, will kill at least fifteen birds a year. Feral cats will eat their kills; pets usually just leave their kills.


I have cats. I have found that given a window that they can look out, or an indoor–outdoor run, they are happy and contented. I made my own cat runs. Now you can find a number of types and sizes on line.

Help both your cats and the wild birds live long healthy lives. Keep them separate from each other.

Christine Southwick is on the Board of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory and is their Winter Urban Color-banding Project Manager. She is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Steward, having completed their forty hour class. We're happy that she's sharing her expertise with us about the birds in our backyards.

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PAWS sponsors Spay Day - low cost spay and neuter surgeries

Friday, February 18, 2011

Callie says "Real Princesses don't have kittens"

On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 as part of the national Spay Day campaign, PAWS will partner with clinics in King and Snohomish county to offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries.
"This annual effort helps end the suffering of unwanted and homeless animals in our community by preventing unplanned litters. Spaying and neutering is good for the community and a great way to help our animal friend’s live longer, healthier lives."

Spay Day is open to anyone, regardless of income level, who wants to have their dog, cat, puppy or kitten spayed or neutered.

Discounted spay/neuter fees on Spay Day are $40 for male or female cats or kittens and $80 for male or female dogs or puppies, although some clinics seem to offer lower prices.

For a complete list of participating veterinary clinics, go to the PAWS website.
The two closest locations to Shoreline and Lake Forest Park are Edmonds and Kenmore.
  • Edmonds-Westgate Veterinary Hospital - 425-774-8801. Cats and male dogs. No female dogs. Special pricing 2/21-2/25/11.
  • Inglemoor Animal Hospital - 425-488-2000. Cats and dogs.
However, Shoreline has long had an affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic in North City, located across the street from Safeway at 17211 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, 206-362-0505. Dr. Kunnen is not affiliated with PAWS, offers low-cost spay and neuter services and vaccinations only, and is a cash-only clinic for cats and dogs.

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Purrfect Pals looking for volunteers for new Aurora Village center

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Soy and Rock Star
Purrfect Pals, a non-profit, no-kill cat shelter and sanctuary, is opening a new off-site adoption center on January 1 inside the Aurora Village PETCO Store, 1241 N 205th.

The shelter is looking for volunteers who will commit to two hours a week for at least three months to help care for and adopt out kittens and cats from the Aurora PETCO store. For more information or to volunteer, contact Connie at 206-240-9561.

PETCO has a long relationship with Purrfect Pals and has often had one or two cats for adoption at the store, but this is a more permanent and extensive arrangement.

For information about Purrfect Pals, see their website.


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Two large animal shelters waive fees to adopt adult cats

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Photo Seattle Humane Society
The Seattle Humane Society is waiving adoption fees on cats 1 year and older for the month of December.

In the past, many shelters discouraged families from adopting during the holidays to avoid impulse decisions. But shelters are facing the fact that more families adopt pets during the holidays than any other time of year. If shelters turn these families away, they will likely get a pet from a shop or puppy mill.

Pets stores that sell animals want to make a sale. Shelters want to make the right match with the person’s lifestyle, because getting a companion animal is a lifetime commitment.

If you are going to have a quiet holiday at home, consider adding a pet to your life. Visit the Humane Society shelter at 13212 SE Eastgate Way in Bellevue to adopt a pet or purchase an Adoption Gift Certificate. Adoption Gift Certificates can also be purchased by phone at 425-373-5382.

Two are easier than one. Batman and Robin at RASKC
If you are willing to travel to Kent, the Regional Animal Services of King County has waived adoption fees for adult cats and asked residents to consider adopting or fostering a feline. They are concerned about the Green River flooding the shelter. While they have made back-up plans to evacuate the animals, they would rather have them placed in homes.

King County residents can bring home a cat from Kent for just the cost of the license. Every adoptable pet has been spayed or neutered, and vaccinated, at no additional cost.

Closer to home, PAWS in Lynnwood is discounting its adoption fees 20% for both cats and dogs.  Check the main shelter in Lynnwood or Cat City in Greenwood.

Norm #27400 Purrfect Pals
In Arlington, Purrfect Pals has a very large animal shelter.  They will place two to eight adoptable cats with pet stores.  Check their adoption map website.  Right now they have cats at several locations in Lynnwood and two at 130th and Aurora.  

Purrfect Pals has the distinction of being a no-kill shelter long before the rest of the shelters changed their policies. 

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How to raise a cat right

Wednesday, September 1, 2010


Got a new kitten or thinking about adopting one? Or perhaps you could use more information about how to keep your adult cat happy and healthy? Then this FREE class is for you! Hosted Cats Exclusive Veterinary Center in Shoreline.

Join Lora Schuldt, D.V.M. for an informative evening discussion entitled “How to Raise A Cat Right” utilizing a modern approach. During this class she will focus on optimizing your cat's health and well-being with an updated approach to nutrition, medical care, and environmental enrichment - with time devoted for your questions.

Lora Schuldt D.V.M. Photo courtesy Cats Exclusive
For those of you who haven't yet adopted a kitten or adult cat, she will also cover how to go about choosing one. She will draw on her 18 years of medical experience with cats as well as her own personal experiences raising kittens. This past spring she adopted two new kittens, so will be able to relate to your questions and concerns in real time.

The class will be held at the Dale Turner Family YMCA on Thursday, September 14 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Questions about the class? Call Cheryl at 206-546-2287 or email.

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Whisker City at the Farmers' Market on Sunday, August 22

Friday, August 20, 2010



For cat lovers, Whisker City will be on hand (paw?) with their Whiskers on Wheels adoption van at the LFP Farmers' Market this Sunday, August 22, from 11 am to 4 pm. 

They have many wonderful cats who need forever homes, and this is a perfect time to make room for one of them. 

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Iams recalls cat food for vitamin deficiencies

Thursday, June 10, 2010


Procter and Gamble announced a voluntary recall yesterday of Iams Proactive Health Cat and Kitten Canned Food (with date stamp of 9/2011 and 06/2012 on bottom of cans) due to concerns regarding B1/Thiamine deficiencies.

The biggest concern would be cats who have been eating these foods exclusively. Cats who have been eating other foods in combination with the Iams diets would most likely be getting adequate levels of thiamine from other diets. In any case, to be on the safe side we advise that you discontinue feeding your cat(s) any of the Iams non-prescription diets and watch for symptoms like decreased appetite, vomiting, and apparent dizziness. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

You can return any Iams products purchased from Cats Exclusive for a full refund.

Iams/Eukanuba veterinary ( prescription) cat foods are not part of this recall.

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Purrfect Pals wants your vote to help animals

Sunday, May 23, 2010


Purrfect Pals is a no-kill pet shelter and adoption center in Arlington at 230 McRae Road NE. They contract with pet stores and veterinary clinics all over Puget Sound to place animals for adoption in the stores and in mobile vans.

Photo: Bugsy is available for adoption at the Lynnwood PetCo.

They recently sponsored the Average Joe Pet Show in Shoreline (Ed: sorry - missed that story until it was too late).

Purrfect Pals is competing in the Pepsi Refresh Project and wants your votes.
Pepsi decided not to run an ad in the Super Bowl this year and instead put over a million dollars aside for non-profits. Purrfect Pals submitted a grant proposal to Pepsi for $25,000 to help fund their spay/neuter program and re-home 200 cats. Their application was selected by Pepsi to enter the voting contest. Now they need the votes to get the prize. Here's how to help them:

1. Go to the Pepsi Refresh website
2. Click on "Vote for this Idea"
3. Enter your email address and password you select
4. Click on "Vote for this Idea"
5. After vote is complete the response says "Good Job"
6. REMEMBER ONE VOTE PER DAY PER EMAIL for Purrfect Pals

They are currently #148 for the $25,000 idea and need to get to #1. Voting ends May 31.




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Shop the Humane Society for Easter

Friday, April 2, 2010

From the Seattle Humane Society

Every Easter, adorable baby rabbits, chicks and ducklings are given as gifts. Sadly too many are quickly discarded or die. This Easter, you have a chance to make an important contribution to your child's education by teaching your children that owning a pet is a big responsibility.

If your family is ready to add a new family member this Easter, come down to the Seattle Humane Society at 13212 SE Eastgate Way in Bellevue where our experienced adoption counselors will help you find the pet that's just right for you. The Seattle Humane Society has wonderful bunnies, dogs, cats, and other critters who can't wait to be part of your family!

Our trained staff will help you find the right companion for your lifestyle and will give you all the information you need to get off on the right paw.

Visit us online to see our adoptable pets and learn how to be a responsible pet owner.

If you already have a furry family member, make sure to keep yummy Easter baskets out of your best friend's way and have a Happy and Healthy Easter!

About the Seattle Humane Society

Seattle Humane Society has been awarded the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. Founded in 1897 to bring people and pets together, Seattle Humane Society provides incredible companion animals for adoption 7 days a week, pet workshops and training, a pet food bank, a low-fee spay/neuter surgery program, humane teen club, a visiting pets program and more. Seattle Humane Society is located in Bellevue, at 13212 SE Eastgate Way. For directions and more information, visit www.seattlehumane.org or call (425) 641-0080.

Photo by AussieGal

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ACATemy Awards: Adoption fees waived for tuxedo cats March 6 - 7

Sunday, February 28, 2010

From the Seattle Humane Society

It's time for the ACATEMY Awards! The Seattle Humane Society is rolling out the red carpet for its elegant "tuxedo" cats in celebration of the 2010 Academy Awards. As our gift to the community, adoption fees will be waived for all black and black & white tuxedo cats 1 year and older March 6-7.


These elegant felines have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and health-checked. They will go home with a full month of health insurance and a certificate for a free health exam.

"Elegant black cats and sleek tuxedo cats never go out of style," says CEO Brenda Barnette. "Our cats have winning personalities of Oscar-worthy proportions and we want everyone to have a chance to meet these fabulous felines."

Classy cat companions are waiting behind the velvet rope at the Seattle Humane Society today, located in Bellevue at 13212 SE Eastgate Way. The adoption center is open seven days a week from noon until 6 pm.

Photo by andycoan

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Protect pets from winter weather

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Temperatures have dropped to below freezing, and the Seattle Humane Society offers some suggestions to pet lovers to keep their furry friends safe and warm.

"Pets belong inside with the rest of the family," said Brenda Barnette, chief executive officer for the Seattle Humane Society. "Don't be fooled into thinking that their fur coats will prevent them from getting too cold or suffering from frostbite!"

If your pet is outside for a little "winter sport," keep these helpful tips in mind:
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Don't clip your pet's coat too short as it provides a layer of insulation against the cold. If you have a short haired dog, get him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.

INCREASE FOOD SUPPLY
If your dog enjoys a lot of outside time, increase his food supply, particularly protein, to keep him- and his fur- in tip-top shape.

BEWARE OF SEASONAL POISONS
Coolant and antifreeze are lethal poisons for dogs and cats. Wipe your dog's paws after walks outside. Clean up any spills from your vehicle. Similarly, be sure to wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the rain, sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws.

OFFER WARM SLEEPING SPOT
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

SAVE A LIFE BY TAPPING ON YOUR HOOD
Outdoor cats will climb under the hoods of cars for warmth, so be safe and bang loudly on your car's hood before starting the engine to give any sleeping cats a chance to vacate.

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Holiday Hazards for Cats

Monday, November 30, 2009


Reprinted with permission from the Mewsletter of Cats Exclusive

The risk of foreign body ingestion and accidental poisoning for cats increases during the holiday season. Here is a list of potential holiday hazards to help you decide what you need to do to make your home "cat safe" for the holidays.

Poinsettias are considered non-toxic but if chewed can cause significant mouth and throat irritations and gastrointestinal issues, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

Mistletoe can be very toxic and if swallowed could cause problems ranging from gastrointestinal issues to potentially fatal cardiac problems.

Lilies that may be found in holiday arrangements could be deadly to your cat if ingested. Many types of lilies such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats.

Amaryllis Bulbs are toxic to cats and if chewed can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially tremors.

Ribbons and Tinsel are very appealing targets for cats and kittens, but if ingested they can obstruct or perforate the intestines, requiring surgical removal. Ribbons, tinsel, mylar, string, yarn or any other thin, linear object will stick to a cat's barbed tongue during play and then be swallowed unintentionally.

Ornaments can be deadly in the mouths and stomachs of cats, especially glass ones which can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Ornaments with small pieces that could be chewed off are a also a potential danger.

Light Cords should be covered up or hidden, and chewing should never be allowed as they could electrocute your cat. Kittens are especially known for chewing cords.

Christmas Tree Water may contain fertilizers which, if ingested, could cause gastrointestinal upset. Likewise, stagnant tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Holiday Foods, as a rule, should not be shared with your feline friends. This time of year it is tempting, but it is not a good idea to share foods they are not used to eating such as rich, spicy or fatty foods or chocolate - this can trigger a bout of intestinal upset. For some cats, this could even trigger a serious inflammation of the pancreas, which may require hospitalization.

Hazardous Cat Toys abound in retail stores this time of year, which can pose serious health problems for cats. Make sure the toys you purchase do not have dangerous ribbons, yarn, tinsel and small pieces that could be ingested by your cats. If you buy any toy from Cats Exclusive, you can rest assured that it has been approved by our veterinarians for safety.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS TO BE AWARE OF

Antifreeze has a pleasant taste to cats, but very small amounts can be lethal. In fact, less than one teaspoon can be deadly. Be sure to thoroughly clean up all spills, store antifreeze in a tightly closed container, and store it in secured cabinets.

Ice melting products can be irritating to a cat's skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredients of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting.

Rat and mouse poisons are used more commonly during colder weather and can be deadly to pets. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.

For information on other feline health related topics, visit the Cats Exclusive online library.

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