Clarksville Cats Across the River - June 2018 by Ken Bradford

clarksvillecatsacrosstheriver.wordpress.com

June 2018

A Cat Named

Lefty

Simple flea remedies

Do Cats Grieve? Things to consider before adopting a kitten

Support Clarksville Cats Across the River in its efforts to save more cats!

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Special Project …....................................................................... 1 We are in the process of preparing ourselves to write grant proposals which will allow us to apply for grants from large corporations like Purina, Blue Buffalo, Pet Smart, Petco and others.

A Cat Named Lefty .................................................................... 2 Some eight weeks ago, I went downstairs to feed our colony of community cats and was surprised to see a newborn gray tabby lying in the straw.

Simple flea remedies to help your cats.................................... 10 Fleas can be really tough on adult cats and kittens. They are especially dangerous to feral kittens born outdoors.

Things to consider before adopting a kitten ........................... 13 Do you have a plan for your new cat during vacations and/or work travel Sometimes it is better to adopt kittens in pairs.

Do kittens grieve? …..................................... ........................... 14 Yes, cats do grieve and it is very sad to see the surviving cat cry and look everywhere for the missing loved one.

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Our Mission Clarksville Cats Across the River has a primary goal of humanely addressing the stray and feral cat overpopulation and helping to end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities. Through sterilization of stray and feral cats and by educating caretakers of cats to do the responsible thing by spaying or neutering domesticated cats we can make our neighborhoods better. We feel that each one of us in every neighborhood and community should share the responsibility for rescuing stray and feral cats that have been forced, through human abandonment or failure to spay and neuter, to live outdoors. IMPORTANT:

We are a volunteer family organization and since we do NOT have a shelter, we cannot actually come and pick up animals.

“The more we understand outdoor cats and the complicated issues related to them, the more effectively we can help them, reduce cat overpopulation and protect wildlife.” The Humane Society of the United States

Ken & Maggie Bradford We help people trap, neuter and return (TNR) feral cats and assist in rescue by educating people on what their options are. We are a Clarksville TN feral cat care and education service. We are a volunteer family organization and since we do NOT have a shelter, we cannot actually come and pick up animals. We are currently caregivers for some 22 feral cats and kittens and have so far managed to sterilize 21 of these feral cats. We have been fortunate enough to find forever homes for 22 feral kittens. We bathe their eyes when they are infected, give them medicine when they are sick, and have even taught a physically challenged kitten to take his first step. We want to do so much more!

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

We are in the process of preparing ourselves to write grant proposals which will allow us to apply for grants from large corporations like Purina, Blue Buffalo, Pet Smart, Petco and others. We want to expand our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs and obtain a suitable building to house and adopt out the now unwanted kittens of stray and feral cats. We can only make a significant impact on the community cat population in Montgomery County and surrounding counties by getting help from others who care about this problem. Please give what you can. If you cannot donate, there are many ways you can help support our mission!

Support Clarksville Cats Across the River in its efforts to save more cats!

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

A Cat Named Lefty

by Ken Bradford Some eight weeks ago, I went downstairs to feed our colony of community cats and was surprised to see a newborn gray tabby lying in the straw. I didn’t touch it because, over the past two years, I have learned that momma feral cats don’t like the scent of humans on their babies. They will most often move their kittens if they smell a human scent on them.

to feed the cats, I saw this tiny little creature lying at the edge of my patio.

The momma cat is a very young solid black cat that I have cared for since she was born. I was really shocked to learn that she had delivered a kitten, but there was only one. I knew that a cat could get pregnant as young as four months old, but still, I was surprised.

I immediately began calling this little fella’ “Lefty”. His two front legs didn’t fully develop before birth. His right leg looked like a flipper and just stretched out by his side. His left leg was complete but the paw was turned up like a club foot. I think that’s what caught my eye first – hence “Lefty”.

I didn’t see the new gray kitten for several days and I was actually worried about what had happened to it. One morning when I went down

From that moment on, Lefty and I developed a close bond of friendship. (Cont'd)

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

A Cat Named Lefty by Ken Bradford In just a couple of days he even recognized my voice. When I would go outside and say something like – How you doing Lefty, he would raise his head and look straight at me. He seemed excited just because I was there. I would lay him on a towel and pet him a little. I improvised a sling that would fit underneath his body and we began doing some physical therapy every day. I just knew that if I could help him strengthen his back muscles and back legs, he would be able to find a way to be mobile.

Oftentimes, when working with animals, tough decisions must be made. I have learned over the years that the human must put personal feelings aside and always make decisions in the best interests of the particular animal.

After several days of productive therapy sessions, Lefty acted like he just wanted to take off. He started placing his back legs underneath him and seemed determined to get around somehow. Like most feral cats, Lefty had irritated eyes. I bathed his eyes every day with warm water and used Erythromycin ointment. It didn’t take long for his eyes to clear up.

Feral cats must always try to find a safe sheltered area to give birth to their young. Even with the best of plans, the young kittens are often left in places easily accessible to male cats, raccoons and other predators. I knew Lefty faced danger if I left him outside, but bringing him inside might subject him to even greater danger. Trying to force feed a week old kitten with a syringe, bottle or medicine dropper is difficult and dangerous. (Cont'd)

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

A Cat Named Lefty by Ken Bradford

Lefty wasn’t able to raise his front end, which made it impossible for him to get his neck and head over the rim of a feeding dish. I solved that problem by feeding him with a plastic baby spoon. He immediately developed an appetite for “Fancy Feast” canned kitten food. To make sure Lefty stayed properly hydrated, I added fresh water to his food. I soon found out that his kidneys and intestines worked just fine. At night I moved Lefty’s basket beside my bed and began feeding him every 4-5 hours around the clock.

The kitten can aspirate the formula into its lungs and develop respiratory problems or actually drown. I felt the best thing for Lefty was to leave him outside with his momma, so he could get all the nourishment and love possible. Also, the antibodies in the momma cat’s milk build the kitten’s immune system and help prevent disease.

I created a “Lefty” Facebook page so everyone could keep track of Lefty’s progress with our daily physical therapy sessions and enjoy the photos I took every single day. Unfortunately, the internet trolls attacked the page. Some bashed me for leaving Lefty outside. Some told me that I didn’t know what I was doing, while others wondered why I didn’t have him euthanized. It became such a hassle trying to block the trolls that the page was deleted. The trolls didn’t win, I just knew that I had to focus positive energy in helping Lefty get stronger and I grew tired to dealing with stupidity.

I wanted to be sure that physical deformity was the only problem Lefty had, so we took him for his very fist vet visit. It seems that everything, other than his front legs, eye and tail were fine. (Cont'd)

On Lefty’s 6th week birthday, my wife and I decided to bring him inside. I made him a comfortable bed inside a clothes basket. The basket allowed me to carry Lefty from room to room in the house.

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

A Cat Named Lefty by Ken Bradford Lefty and I continued the aroundthe-clock feedings and the daily physical therapy sessions, but I knew that Lefty needed to be with other cats like him, so that he wouldn’t even know that he is a little different. I began searching for a responsible person to adopt Lefty. In about a week, after looking through several requests to adopt him, we chose the one we thought would be right for Lefty.

I knew this was the best thing for Lefty and he would have the chance to live a normal cat life with friends just like him. So, I said goodbye and came back home. I’m certainly glad I chose to save Lefty’s life when many people would have said that the best thing was to just “put him down”. I have been asked – “How in the world can a grown man get so attached to a little kitten?”. It’s simple really. Lefty and I were together from the day he was born. He knew my voice and was always excited to see me. I worked with him to strengthen his legs and fed him around-the-clock with a spoon. Lefty is my friend. I know in time he will forget, but I never will.

The person we chose to adopt Lefty lives far away and I realized there would be no visitation and this choice would be final. It was a very long drive to the airport that morning and I second guessed myself all the way there.

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Simple flea remedies to help your cats Don't forget the cat's bedding

Fleas can be really tough on adult cats and kittens. They are especially dangerous to feral kittens born outdoors. Let untreated feral kittens can die from anemia. Here are a few simple flea treatments to help get rid of these blood suckers.

You will not be able to get rid of the entire flea population by just treating your cat. Adult fleas will lay their eggs in your cat's bedding, deep in the carpet in your home, and almost everyplace your cat frequents. You must pay close attention to cleaning and treating your house and yard when fighting fleas. Try to use natural products when you can to prevent exposing your cat to highly toxic materials. For example, cedar and diatomaceous earth can be used to repel fleas from areas where your cat sleeps.

Flea bath A simple cool water rinse can expel adult fleas for the cats hair and body. There are also many natural flea repellents like eucalyptus, lavender, or citrus-infused products that can be used in a complete flea elimination bath.

Using a flea comb Some cats just hate water, so you may try using a flea comb. To keep from pulling the cat's hair, work the comb slowly and make sure you get down close to the skin. Start combing at the cat's ears and head and move towards their tail. Pay close attention to both the underside and the top of your cat's neck and the area around the rump. These are all areas where fleas like to hide out. Have a bowl of soapy water handy when you use the comb so you can drown the fleas as you remove them.

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Many cat owners who no longer want to keep their cat or have a litter of unwanted kittens simply take them to the local county shelter. Thousands of cats and kittens are euthanized because of space limitations. We hope, that through education and collaboration with cat rescue groups, we will be able to affect a change for both cats and humans. Making people aware of the desperate need to get cats spayed or neutered is the answer at this time.

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

This is the matriarch that started the whole thing. About two years ago she showed up at our back door with two tiny kittens. The rest – as they say – is history! We just affectionately call her “Mama Cat”. About a month ago Mama Cat left and she has never returned.

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Things to consider before adopting a kitten ●

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Do you have other pets and how will they react to a new kitten? Is there an adult in the family who has agreed to be responsible for the kitten’s care? ●

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Kittens don’t always mix with children or seniors. During their first six months of life, kittens require multiple vet visits for vaccinations as well as spaying or neutering.

Do you have a plan for your new cat during vacations and/or work travel? Sometimes it is better to adopt kittens in pairs. A playmate with similar energy will keep the kitten entertained and help with the boredom that leads kittens into trouble. Most kitten adopting agencies will charge a fee to help defray the cost of taking care of feral cat colonies. The adoption fee you pay will be a tiny fraction of the money you will spend over the life of your cat.

Is your current residence suited to the cat you’re considering?

Clarksville Cats Across the River

June 2018

Do cats grieve?

Helping a grieving cat

In 1996, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) conducted a study known as the Companion Animal Mourning Project to determine whether pets showed signs of grief. Here's what they found out: ●

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Just as humans go through many stages of grief, cats just might feel anger or depression over the loss of a family member or friend. Just like people, it takes some cats longer than others to get over the loss.

Extra one-on-one time

46 percent of cats ate less after the death of a feline companion. 70 percent meowed a lot more or a lot less than normal. More than half became more affectionate and “clingy” with their people. Many slept more or slept in different places that they previously had. 65 percent of the cats in the study showed four or more behavior changes after the death of a fellow pet.

Pay a little more attention to your cat and always stay positive. Your cat may not understand the words but will certainly pick up on your emotions. Do not baby your cat too much because that can be taken as a reward for acting depressed.

Source: Do Cats Grieve? 5 Ways to Help a Sad Cat Mourn a Feline Friend, Belvor Media Group, Aug. 18, 2017 Yes, cats do grieve and it is very sad to see the surviving cat cry and look everywhere for the missing loved one. Often this futile, heartbreaking search goes on for days and sometimes even weeks.

Give your cat time to grieve Just like people, your cat will need time. If the depression doesn't lift and lasts too long, you may want to contact your veterinarian for advice.

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