Kitten Season & Black Cats

It's kitten season, folks, and the shelters are full. Remember that black cats still face prejudice due to superstition. They get adopted last and in many shelters they tend to be euthanized first. If you are looking for a new friend, consider an older cat or a black cat.

Your local shelter could use donations (no matter how small), supplies (like pet food or paper towels) and foster parents. See what you can do to help cats and dogs today.

Cats are tribal

If you do get a kitten, remember that cats are tribal animals and they get lonely and bored when you are away from home. It's always better with a buddy; why not get two? (1)

Petfinder

Enter your zip code in Petfinder.com to find photos and bios on on available pets near you. Animals are listed by animal, breed, age, color, location, etc. The shelters and rescue groups will be glad to give you advice and information on how to care for your new friend. Petfinder lists all local shelters and many rescue groups and some of these offer discounts on adoption fees this time of year.

Meanwhile, enjoy this cute video made by a shelter volunteer
using her own black cats and her dog as the stars

Black Cats Are Unjustly Discriminated Against

Saying Goodbye To Our Boy

Posted in honor of Bjorn, our 16 year old black cat who passed away in our arms last weekend. With the help of our wonderful vet and her compassionate staff, he moved on without fear or pain, resting on his favorite blanket, knowing he was loved.

He was a brave, big hearted little guy; a great talker with a powerful spirit.

Goodbye, sweet boy, you'll be missed. May your little black cat sister and our friend who rescued you all those years ago be there to greet you on the other side. Go play.

Sia

Related articles:

Those lucky black cats

Endnotes:

(1) That said, some cats aren't well socialized when young and don't like other cats or they really want to be your one and only. They have preferences just like we do and these need to be considered.

Kitten Season is Upon Us

Sometimes we need to see happy kittens.

This little Celtic charmer is a Scottish Fold. That's why his ears look so flat. Just listen to that purrrrrrr.

One of my very favorite cat books is about a Scottish Fold named Norton. It is called The Cat Who Went To Paris.

Kitten Season Is Upon Us.

The feline reproductive season runs from Dec. 21 (winter solstice) to Sept. 21 (vernal equinox). The amount of daylight effects their cycles.

That means in December, intact females are stimulated to come into heat and usually they will come in heat by Jan. 15 or so. A 60-day pregnancy means that the queens (an unsprayed female cat) will give birth around March 15 or so. Hence the first litters of kittens will come into the shelters shortly thereafter. Because all of the intact females have had some time off over the winter, they will all begin to cycle and give birth around the same time. Hence the term "kitten season." (1)

--- Dr. Kim Hayes, Bay Area Veterinary Specialists

This means that kitten season is upon us. Shelters and rescue groups will soon be flooded with kittens and Queens who need help.

Your local animal shelter could use some kitten food and supplies just now. They can also use some caring folks to act as foster parents. Why not take a few cans or some dry kitten food over there or call them and see what they need. You'll be glad you did.

Enjoy the video,

Sia

Endnotes:

(1) This link to the seasons and fertility is yet another reason why cats were worshiped in ancient cultures.

Related Articles:

Troubled Economy Effects Pets
Excerpt:

According to the Humane Society, between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters every year, and as many as 4 million of them are euthanized due to lack of homes.

Here are five reasons why you should become one of these volunteers at an animal shelter:

1. Get fit: For those of you who want to get fit and don't enjoy working out at the gym, volunteer as a dog walker. You'll be doing something for the community while getting some exercise.

2. Positive procrastination: Rather than Facebook stalking and YouTube surfing in your room, you could dedicate some of that time to playing with animals, while also enjoying the spring weather.

3. Stress release: Spending a few hours a week at a shelter will remove you from the demanding world around you and give you something to look forward to.

4. Fido would want you to: Do you miss your pet at home? Temporarily fill the void by hanging out at an animal shelter.

5. Beat the blues: The dogs and cats will eagerly greet you and offer you their unconditional love. They are good listeners and they don't discriminate or judge.

Can't volunteer but still want to help? You can donate blankets, food, treats, toys or money.

Additionally, you can encourage anyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt rather than going to a breeder and promote the importance of spaying and neutering pets in order to help slow the overpopulation of animals.

Leo and the Kittens

Some days you need stories like these: Bravo, little lion heart.

and well done brave fire fighters.

The "gutsy bitzer" will be nominated for an RSPCA bravery medal

Sia

Photo: Leo with Firefighter

The 59th Street Bridge Kitten Rescue

Never, ever make me Queen of Heaven. If I am in charge, there will be far fewer people in the world, and a lot more tigers and polar bears. But this lady, she can stay.