Summer 2010 Mewsletter - Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue

ancouver Orphan Kitten
escue
Association
(VOKRA)
Vancouver Orphan Kitten
d non-profit, no-kill
dicated to rescuing
Rescue Association (VOKRA)
Love. Protect. Respect.
Registered Charity No. 86023 4467 RR0001
nd finding them safe,
homes.
We are a registered non-profit, no-kill
organization dedicated to rescuing kittens
and cats, and finding them safe, loving
homes.
nts
Summer 2010
n Days
ay and
ocations
From Dania
Karen has taken a break from writing in this issue. In her stead, I’d like to give
you an update on VOKRA’s situation as we head (already!) into the second
month of 2010.
Upcoming Events...
From Dania
Zoe
If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know that our public appeal for help
It is already the end of July and VOKRA is in the midst of kitten season.
our straitened
circumstances
1-2with
August
BC Dayfinancial
long weekend.
VOKRAwas met with great generosity. We
We have had pregnant mother cats, mums with kittens, and orphaned
received marvelous
from
the radio,
for
will be atcoverage
Granville
Island,
outsidenewspaper, and television media,
kittens
pouring
in since
late May, and there is no end in sight. August
and hundreds
donors
cameCome
forward
help us pay
off our
vet bills
and keep
porters
theofKids
Market.
andtosee
typically
for us. Consequently, we are in critical need of
our doors open to new cats. The emails, cards, andisletters
thateven
camebusier
in were
ils will
us, bring your friends and family.
money and
foster
homes.us
As fast as the funds come in, they go out again
incredibly heart-warming. Thank you so much to everyone
who
has helped
ted in
Check the blog for details the week
in vet bills, medicine, food, litter, and other essential supplies. During
through this hugely challenging time!
ite.
before.
spring and summer, our average expenses are well over $20,000 a month.
We came into 2010 with a much greater awarenessDonors
of the need
forknow
growth
and their money is going, so I have put together a
should
where
14strengthening
August Homeless
Animals Day.toWe
will
es
of our infrastructure
keep
upbewith simple
the sharp
in ourwhich shows the proportion of our expenditures
pieincrease
chart, below,
too busy
with
work
have
of Cat
rescue numbers.
From
800rescue
kittens
and to
cats
in 2008in
our
intakeareas.
figure jumped to
various
formal event.
But please
the year. And we’re still driven
nnual
over 1400 ina 2009—a
75% increase
in take
just one
Every single contribution helps, so please, if you can, make a donation
day to help
homeless animals in
ut your
entirely by volunteer
power!
by mail or online. So many kittens and cats are in urgent need every day.
some way. Inform others, volunteer
ned for
Please help us to
VOKRA has
established
a new
working body, the “officers of the Board of
lcome.
your
time, make
a donation.
help them.
Directors”. We meet every two to four weeks to consult on all different aspects
of VOKRA’s
operations
andfor
ensure
that asOur
the organization heads into its 10th
11 September
VOKRA’s
Walk
the Kitties.
year of rescue,
can keep
goingwill
andbecome
growing for Thank
another you!
decade and beyond.
firstwe
in what
we hope
an annual event. More information
will be posted online, but email us
Dania
if you want to participate and/or
volunteer! volunteer@vokra.ca.

VOKRA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF RESCUE!
Although granted charity status in 2002, VOKRA was formed in 2001, which
means 2010 marks our 10th year of rescuing homelessKITTENS
and abandoned&
kittens
and NEED YOUR HELP,
CATS
cats. This would have been impossible without the thousands of volunteers and
MORE
THAN EVER
donors who have given their time, money, and hearts to saving distressed
animals.
VOKRA
relies
entirely
on
volunteers and private donations.
Please consider donating, fostering, or volunteering to help carry us into a new
Please
donate
online
at
www.vokra.ca or by mail:
decade of rescue work. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!
Phoenix
PO Box 74571, 2768 West Broadway,
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4P4
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!
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VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
Declawing - It’s Time for Change
By Helen Whitehead
vancouvercatsneedclaws@gmail.com
Some months ago when I was fostering a couple of very scared, semi-feral kittens who
were a little prone to scratching I was chatting to a workmate whose instinctive response
was, ‘Why don’t you just get them declawed?’ This wasn’t said with any sarcasm or indeed
any malicious intent—it was just a matter of fact solution. Turns out she had grown up with
cats, all of whom had been declawed, and she had no idea, as many people don’t, about
what declawing actually entails.
Declawing, or, let’s call it by its proper name, partial digit amputation, is by no means a
solution to anything. Though it may sound like a routine procedure almost akin to nail
trimming, this extreme surgery is far from routine. During the operation, the last bone of
each of the cat’s front ten toes is surgically removed, meaning that muscles, nerves, tendons
and blood vessels are irrevocably severed. In human terms this would equate to having the last
joint of your fingers chopped off. Doesn’t sound so great does it? As you can imagine, this is
extremely painful, so painful in fact that it is sometimes used as a tester for the efficacy of new
pain medications for animals.
Following declawing surgery the cat’s feet are bandaged up to prevent the animal from bleeding to death and this is unfortunately
just the beginning. What follows is a brutal period of ‘healing’ which can involve abscesses, necrosis, lameness, lack of balance,
suppressed immune system and of course extreme pain and distress. The risks of post-operative complications are high, and apart
from the physical symptoms, almost equally as devastating are the psychological symptoms. Some cats simply never regain the trust
they had for their owner (and remember we have a whole network of people to love and support us—for cats, we’re all they have in
the world). It’s a familiar story: a declawed cat who was once trusting, happy and playful then turns into a morose, fearful creature
who often has litterbox problems due to the pain of standing in the litter tray, and biting problems due to an overwhelming fear of
any human contact. Many of these cats then end up in shelters.
There are some vets who refuse to declaw at all but there are many who still do, and of even greater concern is the number of vets
who ignore their responsibility to educate and properly inform people of the risks and the effects of declawing surgery. Vets after
all make a huge amount of money from carrying out this procedure. It is saddening to think that economics may in any way be an
influencing factor in the fight to end this cruel practice.
An embarrassing fact is that Canada and the USA are the only two countries that really stand out as not having banned this
procedure. The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, Germany, France, Belgium, and Italy are just a few of the
countries in which declawing is banned or restricted. The United Kingdom even goes so far as to call declawing an ‘unnecessary
mutilation’. One very positive sign in the USA, thanks to an organization called the Paw Project (www.pawproject.org) in California,
is that municipal bans have been agreed to in various cities, including West Hollywood, San Francisco and Santa Monica.
So what can we do? Well if you have a cat who scratches furniture, or know a friend who does, make sure they research and invest
in a good scratching post. Encourage the cat to use the post by placing it by the furniture the cat normally attacks, and try rubbing
some catnip onto the post for further encouragement. It may take a little time but your cat can easily be trained to use the scratching
post instead of your sofa! Make sure your friends and colleagues who own cats are fully aware of what declawing entails so that if
they or anyone they know were to think about the procedure they would at least know the full facts. Ask your vet where he or she
stands on declawing. Ask them if they recommend it, ask if they explain to people about the level of pain and the high chances of
complications. Join the Facebook group Vancouver Cats Need Claws and post your findings on the wall so we can all be informed
and take the time to choose a vet who does not accept declawing as a justifiable course of action for a cat who may like the side of
your sofa more than a boring scratching post.
Let’s change this right now. Let’s call declawing what it is and make it history.
Summer 2010
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VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
Glue for a Broken Heart
By Lubna Ekramoddoullah
Oreo
Coal
Clea
Two years ago, I went through a devastating loss. Sadness
and loneliness broke me. I still had so much love to offer,
and I ached for the companionship I’d once had. Coming
home to an empty apartment was the hardest part of my
day because that was when I was alone with my thoughts,
alone with my pain.
An
internet search on the
emotional benefits of cats results in 13.6 million hits. Over the
years, research has shown that pets in general have both physical
and psychological benefits for their owners. Having a cat decreases
blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, reduces minor health problems,
improves mood, and reduces stress. Perhaps most importantly,
cats provide unconditional love and emotional support, preventing
you from feeling lonely. Whether you’re elderly, suffering from
depression, or grieving a loss, the companionship that cats give
you might just be the medicine you need. You feel like you’re not
isolated anymore; you feel loved and needed; you gain the strength
to face the day. And, the bonus is that cats are very entertaining,
especially if you have a kitten who chases invisible bugs around the
house!
Just the other day, I spent hours lying awake in bed, stressed about
buying a place. Whether she sensed it or not, Clea—with her
purrfect timing—found me on the bed and started snuggling against
me. Immediately, I felt my body physically relax and the thoughts
cease. All I could focus on was Clea. And then I fell asleep.
Clea, Oreo, and Coal are the glue holding together the cracks in my
heart. I wish I could save all the cats and kittens that need rescuing.
Maybe you can help save them… and rescue your heart, too.
During the prolonged months of recovery that followed,
I yearned for someone I could focus my heart on. I had
always wanted a cat, but for many reasons this had always
remained a want. I thought more and more about the
possibility, but it was a year before I actually started to do
some research. I didn’t know the first thing about taking
care of a cat so I wanted to be prepared.
The more I researched, the more excited I got. I spent
weeks preparing my apartment—toys, beds, litter boxes. I
stalked VOKRA’s adoption gallery every day until the time
came when I felt I was ready. It had been a long time since
I had smiled, and it felt good.
I’ve had Clea and Oreo now for ten months and (Char)
Coal for eight. They have brought so much love into my
life. Despite their distinct personalities, they share the need
for human connection. I never fail to laugh to myself when
Clea waits until I’m working on the laptop to jump onto
me and affectionately demand a petting session. I’m proud
of Oreo, who has overcome his fear of people and allows
me to hold him. And I feel honoured that Coal has moved
from sleeping at the foot of my bed to sitting on my chest,
waiting for me to get out of bed to feed him.
Summer 2010
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VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
Enriching your Cat’s Environment
Aside from the dangers posed by traffic, coyotes are the greatest threat; raccoons can also be fatal, and the dangers of disease
transmission from other cats (e.g., feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus) pose additional grave problems. For these
reasons, VOKRA adopts to indoor homes only, unless the adopters have a cat-secure outdoor enclosure.
But none of us wants our cats to be bored, so how can a person go about enriching their cat’s/cats’ indoor environment? And, if
you want to construct a cat-secure outdoor area, how can you go about it?
We interviewed two VOKRA volunteers to find out what they have done and pass on their experience to readers.
Photos courtesy of Tamea Burd Photography
1. Can you describe what modifications you have made to your home/balcony/
yard to enrich your cats’ environment?
Mike: I enclosed part of my backyard with cat fencing from Purrfect
Fencing. The kitty has access via a cat flap.
Leigh: When I first moved into my studio apartment, I wasn’t quite sure
what to do with my balcony, but as my apartment is small, I wanted to
make the most of it. It’s 25’ x 2’ with a view only of the rather unexciting
building next door and just a little direct sunlight in the afternoon on one
end. If I were a golfer I might use it for putting practice, but I’m not. So
I decided to make it into an outdoor cat haven for my two cats, Xena
and Wren. I fenced the whole balcony in, had an outdoor cat tree and
scratching post built (including a platform on the top level), and laid down
a roll of grass (approx. 5’ long) on the sunny end. As I also enjoy feeding
the local squirrels, I had an entrance way cut for them in the fencing (with
wood borders) and I keep a bowl of peanuts that I replenish daily. I also
have a bird feeder on the tree directly outside the balcony. The squirrels
and birds provide huge entertainment for my cats.
2. What materials did you use?
Leigh: Chicken wire for the fencing, 2” x 2” lumber to build the frame,
and a coil of wire, a handful of brackets, screws, nails, and zap straps to
secure it all. I also attached small (5” x 4”) wood “shelves” for tea lights
in the evening. (The squirrels, however, believe these are squirrel peanuteating perches, and kick the tea lights off in the morning, so I must remove
the tea lights before retiring for the night.) For the grass patch, I use a
roll of grass with a plastic underlay to avoid any damage to the balcony
surface. The outdoor cat tree is built from driftwood collected from the
beach.
3. Where/how did you obtain the supplies?
Leigh: The chicken wire and lumber were purchased from a local lumber
store (Windsor Lumber). Chicken wire can be purchased by the roll;
lumber can be cut to spec. The roll of grass and plastic underlay can be
purchased from Rona (but call first to check on availability, as the grass is
seasonal and can sell out quickly). Wire, brackets, screws, nails, zap straps,
etc. can be purchased at any local hardware store.
Summer 2010
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VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
4. What were the approximate costs?
Mike: Around $1500
Leigh: Material costs of enclosure: $120. Handyman to construct
and secure the frame and chicken wire: $130. Outdoor cat tree
(materials and labour): $75. 9 sq. ft. roll of grass: $3.50. Plastic
underlay: depends on what you choose, available at less than $10
to cover a 9 sq. ft. area. Note: anyone with a vehicle to pick up
supplies and collect and transport the driftwood, and very basic
handyperson skills and tools can construct all of these things.
5. Are there any maintenance tasks and costs? If so, what are they, how
often do you do them, and approximately how much do they cost?
Mike: Little or no maintenance required.
Leigh: The only maintenance cost is the roll of grass. Some
landscapers can provide a small roll; I’ve found the easiest way
is to purchase it from Rona ($3.50 per 9 sq. ft.) The grass does
need to be watered from time to time, and replaced periodically,
depending on the weather and the amount of light exposure the
area gets. It is seasonal—I have only been able to do this in the
spring, summer, and early fall.
6. Did you do all of the setup yourself or did you have help? If the latter,
what sort of assistance did you need?
Mike: It took some time and effort in terms of planning and
setting up, but I did it myself.
Leigh: Anyone with very basic handyman skills and tools can
construct the enclosure themselves. I recruited a neighbour’s
friend (who is neither a professional carpenter nor handyman)
who had built a similar balcony enclosure for a neighbour.
Installing the grass and plastic underlay is very simple: all you
need is measuring tape and a Stanley knife. I did this myself. The
outdoor cat tree was built by Jeff Childs of West Coast Posts,
who also built my indoor cat tree. Jeff collects driftwood for the
indoor cat trees, and used some small pieces to construct the
outdoor tree. The outdoor tree could be fairly easily constructed
by anyone willing and able to measure the area, collect the right
sized driftwood, transport it to their home, and secure it in their
outdoor area.
7. How have your cats responded to the modifications?
Mike: After a couple of months my cat seemed to feel at home
and somewhat safe in the enclosure. My cat loves to spend time
outside now. He gets lots of exercise and may have a stronger
immune system as a result of his time outdoors. On the days he
has access to the enclosure he seems to spend less time sleeping
and is more active. I think that he is less likely to want to escape
as well. I’ve had no escapes or entries in two years. Note: There
may be issues with other pets and wildlife at the fence boundary,
which could be stressful for a territorial cat. I needed to install an
electrified wire to keep raccoons from menacing the cat.
Summer 2010
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VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
Leigh: They absolutely love it. My apartment is small, so this outdoor area is a huge bonus
for them. They sunbathe on the grass and on the top platform of their outdoor cat tree every
day in the spring and summer, and play endlessly together up and down the tree. They also
use it daily as a scratching post. They spend much time outside observing the neighbourhood
goings-on from a very safe, secure place which is comfortable, fun, and all their own!
8. Do you have any other thoughts, suggestions, etc. for people wanting to enrich their cats’ home
environment?
Mike: Don’t put out any food and keep your yard clean to avoid attracting wildlife. Keep
your cats inside at night when predators are most active. Consider adding security cameras.
Leigh: I had a lovely indoor cat tree built from natural driftwood with three faux-fur covered
platforms, which Wren and Xena use daily. These trees can be designed according to how
many cats you have and their age and agility, plus to suit your home and budget. As well,
when one drawer on my chest of drawers was broken, instead of fixing it I put a pillow
inside and used a staple gun to secure a lining of faux-fur inside. The cats love it as a
cozy hidey-spot and it cost next to nothing. Wren likes to curl up on one of
the shelves in the closet at times (particularly when I have guests), so I am
planning to do a similar thing in there for her. For me it’s been a matter of
knowing my cats and their needs, likes, and dislikes, and adapting my home
to make it as comfortable and fun as possible for them. Many adjustments
can be made that are easy and inexpensive DIY projects and so much
appreciated by your cats. I’ve really enjoyed working on these projects. Keep
in mind, they don’t have to be done all at once. My balcony is a constant
work in progress.
From the E-mail Bag...
We love receiving letters and pics from adopters, especially when we’re having difficult days. Please
keep sending them in … rescue@vokra.ca.
Note Keegan (the kitten) was born with a stump for one of his legs. But that hasn’t stopped him from
being a totally happy, totally adored cat.
Keegan
Keegan&
Your beautiful cats continue to thrive! Keegan and [my son] Keegan are best of
friends and are joined at the hip: they read novels together, they sleep together,
they play lego together, they watch the cars go by from the window together, they
play hide and seek together, chase... Keegan (the cat) doesn’t eat random objects
anymore, thank goodness! His stump is great and he uses it for balance and
landings. Ala sleeps a lot but seems healthy otherwise. She is a perfect companion
for Kerrianne who also enjoys playing in one spot for several hours.
I’m so glad that these cats joined our family. My son has been a different kid
from the day we got Keegan. He treasures him like he is his own son, explaining
when he has to go to school, what time he’ll be back, and then fills him in on his
adventures during the day. Ala is the sweetest, most gentle cat I have ever met. We
adore both of them and love them more every day.
Thank you for looking after them when they were young and fragile. They have
grown into beautiful cats that we treasure.
Josie, et al
Summer 2010
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VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
Dexter
My
experience with VOKRA:
I heard about VOKRA from my parents when they adopted a rescue
kitten from them about 4 or 5 years ago as my family does not believe in
“buying” animals. At that time I was still living at home with them and got
to be a part of bringing the new kitten home. It feels good and rewarding to adopt a cat. Just
knowing that you have made a difference in one cats life is great.
I recently moved out into an apartment with my boyfriend. He has not had a cat in his life for several years due to his living
situation but is a big cat person. As for me, I have never not had a cat in my life and wasn’t ready to live without one. We discussed
what we should do and VOKRA came to my mind. We signed up online for a kitten under one year, thinking that that’s what we
wanted. They were very helpful and we were receiving an e-mail about once a day regarding potential new cats for us. Then we got
an e-mail stating that VOKRA was having a day at Petsmart so we were excited to go look at potential new kitties. Unfortunately,
I had to work that day and was not able to go, but stayed close to my phone to receive pictures and blurbs about cats from Fraser.
He then fell in love with a 3 year old named Zeus. Originally we wanted a younger cat, but he seemed to have a hold on Fraser.
Upon receiving a picture and talking to Fraser on the phone, we decided that he was the right choice. I am so happy we went with
Summer 2010
7
VOKRA Mewsletter
Love. Protect. Respect.
A Rescue Story with a Happy Ending
Remember Hope? She was a kitten whom we blogged about on the VOKRA website back in October
2009. At eight weeks old, Hope was found half-dead, tossed in a dumpster. She was almost starved to
death, had little visual responsiveness, could barely stand let alone walk, and had seizures. We didn’t
know if you would pull through, little Hope, but you did! With the help of dedicated
VOKRA volunteers, Hope was nursed back to health and now lives happily
ever after with her mommy, Cheryl.
Hope today
VOKRA is Celebrating 10 Years of Rescue!
VOLUNTEER DONATE PARTICIPATE
Go online to www.vokra.ca. Donate by mail to:
PO Box 74571, 2768 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 4P4
Summer 2010
The VOKRA Mewsletter
is edited by Dania
Sheldon and designed
by Angela Enman. Letters
to the editor, content
suggestions, and other
feedback may be sent to
danias@vokra.ca.
8