Spring 2014 - National Cat Protection Society

FELINE DEFENDERS
of the
National Cat Protection Society™
SPRING 2014
6904 W. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 650-1232
newport@natcat.org
9031 Birch Street
Spring Valley, CA 91977
(619) 469-8771
springvalley@natcat.org
The National Cat Protection Society™ is a
shelter whose primary mission is dedicated
to the protection and welfare of cats.
EDUCATION
EVENTS
Kitten Socialization
Newport Beach Events
Providing humane education for emotional health…
April 25 to 27, 2014, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Fri. and Sun.)/7 p.m. (Sat.)
America’s Family Pet Expo
A pet expo featuring entertainment, exhibitors, and contests
at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
(800) 999-7295
A proper upbringing can ensure
that kittens become as adorable
on the inside as they already
are on the outside. Socialization
should occur between 2 and 7
weeks old, which is when kittens
learn how to properly interact with
other cats, other animals, and
humans. Through comfortable
experiences with people and
other pets, kittens are more likely
to get along well with them into
adulthood.
May 4, 2014, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
National Cat Protection Society™ Open House and Fundraiser
An open house and silent auction that supports our cats and kittens
at the Newport Beach shelter
RSVP (949) 650-1232
Spring Valley Events
Just a few minutes of gentle handing daily helps kittens bond to the
human scent, promoting healthy interaction. “Gentleness is the key. It’s
not the duration of handling, it’s how they are handled,” clarifies Rolan
Tripp, an affiliate professor of applied animal behavior. Handling can also
speed their physical development, leading them to open their eyes and
explore environments at an earlier age.
By introducing kittens to interactive toys, carpet, cardboard boxes and
other explorable items, and scratching posts, you can nurture a confident
yet smart kitty. The toys should be used to mimic actual prey – if you buy
a toy that looks like a bird, move it around like it actually is a bird.
“The open, fearless nature of a young kitten during the socialization
period allows him to become comfortable with all of the everyday things
that will be part of his adult life,” writes the ASPCA. “The suspiciousness
that begins after the socialization period ensures that he’ll react with
a healthy dose of caution to new things in his environment that could
be dangerous, like potential predators.” However, they shouldn’t be
pushed – you can encourage kittens that do well with others, but take
your time with ones that tense up.
Based on information from:
Socializing Your Kitten. (2014). The American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Eckstein, Sandy. Bonding with Your New Kitten. (2009). WebMD.
FELINE DEFENDERS
Keeping you informed of community events...
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May 10, 2014, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Walk for Animals
A two- or half-mile walk, a pancake breakfast, pet activities
and contests, and vendor booths (benefiting the San Diego
Humane Society and SPCA)
at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego
(619) 243-3493
June 1, 2014, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
National Cat Protection Society™ Open House and Fundraiser
An open house and silent auction that supports our cats
and kittens at the Spring Valley shelter
RSVP (619) 469-8771
If you’d like to receive the latest news and announcements from NatCat, please
send your e-mail address to newport@natcat.org.
NATIONAL CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY, INC.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Founder: The Late C. Richard Calore
President: Denise Johnston
Vice President, PR Director, & Treasurer: Gerri Calore
Vice President, Legal Counsel, & Secretary: Richard Tanzer
Editorial Advisor: Nanci Burris
Editor-in-Chief: Alexis Ravey
Art Director: Steve Kinkaid
www.natcat.org
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FELINE DEFENDERS
NEWPORT BEACH
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT,
DORA SHAIEB
Dora is strong on the outside, but her heart
is sure soft for animals! A physical therapist,
she treats her own body very well – running
marathons, climbing local mountains, and
hiking everywhere. She loves nature, but
when she isn’t on a nature trip, she fulfills
another great love – taking care of kitties!
Dora started volunteering with us in April
2003, and these days, she volunteers weekly.
Dora’s kitty care doesn’t stop at our shelter. She adopted two cats from
us, Juno and Nikkos, which are two of her greatest loves of all.
Thank you for all you do, Dora – we’re lucky to have you in our kitty
corner!
FEATURED FRIEND, MAYA
Maya is a 5-year-old dilute calico domestic shorthair female. She is friendly with anyone, but she’ll
be your best friend if you pet and play with her.
And like any purr-fect pal, she is honest – actively
asking for attention when she wants it. These
qualities make her a great match for children and
older adults, though probably not for other pets.
FELINE FIELD (Continued from page 8)
Based on information from:
Flowers, Amy, DVM. Cats and Excessive Meowing. (2013). WebMD.
Meowing and Yowling. (2014). The American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
NatCat protects and defends all felines – of all breeds and mixes.
Knowing increasingly more about felines can help you understand your
own cat’s behavior and desires. Visit Feline Field in Feline Defenders
every issue to obtain such knowledge, which can only nurture a happier
and healthier relationship with your faithful friend.
FELINE DEFENDERS
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UPCOMING PET EXPO
America’s Family Pet Expo®, the
world’s largest consumer pet expo,
opens its “doggy” doors on April 25,
2014, and runs through the 27th, at
the OC Fair & Event Center. You can’t
actually bring your cats, dogs, lizards,
birds, or other pets, but you can
enjoy a variety of shows, contests,
exhibits, vendors, and other activities.
Like every year, NatCat will be there,
so make sure to stop by!
The event times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday,
and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
CAT CABLE (Continued from page 10)
• The practice monitors overnight patients.
• Emergency services are available, if necessary.
• Parking is convenient.
• The services are within budget. Ask if they offer
senior or multi-pet discounts.
Based on information from:
Choosing a Veterinarian. (2014). The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
Murray, Louise, DVM. Vet Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Protecting
Your Pet’s Health. New York: Ballantine Books, 2008.
Newman, Chris, DVM. (2014). Choosing a Vet. Petfinder.com.
Visit Cat Cable in Feline Defenders every issue to read the latest in cat
care. If there’s any specific information you’d like to see in Feline Field
or Cat Cable, please notify the Newport Beach shelter.
CAT CLUE
Siamese and other oriental cat breeds tend to meow a lot, but
all breeds usually speak up for specific reasons, like they may be
lonely. Try addressing this issue with a sitter or enrichment.
For more on meowing, check out page 8.
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FELINE DEFENDERS
SPRING VALLEY
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT,
CLAIRE HERRMANN
Claire Herrmann gave to the people
and kitties in her heart from her soul,
her whole life. A registered nurse for
more than 40 years, she made hospital
gowns with fanciful fabrics for the kids
staying in the emergency room at
Grossmont Hospital. While volunteering
with NatCat, she brought in 50 catnip
mice she had sewn and chicken she had
cooked herself – every week for 14 years!
Claire was a Californian through and through. She realized her dream of
visiting Hawaii with her son and daughter in 2009, but she was born in
Carmel by the Sea on August 21, 1936, and raised in the San Joaquin
Valley. She even earned her nursing degree in Santa Barbara in 1956.
Her memory will certainly live on here in Spring Valley – in every one of
us she met and every kitty she helped save.
OPEN HOUSE AND
FUNDRAISER
DONATIONS NEEDED
Both of our shelters desperately need
donations for our 2014 Open House and
Fundraisers, so please rack your brain
to come up with ideas and find it in your
heart to donate! Our supporters usually like to bid on gift certificates,
and we could use items for our “lady’s spa,” “men’s,” “children’s beach,”
“family beach,” “movie,” “food-themed,” and garden baskets. If you can
donate any of these types of items, contact our Spring Valley shelter at
(619) 469-8771 or springvalley@natcat.org, or Newport Beach shelter
at (949) 650-1232 or newport@natcat.org. Your donations are sure to
help make our 2014 event a success!
Then, please join us at our Newport Beach shelter on May 4, 2014, from
1 to 4:30 p.m., and Spring Valley shelter on June 1, 2014, to celebrate
our birthday and kitties, of course. See mew there!
FELINE DEFENDERS
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ENTIRELYPETS.COM BLOG
A vet-operated online pet supplier since
1999, EntirelyPets.com hosts one
of the largest pet blogs written
by pet-loving staff writers and
guest contributors. Because
it is such a reputable blog,
you can imagine our
delight when it named
NatCat as one of its 25
outstanding pet charities
of 2013! “All animal
charities are deserving of
praise, of course, but these
25 charities are ones we feel
deserve special recognition
for their contributions to the lives
of pets and pet owners,” says staff
writer Jesse Padilla.
Receiving the recognition alongside such widely esteemed
organizations as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA), Best Friends Animal Society, the Humane Society
of the United States (HSUS), and PetSmart Charities, we feel truly
honored to appear on the list. A few of the other praiseworthy charities
on there include the Cat Network in South Florida, Friends of Animals,
New Beginnings Animal Shelter (NBAS) in Ohio, and the Pets for the
Elderly Foundation.
NatCat FEEDBACK
We hope you enjoy purr-using Feline Defenders every quarter. Let
us know what you think or what you’d like to see in future issues at
newport@natcat.org!
CAT TIP
While looking for a veterinarian, you might want to make sure the
dog and cat cages are in separate areas. For more on selecting a
vet, check out page 10.
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FELINE DEFENDERS
FELINE FIELD
Helping you get to know more about your cat...
Meowing
Kittens meow at their mom when they’re cold, hungry,
or frightened, but with age, they usually meow only at
humans as a greeting, request, or complaint.
One request may be for attention. “Cats enjoy social
contact with people, and some will be quite vocal in
their requests for attention,” reports the ASPCA. “The
cat may want to be stroked, played with, or simply
talked to. Cats who are left alone for long periods
of time each day may be more likely to meow for
attention.” If you’d like to discourage this behavior,
give your kitty a lot of love when she is quiet rather
than responding only to her meows.
They may also be requesting food. “Most cats like to eat, and they can
be quite demanding around mealtimes,” explains the ASPCA. “Some
cats learn to meow whenever anyone enters the kitchen, just in case
food might be forthcoming.” To discourage this behavior, try to avoid
putting her food down or giving her treats until she stops crying.
A complaint could be that your kitty isn’t feeling well. If you think this is
the case, take her to the veterinarian. “Numerous diseases can cause
a cat to feel hunger, thirst, or pain, all of which can lead to excessive
meowing,” says WebMD. An overactive thyroid, kidney disease,
and cognitive dysfunction are a few examples of conditions that can
increase meowing.
Stress such as a new baby, new pet, move, or loss may also cause a
kitty to mew more. If you’re in this situation, give her more attention and
quiet time during the adjustment.
If your cat is yowling in heat, we strongly urge you to get him or her
spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
Continued on page 4
Like National Cat Protection Society – Spring Valley at
http://www.facebook.com/natcatspringvalley and National Cat
Protection Society – Newport Beach http://www.facebook.com/
natcatnewportbeach to learn the latest at NatCat!
FELINE DEFENDERS
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FELINE DEFENDERS
SUPPORT
Help NatCat offset the costs of producing our
quarterly newsletter by donating just $10 a year.
Your donation will also further our other efforts
as a non-profit organization entirely dependent
on the loyal support of our members and friends.
Please mail donations to our Newport Beach or
Spring Valley shelter, making checks payable to
NCPS, or donate online at natcat.org.
MEWS NOT TREES
Want to help us save resources
along with cats in need? Notify
newport@natcat.org that you’d like
to receive our e-newsletter, NatCat Mews,
linking to our latest Feline Defenders
online vs. receiving it in print by mail.
RETIREMENT RESERVATIONS
Plan for your kitty companion’s future today. Just call our Newport
Beach or Spring Valley shelter to reserve space in our retirement
program for a modest donation. Your reservation will lock in the
current rate while promising lifetime care for your furry friend.
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FELINE DEFENDERS
CAT CABLE
Supplying the latest information in cat care...
Vet Selection
Properly caring for your cat requires looking for the right veterinarian,
before your cat needs to go. Follow these tips to find the one for you both:
• Ask family, friends, shelters, groomers, sitters, and other
pet care professionals in your area a vet they recommend.
• Search online including YP.com for “veterinarians” and
“animal hospitals” that offer the services and hours you need.
• Verify that the vets you’re considering are American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA) members. Check out the AAHA
website, http://www.healthypet.com, for a list of accredited
vets in your area.
• Verify that any specialists you’re considering are board certified.
• Schedule a tour while confirming:
• The practice is clean, modern, and organized.
• Appointments are required.
• The staff has technicians and other professionals who
are suitable for you. “Is the staff caring, calm, competent,
and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?”
the HSUS recommends asking yourself.
• The vet takes time to listen to your concerns.
• Dog and cat cages are in separate areas.
• The practice offers the specialties your kitties need.
• X-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork, EKG, endoscopy, and
other diagnostics are done in-house.
Continued on page 5
FELINE DEFENDERS
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Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Protect the Ones You Love
Give the gift of quality life after you’re gone by including
the National Cat Protection Society™ in your will.
Our humane education programs teach animal population control
and responsible cat care to children and adults. These programs
aim to reduce the number of unwanted cats and enhance animal
welfare for years to come.
Your bequeathed donation can support these efforts by helping
us promote the humane treatment of all animals and adoption of
the homeless cats continually entering our shelters.
Please write today for our free brochure:
“Planning for Your Charitable Donations”
c/o National Cat Protection Society™
6904 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
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FELINE DEFENDERS
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National Cat Protection Society™
PO BOX 6218
Long Beach, CA 90806
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