Robin's Cats

Robin's Cats Someone recently asked about Robin's cats. Wish I had someone to update this on a more regular basis or had someone to do many of the other things I do so I could do updates on a more regular basis but alas, that too shall come! I'm delighted when someone asks questions. I never know who reads these posts. About Robin's cats. A quick synopsis by memory for the moment. Ella was adopted by a good friend of Robin's Helmut & Twilight were adopted to a family in Willmette. Tennyson & Rosie went to a young girl and her grandmother who'd lost their mom/daughter then the kittens they got before these two died. They are bringing both the young girl and the grandmother much joy. 5 Seniors went to DuPage Animal Care & Control and were accepted into their Senior Adoption program. I continue to check with them to get seniors in when they've adopted seniors out. This assures their being in the adoption program vs being euthanized. ( a note on shelters that euthanize for space. As much as I oppose killing of any sort, I completely understand the need. There are more cats than homes. To judge a shelter because they euthanize without adopting as many pets as possible is blaming the wrong party. They are doing the best they can to accomodate a difficult situation) Once a cat is accepted into their program, they stay until they are adopted. Alfred, the guy that had his ear canals removed is now Long Haul Trucker Alfred. He was adopted by a young couple with a big rig. Alfred spends his days on the 2nd bunk, roaming around the back 'room' of the cab and looking out the window (his favorite thing to do while here). 4 of the cats, who's names escape me, are in foster care waiting for adoption. 6 of the cats are still at Robin's housed - waiting for adoption. Ellie (who you may have seen on our FB page) sadly, was euthanized. She had a tumor in her ear, the size was initially hidden by an enormous absess. After 2 weeks of daily soaks and antibiotics, it was found that the tumor was too large to be operable. Tika, another wonderful cat, died of a form of cancer that now escapes me. She had a great life until the day she died in the arms of her loving foster mom. Robin had 22, not 26 cats when she died. Robin is in our thoughts as well as her cats. Her former car was donated by her husband and is now our 'cat mobile'.

Funky Rockin' Blues Catzzzzzzzzz

Funky Rockin' Blues Catzzzzzzzz

October 15, 7-10pm

FUNd Raiser featuring

Dawn O'Keefe & The Lucky Dogs

Underpass Restaurant & Lounge

9400 Grand Avenue - Franklin Park

Tickets $30 includes unlimited drinks and hor d'oeuvres

PROGRAM BOOK:

Like most animal rescue groups, we are at critical levels. Yard cats and pets are being abandoned as evicitions and foreclosures increase. We are having to sponsor the TNR fees for record numbers of cats. We are spending almost as much on medical fees for cats in dire need of medical attention. Our coffers are running dangerously low - and the cats keep coming. We're hoping you'll help us help the cats by coming to one of our events or by buying an ad in our Program Book to show your support.

We are selling ads in a beautifully designed Program Book to be distributed at our Funky Rockin' Blues Catzzz event. The Book will be handed out at our event, a placard with all sponsors will be on display at the event and you'll be listed on our website and blog. In addition, you will receive your own personalized copy of the Book.

Price & Sizes

$25 for business card size add, $50 for 1/2 page and $100 for whole page. Use to advertise your business or with a personal message of support, or a photo of your cat or cats!

$10 musicians, service providers, etc. Includes Name, phone number, service or band and music type.

Submit message, scan of card or digital photo along with size of ad to catvandotnr@yahoo.com , or by snail mail, CatVando, POB 851, Maywood 60153. Or, call us, if we're in your area, we'll pick up your card or photo. 708 829 6013

To Pay: click on donate button to pay by paypal, earmark your donation for 'Funky Rockin''. Send check to CatVando, POB 851, Maywood 60153. Please submit by October 12.

Monet

Monet was spotted for the first time in front, leaving the front feeder. The next time we saw him, was 5am on the front porch feeder, then again that day in the back. By Saturday morning,

while doing morning canned feeding, he came close enough to put him in a carrier and take him to Elmhurst Animal Care. Monet (named later by his Armchair Adoptor, Stephanie Skrine for the white tip on his tail) was in bad shape. Ematiated, a terrible Upper Respiratory Infection, a large wound on his right shoulder, brittle hair. He weighed in at 5lb 2 oz. He tested negative for feline leukemia and Feline ImmunoVirus. His gums were almost white, one of his canines was broken off at the gum line and his tail was full of some sort of grease. He also had lice, an indication of a very deficient immune system. He was comfortable being cuddled and held but it could be that he was a really sick feral or someone's abandoned pet. - he never purred but did cuddle in. Monet got meds, was treated for lice and given a warm bath, hydrated and given as much food as he would ingest and lots of love but we knew he was so far gone, he might not make it. He didn't. He died yesterday. But he died in safe space. He brings to mind so many like him, out in the streets with no one to care for them and it saddens us. Most of the cats we work with are cared for by people who feed and care for them but the Monet's of the world have no one. A friend said he came here because he knows he'd have love and care in his last days. Who knows. Many find us, sick and healthy. Even tho we can't take care of them all, or many of them, really, we're glad Monet found us and we were able to offer comfort and love in his last days. It's one of the things that makes CatVando, CatVando, and it's one of the things we raise funds to be able to provide.

Melaleuca Testimonials

Here's where you can read what customers say about Melaleuca products. To add your own story or, to ask a question, just comment on this post and it will be posted. Zap It. I love it. My skin has always been sensitive and when I had a blemish, things like Oxy Clearf and all the other things just left dry spots in the place of pimples. I couldn't believe how well the Zap It Stick works. It doesn't dry my skin and it takes away the pimple. My 13 year old son is now using my Zap It and loves it. He's getting the whole system. CM At 28, I'd tried everything for a lifetime of blemishes, black heads and big pours. After 5 weeks on the Zap It system, I have beautiful skin and very few blemishes. Lemon Blossom Sol U Mel I've always used Sol U Mel for smells, stains and laundry but I LOVE the new Lemon Scent for my laundry. One little cap full and it perks up the smell of my laundy. I like the original scent for cleaning and deoderizing but LOVE my new laundry smell. CM

Frankie

Frankie

As told in our newsletter, The Scratch, Frankie fell victim to rat poisoning on August 28, 2011. Frankie has been at CatVando since before we were CatVando. Previously owned (with collar) he would come to eat then leave. Then, after being abandoned by his owners, he eventually moved in permanently and spent his last years primarily on the front porch (enclosed with cat door). Frankie was sort of hinky, friendly one minute, teeth on skin the next so whenever any newcomers were expected, they'd hear 'Don't pet the white cat.' Over the years Frankie learned to accept love and often purred at the touch. He became quite a fixture here, following Ellen down the street while she visited neighbors, laying around the stairs and front sidewalk or in the plants in the yard. In 2009, he was joined by Punkin, a new young cat who he took under his paw and they became somewhat inseparable, often seen cuddled together in one of the cat beds or playing out front. Their presence brought joy and light to the front of the house. Now Punkin, who wouldn't even come on the porch for about a week after Frankie died, is alone. Fortunately, she's alive. When she didn't come to the porch, we weren't sure if she sucumed to poison or was just freaked by Frankie's absence.

Frankie was, like many, a special cat. Frankie will go down in cat history not only at CatVando but because he is being used to learn more about the life of feral/stray cats. Frankie's body is being studied by zoological pathology, who team will determine not only the cause of his death but also his life as an outside cat. They will be taking samples from his organs and tissue to better understand the life of outside cats. We believe Frankie would be proud to be part of this, helping other cats like him.

The story............

When Ellen walked out on the porch for morning feed on Friday, 8/26, Frankie was the only cat there but there were large blood drops all over the porch. Because other cats had access to the porch, there was a question about who's blood it was. Within seconds after forming the thought, Frankie went to the litter box and peed blood. Ellen immediately went back to the house to complete the basics of morning care than went to the porch thinking 'Now how am I going to get him into a carrier'. There are open carriers on the porch but mostly inhabited during winter months. When she opened the porch door, there was Frankie, in a carrier, ready to go. It was as though he could read her mind.

Off to Elmhurst Animal Care Center, our vet, he was examined, given Vitamin K (to try and counteract the effects of rat poisoning that strips the bloods ability to clot) and antibiotics for a possible urinary tract infection and sent home with both. He was locked on the porch for the night and next day. He seemed to be doing ok - we didn't spot any more blood on Saturday but then, late in the day, he tried to pee and couldn't. Off to Midwest Animal Emergency (by day, Midwest Exotic Pets) in Elmwood Park. There, they took an x-ray and inserted a catheter in addition giving him Vit K and antibiotics intravenously. More blood than urine was found in the cath bag. He stayed in the hospital that night. Next morning, his cath bag was still filling with blood. At about 3pm, Ellen went to visit. Just prior to the visit, he started having difficulty breathing and was given Lasix, in the event it was non-blood fluid filling his lungs.

As miracles would have it, Stephanie Skrine, Frankie's Armchair Adopter, called. Just so happens she was close by and within 10 minutes she was there, a very welcome presence at such a difficult time and a gift to her being there. After a bit, the vet came out and options were discussed. Lasix wasn't working, blood transfusions could be tried but that would be pretty futile, his body was ravaged by the poison and his blood was probably flowing into all his cavities. Rather than him suffer, we chose euthanization. We saw him for a few moments and called for the vet and the shots. He went quietly hand caressed by both Stephanie & Ellen while he passed. The staff at Midwest was wonderful. Respectful and compassionate. The vet did a post mortem pull of the liquid in his lungs that confirmed blood and added to the suspicion of rat poisoning. He was taken home prior to being picked up by an Officer from CC Animal Control.

Frankie, like so many others, had a good life at CatVando. He is missed. If when you come by, you see a white cat on the property, it's probably not Frankie. Prior to being neutered, Frankie sired Francine. She lives down the block and comes to eat many times a day.

As I said, we think Frankie would be proud to have his body used to document his cause of death and to illuminate scientists about the life of an outside cat that's part of a colony. Frankie's other gift is that he's the first poisoned cat we're taking action on. In the past 6 years, we've lost about more than 20 cats from CatVando colonies to poison. We never reported it because poisoning is difficult to prove and we didn't want to ruffle any feathers in the neighborhood. Frankie was the last straw. We have reported his death to Tom Dart's Office, to Dr. Donna Alexander of Cook County Animal Control and to Maywood Animal Control. We're talking to neighbors. To not report is a mistake. At least with reporting, there's documentation. If your local police don't take this seriously, your County Sheriff and anyone else that will take the complaint.

Animals bear the much of the brunt of today's sickness. Helpless, at our mercy, they suffer at the hands of sociopaths, of those that are abused themselves and feel the need to pass on that abuse, of those who don't get that they are sacred creatures, just like us. Silence perpetuates that behavior. Always report ANY kind of animal abuse immediately. Help those who can't speak for themselves. Help stop any kind of violence - violence against the helpless is violence against all of life.

We're starting a Frankie's Fence Fund to protect our colony of current and future drive by drop offs, or those who just wander in. To contribute, use paypal and indicate the fund is FFF. We're looking for corporate matching funds. We're in the process of getting estimates for cost and will keep you posted.

Juicy, Bittie & Tender need home by 7/2

Juicy Bittie Tender

or they have to go back the the yard..... They are three of the 11 we've trapped and clinic'd. They've lost their caretaker to foreclosure. Right now, we have a temporary feeder bringing food and water but the less cats we put out the better. These three are young and social enough to be further socialized and adopted BUT WE NEED A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME BY THIS COMING FRIDAY, JULY 7. We have no place them and HAVE to put our focus,, energy and money on working the TNR Program to prevent babies like these from being born in our communities with no where to go and in this case, no home to go to.

Hoss

Hoss is a magnificent cat - not just in size, in presence and personality. Hoss was an infrequent visitor in one of our caretakers yard when he was trapped and taken to Tree House where he was neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped and microchipped, and given Revolution for fleas, ticks, ear mites and parasites. During his wellness exam, they discovered his dental issue. The right side of his lower jaw was infected and swollen. He must have been in pain, he drolled and dribbled food on that side. We also discovered he is FIV positive but aside from his dental issues, healthy. FIV cats can live long healthy lives. They can only transmit the disease to other cats through deep wound bites and once neutered, they loose their desire to fight.

The first thing we notice about Hoss was his size. Even tho his ribs were showing and his backbone stuck up like a mountain range he was HUGE! His face has the cheeks of an unneutered adult male, those big beautiful jowels that disappear after neutering. His coat is sort of a motled silver and black, medium to short in length. He was 12 pounds but ematiated. His ribs stuck out and his spinal cord stuck up like a mountain range. He has beautiful dark golden eyes with a slight dip in his upper lid. His voice is as mighty as his size. His coat was dry and thin, he had what looked to be a burst absess on his lower jaw and another developing on his right cheek. He's got a funny little fold to his left ear. He must have been in pain for a long time.

We knew Hoss was friendly, we didn't know how friendly and in order to go to our vet at Elmhurst Animal Care & Clinic, he had to be handleable. It took a few days to access that. Once we were able to pick him up, we were able to take him to the vet. From the beginning, we gave him good food, colostrum, pro-biotics and essential fatty acids. Once back from the vet, he was on Clavamox. We were hoping his jaw was just infected and that it wasn't squamous cell carcenoma. After 10 days on clavamox, we took him back to EACC. Good News! His jaw was so much better, cancer was ruled out. He was ready to have a few (5 actually) teeth removed. That was last week. One more trip to the vet and he'll be ready to leave. He looks fabulous! He's gained weight, his hair is filling out and getting healthy. His gum is healed - no more drool and mess. He is so much more comfortable. He's a great cat.

A bit about Hoss. Truely, the word magnificent comes to mind. He is very intelligent and responsive. He knows and responds to the word no. He's affectionate without being needy or demanding. He's wonderful to cuddle with. He has a presence. His wise old eyes speak volumes. Sometime, a long time ago, Hoss was tossed to the streets or maybe lost. He's survived and is still trusting and friendly. He needs a home with someone to love him and someone he can love. He may be an indoor outdoor cat - it's difficult to tell because of his current living situation. He's a senior, we just don't know his age. We think he'd be appropriate for any age.

HOSS NEEDS A HOME BY JULY 1 OR HE WILL BE GOING BACK TO THE YARD. He's not a candidate for a shelter - he hates to be caged and we can't keep him. We can only help him heal His caretaker can't take him in, her cat isn't cat friendly and Hoss may not be either.

Hoss doesn't like dogs at all. Not even our resident dog, Bella, who is loved by all the other feline furry ones.

Please email catvandotnr@yahoo.com or call 708 829 6013 if you'd like to meet him and possibly provide him a home to live out his life.

Robin's Fester

Fester is a shoulder cat. He couldn't have found a better match. Our volunteer Mike adopted Fester and they are delighted with each other. Fester, like many of Robin's cats is very compatible with other cats, as he is with Mike's furry family.

New colony cats at CatVando

Stan, scared as a feral, once was owned, as witnessed by the collar that was all but embeded in his neck, had been coming around for about a month. He was TNR'd out of the yard 4/8. We haven't seen him since release.

Murphy has been coming around for about 3 weeks. He started at the side feeder (below the tree) then he was last spotted at kittyland in the back, with the back cats hot on his scent. can't bring up his photo but he's a handsome black cat with distinct white markings.

Flo, another picture I can't pull up, is a long haired orange muted tabby who has also eluded the trap. She displaced Tree Cat out of her home in the attic next door.

More to come on their trappings.

Tri, our 3 colored 3 legged one

Tri's been here since late December and continues to spend most of her time under or on top of the cabinet or on the cat tree next to it. Just a few days ago, she ventured onto one of the nearby hammocks. About 3 weeks ago she came out and ate her canned food right next to me and when I take the time, she will come next to me every time. I started petting her about 2 weeks ago - tentatively. She's intimidated by the cats she shares her space with. She's going to make someone a sweet cat. She'll need time but she's young. With the progress we've seen, we believe she'll friendly in a relatively short period of time and any time spend on the process will pay off in lots of love.

Robin's Cat: Alfred

Time flies. We are thrilled to say, Alfred had his surgery and is now pain and puss free. If you read our March 1 post, you know things were looking pretty bleek. He so badly needed the surgery yet we couldn't come close to affording it and even more, as a TNR group, our focus is on reducing the number of kittens being born in the street. For the price of his surgery, we could TNR 84 cats. But, our beloved TREE HOUSE CAME TO HIS RESCUE! Tree House sponsored Alfred's surgery. We are speechless with gratitude and so is Alfred. He is feeling so good. He went through quite an ordeal, he was on pain meds for the first week or so but just chilled and watched the world go by. He's now out of his cage, roaming free and waiting for his new mama or papa to hug and cuddle up to. He is looking pretty funny these days but his hair will grow back. Even now, he's a joy to watch. His ears will always crinkle forward and down, sort of like Yoda and they're closed shut but he can hear - just not as well. He's not very photogenic - he looks much funnier than this! He is a joy. THANK YOU DAVE deFUNIAK AND THE GANG AT TREE HOUSE.

Robin's Cats - Alfred

All life is sacred, cats too. When does the life of a cat become less important than the money it costs to relieve him of pain.

Alfred's ear surgery costs $2,100. He has polyps deep in his lateral ear canal. This leads to chronic infection. As you can see his ears are crinkled as a result. They stink from infection. $2,100 is way over our budget. We're a TNR group. Our mission is to help care for and reduce the number of cats being born in the streets and to teach respect for life. We aren't a shelter. We aren't very big. $2,100. Anyone who has met Alfred wants to help him. He is one of those special cats. Robin's husband said that when any of the house cats would get into a tussle, Alfred would go over to where they were and just lay down between them and end it. He hugs his foster mom, licks her cheeks and nuzzles his head against hers and her neck. We can't expect our supporters to pay, it's too much. We're perplexed and seeking alternatives and solutions. Not easy.......................

Alfred

Alfred saw Dr Singleton at Elmhurst Animal Clinic. He's continuing with his prednizone and antibiotic and will need surgery. Poor baby, his ears are horrible. The surgery will leave him totally deaf but it will end the chronic infection. His canals are already plugged and so swollen he doesn't hear well now, and it would end the pain. He is such a love. He purrs, cuddles, hugs and is just such a good guy with a great personality and temperment. He needs a permanent home with a couch and lap. Unless his new caretaker can afford it, CatVando will be covering his bills. We continue to need money but so many people have been so generous in their donations for Robin's cats, we're about even - of course, that's before Alfred's surgery and there are still more cats. However, Alfred's needs are greater than all others. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tri's really up and up!

Tri was on top of the cabinet she's been living under last night. It's the yellow cabinet next to the cat tree pictured in the last photo. She's only coming out at night and now, dusk, but at least she's started!

Tri, Willow & Blackie

Tri's Up & Out!!!!! That's her at the top of the cat tree, next to the cabinet she spent so much time under. This is the first time I've walked into the room when she's been out and she hasn't run back under the cabinet. Willow is getting bigger and more beautiful every day. She is in kidney failure, her kidney values were up the last time she had her blood work. She's just happy to be here. We'd love to find her a home. She's loving and sweet and spends most of her time in the bathroom, she's comfortable there. Once in a while, another cat takes her spot but usually leaves it to her or joins her in her bed. She's an old girl. We'd like to find her someone who would like to spend some of their last years together. Blackie is gaining slowly and his hair is filling out. I think he'll always be a slim cat. His gums are pretty much healed. He needs a lap. He loves being held and petted. Sleek, black and looking for a lap. THANK YOU ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE DONATED TO TRI'S SURGERY AND HOSPITALIZATION - WE MADE IT!!!! YOU HELPED US COVER IT! WE'RE ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY THROUGH WILLOW'S BILLS TO DATE - NOT SURE WHAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE IN THE LONG RUN. BLACKIE'S SURGERY HAS BEEN PAID FOR BUT WE'RE STILL WORKING ON FOLLOW UP SO........... ANY AND ALL DONATIONS - LARGE AND SMALL ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!!!!! Thank You.

Robin's Cats

Alfred & Dottie are still in foster care. Alfred is such a hugger. Karen (foster Mom) was holding him with he had his arms resting on her shoulders, kissing her face and nuzzling her neck and cheeks. Great old boy. His ear is doing a bit better - looking forward to seeing what the vet says this week. Dottie is still shy. Squirt, a 9 month old muted grey tabby that purred through her test and vaccines and her housemate, Tennison, an orange tabby boy, about 1-2 years old have become Rose and possibly Leo. Priscilla, our webmaster, arranged their adoption. Their new family a young girl named Nina and Dorothy, her Grandma are thrilled to get them and by the sounds of it Rose & Leo are thrilled to be there. Rose has always been open, playful and friendly but we were a bit concerned about Leo - no need. he took time coming out of the carrier but then joined right in with the group............ A match made in heaven. Nina, Dorothy, Rose & Leo have all suffered a great loss of a loved one. Dorothy lost her daughter, Priscillas God Daughter, Sara. Nina lost her Mom. Rose & Leo lost their Mommie then their cat family. And they all spent their first night snuggled up against one another! Beautiful............... Helmut - a big old white cat with a grey cap was adopted by another family with another miracle of a story! Our vigilant volunteer, Janet, who's been working on placement for the cats, found him a place with the woman who does adoptions out of PetSmart. When a cage opened up, Mike took Helmut to Elmhurst Animal Care for his wellness exam, shots and blood work on Friday then Janet picked him up on Saturday to take him to Sarah at PetSmart. Janet fell in love with him during and after transport. A big old boy, really mellow. We hated the idea of him being in a cage for an unknown amount of time but sometimes that what it takes for an adoption. No need to worry! Janet stuck around for a couple of adoptions and on her way out noticed a family with a small girl coming into the store. By the time she got back home, she found out the family adopted Helmut. It was the little girl who made the choice. Sarah has already spoken to the adoptors. Helmut now follows the little girl wherever she goes. The miracle is that an old cat got adopted and within a couple of hours of being at PetSmart - that's incredible. 2 more - we got a call from a woman who's friend referred her after she read the story in the Oak Leaves http://www.pioneerlocal.com/oakpark/news/3071996,oak-park-cats-020911-s1.article . It's a great article. She and her husband have always had animals and their last one died a while back. They miss having critters and are willing to adopt 2. Their only criteria is 'male'. They'll take the older cats and color isn't an issue. Love it! We're bringing them the cats on Feb 1 or before 2-more - possible to a nice woman who's had a number of rescues and had been a vet tech for years. She and her family may be taking 2. Going out to Robin's this Friday take photos of the cats and pick up 4 cats for the vet, then to Karen's pre-adoption. We've had such great matches, seems like Robin's overseeing .

Robin's Cats: Alfred, Dottie & Squirt

We will be listing cats as they become available or we have more info on them. So far, we've taken three cats from Robin's house. They all need IMMEDIATE HOMES, temporary or permanent. All have tested negative for feline leukemia/aids. Every day they go without a new mommie or dad, they suffer. Robin rescued these cats, disposed of by others, please help continue her work. We've had very few inquirires. We don't want to see these cats go to DuPage Animal Control!

Alfred

Alfred is a great cat. A big grey and white cuddlebuddy. He readily approaches for cuddles and purrs. He's one of the special needs cats. He has a terribly infected ear that's on the road to recovery. He's on prednizone, clavamox and PCM ear meds. He's about 9 years old, sturdy and other than his ear, healthy.

Dottie

Is white with sparce grey and tiger spots. Her ear, like Alfred's is deformed but not as infected as his. she's on PCM ear meds. She has a stage 3 heart murmer (she tested negative for hyper thyroid) and is slightly anemic. We're giving her colostrum for her anemial. She's shy but was affectionate with Robin.

Squirt no photo

Cute as the dickens, a 7-9 month old grey muted tabby female. Lots of fun, healthy. Has a special buddy at the house who will be a great second cat. She's a bit older,grey but small. They pal together.

Keep posted for more cats. If you'd like to 'pick your own cats' we'll be going out this week, you might join us. Email if interested. catvandotnr@yahoo.com

Robin and her Cats

On December 20, a dear friend went to sleep and never woke up. She had a heart attack. To say Robin was compassionate pales by comparison to how compassionate, gentle, engaged and interested she really was. She was a librarian at the Dole Branch Library in Oak Park for about 20 years. She took a personal interest in anyone she spoke with. At her service last Sunday at the library, the room was overflowing into the hall with people cominbg to pay their last respects to a woman who meant so much to them. She will be missed. Robin's compassion wasn't just for 2 leggeds, she loved all life, including the many 4 leggeds that came to her door. Robin's home was surrounded by forest preserve land - a place where people 'dump' cats. Many of those cats came to Robin's door where she fed, vetted and cared for them. Much of her life, and resources, was devoted to her critters. ROBIN'S CATS NEED HOMES - WE NEED 12 PEOPLE TO TAKE 2 CATS EACH. CatVando is helping Robin's family find homes. Robin's cats are loving but would be terrible candidates for adoption at a shelter (if we could even find one to take them). The would freak out in a cage in a strange place, shrink to the back of a cage and probably hiss and would be seen as unadoptable. When the go from Robin's house to their new home, they'll hide for a while but will eventually come out and love their new companion. If you would be so kind as to help share your heart and home with 2 of these precious ones, please contact us catvandotnr@yahoo.com We have a limited amount of time before these cats have to be relinquished to DuPage Animal Control. Please find it in your heart to provide them with a life and a home

Blackie

Blackie

Is finally gaining weight. He's a tough one to feed. His gums are still sore (feline plasmacytic stomatitis) so he can only eat soft but sometimes even that is difficult. I've tried canned with a lot of water and mushed, small chuncks mostly submurged in water with cholostrum and softened kibble with canned mixed. He's eaten or drank a little of each but seems to do best with the kibble mix - it's since that that he's finally gaining weight. His long sickly hair is still very thin from months of starvation and poor nutrition. Give him another year of good food and his long shiny black coat will thicken up and he'll be very handsome. He's a MAJOR cuddler who has a lot of lap lovin' to offer. He like's gentle head butts and will cuddle into whatever position he's in. He's still on antibiotics, and of course digestive enzymes, (thank you Sirius Cooks!) pro biotics (thank you Melaleuca!) and good food (thank you Sirius Cooks!) and lots of lovin. He's even taken to cuddling with some of the other cats - new for him here.

Willow

Willow

This is the best picture I've taken of her eyes yet it doesn't show their true color and irridescence. You can see the separation between the inner and outer part of the iris. Her eyes are a deep green and the inner iris is a pearlescent color, like luminescent green mother of pearl. Her eyes have continued to change since she arrived at the back door, Sept 17. Any one know an iridologist???? We'd love to know what that means.

She just went in for another blood test to check her Tapazole levels and kidney values. The fungus on her nail beds is gone (thank you Melaleuca!). She still has a bad tooth and the abdomenal mass but until she's healthy, we're not doing anything about it. We do suspect mammary cancer but aren't considering surgery at the moment and depending on her condition, maybe never. It would put her through trauma and if it is ca, we wouldn't be able to save her anyway - why put her through it. We continue to consult with our vet about it so we'll keep you posted. She is content, a good weight, getting healthier by the day. She still spends the majority of time in her bathroom suite coming out every once in a while, usually when she's ready for her next (frequent) meal. She's a love. The vet techs all fell in love with her. We'd love to find her a good foster home.

Tri

Tri What a joy and wonder to behold. Last night I had my first 'out from under the cabinet face to face' and our eyes locked for about 10 seconds before she ran back under her yellow cabinet. She jumped from the top of a chest about 5' high to one of the levels on the cat tree, then another, then to the floor and under the cabinet. She moved with such grace, with no hesitation or imbalance. Animals are amazinbg. True examples of living in the moment and working with what you've got. Every dog or cat that I've known or known of, has had not physical problems adjusting to their new stance - minus a leg. I don't think they're encombutred by thoughts of what they use to have or how it could be. They just adjust. Her former caretaker, Kay, came by last week......... God love her, she brought a quilted pillow case that she'd rubbed her yard cats with and brought it for Tri so Tri could smell the scent of her family and maybe feel more comfortable here. God Love her, Kay got down on the floor so she could see and talk to Tri. Kay is 72 and carries a few extra pounds - getting on that floor then up wasn't easy for her. Tri hissed but for the first time came out and ran across the room with someone present. Maybe she was showing Kay she's ok. Since having Kay to visit, Tri has poked her head out and made herself more visible. We were hoping hearing and seeing Kay in her new place would help her feel more comfortable and trustworthy, and it seems that it helped. One of these days, I look forward to movies of Tri out from under, walking and climbing but til then, we're satisfied with her 'pokes'.

Tri

Tri sorry, no recent photos of her. Poor girl is still hiding under cabinets during the day. It's not that she can't walk, it's just a very difficult transition from her home yard with the cats she's been raised with and the caretaker she's familiar with. Last week, she started coming out just a couple feet up onto one of the cat trees but this week she's hiding out under a cabinet that's even more secluded than the other. Her former caretaker is coming out next week. We're hoping that if she hears her voice and sees her here, it will make her more trusting and comfortable. We'll keep you posted!

Willow

Willow

Continues to gain weight. The difference between when she first arrived at the back door, skin and bones, with a seemingly oversized head, is amazing. Her nail fungus is all but gone. She still hangs around in the bathroom most of the time but in the morning, I often find her on my office chair. She too is going to the vet to check her blood levels and see if the Tapazole she's getting for her Hyper-thyroid are on track. Her eyes have changed. She's lost the thin black line surrounding the division between her inner and outer iris. She's a sedentary cat. Mostly she sleeps in her bathroom bed sanctuary. She comes looking for us when she's ready for more food and she only eats canned. She loves being loved, whether being pet in her bed or being cuddled on a lap.

Blackie

Blackie

Is slowly gaining weight. He went to our vet, Elmhurst Animal Care where they found 1/2 a tooth left in his mouth from his former surgery at another clinic. Blackie had to have all but his incisors removed due to a badly infected mouth. Dr. Singleton also did a biopsy of his gums as they were still inflammed. He has feline Plasmacytic Stomatitis. His body is allergic to the plaque on his teeth, this sometimes causes ulceration of the larynx but in Blackie's case, it isn't the case. He's on antibiotics and as part of treatment is removal of his teeth, and that happened prior to diagnosis, we think he'll be fine. We did discover a lump under his chin so he'll be back to the vet today. Aside from that, he's a very loving cat. Shy with strangers but once he knows you, he can't get enough loving (and food!). We may even have an adoptor for this love bunny.

Tri, Willow & Blackie

Tri hissed and growled but I was able to reach under the cabinet and cut the cord that keeps her cone on. Hopefully, not having it will help her normalize and come out from under the cabinet. Poor baby is still spending her days under there. I have yet to hear from her former caretaker. Will have to call her again to see if she'll come out to say hi to the girl. Her adjustment to 3 legs is so much easier than her adjustment to her new life. We're hoping to find her a home with someone who's willing to adjust to her time frame of trust. Willow didn't eat her food tonight. That's unusual. She usually eats several times a day, in small incriments. Her last meal has her meds, it's been in there for about 2 hours, untouched. Hope it's gone by morning. She's been quiet the last couple of days, staying in her bathroom bed more than usual. Blackie is a mellow cat. Twinkle, our house b_ _ _ _, still yowls at him when their paths cross and he just looks and walks right by. He's fitting in nicely with the others. He really needs a lap. He loves to cuddle. He's due for his dental check on the 5th, then will be ready to go. If you know anyone who's looking for an affectionate, beautiful long haired black cat, Blackie is the one. Mellow, playful, affectionate and handsome!

Elvis Extravaganza

Please RSVP - we're paying for the place by head count for food. Pay by 1/18 for advance sale discount.