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.

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.......................

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!

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!

Tri, Willow, Blackie

Tri is making progress! No longer is she in the far corner under the cabinet, she's close to the front and in full view. I haven't seen her venture out but am sure she does. Hoping to take her collar off sometime next week. She loves to watch as we play with the cats in close proximity to where she stays. Who wouldn't love to watch as the cats jump, do sommersalts and grab at the stick toys - they're a riot. Willow is about the same. Gaining weight, loving her lovin' time. Her feet continue to improve. Blackie What a lover. He's due for his second dental surgery on Jan 5 (along with Daisy, an inside outside cat of one of our sponsored colonies). He's more than ready for a new forever home. His favorite thing in the world, after eating, is sitting in someone's lap, purring contendedly. He's come such a long way. It didn't take long for him to learn his manners. He had such a rough start. He was almost dead from malnutrition and dehydration and now, he's getting healthier and more comfortable every day. If you're looking for a lap cat who will do nothing but appreciate your love (and eat!), he's your guy. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and your interest in our cats. May 2011 bring you peace and a heart filled with love.

Blackie

Blackie - again, blog won't let me down load photo. Sorry Has been out of the crate since about 9am - our foster home fell through and he's been in there long enough. He was crated for 10 days prior to arriving here for an antibiotic treatment for the poor baby's oozing gums. He's a beautiful cat. Skinny as a rail. Until I tried to see his gums, he was very affectionate, now he runs from me. Poor baby, his gums are still very sore. We were told he only has his eye teeth but upon a very brief inspection, we saw white where it shouldn't be. We were going to take him to our vet but he was no where to be found so had to just take Lilly. He will have to go in soon. However, he is incorporating in the house very well. He's been at 'cat' level for 8 days so they've all had a chance to smell and see. Even Twinkle, the house b _ _ _ _ , and I say that with love, doesn't howl at him. He's a gentle one, no threat. He's skinny as a rail. When he came, we thought his dental expense had been paid for - he arrived after being treated at another vet. We were just doing meds and holding until adoption or foster. However, now it looks like he's going to cost money other than maintenance too. ok - next on the list after Tri and Willow.

Willow

Willow - for some reason the blog won't let me download a photo. Sorry Is still doing great. She did spend most of today in the bathroom but her coat is getting more lush and she continues to put on weight. I negected to mention that her heart rate has slowed. She's responding well to all treatment. Her feet continue to need treatment for a fungal infection but they're much better. At one point, we couldn't even touch her back toes. She still needs dental surgery but we're waiting until she's healthier - could be in a week or two. Her abdomenal mass continues to change. Where at one point, there was a large mass then a rounder small one, attached but behind the larger one. Now, they seem to be smaller, but joining and more of it is attached to the abdomenal wall. If it is mammary gland cancer, we don't want to operate. After consulting with our vet, it seems an unnecessary trauma. She's very sweet. She's comfortable here but we'd love to find her another good home. As soon as we get Tri's fund taken care of, the next monies will go to her vetting and care.

Tri

Tri

Is out of the crate! The five steps she ran from my arms to under the chest she mastered with ease, amazingly enough, no stumbling or loosing balance. And, under the chest she's been since about 8:30am. She's got food and water and she's about 4' from the litter box. I suspect she'll be out in a day or two. She's doing fine with the cats, as they are with her. I'd hoped to get some of her walking today but she needs to ease in before she ventures out........... silly me. At about 9pm, I tried taking her out so I could give her an extra feeding but she would have no part of it - hiss hiss. We've almost got her surgery and hospitalization for her. Now, she needs an adoptor, either armchair or in home.

Tri, the Hillside Calico

Tri is a sweet calico who's front leg was mangled in an engine. She's a friendly but lives outside with a colony being fed by a wonderful elderly woman. To make matters more complicated, when she went to the vet, in fear, she bit a vet tech so she's on rabies isolation for the next 8 days. We are hoping to raise enough funds to have her leg amputated when she's out of iso. She's young and cats (as well as dogs) are resiliant and do just fine on 3 legs. Of course, she can't be outside so we'll be looking for someone to adopt this little sweetie. One of the vet techs at the the clinic may foster her after surgery. Her caretaker has visited her at the clinic and loves her but has too many house cats already and can't take her in. If you can contribute to her care, please click the donate button and indicate it's for Tri. We need to raise about $1,000 - we have a matching funds grant by one of our benefactors. I've yet to find out if there is any significance to her unusual name but will. I'll keep you posted.

Jake's found a home!

Jake found himself a new home!

Those of you who visit CatVando are familiar with Jake's ways and charms. He was an indoor cat who became an indoor outdoor cat then became primarily an outdoor cat, living on the enclosed back or front porches with access to the yard area. He had quite the beginning, coming to us initially for therapy for his 'bite' behavior. He was doing great. We always had to exercise caution but he quit the intensity of his behavior and became more the charmer he really was. Jake is an alpha cat and even tho he was neutered, whenever there was a new cat on the premises, the boy would spray his little heart out - and, because of the influx of cats coming and going for TNR aftercare, ............... let's just say, there use to be a great leather couch here - use to be. Jake helped redecorate. We now have all wicker furniture. Anyway, Jake disappeared. He was in the habit of getting into cars and we thought maybe he took a ride somewhere and was trying to find his way home. 4 weeks to the day that he disappeared, we got a call from a local vet. Jake found a new home in Forest Park. We've worked out the arrangements, warning of his behavior and habits and are thrilled that he has a home where he's the only cat, where he can cuddle in bed for his night's rest, which he loves. Don't you just love the white heart on his abdomen