Green Your House for your Pet's Sake!

• Last year, the ASPCA received more than 3,200 calls related to household cleaners.
• Companion cats and dogs are polluted with even higher levels of many of the same synthetic indisutrial chemicals that researchers have recently found in people, including newborns.
• Health problems in pets span high rates of cancer in dogs and skyrocketing incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats

Learn what you can do to help protect your critters (and yourself!)

Sunday, March 29

2:00pm

Animal Care League

1013 Garfield - Oak Park

CatVando at ACL's 2nd Chance Shop

Ellen Miles will be at Animal Care League's 2nd Chance Shop, 159 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park on Saturday, March 21, noon to 4pm to give overview and answer questions about street cats. What's a feral? What to do if you have street cats? What to do if you're feeding an outside cat. The importance and benefits of TNR (Trap Neuter Return) and street cat care.

Our TNR Season is Starting Soon!

TNR Season is just around the corner!

If you have yard cats, email (catvandotnr@yahoo.com) so we can get you on the list. At this point, we have 3 colonies and a couple of individual cats already on the list.

If you think one of your cats is in early pregnancy, be sure and contact us soon.

Weather dependant, we will be starting late March, early April. Males can be TNR'd now. Females have their bellies shaved, leaving them exposed to the elements and even tho we risk kitties being born, we wait until the weather clears a bit.

We're always looking for volunteers and foster homes for the kittens that are an ever present part of TNR.

A Hairy Cleanup

OK, so this isn't about TNR or cats per se, but it is about us, including our critters, working together to help save other critters. Our own Stephanie Skrine shared an article from her groomers magazine that affords a great way for us all, including our critters, to help clean up some of the oil spills that are wrecking havoc with marine and fowl life.One square foot of hair mat a half inch thick can collect one quart of oil in one minute!Hair stylist, Phil McCrory has teamed up with Matter of Trust, an ecological public charity, to form the Hair Mats Program. Hair is boxed up and sent to San Francisco.I've gotten hair from a groomer and know how heavy it can be, which would make shipping prohibitive for most groomers. Maybe the owners can pay an extra few bucks to have their critters hair sent to help other critters - I know I gave her a little of the hair I'd saved from my creatures since passed, just to have them be part of helping out. I'm sure the hair I get when I brush Bella would soak up several quarts a year.To learn more about the Hair Mats Program, visit http://wwwMatterOfTrust.org

Coco Mulch (A Killer!)

This is an article I found on a site listed below. With spring soon to arrive, we'll be sprucing up our yards - when choosing a mulch - read below for warning about: Cocoa Mulch ( a killer) Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'This Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.aspCocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine' . It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of th eobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffei n e and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine. Posted by Colleen Del Bane~It's All about Pets Creator~ on February 12, 2009 at 11:16am in Animal Care Advice Back to Animal Care Advice Discussions A great site all about animals. To join go to: http://delbanese-abc.ning.com

Flea Products, Toxicity & Health

Flea Products, Household Products, Pet Products and Toys all have the potential to harm you, your animals and your kids. Many people do not realize that dozens of cleaning and personal care products they purchase at their local grocery store contain harmful chemical ingredients. Or, how toxic flea collars and pet products can be and they can effect not just the animal but you and your family. Animals are more sensitive to hazardous chemicals for a number of reasons. Most volatile chemicals eventually end up on the floor - that means they breathe them, absorb them through their paws and skin and they ingest them every time they groom themselves. Like people, cancer rates among cats and dogs is rising - 47% of all cats and dogs now die of cancer. Below is an article about household toxins - it addresses people but can be applied to your pets. Below that is a link specific to the hazards of flea collars. At CatVando, we take care to use safe products, not only for the animals temporarily within our care but for all critters and life everywhere. Unfortunately, we do have to use bleach in some cases but are searching for a safe alternative. To support environmental safety one of our fundraisers is marketing wellness products - it's a fundraiser that benefits everyone. http://ushelpingus.info/ or http://anaturalconnection.healthyhometour.com/. We also take care with what we feed our kittens and cats. We believe that good nutrition and using supplementing for specific issues when necessary, is the best way to insure the healthiest cat possible. Most of our kitty food is from Sirius Cooks in Oak Park. We'd love to use Orijen, a wonderful grain free food, which is what we feed our 3 house cats, but we use Burns, also a good food. We often use probiotics after spay/neuter surgery or a round of antibiotics to regain natural flora to enhance the digestive and immune system. For allergies or skin problems, we might use EFA's and/or grapeseed extract, depending on the issue - all high quality. We always work with agreement from our vets and try to prevent health issues and work towards building health not masking problems. And now for the article: Most Common Household Toxins By Dr. Ben Kim on May 28, 2006 Health Warnings Natural Health Care yahooBuzzArticleHeadline = "Most Common Household Toxins"; yahooBuzzArticleCategory = "Health"; yahooBuzzArticleId = window.location.href; --> Exposure to household toxins is linked to just about every disease that we know of, most notably cancer. Numerous animal studies have linked many of the more than 24,000 toxins that exist in our environment to negative health effects on the following systems: Cardiovascular Nervous Endocrine Respiratory Reproductive Immune Many household toxins have also been linked to mental and physical developmental problems in children. Because we are unable to feel, see, smell, or taste many household toxins at first contact, it is important to be aware of the most common household toxins and to proactively take measures to prevent or reduce our exposure to them. The most common household toxins are as follows: Triclosan: an antibacterial agent that is chemically similar to the dioxin class of compounds. Linked to: immune system and endocrine system dysfunction. Most commonly found in: many liquid soaps and in some deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, kitchenware, and children's toys. Phthalates: large phthalates are chemicals that are added to plastics to impart resilience and flexibility. Smaller phthalates are used to prolong the length of time that a scented product maintains its fragrance. Linked to: endocrine, reproductive, and developmental problems. Most commonly found in: vinyl flooring, plastic food packaging, plastic bags, plastic clothing, detergents, children's toys, shower curtains, and personal care products like soap, shampoo, nail polish, and hair spray. Bisphenol A: used in epoxy resins that line some metal cans, and to make polycarbonate plastics utilized in a variety of food containers and baby products. Linked to: endocrine problems. Most commonly found in: food and drink containers, baby bottles, teethers, toys, metal food cans, and dental sealants used to prevent cavities. Carbon monoxide: formed from incomplete combustion of fuel. Carbon monoxide decreases delivery of oxygen to cells. Linked to: cardiovascular and nervous system failure. Most commonly produced by: leaking furnaces and chimneys, gas stoves, wood stoves and fireplaces, back-drafting from gas water heaters, and auto exhaust from an attached garage or nearby traffic. Perfluorinated chemicals: used to make stain-repellents and non-stick surfaces. Linked to: many different types of cancer and developmental problems in children. Most commonly found in: teflon-coated cookware, microwave popcorn bags, and stain-guarded clothing, furniture, and carpets. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): chemicals that are released into the air as gases. Linked to: reproductive, respiratory, neurological, and developmental problems. Also linked to different types of cancer. Most commonly found in: air fresheners, hair spray, perfumes, cleaning products, paints, carpets, and furniture made out of pressed wood. Radon: odorless gas that forms as uranium in rocks and soil breaks down. Linked to: lung cancer. Most commonly found in: confined spaces, the most common of which are poorly ventilated basements that have cracked walls and/or floors. Lead: a heavy metal that can build up in our tissues. Linked to: cancer, neurological dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and developmental problems in children. Most commonly found in: lead plumbing pipes found in older homes, lead-based paint, crystal tableware, and some varieties of imported mini-blinds. Pesticides and herbicides: linked to problems with the nervous system, and possibly a risk factor for cancer, developmental challenges, and reproductive problems. Most commonly found in: non-organic food supply, non-organic farming regions, and non-organic landscaped areas that are well maintained. Although we are all at risk of experiencing health problems due to exposure to the household toxins listed above, particularly worrisome are the effects that these toxins may have on babies growing in their mothers' wombs. A study conducted in 2004 by the Environmental Working Group found that umbilical cord blood from 10 newborns contained chemicals used in consumer products, pesticides, and by-products from gasoline, garbage, and the burning of coal. On average, the blood from each newborn contained 200 industrial pollutants and chemicals. Of the 287 toxins that were found in the newborns' blood, 180 are known to cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are known to be toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 are known to cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests. I think it's important not to become obsessed with living in a way that minimizes exposure to household and other toxins. I firmly believe that such an obsession can quite possibly become an emotional stressor that creates more of a negative impact on our health than toxins themselves. Still, within the context of living emotionally balanced lives, we can significantly lower our risk of developing many different types of chronic disease by doing our best to avoid the most common sources of the toxins listed in this article. A link to toxin levels found in pets higher than in humans http://medheadlines.com/2008/04/18/household-toxins-more-dangerous-to-pets-than-people/ The link to the hazards of flea products on pets and people http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/pets/execsum.asp Next time you wash your floor or spray that freshner - think - there may be a healthier alternative, and if you choose our fundraising alternative, it could even be cheaper!

Kitties!!!!

Our kittens are ready to go!!!! We need to clear space for the next batch and we need a break to regroup before spring TNR starts. We are mainly a TNR group, after all......

Our wonderful kitties all come spayed or neutered, with vaccinations & a microchip. They're flea and parasite free. They're all dog and cat friendly. They all purr with glee, play and cuddle - each has a wonderful, unique personality.

Alice & Archie 2 cutie patooties. Sweet, playful, affectionate. Both born in September in Berwyn, been here since about 7 weeks old. Dependent and independent. They love human affection and play but are comfortable playing and hanging together. Wonderful companions for you and for each other.

Pecko & Earline Grey

These babies came from the yard of a wonderful caregiver. A couple in their '80's feed a colony and have devoted their enclosed patio to their cats, who are free to go in and out but have canned and kibble 2x a day. We met them this summer when we TNR'd their colony - lovely people who take really good care of their 'yard cats'.

Both females, born in June, are wonderfully friendly. And, of course, very cuddly, affectionate and playful. Sisters, they're being adopted as a pair.

Then There's Vito!!!! Everybody that meets him falls in love with him. He is incredibly engaging. Absolutely gorgeous with a wonderful personality. Vito gets along great with other cats but he's primarily a 'people' cat. One of 3 that could be 'circus cats' they're so smart. (His brother, Hustus and sister, Margo, were recently adopted into a wonderful new home) Vito naturally gravitates to shoulders where he's learning to balance quite well during walking. He's looking for a home where he'll get to give and get a lot of love. Someplace where someones around about 75% of the time. He looks like a Maine Coon and feels like a Chinchilla.

To inquire about any of these kitties for adoption please comment and we'll get back to you. We're located in Maywood, IL, near Chicago.