Open House

 Thinking of adding a four-legged friend to your home?

Stop in today for our open house from 12:00 am - 5:00 pm.  We are located at 9  9th street south in Fargo.  Can't make it today?  We are also open Tuesdays from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, and by appointment.  You can reach us at 701-356-7877.   If we are unavailable, please leave a message and we will get back to you.

We typically have 40 - 50 cats in-house that are waiting for their forever home.  Here are pictures of just a few of the cats that are available.  Stop by and meet them in person!

Calista

Carolina

Cisco

Cypress

Dawson

Ponsford

Salsa

20 Cat Trivia Questions - Answers

Sorry.  I got busy and forgot to post answers yesterday.  Here they are. 

Tweedle Dum, Cassidy, and Sundance

Answers

1. C, 24 whiskers
2. A, cats have 30 teeth, but dogs have 42
3. A, 500 skeletal muscles
4. B, more similar to a human’s brain than a dog’s brain
5. A, 3-5 years (contrast this with around 15 years for indoor cats!)
6. D, clowder
7. B, kindle
8. True
9. False
10. B, Beauceron is the name of a dog breed, not a cat breed
11. B, ruff
12. True
13. True
14. B, 33%
15. B, bunting
16. D, 28,899 (wow!)
17. B, sweet
18. B, 18 (five in the front paws and four in the rear = 18)
19. A, just over 2 months
20. D is false. A tail tucked underneath the body actually means “I am scared.”

20 Cat Trivia Questions

Come back Sunday for answers.

1. A cat has how many whiskers, on average?

A) 8
B) 12
C) 16
C) 24

2. Do cats have fewer teeth than dogs, or more?

A) Fewer
B) More
C) Same

3. People have about 650 skeletal muscles. How many do cats have?

A) 500
B) 650
C) 800

4. Which brain is the cat’s brain most similar to?

A) Dog’s
B) Human’s

5. Outdoor-only cats live, on average, about:

A) 3-5 years
B) 7-10 years
C) 12-15 years

6. A term for a group of cats is:

A) caggle
B) covey
C) clutch
D) clowder

7. A term for a group of kittens is:

A) kaggle
B) kindle
C) nook
D) kaboodle

8. True or False: A cat, standing in a still position, can jump up to six times its own length.

9. True or False: “Tabby” is the name of a cat breed.

10. All of the following are the names of cat breeds, EXCEPT:

A) Balinese
B) Beauceron
C) Birman
D) Burmilla

11. The thick hair around the face of some cats (such as Persians) is called:

A) Mane
B) Ruff
C) Pelt
D) Shock

12. True or False: Just like female cats, male cats have five or six pairs of teats.

13. True or False: Like dogs, cats sniff one another’s butts.

14. How much of their waking hours do cats spend grooming themselves?

A) 11%
B) 33%
C) 66%

15. What’s it called when a cat rubs the side of its head on you or on furniture?

A) Beaning
B) Bunting
C) Brocking
D) Tagging

16. A cat named Towser was an expert mouser. (True story!) How many mice did this famous cat reportedly catch in her lifetime?

A) 899
B) 8,899
C) 18,899
D) 28,899

17. Cats can’t taste this:

A) Sour
B) Sweet
C) Bitter
D) Salt

18. What’s the total number of claws that most house cats have?

A) 16
B) 18
C) 20
D) None of the above

19. Cats stay pregnant for about how long?

A) 2 months
B) 4 months
C) 9 months

20. Which of the following statements about body language is FALSE:

A) A cat’s tail held high means “I’m happy.”
B) A twitching tail means “I’m getting irritated.”
C) A thumping tail means “I’m totally frustrated!”
D) A tail tucked underneath the body means “I’m hungry.”

Available Cats

Do you have room in your heart, and home, and life for two?

A Few Affectionate Friends

If you are looking for an affectionate friend.  Come on Saturday from 12:00-5:00 and spend some time with these loves.

Calista

Romeo

Casey

Drummer Boy

Hipster

Jaycee

Joseph

Mary

10 New Year Resolutions for Your Cat

Here are the top 10 New Year's Resolutions for your cat, from her perspective. (Just don't say anything if she falls a little short of the goal.)

Resolution #1: I promise to trim down a little.Being bigger means there is more of me to love, but perhaps I can stand to lose a little weight, if I'm given the opportunity and the right kinds of toys to play with.

Resolution #2: I'll be friendlier to strangers.I won't turn my nose up at newcomers right away. Instead, I'll give them a chance to scratch my ears before disappearing under the bed.

Resolution #3: I'll be cuddlier to family members.
I'll purr more and be more affectionate to everyone in the family, except the dog – unless he promises to stay the heck out of my litter box!

Resolution #4: I'll be nicer to the birds and fish in household.
Sure, I'll be very nice to them. Perhaps if I'm nice, they'd want to come out and play with me...

Resolution #5: I won't be as finicky about my food.
Just as long as it's the right texture, taste and temperature, and given at the right time each day.

Resolution #6: I'll lay off the furniture and stick to my scratching post.
After all, that's what the scratching post is for. Besides, I've made enough marks to show who really owns this place. To do any more would be just cad.

Resolution #7: I'll stop hiding stuff behind the couch.
It's getting a little cluttered behind there anyways. Someone in the house is really trying to find that diamond ring – they're making too much of a racket.

Resolution #8: I'll let everyone else sleep later.
I suppose 5 a.m. is a little too early to get everyone up to feed me. I think I can hold on until 5:30 a.m.

Resolution #9: I'll stay off the counters, at least when company is around.
I only get chased off anyways. Sooner or later everyone leaves, so I can patrol the countertops if I'm just a little patient.

Resolution #10: I'll be more tolerant of those homemade bandannas.
They feel a little funny, and I dislike having something put on me, but the colors really do match my hair coat, and they set off my eyes nicely.

Source: www.petplace.com

Pennies for Penny

We have a wonderful donor named Penny, who has generously offered to match the first $1,000 in donations for the medical care of the beautiful cat named Penny who underwent surgery last week on her ear. She came to is very sick and was not responding to medications. You can read her story on Her You Caring page. Any excess donations will be used to help pay for other cats with extensive medical bills, like Maverick, Hipster, and Mayflower who have all had surgeries in the past few weeks. Thank you, as always, for supporting our efforts to provide the needed veterinary care so many of these rescues would not otherwise be able to get. You are helping alleviate so much pain and suffering with your donation.

Pennies for Penny

www.youcaring.com

Penny's story starts before her rescue. She was found very pregnant hanging around in Lynns back yard. One day she disappeared and when she returned she was considerably thinner. Lynn went around to the neighbors, knocking on doors to see if anyone had noticed any kittens around. To her horror,...

Keeping Your Cat Safe During the Winter Holidays

Christmas, New Year's, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa – and all the celebrations they entail pose safety problems for pets. Aside from the overexcitement and confusion caused by too many guests, there are purely physical problems: A cat can singe a tail on a candle or can swallow tinsel and wind up with an intestinal blockage that may need surgery to repair.

"Overall, clinic visits at this time of year increase slightly," says Dr. Debra Primovic, a veterinarian at the Animal Emergency Clinic in St. Louis. "But we see more cases of toxicity, cases related to an animal's biting an electrical cord or cases related to a pet eating chocolate or table scraps and developing pancreatitis."

Here's how to keep a pet safe during this holiday season:

The Tree

·  The natural smell of a Christmas tree attracts pets. But remember that needles (even artificial ones) are indigestible. So, keep your pet away from the tree (using a baby gate in the doorway or low lattice fencing around the tree itself) and, since cats like to climb, secure it so he can't knock it over.

·  Artificial trees pose their own hazards. Small pieces of plastic or aluminum can break off and be swallowed, causing intestinal blockage or irritation to the mouth.

·  Don't use preservatives in the stand water. They can be toxic if consumed by a thirsty pet. Carefully cover the top of the stand with a tree skirt so your pet can't get to it.

·  Lights can get very hot - remove them from the lower branches of the tree so they won't burn a curious cat.

·  Tinsel is dangerous. Its sharp edges can cause cuts in the mouth. If a pet swallows it, it can block intestines, causing decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Treatment usually involves surgery.

·  Don't use edible ornaments or fragile, easily breakable glass decorations to trim the tree. Your pet may knock over the tree trying to get to them and your cat may decide they're toys and cut himself trying to play with them.

·  Don't use angel hair. It's made of spun glass and can cause irritation on contact.

·  Make sure electrical cords are out of reach, taped firmly to walls or floors. Chewing on wires may cause burns or pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), which can be fatal.

·  Don't use wire ornament hooks that can easily snag an ear or a tail, or, if swallowed, can lodge in the throat or intestines. Instead, fashion loops of yarn, ribbons or light weight twine. And be careful not to leave any of that lying around.

The Gifts

·  Check out the "toys" your pet or kids receive as gifts. A pet can swallow small parts; plastic items can be easily broken and swallowed, too.

·  Gift wrappings can be dangerous to a pet's health: String and ribbon can cause obstruction of the small bowel if swallowed. Cats, especially, love to eat the string used to tie up the turkey as it cooks.

·  Before throwing away large boxes or cartons, check the insides to make sure a kitten hasn't curled up inside.

The Food

·  Alcohol and chocolate are toxic - keep drinks and sweets out of a pet's reach. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, and even a single ounce of pure chocolate can be lethal to a small cat. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolate are most dangerous. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures.

·  Turkey bones left in an accessible place are almost irresistible to pets, but they can lodge in an animal's throat or block the intestinal tract. Remove leftovers from the table and don't leave garbage where animals can get to it.

Indoor Hazards

·  Certain plants are a menace to cats: Poinsettias irritate the stomach and eyes. Berries of the Jerusalem cherry are toxic, and cause pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Holly and mistletoe, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, rhododendron and winter broom as well as Christmas berry, cherry, pepper and rose can all cause problems to pets that ingest them. Note: Liquid potpourri can cause terrible burns in an animal's mouth should it be ingested.

·  Space heaters, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can cause burns if animals get too close.

·  Candles are a great attraction for pets, but don't leave them alone in a room with a menorah or candelabra blazing-the swish of a tail can be disastrous.

Outdoor Hazards

·  Even a small amount of antifreeze is extremely toxic. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it can cause permanent kidney damage or death. The lethal dose is one teaspoon per two pounds of body weight. Don't let animals drink from puddles, and make sure to clean paws when a pet comes in from the outdoors.

·  Rock salt can irritate a pet's footpads. Make sure you rinse and dry them carefully. To soften them and prevent cracking, smear them with a small amount of petroleum jelly.

Source: www.petplace.com

Available Cats

Come meet some of us on Saturday.  You never know...we might make your holiday shopping complete.  Open house on Saturday from 12:00-5:00.

Cisco

Gemma

Hennessey

Lillie

Molly

Radar

Salsa

Willis

Please Vote! - Spirit of Giving Contest

We need your vote!  Help Cats Cradle Shelter win up to $5,000 in the Spirit of Giving contest sponsored by West Acres Shopping Mall in Fargo.


The Spirit of Giving 

Vote for your favorite Spirit of Giving video from area nonprofit organizations and help West Acres give away $10,000! Three winning organizations could receive either a $5,000, $3,000 or $2,000 donation from West Acres. 

Vote for your favorite videos once per day from Dec. 8–18. 

Winners will be announced Dec. 22!


To vote, click on the link below.  

Spirit of Giving Contest - Voting Link

10 Steps for a Cat Safe Holiday Tree

The day after Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas holiday season, and millions of homes sport either real or faux trees – glittering towers of beauty that can pose a threat to your pets. Before you put the tree up, take a few moments to go over some safety precautions.

1. Choose the Right Spot. Pick an area where the tree can be enjoyed by the family without becoming a "climbing toy" for your pet. The tree should be secured to the wall or ceiling, away from furniture that can serve as a springboard for your pet. Try to place the tree near an outlet so you don't have to run electrical cords long distances. 

2. Prepare the Area. Lay down plastic sheeting or buy a "tree bag." This is an extra large trash bag used for live trees. Center the tree on the bag. When the season is over and you have removed the tree ornaments, pull the bag over the tree. This will catch the pine needles as they fall from the tree – and prevent them from being chewed or swallowed by your pet.

3. Secure the Tree. Cats – kittens especially - love to climb trees. Many a tree has been sent swaying with a happy kitten on top. Kittens can be injured if the trees or ornaments fall and break. Dogs can knock over a tree by rubbing against or playing under it. You can place the tree in a corner and secure it from two sides to small hooks in the walls. Another trick is to place a small hook in the ceiling above the tree and use clear fishing line from the top of the tree to the hook. Apply gentle tension and tie. The clear line is invisible.

4. Hide the Cords. Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets – especially puppies and kittens that chew on anything. Cords can cause electrocution and serious injury or even death. Secure the cords by positioning them higher than the pet can reach or hiding them with special covers.

5. No Hooks. Check your ornaments and replace hooks with a loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and pets may catch their mouths on or swallow the hooks.

6. Choose Safe Ornaments. There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction. Pet "safer" bulbs would be plastic or wood. Glass bulbs on the lower limbs can be especially dangerous. If broken, pets can step on them and cut their feet or worse yet – treat the bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. Many pet owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs. Ornaments made of food may be especially attractive to pets.

7. Ribbons. Big red velvet ribbons are a lovely addition and may replace tinsel and garland that can be eaten by cats and dogs and caught in their intestine. Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel. Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstruction that may require surgery.

8. Presents. Dogs and cats love to investigate and most don't understand that the presents are not meant to be opened before Christmas Day. Decorative ribbons and string can be ingested, gifts can be destroyed by a playful pet. Consider storing the presents in a safe area until right before the holiday or make sure your pet is always supervised while investigating and searching for his special gift.

9. Sweep and Water. Sweep up the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Keep the tree watered and only turn the lights on when you are at home. Risk of fire is always there with a live tree. Do not allow your pet access to the tree water to drink.

10. Supervise. The safest thing to do is to allow your pet access to the tree only when supervised. Pets that continue to want to bother the tree should be encouraged – using positive reinforcement – to leave it alone. Bitter apple can be sprayed on low branches for persistent chewers. 


Source: www.petplace.com

Kittens Galore

Pet Finder Website

Pet Finder made some updates this month.  They’ve changed the formatting requirements for passwords and there is a problem with displaying  cats using the scroller feature (which is what we use on the catscradleshetler.org website).

Please be aware that this is THEIR problem, not ours and they are working to fix it.

This is what is posted on the Petfinder website.

Pet List Scroller and Pet List Printer
The Pet List Scroller is experiencing some issues. Adoptable pets are not appearing within the scroller iFrame. Additionally, the Pet List Printer is not including group contact information. We are committed to providing increased visibility for your available pets and are working quickly to resolve these issues.

This is a temporary problem with our Adoptable Cats link; you can go directly to Petfinder to see cats.
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=ND25

Your Donation Doubled!!

We love seeing DOUBLE...

CATS Cradle has a wonderful supporter who has generously offered to DOUBLE donations up to $500.00.  If you would like to see your donation matched, now is the time to donate.  Simply mail your donation with the word DOUBLE in the memo line to:

 CATS Cradle Shelter
"Seeing Double"
9 -Ninth Street South
Fargo, ND 58103

OR...

Click on the DONATE tab at www.catscradleshelter.org and leave the word DOUBLE in the notation.