Twiggy (and Mutter)

Click to watch!

Live Action CROW

Bubba, Jacob (on top), Mama Mia (sleeping on side), Mutter (in the middle), Twiggy (in the front), and Mog (who falls off at the end).



CROW cats are some of the happiest rescue cats on the planet, I think. Not that I'm biased or anything.

Everyone in this video is available for adoption.

TJ and Maru

When TJ first joined CROW, something about him reminded me of Maru, the chunky round-faced Japanese cat with an unnatural attraction to boxes and getting things stuck on his head. At first I thought it was just the body bulk and the round cheeks: (Maru on left, TJ on right)




Then I realized it was more. (Again, Maru then TJ.)



This was not the first time TJ has done such a thing, but rather just the first time I was able to get a picture.

TJ is a hoot. He is playful and undignified and ridiculous and cuddly and silly and affectionate; he has made himself fully at home and is incredibly happy. Anyone would be lucky to share a home with him, and in the meantime I'm grateful to be so lucky.

Oh, Those Lazy Felines

Here's a herd of CROW cats just soaking up the day. Counter-clockwise from top: Jacob, Mama Mia, Twiggy, Mutter, and Bubba.





Jacob


Mama Mia


Twiggy


Mutter


Bubba


All are fixed, vaccinated, friendly, good with cats and dogs, and ready for homes.

He's an Odd One, That Maru

Pet-Owners have Reduced Risk for Cancer

In a recent study of 4,000 participants published in the Cancer Epidemology, Biomarkers and Prevention journal, researchers discovered that pet lovers are a third less likely to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), a cancer of the lymphatic system. The report is quoted as saying, 'This large study provides support for a decreased risk between pet ownership and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. And it's possible this is related to altered immune function.'



(I haven't been able to find an online copy of the report. If any of you do, leave a link in the comments. Thanks!)

Commercial Cat

TJ, the Cow Cat

When TJ's humans became homeless, he ended up here with us at CROW. We kept his original name, since everything else in his world had been turned upside down. He's very large, has almost no teeth, and is declawed on his front paws. He getting comfortable in his new digs and made it into the giant human bed last night. His purr reaches the rafters, and as long as there is a human nearby to love on, he can take nearly anything in stride.

Please Don't Declaw

I once knew a cat who could not fully retract his front claws, so he sprained and twisted his leg joints repeatedly when he'd get snagged, until the day came that both front legs were injured and he could use neither. This is the only case of medically justified declawing that I've come across.



While some cats survive declawing without long term issues, many become aggressive biters, develop litter box problems, end up with health complications from the anesthesia or the surgical wounds, and some die. If you're concerned for furniture or safety, get some cat trees and Soft Paws instead of chopping off a cat's toes. Please.

Lucas got adopted! And other tidbits...

Lucas went to his new home yesterday and we bid him a fond farewell. Much love to you, Lucas! Have a wonderful life!



My camera and computer are having an extended disagreement, so I can't post pictures of our new arrival yet, but will do so as soon as I am able. TJ is a large neutered and declawed male whose humans became suddenly homeless, so he ended up here with us at CROW. He is sweet and very attached to humans, but is less than thrilled to be surrounded by so many other cats. He's been here less than a week and is adjusting well. Close inspection revealed that he has very few teeth in his big round head, but that hasn't hindered his sizable cow-printed bulk in the least. He is quite a character.

Cats in the main CROW foster home are enjoying a new piece of furniture. Nice, eh? (I have pictures of it in use, but since my electronics won't end their spat, this manufacturer's photo will have to do in the meantime.) Just imagine all the furry goodness.



Sorry the blog is no longer daily--I hope it will be again someday. In the meantime, rest assured that the cats are doing well, the community is coming to know and love CROW, and the CROW blogger is keeping her sanity.

Community Teamwork

A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from one of the local librarians who was concerned about a family of feral cats living across the street in the parking lot of a vacant business. The owner of the property was not able to be contacted, and the library refused to allow the family to reside on their property.

We worked together with Alpha Humane League and they trapped all six cats, a mama and her six half-grown babies. They took them to the vet, where we took over for a bit. We paid to get them spayed and neutered (four boys and two girls), with ear tipping, and then Alpha Humane League found homes for three of them and a foster home for the remaining three.

Fast forward a few days, and we get a call from Conour Animal Shelter (managed by Valley Humane League) and they put a woman on the line who is looking for six mousers for her large property (garage, barn, and cellar). These feral cats whom most would consider unadoptable now have a home, and she'll also be taking three of our CROW cats as well (so she'll have some mousers she can love on), but I'll post about that after it's a done deal.

I'm just so proud of how three valley animal organizations came together to save the lives and improve the welfare of six feral cats, none of whom would have been saved had we not teamed together. Those who know the history behind the pre-CROW valley animal groups will understand that this is a big deal and a huge step in the right direction. I hope it is a sign that CROW will be able to continue to improve networking of animal activism organizations in the valley and that we can all come together to help as many cats as possible fo years to come. Thank you to all involved, and thank you for being eager and willing to work with CROW!

More Maru

Bubba the Beautiful

Bubba has the most luscious coat of any cat at CROW. It is shiny and thick and softer than the air around it. Pictures can't even begin to capture the shine, much less its other qualities.




In the above picture, it may look like his tail is hiding behind the couch, but it isn't. This is all there is!

He had an old irreparable fracture as a feral kitten and this was all that could be saved.



And believe it or not, formerly feral Bubba is becoming a lap cat. His purrs rattle the room as he soaks up as much petting as he can get, and at the peak of his ecstasy he gets the barest sheen of drool droplets on his handsome chin. Just enough to show his appreciation, but not enough to be gross.





Don't you want a one-eyed Bubba? He's just over a year old, healthy, neutered, vaccinated, and ready for his forever home.

Roshi's Tale

A valley resident contacted us a couple weeks ago, concerned because she had seen a feral cat nearby with a face full of porcupine quills. Fortunately, she was able to trap him within a couple of days.


photo credit: Emily Lutringer


Isn't he gorgeous?

We got him neutered and de-quilled, vaccinated and evaluated him, and determined that he had not been feral his entire life. Fortunately for sweet Roshi, his rescuer adopted him, and we sent them on their way with a giant bag of cat food and lots of well wishes. Last we heard, Roshi was working on getting acclimated to indoor life.

We wish Roshi a long and happy life with his new human. Who would have thought that a face full of porcupine quills could make a life so much better? We love you, Roshi!

(We'll provide updates and pictures as we receive them.)

Sorry!

Wow, almost a whole week without posting! Don't worry, everything is fine here at C.R.O.W. Bubba is more affectionate than ever and back up for adoption, Lola is healing beautifully, and the handful of sick kittens are still slogging their way though this upper respiratory infection, but will be fine soon.

We got a call about a feral cat covered in porcupine quills and are working on trapping him and getting him to the vet, where we'll get the quills removed and get him neutered. Keep your fingers crossed that he's not already trap-savvy!



Hope everyone's holidays were lovely and we wish you all the best in the New Year.