*web april mews 2013

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NEWSLETTER OF THE PATRICIA H. LADEW CAT SANCTUARY

VOLUME 3 NO. 4

APRIL 2013

Spring into Action!

April showers bring May/June flowers.

We’ve joined the fourth annual Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days — sure to be one for the record books.

On June 1 and 2, 2013, more than 200 shelters and rescue groups from eight communities across the nation will participate in the adoption event, which will place thousands of pets into their forever homes. Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days is America’s biggest free pet adoption event.

Maddie’s Fund decided to expand this year’s event to include adoption sites across the U.S., because of the continued success of Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days on a local level.

Every year, the number of adoptions has increased with a total of 6,722 dogs and cats adopted during the event’s three-year history.* This year, the hope is to adopt 5,000 animals during the two-day event by expanding the geographical boundaries to reach 11 million more people.

Call us at (516) 922-CATS! Our Fax # (516) 922-5203 Visit us at theladewcatsanctuary.org

Only pre-approved potential forever pet parents will be invited to attend the

Ladew Spring Adoption Invitational Sunday, June 2, 2013 — 12:00 Noon - 5 PM Don’t let the grass grow between your toes — download our adoption application now!

You read it right! Our adoption fee will be waived for adoptions on June 2nd, thanks to MADDIE’S FUND. Potential adopters must be pre-approved by us to be invited to adopt on June 2nd. This event will take place at our sanctuary at 34 Hamilton Avenue in Oyster Bay, New York on Sunday, June 2, 2013, from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Please spread the word and help us make this event a huge success! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 516-922-CATS (2287).

Hope to see you then, when you find your family-ready, best forever friend!

Get started now and download our Ladew adoption application. Email info@theladewcatsanctuary.org and you’re on your way!

Happy Cat Tales Love in Bloom... ladew mews © April 2013 The Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, Inc.

Executive Editor - Susan V. Whittred, DVM Creative Editor - Elise Klingensmith Sanctuary Photography - Lynn Manno Board of Directors: Elliot L Hoffman, Esq. Bruce E. Trauner, Esq. Steve Blumert, Esq. Director of Veterinary Medicine Susan V. Whittred, DVM Licensed Veterinary Technician Andrea Castro Manager — Lynn Manno Caretaker — JoAnn Studley Volunteers: Tatum Christiansen (and Insperity) Beata Boruta Robin Fishman Sue Rosen Jane Totura

Call us at (516) 922-CATS! Our fax # is (516) 922-5203.

Visit us at: theladewcatsanctuary.org

Send us your mews!

The Ladew Cat Sanctuary family is always on the alert for updates and happy, interesting, or just plain amusing cat tales about our former residents.

Please email to:

Dr. Susan Whittred, DVM info@theladewcatsanctuary.org

Mia’s Second Chance Mia (formerly Taco) was returned to us after her owners could no longer care for her. She didn’t have to wait long before Lillian fell in love.

Mia’s new mom, Lillian, checks in...

T

hey say that when one door closes, another door opens.

So I knew that Christmastime would be the perfect time to find a new playmate for Leo, my handsome, fluffy, sweet, white boy. Having found Leo online a few years earlier, I decided to try it out again.

It was only a few keystrokes later when I found myself on the Patricia Ladew Foundation’s website.

Staring back at me was a beautiful, slightly younger girl with a coat of black mink and eyes like bright yellow diamonds. I knew right away she was my girl and thought she would be the perfect playpal for Leo. So I contacted the foundation and after a brief snow delay, my friend (whom I call the cat whisperer) and I meandered our way from northern Westchester to Oyster Bay for a visit.

Words cannot describe this marvelous sanctuary for cats. Simply said, the Patricia Ladew Foundation is the most incredible facility I have ever seen. I felt that we had stepped into a cat fairyland. Yes, there were cats everywhere, but that isn’t unusual. What was unusual was how happy and well adjusted they all seemed...and how cheery, wellappointed and carefree this facility was. I mean, these people thought

Mia and Lillian

of everything! From camouflaged perches for those cats who like a little privacy, to elevated walking ledges, all kinds of toys, scratching apparatus, wildlife entertainment videos...you name it...it was there...and not a litterbox visible!

After a look around on the main floor, we went downstairs to meet some of the other cats, including “my girl.” She was being very coy under a white wicker bench, but quickly came out from hiding with a little coaxing and the offer of a good home. So into the carrier she went for the trip back to Westchester and the black mink girl with yellow diamond eyes became “Mia.” A big “Thank You” to Lynn and Dr. Whittred from me, Leo and Mia! Ed. Note: Many other cats and kittens are waiting for their chance for their forever home. Please visit us or call 516-922-CATS.

ladew mews — April 2013 — page two

Ask Dr. Susan...

“What’s the best way to introduce a new cat into a household with one or more cats?”

Survey says (chiming bells)...slowly.

Your best bet for acceptance of a new cat with existing cats, is to take your time. As cat lovers, we all know how cats hate change. Even moving a piece of furniture can send kitty into a tailspin. Imagine what bringing a new cat or kitten home will do! (Imagine if someone plunked a new baby or an adult in your house without warning!)

This advice is not meant to discourage you — adopting a new kitten or cat can also mean giving your cat their new best forever friend.

Taking it slow will ease the transition and make life better and calmer for everyone involved.

Most cats (there are exceptions), especially those that were with their littermates until 8-10 weeks of age, will eventually accept a new roommate. When you first bring your new cat or kitten home, don’t let the other cat(s) see him/her for a few days. If you have a towel in the carrier that you brought the kitten home in, let your cats smell the towel — if not, let them explore the carrier — to start getting used to the idea.

Lillian, Mia’s new forever mom, (See Happy Cat Tales on page 2.) took this advice. As you can see in the photos below, Mia (formerly Taco) spent time adjusting to her new forever home, while Leo, Lillian’s other forever kitty, was on the other side of the door adjusting to the idea of a new forever sister.

C

ongratulations to all of our new Spring Adoption Initiative forever kitty parents on your new best friends. Although we can’t save all the cats that we want to, it must make you feel good to know what a difference you can make in the life of one more precious kitty!

You can even feed your cats a treat on the other side of the door where the cat or kitten is so they begin to associate good things with their new roommate. After several days, try a supervised short visit. Make sure you give your existing cats lots of attention while this is going on.

It is absolutely normal for your cats to hiss at the new guy/gal — sort of the kitty way of saying “who the heck are you?” It’s important to take it slow and give your cats the time they need to adjust. Some absolutely welcome a new cat or kitten with no problems at all, and others take a little while to adjust. In most cases, the hissing stops in about 5-7 days. Before you start, make sure your present cats are up-to-date on vaccinations and make sure you have a history on what vaccines/deworming/testing the new kitty has had. You may want to discuss this with your veterinarian prior to introduction.

ladew mews — April 2013 — page three

Houdini Update: Sponsorship is Saving His Life “HOUDINI was in very bad shape when he came to us,” said Dr. Susan Whittred, Veterinarian of the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, Inc. Whittred continued, “He not only had heart disease, but also probably the worst case of asthma I have ever seen. We tried several combinations of medications and could not find anything that would keep his asthma under control.”

Whittred said, “The only thing that we didn’t try was an inhaler, similar to what people with asthma use. The problem was the expense. It would cost nearly $200 per month and we didn’t even know if it would work.”

Whittred thought it was worth a try and through sponsorship dollars, purchased one month’s worth of medication. Manager, Lynn Manno and Caretaker, JoAnn Studley, began administration. Manno says, “At first Houdini was a little frightened of it, but I think after he connected feeling better with using the chamber, he began to calm down.”

Caretaker, JoAnn Studley added, “We also changed the types of cleaners that we use in the room he is in; it seemed he did better with organic cleansers rather than with harsher chemicals.”

“He couldn’t have a better team on his side. Joann and Lynn keep track of his coughing and we’re pretty happy to report that Houdini hasn’t coughed at all in a month.

This was from a cat who was often found open-mouth breathing and needing oxygen!”

Houdini After

Houdini Before

Today Houdini runs around with his buddies and plays instead of spending his days trying to breathe.

Your generous sponsorship donations will help us continue to pay for his life saving medications.

From the bottom of Houdini’s not -so-great heart, we thank all of our sponsors for making this possible.

Gift sponsorship is also available.

Spotlight on SPONSORSHIP

INKY INKY first came to us as a stowaway. We told the Center for Animal Care and Control that we could take a litter of 6 tabbies that they needed placement for. They were kind enough to transport the animals, but when we received the 6 tabby kittens, there was a mysterious all black 10 week old kitten bringing the total to 7.

When asked about it, the CACC pleaded the fifth (while winking) and Inky became part of our family.

He’s a sweet guy that walks around the house like a panther. Inky has tested negative for FELV/ FIV, vaccinated appropriate for his age, is dewormed and microchipped.

Inky is also available for sponsorship ($25.00 minimum). Gift sponsorship is

also available.

Click here to Sponsor HOUDINI.

ladew mews — April 2013 — page four

Click here to Sponsor INKY.

What Breed is My Cat?

Ever wonder who your cat’s ancestors were? Is she a Russian Blue, Siamese or a Bombay? Most of our kitties are descendants of a mixed ancestry, not belonging to any specific breed and are called Domestic Short(Medium or Long)-Haired. Since Domestic Short-haired cats have resulted from generations of breeding of different types of cats, some of them can really resemble recognized cat breeds.

Inky - Bombay Mason - Maine Coon Jasmine Russian Blue

Could Mason be part Maine Coon or perhaps Norwegian Forest?

Like Mason, Jasmine and Inky, your cat might also show some traits. Cat Fancier’s Association lists the breeds and their traits. Read on and see if your cat might have some hidden ancestry.

DNA testing is available for those who are really curious to find out! ladew mews — April 2013 — page five

Adopt Our Downton Tabbies!

As part of our cultural enrichment program at the Ladew Cat Sanctuary, our Ladew Drama Players study some of the finer TV dramatic series to hone their craft.

The players featured below are currently researching the Emmy Award winning dramatic series Downton Abbey (a personal favorite of Ladew staff and volunteers) to prepare for their portrayals of characters in their upcoming rendition of Downton Tabbies. Their images appear in the photo below of Downton Tabby Castle.

All of these talented thespians are available for adoption. If adopted on June 2, 2013 they would surely provide hours of entertainment daily to pre-approved potential forever best friends.

EENIE

SYDNEY

FINNEY

BECKER

DOWNTON TABBY CASTLE ladew mews — April 2013 — page six