30 Dec 2021

Can Indoor Cats Go Outside Safely?

by | posted in: Education | 0

We believe cats should be indoor cats. Not indoor-outdoor, not outdoor. Indoor only. Cats can jump over fences and squeeze through small spaces. It only takes a moment for a cat to get spooked by something and run off. In our area, coyotes are being seen during the day, not to mention other predators as well as cars. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.

That said, there are ways cats can enjoy some fresh air and the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors in safe ways. We’ll share a few favorite ways here.

Catios: A “catio” is a patio for your cat! These are screened-in enclosures that allow your cat to be on a patio, deck, balcony, etc. while remaining safe from falls, predators, and other mishaps. A search online for “DIY catio” or “catio kits” will turn up all kinds of options. Catioworld.com and Catiospaces.com are two great places to learn more.

Harness and Leash: Cats can be trained to wear a harness and use a leash! When selecting a harness, be sure it fits securely so that your cat cannot wriggle out of it. This site posts reviews of several models of harnesses to choose from. Once your cat is used to wearing a harness you can add a leash and start venturing outside. Don’t be surprised if it takes some time for your kitty to feel comfortable, and don’t expect him or her to do more than sniff around at first. We’ve heard of some families using a harness and long lead so that they can bring their cats outside while they enjoy coffee in the morning.

Backpacks: There are special packs made just for pets so that you can take your cat on a walk or hike! Some feature a “bubble” for your cat to have a window on the world. Most feature some mesh for airflow. Search online for “backpacks for cats” to see the many options available.

22 Mar 2021

Things to Consider When Adopting

by | posted in: Adoptions, Education | 0

We want all of our cats and kittens to go to safe, loving, forever homes. Adopting a cat or kitten is a lifetime commitment, and indoor cats can live up to 20 years! Adoption should not be an impulsive decision. You’re adding a family member to your home who will require not just food and litter but also regular vet visits and probably medical care at some point as well. It is not a decision to make lightly! Cats are living, feeling beings and are not “things” to be discarded when they no longer fit into a lifestyle.

Some questions to ask yourself:

*If you’re renting, will you make sure you always seek out cat-friendly places if you have to move?

*If you’re a student, do you have a plan for your cat(s) when you go on vacation or find yourself moving often?

*If your household has never had a cat, do you know if anyone has allergies?

*Are you prepared to change their diet if required to support their medical needs?

*If you’re planning on starting a family, have you done some reading to learn how to appropriately introduce cats and babies and how to help toddlers learn to treat cats gently?

*Do you have a plan in place for where your cat(s) will go in the event you can no longer care for them? In 2022 the average life expectancy in Ventura County was 81.3 years. Indoor cats with regular veterinary care and a healthy diet can live 12-18 years or more.

*If you have another cat or kitten at home (or a dog) have you read about properly (and slowly!) introducing a new cat or kitten?

*Have you read about the benefits of keeping cats indoors, and how to keep them happy and stimulated?

*Have you read about why declawing is barbaric?

There is quite a lot to think about and we want to be sure that every cat and kitten we adopt out finds the purrfect home for the rest of their lives!

This article at PetFinder has excellent tips for safely bringing a new cat home.

2 Mar 2021

Introducing a New Cat

by | posted in: Education | 0

Slowly.

That’s how you introduce a new cat or kitten to your other pets.

Everyone needs time to adjust. You cannot bring a new cat or kitten home and expect everyone to be friends right away. There are many articles written on the subject. We advise keeping the new kitty in one room at first. Let everyone smell each other through the door. You can even feed on either side of the door. Then trade spaces for a bit so the current pets can go sniff around while the new kitty checks out more of your residence. Be sure to give everyone lots of love and attention!

With a slow introduction you have a much higher chance of everyone getting along more quickly than just tossing someone new into the mix.

https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/introducing-new-cat

https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/the-dos-and-donts-of-introducing-cats/

1 Mar 2021

March Updates

by | posted in: Education, Fundraising | 0

On March 16, 2020, Cassie’s Cats received its official determination letter stating nonprofit approval. We’re nearly a year out from there and feel proud of what we’ve accomplished and the groundwork we’ve laid in the midst of a global pandemic. We are ready to secure a lease and start moving things ever closer to the dream of opening a lounge and adoption center for rescued cats in Ventura! I (Jennifer) will be running the lounge and have had my first covid vaccination. Things are moving in the right direction, finally.

To date, Cassie’s Cats has raised over $12,700 in financial donations and has had over $1000 in in-kind donations. We have another $6500 promised to us as well. To have this kind of support before we even open our doors shows us that our community supports what we are trying to do and wants to see this dream come to life so more cats can have better lives.

We are up to about 512 followers on Facebook and nearly 500 on Instagram. We encourage our supporters to share our social media posts and accounts so that more people who love cats can find us and follow us.

We (Jennifer) recently had a chance to visit Purrmaid Cafe and Adoption Center in Camarillo and talk with the owner there. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, please do! They are also a nonprofit with the same core mission: to help rescued cats find safe, loving, permanent homes. Their generosity of both spirit and time is so appreciated!

Our fundraising through our online shop continues in earnest. In 2021 we’ve already sold 176 masks! We’ve also begun selling small and medium zipper pouches and we’re adding new prints as we can. We even have cute new oval logo stickers that you can add to any order for just $2.

We’re currently without fosters at Jennifer’s house, and things seem much quieter. We’ll see how long that lasts. =^..^=

17 Feb 2021

Musing…

by | posted in: Education | 0

We are so ready to sign a lease and get this show moving. As of today, about 4% of Ventura County has had both doses of the covid vaccine. The 7-day case rate is 26.2 per 100,000; to move from the purple tier to the red tier it needs to drop to 7 or lower. Hospitalizations have been dropping significantly which is great to see.

We’ve found one potential place to lease and are waiting to hear back on a couple of questions. It looks like a good location with a good lease rate, so fingers and paws crossed that this might be the one! It’ll need some work – new flooring (or at least see what’s under that carpet), fresh paint, creating a front desk area, creating a private space for cats and volunteers, and so on – but we figure any place is going to need most of that.

We have a gift registry ready to go so people can donate toys, food, litter, and other goodies to the future cats – can’t wait to share that with everyone, too! =^..^=

Looking forward to this being a reality!