President’s Corner

President’s Corner

Accepting responsibility with compassion for homeless cats

1117 Tulip Street Grand Ledge, MI 48837 (517) 622–4653 Volume 7 Issue 1www.mmcr.petfinder.com www.mid-michigancatrescue.com Spring 2012

MEWSMid-Michigan Cat Rescue, Inc.

You’re Invited to aKitten Shower!

Inside This IssueAsk the Cat 2Serious Problem For Pets 4Never Advertise “Free To Good Homes” 5We Need Adopting 6Volunteer Spotlight 7Adoption Events 7

. . . and much more

Have you ever wondered why some Michigan shelters euthanize their animals? Clearly, there are simply too many animals and not enough space to house them. In 2010, Ingham County Animal Control and Capitol Area Humane Society (CAHS) euthanized hundreds of cats. Eaton County Animal Control no longer even accepts cats at all.

The hitch with most shelters is that they charge a fee for you to drop off an animal. They will then possibly euthanize that animal in less than a week. And some of these intake-fee shelters immediately kill a dog with a runny eye or a cat who misses the litter box once. So is the $40+ intake fee really just a euthanasia fee?

Unfortunately, there can be no middle-ground. If a shelter must practice euthanasia, why can’t it take the responsibility to accept any animal — stray or owned — whether someone can pay or not?

Shelters make choices. Euthanasia is a choice. Limited intake is a choice. No-kill is a choice. And you make a choice when you decide which shelter to support. Adoption

is always the right decision, but at MMCR we are more conscientious about our choices. It’s true that as a no-kill we cannot, and do not, take in every cat. Yet, those we do take in receive the best medical care and socialization possible. If you relinquish a cat here you have the option of making a donation or volunteering a little of your time with our wonderful kitties. And when you adopt from us, we can save another cat from death.

These are serious ethical considerations and you make the best choice for homeless cats in mid-Michigan when you adopt from, consistently donate to, or otherwise support MMCR. I see a future where MMCR’s ideal of life over death is the successor to the flawed practices of shelters such as Ingham County and CAHS. Help a program that really saves lives. When you do, you support the dream of a future when no animal needs to be euthanized. Do the right thing and tell your friends about us, too!

— Sarah Vicary,Director and Founder

“There Is No Middle Ground”

Kitten season! It’s that time again. You’re invited to help us make this year one of our most successful ever by participating in our first ever Kitten Shower!

This past year MMCR has been home to more than 50 litters of kittens. We provide food and litter for over 175 kittens every year. They eat a lot, they play a lot, and yes, they poop a lot! Just like other babies, kittens need many things to make them happy, healthy, and to help them grow big and strong. Your donations of hand-me-downs are always helpful. However, because of the increasing number of new babies every year, we’ve registered at Target for a “Baby Shower” for our feline little ones.

The registry at Target is in the name of “Kitten Happy.” The selected items will help us satisfy needs we have of all our kittens.

You can buy any number of different gifts! The kittens always need things like

Join the conversation

Find us on Facebook

Continued on page 2

Help us help the cats and kittensof MMCR!

Pico: loving and talkative Maine Coon mix

Ask The Cat by Philip Douglas

My cat has been tearing up the upholstery in my house. Would it really hurt her to be declawed?

— Can’t Afford New Furniture

What if the person you thought loved you the most took you to the hospital to cut off your fingertips? This person had told you repeatedly that your habit of digging your fingernails into the furniture drove them crazy and you just wouldn’t listen when they told you to stop. But this habit was a part of you, a deeply satisfying exercise that gladdened you at the deepest level of your being. Humans are fortunate that we can communicate this idea and also understand the other person’s perspective. Imagine though how your cat must feel. She can’t quite grasp why a nice textured upholstery or carpet shouldn’t get a good, healthy scratching.

Here is why declawing is the unkindest cut of all: A cat’s claw is essentially like the last phalanx (or knuckle), including the bone, tendon, and nerves of a human finger or toe. “Declawing” is when a vet amputates the cat’s claw at the first joint of each toe. It would be the same thing as severing your own toes at the first joint.

You should know that onychectomy (the clinical name for declawing) can have dire complications for your feline friend. First, declawing your cat may put her in excruciating pain for the rest of her life that she may be unable or unwilling to tell you about. Many cats are stoic and the only evidence you may have of their physical pain is a change in behavior. Kitty may hide on top of the fridge, not just to deal with the suffering but also to protect herself against unseen enemies that she can no longer defend herself against.

The hurt factor has other consequences for your cat even without medical complications. Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling, explains that during recuperation from the surgery your cat still needs to use her feet when she jumps, walks and scratches in her litter box regardless of the pain she is experiencing (www.declawing.com).

Other complications can include: postoperative hemorrhage or bleeding, either just after surgery or when bandages are removed; damage to the radial nerves; painful regeneration of a deformed claw that grows unseen inside the paw; and small fragments of bone that prevent proper healing. In addition, your cat can also suffer from chronic pain in her joints and back due to the weakening of her leg, back and shoulder muscles that will come with Kitty’s efforts to walk with the tips of her toes missing.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to this cruel procedure. A product called Soft Paws is an effective substitute for declawing. Soft Paws are vinyl nail caps in clear or fashionable colors that can be easily applied to the claws and will take the sharp point off each claw. More information can be found at www.softpaws.com.

You can also ask your vet to teach you how to safely clip your cat’s claws to blunt the sharp points. And, you can train your cat to scratch her nice cardboard or sisal rope posts strategically placed around your home instead of on the couch or your favorite chair. Talk to your vet about all your options.

Please make the humane choice!

If you have a cat question, write to Ask The Cat or Ask Sarah at sarahvicary@yahoo.com. We are glad to answer your questions.

2 Spring 2012 MMCR Mews

You’re Invited To A Kitten ShowerContinued from page 1

food, catnip, litter, litter boxes, toys, bedding and blankets. Other badly-needed supplies for the incoming babies include: kitten milk replacement, baby bottles, soap, laundry detergent, office supplies, printer paper, pens and pencils. Try to imagine anything that your typical office and cat rescue might need.

Shopping is easy with Target’s Baby gift registry. Simply stop by your local Target store and request the registry list for “Kitten Happy” and purchase the items you wish to give to MMCR for the new kittens!

Can’t get to a store? Shop online! Although some items are available as in-store purchases only, there are many items on our wish list that can be purchased online. Visit www.target.com and click on the menu item: registries. Select the Target Baby option under Find a Registry (if your monitor is small, you may need to scroll down to see it), enter Kitten in the first name field, Happy in the last name field and click on the Search button.

Check the boxes next to the items in the resulting list that you wish to purchase. You can even have them shipped directly to MMCR if you wish.

Please stop by Target and help fill the wish list for our baby kittens. Of course, our older kitties will benefit as well. Thanks so much for helping the babies!

Cassie She is calm, loving, well-mannered senior lady who

purrs when held, gets along with other cats and dogs.

Want to make your gift work faster? Donate online via paypal at www.mmcr.petfinder.com

Please use this gift to sponsor:

cat’s name

Please fill out the above information & mail it to: MMCR, 1117 Tulip Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837Thank you.

Volunteer or Donate TodayEnclosed is my tax-deductible gift to help the cats and kittens:

$18/month $35 $50 $100 $200 $500 $

Please charge my credit card: one time donation recurring monthly donations, until I say stop.

card number: expires:

First & Last Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone

E–mail

Would you like a receipt for tax purposes? Yes No

( )

MMCR Mews Spring 2012 3

MickeyHe can be shy at first meeting, but warms quickly. He is

very sweet, loving, laid back and enjoys snuggling.

CodyHe is very affectionate, enjoys being picked up and

snuggling with you. He has big paws with extra toes.

We will call for your CVV number.

“And then I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea — all living beings in the universe — and they were singing: ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise, honor, glory, and might, forever and ever.’ ”

Revelation 5: 13

ll pet owners should be aware of an ongoing problem: pound seizure. Defined by the American Anti-Vivisection Society as

“a sale or release of dogs and/or cats from a pound or shelter to a research, testing, or educational facility.” (www.aavs.org)

For centuries, medical professionals have used animals in their research. By the late nineteenth century, many of these animals came from city pounds. Researchers assumed that since the animals were unwanted, they may as well serve as subjects for experimentation to advance medical knowledge. By the 1940s, laws were being passed requiring public shelters and pounds to give up cats and dogs to laboratories where they would be subjected to various medical experiments. Today, the animals are sometimes released

A

You should know about thisSerious Problem for Pets

by Philip Douglas

to dealers who then sell them to research laboratories at a profit. Although these

“Class B dealers” are licensed by the USDA, the agency has little oversight into their activities.

The Federal Animal Welfare Act of 1966 and a subsequent amendment in 1990 helps to regulate the transport, care and holding periods for animals obtained from public shelters. However, after a brief waiting period of only five days animals can be sold directly to a research lab or given to a Class B dealer. A number of controversial issues surround these dealers. Unlike Class A dealers who raise animals specifically for laboratory research, Class B dealers can acquire animals from any number of sources, including “free to good home” ads or through pound seizure. In other

words, former family pets can easily end their lives in laboratories.

Fortunately, as Allie Phillips reports in her book “How Shelter Pets are Brokered for Experimentation” research and training facilities are slowly beginning to move away from live animal research. Also, an even larger number no longer obtain their animal subjects from Class B dealers. Still, as Phillips states, pound seizure remains America’s “dirty little secret.” In future articles we will examine the issue from the medical ethics and legal perspectives. Most importantly, we will discuss some actions you can take to help protect our feline and canine friends from ending up on the dissecting table.

Cat Quote “Cats like doors left open — in case they change their mind.”

— Rosemary Niset

CherShe is very loving and enjoys treats,

toys and snuggling. She is lonely.

MagdelanaShe is a young, majestic calico who

is looking for her new best friend.

Spring Auction 2012Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue is happy to announce its Spring Auction 2012! Beginning April 1st and running through April 30th, we have many fantastic items up for bid: gift certificates, pet items, wine, home items, and much more! Find exciting new experiences, like $50 to Le Chat Gourmet cooking school or dinner-and-a-show for two from Starlight Dinner Theater! Don’t miss out!

Make sure to visit us starting April 1st at: www.freecharityauctions.com/mmcr.

4 Spring 2012 MMCR Mews

Why you should . . .

Never Advertise an Animal with the Phrase “Free to a Good Home”

by Philip Douglas

E

You know you’re a crazy cat person if . . .

. . . the cats take up more room in your bed than you do.

Cat Quote

“To a cat lover every cat from the beginning of time has been utterly

and amazingly unique.”

— Jenny De Vries

MiaShe is very regal, loving, pleasant

and enjoys her rattle ball.

ElsoHe is full of personality, curious,

playful and enjoys being picked up.

ven if you have pets of your own, as an animal lover you’ve doubtless perused the Classifieds section of the Lansing State Journal or Craigslist to read about the Fidos, Fluffys, or Feathers trying to find their forever homes. Perhaps you’ve even adopted your own sweet companion animal through a classified ad. By any chance, was the animal advertised as “free to a good home?” If so, she was lucky she found you. Her fate could have been far worse.

There are people such as Class B dealers who troll these ads looking for free animals that they can turn around and sell to laboratories. (For more on Class B dealers, see our website.) Other individuals will answer such ads looking to get cats, kittens and other small animals which they can use as bait to train fighting dogs. The smaller animals are tortured and killed as the dogs

are taught to attack them.Still, more despicable are those who

want a free kitten as snake food or an adult black or white cat for a sacrifice in a cult ritual. Yes, it really happens. Don’t forget, in addition to answering ads such people have no qualms about stealing a stray cat or dog. Such people clearly betray the trust of pet owners and those who wish to find homes for needy animals.

So what can you do to ensure that an animal you put up for adoption never finds itself in such a horrific predicament? First, charge some kind of adoption fees: $50 or even $100 may be reasonable to ask, certainly no less than $25. If you are uncomfortable profiting from fostering an animal then arrange for the adopted parent to donate the money to a charity, and ask to see the receipt. If the person claims they can’t afford the fee, remind

them how small the fee is compared to the food and vet bills you’ve already paid for. In fact, to gauge their commitment, ask them to pay for the animal’s spay or neuter surgery. Remember, to get proof that they did it.

Don’t be embarrassed to have the person fill out an application, with their name, address, phone number and place of work. Make sure they can give you references, including the veterinarian they will be using. Tell them you will be checking on the pet within two weeks to see how it is doing. You might want to stipulate in a signed agreement that they must return the pet to you for a full refund if you believe the pet is not being properly cared for or if they decide it is not working out for any other reason. Don’t be bashful about these stipulations. The happiness, health and well-being of a precious life is at stake.

Black Cat SyndromeYou may have noticed several black cats available for adoption in our newsletter. We are trying to combat America’s “Black Cat Syndrome,” that keeps people from adopting these animals from shelters. Consequiently, the euthanasia rate for black cats is far higher than for others. Believe it or not, other cultures believe black cats bring people good luck! So, why not buck the trend, bring some good luck and une belle chat noir into your life!Come and meet our black cats and take one home today!

MMCR Mews Spring 2012 5

Carley is a playful, grey and white tabby who adores being loved and cuddled. She is a sweet, gentle soul who gets along with other cats but might prefer her queenly reign with just human courtiers upon which to bestow her presence. This would involve snuggles and looking into your eyes with soul-searching earnestness and curiosity. Like all our kitties, she has been spayed and vaccinated. You need this intelligent, beautiful and affectionate friend in your life. Born on September 1, 2011.

As a kitten, Baby had a severe eye infection which required her eyes to be surgically removed. But her blindness does not affect her at all! Baby’s other senses are so acute that she navigates her environment perfectly. You will be charmed with the way Baby is able to locate you by smell alone. She is a perfect example of a worthy cat that other shelters would’ve euthanized immediately for a condition that she has easily overcome. This little brown tiger is a fabulous, adventuresome cat; happy to jump around or sit quietly in your

lap. Please don’t overlook this sweet kitty who will be a truly inspiring friend. Check out Baby’s video on our Petfinder website. Born in June 2006.

Khitomer came to MMCR because her owner could no longer take care of her, which unfortunately happens more often lately. This girl is a wonderful brown tiger, polydactyl kitty (which means she has extra toes). She is an assertive girl who talks a lot, so you will always know what she wants. Khitomer gets along well with everyone, including other kitties and probably dogs. She just loves to look out windows, lounge around in a sunny spot, enjoys being picked up and held, and will nap anywhere you happen to be sitting down — Khitomer loves

to snuggle! We hope you will come meet Khitomer and see for yourself just what a great cat she is! Born in June 2006.

We Need Adopting! by Philip Douglas Forever HomesJust one of our success stories!

by Ross and Julie Simpson

We want to thank you for allowing us to adopt Romeo (fka Ireland) and MacKenzie (fka Kyran). Romeo is such a LOVER. He sits near us all the time. He is also quite the talker and very inquisitive. Romeo loves to hold paws with me.

MacKenzie was named by the staff of Cugino’s. My husband went to pick up a pizza and there ya go! Her name is perfect for her and embraces our Scottish Clan name. She is spicy and has taken more time to warm up to us. But just the other night, she found her way to my lap and stayed there until I fell asleep — I was not about to move! We were on the couch all night long.

Both Romeo and MacKenzie have discovered the birds, squirrels and snowflakes from within a warm home. We received a laser light for Christmas. They know the sound of the chain as it is picked up and come running! We have taught them that when we are done with the game, we say, “Bye, bye, all gone” and the cats collapse in place. This and their fascination with the television makes for great home movie moments.

Romeo and MacKenzie are both very smart. We are teaching them tricks and they know a bit of sign language, too. They bid us safe journey when we leave, and we are greeted by flopper kitties when we come home.

We are just so in love with both cats! Sending our bountiful thanks and gratitude for all you do!

Read more about these and many more cats waiting for adoption. Please visit:www.mmcr.petfi nder.com or call (517) 622-4653

Be a part of the miracle of compassion.

Cat Quote “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”

— Colette

6 Spring 2012 MMCR Mews

Are you handy at remodeling? We could use some help with the tear-outs and interior carpentry at our new cat house. The carpet needs to be riped out so that new, cat-friendly flooring can be installed. We also need other work done on walls and floors:

dry-walling, sanding, and painting. Please let us know if you can donate a little of your time to help us get our new home cat-ready. Your wonderful efforts are very much appreciated!

Hey!

y adventure at Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue grew out of my grief. My 5-year-old Maine Coon, Tiffany,

Upcoming Adoption Events

PetSmartSaginaw Hwy, Grand Ledge

Wed, April 4 6–7:30pm

Sat, April 7 1–3pm

Wed, April 11 6–7:30pm

Sun, April 15 1–3pm

Wed, April 18 6–7:30pm

Sat, April 21 1–3pm

Wed, April 25 6–7:30pm

Sat, April 28 1–3pm

PetcoFrandor Shopping Mall

Sat, April 14 1–3pm

Visit our website for more information on regular and special events.

www.mmcr.petfi nder.com

MMCR Mews Spring 2012 7

MVolunteer Spotlight: Kelly Love

was diagnosed with a rare oral cancer last March and passed away in September. I was completely devastated. However, I knew that the best way to start the healing process was to meet a few other cats. I wasn’t ready to adopt, but I went to PetSmart in west Lansing to look at some of the available cats and start to think about bringing another kitty into my life.

One of the volunteers working with the adoptable cats told me that the cat rescue was always in need of more volunteers, so I signed up. My first day at the rescue was my first day of healing. It was so nice to be around the happy kitties and to see how wonderful the organization is. I was blown away by how well they were cared for, how clean the environment was, and how Sarah provides each individual cat with so much love. Eventually, I adopted a cat from the rescue: Baby Girl, who was from a hoarding case. Now I help with some marketing materials, web updates, office assistance, pet adoptions, photography and many more activities. l

Le Meow Menu

Vegetable Bake on Fish 200g/7 oz cod fillet 2 carrots 1 parsnip 1 tomato 2 eggs 2 T kitten replacement milk 2 T cheese, grated Oil for the dish

Carefully remove any remaining bones from the cod fillet. Bring 2 cups of salt water to boil and simmer the fish in the liquid until cooked.

Trim the carrots and parsnips; cut into cubes. Skin the tomato, remove the seeds, cut into pieces. Remove the cooked fish fillets from the liquid and steam the vegetables in the broth.

Brush an oven proof dish with oil. Place the fish in the bottom of the dish and spread the vegetables on top. Whisk the eggs with the kitten replacement milk and grated cheese. Pour over the vegetables and fish. Bake in a preheated oven at 360° for 30 minutes or until a golden, yellow crust has formed. (Make sure the inside doesn’t get too hard.)

Note: You can increase the quantities and prepare a delicious aspic from the broth, pieces of fish and vegetables. You will need 20g or ²∕³ oz of aspic.

Serves 2 cats.

— © 2002 Cooking for Cats, by Elisabeth Meyer Zu Steighorst-Kastrup.

the rescue: Baby Girl, who was from a hoarding case. Now I help with some marketing materials, web updates, office assistance, pet adoptions, photography and many more

OseyeShe is mild-mannered, sweet, playful,

social and happy.

MMCR Mews Spring 2012 7

She is mild-mannered, sweet, playful,

social and happy

TomHe is a handsome orange-striped tiger who gets along with other cats and dogs.

Photos compliments of Sara J. Gross Photography sjgphoto@gmail.com Photos for any occasion!

We Were Savedby Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue, Inc.

Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue, Inc.1117 Tulip StreetGrand Ledge, MI 48837-2205

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Adoption Counts

2011 Adoption Total339

January 23 February 15 March 30 April 15 May 30 June 24 July 16 August 31 September 54 October 31 November 35 December 35

January 2012 23** Tally as of Jan. 24th

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Ledge, MIPermit No. 106

We need volunteers!

Do you have some time you could spare?

Call or e-mail to find out about how you can help the

cats & kittens of MMCR.

8 Spring 2012 MMCR Mews

If you want to be loved forever... Save a CAT’S LIFE!

Ginger SolomonKillian

Tiny Tim