Stray Cat Fund balance

As of today our Stray Cat Fund has reached 3 cats in need of critical care: Calipod, the Teban Gardens cat, and Balloon.

The Stray Cat Fund serves 2 purposes.The first is to carry out rescue of stray cats that are critically ill or injured, by transporting them to the vet and getting them treatment. The second purpose of the Stray Cat Fund is to pay for veterinary expenses that are incurred by rescued stray cats we foster that require critical, intensive care until they pass on or can be released back to their territory.

As of today, here is the Stray Cat Fund's balance: Total expense stands at $742.19. Total income raised via financial contributions direct to the Stray Cat Fund stands at $660.00. We opened the Stray Cat Fund at $200.00. This leaves us with $117.81 at present.

Yes, the Stray Cat Fund is no longer in the red! Thank you cat angels who have given to this fund - it means a lot to the stray cats in need.

With this balance of $117.81 however, we are ill-equipped to carry out the next stray cat rescue. Ideally, the float for the Stray Cat Fund should be at around $400.00 for emergency stray cat vet expenses. So please remember us in your month end giving!

(We have another stray cat arrival in our foster home named Cooky who lost the flesh off a toe in a construction site accident. Now rehabilitating, His story soon!)

[Special Kitty Alert] Lenny needs a proper forever home

[Photos courtesy of @furryphotos]

If you have followed us on Lenny's journey since he arrived at our foster home, you will know he has always been sniffly: he has chronic flu'. This means that since he contracted flu' when he was 4 weeks old, he has been sick with it till today. It has been more than a year. All his siblings did not survive it but Lenny did and is still going strong.

The latest medication we have tried for him is via an inhaler. It has not improved him much but it helps clear his nose so it won't be clogged. We eventually took him off it and accepted that he will always have a slightly runny nose. Also, the medication is not cheap, not OTC, and the chamber that makes a human inhaler usable for cats is expensive too. We can't give ours away when he goes to a new home because we only have one and will need it for other cats in future. All this would hinder his prospects of getting adopted should it be a compulsory medication.

Cute nose that will always be a bit clogged

So, if you have always loved Lenny, the options are: (1) accept a runny-nosed cat in your home, (2) be willing to get and administer daily medication to alleviate his runny nose.

All the above probably seems offputting to any adopter but we need potential parents to know this before they decide to take in Lenny.

"I haz a sickie, will yew still luvs me?"

That aside, Lenny has a great personality. He is courageous, loves all humans (yes kids too), loves to play, independent yet gets along with other cats. He enjoys sitting near humans, rubbing his cheek against us, and talking to us with his distinctive meow. When we call him, he responds. He doesn't climb furniture he shouldn't, and responds well to toys and food, which made him easy to train.

Lenny LOVES teaser toys

Likes playing on his own too

He is a white and tabby cat with a mid-length tail. He is a 'teacup' cat, meaning he doesn't look his size for his age. At present he looks like he is about 9 months old but is actually already over a year old. He is not likely to grow up to be a big cat.

Size of a kitten, sensibility of an adult cat

More about Lenny's chronic flu': He can be adopted by families who already have cats, because vaccinations will protect the other cats. All the other cats in our foster home are flu'-free. Care for him can be as simple as wiping his nose when it is runny, or if you want to, using the inhaler medication on him once every day (we will advise you how to get the medication and inhaler chamber).

In love with Lenny already? To adopt him, read here or see sidebar under 'How to adopt'.

Can't adopt? We might need to hold on to Lenny for a long time, so food and litter donations WILL help, as will financial contributions to our Boarding Fund. To give food and litter, see here. To give financially, see here.

And oh yes, please spread the word! Lenny is a special cat whose story needs to be told, and he really deserves a forever home.

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7    
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme  
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish 

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What happens during a regular vaccination vet visit

Our own cats go for their vaccinations once in two years, during then the vet also does a check-up to make sure everything is a-ok. Not all vets include a check-up with the vaccination; some vets jab and go, so do get a vet that does the check-up as well. Last December Scooter went for his visit to Dr Dawn Chong our favourite vet at The Animal Clinic.

[Photos taken by Furry Photos]

Dr Chong examines Scooter on the exam table

We do the core vaccination, which is the one for the flu' strains and parvovirus.  It can be done once in 3 years as well, but we do it a bit more frequently because of our cats' exposure to rescue cats in the foster home. Once a year is too often for most cats.

Stuff that your vet will check, kitties!

Teeth and gums

Ears, mainly for mites and yeast

Heart and lungs

Digestive system, mainly for obstructions

Lymph nodes

Limb rotation to check joint health

Then Scooter gets his jab.

The vaccination is a subcutaneous injection, not much pain

Vaccination booklet will be updated

Protip: your cat hates going to the vet? Place the carrier in common areas of the home, door open or removed, so he can hide in it anytime. Come time to go to the vet, he will not associate the carrier with going to the scary place known as the vet. At the waiting area, do not take your cat out to stroke or hug, altercations might happen with the dogs and the clinics are not liable for any injuries that occur this way.

Some people do titre tests for their pets before re-vaccination. If you are doing vaccinations once in 3 years it usually is not necessary. If you do want to get a titre test (to check if the cat is still immune to the diseases hence no need for re-vaccine) not all vet clinics do it, we hear Animal Recovery Centre has the facilities.

If you have any more questions about vaccination visits to the vet, ask! You can get us here (comment or Formspring), Twitter @luvkuching.

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7    
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme  
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish 

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About a street cat named Balloon

On Sunday night, we received a call from Tiffany and neighbours regarding Balloon, a boy cat in their estate in Jurong West.

Balloon had presented with ascites, fluid retention in the abdomen. He was brought to the vet and given diuretics as well as had the fluids drained twice.

Upon investigation with the vets we believe that the underlying condition leading to Balloon's ascites is heart failure. He fits the profile: above 5 years of age, FIP negative, X-ray showed his heart to look 'fuzzy' - the only other diagnostic test left to confirm this is an ECG.

The boy has ascites (bloating of stomach)

At his old home in Jurong West

Also, research shows that cats with heart failure are very unlikely to show any signs of pain or distress. But when symptoms like his bloated stomach start showing, it means the heart is already beginning to fail. This means that Balloon has to be in a stress-free environment. The medication of his diuretics is very key and should be given 3 times a day. The feeders were not able to commit to feeding him the medication, and also applied well-meant but harmful measures to make Balloon feel better. Hence we decided to take him off the streets and into our foster home.

Now resting in our Suite

He likes the pen. Has bed, pillow, blanket

Spends most of his time resting, which is good

Balloon arrived on Monday night and so far he has been doing well. He is very easy to medicate and allows us to groom him. He hasn't been eating very much but is still eating and drinking definitely.

We have been diffusing essential oils to calm him, alongside the Feliway diffuser that is always on. Lavender for stress relief, and geranium for fluid retention. His pen is also scented with catnip, and his water laced with Rescue Remedy.

We will be starting him on nutraceutical and herbal supplements after his vet visit with Dr Dawn Chong today (which will confirm diagnosis and if so, get him his heart medication alongside diuretics). Supplements are procured under our Boarding Fund. He will need supplements such as L-carnitine, Co-Q10, antioxidants such as selenium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, herbal supplements such as hawthornberry, ginger, coleus.

We will update how he does over Twitter espcially after his vet visit today.

Meanwhile, his previous vet visit has already been paid for by Tiffany and rescuers and they need help trying to cover it as they have other animals to rescue in their own group. We are appeal for folks like you to help share with them the costs that have already incurred.

Any amount is appreciated. To help with this bill dated 13 Jan: give to POSB Savings Acct No: 245-49743-1 and contact Nurul at 811399097

You can also find out more on Balloon's FB page.


To 'tompang' a shout out: our Stray Cat Fund is still in the red. Any amount you can give will help alleviate the deficit. Our bank details are below this post. Email us to tell us you have given to the Stray Cat Fund.

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7    
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme  
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish 

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A (big) bit of good news

Braveheart has a forever-home!

Yes, he does! He was adopted by Daniel and Jolene on Friday night! He has since adjusted pretty well to his new home.

Braveheart being his usual lapcat self

Braveheart conquering pillows

We are so happy for Braveheart! Thank you to all who have followed his progress.

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7    
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme  
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish 

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If you come across an injured or sick stray cat

What do you do?

First, do you know the person who takes care of this stray cat, i.e. the cat feeder (caregiver)? If so, you should inform the caregiver first. This is because the cat may already have been taken to the vet and could even be on medication at the moment. Also, the caregiver needs to know that the cat is not well if this is a new observation. If you know the cat caregiver, work in tandem with the caregiver to provide medical attention for the cat. If you don't, or know that there is no fixed caregiver, or that the cat-feeder is not concerned with the health of the cats, then you can proceed to act on your own. Also, if the cat is in severe condition and warrants immediate response, act first and inform the caregiver after.

There are two actions to take. First is to inform SPCA to allow them to trap, transport, and provide medical attention. They can also investigate if the case involves abuse. The SPCA 24 hour hotline is 62875355. Remember to take pictures of the cat if it is really suspected abuse, before moving it.

The second action, is the one also recommended by SPCA itself:

"Should a community animal need medical attention because it is sick or injured, the best thing a caregiver can do is to take the animal to a private veterinarian as soon as possible. Injured or sick animals often run to hide and it may be difficult to find them at a later time.

"We also have an emergency service that attends to injured community animals. However as we are responding to close to 200 emergencies per month involving mainly community animals, it would be impossible to treat every one of them in view of our limited facilities (we do not have hospitalisation facilities) and the prohibitive cost involved."

What you will need to do is to move the cat into a cat carrier which you will need to get from home if you are nearby. A cardboard box will do if it is sturdy and will not allow the cat to jump out (cover or tape the top tightly). Please be aware that cats when ill or injured, might be aggressive even if usually tame. Handling the cat should be by the scruff.

If you are not confident that you can handle the cat and put it in the carrier by yourself without scaring the cat off, you will need to call a cat trapping service provider. Our go-to service provider is Acodia (Damy, 93390481) and if he is not able to meet you and the cat soonest possible he can refer you to other trappers. You will need to wait until the trapper arrives at the time you and he both agree on. This means making sure the cat does not run off and hide. If the cat runs away without your knowledge, or dies while you are waiting for the trapper, inform the trapper so he does not have to make the trip down anymore. The trapping service costs $80-120. Please arrange to have cash on hand.

You can also call SPCA's 24 hour service, but ask them to pass you the cat upon rescue and trapping, instead of them bringing the cat back to the SPCA veterinary clinic.

If you are unable to bring the cat to the vet, you can email us and we will meet the cat at the vet to make the veterinary decisions necessary as well as use our Stray Cat Fund to pay for the veterinary expenses. This however depends on 2 factors:

1. We have sufficient funds in the Stray Cat Fund at the time the cat is rescued by you.
2. The cat is rescued at a time where our vet The Animal Clinic Telok Kurau is open. We are unable to afford veterinary fees at off hours (the consultation for regular clinic times 10am to 8pm weekdays is $37.45 before discount at The Animal Clinic, and $214.00 before discount at Mt Pleasant off hours clinic at night or on public holidays). 

Should we be unable to help because of these 2 factors not being met, you can still bring the cat to the vet (any one you choose) on your own, and pay for the cat's vet bill.

If you are unable to shoulder the cat's entire veterinary expense, you can thereafter submit the bills and case details to Cat Welfare's Special Appeals so that the public can help chip in to share the costs. This includes the trapping costs, the transport costs (even if by cab). Therefore you need to keep all the receipts pertaining to the rescue case. Please note that Cat Welfare Society is unable to shoulder the costs on the cat's behalf. Their role is to publicise the rescue case and the costs so that various donors can help. You will still be required to pay the veterinary bill at the clinic for the cat first. Love Kuching will also help you to publicise the special appeal you submit by directing our followers to the post put up by Cat Welfare.

If the cat needs intensive care after being treated, including but not limited to dressing of wounds, application/feeding of medication, if our foster home has space we will take care of the cat, limited to cats without airborne contagious diseases. This will eliminate the per-day hospitalisation costs at the vet. What we cannot do at the foster home includes oxygen therapy and IV drips. That will still need to be done at the clinic.

If the cat's condition is treatable and it gets well, we will return it to the site the cat is originally from when it is assessed to be able to go about its daily functions without pain. If the cat was unfortunately assessed to have a condition it will not survive from, such as cancer, kidney failure, diabetes that requires daily pain management among other intensive care, we can also take the cat in if there is space and the illness is not contagious. This is to still provide quality of life for the cat even in its last days. When the cat is nearing the end of its life and treatment no longer eases its suffering we will euthanise it if the option is available. We will also arrange for its cremation.


We hope this knowledge helps you so that you know what to do when you see a sick or injured cat. Do spread this information so that the people in your social circle also know what to do to save lives.

How can you help if you don't come across any sick or injured cats that need rescue? Give to our Stray Cat Fund. This makes rescue more of a possibility, for more cats. Many stray cats are not treated when sick or injured because of cost, eventually go through more pain and suffering than is necessary before they die. You can change this. Make a deposit to our Stray Cat Fund by crediting our account POSB savings 188-52652-7 and email us to inform us your contribution is toward the Stray Cat Fund. 

Questions? Leave a comment or email us.

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7    
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme  
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish 

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Buy jewellery from Moonfire Charms and help the cats in our care!

Buy earrings, pendants and rings in an endearing kitty motif and benefit our rescue work at the same time!

$5 of each of the jewellery purchased from the Smiley Kitty range at Moonfire Charms will go to us.

Visit Moonfire Charms today to shop!

Earrings

Ring

Pendant

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7    
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme    
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish  Be Sociable, Share!

First stray cat rescue case of 2013 - and we need your help

We recently shared with you our cat rescue goals for 2013. Our first case for the year came in on New Year's eve. We received a call from Nazree of Teban Gardens who spotted a stray cat in the carpark limping and lying in the middle of the road, who seemed to be weak and in pain. The cat was conscious and allowed others to handle her although was more aggressive than she was noted to be usually. We deduced it was an accident and arranged for the cat to be trapped and brought to the vet.

Teban Gardens cat: weak limbs, dehydrated

She was found wet from the rain, and hypothermic

She also presented with anemia and heavy breathing

We decided to give her an x-ray to see if she had any broken bones or fractures. Her X-ray showed up clear. She was also examined to have puncture wounds on her stomach, and there was swelling there. The vets believe the puncture wound is a dog bite. The suspected diagnosis was a septic infection of the dog bite that worsened because the cat was caught in the rain.

Cat was put on drip, oxygen and with a warmer

To ascertain if there was indeed an infection we had to do a blood panel but because it was off-hours, we scheduled it for the daytime so that the costs would be more manageable. Over the night, the clinic adminstered IV drips to treat the cat's dehydration and anemia, oxygen, towels and warming lamp to help bring her temperature up. Blood panel and IV antibiotics drip would be administered if the cat pulled through and improved through the night.

However, Teban Gardens cat did not survive. She took her last breath at about 4 am in the clinic, and we received the call.

We have managed the transport and veterinary costs to a minimum but due to the public holiday and off hours nature of the case, and that our Stray Cat Fund was already in deficit before we took on the case, we need you to help this cat together with us.

Although she passed, she was given the best possible intervention to enhance her survival rate and to minimise her pain and suffering.

We would like you to have been a part of this rescue effort, and to help us bring our Stray Cat Fund back into the black so we can continue our rescue work.

We have so far only paid a deposit of $300 to the veterinary clinic. More expenses need to be charged to our account but we do not yet have the funds to pay the complete bill. We also still owe the transport service provider. Here are the bills.

Treatments the cat was rendered are ticked. Bill unpaid as of today

Trapping and transport bill, also still unpaid

What you can do:
Make a deposit to our Love Kuching account: POSB savings 188-52652-7 of any amount, via internet banking or ATM. Email us to indicate that you have given towards our Stray Cat Fund. You can also opt to pay off both bills to the service providers (clinic, transport vendor) for the cat directly, to do so, contact Elaine at the same number to arrange.


We are thankful to all of you cat angels in advance.

Give financially to our cause by depositing to our bank account POSB savings 188-52652-7  
Sponsor a foster kitten's vaccination through our Sponsor-A-LoveKuching-Cat Scheme  
Give food and litter at charity rates through our corporate sponsor The Water Dish 

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