The Air in There

Despite our best efforts to keep the room and linens clean and fresh, and the air ventilated, the level of dander for our beloved 38 cats is still too high for many of them to thrive. Poor Orange Julius, who has been on antibiotics forEVAH, still has a nose that is still terrifically irritated, and Pockets' eyes are still in bad shape. They need a break!

Here's the model of the clogged air filter in the garage. It's a highly rated, rather impressive powerhouse of a filter! Unfortch the warranty is in effect only under "normal household use," so if we tried, and they challenged us, I doubt they would replace it free of charge.

There is a prefilter for $24, and the main replacement filter is $165 + shipping.  

The other 'easy' solution is Mark's idea to put metal security doors on the place - not screens that the critters could easily tear through, but metal doors that air passes through. Those are around $230, and Mark could install them.

So, all in all, we are looking at raising $438 + tax & shipping - probably $500.

All donations are tax-deductible and must specify "Garage Air Project" somewhere.
You can donate here, or visit our Larchmont adoptions table on Sunday.

THANK YOU!!!

HH Perry

There's nothing more gratifying than saving the life of a beautiful, wonderful being, whatever the species.  The cats and dogs that make it out of the high-kill shelter are the lucky ones - but getting rescued is only half of the equation. Finding a perfect home is the other half.

At the garage cattery, one of our most magnificent individuals, Perry, a silver Maine coon --curious, playful and brilliant-- recently found his way into the heart and home of Paula, a wonderful, open and loving human, and completed his long, arduous journey home.

It's been nearly two weeks now and, though the ride was a bit bumpy at the start, (Perry was terrified to leave the garage, escaped the carrying case, to mention a few examples), everything unfolded beautifully. Paula reports that he's got a very silly personality, and is very affectionate and loving. He's no dummy - he realized he hit the jackpot and settled in fast!! We are all overjoyed!

We love Perry's new name, which sounds appropriately like his old name (so as not to confuse him): Hairy Harry aka HH, or His Honor. He is a magnificent cat, very princely (Prince Hal!)-- this name really suits him. And he even has a trusty canine sidekick, who is likely to grow into a loyal subject over time!

For all rescues, leaving the crowded cattery means they leave their buddies and the routines of the cattery behind. It also means adjusting to a new, calm environment with fresh air and the prospect of plenty of love and attention.  We are so grateful to Paula --and all our adoptive and foster humans -- for opening their generous hearts to share their lives with our little dudes.

Here's to a lovely, loving future together!

Your New Cat

Here are some tips that we hope will assist for our wonderful foster and adoptive humans to integrate your Saving Grace LA kitty into your home, permanently or temporarily.

BASICS

1. Input (Food):
While kibble is convenient and mainly unavoidable, dry food is increasingly cited as a culprit in many common feline medical problems, such as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, IBD - the list goes on... We love our plump pets, but want them to live long happy lives. Thus, the recommendation is to gradually transition them to a diet that is primarily high-protein wet food, with kibble as a supplement.

This article is chock full of authoritative information from a DVM who is advocating for preventative nutrition. Please have a read. You'll find lots of ideas for how to transition your furry friend to a high protein diet. Martha Stewart's cat lady also provides loads of information, and even has some downloadable PDFs of high, mid, and low priced canned foods that meet the requirement of 90% protein.

Quick tip: Friskies Poultry Platter and Mixed Grill are the two approved low-priced types from the list.

2. Output (Litter & Litter boxes):
Most of our cats, at least the ones from the cattery, are used to the chicken layering feed that Nelia picks up at the country farm supply store. While that is a great bargain at $10 for 25 lbs, it is not easy to get without a long drive and a bulk order.

Our recommendation is to use a natural, low-dust, chemical-free clumping litter that is free of the harmful glues and additives, such as fragrance, that make it so appealing to humans. Here are some consumer alternatives:

1. Green Tea Clumping litter - low dust, light weight, antibacterial claims, all natural 
2. Purr & Simple all-natural cat litter (made from nut shells, all natural, low dust)
3. Arm & Hammer Essentials (corn ground like the chicken feed, fragrance tolerable, low dust)
4. Swheat Scoop - wheat-based, and very like the chicken feed, a bit dusty. 
5. World's Best (finely ground corn - doesn't do a great job with smells or dust)

Of course, being vigilant about cleaning (as soon as possible after every use), will keep your house smelling good and your pet happy. Here's a great article called "The Litter Box From Your Cat's Point of View" that is worth reading.

If you are not sure you have the time to clean daily, here's a video that shows the fastest, most efficient way to do it.

June is Adopt-an-Adult-Cat month!

And we have so many wonderful adults -- mostly very young adults - to choose from, both in the cattery and at foster homes! We have many tuxedos, orange tabbies, black cats, Maine coons, brown & whites, russian blues, torties, calicos and special needs felines to choose from. What's your preference? All of them are affectionate, wonderful animals. They are not all posted yet, but many of them are here. See the slide show on the right, too.

If you are interested in adopting (or volunteering or fostering), contact us by posting in comments.

Call for FOSTER HOMES

As the cat palace gets better and better, the accumulated stress of simply being there is starting to take a toll on some of our favorite fuzzies, and so, we'd like to devote this week to finding some loving foster homes for the following cats:

BLUE +1: Dear tiny Blue is still suffering from a very bad flu and needs relief! Her gingivitis makes it hard for her to eat, so she needs many special baby food feedings, plus antibiotics 2x/day. She's spent most of her 3 years in that garage, and is just barely surviving. She is an affectionate, and bold yet gentle little being, and would definitely need a companion to accompany her, lest she become further stressed by loneliness. The vet said she needs to get into a quieter home in order to heal. Anyone know of one for her? UPDATE: huge thanks to Mark for attempting to foster - she was just too scared and sick. She is now at the vet getting IV fluids and more tests. Brave Blue was sicker than we thought. UPDATE Blue spent some time at the vet, and her prognosis is good! Mark took him home to his spare bedroom, where one of her buddies, Tulip, also now resides, and all is well in the land of Blue's World. THANK YOU MARK!

ALDO of the Shelves: Cats, like all social animals, have a pecking order. And sweet tuxedo ALDO, is, for reasons known only to the cats, at the very bottom of it. Willoughby, Snout, Kirk and Spock, Orsino, Bagheera, King Brian, Sebastian and George (especially George, lately), all beat up on the poor fella. Bunch of copy cats. So Aldo cowers in the shelves and does his business there. But if he were to be taken into a nice, quiet home, and transitioned from the shelves to a space he could call his own, he'd be the most grateful, happy cat! UPDATE After the latest wilding, we took Aldo outta there.  Ann & Gene's friend, Rita, a bit of a cat whisperer, descended from heaven and took him in. After just a week, Rita texted us: "We are going to keep him. We Love Him!!" and thus begins "Big Al"'s new life with some great humans and a silly chihuahua!  Awright Aldo!

PERRY: After Aldo, Perry is the most frustrated cat in the joint. He's not interested in going outside, he just wants OUT. His cat-brilliance is evident in every passing moment - nothing gets by him! - and he is bored to tears, and a bit cranky. If he could dream, (maybe he can) he'd dream of hanging out with a nice companion in a big home and being a most excellent indoor cat-bro there.

The Black Cat Bakery News

OMG this picture belongs in a Gallery!

And that is exactly where it is going. The Black Cat Bakery on Fairfax near Drexel, has agreed to hang a nice array of framed pix of our beautiful black cats on its north wall which we will be christening as a gallery. They'll be for sale, and the cats will also be for adoption. Above is the daring duo, Kirk and Spock, with the bright orange eyes (and fabulous manicure, thankyouverymuch!). This photo was taken last summer, during their glam-rock teen years.

Below is Duke Orsino, with his mesmerizing green eyes.  Stunning, no?

Photos by Angie Rubin. Angie!!! Amazing! If anyone has connections to a framer, or a printer, let me (MK) know!

Cat Whispering: How to Socialize a Cat

We are all celebrating Orange Julius's big breakthrough at the garage! Over the last few weeks, he has gone from being a skittish untouchable (and best red-dot jumper in the house) to suddenly figuring out how much fun it is to be PETTED! Now he turns up underfoot, parade tail up and ready for some serious attention!

So Orange Julius, you are the inspiration for this week's Cat Whispering post.

I found this article in a great blog Tracie sent over, called CATSTER, which is a great site with loads of info that I plan to steal.

The stepped up attention that all the cats have been getting, and the two months of getting used to new faces is probably what tripped the trigger for little O. Julius, the article explains how you would actually work on a cat step by step. So, get your bag of cat treats ready, and prepare to turn our shy babies into little purry little love bugs!

Here's the shorter version of the Catster How-to, complements of SGLA:

1. Cats that are fearful & timid (Zim, Dib, Natalie, Maura, Pockets, the gray hider, and a few more (which?); and cats which bite and scratch (Aries, Tiger Lily) need reassurance that nothing bad will happen to them while they are in your arms.
   
2.  Start slowly. Pet the cat in areas where she enjoys being petted - like the top of the head. Then, if the cat will allow it, pick him/her up, stroke the feet with your fingertips, move on to the belly, the tail and the back. As you touch her, speak to her softly in a calm, low voice. If she becomes agitated, end the session and leave her alone.
   
3. If your cat engages in rough play during the session, tell her a firm "NO!" and put her down.
   
4. End the session with a cat treat.
   
5. At first, sessions should be short, maybe only petting the head and back. Move on to the sides and stomach, and moving on to the feet and toes, and even the toenails. This will get the cat used to being groomed, and having its claws trimmed later. Touching the feet, stomach, and ears can also be very calming, if done slowly and gently.
   
6. If you can, open the mouth and get the kitty used to having its gums rubbed for future dental cleanings and medications.
   
7. Of course we all know this one: "Screaming at your cat or hurting her will only increase her fear and distrust. Always approach and handle her calmly, and speak in a low soothing voice."

 OK that's it! Volunteers, let us know if you are going to try this, and if so, which cats you are working with and how it goes!

Cat Burglar

This is pretty funny...

Tiny Blue has caught the Flu

But soon she'll be as good as new!

Hey guys, Nelia took Blue to the vet today and got her some medicine to take twice a day (Britain and Samantha will take care of that). She also had bleeding gums, which are also being treated and may have been the cause of the blood Nansi saw in her (achem) vomit.

She's definitely on the mend, poor little whisp of a thing! Thanks to all for flagging her state - she was hiding away so much! A lesser troupe of volunteers might have missed it. So KUDOS to Nansi, Tracie & Katya, and big thanks to Nelia, Samantha & Britain!

Gino & Mama Genevieve still need homes

At 3 months, this little beauty got adopted into a loving home! Her momma and little bro, Gino (who looks just like her!) still need homes.

Yesterday at Larchmont, Gino experienced gusty breezes for the first time and looked VERY surprised!

June 6 update: Gino has been adopted! A lovely couple claimed him at Larchmont yesterday and we are all delighted! Congratulations, little guy!!

Aldo of the Shelves' Fondest Dream

Meet Dashing, Swashbuckling Perry!

OK OK, he doesn't look very dashing or swashbuckling in these pics, but trust me: this tall, silver Maine coon mix is one of the most handsome cats in the bunch, and is, by a longshot, the most intelligent, aware and curious cat SGLA has! He's also playful, affectionate and a VERY SPECIAL CAT. He'd be fantastic with a manly guy with a soft spot for les chats, in a nice big house that Perry could preside over, and maybe a lonely cat that needs a companion.

 Also, we suspect Perry is a kickin' hunter...the way he goes after the feline fishing pole and laser pointer is the picture of motivation! But no, no: no "outside" for our kittehs. It's treacherous; plus we do not want to contribute to the murder of 450,000 birds at the claws of American cats. We need our songbirds! But I digress. Go ahead, someone, please! adopt Perry. He's very motivated. You won't be sorry.

I am an animal rescuer

 

A friend just sent this touching video, which reminds us why we work to help these, and all the amazing animals Polly, Nelia and their friends, family and volunteers have rescued over the years. You guys are amazing!

Ciao Lucky Olivia, we'll miss you!

One of our fancy cats, the beautiful Olivia, mother of sunny Toby, was adopted yesterday! She'll be pampered and well cared for in her new home with Alice. Yay Alice! Today begins their new adventure together. We'll miss Olivia's spunky elegance and the dramatic way she classed up the place, but we are so so happy she now has a proper home.

Who's next!?

Sourcing Cat Litter

Nelia has been brilliant at finding ways to make caring for loads of cats affordable. Case in point: using chicken feed (corn) instead of cheap & dusty clay or expensive and heavier clumping alternatives that often have nasty glue or chemicals that would harm the cats.

At the cattery, the weekly burn rate for 40 cats is 50lbs of litter. We volunteers sift and top off daily, until the housekeeper comes to do a total dump and scrub at the end of the week. The chicken feed is great - it is less dusty, clumps well, and is also lightweight, which makes life easier!

When we adopt or foster out one of our felines, we provide a litterbox full of the stuff, but it is not available to regular consumers to buy easily. So they have to transition to something else. The closest thing on the market that we know of are the following:

• Swheat Scoop
• World's Best Cat Litter
• Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Clumping Litter 

If you've got any tips or tricks, put them in the comments!

Hey Babe, Are You Microchipped or What?

Babe is a dandy little tuxedo male, rescued from South LA's death row just this week! They believe he is 5 years old, but he seems much younger to Nelia's trained eye.  He is a very small cat for a male, and is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and ready to go! He is very friendly and would love to go your lucky home as a foster or adopted cat.

Bonkers Loves to Play

Bonkers is an excellent-sweet black cat who is a bit shy, but makes up for it with his enthusiastic play. Just look at that face! He's about a year old, and has been neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. He was mercifully plucked from death row in South LA this week, and is raring to go home with you and team up with your other cat, or to grace your petless home with a dose of kitty joy every day of his healthy, long life-to-come. Ask about fostering him or adopting him today!

Ciao Rollie, the Welcomer!

Rollie, our resident welcoming cat, went to his new foster home today, with Patrick, a fine young USC grad & professional musician. He is definitely going to have a lot of fun in his new home!

What an adventure it has been for Rollie. He was abandoned by his family in the backyard when they moved away, and was found by Animal Control, sad and disoriented. They brought him to the South LA shelter where he was scheduled to be euthanized before SGLA saw him and rescued him. He is an amazingly special cat who likes to ROLL over to get his belly rubbed. Grateful and trusting, he's a wonderful, smart boy with a great disposition. And yes, he is still available for adoption (but we hope Patrick will be able to care for him forever).

Gwennie Needs a Special Home

She's dainty and timid - and being in the cattery with 38 other cats is simply too much for her to cope with. But she's healthy and happy! She was recently fostered for a few weeks by a wonderful friend of SGLA who really helped her build a little ego strength to face the world in general.

If anyone can foster this quiet, sweet, timid cat, post to comments or email Polly directly.

Cat Whispering

Here at Saving Grace LA, we are learning loads, every day, from our animals. So much so that we've decided to do a weekly blog series on Cat Whispering.
Our first installation involves cat tails...of the animal, not vegetal, variety. What in the world do all those various cat tail positions mean? And does the cat really use its tail for balance?

My neighbor stopped by yesterday, delighted that  my super-timid cat, Pippy, greeted her with her "Parade Tail" held high in greeting. My other cat, the gregarious Brian, often shakes his little rump & tail when he greets me. Happy, right? But what does it mean when the end of his tail bends a little? And do cats really counterbalance their weight with their tails?

Patrick, the perfect Tuxedo

Elder Patrick, one of 6 tuxedos in the house, loves to chase the light and take naps

Tulip, aka Charlotte Chaplin

Neat, petite, and Sweet, Tulip is friends with all the cats

Pockets

Pockets is one of three Russian Blues in the group: he is the largest, and very playful and fun.

Duke Orsino

Orsino is one of 6 black cats. His personality is friendly, he's smart and always ready for some fun!

Princess Sorsha

A delightful, friendly cat, full of affection and surprises!

Chava, dilute calico, mother of pretty Sadie

Two beauties, mother and daughter. Sadie (on right) is super affectionate and friendly!

Peter Pan needs a nap

Peter Pan is friends with every cat in the cattery, and loves to wrestle, chase and cuddle.

Dainty Miss Tiger-Lily

Petite & eager to be loved, Tiger-Lily has the most amazing blue-green eyes!

Patches is the Perfect Calico

You can't tell it from this photo, but Patches is fit and healthy! She's also the perfect mix of friendly and independent: a cat's cat.

Willoughby

Willoughby is a shiny black and super affectionate boy. He prances like a horse in greeting and is very good at corralling your hand to pet him!