More and more we’re seeing cats being kept as inside pets only, and there is good reason for this. The great outdoors, even in your neighborhood, are full of dangers for our domestic felines. Dogs, coyotes, other wildlife, cars, cruel humans, infectious diseases, and even other cats are all reasons to keep your kitty confined in the safety of your home. With that said, being inside the house all the time without any feline-specific entertainment might get a little boring. Cats are used to climbing trees, hiding in bushes, and more. How can we offer them more room to roam? Find out below! #1 – Add a Bedskirt This might sound funny, but chances are your cat can fit under your bed and even enjoys napping there. Cats love hiding, even when nothing overtly scary is going on, and covering the bottom of your bed with a bedskirt can offer the much-needed security of a hiding spot. You might be surprised how often your cat is under the bed if it feels safe and cozy enough, so if you’re lacking a bedskirt, you might want to give it a try. Image source: #2 – Wall Shelves Wall shelves and cat trees are the modern cat climbers, and owners love them. The cats do too, because they certainly use them all the time. These are plain shelves that attach to the wall and offer your cat a bed higher up, as if they were in an actual tree. You can grow catnip on them, put up a comfy pillow, or leave them completely bare. They can go in any and every room and are a nice way to offer your cat more space without taking up much of your own. #3 – Cat Climbers The classic carpet cat climbers, or cat trees, shouldn’t be forgotten. Although many people don’t like to see cat trees all over their homes, they do provide a great way for your cat to stay entertained. Cat climbers can be used for basic exercise, play, hiding, napping and even scratching – all things that are necessary for cats to live a happy, healthy life. Image source: #4 – Outdoor Cat Runs Outdoor cat runs are the best way to allow your cat to get some time under the sun. Just like a dog kennel, these runs are designed for felines and are completely enclosed, ensuring they are able to spend time exploring the outdoors without the risk of getting lost, injured or worse. Although cats should never be left out there unsupervised, you can definitely allow your cat to spend as much time as they like outside. It might sound silly, but the cats seem to love them and they are a great way to give a lot of extra space without taking up a single square inch inside your home. The post appeared first on .

The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Looking for a way to celebrate our feline friends in September? Here are some fun September 2019 cat events. Sunday, Sept. 8: National Pet Memorial Day Held each year on the second Sunday of September, this day of remembrance honors our pets that have passed on. Here are some ways you can celebrate your furry loved ones: donate time or money to a good cause; create a memory photo album or box of your pet’s items; write a poem or short story about your pet; get a tattoo of your furry friend. Check out all the cool cats on film! Wednesday, Sept. 11: Cat Video Fest 2019 It’s Lights! Camera! Action! at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, for this year’s compilation reel of the best cat videos culled from countless submissions, sourced animation, music videos and classic internet powerhouses. Is Canada a little too far? No problem! Cat Video Fest 2019 screenings take place all over the world, raising money for cats in need. Sit back, relax and have an amazing – and amewsing – time. New screenings are added regularly. Get tickets or find a showing near you at . Sunday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Sept. 28: Deaf Pet Awareness Week Join the many pet lovers who have found the joy in a deaf pet by fostering or adopting one. Has your pet recently gone deaf? Support deaf cats by passing the word on this week-long celebration taking place the last full week every September. Join in the feline fun at POP Cats. Photography courtesy of POP Cats. Saturday, Sept. 28 – Sunday, Sept. 29: POP Cats in Portland A festival of cats, pop and art, POP Cats has expanded beyond Austin to Portland at the Oregon Convention Center. There’s so much to do and see with cat playgrounds, artists, photo ops, artisans, workshops, influencers, cat adoptions, plus lots of shopping with more than 80 exhibitors. A portion of profits benefits cat organizations. Find tickets, times and details at . Celebrate all things feline and help raise money for cats in need. Saturday, Sept. 28: Fur Ball Gala and Auction The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) invites you to its 25thannual fundraising gala held at the Andover Country Club in Massachusetts. Celebrate all things feline while helping to raise money for cats in need. Enjoy great food, drink and music while checking out a live and silent auction packed with amazing items in all price ranges. Get more information on the event and organization at or on Facebook @MRFRSorg. Thumbnail: Photography ©Fuego | Thinkstock. Read more news on Catster.com: The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

A rescued cat took in a stray kitten found in a parking lot and adopted another who needed a nursing mom. Jane Springston Late August, a tuxedo kitten was found lying on the concrete in a parking lot, all alone. She was rushed to a clinic where they found her a nursing cat mom. Her presence, warmth and care saved the little one's life.The momma cat was also a rescue herself. Jane Springston, an animal rescuer based in Boca Raton, Florida and volunteer of , took her in when her owner was evicted and could no longer keep her. She began to help other kittens in need when her own litter was big enough to go to forever homes. "She accepted the new kitten without hesitation and took her in as her own," Jane told Love Meow. Jane Springston The young tuxedo immediately perked up having a surrogate mom around. She nuzzled into her belly and started nursing while the cat mama cleaned her from head to toe. Within a day, the kitten bounced back on her paws and began to thrive. Jane Springston Last week, Jane and her rescue took in another orphaned kitten who was found at a few days old. Her eyes hadn't opened yet and she desperately needed round-the-clock care. They immediately thought of the cat mom at the clinic, brought the kitten over and hoped she would accept a second baby. Jane Springston As soon as they placed the gray kitten in the nest, the cat mom noticed her, swooped over and started grooming the tiny ball of fur as if she was breathing life back into that fragile little body. The kitten latched onto her new mom, nursing away in pure bliss.Shortly after, the tuxedo kitten wriggled over to her new sister and fell asleep snuggling with her. Jane Springston "Surrogate Mom is taking good care of these two rescued babies. The tiny gray still has her eyes closed, but should be opening up soon to see the world," Jane said. "Both kittens are now best friends, even though they came from different moms." Jane Springston The tuxedo is almost twice as big as the tiny gray. They adore each other and share a very close bond. When they are not nursing, they are snuggling next each other like two peas in a pod. Jane Springston After a rough start in life, the two orphaned kittens, now sisters, are so happy to have a doting mom to look after them. Now nap time will never be lonely any more. Jane Springston Share this story with your friends. Follow .Related story:

A family found a kitten abandoned in a parking lot and rescued her from an uncertain fate. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary Late July, a family had just arrived at a parking lot in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin when they spotted two abandoned kittens there. One sadly didn't survive the busy traffic. They immediately rushed to rescue the other kitten before anything could happen to her, and took her home to safety. The family happens to be volunteers for (in Green Bay, Wisconsin). They reached out to their rescue group and brought the kitten in for a checkup. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary The little one was a bit shaken after the ordeal but so glad to be in safe hands at last. They got her all cleaned up and wrapped her up in a large soft towel.The sweet kitty felt snug and comfortable, cuddling with her rescuer. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary They named her Gladys and that night she went home with her foster family. She fell asleep snuggling with her human friend. The little girl was so grateful to have a safe home and eager to be loved. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary After a tough beginning, Gladys could finally relax. She no longer worried about shelter and food and just wanted to cuddle.She curled up in her foster dad's lap for some extra TLC. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary The kitty really missed having a sibling. Knowing Gladys would do better with a feline friend her age, they had a plan just for her.A few weeks before they found Gladys, they took in another kitten named Kenzie. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary Kenzie was found on the side of the road one morning late June. She was in rough shape and had a severe eye infection that took over two weeks to treat. A dedicated volunteer nursed her back to health. The calico purred through everything and overcame many hurdles with her incredible resolve. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary When the two kitties were introduced, they just hit it off, playing and chasing with each other like litter mates."Our two orphans made friends over the weekend in their foster home. Gladys is healthy, hydrated, and is now growing nicely," Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary . "These two tough ladies have been through a lot recently. We've got some strong kitties on our hands."The family rescued the parking lot kitten just in time, and now she has a loving foster home, a new sister and many warm laps to sit on. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary Share this story with your friends. Follow . If you would like to support their rescue efforts, .Related story:

Rescuers spotted a little kitten through a hole in a fence, and found her siblings too. Alley Cat Rescue In May, rescuers from worked on a TNR (trap-neuter-return) project near the North Hollywood Metro station in Los Angeles. While they were there, they discovered a tiny kitten poking her head out through a hole in a wooden fence, but she was not alone.As it turned out, the kitten was with her siblings and they all needed medical attention. Rescuers sprang into action and got them to safety.Meeps, the weakest kitten in the litter, was hanging on with all her might. Her eyes were sealed shut due to infections. Alley Cat Rescue "They were very ill and required multiple rounds of antibiotics for prolonged upper respiratory infections, eye ointment, eye drops, GI meds, probiotics, and treatment for multiple parasites," Desiree Stapley of Alley Cat Rescue shared with Love Meow."Meeps was the smallest and sickest and we did not know if she would survive, let alone see again." Alley Cat Rescue The kittens were placed in foster care with wonderful volunteers. Over the next several weeks, they were given round-the-clock care to help them recover.Meeps needed extra attention for her eyes but she never complained and cuddled with her caretakers after every meal. She purred up a storm, snuggling with her siblings in their comfy, warm bed - they were so happy to have a safe place to stay after a rough beginning.With a roof over their heads, proper care they needed to recuperate, and plenty of love and hugs to go around, the kittens began to improve and gain weight and strength. "It took a village to get these kitties healthy." Alley Cat Rescue Meeps surprised everyone with her incredible will to live and has developed an endearing personality."This adorable sweet girl comes looking for love in the right places. She rolls around on your computer keyboard, purring until you can't resist." Alley Cat Rescue "She sits on your shoulder, waiting for a tea break patiently. Her brother Bear is another snuggler and their dilute calico sister Prue is also the sweetest baby." "She has the most wonderful personality especially after all she has been through - eye meds daily for months," Desiree told Love Meow."She got the all clear from an ophthalmologist at VCA last Thursday. Her eyes are looking great." Alley Cat Rescue Meeps and her siblings are almost three months old and have grown by leaps and bounds. She's still the smallest kitty, but what she lacks in size, she surely makes up for in personality.The little feline family is ready for their next chapter of life - their forever loving homes. Alley Cat Rescue Meeps went from a kitten who couldn't see, to a gorgeous girl with bright eyes.Look at her now! Alley Cat Rescue Share this story with your friends. If you are interested in adopting Meeps and/or her siblings, you can contact or .Related story:

A woman rescued a cat from a tough life on the streets, but little did she know the kitty didn't come alone. Chatons Orphelins Montréal A Persian Cat had been seen in a neighborhood of Montreal, Canada for quite some time, but no one came to claim her.Late June, a neighbor spotted her hiding in the bushes without a home to go to. She snapped a photo and sent out a plea for help. Her coworker, Isabelle, noticed the condition of the cat and knew she needed immediate rescue. That evening, she brought a carrier and drove to the location to find the cat. Chatons Orphelins Montréal The cat didn't wander far, hiding under a car nearby, curled up in a ball. Her eyes were covered in crust and her coat was dirty and matted. She was afraid of people, so Isabelle lay down on the ground and tried to talk to her in a soft voice. Half an hour later, she was able to get the cat safely in a carrier, and off they went to the vet. , a local rescue, was contacted, and they offered to take her in. Chatons Orphelins Montréal "We named her Rose Penelope. She was not microchipped and had trouble seeing and breathing due to an upper respiratory infection. She was just skin and bones, but her belly was large," Celine Crom of Chatons Orphelins Montréal shared with Love Meow.As it turned out, the cat was pregnant — not only was her life saved but also her kittens. Chatons Orphelins Montréal After removing all the knots and mats and washing off the fleas, Rose was so happy she purred up a storm while getting some chin scratches.In just a couple of days, she went from being that fearful, sick cat to a happy love-bug, who kneads constantly and fills the room with her loud purrs. Chatons Orphelins Montréal She went home with Stephanie, a foster volunteer, and began to prepare for her babies' arrival. "Rose quickly settled in. She was extremely sweet and just wanted to cuddle," Celine said.On July 20, Rose gave birth to two beautiful kittens — her little mini-mes. They latched on right away and started nursing like champs. Rose was a doting mother from the start, tending to her babies' every need. Chatons Orphelins Montréal She is very protective and would not let her kittens wander far. Watch Mama Rose and her kittens in this cute video: Rose the rescued cat and her kittens "Rose is a great mama and she purrs as soon as you look at her. She feels secure and happy with her kittens by her side," Celine shared with Love Meow."It's hard to imagine them trying to survive in the outdoors. We are glad she's safe and her kittens will grow up in the comfort of a loving home." Chatons Orphelins Montréal The kitties are opening their eyes to see for the first time - Mama Rose is so proud. Chatons Orphelins Montréal Share this story with your friends. Follow .Related story:

The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. We humans understand the importance of incorporating nutritious food in our diet. Good nutrition means that the body is getting everything it needs — vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids — to function well.A cat’s diet isn’t any different. “The foundation of health is nutrition,” says Ernie Ward, DVM, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and chief veterinary officer of Wild Earth Inc., a company that makes plant-based protein pet food in Berkeley, California. So, if good nutrition leads to better overall health, then the solution to helping a cat with skin problems is finding that perfect pet food, right? Not really. “There is no ‘right’ food for skin problems in cats, just like there’s no ‘right’ food for people,” says Heather Loenser, DVM, senior veterinary officer of the American Animal Hospital Association. “Instead of focusing on choosing the ‘right’ food, focus on making the ‘right’ choice by speaking to your vet.” Skin issue causes Skin problems can present as dry, flaky skin; bumps, redness and rash; and/or bald patches, to name a few. This can leave a cat scratching and grooming excessively. The likely culprit: a skin infection (fungal or bacterial) or allergies. Photography by: ©CasarsaGuru | Getty Images The causes of allergies can be broken into three main categories: Insect bites from fleas, ticks and/or mosquitoes. Atopy (environmental pollutants), which can include pollen, grasses, molds and house mites. Food sensitivities/allergies. “Insect bites lead the pack [in causes], followed closely by atopy with food coming in as a distant third,” Dr. Ward says. Is it really a food allergy? Despite common belief, food allergies are not prevalent in cats. In fact, food allergies affect just 0.1 percent of cats, according to 2018 Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health Report. This means that although food allergies are possible, it’s more likely that a cat’s skin condition has a different cause. Taking your cat to the vet can help determine whether she has allergies. Photography by: ©simonkr | Getty Images “Food allergies in cats are quite rare so before going through the time, expense and risk potential stomach upset of switching foods, pet owners should seek veterinary care,” Dr. Loenser says. If a food allergy is suspected, a veterinarian will conduct a dietary elimination trial. Feline Food Allergens The most commonly identified allergens for cats are: fish beef chicken But, may also include pork, dairy products or eggs, according to the clinical nutrition service at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University. However, cats can also become allergic to exotic meats such as venison, duck, bison or kangaroo. This means that feeding less-common proteins does not necessarily prevent food allergies from developing, the clinical nutrition service further noted. Supplemental help When it comes to addressing skin problems, Dr. Ward’s first line of defense is omega-3 fatty acid supplements. “If I have a feline patient that has any type of dermatological disorder, I’m reaching for omega-3 fatty acids,” Dr. Ward says. “In its truest form, [these essential fatty acids] act as anti-inflammatory agents. They help reduce some of the itching associated with any type of allergies.” More importantly, omega-3 fatty acids boost the immune system and aid in skin healing, he adds. “The skin is the largest organ on a cat’s body, so we want to keep that barrier healthy so it can prevent other problems,” Dr. Ward says. Unfortunately, dry kibble does not have enough omega-3 fatty acids for optimal feline health, which is why Dr. Ward turns to supplementation. “These are highly volatile fatty acids,” he says. “Open the bag and they go rancid.” Canned cat food has higher levels, but unless it’s a therapeutic diet designed for skin problems, it’s still not going to contain enough, he adds. Omega-6 fatty acids (found in corn, grains and other sources) are another important component to feline skin health. However, it shouldn’t exceed omega-3 levels, a common problem since most commercial pet food contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, according to Dr. Ward. “In the wild, cats consume more omega-3 fatty acids through meat than omega-6 fatty acids,” Dr. Ward says. “[Commercial cat food] flips this natural ratio. Suddenly there’s an excess of omega-6 fatty acids, which can then become pro-inflammatory. [Supplementing with] omega-3 fatty acids help bring the ratio back.” Your veterinarian can help decide what particular brand and dosage, if needed, is best for your cat. Behind the label Antioxidants, which can protect against excessive free radicals produced in cases of chronic inflammation, and proteins also have important roles in maintaining skin and coat health. In most cases, though, a nutritionally complete and balanced pet food will already have the optimal levels of each, according to Cailin Heinze, VMD, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University. When choosing a cat food, don’t focus on marketing, such as flashy websites or in-store advertisements, online rating systems or reviews from other pet owners, because typically they are not based on science, Dr. Heinze says. “Expense also doesn’t add up to the most quality cat food,” she says. “The best food isn’t the most expensive, and the worst food isn’t the cheapest. It’s certainly not a linear relationship.” Photography by: ©AsiaPix | Getty Images One of the challenges about selecting cat food is deciphering what’s not on the label, according to Dr. Heinze. Questions to consider: How long has the company been around? Who is designing the diet? Do they have a lot of experience? Where is the research being done? Is the company using ingredients that are tried-and-true or is it using ingredients that are trendy? Also not on the label are specifics about the quality of a product and information about who actually makes the cat food, Dr. Heinze points out. For instance, if the label says XYZ Co. Cat Food, is it made by XYZ Co.? Does the company have its own factory and make its own food, or does it pay someone else to make it? “That can make a difference,” she says. “You can certainly have high-quality private label products, but you can also have private label products where there is not much transparency.” A cat owner’s best bet is having a conversation with his/her veterinarian, according to Dr. Heinze. In the end, it’s important for cat owners not to lose momentum in the healing journey. “Skin problems due to allergies can’t be cured,” Dr. Ward says. “It’s a life-long condition. Don’t let the skin problem backslide into a problem.” About the : Marissa Heflin has been a writer/editor in the pet and veterinary industry for 15 years, and publishing as a whole for nearly 20. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two very active boys. Their family is rounded out by a loving, gentle German Shepherd Dog and a sneaky yet adorable Boston Terrier mix. While Marissa would love to add a feline family member, the two dogs have currently nixed the idea. Learn more about healthy cat diets on : The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

A woman went to walk her dogs but came home with a little stray kitten who needed rescue. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivMarisa, a foster volunteer based in Tel Aviv, took her dogs out for a walk one Saturday last month when she saw a kitten in the yard of her apartment complex, crying for help.The kitten was all alone and just skin and bones. "There is a big stray cat problem in Tel Aviv, so people find stray kittens all the time. Not knowing if his mom was nearby, I went on my walk with the dogs, but only to find him still there when I came back," Marisa told Love Meow. She couldn't leave the kitten there to fend for himself so hurried home with her dogs and grabbed some food, treats and whatever she could find to help get the kitten. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivMarisa slowly approached the stray, trying not to startle him, but the kitten was so exhausted that he just let her scoop him up. She rushed him back to her apartment, gave him water to rehydrate him. That's when she noticed some old and fresh scars on the kitten and a wound on his belly. At just a few weeks old, the kitten had lived a tough life on the streets. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivThe next few days were touch and go. Marisa and her boyfriend were not sure if the kitten would survive but wanted to give him a fighting chance. They took him to the vet and started him on some medication and eye drops.Just when the kitten began to perk up, he faced yet another challenge. One night, Marisa spent hours cuddling with him, thinking it would be his last."Imagine my surprise when I woke up the next morning to an escaped kitten screaming in front of my refrigerator, waiting to be fed," Marisa told Love Meow. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivShe quickly realized that her dog Comet had opened the door to the kitten room and helped him escape from the nursery box. "The kitten was ravenous that morning and ate more than ever so I started to think he was going to be OK."Every time Marisa tried to put the kitty back to his room, Comet would plan for his next escape. They decided it was time to let them hang out together under supervision. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivThe kitten rubbed his face all over Comet and curled up in his arms to sleep. He purred up a storm as he tried to nurse on his canine friend. "They played and snuggled and he started following Comet everywhere around the house," Marisa said.When they took the kitten back to the vet, the veterinary team couldn't believe he was the same kitten they saw just a week ago. He was no longer wobbly when he walked and his eyes were clear and bright. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivTwo days later, Marisa took in a foster dog named Ziggy. As soon as Phoenix met his new canine buddy, he nuzzled right up to her and wouldn't let go. Watch the kitten and his canine friends in this video: Rescued kitten and his canine friends "He loves to snuggle and comfort nurse on both Comet and Ziggy and he jumps on the couch and chases them like he's part of the squad," Marisa told Love Meow.The kitten adores his foster family and refuses to be alone. He will meow nonstop until he's with one of his canine buddies, snuggling away. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_aviv"I started calling the kitten 'Phoenix' because he had bounced back twice when I thought he surely wouldn't make it."With help from his canine friends, little Phoenix is thriving in foster care and will soon be ready to fly to a place he calls his forever home. Marisa @foster_tails_from_tel_avivShare this story with your friends. Follow .Related story:

A kitten was found alone in a backyard when the homeowner heard his cries. Jin's Bottle Babies Late June, a resident from the Phoenix Metropolitan area in Arizona heard a kitten meowing outside in her backyard. Upon investigation, she saw a ginger kitty jammed between a brick paver, all alone.The cat mother was nowhere in sight. After waiting for quite some time, she decided to bring him in to feed him and continued to try to find the mother. The kitten cried overnight but his mom never returned. The homeowner contacted a local animal rescuer, , who then reached out to for help. Jin's Bottle Babies "He was 100 grams less than what he should have been and found in a neighborhood alone, surrounded by desert," Shelbi Uyehara, founder of Jin's Bottle Babies, told Love Meow.The kitten was named Pico. In just one day, the little guy went from being outside crying to snuggling in a cozy bed, purring away. Jin's Bottle Babies Shelbi and her husband, Brandon, took turns to feed the kitten around the clock. They gently wrapped him in a purrito to calm him whenever he cried for their attention and cuddled with him after every meal. Jin's Bottle Babies Since a singleton would do much better with a feline friend, Shelbi knew just the litter to introduce him to. A couple of weeks before they found Pico, Shelbi took in six orphaned tuxedo kittens. A few days later, another singleton named Cuber Mike came along. Jin's Bottle Babies When the ginger boy was ready, he was placed in the same playpen with the other kittens. Despite being the youngest of the bunch, they hit it off instantly and started playing and chasing each other like one big family."Pico was so happy not to be alone anymore. Cuber Mike tried to recruit him onto Team Singleton. It was really cute," Shelbi told Love Meow. Jin's Bottle Babies Cuber Mike has taken quite a liking to Pico. He's the biggest kitty but always seeks out his ginger brother, the smallest kitten, for warmth. Pico adores other kittens and follows them everywhere they go.Watch Pico and his journey in this video: Kitten rescued from backyard - foster journey "Pico has a hilarious personality. He loves to try and jam his nose up your nose," Shelbi told Love Meow. "If you put a plastic weighing bowl next to a plush, comfy cat bed, he's going to choose the weighing bowl for his cat nap, every time." Pico (left), Cuber Mike (right)Jin's Bottle Babies The ginger boy has really filled out since the day he arrived. He's no longer that scrawny little kitty who waddled about when he walked. Now, he scampers across the room with other kittens, creating all sorts of mischief.When their foster parents enter the room, the gang swarms them, crawling up on their back or lap for attention. Shelbi and Brandon often find themselves buried under tiny balls of fur, covered in purrs. Jin's Bottle Babies Pico being the youngest, always vies to be the center of attention. "He'd plop right down in the middle of their pile, sometimes on top of them and fall asleep."When the kittens are big enough, they will be spayed/neutered. Pico and Cuber Mike will be going to a loving home together in August, and their tuxedo siblings are looking for their forever humans. Jin's Bottle Babies As of now, Pico is having the time of his life with his big patchwork family. He continues to try to outrun his siblings when they play and drape over them when they nap. Jin's Bottle Babies Share this story with your friends. Follow and . Related story:

My foster kittens are 3 weeks old and learning how to walk. Good job, babies!

Depending on the size and breed of a cat, each one has a specific weight requirement that is best for a long, healthy life. For pet parents with overweight or obese cats, finding the right diet is paramount. We have partnered with , who have provided us with some helpful information about reaching and maintaining your cat’s weight goals. What Causes Obesity In Cats? Even a regular feeding schedule can result in an overweight cat. Things such as treats and an unbalanced diet can lead to cat obesity. To determine the best diet for weight loss in cats, it is important to understand the leading causes of feline obesity. Free Feeding For those who have a busy schedule, allowing their cats to graze on a large amount of food throughout the day is a tempting option. However, when a cat is allowed to free feed, she tends to eat more than she needs. Cat Treats It is hard for a cat to turn down a tasty treat. Since cat treats tend to be small, many pet parents do not realize how many extra calories they are giving their cat. Too many cat treats can cause cats to gain weight quickly. Nutrition Cats are “obligate carnivores.” This means that for a cat’s nutrition to be at its absolute best, diets need to be meat-based. Meat provides the amino acids and vitamins that cats need to stay healthy and happy. Ensure your cat is eating a food that is properly balanced to meet her biological needs. This can help in maintaining a healthy weight. The Best Diets for Weight Loss in Cats Putting a cat on a weight loss diet is as easy as knowing the right foods to feed her. Here are the best weight loss diets to feed an overweight or obese cat, and the benefits: High-Protein Diet Cats do best on a high-protein diet, especially those who need to lose weight gradually over a period of time. High-protein diets contain carnitine, an amino acid that cats need to turn fat reserves into energy. While found in abundance in animal meat, many plants that can be found in many dry cat foods, such as wheat, lack the carnitine that cats need. Scheduled Feeding Diet Teaching a cat to adhere to a food schedule is easier than most people think. The first thing to know is the amount of food the cat needs every day. This does vary depending on the size, age, breed, and health of the cat in question. As a baseline, your average house cat needs about 150-200 calories a day, equivalent to about 1 can of your typical 5.5-ounce cat food, about ½ a cup of dry food, or about 5 ounces of fresh food. Once a vet has determined the right weight for the breed of cat, taking up a scheduled feeding diet allows pet parents to gradually control the amount of food their cat eats every day. Pet parents should feed their cat two to four times each day with a set amount of food that is to be eaten in one sitting. Every pet parent wants to give their cat the right nutrition and to make sure she stays active and healthy. If you suspect that diet is playing a role in your cat’s unhealthy weight, trying perfectly portioned, fresh meals may be the answer. Our fresh food partner is and to give their delivery service a try. They are , only available to the iHeartCats community. The post appeared first on .

Depending on the size and breed of a cat, each one has a specific weight requirement that is best for a long, healthy life. For pet parents with overweight or obese cats, finding the right diet is paramount. We have partnered with , who have provided us with some helpful information about reaching and maintaining your cat’s weight goals. What Causes Obesity In Cats? Even a regular feeding schedule can result in an overweight cat. Things such as treats and an unbalanced diet can lead to cat obesity. To determine the best diet for weight loss in cats, it is important to understand the leading causes of feline obesity. Free Feeding For those who have a busy schedule, allowing their cats to graze on a large amount of food throughout the day is a tempting option. However, when a cat is allowed to free feed, she tends to eat more than she needs. Cat Treats It is hard for a cat to turn down a tasty treat. Since cat treats tend to be small, many pet parents do not realize how many extra calories they are giving their cat. Too many cat treats can cause cats to gain weight quickly. Nutrition Cats are “obligate carnivores.” This means that for a cat’s nutrition to be at its absolute best, diets need to be meat-based. Meat provides the amino acids and vitamins that cats need to stay healthy and happy. Ensure your cat is eating a food that is properly balanced to meet her biological needs. This can help in maintaining a healthy weight. The Best Diets for Weight Loss in Cats Putting a cat on a weight loss diet is as easy as knowing the right foods to feed her. Here are the best weight loss diets to feed an overweight or obese cat, and the benefits: High-Protein Diet Cats do best on a high-protein diet, especially those who need to lose weight gradually over a period of time. High-protein diets contain carnitine, an amino acid that cats need to turn fat reserves into energy. While found in abundance in animal meat, many plants that can be found in many dry cat foods, such as wheat, lack the carnitine that cats need. Scheduled Feeding Diet Teaching a cat to adhere to a food schedule is easier than most people think. The first thing to know is the amount of food the cat needs every day. This does vary depending on the size, age, breed, and health of the cat in question. As a baseline, your average house cat needs about 150-200 calories a day, equivalent to about 1 can of your typical 5.5-ounce cat food, about ½ a cup of dry food, or about 5 ounces of fresh food. Once a vet has determined the right weight for the breed of cat, taking up a scheduled feeding diet allows pet parents to gradually control the amount of food their cat eats every day. Pet parents should feed their cat two to four times each day with a set amount of food that is to be eaten in one sitting. Every pet parent wants to give their cat the right nutrition and to make sure she stays active and healthy. If you suspect that diet is playing a role in your cat’s unhealthy weight, trying perfectly portioned, fresh meals may be the answer. Our fresh food partner is and to give their delivery service a try. They are , only available to the iHeartCats community. The post appeared first on .

The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Hauspanther Cat Toy Collection Colorful, unique and fun! These cat toys are as satisfying for cats as they are for people. Each toy encourages a different kind of play behavior from stalking and pouncing to chasing and tossing, keeping cats active and entertained. Abstract shapes, unique textures and sophisticated colors make the toys look like modern art on your living room floor. Who says cat toys can’t be beautiful? Toys include Atomic Flyers, Bamboleos, Cork Bomb, Kickers, Shakers, Stacks and Taffy Rolls. $5.99-$11.99. Hauspanther Collection by Primetime Petz; Colloidal Earth Silver Spray and Colloidal Dropper Colloidal silver’s plethora of health and beauty benefits include antimicrobial effects, increased energy levels and help with acne and eczema. This natural alternative remedy to medicine was also used as a natural antibiotic until the 1940s, when modern antibiotics arrived. Colloidal Silver can be used for humans, pets and even plants. The Colloidal Silver dropper can be used to treat ear infections, eye infections, ringworm and can help with wounds. $29.76 spray/ $24.58 dropper. Colloidal Earth; SeaMeal Powder Looking to support kitty’s skin and coat, digestive and immune health? Solid Gold’s new nutrition supplement for both cats and dogs is an easy-to-use powder that you just add to your cat’s meal twice daily. It includes superfoods like seaweed and flaxseed for healthy skin and coat, plus natural digestive enzymes for healthy digestion and natural sources of B vitamins, zinc, selenium, iron and magnesium to support the immune system. Made in the USA, both grain-free and gluten-free, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. $23.99/1 pound and $84.99/5 pounds. Solid Gold Pet; Cat Mom Hoodie Shout your love for your cat to the world while keeping warm and fashionable at the same time with this unisex, lightweight hoodie. Super soft and cozy, made with 60% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton and 40% poly fleece. Strings on the hood are white. Comes in S, M, L and XL. $59. Shop Happies; Jackson Galaxy Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier Cat behavior and wellness expert Jackson Galaxy partnered with Your Cat Backpack to create a carrier that cat guardians will love to use for everyday activities, vet trips, hikes and more. It can be used either as a backpack or a traditional carrier. Features include a detachable shoulder strap, a removable mat attached by Velcro, a clip inside to attach a leash, and a bubble and screen attachment. Holds cats up to 25 pounds. Dimensions 15 by 11.4 by 17.7 inches. $225. Your Cat Backpack; Limited Ingredient Diet Does your cat have itchy skin, urinary tract issues or a loose stool? Or perhaps he’s just a fussy eater or has a weight issue. KOHA’s Limited Ingredient Wet Food just might have your cat asking, “Where’s the food?!” It’s moisture rich with high protein and low carbs, with only one meat per pouch/can so you can find the one that works for your cat. Also includes cranberry for urinary tract health, pumpkin for good digestion and New Zealand mussels for joint health. Comes in Shredded Turkey Entrée in Gravy, Shredded Lamb Entrée in Gravy, Shredded Beef Entrée in Gravy, Shredded Duck Entrée in Gravy and Shredded Chicken Entrée in Gravy. Available in single pouches, case of 12 pouches or case of 24 (5.5 oz) cans. $1.99-66.96. KOHA Pet Food; Custom Cookie Cutters Turn your kitty’s face into a custom-designed cookie. Just send a photo of your cat (or any other pet) and it will become a food-safe, biodegradable plastic cookie cutter. Purrfect for you or as a great gift for any pet owner. Use to create memorable cookies for birthdays and holidays. $27. BakersStreetCutters; Calm and Quiet Soft Chews Introducing a full-spectrum hemp product specifically for cats. These easy-to-administer soft chews help promote a calm demeanor in times of stress and anxious moments, plus provide support for healthy joints and mobility. These fast-acting chews contain L-theanine, L-taurine and broad (full) spectrum hemp in delicious chicken and catnip flavor. $14.99. Therabis; About the : Covering the pet world for more than 25 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters to parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of rescued pets — dogs Tampa Bay and Justice and parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life they are accustomed to. Follow Tampa and his crew on Instagram @tampa.bay.pup.report while Melissa can always be found working on the next issue of Catster and Dogster magazines at caster.com and dogster.com. Find more cat-friendly products on : The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

From the hectic work schedule to the household chores, your life is aligned with the hush-hush of responsibilities. People crave to find their solace in the chaos of life. Hence, there is a traditionally trusted technique called meditation that helps to detach from the knots of a stereotyped and stressful life. Meditation is a great way to calm the storms within you. The more deeply and regularly you meditate, the sooner you will find yourself acting from a center of inner peace. Meditation has a great influence on your cat’s well-being as it has on you. Hence, considering the significant influences on you and your pet, it is highly beneficial to have a mutual meditation practice. In addition to feeling more relaxed, meditating with your cat also serves you with many other benefits. Here are the benefits you and your cat will enjoy during shared meditation practice. Ignites Mindfulness Cats are uncontrollable creatures. They like to do whatever they want to, but when you sit to meditate, you can notice your cat also sitting beside or curling up in your lap. Cats are the masters of focus and one can surely witness that when they meditate. Though cats may get distracted for a moment, they do possess a great ability to regain their focus. Thus, your cat can teach a lesson of mindfulness and bring the lighthearted mood to sessions. Degrades Stress Whether there is a stress of meeting your work targets, stress of fulfilling your family expectations or the stress of coping with everyday life problems, meditating with your cat works as a great stress buster. All you need to do is put away the stress-ball and squeeze on to your furry ball. Having your cat around while meditating, keeps you in a haze of happiness. Your brain generates the happy chemicals called oxytocin and prolactin that reduce stress and adds up feel-good factor. Intensifies Safety & Trust When you meditate, you naturally calm yourself down and your energy center opens and realigns. That energy is much more than the physical body as it takes you to gain a level of calmness also in your mind and soul. It creates an environment where you and your pet can communicate or achieve a powerful level of peace. You and your furry companion will feel more grounded by following this meditation practice. Moreover, this practice will invoke a sense of security in your cat and will also strengthen the trust in your relationship. Uplifts Your Daily Routine That cute creature in your house can be a cure for many of your health problems. No matter how hectic your routine may be but your cat’s habit to live a structured life will be an ultimate motivation for meditation. Pet parents are likely to be healthier; moreover, meditating with their pet keeps them lively. Following a session of meditation, every morning, is a great way to boost your energy levels and kick start your day with an uplifted mood. Strengthens Communication Meditation increases the synchronization and efficiency of your nervous and cardiovascular systems. Therefore, when you meditate with your cat in silence, it creates an aura of synergy. Your cat can feel the message of your heart at the vibrational level. Another way to connect with your cat is to place your hand on the chest area and feel their breath. Then, as long as you are comfortable, try to match your breathing pattern to theirs. This will strengthen the bridge of communication between you and your pet. Helps To Get Outside Animals are instinctively aligned with the rhythms of nature. They generally do not prefer to stay indoors all day long. No matter what, they will always be ready to go out with you. They might even drag you outdoors in the fresh air to meditate early in the morning if you deny following their daily routine. Escaping from indoors actually changes your mind and makes you more focused. So, having an animal that always needs a daily dose of outdoor meditation will constantly encourage you to step out, and stay mentally and physically fit. There may be many interesting ways to spend time with your cat but meditating together is one of the most meaningful things you can do. It is very beneficial to meditate in the green grass and fresh air with your pet but you need to pay heed on the dangers of fleas and ticks that are ever ready to haunt your cat. Thus, to safeguard your cat from flea and tick infestation while you are busy meditating in the garden or backyard, you can use preventatives like . The post appeared first on .

A man gave a kitten a home. He's been waking up to her cuddles every morning since. Keith Reszoly After four years without a cat in his life, Keith Reszoly was ready to welcome a new addition into his family. His life was forever changed when he met a little cuddle-bug.Keith's mother was at the vet mid-July last year when she learned about a litter of rescued kittens looking for homes. "She thought I should have one," Keith told Love Meow.They fell in love with a tortie kitty named Gladys and brought her home. "The first day I saw her, she was extremely friendly and walked up to everyone, climbed up their legs, sniffed them, and wanted to be held." Keith Reszoly The kitty quickly settled in and started following Keith everywhere around the house. They renamed her Gracie and that night, she curled up in Keith's arms and fell sound asleep."She enjoyed being held like a baby in my arms. The first few nights, she only slept on her back between my arm and chest. It has never stopped since the day Gracie arrived," Keith added. Keith Reszoly The sweet tortie insists on snuggling with Keith as soon as he wakes up. Over time, she's learned that he rises to the sound of his alarm clock and it's become her cue to hop onto the bed to cuddle."She jumps up when she hears my alarm (or me moving a lot) and goes to lay on my chest. She usually sleeps there about an hour or two if I don't move at all," Keith told Love Meow. Keith Reszoly Keith happily obliges whenever Gracie demands cuddles. To make sure he has enough time for his best friend every morning, he has adjusted his schedule to accommodate to her needs."I've been setting my alarm 30 minutes early every day to give her more happy time." Keith Reszoly Staying in bed has become their favorite pastime. Gracie loves nothing more than nuzzling in the crook of his neck or chest."Sometimes I don't make it out of bed. I succumb to the warmth and tiny happy vibrations the fuzzball makes," Keith said. Keith Reszoly She also likes to crawl up in Keith's lap every time he sits down by the computer. As soon as he gets home, Gracie is ready to cuddle and she wouldn't take no for an answer. Keith Reszoly "About two hours a day when I'm sitting at my desk I would be holding Gracie in my left arm while my right arm is on my mouse," Keith told Love Meow.Watch Keith and Gracie in this cute video: Man's best friend - Cuddly Cat Gracie She has grown in size and fluff, but some things never change. Keith Reszoly Gracie is very vocal especially when she wants something from her human. "If I were to meow at her then she would meow back. Gracie also always meows if I don't show her attention when she rubs against my legs or walks across my desk." Keith Reszoly It's been a year since Gracie found Keith. She's blossomed into a beautiful, fluffy cat with a big personality.The sweet tortie beams joy to her family and never fails to make her human smile. Keith Reszoly She hopped into Keith's arms on the day they met, and they have been cuddling and carrying on their tradition ever since. Keith Reszoly Share this story with your friends. Related story:

While plenty of cats by bike, sailboat and RV, for many felines, a trip around the neighborhood or even just a is all that’s necessary to quench their thirst for adventure. And while they may not be traveling the world, these close-to-home adventures still open up a whole new world for cats like Figaro. Austin resident Ann Marie Klacko adopted 4-year-old Figaro and his sister, Olive, when they were tiny . While Klacko already had three adult cats, she couldn’t resist taking in Figaro and Olive after meeting them and hearing about their struggle to find a forever home. Figaro and his sister settled into their multi-cat home, but it soon became clear to Klacko that her new black cat required a little more stimulation than he was getting indoors. MORE: “Figaro can definitely be described as a ,” she says. “Some have even said he’s intense. He’s incredibly smart, interactive and overall a sweet guy, but he stresses incredibly easily and has anxiety. He also suffers from feline lower urinary tract disorder as well as bladder disease.” Despite his specialized wet food diet, Figaro experienced severe urinary blockages in August and had to undergo . “We knew his long term care would be even more important than his short-term surgery recovery but no one ever really gives you ideas for long-term maintenance besides a prescription diet,” Klacko says. “We started taking Figaro for regular leashed walks after his surgery when I read that walks outside can be a good experience for cats with stress. [It gives] them the exercise all cats need, [it gives] him one-on-one time with us in a multi-cat environment, and all that stimulation that comes with being outdoors [is] a satisfying experience for Figaro.” Klacko mentioned Figaro’s walks to veterinarian Dr. Katrina Breitreiter of who fully supported the idea, and soon leashed walks became part of Figaro’s daily routine. “Typically we just walk around the perimeter of our house,” Klacko says. “Figaro’s leash and harness hang by our back door and he waits by it every morning. He likes to sit on the picnic table with me and sniff grass and trees. If he’s feeling particularly energetic, we’ll jog around the house. His walks and leisure time outside are anywhere between 5 minutes and 45 minutes.” MORE: Soon though, Figaro will be leaving his Austin home behind and relocating to an apartment in the Windy City, and while he won’t have access to his very own backyard anymore, Klacko says they’re moving to a pet-friendly building where Figaro will still have access to the great outdoors. “My plan is to talk to my future neighbors about Figaro potentially going outside around the building,” she says. “I’ll have to make sure there isn’t anything , as well. Ultimately, it will be up to him, as always, if he wants to go outside. With a whole new set of smells and stimulators his behavior toward walks could change, but we’re hoping he’ll still enjoy them — Chicago weather permitting, of course!” The post appeared first on .

No one knew if this kitten found on the driveway would survive, but the kitty was determined to prove them wrong. Carmen WeinbergCarmen Weinberg, founder of , was contacted about a kitten found on the driveway of a mobile home at Long Lake Village Mobile Home Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. A resident saw the kitten and his deceased siblings and immediately reached out for help when he spotted a heartbeat."The man who lives there, said the kitten was very lethargic. He didn't know who the mom was," Carmen told Love Meow. Carmen and her daughter, Elisa, rushed to the scene to pick up the kitten, who was cold to the touch and barely moving. They immediately grabbed a heating pad from the car and started warming him up. Carmen WeinbergElisa and the resident looked for other kittens as they heard meowing coming from across the street. "We were able to rescue another kitten. It was healthy so probably from a different litter."The scrawny black kitten, whom they named Luke, was in need of medical attention and a lot of TLC. They took the healthy kitty to Bella's Promise Pet Rescue, so they could focus on nursing little Luke back to health. Carmen Weinberg"Luke didn't want to eat so I concentrated on keeping him warm, getting rid of the dozens of fleas he had and getting some fluids in him. His gums were white, and it looked like he had not eaten in days. I was afraid I was going to lose him," Carmen told Love Meow.She continued to fight for the little kitten despite his uncertain prospects. She wasn't sure if Luke would make it through the night but wanted to give him a fighting chance. Carmen WeinbergAfter a bath, combing and treatment, Luke was finally flea-free. He was still very weak from malnutrition and anemia and had to be syringe fed around the clock to stay alive. Despite eating more, he was not putting on weight.It was not until a few days later, did the kitten start to bounce back. Luke, the tiniest warrior, finally gained a whole ounce and could stand up a little taller and had more energy to walk around a bit. Carmen WeinbergThe next day, the little miracle kitty decided he would eat on his own and even started to seek attention with his new-found energy.Watch Luke's rescue journey in this video: Kitten found on the driveway never gave up "He is done being sick and lying around all day. He now wants me to carry him around," Carmen said.Luke continues to amaze Carmen with his will and fight. He is growing bigger and stronger every day and hitting one milestone after another. Carmen Weinberg"He keeps gaining weight! I am so happy to see him eat as soon as I give him food." The former homeless kitten is ready to take on the world by storm. Carmen WeinbergLuke has almost doubled his weight and tripled his strength. He's starting to play and his personality is shining through. Carmen Weinberg "When I got him, one and a half weeks ago, I was not sure he was going to survive but he has proved me wrong. I could kiss that face all day!" Carmen WeinbergShare this story with your friends. Follow updates on and .Related story:

The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Seven years ago, Jacquie Navratil was serving on the board of directors of an animal rescue organization in her Los Angeles neighborhood when she realized something: There were so many cats that needed help — but there were also many community members who wanted to help but didn’t know how to get started. “I noticed people would bring in cats and kittens,” Jacquie says. “They were never asked where the kittens came from, if there was a mother cat who needed to be fixed and not educated about how critical spay/neuter is. I also noticed many people couldn’t or but still wanted to help. Many didn’t have wealth to donate, but they did have a little spare time.” With that in mind, she and a small group of volunteers decided to set about making a difference. And thus, in 2012, was born. How Luxe Paws Is Different Jacquie Navratil founded Luxe Paws in 2012, and the organization has helped thousands of cats through TNR. Photography courtesy Luxe Paws. Serving the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Highland Park, Luxe Cats provides for community cats and enlists the aid of volunteers in those neighborhoods through their outreach efforts. “LA is home to an estimated 3 million homeless cats and just under 5 million people, which means every neighborhood has cats that need to be fixed,” Jacquie says. Jacquie points out that many people have demanding careers and busy personal lives and might not have a lot of time to help — but they want to make a difference. “By setting up a model in which people can do outreach to determine where the cats are, donate a few hours in the evening to help trap cats or volunteer to transport trapped cats to and from a spay/neuter clinic, it’s a big impact with a low investment of time,” she says. The area Luxe Paws serves is a study in contrasts. Some neighborhoods are filled with multi-million dollar homes owned by big-name celebrities, while some are very low-income, and a few are even dangerous, such as around Dodger Stadium, where coyotes prowl the streets and alleys looking for food — which can come in the form of unlucky outdoor cats. “Pet cats and teenage kittens are an easy meal for a coyote, so they’re naturally going to be drawn into backyards if there’s an easy food source,” Jacquie says. “Humans and coyotes aren’t a good mix, so by stabilizing the homeless cat population, we’re discouraging coyotes from lingering in our backyards.” One of the most important parts of successful TNR operations is getting buy-in from the community. Luxe Paws always gets permission from property owners or caregivers before they trap and fix cats. “Most people are overjoyed to know there’s help,” Jacquie says. “The greatest thing about a neighborhood-based approach is that it connects you with your neighbors for a lifesaving cause.” In addition to its TNR efforts, Luxe Paws works to foster and socialize pet cats and kittens found on the streets. “Easily 90 percent or more of LA’s rescues will only pull cats from shelters; they won’t take cats or kittens from the street,” Jacquie explains. “This means we have no outlet for the cats we find. Luckily, we’ve nurtured a small foster network” — not to mention partnerships with neighborhood businesses. Those partnerships allow Luxe Paws to conduct outreach events to promote its TNR work and host “adoption mingles” for cats socialized in Luxe Paws’ foster homes. Luxe Paws’ Growing Success Jacquie Navratil of Luxe Paws. Photography courtesy Luxe Paws. The results speak for themselves. “Our first year, we fixed 67 cats,” Jacquie says. “In 2018, we fixed 914, and in just the first 12 weeks of 2019, our team has fixed 237. We could do more; however, we’re limited by available spay/neuter appointments.” Luxe Paws uses , the only spay/neuter service provider in Los Angeles that fixes trapped cats for free. “We sincerely hope, as TNR grows in popularity, the public will help support people who trap and fix cats by funding free, easy spay/neuter operations,” Jacquie says. “People sincerely want to help, but they can’t unless there’s a service provider ready to fix the cats.” Luxe Paws gets its funding from individual supporters who donate what they can and businesses that want to help support TNR. “We front money from our own paychecks, we do bake sales and community events,” Jacquie says. “We list every penny we spend, and when the public sees how many lives we’re impacting every year, most are happy to skip Starbucks and throw in a few bucks to help.” Luxe Paws is working on becoming a nonprofit organization. Once it’s established, Jacquie hopes Luxe Paws will be able to nurture a collaborative effort to support small TNR teams across the city. Ultimately, Jacquie says, “LA doesn’t need more nonprofits; it needs a more impact-driven model to support people who want to invest their time into supporting spay/neuter. “To anyone who’s considering adoption, please seek out a rescue that’s TNR-focused,” she concludes. “Even if they’re not a nonprofit, a couple of cat lovers fixing cats is just as needy, and they’re out there in the trenches saving lives.” Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Luxe Paws. About the JaneA Kelley is the author of the award-winning cat advice blog Paws and Effect. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers’ Association and an advocate for all cats, whether they live with people or in the community. Read more about good causes on Catster.com: The post by appeared first on . Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

A cat showed up at a house and gave birth to a litter of kittens in the rain right before Mother's Day. Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue A resident from Jamestown, North Carolina spotted a stray cat hanging around their property last week. They asked around the neighborhood if she belonged to anyone, and no one claimed her. Saturday morning, the area was hit with thunderstorms when the friendly stray gave birth to a litter of kittens.The cat momma tucked her babies in the bushes to keep them safe, but the stormy weather coupled with unknown elements were putting the kittens at risk. The homeowner reached out to for help. Stephanie Grantham, Executive Director of Sparkle Cat Rescue, immediately began to look for a foster home that would be able to take in the little family. All of the volunteers were full, but , one of the fosters, was able to recruit another family who stepped up to help. Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue Once they had secured a foster, Sarah set out to the neighborhood to rescue the cat mama and her kittens. "We were concerned about the impending rain and storms rolling in. At first, when she got to the home they couldn't find mom and kittens," Stephanie told Love Meow.As they were searching for their whereabouts, the homeowner heard crying coming from the bushes beside the house. "The mom came out and we were so worried so we had to rush to find her babies before they got rained on or cold." Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue It was a race against the weather and all odds. "We were digging through the bushes in the pouring rain until we found them. It was emotional and we dug for what seemed like forever to find them."The cat mom was covered in rain, but her kittens were in relatively good condition despite the down pour. As it turned out, "Mama curled around her babies and was taking as much of the pouring rain as she could to shield them, which is why she was so wet." Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue Sarah scooped up the kittens and got the whole family safely in the car."As we drove them to their foster mom Christy, Mama kept them tucked so close to her and made sure to clean them off and warm them up." Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue The mom and her four little kittens spent the rest of their Mother's Day weekend in a safe, warm room, nestled in a cozy bed.Watch their rescue journey in this video: Stray cat and her kittens rescued from pouring rain "We are so lucky that the family living near them noticed and was able to help point us in the right direction. We are so grateful that Christy was able to take them in, in such short notice. It takes a village to rescue and foster." Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue "The mama and babies are doing very well - snuggling, purring, and most importantly - safe and warm," Sarah added."We love that this past weekend was the last Mother's Day this mama will ever have to spend nursing babies and raising litters." Sarah Kelly at Sparkle Cat Rescue Share this story with your friends. Follow and . If you would like to support this little family and the rescue, . Related story:

Fostering saves lives! Learn everything you need to know about saving kittens in my new book, Tiny But Mighty: http://www.kittenlady.org/books - FACEBOOK: ...