Yoshi’s Choice

Little Yoshi is on his way home, though it’s not the home we were hoping for when he was trapped in early August.

Yoshi is one of 13 kittens trapped during a big trap-neuter-return (TNR) project I’ve been working on since June for Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland. The homeowners have worked diligently to get all the kittens and adults so we can stop the cycle of cats in their yard. We’re almost done! (More on that on the blog soon.)

All of the kittens were placed in foster homes, and a handful of them have already been adopted out. The transformation of the kittens from frightened outdoor cats to lovable kittens – and in some cases, major lap cats – has been nothing short of amazing. We have some of the best foster homes!

It didn’t go like that for Yoshi. He was in foster care for more than two months, but he was still terrified of humans. He didn’t want them to pet him or even to be near him. It was clear that Yoshi was trying to tell us something: People aren’t his thing, and he doesn’t want to be an indoor cat.

Yoshi was born outside to a feral mom, and he was on the older side when we trapped him. There was always the chance that he would resist socialization even if his siblings and cousins warmed up to the idea of life on the inside.

So the other night, Yoshi slept in my garage, and yesterday, he went home. His caretakers are happy to have him back. After a couple of days inside to help him remember where home is, he’ll be freed in the backyard. He’ll be reunited with his mom and other adult cats in the colony that he knows.

He’s been neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped so that he can live a happy life outside – without bringing any more kittens into the world. There was a time when I would have felt sad for Yoshi. In an ideal world, every cat would have a loving indoor home, but we know this is not an ideal world. Instead, I am glad that Yoshi has a loving outdoor home where he can live out his years as a happy cat.

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Remember Me Thursday Roundup: The Cats We Featured

Yesterday was Remember Me Thursday, and we hope you enjoyed seeing the Internet and social media filled with happy adoption stories and pictures of critters looking for homes!

We shared several cats available for adoption through Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland yesterday on our Facebook and Instagram. All of these cats have been in foster care with Rescue Angels for several months.

If you’d like to know more about any of these kitties, email Rescue Angels at rescueangelssomd@gmail.com.

Raz

We’re partial to black cats here at Three Irish Cats, so Raz is our first feature cat of the day! He’s a sweet young adult kitty who has been in foster care with Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland for several months. Raz is chirpy and chatty, and if you’re lucky, he’ll even show you his tummy!

Clarice

Clarice watched her siblings go off to loving homes months ago, and she is still waiting. She even made a friend in foster care, senior guy Jack, and he got adopted, too! Clarice can be a bit standoffish at first; she just wants to make sure you’re OK before she lets you in. She needs her space, but she also loves to play and will come looking for attention.

Padme

This gray beauty is Padme! She’s a young adult tabby with lots of purrsonality. She has a bit of a limp, but she doesn’t let it get her down. Padme has been in foster care for a few months, and she would love a home to call her own.

Nino

Orange cat alert! 3-year-old Nino was saved from the shelter by Rescue Angels of Southern Marylandearlier this year, and he’s been in foster care ever since waiting to find his forever home. He’s a bit shy at first, but give him a few minutes to warm up, and you have a head-butting, purr machine who loves to snuggle!

Aurora

Sweet Aurora has watched the kittens at her foster home get adopted, and she wonders when it is going to be her turn! Aurora is 7 and was surrendered with her sister Alexis (also available for adoption) a while ago. Aurora is affectionate and snuggly, and she has the sweetest mew.

Remember Me Thursday: The Three Irish Cats’ Story

When our cat Aoife died in June 2015, we were going to wait a few months before adopting again. Aoife had been sick for a long time, and her decline was tough on everyone.

We made it through the summer, realizing quickly how empty the house felt without someone furry around.

Aine

So that Labor Day Weekend, we visited the Humane Society of Charles County, just to see who they had. Of course, we had some rules:

• No kittens
• No long-haired cats
• No more than two cats

You know how well that worked out. 😉

In the cat room that night, we met lots of wonderful kitties, but two older kittens in a cage together kept drawing us in. “Pantha” was solid black, and “OJ” was orange and white. Both were shy but craving affection.

Next door, the cage of a two-year-old long-haired orange cat named “Rascal” was open. Rascal was going in and out of all the other cages and sampling everyone’s food. We learned that he had already been adopted out once and returned for sneezing. (Silly, eh?)

Seamus

Oh, and while he was out and about, Rascal made friends with my husband. (You can see where this is going ….)

We loved all three, but we had to go home and talk about it. We really only wanted two cats.

The next morning, I was volunteering at the humane society’s carnival, and we went in early so we could visit the cats again. By that point, we had decided to adopt the two kittens if they were still available; they weren’t siblings, but they were in a cage together, and we didn’t want to separate them.

“So, we’ll adopt the two kittens?” I said to my husband. Rule No. 1 broken.

“Yes,” he said, and paused.

“And Rascal.”

Emmett

And just like that, my husband, who was not really a cat guy when he and I met, had added a third cat to our family. My husband, whose heart has been broken when our orange cat Rory died in 2013, had found a new friend to love.

Bam. Down with rules 2 and 3.

Two years later, we can’t imagine it any other way! We broke all of our rules, and we couldn’t be happier. Pantha became Aine, OJ became Emmett, and Rascal became Seamus, though “Rascal” should be his middle name.

Aine, Emmett, and Seamus are three of the lucky ones. Across the country, nearly 3 million cats and dogs each year aren’t so lucky. Feral cats are even less lucky. So today, on Remember Me Thursday, we hope you’ll take some time to remember the millions of homeless pets across the country looking for love – and remember the rescue the next time you want to bring a furry family member into your home.

What is your pets’ adoption story? Tell us in the comments!

What is Remember Me Thursday?

Did you know that just a third of pets in the United States come from rescue organizations and shelters?

And that nearly 3 million animals in shelters die every year waiting for a forever home?

I learned those stats on the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Remember Me Thursday website, and they really gave me pause. I knew from my rescue volunteering that millions of animals die each year waiting to be adopted. But I am absolutely shocked that only 30 percent of pets are rescues.

The purpose of Remember Me Thursday, which will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 28, is to bring attention to the millions of animals that are currently in shelters or under the care of rescue organizations. They’re waiting for their forever homes, and they need our help to tell the world about them.

Seamus rocks a Remember Me Thursday bandanna.

Remember Me Thursday was created by Helen Woodward Animal Center CEO Mike Arms five years ago. Since then, famous faces, well-known animals, and blogs like ours have joined together to spread the word about pet adoption. And guess what? You can get involved, too!

Here are a few things you can do:

• Post about Remember Me Thursday and animal rescue on your social media accounts on Sept. 28. Use the hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #RememberTheRescue.
• Enter the Remember the Rescue Contest! Share your rescue pets’ pictures using the hashtags, and a rescue organization of your choice could win food and money! Enter the contest here.
• Light a candle (real or virtual) in honor of the pets who have lost their lives and for those who are looking for homes. Post it to your social media!
• Adopt! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate.

We’re excited to post all about rescue pets next Thursday. We’ll tell Aine, Emmett, and Seamus’ adoption story and share pictures of animals available for adoption here in Southern Maryland on our Facebook page and Instagram. (Follow us!) We even got this cool kit so we can represent Remember Me Thursday while we’re out and about.

Thanks to the Helen Woodward Animal Center for this cool kit!

We hope you’ll join us and share your pet adoption stories, too!

Every Animal Deserves an “Adoptiversary”

Earlier this week, the Three Irish Cats marked their “adoptiversary.” That’s the day that we brought them home with us from the shelter. How those two years have flown by!

I can’t imagine our lives without Aine, Emmett, and Seamus. They make me smile and laugh every day, and when I am feeling sad, nothing is more calming than a cat sitting by my side. Seamus sleeps on my pillow at night, and Emmett sleeps against my side. Aine prefers her space most nights, but when the weather gets chilly, she curls up on my side of the bed, too.

We remind the Three Irish Cats frequently how lucky they are. As you probably know, I volunteer with Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland doing public relations, social media, and feral cat trapping. Our rescue is in contact every day with animals who are not as lucky as my three cats. We get urgent calls for help from the local public shelters when animals in their care have run out of time or are suffering in the shelter environment. These shelters only have so much space, and when space runs out, animals are killed to make room for the new animals coming in.

Every animal deserves an adoptiversary. The Three Irish Cats and I will be marking the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Remember Me Thursday on Thursday, Sept. 28. On this day – and in the days leading up to it – blogs and social media pages like Three Irish Cats will shine a light on homeless pets, both those looking for homes and those who died waiting.

Remember Me Thursday seems especially timely this year as shelters across Texas and Florida grapple with the effects of devastating hurricanes. Shelter pets are being sent to rescue organizations across the country to make room for abandoned and lost pets in storm areas. Here in Southern Maryland, four organizations (that we know of!) have taken in shelter pets from the Houston area:

• Last Chance Animal Rescue
• Round Table Haven
• Mary’s Animal Welfare League
• Tri-County Animal Shelter

Whether you adopt, foster, or donate, these groups need our help to provide loving temporary and permanent homes. Plus, with Hurricane Irma bearing down on Florida this weekend, there will no doubt be more pets needing our help.

You can learn more about the work these organizations are doing at the links above. And, find out how you can participate in Remember Me Thursday here!

Making the First Move

I had a great plan for how this move was going to go for the Three Irish Cats. I read articles from Cole and Marmalade and paid attention when Jackson Galaxy gave moving tips on a recent episode of “My Cat from Hell.”

The plan: Set up a “base camp” room here at the new house with the cats’ favorite and familiar things. Their cat tree, beds, and toys. A litter box with used litter. Carriers for hiding. Seamus’ Priority Mail box. (He sits on it all. The. Time.)

The reality: It took us way longer to fill the truck the first day than we expected, and we needed that spare room for storage. The early part of the day went as planned; the cats spent the day in a vacant room at the old house with all of their favorite things. They even had a closet to hide in and a window over the driveway so they could see what the crazy humans were doing.

But they didn’t get to the new house until bedtime, and we stashed them, a litter box, their beds, and toys in the master bedroom for a little bit to chill. Before we let them out to explore, we closed the basement door to limit the places they could roam. (We let them down there after a few days and some cat-proofing.)

It wasn’t ideal, but all’s well that ends well. I think we could have eased their stress — especially Emmett’s — if they had had a less chaotic place to rest. Lucky for them, we have two more chances to get it right — we’ll be moving two more times in the next year or so!

What does each cat think of their temporary new home?

Aine: Silly us for thinking Aine would spend the first few days at the new house under the bed. Nope! Aine has been out and about, but she is more vocal than usual. She’s looking for lots of extra love, and we’re more than happy to give that to her. She loves the sliding glass doors in the basement, and Aine was the first one to spot deer in the backyard a couple of nights ago.

Emmett: Emmett didn’t understand what the heck just happened to him! He was a little more skittish and unsure of himself the first few days in the new house. It sure made him hard to catch when we need to corral the cats for various reasons as we got set up here. Now Emmett is enjoying the new views out the windows, especially the bay window at the front of the house.

Seamus: Seamus doesn’t understand why he had to be locked away with the two fraidy cats. He wants to be out and exploring! There are boxes to occupy, after all! Seamus got to wander around the empty moving truck (less exciting than he thought it would be), and he even escaped on us once and spent a few minutes sniffing the garden at the old house. We’re lucky he didn’t go far!

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Bringing Home Kitty, Part 3: Little by Little for Aine

I’m not going to lie: We didn’t do any of this when we brought the Three Irish Cats home from the shelter. And now that I know Aine a little better, I wish we would have.

You see, Aine is shy and a bit skittish, even now. She spent most of her time hiding the first few weeks that she lived with us. She came out to eat, and she would sleep with me at night. But if you moved too quickly or company came over, she was gone.

Fast forward to today. Aine is still shy around most company except the most familiar faces, and if you move too fast toward her, she darts away. But given nearly two years in her forever home – not to mention a break from foster cats – and she has come out of her shell and really started to own the place.

But, these tips shared with us by Petco are going to be invaluable when we move with Aine, Emmett, and Seamus a couple of times over the next few months. Our first move is next week, and we’re already planning how we’re going to set up a “safe room” for them to hang out in when we first get to the new rental house.

Ease Your Cat Into Their New Environment

(originally published here)

Cats are typically wary of new environments. It’s important to introduce them to your home gradually, so they feel comfortable and confident in their new surroundings.

While humans typically love to explore every inch of our new homes, cats are the opposite. The more room they have to explore, the more scared and overwhelmed they may become. Designating one room where your cat can stay for the first few days is a great way to start things off on the right paw. Keep the door of the “safe room” shut and make sure there is a litter box, food and water in the room, as well as a few toys. Your cat may hide for the first few days and that’s totally natural. Let them come out of a hiding place on their own time. Make sure to visit your cat throughout the day so they get used to you, your smell and sounds. After a few days, let your cat explore the house or apartment at their leisure. Make sure to leave the “safe” room accessible so they can return whenever they want.

Introduce New Pets Slowly

Bringing a new pet into the home can be extremely stressful for the new pet as well as any resident animals. First off, make sure new pets visit the veterinarian and are up-to-date with vaccinations before exposing them to other family pets. Then give them time to get used to each other before allowing full access to one another. (This is another reason why giving your new cat a room of their own for a few days is important.)

For homes with other pets, put a baby or pet gate at the entrance of the safe room and open the door periodically so pets can see and smell each other at a safe distance before they are allowed full access.

Experts like Pam Johnson-Bennett, behaviorist and author of Catwise, helps clients introduce cats by exchanging the pheromones using her Sock Exchange method. For an easy transition, pet parents can rub each cat’s scent on a sock and introduce the sock to the other cat, helping both pets grow accustomed to each other’s scents.

Regardless of the method used, it’s important to take cues from your pets to determine how quickly you will let them interact with other pets. If you notice any problems, you may need to take some time before everyone can roam freely throughout the house together.

Conclusion

Cats make wonderful pets. But while they may have a reputation for being relatively low maintenance, it’s important to set yourselves up for success. Shop for the right supplies, give your pet time to transition to their new home and take your time introducing other pets. Soon, it will seem like your cat has been part of the family forever.

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Bringing Home Kitty, Part 2: The Reason We Don’t Have Plants

I often joke that Aine, Emmett, and Seamus are the reason we can’t have nice things, but the reality is they’re well-behaved cats, and I have no reason to complain. What they do like to do, though, is chew on plants. They don’t care if they’re real or fake. If it has a leaf, they want to nom on it.

I don’t have a green thumb, so not being able to keep plants indoors doesn’t really bother me, but occasionally, I’d like to bring fresh flowers into the house. That’s a no-go for me; we plant outside instead.

But if you can keep plants and cats in your house, stay away from these blooms. This graphic courtesy of Petco highlights some of the most dangerous flowers for cats – as well as some other ways our feline friends might get themselves into trouble.

How to Cat Proof Your Home

(originally published here)

Cats can get into all kinds of trouble. It’s up to pet parents to make sure their homes are as safe as possible. Cats like to chew and play with many things, some of which may surprise you.

• Check houseplants
  Some houseplants are toxic to cats. Check yours; a good starting point is this list of plants that are toxic to cats.

• Close the toilet lid
  Some cats—especially curious kittens—can slip into a toilet and drown. Make sure to close the toilet lid after each use.

• Latch cabinets and cupboards
  Cats can get into unlocked cupboards if they put their minds to it. They also like to knock things over. Use child safety locks on cabinets where you store medicine or cleaning supplies. Keep dangerous items out of reach so your cat doesn’t ingest anything except food or treats, or walk through a puddle of something and lick it off their paws.

• Be diligent about string and yarn
  Most cats love playing with these. Unfortunately, some cats will ingest string and yarn, which can lead to organ damage. Dispose of or store these items out of reach.

• Keep rubber bands and hair ties out of reach
  Similar to yarn and string, cats can ingest rubber bands and hair ties.

• Secure windows and screens
  Keep windows closed and screens closed and/or locked. Cats love sitting in windows, and a loose screen can become a safety hazard if your cat pushes against it and falls out. Keep dangling cords from blinds secured safely as well.

• Unplug or secure electrical cords
  Your cat may be tempted to chew on these dangling hazards. Either unplug cords that are not in use, or secure them along window or floor trim. Alternatively, you can wrap cords in plastic tubing (found at hardware stores) or spray them with pet-safe, natural deterrents such as citrus or apple bitters.

• Remove fragile objects
  Do your cat and yourself a favor by anticipating accidents and removing breakable items from the tops of dressers, counters or cat-accessible shelving. The slip of a paw or tail can send these valuables crashing to the floor.

• Check the washer and dryer before you use them
  Curious cats and kittens can crawl inside these appliances and be seriously injured.

Watch your new cat carefully to understand how your cat gets into trouble and which hazards you should safeguard.

Friday: Preparing Your Home for a New Cat

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Bringing Home Kitty, Part 1: The Three Irish Cats’ First Days at Home

We adopted the Three Irish Cats over Labor Day Weekend in 2015. It’s hard to believe we’ve had them almost two years!

Our cats all came from the Humane Society of Charles County, and they already knew each other. Aine and Emmett – then named Pantha and OJ — shared a cage, and Seamus (then called Rascal) lived next door. When the cages were open in the free-roaming cat room, staff told us, Seamus would hang out with the kittens next door.

Aine, Emmett, and Seamus came into a house with no pets. Our cat Aoife had died a few months before, and all of her toys and furniture had been put away. To prepare for the Three Irish Cats’ arrival, my husband and son made run to Petco for the litter boxes, food, and other supplies we’d need for our new family members. They got everything set up at home while I volunteered at an event at the shelter.

Our cats’ transition was fairly easy, though Aine hid for several weeks, only coming out to eat. Cats are different, and they can be finicky creatures when it comes to moving to a new home. Our friends at Petco have shared this helpful infographic that can help you welcome your new cat home.

This is the first of three infographics we’ll share this week about welcoming a new kitty into your home:

Part 1: Gathering supplies

Part 2: Cat proofing your home

Part 3: Preparing your home for a cat

Bringing Your Cat Home: How to Prepare for an Easy Transition

(originally published here)

Adding a new cat to your family? Congratulations! Your new friend will be a wonderful and beloved companion, but there are a few things you should know before you bring your kitty home. Read on to learn how to create a harmonious and happy home for your new pet and your family.

Gather Supplies

 

Before you bring your cat home, stock up on supplies. That way you can focus on getting to know them and making sure they’re comfortable. Here are some important items to help you care for your cat and make them as happy as possible during the first few days in a new environment.

Cat food

If possible, find out what kind of food your cat has been eating. Continue feeding the same food initially; if you’d like to change to another food, make a slow transition. A sudden change in diet can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Add the new food to the old food in small but increasing amounts each day over a 14-day period. For more information, read How to Transition Your Dog or Cat to a New Food.

Food and water bowls

Pick up a couple sets of food and water bowls so you can rotate them for cleaning and always have a clean pair on hand. Consider buying several water bowls to place around the house and/or a water fountain too so your cat always has access to fresh, clean water.

Treats

Treats can go a long way toward making friends with your new cat, or reinforcing good behavior.

Collar and ID tag

Even if your cat is microchipped, it’s still a good idea for your pet to wear a collar and ID tag in case they escape your home. Choose a breakaway collar so they don’t get hurt if their collar gets caught on something. Pets in new environments can get scared and bolt; a combination of a microchip and ID tag can help ensure your pet returns home quickly and safely.

Bed

Make two separate cozy and inviting spaces for your new pet to cuddle up. Put one bed in a quiet, isolated place and another where the family spends most of their time. This way, your cat can choose where they want to be.

Toys

Cats vary in the types of toys that entice them. Try a couple of different kinds to find out what your cat enjoys. There are more types of toys for cats now than ever. Choose from balls, teasers, tunnels, scratchers, toys that chirp or squeak, interactive/puzzle toys, teethers for kittens, plush toys, treat-dispensing toys and more. If you have a kitten, catnip-filled toys may not be enticing until he is about one year old. Remember: Your pet may not feel like playing with toys at first. Allow some time and you will soon see a playful side emerge once your cat feels more comfortable. Never leave toys with strings unattended (some cats may accidentally ingest the string).

Grooming supplies

Grooming is a great way to bond with your new cat and help them maintain a healthy coat and skin. Choose grooming tools that are appropriate for your cat’s coat, including a brush, comb and nail clippers. Remember that a soft touch is key; a cat’s skin is extremely sensitive and you want grooming to be a pleasant experience. Try getting your cat used to nail trims at home from the start.

Litter box

A good rule of thumb is to have one litter box for each cat in the household, plus one extra. Put the litter box in a convenient yet private place that’s away from high-traffic areas. Aim for a large box for an adult cat and a smaller box if you’re bringing home a kitten.

Cat litter

Cats can be finicky about the litter they prefer, so it’s a good idea to find out which cat litter your cat has been using and stick with that brand at first. If you wish to change the litter you use, slowly transition by mixing the old brand with the new a little at a time until the box is full of the new brand type.

Cat trees

You may consider a cat tree (you can even find a cat tree/scratcher combo) to give your cat an elevated spot from which to survey their new domain. Cat trees provide a secure observation tower that’s safely away from whatever’s happening on the ground.

Scratching post

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Make sure to have a scratching post on hand for when your new friend feels the need to get his claws in shape. Learn more about why cats scratch.

Wednesday: How to Cat Proof Your Home

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A TNR Newbie’s Basic Toolkit

I am by no means an expert cat trapper, but I have learned a lot in the last 18 months or so that I have been trapping neighborhood cats in my yard. One important thing I have learned is the value of having all of your equipment and tools handy so you’re ready when a cat steps into the trap.

Here are the things I keep handy when I trap.

Trap: I love my “Fat Cat” Tru Catch trap. It’s bigger than a typical cat-size trap, so there’s a little extra space for kitty while he or she is recovering in the garage after surgery.

Fork: To go with the trap, I have a Tru Catch fork. I use the fork to keep kitty to one end of the trap while I clean or put in fresh water and food. It allows me to take better care of the cat while it’s in my trap, and it keeps us both safe (and kitty in the trap!).

Leather gloves: I’m vegan and have refused to buy leather gloves for myself for years. I don’t wear leather clothing or shoes. But, I get the safety reasons for leather gloves. Sharp teeth and claws can’t get through the leather and to my skin; other fabrics and materials just don’t provide that coverage. My husband gave me these gloves last Christmas with a pair of Kevlar knitted gloves that go most of the way up my arm. I’m not 100 percent comfortable with it, but I understand that I need to be safe. If I get sick or hurt, I may not be able to help as many cats (or worse). It’s a balancing act for me.

Carabiner: It’s a small thing, but this carabiner gives me a lot of peace of mind. It keeps the sliding door of my trap closed. I know it’s unlikely a cat will open it and escape, but I feel more comfortable with the door latched. Cats are smart!

Blankets, Sheets, and Towels: As soon as you get a cat in the trap, you should cover it. This relaxes the cat and stops it from thrashing around in the cage. I leave the trap covered with a blanket or sheet the entire time the cat is recovering in my garage. I use the towels under the trap in the garage so that the cat isn’t sitting directly on the cold floor. The towels are also helpful for catching urine and feces. It makes it easier to keep the trap clean.

Newspaper: Since it’s tricky to get a blanket or towel into the trap (and in my experience, the cats are going to spill water and food in the trap anyway), I use newspaper over the bottom of the trap. This catches waste and makes it a little more comfortable (hopefully) than sitting on the wire bottom of the trap. When the trap is set, the newspaper helps cover the trip plate.

Bowls and food: I have a separate set of bowls and food for outdoor cats. I feed my outdoor cats a middle-quality food; it’s better than cheap store brand food that is full of fillers, but it is not as expensive as the grain-free food we give Aine, Emmett, and Seamus. I try to strike a balance between quality food and my budget; I need to be able to afford to keep feeding the outdoor cats.

An expert on speed dial: Whether it’s a fellow trapper, rescue group or TNR-friendly vet or vet tech, have someone you can call when you have questions or run into difficulties. Most times, the process will go seamlessly, but every so often, you’ll hit a snag. I’ve been grateful for my friends at Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland who answer my calls and texts when I have TNR questions.

What else would you add to a beginner’s TNR kit?

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