by Nomi Berger
 
A successful adoption and happily-ever-after tail depend upon two vital “T’s”: truth and trust. Without these all-essential elements, the outcomes are all too often, anything but happy.
 
And it’s ultimately the innocent kitten or cat who’s the unwitting, undeserving victim.
 
As a rescue passionately committed to arranging purr-fect matches, we take our responsibilities – to both felines and humans – very seriously. To ensure such solid matches, we are a full disclosure rescue, dedicated to telling the truth about each kitten and every cat and trusting that each and every potential adopter is also telling us the truth.
 
If our questions seem pointed, probing and personal, it’s because WE know each kitten and cat in our care and know, by each potential adopter’s answers if their home is or isn’t the ideal fit for them both.
 
No two kitties are the same. Each has his or her own distinct personality, traits, quirks and behaviors, history and health concerns (if any). And no two potential adopters are the same. Each has his or her own, unique lifestyle and a distinct wish list for the kitty of their dreams.
 
Is the potential adopter alone, part of a couple or a family? If there are children in the household, how old are they? Does everyone in the household WANT a kitty? Does anyone suffer from allergies? Are there other cats, dogs or small animals in the home? Will this be an indoor or outdoors kitty? Will this kitty be de-clawed?
 
Only by answering each of our questions openly and honestly, can we determine whether the kitty they want is truly the kitty for them. If not, we present them with more suitable alternatives.
 
It serves no paws-itive purpose for potential adopters to “bend the truth” or tell us what they think we want to hear. Again, the only one to eventually pay the price for even the slightest deception is a four-legged furry bundle of love who wants only to find a loving and safe fur-ever home.
 
Ultimately then, all we, as a responsible rescue, responsible for the kitties we save, can do is ask for and accept each potential adopter’s truth as the truth and nothing but the truth.

by Nomi Berger
 
Your kitty gazes up at you, purr-haps with an eye blink for emphasis, and slowly opens her mouth. She makes a “meow” movement once or twice and then … All you hear is a small raspy squeak, a slight breathiness or nothing at all. Welcome to the wondrous world of the “silent meow”.
 
Contrary to what some cat experts may or may not think about the significance of the “silent meow”, committed cat guardians insist THEY know precisely what it means. It’s a voiceless valentine, a definite declaration of the overwhelming love, affection and gratitude that their cherished companions feel for them.
 
But is YOUR favorite feline’s “silent meow” truly silent? Amorous interpretations aside, this fabled trait is, according to research, a meow like any other meow. Except that you can’t hear it.
 
Cats are able to pick up significantly higher sounds than humans, with maximums of between 50 and 60 kilohertz, whereas humans only hear between 18 and 20 kilohertz. If your cat meows at you silently, YOU may not be able to hear it, but other cats can.
 
And yet, most passionate pussycat people prefer to “read” between the lines of these muted mouthings and attribute various, possible meanings to each one. Some of these include:
 
“Hello”
Your cat may meow soundlessly at you in greeting – whether you’ve been gone a few hours or a few days. This is their version of “Hi!” or “How are you?” in “cat speak”.
 
“Look at Me”
Your cat may meow mutely to get your attention – whether it’s to ask for her favorite toy or for some quality lap time on the couch.
 
“I’m Hungry”
Your cat may meow noiselessly at the sounds of her treat bag rattling or the opening of her tin of favorite cat food.
 
“Let Me Out”
Your cat may meow inaudibly if she spends some of her time outside as a signal to paw-lease open the door and let her out.
 
Being the recipient of a series of “silent meows” – no matter the meaning -- turns many cat-crazy cat owners into virtual putty in their kiss-able kitties’ paws, invariably leading them to crave more. And more often than not, their coquettish companions will cheerfully comply.
 
Unless your cat suffers from a specific illness or other health issues that prevent her from meowing normally, consider her “silent meow” as the highest of compliments, as her winsome way of saying “thank you” for being her best feline fur-ever friend.

by Nomi Berger
 
How many times have we humans heard the expression, “You’re only as old as you feel”? And why is it that some days, despite our actual age, we feel younger than we are, while other days, we feel older, much older?
 
So it is with our older feline friends, starting at the age of eight. But if, with age comes wisdom, so do benefits. And in the case of a senior cat, the benefits are many. Think kitten at heart without the kitty cat capriciousness, the feline friskiness and feistiness. Because, in adopting a senior cat, you can, contrary to the old axiom, judge a book by its cover. What you see is what you get -- an animal whose physique and persona are fully formed, allowing you to gauge fairly quickly if yours is a mutual match or not.
 
Although, as with everything else, there are always exceptions to the rule, opening your home to a senior cat means opening your heart to an experience akin to instant gratification.
 
Unlike kittens, enthusiastic, energetic, and endlessly exploring, mature cats are milder, mellower, and more moderate in their pussycat pursuits. While they still have a spring in their step and a spirit that sings, they are less demanding of your attention than their youthful counterparts. Content with their own company for longer periods, they will often seek out a warm spot for a welcome snooze or a comfortable pillow to settle on. Then, when loving time calls, they will lap up your affection as lustily as they lavish theirs on you!
 
Well-versed in the use of litter boxes and scratching posts, mature cats are also more likely than rambunctious kittens to follow your household’s rules and routines. Due to their lower energy level, they are easier to care for and make superior companions for senior citizens. They also make friendly, gentle and attentive playmates for young children -- particularly if they were once other families’ cherished pets.
 
One common misconception about older cats awaiting adoption is that they’re “difficult”. And yet, most of them have lost their homes, not because of their behavior or temperament, but because of the death of their loving owners or drastic changes in those owners’ lifestyles or circumstances. And sadly, for those same seniors, age IS seen as a number, making them more difficult to adopt than younger cats and kittens, despite being just as deserving of loving fur-ever homes.
 
Senior cats seem to sense when they receive a second chance at the rest of their lives. And people savvy enough to adopt them will be the lucky recipients of a love as unconditional as it is enduring.
 
 
 

by Nomi Berger
 
As creatures of habit who crave their creature comforts, cats don’t always make the best road trip companions. But by mapping out kitty’s trip together with your own, you can curtail her bad “backseat driver” behavior, and turn a potentially negative experience into a purr-fectly paws-itive one.
 
Consider the following suggestions to smooth the way for everyone – human and feline:
 
Remain calm. Because cats sense our stress, don’t raise your voice or display any overt signs of your own pre-trip tension.
 
Should your trip be longer than a day, make reservations ahead of time solely at pet-friendly motels or hotels.
 
Carry your most up-to-date vet paperwork, showing, at the very least, that your cat is current on her rabies shots.
 
Never medicate an overly anxious cat without first consulting your vet. Many OTC calming agents are dangerous for cats, and if you do use a medication prescribed by your vet, always try it out at home first to test for any reactions and/or side effects.
 
If your cat tends to get car sick, avoid feeding her between two and three hours prior to your departure.
 
Train your cat to wear a harness so that she can remain safely harnessed inside the car. Her harness should bear a nametag with all pertinent ID (microchipping is, of course, the best ID), and a leash should be clipped to it whenever you remove kitty from her carrier or from the car itself.
 
Have your cat travel comfortably by keeping her in a large carrier or dog crate, allowing her room enough to stretch and move around during the drive. Set the crate or carrier in a well-ventilated part of the car, out of excessive drafts and away from direct sunlight.
 
Drape a sheet over the crate or carrier, leaving one side open, to help her feel more snug, safe and secure.
 
Place a familiar blanket, several cushions, or a worn T-shirt with your scent on it inside the crate or carrier. Rotate various cat toys along the way (this works particularly well with a young kitten) to keep her stimulated and occupied.
 
Line the bottom with pee pads as a precaution and put a small, disposable litter pan (aluminum baking pans work well) inside the carrier or crate, and ensure you have a generous supply of both to last the entire trip. Stock up on sanitized wipes and strong plastic bags to handle any and all “litter box” accidents.
 
If your cat has an appetite, feed her the same food that she eats at home and keep her water bowl only partly filled to avoid spilling.
 
Never let your cat out of the car at “rest stops” unless she’s well trained to walk on a harness and leash. And above all, never leave kitty unattended -- on either hot or cold days.
 
As they say, forewarned is forearmed. Hopefully then, armed with these few tips, you and your cat can share a road trip to remember – fondly.