by Nomi Berger
 
When your cherished cat companion dies, the process of grieving the love you’ve lost is painfully similar to the process of grieving the loss of a beloved family member or friend.
 
According to the longstanding Kubler-Ross model, there are five stages of grief -- denial, anger, bargaining, depression and ultimately, acceptance.
 
Denial, like the other stages of grief, is different for everyone, and you may even skip it completely. While you’ll eventually come to terms with losing your cat, denying that loss at first is perfectly normal.
 
You may feel angry at your cat for dying. You may feel angry at yourself, at a disease or at the world in general. This too is normal. HOW you react to your anger is what’s important. It can range from screaming into your pillow, crying or writing down your emotions to going for long runs, working out at the gym or cleaning your home. Whatever the outlet, its purpose is to allow your mind and body time to process your anger.
 
The key is not staying angry too long. Although nothing can change what’s happened, remind yourself that you’re simply grieving and that being angry is a part of the grieving process. Perhaps the most painful fact to face, however, is that there truly is no time limit to grief.
 
Bargaining, being the third stage, is when you try to figure out what you could have done differently to prevent your cat’s death. Expressed through such phrases as “if only” and “what if”, it’s also a desperate attempt to try and avoid the grief through a kind of negotiation with a higher power -- if you change this, I’ll change that -- to bring back your cat.
 
Depression, as the fourth stage of grief, is characterized by such expressions of sadness as endlessly crying or crying in spurts, sleeping a great deal, not wanting to eat or participate in any of your usual activities, feeling especially lonely and utterly desolate. Honor these emotions, yet find solace in knowing that they’ll be easier to manage as time passes, that they’ll dissipate slowly but surely, and that you won’t feel this depressed forever.
 
It may take time, but acceptance, the fifth and final stage in the grieving process, is coming to terms with and adjusting to life without your beloved cat. Acceptance doesn’t mean forgetting, nor should it be seen as an act of betrayal. On the contrary, acceptance means celebrating the sweet and unique life your cat lived and acknowledging the fact that no other cat can replace the one you’ve lost. At this point, remembering can finally bring smiles instead of tears.
 
If you’re uncertain about how to process your own grief, consider the following:
• Read the magnificent poem “The Rainbow Bridge,” and let the waves of grief wash over you and cleanse you.
• Surround yourself with people who knew and loved your cat and share all of your feelings together.
• If you have other pets, spend more quality time with them. Pets, like people, also grieve the loss of their playmates.
• Put together a photo album, scrapbook or shadow box as a way of reminding you of the happy times you and your cat shared together.
• Redirect your attention and focus by doing those things you enjoy most.
• Go online to a forum or support group for people who are experiencing the loss of their own pets.
• See a grief counselor or therapist because talk therapy is a powerful tool and, in many cases, vital to your personal healing.
• Consider getting a new cat some day. Never meant as a replacement for the one who died, a new cat may help fill the current emptiness in your heart.

by Nomi Berger
 
#GivingTuesday, created in 2012, has morphed into a magnificent global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
 
It’s THE day that jumpstarts the joyous season of GIVING … not just for today, but for every day of the year.
 
It’s THE day that we call on you, our generous supporters, to honor its intent by making a tax-deductible donation to TCMR.
 
With our extremely high vet bills, unexpected emergencies, and the costs of the medications we administer -- many on an ongoing basis -- we have, so far, spent approximately $14,000 on medical care this year. Your contributions, whatever the amount, will allow us to continue providing for our current kitties, allow us to be prepared for any unforeseen emergencies, and allow us to accept even more needy kittens and cats in the coming year.
 
Donations can be made through the Donate button at www.thecatsmeowrescue.org or directly through PayPal at PayPal.me/tcmr. 
 
It’s THE day that we urge you, our loyal followers, to remember us throughout the year by sending the kitties much needed food and supplies from our Wish List. Please visit www.thecatsmeowrescue.org and click on AMAZON WISH LIST.
 
Without these donations, we, ourselves spend approximately $200 WEEKLY on wet and dry cat food.
 
It’s THE day that we encourage you, our devoted TCMR family, to consider some of the many ways you can make a difference throughout the year.
 
Host a small fundraiser (bake sales, garage sales and yard sales are among the most popular) and donate the proceeds to us. You’ll receive not only our gratitude, but a tax receipt as well. Start a Facebook fundraiser to benefit TCMR. Rather than accepting birthday or anniversary gifts this year, ask your family and friends to make contributions to TCMR in your name. Honor a loved one by making a donation to TCMR in his or her name. Honor the memory of a loved one or a cherished pet by making a donation to TCMR in their name. At your place of work, keep a container on your desk with our name on it, and encourage your co-workers to deposit their spare change inside. Once the container is full, bring the change to the bank (already rolled, paw-lease), mail TCMR a check, and begin again.
 
With the paws-ibilities as limitless as your imagination, all of us -- humans and felines -- at TCMR thank you TODAY and for all the days to come.

by Nomi Berger
 
Millions of pets go missing each year. Unfortunately, very few of them are ever reunited with their owners. Many of them become and remain strays. Others are taken to pounds or shelters, where they are all too often, euthanized. The luckier ones are saved by rescue organizations and ultimately placed in adoptive homes.
 
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Lately, an increasing number of conscientious cat owners have sought a more permanent solution to this paw-tential source of sleeplessness and stress: micro-chipping.
 
It’s a simple and safe procedure. A veterinarian injects a microchip designed especially for animals -- the size of a grain of rice -- beneath the surface of your cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. Similar to a routine shot, it takes only a few seconds and most animals don’t seem to even feel the implantation. Unlike conventional plastic or metal ID tags, a microchip is permanent and, with no internal energy source, will last the life of your cat. Following the procedure, you must promptly register her with the microchip company (usually for a one-time fee), thus storing her unique, alpha-numeric code in their database.
 
Whenever a lost cat appears at a shelter, humane society or veterinary clinic, she will automatically be scanned for a microchip. If there is one, the screen of the handheld scanner will display her specific code. A simple call to the recovery database using a toll free 800 number enables the code to be traced back to you, her owner. But in order for the system to work efficiently, you MUST keep your cat’s contact information up-to-date.
 
The most complete microchips comply with International Standards Organization (ISO) Standards. These standards define the structure of the microchip’s information content and determine the protocol for scanner-microchip communication. They also include the assignment of a 15-digit numeric identification code to each microchip, made up of the manufacturer’s code or the code for the country in which the cat was implanted as well as each cat’s ID number.
 
As with anything else, however, problems can and do arise. Not all shelters, humane societies, and veterinary offices have scanners. Although rare, microchips can fail, and even universal scanners may not be able to detect every microchip. Accurate detection can also be hampered if pets struggle too much while being scanned or if heavy coats or excess fat deposits cover the implantation site. And because there are an ever-increasing number of animal recovery services, there is, as yet, no single database that links one to the other.
 
Since no method of identification is perfect, the best way owners can protect their cherished kitty companions is by micro-chipping them and never allowing them to roam free.

by Nomi Berger
 
While a good deal of time and patience is involved in helping semi-feral cats adjust to domesticity, nothing succeeds more than time and patience, and nothing is a more gratifying experience.
 
Why?
 
Because semi-feral cats who have acclimated well to their new lives are some of the most loving, affectionate and appreciative kitties around.
 
Interested?
 
If so, consider the following five steps to help make your particular “wild child’s” adjustment to indoor living as smooth and swift as paws-ible.
 
1. Prepare a “dedicated” cat room: When you bring your new cat home, ensure her room has such amenities as scratching posts, some toys, food, water and a litter box. Not only should her food bowl and litter box be on opposite sides of the room, it should be quiet and, for the time being, out of bounds for other humans. It should also have some small, safe hiding places, like a cat house or a blanket draped over a chair, but nothing (a bed or sofa) that allows her to hide away from you completely, thereby removing herself from her new environment. Spend time in this room every day to get her accustomed to your presence. Read out loud to her, speak to someone on the phone or simply talk about anything and everything, allowing her to learn the sound of your voice and grow increasingly comfortable with it.
 
2. Win her over with food: Food is key to gaining your new cat’s trust and earning her eventual affection. When you begin, it’s vital to adhere to a regular feeding schedule so that she learns you’re consistently and without fail the sole source of her delicious food supply. Once she’s relaxed enough to eat, start sitting in the room without interfering with either her or the food. This will assure her that she’s safe with you. Special foods such as “chicken in gravy” baby food is also an excellent way to “seduce” her into attempting new things as she acclimatizes herself to her new, domesticated life.
 
3. Avoid direct eye contact: If you find your cat staring at you, do NOT engage. To feral cats, eye contact is considered aggressive. But should you inadvertently find yourself in a “staring contest”, the best thing to do is calmly blink, keeping your eyes closed for a few seconds, and turn your head away. This shows your cat that you hadn’t meant to threaten her, and are taking a submissive role, which, in turn, reinforces her feeling of safety and security.
 
4. Don’t force physical contact: Your cat will come to you once she feels truly safe, something that can be encouraged and enhanced by using that “high value” baby food. Put some on your finger and have her lick it off. This both initiates contact between the two of you and allows her to form a positive association with you. Repeat this over and over until all hesitation on her part ceases. The next step is to try petting her. Start by extending a closed fist while looking away. Allow her to approach you and initiate whatever form of contact feels most comfortable to her.
 
5. Be patient: According to an old axiom, “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” And so it is when welcoming an outdoor cat into your home and heart. All felines are famously guarded; semi-ferals even more so. And although your kitty’s adaptation to indoor life may take longer than you may want, once you’ve succeeded – as a team -- yours will be a love unlike any other.

by Nomi Berger
 
Held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this inspired and inspirational global movement both celebrates philanthropy worldwide and jumpstarts the joyous season of GIVING.
 
November 27th marks the 7th anniversary of #GivingTuesday’s inception, and you, our supporters, can honor its intent to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness by making a tax-deductible donation to TCMR.
 
Your contribution, whatever the amount, will allow us to continue providing for the kittens and cats currently in our care, allow us to be adequately prepared for any unforeseen emergencies, and allow us to accept even more needy kitties in the year ahead.
 
In support of #GivingTuesday, Facebook is partnering with PayPal to match up to $7 million in those donations made through Facebook beginning at 7 AM CT and continuing UNTIL THE FUNDS RUN OUT.
 
To have the chance of seeing YOUR donation doubled, please donate as early as paws-ible by clicking the Donate button on our Facebook page (directly below the cover photo).
 
With our extremely high vet bills, unforeseen emergencies, and the costs of the medications we administer, many of them on an ongoing basis, we spent close to $10,000 on medical care alone in 2017. And by the end of 2018, our expenses will be even higher!
 
Because the life of each kitty is purr-ecious to us, no obstacle is too great, no price to steep as we work to ensure each one has the best outcome possible – good health and a loving adoptive home.

Consider little Jake Sully. At a mere 4 weeks, he survived a savage attack by a group of dogs, while two of his littermates perished. His injuries were severe enough to cause temporary paralysis, but with steroids and various medications, physical therapy and good old fashioned TLC, he made, what we considered a miraculous recovery in an astoundingly brief time, and was soon adopted into the most wonderful home.


 While most of those we rescue DO live out our dream for them, others do not. Thankfully, however, our happy tails far surpass our sad ones. And where others may give up on the chronically sick, the physically and the neurologically impaired, we never do. They remain in our care always if necessary, as special needs and sanctuary cats, nurtured, protected, and above all, loved.

Consider Ariel, who is blind and has epilepsy, and requires two medications daily to help control her seizures. Consider Aurora, who is FIV positive and requires two injections every six weeks to help control chronic infections and inflammation in her mouth. Consider Codi, who is FIV positive and has heart disease, and requires two medications daily as well as prescription food. Consider Joey, who is FeLV positive and requires medication twice daily to help prevent the development of crystals in his urine.

Consider the ones we have yet to meet and the “tails” still to be told.
 
Then please consider helping us raise $6,000 to ease our already strained finances so that we may be better equipped to face the challenges ahead.
 
Donations can also be made through the Donate button at www.thecatsmeowrescue.org or directly through PayPal at PayPal.Me/tcmr. 
 
On behalf of the kittens and cats -- past, present and future -- WE THANK YOU!

by Nomi Berger
 
What do ailing people and ailing animals often have in common? The need for life-saving blood transfusions.
 
And when it comes to pet transfusions, it can be particularly difficult to find donors. This is why an increasing number of veterinary clinics are calling on caring cat owners to consider registering their kitties as blood donors. It’s why most veterinary colleges have a blood donor program, with some even having their own resident donors. It’s also why many of these colleges are looking for cats (and their humans) willing to participate in a donor program as well.
 
Unlike dogs who have more than fourteen blood types, cats have only three: A, B and AB. And unlike humans, there are no universal donors or universal recipients when it comes to feline blood types. If a cat receives a transfusion of the wrong type of blood, it could prove fatal.
 
In cats, type A is the most common, type B is uncommon, and type AB is very rare. For your own cat’s protection and your peace of mind, consult with your vet, who will either type her blood for you or refer you to a lab to perform the test.
 
And if you’re thinking of registering your cat as a much needed and most appreciated blood donor, she must meet certain requirements. One is that she be an indoor-only cat. Those allowed to roam free outside are considered too high-risk to be donors.
 
She must be healthy and up-to-date on her vaccinations. If she’s taking any regular medication(s) other than flea, tick and heartworm preventatives, she won’t be eligible to donate. Most blood banks have certain age (2 to 6 years old) and weight requirements (above 10 pounds but NOT overweight) for donors. They also prefer cats who are fairly friendly and are comfortable with being handled -- to prevent undue stress on both the staff and the animals.
 
If your kitty meets all of the requirements and is ready to donate, you’ll have to ensure that she’s properly prepared beforehand. To keep her comfortable and calm, she’ll be lightly sedated during the procedure, which means she can’t eat preceding it, but she can be fed the night before. You may, however, make water available to her right up until the donation itself. In fact, the better hydrated she is, the smoother the process is likely to be.
 
Collecting your cat’s blood (usually two ounces) will take only about 10-15 minutes, but because of the sedation, recovery and aftercare, the entire process may take several hours. Many pet parents drop off their cats, along with a favorite toy or blanket, and return for them later. In most cases, your kitty will be fed at the donation center shortly after the procedure.
 
Like human blood donors, cat blood donors can be lifesaving heroes for other cats in urgent need of transfusions. And if your kitty becomes just such a donor, both of you will have the heartfelt gratitude of emergency vets and anxious pet owners throughout your community.

by Nomi Berger
 
When is a cat’s nip more than a nip? When it’s a bite, intentional or not.
 
And bites to the hand can often be serious. Studies have shown that a shocking 80% of cat bites, even those that don’t bleed, become infected. The hand is one of the worst places to get bitten because the tendons and joints are very close to the surface of the skin and are therefore harder to treat if bacteria gets into the wound. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says that a cat bite can even lead to permanent disability if not treated promptly.
 
Cat bites are twice as likely to become infected because their sharp teeth cause deep puncture wounds, injecting bacteria further inside them. Approximately 400,000 cat bites occur every year in this country, with 66,000 of them requiring trips to the emergency room.
 
Three out of four bite infections are due to Pasteurella Multocida, a bacteria that’s found in a cat’s mouth, and which, if left untreated, can cause cellulitis. Most people recover from cellulitis, but if severe enough, this bacterial skin infection can spread throughout the body and become life threatening.
 
Infections in the hand can destroy cartilage and prevent one’s fingers from moving in the future, while a chronic infection can destroy joints and bones, and lead to amputation. The bacteria can spread to the rest of the body and cause sepsis. If one’s immune system is compromised, other rare complications include bone or heart infections and meningitis. And since rabies, tetanus and other transmittable diseases can occur if the cat is a stray or a stranger, the best protection is keeping one’s tetanus shots current.
 
To reduce your risk of being bitten, it’s essential to understand why cats bite in the first place – including their instincts to hunt and play. Avoid picking up or reaching for cats you don’t know. Look for signs of anxiety or stress in your own cat and pay attention to the signals. But, if you do get a bite, wash it thoroughly with mild soap and rinse it with running water. Pat it dry and apply antibiotic ointment to the wound, then cover it with a clean bandage. Place some ice (an ice pack is best) on it to reduce the swelling, put pressure on the wound, and elevate it.
 
See your doctor as quickly as possible. You’ll likely be put on a regimen of antibiotics and receive a tetanus shot if yours is out of date, and possibly a rabies shot if your doctor thinks it’s necessary.
 
If you treat the wound promptly and seek medical attention swiftly, it’s unlikely that you’ll suffer any serious complications. But then, being prepared for a bite is one part of being an informed and responsible cat owner.

Guest Blog Article by Stephanie N. Blahut

Bringing a cat into your home—whether it’s a kitten or an adult cat—is an exciting time. There's a new furry member in your family, and you can't wait to bond with your latest addition! For your cat, however, it is a different experience. Your pet is being thrust into a completely different environment. It will instantly experience sensory overload: There are different people surrounding it, new smells throughout the entire space, and new sights to see. It's not surprising that it's a stressful and even scary time for your pet. So, it's important that you do your best to help your cat transition.
 
Here are a few tips to consider when welcoming a new cat into your home:
 
Start the transition during the trip home. While you are driving home with your new pet in tow, you are likely thinking about all of the memories you will make together. Your cat, however, is probably very nervous and does not understand what is happening. Make sure that your cat is in a crate for the entire drive, as it is not safe for you or your pet if it is roaming around. Include a blanket or favorite toy from the shelter in the crate. Giving your cat a place to feel secure will help as you begin this transition.
 
Create a private, secure space for the first few days at home. Your cat will be overwhelmed by the magnitude of its new house, so it's important to give it a small room to explore initially. Many homeowners find that a laundry room or small bathroom is best. Prepare the room ahead of time by removing dangerous items and securing any doors or cupboards that the cat may be able to open. Add a few blankets and toys—placing its food, water and litter box in the room, as well. After you arrive home with your cat, open the door to the crate and allow your cat to come out on its own accord. It may take time, but the cat will eventually decide to explore its new space.
 
Allow the cat to explore at its own pace. Sometimes, your cat will need to be in its private room for a few days or even a week before it is ready to discover the rest of the house. Once you feel your pet is ready, simply allow your cat to visit each area of the home at its own pace. Cats often feel most comfortable checking out their new digs during the nighttime, so don't be surprised if you hear the pitter-patter of little paws while you are in bed.
 
Monitor initial interactions with other pets in the home. If you have other pets in the home, you will want to be present the first time they meet one another. Remember that the interactions will vary based on the type of animals that you have in the home and the personalities of those individual animals. Cats will typically paw or bat at dogs in order to establish personal boundaries as well as dominance. Cats may wrestle, bat or completely ignore other cats as they decide who will be the leader of the pair. Work with your veterinarian in order to help all of your pets peacefully coexist within your home.
 
Stay patient throughout the entire transition. This is typically not an overnight transition. The amount of time it takes for your cat to become comfortable with its new surroundings as well as with its new human and animal family members can vary, but it's not uncommon for it to last several days, weeks or even months. It is important that you remain patient with your new pet, your previous pets and yourself. Before you know it, you will all be enjoying your time together as a happy family.
 
Remember that this transition will be different for every cat and every family, because the unique dynamic of your home and the individual personality traits of your new cat will have a significant impact on the process. If you or anyone in your home feels concerned during the transition process, it is important to reach out to your veterinarian. He or she can provide you with customized guidance based on the needs of your cat and of your family.
 
Author bio: Stephanie N. Blahut is Director of Marketing for Figo Pet Insurance. Figo Pet Insurance is committed to helping pets and their families enjoy their lives together by fusing innovative technology — the first-of-its-kind Figo Pet Cloud — and the industry’s best pet insurance plans.  

by Nomi Berger
 
Sometimes, even the most closely watched cat can accidentally escape from the safest of homes. If this happens to your precious pet, the following suggestions should, hopefully, help return her to you.
 
1. Remain calm and stay focused
 
Despite your obvious distress, the longer you wait to “sound the alarm”, the more time your kitty’s been missing and the further the distance she’s traveled. And so, draw that proverbial deep, cleansing breath and spring into action – clear plan in hand.
 
2. Search your neighborhood
 
After unsuccessfully scouring your home from top to bottom, and checking each hiding place, nook and cranny, canvas your neighborhood. Start by going door to door with a photo of your cat. Print and bring flyers containing all of your contact information (especially if kitty’s not micro-chipped) and leave them with your neighbors.
 
3. Place calls and make visits
 
Call animal control services and area rescue groups, then visit your local shelter(s). Speak with the employees, give them some flyers, and check every cat there, including any in the sick/holding area. Check back with the shelter(s) daily because new cats arrive all the time.
 
4. Post flyers
 
For your flyer, use a large, clear photo of your kitty and ensure the words “Lost Cat” or “Missing Cat” can be read easily from several feet away or from a passing car. Hold back tiny details to ask anyone who claims to have found her. Plaster as wide an area as possible with your flyers including local parks and gas stations, restaurants and coffee shops, small businesses, schools and libraries, pet stores and vets’ offices -- wherever there are cork boards or places to affix them, making certain to get permission beforehand when necessary.
 
5. Use social media
 
Post that same flyer on Face Book, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, Nextdoor and any other app or web site serving the area in which you live. The power of social media, particularly local Face Book groups, can be especially effective in helping spread the word about your kitty. Ask everyone to RESHARE your post, then send an email or text blast to people you know in your area and ask them to forward it to everyone they know.
 
6. Smells can help
 
Leaving an article of recently worn, unwashed clothing outside may assist your cat in finding her way home because she can pick up and track your scent. Putting out a bowl of her favorite food and setting her litter box outside can also help lure her back home.
 
7. Don’t give up
 
As emotionally and physically exhausting as it is, don’t stop, don’t give up and don’t lose hope. Sometimes it’s useful to search rigorously for several days, then take a break for a day before resuming your search. Remember: many missing or lost cats are ultimately found BECAUSE of the unflagging commitment and determination of their owners.

Guest Article/Infographic by Daniel Richardson

Daniel is a cat blogger from Liverpool in the United Kingdom, his life was radically changed for the better in August 2014 when he adopted his first ever cat called Whisky. It is Dan’s experiences with Whisky that led him to look into some of the facts behind why adopting a cat is not just a great idea but also highly beneficial for the cat owner too. The infographic from Tuxedo Cat below outlines ten great reasons for adopting a cat. Please feel free to share it to encourage more people to adopt rather than shop for a cat.