Hearthside Cats, Inc. ‘Mews and News’ Spring/Summer 2010 P.O. Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454 585-243-0873 See You at the “Walk for Cats”! Get your family or a group together for the annual Walk for Cats on Sunday, May 2 in Highland Park in Geneseo! This fun two-hour event raises muchneeded dollars for cats in foster care. You can help by asking friends and family to sponsor you as a walker – find pledge forms at www.HearthsideCats.org or call 243-0873. Simply collect your pledges and bring them to the event. Walkers who collect $50 or more receive a Hearthside tee shirt. Sign-in begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Depot in Highland Park. The walk begins at 2:00 – rain or shine – and follows a one-mile course through picturesque Geneseo. Then we all gather for pizza, photos and door prizes, and wrap up by 3:30. If you can’t walk, consider sponsoring a walker, making a donation, or volunteering. If you plan to bring a group, please call 243-0873 so that we have ample refreshments and tee shirts for everyone. Hope to see you there! Sasha Gave Her Offspring a Good Start Sasha – a young, pregnant, homeless cat – decided to have her kittens in an automotive garage. She thought it was a safe place to raise a family, but with cars coming and going, the kittens – once active – were at risk of getting run over and/ or exposed to hazardous chemicals. Hearthside was contacted and accepted Sasha and her five little ones, all six of whom were black. At the time they came into foster care, the kittens were very sick and would have died without veterinary treatment. But with proper care and nourishment, they recovered from their illnesses and turned into sweet and cuddly kitties, and were quickly adopted. Sasha, however, is still feral and is only sighted when she races through her foster home. It will take a lot of patience and nurturing before she can be considered for adoption, but her kittens are now safe and sound and growing at their new homes. Sasha, we hope, will eventual be ready to become someone’s lifelong companion. Italian Revelry at its Best! Thank you to the 70+ people who attended our 16th annual Gourmet Italian Dinner in February. In total we raised nearly $2,700 to help cats in foster care! This year’s feast featured a wonderful range of Italian delicacies from Lynn Kennison and her kitchen crew, including an outstanding four-cheese lasagna and pork roast. As always, this was a delightful and relaxing evening for our guests, and a profitable one for the cats. We thank the following servers, volunteers and supporters of the Gourmet Italian Dinner: Pat’s Petals Angelo Abby Sue Gavin Victoria Raschi Barbara Battaglia Heron Hill Winery Lanna Ruddy Bonnie Costanza Renee Hopkins Laura Thornton Jason Decker Hunt Country Wine Naida Wilkins Paula Dennison Kate Kreger Jan Wischmeyer Kay Farkas Lakeville Liquor And of course, a BIG thank-you Lynn Kennison and her skillful crew! The Yard Sale is Coming Up It’s almost time for the annual Hearthside Cats Yard Sale! This year’s event is June 18 – 20 in the lot across from 5577 West Lake Rd., Conesus. Come shop for treasures, furniture, household items, books, toys and more. The good stuff goes fast, so shop early! Donations of gently-used items are welcome (no large appliances or clothing please). They may be dropped off in front of the garage at 5577 West Lake Rd. We also need volunteers to unpack and sort merchandise, check out shoppers, and help with teardown. Please call 243-0873 or e-mail vraschi@aol.com if you’d like to help out this year. 1 Kitty Kompanions… Matching Seniors with Seniors Launched in 2009, Hearthside’s “Kitty Kompanions” program is taking shape. The goal is to match calm adult cats with senior citizens who would enjoy the company of a kitty, easily and cost-effectively. Hearthside arranges for a placement, waives the adoption fee, and provides basic pet supplies. We may also offer to help with routine veterinary expenses, if this is a barrier to someone who would otherwise benefit from having a companion cat. A Hearthside volunteer is available to answer any ongoing questions. And in the event the adopter can no longer care for the cat, Hearthside will take the animal back, regardless of the circumstances. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a cat through the Kitty Kompanions program, please call 243-0873. Three Good Reasons to Name Hearthside in Your Will Creating a will is a very important and personal endeavor. In a will we identify loved ones and other individuals who will benefit from our estate, as well as non-profit groups that are meaningful to us. Here are the top three reasons people name a nonprofit organization in their will: • They believe in the mission. • They’ve seen the mission at work firsthand. • They know the organization will use their gift wisely. And these are great reasons to consider naming Hearthside Cats in your will. If you believe in our mission and have seen it in action, just think of the impact you can have on lives of homeless cats by including us in your will. Please consult with your attorney or accountant before making any decisions regarding your estate, to find an approach that best meet your wishes and financial needs. Clip & Save! It’s Craft Show Season Again! Hearthside will soon be on the craft show circuit. Come see our whimsical cat crafts, lovingly made by a talented volunteer. And if you can spare an hour or two to help at the booth, please let us know…it’s fun and a great way to help the cats! Fairport Canal Days Geneseo Bear Festival Long Point Festival Avon Corn Festival Dansville Balloon Festival Naples Grape Festival Letchworth Arts Show Red Cross Holiday Show June 5 & 6 July 9 & 10 July 17 & 18, Conesus Aug. 14 Sept. 3 – 5 Sept. 25 & 26 Oct. 9 – 11 Nov. 27, Geneseo Maybe Sponsorship is For You As a quiet, two-year-old girl tiger, Sophie is ready to become someone’s Kitty Kompanion. Because Hearthside is a “no-kill” organization (we do not euthanize cats except for extreme physical suffering or serious contagious disease), some cats stay in foster care all of their lives. They usually have physical or behavioral conditions that make adoption difficult. Our solution for these special cats is our Special Needs Program. This is an opportunity to financially support the care of a cat who cannot easily be adopted. There is no minimum sponsorship level or ongoing obligation. For a donation in any amount, you receive a framed photo and biography of “your” cat. For donations of $80 or more, we include address labels imprinted with the kitty’s picture. Hopefully one day the right person will come along to adopt one of the Special Needs cats. But if not, they will forever live in the care of their loving foster caregivers. To see our Special Needs stories, visit www.HearthsideCats.org and click on “sponsor a cat”. Patchwork is a large adult male who displays his grumpiness by biting or urinating outside of the litter box. Due to his unpredictable behavior, Patchwork is an unlikely candidate for adoption, and we are looking for sponsors to help provide for his long-term care. 2 Health Corner The Basics of Parasites Adoption Corner! Excerpts from Drs. Foster & Smith (www.Drs.FosterSmith.com) These adorable kitties are looking for a new home! Like all of our adoptable cats, they have tested negative for Feleuk/FIV, are neutered or spayed, and current on vaccinations and vet care. Despite their diminutive size, parasites that affect felines are complex creatures. Furthermore, both internal and external parasites are very well adapted to life in or on your cat. Many intestinal worms and external parasites can cause serious medical conditions and deadly diseases. Parasites defined Basically, parasites are any organism that derives nourishment by feeding on or within another living animal. In veterinary terms, all feline parasites damage your cat’s health. More troubling is that some parasites can also be transferred from your cat to humans and other pets. Mona is a mellow, nine-year-old grey tiger. She likes being petted but is somewhat independent, and would do well in a quiet home. Three-year-old Bambi is a quiet girl who loves her naps. Grey, petite with tiny feet, she gets along well with other cats and loves to be cuddled. Mona JoJo is a gorgeous, long-haired black female whose previous owner passed away. Six years old, she is playful girl who enjoys attention and being hugged. Here are some examples of common feline parasites: Ear Mites Mites can invade your cat’s ears, spread to other areas of your cat’s body, and infect other pets in your home. Infected animals will scratch around their ears and/or shake their heads. In severe cases, the ear canals will bleed. If left untreated permanent hearing loss can occur. To kill mites in the ear, use an ear miticide. Your veterinarian should examine the ear to make sure the eardrum is intact. A pyrethrin-based flea and tick topical will also kill mites that have spread over your cat’s body. Toxoplasma gondii This parasite causes toxoplasmosis. T. gondii is spread via cat feces, uncooked meat and raw goat milk. In humans, toxoplasmosis can cause abortion and congenital defects in unborn children, so pregnant women are advised to avoid litter box cleaning. T. gondii can also cause a serious, sometimes fatal, disease in children and adults. Signs of feline toxoplasmosis are nonspecific including: fever, loss of appetite, depression, and pneumonia. To help protect your cat, do not feed her raw meat or bones, allow her to scavenge in the garbage, or hunt wild mice and birds. Also, clean litter boxes daily and Bambi Please consider opening your heart and home to one of these cats, or any of the others that are in foster care. Visit www.HearthsideCats.org for more stories and photos. JoJo regularly wash them with boiling water. Heartworms Transmitted via mosquitoes, heartworms spend their adult life in the heart and large blood vessels connecting the heart and lungs. Signs of heartworm disease include rapid breathing, coughing, decreased appetite, weight loss, and listlessness. Your veterinarian may test for an active infection before prescribing treatment. The best prevention program includes a heartworm preventive and reduced mosquito exposure. Hookworms These common intestinal parasites cause serious disease including severe diarrhea and anemia. Infection occurs via ingestion of the 3 larvae from contaminated soil, water or feces; larval penetration of the skin; or larval infection of the fetus. Symptoms include pale gums, weakness, stunted growth, emaciation, and dull and dry coats. To prevent infections, clean litter boxes daily, prevent contact with infected animals, and de-worm annually. Hookworms can also infect humans. Roundworms The most common digestive tract parasite, adult roundworms live in the small intestine and absorb nutrients, interfere with digestion, and can damage the intestinal lining. Mild infestations often have no symptoms, but severe cases are often accompanied by thin, dull hair coats, a pot-belly appearance, Continued on page 4 Continued from page 3 anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Daily litter box cleaning and annual de-worming help prevent infection. Roundworms can also infect humans. Tapeworms These flat, segmented worms live in the small intestine and can grow up to 20 inches long. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, nervousness, vomiting, and convulsions. Active segments around the anus may cause your cat to lick or “scoot” across the floor. Prevention relies on effective flea and lice control on both your cat and in her environment. Feline Scabies (Notoedric Mange) Female mites burrow into a cat’s skin to lay eggs, which hatch, grow into adults, mate, and start the process over. Symptoms include hair loss; itching of the ears, face, eyelids, and neck; and thickened, wrinkled, crust-covered skin. To prevent notoedric mange, eliminate contact with stray or infected cats and only use boarders and grooming facilities with strict sanitation standards. Coccidia These one-celled parasites thrive in the intestinal tract. Most cats and kittens develop a natural immunity as they age. However, this immunity permits adult cats to carry coccidia and spread this contagious parasite in their feces. Immuno-suppressed kittens and cats suffering with coccidia often have mild to severe diarrhea. In some cases, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, and worse may occur. Prevent the spread of coccidia with strict sanitation and daily litter box cleaning. Treatment of parasites Preventing a parasitic infection requires strict sanitation standards, insect and rodent control, and annual veterinary exams. Your veterinarian can prescribe or recommend a variety of de-wormers, insecticides, or medications should parasites infect your cat. But one of the best ways to prevent infestation is to keep your cat indoors, where she has minimal exposure to parasite risk. Great Gift Ideas for Moms and Grads! Treat Mom and grads to a gift that gives twice. All purchases of Hearthside merchandise directly support the cats in foster care. These items can also be seen and purchased from our website (www.HearthsideCats.org): Other Great Items Books The Comfort of Cats – Pamela Wallin shares her unique bond with one particular feline, with beautiful photography of Anne Bayin. $5 each + $1 S&H. The Dog Rules – William Thomas humorously chronicles the relationship between humans and dogs, with hilarious illustrations by Peter Cook. $5 each + $1 S&H. “Hooked on a Feline: Basic Cat Care from a Different Purr-spective” – Written by Taunee (a cat), and translated and illustrated by local author Barbara MugnoloWilliams... a humorous, no-nonsense approach to cat care! Portion of purchase is donated to Hearthside by the generous authors. Paperback; $11.95 + $2 S&H per book. Hearthside Cats Bookmarks – oversized (2.25" x 7"), original whimsical artwork, laminated for durability. Choose from four designs: “Napping”, “Kittens”, “House” and “Yarn”. $2 each + $.50 total S&H for 1-4 bookmarks, or $1 total S&H for 5 or more. Cat Angel Pin – pewter with 24K gold-plated wings. 7/8" x 7/8". $10 each + $.50 S&H. Dog Lover’s Bracelets – 7" long, glossy enamel paint with folding magnetic clasp. $10 each + $1 S&H. Hearthside Cats Tee Shirt – 100% grey cotton with black logo. Medium, large or extra-large. $15 + $1.50 S&H. Cat Notecards – set of 10 w/matching envelopes. Choose from two designs: “Cat by Window” or “Cat with Pawprints”. $5 per set + $1 S&H. ALMOST GONE! “Home Is Where the Hearth Is” Cookbook – 90 main dish recipes in a durable binder with beautiful original artwork. $20 each; two for $35; three for $50. Add $1.50 S&H per cookbook. Item Qty. Price ea. + S&H Total _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Total enclosed $_______________ Name _________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________________ 4 “Angels of Hope” holiday donations received as of 3/13/10…thank you for helping us start off the year strong! Dick & Carol Roth – in memory of Rascal & in honor of Smokie, Max & Girlie Girl Diane K. Pearson – in memory of Slick & in honor of Jessie Paul & Nancy Gebauer Paula Henry – in memory of Wildcat & in honor of Henry Virginia Brougham – in memory of Eugene Bev J. Hart – in memory of Pooh Bear Mary Ann Fink – in memory of Buddy Roxanne Supulski Michael J. Buckley – in memory of Mary Bauer Karen J. Miskell – in memory of Pebbles Karen Duffy – in memory of Patty Moss & her “Goerge” Kevin & Cheryl Gray Marlene E. Hurley – in memory of Miss Trudy Joy Snyder – in memory of Scarlett, Melonie & Diva Carolyn Scott Larry & Marge Boehme – in memory of Buster & Sadie Mae Laurie Hausler – in memory of Shadow & Tigger Karen Storne & Pete Radosta – in memory of Jackson, our black kitty Teresa Goss – in memory of Murphy Peg Brown – in memory of Charlie, Bailey & Patches Ron & Faith Bailey – in memory of Nicky Paul & Claire Allen – in memory of our friend, Burglar Carol L. George-Williams – in memory of Brutus, Sam, Black Tail & “Meoow” Bob & Linda Banfield – in memory of Buttons John & Judy Gascon – in memory of Sara, Larry & Callie & in honor of Sunny Tom & Linda Biondolillo – in honor of Pepper Bev Embling Chandra Edgar – in honor of all Hearthside kitties! Kathy Stewart Amy Tilipko – in memory of Alfreda Tilipko Joe Macaluso Mary Rice – in memory of Suzie & Annie Stephen & Deborah Robinson – in memory of Teekee, Nermal & UM Anonymous Martha Scala – in memory of Ellie Doris & Ray Rissler – in memory of Chrissie, Roxanne, Oscar, Star & Samantha Nancy Ives – in memory of Oliver Suzanne Engel Mary Ellen Cherry – in memory of Rusty & Missy Marlene F. Kouwe – in memory of Butterscotch, Pepper & Patches Dr. Mary Ann Lester Ching Liu Fava – in honor of Simon & Lucy Fava Chris Gutmacher Martha Scala – in memory of Ellie Patricia Thummel Jack & Joan Tetamore – in memory of Cory & in honor of Wiffy Dorothy Kazan Sandy Friedman – in honor of Cleo Mary E. Smith – in memory of Flash Norma Rumfelt – in memory of Pixy & Jipsy Dana & Pamela Boothe – in honor of Jean & Roger Boothe Barbara Kjeldsen Chris & Tony Pritchett Jean Hamilton Joseph Tedesco Barbara H. Hughes Lynne Simson-Kita – in honor of Suzy, Brando & Lacey Linda Schein – in memory of Wonton & Sabrina & in honor of Sasha & Samson Carol Milliken Rob Baart & Capt. Creamsicle Anthony & Mary Marcello Thomas & Caroline Mickewitz – in memory of Sylvia, Abigail, Pugslie, Mittzy, Purrcilla & Emma & in honor of Amos, Toby & Meggie Gail White – in memory of Snickers & in honor of Molly Kay Reali Diane Johnson Tim Irving & Jeff Bater – in honor of our new family, Ms. Murphy & Tigger Jane Pfromer – in honor of all God’s creatures, especially the kitties Connie Collins Michael Rosa – in memory of Chloe Robert K. & Maryann Haller Dianna Schneider – in memory of Princess Teacup Peggy A. Hall Mary Quinlan Karen Bryant Denise Kuebel – thanks for all you do! Jessica Card – in memory of Punkin Linda Hatheway – in honor of Sarah Janson Susan & Alan Muller Marie E. Hack – in memory of Charlie & Tyler Catherine Stiner, DVM/Bloomfield Animal Hospital – in honor of Bill & Karen Straub Tony & Ruth Witte – in memory of Acorn & Larkspur Mary Barto – in honor of Marie Don & Karen Grover – in honor of Karen Duffy Jane M. Coleman – in memory of Janet & Walter Holmes Joann Nugent – in memory of Lexie (aka Alexis) Karen K. Lewis Jill Engel The Leonsky Family – in memory of Gail Seslowe, Roslyn Hiltz (my beloved Mother), Oogie, Peanut, Bunny, Fritz, Bitsy, Scooter & Twinkie & in honor of Cookie, Angel & Teddy Other support as of 3/13/10…thank you for lending a paw! Peg Howard – in memory of Rudi, 24 years old when she died Theo Greenman – in memory of SinTra Caroline Ringland Karin Wagner – Special Needs Program Bonnie White – in honor of Jessica, Justin & Jasmine Rob Dietrich Tina Vanderpool Barbara Deuel – on behalf of Kathleen Fierthaler Mary & Greg Fitch – in memory of Linda Murphy West Wise – Honeoye Eleanor B. Smith Yvonne Kassowitz – in memory of Pinky & Fuzzy & in honor of Bodhi JustGive.org Bob Kreger – Special Needs Program Anonymous Teresa Braell – Special Needs Program Tod Romo – Special Needs Program Erika Grover – Special Needs Program Karen Kyle C.W. Sloan Leigh Harris – in memory of Tux & in honor of Draven Peter Matzke Fawn Feeney Ann Brunner Karen Pitti Ron & Faith Bailey Gudonov & Emma Calvé Anne Thompson Sally Raschi Chandra Edgar – thank you for all you do for the kitties! Carolyn Scott Tom & Rosemarie Salvemini Jim & Beth Feuerstein Loretta Vosburg Doreen Webster Peter & Debra Blaszkow Karen Harvey Neil & Theresa Lavaway Heidi Phelps Ernie & Anne Lascell Barbara Horgan 5 Nancy & Joe Pagano – in memory of Lydia Calhoun Marlene Hurley Theo Greenman Anne Lutkus Joyce Blakley Martha Scala Sally Wilkinson Roxanne Supulski Lynda Standish Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Gene Scherline Dr. Lanna Ruddy Marie Hack Michael Buckley – in honor of R.O.A.R. Native American Animals Laurie Hausler Joanne Wegman Kathryn Duff-Brown Dianna Schneider William & Anne Leyerle – in memory of Morris Ann M. Hawkins Thomas Nichols, Sr. Kitty Izzo Angelo Abby G. Jean Hamilton Margaret Weidner Alice Timothy John & Judy Gascon Terri Cvetan Anonymous Dolores A. Donnelly Laurel Baker & Friends Mary D. Sturm Amy Tilipko Linda Parkhurst Peter & Judy Thompson Rosalind Hyman Jeanette & Lawrence Kramarz Co-workers of Sheryl Calhoun/Catholic Family Center Tod Romo Jan Wischmeyer J. Ellers Metalico Rochester, Inc. Mary Stadtmiller Connie English Kelli Pease Rick Jones Pat & Bob Richardson Pam Mead Susan Potenza Karen M. Wagner – Special Needs Program Dorothy Kazan Carol Milliken Martha Hatch Joyce Semmel Carol George-Williams Frank & Janet Arcuri Que Palaez Naida Wilkins Tom & Laura Thornton Ray & Kay Robinson Marsha Britt Carol Robinson Marlene Hamilton Mary Schryver Joe & Jean Lentner Teresa Nowlan Elaine Widener Laurel Baker Margaret Duff Kathy Duff-Brown Frances Knobel Gloria Greiner Furcht Linda Banfield Richard Heye Karen E. Kenney – in honor of Barnaby, V.C., Binker, Speedie, Slick, Charlie Brown, Lulu & Mellow Meguel Bunch Johanna Bergeron Stan Tuttle Carol Vanderpool Ashleigh Herbert The Perkins Family – in memory of Cody Perkins Recycling Helps Our Foster Cats A Touching Tribute… Dear Hearthside, I just wanted to write you a letter telling you how much I love my Hearthside cat, Kama. She was adopted in 2002. In 2003 I was diagnosed with a rare disease and spent six weeks in the hospital…and then spent the following year confined to my bed. During that time Kama never left my side, other than to eat, drink and use the litter box. Then she was right back in bed with me. Her loyalty and faithfulness throughout that difficult time would rival that of any dog. I am very thankful to have her. And of all the pets I’ve had, she is the one that has the fondest place in my heart… Sincerely, A grateful adopter “Littered” with Paw Points Thanks to all of you to collect Fresh Step Paw Points® codes for Hearthside. We redeem these for litter coupons, and our foster caregivers really appreciate it! If you use Fresh Step products, please send us the Paw Points codes from speciallymarked boxes and pails of litter. Be sure to include the printed Paw Points code from inside the package. The code is unique to each package and contains letters and numbers. Thanks for keeping us in litter! Hearthside recycles aluminum cans for cash through Metalico, a salvage company in Rochester. All proceeds go directly to help cats in foster care. You can help too! Simply drop off bags of clean aluminum cans (no tin please) to one of our collection points: 5577 West Lake Rd., Conesus or 5083 Lima Rd., Geneseo. To save room, please flatten the cans if possible. You may leave the bags in front the garage at either location. Thanks for helping us recycle for the cats! Thanks to Local Merchants and Their Customers The local giving spirit is alive and well! At holiday time local merchants allowed Hearthside to place canisters on their counters. Customers donated spare change to support the cats in the amount of $424! Many thanks to: Lakeville Liquor, Livonia Wine and Spirits, Lima Pharmacy, Tom Wahl's Avon, All Seasons Liquor, Milex Drug, Brian’s USA Diner, Park Inn Liquor, Clockworks Wine and Liquor, B&B Liquor, Kreiler Kwick Mart, York Animal Hospital, Valley Liquor, and Good Spirits Wine and Liquor. Hearthside’s website is a beautiful presentation of our organization. Check it out at www.HearthsideCats.org. The Cats’ Wish List In addition to wishing for a forever home, our foster caregivers need everyday items for the care and feeding of their charges. Donations from caring residents help offset our costs. In fact, some groups and families have made a project out of collecting supplies for Hearthside…it’s fun and the cats directly benefit. If you have items to donate please forward to P.O. Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454 or call 243-0873 to make arrangements. Here are our most common needs: - Purina “Naturals” dry cat food - Friskies canned cat food - Cardboard scratching pads - Cat litter (all types) - Cat toys - Liquid dish soap - First class stamps Hearthside does not sell, rent or loan its mailing or e-mail list to other individuals, businesses or groups. Hearthside is an all-volunteer organization, with all income going directly to care for homeless cats. Hearthside Cats, Inc. P.O. Box 282 Geneseo, New York 14454 Non Profit U.S. Postage PAID Geneseo, NY Permit No. 34