Thursday's (Superhero) Purrs

"We hear superheroes are all the rage these days - with characters like Captain America and Doctor Strange coming out with their own movies and everything." 

"We prefer to think of ourselves as the more behind-the-scenes, mild-mannered heroes. But hey, it's nice to know our brethren (and wonder women...and wonder womencats) are so appreciated!

"Yup, we're just two superkitties keepin' it on the DL, doing our heroic thing at times when no one's the wiser.

You know, like handing out purrs of comfort when needed. Maybe even a headbutt or a few well-placed biscuits. Those kind of subtle superhero actions we cats are known for."

"It's okay if our heroics go unremarked for the most part. After all, we have to protect our secret identities and stuff.

But you see, we're in need of a new secret lair. Our old one - well, you'll understand if we need to keep some superhero info hush-hush and all - right?"

"Might you have a home we could call ours? We promise to always fight for truth, justice and catnip. Cross our paws.

Yours in disguise,

Mr. Wonderful and Mr. Fantastic"

Have you checked out the latest superhero movie this summer?
Take a look - you can learn all about these mild-mannered, larger than life felines right here:

These super cats are both available at the Main Campus of KC Pet Project. Come meet these guys today!

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Harriet: would you adopt this specially-abled cat?

Many of you have heard us mention our "Aunt Jen." She's the one who cares for us when the humans are out of town. She's also an amazing Cat Whisperer, former English teacher and Manager of Feline Care & Behavior at KC Pet Project.

Jen just launched her own blog this week, Mew-sings of the Bored Housecat.  When you have a chance, stop by and welcome her to the blogging world.


Below is her first post. It's Harriet's story, and it's perfect for Specially-Abled Pets Week.

***

"It was love at first sight" and "I knew the minute I saw her!" are common phrases we hear in the adoption world. The cats that go home quickly are usually the ones that make eye contact with potential adopters and walk towards them.

Admittedly, I can understand why some sort of interaction is preferable when you are looking for your next companion. That's exactly how I picked my own cat years ago. Once I began working in an animal shelter, I began to see homeless cats from a new perspective.

I met Harriet my first day at my new job. She was huddled in her box, scared and striking out at anything that came near her. No one could pet her with a pole, literally. I had seen cats like her before in the previous shelter; I had helped over 40 of them overcome their defensive fears and go on to find loving homes. So when I first saw Harriet, I didn't see an angry cat at all. I saw a terrified cat. Harriet saw nothing at all.

Being in a shelter is scary enough, being blind in a shelter can be traumatizing. Everything is new and scary and unpredictable. We needed a plan for Harriet, and fast. The first order of business was to get her a very consistent and predictable schedule for her daily care. We began by cleaning her kennel at exactly 10 am every single day. We cleaned her kennel in exactly the same order every single day. Introducing this predictability in to her life lowered her stress level to the point we were able to touch her. Most importantly, she had a better quality of life.

It took only a few days of positive predictable encounters for Harriet to quit defensively biting at anything and everything that came within 6 inches of her face. When you lose your vision, the other senses need to take over. She now has to rely heavily on her sense of smell and the information gathered from her whiskers to navigate the world. The best way to interact with a blind cat is to play to her other senses. We used smell to acclimate Harriet to her heightened sense of touch, especially around her whisker area.

As soon as she was able to relax during her daily care we introduced a new game to get her brain working and secretly acclimate her to things coming near her whiskers and face. Giving Harriet a cue phrase of "what's this?" we slowly presented her with really smelly things like tuna and catnip. The cue phrase was given when our hand was about 7 inches from her face, which was just before her normal striking distance.

Each time we presented a new thing for her to investigate we gave her the cue word with our hand down on the bottom of the kennel. We moved our hand toward her nose on her front left side. We stopped advancing at 3 inches and allowed her to choose if she wanted to investigate the new smell or not. The idea behind these exercises was twofold: habituate her to movement near her face and activate the seeking portion of her brain. She was a little unsure about this game at first. She was also a little unsure of our reasoning skills when presenting her with some of the smells! But she took it in stride and played along.

Harriet is closer now to being comfortable in a world where she cannot see. She will investigate things, her gaze follows friendly voices, and she LOVES tuna. Her ideal forever home will need to continue providing her with positive predictable encounters. Cats have an incredible ability to make spacial maps of their environment; so living with a blind cat is not as strange as it might seem. Blind cats need to have litter boxes, food and water dishes that never move. They need to be set up in a sanctuary room and be given time to memorize the layout of the room. Then, slowly be introduced to the rest of the house (and new things like the cat carrier)so they can build their mind map.

Other special considerations with a blind cat would be to always announce your presence in the room by softly saying "hello", use smells and baby gates to protect the cat from falling up or down stairs, use baby protection bumpers on sharp corners or place cat cheek scratchers on the corners of walls. In addition, remember that if you pick up a blind cat, be sure to place the cat near one of the scent markers, in a place where the flooring changes, or right back in the same place.

Most importantly, remember that blind cats may not be able to fall in love at first sight but love is blind. They have just as much unconditional love as any other cat.

Harriet's at the Main Campus of Kansas City Pet Project. If you are interested in opening your home to this very special girl, please stop by and meet her.

***

Thursday's Purrs: Lisa

"So pleased to meet you! My name is Lisa, and I came to Wayside when the folks here offered to help another local shelter out when they were running low on space. Wasn't that nice?"

"As you can see, I’m an orange tabby girl -- hey, did you know we orange girls are a bit rare? Usually orange tabbies are boys!"

"I've been told my golden eye is gorgeous and offsets my coloring beautifully.

Yep, just one eye! You see, my left eye was giving me a lot of problems, so the veterinarians at my previous shelter felt it was best to remove it.

I do fine with one eye, though. It sure doesn’t stop me from playing!"

"I love toys, but my favorite? That's the wand toy, paws down. So much fun!

I’m a friendly cat who enjoys attention. However, I’m not at all fond of having my tail tugged, so I would be happiest in a home with no children under the age of 5.

My Felineality is Sidekick. That means I’m a people-oriented cat who is moderately brave in new situations. Whatever you are doing, I will be happy to hang out with you, making you look good.

Do I sound like the girl for you? If so, won't you head on out so we can meet face to fur?
Looking forward to it!

Love,
Lisa"


Lisa's available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

***

Thursday's Purrs: Glasses

"Hello, I’m Glasses! Okay, yeah, I know that’s a silly name for a cat, but sometimes we just have to humor the humans, you know?

I am a super-sweet, super-loving, super-curious and super-courageous kitty. Seriously -- I’m just all around super! Well, at least that’s what the people around here keep telling me. Not that I'm letting it go to my head or anything - honest.

Here, let me take a selfie real quick so we can chat face to face.

(uh, wait -- is THAT the camera button? *squint*  I think so ....)"

SNAP! FLASH!

"Oh dear, is it a bit out of focus? I can't tell ....
You might have noticed that I have some severe vision problems caused by cataracts. And I’ve got a bit of a tilty head, too. But I don’t let either of those things slow me down! No way! I’ve got far too much to do, place to go, people to — uhh — see. Sorta.

And my head tilt just makes me look even cuter, don’t you think?

Soooo ....  Wanna know what I'm just SO BUSY doing? Well, just about everything!

First, I love to make new friends and love on people. I love to be petted and I especially love to be held. I’ll put my arms right around you and purr, purr, purr the day away.

And I love to explore! That’s right, even with my limited sight, I’m no fraidy cat, no way, no how.
I’m ready to get out and explore the world. I love new adventure!

Of course, because of my eyesight, I’ll need to be an indoor only cat — unless you are with me.
Hey, now wouldn't that just be totally cool to go outside on a harness and explore the world with you?

Wouldn’t you like to try? I'm getting so excited just thinking about it!

Please come down to Kansas City Pet Project to meet me. I promise, you’ll never regret making a new friend as special as I am.

Purrs, headbutts and tons of love,
Glasse"

(Pee Ess, feel free to rename me. Just meowin'. *giggle*)

The incredibly sweet and lovable Glasses is available at the Main Branch of Kansas City Pet Project and is waiting to meet you today!

***

Sunday's Sweetie on Monday: Winky (aka Janet)

"Psst!
Can I let you in on my secret identity?"

"My name is Janet, but the folks over here at Great Plains call me Winky. Betcha can't guess why...

I've heard some of the very nice people here say it's just awful that people think a girl like me is less adoptable just because my right eye is a teensy bit cloudy. It doesn't bother me in any way, and if you'd just come in and meet me, I could prove it to you in a New York minute!

I'm an incredibly affectionate girl with a huge purr motor packed into a petite little body. Just give me your hand for a second and watch me rev my engine!"

Here I am, ready to pounce on the red dot!!!

 "I simply adore people. Yep, I'm a people cat, and can hardly wait to have one of my very own so we can hang out together, catch mice together, find the red dot together, read together, Instagram together... uh, I guess you get my drift, huh?

About the eye - really, it's not a problem. They even had a specialist look at it for you. And the specialist will meet with you (free!!) to discuss it and to ease any concerns you might have.

Please oh please...I'd just LOVE to have my very own human for the new year! Let's resolve to make our very own family happen right away, what do you say?

Buckets of purrs just for you,
Janet (aka Winky)"

Janet's been at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA since this past May - don't you think this sweet girl's time has come? Please share and let's help get this loving girl her very own human!

***

Shelter Sweetie: Ebony's #SundaySelfie

"Oh, hi there! My name is Ebony, and I probably don't need to tell you how I earned my name. But what you can't tell from my pictures is what a friendly, snuggly guy I am. I love everybody I meet!"

"When you come to visit me at the shelter (you are coming, right?) you just may find me on greeter patrol, welcoming all the visitors. Or I may be on the computer "helping" the staff do their work. You see, I just love hanging out with people SO much. Everyone who visits says what a super cool and friendly dude I am.

I may be a big guy, but I'm definitely still a kitten at heart and just want to be in your lap or cozied up next to you in bed. When it's lap time and you get going with the scritches.....watch out! It's been said my purr motor is so loud you may need ear protection! I'm really smart too! I was the star pupil in a training class here at the shelter."

"I recently spent some time with a foster family. My foster mom loves me soooooo much (she says I'm her boyfriend) and she desperately wanted to make me a permanent part of her family, but it just wasn't meant to be. You see, there were already some other kitties there and I'm just NOT willing to share my human(s). I want to be with you all the time and I don't want anyone getting in my way.

So, besides the no-other-felines thing, the only thing you need to know about me is that I have to follow a specific diet. I've had a history of digestion issues and they're finally all resolved now! Whew! It's no big deal.....I just need to eat a controlled amount of a specific food and only limited treats. The staff here can tell you all the details about that. I've already lost some weight on this diet and as you can probably see, that's not a bad thing!

I really don't understand why I'm still here at the shelter. My soft, shiny black coat together with my emerald green eyes makes me quite the looker, or so I am told. I guess my perfect family just hasn't made it down here yet. Could it be you? Won't you come down and meet me today! I can't wait to be part of a family again....

Purrs,
Ebony"

Ebony has been waiting FAR too long for his forever family. Let's get this handsome guys adopted, what say?

He's available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA today!

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Camila

"You know that great feeling when you know somebody loves you? That's just what I need, because I'm a really good kitty who loves to be loved.

My name is Camila, and I'm looking for my special person - the one who can give me my forever home."

"A very kind person brought me in to Great Plains after she found me wandering outside. I was in a lot of pain at that time, because I hurt by back leg a while before that. But the Great Plains staff has taken such good care of me. I've been here a while, but that's only because they're getting me ready for my forever home.

You see, I have a few special things about me. First, as I mentioned, I had a hurt back leg. Well, that's not a problem anymore because I am now what all the staff and volunteers affectionately call a tripod! I had my leg amputated in April, and now I have no problem hopping around!

I'm also special because when I came in, the staff noticed I was having trouble seeing. Since then, I've lost most of my vision. But, if you watch me explore a new place, you'd never know the difference!

They call me the biscuit maker because that is my BEST talent. Whether I'm making biscuits on you or in the air, it's my favorite thing in the world to do. The best times are when I'm getting petted or held - then I'll make biscuits all day long for you!

My foster mom says I'm the sweetest kitty she's ever met. I take that as quite the compliment! Speaking of petting, you'll notice I have beautiful long fur - it might look black to you, but I assure you, I've got style in my fur. It's an ombre of colors - starting with a smoky black around my face and transitioning in to a chocolaty brown near my belly.

I am very beautiful if I do say so myself! So what do ya think? I'm a pretty great catch - especially if you're looking for a cuddly loving experienced girl. Don't let my special traits stop you from meeting me! Now that they're all taken care of, I'm just like any other kitty - waiting for my forever family."

We love differently-abled cats like Camilla and we're purring she finds her forever home very soon.



Camilla is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA!

Wednesday's Waif: Big Hughes

"Hey there! Are you looking for a big cat with a big personality? Well look no further!

They call me Big Hughes for just those reasons. I came to Wayside from another shelter where I was picked up as a stray.

When I came in it was found that my right eye had been damaged early in my life and I had little vision. In order to prevent further problems and pain for me, the good doctors decided it was best to remove it."

"So here I am, a handsome, red tabby one-eyed wonder! While I was recovering I got to stay in a foster home. I had so much fun and got to show off my playful, confident personality.

My favorite thing in the whole world is playing! I am not picky with what I play with, mouse toys, jingly balls, tennis balls...I love them all!

Sometimes when I'm having SO much fun playing, I forget my manners and can nip. I don't mean to be rude, but I still have a lot of kitten ways inside and sometimes they come out. I got along with the other cats in my foster home, but sometimes my playful antics drove them a bit crazy."

Playin' hard requires NAPPIN' hard, too!

"I definitely need someone who can keep up with me! I also love to talk and would love to tell you all about me if you'll come on down to Wayside Waifs! When the day is done and I'm all played out, I love to snuggle and have my belly rubbed.

Could you be my special play mate? If you think so, come and have a conversation with me!

Meows to you,
Big Hughes"

Big Hughes' foster mom said this about him:

"AVOID the belly, he likes it, but it revs him up and he gets "grabby"  ;-)
He will also huff when he's highly stimulated, which happens when he interacts with other cats for the first time.
The way to his heart is play! Play play play all day, string toys, balls, mice, you name it, he will play with it!"  :-)

Big Hughes is a One-eyed LOVER boy and is revved up and ready to go to his forever home. If you're interested, he's waiting for you at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs!

Wednesday's Waif: Navan

My heart goes out to this guy.

He clearly falls into the "less adoptable" category on more than one count:

First: he's a black cat. Did you know they're five times more likely to be euthanized in a shelter environment, simply because of their color?

Second, he's blind in one eye.

Third, he's ear-tipped. Yes, some people don't want a scarred cat - and others are wary of what they consider to be a "street cat".

But let me tell you about this lovable guy.
Or rather, I'll let him tell you about himself:

"Thanks for taking a moment to read about me!

My name is Navan, and I'm a handsome shorthaired black kitty with a patch of white on my belly.

I came to Wayside as a stray. I must have had a rough life out there, fending for myself, because I was in pretty bad shape when I got here.

I have multiple scars due to fighting, and my right eye is badly damaged and I can't see out of it. But that hasn't gotten me down at all.

In fact, here at Wayside, I'm becoming known for having one of the best purrs of all the cats here. I enjoy being petted. I will let you know how much, of course, by purring!

And at 6 years of age, I still have lots of playfulness left in me. My favorite toy is a feather wand -- so much fun!

When I had my Felineality test, they said I'm a Leader of the Band! That means I'm a bold, confident kitty who loves people and loves adventure.

Do I sound like the purr-fect boy for you? Come to Wayside and ask for Navan.

Love, Navan"



Navan is available today at Allie's Alma Mater:  Wayside Waifs.