THE SCRATCHING POST
Fall 1999, Issue 1 - Happy Halloween! Edition
by Home2Cats Founder: Barbara Stanley

Home2Cats
P. O. Box 752671
Memphis, TN  38175-2671

We are proud to announce that Home2Cats is now a non profit organization. We hope to make a difference in our community and also in the lives of animals. Our specific objectives and purpose are:

	to provide food, medical care, love and sanctuary for injured, disabled or abused animals.
	to educate the public in what constitutes responsible cat care and ownership.
	to engage in other activities related to animal rescue and public education about cat care and responsibilities.

The Scratching Post Newsletter, Fall 1999, Contents:

Mews You Can Use

From the Cat's Clawset

Cat Tails - Godzilla T-Rex aka Rex

A Word From Home (2Cats)

Volunteers

Got Room For One More?

Animal Recognition

In Memory of Critters

(Our Website Menu & How To Contact Us)

 

Mews You Can Use

It’s important to be aware of ingredients that can be harmful to your pets. For example onions can be poisonous to cats, as well as for dogs. Onions contain thiosulfate compounds. These compounds damage hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. The damaged hemoglobin clumps together and forms masses called Heinz bodies.

The significance of Heinz bodies lies in their contribution to decrease red blood cell survival. If the quantity of onion consumed is great enough, hemolytic anemia can be the consequence. The compounds in the onion are capable of harming the hemoglobin whether the onions are raw, cooked, or powdered. Most pet food manufacturers have removed onion as an ingredient to pet food. But please be aware, not all manufacturers have done so.

Also, if you are feeding your cat baby food, be aware that some brands and flavors of baby food contain onion or onion powder. Take time to read your labels, not only on pet foods, but any food you are giving your pet.

Another ingredient that can also cause hemolytic anemia in adult cats and kittens is propylene glycol. Propylene glycol has been added to commercial soft-moist cat food as a preservative.

 

From The Cat’s Clawset

In Key West, Florida, there is a house that has many polydactyl cats (cats with extra toes). These are all descendants of a polydactyl cat that was given to the owner of the house, from a ship’s captain. What famous author, resided in this house?

Cat Trivia Answer:  Ernest Hemingway

 

Cat Tails ~
Name:  Godzilla T-Rex aka Rex
Breed:  Devon Rex

  (Go ahead, click me!)

Profile:

Rex had been thrown in a lake to drown. The individual who did this didn’t know that Rex was an Olympic swimmer and tree climber. Rex also had survival training, so he just stayed perched in his tree surrounded by water. When help arrived, Rex was polite enough to make his rescuer climb only three quarters of the way up the tree. Rex says, "You sometimes have to meet people part or halfway."

Rex’s Favorite Things:

Toy:	Fur mice
Food:	Eukanuba
Destination:	Anywhere he can go in the car
Activity:	Popping Clancy, the dog, on the nose
Plant or Tree:	Definitely a Cypress tree

Rex’s Least Favorite Things:

Toy:	Anything that's not a fur mouse
Food:	People food
Destination:	Animal Shelter
Activity:	Swimming in lakes
Plant or Tree:	Water lilies (hard to swim through, to get to favorite tree!)

Rex’s Rant:

Rex would like to remind all pet owners that Halloween is approaching. This can be a dangerous holiday for cats, especially black ones. Rex says, "Please protect your pets and keep them inside around this holiday. If your pet must go outside, please do so under supervision." Rex has been known to go Trick or Treating, but always with a chaperone.

 

A Word From Home (2Cats)

Home2Cats would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have encouraged us, volunteered their time and expertise, and supported us with food and toys for the cats. We could not have accomplished this by ourselves. Lots of thanks and purrs, from Home2Cats.

 

Volunteers

If you crochet, we could use your talent to make 30 x 30 granny squares for beds for the cats.  These not only make our healthy cats happy, but are a much needed item for any sick or injured cat.  Please contact us, if you are able to help.

 

Got Room For One More?

Have you considered adopting a cat, but are afraid you don’t have the time for a long term commitment? An alternative is fostering a homeless animal. 

We are in need of foster parents that can provide love and shelter to a homeless cat until we can place them in an appropriate home.

If you can help, please call Home2Cats at (901) 756-0681.

 

Animal Recognition

While losing a companion is one of life's greatest sorrows, never having one is to miss out on years of loving companionship.

 

In Memory of Critters

Sticks aka Mr. Wickers, 8/9/99
You touched our hearts in such a very short time.
From Barbara and Larry Stanley

Whitney, 8/98 - 9/13/99
We learned so much from you.  You never let you handicap stop you from living.
Our love always, Barbara and Larry Stanley

 

And Please:

We would like to remind all pet owners to please spay and neuter. There are not enough homes.