KittenAds.co.uk is encouraging back street breeders

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Sarah

Kittenads.co.uk is just one of a numer of sites, like Gumtree, that whether they realise it or not encourage back street breeders. We are sick of the sight of adverts proclaiming ‘hobby breeders, no papers’.

The problem for the public is that there so-called hobby breeders are not bound by any code of ethics with regard to their cats and kittens. They also have the nerve to charge the same or more than registered breeders.

Sadly there are also decent breeders using these sites, which further compounds the problem. It is easy for unsuspecting kitten buyers to be duped about the quality of and care received by the kittens for sale.

Sadly sites like kittenads.co.uk and gumtree.com really only care about the money. Gumtree’s so called guidelines are inadequate.. 

Sites like kittenads.co.uk are simply increasing the numer of unwanted cats and kittens or cats and kittens that are not properly cared for.  These so-called ‘hobby’ breeders who are not  registered simply do not have potential kitten owners interests at heart. And obiously if they had the kittens interests at heart they would register them and invest in cats on the active regsiter.

We don’t blame kittenads.co.uk and gumtree.com exclusively. There ought to be more regulation of animal for sale adverts, and buyers need to wise up. In our experience of rescuing cats sold through these sites, these breeders simply don’t get the quality of buyers that registered breeders do.

Shame on you kittenads.co.uk.

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Why do cats end up in cat shelters or rescues?

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Sarah

Why do beautiful cats end up in cat shelters or rescues? Exactly why so many cats end up in shelters or rescues – some even more than once is a complex issue.  A fair proportion, but probably less than you think are strays or ferals. In American, once ferals enter the shelter system they are nearly always doomed because they are deemed not to be adoptable. Feral kittens sometimes do make it out as they can usually be socialised if caught early enough.

Thankfully organisations such as Alley Cat Allies in America and Celia Hammond Animal Trust in the UK work hard to educate the pulic and businesses on the needs and value of feral cats. But these organisations are in a minority.  If homeowners don’t superise their cats properly they can find that there cats get into the shelter system thanks to over zealous animal control officers. In the UK with the RSPCA and SSPCA focusing more on cruelty cases, the future of  stray cats is bleak.
Mia – Available For Adoption

Next you have the unwanted litters. Too many people are still failing to get their pets neutered. Of course some know that they should but don’t. Others persuade themselves that neutering or spaying can wait. Too many cats and kittens are owner surrendered. Sometimes people take on too many pets. Others have a change in circumstance. It appears that cats end up in shelters or rescues because their owners are only ‘fair weather friends’. They give up their pets too easily, without thinking through the alternatives.

Sadly while many resues and shelters work hard to rehome as many animals as possible, it is likely that their process simply ‘recycles’ a fair proportion of cats within the shelter or rescue system. Such is the pressure of numbers in many cases just the absence of a crimminal record is sufficient to adopt a cat or kitten. The fact is that cats once adopted many not settle in their new homes. This is often because rescues and shelters are not geared up to assess the needs of individual cats or crutinise the homes they go to.
All too often homing is reduced to a beauty contest. Of course, it’s also possible to go too far the other way, and put up too many barriers to adoption. We are aware of one UK organisation who falls into this bracket.
Adopting (or buying) any cat is always a risk. But cat rescues who take the time to place cats in a home likely to suit them offer potential adopters the best chance of a problem free adoption. You can also be assured that if things don’t work out the cat can be returned and it won’t put the cat’s life at risk.
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Posted in Cat Adoption Greenwood County South Carolina, Cat Adoption South Carolina, Cat Adoption York County, Cat and Kitten Adoption Fife / Edinburgh, Cat Care, Cat Rescue | Comments Off

Female Cat For Adoption Ware Shoals /Laurens/ Greenwood County

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Sarah
Leigh, 4 years old,

LEIGH, Affectionate Female Cat

Here we have a female cat for adoption in the Ware Shoals/Laurens/Greenwood County Region. Isn’t she beautiful? If you are looking for a well adjusted companion cat for a quiet home, then Leigh may exactly fit the bill.

Originally rescued from Greenville County Animal Care Services where she was sheduled to be put to sleep, Leigh was an owner surrender. No matter what your misgivings are about shelter cats being wild or sick, Leigh was not a feral cat, nor was she sick.

Leigh spent six months at Furry Friends Rescue Center before being moved to a fosterers where she could receive more one to one care and assessment that’s not always possible in a rescue enviroment. As a result of this move, we know much more about Leigh.

Leigh has shown herself to be a quiet, affectionate, people orientated cat, who just loves to sit on your lap. In fact her foster carer reports that it’s extrememly difficult to take a photo of Leigh. ot just because of her coloring. Tortie’s are always hard to photograph. But because as soon as you point a camera at Leigh she just moves towards to say hello. Very cute.

We are looking for a home for Leigh where she can preferably be the only pet or possible with one other well behaved quiet cat.

Leigh looking pretty

Leigh has been vetted, spayed, tested and innoculated. An adoption fee is payable of $115. If you are looking to adopt a female cat in the Ware Shoals area or Laurens or Greenwood or Greenville Counties then please consider Leigh. Her foster carer has a number of other female cats for adoption in the same location.

To find out more about Leigh and the other loving cats available for adoption in the first instance please contact elisablacktaylor@nospam@yahoo.com, removing the ‘no spam’ before sending.

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CAT MISSING EDINBURGH EH12 MAGDALA CRESCENT/HAYMARKET TERRACE

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Sarah
Lola (Hope)

Lola the cat (formerly HOPE) is missing in the Magdala Crescent area of Edinburgh’s West End, just off Haymarket Terrace. Lola is an indoor only cat who escaped from her home on Monday 18 July after workmen left the front door open.

Unfortunately Lola has NO road sense, as she lost her left eye in a previous traffic accident in a former life.
Lola is of bengal type appearance – brown tabby, but you can’t fail to spot her as she only has one eye. She will be very scared outside. We are extremely worried about her.
Lola (formerly Hope) was rehomed by Sunny Harbour in 2010, so Lola has not been in her new home long.
Please check under cars, in sheds, water butts and bushes. Any sightings of a brown tabby cat should be emailed to info@nospam@sunyharbour.org.uk (remove the no spam before sending). Hopefully Lola’s owners will be putting up posters/photos of Lola in the area and contacting local vets.
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York County’s Black and black and white rescue cat plea

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Sarah

York County’s black, and black and white cats over get overlooked by adopters. Furry Friends Rescue Center at Clover, York County has many very gentle and loving black or black and white cats and kittens in need of loving homes right now. All too often would be adopters pick cats based on looks alone. This usually means that brown and black tabbies are the cats’ of choice. However there is no difference in the personality types of black or black and white cats – they have exactly the same range of personalities and foibles as tabby cats. People working hard to get rescue cats adopted just don’t understand it.

We are aware of black and black and white cats who have been in rescue at Furry Friends Rescue Center for more than 6 months. A rescue center of any description is not a good long term option for cats, as although the cats are safe, most cats experience a degree of stress.

Happy Buttons

Handsome Kellan

Gentle Oreo

Buttons, Kellan and Oreo are just three examples of the ‘forgotten’ black or black and white cats and kittens at rescues and shelters all over York County.  What makes matters even worse is that many of these cats have been surrendered by owners. Take Kellan and Oreo. Both were originally turned into Greenville County Animal Care Services by their owners. It is often the cats who have  been turned in by their owners who do least well in shelters because they don’t understand why they are in rescue, and miss their former homes. Sad, isn’t it?
The fact remains that a disproportionate number of black and black and white cats make up the ‘long stay’ population at cat rescues through out York County. But you could make a difference and help us get more of York County’s black or black and white rescue cats into forever homes!
Furry Friends Rescue Center at Clover in York County is looking for cat orientated homes for Oreo, Kellan and Buttons and many other black and black and white cats in their care.
By choosing to adopt one of York County’s black or black and white rescue cat’s you’ll be adopting a cat who everyone else has given up on, and welcoming a loving friend into your home.
To find out more about Kellan, Oreo or Buttons or ther other black or black and white cats in the care of Furry Friends Rescue Center please call Melissa Stone on 803-230-3648 or email her at melissaspets@nospam@yahoo.com, removing the @nospam before sending.
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Posted in Cat Adoption South Carolina, Cat Adoption York County, Cat Rescue South Carolina, Furry Friends Rescue Center, Uncategorized | Comments Off

60 Dead Cats/Kittens At Greenville County Animal Services

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Sarah

60 dead cats and kittens at Greenville County Animal Services..in just a day or two. This is the reality of trying to manage Greenville’s rescue cats. This picture is mirrored in every town and city in South Carolina. Judging by the figures you would think that Greenville County Animal Services must be one of those bad shelters where cats aren’t given a chance to get adopted because too many barriers are put in front of rescuers. Not so. Greenville County Animal Care services try their utmost to rehome as many cats and kittens to loving families and rescues.

But while people refuse to spay and neuter their pets, or turn their pets into a shelter rather than a rescue this is what happens. We are in kitten season. It seems that every second cat that’s put to sleep these last few weeks has been a mama cat and her kittens.

As long as people don’t spay or neuter their pets or don’t take the time to rehome their own pets to loving homes these mass cullings will continue. The sad reality is there are too many unwanted pets for too few quality homes.

I am not entirely convinced Animal Control always help, since they seem to round up a fair number of ‘owned’ pets. A luck few get returned to their owners.

Greenville County Animal Services now has an adoption facility where animal lovers can adopt cats and dogs from. With people still queing up round the corner to turn in unwanted cats and kittens, the situation won’t improve any time soon.

Be warned. If you love your cat, or need to rehome a kitter of kittens take some time to contact local cat rescues who have a ‘no kill’ policy. Otherwise, you are basically killing your pet. You’re just not there to see it put to sleep.

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Keeping your cat safe on 4 July

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Sarah

Keeping your cat safe on 4 July means not leaving things to chance. You may like to celebrate 4 July. But don’t forget that 4 July is tough on pets. Cats in particular can get a raw deal, if they are outdoor/indoor cats that use a cat flap to come and go as they please. This means that unless you plan ahead you may not be able to find your cat(s) when you need too.

4 July is all about crazy celebrations with fireworks a feature in towns and cities across the United States. Of course you should celebrate! But don’t forget that keeping your cat(s) safe means keeping them indoors.

Some cat owners will already be aware that their cats get very upset at the sound of fireworks. Fireworks do get into the wrong hands too. Another reason to keep your cat indoors for 24 hours. You won’t know exactly when local fireworks kick off.

If you are aware your cat gets very distressed on 4 July you should have already spoken to your vet. If you must leave your cats alone for part of the day or evening, make sure your cat is securely locked in your property with food and water. Leaving a radio on low may also help to calm your cat’s neverves. If you can get a hold of a cat sitter so much the better.

If you’re planning a party at your home secure the cats in one room of the house. If you have to place a notice on the door, warning people to keep the door closed.

Keeeping your cat safe on 4 July requires some forward planning. We hope you enjoy your day.

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Finding a dog friendly cat to adopt in South Carolina

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Sarah

Cats and Dogs Can Be FriendsFinding a dog friendly cat to adopt in South Carolina is easier said than done. Just look at the number of cats who are returned to shelters because they don’t get on with the family dog. It annoys cat lovers that when push comes to shove it’s usually the cat that gets surrendered.

Cats and dogs are most likely to get along if they have been brought up together. If you are considering getting a cat and already have a dog, then you need to find out how your dog gets along with cats..before committing yourself to a cat or kitten. Some cat rescues have developed special systems for testing how dogs react around cats.

If you have had your dog for any length of time then you probably have a good idea of what your dogs social skills are like especially if you are replacing or adding a family member.

But if not, it’s just as well that some cat rescues can take some of the guess work out because they have cats available for adoption who they know have lived with dogs or have been tested with dogs.

Whatever age the cats and dogs are in the equation you need to make sure that proper introductions are made once you get home. Don’t just ‘leave them to it’.

It is early always a mistake to introduce a a dog into a house where the cat(s) have been established for a log time and have no prior experience of dogs.

We are aware of a number of cat rescues in South Carolina where the cats are either living with dogs or can be tested with dogs. At Furbys Half Way House in Hodges, Greenwood County all the rescue cats meet the family dog. While at Furry Friends Rescue Centre, York County, which incoporates a professional kennel, owner Melissa Stone will be able to guide you on which cats are dog friendly.

Finding a dog friendly cat in South Carolina starts by understanding your own dog. Only then ca you get help finding the right cat for company. Simply buying a cat out of the newspaper or off the internet is likely to end in disaster. Many ads make false claims about how dog and child friendly their pet is. There’s too much at stake to take such risks.

Contacts:

Furry Friends Rescue Center, Clover, York County – Tel: 803-230-3648
Furby’s Half Way House, Hodges, Greenwood County – Email: elisablacktaylor@nospam@yahoo.com, remove the @nospam before sending.

Photo credit: Elisa Black Taylor

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Posted in Cat Adoption Greenwood County South Carolina, Cat Adoption Hodges SC, Cat Adoption South Carolina, Cat Adoption York County, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Dumb back street cat breeder in Edinburgh, Kai on 07749627712

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Sarah

Here’s another dumb back street cat breeder – this time in Edinburgh, on Edinburgh Gumtree, the website we love to hate! This person Kai, on 07749627712 , seems to think you can charge more for a kitten the fluffier they are!!!!More fool the public who are taken in with this, and don’t realise that a kitten’s coat can look very different at 8 weeks, and 8 months. Fall for this and your fluffy haired darling, may not be quite so fluffy later on!

Here’s the ad:
4 beautiful cross maine coon kittens (from the litter of 6) for sale (8 weeks old). The mother can be seen. We also have some photos of the father. These fluffy kittens are very cute and playful. There are 2 boys and a one girl. They have been brought up at our family home and love to play with children. On the collections the kittens will be frontlined, de-wormed, eating solid food and using a litter tray. The price is £80 for the black kitten with the shortest hair (boy), £150 for the very grey one (boy) and £180 for the two with the longest hair (boy and girl). Deposit is required to secure the kitten.

4 beautiful cross maine coon kittens (from the litter of 6) for sale (8 weeks old). The mother can be seen. We also have some photos of the father. These fluffy kittens are very cute and playful. There are 2 boys and a one girl. They have been brought up at our family home and love to play with children. On the collections the kittens will be frontlined, de-wormed, eating solid food and using a litter tray. The price is £80 for the black kitten with the shortest hair (boy), £150 for the very grey one (boy) and £180 for the two with the longest hair (boy and girl). Deposit is required to secure the kitten.

What really get’s to us, is which side of the family is the maine coon on, and where did they get it from? It’s obviously not on the active register.

Please do not be fooled by there cut price kittens. Back street cat breeders in Edinburgh do not have your interests at heart. The advert also reveals that the kittens are available at 8 weeks before they have had their injections. No reputable breeder would do this. If you buy one of these you are just a sucker.

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Sunny Harbour Awesome Abseil For Rescue Cats Report

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Sarah

Paul Ross, Co-Founder Sunny Harbour Cat and Kitten Rescue

Sunny Harbour Cat and Kitten Rescue have gone and done it again – organised a brilliant fundraiser for much needed funds to cover food and vet costs for cats in their care. Today, 19 June 2011, 10 extremely plucky idividuals complete a 165ft ‘free style’ abseil, just like the SAS.

The setting: Only the Forth Rail Bridge! Involving a spine tingling drop to the beach at South Queensferry.

And if anyone need doubt the peril involved in this fundraiser for needy cats and kittens at Sunny Harbour, just take a look at the photo of co-founder Paul Ross. Jaw droppig.

Gone are the days when cat rescues could rely on donations or rattling tins in city centres. The co-founders of Sunny Harbour Cat and Kitten Rescue, Paul and Sarah Ross, don’t miss a trick when it comes to ways to raise funds for the cats in their care. All the more amazing when you learn that Sarah has been organising this when eight months pregnant with her first baby..

Also taking part today were nine Sunny Harbour supporters and volunteers, including Paul’s neice Bethany Ross. Each participant was sponsored, with the over-all aim to generate at least £2000. We’ll follow with another update on the progress towards the target.

About Sunny Harbour Cat and Kitten Rescue:Based in Lochgelly, Fife, Sunny Harbour Cat and Kitten Rescue offers rescue ad rehabilitation to unwanted and abandoned cats adn kittens in Fife and beyond. It also offers a cat care advice line and is Scottish Charity No SC041871.
Photo Credit: Sunny Harbour Cat and Kitten Rescue

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Posted in Cat Rescue, Fund Raising For cats, Sunny Harbour Cat And Kitten Rescue, UK Cat and Kitten Adoption | Comments Off