Cat Lady Gift Ideas

In every community in the world there are groups of women who oversee feral cat colonies, rescue abandoned and injured cats and provide their community with civil service.  

The cat lady comes in all shapes and sizes, they are young and they are old however they all are the same because they love cats.

A cat lady has a huge heart when it comes to taking care of cats. She may provide cats with a loving home or she may be the neighborhood trapper that takes the feral and stray cats in for spay or neuter and all of their vaccines.  The crazy cat lady may work alone or with other volunteers and they watch out for the cats, feed them twice a day, give them fresh water and shelter from the heat and cold. 

The neighborhood cat lady is doing their community a world of good.  So when it comes time to give the loving cat lady a gift, consider gifts that were designed especially for her.

There are a variety of cat lady gifts that are humorous however if your friend is more serious then give this type of lady a coffee mug, board game,T-shirt or home accessories that will work well with their lifestyle.  

Here are a few Crazy Cat lady gifts that I found at zazzle.com.  I think the graphic designs are adorable.  Click the product image to view at the zazzle website and to check for product sales or specials.  Enjoy!

Crazy Cat Lady In Training Bumper Sticker by DawnMorningstar

OCD Obsessive Cat Disorder Shirts by ironydesigns

Crazy Cat Lady in Training Shirt by DawnMorningstar

Cats are like potato chips mug by ironydesigns

Crazy Cat Lady Key Chains by MeowMeowBowWowGifts
  

 

Not So Crazy Cat Lady Black Pillows by MyMemaws

 

I am a feral cat colony caregiver and rescuer and I recommend these gifts because they are fun and will make the recipient laugh. I drink coffee every morning from my cat lady mug and it always makes me smile.

Adult Feral Cat Adopted into Forever Home

Maggie is a year old feral cat that was born in a cave in the forest.  When she was 12 weeks old I used a cat trap and successfully rescued her from a life of hardship.  I then socialized her to live with humans and other pets and then Maggie was adopted.

Maggie lived with her adoptive family for 9 months and then they returned her to me because they were moving out of state and could not take her. 

Maggie the is sweet and loving however I needed to work with her to lessen her anxiety because she missed her family and she was terrified of me and my other pets.  It took me approximately 18  days to put her at ease to the point where she was comfortable with her surroundings.  

Cats generally do not like change, and feral cats get very nervous when they leave their adopted families home. 

When Maggie had a daily routine and was getting along with the other pets and humans then I felt I could begin to look for an adopter.

Feral cat Maggie under the bed covers

A friend of mine suggested that I surrender Maggie to the Humane Society because the cat would have a chance to go to one of the pet stores that feature pets for adoptions.  I contacted the shelter and learned that there was no guarantee that the cat would go to the adoption center.  I knew Maggie would be afraid of the pet shelter and would hiss at the onlookers.  Feral cats are fearful of all new situations so  I decided to keep Maggie and to work with volunteers to find someone to adopt Maggie. 

Today we made up flyer's for Maggie and the three of us handed out flyer's in front of the local pet stores and we asked our veterinarians office if we could post the flyer on their bulletin board.  After that we went door to door and put a folded flyer in our neighbor’s mailbox.

Cat Adoption Template Flyer

A few people came out to talk to us and we told them about the cat and offered a referral compensation if they would be able to find a serious cat adopter.  All seemed generally interested in finding the cat a forever home.

The say that money talks and I believe that it is true.  Tonight I received two calls for Maggie and tomorrow I have  interview appointments.   I feel that there is an adopter for Maggie and that God has a plan for her.  I need to be patient and have a little faith.  I am hoping that the interviews go well and that tomorrow I find an adopter for Maggie. 

Feral cat Maggie on top of refrigerator

Update Tuesday March 13. 2012...Maggie was adopted into her forever home.   She was a little frightened and hid in the bathroom at her new home.  Her adopter is a woman who has always loved cats and will treat Maggie well.  

Maggie is such a sweet and loving cat, she likes to cuddle and will hide under the blankets when there is thunder.  I am certain that once Maggie gets used to her new home that she will be happy.

Introducing New Cat to the Family Dog

Introducing a cat to the family dog is easy provided you take the steps to allow the new cat and dog to get used to each other's scent.  

Dogs are generally more accepting of a new cat.  The dog may bark and chase outdoor cats  that walk through their yard or cross their path however if you pick up that cat and bring the cat indoors then the dog's attitude is usually “if the cat is okay with my master then it is okay with me.”  

It is an adjustment for the cat especially if the cat is not accustomed to being around a dog.   Cats usually need to bond with the dog before they will be able to reside under one roof.

My dog with a new kitten

I have introduced 12 stray cats to my dog.  During the introduction, I experienced behavior issues from both cats and dogs. The dog is fine with the cats but when the cat hisses the dog will bark at the cat.  

When it comes to cats living with dogs it is best for the human to bond with the cat before they introduce the family dog.  The reason I say this is because the cat will bond with the dog and will ignore the human.

All new cats coming into the home are put into a separate room with a closed door, this room will allow the cat to get acclimated to the surroundings, and get used to the new scents. I will spend time with the cat in the room.  I will bring the cat food and water, and talk/ pet the cat.  The cat-safe space is a must as it also allows the dog to get used to the cat's scent.   

Socialize New Cat before Introducing it to Family Dog

Friends Forever Card by Susang6

Step 1

Put the cat in a pet-safe room and work with the cat on a daily basis.  Socialize the cat with its human before introducing it to other pets in the home.

Step 2

When the bonding with the human process has been completed, put the cat in a carrier and set the carrier in the middle of the safe room floor.  Invite your dog into the room and allow your dog to sniff the carrier. 

Step 3

Command your dog to lie down close to the carrier and to stay.  Doing this it allows the cat to view the dog in a non-threatening way.  Allow the cat and dog to visit with each other for an hour and then remove the dog from the safe room.

Step 4

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for four days and on the 5^th day put the cat in the carrier and set the carrier in the middle of the floor.  Command your dog to lie down.  Open the carrier door. Talk softly to your dog, and encourage your dog to accept the cat.  The cat may bolt out the door and run and hide or it may be very brave and investigate the dog. 

The cat will be defensive and will be cautious around the dog.  A dog must be well trained to not react to the cat’s behavior.  My dog Benny is afraid of a hissing cat and will sit down and whimper. 

Step 5

Supervise the cat and dog to make sure that the situation is under control.  Stop the cat should it attempt to attack the dog.  Stop the dog if it becomes aggressive with the cat. The face-to-face visit should continue as long as the cat and dog are being cordial with each other.  

When the cat walks past the dog and rubs his body or tail on the dog, it is a sign that the cat has bonded with the dog.  My dog reacts to the cat bonding as a sign that it is time to nuzzle the cat with his nose and to be affectionate; my dog will lie down close to the cat and rest with the cat or take a nap.

 

Step 6

When cats and dogs have bonded, you can now allow the two of them to live under the same roof.  When the socialization reaches this point I usually open the safe room door at night to allow the cat to investigate the home.  The cat will then be able to explore when everyone is asleep.  The cat will then hide under the sofa or will return to the safe room when the exploration of the house is completed.  

Tips:

When the cat explores the house the dog will follow the cat.  My dog Benny will stay up all night with a new cat.  In the morning the cat will either return to its safe room or they will hide in a new location.  Socialized feral and many stray cats prefer to sleep in a dark area during the day; closet, under the bed, or sofa. 

Bach Pet Rescue remedy is a natural way to relieve pet stress and calm an anxious cat. 

Helpful to spray the cat carrier with Feliway mood modifier before you put the cat in.  This treatment will calm an anxious cat.

Why Cats Need Breakaway Collars

Breakaway cat collars are designed so when the collar has pressure the buckle will open and the cat will be released from the collar.  Breakaway collars are essential for all outdoor cats.  It protects the cat from getting hung up on a branch or fence post.

There are many types of breakaway cat collars, some are plain with bell and identification tag and others are reflective which allows motorist to see the cat on the street and the pet owner to view the cat in their yard or in a dark room. 

Cat Breakaway collar with bell

Both indoor-outdoor cats need breakaway collars with an identification tag.  These collars are helpful especially if the cat wanders off and gets lost.

Example:  A few years back there was a tornado and all of our cats got outside from a broken window.  Luckily they all had their collars on and identification tags and all were returned to us.

When it comes to cat safety I usually buy breakaway collars in bulk.  I look for them when they are on sale and buy as many as I can.  All cats that go outdoors wear a breakaway collar that has their identification tag.

Cat Collar - Size and Fit
Make sure the breakaway cat collar is the right size.  Measure your cats neck and then buy a collar that is one inch larger. If your cats neck is 8 inches get a 9 inch collar.

You can adjust the collar to fit your cat's neck.  Proper fit is important.   I do not put the collar on tight; a collar that allows two fingers to fit in-between your cat’s neck and the collar is a good fit.  Also make sure that the collar will move freely from side to side on your cat’s neck.

Cat Collar Safety Tips:

1. Allow the cat to get use to the collar by putting the collar on the cat while they are in the house.  Once the cat is use to the collar they will not try to get it off.
2. Get a Reflective Safe Cat collar that is visible up to 600 feet.
3. Thin safety collars are good for cats that are not use to collars.  Allow the cat to get use to safety collar before going outdoors.  Make sure it is a good fit and that the cat will not be able to get paw up under the collar. 
4. Collars with bells are good especially for birds, they will know when your outdoor cat is close.  Bells will also give you an idea as to where your cat is.
5. Okay to buy small dog breakaway collar (toy breed) for your cat.

Breakaway Collar Warnings:

1. Never glue the buckle on a cat collar shut. 

1. Check collars with bells to make sure the bell is attached securely.  If it is loose it is better to remove the bell as your cat may swallow it.

My Garage Keeps Outdoor Cats Warm in Winter

 Feral cats and outdoor cats need protection from the winter weather.  One way to keep the cats warm in winter is provide them with a section in your garage for shelter. 


As a colony caregiver to 10 feral cats, I provide the cats with igloo cat houses and insulated kitty tubes that are overstuffed with straw.  I set the cat houses in my garage shelter  

Straw Cat bed in Heated Garage Shelter

 
Tonight's weather forecast is calling for two feet of show and I need to set up the garage shelter so feral cats will be warm.  I will provide extra straw bedding for the cats and heat the garage during the night hours when the temperature drops to the single digits with a wind chill of -5.  

To heat the garage overnight we are setting up the kerosene heater in the center of the room.  The cat igloos are off to the side a good 7 feet away from the heater. 

The feral and stray cats have been coming into the garage through the kitty door that I installed and are accustomed to the heater as I use it often during the winter when I am doing hobbies.   The cats will sneak in and hide while I work in the back of the garage.

What I like about this kerosene heater is that it heats up a 1000sqr foot room and it is easy to ignite the 1.9 gallon fuel which provides heat for 10 hours.  Whenever we light this heater either my husband and I will spend the night in the garage,  We will work on crafts or I will tend to my greenhouse garden but we never leave this heater unattended.


Tonight the cats in the garage will be warm and cozy. I will ignite the heater at 11 pm and it will heat the garage until 5 am. My husband is working in the garage during that time frame to make sure that the cats are safe.  Then the sun will come out and the rays will heat the southern side of the garage. 

Feral Cat sleeping in straw bed inside garage shelter

During the day we will use an electric garage heater. The heater is mounted to the wall and it provides heat to the back section of the garage. The heater has a built-in thermostat and will turn off when it reaches that temperature.  

This garage heater will take the chill out of a space of 500 feet. I can work comfortably in the garage as long as I have a polar fleece jacket on and the cats are comfortable in their beds of straw.

Garage Ceiling-Mount 5000 Watt Electric Heater

Note from Author:

My husband and I are feral cat colony caregivers, we feed, trap, and get the cats medical care.  Some cats are socialized and adopted into forever homes and the other wild feral cats live in a colony.  We watch over the cats and we protect them from harm.  We work together to save the feral, stray, and abandoned cats in our community.

Setting up Winter Shelters for Feral Cat

Today while hiking in the woods I observed one cat busy digging a hole close to fallen branches.  I suspect that is where the cat intends to ride out the storm. 

Normally the feral cats can be viewed lying in the sun or scratching on a stump but today the forest cats were scarce.  I suspect they are hunkering down in their thicket dens because of the severe weather alert for blizzard conditions.

When I returned from my hike in the woods one of the colony volunteers greeted me.  She had bought a bale of straw for the cat houses. We went to the garage and took steps to block the arctic winds with heavy thermal blankets.  

Cat sleeping in straw bed inside garage shelter

We covered the walls and the windows with this insulation. My old garage provides a dry shelter where there are straw insulated beds, cat houses and kitty tubes for any outdoor cat; stray, abandoned or feral.  There is a kitty door and any cat is welcome to the shelter.

A few of the cats that are terrified of humans and other cats will not go into the garage shelter so for them we have set up outdoor cat houses and tubes, however there are a few  cats that prefer a more rustic shelter and for them I made a shelter more to their liking.  

I turned the wheelbarrow up against the side of my garage, covered the top with plywood to block wind and water and then covered it with logs and tree branches to make it look like a forest thicket.  There are logs on both sides and in the center three feet of straw.  This man made shelter is a very popular winter resting spot for the feral cats. 

 
 The other cat shelters are set in safe areas in my yard.  I set the outdoor cat houses in areas that are away from human and dog traffic.  A few were tucked behind the ornamental grass garden, and one was set behind the evergreen shrubs.  The wooden cat houses that were donated in the fall are hidden from view also however and one serves as a feeding station as it has a metal over hang. 

View this YouTube video to learn how to make an insulated cat shelter from a beverage cooler: