Purina One beyond Cat Food Review

At our neighborhood cat meeting today we decided to feed the cats Purina One beyond White Meat Chicken Oatmeal cat Food instead of canned food.  We need to make a change because we can no longer feed the outdoor cats Friskies Special Diet canned cat food due to the warm weather and insects.

We researched online found the best prices for this food were at Walmart.com and we stocked up by buying at four 13 pound bag for $23.98. Plus we got free shipping.  Buying cat food in bulk was smart because prices may increase to be the same as other pet food retailers

When it comes to feeding the shelter and outdoor stray and feral cats we think the Purina One beyond White Meat Chicken Oatmeal Cat Food is a good choice because it contains no corn, wheat or other fillers plus there are no artificial preservatives.  Unlike the other cat foods that put corn gluten meal as their first ingredient the beyond first ingredients are white meat chicken, whole oat meal, carrots and fiber for healthy digestion.

Is it the best food for cats?  I like to think that it is best for the neighborhood cats, in fact I would feed my own cats this food. I think Purina One beyond White Meat Chicken Oatmeal Cat Food is best, because it has wholesome ingredients.  the food is high in protein which is good for a cats diet.

Do the cats like it?

I mixed the old cat food with the Purina One beyond and the outdoor cats pushed away the old cat food to get to the new food.  The taste agrees with them, now it is too soon to note any changes to their coat so I will need to report my findings in 30 days.

Attribution: Fair Use  Screenshot of Purina One Beyond Adult white meat chicken and whole oat recipe cat food

Setting up Comfortable Cage/Kennel for Large Cat

Normally a medium sized crate is all that I need for a small cat that is spending a few nights at my “mom and pop” cat shelter.  But when it comes to a large adult cat that needs more room I needed to get creative so this cat could have a comfortable stay while we searching for his owners.

Large rescue cat in double sized cage

I created a comfortable cat holding cage by using what I had; two medium cat cage/kennels.   I attached the two open cages together with plastic zip ties.  A total of 8 ties were needed to hold the two cat cages together.

Both crates could open on the top which made it very easy for cleaning or putting the cat into the crate and one crate had two side openings and a top opening. 

  

There was room for cat to stretch out and get comfortable on the self warming K & H cat bed and roll around while playing with catnip toys.  There was also a space for the litter box, a food and water bowls.  This comfortable cage was exactly what was needed for the large 15 pound cat.

Comfortable cat in cage

Other cat product posts that you may like by Sgolis

Petmate Pet Taxi Cat Kennel Product Review

Getting Home and Family Ready for New Cat

Cat found in Snowstorm Reunited with Owners

Animal Shelter Has Affordable Cat Care - Spay-Nueters

Due to high pet care costs at my local veterinarian we could only provide the lost, abandoned or rescued cats with a warm bed and food and water.  We no longer could  afford to pay for the cats spay or neuter, tests for feline leukemia - aids or give them their vaccines.

My veterinarian provided me with a discount and it enabled me to get many cats the veterinarian care that they needed.  But times are tough and my veterinarian needed to take back the discount. What this means is one cat  with sterilization, vaccines and disease test comes to $100.00 +

 No discount meant no more trapping feral cats for spay or neuter, disease tests and vaccines.  It also meant we had limited funds for rescued cats and we could not care for them all..  Then another cat rescuer told me to check out the prices at our local Humane Society animal shelter.

Shelter kittens

The animal shelter offers affordable  services  for all cats that are spayed or neutered at the clinic. Which means we will be able to proved  necessary veterinarian services for the cats that are abandoned in the woods by our home; as long as they are sterilized at the animal clinic.   

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Rescued Russian Blue Mix Cat in My Shelter

It is safe to say that we are back to rescuing lost and abandoned house cats and strays as the clinic at the animal shelter has affordable prices. How to the prices compare?  Here is the breakdown: 

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Feline Leukemia and Aids test:  Clinic $15.00 / Veterinarian $49.00

Spay or Neuter  Clinic $35.00 / Veterinarian $55.00 spay $45.00 Neuter

Cat Dewormer Clinic $5.00 / Veterinarian $10.00 (1 dose)

1 dose ear mite Clinic $5.00 / Veterinarian $16.00

1 dose flea- tic Clinic $5.00 / Veterinarian $16.00

Cat distemper - rabies Clinic $20.00 / Veterinarian $37.00


Based on these costs one can fully understand why there are so many pets that are not being spayed or neutered.  I would recommend all pet owners to check their city animal shelter to find out if they have a veterinarian on staff and if they offer services to resident pet owners.

Rescued Cat with Frostbite Gets a Forever Home

The stray (no collar) cat that was rescued during extreme cold weather was treated for a mild case of frostbite on front paws.  This cat was kept in crate located in my heated mudroom for three for recovery.

Rescue Cat in Pet Crate

This cat’s pet owner was located and they confirmed that cats have fur and do not need an insulated shelter.  They expected the cat to go under their front porch that had a foundation wind block and open lattice on three sides.  Pet owner said; “the leaves underneath provided ample insulation when weather was extreme cold.”  I agree that leaves do provide some warmth but they are worthless if they become damp from snow or rain and when temperature is below zero.

The cat did not agree with the pet owner because cat was seen going into the neighborhood sewers prior to my husband rescuing the cat during a snow storm.

We offered to assist pet owner by making the porch area insulated and a safer shelter for the cat.  They agreed to the assistance but never came to pick up their cat.  So we did what every cat lover does, we found the kitty, that had frostbite, a forever home.  Another cat lover in my neighborhood agreed to take in the cat by allowing it access to their heated and air cooled garage.  The cat will have indoor outdoor privileges on warm days only and will be kept indoors at night.

We are pleased with the results of this cat rescue as this cat it is a happy ending for the rescued kitty that had frostbite.

Frostbite takes only minutes to set in.  Cats are susceptible to frostbite learn more by viewing this video:

Extreme Cold Weather Causes Cat to Get Frostbite

Where I reside the winter has been bitter cold and our city had notified the pet owners with newspaper posts and on the nightly news about keeping cats and dog indoors during the extreme cold weather. So  I was surprised to see a neighbors short haired tabby going into the neighborhood sewer for shelter.  The cat spent 2 nights in the sewer and on the following night when it was extremely cold (5 below zero) we rescued the tabby from the bitter cold weather and brought him indoors.  We dried him off with warm towels and then brought the cat to our heated mudroom where we have cat crates set up. 

Rescue Cat in Crate 

The rescued cat was behaving badly.  He meowed loudly and when he was not meowing he tore up his disposable litter box, knocked over his water and food.   My husband held the cat and I cleaned up his crate.  Lined the crate with newspaper, filled anew disposable litter box and then folded over a towel for cat to use as a bed.

Put the cat back into the crate and he again tore up his litter box, knocked over his water and made another mess.  Once again my husband removed the cat and when I went to clean up his crate I found that the cat had diarrhea and suspected that this could be a symptom of frostbite or stress.

We examined the cat’s ears, nose, scrotum, paw pads and toes, all areas where there is not thick covering of hair.  The skin appeared to be pale and blotchy white on his paws this I knew was a sign of frostbite. 

Learn more about this rescued cat at Pet Owner Leaves Cat out in Extreme Cold Weather

Cat Found in Snow Storm Was Reunited with Owners

The little tabby that I found at 10 p.m. sitting in the snow under my lilac bush spent the night in a pet crate in my heated mudroom.  This house cat was covered with snow and had no claws so I suspected he got out and did not know how to go home.

Cat walking in snow

Normally when I find a lost cat I will post flyers in the neighborhood and put an ad in the classified section of our paper.  But today I did not have to any of that because a women was on my block looking for her cat.

Feral cat in winter snow

I informed her how I found the cat; sitting under my lilacs bush when it was snowing, the cat was covered with snow and did not know how to find shelter on a bitter cold night.  She told me I never should have brought him into my house, that if he got cold enough he would have gone home.  The woman said the cat has fur and can be left outdoors in winter.

Feral cat at feeding station in winter

Many cat owners assume that because the cat has a thick coat that they can be left outdoors throughout the winter months and do not need an insulated shelter.  What cat owners do not realize is that cats are susceptible to frostbite on the tip of their ears, nose, tail and toes.  Cats that are left out in the extreme cold will suffer from hypothermia and this condition puts the cat’s life at risk.   

KH outdoor insulated cat house

I made my recommendation by suggesting a KH insulated outdoor cat house from Amazon.com to the cat owner or to buy an insulated dog igloo medium sized from PetSmart or Wal-Mart and provide the cat with self heating pad.  So the outdoor cat will have a shelter to go to when there is snow, rain, wind or extreme cold. 

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Here are some cats in snow cards that I designed from my photographs of feral cats in my care.  All photographs were captured in the Ozark Mountains.  Enjoy!

Feral Cat Winter Portriat Post Card by Susang6

Feral Cat Sleeping in Winter Shelter Post Card by Susang6

Petmate Cat Taxi Kennel Bennefits

When it comes to a cat carrier I always recommend the Petmate Pet Taxi Fashion Kennel.  This is a small sized carrier that is ideal for a 16 pound cat.

My cat Sam in Petmate cat taxi

What I like about this carrier is that it is quality made; heavy duty plastic that is light weight when you carry your cat in it.  It also has ventilation openings on the sides which allows for the cat to look out and not feel so confined and it also allows for air circulation. 

When I use this cat carrier for the stray or house cats being transported to the veterinarian the animals are calmer.   I think it is due to the air circulation and because the cats can look out the sides.  

Another feature is that you can put the carrier away in your closet and it does not take up a lot of space or you can slide it under a bed when it is flat as it collapses easily, this is good if you have limited space.

Tips:

1.  This size carrier can also be used for dog or other small animal.  A baby raccoon fits well and also an adult rabbit. 
2.  My Siamese cat Sam loves this carrier and I have trained him to go into it as his "safe place".   I  set up the kennel by lining with a soft fleece blanket. and when it rains or he is scared he will go into the kennel and is comfortable.

Setting Up KH Outdoor Heated Cat Houses for Stray and Feral Cats

For tonight the weather advisory is for 80% snow and bitter cold temperatures, this winter storm makes it difficult for the feral and stray cats to find shelter.  One of my neighbors gave me a KH outdoor heated cat house and I am setting it up on cement blocks in area that will provide a wind block.

Normally I would set up the outdoor cat shelter in an area way from human traffic but the directions stated that is was not advisable to plug the electrical cord for the heated pad into an extension cord.  I needed to set the cat house up on patio, close to the electrical outlet.  This of course is not the best location because feral cats prefer to be hidden. 

Hopefully the feral cat will enter the house out of desperation and will find that the heated bed will provide them with warm comfortable heat and shelter from the wind.

Features that I like:

1. What I like about the KH outdoor heated cat house is the two doors; an entrance and exit which keep an outdoor cat safe.  If a predator comes to the front door they can exit out the back.  
2. The entrance and exit also has a clear plastic door flap which keeps snow, wind and rain out.
3. The low voltage heating pad is not hot to the touch; the heating unit responds to the pressure of the cat, warms the bed when cat lies on the pad.  

Reasons Why Men Abandon Cats

My studies indicate that in the last five years more men have abandoned cats than women in my neighborhood.  Many times the cats are left behind because the husband is mad his wife or boyfriend angry at his girlfriend.

Abandoned cat hides behind tree

The sad truth is that the housecat is being used to hurt women.   I know this to be true because many distraught women show up with the men at the entrance of the woods calling for their beloved cats and then say that had a bad argument with their husband/boyfriend but everything was on the mend and they really wanted their cat back.

Other reasons for leaving the cat is most men think the housecat will adapt to the wild and will be able to survive in the woods they assume that this is better for the cat.  

Some men leave cats in a park close to a neighborhood because the park will provide food and shelter and eventually the cat will be found and adopted by a family in the neighborhood.  They honestly believe that the chances of survival are greater for a housecat than being turned over to the animal shelter where so many cats compete for adoption. 

Note:

1. Less than 5% of the abandoned cats that were abandoned to my woods were reunited with their families.
2. I believe that fewer cats would be abandoned if pet owners were better educated on the responsibilities of owning and caring for a cat as well as the proper ways to re-home a cat when they can no longer care for their pet. 

Reports of Missing Cats

The end of November I noticed that many of the feral and stray cats that we care were not showing up at the feeding station.  We assumed that they were hanging out at a kindly neighbor’s garage that was opened to them for a shelter throughout the cold winter months.  We also thought that the cats had gone to another feeding station.  

Orange tabby lying on the snow

This was a reasonable explanation for the missing cats however we continued to walk the neighborhood looking for the cats and calling for them.  Several of us went into the woods and found 3 cats at the thicket colonies but 6 feral and stray cats are still missing.

Tuxedo cat sitting by branches

Last week the cat caregivers volunteer meeting it was reported that 6 feral and stray cats were missing and that community residents were seeking their housecats as well.  This of course was reason for concern as it now seemed that foul play may be the reason why the feral stray and housecats are missing in our neighborhood.

We suspect the a resident that lives close by may be luring the cats into traps and then calling animal control to report cat nuisance on his property.  We are looking into the missing cats more seriously. 

Knowing What Cat Abandonment Means

When the cat is left at a veterinarians or kennel and the pet owner does not returned to pay or collect their pet after a certain amount of days then the cat is known as being abandoned to the animal facility.

Photo taken on day we rescued kitten

A cat can also be abandoned when the owner leaves the cat in a public place, park and neighborhood and does not return.  This abandonment happens frequently in my neighborhood.

1. Pet owners drive to the entrance to the woods by my home and then pick up their cat and carry them to the entrance of the woods before they drive away.
2. Many people will abandon their cats by moving from their home without pets in hopes that new owners of the home will take on the cat care responsibility.
3. Then there are the people that put their house cats outdoors before they move away.  They stop feeding the cat and do not give them shelter and the cats get freaked out and roam the streets for food, shelter and a person to love and care for them.

Kittens drink up formula in plate

We have taken in cats that were removed from their owner’s cars and left at the entrance of the woods.  These actions were clearly animal abuse and it was noted that owner no longer wanted to care for the animal. 

In our experience no owner has tried to reclaim a cat that they have left in the woods, none have felt remorse for their actions.  Had they come forward we would have returned the cat to the pet owner but cat owner would be liable for all expenses occurred while we cared for the abandoned cat.  As an example when we take in an abandoned cat we immediately care for any injuries.  Then after two weeks waiting we will then take cat to the veterinarian for checkup, Feline Leukemia and AIDS test and rabies shot.  Should the pet owner return after the medical care was administered we would then return the cat only after all expenses were compensated.

Note: 

As a rule we always post found cat signs in the area where the cat was left. These signs will aid the pet owner that may feel guilty for their actions.

When the cat owner refuses to care for their pet by abandonment then after a certain period of time the owner may be charged with a misdemeanor as it is against the law to abandon a pet.

Other Cat Blog Posts That You May Like

Last Attempt to Find Pet Owner

Rescuer Takes Cat to Veterinarian for Checkup

Why do Cats Leave Home

Last Attempt to Find Cat Owner

Today I ran my last classified ad in the lost and found section in our local paper.  At 6 p.m. I got a call from a cat rescuer who was seeking lost cats from the tornado in 2011.  I got to talking to her a found that she does the same type of work as I do only on the opposite side of the city.

The civic minded cat person told me that many of the cat owners had moved away but still had hope that one day they would be reunited with their cat.  She then went on to say that many of the displaced cats were picked up in my neighborhood.

I had rescued three cats during the tornado of 2011 and tried my best to locate the owners; I ended up keeping two and placed the other in a forever home.  Tomorrow I am meeting with the cat person to look at her flyers of lost cats.  If I have any of the cats at my shelter I will make arrangements to meet with the cat owners as I will need to be compensated for the care of these cats for the last three and half years.

Many of the tornado cats that got adopted by other families have left their adopted families and walked many miles to get back to the area where they once lived.  The area has no homes and their families have moved on.  It is sad as all these cats want is to be with their families once again. 

   

Other Cat Adoption Guide posts that you may like:

Why do Cats Leave Home

Rescuer Takes Cat to Veterinarian for Medical Care

Foster Cats When Disaster Strikes

Ways to Determine Ownership of Cat

Ways to Determine Ownership of Cat

Yesterday I thought we had located the lost cat’s owner as I got a call from one of the ladies that help me with the cats.  She had given a flyer to a family in the neighborhood and they said that is our cat.

As a rule I never release a cat without determining ownership of the pet.  I do this by asking the owner to identify the cat’s special characteristics. 

When they person called me to claim the lost cat I asked them “what is the name of your cat?”  They said “Moxie” I addressed the cat and there was no response.  I then asked them "what is the sex of your cat" and they responded female and I said this cat is a male.  The caller said I am mistaken, our cat is a male.  I took this as a “red flag”. I then asked one more question to determine the ownership "Is the cat neutered" they said yes and I am sorry this is not your cat.

I told them that I would keep an eye open for their cat and notify them if their cat comes into my woods.

So this week I am running another lost and found in our local paper in hopes to find the “real cat owners”.

For more information on the lost cat read: http://catadoptionguide.blogspot.com/2013/10/found-declawed-aegean-mix-cat.html

Rescuer Takes Cat to Veterinarian for Checkup

The Aegean-mix cat that I found after following distress meowing in the woods had a bite wound to the tail, cold-like symptoms and stomach upset with diarrhea.  

Since there was no way of knowing how long the cat was outdoors it was taken to the Veterinarian for a wellness check up.  While at the veterinarian the kitten received a rabies vaccine, test for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus the results for cat disease were negative.

The kitten is being treated for the bite wounds however will be released to me and I will continue my efforts to locate its people. I will make every attempt to find the cats people and if they pet owners are not located the cat will be put up for adoption.

I will not turn the declawed cat lose in hopes that he goes home as there are dogs that run loose in my neighborhood as well as coyote.  A declawed cat has no way of protecting itself from these predators.

Found Declawed Kitten in Woods Update

The last three days have been very busy as I have been networking our community for the Aegean cat owners.  Along with the neighborhood search I have also posted on the Humane Society website and added flyers to veternarian bulletin boards in our community.  Hopefully that will enable us to reunite kitten with its owners.

Today we are taking the kitty for a microchip scan which will identify the owners. Should the cat have no microchip then it will be evaluated by a veterinarian as it endured a flesh wound from a possible fight with another cat.  The kitten also shows signs of cold, sneezing, coughing eye drainage, and has diarrhea. 

Well defined face with white fur 

My cat says HI to found kitten

Note:

1. The Aegean kitten is approximately five months old and appears to be well cared for.has a shiny coat is groomed with no mats.  There are two new bite wounds and evidence of old bite wounds. I suspect this kitten has been outdoors a long time.
2. Finding a cat owner is never easy as most owners do not report their cats as missing. 
3. A declawed cat should never be allowed to go outdoors as it has no way to protect itself from a predator, cannot forage, unable to climb a tree to escape a dog. A declawed housecat has no idea of how to seek shelter from weather or harm.