DoggieRescue Cats E-Magazine March 2017

ADDRESS : 2 Mc Cowan Rd, Cnr. Bloodwood Rd, INGLESIDE. 2101
OPEN: 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday

DoggieRescue PHONE: 9486-3133

MARCH NO KILL
2017 SHELTER
Issue 9

AUTUMN

Meet the lovely Liberty on page 4
www.DoggieRescue.com

2 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E-MAGAZINE

What’s inside: Published
MONTHLY

FROM MY DESK 2 Monika with Jiminy
By Monika Biernacki 3
4 –7 Dear Supporters,
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL! Meet our 7
stunning pure black kitty called ITSY! 8-9 In our cat section this month, we have an update
10-12 on Milly, one of the first cats adopted through
KEEPING ONE, TWO OR MORE CATS DoggieRescue and The Cottage Animal Hospital.
HAPPY By Deb Rouse
Don’t miss this amazing story of a special cat
60 SECONDS WITH MARY written by her mum Judith Ridge! Also this month
Deb gives us 15 tips on keeping kitty happy in your
THE ADVENTURES OF MILLICENT THE home p4-7. They are all simple, non-expensive
BRAVE By Judith Ridge ideas. Let us know through FB what has worked for
you!
FELINE PARVOVIRUS The killer stalking
our cats. By Madeline Burton If you are wanting to adopt a new fur friend please
check out our website to see all our available
R.I.P. JASPER 13 kitties. Monika
The tragic face of feline parvovirus
Email: [email protected]
FEATURING CATS AT 14-17
CAMPBELLTOWN ANIMAL HOLDING
FACILITY

FEATURING CATS AT HAWKESBURY 18
ANIMAL SHELTER

A MESSAGE FROM BLACKTOWN 19
ANIMAL HOLDING FACILITY

Join us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/doggierescue

Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/monikadogrescue

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE CATS E-MAGAZINE 3

•
PURE BLACK , SILKY SOFT PURRING MACHINE SEEKS ADOPTION….

MEET ITSY

— PIN UP GIRL OF THE MONTH —

IN FOCUS: ITSY is a beautiful pure black mini-panther, just over 6 months old. She is quite vocal and
enjoys a conversation while she sits in your lap receiving your adoration. She is petite for her age. Itsy
LOVES just hanging around in her hammock or playing with her toys. She is a rare beauty—adopt her
today! Itsy is desexed, wormed, FIV tested, F3 vaccinated & micro chipped. Her adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting her, please fill in the Cat Adoption Questionnaire
and email it to [email protected] or call 9486 3133.

4 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E-MAGAZINE

• Feline FEATURE

Keeping
ONE, TWO
or MORE

These approaches are also useful when
introducing a new kitty to your home or an
existing “tribe” of kitties (one or more).

Many folk already may have one or two kitties
(shhhh, I have more) yet at one of our cat play
rooms we have had up to 11 kitties living together
fairly harmoniously, and we have achieved this with
luck and also due to deliberate tactics to
strategically have a happy-kitty-house!

You too can follow and use some of these 15

tactics I have listed on these pages in your home

with your fur-children – you probably are using

some of these already… let us know via Doggie

Rescue facebook what works for you! 1.) Catico or window box – enclosed and safe ( see

lovely Mary above surveying her domain! )

2.) Kitties like to be “up” not down on a floor

3.) Ensure your kitties have safe spaces, such as the tops
of bookcases, on your desk, or try a hammock or three
( Liberty at left loves being up on her shelf)

4.) Each kitty has its own eating plate

5.) Multiple litter trays which are also “spaced”

6.) Enrichment = improving quality of care through a
stimulating environment

7.) All hail a fresh cardboard box!

8.) Toys – what works better for your kitty? Each kitty will
respond differently to a toy - cats tend to like toys
which "fall apart" but of course there is a time to
decide to get a new one

9.) Kitties like to make their own decisions, give them
c choices eg. multiple sleeping spots to choose from

MARCH 2017 DO GGIERESCUE. COM CATS E-MAGAZINE 5

When adopting a kitty why not consider adopting a BONDED PAIR Written by
Deb Rouse

Mary & Itsy just love to
snuggle together...

Mary, Liberty and Itsy 10.) Scratchy posts. (See Liberty
love to pull apart a toy… enjoying hers on page 6! )
it is important they
“ capture” the toy at times 11.) A cat TV or “ room with a view”

12.) Cat grass, mint or catnip, even dirt
is fun to dig in

13.) Playtime versus sleep time. A
routine gives an animal confidence
and is also a sign of security, we
let the kitties have

• a quiet siesta time during the

middle of the day (they get to pick
their preferred inside or outside
sleeping spot) and during this time
they are left undisturbed,

• play-times with people are in the

morning and then again late in the
afternoon, and

• just likelittle kids there is a quiet

time in the evening…( But
unfortunately, just like teenagers,
we believe there are "parties" at
night time due to the state of the
room in the morning )

14.) Safe environment—your kitties will be more relax ed if they know they are in a safe space where other
creatures cannot hurt them

Ensur e your homehas scr eens on all windows and door s. Keep an eye on your kitty to see if they
har bour escape ar tist capabilities. If you have an outside ar ea for your kitty ensur e it is enclosed
and safe – not just that your kitty can’t “br eak out’ but consider if you need to pr event other
animals from br eaking-in.

6 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E-MAGAZINE

Pretty Liberty loves
her scratchy post!

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E-MAGAZINE 7

FELINE FEATURE : Continued ….

60 SECONDS
WITH “ MARY ”

Our mixture of outside enclosures work for the 1. If you 4. What
kitties with multiple pathways and spots to choose
from ...Pictured Merida & Toby in one of them above. weren't a cat makes you
what would you howl? It would have
15.) Providing assurance every day that each and every one of be? I’d be a human to be humans who
them is special to us, every one of them is loved regardless so I could teach them don’t have their cats
of their personality, the colour of their coats, their age or if that all animals have desexed and then
they are female or male - this is the most precious sign to feelings. I would also when they become
them to be happy! we will look after them, they will all teach compassion pregnant dump them
always be fed, cleaned-up after, and be safe and warm or and empathy with in a pound or let them
cool... we will not give up on them. defenceless animals. stray.

A house without a cat—can you imagine that? 2. Describe 5. Name your
DoggieRescue has cats/kittens ( many not featured ) so if
you are considering adopting check our website yourself.. I’m a perfect day?
www.DoggieRescue.com.adoption_cat.htm & see all classic tuxedo... long My perfect day would
our listed kitties. Or email: [email protected] and slender for my be they day I meet
or phone us on 9486-3133. petite size, and my forever family. I
"dressed" for most am so looking
Featured kitties are:- occasions - tuxedo forward to being
cats are generally loved and special to
• MARY Domestic Shorthair 8mths petite “Tuxedo” ( black gentle in nature with someone. Perhaps it
with white bib, slender for her size ) Female a playful nature. will be today?

• LIBERTY Domestic Shorthair 9mths pretty Torti Female A 3. Fish or 6. If you could
very confident and outgoing girl.
chicken? I don’t meet anyone
• ITSY Domestic Shorthair 7mths Black Female like fish - but I love famous who
• BONDED PAIR: MERIDA Domestic Shorthair Torti 12mths chicken especially in would it be?
chicken broth (no I’d so like to meet
Female & TOBY Domestic Shorthair White 12mths Male seasoning thanks!) Grumpy Cat! I’d wash
( Toby is hearing impaired ) Sponsor Toby: “Just ‘cause you but those "little fishy" his face with slow,
are a good boy! ” Jane & Romeo kitty-biscuits...Oh, long licks and turn his
yum, yum..please frown into a great big
donate some! smile.

8 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E-MAGAZINE

• Feline MEET “MILLY RIDGE” ADOPTION UPDATE….

THE ADVENTURES OF

MILLICENT THE BRAVE

By Judith Ridge

There’s a line I’ve always loved from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream: “though she be but little, she is fierce.” It’s a
description of Hermia, small of stature but scrappy and determined in
love, and it’s not really meant as a compliment— but it describes my
cat Milly perfectly.

Photo thanks to Dr. Dee I didn't intend to get a We're very lucky this month to
third cat. I’d had a happy have an update on the lovely and
two-cat household for lively Milly from Judith Ridge.
nearly 3 years. The Judith provides a home for two
boys—sweet, funny mad cats, her words not ours, and
Louis, a caramel tabby, describes herself as a "reader,
and his tuxie “brother” writer, blogger, teacher, children's
Cooper—were plenty to and youth literature specialist, cat
keep me on my toes. But wrangler, neglectful gardener". In
then this photo turned up September last year Judith also
in my Facebook feed and published her first book, "The
I fell in love on the spot. Book That Made Me" which is a
celebration of the books that
Monika’s Doggie Rescue had just recently opened The Cottage Animal influenced some of the most
Hospital and this girl, who became my Milly, was their first rescue cat. That acclaimed authors from Australia
expression—so alert, so intelligent. I couldn't stop thinking about her, but I and the world.
already had two cats, and I kept hoping that someone else would take her
in. But no-one did.

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE 9

• To see the CATS/KITTENS available for adoption go to: www.DoggieRescue.com/adoption_cat.htm

I visited her, and came home with
two hands scratched to ribbons,
and a deep admiration for this
strong-natured and very intelligent
cat—but also concerned about how
the boys would cope. But no-one
else wanted her, so I went back
and brought her home. She stuck
her paw out of the carry cage and
touched my arm all the way home;
there is so much sweetness
alongside the wild, and I loved her
all the more for it.

The boys, I’m afraid, hated her on

sight. I didn’t know how jealous cats

could be. Louis in particular never

really forgave me, and Cooper still

likes to remind her from time to time

who was here first. (I lost Louis in

2014, so we’re back to being a two “ Milly is still a ‘wild child’ who only accepts affection on her terms...”

cat house again.)

She is the smartest cat I have ever known. I can see

Milly is still a wild child, who only accepts affection on her her thinking; she’s a problem solver. This week, after

own terms (which can be encouraged with yoghurt or a months of ignoring it, she decided to go back to a

particular duck-based treat). She loves a head scratch in favourite “toy”—a woollen felt brooch, which she

the morning and very occasionally will deign to snuggle opened my jewellery box to find. If she ever grows a

against my legs— but never on my lap. Like most cats, thumb, she will rule the world.

she has many names: Pie and Millicent the Brave being

just two. She already rules mine.

Email: [email protected] or call 9486-3133 Pinocchio

& Jiminy

Bonded brothers 16mths.

Sponsor Pinocchio: “ In loving
memory of Joey & Rosie!” Pat
Broderick & Big Joey & Jiminy:
“ Somewhere a loving home
waits!” Lesley Cansdell & Titch

10 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E MAGAZINE

“When less than 70 per cent of the population is
vaccinated, there is a perfect storm for the
emergence of a disease epidemic. The current
outbreak is a timely reminder that maintaining
immunity in populations of animals where
effective vaccines are available is essential”.

Professor Vanessa Barrs Sydney School of
Veterinary Science and Marie Bashir Institute

FELINE PARVOVIRUS

THE KILLER STALKING OUR CATS

Written by: Madeline Burton

There is a killer virus which is attacking cats and kittens Feline
across NSW, with over 50 confirmed deaths to date. Parvovirus
The virus has been confirmed as feline panleukopenia
virus (FPV) by the University of Sydney. FPV is a highly Clinical Signs
contagious, deadly virus that was first identified over
100 years ago. At one time, this disease was the
leading cause of death of kittens and young adult cats.
However, widespread vaccinations meant that the virus
almost totally disappeared from Australia in the 1970s.

Vets are now diagnosing cases of FPV for the first time • Sudden death with
in 40 years. Unfortunately, the successful eradication no signs
of the virus through vaccination has led many people to •
believe that it is not necessary to vaccinate their kittens • Lack of appetite
and cats. We are now seeing the tragic results of this in •
the number of deaths in a cat population which is no • High Temperature
longer protected. •
Weight Loss
Who are most at risk? •
Severe Vomiting
Kittens are most vulnerable to the virus along with
pregnant cats and those cats who have compromised Severe diarrhoea
immune systems. Kittens are at particular risk until their with blood and
vaccination schedule is complete. Unvaccinated adult cats mucus
are also susceptible which is why regular boosters are
essential to ensure that they are protected. Dehydration

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE 11

The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in their doors to stray kittens and cats and put
the environment for long periods of time. This adoptions on hold until the outbreak is under
means that outbreaks are often seen in multi-cat control. Affected cats were mostly kittens that
situations such as households with unvaccinated had not yet been vaccinated, or were not fully
cats, catteries or shelters. Hotter summer months vaccinated.
also bring greater risk as cats are more likely to
be allowed outside and come into contact with How is the virus
other cats. FPV does not affect humans or dogs. spread?

Shelters closing The infection is transmitted through faeces, urine
their doors or blood from an infected cat. It can also be
transmitted by fleas who have fed from an
The disease has occurred in a number of infected cat. This is why it is critical that infected
Sydney’s animal shelters with Blacktown City cats are isolated from other cats. It is also very
Council the latest to announce an outbreak. The important that people are scrupulous about
shelters announced that they have had to close hygiene including washing their hands after
handling cats that may be infected and that any
materials including bedding, food bowls or any
other equipment are sterilised. This is a very
resistant virus and it can survive for long periods
of time in even the cleanest environment. While
household bleach is considered to be effective
as a disinfectant, it is worth contacting veterinary
clinics to investigate using a specialised
disinfectant.

The virus can survive
in an environment for
up to a year.

Isolation of the infected
cats is vital to stop the
spread of this deadly
disease

12 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E MAGAZINE

What should I do if I How to prevent FPV
suspect my cat has killing our kittens and
FPV? cats

ACT QUICKLY as death can occur within 24 VACCINATE, VACCINATE, VACCINATE.
hours. The successful uptake of vaccinations meant that
this deadly virus has been virtually non-existent in
Once infected, kittens and cats need urgent life the Australian cat population for over 40 years. To
saving attention from veterinary staff. avoid the threat of an increasing spread of the virus,
Dehydration is one of the most dangerous regular vaccinations must become part of routine
aspects and must be addressed as quickly as care for our kittens and cats.
possible. Other treatment may include vitamin
injections, blood transfusions and antibiotics to all vaccinations take time to be effective ie not
prevent any other infections attacking the cat or effective immediately and cats/kittens should
kitten’s weakened immune system. FPV takes a be kept safe and away from other cats/kittens
very heavy toll on a cat’s mental and physical during that time, also this is another reason for
wellbeing. Dedicated and compassionate nursing keeping your kitty safe inside or enclosed out-
during the recovery phase is very important. side areas and not freely mixing with others...
While a cat recovering from FPV must be
isolated from other cats they need a lot of If you haven’t already done so, please speak to your
attention and affection from their human carers. vet about a vaccination program to protect your cat
They need to be kept quiet and warm and away from this very dangerous and possibly fatal virus.
from noisy or stressful activity.

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE 13

The tragic face of FPV

Earlier in the year, Olly and Jasper, a beautiful This was a tragic end to what should have
bonded pair were surrendered to the been such a good news story for Jasper, his
Blacktown City Animal Holding Facility. best friend Olly and their new family.
Blacktown worked hard to arrange for the
boys to be adopted together and were very • Blacktown notes that Olly and Jasper
happy to announce that they had gone to a were possibly unvaccinated before
new home with a lovely family. Just a day arriving. They speak of the sadness
after receiving an update from their new experienced by their staff at witnessing
owner that they were settling in well, Jasper first-hand just what this virus can do.
was rushed to the vet with FPV. Most importantly they urge people to
spread the message that it is important
On 13 February, Blacktown announced with for ALL cats to be vaccinated and this
“great sadness and heavy hearts” that Jasper includes indoor cats.
had lost his life to the deadly virus. x

14 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE

An outbreak of Feline Parvo has caused
some shelters and Animal Welfare Groups
to close their doors but Campbelltown
Animal Holding Facility have many cats/
kittens awaiting patiently for rescue….

Varda

Levin Nolan

∗ PHONE: 02 4645 4790 Campbelltown Animal Holding Facility

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE 15

A SPECIAL PLEA FROM CAMPBELLTOWN ANIMAL HOLDING SHELTER

“ All our cats and kittens have finished their impounding time, and are eagerly awaiting their new
homes! Adoptions have slowed down over the past few weeks, and many of our cats and kittens have
been waiting over a month for their forever home. We are parvo free at the facility, all cats and kittens
have been vaccinated. Visit the facility any time during open hours and fall in love!” Merryn Benham

Dorado Polly: Rescue
& Indus only. Underage
kittens

Yin Yang
Belle
Carina: Rescue
only—Pregnant

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF CAMPBELLTOWN ANIMAL SHELTER CATS/KITTENS FOR ADOPTION

16 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E-MAGAZINE
“ When you only have each other you hold on tight and
hope for the chance to live until you grow old ”

Sarabi & Vitani

Mulberry Alf Orion

Max Kiki

Mittens
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF ALL THE CAMPBELLTOWN ANIMAL SHELTER CATS/KITTENS

( some impounded kitties are not featured on these pages ) FOR ADOPTION...

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE 17

RESCUE GROUPS ONLY

Delphine : This beautiful girl has been
found to have enlarged lymph nodes.

Apatchie— Janey—Mummy
Pregnant to underage
babies (see p
14 )

∗ANIMAL CARE PHONE: 02 4645 4790

FACILITY Business Hours

18 MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE CATS E- MAGAZINE

12 HOMELESS CATS

CLICK HERE! ARE YOU ABLE TO SAVE A LIFE?

Hawkesbury Animal Shelter is inundated with dumped kitties & currently have nearly 40 cats/
kittens to find homes for. On this page are 12 of the many available...Photo quality is very poor.

Imp: PCC 706 Imp: PCC 14 Imp: PCC 79 Imp: HCC 30
Tabby/Torti 2yrs Female Grey/White 11kws Male
Black/White 10wks Male Ginger 3yrs Male

Imp: PCC 112 Imp: PCC 74 Imp: PCC 94 Imp: HCC28

Tabby/White 12wks Female Torti 4mths Female Tabby/White 10wks Female Black 11yrs Female

Imp: PCC 9 Imp: PCC 125 Imp: HCC 15 Imp: HCC 25
Black 8wks Male Ginger 10wks Male Torti/White 2yrs Female Tabby/White 5yrs Female

MARCH 2017 DOGGIERESCUE.COM CATS E- MAGAZINE 19

Blacktown City Council’s Animal Holding Facility closed to Copyright 2017:
cats following an outbreak of Feline Panleukopenia virus,
DoggieRescue.com Permission is
commonly referred to as feline distemper. given to reprint for educational
purposes only, provided that
This is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral disease for the DoggieRescue.com Magazine is
cat population. The virus infects the lining of the gut and so acknowledged.
symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhoea and they stop
eating and drinking (although may sit hunched over their food & Published by: DoggieRescue.com
water). This leads to dehydration and listlessness. The cats are ABN 49098918471
also susceptible to secondary infections as the virus can also infect
the immune cells. Vanessa Barrs (professor and vet from Sydney Address: 8 Chiltern Rd
Uni) visited the pound a week ago to vaccinate all the cats with live Ingleside NSW 2101
F3 vaccine and advise on diagnosis, cleaning etc. Phone: 9486 3133 or 0429 044 484

Other Animal Holding Facilities in Sydney have been similarly affected, Editor, Advertising, Typesetting,
and we are urging people not to bring cats to the AHF until the epidemic Layout & Design: Corinne Daw
has passed. As a result, Blacktown City Council’s AHF has placed a hold [email protected]
on adoptions and cat rescues until the outbreak is under control and is
vaccinating all cats held at the Facility and any other cats it receives. Photography: Kim Bernotas, Deb
Rouse & Oznur Mezgil
• Keep an eye on the AHF Petsonline and facebook
pages for notice of when adoptions will resume! Printing: SPOTPRESS 9549-1111
www.spotpress.com.au

Advertising: 9746-5446

DISCLAIMER: The point of view
that is expressed by some
contributors in their respective
articles does not necessarily reflect
that of the Publisher, Editor.

Advertising for services and
products appearing here is
accepted by the Publisher and
Editor in good faith. However the
Publisher and Editor give no
guarantee or endorsement of
products or services, nor the
advertisers will fulfill their
obligations.

For more information please get in touch with the Facility on
9839 6161. We thank you for your corporation.

SAVING ANIMALS LIVES FOR
OVER 15 YEARS

SEARCH WWW.DOGGIERESCUE.COM
OR CALL 9486-3133

William

COME AND GET INVOLVED!!!
HAVE FUN AND MEET NEW FRIENDS

Levi

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