Stray Cat Blues, Inc. - Finding homes for loving cats, through fostering and adoption assistance.

Thanks from the cats
and all of us at Stray Cat Blues!

(If funds are for TNR, please add a note in the Special Instructions during the checkout process.)

About SCBI

Who We Are

Officially, Stray Cat Blues, Inc. is a no-kill, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing rescue and placement to stray and feral cats. Personally, SCB is a small group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to find loving, life-long homes for abandoned cats. We are professional in our practices, but we are emotional on the subject of homeless cats, and the ways in which we humans can work to prevent this epidemic of strays.

Stray Cat Blues actively works to recruit permanent homes for the stray cats in our program. All the animals are screened for feline leukemia, inoculated, sterilized and wormed when they first come to us. Healthy, adoptable cats are then housed through our network of foster homes. Our kittens and cats are exposed to the pet-loving public at our 4 different adoption cage locations to facilitate adoptions and to provide visibility for the organization.

In addition to placement of sociable cats and kittens, a major focus of Stray Cat Blues is to place feral and unsociable cats in qualified barn homes. Like our house cats, our barn cats are delivered to their new homes by a Stray Cat Blues volunteer. We provide our barn cats with a cozy "cat condominium" to live in for the first few weeks of life in their new location. The crate allows the cats to acclimate to their new home without the danger of having them run away in search of their old stomping grounds.

We are willing to go to great lengths for our cats - quite literally! We will gladly travel to approved barn homes within an approximate 100 mile radius of the Lansdale and Montgomeryville area to deliver our helpful mousers.

Most of our cats are strays and their offspring that are rescued from area locations. Many of these strays are more than willing to be helped by our volunteers. But for those animals that are more wary of humans, especially the feral cats, we utilize humane traps. Many of our kittens are born to mother cats that we have rescued.

Adopting a Friend

If you are interested in adopting, the first step is to file an application (Click here to complete an application online). Once we have that in hand, we will be better able to respond to your questions about particular cats or kittens.

As stated above, we do not have a public shelter but many of our adoptable cats can be seen at our adoption cage locations. Other cats still in foster homes can be seen through special arrangements with the foster caretakers. We are happy to respond to requests for information via phone or e-mail and will provide as much information as we can about the personalities and backgrounds of cats in which a potential adopter has interest. However, please remember to submit your application first.

Also, please note that our primary adoption efforts are focused in Montgomery and Bucks counties (Pennsylvania); but we will occasionally, and on a case-by-case basis, make placements in Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties.

Interested parties are required to complete a brief adoption application. This application serves us twofold. First, it allows us to assess the sincerity of the applicant through the fact that they took the time to complete the inquiry. Second, the application provides us with a veterinary referral and other pertinent background information. We require a $85.00 fee for adoptions. There is no charge for barn cats but a donation is very much appreciated. Donations assist in defraying the considerable costs of neutering, veterinary care and supplies such as food and litter. Donations are tax deductible. We conduct follow-up assessment to ensure that everything is going smoothly with the placement.

Trapping

Stray Cat Blues is dedicated to helping cats in need whenever possible. Although space and financial limitations may prevent us from taking in every stray about which we are contacted, we will gladly offer advice and assistance to anyone seeking to trap a stray in their area for the purpose of helping the cat.

Trapping in an inhumane and irresponsible manner is abhorrent to us and certainly not condoned.

Volunteering

Stray Cat Blues welcomes interested volunteers. We have many areas in which volunteers can help, including caring for cats in our adoption cages, staffing the adoption center at PetsMart, fund raising, phone calls, fostering, rescuing strays, etc.

To volunteer, click here to fill out a Volunteer Application, which asks for information about you and your areas of interest in volunteering.

Please contact us to discuss your specific interests and our needs.

Additionally, Stray Cat Blues will be adding a second adoption center at a new PetsMart store opening this fall in Collegeville, PA. We want to recruit more volunteers in the Collegeville and surrounding areas. If you love cats and share our passion for rescuing homeless cats and kittens, then complete our volunteer application today and learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of these kitties and in your own community.

Donations

We are also grateful for all donations, regardless of size. We have no paid staff so all donations go directly towards the cats. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Cash donations can be mailed to us at:

Stray Cat Blues, Inc.,
PO Box 8,
Colmar, PA 18915
Please indicate on your check if funds are for the General Fund or for Trap Neuter Return Projects.

To make a donation by credit card or Paypal, please click this button

If funds should be allocated for a specific purpose (TNR, Special Needs cats, Kitten Care, etc), please note this in the Special Instructions when completing the online checkout process.

To make donations of food or supplies, please bring items to Petsmart North Wales during adoption hours. Or call or email us. Click here for a list of items that we can particularly use. Thanks!

Petsmart gift cards are also always welcome and can be sent to the address above or dropped off at Petsmart North Wales during adoption hours.

Thank you for any help you are able to provide!

Allison G. gave her time to collect supplies for SCB as part of a Girl Scout Project.
Thanks Allison!

Earn Stray Cat Blues money when you search and shop the Internet-

Earn money for Stray Cat Blues (at no cost to you) with this Yahoo powered search engine!

An Internet shopping portal with 1000+ participating store sites. You pay the same prices you would otherwise (or less with Goodshop coupon deals)!

Flying Panda offers great pet and pet-themed gifts, and a portion of the proceeds of your order is donated to Stray Cat Blues when you select our rescue at checkout!

Thanks for giving
in this simple way!

News

Stray Cat Blues, Inc.
Newsletter
Fall 2009
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Telford Vet
One of our great participating vets, offers kitten socialization classes and pet first aid classes. Contact them at (215)721-6989 for more information.

THANK YOU to all Genuardi's, Acme and Redner's Warehouse Shoppers supporting SCBI with your purchases

Volunteers
needed!
Especially Cage Cleaners and Foster homes.

Happy Tails:

Click here to see our cats who've been adopted!

Volunteer Opportunities

WE NEED YOU! OUR KITTIES NEED YOU!

To volunteer click here to fill out a Volunteer Application. The Application asks for information about you and your areas of interest in volunteering.

For more information:
email us or call us at
215-631-1851

MOST
NEEDED

CAGE CLEANERS
(at PetsMart in North Wales)
Do you love cats? Do you have free time during the day, early evenings or weekends? Please fill out a Volunteer Application today.

COLLEGEVILLE AREA VOLUNTEERS
Stray Cat Blues will be adding a second adoption center at a new PetsMart store opening this fall in Collegeville, PA. We want to recruit more volunteers in the Collegeville and surrounding areas. If you love cats and share our passion for rescuing homeless cats and kittens, then complete our volunteer application today and learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of these kitties and in your own community.

TRAPPERS

Join our Trap-Neuter-Return Team. Volunteers needed to help trap cats, transport for spay/neuter. No set schedule. Take on projects as you have time. Must be in good physical shape. Please fill out a Volunteer Application.

FOSTER HOMES

If you love cats and kittens please consider becoming a Stray Cat Blues foster home for our wonderful strays. We always need all the foster homes we can find. You will receive training and supplies and a helping hand through this heartwarming and important process. You can apply in any of several ways: submit an application online, call us at (215) 631-1851 and say you want to volunteer and/or become a foster home, email us, or stop by PetsMart in North Wales on most weekends to talk to some of our volunteers.

Spay and Neuter

CLICK HERE to see cat overpopulation facts.

Please be part of the humane solution to cat overpopulation:

SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PET!

Click here for a listing of Low-Cost Spay Neuter Resources in the Greater Philadelphia area. Some of these groups also offer low-cost vaccinations.

Click below to fill out an application for:

HOUSE CAT
Adoption

BARN CAT
Adoption

VOLUNTEER

Statistics

Total Adoptions by Year:

2006 - 566 cats
2007 - 559 cats
2008 - 706 cats
2009 - 669 cats

Despite a challenging economy in 2009, we were still able to find homes for 669 cats and kittens! These great results would never have been possible without the support of our great volunteers and the community as a whole.
Thanks!

Cats Of The Month

Featured Cat: Bella

Bella was first discovered taking refuge under a bush in someone's back yard. She had been abandoned and was starving. She was severely matted, blind in one eye, deaf and had been declawed.

In the months following her rescue, Bella's overall health improved with rest and good nutrition. She has one clouded eye which doesn't bother her as she nuzzles it freely against her favorite humans and objects. Her other eye is healthy and normal. Bella appears to be deaf but that certainly doesn't stop her from communicating. She will meow loudly (since she can't hear herself) to attract attention and purrs like a little kitten. Bella appears to have some arthritis in her back legs which causes her to move deliberately and s-l-o-w-l-y at times. Her age is estimated to be around 8 years old and she has endured a hard life but in spite of her obvious trials with life and humans, Bella is in good health.

Throughout her ordeals, she has remained happy and composed as a princess. She is a wonderfully contented girl, grateful for each day, every new meal and any display of affection, which she responds to with purrs and enthusiastic snuggles. Bella's favorite pasttime is eating salmon cat chow and watching the birds and squirrels getting their exercise outside her window. Bella, herself, prefers being a couch potato and cat napping, safe and totally content at last.

She is an extremely gentle and affectionate soul, always responding to her head pats and chin scratches with loud purring and by nuzzling everyone and everything in sight. With good care and a quiet and loving home, Bella will make someone an attentive, loving companion for many more years to come.

Since Bella is handicapped and has grown fearful of other cats due to her abandonment, it is recommended that she be an only cat so she can live without fear and have the personal attention she craves.

Bella is spayed, has tested negative for Felv and FIV and has been vaccinated.

Like what you see?

Click Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Bella has special needs:

Bella is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.

Bebe

Bebe was found at the Philadelphia Premium Outlet Mall in Pottstown hanging out with a small colony of cats that a kind rescue person was trapping. Bebe was definitely not feral so we can only assume that she ran away from home or that her previous person dumped her at the mall. These tough economic times are causing some people to do that. They hesitate to take their pets to the SPCA because they are afraid they will be euthanized. Instead, they take the simpler route of just dumping them.

Bebe was probably with the colony a few months because she was beginning to resort to her feral ways�in that she is shy of people and cringes slightly when you go to pet her. But once she�s being petted, she relaxes and totally enjoys it. She will roll over and let you pet her tummy which is a show of trust. She loves to give elevator butt, when you pet her back and tail area.

In her foster home, Bebe hung out with nine other cats so she is very cat friendly when properly introduced. She should be kept separate for a week until she and the resident cat (s) get to know one another.

We know that Bebe is on her way to being the lap kitty she most likely was before her outdoor trauma. You just have to give her a chance to unfold and trust again and you will find a loving, velvety girl to keep you company.

Bebe is totally vetted and ready to find a place in your heart.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Bebe is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.

Berkey

Berkey is a sweet tuxedo who was rescued from a local farm where a TNR (Trap Neuter Return) project was being performed. Berkey, as well as the other cats, did not have much human kindness, so it's amazing that he is so friendly as he is.

Berkey loves to be petted, especially under his chin and he gets along well with other cats. He enjoys sitting on his foster mom's lap and being petted.

Won't you please consider giving Berkey his forever home?

Berkey's estimated date of birth is 3/2007, and he has tested negative for FIV/FeLV and is up to date on all his shots.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Berkey is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.

Sasha and Tara

Sasha and her sister Tara came to Stray Cat Blues from a cat lover who found them living outdoors in New Hope. She rescued them but was unable to find homes for them and Stray Cat Blues stepped in to help. Finding homes for these two cutie pies won't be hard as they are very sweet.

The sisters were born approximately October 22, 2009. They are both a little shy in new situations but it didn't take them long to adjust to their new foster home. After a few days, they were brave enough to approach their foster parents and not shy away from them. Once they are adjusted in their new home they will be absolutely wonderful companions.

Sasha is an unusual light-colored tortie. Tara is mostly dark except for her a light spot around her mouth which gives her an adorable look. Both these girls are just gorgeous. And they have a really soft coat of fur. They are completely vetted and microchipped. They would love to be adopted together but applications for them singly will be also be considered.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Sasha is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.

Cats Available For Adoption Can Be Seen At Four Locations:

PetsMart - North Wales - Saturday and Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm
Volunteers are also present ~ Mon., Weds. and Fri. 6:30 - 8:30pm
145 Witchwood Dr, North Wales, PA (215) 699-9366
Pets Supplies "Plus" Souderton - Every Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm
4024 Bethlehem Pike, Telford, PA 18969 (215) 721-3164
Petsmart - Collegeville - Saturday and Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Volunteers will also be present some weekday evenings and every Friday 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Located in the Providence Town Center -
Petsmart is now open! (though many of the stores around it are not just yet)
Route 29 and Arcola Road (Petsmart is located within the mall complex),
Collegeville, PA (610) 489-8240
Green Lane Veterinary Hospital - One SCBI adoptable cat(s) can be seen during normal business hours - Mon., Weds., Fri., Sat. - 9am to 5pm and Tues. and Thurs. 7:30am to 9pm
3015 Main Street, Green Lane PA (215) 234-0434

Stray Cat Blues volunteers will be present to assist you at all locations except Green Lane and Schwenksville. If your are interested in adopting a cat on display at Green Lane, contact us.

Of course, you don't have to wait for our adoption hours. You can see our cats anytime by CLICKING HERE to go to our pet listings online. Submit an application online (CLICK HERE) for the cat you love, or to get pre-approved!

For more information email us at savingstrays@yahoo.com or call us at 215-631-1851.

Kitten Season

(Update October 20th: We are now coming to the end of Kitten Season 2009. Some kittens will be born during the late fall and winter months. However, because of the cold weather most do not survive unless they are discovered and brought indoors right away.)

If a stray cat has kittens in your yard, you will want to place them with a rescue by the time they are 8-10 weeks old, if not sooner. A kitten can be removed from its Mother safely, at around 3-4 weeks of age. They receive the immunities they need from their Mothers in the first 4 days of life. Kittens that are not socialized to people by the time they are three months old, will most likely have become feral (unsocial, and afraid of people) already, and not be suitable for placement into homes as house cats. Kittens that are 3-4 weeks old, would be approxiamtely 4-6 inches long, and typically weigh only about 8-12 ounces. There could be a slight variance in length, and weight. Click here for information on how to estimate kitten age.

Click here for information on what to do, and for information on contacting Stray Cat Blues. If we cannot accept the kittens we can provide information on other local rescues to contact. See the links below, or click on the following links - How to Care for Neonatal Kittens and Socializing Kittens.

Stray Cat Blues is often called upon to care for very young kittens who have lost their mother. We have a few volunteers who are very experienced in caring for these so-called Bottle Babies. The cost for caring for these tiny kittens can be significant. Needed supplies include: KMR kitten formula, heat disks to replicate the mother's warmth, feeding tubes, syringes. (Click here to read a story of one of our bottle babies.) Please consider making a donation today to help with these costs by clicking the button below. In the Special Instructions on the checkout page, please note that the donation is for Kitten Care. And if you have a place in your heart and home, consider adopting one of these precious little ones!

Click the following button to make a credit card or Paypal donation -

Donations can be made by check payable to Stray Cat Blues, Inc. and mailed to - P. O. Box 8, Colmar, PA 18915. Please indicate on your check that this is a contribution for Kitten Care. You can also drop off a donation to us at Petsmart in North Wales during our weekend adoption hours (10:30-4:30). All donations are tax deductible. Thank you very much for whatever amount you can contribute.

Older and Harder To Place Kitties

They need TLC and a chance...Please give these precious felines a look!

PERFECT PAIRS: These cats have "Brotherly Love", and need to be adopted together. Two cats are twice as nice! Click on the cats' pictures, read their bios, and see if you can make a BIG difference in their lives.

WINSTON AND SALEM: We have to find a new home because the new baby is allergic to us. We are super cats who would like to be adopted together! Click here to read more!

BEAUTIFUL BLACK CATS:
Because of superstition and prejudice, or even just because they blend into the shadows of their cages, black cats and kittens are sadly more likely to be passed over for adoption. CLICK HERE to go to our Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat. Then CLICK HERE to go to Our Pet List and find the perfect black cat for you.

FABULOUS FIV's:
Because of a lack of understanding about FIV, cats who test FIV+ are more difficult to place into homes.
CLICK HERE to go to our FIV Showcase page, get the scoop on FIV, and see our FIV+ cats awaiting homes (maybe with you)!

Special Needs Cats

Occasionally it is discovered that a cat or kitten in one of our foster homes has medical issues or disabilities. We will sometimes also take in a cat from an outdoor cat colony knowing that they have a disability, where it would be inhumane to put them back into their outdoor environment.

Stray Cat Blues is committed to caring for these Special Needs cats. Where possible we work to place these cats into loving homes. Some of these cats, however, are with Stray Cat Blues for a long time. The cost of their care is covered by donations from the caring public.

Please take a minute and read the stories of these Special Needs cats...They are each truly SPECIAL, because they have the will to live and to experience life to the fullest they are able. If you are able, consider making a donation towards their care. And if one of their stories speaks to you, consider adopting one of these wonderful cats!

GRETA: I have bad knees, but maybe you like to take it easy too! Click here to read more!

CEARA: My eyes get goopy, but if you clean it once a day I am good to go! Click here to read more!

MOZART: I have recurring pneumonia, but I try to live a normal life. Click here to read more!

STINK BUG: I have a bladder issue, but a will to live. Click here to read more!

Click the following button to make a credit card or Paypal donation (please indicate in the Special Instructions during checkout that this is for Special Needs Cats)-

Donations can also be made by check, payable to Stray Cat Blues, Inc. and mailed to -
P. O. Box 8
Colmar, PA 18915

Please indicate on your check that this is a contribution for Special Needs Cats. You can also drop off a donation to us at Petsmart in North Wales during our weekend adoption hours (10:30-4:30). All donations are tax deductible. Thank you very much for whatever amount you can contribute!!

Rescue Stories

Have you ever wondered about all the work our volunteers do behind the scenes to rescue cats and get them ready for adoption? We have decided to bring you some of our "stories in progress". We hope these stories inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone the next time you see a cat in need and make a big difference in the life of one of the many cats out there that are struggling to get by.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
~Gandhi~

There are so many cats out there in need...Here are a few of their stories...

Bugsy: Bugsy was suffering after being hit by a car, and miraculously showed up on the doorstep of the very person who could help him....
Bella: Bella was starving and had crawled under a bush to die....

Trap, Neuter, and Return Information

For feral cats, Stray Cat Blues advocates the humane solution of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).

Comprehensive resources for TNR are provided online by Alley Cat Allies, a national non-profit. (Click here to go to their site.)

Fee for Service TNR only - The SCBI Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR ) budget is temporarily depleted, so we can only accept TNR projects that are fully funded by the person requesting our help. Our volunteer trappers are willing to donate their time and talent but callers must provide the funding for the discounted veterinary services we will obtain for each project. We have applied for grants and will be holding a Silent Auction in the Fall to replenish our TNR funding. When that money is available, we will again be able to offer subsidized TNR services. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Stray Cat Blues would like to thank Limerick Vet for supporting our TNR efforts through its annual Spay/Neuter Day on January 25th! The employees of Limerick Veterinary Hospital generously donated their services to spay/neuter 36 stray cats trapped by SCB. Spay and neuter is an effective way to reduce cat overpopulation. Click here to read the press release.

Genuardi's, Acme and Redner's Warehouse Shoppers

Your everyday purchases can support SCBI's caring for homeless kitties!

Anyone who has a Genuardi's card can sign up. To sign up, go to escrip.com, select "Sign-up", and enter Stray Cat Blues as the name of the charity. Then you are asked to provide your name and address (phone number and email address are on the form but are NOT required); in the next screen enter the card number that is printed on your Genuardi's card. Every time you use your Genuardi's card, Stray Cat Blues receives up to 3% of the sales total. It costs SCBI nothing and it costs you, the Genuardi's card user, nothing. It is Genuardi's who is the contributor.

Acme shoppers can drop off their receipts at PetsMart in North Wales. Please look for the canister located on the table at our adoption center.

Redner's Warehouse shoppers can sign up for the "Save A Tape" card and then drop off their bundled receipts with the added total at our PetsMart location. Please look for the canister located on the table at our adoption center.

Stray Cat Blues and all the kitties thank you for your time and effort in doing this!

Rescue News and Information Links

Rescue Links:

ASPCA Animal Behavior Center - Cat Behavior [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_catbehavior]

Feral Cat Winter Shelter [www.pacthumanesociety.org/core/WinterShelter.htm]

Cats International - Cats International is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to helping people better understand their feline companions. [www.catsinternational.org/]

The Humane Society of the United States - Pet Care articles [www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/]

ASPCA Animaland - For Kids [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=kids_home]

pets.com from Petsmart - Articles covering all aspects of cat ownership and care [www.pets.com/newparents]

ASPCA Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4435 - There is a charge for this service. [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc]

Winn Feline Health - Cat Health/Disease Topics [winnfelinehealth.org/Health.html]

Best Friends Animal Society - Pet Care Library [www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/]

Bucks County SPCA - Animal Behavior Hotline [www.bcspca.org/animal-behavior-hotline.html]

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - Brochures on Cat Health Issues [www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/index.htm]

Alley Cat Allies - a national non-profit working to promote humane care of feral cats [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191]

Trap-Neuter-Return [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=285]

Caring for a Feral Cat Colony [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=293]

Socialize Feral Kittens [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=292]

Care for Neonatal Kittens [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=291]

Feral Friends Network [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=355]

Building a Feral Cat Shelter [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=36]

Pennsylvania SPCA - Report Animal Abuse [pspca.org/faqs?faq_id=6]

News Links:

Pennsylvania Best Friends Network [network.bestfriends.org/pennsylvania/news/]

Philly.com pets [www.philly.com/philly/living/pets/]

CBS3 Pet Page [cbs3.com/pets]

Yahoo Animal and Pet News [news.yahoo.com/i/2120]

The Humane Society of the United States - Pet News [www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/]

ASPCA - Lobby for Animal Legislation [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lobby_home]

2009 Stray Cat Blues, Incorporated

Cats Available for Adoption Locations and Hours Cats Of The Month About Us Found a cat who needs help? Kitten Season Info Volunteer Opportunities Interested In Adopting? Barn Cat Homes Needed! Older / Hard To Place Cats Trap, Neuter, and Return Info Rescue Stories Declawing Info/Scratching Low-Cost Spay/Neuter How to Report Animal Abuse Lost a Pet/Found a Pet Petfinder Home Page Petfinder Info Page Petfinder Shelter Listings Search Petfinder Listings Rescue News/Info/Links Genuardi's, Acme, and Redner's Shoppers Thanks from the cats and all of us at Stray Cat Blues! (If funds are for TNR, please add a note in the Special Instructions during the checkout process.) About SCBI Who We Are Officially, Stray Cat Blues, Inc. is a no-kill, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing rescue and placement to stray and feral cats. Personally, SCB is a small group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to find loving, life-long homes for abandoned cats. We are professional in our practices, but we are emotional on the subject of homeless cats, and the ways in which we humans can work to prevent this epidemic of strays. Stray Cat Blues actively works to recruit permanent homes for the stray cats in our program. All the animals are screened for feline leukemia, inoculated, sterilized and wormed when they first come to us. Healthy, adoptable cats are then housed through our network of foster homes. Our kittens and cats are exposed to the pet-loving public at our 4 different adoption cage locations to facilitate adoptions and to provide visibility for the organization. In addition to placement of sociable cats and kittens, a major focus of Stray Cat Blues is to place feral and unsociable cats in qualified barn homes. Like our house cats, our barn cats are delivered to their new homes by a Stray Cat Blues volunteer. We provide our barn cats with a cozy "cat condominium" to live in for the first few weeks of life in their new location. The crate allows the cats to acclimate to their new home without the danger of having them run away in search of their old stomping grounds. We are willing to go to great lengths for our cats - quite literally! We will gladly travel to approved barn homes within an approximate 100 mile radius of the Lansdale and Montgomeryville area to deliver our helpful mousers. Most of our cats are strays and their offspring that are rescued from area locations. Many of these strays are more than willing to be helped by our volunteers. But for those animals that are more wary of humans, especially the feral cats, we utilize humane traps. Many of our kittens are born to mother cats that we have rescued. Adopting a Friend If you are interested in adopting, the first step is to file an application (Click here to complete an application online). Once we have that in hand, we will be better able to respond to your questions about particular cats or kittens. As stated above, we do not have a public shelter but many of our adoptable cats can be seen at our adoption cage locations. Other cats still in foster homes can be seen through special arrangements with the foster caretakers. We are happy to respond to requests for information via phone or e-mail and will provide as much information as we can about the personalities and backgrounds of cats in which a potential adopter has interest. However, please remember to submit your application first. Also, please note that our primary adoption efforts are focused in Montgomery and Bucks counties (Pennsylvania); but we will occasionally, and on a case-by-case basis, make placements in Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties. Interested parties are required to complete a brief adoption application. This application serves us twofold. First, it allows us to assess the sincerity of the applicant through the fact that they took the time to complete the inquiry. Second, the application provides us with a veterinary referral and other pertinent background information. We require a $85.00 fee for adoptions. There is no charge for barn cats but a donation is very much appreciated. Donations assist in defraying the considerable costs of neutering, veterinary care and supplies such as food and litter. Donations are tax deductible. We conduct follow-up assessment to ensure that everything is going smoothly with the placement. Trapping Stray Cat Blues is dedicated to helping cats in need whenever possible. Although space and financial limitations may prevent us from taking in every stray about which we are contacted, we will gladly offer advice and assistance to anyone seeking to trap a stray in their area for the purpose of helping the cat. Trapping in an inhumane and irresponsible manner is abhorrent to us and certainly not condoned. Volunteering Stray Cat Blues welcomes interested volunteers. We have many areas in which volunteers can help, including caring for cats in our adoption cages, staffing the adoption center at PetsMart, fund raising, phone calls, fostering, rescuing strays, etc. To volunteer, click here to fill out a Volunteer Application, which asks for information about you and your areas of interest in volunteering. Please contact us to discuss your specific interests and our needs. Additionally, Stray Cat Blues will be adding a second adoption center at a new PetsMart store opening this fall in Collegeville, PA. We want to recruit more volunteers in the Collegeville and surrounding areas. If you love cats and share our passion for rescuing homeless cats and kittens, then complete our volunteer application today and learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of these kitties and in your own community. Donations We are also grateful for all donations, regardless of size. We have no paid staff so all donations go directly towards the cats. Donations are fully tax deductible. Cash donations can be mailed to us at: Stray Cat Blues, Inc., PO Box 8, Colmar, PA 18915 Please indicate on your check if funds are for the General Fund or for Trap Neuter Return Projects. To make a donation by credit card or Paypal, please click this button If funds should be allocated for a specific purpose (TNR, Special Needs cats, Kitten Care, etc), please note this in the Special Instructions when completing the online checkout process. To make donations of food or supplies, please bring items to Petsmart North Wales during adoption hours. Or call or email us. Click here for a list of items that we can particularly use. Thanks! Petsmart gift cards are also always welcome and can be sent to the address above or dropped off at Petsmart North Wales during adoption hours. Thank you for any help you are able to provide! Allison G. gave her time to collect supplies for SCB as part of a Girl Scout Project. Thanks Allison!	Stray Cat Blues, Inc.	Updated 02/13/10 Earn Stray Cat Blues money when you search and shop the Internet- Earn money for Stray Cat Blues (at no cost to you) with this Yahoo powered search engine! An Internet shopping portal with 1000+ participating store sites. You pay the same prices you would otherwise (or less with Goodshop coupon deals)! Flying Panda offers great pet and pet-themed gifts, and a portion of the proceeds of your order is donated to Stray Cat Blues when you select our rescue at checkout! Thanks for giving in this simple way! News Stray Cat Blues, Inc. Newsletter Fall 2009 (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Telford Vet One of our great participating vets, offers kitten socialization classes and pet first aid classes. Contact them at (215)721-6989 for more information. THANK YOU to all Genuardi's, Acme and Redner's Warehouse Shoppers supporting SCBI with your purchases Volunteers needed! Especially Cage Cleaners and Foster homes. Happy Tails: Click here to see our cats who've been adopted! Volunteer Opportunities WE NEED YOU! OUR KITTIES NEED YOU! To volunteer click here to fill out a Volunteer Application. The Application asks for information about you and your areas of interest in volunteering. For more information: email us or call us at 215-631-1851 MOST NEEDED CAGE CLEANERS (at PetsMart in North Wales) Do you love cats? Do you have free time during the day, early evenings or weekends? Please fill out a Volunteer Application today. COLLEGEVILLE AREA VOLUNTEERS Stray Cat Blues will be adding a second adoption center at a new PetsMart store opening this fall in Collegeville, PA. We want to recruit more volunteers in the Collegeville and surrounding areas. If you love cats and share our passion for rescuing homeless cats and kittens, then complete our volunteer application today and learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of these kitties and in your own community. TRAPPERS Join our Trap-Neuter-Return Team. Volunteers needed to help trap cats, transport for spay/neuter. No set schedule. Take on projects as you have time. Must be in good physical shape. Please fill out a Volunteer Application. FOSTER HOMES If you love cats and kittens please consider becoming a Stray Cat Blues foster home for our wonderful strays. We always need all the foster homes we can find. You will receive training and supplies and a helping hand through this heartwarming and important process. You can apply in any of several ways: submit an application online, call us at (215) 631-1851 and say you want to volunteer and/or become a foster home, email us, or stop by PetsMart in North Wales on most weekends to talk to some of our volunteers. Spay and Neuter CLICK HERE to see cat overpopulation facts. Please be part of the humane solution to cat overpopulation: SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PET! Click here for a listing of Low-Cost Spay Neuter Resources in the Greater Philadelphia area. Some of these groups also offer low-cost vaccinations. Click below to fill out an application for: HOUSE CAT Adoption BARN CAT Adoption VOLUNTEER Statistics Total Adoptions by Year: 2006 - 566 cats 2007 - 559 cats 2008 - 706 cats 2009 - 669 cats Despite a challenging economy in 2009, we were still able to find homes for 669 cats and kittens! These great results would never have been possible without the support of our great volunteers and the community as a whole. *Thanks!*
	Finding Homes For Stray Cats, Through Fostering And Adoption Assistance.
	Cats Available for Adoption * Volunteer Application House Cat Adoption Application * Barn Cat Adoption Application Cats Of The Month Featured Cat: Bella Bella was first discovered taking refuge under a bush in someone's back yard. She had been abandoned and was starving. She was severely matted, blind in one eye, deaf and had been declawed. In the months following her rescue, Bella's overall health improved with rest and good nutrition. She has one clouded eye which doesn't bother her as she nuzzles it freely against her favorite humans and objects. Her other eye is healthy and normal. Bella appears to be deaf but that certainly doesn't stop her from communicating. She will meow loudly (since she can't hear herself) to attract attention and purrs like a little kitten. Bella appears to have some arthritis in her back legs which causes her to move deliberately and s-l-o-w-l-y at times. Her age is estimated to be around 8 years old and she has endured a hard life but in spite of her obvious trials with life and humans, Bella is in good health. Throughout her ordeals, she has remained happy and composed as a princess. She is a wonderfully contented girl, grateful for each day, every new meal and any display of affection, which she responds to with purrs and enthusiastic snuggles. Bella's favorite pasttime is eating salmon cat chow and watching the birds and squirrels getting their exercise outside her window. Bella, herself, prefers being a couch potato and cat napping, safe and totally content at last. She is an extremely gentle and affectionate soul, always responding to her head pats and chin scratches with loud purring and by nuzzling everyone and everything in sight. With good care and a quiet and loving home, Bella will make someone an attentive, loving companion for many more years to come. Since Bella is handicapped and has grown fearful of other cats due to her abandonment, it is recommended that she be an only cat so she can live without fear and have the personal attention she craves. Bella is spayed, has tested negative for Felv and FIV and has been vaccinated. Like what you see? Click Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat. Bella has special needs: Bella is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered. Bebe Bebe was found at the Philadelphia Premium Outlet Mall in Pottstown hanging out with a small colony of cats that a kind rescue person was trapping. Bebe was definitely not feral so we can only assume that she ran away from home or that her previous person dumped her at the mall. These tough economic times are causing some people to do that. They hesitate to take their pets to the SPCA because they are afraid they will be euthanized. Instead, they take the simpler route of just dumping them. Bebe was probably with the colony a few months because she was beginning to resort to her feral ways�in that she is shy of people and cringes slightly when you go to pet her. But once she�s being petted, she relaxes and totally enjoys it. She will roll over and let you pet her tummy which is a show of trust. She loves to give elevator butt, when you pet her back and tail area. In her foster home, Bebe hung out with nine other cats so she is very cat friendly when properly introduced. She should be kept separate for a week until she and the resident cat (s) get to know one another. We know that Bebe is on her way to being the lap kitty she most likely was before her outdoor trauma. You just have to give her a chance to unfold and trust again and you will find a loving, velvety girl to keep you company. Bebe is totally vetted and ready to find a place in your heart. Like what you see? Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat. Bebe is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered. Berkey Berkey is a sweet tuxedo who was rescued from a local farm where a TNR (Trap Neuter Return) project was being performed. Berkey, as well as the other cats, did not have much human kindness, so it's amazing that he is so friendly as he is. Berkey loves to be petted, especially under his chin and he gets along well with other cats. He enjoys sitting on his foster mom's lap and being petted. Won't you please consider giving Berkey his forever home? Berkey's estimated date of birth is 3/2007, and he has tested negative for FIV/FeLV and is up to date on all his shots. Like what you see? Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat. Berkey is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered. Sasha and Tara Sasha and her sister Tara came to Stray Cat Blues from a cat lover who found them living outdoors in New Hope. She rescued them but was unable to find homes for them and Stray Cat Blues stepped in to help. Finding homes for these two cutie pies won't be hard as they are very sweet. The sisters were born approximately October 22, 2009. They are both a little shy in new situations but it didn't take them long to adjust to their new foster home. After a few days, they were brave enough to approach their foster parents and not shy away from them. Once they are adjusted in their new home they will be absolutely wonderful companions. Sasha is an unusual light-colored tortie. Tara is mostly dark except for her a light spot around her mouth which gives her an adorable look. Both these girls are just gorgeous. And they have a really soft coat of fur. They are completely vetted and microchipped. They would love to be adopted together but applications for them singly will be also be considered. Like what you see? Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat. Sasha is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered. Cats Available For Adoption Can Be Seen At Four Locations: PetsMart - North Wales - Saturday and Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm Volunteers are also present ~ Mon., Weds. and Fri. 6:30 - 8:30pm 145 Witchwood Dr, North Wales, PA (215) 699-9366 Pets Supplies "Plus" Souderton - Every Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm 4024 Bethlehem Pike, Telford, PA 18969 (215) 721-3164 Petsmart - Collegeville - Saturday and Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm Volunteers will also be present some weekday evenings and every Friday 6:30pm - 9:00pm Located in the Providence Town Center - Petsmart is now open! (though many of the stores around it are not just yet) Route 29 and Arcola Road (Petsmart is located within the mall complex), Collegeville, PA (610) 489-8240 Green Lane Veterinary Hospital - One SCBI adoptable cat(s) can be seen during normal business hours - Mon., Weds., Fri., Sat. - 9am to 5pm and Tues. and Thurs. 7:30am to 9pm 3015 Main Street, Green Lane PA (215) 234-0434 Stray Cat Blues volunteers will be present to assist you at all locations except Green Lane and Schwenksville. If your are interested in adopting a cat on display at Green Lane, contact us. Of course, you don't have to wait for our adoption hours. You can see our cats anytime by CLICKING HERE to go to our pet listings online. Submit an application online (CLICK HERE) for the cat you love, or to get pre-approved! For more information email us at savingstrays@yahoo.com or call us at 215-631-1851. Kitten Season (Update October 20th: We are now coming to the end of Kitten Season 2009. Some kittens will be born during the late fall and winter months. However, because of the cold weather most do not survive unless they are discovered and brought indoors right away.) If a stray cat has kittens in your yard, you will want to place them with a rescue by the time they are 8-10 weeks old, if not sooner. A kitten can be removed from its Mother safely, at around 3-4 weeks of age. They receive the immunities they need from their Mothers in the first 4 days of life. Kittens that are not socialized to people by the time they are three months old, will most likely have become feral (unsocial, and afraid of people) already, and not be suitable for placement into homes as house cats. Kittens that are 3-4 weeks old, would be approxiamtely 4-6 inches long, and typically weigh only about 8-12 ounces. There could be a slight variance in length, and weight. Click here for information on how to estimate kitten age. Click here for information on what to do, and for information on contacting Stray Cat Blues. If we cannot accept the kittens we can provide information on other local rescues to contact. See the links below, or click on the following links - How to Care for Neonatal Kittens and Socializing Kittens. Stray Cat Blues is often called upon to care for very young kittens who have lost their mother. We have a few volunteers who are very experienced in caring for these so-called Bottle Babies. The cost for caring for these tiny kittens can be significant. Needed supplies include: KMR kitten formula, heat disks to replicate the mother's warmth, feeding tubes, syringes. (Click here to read a story of one of our bottle babies.) Please consider making a donation today to help with these costs by clicking the button below. In the Special Instructions on the checkout page, please note that the donation is for Kitten Care. And if you have a place in your heart and home, consider adopting one of these precious little ones! Click the following button to make a credit card or Paypal donation - Donations can be made by check payable to Stray Cat Blues, Inc. and mailed to - P. O. Box 8, Colmar, PA 18915. Please indicate on your check that this is a contribution for Kitten Care. You can also drop off a donation to us at Petsmart in North Wales during our weekend adoption hours (10:30-4:30). All donations are tax deductible. Thank you very much for whatever amount you can contribute. Older and Harder To Place Kitties They need TLC and a chance...Please give these precious felines a look! PERFECT PAIRS: These cats have "Brotherly Love", and need to be adopted together. Two cats are twice as nice! Click on the cats' pictures, read their bios, and see if you can make a BIG difference in their lives. WINSTON AND SALEM: We have to find a new home because the new baby is allergic to us. We are super cats who would like to be adopted together! Click here to read more! BEAUTIFUL BLACK CATS: Because of superstition and prejudice, or even just because they blend into the shadows of their cages, black cats and kittens are sadly more likely to be passed over for adoption. CLICK HERE to go to our Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat. Then CLICK HERE to go to Our Pet List and find the perfect black cat for you. FABULOUS FIV's: Because of a lack of understanding about FIV, cats who test FIV+ are more difficult to place into homes. CLICK HERE to go to our FIV Showcase page, get the scoop on FIV, and see our FIV+ cats awaiting homes (maybe with you)! Special Needs Cats Occasionally it is discovered that a cat or kitten in one of our foster homes has medical issues or disabilities. We will sometimes also take in a cat from an outdoor cat colony knowing that they have a disability, where it would be inhumane to put them back into their outdoor environment. Stray Cat Blues is committed to caring for these Special Needs cats. Where possible we work to place these cats into loving homes. Some of these cats, however, are with Stray Cat Blues for a long time. The cost of their care is covered by donations from the caring public. Please take a minute and read the stories of these Special Needs cats...They are each truly SPECIAL, because *they have the will to live and to experience life to the fullest they are able. If you are able, consider making a donation towards their care. And if one of their stories speaks to you, consider adopting one of these wonderful cats! GRETA: I have bad knees, but maybe you like to take it easy too! Click here to read more! CEARA: My eyes get goopy, but if you clean it once a day I am good to go! Click here to read more! MOZART: I have recurring pneumonia, but I try to live a normal life. Click here to read more! STINK BUG: I have a bladder issue, but a will to live. Click here to read more! Click the following button to make a credit card or Paypal donation (please indicate in the Special Instructions during checkout that this is for Special Needs Cats)- Donations can also be made by check, payable to Stray Cat Blues, Inc. and mailed to - P. O. Box 8 Colmar, PA 18915 Please indicate on your check that this is a contribution for Special Needs Cats. You can also drop off a donation to us at Petsmart in North Wales during our weekend adoption hours (10:30-4:30). All donations are tax deductible. Thank you very much for whatever amount you can contribute!! Rescue Stories Have you ever wondered about all the work our volunteers do behind the scenes to rescue cats and get them ready for adoption? We have decided to bring you some of our "stories in progress". We hope these stories inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone the next time you see a cat in need and make a big difference in the life of one of the many cats out there that are struggling to get by. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~Gandhi~ There are so many cats out there in need...Here are a few of their stories... Bugsy: Bugsy was suffering after being hit by a car, and miraculously showed up on the doorstep of the very person who could help him.... Bella: Bella was starving and had crawled under a bush to die.... Trap, Neuter, and Return Information For feral cats, Stray Cat Blues advocates the humane solution of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).* Comprehensive resources for TNR are provided online by Alley Cat Allies, a national non-profit. (Click here to go to their site.) Fee for Service TNR only - The SCBI Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR ) budget is temporarily depleted, so we can only accept TNR projects that are fully funded by the person requesting our help. Our volunteer trappers are willing to donate their time and talent but callers must provide the funding for the discounted veterinary services we will obtain for each project. We have applied for grants and will be holding a Silent Auction in the Fall to replenish our TNR funding. When that money is available, we will again be able to offer subsidized TNR services. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Stray Cat Blues would like to thank Limerick Vet for supporting our TNR efforts through its annual Spay/Neuter Day on January 25th! The employees of Limerick Veterinary Hospital generously donated their services to spay/neuter 36 stray cats trapped by SCB. Spay and neuter is an effective way to reduce cat overpopulation. Click here to read the press release. Genuardi's, Acme and Redner's Warehouse Shoppers Your everyday purchases can support SCBI's caring for homeless kitties! Anyone who has a Genuardi's card can sign up. To sign up, go to escrip.com, select "Sign-up", and enter Stray Cat Blues as the name of the charity. Then you are asked to provide your name and address (phone number and email address are on the form but are NOT required); in the next screen enter the card number that is printed on your Genuardi's card. Every time you use your Genuardi's card, Stray Cat Blues receives up to 3% of the sales total. It costs SCBI nothing and it costs you, the Genuardi's card user, nothing. It is Genuardi's who is the contributor. Acme shoppers can drop off their receipts at PetsMart in North Wales. Please look for the canister located on the table at our adoption center. Redner's Warehouse shoppers can sign up for the "Save A Tape" card and then drop off their bundled receipts with the added total at our PetsMart location. Please look for the canister located on the table at our adoption center. Stray Cat Blues and all the kitties thank you for your time and effort in doing this! Rescue News and Information Links Rescue Links: ASPCA Animal Behavior Center - Cat Behavior [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_catbehavior] Feral Cat Winter Shelter [www.pacthumanesociety.org/core/WinterShelter.htm] Cats International - Cats International is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to helping people better understand their feline companions. [www.catsinternational.org/] The Humane Society of the United States - Pet Care articles [www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/] ASPCA Animaland - For Kids [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=kids_home] pets.com from Petsmart - Articles covering all aspects of cat ownership and care [www.pets.com/newparents] ASPCA Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4435 - There is a charge for this service. [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc] Winn Feline Health - Cat Health/Disease Topics [winnfelinehealth.org/Health.html] Best Friends Animal Society - Pet Care Library [www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/] Bucks County SPCA - Animal Behavior Hotline [www.bcspca.org/animal-behavior-hotline.html] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - Brochures on Cat Health Issues [www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/index.htm] Alley Cat Allies - a national non-profit working to promote humane care of feral cats [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191] Trap-Neuter-Return [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=285] Caring for a Feral Cat Colony [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=293] Socialize Feral Kittens [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=292] Care for Neonatal Kittens [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=291] Feral Friends Network [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=355] Building a Feral Cat Shelter [www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=36] Pennsylvania SPCA - Report Animal Abuse [pspca.org/faqs?faq_id=6] News Links: Pennsylvania Best Friends Network [network.bestfriends.org/pennsylvania/news/] Philly.com pets [www.philly.com/philly/living/pets/] CBS3 Pet Page [cbs3.com/pets] Yahoo Animal and Pet News [news.yahoo.com/i/2120] The Humane Society of the United States - Pet News [www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/] ASPCA - Lobby for Animal Legislation [www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lobby_home]
	Stray Cat Blues, Inc. PO Box 8, Colmar, PA 18915 * Phone: (215) 631-1851 Email: savingstrays@yahoo.com