Stray Cat Blues, Inc.

Cats Available for Adoption * Volunteer Application
House Cat Adoption Application * Barn Cat Adoption Application

♥♥♥♥PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Weekend ♥♥♥♥
February 10 - 12, 2012

We will have lots of cats and kittens at our Petsmart North Wales and Petsmart Collegeville locations for this event! (For adoption hours, see below.)

Make a huge difference in the life of a stray or abandoned cat. Adopt one (or two) and give them a safe, warm and secure place to live!

Complete an online adoption application (HERE) so you can be pre-approved for the big weekend.

Can't get out for the big weekend? View cats available for adoption (click here) and submit an application online for your favorite!

Bidding For the Blues
2012 Auction - May 10th, 2012

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Come out for this sure to be fun evening! This event will be held Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at the Pinecrest Country Club in Lansdale. Tickets are $20, in advance or at the door. Many wonderful items are being auctioned off, with proceeds going to support the adoption and TNR mission of Stray Cat Blues.

Please visit www.biddingforgood.com/straycatblues beginning April 15th to bid on auction items even if you cannot attend the May 10th event, or to get a head start on bidding!

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities available! Show that your business supports rescue in our community!

For a printable flyer, click here. Please pass the flyer along to anyone you know who may be interested, and post on public bulletin boards at work, church, or other places where people can see it. And thanks!

Cats Of The Month

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Pong

Pong is a 6 month old Brown Tabby. Pong's foster mom is sorry to say that this gorgeous little boy is more a cat's cat than a people cat. After nearly five months in foster care with lots of gentle handling and socializing efforts, Pong continues to run from human touch. He was confined in a training cage for several months while his foster mom tried to bring him around. His siblings all socialized quickly and were adopted, but Pong remained resolute that human touch is not his thing. No matter how gentle his foster mom has been with him, he still runs from her the minute she comes too close. He is not aggressive in any way. In fact, he is so sweet to watch as he plays with the other cats in his foster home. He loves batting clothes pins and little balls and will snuggle with the other cats. Pong's reality is that he is a colony cat – he relates more to cats than people and would be an ideal choice as a barn kitty, an indoor/outdoor kitty, or an excellent companion kitty to a lonely house cat.

Pong is fully vetted, vaccinated and tested negative. If you can live with an adorable kitty that will never be a lap cat then Pong is for you.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

More about Pong
Pet ID: 6986LP • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained

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Berkey

Berkey was rescued as part of an ongoing Trap Neuter Return project. When he was initially brought into foster care he was very, very shy and afraid of people, as he had not had any interaction with them. Over time, he has come to trust his foster mom and loves to have his tummy rubbed and rubs up against her when he sits next to her on the sofa and just purrs away.

Berkey just loves other cats and would make a great companion for a resident cat(s). He would do best in a quiet home with no dogs or children.

Berkey is neutered, litterbox trained, up to date on vaccinations and tested negative for FeLV and FIV. His estimated date of birth is 3/2007.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

More about Berkey
Pet ID: 4537VV • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained

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Shannara

Shannara has been in and out of adoption centers for the past year looking for her special someone. Her likes include drinking from the kitchen faucet, sleeping under the bed covers, and soft little rubs around her ears. Her dislikes include loud noises, being picked up, and getting chased by the other cats in her foster home.

Shannara is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV and FIV.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

More about Shannara
Pet ID: 5262LG • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained

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The featured cats below have tested positive for FIV, and so their need is much greater than other cats.
Click here to learn more, and please consider them in your efforts and wishes.

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Travis

Travis was a stray in the city. When he was rescued he was dirty, smelly, and showed evidence of a hard life on the streets.

Now Travis is in a Stray Cat Blues foster home and has the chance to find a real home. He has been fully vetted, neutered, vaccinated. He is litterbox trained and estimated to be about 4 years old.

Travis is a big, solid boy. He friendly and a little feisty! Can Travis come home with you?

Travis tested negative for FeLV, but positive for FIV. FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. FIV can suppress the immune system but most cats live very long and healthy lives with FIV. For more information on FIV, CLICK HERE. Our volunteers would also be happy to discuss this condition with you. FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds. FIV is not spread by sharing litter boxes or food bowls. It is also not spread by cats cuddling or playing with each other (so FIV cats can in many cases live in homes with non-FIV cats). FIV cannot be spread to people or to non-cat pets such as dogs. FIV+ cats are sweet, funny, affectionate, and playful, just as any other cat!

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Pet ID: 6468BC • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Special Needs • Primary colors: White, Gray, Blue or Silver • Coat length: Short

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Polo

Polo was trapped behind a shopping center in Limerick by a Stray Cat Blues volunteer. He came into rescue because the management would not allow anyone to feed the cats after they were fixed. He has been altered, vaccinated, and microchipped; unfortunately he has tested positive for FIV, but is the picture of good health.

Polo was quite feral in the beginning but quickly turned around after deciding his foster mom wasn't so bad. Now he follows her all around while she is cleaning his cage; he can be picked up and hugged and allows his nails to be trimmed. What a good boy - just give him a chance!

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. FIV can suppress the immune system but most cats live very long and healthy lives with FIV. FIV positive cats do not require any regular medications. For more information on FIV, CLICK HERE. Our volunteers would also be happy to discuss this condition with you. FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds. FIV is not spread by sharing litter boxes or food bowls. It is also not spread by cats cuddling or playing with each other. FIV cannot be spread to people or to non-cat pets such as dogs. FIV+ cats are sweet, funny, affectionate, and playful, just as any other cat!

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Pet ID: LW • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Special Needs • Primary colors: Brown or Chocolate, Tabby - Brown or Chocolate • Coat length: Medium

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Chaos

Chaos is one of the sweetest guys around. He lived as a stray cat and begged for food for over a year before he was rescued. His habit of meowing loudly outside the neighbors sliding doors in his search for food resulted in his foster mom naming him Chaos since he would drive all the neighbors cats and dogs inside the houses crazy. That, however, didnt bother Chaos. He simply longed to be inside with everyone else a nd have enough food in his belly.

Chaos is outgoing and extremely affectionate. A big baby who adores being the center of attention.

Chaos originally tested negative for FeLV and FIV when he was rescued. However, a subsequent test on 6/13/2011 came up positive for FIV. FIV positive kitties like Chaos can live long and happy lives with good vet care and a loving home.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. FIV can suppress the immune system but most cats live very long and healthy lives with FIV. For more information on FIV, CLICK HERE. Our volunteers would also be happy to discuss this condition with you. FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds. FIV cannot be spread to people or to non-cat pets such as dogs. FIV+ cats are sweet, funny, affectionate, and playful, just as any other cat!

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Pet ID: 6217LBB • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Special Needs • Primary colors: Tabby - Buff, Tan or Fawn, Tabby - Orange or Red • Coat length: Short

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Mars

Mars happened to show up as a stray on the property of a Stray Cat Blues volunteer, so it was not too long before he was caught and taken to the vet for altering. Unfortunately, he tested positive for FIV. Otherwise, he has thrived after rescue and has become a big gentle boy. Mars is neutered, up-to-date with his vaccinations and has been microchipped. He is approximately 3 years old. He loves other cats and would also love a home of his own.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. FIV can suppress the immune system but most cats live very long and healthy lives with FIV. For more information on FIV, CLICK HERE. Our volunteers would also be happy to discuss this condition with you. FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds. FIV is not spread by sharing litter boxes or food bowls. It is also not spread by cats cuddling or playing with each other (so FIV cats can in many cases live in homes with non-FIV cats). FIV cannot be spread to people or to non-cat pets such as dogs. FIV+ cats are sweet, funny, affectionate, and playful, just as any other cat!

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Pet ID: 5358LW • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Special Needs • Primary color: Black • Coat length: Short

Please Donate to Help Bella!

Bella is a 10 year old deaf and blind kitty who was rescued about a year or so ago. She had been abandoned outside and was literally starving to death when found. Her time outside was not kind to her, and she is still living with the consequences.

Bella has congenital eye disease that was compounded by untreated eye infections while she was outside on her own. One of Bella's eyes has now ulcerated and started to blister. The eye is causing her discomfort due to pressure buildup and may have become painful to her as well. The vet has stated that her eye will most likely need to be removed in the coming weeks.

So, we are asking for donations to help offset the cost of the surgery and related care. Your donations will help us to get Bella the care that she needs.

Bella's favorite pasttime involves snuggling in a soft blanket in her foster mother's arms while being petted and generally fussed over. She will customarily end taking a little nap, blissfully purring full tilt. She remains a happy and contented soul who purrs at the slightest provocation.

To make an online donation to help Bella, please click this button (and write in the instructions box that the donation is for Bella) -

Thank You!

Urgent Special Needs Kitty
Simon

Simon is a big, beautiful, approx. 5-year-old former stray tabby. He was found in January, huddled under a car. He was freezing and starving. A kind person took him home, and took him to her vet. The person contacted Stray Cat Blues and a foster home has been caring for him since then.

Even after he went through the normal de-worming process, he still had a stubborn case of diarrhea. That has been brought under control due to a homeopathic regime that his foster person has put together for him using products bought off the internet. Since starting this program a couple of months ago, he has gained weight, his coat and his whole demeanor have changed and he has not needed to see a vet.

Simons purr sounds like a motor boat and his meow is silent! He loves to cuddle as he wraps his arms around his foster person. Like all adult cats, he loves his cat naps, but he also enjoys romping with his other foster friends and he can be as playful as a kitten. His eyes now sparkle and his breath is clean. He eats regular food such as Hill's Science Diet. All is well in Simon's world now. All he needs is a permanent, forever home. Simon is neutered, vaccinated, and tested negative for FeLV and FIV. His estimated date of birth is June 2007. He was uncertain about the young children in the home of his rescuer, so might do better in a home with older children or just adults.

Like what you see?

Click here to enter an Adoption Application for this cat.

Pet ID: 6124 MB • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Primary color: Brown or Chocolate • Coat length: Short

Cats Available For Adoption Can Be Seen At Four Locations:

1. 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
2. Pets Supplies "Plus" Souderton - 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 11:00am - 3:00pm
   4024 Bethlehem Pike, Telford, PA 18969 (215) 721-3164
3. Petsmart - Collegeville - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm, Sunday 9:00am - 5:30pm
   Our kitties are located in the kitty Adoption Center inside the store. Come by and take a look!
   Located in the Providence Town Center -
   Route 29 and Arcola Road (Petsmart is located within the mall complex),
   Collegeville, PA (610) 489-8240
4. 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. 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

If you are interested in adopting a kitten, CLICK HERE to see listings of some of the kittens we have available. Submit an application (CLICK HERE) to get pre-approved to adopt, and we can also give you information about kittens that will soon be ready for adoption.

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!

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 to click here 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!

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!!

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.)

If you are in the Stray Cat Blues service area and need TNR assistance, please email us at savingstrays@yahoo.com. We will see if we have a trapper in your area and can assist you. For a list of other groups providing TNR and related services in the Philadelphia and surrounding regions, CLICK HERE.

Fee for Service TNR only - The Stray Cat Blues Trap, Neuter, Return (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 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.

Feral Cat Documentary

Stray Cat Blues participated in the production of a documentary about feral cats. To view the video, CLICK HERE. The video discusses stray and feral cats, cat overpopulation, and the process of Trap Neuter Return. (Please be aware that some may find the subject matter and some of the images distressing.)

If you have feral cats in your neighborhood, please take the initiative and have them spayed or neutered. Stray Cat Blues is happy to provide advice on how to go about Trap Neuter Return. We also have traps to loan, and depending on your location, may be able to assist you with the trapping. While we are not able to subsidize the cost, we can provide you information about low-cost spay neuter clinics in the area.

Thanks so much to John N Campbell for producing this very informative video, and allowing Stray Cat Blues to be part of it.

Redner's Warehouse Shoppers

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

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/aspcakids/]

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/pet-care/poison-control/]

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-helpline.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]

Trap-Neuter-Return [www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=889]

Caring for a Feral Cat Colony [www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=890]

Newborn Kittens and Socializing Feral Kittens [www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=891]

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

Building a Feral Cat Shelter [www.alleycat.org/Page.aspx?pid=296]

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

Pine Valley Shih Tzu Rescue [www.pvstr.itgo.com/]

News Links:

Pennsylvania Best Friends Network [network.bestfriends.org/golocal/pennsylvania/default.aspx]

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/fight-animal-cruelty/advocacy-center/]

Cat Clip Art (click here). Some great free cat clip art to use on your website.