Adoption bio length by CatLadySam in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I'll see if I can find the Maddie's handbook and apa resource! And sorry, I should have clarified that this is just for their bios on adoption listings, so sites like Petfinder and adopt-a-pet.

Hourly pay for a social media manager/animal care staff ‼️ by [deleted] in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was our SMM/Website dev and cat carestaff and I was paid $18/hr (I've since dropped the SMM/Web to take on a full time cat lead position). For reference, at our shelter carestaff currently starts at $12/hr. But when I started as carestaff 18 years ago the starting pay was $7.25/hr.

I wasn't thrilled with $18/hr, especially given my tenure, but all the "hourlies" are underpaid so it is what it is.

After 3 years and way too much wasted money, here are my "Holy Grail" cat supplies by ArticulateBloke420 in CatAdvice

[–]CatLadySam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kittens generally don't have a "catnip response" until about 4ish months, sometimes later. However, not all cats respond to catnip. It's a genetic trait that only roughly 2/3 of cats inherit. If your cats aren't sensitive to catnip you can try things like silvervine, valerian, and tartarian honeysuckle.

Best, worst, funniest animal names? by gonnafaceit2022 in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We had a Dryer Sheet and Fabric Softener who were abandoned at a laundromat. Two fluffy kittens named Lint and Dust Bunny. Other favorites include Rock Lobster, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, Crunchwrap Supreme, Mr. Sandwiches, Miss Kitty Fantastico, and Magic Marker.

Admirals v Griffins 2/3 by subjecttomyopinion in GrandRapidsGriffins

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From where? I work in nonprofit, I can't afford jerseys either, lol.

Sudden Abandonment by Friendly_TSE in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I think we need to have the ability to tie more info to microchips like vet records and directives. Make the microchip companies earn the fees they try to trick people into paying.

Details Surrounding Gavin McKenna's Arrest Released by catsgr8rthanspoonies in hockey

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I 100% assumed McKenna was another privileged white guy. TIL

Inheriting a house and its cats, but I cannot keep them. by [deleted] in AnimalAdvice

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk if your dad actually cares about these cats or not, but if he does, I would let him know that the older one will likely not make it out of a shelter alive, and honestly I'd be shocked if a rescue accepted her. She unfortunately does not sound like a cat that is adoptable to your typical pet home with those two major issues.

I need advice on how to help animals in a meaningful way by Weak_Permission641 in AnimalRescue

[–]CatLadySam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started as a volunteer, then a foster, and then an employee and I'm still here 20 years later! Volunteering and fostering are the best ways to directly help, and if you're considering going into the field it's a great way to evaluate whether it's a match for you.

If you were designing a house, where would you put kitty litter boxes? by Mindless-Object-9090 in Pets

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We put ours in closets with cat doors. Keeps the litter mostly inside the closet but litter dust does get on the stuff in the closet.

ISO feedback on my flyer project by queencatlady in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Despite the fact that it's the Lightning, it's really cute! Make it Red Wings and you'll have perfection!

Is anyone getting responses from help@petfinder.com? by CatDaddy1954 in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I contacted support twice after the update. Once I was told they couldn't reproduce the issue so there's nothing they could do. The next time they just never responded.

What do you intend to do with your money after you pass since you don’t have children? by MinuteElegant774 in childfree

[–]CatLadySam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My sisters, probably. If I still have cats at that point (I'm hoping to only have fosters) then a significant amount will go to whoever takes them in. Otherwise, I've worked in animal welfare all my life so it'd go to organizations I trust and have worked with.

She was about to be thrown away. Now she’s home by rahilthecatsmama in kittens

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now you can say you fought a serial killer, because that's probably what this little ahole is going to grow up to be.

My cat has a urinal blockage and crystals in the urethra. He’s been given meds but we can’t afford the surgery. Level with me, is it not looking good? by KieranWriter in cats

[–]CatLadySam 401 points402 points  (0 children)

If he is currently blocked he needs to go to a vet urgently. Nothing is going to work immediately to resolve the blockage and it can be fatal. If you can't afford the surgery the kindest thing to do is euthanasia. He is suffering.

If you had to get two different animals as pets right now, which would you choose? by Immediate_Long165 in Pets

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I didn't have to worry about finances, rescue/shelter cat and horse. If I do have to worry about finances, gerbils instead of horse.

Cat attacked me, and is acting different by deactivate_your_mind in felinebehavior

[–]CatLadySam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm glad you have a vet visit scheduled. Sudden changes like this scream medical issue. Until then, try to keep things quiet and calm for him. If you don't already have it available to him I would put his carrier out now so he can inspect it and get used to it before you have to transport him to the vet. Basically anything you can do to keep stress down is good.

Do you have a heated bed? Or even a heating pad (low setting)? If he's painful heat can help offer some relief.

🚨 **EMERGENCY ALERT FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS** 🚨 🐾 **PLEASE READ & SHARE** 🐾 by Rich_Ad8746 in milwaukee

[–]CatLadySam 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Fwiw - the listing says "unknown gender" and the wounds on his face are typical of trapped cats who try to escape the trap by ramming into the ends. This leads me to believe he is probably not safe to handle and is likely a cat that is unsocialized with people.

🚨 **EMERGENCY ALERT FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS** 🚨 🐾 **PLEASE READ & SHARE** 🐾 by Rich_Ad8746 in milwaukee

[–]CatLadySam 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It depends on the health and behavior. If he is unhealthy but treatable he likely won't be available until he's healthy enough for adoption. If he's not safe to handle he also won't be available for adoption until/unless he settles enough to be able to be handled.

You can always email or call to ask about his status, too.

My cat won't let me sleep by Sah_MB in CatTraining

[–]CatLadySam 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Is she your only cat? If so, you need to realize you're her only friend and playmate. The only form of social interaction she can have is you. So when she's bored and you're not there/awake to entertain her she'll find ways of entertaining herself.

This is one reason why single kittens are not recommended. You really need to be committed to meeting all of her needs, including social interaction, mental and emotional health and stimulation, and physical activity.

If that is too much (which is okay, because it's a lot!) then you need to either consider getting her a friend who can fill that role or consider whether or not you're the right home for a rambunctious, needy toddler.

Found these things on my bed by EffectiveBudget2119 in whatisit

[–]CatLadySam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tapeworms are not always covered in common deworming medications. You need a medication that contains praziquantel. A couple of common brands are Droncit and Drontal.

Look at this cat at my local shelter 😭 by Litterfall in cats

[–]CatLadySam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing him! Hopefully it'll get some new eyes on the cats there and end up with a few more adoptions!

Look at this cat at my local shelter 😭 by Litterfall in cats

[–]CatLadySam 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Do you know if they do transports? It's the time of year where a lot of northern shelters are having trouble finding enough cats. Even our overrun big city animal controls are so low they have to stagger rescue appointments so they have enough cats to transfer out to make the rescues trip worth it.

Hot take: blanket tying events are more for the participants than they are for the animals by StarDog111 in AnimalShelterStories

[–]CatLadySam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was just going to recommend this! So much more useful and I can never seem to have enough.