No Kill Lehigh Valley

12/31/2024

Not to be a Debbie Downer but this is a fact we need to talk about. To do your part so more kitties do not have to die please spay/neuter your pets and any local community cats you may be feeding and sheltering.

12/10/2024

To whoever chose to abandon their 2 kittens at Friedens Fire Company today, 24 hours before our event, in the middle of somebody else’s private party, completely non-cat related, because you knew our event was happening tomorrow there…

Your kittens are safe.

You left them in a cardboard box with a few pieces of dry food and nothing else. They cowered terrified in the corner for hours until it was learned what they were, then they remained in the box hours longer until we arrived to setup our event tonight and we discovered what was in the box. One of our volunteers had a backpack carrier luckily, but when we tried to transfer them, they were either completely scared to death, or feral, because the orange one bit 2 volunteers numerous times. First chance they got to escape the box they darted. Luckily they were secured in a bathroom and volunteers stayed late until both were safely able to be transported to safety.

But to where? We have no fosters able/willing to setup 2 feral/fractious older kittens who bit 2 volunteers several times already. We are a rescue setup to care for newborns and very young kittens. We can see the fleas jumping on them, they are visibly sick, they are starving. It is nearly 1am, the night of our largest fundraiser of the year, and we are scrambling to locate a foster to care for your kittens. Our only option is to use one of our feral mom placements but that removes our ability to assist a nursing feral mom with newborns suffering in the upcoming winter months.

Your kittens are safe though.

They devoured the gruel they were given, they ate like they haven’t seen food in forever.

We will get them spayed and neutered. We will search for a safe outdoor home for them, we will accept responsibility for these 2 terrified souls and find a way to get them feeling better and free of fleas, because you could not.

What should have happened in this scenario?

TNR. Simple. Trap. Neuter. Return. They would’ve been fixed so no reproduction, they would’ve been vaccinated, and likely given injectable antibiotics, then returned to their HOME. Wherever they came from is their home. It is not easy to relocate feral cats.

The cats are terrified. Because they’re terrified, they’re behaving fractiously, aggressively, and that behavior put so many innocent people in danger today because the box they were left in was not secure.

We understand shelters everywhere are operating over capacity. We understand the rescue world is in crisis mode currently. These 2 older kittens deserved far better than what happened to them today.

Please do not abandon cats at random places. Please don’t force intakes on rescues. If you are dealing with feral cats, ask for help and any reputable rescue would offer guidance on the best way to handle this.

Feral cats are wild animals. Putting them in unsecured cardboard boxes, walking into a random private party at a social hall then leaving them there to be randomly discovered, was dangerously irresponsible and we are grateful the only people who got hurt were our 2 volunteers. We will ensure they are ok.

TNR works. TNR is not cruel. What happened to
These cats today was cruel.

Welcome our 2 juvenile ferals. I know you’re terrified, but at least you’re well fed tonight, warm, and safe. Tomorrow during our event we will continue our quest to locate a long term foster for you as well as an outdoor place you can begin to call home. Finding outdoor homes is such a challenge. 😔

Please don’t abandon animals. Please.

*the ear is not tipped, it’s the way she was pressed against the carrier when the pic was taken.

12/08/2024

Great advice! Only use straw in winter cat shelters! ❄️☃️🐾

12/06/2024

12/05/2024

Happy Holidays to all of our friends and supporters!
It has been a very busy year for us at the Fund for Veterinary Care. We have helped a record number of animals and their families. We know how critically important it is to have funds available in times of need and we do our best to be able to respond to requests for help. Unfortunately, sometimes the need outpaces our ability to meet it. We depend on fund raisers by our volunteers and donations from our supporters in order to keep on prividing essential care. Please enjoy this gallery of animals we have helped through the years. This is just a small sample of lives saved and families kept together. Please enjoy seeing what love and generosity can do. And please consider making a donation at this special time of year either by using the button on this page or by sending a check to No Kill Lehigh Valley PO Box 4272 Bethlehem, Pa. 18018. Every penny goes to help needy animals get the care they need. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season!

12/05/2024

Please continue to spread the word. There are still people who don’t understand this.

Petland's Missed Opportunity: A Disappointing Outcome

The new Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, also known as the Puppy Mill Ban, takes effect on December 15th. This state law prohibits stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits, but it still allows them to partner with local shelters and rescues. Despite this, Petland in Cicero has decided to shut down entirely.

It's unfortunate that Petland chose to close its doors rather than adapt its business model. Under the new law, pet stores have the opportunity to collaborate with local shelters and rescues. Research conducted before the law’s passage showed that the bulk of revenue in pet stores comes from pet supplies (such as food, toys, and accessories), not from the sale of animals.

Had Petland partnered with local animal organizations, it could have continued operations, kept its employees on staff, and contributed to alleviating the animal crisis in our community. This approach would have also presented an opportunity to strengthen their brand, gain community support, and boost their business by showing a commitment to the welfare of animals and the local community.

Petland's decision leaves myself and many others in the animal community disappointed, reinforcing the belief that their focus was more on profits than the welfare of the animals in their care.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Foss, President
Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse (AAGS)

Reference Links regarding this new NYS law:

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to End the Puppy Mill Pipeline | Governor Kathy Hochul

The New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Law | State Laws | ASPCA

12/04/2024

Feline Fact Friday ... Winter Edition

❄️ Did you know that outdoor community cats need extra calories in the winter to keep extra fat layers on their bodies to keep them warmer in the colder temperatures?

Feeding adult food mixed with some kitten food (which has more calories than adult food) is a good option in the winter months.

⚠️ Mix small amounts of kitten food gradually so the cats' tummies don't get upset.

🚩It is only necessary to feed more calories during the colder months.

❗️If you're feeding community cats - thank you - but please make sure they are spayed & neutered!

Reach out to us if you need TNVR resources in the Charlotte, NC area - https://www.friendsofferalfelines.org/how-to-tnr.

12/04/2024

The temperatures are dropping in our area. Here's a post from Stray Cat Project with tips to encourage your community cats to use outdoor cat shelters.
-------------------
📢 How to encourage an outdoor cat to use a shelter...

In most cases, cats will figure out how to use shelters on their own. Here are a few things you can do to attract them if it doesn't seem like your community cats are using the shelter:

▪️ BE PATIENT. Some cats need a lot of time to get comfortable with a new shelter.
▪️ Loosely fill the shelter ½ to ¾ full of straw, NOT HAY. Replace the straw at least every year (or when dirty).
▪️ Remove any door flaps on the shelter. While doorway flaps help keep cold air out and warm air in, they should not be added until after your cats are used to going in and out of the shelter.
▪️ Do not place food in or near the shelter. Cats instinctively avoid sleeping near food as it attracts other cats and wildlife (predators).
▪️ Location is important. Place the shelter where your cats are already hanging out. More feral/less social cats typically want to shelter farther away from humans. The more secluded the shelter, the more likely cats are to use it.
▪️ Place the shelter near natural cover, as opposed to out in the open where your cats may not feel safe. Cats prefer to move along walls, hedges, or other natural barriers and boundaries. Place the shelter under or up against a building, fence, tree, porch, bush, or some type of overhang.
▪️ Place the shelter with the entrance facing away from the wind, rain, and snow.
▪️ Make sure the shelter is on a flat surface. A wobbly shelter could discourage cats from entering.
▪️ It’s possible that your cats have another shelter where they feel safe. They may already have a shed, crawlspace, or some other shelter they prefer.
▪️ When all else fails, try a new location, but only after giving your cats plenty of time to explore and get used to the current location.

(We thank FeralVilla.com for this great advice!)

💛 THANK YOU to the caregivers who have taken the time to build a feral cat shelter. Protection from the elements is critical, especially during the cold months, and your thoughtfulness will no doubt save many lives this winter. 🐾❄️









(source of photo unknown)

12/04/2024

Patrick Swayze once said, "They told me my house smelled like dogs, and I asked them, do you know what a dog smells like?" It smells like gratitude, loyalty, nobility, affection, pure unconditional love. And in spite of all they've been through, they smell no resentment. So blessed that my house smells like dogs. "

12/04/2024

Cat fact of the day 🐈🐾