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Black Cat Month

Black Cat Named Misery

For centuries, black cats have been associated with Halloween, which falls on the last day of October. While most of us revere cats of any color, black cats are the favorite of many. Why then, do many humane societies ban their adoption this month?

More About Black Cats

Franny's Cats Blog

Happy Birthday Tabby's Place

Monday October 6, 2008
On Sunday, October 6, 2008, Tabby's Place celebrated five years of caring for "death row" cats with special needs, five years of rejoicing when a blind, disabled, or diabetic cat was adopted, five years of sad times when one beloved resident cat or another finally left for the Bridge.

After Jonathan Rosenberg's treasured companion, Tabby, passed on, he envisioned such a place. From 1999 until October of 2003, Jonathan poured blood, sweat, tears, and his own funds into establishing his dream, which has taken form with Tabby's Place, a sanctuary for cats no one else wanted.

Jonathan, his staff, and volunteers, have put together a wonderful 5-Years Newsletter Celebration, which I know you will love. The adoptions stories are especially heart-warming, and I was touched to tears by the photo of a special brick in the walkway to Cherney's Garden .

Please join with me in rejoicing, thanking, and congratulating Tabby's staff for this amazing accomplishment.

Pictured here are Jonathan Rosenberg and his pal, Erin.
Photo Credit: © Tabby's Place

Urine Spraying Success Story

Monday October 6, 2008
Possibly nothing can be as upsetting or as frustrating as having a cat spray urine all over the house. Spraying or inappropriate elimination is probably the number one reason cats are surrendered to shelters, or worse, turned out of the house to fend for themselves.

Puck, pictured here, suffered the latter fate. Although her owners left food outdoors for her, the crows quite often helped themselves and left little for her. By the time Leona entered her life, in Leona's words,

She was an angry, unhappy, and confused cat -- alternately purring (for the food) then hissing and scratching and being a general "piss ant" as my sister used to say.
Leona and her husband took Puck into their home, and it wasn't too long before she sprayed -- their stereo system! Be sure to read the rest of Puck's story for and inspiring example of persistence, patience, and love, which turned the tide for Puck's "behavioral problems." The bottom line, as Leona wrote me, is "Don't Give up on Your Cat!"

Today is World Animal Day

Saturday October 4, 2008
People who love cats almost always love all of the creatures of this planet. With that in mind, consider celebrating World Animal Day with one or more of these activities, suggested on their site:
Obviously there’s no time to organise an event but there are lots of things you can do to mark the day that take no planning. Here are just a few ideas which will make a difference and can be achieved very easily: play with your pets; make a donation to your favourite animal charity; walk an elderly neighbours dog; donate some food or volunteer at a local shelter; sponsor an animal; make a pledge for World Animal Day (see menu bar left) or send your friends and family a World Animal Day E-Card to raise awareness of World Animal Day (link below).
I already know where my donation is going today. Do you?

Cat Picture of the Week: Sadie

Saturday October 4, 2008
My cat's name is Sadie. I found her while out walking one fall day in a park. She came running up to me and was about the size of a wad of paper. Her fur was falling out (I later discovered it was ring worm, which she lovingly transferred to me) and had tons of fleas. How could I not be smitten?? $400 later I had myself a healthy, spayed, flea free kitty. She was a perfect lady and had no problems with using the litter pan. She's been a wonderful companion!
© Rachel Parker

Sadie is beautiful, in the unique ways that black cats have. Her eyes are lustrous and her black coat is shining with health. Rachel's devotion to Sadie is evident in every word she wrote. Sadie's photo will also appear in the 2008 Black Cats Picture Gallery

My cat of the week photos are selected from general photo submittals. Although October is devoted to black cats, all cat photos may be submitted any time of the year. The acceptance will depend on two factors:

  1. They must be of an acceptable quality and size.
  2. They must be accompanied by ALL the information requested in the Photo Submittal Guidelines.

    More 2008 Cat Pictures of the Week.

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