What Do We Do With a New Kitty?

The intake process for a new kitten or cat entering our program is lengthy. We make a paper chart, with date; intake weight; any veterinary work that has already been done in terms of vaccines, spay/neuter, feline leukemia testing, and microchipping; and any initial observations.

The veterinary technician on duty examines the kitty and begins the work as needed, noting age markers and any discernible or possible abnormalities. We de-flea, de-worm, and take pictures.

If the kitty is at least four weeks old, we begin the FVRCP vaccinations against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (C), and panleukopenia, also known as distemper (P).

For tiny kittens, there is more work to be done. Of course, they are fed immediately with either KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement) or gruel depending on their age. We express the bladder and bowel. They are examined closely and inoculated with antibiotics.

Next, we find an appropriate foster for the cat, kitten, family, or group. Some people want a single kitten. If we intake a single kitten, this is fine. However, if the kitten has a sibling, we keep them together. Siblings teach young kitties rules about biting and scratching by yelling when it’s too hard.

We won’t separate kittens from their mom for 13 weeks unless circumstances warrant such separation. The magic number of 13 weeks is the age at which they can get a rabies shot.

Patchy receiving his checkup at Lone Star Animal Hospital.

Using the information on the paper chart, the kitty is entered into our database. Our Foster Coordinator tracks the vetting process and informs the vet techs and the kitten’s foster. We determine when the kitty will be spayed/neutered, rabies vaccinated—which can only be done by a veterinarian—and available for adoption.

We learned this process from the American Pets Alive conferences we have attended, and the handbook they produce yearly. We avoid reinventing the wheel whenever possible! Instead, we learn from the mistakes and successes of larger organizations that have been saving kitties for decades, some for over a century! The Humane Society of the United States was founded in 1954; the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began in England in 1824.

Lambchop and Porkchop

Adoptions have slowed down. I believe because of the upcoming elections. However, Lambchop and Porkchop just had a meeting via Zoom with potential adopters, and they LOVE them!

In their foster home, these siblings have blossomed into total sweeties, soliciting and reveling in pets, cuddles, and love. We were determined not to separate them, as they are each other’s support animal. Now they have one home where they can stay together. We're very happy, and know they will be, too.

Upcoming Giving Events

Tomlinson's Pound 4 Pound, Nov. 27–Dec. 24

Pound 4 Pound, an event by Tomlinson’s Feed Stores, runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas. During this time, you can buy us a bag of food and Tomlinson’s will match it. Three times a year we go to Tomlinson’s and they give us as much dry cat food as a large pickup can hold! We’ve figured out how to store it safely, which was a challenge.

With this food we can feed all the kitties under our umbrella—sanctuary residents, adoptable kitties, foster kitties, and give lots away to people who feed community and feral cats.

The wonderful manager at the Belterra Village Tomlinson’s, Staci, is researching how you can buy us a bag of food without coming to the store. I’ll put that in the newsletter next week.

Thank you for all the food your donations have afforded us in the past, and thank you in advance for your contributions through Pound4Pound this year!

#GivingTuesday, Dec 1

#GivingTuesday is a global virtual donation event that occurs on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, December 1 this year. It begins the Giving Season.

I’m not going to mince words. The pandemic has wiped out many a non-profit organization, and we are fighting hard to overcome the challenges created by it. We have cut as much staff as we can, while hating to do that to people we love and who need a job.

Our veterinarians are so patient with us, allowing us to maintain a balance owed. We have one donor who regularly pays on our vet bills, but she, too, is overwhelmed.

We have closed our doors to intake for the year. We simply cannot help any more cats than we have in our foster homes.

I know that I am preaching to the choir here. You people who give to us make such a difference! We thank you for all contributions on #GivingTuesday, or any other time.

What we need from you is more than that. Please be ambassadors for Thundering Paws to your families and friends. We need to enlarge our donor base. We need people who will donate monthly—$10, $25, $100—whatever a person can afford.

I am happy to tell you anything you want to know about Thundering Paws, happy to give you a virtual tour of the sanctuary and explain our programs, happy to do whatever it takes to keep our organization afloat. Please send me an email if you would like more information.

Thank you for all you do for us, and everything you do for animals.

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