{"id":828,"date":"2018-04-12T18:19:29","date_gmt":"2018-04-13T01:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/?p=64473"},"modified":"2018-04-12T18:19:29","modified_gmt":"2018-04-13T01:19:29","slug":"the-kittens-are-coming-kitten-season-is-no-reason-for-glee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/pets\/the-kittens-are-coming-kitten-season-is-no-reason-for-glee","title":{"rendered":"The Kittens Are Coming\u2014Kitten Season Is No Reason for Glee"},"content":{"rendered":"

Please send any Long Beach or Seal Beach pet-related events or projects to\u00a0pets@lbpost.com<\/a>. Posting subject to approval.<\/p>\n

Virtually Pets<\/h1>\n

Yes, they\u2019re adorable, but hundreds and thousands of kittens are born every year with no guarantee of survival for most of them\u2014therefore, no exclamation point in the title to signify adorable<\/em>. There are TNR (trap\/neuter [and spay]-release] programs, organizations, bottle-feeders and volunteers, but none aplenty\u2014you\u2019d need something akin to a military campaign to fix all the females and the toms who love them to have any effect.<\/p>\n

Groups and individuals volunteer to bottle-feed and foster newborn kittens left without mothers or are erroneously thought to be orphaned. Helen Sanders CatPAWS<\/a>, has provided bottle-feeding kits that are free to anyone wanting to save a few tiny lives and are available at our shelter, Long Beach Animal Care Services<\/a> (ACS).<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s nowhere near enough\u2014CatPAWS and other organizations desperately need bottle-feeders and fosters during the next few months.<\/p>\n

Nothing\u2019s ever enough. Ever. Shelters, including our own, have to put hundreds of foundling baby kittens to sleep every year because of lack of resources, mainly human. Added to this are people who won\u2019t fix their own cats and allow them to roam or have one or more of each sex in the house. What happens to those kittens if they can\u2019t find homes? And if they do, what guarantee is there that those kittens will be fixed? Cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months of age, and at an average of five kittens per litter\u2014well, do the exponential math.<\/p>\n

If you find a nursing mother and you can safely get the whole family into a cage or a carrier, do so, or leave them outside and monitor the situation until the kittens are weaned and you can safely get them into a trap or a carrier and fixed\u2014all of them. (More good advice here<\/a>). If you find a litter that you think has been abandoned\u2014keep an eye out for Momcat for a few hours to be sure that she isn\u2019t just out scavenging for food\u2014then either scoop them up carefully, locate a rescuer or, as a last resort, bring them to the shelter, knowing that there\u2019s a big chance that they won\u2019t get out alive. Our shelter\u2019s staff makes efforts to contact cat rescues to pull the kittens, but rescues have limits, too. If kittens have a choice of dying from starvation and exposure or a quiet death, I\u2019d pick the latter although it\u2019s difficult for animal advocates, me included, to accept gracefully.<\/p>\n

One thing you don\u2019t<\/em> want to do is to bring in a litter that you haven\u2019t verified as abandoned or orphaned, or don\u2019t care whether Mom\u2019s around or is not. If she returns to find her kittens gone, she\u2019ll wander and yowl, agitated as hell with mammaries swollen with milk. I saw an example last week while I was volunteering in the shelter\u2014a well-meaning couple brought in two babies that they grabbed up while the mother was away. They didn\u2019t want the kittens to grow up and breed more kittens, but removing them wasn\u2019t helping the kittens, the mother, the shelter or the overburdened rescues. Luckily, one of those rescues rallied for the babies and found a foster (thank you, Carrie from ACS, CatPAWS, and Maureen, Melanie, Murlyn and everyone whose name I forgot at Seal Beach Animal Care Center<\/a>, where I charged off as safely but as fast as I could drive, mindfully not resisting the urge to take my hands off the wheel to bite my fingernails. We got there in time.)<\/p>\n

But next time? There will be a next time\u2014several already, I can guarantee.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Here are the kittens who came in to ACS. Helpless, cold and hungry, they\u2019re doing fine\u2014but these are just a small sample. Please fix your cats. Besides, it\u2019s the law here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Incidentally, the kittens\u2019 mother will become pregnant again if she isn\u2019t trapped\u2014the couple told us that they\u2019ve been trying to trap her for three years. We sent them suggestions, and if any of you know a trapper, please contact me at pets@lbpost.com<\/a>. We can try.<\/p>\n

For the next few months, this column will feature kitten adoptions from groups who exhaust themselves in every way to save as many lives as possible. This week, it\u2019s Wrigley Kittens<\/strong><\/a>, a group neighborhood effort that puts their own money and other resources into saving kittens\u2019 lives. They could use some help as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Little white stars! Maia<\/strong> and Alya<\/strong> are 10-week-old twin sisters. They are all white with blue-green eyes and the sweetest personalities. They are very bonded, but both love other cats and dogs and are becoming very cuddly with their foster humans. They will follow you around and talk to you, and they\u2019re just starting to jump up in laps when they want attention.<\/p>\n

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Smokey<\/strong>, Bandit<\/strong>, Louis Vutton<\/strong> and Johnny Cash<\/strong> were born to a feral mama cat under a house that was scheduled to be tented. Wrigley rescued the kittens and the mom, and they have been in foster care for just about six weeks now. They are available for pre-adoption only since they will need a couple of weeks more with Mom before we can separate them and get the kittens their vaccinations and other vet care. But interested adopters are strongly encouraged to apply now so they have homes to go to as soon as they are ready.<\/p>\n

Please email\u00a0wrigleykittens@gmail.com<\/a> for an application or more information.<\/p>\n

As a friend of mine said of any issue animal, the problem is bigger than the solution. However, if you\u2019re willing to keep chipping away at it, here are a few good resources. Please add any that I left out in the Comments.<\/em><\/p>\n

Information<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Stray Cat Alliance<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Alley Cat Allies<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Support Groups<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bottle Baby Feeders\u2014Where It All Begins<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Vouchers and Free\/Low-Cost Spay Neuter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fix Long Beach<\/a><\/p>\n

Long Beach Animal Care Services<\/a>\u00a0(vouchers provided by Friends of Long Beach Animals<\/a>\u00a0and clinic information only; the shelter\u2019s S\/N isn\u2019t open to the public)<\/p>\n

SNP\/LA Veterinary Clinic, San Pedro<\/a>\u00a0(call to inquire about feral spay days)<\/p>\n

Golden State Humane Veterinary Clinic, Long Beach<\/a><\/p>\n

Fosters, Bottle-Feeders, Help Needed from the Community!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cat Cove\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Helen Sanders CatPAWS<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The Little Lion Foundation<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

CatPAWS <\/em><\/strong>and Little Lion <\/strong>to present bottle-feeding workshops<\/em><\/p>\n

Jellicle Cats Rescue Foundation<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Zoey\u2019s Place Rescue<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Kitty Katchers<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Long Beach Spay and Neuter Foundation<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Making Biscuits Cat Adoption and Rescue<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

(If that seems like a lot of resources, multiply it exponentially\u2014cats X litters X litters X litters X litters\u2026 . It isn\u2019t.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Things to Do, Pets to Support<\/h1>\n

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Fix Long Beach Free Spay\/Neuter Clinic<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday, April 14, 7:30AM\u20133:00PM, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1140 Ximeno Avenue, Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spay\/neuter free with appointment and qualifications; vet appointment with voucher, minimal charge for dogs and cats; flea meds $10; shots and dewormer $10 each; nail trimming, $10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fix Long Beach gives a heartfelt thanks to District 3 Councilmember Suzie Price and District 4 Councilmember Daryl Supernaw for fully funding this month\u2019s clinic. Putting on these events costs in the thousands, and it couldn\u2019t happen without the generosity of our donors.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s now the law to fix your pets in Long Beach and many Southern California cities. To provide this costly service to our Long Beach residents who otherwise couldn\u2019t afford it, Fix Long Beach offers this service free of charge. The spay\/neuter truck will be at its new location at Scherer Park on this date.<\/p>\n

Make an appointment through IM or email at <\/strong>info@fixlongbeach.com<\/a> for your dog<\/strong>, and include (1) your name, (2) address, (3) phone number, (4) dog’s name, (5) age, (6) sex, (7) breed, and (8) weight, and Fix will see if they can schedule you. You can also come as a standby, but be there at 8:30AM. Make sure that your pet has had nothing to eat or drink past 10:00PM the previous night.<\/p>\n

To donate, visit our page<\/a>. In-kind donations such as leashes, collars and toys can be brought to our event or ordered through our Amazon wish list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For both spay\/neuter and vaccinations,<\/strong> all dogs must be on sturdy leashes and all cats must be in dedicated carriers. <\/strong>Fix thanks you in advance for being responsible for your pet\u2019s health and for helping to reduce shelter overpopulation and euthanasia.<\/p>\n

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Little Lion Cat Adoption Event<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday, April 21, noon\u20134:00PM, Just Food for Dogs, 2200 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adoption fees apply<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just Food for Dogs is hoping to help this great cat-rescue\/bottle-feeder organization to find just homes for cats, and just in time for kitten season to start showering babies on us. Hang out with\u00a0The Little Lion Foundation<\/a>\u00a0and JustFoodForDogs, meet the adorable kittens looking for forever homes, and speak with our nutrition consults about how they can benefit from our JustFoodForCats (yup, they got it!) meal once they\u2019re full grown.<\/p>\n

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America\u2019s Family Pet Expo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Friday, April 27, 10:00AM\u20136:00PM; Saturday, April 28, 10:00AM\u20137:00PM; and Sunday, April 29, 10:00AM\u20136:00PM, OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa<\/strong><\/p>\n

$15 general admission, 13 seniors, $10 children 6\u201312, free to children under 5 and to active and retired military members with valid ID<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 29th annual America\u2019s Family Pet Expo is the largest pet and pet-product expo event anywhere! Exhibits include retailers, groomers, hobbyists, rescue organizations, breeders and pet experts. BARK Therapy Dogs will be appearing there as well! It\u2019s a great show of dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and small and large animals, plus top-notch entertainment and attractions. For more information, visit this link<\/a>. Oh\u2014and please leave your pets at home!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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BARK Therapy Dogs Pajamarama Event<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thursday, May 10, 6:00PM\u20138:00PM, Barnes & Noble, Marina Pacifica Mall, 6326 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach,<\/strong><\/p>\n

Free event<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kids\u2014put on your favorite pair of pajamas and have a great read with BARK dogs who will also be in their <\/em>pajamas\u2014more than likely with Scooby Doo or Beethoven. What could be cozier, more adorable or likely leading to more reading?<\/p>\n

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Furry Friends Faire<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday, May 19, 10:00AM\u20131:00PM, Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue (across from Los Cerritos Elementary School), Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Free to attend<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss our all-things-animal event! We\u2019ll have fun contests to enter your furry friends in, such as pet tricks, largest pet, smallest pet and most unusual pet. The poetry-award winners from Los Cerritos Elementary students will be reading their poems. We\u2019ll have an array of service providers you can meet at the event for your pets: groomers, trainers, pet food, dog walkers and more! For more information and updates, visit us here<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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Pets Ahoy Wine Fund-Raiser for Seal Beach Animal Care Center<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunday, May 20, 1:00PM\u20134:00PM, Seal Beach Yacht Club, 255 North Marina Drive, Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

$50; proceeds help to fund SBACC<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toast the animals at SBACC with wine, soft drinks and a buffet lunch. Enjoy silent auctions, a super-opportunity drawing for a $1,000 Visa card, and the knowledge that cats and dogs at SBACC will thrive and find good homes, thanks to you! Ticket sales information is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ongoing<\/h1>\n

\"BARK<\/p>\n

BARK Therapy Dogs Reading with Kids<\/strong><\/p>\n

See website<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for information<\/strong><\/p>\n

Founded in 2007, BARK (Beach Animals Reading with Kids) is a nonprofit all-volunteer program that encourages children to increase their reading skills and self-confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Students sometimes find it intimidating to read in front of classmates but love to read to the non-judgmental, calming dogs. BARK now has\u00a0170 teams listening to kids in more than 100 schools and libraries in California\u2014Long Beach libraries visited monthly are Bach, El Dorado, Bayshore, Brewitt and Los Altos; outlying-area libraries include Hawaiian Gardens, Iacoboni and Los Alamitos. BARK teams also visit nursing homes, senior living facilities and veteran centers. They even de-stress college students during finals week! For all events, check out BARK\u2019s calendar<\/a>. To find information about volunteering your furry buddy or to arrange a visit to your school, library or other community, contact the group at barkreadingdogs@aol.com<\/a> or (562)235-8835.<\/p>\n

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Kitty Catchers Adoption Event<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00AM\u20133:30PM both days, PetSmart, 2550 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite the name, Kitty Catchers catches doggies, too, and some will be there along with the lovely fosters at this event! You\u2019ll find your best friend there and anything else you\u2019ll need to give him or her a good life from then on.<\/p>\n

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Pet Adoption Event at PFE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturdays and Sundays, Pet Food Express, 4220 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adoption fees apply<\/strong><\/p>\n

Find your new BFF and everything<\/em> that he or she could possibly want or need, in one place.\u00a0Long Beach Animal Care Services<\/a>(ACS) and other rescues bring great cats and dogs ready to go home with their new people. Everything is high quality at Pet Food Express, and that includes the adoptive pets! Check out the Cat Adoption Center, featuring fine felines from Long Beach Animal Care Services and Stray Cat Alliance. For more information about which rescues will be present on any particular day, follow this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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SNP\/LA Mobile Low-Cost Pet Vaccines<\/strong><\/p>\n

Locations and dates vary; visit link in text<\/strong><\/p>\n

For low-cost vaccines, visit this link<\/a>. Note that pet owners must be 18 years or older, all pets must be on leashes or in carriers, and only healthy and non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. Please bring prior vaccination information with you to the clinic. Vaccination and microchip services are provided for pets residing in any city. Licensing is provided for residents within our jurisdiction at Saturday clinics; please bring your renewal notice and rabies certificate with you. Low\/cost spay\/neuter information is also available through SNP\/LA.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Free Pet Food Distributions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Papa, a big \u201cteddy bear\u2019 of a dog, sits with his human in Ashlee\u2019s Pet Care station at Beacon for Him.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beacon for Him<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>has extended an outreach for people experiencing homelessness and their pets. Pet food, primarily dog food, is available at their facility at 439 West Anaheim Street, Mondays from 9:00AM to noon and Saturdays from noon to 3:00PM. A dog-washing station with a stainless-steel tub is also available onsite at these hours. Donations and supplies such as shampoo, flea control and, of course, pet food are always gratefully accepted.<\/p>\n

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The Pet Food Bank<\/strong> is sponsored by Christian Outreach in Action<\/a>. COA is located at 515 E 3rd St, Long Beach. Hours are Thursday from 9:00AM to 11:00AM.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shelter-Enrichment Supplies Needed for ACS Dogs and Cats!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Drop-off: Wednesdays through Fridays, 10:00AM\u20135:30PM and Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00AM\u20134:00PM, 7700 East Spring Street, Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Individual donations requested<\/strong><\/p>\n

ACS is continuing our kennel enrichment activities for our canine\u00a0guests here and could use so more donations (there are plenty for the cats!). Here is what\u2019s needed:<\/p>\n