WaterGirl, in her infinite patience with Luddites, offered to post a second installment in the Hartstene Island Kitten Rescue epic, so here goes:
I am trying to find homes for ten kittens.
The ten kitties are eating, pooping, playing, sleeping and practicing their winsome cuteness skills in hopes of finding the homes their moms and dads never had. They come from a property where a kind lady fed a few stray cats and tried to get them fixed, but couldn’t keep up with their reproduction. When I found out about the situation, there were thirty plus cats on the property. A friend and I are trapping the adults, getting them fixed, and placing them in barns through BarnCats.
I am a volunteer at a sanctuary for unadoptable cats. It is not an official charity. The sanctuary is a series of cottages with enclosed yards which the owner built to house the overspill of feral, elderly, and sick cats from a local cat rescue. The kittens are in large ferret cages in one of the cottages, They can’t live at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives; there isn’t room, and besides they are adoptable!
The lady from Kitten Rescue came out and dewormed the kittens, gave them their first shots, cleaned their ears, and figured out what sex they all are. “Phoebe” and “Spice Girl” are boys.
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So here are the kitties:
Sammy is a Siamese mix. He was nearly dead when I found him curled up on a pile of garbage. He is now a sweet, happy, bouncy kitten with cream and brown fur and blue eyes. Very playful!
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Muffet is the sweetest of all the kittens. A gentle, unassuming animal, she tends to withdraw, but she loves a cuddle and has a loud purr. Her fluffy fur is black, and she has white toes.
Muffet & Sammy
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Ashley is the runt. A tiny kitten, she is a tabby with white markings. She is very cuddlesome and frolicsome. It is funny to watch her trying to get the bigger kittens to play with her. They mostly leave her alone because she is so small. She is very well socialized to humans.
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Phoebe is her sibling and nearly identical to her but a size larger. BTW, I don’t know for a fact that they are girls. They are too young to tell yet. Phoebe is shy with humans she doesn’t know. Vet visit: Phoebe is a boy.
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Wally the Walrus is the biggest and the bounciest. He was feral at first and hissed at me. I have been working with him, and he now acquiesces to being held. I think in the right home he will become a loving cat. He is a dark, nearly black tabby with white markings.
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The Dustbunnies are a pair of runts. Dusty has fluffy gray fur and Bunny is a fat round little guy, also with gray fur but not fluffy. They are socialized to people. Even though they are small, they are eating kibble and playing and seem healthy.
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The cream twins. These two beautiful kittens have cream-colored fur and blue eyes. I don’t know their gender. They are well socialized.
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Spice Girl is a dark tabby with a big personality. She’s tiny but mighty. She might be a boy. Vet visit: Spice Girl is a boy.
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Here are 3 of Sammy’s kittens.
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None are ready to place yet, though Sammy, Muffet, and Wally are close. I prefer to get them fixed first but will enturst them to the care of people who have a vet that can vouch for them and a track record of preventing their pets from having babies. I would prefer to place the kittens as pairs: Sammy and Muffet, the Dustbunnies, the cream twins. Wally and Spice Girl seem to be confident enough to place alone.
Speaking of kindness of strangers, Laura and her husband were kind enough to make a donation toward the kittens’ care. I appreciate their support! And I am very grateful to WaterGirl for coping with my incompetence with texting, messaging, sending photos etc.
Mason Co WA, where I live is overrun with homeless animals. Kitten Rescue, a local group that has been very helpful with supplies, has 100 kittens on their premises to place! Clearly, to find homes for the kittens in my care, I need to reach outside of Mason Co. That’s why, dear Bjers, I am hoping some of you are in need of a cat. Or two. Or three.
This was pre-scheduled for when wonkie can be around, and I have to head out to an appointment in a minute, so I’ll leave this as the prearranged time.
2.
wonkie
Hi, everyone! I am here. I have a couple coming this Saturday hopefully for two but I have no homes lined up for the others. A kind lady from Kitten Rescue of Mason Co has been donating shots, dewormer, flea meds and vouchers for spay and neuter. Without her help, I’d be overwhelmed. Also two of my neighbors on the island have been wonderful about buying food, feeding and socializing the kittens and helping to publicize them. It is kind of depressing to consider the amount of time and money being spent on these ten when there are one hundred more at Kitten Rescue and many many more just out in the county somewhere trying to survive. But, to quote Candide, “We are not wise or kind of good, We do the best we can.” Thank you to BJ for letting me use your platform to reach out beyond Mason Co for homes.
@wonkie: They are all adorable. I live on the other side of the country and I’m not quite ready to adopt, but I hope you find homes for them soon. Seconding Steeplejack’s query about how to donate.
@WereBear: I challenge this assertion because Hime is incredibly co-dependent on me and Odo thinks it’s my job to wave the delicious toy around.
9.
wonkie
@WereBear: Yes, I would like them to be placed as pairs. Ashley is one of the most socialized. She just melted into Laura’s arms when they met, and she had no previous acquaintance. Muffet is shy, but so sweet and has such a loud purr. If I could have another cat, I’d pick her. However, I have a jealous and wrathful cat at home, and he has FIV.
10.
WaterGirl
@ruemara: Is that not your job? Have you looked at your job description lately? Pretty sure that’s on there!
@WaterGirl: Yeah but they pay in exposure, so no thanks.
12.
wonkie
THis personality discussion reminds me of a dog I rescued. Actually, I stole him. Anyway, at the rescue he just stood around with his back arched and his head down. I thought maybe he had an injury from when his owner literally kicked him off the front porch. We took him to the vet and, after examination, the vet said that there was no physical injury. The diagnosis: low self-esteem.
I appreciated that diagnosis since many people would deny that a dog has a self. BTW, he perked up under care and was adopted.
13.
wonkie
@wonkie: Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if Muffet had low self-esteem. Sammy. on the other hand, is Mr. Popular.
Like I said the last time this was posted if transport can be arranged I am interested in for a pair of bonded kitties, Spice boy reminds me of my boss kitteh.
15.
cckids
There’s probably no way to know how they’d react to a dog, is there? My daughter and new SIL are looking for a kitten (or two); they have a very gentle, friendly but large golden-husky mix.
Rorschach likes cats, even my Hermione, who most definitely does not like him. I’m just worried about how tiny these little ones are. Any clues, anybody?
Editing to say, surely we can help with transport for schrodingers cat?
16.
wonkie
@cckids: The kittens have no experience with dogs. I am not really concerned with their reaction to the dog. I think the dog’s reaction to them is more important. If the dog is gentle or playful or indifferent, I think kittens would be safe and would adjust. Just so long as the dog is not predatory toward small scurrying animals.
17.
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: I’d like to figure out transport. Would an airplane be bs given the distance? I am nervous about flying animals cargo but I dont really know anything about it. If it is safe, then that would be the easiest way. Spice Boy is not bonded to any of the others but definitely gets along with all of his litter mates. Also I think he is young enough that he could be matched with one of the kittens he hasn’t met.
18.
cckids
@wonkie: I don’t see him as any way predatory, he’s just very clumsy, I’ve never seen a dog quite like him :)
@wonkie: I have no idea either, didn’t someone in the last thread offer to fly with the kittehs by Alaska Airway IIRC.
21.
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: I remember that> I did a quick google and some airlines have cargo areas designed for animals: heated, pressuized. I will check Alaska right now.
@wonkie: IDK if I want the poor itty bitties to travel in the cargo hold. I thought someone was going to fly with them in the cabin. You may be better off finding prospective local adopters.
23.
wonkie
Alaska is prepared to ship pets in cargo. THey have lots of requirements which I like since it means they have thought through the whole process. They only fly pets when the temperature is between 45 and 85 which indicates to me that the cargo area doesn’t have climate control–that’s a bit worrisome. Otherwise it looks feasible and safe–barring all the horrible nightmare possibilities that a worrier like me can dream up.
@cckids: Maybe you could cat test him? Usually cats and dogs are fine if the dog has no prey drive toward the cat. In my home, our cat is a danger to our dog.
27.
wonkie
@wonkie: Oh I just noticed that the dog has experience with cats. If your daughter wants to contact me, she can at LKoerber 889 @ aol . com with no spaces
28.
CaseyL
I would love to grab a pair, and I’m even in the area, but I already have 2 cats, one of whom has cancer and is taking up quite a lot of attention.
I’m happy to kick in towards transit costs. I’d even be available for a relay, like we’ve done in the past. I have a car with room for two carriers.
@wonkie: Didn’t we pay someone to drive Walter, or someone else, across country?
30.
wonkie
@WaterGirl: I don’t remember but I did find a business that does transport. They don’t offer price into without asking a lot of questions. If SC is interested in pursuing that option, we certainly can look up the details. I can understand his reluctance to fly kittens cargo. Even though Alaska apparently is set up to do it, It still scares me
31.
wonkie
@CaseyL: Thank you Casey and best wishes for your cat. I have and elderly dog with multiple health problems and it is very time consuming. My day is organized around his needs.
32.
emrys
@wonkie: Since they are kittens you might see if they can both go in one carrier in the cabin. Then someone could take them to their destination or sc could pick up. See if there is a rabies requirement given their age and about health certificates
33.
Mike in Oly
I’m local too and have shared this to my social media pages. Hope we can generate some interest and find these babies some homes!
34.
wonkie
@emrys: Finding the someone is the sticking point. Otherwise, yes, that would be a good way to transport them. Probably the best way. I read the Alaska policy and they don’t require rabies shots in between the lower 48 states but do require a health certificate from a vet. I can help pay for a flight but I can’t be the one that goes on the trip.
People, this is not hard. Flying with kittens, 2 in a carrier, inside the cabin is easy.
I once had 3 kittens and their mother inside a soft sided purse.
Have flown with a full-grown cat inside regulation underseat carrier several times. Have flown with two full-sized cats inside a huge carrier in cargo. Pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo.
We can pay. All we need are people who would like a nice paid trip East or West. Or adopters willing to travel, free, for their pets.
40.
wonkie
@MazeDancer: I did a quick check and it is not expensive. ROund trip 400 in late oct. As low as 200 in Nov. SC how invested are you in getting kittens? Which pair would you like? I hope I am not pushing you.
41.
cckids
@wonkie: Thank you! I will pass this on. She & new hubby both came back from their Canadian honeymoon with Covid (dammit), so will not be immediate.
@wonkie: No you are not pushing me at all. They are all so adorable!
43.
Damned as Random
You can sex the babies. Look at their little anal/genital opening. An exclamation point ! is a girl, a colon : is a boy. Never missed.
44.
wonkie
@Damned as Random: Thank you! I got them sexed by Kitten Rescue so I know most of them now. (I forgot one or two but I can use your method to figure it out.
I have traveled with a cat before, Minneapolis to DC to ferry a rescue from the cold of Minneapolis winter to DC. (Still so indebted to Mr. Steeplejack for the assist with the goofy flight situation I got myself into) I am willing to do it again between going to Texas and back to help out my folks. I can see about help on Alaska passes if it comes to it. I think my blog post on the great cat caper is probably lost to the ether but it was a fun trip. :)
49.
Ha Nguyen
I would be willing to kick in the price of an airplane ticket for any kitten transport. Just e-mail me the details.
@MazeDancer: I will call them and get some idea of price. I have a possible home for Muffet and Sammy. SC, have you thought about which kitties you would like? If you are willing to commit to accepting kittens, I can do the ground work on getting them an escort so they can fly inside. (Of course this could all fall apart if the price is too high or if for some reason they can’t do a Seattle to Boston Route. I will get back to you all tomorrow. Also, I’ve never organized this kind of effort but I think I need some email addresses so we can all talk to each other. My email is [email protected]
52.
wonkie
@Ann Marie: Thank you They have been such a help to me that I am very grateful you sent them some love
53.
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: Maze dancer gave me a link to an escort service for pets. I will call tomorrow and get some idea of price. I have a possible home for Muffet and Sammy. SC, have you thought about which kitties you would like? If you are willing to commit to accepting kittens, I can do the ground work on getting them an escort so they can fly inside. (Of course this could all fall apart if the price is too high or if for some reason they can’t do a Seattle to Boston Route. I Also, I’ve never organized this kind of effort but I think I need some email addresses so we can all talk to each other. My email is [email protected]
54.
wonkie
@Laura Too: Wow Laura that’s so scary. WHat a nightmare to lose a pet at the terminal.
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WaterGirl
This was pre-scheduled for when wonkie can be around, and I have to head out to an appointment in a minute, so I’ll leave this as the prearranged time.
wonkie
Hi, everyone! I am here. I have a couple coming this Saturday hopefully for two but I have no homes lined up for the others. A kind lady from Kitten Rescue of Mason Co has been donating shots, dewormer, flea meds and vouchers for spay and neuter. Without her help, I’d be overwhelmed. Also two of my neighbors on the island have been wonderful about buying food, feeding and socializing the kittens and helping to publicize them. It is kind of depressing to consider the amount of time and money being spent on these ten when there are one hundred more at Kitten Rescue and many many more just out in the county somewhere trying to survive. But, to quote Candide, “We are not wise or kind of good, We do the best we can.” Thank you to BJ for letting me use your platform to reach out beyond Mason Co for homes.
Steeplejack
@wonkie:
Is there a link for Kitten Rescue where people might possibly donate?
wonkie
@Steeplejack: Here it is: Kittens | Kitten Rescue Of Mason County | Washington (kittenresq.net)
A donation would be very appreciated.
zhena gogolia
@wonkie: They are all adorable. I live on the other side of the country and I’m not quite ready to adopt, but I hope you find homes for them soon. Seconding Steeplejack’s query about how to donate.
ETA: Thanks for link!
WereBear
Muffet sounds like a Gamma cat, as does Phoebe. Here’s my Cat Types, described.
Ashley is Beta. Wally the Walrus probably is, too, but that shyness just needs a home to unlock it, I agree.
Sammy is an Alpha. #HelpItsAnAlpha
People should get cats in pairs. They play with each other and we can catch a break :)
Suzanne
I can’t believe I’m looking at this and thinking about it. I might need a cat. I’m on the other side of the country, tho.
ruemara
@WereBear: I challenge this assertion because Hime is incredibly co-dependent on me and Odo thinks it’s my job to wave the delicious toy around.
wonkie
@WereBear: Yes, I would like them to be placed as pairs. Ashley is one of the most socialized. She just melted into Laura’s arms when they met, and she had no previous acquaintance. Muffet is shy, but so sweet and has such a loud purr. If I could have another cat, I’d pick her. However, I have a jealous and wrathful cat at home, and he has FIV.
WaterGirl
@ruemara: Is that not your job? Have you looked at your job description lately? Pretty sure that’s on there!
ruemara
@WaterGirl: Yeah but they pay in exposure, so no thanks.
wonkie
THis personality discussion reminds me of a dog I rescued. Actually, I stole him. Anyway, at the rescue he just stood around with his back arched and his head down. I thought maybe he had an injury from when his owner literally kicked him off the front porch. We took him to the vet and, after examination, the vet said that there was no physical injury. The diagnosis: low self-esteem.
I appreciated that diagnosis since many people would deny that a dog has a self. BTW, he perked up under care and was adopted.
wonkie
@wonkie: Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if Muffet had low self-esteem. Sammy. on the other hand, is Mr. Popular.
schrodingers_cat
Like I said the last time this was posted if transport can be arranged I am interested in for a pair of bonded kitties, Spice boy reminds me of my boss kitteh.
cckids
There’s probably no way to know how they’d react to a dog, is there? My daughter and new SIL are looking for a kitten (or two); they have a very gentle, friendly but large golden-husky mix.
Rorschach likes cats, even my Hermione, who most definitely does not like him. I’m just worried about how tiny these little ones are. Any clues, anybody?
Editing to say, surely we can help with transport for schrodingers cat?
wonkie
@cckids: The kittens have no experience with dogs. I am not really concerned with their reaction to the dog. I think the dog’s reaction to them is more important. If the dog is gentle or playful or indifferent, I think kittens would be safe and would adjust. Just so long as the dog is not predatory toward small scurrying animals.
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: I’d like to figure out transport. Would an airplane be bs given the distance? I am nervous about flying animals cargo but I dont really know anything about it. If it is safe, then that would be the easiest way. Spice Boy is not bonded to any of the others but definitely gets along with all of his litter mates. Also I think he is young enough that he could be matched with one of the kittens he hasn’t met.
cckids
@wonkie: I don’t see him as any way predatory, he’s just very clumsy, I’ve never seen a dog quite like him :)
wonkie
Anyone know anything about this? Pet shipping – CitizenShipper
schrodingers_cat
@wonkie: I have no idea either, didn’t someone in the last thread offer to fly with the kittehs by Alaska Airway IIRC.
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: I remember that> I did a quick google and some airlines have cargo areas designed for animals: heated, pressuized. I will check Alaska right now.
schrodingers_cat
@wonkie: IDK if I want the poor itty bitties to travel in the cargo hold. I thought someone was going to fly with them in the cabin. You may be better off finding prospective local adopters.
wonkie
Alaska is prepared to ship pets in cargo. THey have lots of requirements which I like since it means they have thought through the whole process. They only fly pets when the temperature is between 45 and 85 which indicates to me that the cargo area doesn’t have climate control–that’s a bit worrisome. Otherwise it looks feasible and safe–barring all the horrible nightmare possibilities that a worrier like me can dream up.
TaMara
All I can say, it’s a good thing I have a houseful, otherwise, I might be on a road trip. LOL
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: Yeah I worry about that too. I understand
wonkie
@cckids: Maybe you could cat test him? Usually cats and dogs are fine if the dog has no prey drive toward the cat. In my home, our cat is a danger to our dog.
wonkie
@wonkie: Oh I just noticed that the dog has experience with cats. If your daughter wants to contact me, she can at LKoerber 889 @ aol . com with no spaces
CaseyL
I would love to grab a pair, and I’m even in the area, but I already have 2 cats, one of whom has cancer and is taking up quite a lot of attention.
I’m happy to kick in towards transit costs. I’d even be available for a relay, like we’ve done in the past. I have a car with room for two carriers.
WaterGirl
@wonkie: Didn’t we pay someone to drive Walter, or someone else, across country?
wonkie
@WaterGirl: I don’t remember but I did find a business that does transport. They don’t offer price into without asking a lot of questions. If SC is interested in pursuing that option, we certainly can look up the details. I can understand his reluctance to fly kittens cargo. Even though Alaska apparently is set up to do it, It still scares me
wonkie
@CaseyL: Thank you Casey and best wishes for your cat. I have and elderly dog with multiple health problems and it is very time consuming. My day is organized around his needs.
emrys
@wonkie: Since they are kittens you might see if they can both go in one carrier in the cabin. Then someone could take them to their destination or sc could pick up. See if there is a rabies requirement given their age and about health certificates
Mike in Oly
I’m local too and have shared this to my social media pages. Hope we can generate some interest and find these babies some homes!
wonkie
@emrys: Finding the someone is the sticking point. Otherwise, yes, that would be a good way to transport them. Probably the best way. I read the Alaska policy and they don’t require rabies shots in between the lower 48 states but do require a health certificate from a vet. I can help pay for a flight but I can’t be the one that goes on the trip.
wonkie
@Mike in Oly: Thank you!
MazeDancer
@Suzanne: This is why the Goddess made airplanes. Easy to travel in the cabin with a couple kitten one carrier.
MazeDancer
@schrodingers_cat: To where? Can you – or someone of your choosing – fly out one weekend and fly back. BJ pays.
schrodingers_cat
@MazeDancer: I am in MA.
MazeDancer
People, this is not hard. Flying with kittens, 2 in a carrier, inside the cabin is easy.
I once had 3 kittens and their mother inside a soft sided purse.
Have flown with a full-grown cat inside regulation underseat carrier several times. Have flown with two full-sized cats inside a huge carrier in cargo. Pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo.
We can pay. All we need are people who would like a nice paid trip East or West. Or adopters willing to travel, free, for their pets.
wonkie
@MazeDancer: I did a quick check and it is not expensive. ROund trip 400 in late oct. As low as 200 in Nov. SC how invested are you in getting kittens? Which pair would you like? I hope I am not pushing you.
cckids
@wonkie: Thank you! I will pass this on. She & new hubby both came back from their Canadian honeymoon with Covid (dammit), so will not be immediate.
schrodingers_cat
@wonkie: No you are not pushing me at all. They are all so adorable!
Damned as Random
You can sex the babies. Look at their little anal/genital opening. An exclamation point ! is a girl, a colon : is a boy. Never missed.
wonkie
@Damned as Random: Thank you! I got them sexed by Kitten Rescue so I know most of them now. (I forgot one or two but I can use your method to figure it out.
rikyrah
They are all looking adorable.
Can’t take one, but, will put towards transportation costs.
Ann Marie
@wonkie: Just sent them some money. I wish I could adopt one of them, but I’m on the east coast. I hope you find homes for all of them!
MazeDancer
Here a pet escort services
http://www.petsjets.com/about.html
Laura Too
I have traveled with a cat before, Minneapolis to DC to ferry a rescue from the cold of Minneapolis winter to DC. (Still so indebted to Mr. Steeplejack for the assist with the goofy flight situation I got myself into) I am willing to do it again between going to Texas and back to help out my folks. I can see about help on Alaska passes if it comes to it. I think my blog post on the great cat caper is probably lost to the ether but it was a fun trip. :)
Ha Nguyen
I would be willing to kick in the price of an airplane ticket for any kitten transport. Just e-mail me the details.
Laura Too
My last cat adventure. https://balloon-juice.com/2019/12/14/travels-with-merlin/
wonkie
@MazeDancer: I will call them and get some idea of price. I have a possible home for Muffet and Sammy. SC, have you thought about which kitties you would like? If you are willing to commit to accepting kittens, I can do the ground work on getting them an escort so they can fly inside. (Of course this could all fall apart if the price is too high or if for some reason they can’t do a Seattle to Boston Route. I will get back to you all tomorrow. Also, I’ve never organized this kind of effort but I think I need some email addresses so we can all talk to each other. My email is [email protected]
wonkie
@Ann Marie: Thank you They have been such a help to me that I am very grateful you sent them some love
wonkie
@schrodingers_cat: Maze dancer gave me a link to an escort service for pets. I will call tomorrow and get some idea of price. I have a possible home for Muffet and Sammy. SC, have you thought about which kitties you would like? If you are willing to commit to accepting kittens, I can do the ground work on getting them an escort so they can fly inside. (Of course this could all fall apart if the price is too high or if for some reason they can’t do a Seattle to Boston Route. I Also, I’ve never organized this kind of effort but I think I need some email addresses so we can all talk to each other. My email is [email protected]
wonkie
@Laura Too: Wow Laura that’s so scary. WHat a nightmare to lose a pet at the terminal.