How to Care for Newborn, Abandoned Kittens

Castaway Critters has taken in a total of four newborn kittens, from two different locations, in just the last few weeks. We realize many people do not know what to do when they find an abandoned litter of tiny babies, so here is what you need to know to keep them alive.

• The most important first step is to be sure they are warm. Without the mother cats' body heat, newborns chill quickly and it's very difficult to bring their body temperatures up. Sadly, this often results in their death. Do NOT use heating pads to keep babies warm as they can cause burns. Best is a hot water bottle, or any disposable drink container, filled with hot water and wrapped in a towel.
• The next important thing to do is to feed them. Do not give them cow's milk! Kitten milk replacer is fine or they can tolerate goat's milk. This should be warmed and given to them with a kitten bottle, syringe or eye dropper. Kittens should take 1-2 ml of milk every two to three hours. They need frequent feedings day and night for the first two weeks. After that, you can then sleep through the night. Let the babies eat as much as they want; they will let you know when they are satisfied.
• They also need to be 'pottied' by stimulating the genital area with a warm cloth or cotton ball after each feeding. Their mother would normally do this for them.

Once you have seen to these immediate needs, if you don't think you can foster the little ones, call Castaway Critters at 706-781-3992 and we can arrange for foster care.

A Food Bank for Pets

Due to the current economic situation, Michael and Adeana Ruback decided to open a free pet food bank for families that are financially unable to feed their pets. Without this assistance, some of these people would be forced to surrender their pets to shelters or animal control -- or possibly decide to just set them loose to fend for themselves. When a person calls CCPR to inquire about surrendering an animal because of lack of money for food, Michael and Adeana provide canned food, dry food and even cat litter. The food they receive is graciously donated to the food bank by CCPR through the food donation containers at Ingles in Hiawassee and Blairsville. Donations also come from various other sources and if the need arises, Michael and Adeana buy it themselves. Once in a while a recipient of food assistance will give a check for whatever amount they can afford, and this in turn is given back to CCPR.

Michael and Adeana also find out if the pets are spayed or neutered and if their rabies vaccination is current. If not, and it's because of a lack of money, they offer those services with the assistance of Logan's Run Rescue or North Georgia SPCA.

If you or someone you know has pets which they are struggling to feed -- and they live in Union, Towns, or Fannin Counties in Georgia or in Clay, Cherokee or Graham Counties in North Carolina -- please call CCPR at 706-781-3992.

Is Your Dog a Basketcase During Storms?

If you have a dog that is frightened of thunderstorms, here are some tips you can follow to help keep him calm.

• Close windows. Turn on an overhead fan to high and/or a table fan that oscillates on to high speed. This tends to mask outside sounds which is helpful. Close drapes, blinds etc, to cut off any flashing light displays from their view -- they tend to not be frightened of lightning per se but quickly come to associate it with the boom of thunder.
• Thundershirts seem to be effective, too.
• An airline-style crate could be used for the sense of protection/enclosure and noise-muffling qualities, covered with a quilt to muffle sound still further. Then set the oscillating table fan right on the floor in front of the gate. It will disrupt sound transmission and blow air intermittently which is helpful if the dog is panting to keep it from overheating.
• For an animal so terrified by thunderstorms that it bites, the best course of action might is to muzzle them at the first sign of a storm, and then crate. If you see any aggression, just get the dog into a sturdy crate at the first sign so as not to get hurt. If you can do it soon enough that a muzzle isn't needed, that's ever better.
• By the way, meds are notoriously ineffective. Mainly, anything you give when you see a storm coming will not take effect in time to be really kicked in before the storm hits so you end up with a terrified dogs that is doped up after the storm passes. Anything like ACE is just too dangerous (some vet no longer stock it and airlines no longer allow dogs on it -- or any other med -- to fly, so even if you know of old-fashioned or low-cost vet practices that still use, be wary.)

The best research shows that it's the booming deep sound that terrifies them -- not electricity in the air (see Doddman at Tufts for work on this) or the flashing of lightning.

Special Thanks...

A Special Thanks...

To Never Giving Up

A phone call from a woman named Erica in Utah resulted in the rescue of beautiful Crystal. Nate, a firefighter with Utah Department of Natural Resources, was working with Georgia DNR and The Nature Conservancy on prescribed burns near Columbus, Georgia, when a little fluffy white cat moved into the campground where he and co-worker Brad were staying. For the next three weeks she was 'their' kitty but it was time to head back to Utah and Crystal couldn't go with them. Nate's girlfriend Erica called no-kill shelters all over the area but couldn't find anyone to take her. The camp staff planned to shoot her when the guys left, so it was critical to find her a safe place. After a five hour drive to Blairsville we were happy to meet up with them and give refuge to this lovely little cat. Crystal is a very fortunate kitty that Erica, Nate and Brad cared enough to keep trying until they reached Castaway Critters. We feel fortunate too, that we are never hampered in our rescue mission by geographic considerations and can respond to such a heartfelt situation and save a life. Regular updates are being provided to her firefighting crew. Thank you Nate, Erica and Brad for caring about this lovely cat.

The Cat with Feline Leukemia

Leo had just a brief stay at the shelter before a truly wonderful home was located for this leukemia positive cat. He is now named Suede and you can tell from his picture that he is quite happy and relaxed. He shares a large and lovely home with other seriously compromised cats, most suffering from feline leukemia. His caregiver has devoted her life to providing hospice care to these 'unadoptable' kitties. She knows they often have very short lives, only months sometimes, so she has created an environment that gives them 'heaven on earth'. Most important of all, she LOVES them! We were so fortunate to find this sanctuary for our boy and while his caregiver wishes to remain anonymous, we all honor her. Very few people can offer this kind of care and deal with the emotional impact of losing them. Suede, for however long he lives, can enjoy a quality life with lots of love.

Georgette - Dog of the Month

Meet our Dog of the Month: Georgette is a 2-year old female Bluetick Coonhound. She is grey with black patches and has a short, smooth coat with a long tail and weighs about 53 lbs. Georgette was found all alone on a cold winter day starving and pregnant with 10 pups! She is now on her way to finding a forever home, with your help. She is current on all her vaccinations, is spayed, and loves to be around other dogs, cats, and kids! Georgette is ready for adoption!

Call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com if you would like more information about Georgette.

Bandit - Cat of the Month

Hi, I'm Bandit! I'm a gorgeous silky haired black and white kitty and I'm looking for a special home where I will be loved! I'm very gentle and calm, extremely loving and I enjoy being brushed and petted. I'm about 1 1/2 years old and lived in just one small bedroom until a few months ago. I need a little patience until I learn my new surroundings. I'm not timid but I need a little time to adjust. I have a lot of love to give. I'm well mannered, good with other cats, quiet and would do well in almost any home. Give me a chance and you won't be sorry!

Call 706-781-3992 or email castaway_critters @ hotmail.com for info on Bandit.