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Issue No. 1, Vol. 1 |
PUBLISHER'S NOTE Welcome to the first issue of Mewsings, the email newsletter designed for keepers of companion animals in the greater Sierra Foothills region. Each issue will feature articles on wellness, political awareness, animal services and adoptions, along with pet-related items for sale. Readers can submit their own items by writing to me, the Publisher, as featured after each section. Because the newsletter is free, feel free to forward a copy to a friend. To unsubscribe, simple click on the button below. And happy reading! -- Debra Webster
FEATUREHow to Trap a Feral Cat in 12 Simple StepsNo matter where you live, feral cats seem to be a problem. Part of my work in Baja California as full-time animal rescuer involved trapping unwanted cats (who, in Mexico, are the majority). Once altered at the local vet's, they were returned to a neighborhood if adequate food and water were available. Since I relocated to Placerville and began volunteering at Animal Outreach in Diamond Springs, I've seen dozens of equally concerned citizens bring in feral cats on clinic days. Although 1,500 miles apart, trapping methods remain much the same. Animal Outreach alters feral cats during regular clinic hours (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays). Appointments are necessary and loaner traps are available. A complete sheet of instructions is also available at the Diamond Springs center and here are a few of the highlights. Credit is due to the Feral Cat Coalition of San Diego. 1. Prior to the actual surgery day, leave the trap unset and covered with a large towel so the animal will get used to the smell and the sight of it. 2. Don't trap too soon, preferably just one day prior to surgery. Water should always be made available to the animal. 3. Prepare an area where you will hold the cat before and after surgery, possibly a garage or dry storage shed. Keep newspapers under the trap whenever inside. 4. Line your vehicle with plastic (vinyl tablecloth works great) topped with several sheets of newspaper. 5. Set the trap at normal feeding time which is routinely dusk. |
A feral cat patiently awaits her turn at Animal Outrach 6. Don't set out in the rain or full sun for obvious reasons, but a camouflage of bushes can really help coax the cat in. 7. Fold a piece of newspaper to line the bottom of the trap just covering the trip plate. Cats don't like walking on the wire surface. 8. Use smelly food to bait the trap such as canned mackerel. It's best not to put bowls inside the trap since the cat can hurt himself in a panic. 9. After setting the trap, cover all but the entrance with a large towel or piece of towel-sized material. The cover will help to camouflage the trap and serve to calm the cat after it is caught. 10. Check the trap every 15 minutes or so. As soon as the cat is trapped, completely cover the trap and remove it from the area. If you've captured a lactating female, check the area for kittens and remember that this female must be released 10-12 hours after surgery so she can nurse her kittens. 11. After surgery, return the cat to the area in which he was captured and release him there. Do not relocate the animal! It will be disoriented and most likely die. 12. Make sure the spot you pick for release does not encourage the cat to run into danger (like a busy street). Keep the trap covered until you are ready to release. When ready, simply hold the trap with the door facing away from you and open the door. The cat will probably bolt immediately out of the trap. A little bit of work but oh so worth the effort. Feral cats routinely produce two litters each year and can fight with, and spread disease to, domesticated animals. Your efforts to humanely curb their numbers help create a better community - for us all. |
NEWS
Dolce Vino Wine Bar in Cameron Park will host a wine tasting benefit for the El Dorado Dog Owners Guild on March 15, 2008. All net proceeds will go into a fund for the formation of a dog park in Cameron Park. The ticket price of $30 at the door ($25 if pre-paid by March 5th) is tax deductible, and entitles the donor to attend the 3-hour wine tasting, which includes appetizers and door prizes. Doors open for the event at 5:00pm. Dolce Vino is located at 3490 Palmer Drive, in the Goldorado (Bel Air) Shopping Center in Cameron Park. Tickets are limited, and may be purchased in advance from EDDOG via email at cpdogpark (-at-) yahoo.com (replace the (-at-) with the traditional @ symbol).
Dogs in Folsom already have their own park thanks to FIDO, Folsom Independent Dog Owners. The FIDO Off Leash Dog Park, located at 1775 Creekside Drive, has received high marks from local pet owners since it opened in August of last year. For more information on the organization, visit its website at www.fidoinc.org.
Legislation Targets "puppy mills" Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, introduced three pieces of animal rights legislation Feb. 12. The first bill, AB 241, referred to as "the responsible breeder act," would limit the number of intact—not spayed or neutered—dogs or cats at any one facility to 50. This is designed to take aim at so-called “puppy mills,” large, poorly-run facilities that churn out hundreds of animals a year, according to Nava’s office. It is patterned on bills passed last year in Virginia, also with a cap of 50, and Louisiana, which imposes a 75-animal limit. The Maryland legislature is also considering a cap, of 25 animals. For more information on the bill, visit www.yesonab241.com.
Companion animals will not be affected by a proposed increase in taxes. A proposal in the recent California Budget would have imposed a 9% tax on veterinary services in the state of California, at a time when many pet owners are already impacted by a difficult economy. That proposal, however, was not part of the budget which was just approved. For further information, please see the California Veterinary Medical Association's website.
The Annual Dog-a-Thon will be held May 2, 2009. The event is organized by the local Lions clubs to benefit the El Dorado Center for the Visually Impaired. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Schnell School with the walk commencing at 9 a.m. along the El Dorado trail. Vendors will be on site and prizes, raffle, entertainment will be offered. Sponsors are welcomed. For more information, call 530-626-8279 or 626-6715.
Animal Outreach Going Strong During the 17 years Animal Outreach has been in operation, more than 52,000 cats have been spayed or neutered, according to Director Maggie Killackey. The organization relies upon volunteer efforts and donations to keep afloat. Donors can rest assure that every dime spent at the operation goes to address overpopulation and to provide care and comfort to cats on site. Visit the Animal Outreach website for more information regarding its services and volunteer opportunities, or call the Diamond Springs office, (530) 642-2287.
Email your NEWS articles to to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
HEALTH
Distemper deadly to cats, Parvo to dogs Sacramento animal shelter workers were forced to euthanize 50 cats out of 117 housed at the shelter late November after the felines started exhibiting symptoms of a deadly virus. The outbreak of panleukopenia, or feline distemper, was detected when a cat was found dead in its cage. Workers subsequently tested seven other cats and found the virus in four. The cat adoption center was closed briefly to limit spread of the virus. As a result of the outbreak, animal service providers in El Dorado Country strongly urge that all cats be vaccinated against the virus, especially prior to sterilization or other services. Feline distemper is similar to parvo in dogs, but cats cannot spread the disease to canines or humans.
Cats Can Catch Colds Just like people, cats can get viral infections that make them sneeze, snuffle, and get watery eyes. Outdoor cats or cats exposed to other felines in shelters or boarding kennels may get what's referred to as an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). A URI refers to an infection that is centered around the sinuses, eyes, nose, and throat. Two viruses are responsible for most upper respiratory infections: herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. If your cat starts sneezing or has a nasal discharge or watery eyes, she may have an infection. Although the infection itself generally isn't serious, complications can arise, especially in young kittens. Because the infection is often viral, there may not be a lot you can do. However, veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent secondary bacterial infections. They may also prescribe drugs to alleviate some of the symptoms or to treat complications such as eye ulcers. As with a human cold, the best way to prevent URIs is not to get them in the first place. Vaccinations exist that can prevent the diseases. Keeping your cat healthy with good food and a healthy lifestyle will bolster her immune system, so she'll be more resistant to viruses.
Email your HEALTH articles to to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
ADOPTIONS
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Cassie could really use a new home. This little girl was abadoned in a carrier in the parking lot of Wal-Mart last year. I brought her home with intentions of keeping her but she appears to be an "only kitty" cat and I have 11 others. While they don't harrass Cassie, they've made her so fearful that she now lives in the bathroom, only coming out at night. I'm sure there is a better home awaiting this 1 1/2-year-old, spayed female. She is quite affectionate once she gets to know you but it took me a good month before I got her to purr. She's lovely and small and willing to relocate. Please call either Alan or Debra at (530) 409-0132. |
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You can find your feline companion at one of the following locations:
| Animal Outreach 6200 Enterprise #D, Diamond Springs Saturdays 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Petco 855 East Bidwell (near Blue Ravine), Folsom Saturdays 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. PetSmart 2705 East Bidwell, Folsom Saturdays 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. |
PetSmart Corner of Greenback and Sunrise, Citrus Heights Saturdays & Sundays noon until 4 p.m. PetSmart 10830 Olson Dr., Rancho Cordova Saturdays noon until 3 p.m. |
Email your ADOPTION articles to to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
VOLUNTEER
Kitten season will soon be upon us and volunteers interested in fostering little ones are desperately needed. All you need is a quiet, warm room such as an extra bathroom. If they're "bottle babies," you'll need special formula and bottles and lots of spare time. They will also require a litter pan, non-clumping litter, toys and loads of love. For more information, contact Animal Outreach at 642-2287.
Volunteers are always needed at the local Animal Shelter (both Placerville and South Lake Tahoe). Among the many jobs for volunteers at the shelter are:
| Dog Exercising Cat Socializing Adoptions Foster Care |
Lost and Found Grooming Training |
Special Events Humane Education Office Support Grounds Maintenance |
All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Application, attend the Volunteer Orientation and be trained, at a minimum, in Basic Dog and Cat Handling before volunteering can begin. Other specific training may be required as identified for specific jobs. If you are interested in volunteering, call (530) 573-7925 in the Placerville area, or (530) 621-5795 in the South Lake Tahoe area and the shelter will end you a Volunteer Application packet.
Email your VOLUNTEER articles to to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
PET SERVICES
Dirty Dog Pet Salon not only offers all-breed grooming but large tubs for self service. Flea and tick control applications are available. Dirty Dog Salon is located at 6196 Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado just down the street from the Post Office. Call (530) 621-1432 for an appointment or more information.
To feature your pet-related business in the PET SERVICES section, write to . Classified PET SERVICES ads are free; for rates and specifications of display ads, also write to Debra.
FLEAMARKET
Large airline-approved dog crate, like new (only used once). Asking $50. Call Alan at (530) 903-4257 (Placerville).
Nail trimming made easy. I finally got around to purchasing my own emery filing nail trimmer for dogs and wanted to share the information with you. We bought our "PediPaws" from some very nice folks on EBay for $10.99, shipping included. It really takes the guess work out of trimming a dog's nails, especially dark colored ones. They may keep the item up on E-Bay for awhile if you're interested. If so, just visit these PediPaws sellers at Ebay.
Email your FLEAMARKET classified ad to to be included free of charge in the next issue of Mewsings.
RESOURCES
- PetPAC: Protecting the rights of pets and owners An organization formed to protect the rights of pets and owners through public awareness education, grassroots organizing, and advocacy at the local, state and national level. Visit www.PetPAC.net.
- Breed-specific rescue groups The Sacramento Dog Council has compiled a list of various breed-specific rescue groups and their contacts. Please note that the council has not inspected nor endorses any of the rescue groups. The complete list can be seen at www.sacramentodogcouncil.com
- California Shar-Pei Rescue I do, however, fully endorse this Redding-based rescue group after many years of working with Anna and Rich. The couple maintain a registered, non-profit, Chinese Shar-Pei dog and puppy rescue that serves the Western U.S. The operation offers Shar-Pei adoption services, Shar-Pei health information and resources. All four of my current dogs came to us via Anna and Rich. You can visit their site at www.californiasharpeirescue.com.
- Finding your lost love Among the myriad of services provided by Animal Services of El Dorado County is a "Find Your Pet" section for bereft owners. Several tips on how to find your lost pet, plus photos of recently found pets in both the Placerville and Tahoe areas, are available on line at www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/AnimalServices
- P.A.W.E.D. People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado County (PAWED) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of companion animals in El Dorado County. Among their information is a list of suggestions for folks forced to "re-home" their pets. You can read their suggestions in their entirety at www.pawedpets.org
- Find an animal shelter This handy website lets you find the location of an animal shelter in any county within California. The site also offers adoption and information links at www.rescuers.com
Email your RESOURCES articles to to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
Quote of the Week: " My dog is usually pleased with what I do, because she is not infected with the concept of what I 'should' be doing. " ~ Lonzo Idolswine
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do I Submit an Article, Ad or Question to Mewsings? Write to Debra at
- How Do I Submit a Graphic or Photo to Mewsings? Send as an attachment in .jpg form to Debra at
- How Do I Advertise in Mewsings? Write to Debra at
- What Can I Submit and How Often? Feel free to submit your ad to Debra via email each week for inclusion in the next issue of Mewsings.
- Where can I view back issues? Past issues of the newsletter are now available at our website, www.PetMewsings.com.
- How Do I Subscribe? Write to Debra at
About Mewsings
Mewsings is a free, weekly newsletter dedicated to the care of companion animals living in the greater Sierra Foothills area. Content is supplied by the publisher, Debra Webster, and members of the community at large. Submissions are reviewed for appropriateness and edited for clarity. Debra, a former journalism instructor and editor, has worked extensively for animal welfare including a three-year stint in Baja California Sur. She is also owner of Gold Rush Consultants, a Placerville-based venture specializing in web development, non-fiction writing and graphic design. She and husband Alan Thompson own four dogs and 11 cats, all rescue animals. |
 Debra Webster, Publisher |