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Fall/Winter 2020 Volume 19, Issue 3 NONPROFIT ORG. SPCA US POSTAGE PAID Fernandina Bch., FL www.catsangels.com MAILING ADDRESS: PERMIT NO. 48 P.O. Box 16072 Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035

CURRENT RESIDENT OR

709 South 8th St. (Between Gum & Hickory), Fernandina Beach, FL • 904-321-2267 • Email: [email protected] GRANTS RECEIVED GOALS SURPASSED

This year has been a challenge in so many ways, including “Our commitment to the Humane Society grant was to spay/neuter fundraising for us and many other non-profits who depend so 100 in 3 months, we achieved this goal in 7 weeks” says Sherry much on this source of income. Cats Angels had to cancel two Merritt, Cats Angels Executive Director. of our community fundraising events due to the COVID pan- demic. Our main source of continuous revenue – The Thrift Our first grant of $2,500 was awarded through the Humane Store at Cats Angels – was closed for over a month. These Society of The United States in June. Our commitment for this challenges may have slowed us down, but they did not stop us grant was to spay/neuter 100 cats within 3 months. Our Spay/ from pursuing our mission. Your support during the shutdown Neuter Program achieved this goal within seven weeks. We helped us remodel our store to easily adjust to the new social ranked 2nd in the state of Florida to achieve our goal so quickly! distancing guidelines. We made changes to our protocols and We have already helped spay/neuter over 500 cats this year!!! slowly moved forward to re-opening our Thrift Store, Spay/Neu- ter, TNVR and Adoption Programs. To serve our community Cats Angels was awarded a second grant through the sale even further, we are have added quarterly low-cost vaccina- of Florida Animal Friend license plates. The purpose of this tion clinics to our programs this year. $15,000 grant is to help spay/neuter feral cats and help low-in- come residents in Nassau County spay/neuter their cats. This grant started in September 2020 and will fund the spay/neu- ter for 375 cats in Nassau County. So, how can you help and make a difference? Start by purchasing a vehicle license plate through Florida Animal Friend. The state of Florida uses the fund from these sales to give grants to non-profit organizations that help spay/neuter in our state, and you get to sport a cool Animal Friend license plate on the back of your car. A second way to help is to make a donation to us. Our goal is to help spay/neuter 1,000 cats a year. It costs us $40.00 to spay/ A successful TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return to Caregiver) re- neuter one . Any amount of money or donated items are sulted in trapping over 16 cats in a colony that went out of control. much appreciated. It included helping with medical attention to a cat with a serious injury. Knowing since COVID, many people have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet, having to pay for spay/neuter services for a stray cat you are feeding might be on the bottom of the list when you are trying to pay bills. Cats Angels has re- cently been awarded $17,500 in grants to help fund our much needed low-cost Spay/Neuter Program.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH - CATS ANGELS FOOD BANK PROGRAM Cats Angels has a well established Food Bank Program to feed Just a reminder about Amazon colonies, but we also can provide temporary assistance to Smile’s giveback program. This past quarter we received $195.78 those who need some extra help. You need to apply for the Food and $2,863.74 to date. Click on Bank and applications are available at Cats Angels. Distribution is Amazon Smile at our website and made to our participants at 4 PM on the first and last Mondays of select Cats Angels as your charity! each month. Cats Angels also sets up a Food Bank for both cats It’s an easy way to donate and it re- and behind the CVS in Callahan. We announce on Facebook ally adds up! the dates and times of that distribution. COMMUNITY OUTREACH Feline PET VACCINATION CLINIC

To commemorate International Homeless Animals Day during the Hello Grapevine to all our loyal readers. COVID-19 pandemic, Cats Angels sponsored a Pet Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, August 15. Heal Mobile Vet Clinic’s Dr. Aguiar, I and some of the other older with help from Vet Tech cats were having a chat the Nancy Douglas, set up the other day about the perils of clinic inside our facility. To aging. Like the human servants we felines have problems associat- ensure social distancing ed with aging. We all agreed that we handle old age better than the guidelines were followed, weak humans, but it can be challenging. Here are just a few points Cats Angels volunteers from our friends at Cornell University to remember when caring for checked in customers and a senior feline. walked pets into the store for their vaccinations. Vac- Compared to younger cats, the immune system of older cats is cinations were provided less able to fend off foreign invaders. Chronic diseases often as- for 33 animals in a 3-hour sociated with aging can impair immune function even further. Old- time period. These pets er cats groom themselves less effectively than do younger cats, may not have been vacci- sometimes resulting in hair matting, skin odor, and inflammation. nated without the option of having a nearby low-cost Feline kidneys undergo a number of age-related changes that may clinic. “Our focus is on ultimately lead to impaired function. Chronic Kidney Disease is a pet owners who may not common disease in older cats, and its symptoms are extremely be able to afford a full-ser- varied. They can include urinating greater amounts, weight loss, an vice veterinarian exam” unkept appearance, and even personality changes. Degenerative said Sherry Merritt, Cats joint disease, or arthritis, is common in older cats. Although most Angels Executive Director. “The clinic was set up for vaccinations arthritic cats do not become overtly lame, they may have difficulty only so owners can help prevent their pets from getting sick.” The gaining access to litter boxes and food and water dishes, particu- vaccinations started at $10.00. larly if they have to jump or climb stairs to get to them. The claws of aging felines are often overgrown, thick, and brittle and must be As a service to our community, Cats Angels will be sponsoring their kept well maintained. 3rd vaccination clinic On Saturday, November 7, 2020. We hope by spreading the word, additional residents who are not in a position to The main thing to remember is to always work with your veteri- take their animal to a vet office will be able to take advantage of the narian. The two of you are the team that keeps your feline friends low-cost vaccinations. Because of your generous contributions, healthy and happy. Well, have to get back to my sunny spot before Cats Angels had the opportunity to cover the $10.00 Vac- one of those annoying gets it. cinations to the first 10 customers. Cats Angels is now accepting Everyone take care, Meeeeeooooooowwwwwww donations in person, by mail or via Pay Pal for our November clinic. With your assistance, Cats Angels once again will be able to offer free ($10.00 value) Rabies vaccinations to the first 10 customers. Res- idents may pay with cash or credit card. All animals must be on a Ki Ki leash or in carriers. Once customers check in and pay, we ask them to remain in or at their car until they are contacted via cell phone. If your pet has health conditions or have had reactions to vaccina- www.catsangels.com tions or medications in the past, please make an appointment with a full-service veterinarian. Cat Tips: Do you have a few hours you can spare? Do you like working in retail or with the cats? Can you help with fundraising? Cats Angels is welcoming volunteers. How Do I Know Stop by Cats Angels to talk with us, we want to hear from you! My Cat Loves Me? Or submit a volunteer application online at www.catsangels.com (Other Than at Dinner Time) and we will contact you. Feline affection is a subtle thing. While jokes about how cats uti- lize humans as their caregivers, cats do care and get attached Nana Teresa’s to their owners. They just don’t turn themselves inside out fawn- Bake Shop ing over them and licking their faces like some dogs do. So how Paws Up and Thank You can you read your kitty’s more subtle signs of affection? Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop on N. 3rd Street in Fernandina Purring - indicating contentment Beach recently surprised us Cheek rubbing or head bunting - transfers pheromones to you with this beautifully decorat- Slow blink - it’s a trust thing - try slow blinking to your cat too ed and delicious cat cake. Grooming - who doesn’t like the feel of that raspy tongue We appreciate the thanks and Love bites - gentle and brief mixed with rubs and licks support from our community Shared through Cat Watch/Cornell University Feline Health Center and our volunteers really en- joyed such a tasty treat!! 2021 fect Cats of Cats Angels Photo Contest Winners Announced And our “Cover Cat” for the 2019 Purrfect Cats of Cats Angels Calendar is Aloha! His photo was submitted by our contest top photographer Rasa Slavinskaite. Our Winners are: 1st Place and Cover - Aloha 2nd Place - Chewbacca, Luke, Padme submitted by Heidi and Jim Moore 3rd Place - Millie submitted by Pat Glassbrenner Runner-Up - 3 Siamese submitted by Becky Delp Runner-Up - Bodie submitted by Evelyn McDonald

The calendar will be on sale at the end of October/beginning of November online and at Cats Angels Thrift Store. It’s always a sellout, so don’t delay if you want to buy for yourself or gifts. Our special thanks go out to Scott Moore and his team of judges from the Island Art Association for selecting from over 120 photos. Thanks and appreciation to Courson and Stam and Amelia Insurance Agency for their corporate support of our 2021 Purrfect Cats of Cats Angels calendar. The Thrift Store at Cats Angels Are There Feral or Stray Cats Follow the arrows on our sign in your Community? to a fun and budget friendly Here’s How to Help... shopping experience! A main focus of Cats Angels is TNVR which means Trap-Neu- The Thrift Store at Cats ter-Vaccinate-Return to Caregiver. Cats Angels assists our com- Angels receives new munity with both large and small trappings, but we need your help! items daily! Take a look We provide safe, humane traps and show you when and how to on Cats Angels Facebook use it. If you are contacting us, you are taking the first step to page for weekly Purrfect helping these stray cats or a colony out of control. We stress the Finds. These Purrfect importance of trapping to keep colonies of cats in Finds highlight the best check and vaccinating to bargains or newest addi- keep them healthy. Com- tions to our shelves. munity involvement is vi- You never know what you tal to helping reduce the will see in our store, so number of unwanted cats visit frequently for unique that roam the streets, collectibles, antiques and unvaccinated, who fight vintage items. We have with other cats, especial- a Pet Boutique, applianc- ly during mating season, only to produce more feral cats. We rely on the community to tell es, home decor, lamps, us where the cat colonies exist and to help us with trapping. books, jewelry, bedding and towels, Cats Angels Cats Angels transports cats to T-shirts or mugs and sea- First Coast No More Homeless sonal/holiday selections. Pets in Jacksonville for the spay or neuter surgery. They are vac- The Thrift Store at Cats Angels supports all of our Programs. We appreciate cinated and treated for any other your donations and our loyal and new customers. conditions that may be present and the left ear tip is clipped straight across indicating the BLACK FRIDAY SALE 11/27/20 25% kitty has gone through a TNVR 25% OFF program. This process occurs OFF EVERYTHING IN STORE all in one day, but the feral cats are not released until the follow- ing day allowing them time to THE CATS ANGELS THRIFT STORE IS OPEN recover from the anesthesia and surgery. The feral cats are trans- NEW AND IMPROVED - CLEAN AND SAFE FOR YOU ported back to their location and where the caregiver continues to provide food, water, maintain clean bowls, and when possible, provide shelter such as a shed or a garage during inclement weath- NEW STORE HOURS ARE er. Cats Angels also donates food to residents in need who feed MONDAY - FRIDAY 11 AM TO 4 PM these colonies through our Food Bank Program which is provided SATURDAY 10 AM TO 4 PM through donations. These cat colonies will live a much healthier lives and prevent the spread of diseases. DONATIONS ACCEPTED DURING STORE HOURS The cat in the picture above right is recuperating in the trap after surgery. On the ADOPTION CENTER OPEN WITH LIMITS ON CAPACITY left is a cat with a tipped ear back in his colony indicating he has been spay or neu- DURING STORE HOURS tered and vaccinated. Call us at 904-321-2267 to get more information on TNVR. Meet Some of the Cats Who Have Been Given New Lives WITH YOUR HELP

Baby came to us from Georgia. He was living in a feral colony behind a restaurant on a busy road. He had a tipped ear indicating he had gone through a TNVR Program. A Good Samaratin noticed he had an injured leg, took him in and arranged medical treatment. He had surgery on his hip, walks with a limp from his injury and turned out to be the sweetest boy! Baby lived with his Good Samaratin during his recovery and a while after until Cats Angels was approached to help him find a “forever home” from our Adoption Center. Baby was under our care for about a week when a wonderful couple came in - it was a perfect match for them and for Baby. Now called Graham, he is living his best cat’s life and even has kitty stairs to help him get to those higher places cats love.

CATS ANGELS HAS FOUND HOMES FOR OVER 100 CATS SO FAR THIS YEAR

Junebug arrived at Cats Angels on June 1 - the day her four babies were born. She came to the attention of one of our volunteers when she was left at a high kill Florida county shelter and just about to give birth. Junebug and her litter were placed in foster care with our volunteer who is set up to take care of the moms and their ba- bies. She’s done this several times this year! When the babies were eating on their own and needing more space, they were placed with a foster family who get them ready for their “forever homes.”

Junebug was spayed and entered our Adoption Pro- gram. When her babies were 3 months old, they were all spayed or neutered and joined other kittens in the Adoption Center. Junebug’s babies were adopted with- in days and Junebug has found a loving home too! YOUR DONATIONS HELP CATS ANGELS YES, I want to help Cats Angels. SAVE LIVES

Name ______Address ______City, State, Zip ______Email ______

Please charge my ___VISA ___Mastercard ___Discover Acct. #______Expiration Date ______

This gift is in honor/memory of ______I would like to give my consent to be recognized in upcoming newsletters. Your donation goes directly towards: ____ $1,000 * spaying, and other medical care ____ $500 * helping to place animals into loving homes ____ $250 * emergency care for abandoned and abused animals ____ $100 * food and shelter for feral cat colonies ____ $50 Easier than writing and sending a check - you can set up a one-time or recurring donation payment to ____ $25 Cats Angels through “Bill Pay” on your bank website. ____ Other $______MATCHING GIFT ______(Company name) will match my gift.

Your generosity has allowed us to help spay or neuter over 18,000 cats and kittens since June 2001. Through your unwavering com- mitment to our organization and our programs, we can continue to help many felines that otherwise would be left to continue to breed and remain homeless. KITTY KASTLES EVERYWHERE!

Cats Angels came up with a fun way to give our younger supporters a way to entertain our cats and to re- cycle some of those extra boxes we have all been receiving during the COVID pandemic. Our Kitty Kastle contest was a great success. It was open to kids ages 4-12 and adults could only help with handling sharp instruments. Our panel of cat judg- es looked for creativity, color, and a fun place to play. We had a variety of seven “kastles” including a pirate ship! Everyone who brought in their creation was enthusiastic and happy with big smiles under their masks! It was fun for the kids, fun for us and fun for the cats!

A New Life for Martha Martha, we called her CleoCatRa, came to us from a local shelter. She’s an “Un- dercat” - those cats who are overlooked in shelters due to special diets, medical conditions or age. To us, they’re diamonds in the rough. Turns out Cleo had all three of those conditions stacked against her. She’s a older gal with an irritable bowel and needs a special prescription to control it. It’s not something that everyone will take on, but the Yates family did just that.

Cleo’s life changed as well as her name. She is called Martha and lived with her new family on a foster basis. In less than a month, it was working out great for everyone and she became part of the family. Is that a smile on Martha’s face - we think so!

Not everyone is willing to take on a cat with known medical or special needs. Martha was lucky. We have two other cats who are looking for their “Special Angels” and a new forever home.

Rupert is a who was Bob is a sweet senior kitty who found living in a feral cat colony and really enjoys sitting on laps! was in pretty rough shape when He’s a handsome silver/black he was trapped and neutered. He tabby with a stumpy lived in foster care and was nursed tail. Bob had all claws removed back to good health. He’s ready for from all four of his paws! This to his forever home. Rupert tested boy is an indoor only cat. His POS for FIV. FIV+ cats like him can best life would be as an only live with other uninfected cats and cat or with another feline com- not transmit the virus. He is very panion - especially if that cat is gentle, likes to be with people and diabetic. Bob was recently di- is good with other cats. He has agnosed with diabetes and will large ears and a cinnamon tabby now need those daily doses of and white wavy coat. His looks and insulin to maintain his health. personality are quite unique. Bob needs a “Special Angel” He won our hearts - how about yours? to help him. NONPROFIT ORG. SPCA US POSTAGE PAID Fernandina Bch., FL www.catsangels.com MAILING ADDRESS: PERMIT NO. 48 P.O. Box 16072 Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035

FOOD DONATIONS Purina One Indoor Advantage, Urinary, Hairball or Dry Food, Fancy Feast or Friskies wet food – Pate style, Any quality “on sale” dry or wet food CURRENT RESIDENT OR CAT SUPPLIES Cat Litter – clay, clumping or pine, Disposable puppy pads 709 South 8th St. (Between Gum & Hickory), Fernandina Beach, FL • 904-321-2267 • Email: [email protected] LAUNDRY/CLEANING SUPPLIES Dawn dish washing soap, Laundry detergent ‘pods’ (HE), Dryer Sheets, Bleach – liquid and spray bottle, White vinegar (gallons), Paper Towels MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES Gift Cards – Walmart, Grocery Stores, Lowes, Home Depot, Staples, White Copy Paper, Wide Green Painters Tape, Sheets and Towels These items are greatly appreciated and can be brought to the Cats Angels Thrift Store/Adoption Center at 709 S. 8th Street in Fernandina Beach during business hours Monday thru Friday 11 AM to 4 PM Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM

SPAY AND NEUTER THE RESPONSIBLE SOLUTION SAVE THE DATE NASSAU COUNTY ANIMAL EXPO 2021 SATURDAY, MARCH 21 ATLANTIC RECREATION CENTER FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

Are you Cleaning Out, Downsizing, Redecorating or have Garage Sale “leftovers” We accept clean, working items (except large furniture without prior approval, clothing, computers or old TV’s) during business hours Mon-Fri 11 AM to 4 PM and Sat 10 AM to 4 PM at Cats Angels Thrift Store, 709 S. 8th Street, Fernandina Beach Halo says,”Aluminum cans Please call 904-321-2267 if you have large size items help homeless cats”! or a large amount of items to donate. A collection bin is in Your Donations are always appreciated! our parking lot 709 South 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL. EVERY DOLLAR YOU DONATE IS VERY IMPORTANT Cats Angels receives no government funding. All of our revenue is raised by private donations, grants and fund FOLLOW raising. The Nassau County Animal Expo, calendar sales, Coins for Kitties and various events throughout the year help bring in much US needed money to carry on our Spay/Neuter, TNR and Adoption Programs. These monies help us give the best care possible to LIKE all the cats, especially our Adoption Center kitties. Please use the US enclosed envelope to make your donation today.