Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue Mewsletter Spring 2019 TIME TO PAWS AND REFLECT

Happy Spring 2019! It is owner, not the cat. We have used the newsletter to hard to believe that this educate readers about litter box best-practices that year marks the 10th year we hope can help families deal with this challenging that we have been dilemma. publishing our Mews- Obesity, regular veterinary check ups, and dietary letter. We initiated the needs are also among the topics we have newsletter as a platform discussed, all important to the overall physical well- to promote pertinent, being of our pets. relevant, and important Another important issue we often feature in the cat-related issues to our Forgotten Ones communi- Mewsletter is the emotional needs of cats. Many of ty. With almost 20 years’ experience in helping the stories from adoptive families speak to how homeless cats, we have a lot of knowledge to patience and love have turned a shy and timid pet share! into a confident, affection animal and irreplaceable For example, one of the primary reasons cats are family member. We believe these tales not only surrendered to shelters is litter box avoidance. The make us feel good, but also offer insight into the truth is that, very often, the problem is with the complex world of cat behaviour. Laura Wyatt, Director, Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue

FEATURED ADOPTION: Jazmyn

Piper passed away two years later. Shortly after that, Tucker became my new family member. Tucker came to me with severe separation anxiety, and Jazz has helped him so much. One of the best things about my Jazmyn is her relationship with Tucker—she'll wash his face, ears, or any other area she feels needs sprucing up. However, Jazmyn is very independent with people, and does not like being handled—at all! After 10 years, she will still not allow me to cut her nails. In 2008, I was working at the Toronto Zoo when my cat passed away. My dog Piper was lonely without a In the past year, Jazz has come to occasionally lie cat companion. The zoo veterinarian Dr. Dutton on my lap and will allow much more petting than in suggested I look for a cat at Forgotten Ones, as his the past. She will come to my bed in the night and wife Dr. Musson worked with the group and knew nose around to get under the covers with me. She their cats were well cared-for. I took Piper to a is a perfect example of the adage “there is no off- Forgotten Ones adoption centre to meet some of the button on a cat that wants its breakfast.” cats. Jazmyn was the friendliest cat, as well as being Seeing my pets Tucker and Jazmyn play-wrestle or beautiful. As I had been pre-approved, I was able to cuddle makes me happy. I can't imagine life without take Jazmyn home the day we met her. them and I love them to pieces. ~ Shirley

1

Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue Living the High Life!

Most cats love to be in high places. Taking height as a metaphor, some fortunate felines have lived in the most highly prestigious places in the world! Over the years, the White House, 10 , and the Canadian Prime Minister’s residence have been the high-status home addresses for several cats

The White House, Washington D.C., United States Cats have had a long history as White House residents, starting in 1861 with Tabby and Dixie and through to Socks, who took up residence in 1993. Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States was the first president known to enjoy the company of cats while he lived Lincoln’s penchant for cats in official residence of the leader of the United States. was steadfast, even Lincoln loved animals and he adored cats in particular. He through the challenging had such an affinity for felines, and spent so much time enjoying their company, that his wife Mary Todd referred to times of the American Civil cats as her husband’s hobby. War. When Lincoln was elected president, he decided to leave his dog Fido in his home in Springfield. So he wouldn't be During a winter visit to petless in his new residence, Lincoln was given the General Grant’s unexpected gift of two kittens from William Seward, then headquarters, Lincoln Secretary of State. The cats were named Tabby and Dixie, rescued three half-frozen and Lincoln became very bonded to them. According to his kittens from a Civil War friend Caleb Carman, the President would pick up Tabby or battlefield telegraph hut. He tucked them in his coat and brought them back to the safety of the White House.

President Clinton’s cat Socks was popular with everyone: White House staff, Secret Service and visitors, including foreign heads of state. Socks even had his own fan club, and responded to letters with his personal, and official, postcard.

2

Spring 2019 Mewsletter

Dixie and spend as much as a half-hour at a time engaged in a conversation with his cat companion. Lincoln had such respect for his feline family that he is said to have commented, “Dixie is smarter than my whole cabinet and, furthermore, she doesn’t talk back!” The President’s devotion to his family cats was not confined to domestic situations. He once fed Tabby from the table during a formal dinner at the White House. When Lincoln’s embarrassed wife later observed that the action was “shameful in front of their guests,” the president replied, “If the gold fork was good enough for former President James Buchanan, I think it is good enough for Tabby!” It was more than 50 years before the next cat was able to call the White House home. Calvin Coolidge and his family had almost an entire zoo in the White House while Coolidge served as President. His menagerie included a few cats. After taking over the One cat in particular held a special place in Coolidge’s heart presidency, Calvin Coolidge and in the White House. Tiger, a grey-striped American assembled a White House Shorthair, was often found walking along beside the menagerie that rivaled most President or wrapped around his neck. Once, when Tiger wandered away, Coolidge pleaded for his return in a radio zoos. address. Happily, Tiger was found and, upon his return, the He had six dogs, a bobcat, cat was fitted with a special collar that included his White a goose, a donkey, cats, two House address. lion cubs, an antelope, and a Other presidents who have had cats reside with them at the wallaby. The main attraction White House were Theodore Roosevelt (Tom Quartz and in his personal zoo was Billy, Slippers), Gerald Ford (Shan), Jimmy Carter (Misty Malarky a pygmy hippopotamus. and Ying Yang), Ronald Reagan (Cleo and Sara), Bill Clinton (Socks), and George W. Bush (India).

10 Downing Street, London, England Upon his arrival at in October 1989, a long-haired black-and-white stray cat named Humphrey was immediately employed as the Chief Mouser to the . He enjoyed living in the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from October 1989 to 13 November 1997. Humphrey served under the premierships of , , and , retiring six months after the Blair family moved into Downing Street. Humphrey brought the position of resident mouser at Downing Street to the public's attention and became one of the most popular and admired cats in Great Britain. The press frequently referred to the Chief Mouser an actual employee at Number 10.

3

Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue

In June 1995, Humphrey went missing. Thanks to extensive media coverage, he was located at the nearby Royal Army Medical College. He had been taken in as a presumed stray and renamed PC, short for Patrol Cat. Upon his return to Downing Street, Humphrey issued a statement through the civil service stating, "I have had a wonderful holiday at the Royal Army Medical College, but it is nice to be back and I am looking forward to the new parliamentary session.” Humphrey’s later years were marred by controversy. In the early Blair era, it was reported by tabloids that the Prime Minister’s wife had decreed that she was allergic to Humphrey and that he must go. A photo of Cherie with Humphrey was later issued, but did little to assuage media rumours that he was a marked cat. In November 1997, Humphrey's primary carer Jonathan Rees, Humphrey’s retirement who worked in the Prime Minister's Policy Unit, wrote a memo was cloaked in intrigue. As stating that the cat should retire to a stable home environment proof that he had not been where he could be looked after properly. murdered by the Blairs, he The recommendation was acted upon and Humphrey was was photographed, hostage moved to his new home with an elderly couple in suburban style, in a secret location London. Humphrey’s retirement was not announced until after atop copies of daily news- the retirement and rehoming took place, in order to reduce the papers risk of kidnapping attempts. The Conservatives were quick to criticize the forced retirement of Humphrey. They pointed out that Humphrey had lived happily at Number 10 for almost eight years under a Conservative government but moved out within six months of the Labour Party taking power. Conservative MP and animal lover Alan Clark was suspicious about the way Humphrey's retirement was announced and demanded proof that the cat was still alive: "Humphrey is now a missing person. Unless I hear from him or he makes a public appearance, I suspect he has been shot.” This statement fueled rumours that Humphrey had been put down on the orders of Cherie Blair. The Prime Minister's office insisted that veterinary advice was behind the decision to remove Humphrey from Downing Street, and on 24 November 1997, a group of journalists was taken to a secret location in south London and shown Humphrey was alive and well. Pictures of the cat posing with copies of the day's newspapers were published and reports indicated that he had put on weight. Thereafter, the Press Complaints Commission won Cameron is the current agreement that Humphrey’s privacy be respected. The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, previously famous cat lived to the age of 18 in relative a post he has held since 2011. obscurity.

4

Spring 2019 Mewsletter

24 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada From his earliest days as Leader of the Opposition, when journalists were eager for any noteworthy detail of his personal life, Stephen Harper’s fondness for cats was well- documented. When he was elected as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, his passion for felines became even more newsworthy and garnered public interest. The day after the Speech from the Throne in June 2011, the Prime Minister undertook a very important initiative: he polled his Facebook fans on what to name his family’s new grey tabby, asking voters to choose from Smokie, Vingt- quatre, Stanley, Earl Grey, Griffin, and Gandalf. The poll The Harpers presented a paws- drew more than 11,000 responses, most of them for itive image when they revealed Stanley—likely because of the association with hockey’s their fondness for cats: they Stanley Cup. A week after the results were announced, video was posted to the Prime Minister’s official YouTube adopted them, fostered them, account of Stanley frolicking around 24 Sussex. fundraised for them and even Promoting Harper’s affection for his pets was probably an hosted birthday parties for them! attempt to present a warmer image of the Prime Minister, but Stephen and his wife Laureen seemed legitimately committed to the cause of feline welfare. The Prime The Harpers adopted Stanley Minister’s official website always included information on from the Ottawa Humane Society. how to foster or adopt pets. Not only did the Harpers The announcement of his arrival promote fostering, they also opened their home to cats in was made on the Prime Minister's need—and it was quite a famed foster home. Facebook page, along with the According to the Ottawa Humane Society, the Harpers hosted some 87 foster cats during their time in the capital. message from the Harpers: “We Mrs. Harper was the honorary chair of the Humane Society’s encourage everyone to adopt annual fundraising gala, and, on one occasion, the Harpers their animals from the many took in 11 kittens after a fire at an animal shelter in Cornwall, wonderful animal shelters across Ontario. Some of the cats they fostered were eventually the country.” adopted by political staffers, others by MPs and cabinet ministers. The couple’s affection for cats was quite immersive. During a press interview, Laureen talked about their comparatively humble nuptials, describing the ceremony as attended by six people and two cats. “I had a little bowtie made for my one cat and a little lace collar made for the other cat,” she said. In another published article, she revealed that the couple threw birthday parties for their cats.

Only two other Prime Ministers have shared their homes with pets while holding office. William Lyon Mackenzie King drew great companionship from a series of Irish terriers, and Justin Trudeau welcomed a Portuguese Water Dog into his family in 2016.

5

Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue

TONY - LOVE TOOK TIME similar-aged male companion for my younger cat Keaton,” explains Karen. “Tony was suggested as Sometimes Forgotten Ones has a highly adoptable a good match and I fell in love with him just from cat in our care that is overlooked for adoption for his picture—his large emerald eyes, his lovely months or even years. On occasion, we place a cat tuxedo colouring with white mittens, and the black in a home and, despite our best efforts to find the paint splotch on his pink nose. Also, the slightly right fit between a cat and family, it just doesn’t mangled left ear clipping made him look all the work out. Tony is one of those cats that fell into more endearing to me. This may sound corny but, both categories. when I saw his photo, I really knew he was the one Tony entered Forgotten Ones adoption program for our family! along with his brother Tippy in April 2016. They “Although it did take him a long while to trust us were fun, healthy, loving cats. Tippy found his completely, Tony is one of the most affectionate forever family quickly. Although Tony was left lap cats I have ever had. He will lie on my lap and behind, he was able to bond with other cats and gaze up at me with absolute love in those huge, made feline friendships. Over the months, as each unblinking eyes. of his buddies was adopted, Tony would be lonely “I love how he plays with our other two cats, for a while and then would seek out a new friend. Keaton and Noodle. The three of them will run He was well cared-for in his foster home, but our round and round the house full tilt. I also love volunteers were rooting for this sweet fellow to find Tony’s deferential respect for the older cat— his forever family. Noodle is 11 years old. When they chase or And then it finally happened. A couple of years wrestle one another and Noodle has had enough, after he was rescued, Tony found his forever Tony understands and will back off right away. home—except he didn’t. The connection between “I really believe Tony knew he had finally found his pet and people just wasn’t there and Tony was forever home within a few days of arriving at our returned to Forgotten Ones. Tony picked up where place. We had been warned he was shy, but he he left off, seeking out cat companions until they was out and about within two days. He just left for their new homes. Fortunately, Tony’s story seemed to fit into the family perfectly, right from does have a happy ending, and last year Tony the start. Our two resident cats accepted and finally found the perfect family for him. bonded with him almost immediately. Karen, Tony’s adoptive mom, talks about how Tony “It just feels like Tony was the missing piece! was definitely meant for her family: Overall, a happy ending for both Tony and our “I contacted Forgotten Ones for help to find a family.”

Left, Tony cuddles with Noodle and, right, he enjoys a hug and snuggle from Keaton. His family nicknamed him Tony Plopper as he will constantly plop beside, or on top of, his four-legged family members and expect a face washing. 6

Do You Understand Me?

Next to birds, cats possess the widest range of vocalizations of any domestic pet. Interpreting those sounds can be very purr-plexing!

Cats, like all animals, have a unique way of communicating through a variety of vocal and non-verbal means. Many cat owners understand their pet’s non-verbal actions, such as scent marking, use of tail or paws, arching of the back, or rolling on the back. Their pet’s vocal utterances, on the other hand, might not be as obvious and it often takes time before pet owners can interpret them and comprehend their meaning. Sound Effects Felines use a wide range of sounds—such as meows, chirrups, hisses, purrs, chatters, and growls—to Cat meows are distinct and communicate with us. In addition to these distinct can have several different utterances, your pet is also able to make multiple nuanced meanings: variations of each sound. Using this wordless language,  Several short meows is an your cat can indicate its emotional state of mind, from excited hello from a cat contentment and serenity to fear and stress. that is happy to see you.

Meowing  A mid-pitch meow is a cat As cats grow from kittens into adults, the reasons they meow asking for something like changes. Kittens meow to their mothers when they’re hungry, food. cold, or scared. But when cats become adults, meowing is  A long drawn-out reserved for their communications with people, not other cats. “meeeeoooww” is a Generally, a meowing cat wants something—attention, demand for something or food, or perhaps access to a room. Sometimes, though, indicates an angry cat. meows simply serve as a welcome-home salutation.  A low-pitch meow is a Occasionally, a meow can signify loneliness, hunger, or complaint or indicates an even illness. Older cats often meow more because of failing unhappy cat. senses or due to anxiety over not being as nimble as before. In younger cats, the meow often gets shortened to  A short, high-pitched meow an interrogative “mew?” when lonely or hungry. indicates a cat in pain. The frequency of meowing is an indicator of a cat’s frame of mind: rapid-fire meows mean, Hey, pay attention to me, I’m talking here! A longer, more plaintive “meowww” can indicate worry, annoyance, or objection to something and will often have a throatier quality. Incessant meowing could 7

Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue

indicate illness or injury, and might be a sign that a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Excessive meowing is often a sign that cats have learned that this type of nagging behaviour will get them what they want. In this situation, the best thing to do is to ignore their cries. If your cat is used to getting what it wants when it meows, give it food and plenty of attention only when it’s quiet, and none when it meows excessively.

Purring Purring is the most common sound cats make, but we know less about it than the other cat utterances. Gently petting your cat while your pet nests in your lap is a sure way to bring forth the motoring sound that indicates absolute contentment. But although a cat's purr is often an expression of pleasure, that is not always the case. Cats purr when they are stressed, in pain, or severely ill. Research has revealed that purring is powerful and complex and that it has many purposes. Purrs reassure and soothe, in addition to promoting healing and reducing pain. When a cat is sick, injured, or anxious, purring releases endorphins, chemicals that help in pain management and bring about overall happiness Studies have been done to try to understand how a cat’s purr can help healing. The results have found that purrs oscillate at a low frequency of 25 to 100 Hz. These Purring is vital for the survival frequencies promote bone healing and ease muscle pain. of newborn kittens. They are The same frequency of of 25–100 Hz corresponds with established healing frequencies in therapeutic medicine for born deaf and blind, but they humans as well. Clinical trials of people receiving feel the their mother’s purring ultrasound treatments have proven that low-frequency/ vibrations, which guide them intensity ultrasound accelerates healing of fractures.

to the protective warmth of Chirping, Trilling, and Chirruping mom’s body and milk. Learned in kittenhood, these birdlike sounds are slightly more declarative than a meow. Originally used by mothers At only two days old, kittens to tell kittens to pay attention and follow her, a chirp may be will communicate back to their an effort to get you to pay attention or as a way to get you mother and siblings with their to check out something your cat deems important. Chirrups and little trills might also happen when cats are excited— own purrs. such as when they spot a bird outside your window.

Chattering The chatter is another sound a cat might commonly make when staring out the window and spotting a sparrow or a squirrel. This is typical behaviour for most cats, and seems

8

Spring 2019 Mewsletter to reflect excitement at spotting prey, and/or frustration at being unable to capture the prey. The twitching tail can reflect either excitement or frustration. British zoologist and ethologist Desmond Morris refers to this as a “vacuum activity,” an instinctive behaviour the cat is performing in the absence of the ability to perform the actual behaviour.

Hissing There is no mistaking the intent of a cat’s hiss! Along with the threatening sound comes an arched back, puffed hair, twitchy tail, flattened ears, and an open mouth with fangs ready to strike. Spitting can also occur when a cat is hissing. But contrary to popular belief, hissing is a normal way for cats to express fear, not aggression. When your cat takes on this guise, it is best to leave the cat alone and do what you can to remove the perceived threat. Hissing also depends very much on the individual cat’s perception and level of comfort. Some friendly, outgoing felines might hardly ever hiss; whereas a shy, reserved cat Mother cats will hiss if someone may resort to it whenever unsure of a situation. Abused, stray, or feral cats are much more likely to go into hissing comes too close to their kittens, mode than a pet who has lived with the security a home whether it’s a person or other environment provides. animal. This can be true even of Circumstances like an unfamiliar human guest in your home very sociable cats during gentle can also bring about hissing. Perhaps, in addition to the interactions. person being a stranger, strangers might be perceived as more of a threat if they carry their own pets' scents. Your cat If you have a mother cat who doesn't know them, and hisses to advertise that, as far as has recently given birth and your pet is concerned, they are not welcome in your home. become prone to hissing, it’s a good idea to give her and the An Unspoken Love little ones extra space so she Some pets develop a unique language of meows that only can feel safe. their owners understand, each sound or action signifying something different the cat needs. Cornell University researchers tested whether we can actually understand our cats or we were using environmental cues to figure out what they are saying. People listened to recordings of 12 cats meowing in five different everyday scenarios and tried to tell what the cats were saying. Test subjects could determine what the meows meant, but only when the sounds were coming from their own cat. The results of the study indicate that our cats communicate with us not only out of necessity, but because of a special bond and connection they feel with us. Cats may not be able to put their feelings into words, but isn’t it amazing that they are able to convey so many messages to us, the most endearing being their love and affection?

9

Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue

FOCR BULLETIN BOARD

PICTURES? STORIES? TIPS? Receiving photos and updates about Forgotten Ones adopted cats and kittens is very rewarding for our volunteers. We would love to hear from you so we can include your photo and story in our Mewsletter. Please contact us at [email protected] and include the word Mewsletter in the subject line.

UPCOMING EVENTS Year Round - Tru Pet Adoption Centre Visit cats available for adoption in a cage-free environment. Tru Pet, 10520 Yonge St. (Winners Plaza), Richmond Hill, 905-508-1112 Year Round - Elgin Mills PetSmart Adoption Centre Forgotten Ones cat and kittens are featured at Elgin Mills PetSmart, 1700 Elgin Mills Road, Richmond Hill, 905-787-8740 April 20, 2019 - Easter Adopt-a-thon and Bake Sale Come out and meet beautiful cats and kittens available for adoption. Or drop by and pick up some delicious treats for your holiday weekend. Tru Pet, 10520 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, 905-508-1112 April 28, 2019 - Charity Yoga Class This event is lots of fun and is always enjoyed by participants. The class is geared for first time yogis and those who are experienced. Join us for an hour-and a half yoga session followed by refreshments. Space is limited, so please email contact@forgottenones if you are interested and include Yoga Class in the subject line. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. May 18 & 19, 2019 PetSmart National Adopt-a-thon Weekend Forgotten Ones cats and kittens will be at Elgin Mills PetSmart, 1700 Elgin Mills Road, Richmond Hill, 905-787-8740

IN MEMORY CARD When someone loses a loved one or cherished animal companion, an In Tribute donation can be a meaningful gesture. Honouring a person or valued pet by helping deserving cats and kittens in need is a comforting and significant act. We will send this gift acknowledgment card with any tribute gift of $20 or more. Donations can be made through CanadaHelps.org. Simply click on the link canadahelps.org

We rely on financial contributions to continue our mission of finding loving homes for abandoned cats and kittens. Every dollar received is used for the needs of the animals in our care. Donations can be made through our website, or mail a cheque to: Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 32203, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4H0. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. Please include your email address. www.forgottenones.ca

10

CAT-IVATING PHOTOS

MITZY - Bedtime Rituals Required I first saw Mitzy on on Petfinder and I was intrigued by her profile. I didn’t know if my home would be the right one for Mitzy, so I opted to foster-to-adopt. I had been advised she would be nervous at first and would need a fair amount time to adjust to her new home Mitzy spent the first week-and-a-half hiding under the bed, coming out only at night to eat and use the litter box. It took daily offers of treats and petting to get her out from under the bed. I thought she might never be truly comfortable with people (enough to be a lap cat, anyway), but I was happy to be proven wrong! If any part of me is horizontal, she’s there, staking out her territory on her human bed. Every night, she has a bedtime routine like someone with OCD. She nags me to go to the bedroom and once I’m in bed, she lies on my chest and purrs while I pet her for about 20 minutes. If I stop, she’ll tap gently on my chin with her paw, just to remind me of my duties. When she’s ready, she’ll move to my side, and I then have her permission to turn out the lights. When Mitzy first jumped on my lap, it was official—she belonged with me. Mitzy is the most affectionate cat I’ve ever been around. ~ Rein and Family

Kalista - Always on a Roll It was the success of the trial phase that sold us on Kalista as the right cat for our family. We had a few worries that she and Beau, our first cat, wouldn't get along, but Kalista and Beau bonded fairly quickly. Kalista is a terrible "scaredy cat" who does a lot of hiding and doesn't really like new people: However, she was curious about Beau right from the start—as he was about her— and it took her only about a week to start fully transition- ing to our home. My favourite thing about Kalista is her love for playing. She's extremely active and loves to dart around the house playing with springs and chaser toys. She's also very responsive to her name and will always come to you with her tail up, meowing, when you call! Kalista has so many endearing quirks! She's always breaking into locked rooms, refuses to eat when we're not with her, and is constantly play-biting and licking me. She’s also forever tearing up cardboard. No cardboard box has survived in the apartment since we adopted her, and she is nuts for paper towel rolls. I wake up to Kalista running around with the rolls, attacking them, chewing on them, and ripping them apart. She is so cute when she carries them from room to room and places them in front of us. To sum it up, she's a bit of a rascal, but we still absolutely love her. She's very young at heart, and that's what we love the most about her. ~ Johnny and Family Johnny is a great supporter of Forgotten Ones and frequently features our organization on his blog: https://supawcute.com

11