VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Denise Wiemer PAGE 2

KC’S COLUMN TCH elder, KC, shares his wisdom. © Essence in a FlashMcCarty by Kimberly PAGE 3 THE HOUSE

FEATURED Dumpling & Simply Red PAGE 5

VOLUMEScoop NO. 16 | ISSUE NO. 1 | SPRING 2016 “If this was a movie” Cat-ification: ... it could hardly Enhancing your cat’s have a better ending environment

ADOPTION FACILITY By Mindy Peck By Ann Adams 3633 “O” Street Meet Tilty, a 10-year-old, purebred Scottish Is your house a cat house? Your home is surely Lincoln, NE Fold. She is a beauty with long, soft fur and a reflection of your own personal style, but Tuesdays & Thursdays 6–8 pm the signature “smushed” nose of her breed. have you considered your cat’s style? Cats are Sundays 1:30–4 pm Both made her a perpetual draw for visitors to climbers, perchers, and players that crave a TCH. But every time someone adopted her or space of their own. Cat trees have been around PO Box 23145 took her home as a foster, she wound up back forever, but not everyone has the money or space Lincoln, NE 68542 at TCH. Tilty spent half of her life in and out for such a large piece of cat furniture. Luckily, Hotline: 402-441-9593 of TCH. You see, Tilty is a special kitty that there are a variety of options to accommodate [email protected] requires special medical attention and can only the environmental needs of you and your cat. www.thecathouse.org thrive in a truly special home. A happy home is one in which both form and function meet to create an esthetic of comfort facebook.com/thecathouse and delight. It is pleasing to the eye as well as the BOARD MEMBERS body. Cats are like people in that they need to feel Faye Stevens President safe, secure, and engaged by their surroundings. Julie Dahlke Treasurer Surely your cat has a favorite window in your Jeanné Lillich Recording Secretary home where it likes to spend hours performing Belinda Gillam Director its neighborhood watch duties. The addition of a window perch will make the location even Suzie Meierdierks Director more enjoyable for your feline roomie. Window Alma Vlasak Director perches come in a variety of styles and can add a Laura Wong Director touch of comfort to your cat’s favorite sun spot. Placing a bird feeder outside the window will The Cat House is a 501(c)(3) stimulate your cat’s mind and keep boredom non-profit, all-volunteer from setting in. organization, funded entirely by continued on page 7 continued on page 6 donations and adoption fees. Volunteer Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Wiemer Opportunities By Jeff Kennedy There once was a big furry named with cats. She has been on a cleaning and The Cat House has a very hard-working Charlie. It is unknown where Charlie came feeding shift, worked open hours, and helped and dedicated crew of volunteers from, who the person with Cat Love Therapy, a program where committed to improving the was that decided volunteers take shelter cats to assisted living lives of cats in Lincoln and the to abandon him, or facilities to cheer residents. Denise was great surrounding area. why the person felt at her volunteer tasks—trustworthy, detailed, If you are interested in helping, you it was necessary to and understanding. can fill out a volunteer application make that decision. When Charlie went to live with Denise, online at www.thecathouse.org, The Cat House took his condition was not good. Denise began come in during open hours to fill Charlie in that day. the prescribed treatment of feeding Charlie out an application, or e-mail at He would be safe, fed, through an esophageal feeding tube, four [email protected]. and receive medical times a day, but the amount of nourishing care as well as loving liquid food was too much at a time. Denise You’re in for a rewarding attention. But at the had to increase the frequency of feedings and experience! time Charlie joined decrease the amount of food syringed fed Opportunities to help include: TCH’s ranks, no one each time, sometimes giving only 20 cc an • Open hours knew what was going hour, pushed into the tube very slowly. The • Care, feeding, exercising, and to transpire in the next two, this big black cat and this determined socializing of cats few months and how it would lead Charlie lady, spent hour after hour, day after day, • Laundry to the home and heart of a volunteer named sitting on the floor of Denise’s bathroom. She • Facility maintenance Denise Wiemer. cleaned up his messes and talked to him. He • Newsletter articles, photography, and When Charlie came to TCH, he weighed in looked to her for life. They bonded. Charlie production at a not-so-dainty 20+ pounds. “Overweight,” began to thrive. “He is a foster but he may • Assisting with communication to the vet said. After Charlie was medically become my next adopted cat,” Denise said. volunteers and/or the public evaluated, he went to live in the room with “We spent so much time together, he became • Adoption counselor the other plus-size cats where his food intake my ‘Velcro cat.’” • Post-adoption follow-up calls could be controlled and where he could lose With the successful fostering of Charlie, • Filing weight so that he would be healthier. Denise recently accepted another medical • Grant writing But what happened was the opposite, foster. This one was a handsome blue boy • Fundraising Charlie didn’t eat. Whether he was bullied named Jay, who had an inoperable tumor. • Data entry away from food by other cats or was a really Since Jay’s condition was terminal, Denise’s • Retail events picky eater or for some other reason, Charlie focus wasn’t on helping him to get well. It • Feral/TNR program lost too much weight too fast and developed an was on making him comfortable and happy • Foster care unhealthy condition called hepatic lipidosis, and to give him a last gift—unconditional, or fatty liver disease. This condition can be one-on-one love. “It was a different situation fatal if left untreated too long. Volunteers at than with Charlie. Jay was fading away, but the shelter decided it would be best to treat he knew he had a loving home.” him in the controlled setting of a personal It is through the efforts of people like home. Denise said she would take him. Denise, who step up and provide extra time, Happy Since beginning to volunteer at TCH care, and love, that The Cat House is so Tails Stats 5 years ago, Denise has had a lot of experience successful. Here are the number of cats adopted in recent months. TCH Retail Space October 22 Settling into a new home always takes time cat and dog designs. We also have a selection November 26 and The Cat House is no different. Since of our popular t-shirts and sweatshirts in December 41 moving in June 2015, we find ourselves various sizes and colors. continuing to “tweak” our home at 3633 “O” The retail area is located on the lower level, January 44 Street. right outside our office. Consider parking on February 22 One of our most exciting additions is a the south side of the building for easy access March 22 small retail area to serve visitors. It is easily to this space. accessed and offers some of our most popular All proceeds from sales go to help support volunteer-made items, including both large TCH and its feline residents. and small stix as well as beds in Thank you for shopping! See you soon. PAGE 2 | SPRING 2016 Donations in memory & honor of... In memory of Jane E. Gohde from Susan Evans Barbara DiBernard’s birthday from Sarah Gibson Birdeen Havlicek from Kathy Havlicek-Cook Osker, daughter’s cat, from Donna Akiyama Bill and Theresa Wagner from Patricia Rohman King Rieke from Conrad Good, Kris Plucknett, Billie Fiona-Paw from Justin Berkland David and Sharon Shepherd, Andrew J. Shepherd, and Tietgen, Berkley Insurance Co. – Continental Western Matthew Hanwell from Georgia Hanwell Athena Stephanopoulos from Andrew Shepherd Group, David Kaufman, Lucy Krause, Kathleen Holland, Debbie Borner from Mona Daniels-Murray Gloria Taylor from Gerise Herndon Erin Shafer, Denise Kaufman Greiman, Sheila Schulke, Blair Callahan from Mary Chisholm, Sandy Hazlett, Ken and Arlys Reitan from Kern Family Trust Davalynn Tietgen, and Linda Rieke Maxine Meier, Lana Warner, Jennifer Armstrong, Deb Laura Wong, Nancy and Henry Wong, Danielle Wong, Charlene Lautzenheiser from Mary Jane Winquest Vosika, and Judith Christensen Lynn and Steve Karrigan, and Dave Karrigan from Slinky from Rita Vyhlidal John Norwich McLennan from Nancy Flader Bonnie Rae Opal Wulf from JC Preston Virginia Gail Lewiston from Amy Swoboda Bonnie Abbott from Darren Abbott Laverna Huff from Nadine Fricke Mikey from Joan White Jordan Blenner from Denise Wiemer Kristie from Barbara and Richard Thomas Tatters from Teri Swanson Beppo, Mozart, and Aniseed from Elinor Nevin Gayle Roper from Sandra Johnson Dick Paulick from Olga Paulick Hanna Hoffman from Heather Thomas Deanna’s cat, Izzy, from the Sisterhood of Faith at St. Sarah Jane from Faye Stevens Addison, on her birthday, from Oana Costea Mark’s Methodist Church In honor of Karen Underwood’s retirement from UNL from Michael Boo from Christian Janousek and Amy Zeleny Trixie, who was adopted on 4/10/2014, from Neko Swisher from Regina Toman Jackson Julius Peepers, who was adopted from TCH, Georganna Schroeder Simba, Gizzy, and Kiara from Deanna Henke from Joyce McArthur-Johnson Licorice from Colleen Mertins Brian Elias from Patricia Metcalf Ray Putney from Eileen Johnson Gail Sutton and Micky Boeckl from Nancy Sutton Caryll Wilson from Ryon Adams, Judith Bay, Tiffany Jim Volkmer from Zuleika Doremus Zoey Moser from Tausha Johnson Goeller, Tracy Kalnins, Kadra Omerovic, Joseph Special thanks to Swoboda, Rebecca Olander, Tina Brubaker, Rae Ellen Jeff Kennedy from Kaylie Sirek Dr. Kelly Jordan Gifford, Judith Bromm, and Marcia Phillips General Pershing from Kim Hachiya, Airan Sylvana, and Dr. Shelley Knudsen Molly and Miss Kitty from House of Flowers Edgar and Rebecca Cahoon All Feline Hospital Chance from Melissa Hill Laci from Lois Anderson Wachal Pet Health Center Donald Allen from Judy Allen Kellyn from Megan Paul Vondra Veterinary Clinic JoAnn Boyd from Amanda Champ and Susan Hasek Nova Shasek’s birthday from Linda Green and Diamond Fry Pitts Veterinary Hospital Spencer from Denise Wiemer Richard and Adri Howey from Frederick Rickers Cause For Paws Olivia, Sage, and Jezabel from Kerri Egner Little Nell from Susan Simon Nature’s Variety Laci from Lois Anderson Debra Fryda from Nadine Fricke Petco Toni, KT, and Peter from Cynthia Stryker Granite and Logan from Kimberly Skeels PetSmart Jay Fremont from Cynthia Stryker Charles Hoarty from Max Clymer Walmart Irvin RothfussThank from Tammy Berens You! KC’s column Dear Cali: would have great wisdom to pass on. They without more obvious signals. I am mad! Why are humans so dense? I must think I’m a real sucker to fall for that, But I’ve also heard some humans think give them all the signals that I don’t want especially after they interrupted my nap. a cat twitching its tail is happy, like a dog to be petted right now, don’t want to go to Why, if I was younger, I would have . . . wagging its tail. Pfft! I ask you, what would the vet, don’t want to play with those noisy, well, never mind, you had a question for make a cat act like a dog? There are also unpredictable children or whatever, and me. The answer is I don’t know why humans some humans that seem to think you’re not what do the humans do? Nothing! It’s as if don’t understand cat language and why they serious and will persist with their annoying they don’t have any common sense. I end up can’t seem to tell when a cat is getting mad. behavior. Some deliberately persist to see getting so upset I swat or bite at them to get Now, I assume you gave them some of what you will do. That’s when a good swat my message across. the basic signals to say back off, right? You may help or, if you have been declawed, a Signed, swished your tail. You hissed or growled. quick bite. Furious Feline You spit. You gave the angry cat yowl. You The really smart humans will get your stiffened your whiskers and pulled them message and back off. They’ll let you simmer Dear Furious: back. You flattened your ears. You glared down in a nice, secure corner and make your I share your frustration. Lots of humans at them. You hunched your body and your own decision about when you are ready to don’t understand the signs that any well- hairs stood on end. socialize again. They know not to cross your raised would know. It’s a puzzlement. I know some cats are not as obvious with path or let other animals cross your path By the way, I am not Cali, I’m KC. Cali their signals. They may give just a twitch of when you are really, really upset and ready passed on, as you can read elsewhere in the their tail or simply stop purring when they to lash out at the next thing you see. Here’s newsletter, so The Cat House people came to cross over from loving the petting to leave hoping you meet some of these humans. It me and wanted me to take over her advice me alone. Given humans’ obvious social might even make you less angry. column. They tried to butter me up, said I shortcomings when it comes to cats, it takes Now I’m going back to my nap, was the oldest and most experienced cat and a particularly observant human to catch on KC SPRING 2016 | PAGE 3 Calendar of In memory of Igor Solokhin, TCH craftsman Events By Stephanie Kielian Cats & Crafts Sessions Lincoln and The Cat House lost the changes that the city wanted, Dates TBA a talented and hard-working even though he was only working The Cat House, 3633 “O” Street craftsman to a traffic accident on for TCH in the evening and Fundraiser and education for TCH. April 15, 2016. Igor Solokhin was on weekends after he finished Check the TCH Facebook page for info. the foreman of the crew that TCH working his full-time job. Give to Lincoln Day hired to complete remodeling of Igor had a great sense of humor, May 26 / Midnight–11:59 pm the new facility at 3633 “O” St. and his family was a lot of fun. givetolincoln.razoo.com Igor, along with his brothers They brought in some toy stuffed and father, Ben, installed most of cats to put in the room windows Adopt-a-Cat Month the framework, drywall, and ceiling grid and – one even meowed when you would walk June tiles; finished the installation of a tiled floor; by. If you were in the building during the The -fect month to find your new and completed various finish work. TCH remodel, you would often hear the Solokhins furry forever friend. had been looking for a crew to help get the Russian music playing on their radios. Wine & Howl remodel going, and I had mentioned to my Igor recently completed installation of neighbor Vitaliy that we were having trouble the counter tops in the TCH office and the June 11 / 11 am–5 pm finding the right help. shelving in the work room. He was also Deer Springs Winery, east of Lincoln Vitaliy said he had some friends who might working on the cage design for the larger cat Fundraiser for Lincoln Animal be a good fit and that they would understand rooms. Ambassadors (LAA). our time constraints and non-profit budget. Igor and his family immigrated to the TCH will have a vendor booth. After meeting with the Solokhins and the United States from Russia. Igor, who was Haymarket Farmer’s Market rest of the group, TCH decided to move also a youth pastor, was a very talented, June 26-August 6 forward with them. exceptionally nice young man who was a Saturdays / 8 am–Noon Igor was only 19 at the time, but he was pleasure to work with. I was looking forward TCH volunteers will be selling cat beds, the spokesman for the group and would be to working with Igor on many projects in catnip sticks, and other items. in charge of the project. He won us over the future. He made a great impression with with his charisma, confidence, and obvious TCH volunteers who had the opportunity Streets Alive knowledge of construction. Igor was able to work with him. Igor will be missed by all September 25 / 1-5 pm to keep everything on track and help with who met him. 29th & Holdredge (Clinton Elementary School area) & Chow In addition to monetary donations, you can donate items that we use in the day-to- Date and Location TBA day care of our feline friends. To arrange a drop-off time and location, you can call us at Fundraiser for TCH & LAA. 402-441-9593 or email [email protected].

DRY • Any dry cat food CAT LITTER • Royal Canin Baby Cat • Non-clumping, regular clay litter (no clumping, • Science Diet Original, M/D, R/D, C/D Calm, pine, or newsprint type litter) Catnip stix, pet beds, or Z/D* • Science Diet Light SUPPLIES • Brooms and carrier liners! CANNED CAT FOOD To purchase, stop by the shelter, or call the • O’Cedar Light ‘N Thirsty cloth mop refills • Science Diet or Iams – kitten & adult – turkey, • Paper towels & bathroom tissue hotline at 402-441-9593. chicken, salmon (ground or minced) • Kitchen and office size trash bags • Fancy Feast – turkey, chicken, salmon (Classic), or • Copier/printer paper any Grilled Delights with Cheddar • Science Diet A/D, M/D, R/D, I/D, C/D Calm, MISCELLANEOUS or Z/D* • Meat flavored baby food • Science Diet Light (chicken, turkey, beef, ham) • Small chenille or cotton reversible bath rugs CLEANERS (no rubber backs) • Scent-free liquid laundry detergent • Rotating teeth combs for cats (sensitive skin) • “Slicker” brushes for cats • Scent-free dryer sheets (sensitive skin) • Pet carriers, hard plastic with metal doors • Clorox bleach (regular type) • Large litter boxes without covers • Anti-bacterial hand soap • Aluminum trays (no smaller than 8"x13") • Dawn dishwashing soap • Lint rollers • Dishwasher detergent • FortiFlora® Feline Nutritional Supplement • Clorox disposable wipes • Gift certificates to entirelypets.com • Swiffers • Gift cards to Tractor Supply, Walmart, Target, • Hand sanitizer Petco, or PetSmart * sold at vet clinics PAGE 4 | SPRING 2016 Wish List Dumpling Simply Red By Jeff Kennedy By Jeff Kennedy Nineteenth century author and archaeologist Simply Red was discovered in a feral colony, Margaret Benson wrote, “A cat is, above all things, very thin and torn up, missing entire patches a dramatist.” of fur. Colony caretaker Gail Schraeder recalls Dumpling, a 6-year-old Cat House resident, proves that he came up to her, meowing. “None of the Miss Benson’s statement is still relevant and accurate other cats ever meowed at me, but he started over 100 years later. This little gray tabby girl brings in from about 50 feet away.” Gail didn’t have a a flair for the dramatic with a punch of personality. trap or a carrier with her that day, but later she She carries a natural swagger and is not shy about retrieved him from the colony to take him in vocalizing her need for attention. Naturally curious, for veterinary care. she stands guard at her door to see what activities “He was in bad shape,” recounts Schraeder. are transpiring on the The vet removed more than 60 ticks from him, other side. and he was underweight and full of parasites. He Dumpling’s start with tested positive for the Feline Immunodeficiency The Cat House was a Virus (FIV). “We weren’t sure he would make it,” Schraeder said. His rough one. She was aban- poor condition and his bad teeth made it difficult to estimate an age. doned in 2013, left in a car- The vet’s best estimate is he was born in 2010. rier at the shelter’s former Gail named him Simply Red (the name of an ‘80s band) because location on a December his black fur had been sunburned and taken on a reddish tint. Since day when the temperature his arrival at TCH, he’s also been known as Kenny, for Husker struggled to reach double football standout, Kenny Bell. digits. But she proved to Once Simply Red entered into The Cat House system, he quickly not only be a survivor, but started to fill out and become the handsome cat he is today. a cat ready to put her stamp Volunteers soon found out that he loved attention and care. His coat on the world. became full and soft, and his injuries slowly faded. His defensive Dumpling’s outgoing, strong personality would probably be nipping gave way to gentle head butts and an arching back. best suited for an adopter without other animals in the home. You can often find him these days sprawled out on the lap of a An experienced cat person who could recognize and appreciate volunteer or open-hours visitor, getting petted. He has come a long Dumpling’s shifting temperaments would be rewarded with a loving way from the beat-up cat that wandered up to Gail begging for companion for life. Dumpling will bring the personality if you attention and now would love to find a forever home with a person provide the home. or people of his own. These cats are looking for forever homes. Visit our shelter on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6–8 pm and Sundays from 1:30-4 pm.

Sabrina – 5 years Thomas (FeLV+) – 5 years Simba (FIV+) – 2 years Billy – 4 years

Sheila – 2 years Phoenix – 10 years Angel – 8 years Caroline – 5 years Wish List SPRING 2016 | PAGE 5 Cat-ification—continued from page 1 Does your cat like to look down on you? Maybe your cat just needs a place of Hanging a series of shelves on your walls its own to hang out in that is lower to the will bring your cat’s world to new heights. ground. Putting together a kitty condo with Giving your cat a chance to elevate itself tunnels, scratch pads, and secret hiding can do wonders for its self esteem. Being spots can do the trick. There are commercial The fifth annual Lincoln Community perched above everyone else gives your cat condos on the market, but making your Foundation’s Give to Lincoln Day will be cat a vantage point that makes it feel safe own can be a fun and affordable project. held Thursday, May 26. and in control of its surroundings. Cats are Sturdy cardboard and fabric that matches This event has become an important territorial by nature, and expanding the your home’s decor can be just as effective as source of funds for The Cat House (TCH) room vertically for your cat will increase its store bought items when it comes to your and an excellent way for people to support territory. cat’s happiness. After all, how many times Lincoln’s only no-kill cat shelter. Your cat may enjoy a series of shelves if have you seen your preference to you find it doing things like climbing on a plain cardboard box over an expensive cat The Lincoln Community Foundation top of your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, bed? initiated this event as a way to raise money or book shelves. The shelves can be painted Before beginning any project, it is and increase new donor participation for to coordinate with your wall color so important to evaluate what appeals to your non-profits in and around Lincoln. they remain pleasing to the eye. Padding cat in your home currently. Ask yourself the Funds raised during this event help the shelves with some textured, nonskid following questions: Is there a shelf that my defray the cost of spays and neuters, covering will allow your cat to lay down cat feels drawn to? Or perhaps an enclosed other medical needs, and dental work its scent and also keep it from sliding as space for hiding? Does my cat like to hang for the cats as well as assisting with it leaps and runs along the path. Multi-cat out wherever I hang out? It is also important other shelter expenses. These funds are households can really benefit from shelves, to take your cat’s level of athleticism into also used to help fund our Trap-Neuter- which may provide your cats with an escape account to ensure safety. Understanding Return (TNR) program. route, should a disagreement erupt. Pay the types of spaces and experiences your Your generosity and caring will enable attention to where conflicts occur, and cat craves will help you to make effective us to continue our work in 2016 in evaluate the space for the inclusion of changes in your home that will enrich your Lincoln and the surrounding area. possible escape routes. cat’s life. Brush up on your cat’s dental health By Ann Adams Did you ever wonder why your vet looks experiencing dental disease and discomfort. necessary to reach the inner portion of the inside your cat’s mouth during a routine You may cringe at the thought of brushing teeth during brushing because a cat’s own checkup? It’s because cats can suffer many your cat’s teeth, but there are methods for tongue is usually able to do the trick in those of the same types of dental diseases as teaching your cat to tolerate the intrusion. spots. When your cat becomes comfortable people. Cats are good at hiding discomfort It is important to find and purchase a pet with this process, let it taste a small amount because they have a high pain threshold, toothpaste. Human toothpaste should not of toothpaste from your finger. but they may be suffering all the same. be used on your cat because it could cause When you and your cat are both Your vet checks for signs of periodontal an upset stomach and contain unsafe levels comfortable enough to move on to full scale disease by scanning for inflammation and of sodium. Pet toothpastes are also best brushing, put some of the pet toothpaste on loss of tissue around teeth. Depending because they clean the teeth by breaking your choice of toothbrush and place your on what your vet sees, he or she may down enzymes that could lead to a buildup free hand over your cat’s head with your recommend dental cleaning and possible of plaque and tartar that cause inflammation thumb resting on top of its head. Gently tooth extraction(s). A dental cleaning, of the gums. You will also need to purchase angle its head upward so you can raise which generally involves cleaning done a cat toothbrush. It may be easiest to begin your cat’s lip on one side with your index under anesthesia, tooth extractions, with one known as a finger-brush, which finger. Place the toothbrush right along postoperative antibiotics, and pain meds fits onto your index finger. the gumline and work in gentle circular can be pricey. So what can be done at Once you have the necessary tools, you motions starting at the back of the mouth. home to keep your cat’s dental health from should begin by slowly introducing your cat Make sure to get both the upper and lower degrading to that point? to the idea of toothbrushing during a quiet teeth. Try to brush for 30 seconds on each First, always check with your vet if you time in your home. As with everything cat- side. Make sure to thoroughly wash your have any questions or concerns about your related, patience is essential. You should hands before and after brushing your cat’s cat’s dental health. If your vet gives you the hold the cat in your lap on top of a thick teeth, as well as cleaning the toothbrush OK that brushing your cat’s teeth would towel or blanket to avoid any scratches or after each session. Performing this type be beneficial, following are suggestions on discomfort should your cat resist. During of brushing a few times a week will help how to brush its teeth. the first few sessions, simply rub your to eliminate harmful levels of plaque and Learning how to effectively brush finger or a soft cloth back and forth over the tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. Happy your cat’s teeth could save your cat from outer surfaces of your cat’s teeth. It is not brushing!

PAGE 6 | SPRING 2016 “If this was a movie”—continued from page 1 The flat noses of the Scottish Fold breed can board member for TCH recounted, “Tilty attitude,” Carrie said, “She is finally starting cause the cats to experience breathing issues, became a new cat after her first nebulizer to warm up to me, but she has loved Brenna and Tilty is no exception. This beautiful cat breathing treatment.” from the start!” Tilty hasn’t lost her vibrant earned her name from her signature head Later when Tilty started to feel better, she personality. “Oh she’s very sassy; she doesn’t tilt, which is due to the fact that she was born finally started to play. Tilty might have been like to cuddle often—but sometimes,” without a left eardrum. In addition to this starting to come out of her shell, but she was Brenna recounted. medical issue, she also suffers from polycystic still reserved around potential adopters. It The Bodes took Tilty home in August kidney disease, breathing problems, and was going to take a VERY special person to 2015, and finally Tilty had her person and severe allergies. Because of these conditions, take Tilty home. her home. “She is a lot of work and definitely she has to take daily medication, antibiotics, Enter Brenna Bode, a typical teenager; she high maintenance, but she is worth it,” and nutrient supplements and receives twice loves to hang out with her friends and she Brenna said. “She is finally relaxing and daily nebulizer treatments. loves Taylor Swift. Brenna wanted a cat but starting to realize that this is her home.” “Tilty has had it rough,” Suzie Meierdierks, not just any cat. She wanted a cat like Taylor There is no doubt that Brenna and Carrie the TCH medical coordinator, lamented. Swift has. The singer has two Scottish Folds. are her humans. Carrie is happy to have Tilty “She has had a nasal repair, her sinuses “We saw Tilty on the website a few years ago, in their lives. “If I would have known what flushed out, dental work, and treatment for but when we came to see her, she had already having a cat would do for Brenna, I would yeast infections in her ears!” Because of her been adopted,” Brenna said. “I kept looking for have gotten her a cat years ago! They have medical issues, Tilty had trouble finding the cats, but there were none in Nebraska.” been so good for each other. Brenna is so right home. She was placed in a number of Yet, Brenna and her mom, Carrie, kept responsible and caring,” Carrie said. foster homes but was returned for various coming back to TCH and finally, Tilty was Brenna takes her cat ownership reasons; in addition, she was adopted once there. “When I saw her I couldn’t believe it!” responsibilities very seriously, making but returned for excessive sneezing and Brenna said it was all over for her at that point. sure that Tilty has her daily medicines and other concerns. Knowing Tilty’s reserved personality and treatments. “Brenna will make sure she Yet, TCH volunteers were tireless in their medical history, TCH volunteers did their comes home and takes care of Tilty before efforts to make Tilty comfortable and happy. best to inform and prepare the Bodes for life going out with her friends,” Carrie said. They devised a nebulizer treatment apparatus with Tilty. It’s clear that Tilty has become the princess for Tilty—a cat carrier with the sides “They told me not to get my hopes up, but of her new home. Belinda summed it up best wrapped in plastic wrap and the front door I came in and sat down with her and she laid when she said, “You know, Tilty has had it covered with a towel where the nebulizer her head on my lap. We chose each other,” rough, but now she’s in seventh heaven. She hose is hooked to the door making the crate Brenna said. Tilty quickly became queen of has her teenager and her mom now, and she a mini-sauna. Belinda Gillam, volunteer and the Bode household. “She definitely has an is a happy cat!” TCH elder passes on The Cat House lost one of its most special thrived! Her health improved, Sunday, two college-age residents in November. A morning volunteer and, like the Eveready Bunny women came in to spend time came in and found that Cali had passed away or a Timex watch, she just kept with cats, and sat with Cali and overnight. Cali’s death was not unexpected, going! her roommate, KC. They told she was 22 years old after all, but this beautiful “Cali became a favorite me that Cali was their favorite. torti’s passing left a hole in the hearts of among volunteers and visitors They very much enjoyed giving volunteers and visitors. Following is what alike, with her (sometimes) her some lap time (and couldn’t TCH President Faye Stevens wrote at the time: feisty attitude. She liked to believe she was really 22 years “Cali came to us in January 2012, at the age join in during meetings held old). This is how special Cali of 19. Her ‘mom’ passed away, and her ‘dad’ in the upstairs area, as long was – one visit and she’d already needed to move to a nursing home. Cali was as she didn’t have to interact gained new fans. thought to be in end-stage renal failure. One with other cats, who were mostly not worthy “I’m so glad that Cali got to move to the of the TCH medicators, who also worked at a of being in her presence (in her opinion). She new building with us, and enjoy having some vet clinic, was helping to care for Cali and felt would insist on being picked up to sit on the natural light and additional attention for her that she only had six weeks or so to live. laps of people she thought were deserving of last few months. And I’m proud of TCH and “She asked if TCH could make Cali her attention. our volunteers for the wonderful care we comfortable for the last few weeks of her life. “After we moved to the new building, Cali were able to give her, although I think that We set her up in a room upstairs at the Q enjoyed even more attention, with more we gained as much from this experience Street shelter. It was a room we never intended volunteers and visitors in and through her as she did. I hope that you will all have the to house cats in, but for a few weeks, it would area. Many people were amazed that a cat opportunity to care for a senior cat like Cali. do. However, when Cali moved to TCH and could live to be 22 years old, and I hope that It’s truly an honor and a privilege. was able to consistently get the subcutaneous seeing her gave them a different perspective “Cali, yours was a life well-lived and well- fluids and other medications she needed, she about the value of senior cats. On her last loved. Rest in peace, our special girl.” SPRING 2016 | PAGE 7 The Cat House needs your support so we can We need your continue helping our feline friends. To donate food, toys or supplies, please call 402-441-9593 support! for an appointment. Contributions can also be made with a credit card through Paypal. Please consider donating, or visit our website to learn how you can help! The costs to operate the facility continue to grow. One way of reducing costs is to minimize the number of newsletters that are printed and mailed out to our supporters. We are, therefore, asking if we can send future issues of The Cat House Scoop to your email address instead of mailing you a printed copy. Rest assured though, if you don’t have access to a computer, we will continue to send the newsletter to you by mail! Please select your contribution amount: n $25 n $50 n $75 n $100 n $250 n $500 If you’d like to receive The Cat House Scoop by n Other $ ______email, please send your name, home address, and email address to [email protected]. Make checks payable to: The Cat House Please use “Newsletter” as the subject of the Mail to: PO Box 23145, Lincoln, NE 68542 email. THE CAT HOUSE | THE NO-KILL ALTERNATIVE

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