By: Robin Desmet – July, 2017 When you rescue kittens that were born outside, chances are very good that they will need some degree of socialization, or taming. Kittens born in the wild are fearful of people and will hiss and spit and run away when approached. If you are lucky enough to capture the […]
By: Robin Desmet – June, 2017 In my opinion, fostering is one of the most fun and rewarding aspects of volunteering with animals. There is nothing like opening the door to my foster room and getting greeted by 6 fluffy kittens all vying for my attention. It brings me such joy to see them grow […]
By: Robin Desmet ~ May, 2017 The days are getting longer, the weather is getting nicer, and “kitten season” has begun. It is breeding season for cats, and from early spring to late fall, large amounts of kittens will be born to feral and free roaming cats that are not spayed. Because these cats live […]
By: Robin Desmet – April, 2017 I can’t walk by Wheezy’s cage without opening the door and showing him some love. He looks up as if to say “you again” and dutifully walks over when you approach his cage. When you start patting him he responds instantly with purrs and head butts. He is a […]
By: Robin Desmet – Feb. 2017 It is no secret that I am passionate about helping animals. More specifically, I am involved in cat fostering and cat rescue and I perform Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for the MSPCA. Although I volunteer for the MSPCA, I am always pleased to learn of other organizations that are involved in cat […]
By: Robin Desmet – Feb. 2017 The building in New York City is so non-descript that you could easily walk by and think nothing of it. But inside the locked structure is a veritable beehive of activity. The building serves as a temporary residence to over 450 New York shelter cats that were exposed to […]
By: Robin Desmet – January, 2017 Every mile is two in winter” ~ George Herbert Winter is hard. It’s hard for people and it’s even harder for cats—especially for the feral cats that spend their entire lives outdoors. If you have a pet cat that goes outside, please be aware that winter is a dangerous […]
By: Robin Desmet – Dec. 2016 What greater gift than the love of a cat…….Charles Dickens December—-a time to share the joys of the season with family and friends. But in addition to the fun, the holidays can be a dangerous time for our furry friends. A little caution and awareness this time of year […]
By: Robin Desmet – Nov. 2016 Ever hear the expression “Crazy Cat Man”? No, neither have I. It’s always “Crazy Cat Lady.” But, with animal shelters brimming with cats, it’s time for men to start realizing what women have known all along—cats make great pets! For a man who has never owned a cat, the […]
By: Robin Desmet – Oct. 2016 When you start rescuing cats in the neighborhood, the word gets out. Suddenly, people start bringing you cats. Before you know it, other animals start finding their way to your door. I was working at the pharmacy and Jade, a young girl from the neighborhood, walked through the door […]
By: Robin Desmet – Sept. 2016 Oftentimes when I show up at someone’s home to trap their backyard cats, I am by myself. I set up the traps and then spend a few hours getting to know them and explaining what I do. But although I am by myself, I am by no means doing […]
By Robin Desmet – August, 2016 It was a Saturday afternoon in the spring and I was working at the pharmacy. It had been a busy morning, but the afternoon was relatively quiet. All of a sudden, all Hell broke loose. A Lawrence police cruiser pulled up outside the pharmacy and stopped in the middle […]
By: Robin Desmet – July, 2016 July—a great month for fireworks, cookouts, beaches, and……TNR. What in the world is TNR? TNR stands for: Trap-Neuter-Return. After becoming aware of the number of cats roaming the alleys of Lawrence, and the number of kittens being born in unsafe conditions, I have developed both a fondness for feral […]