Kiefer

Kiefer  (KN)

During a recent snuggle session with some Single-Wide buddies, we were rudely interrupted by a big black cat who decided that he wanted in on cuddling as well. 

With long-haired brother Indiana  (DW)

 Kiefer came to us about six years ago, in company with his brother Indiana.  The two were very close, initially, but on release, it was long-haired Indiana who approached volunteers and visitors for petting and attention, while Kiefer took himself out of reach. In fact, it became apparent that Indy wanted to be with people so much that someone finally stepped up and adopted him.  Kiefer didn’t show any signs of distress, but he also didn’t change his habits, and was generally to be found on one of the upper walkways on the deck – watching, but not participating.

Kiefer the loner  (KH)

In the intervening years he has largely kept himself to himself. He’s not scared or aggressive with humans, he doesn’t dislike other cats...  But he has that black-cat way of disappearing when he doesn’t want to be noticed.

Kiefer tucked away (KN)

Recently that seems to have changed. Kiefer is now down at floor-level (or on the back of the couch) more often than not, and is more confident in approaching people for the petting and attention that he used to dislike. There are some volunteers that he seems to like particularly, and he comes to investigate when they arrive. He still prefers to be on the deck – but he’s investigating the main room more frequently.

Braving a visit to the main room  (KH)

In the last year he’s even braved the crowd looking for attention from weekend visitors, and can often be found pushing his way under a caressing hand. He likes it best when someone will sit with him on the chair by the mesh, and he will weave his way from that seat to the cat-tree. Food is not a major motivator, though he’s happy to take what’s offered as long as it’s not directly from the hand; he’d rather pick it up from floor or shelf. 

Are you offering pets?   (KN)

what he wants is human attention – he’s not close with most of the other cats, and prefers to keep himself to himself. Apparently he has been caught pee-ing in the wrong places – but like some of our other “inappropriate urinators”, he may be stressed by the presence of others, and would do better on his own.

Reaching out from his favourite place on the deck
towards the back courtyard   (KN)

This is another boy who suffers somewhat from Black Cat Syndrome – it’s very easy to miss him, and he will take himself out of sight when he’s not sure about the company.  But for lovers of house-panthers, I think Kiefer would be a winner, now that he’s feeling braver.  Come and meet him!

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Kim Howe, Karen Nicholson, Debbie Wolanski

April 21 - How quickly things change...  Cats hide their physical problems so well that by the time they show up, it's too late to do anything.  Finding a few lumps on Kiefer  led to a check that showed him riddled with cancer.  Rest well, sweet boy...

Feeeeet!

Freya's feet   (MW)

 If you are reading this blog, you are probably one of the many people who uses social media to indulge in your feline addiction.
We post pictures of our own cats, our friends’ cats, cat-memes, famous cats like Cole & Marmalade or Maru.  If we are lucky enough to be associated with a shelter or a cat sanctuary, our cell-phones are loaded with images. Kittens and seniors, feel-good stories and sad tales of abandonment, all touch our emotions. 
And one of the never-fail images is of FEET.

Bentley paw over nose  (KN)

Paws, to be exact.  Poofy paws, usually, with claws discreetly hidden.  Poofy on the top, and with a variety of patterned toe-beans below.

Claws are useful for Plum to grab a treat  (KN)

Human feet are definitely not so interesting. Nobody wants to look at pictures of cattle or horses’ feet – impressive though they may be. Dogs – well, perhaps some of them.  But cats’ feet almost always get an “Awww” response.

Jasper demonstrates the pile of paws pose  (KN)

Cats are DIGITIGRADE – meaning they walk on their toes. This is why it is so cruel to declaw a cat – you’re taking away the top joint of the toe, and everything is more uncomfortable without it.  Many declawed cats will end up in a shelter or a sanctuary because they hate to use a litter-box – it hurts their feet. And many will lose muscle tone because they don’t like to move around so much, and are unable to give their muscles a real workout without digging their claws into something.

Akiva has no claws - but he still needs to clean between his toes  (KN)

On a hot day, they can often be found with pads exposed – when you have a fur coat, paws may be the only place you can cool off by sweating.

Lindor cooling off, with all paws exposed  (MW)

Cats use their paws for much more than just walking. They climb (sometimes having to return backwards down a tree); they dig (with luck, mostly in the litter-box), they leave scent markings for other cats to decode, they fight other cats (especially Jasper and Gizmo), they swat unwary humans, they wash up with velvet paws, and then extend their toes so they can clean between them.

Mr Binx clean-up time  (KN)

Our Sanctuary cats give us a wonderful collection of feet to admire

Alexandria is one of our very active cats, and her flexible paws are often used for climbing.

Alexandria offers the Vulcan salute  (KN)

Jackie-O is also a climber, possibly made easier by an extra “thumb” on her front paws

Jackie O's paw  (KN)

Extra thumbs help to hang on   (MW)

We have several polydactyl cats at the Sanctuary. Raymond in Val Jones, Christina Aguilera in the Front Courtyard, and NikkiSixxToes in the Single-Wide all have more than their share of toes.

NikkiSixxToes could also be called Bigfoot   (KN)

A glass table-top in Pen 3 is an irresistible tool for getting feet pictures from another angle

The models on top  (LBF)

paws from below  (LBF)

This dark tortie girl was named for her blond toes!

Toes  (EW)

Sometimes we call them “murder mittens” – but often when you see them like this, the cat is usually asking for attention

Kiefer's velvet paws reaching through from the Single-Wide (KN)

Winston says "Reach out and touch me!" (KN)

And of course, there is nothing we like better than to have a purring pile of fur in the lap, and the sensation of being kneaded gently as the paws show how much we are loved!

Roe loves a lap!  (JS)

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Lisa Brill Friesen, Brigid Coult, 

Karen Nicholson, Justin Saint, Erica Warren, Michele Wright

Feline faces of Prince Charming

Volunteer Pauline Chin spent her Valentines Day being romanced by some feline charmers.

Leo - MW

Among the 400+ cats at the Sanctuary there are several males who have high regard for their looks and utilize a charming personality. What makes these cats into princes is that they know how to give off just the right amount of charm to pull people in without looking needy, or without losing their composure easily.  In the same way cat hair is attracted to clothes, people can’t help but be magnetized towards these gentlemen.

Lincoln - MW

The most well-known charmer is long-haired Lincoln.  As a long time resident, his gentle demeanor is offered to rookie volunteers to get cat-handling experience… without getting scratched.  Lincoln’s sultry eyes, medium length hair, and tabby markings entrance many.  He will pose for photos!  He often occupies the basket closest to the Double-Wide door so Sunday visitors can spot him immediately on entrance or exit.  Lincoln is very particular about being handsome.  If he’s not looking his best, he gets depressed and hides.

Whiskers - MW

Whiskers is rough around the edges, but welcomes attention.  He loves humans and is highly enthusiastic towards females.  Call his name and he’ll stand up from the papasan chair, awaiting affection.  He can be petted for a long time and is happy to pet you in return.  In warm weather, Whiskers enjoys following people around.  He likes it most when you’re seated, so he can give you head bonks.

Colin - MW

Colin tends to be overlooked because of his brown-black coloration.  He likes to be petted, brushed, have lap-time, and knead blankets.  He leans towards the company of older gentlemen (being one himself).  But, he’s content to sit next to quiet people.  Sometimes, he’ll stand tall on the table and nudge you for pets.  Colin gets so thrilled, he nearly slides off the table at times.  He loves posing for photos and being told he’s good-looking – anything that makes him feel handsome!

Leo - KN

Fluffy prince, Leonardo DiCatprio welcomes visitors to the Tea Room.  He flirts with leg rubs and lap-time (and mooching our food!)  He’s so attractive that most people just give him anything he wants.  When there’re many humans present, he will proudly walk on the tables to get attention.  You’ll feel like royalty if he chooses to settle on your lap.  Visitors don’t mind the white fluff he leaves on their clothes, either.

Kiefer - KN

Kiefer, in the Single-Wide, is a handsome panther who likes to invite company to the couch.  He’ll hover nearby and try to convince you to follow him.  While you’re on the couch, you’ll be joined by others from his circle, like Debo, Merren, and the curious-but-wary Bossanova.  Meepos and Mya will watch from above, so no need to worry about them bouncing off your head.  Kiefer will sit for a long time and will let you know if he wants physical touch or just someone to accompany him.

Buzz - BC

Buzz is a new arrival from Shuswap and has already charmed his way into our hearts.  Fluffy and cuddly are a winning combination.  It’s a huge treat to interact with a new cat and not worry about bleeding.  Buzz is happy to be petted all over.  You can give a little or a lot of affection and he’s delighted either way.  I’ve had him climb on me to get head bonks.  He’s going to have quite a fan club once he’s released.

Whiskers - MD

These cats all adore attention and enjoy returning it to humans.  They maximize their charms in unique ways and take pride in their appearance.  If you’ve never been charmed by a cat before, take a chance with one of these princes.

Blog by Pauline Chin

Photos by Melanie Draper, Karen Nicholson & Michele Wright

Kiefer & Indiana

Indiana & Kiefer - DW

Guest blogger Marianne Moore writes:

Tall, dark and handsome is often how heroes of romantic novels are described. When it comes to cats, it’s difficult to think of them as actually being tall so, well, two out of three ain’t bad, as the saying goes. There are plenty of black cats at the Sanctuary and it’s not easy for me to distinguish one from another, despite them exhibiting a wide range of what one could consider “handsome-ness”.  Frequently, when I’ve been asked the name of one of the black cats, I’ve resorted to pleading ignorance and confess that I know it just as “Black Cat # 42”.

Indiana - MM

Newcomers to the Sanctuary, Kiefer and Indiana are among those that can definitely be described as dark and handsome!  Long-haired Indiana (aka Indy) has soulful yellow eyes and a lovely “ruff”, while his short-haired friend Kiefer has beautiful green eyes and lynx-tipped ears so they should be easy for even me to identify once they’re out and about with the other cats in the single-wide trailer.

Kiefer - BC

 Fortunately, there aren’t too many black cats in that building and most of them have something distinctive about them – Belinda is tiny and very fluffy, Blackie usually swats me as I walk by, Harvest has an unusual little white spot on his chest, and so on.

Kiefer - MM

Until they’re ready to be released from the cage, Kiefer and Indiana have “the best room in the house" – very spacious and with a window facing the front courtyard – but so far I’ve only once seen one of them (I think it was Indiana) look out the window to enjoy the view.  They’re still a bit uncertain about their new situation and are most comfortable cuddled up together on the shelf inside their cage.  

Indiana - BC

Although the sign on their cage door says that they’re semi-feral, if you approach them slowly, it doesn’t take long for the purrs to begin once you start petting them.  When one is petted, the other almost always pushes his head in under the petting hand to get some attention too.    Kitty Comforters and other volunteers spend lots of time with Kiefer and Indiana to help them realize that they have nothing to fear from us so that, when they’re released from their cage, they’ll be willing to accept all the love and attention we’re going to give them.   I’m determined to remember their names then so that neither one will ever be just “Black Cat # something-or-other” to me.    

Indy & Kiefer - BC

Blog by Marianne Moore

Photos by Brigid Coult, Marianne Moore & Debbie Wolanski