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Help rescued cats get medical care or find a home


By Rachel Elves

I have been involved in a lot of cat rescue in the Union Hill/Church Hill area, and I was hoping some of my neighbors might open their hearts and homes to the lovely animals I’m currently fostering.

You can help by adopting a cat, donating money for medical care, offering to provide transportation to medical clinics for cats, or by spreading the word! I have set up a donation fund through Church Hill Animal Hospital (322 N 25th St.), where you can drop off a check for help of future animals, or pay for the current animals’ medical tab through cash/credit/debit. Just tell them Rachel Elves sent you. For more info contact Rachel at elvesr@VCU.edu

Fostered cats that need a home

Tigger is up to date on all vaccinations and flea and worm meds, is about 3 years old and has been neutered. This orange tabby is a little shy at first, but warms up to people quickly and is quite affectionate and playful. Tigger’s past owners abandoned him when they moved, and he’s had to fend for himself the past few years – he’s looking for a loving family & would probably do best in a single cat, no dog home as an indoor-only cat. I’m asking for $30 to help with vet bills.

Cupcake grew up outside, surrounded by neighborhood kids, cats and dogs. She is very outgoing, loves to be picked up and pet, and will follow you around the house. This brown tabby enjoys being close to people and will sit on the desk to help you with your work, or next to you on the couch to keep you company. Cupcake is a 3 year old “talking cat”, and is also litter trained. She has been neutered, has had her rabies and distemper vaccinations, and has received de-worming and flea medication. I’m asking for $30 to help cover vet bills. Take this sweet girl home today!

Guy Fawkes is an orange and white shorthair, about 5 years old, who was abandoned by his owners in Union Hill. We found him with a shoulder wound and took him to Church Hill vet. After some sutures and antibiotics he’s good as new! He is one of the friendliest cats I’ve ever met, and will make friends with other cats and people. He loves to be pet and snuggled, and also to talk to you! He is neutered, has his rabies and distemper vaccinations, and has received de-worming and flea medication. He is litter trained and very sweet. I’m asking for $30 to help cover the cost of vet bills.

Four Squinty Kittens – These three-month-old kittens were born with a birth defect, and will require some extra personal and medical care. I am currently getting an estimate for optometry treatments that these kittens will need – some will need more procedures than others. They will all need to receive eye drops 2x a day for the rest of their lives, but are otherwise very healthy. These kittens were originally rescued from an abandoned house in Union Hill, and have since received the best in medical care and love. All kittens are neutered, have their rabies and distemper vaccinations, and have received de-worming and flea medication. They are all litter trained. I would prefer to adopt them in pairs if possible, since they get along so well together. I’m asking for $30 each, or a pair for $50 to cover some of the costs of vet care.

Ash – This black kitty is shy at first. He is very sweet, adventurous and playful and will warm up to you in no time.

Embry – This brown tabby will greet you at the door purring! He is extremely loving to cats and people, wants lots of attention and likes to be held.

Spark – Originally the runt of the litter, this brown tabby has quickly caught up to his brothers. He is very friendly and will enjoy playing with you and with other cats.

Flash – This spunky brown tabby likes to be the center of attention. He enjoys being pet and held and is very friendly and playful.

11 comments

All Bark 08/09/2012 at 7:02 AM

I can’t help but notice there is nothing about FELV/FIV testing for these kitties.

Since FELV/FIV are fatal, untreatable, contagious retroviruses, that status (positive/negative etc) would be essential for a potential adopter to know about.

Do you have any results on these fast and easy blood tests? Especially since some of these animals appear to have significant risk of exposure and potentially weakened immune systems to start?

Not trying to dog you, but when I do any cat rescue the first things I get done are combo testing for these diseases (and of course scanning for microchips) then spay/neuter vaccinate etc.

Especially when cost is a concern. It’s called triage.

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Elaine Odell 08/09/2012 at 9:11 AM

Rachel, you are a saint among us! Bless you for taking in these cats and caring for them so thoroughly. I have 2 adopted strays already, so will have to pass on taking in one of these. I think the $30 you are asking to help cover expenses is more than reasonable–in fact, its down right generous. Best wishes finding the kitties a new home!

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Rachel Elves 08/09/2012 at 9:36 AM

Thanks Elaine 🙂

All Bark – Tigger (orange cat) has been tested for FIV/leukemia, and he is negative for both. I can’t afford to get the rest tested as it runs $20-40 per cat, but if you would like to make a donation to help cover some costs that would be great 😉

Cats can live a healthy, normal lifespan with FIV as long as they are kept indoors. Cats with leukemia do have a shortened lifespan, and can get pretty sick. Transmission of these two illnesses is through sex, and deep bite wounds. These cats are fixed, so he former is taken care of. Cats who are fixed are a lot less aggressive and less likely to fight as well. They cannot transmit the diseases through normal cat play, or sharing food or water.

I currently have one FIV+ cat living with 3 FIV(-) cats indoors, and they do just fine. None of the negative cats has contracted FIV in the 3+ years I’ve had them. I did have another FIV+ cat who recently died of cancer. He had many more health problems, but he had had a hard life, living outside for many years, and was already in pretty rough shape before I took him in. I think if FIV+ cats are kept indoors at a young age and receive prompt antibiotic treatment for colds, they usually lead normal and happy lives.

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crd 08/09/2012 at 6:00 PM

Rachel, I agree with you about the FIV issues, knew someone with two that were positive and lived to old age totally indoors.

I already have two beasts, can’t take another, but will drop by the animal hospital and leave a donation. Thanks for what you are doing.

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Rachel Elves 08/09/2012 at 6:34 PM

Crd, thank you so much for your generosity!

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Rachel Elves 08/22/2012 at 10:37 PM

I managed to catch 6 feral cats this week to get fixed at Church Hill Animal Hospital and Operation Catnip, and I was hoping my neighbors would chip in to help these great operations cover the costs of vaccines. $40 covers the cost of getting a cat fixed, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms. Every little bit counts, even $5. Chip in your bit today by dropping off a donation at Church Hill animal hospital, and help control the pet population in Church Hill 🙂

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Rachel Elves 09/21/2012 at 3:46 PM

I need my neighbors help! I managed to find discounted eye surgery for the squinty kittens, and the vet is willing to do the initial exam for free. The surgery will still cost $180 per kitten. Please help give these kittens a fighting chance for a good life in a good home. Any donation, large or small, is welcome, and can be dropped off at Church Hill Animal Hospital (25th & Marshall)

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Jan 09/21/2012 at 7:34 PM

Good Work! Will go by Monday and drop off a donation.

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