Robin and Joyce (above left) cuddle inside a marsh grass cubby in our barm while Larry (above right) basks in the sun on a brisk winter day.

Keep Outdoor Cats Dry In Winter
Cold is not a problem for feral cats -- they grow heavy winter coats and naturally huddle together to share body heat when the temperature drops.  But, they can get frostbite or hypothermia if they get wet and can't dry off.  Since cats are not natural house builders, you can help them by ensuring they have shelter.  There are many ways to do this.

Cats may use something that already exists -- a porch, a utility shed, an unused doghouse.  Or you can build something special -- plans for the above house are at Alley Cat Allies' web site: www.alleycat.org/pdf/feral_cat_shelter.pdf.  Or you can jury-rig something -- a plastic garbage can turned upside down with an access hole cut in it (and anchored to the ground so it doesn't blow away).

What's important is to make sure that the cats have something that can shield them from rain and snow and break the wind -- and in our winter months, that something is as important to their survival as their food.

Our Special Thanks
DONORS: William & Lynn Ader, Eric & Sharon Apollo, Eugene & Becky Belknap in honor of Bill & Anne Birkle's 40th Wedding Anniversary, Novella Bolen, Margaret & William Brudon in honor of George, Dorothy Burlingame in honor of Monty, Karen & Raymond Capwell, Jane & Robert Cooch, Ruth Curtis, Waldo & Mildred Dieterle, Alice Dobson, Patricia & Donnie Dickey, Carolyn & Alan Dyer, Michelle Everard, Virgiania Feldkamp In Memory of Butterball, Ann Fulmer, Sherry Hansen & Lee Rome, Doris Harris, Rachel Brett Hartley, GF Kennedy, JoAnne & Frank Nehrer, Evan Pratt, Peggy Rogers, Rita Rozell, Carol Rugg, Pamela Smock in honor of Hiromi Ono & Bill Gehring, Candis Stern, Judy VonBoncel, West Hawk Industries, Angela & Lyndon Welsch, Sue Wisely.
VOLUNTEERS: Barb Almli, Cheryl Blackwell, Sue Blake, Julia Bommarito, Mary Beth Budd, Mary Cady, Denise Cain, Jennifer Desiderio, Holly Diener, Barb Faust, Anne Fischer, Al & Karen Gallup, Ann Gambino, Debbie Garrett, Terri Geitgey, Colleen Genga, Rachel Granneman, Bob Hammons, Jeannine Hayden, Sivana Heller, Joan Hutchinson, Melissa Hurteau, Emma Kennedy, Vicki Landau, Cynthia Lempert, Betsy & Jack Mall, Emily Martin, Dorie Mickleson, Monica Milla, Angela Morris, Jeanette Mumford, Pat Naffin, Steve Nelson, Anne Perry, Alicia Pratt, Sue Ransom, Maggie Sadoff, Terri Sarris, Bill & Nancy Schultz, Liz Smith, Candis Stern, Jan Wahl, Julie K Ward, Debbie Wilde, Barb & Larry Wolfe, Christine Wren.
STAFF: Ashley Allemang, Marie Beaudoin, Kris Dudley, Deb Granneman, Cynthia Jones.

Dear Friends,
We recently awarded our first feline veterinary scholarship to Cynthia Jones.  With a masters in social work from the University of Michigan (specializing in the human-animal bond), and two-years of experience with our older cats, Cynthia is uniquely qualified for this honor.  Our veterinary scholarship program can help a limited number of veterinary candidates complete their education.  We're seeking individuals with hands-on experience at a feline life-care center, a sincere interest in the special needs of older cats, and a commitment to the welfare issues of all cats -- including a pro-active interest in aggressive feline sterilization.  We can't think of a better way to educate the public in these areas than to provide top-quality veterinarians for our community.  We wish Cynthia the best of success and look forward to more candidates in the future.
Kitty Zimmer