Bacchus the cat

Time for an update on the cat situation. Unfortunately Genghis the cat wasn't a fit in the household and had to be rehomed/returned. Rarely have I ever had a pet not work out but Genghis wasn't happy about being picked up and handled. In fact he downright resented being handled and would lash out. Although I found a new home for Genghis as an outdoor barncat the rescue group wanted him back so back he went. In his place is Bacchus known as Ping at the shelter. The economy is taking a terrible toll in California. I think we are worse off than the rest of the country. Ping was turned in just over a year ago because his owners lost their house and had to move. Ping wasn't allowed to move into the apt so his owners drove over an hour to take him to the no kill shelter Town Cats


Bacchus is an excellent cat and is fitting in quite well. He obviously had never been around dogs but is quickly learning to hold his ground-and the dogs will leave him alone. Now if only Miss Cleo would be as tolerant!






While at the shelter I noticed all the cats had ear mites to some extent. In talking to the shelter people they were aware of the problem but were only able to treat so many cats a week. Consequently they couldn't get rid of the mites since all animals have to be treated at the same time. Since I mentor veterinary students from the new veterinary school Western University in Southern California I decided to make a field day and take the students down to the shelter and treat all cats for ear mites and fleas. We did physical exams and treatment plans for the sickest cats. In addition to the veterinary students I recruited many additional helpers with cat experience. We treated 165 cats one Sunday and at least 50 cats were feral!! Quite a learning experience for the students-and for me. Exhausting but tremendously rewarding to help so many cats.