Hyde Park Cats | TNR

Elphie

2012-02-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Elphie originally came from Tanya's tribe on 67th and Cornell, where she made it known that she very much wanted an inside home. She's an explorer who enjoys finding exciting high places to perch; she plays with her fosterbrother cat, and they particularly Iike to run back and forth down the hall. Fostermom says " Elphie still acts very much like a kitten. She hasn't been shy at all around roommates and people that come over. I hope somebody wants to meet her soon!"

Elphie is about a year old, spayed, neg/neg, etc. She is also a particularly beautiful girl with gorgeous eyes and an adorable "beauty mark" on her face. Elphie has been through some rough things and is seeking a loving forever home.

To apply to adopt Elphie, email hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com.

Don't forget we are having a Bake Sale and Adoption Event this weekend!

Meeka Comes In

2012-02-07T09:12:00.001-08:00

Meeka has been haunting the alley chez Eevie, around 58th at Washington Park (MLK Drive) for months. Months! But every time we had an open foster spot, Meeka was nowhere to be found. So it was a pleasant surprise to get a text yesterday morning -- "I have Meeka!" She's a little stinky right now but so so pretty, and purrs and gives head butts when petted. Mazel tov, Eevie, and welcome to Hyde Park Cats, Meeka!

Sadie

2012-02-06T13:27:00.001-08:00

It's been a weird and busy weekend at Hyde Park Cats! One of our kittens, Aurelia, went to a wonderful furrever home. We also have been moving some new intakes in -- cats who you'll be hearing about soon, wonderful tiger boycats Lynx, Picasso, and Tucker! We dealt with some sick colony cats (update to come), are helping a community member who found a pregnant cat last night at 11 p.m., and also got this kitty, pictured, some vet care.

Sadie is a very friendly cat who approached Hana H. for help. Sadie has some bad wounds on her back and sides and toe pads (wounds not visible in photo). The vet who saw her thinks she got up in a car engine on a cold day and was burned. She is very skinny, very hungry. (There is nothing wrong with her leg, she's just lying funny.)

Poor Sadie is still very skinny and very hungry, and maybe a little shocked from whatever happened to her. Fostermom Hana is applying topical cream to the ouchies and giving antibiotics, and says Sadie is sweet and loving despite her obvious discomfort. The good news is she's spayed, vaccinated, neg/neg, and should make a full recovery! Would you like to give this beauty a wonderful, comfortable, safe home? Email hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com.

Picasso

2012-02-03T07:54:00.001-08:00

Picasso is a very loving male cat from the Liliana alley. When brought in, Picasso proved to have three problems: he had a bleeding wound on his leg (treated at the vet); he was ravenously hungry (treated with generous meals); he was desperate for love and attention. He is incredibly sweet and affectionate and just starved for love. This photo was taken when Picasso just came in; he had a wound on his foreleg which is now just about healed and he's doing a good job of cleaning himself up and making himself fancy, now that he is no longer outside.

He is now in his fosterhome where fostermom Lindsey says he is a "super loving lapcat lovebug." More to come!

To apply to adopt Picasso, email hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com.

Valentine's Weekend Events

2012-02-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Valentine's weekend at PARKERS, A Natural Dog and Cat Market

SATURDAY, Feb. 11 DOG DAY!

$10 dog baths by volunteers to benefit the Trio Animal Foundation!

treats, samples and coupons for dog stuff!

dog paw painting and Valentines' card making!

SUNDAY, Feb. 12 CAT DAY! :

Hyde Park Cats Bake Sale and Adoption Event

bake sale and info table: 10:30 am -- 3 pm (including a gluten-free nom!)!!! Lots of delicious baked noms!

adoptable cats live in the store: 12-3

fire sale on HPCats calendars -- only $1!

Thanks to Parkers Market for hosting our event. Please write to hydeparkcats@gmail.com for a PDF of our poster -- community members can't buy our noms or adopt a cat if they don't know about our event.

Happy ending update: Clark

2012-01-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

Clark's forever mom wrote in with a happy ending update: "He’s doing extremely well. Very happy, relaxed, and playful. He’s becoming increasingly confident with each day. He likes to follow me around wherever I go and flop around for belly rubs. He’s calm but goes crazy playing with his bird toy and running after little balls and springs. What a great little companion."

What a great ending -- from the streets to satiny sheets! Thanks Diana! And HAPPY LIFE, CLARK!

Previous Clark posts

Thanks to recent donors Linda L., Marilee W., Rhonda S., and Norah O'D. You keep us going.

Paulina

2012-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

Paulina is a sweet,shy , and very pretty cat. She was found living in an alley south of the midway. Fostermom says "she doesn't like to be touched but will come join you in bed or play with you from a distance. She would be a great companion cat as she's very friendly with her super energetic fosterbrothercat, Sufi, even though she is more sedate than him. " Paulina has made good progress since being brought inside and we believe that, given a nice and secure home with a confident cat brother or sister, she is capable of becoming even friendlier than she is now. She likes playing with toys (especially soft, furry things), smelling flowers, and sometimes chewing leaves. She also spends a lot of time on window sills watching birds.

zumba for kitties!

2012-01-30T09:12:00.001-08:00

It's the last week of the month -- zumba for kitties time!

One of our volunteers, a certified Zumba instructor, will donate her profits from her three classes this week to Hyde Park Cats! So go get some exercise and zumba for the kitties:

Monday, 7 pm, Nichols Park; Tuesdays from 6-7pm and Sundays from 12-1pm at the Southside Hub of Production (5638 S Woodlawn).

Goldie

2012-01-27T08:38:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we got a call from the local animal clinic that a cat microchipped to us, "Goldie," had been turned in in pretty bad condition. We realized this is a feral cat from one of the colonies we work with on the near south side, one we call Tanya's Tribe, after the dedicated caretaker there. Click here and scroll through past posts on TT.

It turns out Goldie has a virulent URI and, sick, had wandered away. She was found by a neighbor. That person had taken her inside, put her on a heating pad, and then had gotten her to the clinic. When she was assessed by the staff she had a temperature of 90 degrees.

We let Tanya know Goldie's whereabouts (she had been looking for Goldie for three days!) and took her over to the clinic. Tanya was so happy to see Goldie! Many tears were shed. Goldie is still in precarious health, as is another cat from that colony, Devon, who went to the vet last Saturday. We are working hard to nurse these cats back to health and to keep this URI from spreading throughout Tanya's colony.

Kudos to Tanya for taking care of these cats, to the caring neighbor who didn't leave Goldie to die on her porch, to Hyde Park Animal Clinic, and to Dr. Williams in particular, who made the decision to try to save Goldie's life, even when it appeared that she was a feral with no one to take responsibility for her.

Thanks Mike R. for responding already with a donation for Goldie! We will be continuing to provide veterinary care for Tanya's Tribe.

Here's a photo of Tanya and one of her kitties in the spring of 2010:

Ocee

2012-01-24T08:18:00.001-08:00

Small but feisty Ocee was hanging around Karen and family's porch at 48th and Champlain. She was causing a problem -- every time anyone saw her, she'd try to climb right into a lap! Ocee loves -- loves -- loves all people. Karen's child named Ocee ("Oh, see!") and the family committed to getting Ocee medical care and into a home. Now she's here and seeking a forever home. Who wants to be the person to make Ocee's kid's dream of a home for this kitty come true?

Fosterdad Jim says: "Ocee is a sweet sweet little girl. She loves humans. Immediately she was at home with me -- very quickly moved from under the chair to the sofa to the bed, where she likes to spend her time (she sleeps at the end of the bed or tucked in behind the knees). She is a playful girl too -- she went through the toy drawer and picked out the mice and balls one by one to try out. What she likes most of all, though, is getting head scratches and back rubs, which she responds to in her very distinct way: lifts her front paws alternatively while looking out into space with mystical delight."

Apply to adopt Ocee by emailing hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com.

ETA. Ocee has some congenital defects -- some small teeth, a strangely shaped part of her mouth, and mild deformity in the hind section affecting toes and hips. She can't jump well.

Olive

2012-01-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

Olive is an adorable cross-eyed tuxedo gal who is still adjusting to the "rigors" of indoor life. Fostermom Lauren C. says "she's quite playful once she's comfortable, and she's gotten very good at hiding in all sorts of nooks and crannies. She has the funniest meows -- it's often a high-pitched gargling sound. Someday she'll be a completely cuddly little kitty, but right now she's still hesitant to accept affection. She's quite small, but has plumped out a bit since discovering how delicious wet food can be!" She is seeking a home with a patient person who can give her the time she needs to nurture her inner purrball. Crossed eyes are not in and of themselves a medical problem ... here is a Flickr group if you enjoy cross-eyed cats!

Thanks to Mike H. for his donation and to Julie S., who gave a donation "in honor of Links, a very special German Shepherd, who no longer struggles with degenerative mylopathy.”

Clyde Finds a Home

2012-01-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

This cat was loitering around the back steps of Eric and Charlie's apartment in South Shore one weekday morning in December. He was purring loudly and rubbing against everything, and Charlie had to distract him so that Eric could leave for work without being tailed. Nearly 10 hours later when Eric returned, Charlie had left town on a business trip, but Clyde was still on the back steps, so he came inside to enjoy warmth and a bowl of tuna -- the closest thing to cat food in the apartment.

Not sure what to do, Eric reached out to Hyde Park Cats for advice. We walked Eric through what would need to happen in the coming days - supplies to be purchased, a trip to the vet, decisions to be made. Allergies were a concern, as was the possibility that Clyde might simply have run away. The vet gave him a clean bill of health, but explained that he was almost certainly a stray: he had fleas, was not microchipped, and had not been neutered.

After about a week, Eric and Charlie decided that they would be able -- and happy -- to keep Clyde permanently. That's when he got the name -- chosen by looking at a map of nearby street names (editor's note: scroll through these posts to read about the Clyde Colony. By that time, he had adjusted nicely to life indoors, with the rambunctiousness of a 9-month-old kitten, but also very affectionate and glad for human attention.

It's only been a bit over a month, but Clyde has made himself quite at home. He curls up in the bathroom sink even though it's wet, hides under the kitchen cabinets when he's startled, and has finally learned how to avoid slipping and crashing into things when he runs around the wood-floored apartment. He likes to play fetch with plastic bottle caps. And he's currently learning, with the aid of a training kit, how to use the toilet!

You can see shots of Clyde as a stray and as a housecat, and even a video of a present taken at Clyde's cat shower (yes you read that right) here.

To Eric and Charlie, who say they look forward to watching Clyde grow up, I say thank you for giving Clyde the chance to do so in a warm and loving environment, and thank you for not turning your backs when a cold hungry creature came to your doorstep.

Happy life, CLYDE!

Heartie

2012-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Heartie is a young adult lady who is petite, sweet, and shy. Originally found living outdoors by a caring community member (thanks Gretchen), her confidence has continued to grow since she has been in her fosterhome, and she loves life as an indoor cat. She enjoys chasing balls and playing with stuffed mice. She loves to be petted by Fostermom. Her litter tray habits are impeccable and she happily eats wet and dry food. But what Heartie loves most is the company of her feline foster bro, so she needs to be in a home with another cat. She is great with kittens, but would also do well with an older, more confident companion cat who can mentor her and help her confidence and trust in humans to grow even more.

As for the photo of Heartie with her boyfriend -- Heartie is a normal-sized cat. The boyfriend (named Bulk) is huge! : >

Older Heartie post. Apply to adopt Heartie by emailing hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com.

April

2012-01-17T08:02:00.001-08:00

Inexplicable! This long-haired and fluffy beauty is still available for adoption!

April was turned into a high-kill animal-control facility several months ago with her four beautiful babies, all of whom have now been adopted. Her fostermom says " She has a very peaceful nature and avoids conflicts. She has never scratched or bitten anyone, and she will hide when she's uncomfortable. She enjoys her food so careful not to feed her too much or she'll become overweight! Despite not being a kitten, April likes to play and does it so funnily that you can just enjoy watching her playing with toys." April has perfect litterbox habits and is spayed and vaxed. She lives with a toddler and has proven to be very child-friendly. In fact, Fostermom says that "April is a very kind cat. She likes being petted. And she can be very curious - she often follows us to watch what we are going to do!"

So let's see: beautiful, fluffy, kind, neat, sweet, funny, playful. Perfect! Apply to adopt April by emailing hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com.

Fergus

2012-01-13T10:26:00.001-08:00

Fergus is the most handsomest medium-haired tiger boy! He's a sweet and easy going boy who is fine with the company of other cats. He enjoys petting and playing, snuggling and chit-chatting. He was found by some caring community members, homeless and skinny and seeking some help. He's been in foster care for a bit now and has proven himself to be a real charmer! Everyone who meets him enjoys his sweet fwuffy self. Apply to adopt him by writing hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com. More info and pix.

Thanks to James M. for the most recent installment of his regular donation!

2012-01-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

Gretchen

2012-01-11T08:15:00.001-08:00

Gretchen was found around 54th and East View Park by the human Gretchen, she who brought us Heartie and Lucy (still available!). Gretchen is a darling dumpling, slightly rotund in the tum-tum area. She is responsive to people and enjoys being petted. Her current fosterplace has wall-to-wall carpet and she kind of scoots herself along on her side, pulling herself by the claws in order to continue the petting! She is very sweet, has excellent litterbox habits, and is an all-around nice kitty.

We believe that Gretchen was dumped outside by her former owner ... it's a sad reality that pets are often dumped in Hyde Park from some of the more economically depressed communities around us (her previous owner was contacted and has since relinquished a second cat). She is spayed, neg/neg for viruses, and ready to go to a home where she is loved and treasured. She says she's a Hyde Parker now, but she's willing to relocate again for the right home!

Thanks to Mike H. for his recent donation and to Charles Z. for his donation. And we also want to thank Feng Shu L., who helped us out during a busy holiday season by fostering a kitty while the regular fostermom was away on holiday!

Uhaul, again

2012-01-10T08:48:00.001-08:00

UHaul is on the market again.

This gorgeous Maine Coone (type) man came to us in September from our local vet office, where he'd been abandoned by his previous owner. Although he was adopted not long thereafter, he was returned to Hyde Park Cats two days before Christmas and is again seeking a forever home.

Perhaps Uhaul's adopter was not prepared for the reality of sharing her home with an animal (poop happens, cats jump on furniture, animals need attention). Meanwhile poor Uhaul isn't sure what to make of this world. He's a sweet and loving boy, but he's puzzled and scared of change. We've given him some time to get over his trauma and he's ready now to start meeting his matches. He needs an adopter who can provide a lot of love and attention and long-term stability. Uhaul takes a long time to adjust to change. Uhaul needs a commitment.

Please write to hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com to apply.

ETA: A few additional comments from Uhaul’s current foster mom:

"UHaul, after an initial period of adjustment, has shown himself to be a wonderfully loving cat. He is affectionate, curious, and interactive. Like most Maine Coon type cats, he loves human company and likes to be where the action is, keeping an eye on things. He loves to snuggle and will reward your love with loyalty and devotion. Who can resist those soulful green eyes?!?"

Sunny aka Cleo

2012-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Oh no ... I want to reach into the screen and "boop" that little nose!

Sunny, aka Cleopatra, was found at Tanya's Tribe on 67th and Cornell. Tanya is a resident of the block there who has looked out for multiple cats (see past Tanya cats) over the years and who feeds ferals in her apartment's gangway. Sunny is just one of those sweet and adorable little kitties ... friendly and loving! And an unusual orange tabby girl. See more pix of sweet Sunny!.

Garage Cat: A children's book project in Chicago

2012-01-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

We are not affiliated with this project at all, but thought it might interest some readers: Garage Cat: A Children's Book Project in Chicago

Zumba for Kitties

2012-01-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

Zumba! One of our active volunteers is also a certified Zumba instructor, and she donates the earnings from the last week of every month to the kitties! This is a great way to get or stay in shape and donate towards a worthy cause at the same time.

You can find past playlists on Kim's Zumba blog.

And for 2012 ... two additional classes in Hyde Park, for a total of three times a week to Zumba your sloth away.

Dates and locations for Kim's Zumba classes:

Mondays 7-8pm, Nichols Park rec room (53rd & Kenwood) - starts 1/9
Tuesdays 6-7pm, Southside Hub (5638 S Woodlawn) - starts 1/10
Sundays 12-1pm, Southside Hub (5638 S Woodlawn) - starts 1/15

Zumba is appropriate for all ages and body types. It's fun, not competitive, and you can just wear whatever workout or comfy gear is good for you.

Cava

2012-01-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

A piece about adoptable Cava, by fostermom Irene: "When Cava first came to stay with me, she had nothing on her mind beyond the wellbeing of her four little kittens. She would stand at attention at dinner time, and then she'd let them feed, and she'd eat like the starving little thing she was -- we just called her Mama Cat because she was a mother and little else! A couple of months into foster care, however, some of her kitties have found loving homes, and they have all stopped needing to eat every three hours, so she's come into her own. Now we know that Cava is a very relaxed cat, easy going and happy to be around humans, although not so much around other cats. She doesn't try to get much higher than my sofa, where she curls up in very ridiculous positions and naps during the day, but every now and then a toy mouse catches her eye and she chases it without mercy. She likes to sit by the window and feel the fresh air, and she enjoys pouncing on things, but she also loves a good scratch behind the ears and below her jaw, and she will purr loudly to let you know.

She won't be anyone's lap cat, and she thankfully doesn't seem to like typing, but if quiet, tranquil companionship is what you're after, she's a fantastic match."

Thanks to Sid and Young-Kee K. for donating in honor of their cats Nabi and Jerdediah (who they rescued from the streets).

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

This New Year's Eve, cats and kittens in our fosterspaces -- like Roger, who was living in the Liliana Colony at 62nd and Cottage, or Curly, from our Pullman sister site -- await forever homes.

Paulina and Heartie, shy kitties who were living outdoors for probably their whole lives, are inside and learning to love this New Year's Eve. Paulina has an adopter waiting for her, but Heartie still seeks a home.

This New Year's Eve, we remember the kitties we said goodbye to in 2011: Zane, Opus, Reese's Pieces, Duke, Aki, Sophia, Meshi (who died in her adoptive home), 65 and Woodlawn Kitten ... and those who never had a name.

This New Year's Eve, our alley cats are eating ... and not procreating.

This New Year's Eve the kittens we're going to unveil soon are charming their fosterfolks and getting ready to charm potential adopters.

This New Year's Eve, some adoptable cats -- like Orange Cat and Charlotte are outside, waiting for someone to want them.

This New Year's Eve, all the kitties who were adopted from us in 2011 are curling up with their forevermom, or foreverdad, or foreverkids, with the memory of their outdoor life behind them.

This New Year's Eve, homeless cats out on the street are still cold and hungry.

May 2012 bring us many more opportunities to rescue cats, yet fewer cats to rescue.

December

2011-12-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

December is usually our slowest time of year. We scramble for foster homes as our devoted fosterers take a break from their fostering duties to travel for the holidays. And usually there is very little interest in adoptions this time of year.

Something great happened this December -- you could call it a [insert your winter holiday of choice here] miracle. EIGHT kitties found new homes. Yes, readers, if I were more on the ball I would have made this post on the eighth night of Hanukkah! But better late than never.

The starring lineup is:

Octavia and Livia: two of our many current kittens, together!

Grady: whose adopter recently lost an elderly ill kitty.

Shy Paulina, picked out of the Nursing Home colony at 62 and Dorcester: whose adopters asked us to suggest a kitty we had a hard time placing.

Jojo: who got his very own 12 year old boy for Christmas.

Ellison: A 'foster failure' case with a new kittysister.

Paxton, the cat who beat the odds.

and Clark whose adopter and boyfriend TNRed a cat with our help months ago, and so that good deed came back to us when it came time for her to adopt her own kitty.

* * * * * * * * * *

WANT TO MAKE AN END-of-the-YEAR DONATION? Click here to read our FAQ on donating to Hyde Park Cats. We have tax-deductible and non-tax-deductible options.

HUGE THANK YOUs to RECENT DONORS! To Ginny L. and Dan M. for their generous end-of-year donations to our fund at Treehouse, we thank you for funding many TNR surgeries for future kitties. Thanks also to Veronica W. and to Matt M. for donating to our local efforts!

2011-12-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Shia (Shy-a) was a starving stray found in the backyard of an apartment building. Despite being allergic to cats, her finder took her in when it became too cold for her to remain outside and named her Shia, which means “follower,” befitting of her sociable nature and tendency to follow her person around from one room to the next. She's a lovely green-eyed girl, about five, and she is always good about using the litterbox and her scratching post. Shia adores playing with feathers and sparkly balls, knows her name, likes to cuddle, and has a genuinely sweet and social personality.

Shia's finder has allergies and we need a home for her! Please help Shia ring in the new year with a purr.

2011-12-26T14:22:00.001-08:00

Grady: ADOPTED! Grady wishes everyone a happy happy end-of-Hanukkah/Boxing Day/end of the year!

Thanks to everyone who has made Hyde Park Cats run this year. To our fosterparents, who take such loving care of their charges -- thank you! To our fabulous team of volunteers who do everything from coordinating trips to the clinic to accounting for our money to checking references to setting up adoption events -- thank you! To our adopters, who welcome our cats into their forever homes -- thank you! To the community (businesses like Parkers Pets and 57th Street Books, various University offices, and all the individuals we meet who want to help, and do) in and around Hyde Park and beyond, who support us in so many ways -- thank you! To our donors and readers who sustain us both physically and emotionally -- thank you!

Specific thanks today to Amy and George D., who wrote "Happy Holidays! Thanks for everything you do." Thanks to Yvonne S., whose donation "is in memory of my mom and step dad's beloved kitty, Bella, who passed away this year after a long life as a cherished family member. And thanks to Sherri C.; Julie L.; and Judith D. and Michael C.

Happy ending update: Ellison

2011-12-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Ellison has found his forever home just in time for the holidays! Forever mom and dad say "We love Ellison (now Balthazar) and his squeaky little meow, the way he stretches his whole body out for a tummy rub, and how quickly he became friends with our other cat, Portia. The two of them love to play-wrestle, sit together by the window, and "help" with research by settling down on stacks of paper or warm laptops. He is a sweet, affectionate, debonair cat (just check out his bow tie), and we're so happy to have him as part of our family!"

Patches

2011-12-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

This little calico cutiepie was rescued from one of our numerous alleys. She is only about six or seven months old. Patches has been microchipped, spayed, vaxed, and tested for FIV and FeLV ... and she has such cute little pink jellybean pawpads!!! She says this grumpy face is only because she doesn't know if she will be opening a Hanukkah gift, a Christmas present, or a New Years Eve offering ... in a forever home?

Sofia

2011-12-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

Our friend in cat-rescue Heather S. has worked very hard for the last several years TNRing her South-Side neighborhood of Pullman. Not only does she TNR in her neighborhood, she has pulled multiple friendly cats, such as the majestic Siegel off the streets. In her spare time she "enjoys" rescuing cats from highways.

Heather has a special case she would like some help with, a black kitten named Sofia. Heather writes that "Sofia had trouble walking pretty early on but nobody could figure out what the problem was. She wanted to play so badly but she seemed to be in pain when she would even attempt to walk." Finally a diagnosis has been reached -- this kitten has Rickets, a rare vitamin D deficiency which causes Sofia's bones to be very soft, causing constant painful fractures and deformity. This is treatable and since it was caught early, good news -- but that comes at a cost.

If you would like to support Heather in her excellent work saving cats on the South Side, and help give this kitten a shot at life, please consider The Sofia Chip-in. I know this post catches you at a time when you have already been asked to give to many causes. Please know that small amounts do add up for those of us trying to care for the kitties in our midst.

Sofia is also in need of a forever home, of course. If you feel you are up to the challenge of loving this adorable but special kitty, then perhaps you are in for the happiest holiday of any of us. Contact hydeparkcats@gmail.com.

Roger

2011-12-16T12:44:00.001-08:00

Roger has been waiting for his forever home for a long time. This handsome punim belongs in your home, making it more awesome. Apply to adopt him right now.

Still plenty of time to get one of our stocking stuffer/any night of hanukkah emails (you can also buy a paper one at Parkers).

Thanks to Anna F. for the donation and to Janice C. for the towels.

round-up

2011-12-16T08:07:00.001-08:00

Great news! Yesterday we brought Paxton to be tested for FIV/FeLV, and he is negative for both! Paxton had been discovered in a yard in a crate with another cat, and that cat was discovered to be dying from FeLV. Paxton seemed healthy, so we gave him some indoor fosterhome time before testing him (to rule out any false positives). And he's neg/neg, so this beautiful boy is healthy and ready to be adopted! View the video ... he plays fetch.

Yesterday's group trip to the clinic also included an adult male, Lenny, from the Parkview Katz colony, and a lone kitten, Opus, from that same colony. Opus has a serious eye infection requiring antibiotics. We are keeping him in a volunteer's bathroom for now, but are seeking a foster home or two to help us with our cat overflow. Would you like to make a concrete contribution to goodwill towards ALL this holiday season? Foster a cat!

Thanks to the UC Admissions folks who posted us on their Tumblr. We appreciate the support!

Huge thank-yous to some recent donors: Joanne S., Mike R., and Jennifer P., and to Mary H., who donated to us in honor of Meg Matthews and Bryan Howie. Your donations pay for spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for street cats and routine care as needed, such as booster shots, for cats in our foster-care system. And thanks to Anna F. for the donation of cat toys (etc.), which I've been giving out to fosterers. Thank you all!

JoJo

2011-12-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Jojo is a young beautiful male tabby. He was put outside by his owners, and ended up outside the door of one of our feral-cat colony caretakers, where he cried and cried, begging to be brought inside. He is extremely playful, enjoys people, has a bit of a superior attitude towards his fosterdogsister (understandable), and loves to play with his feather stick, and is looking fior a home where he can run and jump and play.

Thanks to recent donors Anne C., Gretchen E., Michael H., and Yoko K. We appreciate your support!

stocking stuffers/hanukkah gelt

2011-12-13T07:56:00.001-08:00

Need a stocking stuffer or small gift for someone for Hanukkah? Donate $5 or $10 (or more, if you like!) anytime this week and I will email you a PDF (printable) stocking stuffer certificate! It will have our logo and be cute. Please specify "stocking stuffer" if paying by Paypal.

Nicole's Service Project

2011-12-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Last week one of our volunteers, Sarah Z., told me that her 8th-grade cousin, Nicole, was undertaking a service project as part of her confirmation. Here is her story!

Sarah writes, "First, we read through information on HPC and Tree House about the importance of TNR and the decline in euthanasias in Chicago since aggressive spay and neuter programs were implemented. Additionally, we went over ways to trap safely and eliminate any physical contact with the cats. Then we set and baited the Tru-Catch traps.

We choose a gangway alongside my garage where I have caught four ferals during the summer. Nicole made sure the traps were set correctly and we sneaked inside the garage and sat against the farthest wall. I made sure the cats could not see us, but that we could hear the traps spring. After an hour, we had not caught any. Nicole rebaited the traps so that they smelled as pungent as possible and we moved them to the yard side of my garage where the ferals sometimes congregate. We then went inside and peered out my glass back door. No luck and then it started raining.

I wanted a hands-on experience for Nicole, so we headed into my basement bathroom where I keep my fosters from PAWS. I had three 6-week-old kittens in there, recovering from being separated from their mom and taken to animal control. Nicole syringe-fed the two who still need formula. She did such a good job... a total natural!"

Nicole herself writes that "what I will remember most about working together with my sponsor on this project was definitely when we were in the garage, waiting for the cats to smell the tuna in the traps. It was fun, also, to set up the traps, knowing that, if we caught one, we'd be helping the cat we caught by making sure that it will have a better chance of surviving after it is returned to the place where we caught it. Once they're spayed, there would be less cats out there, allowing the remaining cats to have enough to survive."

Thanks to Sarah and Nicole for this project. And you know, we've all been there not catching cats in our traps! It's part of the experience. What a great way to spread the TNR message and what a wonderful post for our Monday mornings.

Rosemary update; black kitten needs help

2011-12-09T08:32:00.001-08:00

Dog update: Pit bull Rosemary was originally featured on our site here in 2009. She had been abandoned on the major highway of Chicago. We've caught wind of a wonderful update. Enjoy!

We've had a couple sightings of a very small and scared black kitten around 55th and Everett. If you see or even capture this kitten, please let us know immediately. If possible, take the kitten inside and isolate in a bathroom.

Thanks to recent donors James M., Carissa H., Diane H., Diana Z., William M., Marilee W., Davi da S., Rhonda S., and Mark C. and Kim C. We appreciate your vote of support.

Fergus

2011-12-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Fergus is a very friendly, sweet, and personable medium-haired tabby. Fergus approached Hyde Parkers Devin and Jen one evening near 55th and Cornell, meowing for attention. He had no collar and was quite thin, so they scooped him up and he made his way to us. Thanks to Devin and Jen for bringing him to the vet, too.

Fergus knew he wanted to be a Cat with People, and he's very happy to be inside. He greets fosterpeople at the door with friendly chirping and every time he sees fostermom he acts as though she is most amazing person in the world. He loves to play with string, sit on your lap, and sleep in the crook of your leg. This darling boy belongs with someone who will shower him with affection and appreciate his sweet, good nature. Are you seeking your bestie? Fergus is waiting.

Fergus' fostermom adds: Fergus is such a sweet and loving cat. He loves to cuddle and be around people. Check out some updated photos of him on the facebook page in the available for adoption album!"updated photos

please and thank you

2011-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Readers,

The end of the year is upon us and we are low on funds. If you are reading this post, could you donate even a small amount today? We treasure your support and the fact that donors give what they can. Together we make a big difference! We use donated funds to spay/neuter the cats. But all the cats we take into our adoption program also need follow-up care, such as boosters for vaccines. We have volunteers who have trained to actually administer the vaccine in order to save money, but the vaccine and supplies must still be purchased. Please consider a donation now to help us continue our work into 2012.

There's a few ways you can help us help cats ...

1. Buy a calendar!

Calendars are only $10 and are available in Hyde Park at Parkers Naturals (petstore) or 57th Street Books! While you are at Parkers stick some cash into our donation jar! Or write to hydeparkcats@gmail.com to order one online.

2. Donate directly to us via the Paypal button on the side of this website (not tax deductible).

3. Tax-deductible donations can be made via Treehouse. For more information on making a tax-deductible donation, see this FAQ page.

Thank you, readers and donors, for continuing to support us!

Bubbles

2011-12-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

Bubbles, aka Bubba, is a very handsome and very awesome cat. He was found drifting around the Parkview Katz colony (51st and Cottage Grove), unneutered and uncollared, although very dapper and fancy looking. He was clearly friendly, desperately wanting into a home. Caretaker Aimee brought him in for vetting and he is currently in our special safe house on campus. Bubbles is neg/neg for viruses, neutered, chipped, and oh so very soft, an unusual tabby pattern and gorgeous green eyes. He has big giant lion feet for making biscuits with, and a big lion head with big jowls. He is responsive to his name, soft, holdable, confident. He is not afraid of dogs, but does not seem to want to share the glory with other cats. He would be the perfect pet for someone seeking calm companionship, a cat who will help you enjoy your holiday cheer. Apply today for some quality snuggling during the chilly weather!

****

A belated thank you to Joan P. for her Thanksgiving donation. Her note read: "Because I am thankful today for, among other things, all the cats that have enhanced my life over the years. And because I am thankful for people like Hyde Park Cats who are there for kitties in need. Happy Thanksgiving to all!"

Stella and Pond

2011-11-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

These two gorgeous kitties are Stella and Pond, a mother and daughter. They were found by Erin, U of C grad student who lived in Pilsen. Just as she was about to graduate and move away, here were these two kitties in need! Did Erin just ignore them? No! She worked her butt off to get these two inside, and now we need forever home or homes for them. Gorgeous Stella the teen mom (she's probably only one year old) is a Russian-blue type who is very friendly and particularly enjoys ear rubs. Black kitten Pond is a playful type who enjoys the cat dancer toy. Although we would prefer to keep this mommy-daughter duo together, we will consider separating them for the right homes.

Many of our fosterparents are going away for the holidays and we are scrambling for placements for our cats. If you're staying put at home over the holidays, this is a great time to welcome a feline companion into your home -- a wonderful gift for yourself and the cat. (However, we do not adopt out cats as gifts for others -- only for yourself/your family.) Please also consider being a foster parent over the holidays! This can be a one-time commitment to help us out as our fosterparents travel. Email hydeparkcats@gmail.com to ask about adopting or fostering!

Marcie and Langley/Oscar

2011-11-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

Last week Diane H., a long-term TNR person and caretaker of Black and White Cat World, made two interesting catches.

Diane called this black male Oscar ... Oscar turned out to be Langley, neutered in March 2011. He was TNRed as part of the Liliana Colony, which means he roamed from 62nd and Cottage Grove to around 61 and Ellis (crossing Cottage, a very busy street). Diane reports that he has taken over a back-stairs carrier shelter so perhaps he'll stick close to Diane now.

At the same time, Diane finally trapped and spayed Marcie, the last hold-out from the Peanuts gang (around 62/Drexel). Marcie tested neg/neg and had an ovarian cyst which the kind veterinary staff at Treehouse removed (with, you know, the rest of her hysterectomy). Past Peanuts members who were TNRed include Mamico and Naru (he of the funny "Narboo?" video) and Peppermint Patty and Linus.

Diane has been working on this group since the summer of 2010. Marcie had at least two litters of kittens we know of, evading us humans and our silly traps all this time. Here she is with a litter last summer. Diane couldn't catch the kittens and chose not to remove Marcie at that time.

This all goes to show that sometimes TNR is a long-term process. It's also interesting to see cross-over between the colonies! Mazel tov and yasher koach to Diane for sticking with it!

* * * *

Thanks to Maia F. for the litterbox! We do accept donations of pet-related items and if our fosterers/feeders can't use the donation, we will share with another organization.

Roger ... the foodie

2011-11-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Roger is an adorable spunky and frisky young male cat, removed from the Liliana alley, who loves the inside life and who loooves food (cat food, dog food, mangos, burritos, sushi...really anything he sees people eating seems to be fair game0. Besides food, his other love is playtime. He loves playing with string and acts like a feisty, overgrown kitten during playtime. He's also generous with kisses when in a snuggly mood enjoying chin scratches and the occasional tummy rub. His love for food makes him easy to train -- it took him exactly 5 minutes and 5 treats to figure out that the scratching post is waaaaay cooler than the rug. He will also roll on his back and grab your hand and vigorously wash it :) Roger is FIV+, but can lead a long, healthy life in a stable forever home. He's neutered, up to date on shots, and ready to bring the fun and excitement into his furrever home! Roger just had his first Thanksgiving inside, in his loving fosterhome. Wouldn't you love to share the rest of the holidays with this handsome and festive man? Previous Roger posts.

Shamu

2011-11-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Shamu is an adorable tuxedo gal. She was living outside slightly with her mother ... who, sadly, just failed to appear one day and has not been seen since. Madalyn Z., who had been feeding the duo, picked up Shamu and brought her inside to one of our fosterhomes. Fostermom Ayn says "this cat is, to put it simply, amazing! She is playful, but not mischievous. She has tons of personality and loves to get right up close to you and cuddle. If you talk to her, she'll talk back (actually she just likes to talk in general). It took her a little while to get adjusted, but once she did she became a lot less shy . She will now even allow my friends to hold and pet her. She loves loves treats so if you want to curry her favor, this is the way to do it. She is not moody at all, and would be the perfect cat for a house with children or for students who want a spunky little kitty around the house. This truly is the perfect kitty!" Shamu would be so thankful for a home of her own this holiday weekend. Maybe with a few bites of Thanksgiving dinner?

Siamese cats at AWL

2011-11-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

A recent volunteer trip to the intake facility of Animal Welfare League, at 62nd and Wabash, turned up some gorgeous Siamese and mixes. Everytime we visit this facility there are various "fancy" cats, just proving that any type of cat can end up in "the pound." These cats pictured are all very friendly and affectionate and would love a home. The AWL facility does not do direct adoptions. If you are interested in fostering or adopting one of these lovely kittehs, or to learn about joining us one a volunteer trip, write to hydeparkcats@gmail.com

Facebook album of some of the cats at AWL.

Clark

2011-11-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Clark is a sweet cat who was rescued from the Liliana colony near 62nd off Cottage Grove. He spent the first week inside thinking he was supercat, sitting on top of the linen closet, flying up there any time fostermom came by, and flying down to eat when no one was looking at him. However after another week, he decided people are his favorite play toys and grabs sneakers and hugs them every time fostermom comes over. He's very conversational as well and loves to chase his jingle toys. Just toss them and he's leaping right after them. He is also very curious and even managed to turn on the faucet on the sink. What a smart little guy! He's still not totally comfortable with being picked up and, like many cats, is initially nervous around new people. Once you give him a chance to see you're not a big meanie, he'll be hugging your shoes too and demanding pets and playtime. He's neutered and ready to go home today!

Thanks to Mike H. and James M. for their regular donations!

Grady video

2011-11-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Grady caught on video

Grady is a handsome orange and white rapscallion seeking a furrever home!

loose dog alert

2011-11-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Alert: small brown dog running around 53rd and Drexel. Friendly, has been sighted for about a week. No collar, harness, tags.

Curly

2011-11-10T08:14:00.001-08:00

Curly is an ultra-friendly kitty from the Pullman neighborhood (to our south), where we have a TNR partner. He is very, very happy to finally be inside! Curly has been fixed and vaccinated and is FIV+. FIV+ cats can live long contented lives and can be integrated into a household with FIV- cats with no problem. He is extremely sweet and vocal and has a curly tail which curls up tightly like a piggies - so much so that we almost wonder if he is some sort of curly-tailed kitty breed -- these photos don't quite capture it. Curly had to belong to someone at some point as he loves people, but has been on the streets for at least a couple of years. He is about four years old and ready for a furrever home. If you've been looking for someone special, Curly is here for you!

Thanks Elke for the food donation!

Lucy

2011-11-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Lucy is a darling young girl, about nine months old. She was found by the same caring community member who found Heartie, and I have to wonder if they're related. Lucy is the most petite little thing and when found she was very pregnant, poor baby. She's neg/neg, spayed and vaccinated. She loves to cuddle in a basket and flop around for petting; her favorite thing is to hop into her basket and make a batch of biscuits and purr. Purr purr purr.

Meanwhile, Heartie, pictured above left, is still in a foster home. She is really in love with her orange companion there, who doesn't reciprocate. She should be placed in a home with another cat, preferably a people-friendly older male cat.

Thank you Gretchen for watching out for these kittehs.

Paxton

2011-11-07T09:14:00.001-08:00

Paxton is the cat who was in the crate with Duke a cat I wrote about last month. We're not really sure how this happened, but Duke and Paxton had been put out in a yard in a crate and abandoned there. Poor Duke was in very bad shape and had to be humanely euthanized after a last day of love. But in the silver lining, his cratemate Paxton turned out to be a healthy and active male. Paxton loves playing fetch with the teddy bear; he also loves to snuggle and purr loudly with his fosterparents. He loves not being in a crate!

South Chi Mama and Kittens: part II

2011-11-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

PART I

Over the past week, Mercedes found one of the kittens and then the last one shortly after. All four kittens were placed into a trap, but the mama cat just sniffed at the kittens and didn't want to come home with us. Fostermom Erika says that "the kittens are super cute and super rambunctious! I named them Marcus, Octavia, Livia, and Marcus. Each of the kittens has their own distinct personality already. Aurelia is always the first to run up to me. Livia, who started out as the grumpy one, has turned into the cuddler. She always wants to be held or is trying to perch on my shoulder. Octavia likes to be pet, but she's still rather aloof and prefers to chase her brother and sisters and wrestle with them. Marcus is a bit of a bruiser! He loves to wrestle with Octavia and Aurelia, but always jumps on/climbs up my leg when he wants cuddles. All four of them love to have their bellies tickled and will roll over on their back so you can tickle them. They love to play and are like a mini herd of bison, thundering around their room!"

Sadly, the wily mama cat still eludes the trap but we are very happy that the kittens are safe and warm as winter approaches. Apply now for kitten satisfaction later!

Lola (dog day)

2011-11-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dog Day Thursday post. Stop by this Saturday (11/5) at Parker's from noon til three to meet beautiful Lola and a few adoptable puppies. Lola, pictured above, is a two year old cutie pie who fits in very well with the urban life. She is unfazed by city noises (traffic, sirens, trains, etc) and isn't a barker. She likes other dogs but really LOVES people and would do best in an active home that would give her plenty of both active and mental stimulation. Lola is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, heartworm tested, and ready to go home today. She likes to give stealth kisses! To find out more about adopting Lola or another pibble, visit Parkers for this adoption event or see Chicago Land Bully Breed Rescue.

Happy ending update: Talullah

2011-11-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Talullah as a foster kitty

Talullah as a forever kitty

Talullah was my very own foster kitty ... I had her from March until right before Rosh Hashanah (several weeks ago). In my home she went from being a kitten to being a cat. Even though she is so beautiful and funny, no potential adopters showed any interest in her at all.

Then the right adopter came along. Julie's older cat had recently died and her younger cat needed a playmate. Julie understood the special needs of the shy cat and even though Talullah was not particularly cooperative on Julie's first visit ... Julie took her home. It was a bittersweet day in our household.

Julie writes that "Tallulah adjusted very quickly to our home! Within the first week she was out and about and investigating new lounging spots and our other cat, Ernie. After almost a month, "Lulah" and Ernie are the best of friends. They chase each other through the house sounding like elephants, nap together, and wrestle and groom each other too.

Tallulah is also a big softie for belly rubs and chin scratches, and has become a lot less shy around hands - we can usually reach down to pet her and after an initial jump she'll sniff fingers and then purr LOUDLY for a back scratch. She goes crazy for catnip and loves the laser pointer... We are so happy that we can give her a forever home! Thanks to her fostermom for keeping her with love for so long until we found her :)"

You're welcome Julie! We are so happy that Lulah found the perfect home and we know she'll being you years of happiness. Happy Life, TALULLAH!

Grady

2011-11-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Grady is a friendly and independent cat, yet a bit timid from his time outside--he would do best in a calm home that is willing to give him time to adjust. Fostermom Laura says that "Grady likes to be in the same room as the people in the house, but is not a lap cat. Instead he prefers to be watching what's happening from the sidelines. I can pick him up without problems, but he usually does not like to be snuggled for too long. Grady occasionally will approach me to ask for a few pets, but then goes about his own business.

Grady is very playful and humorous to watch. He is often rolling and chasing his ball around, doing laps around the apartment, and jumping from one piece of furniture to the next. He is extremely energetic!

Grady is great for someone who does not want a lap cat, and prefers a cat who is very independent and easy to take care of. He has no problem with the litter box and entertains himself." He's a sweet little guy who took a chance on coming in from the cold. He's neutered, vaccinated, neg/neg, and ready for a furrever home!

Tasha

2011-10-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

Trick or treat! Tasha is a mischevious and playful kitty. She LOVES to play fetch with her pink sparkle ball. The best part is getting her to leap up in the air by tossing it really high--she can really jump! Lately (since it's been getting cold out), she's been curling up on my bed and sleeping with me all night; I think she really appreciates having a warm, safe home to sleep in. Give yourself--and Tasha--a treat and apply to adopt this delicious little gal today! Previous Tasha post.

She's getting a little winter chubb on her, but it compliments her nicely and her fur is so so soft!

South Chi Mama and Kittens: part I

2011-10-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

We were asked to help with a semi-feral young mama cat who had four kittens this past week in South Chicago. Like many kittens born on the street though, the kittens quickly came down with an upper respiratory infection. Volunteers Ainat and Meng went to check out the situation. They saw four adorable kittens with gunky eyes, but had to leave without trapping Mamacat. Two days later, Erika and Meng went to try to find the kittens while the mama cat was trapped under a bed. A neighbor told them that the kittens were in their pipes and it was too late that day to try to get them out of there. The mama cat was released to nurse her kittens. Days later, Mercedes, who had been feeding the mama cat. called saying that two of the kittens had been found -- and she even managed to lure the mama cat inside her home! Erika and Meng scooped up the two kittens but couldn't find the remaining two so the mama cat was released once again!

That's the way the trapping cookie crumbles sometimes.

Fostermom Erika reports that the kittens are doing very well. We are very happy that the two kittens are under our care and are safe now as winter approaches, and we will keep trying to get the other kittens and to TNR Mama cat. Special thanks to Mercedes for feeding/caring for the mama cat and kittens and Erika who drove a bunch of times in pursuit of these kittehs.

Thanks to recent donors Robert W. ("dad"), Mike R., and Emma B., who donated in memory of Xavier.

Kitty

2011-10-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Kitty is a pleasingly plump adult female tabby. She was the beloved pet of a senior lady who had to move to an assisted living facility that did not allow pets. Fostermom Carol says that "Kitty is so adorable. She likes to headbutt your face and beg for a good tickling. She's a very calm and placid cat. While she's not a hundred percent lap cat, she always stays, sits, or lies down besides you no matter where you are. She's a very companionable cat!" Kitty is spayed, neg/neg, up to date on shots and ready to go home today. Previous Kitty post.

Thanks to the members of Hyde Park Village who donated towards Kitty's care and upkeep.

calendars

2011-10-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

2012 Hyde Park Cats calendars is now available. Get yours locally at Parker's at 1342 E. 55th Street.

Need a calendar mailed? Email your desired quantity and address to hpcatscalendar@gmail.com. One calendar $15; please let us know if you need more than one and/or are out of the country. We will contact you about the additional cost for shipping and handling; payment can either be made online via Paypal or we will provide a snail-mail address for checks.

Please remember if paying via Paypal to indicate "calendar."

Found: tiny dog

2011-10-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last night a community member found a small dog, probably a yorkie, in the alley at Everett and 55th Street. No collar or tags. The little guy/girl put up a bit of a chase but thanks to Beth N. and Kim M. it was caught and spent the night in a dogcrate instead of running in and out of traffic on 55th Street. This morning the dog was taken to Animal Welfare League on 62nd and Wabash; no microchip was found on scan. If you or anyone you know is missing their tiny dog, please head over to AWL immediately!

Thanks Mary R. for the towels and food!

Duke

2011-10-24T08:13:00.001-07:00

At the very end of September we brought a tired, skinny, dirty male cat to Treehouse for his medical package. Duke had found his way to Megg, one of our volunteers. It seems that Duke's "owner," in South Shore, had put Duke and another cat out in the yard in a crate and then taken off for good. The neighbors couldn't take in these kitties but managed to get word to Megg, who picked them up. Poor Duke was in rough shape, positive for both FIV and FeLV, and the vet thought he also had the intestinal cancer that FeLV positive cats tend to get. Treehouse staff spent the day spoiling him, but he was euthanized after that last day of love. As Laura S., our medical-care coordinator, said, we are so glad he found his way to us so that he didn't suffer alone outside. Thank you to Megg for bringing him in and giving him love and affection at the end of what seemed to be a life of neglect.

Duke's cratemate is a healthy young male. More info shortly.

Thank you to recent donors Veronica W., Megan M., and Mike H.! Your donations keep us in spay/neuter money and also provide a humane death for cats like Duke.

Mamacats and kittens: Autumn cornucopia!

2011-10-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

This week we were asked to help with three different mamas and three different litters! With a lot of coordination and maneuvering we hope to be able to absorb all three groups (more or less). We would love to hear from people who want to help!

One volunteer spent the last rainy and windy nights trapping a mom and kittens. The above picture is of the garage where one group of kittens is living. Below is a picture of one kitten inside a carrier. He is now safe and warm.

Roger

2011-10-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

Roger is still waiting for his forever home.

Roger is a handsome orange fellow with long whiskers. He loves to play and would like a forever home with a person willing to indulge his play habits (dangle a string, throw a sparkle ball, etc.). He has been fostered with a dog and enjoys the dog; he came from an outdoor colony and so should also be fine with other cats. Roger has FIV, a chronic condition that does not typically influence a cat's long-term health.

Roger vs. the olive (video)

Roger was living in an alley at 62nd and Cottage Grove when we found him. We couldn't leave that adorable face outdoors! But he's been waiting for his forever home for quite a while now. If you're looking for a frisky, spunky, loving orange companion, please consider Roger.

Xavier

2011-10-19T08:18:00.002-07:00

Recently we received a distress call about a cat who was being kept in a crate in a yard in South Shore. Could we help? Nancy and Paula made the trek, and they found a friendly but elderly and emaciated tuxedo cat (the vet later estimated him to be 13 or 14). We believe that he was trapped in an apartment after his owner died. Eventually, someone dumped him outside, and he ended up in the yard in a crate where he was being fed dog food. Xavier had many problems in addition to malnutrition. At some point in the past, he had a horrible and botched declaw job that left him with partial toe pads, so he was not able to walk correctly. In addition, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, partial kidney failure, anemia, and a urinary tract infection. After he came to us, he had a bad reaction to his medication and continued to lose weight.

Tree House Humane Society admitted Xavier last week and worked valiantly to help him. A volunteer was ready to offer him a hospice home, but Xavier took a turn for the worse. He died in the loving arms of the Tree House staff rather than on the street or locked up in a crate in a yard, and for that we are so thankful. Xavier’s situation fits Tree House’s mission to care for stray cats with special physical and emotional needs. But nonetheless it was a remarkable commitment that few humane organizations would undertake.

We don’t like to think about our work with desperately needy cats like Xavier in terms of dollars and cents, but the stark reality is that a cat like Xavier is extremely expensive to care for. Please consider a gift to Hyde Park Cats to help underwrite some of Xavier’s expenses by using the PayPal button. In addition, please consider making a tax-deductible gift directly to Tree House in Xavier’s memory. Any gift helps Tree House continue their mission of caring for ill and injured cats like Xavier.

Gifts to Tree House in memory of Xavier and to support their mission of caring for cats with special needs should be sent to:
Dave DeFuniak, Executive Director, Tree House Humane Society, 1212 W. Carmen, Chicago, IL 60640.

Special thanks to Nancy and Paula for all their love and care in bringing Xavier in from the street and giving him a loving foster home. Thanks to Norah O'D for her generous contribution.

Happy Endings

2011-10-18T08:58:00.001-07:00

Some happy endings today!

Elphie was just a kitten living outside when she was found. Adopted! Forevermom and dad write that "Elphie, now Charlotte, is getting along just fine with the rhythm of our home. She’s feisty, independent, loyal, and just plain great to have around. Thanks to all that made our union possible!"

Two of our beautiful boys, Nero and Tabe, were adopted -- together! They were adopted by a family with two boys who decided that they had room in their home and their hearts for not just one cat but two. Forevermom Sarah writes that the dynamic duo "are doing great and we are really enjoying their company! They were comfortably together by day two, and they have been playing, resting together, and grooming each other ever since. We still have not fully settled on names, so we call them Big Brother and Little Brother, which does seem to capture their relationship. They are getting plenty of love in this home and seem to take it all in stride. They also enjoy watching the fish!"

Lost cat

2011-10-17T10:11:00.001-07:00

Gato is missing

Stella and Pond

2011-10-17T07:47:00.001-07:00

Stella and Pond are an adorable mommy and daughter pair. They were originally found on the street in Pilse by Erin, a University of Chicago student. She was graduating and moving within days, but went the extra mile of saving these two kittehs and getting them into a fosterhome with us. Stella (gray) is relaxed and cuddly, a purring lap cat. She will push her head into your hands if you stop petting her. Pond (black) is less than a year old, adventurous and playful, -- of course she has her cuddly moments too. They love to play with each other, cuddle, and are a lovely pair. They both spayed, up to date on shots, and ready for their forever home today!

Zumba for kitties tonight! 7 pm at Nichols Park.

Avy

2011-10-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Poor Avy. This seven-to-eight week old female kitten is just so uncute. She has started on her vaccines, tested neg/neg, and has been dewormed. Sarah Z. in Bridgeport found her underneath the front porch when she was about a week old and hand-raised her with bottles. Sarah says "Avy is very sociable, has been raised among a cat and dog, and responds to her name. She literally starts to purr the second she is picked up. " Oh, but she is not cute! Can anyone open their heart to this uncute kitten?

Avy even has her own Facebook page!

Please note our kittens in pairs policy. Our Adoption Coordinator can speak to you more about this.

A Lannister Always Spays His Pets

2011-10-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hahahahaha ... a brilliant take on an oft-quoted line from "Game of Thrones." People, spay your pets!

2012 Calendar Now Available!

2011-10-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Readers, the 2012 Hyde Park Cats calendars is now available. Get yours locally at Parker's at 1342 E. 55th Street.

Need a calendar mailed? We can do it! Email your desired quantity and address to hpcatscalendar@gmail.com. One calendar mailed is $15; please let us know if you need more than one and/or are out of the country. We will contact you about the additional cost for shipping and handling; payment can either be made online via Paypal or we will provide a snail-mail address for checks.

Please remember if paying via Paypal to indicate "calendar."

Fergus

2011-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Fergus is a charming male grey tabby with black stripes. He was found, by some cat-admiring individuals, in Hyde Park a few weeks ago wandering all by his lonesome skinny self. His finders noticed his affectionate behavior right away and kindly took him home with them. After a few days, his playful side came through--he loves to chase the cat teaser toy. He greets you with a sweet meow in the morning and enjoys being petted. It takes him a little time to snuggle in, but once he does, he is all purrs. His finders took him to Hyde Park Animal Clinic and he has tested neg/neg! We seem to have a number of darling young males looking for homes right now ... please email hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com to adopt or foster Fergus or another homeless kitteh!

Ellison

2011-10-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ellison was rescued from a neglectful situation at 62nd and Ellis. His "owner" dumped him on the street saying that he didn't use his litter box properly. He still followed her and other people in the street, crying for help, but was ignored until Nancy came along. He was very thin and jumped right into her car trunk to eat an open bag of cat food. Since then, he has filled out and is sweet and loving, to people and to other cats (not dog-tested). He tested neg/neg and is microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. He's only eight months old and is a healthy, playful kitten.

Ellison has been neutered and guess what, he now has no litterbox problems. Unneutered male cats will mark their territory, and that includes spraying anywhere OTHER than the litterbox. This behavior is different than just peeing outside of the box by accident. People, have your pets spayed and neutered! There are even some low-cost options.

Ashland

2011-10-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Although Ashland thinks that change is scary, he is a lovebug who wants to give and receive hugs. Ashland was living in the Liliana Colony but we thought he was too friendly to be homeless. He is neutered, vaxed, neg/neg on viruses, and seeking a stable environment. We think he would do best in a quieter and relaxed home ... one with a lap and abundant hugs ... Previous Ashland post.

An easy fast to our observant readers; may you be sealed for a good year!

Pit bull awareness month

2011-10-05T07:36:00.001-07:00

October is Pit Bull Awareness Month.

This is my pitbull (mix), Latke, with my most recent fostercat, Talullah. Talullah was just adopted! She's in a wonderful home with somebody who really loves and understands her.

Latke came to me through Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. Many other pitties, pibbos, and mixes are available.

Tuco

2011-10-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here is our newest little intake. Tuco is about three or four months old. We received a call from one of the caretakers we work with, saying that a group of kids were trying to "beat him and get a dog to hurt him." Two other kids literally saved his life. Tuco is playful and sweet. He is an active -- yet snuggly -- little guy. He needs a home with a playmate/partner in crime, so if you have a cat seeking a playmate, please email hydeparkcats@gmail.com! Alternately we can suggest a partner for Tuco from our other adoptable kittehs.

Here are his itty bitty pawsies.

Uhaul explains himself

2011-10-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a cat with a story, that's for sure. You wouldn't believe the saga I've put my foster people through! I had good reason though - my former people unceremoniously dumped me at Hyde Park Animal Clinic because they were moving and couldn't be bothered to take me with them. Hmph. That's why the vets started calling me Uhaul. Well, I'm a cat who doesn't care much for change, so that threw me for a loop for a couple days, until I realized the vet people were pretty nice and I didn't have to be paralyzed anymore. Soon enough they changed things on me again, though, and I got carted off to my new foster-place where a bunch of scary other cats live! Time to hide, man. And I'm one heck of a good hider, let me tell you! I had them running around scratching their heads for ten days! They thought I jumped out a 5th story window or into a hole up in the ceiling. Hah, I only wish I were that athletic.

Whole thing didn't bother me much, I had a safe little spot where I was doing just fine. Got kinda cramped eventually and so I scratched around and voila! Fosterpeople were there at my beck and call, rushing me food and water. Put me in a room without those bothersome other cats and showed me that the cat tree and windowsill were much cooler places to hang out than under the shelf in the litter box closet. And the best place ever - a lap! Man do I love a nice lap to lounge on. I challenge any reasonably snuggly human to outlast me - I'll never want to leave, promise! I'll purr like a tractor and rub my head against you to show how much I love pets. I'll roll on my back and stretch out for a good belly rub, I'll even grab your hand with my paw and put it on my head - start petting please!

And how could you not want to pet me - I'm as soft and fluffy as an angora rabbit, with a face like a teddy bear. And a big boy at 12 pounds! I may be clumsy but I'm playful too - I roll all over the floor with my catnip ball, and chase any nice rustling thing, and rub and roll all over your feet. Did I mention I purr like a tractor and love belly rubs?

I'll probably get used to those other cats with some time, and probably would get used to your cat with some time - I'm not an aggressive guy by any means. But if you don't have a cat yet… purrrfect. Let me come sprawl on your lap forever!

******
Hyde Park Cats is anti declaw. However, if you are seeking a declawed cat, we can help you find one who is already declawed!

Sophia

2011-10-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sophia was found in a tree at 52nd and Harper on August 24th by some little girls. We got a photo of the rescue in process by one of our eyes-on-the-street, and later on, a grown-up rescuer made contact, and Sophia was brought to one of our fosterhomes.

Sophia had a kitten the night of her rescue - surprise! - but the kitten died shortly thereafter.

When she was brought to her fosterhome fosterparents Claire and Olivier noted that she was very skinny and weak, but also very affectionate. Sadly it turned out Sophia had FeLV (which is also why her kitten died) and she has passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

It always breaks our hearts when a kitty dies. But as always, we at Hyde Park Cats are grateful that we were given the opportunity to provide some comfort and care into the cats' lives. Sophia got to give birth in a nice quiet warm room, and got some last days of love and affection, and died quietly and peacefully. RIP Sophia and kitten.

Grady

2011-09-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

L'shanah tovah, readers! For the New Year we bring you Grady, who is so happy to be inside that only "content-a-cat" photos, with closed eyes, are currently available. Grady has been living outdoors and being caretaken by Barbara J., who we've been working with on the outdoor-cat population on her block. Barbara just thought Grady was too friendly to be left outside. He was neutered, vaxed, dewormed, etc., and is now in Laura F.'s loving fosterhome. She says "He's doing great. He immediately scarfed down a big bowl of food after being let out of his cage. He seems a bit timid and tired, but extremely friendly and happy to be indoors and out of the rain. Right now he is laying in my lap, sleeping and purring." Thanks to Barbara J. for watching out for him; to Laura S. for coordinating his medical care; to Laura F. for fostermoming -- and also to Sarah and Jim and their kids, who recently adopted Tabe and Nero. Because Nero found a home, we were able to bring Grady inside.

A sweet new year to all!

Cricket

2011-09-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Cricket was trapped last week at the Brickyard Garden feral-cat colony south of the midway. He is no feral cat. He loves to nuzzle and even allow you to fwoof up his fwoofy tummy fwoof. Fostermom, who has three resident cats, reports that he is fitting in well. "He always greets me and approaches me for pets when I call his name. An this morning, he and Marlo (formerly known as Cat 233 were galloping around my apartment playing with each other." Cricket is neg/neg, neutered, vaxed, and ready for a forever home. He is FLOOFY and needs a companion who loves to floof the floof!

Cricket was the winning boy's name from the 57th Street Children's Book Fair cat-naming contest. Thanks kids!

Kitten at 65/Woodlawn

2011-09-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend our medical-care coordinator, Laura, received a call from a woman whose neighbor had found a very small kitten at 65th and Woodlawn. The kitten was panting, felt cold, and was covered with fleas. She held it up to the phone and Laura could hear it crying.

We managed to get our special kitten-savin' volunteer Megg over to the kitten, and Megg took it home. Megg said "it was indeed cold and crying in a disturbing way (like the deeply injured kind of yowl), and extremely dirty. I warmed it up and started on sugar syrup, eventually got up to syringe and then bottlefeeding goat milk. It was happy to take up residence inside my shirt and seemed to be improving up til around midnight--stopped crying, etc. Then it started yowling a little and stopped breathing. Started breathing again when rubbed, but ultimately let go. It seemed to be three or four weeks old (standing ears, mostly open eyes)."

It seems that Mamacat was taken to or picked up by Animal Care and Control, and this little one was left behind. Sadly, it was found too late (or perhaps had an underlying issue) and had been cold and hungry for too long.

Thanks to Laura for coordinating care, to the caring finders whose names I never got, and to Megg and her son, who gave this tiny soul a last few hours of cozy. RIP tiny kitten.

2011-09-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

UHaul was found! He was hiding out in a dresser/closet ... here he is on the way to a vet check-up this morning.

Adoptions pending: Oni (as a second cat)!
Nero!
Tabe!

And guess what, Nero and Tabe will be going home together -- to a home with two young boys. Good luck everyone! Happy lives!

Tonight: Zumba for kitties! 7-8 pm in Nichols Park, only $5, and all profit goest towards Hyde Park Cats. I hear there may be a Milli Vanilli song in the mix ...

Clark

2011-09-23T08:29:00.001-07:00

This is Clark, TNRed from the Liliana Avenue last week.

On Sunday, October 23rd, we will be partnering with Trio Animal Foundation for the monthly volunteer day at the Animal Welfare League. This is a great opportunity to meet other animal rescue volunteers while cuddling/socializing with needy cats. The more attention these kitties get, the better their chances of being pulled by a rescue organization.

If you have already been thru a volunteer orientation at AWL, you can go socialize cats there ANYTIME. That's probably more important that going on the mass volunteer day. Pick one day a month and go with a friend -- snuggle and groom three to six cats each -- you will have truly made those a difference in those cats' lives.

Email hydeparkcats@gmail.com for more information.

Thanks to recent (regular) donors Mike R. and James M., and also to Mikki K.

Elphie

2011-09-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Purr machine Elphie came from Tanya's tribe on 67th and Cornell. While she doesn't enjoy a party of strangers, she absolutely adores her fostermom and loves sitting on top of her purring non-stop. She enjoys exploring and quickly found a way to the top of the closet and other exciting places to perch. She's only six or seven months old, spayed and up-to-date on shots. She's sure to delight her lucky adopter and is ultra decorative besides. This gorgeous little girl is seeking her furrever home and promises the right person a lifetime of purry companionship.

Ako

2011-09-20T07:49:00.001-07:00

Ako was the winning girl's name from the 57th Street Children's Book Fair cat-naming contest. How apropos, because as you can see Ako loves her some Domo (Ako is a Japanese name; Domo is ... well, he's Domo. Ako is a loving and affectionate adult female who enjoys petting, scritching, sitting on your lap, and sleeping on your bed. Previous post on Ako.

Ashland

2011-09-19T08:22:00.001-07:00

Ashland was trapped by MJK in the Liliana colony on Wednesday. He's inside while we monitor him for friendliness. He seemed slightly peeved by his change of venue -- ingrate!

Thanks Mike H. for the donation. You are our ongoing hero.

Zumba for kitties tonight! Nichols Park from 7 to 8 pm.

New MJK Alley Cat

2011-09-16T10:28:00.001-07:00

This very friendly lap cat was trapped in the MJK Alley two nights ago. MJK says "She yelled the whole way home. She yelled the whole way to Treehouse. When I got to Treehouse this afternoon, I could hear her from the waiting room. Tonight I figured out what she was complaining about. She is a snuggly lap cat and wanted a lap to snuggle in."

This kitty needs a name! Please visit our table at the 57th Street Children's Book Fair on Sunday to participate in our cat-naming contest!

Thanks Michael H. for your most recent donation.

57th St Children's Book Fair

2011-09-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Super Nero! Superpower: ability to kill bugs with a single swat.

Join us ~~Saturday~~ Sunday from 1-6 for Hyde Park's great 57th Street Children's Book Fair. You don't have to have or be a child to enjoy! We'll have a table there with kids crafts and info about what we do. You can meet some of our volunteers, who are happy to chat with you if you've been thinking about volunteering, fostering, or adopting. This year's Book Fair theme is "Superheroes, Comics, and the Joys of Childhood."

SuperBaby! Superpower: ability to hear food preparation from a mile away.
(this photo was submitted by a HPC volunteer and he is not available for adoption)

U Haul

2011-09-13T08:22:00.001-07:00

"U-Haul" is a stunning, large, long haired, neutered male cat who was abandoned at a Hyde Park vet clinic last Tuesday. His owners said they were moving, and just left him in the clinic's waiting room. The clinic staff affectionately named him U-haul as a result of his unfortunate circumstances. U Haul appears to be a healthy, indoor cat, about five or six years old. He will receive veterinary treatment courtesy of the veterinary worker who reached out to find him a home, and we will transfer him to a foster home within a day or two.

Tabe

2011-09-12T08:52:00.001-07:00

Tabe (tah- bay) is a gorgeous--and playful--little guy whose friendly curiosity always wins out in the end. He loves to curl up nearby you -- he especially enjoys beds. He loves his older cat fosterbrother, Gus, and their introduction was quick and easy, so Tabe would be a great addition to a household with a resident cat. In addition Tabe has also cohabitated with ... a chicken. So rest easy, you Hyde Park chicken people, we have the perfect cat for you! Previous post on Tabe.

Thanks for your donation, Anna F.

zumba for kitties

2011-09-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Zumba for kitties resumes tonight!

Zumba at Nichols Park on Mondays, 7-8pm, for only $5! The last Monday of the month all profit is donated to Hyde Park Cats by instructor and cat-volunteer extraordinaire Kim. Kim's Zumba blog.

Nero: lovah

2011-09-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Nero's main goal in life is to love you. He will greet you at the door, snuggle with you while you are watching a movie, and wait patiently for you to play with him. Can you believe such a great friend was abandoned by his previous "owner"? Great at self amusing too, he will pass his time (very usefully!) by capturing the bugs around your apartment. He would love to find a home with a cat friend or with a lot going on, so he is entertained. If you're looking for a cat who will snuggle in bed, he's happy to oblige. He's one and half years old, neutered, neg/neg, and up to date on shots.

Foster failure: Sufi

2011-09-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Foster failure. This is the term in the animal-rescue world for a fosterer who has fallen in love with their foster animal and ends up "failing" as a fosterer (becoming an adopter instead). It's true, our fosterers can have a pretty tough job. They have to live with all sorts of wonderful cats, and be strong enough to let them go when their furrever family comes along. But some kitties have the ability to break even the most experienced fosterer, and this is what happened with Dan Ryan and Nusrat. After Nusrat had a string of successful fosterkitties who all found great homes, Dan Ryan came into Nusrat's world--you can read his amazing story here. After fostering him for a few months, Nusrat just couldn't let him go. Here he is enjoying a stroll outside his forever home. Now he is Sufi. Nusrat, thank you for your past and continued service to needy cats. Mazel tov Sufi and Nusrat! Happy life!

April

2011-09-07T09:18:00.001-07:00

April is a young gorgeous long-haired mostly black elegant lady with some white detailing. This friendly and affectionate girl was abandoned with her darling litter of five kittens! She has been an excellent mommy to her kittens--who have all found forever homes. It's now April's turn to be adopted. Fostermom says "she is the sweetest, most gentle cat. She never hisses or withdraws away from people, only hiding when she sees the vacuum cleaner come out. She has a very calm disposition that makes her the perfect cat to have around kids. She has a soft purr and she usually begs for attention in the morning by rubbing against your legs. Other than that, she behaves like a lizard: loves to lie in the sun all day! However she will give up her favorite spot for a good ear scratching in a heartbeat." She's spayed, up to date on shots, neg/neg, and ready to go home today.

Previous April post

Kitty

2011-09-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Kitty was the beloved pet of a senior citizen, J., who just moved into assisted living. She could not keep Kitty, and turned to another local volunteer organization, Hyde Park Village. They turned to us.

Poor Kitty spent one night at the Animal Welfare League facility before we could all connect on this case. When we went to retrieve her she was so scared! We're very pleased we've been able to keep Kitty, who is six or eight years old, from spending even one more moment in a shelter. Kitty is a pretty and soft cat who likes to hang out in something comfy, but who comes when called and is attentive, neat, quiet, and sweet.

Thanks to Sarah B., Susan A., and Linda W.-I. for their caring and their help. It takes a village!

We have promised Kitty's former owner, J., that we are going to find a loving home for Kitty to spend the rest of her life in. Please write to hydeparkcatsadoptions@gmail.com to apply.

Odin

2011-09-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Odin is an affectionate, 9-12 month old, yellow male tabby. He was rescued from a brutal life as a submissive outdoor cat; he has injuries in both of his eyes due to not protecting himself from aggressive feral cats. Lara J. noticed him quickly in her South Shore outoor cat group and brought him to the clinic for treatment. We were contacted for help and luckily a foster space opened. He can still see--his eyes are on the mend and he is curious and likes to explore. He makes friends quickly and is definitely a lover, not a fighter. He is quiet and loves being petted. He is also calm when being held, and likes to look around from the comfort of your arms. He loves to be where people are and especially loves laying in your lap soaking up love and affection. This beautiful young boy is looking forward to a new life of leisure--with you?

Adopt Kittens -- in twos!

2011-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

The adopter of two of April's kittens recently sent in pictures of her cuties and the following note:

"Hi! I wanted to send in some pictures of our kitties (Sirius and Loki- formerly Nantucket and Mattie of April's litter) being super adorable in their new(ish now) home :-) Thanks for all your help in finding them! Having them in our lives has been even better than expected and we're glad we adopted the two together - they're constantly playing and snuggling together, which I think made the transition into our home an easy one."

This is why we are pretty stubborn about our kittens-in-pairs policy. Not only would it be denying kittehs a lifetime companion, but it would be denying adopters this kind of cuteness and adorable cuddling! We're doing it for you, adopters! Also--April herself is still available.

Please visit our adoptables page and visit Parkers (1342 East 55th Street) Sunday from 12-3 p.m. to see some of our adoptable kittehs in the furry flesh!

Literary Koshkas

2011-08-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

One of our volunteers travelled to Russia this summer, and photographed these literary koshkas (cats) on Tolstoy's estate. Alas, Russia does not have ( yet?) any TNR movement so none of the cats pictured are eartipped. The countryside is also full of stray cats and cute doggies scrounging for food.

Whimsey

2011-08-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous and shiny man is Whimsey, who came from the nursing home site around 62nd and Dorcester. He looks like this in the photograph because of the loving and tender care his fosterparents Linxci and Darren lavished on him. He used to be a skinny and dull-furred tomcat. When we first placed him in his fosterhome, he would only hide in the carrier or behind the toilet. Now he is a a fat lovable mushpot.

Here he is when he was trapped:

And ... here he is in his furrever home!

Furrever mom Erica came along before I got to post Whimsey on the blog. Mazel tov WHIMSEY!

Starter cat available: Tasha

2011-08-29T07:36:00.001-07:00

Tasha is what we call a great "starter cat" -- a perfect cat for someone who has never had a cat before. This adorable young girl was found by a caring person (thanks Tasha W.!) around 83rd and Drexel, pregnant and seeking food. Tasha spoke to Barbara A., who has been TNRing on her block with our help, and now Tasha is in fostermom Sarah's loving home. Fostermom says that "she has a very sweet, outgoing personality. She loves to be the center of attention and isn’t afraid to meow or butt her head right up against your hand to make sure you know she wants pets. She also loves lap time. She'll come up to my lap and plop down for pets." She's very energetic and loves batting around her toys; very chatty and will gladly converse with you. She’s easy to approach, friendly, outgoing, independent, sometimes silly, and sweet. She's spayed, neg/neg, and ready for her furrever home!

p.s. The shoes are available at Target.

Happy Birthday, Tractor Grace Rosetta

2011-08-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

bebeh tractor

Happy birthday Tractor! It's so nice to wish a happy birthday to one of our alums! The tiny orange "Rosetta" we took in last year, lovingly reared and bottlefed by fostermom, then furrever mom, Eudora. Tractor was renamed thus for her amazing purr. Eudora says "she makes things happier and more entertaining for me every day."

grown-up tractor

***

Thanks Amelia B. for the litterbox donation! Thanks James M. for your regular donation. I look foward to that printed envelope! Thanks Nicole T. for the PetSmart gift card!

Persephone

2011-08-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Persephone is a tiny little kitty, only about seven pounds although she's probably a year old. She was found during the heatwave (remember that?) wandering around a parking lot at 61st and Drexel. Persephone came running out from under a car growling with hunger and determination when her savior, Nancy, opened a can of catfood, and tried to gulp it all down instantaneously. But then she was overcome with heat and had to be cooled down by Nancy and Paula for half an hour before she had the energy to get up again and finish her meal. She was pregnant. Thank you Nancy and Paula for caring for this little girl and getting her inside.

She's recovered now and is very spunky--she loves to run around and play and jump. She is very sweet and even a bit timid towards her foster catsibling. Look at those gorgeous green eyes and white stockings and bib! She's been spayed, tested neg/neg for viruses, is vaxed and microchipped, and ready for her furrever home.

2012 Calendar Submissions Sought

2011-08-23T08:02:00.001-07:00

Readers! Do you have a Hyde Park Cats cat in your home? Are you feeding outdoor cats? Did you participate in a trap, rescue, or other cat event in or around Hyde Park? I am currently taking submission for the 2012 Hyde Park Cats calendar.

Adopters, I'd love to see wonderful photos of your adopted cat.

Calendar themes depend on the submissions I get, but right now I am seeking:

cats who make us laugh

cats on or in stuff they don't belong on or in

unusual views of cats

catloaf

cats 'enjoying' holidays

photos illustrating the plight of outdoor cats

Email your submission to hydeparkcats@gmail.com.