JoJo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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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!"