For Tiger Tim fans in Texas

[catrose]

Last edited Wed Jul 1, 2015, 09:11 PM - Edit history (1)

You probably know by now that dear Tiger Tim, a 7 year-old orange tabby cat whose owner abandoned him at the shelter, passed last weekend from cancer.
Magnificat, his rescue organization, posted several videos on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Magnificat-Cat-Rescue-and-Rehoming/335821436543926?fref=ts

Thousands of people were ready to give him a home, even when he was known to be ill. Would you do that for another cat, a 10-year-old (or more) also abandoned by his owner? If you're near Bastrop, it won't be much of a trip to get him.
https://www.facebook.com/austinsiameserescue/photos/pb.61142653139.-2207520000.1435672680./10153499205353140/?type=3&theater
So many mature cats have been abandoned this summer. Add that to the flood of kittens always born this time of year, and the foster homes are full and bulging. So if your home was big enough for Tiger, I hope it's big enough for another kitty in the same situation.

If you're not in Texas, I know there's a rescue near you full to bursting with homeless animals. They'd be glad to hear from you.

EDIT: I keep saying that I've said my last word on Tiger Tim, BUT…
If you haven't gone to the Magnificat page today, hustle on over and see the tributes people are posting to him--poems, songs, videos, photos, articles…what is it about this cat?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I've been following, too, though not from Texas.

There's a cat rescue outfit in my area, Feline Rescue, http://felinerescue.org/ that does a great job. Although I can't take in any more cats than I already have, I donate $ and bring them stuff, including plants for their annual plant sale-fundraiser. For another really excellent shelter, check out Friends of Felines Rescue Center in Defiance, OH - they have a great webcam, http://www.ustream.tv/ffrc , and they rescue a lot of special needs cats as well as homeless and abandoned cats and kittens.

I was really touched by Tiger Tim's story, and I hope he and the people who helped him will inspire many people to donate to Magnificat or some other shelter or rescue organization. Sadly, there are a lot of Tiger Tims out there.

[catrose]

2. Truly there are!

Lots of Tiger Tims and rescues who try to save them. I was sold on the one I linked to, Austin Siamese Rescue (motto should be "Not Just Siamese!&quot , when they ponied up to remove a bladder stone from a 5-year-old Snowshoe Siamese whose owner abandoned her and her sister at the shelter the week before Christmas. (I took home a lot of cats that week.) It's great that you're giving them $ and stuff--the vets must be paid, even though they give huge discounts.

Here's hoping many will be inspired to help.

[hifiguy]

5. Feline Rescue is

WONDERFUL. Both of my older kittehs (who have now crossed) were from Feline Rescue. They are the BEST! Everyone there is so genuinely dedicated to the welfare and well-being of cats it is truly inspiring.

[catrose]

6. I know your kitties had wonderful lives!

People always ask how I can foster and give them up--when you see the awesome homes they go to (as opposed to squishing in at my place), it's easy. I still miss and remember every one though.

Thank you for being your kitties' rescuer! (Since they can't say it)

[hifiguy]

7. Aww, thanks.

I've never lived anywhere fancy, but home was always as much theirs as it was mine.

But why is every cat convinced that no hoomin can use the bathroom without feline supervision? Is this something mother cats teach their kittens just like how to use the litter box?

[catrose]

8. Dunno

but it's true of every cat, whether I raised them from birth or they came to me as seniors. I used to think it was because I was always so busy that they weren't going miss a chance to jump in my lap.

And then there's the ones that have it ALMOST figured out: Humans use porcelain bowls as litter boxes. Here's a great big one that nobody's used. They'll be happy with me if I use it.
On the upside, bathtubs are easy to clean.

[bearssoapbox]

3. I've been following his story too.

I'm glad that he found some love and comfort in his last days.

My wife and I have been rescuing and been involved with cat rescue for over 30 years.

Tiger Tim looks like a cat we had named Jeff. He had a twin brother named Mutt. It seemed (literally) that they were joined at the hip.

About 7 years ago Jeff got sick and died. Mutt kind of...just...started fading away. 2 months later he passed and the only thing that we, including the vet, could figure out is that he was lonely. They were 6 years old.

In a house that had 15 other cats, he was lonely.

Sorry about the rambling.

We are still somewhat active with rescues but not as much due to health issues.

At least, it seems to me, that in the past 10-15 years that cat rescues have been getting more attention and funding although it will never be enough.

This is a rescue that we like and support here in western Ohio. https://www.facebook.com/pages/His-Hands-Extended-Sanctuary/189599171056817?fref=ts

[catrose]

4. I love to hear cat stories; no apologies necessary

I'm so glad to hear about all these wonderful rescues. It makes me feel good to know that so many people are caring for cats. I too was much more active when younger and healthier.

I'm so sorry to hear about Mutt and Jeff. I'm sure Mutt did miss his brother. I've insisted so many times that certain cats HAVE to be adopted together; they do get so attached. And I've seen so many rescued cats in deep grief over losing a home or companions. I'm tearing up just thinking about them and poor Mutt.

Thanks for all you do and have done to make the world better.