Did you know…

1. One unspayed female cat can produce 22,000 descendants over 10 years? And this accounts for some of her daughters being altered or not surviving to reproducing age!
2. There are, by some estimates, over 340,000 cats and kittens in Wake County? That is one feline for every three people, and almost half are considered community cats.
3. That feline overpopulation continues to be a public health and animal welfare crisis?

SAFE Care Spay / Neuter Clinic continues to support efforts to control feline overpopulation in Wake and surrounding counties; in the past year, the clinic has performed altering surgeries for cats and kittens in 25 North Carolina counties. The medical team’s outreach, and its commitment to low cost or even fee-waived surgeries, means almost 1,700 cats and kittens have been spayed or neutered since July 2018.

Now they need your help, and your assistance cannot be more delicious!

SPAY-ghetti & No Balls is the SAFE Care Clinic’s annual, and biggest, fundraiser. On February 23, from 6:15 to 8 pm at Abbotts Creek Community Center (9950 Durant Road | Raleigh), join all of your cat-loving friends and family for an all-you-can-eat vegetarian spaghetti dinner (sponsored by Bella Italia) and help SAFE Care continue its mission to never turn away a pet owner who wants to spay or neuter their feline companion.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite, at the SAFE Care Clinic (8411 Garvey Drive, Suite 109 | Raleigh), or at SAFE Haven for Cats (8431 Garvey Drive, Suite 137 | Raleigh). Only $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Can you think of a better way to spend Saturday evening than eating pasta AND saving the lives of cats in the Triangle?

Get your tickets now! SOLD OUT FOR 2019
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Join us for SAFE Haven for Cats Feline Fundamentals: Basics of Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) 
NEXT WEEK — Tuesday, February 12 
At the SAFE Haven for Cats Shelter 
8431 Garvey Drive #137, Raleigh, NC 27616-3267 
6:30 – 8:00 pm 
Tickets: $5 Donation 

Why do I see these outdoor cats with one ear clipped? How can I help stop feline overpopulation?  What resources are available to help me? 

We can coexist with community cats! SAFE Care Clinic Manager and TNVR expert Gina Jennings will show us how. Learn the difference between stray/abandoned cats and feral cats, the different types of traps, the basics of trapping, how to make a clinic appointment, and how to care for these kitties. We will provide handouts with feral housing and feeding station plans, a list of vets that see feral cats in the area, and tips on trapping “difficult” (or really smart!) kitties. 

Discover the benefits of Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) and let’s end unnecessary euthanasia together! 

Continue learning with the rest of our 2019 Feline Fundamental Series!

Foster Sleepovers & Foster Information Fair
Tuesday, March 5

Are there opportunities to foster kitties that do not require a long-term commitment? What if I feel anxious about caring for tiny kittens – am I still a good candidate to help with SAFE Haven’s foster program? The answer is a big YES to both questions!

At our Foster Sleepover discussion, our shelter staff will discuss how many cats – not just kittens – need foster families to take a break from shelter life, to learn to be more social and to get some vital enrichment that increases their chance for adoption. Foster sleepovers may be just a weekend, or it may be several weeks. However long, it is a rewarding and fun experience that introduces you to the foster process in a more relaxed, less demanding way.

After attending this seminar, you will be more aware of the foster process, and what types of cats and kittens will be ideal for you to care for in your home. SAFE Haven for Cats has a fantastic community of fosters who will be delighted for you to join them on an immensely gratifying journey to help homeless cats and kittens find their forever homes!

Bottle Feeding Orphan Kittens
Tuesday, April 2

Yes, these bottle babies are super cute, and their care is both an art and a science. Learn best practices from the experts! You will learn exactly what to do if you (or someone you know) find orphan kittens. From bottle and syringe feeding to general kitten care information, we’ve got you covered to help keep the little ones alive and thriving. At the end of the session, participants will be able to describe the necessary steps in caring for orphan kittens, including when to contact a veterinarian or SAFE Haven shelter staff.

PLEASE NOTE: expert cat caretakers will demonstrate feeding kittens since these babies are fragile and require special handling and care.

Cat Communication
Tuesday, May 7
Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Bledsoe-Nix

Do cats talk with their whiskers? A cat’s body is one giant communication tool, and you can learn how to decipher the most subtle of body language from your kitty. What if cats could talk?! Well, they can… sort of. You’ll find out more about cats’ social structures and how to prevent behavior problems before they even become an issue. Learn how the predator/prey relationship shapes how cats interact with one another, and even with you! At the end of the seminar, participants should be able to explain how cat communication influences cat behavior in your household and communities.

Cat Enrichment
Tuesday, June 11

It’s no secret – cats get bored, and bored kitties can do bad things. Enrichment can be as simple as finding the perfect toy or as complex as teaching your cat tricks through the use of clickers. Learn some strategies for keeping kitties interested and curious at every stage of their lives.

Keeping kitties engaged and active throughout their lives is just as important as a good diet and regular medical care. We will discuss the environmental enrichment and needs of cats including inexpensive methods to reduce negative behaviors and stress in multi-cat households. We will also demonstrate clicker training for cats. At the end of the session, participants will be able to introduce new enrichment activities to their cats and kittens. We’re putting the FUN back into Feline Fundamentals!

RSVP for All Future Classes HERE!