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| | | | | Ah... The Return to Standard Time!
Did you remember to reset your clocks? Did you remember to reset your cat? The adjustment knob is right underneath... well, maybe not.
When we turned back our clocks last weekend, some folks gained an extra hour of sleep - unless they have a cat!
For kitties, their normal (and too early!) breakfast time of 6 a.m. now became FIVE... but you can reset Fluffy's clock, and get back on your normal schedule.
It helps though to first understand what drives that schedule.
Cats are "crepuscular" animals, which means they are naturally most active during twilight or dawn and dusk compared to humans who are diurnal, meaning most active during daylight hours. Domesticated animals being dependent upon us for food become accustomed to our diurnal routines, in which we feed them according to our own patterns of when breakfast and dinner should be. Have you noticed how your cat's activity level increases around mealtime? The reason why Fluffy gets frantic around mealtime is likely due to a number of factors. Cats are focused predators with highly developed hunting skills, and that focus and anticipation carry over to meal time expectations. Perhaps you've seen the "anticipatory" behavior in captive tigers - pacing prior to meal times. This same behavior in our little cats is the intertwining anticipatory dance Fluffy does while you open food cans or fill bowls.
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The normal routine for a cat - according to behaviorist Jackson Galaxy - is hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom, sleep. When you want your cat to sleep - going through the other steps of that routine helps. Prior to bedtime, hunt - play with your cat with a wand toy or fishing pole type toy. Let her catch it at the end of play, or give her a mouse toy to catch - and kill. Then, eat - feed her a little snack. If you have a cat that is a little bit overweight, or are concerned that she could become so - reserve a spoonful of her dinner food for this late night snack. Hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom... and get a good night's sleep.
Then, in the morning... be strong. Cats are resistant to change, so altering a routine has to be done incrementally. (Remember - you're getting up at a different time, as far as your cat is concerned!
So, don't give in, for 15 minutes. Keep that up for a day or three, until 5:15 becomes the new 5 a.m. Then, hold out until 5:30 - and rinse, repeat until in a week or so, you're back to 6 a.m.!
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I shall not set my clock back - I shall be living one hour in the future!
I see you, person of the past - your ways are quaint...
Now Feed Me!
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Four Opportunities to Get Ready for the Season And Contribute to Rescue!
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First: Photos with Santa!
Tis' the season for Holiday photos with Santa at
LOUDOUN CAT CARE
November 12, 2023, from 12-4pm
YOU need some very special and likely hilarious photos to brighten the holiday season, and to share with family and friends! Digital photos will be sent to you by our professional photographer who has graciously donated their time.
All proceeds of the event benefit FFGW and our life saving work in our community. Suggested minimum donation of $25 per session (cash or check made out to FFGW).
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Please note in the comment box how many pets, and what species. Humans of all sizes welcome to join in the photo too!
Ho Ho Ho... Hope to see you there!
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| | Second: Raise a Cup to Rescue!
Purrhaps someone in your circle (or you!) would love a purrsonalized cat or dog-themed thermal tumbler to take some energizing coffee or refreshing cold beverage with you as you navigate the holiday season?
Why not support rescue at the same time!
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| | Third: Put a Calendar on Your List!
We have a few remaining 2024 Fabulous Feline Calendars available at $20/calendar.
They make great gifts or stocking stuffers!
Reach out to info@ffgw.org to arrange pick up in the Leesburg or Sterling area! |
| Fourth: Let the Cat... INTO the Bag!
The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington will receive $1 from every $2.50 Community Bag sold during the month of November 2023 at
Giant Food
2551 John Milton Drive
Herndon, VA
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| | I Can Haz Turkey? Maybe some Leftmeowvers?
Did your cat add mousemeat pie to your shopping list this holiday? Will there be extra paws at your Thanksgiving table?
Thinking about letting Mr. Whiskers have a taste of the holiday goodies? Here's the lowdown on what's safe - and what's not - from award-winning pet blogger Bernadette Kazmarski! ©Julia Pierce
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Check Us Meowt! On Social Media!
Facebook & Insta!
We try not to overflow your email inbox, and most months send just one Newsletter with a deep dive into all that's going on at FFGW, and some fun cat-centric stuff - but you can find out all the rescue happenings closer to real time on our social media! (And of course... see a lot more cute kitty pictures!)
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter below!
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I Feel Like Something Chewy!
Actually, not that chewy, but "Chewy"!
www.chewy.com is a pet product company specializing in home delivery of all things pet-related. FFGW has a "wish list" which you can find here:
Any products you select from our wish list will be delivered directly to us for use at our adoption center at PetSmart and by our fosters!
If you're new to Chewy, we'll even get a gift certificate for bringing in a new purchaser. It's a great way to help us in our mission to help the kitties!
Thanks to everyone who has donated food, treats, litter, beds, toys... Chewy's platform doesn't allow us to see the names of our generous donors, but please know that your support is very much appreciated! And if you drop us a line and let us know when you donate something, we'll be more than happy to send our thanks!
This post contains affilliate links. FFGW may be compensated if you buy something after clicking on these links. |
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| We've Stopped Smiling... Because Amazon has ended its "Smile" program
The Smile program enabled designated charities received a contribution for each purchase made by supporters. Each year FFGW received over $1000 through this program. Sadly, Amazon has discontinued Smile. However, if you shop on line at Walmart, there is still a way for you to help the kitties with
Go to the link above, designate FFGW as your charity, and each purchase will be "round up" to the nearest dollar - with that change going to FFGW. |
| | We've Gone Home!
Adopted - October (17)
Bean, Gummy Bear, Skittles, Molly, Pearl, Key, Orion, Delphinus, Juniper, Nova, Borealis, Orca, Lollipop, Pinky, Inky, Poblano & Habanero
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Adoption Fairs
Leesburg Weekly Fair Leesburg PetSmart - Sundays 12 - 2 pm
--Midweek Adoptions by Appointment for Cats in the Center--
We need volunteers to help care for the cats at Leesburg! Contact Brittany@ffgw.org
Looking for a new cat for your family? Get pre-approved for adoption by filling out an adoption form online today.)
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