Join Us for CatWalk 2005! Page 1

Does Your Cat Have an Eating Disorder? Page 2

Ask Trapper John Page 2

Low-Cost Spay and Neuter for Large Dogs Page 2

And They Lived Happily Ever After Page 3

 Calming Kitties with Bach Flower Remedies Page 4

President's Message Page 6

Featured Feline Page 6

Our Donors Page 6

FFR Update Page 6
FFR's "King of the Strip" Life-Size Polyurethane Lion

"King of the Strip" by Paul Sershon

Estimated Value: $2000
Dimensions: 39 inches height x 24 inches width x 64 inches long
Painted polyurethane; approximately 80 pounds

"King of the Strip" was created in 2004 by artist Paul Sershon for the Sacramento-area "Lions on Safari" civic art project. More than fifty of the region's leading artists created works of art using life-size polyurethane lions which were on display in 2004.

Sershon said he wanted his lion to illustrate himself as an artist and a hot rod enthusiast. The lion is painted black and has flames and pinstripes similar to those found on a hot rod.

This Lion is Looking for a Home

After its sale, this beautiful lion was donated to Folsom Feline Rescue and is now available for purchase via silent auction. All proceeds will support Folsom Feline Rescue's programs, which include low-cost spay and neuter services; feline rescue, fostering, and placement; and community outreach and education.

At newsletter publication date, the lion was on display at the American River Bank, 9750 Business Park Drive, Sacramento. The lion may be traveling to other locations prior to its sale, so if you're interested in seeing it for yourself, please email info@folsomfelines.org to confirm its current location.

How to Place Your Bid

Folsom Feline Rescue is accepting online bids through March 31, 2005. The minimum bid amount is $500.

To see the current high bid and to place a bid of your own, please visit http://www.folsomfelines.org/kingofthestrip.shtml. You can also send email to kingofthestrip@hotmail.com; please include your name, telephone number, and bid amount.

The names of all bidders will be kept strictly confidential. The highest bidder as of March 31, 2005 will be contacted and arrangements will be made to complete the purchase.

For additional information, please contact Folsom Feline Rescue at 916-484-4099 or email info@folsomfelines.org.

Cat-Proofing Your Home Office

by Laurie Rich

If your household includes both cats and a home office, it's important to spend some time cat-proofing your work area to create a safe work and play environment.

  • Select computer hardware, furniture, and accessories that can bear a cat's weight. Assume that your kitty will spend plenty of time exploring (and sitting on) everything in your office, and purchase accordingly. Avoid delicate products and components with fragile, easily-breakable attachments.
  • Purchase printers and scanners with internal paper trays and enclosed feed mechanisms; or purchase a cloth cover for your printer or scanner. Turn off your printer or scanner when you leave the room.
  • If you have a paper shredder, always unplug it when not in use. Most paper shredders are self-activating when their sensors detect something entering the feed slot. A cat sitting on a paper shredder could easily activate the blades with a wayward flick of the tail.
  • Secure, hide, or wrap electrical cords.
  • Keep all small supplies, such as paper clips and push pins, in a covered storage container or drawer. This is especially critical with rubber bands, which many cats feel are wiggly treats absolutely ideal for a light snack. A rubber band in your cat's intestinal system can cause a blockage, leading to extreme illness, and in some cases, death.
  • Flexible plastic covers are available to help prevent a fur-clogged keyboard.
  • Over time, fur can gather in your computer's vents, which could lead to overheating. Several times a year, check the vents of all components. Remove dust and fur build-up with a damp cloth or paper towel, or purchase small cans of compressed air to blow the vents clean. (Compressed air can also be used to clean a furry keyboard if you haven't kept it covered.)
  • When you're away from your desk, safeguard your work by first saving all open documents and then moving them to the background. (This step is unnecessary if your cat is a good editor.)
  • Providing a variety of safe and enticing goodies in your office area, such as catnip toys, balls, or paper bags, may help keep your kitty entertained and less interested in "helping you work."

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