VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3

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Q: I caught a male during this escapade about 4+ weeks ago. I turned him over to a friend to try to socialize him along with 2 siblings, and 2 younger kittens. The older ones didn't adapt as well, and this one in particular is scared and nasty. It usually hisses and swipes when you come near him. He was allowed free run of a small room with the other 4. He played with them, but not humans. Last week he escaped into the duct work of the house, but came out hours later for food. He was a lot to handle and was even teaching the younger ones to be nasty. My friends and I decided to neuter/release. He had surgery and now I have him in a dog-sized carrier with food and litter. I am able to pet with a glove, he ate chicken handed to him and

he is not swiping.  I am torn--should we still release him? If I had the time to spend with him I would work on socializing him myself. Has he been in captivity too long? Will his mom, dad, and sister accept him? He is now about 15-16 weeks old, Is it worth trying to salvage him? How do I know if he is pet quality?

A: This is a great question, very common for new trappers, and an on-going dilemma for experienced ones. FFR's policy is to only give the young ones a week or two to turn around. Some we will try a bit longer if they are showing improvement. Kittens that are 10 weeks or younger will turn very quickly in most cases. I have no reservations about

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On June 21, 2003, FFR volunteers brought our "LapCats" to visit residents at Fountainwood Assisted Living in Orangevale.

Residents' eyes lit up and arms outreached as volunteers circulated the four LapCats in attendance. They all took turns petting and holding the cats, while reminiscing and telling volunteers about their own past beloved pets.  One resident exclaimed, "This feels like I'm at home with my cat again!" Even the resident that proclaimed she was not a
"cat person" beckoned volunteers as they walked by to stop so she could pet each cat.

Volunteers also get a lot of satisfaction from being a part of "LapCats." "Every time I participate at an event I get the opportunity to feel connected to someone I wouldn't otherwise feel connected to…all because of a friendly feline," commented Tracy Kirsten, who heads the "LapCats" program.

If you have an interest in volunteering to help with the "LapCats" Program or if you know a group who could benefit from a "LapCats" visit, please contact us at (916) 484-4099, or you can email us at info@folsomfelines.org.