Abys in Need: Alaska in Staten Island, NY

Okay…brace yourself. This is a really sad one. Alaska is a seven-week-old Aby kitten who was left to be euthanised at a vet’s office because of birth defects.

This is what the posting says about her: “Alaska is a 7 week old Abyssinian female kitten that was brought into my vet office to be euthanized by her breeder because of her disability. She is partially paralyzed due to a congenital defect and has some physical deformity. Because of her paralysis, she has no bowel control and needs hr bladder manually expressed. Despite all that, she is the sweetest thing and has such a thirst for love and life. If someone would be willing to put in the time she needs for her care, she would enrich anyone’s life. Please give Alaska a chance!

LOOK AT HER! Okay, so…she needs a diaper now. She could grow out of that! But she’s gorgeous! Her adoption fee is $50, and since she’s a tiny kitten (I mean, too young to be away from her mother, tiny!) she’ll need to be spayed and get her shots. She’s still a beautiful girl and she needs the right home that will nurture her special needs. And who knows, she could be the next Buzzfeed sensation.

If you have fallen in love with Alaska, contact Kate Polese at 347-286-5124 or by email through the RescueMe.org website.

Abys in Need: Rocko in Acushnet, MA

Another homeless Abyssinian right in my own back yard, I’m afraid.

“Rocko is 7 years old. Male purebred Abyssinian. He has a big personality but lovable.

If you are interested in adopting Rocko, please call 508-994-0220 or e-mail cricket13@comcast.net.

Rocko is available through C.A.R.E. Center for Animal Rescue & Education in Acushnet, MA and is eligible for their Senior for Senior Program; he can be adopted for a reduced fee to seniors over age 55.”

And look! He even likes to dress up!!

Abys in Need – Alexy is still in Salisbury, MA

You may recall that last week, I posted about poor, 10 year old Alexy, whose family moved to England.

Well, she’s still there. According to the email I got via the Adopt-an-Aby network: “Alexy is a ten-year old, female, purebred Abyssinian. She was given up for adoption on May 2nd or 3rd because her family moved to England. Alexy had only lived with this one family during her lifetime and has not adjusted well to being at the shelter. She is a sweet, gentle cat, but is quite unhappy. She is in a cage all the time with little room to move around and cowers at the back of the cage when approached. The shelter had been told by the family that Alexy was friendly, social, and healthy.

She is at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS), 63 Elm Street (Rt. 110), Salisbury, MA 01952, Telephone (978) 462-0760. Her photo and information regarding her are not included on their website which shows the cats at the shelter available for adoption.”

Come on, New England! Doesn’t anyone want an Aby?

Abys in Need – Alexy in Salisbury, MA

Poor Alexy!

Alexy is currently at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA. I get a lot of people asking me where they can find a rescue Aby in New England…well, here’s your chance!

“This beautiful girl is a purebred Abyssinian. She lived the entire 10 years of her life in a home so she’s a little scared to be here at the shelter. Nonetheless she’s very sweet, quiet and loves attention. Her loving family is moving out of the country and are not able to take their beloved kitty with them. She is a beautiful, healthy, girl of 10. Alexy is very friendly and social and would love to find another loving home that could keep forever this time!”

According to the rescue, her humans are moving to the UK and either can’t or don’t want to put her through the move. Which is sad, but in this case understandable: even though the animal importation laws aren’t as harsh as they used to be, they’re still fairly strict.

You can fill out an adoption application online, visit the shelter in person (they are located at 63 Elm Street, Salisbury, MA 01952) during their adoption hours, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11am – 4pm, Thursdays 4pm – 7pm, and closed on Sundays and Mondays), contact them through their Facebook page or through Petfinder or you can phone them at 978-462-0760.

Abys in Need – Yes, ANOTHER one! Hendriz in San Antonio, TX

Would you believe…there’s another Aby in a shelter? This time it’s a Fawn in San Antonio.

“Pet ID: A324710, Spay/Neuter”

There is not a lot of information on his Petfinder page, but he’s at the Animal Care Services Division Of San Antonio, 4710 State Hwy 151, San Antonio, TX 78227, 210-207-6666.

Abys in Need – URGENT! Harley in Orlando, FL

Oh, this is just too sad. Poor guy. And you know “due out date” is probably a euphemism for the “E” word…It looks like his front leg may have been injured, too.

“Animal ID: A313516 Room No.: WCI21

Hi, my name is Harley. I am an approximately 9 year old ruddy and white neutered male. I am fearful and I weigh approximately 7 pounds. I have been at Orange County Animal Services since Monday, March 16, 2015. My due out date is Sunday, March 22, 2015.

Find out more about our adoption process here. Each animal may be available for adoption, pending acceptable temperament testing and a health screen.

If you are looking for me, please come to Orange County Animal Services
at 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL. The phone number is (407)836-3111.”

I know people on the Aby Facebook Club are working on getting him out, but I wanted to share him here, as well. Florida is really bad for older pets – especially cats – being turned out to fend for themselves when their humans die and the children come down to take care of their parents’ belongings. The adult children either don’t realise how much the cat meant to their parent, or they don’t care…but it happens a lot down there.

Abys in Need: Kameo in WA and Sheba in AR

Two Abys turned up on Petfinder this morning, one in Port Townsend, WA and the other in Witter, AR.

First we have Kameo, who is currently a guest of The Humane Society of Jefferson County, WA

“Hi! My name is Kameo! I’m a beautiful petite purebred Abyssinian. I came to the shelter because I was unhappy living with a different family member and her THREE male cats. I’d like to be the only cat with people who are home a lot. Abyssinians are very active, intelligent and curious, and they desire feedback, interaction and even some training. I like playing with toys and using my scratching post. I’d also appreciate a cat tree to climb on. I am 8 years old, spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, treated for fleas and ready for my forever home! Come see me today!”

If you are interested in Kameo, please contact the shelter through Petfinder.

The second Aby is Sheba, who is at the Blue Moon Cat Sanctuary. Her posting on Petfinder states that she is “a purebred Abyssinian with papers,” she’s five years old, and apparently she is a retired breeder.

“Hello everyone. My name is Sheba. Yes, like the queen. I am a queen too. I’m fully grown and still a little petite. Abyssinian’s are know to be a little shy at first. But watch out. After I warm up and feel comfortable I’ll be all over you. We are also known for our burnt orange or rust colored coats. I arrived here at the Blue Moon from a breeder. Thank[fully] those baby-making days are finally over and I can settle down and enjoy some quality lap time.”

Sheba’s adoption fee is $150. If you are interested in her, just call 479-677-3021 or 479-738-8754.

Abys in Need – Rescued Aby needs new human in Roanoke, VA

Brace yourselves…you’re about to become incensed. This came through the NAR Aby Email list and somehow got netted in my spam weir; it was originally sent last Friday.

“We rescued an Aby from the kill shelter in Roanoke. The shelter had her on the kill list because she had not eaten since she was brought in and was losing weight. Since I have had her, she is eating like a little horse and is gaining her weight back.

Her owner (who lived in Roanoke) passed away and no one in her family wanted her. In fact, her owner’s son brought her into the shelter, slammed the carrier down on the counter, and said, “My mother paid a thousand dollars for this F****** cat!” He said she was 5 or 6 years old.

She is now up to date on her shots, spayed and I am looking for a good home for her. She is a ruddy, very friendly, outgoing, a little talkative.

Can you help me find a good home for her?”

Can you believe that? Poor woman dies, thinking her kids will take care of her beloved Aby…and this is what happens. Incredible. And she’s the same age as Jacoby! I wonder who the breeder is – I’m sure they don’t know about any of this.

If you’re interested in this poor girl (I don’t know her name or have a photo of her), please contact Sandy Scheurer in Beford, VA at 540-586-8735 or email her at sansiaby@aol.com.

Abys in Need – Copper in Denver, Colorado

Look at this handsome man in a shelter in Colorado!

“‘Find a penny pick it up, all the day you’ll have good luck.’ You’ve heard that one, right? Well clearly, I’m the shiny copper penny that you should be picking up! My name is Copper and I am a striking guy if I do say so myself. I sure hope that you are looking for your personal lucky penny because I am it!

I arrived at MaxFund after having been found at a bank. Ironic really, given the whole penny thing. Alas, some nice folks brought me to MaxFund, where I had a bit of a rocky start. You see, I am what is known as a feral cat, meaning that I have not spent much time around humans and am not quite sure what people are all about. Over time here at the shelter I’ve learned a lot and I am coming around at my own pace to this new way of living. I have to say, I’m quite fond of living indoors and being well taken care of, though I still have some learning to do with respect to interacting with people.

While I may not be a cuddly lap cat, I am a great guy and I want to learn how to love people. I can promise you that I will give it my best effort and I ask that you do the same. With patience and time I just know that we’ll be the best of friends. Just remember, you’ve found your penny you just have to pick it up, adopt it and take it home with you!

The MaxFund cat shelter is located in Denver, Colorado at 720 West 10th Ave. 720-266-6081. We are closed Tuesdays.”

His fee, according to the Facebook post, is $125, and Copper is neutered, microchipped and has his shots.

Interestingly, someone commented on the post wondering if he could possibly be this Aby, who went missing last year in Aurora, CO. Wouldn’t that be an amazing story, if that cat – missing since May 2013 – and this one turned out to be same?

Abys in Need – Osi in Brooklyn, NY

Heads up, East Coasters! If you’re looking for an Aby in NYC, I have one for you!

“Osi is our 3 year old Abyssinian…Stop by the shelter and spend time with him to see if he is the right match for you. Osi will thrive in his forever home and be your faithful companion. Our experienced staff is available to talk with you, answer your questions and provide advice on how to transition him to your home.

Osi is neutered, dewormed, treated to prevent fleas & ticks and is up to date with vaccinations. His adoption fee is $100 and he’ll get one free exam at our vet’s office, one free month of pet health insurance and a microchip. If you’d like to adopt him please call or visit…we are conveniently located in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn near the F train and we’re open every day from 11am to 7pm.
Osi can’t wait to meet you.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 East 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11218
718-436-5163

For more information on Osi, contact the rescue. His pet ID# is 24204066.

Abys in Need: Update on Fatima and her kittens

Here’s an update on the lovely Fatima and her kittens, who were in a shelter in Atlanta, GA. The good news is they’re out of the shelter thanks to the efforts of Jacquelyn Babush, and the little family is being fostered at Susan Graham’s house!

Susan thinks Fatima is half Aby and half Bengal. She used to breed Bengals and Fatima has that look about her in addition to her obvious Abyssinian heritage. She looks like an Aby but has spots on her belly and stripes on her legs.

The five kittens, whose eyes have just opened, are 100% adorable!

And Fatima is such a good and patient mother. Check out this video of her nursing her brood:

Susan is fostering the family through FurKids, and they will be tested for FeLV/FIV next week. FurKids is Georgia’s largest no-kill shelter, specialising in cats but also rescuing and fostering dogs.

Susan writes: Many people have now come forward to ask to take one of the kittens home with them, and they will make sure everyone is taken care of on the list. The kittens and their mama can go to their new homes as soon as they are spayed and neutered. I’m going to try to get that done in about 8 weeks (at 10 weeks old) so they can go earlier to their new homes.

Fatima is a very calm, affectionate girl who is in excellent health, about 11 months old. She is also in need of a good home in about 2 months from now.”

If you’re interested in adopting Fatima or one of her adorable kittens, you can fill out a FurKids adoption application or just send them an email at adopt@furkids.org.

Abys in Need: Wendy in Florida

Poor Wendy was just returned to her rescue this week by the family who adopted her. She’ll need a little time to gain some weight before she’s ready for a new home.

Wendy is with Spots & Stripes: Exotic Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, an all-volunteer rescue organisation in Florida.

” Wendy the Aby was returned after three weeks in her new home.

We recommend keeping a cat in small area (small bedroom/bathroom) the first few weeks so situations like this do not happen. She hid the first few days & did not come out to eat. When she finally did begin eating, she was offered several different foods her stomach was not used to, which caused diarrhea. Unfortunately, the diarrhea persisted as she would continue to hide & not eat for a few days, then again eat food she was not used to. She was then returned after she had lost a major amount of weight.

We have her kenneled currently while we get her diarrhea controlled & weight gained. Her fecal came back negative & she is on probiotics & raw.

In a few weeks, she will need a new home”

Wendy is four years old and I don’t know if she is declawed, but she is probably spayed. If you are interested in Wendy, you can email the rescue or contact them through their Facebook page.

Abys in Need – Mr. Jingles & April in SC and Fatima in GA

Two sad stories of Abys in need of homes today, I’m afraid…

First we have Mr. Jingles and April, originally from Long Island, NY but now in South Carolina.

“I have 2 Abysinian cats, 12 years old, Mr. Jingles and April. I am in Long Island NY and was unable to care for them. I had them shipped to a friend in SC who said she could care for them. She is having issues and it is not working out. She has other animals and my cats do not get along with them.

I need help!! Is anyone willing to care for them? Mr. Jingles is diabetic and he gets insulin injections in the morning and evening when he eats. Please let me know, they deserve a better home, she has been keeping them in a bedroom because of her other animals for the last 65 weeks. When they were with me they were indoor/outdoor so I know they must be suffering and it is breaking my heart to know that they have not been out!!

They are purebred and both front declawed. I will get the name of the breeder; my husband and his father bought them from her, she is on eastern Long Islnad. We have bought 4 Abys from her; 2 passed away. Holly, Mr. Jingles’ sister, passed after getting spayed and declawed; her heart was too weak for the surgery. Diamond was hit by a car shortly after she was spayed.

My sister lives in NC and can help shipping them for me. I have their carriers and insulin and needles as well. They may need more as I am not sure now even the girl is even caring for them the way they should be cared for. I am worried. Is there anyone that can help me?”

If you can help out with these two seniors (I think Mr. Jingles is the fawn and April is the red), please contact Kara by email at kara1566@aol.com or telephone 516-410-2318.

Then we have Fatima and her five kittens in the Dekalb County shelter in Decatur, GA. I don’t know if Fatima is a purebred Aby or not, but she definitely looks Abyssinian, and so do two of her kittens. Fatima was posted on the Dekalb Rescue Facebook Page.

“Fatima is a 1 year old golden and black Abyssinian cat who just arrived at the shelter with her 5 newborn babies. The shelter is no place for tiny kittens, so this sweet family needs rescue ASAP.” Jacquelyn on Facebook, who lives in the area, visited the little family this afternoon, and she posted the following:

“I visited Fatima today, and she is indeed a true Aby, albeit a poorly-bred one. She is a ruddy with banding on her lower legs, and the MOST gorgeous green eyes that these flash photos do not do justice to. Just look at that eyeliner and little white chin! She is also a LOVER; even as she was nursing, she was rubbing her face against my hand and giving me head butts. (If she is this sweet when she is nursing, can you imagine how wonderful she will be when she’s spayed?) She’s just a baby herself, estimated to be 11 months old.” Three of her five kittens look like they may be ticked, too. Jacquelyn has also started a “Free Fatima Fund” to raise money to go towards Fatima’s sterilization and no-kill shelter support (over $300 has been raised so far!); check the Abyssinian Cat Club on Facebook for more information. Let”s find this sweet mama and her kittens good homes! Fatima comes pre-sponsored thanks to the “FFF,” but she won’t be available to be adopted until after her kittens are eight weeks old.

For more information about Fatima and her family, please email the shelter at rescue@dekalbanimalservices.com or phone 404-294-2949.

Abys in Need: 3 Abys in Las Vegas and an Update on Jasmine in LA

I got this email late last night:

“My Aunt in Las Vegas is at a point now where she is making end of life decisions. Leaving her home of 40 years and unable to care for her cats is the hardest part of her transition.

She has 3 Abyssinians about 14 years old. These babies have been pampered and adored all these years. They have had regular vet visits, teeth cleaning, and are amazing loving girls.

My Aunt cries constantly about the babies and we must find a loving home in the Vegas area. All 3 don’t necessarily need to be together, but of course it would be nice. The two Ginger (red, I assume) girls are very connected. The blue/rust baby is more of a loner. I am in Arizona and would appreciate any help you can lend. Please, please help.”

If you can help, please contact Sharon Wells at 928-358-5437. I don’t have any photos of these three.

An update was posted on Jasmine, the older Aby in Southern California with bad teeth who was dumped in a high-kill shelter, today in the Abyssinian Foster Network group on Facebook: “Update on our foster aby, Jasmine. She had surgery to remove 7 broken & infected teeth along with several abcesses & a cancerous mass. She is so very sweet and is enjoying everyday. SCAR is following up on a suggestion to take her to a veterinarian school for treatment.”

She looks happier already!

Update: A happy ending for the Abys in Need in NSW, Australia

Good news for a change on the Aby rescue front! Check out what’s been going on with those two rescued boys in Australia:

They’ve been adopted! They were adopted by Phyll Calvert, who was involved in their rescue and who was keeping us all updated on their progress on hte Abyssinian Cat Club Facebook page:

Hi all, here is a photo taken this evening of the Renbury tawny/ruddy/usual who had an eye removed yesterday. Still yet to decide on a name for him and his bro. Anyway, it is 8.00pm Tuesday, 4 March in Australia. I have just got off the phone with their carer Jo after she picked up the boys from the vet after surgeries. They are both doing well, have put on weight and vet is happy with where they are at and Jo advised that the vet is now happy for them to be migrated off kitten food and onto a normal diet. Eye removal was smooth with no complications and he will be on anti-inflammatories for 2 weeks. They have both been desexed and given their vaccinations. So far so good. The tawny/usual/ruddy is a very smoothie boy and was after pats and scratches as soon as he woke from eye/desexing surgery :-). The silver/fawn? Well he is still quite aloof and reserved, but not quiet, apparently he was extremely vocal during the trip from the vet back to carer Jo’s house. Methinks, my boss is going to need ear plugs for the 4 hour drive from Northshore, Sydney to Canberra on Friday!!! Well, he did volunteer didn’t he? 🙂

I will post an update in 3 days time when the boys will be finally with me.

Isn’t that brilliant!? And names suggested for the pair include Rufus and Rupert, Ralphie and Randy, Sisu and Phoenix, and (my personal favourites) Hawkeye (for the tawny/usual/ruddy, of course) and Trapper. I can’t wait to see what they think of their new home!

Abys in Need: Jasmine in Orange County, CA

This is a really sad story that was posted to the Abyssinian Cat Club on Facebook today.

“This is Jasmine, our latest foster Aby. She is a very sweet & affectionate, front declawed Aby who was dumped in a backyard. At 10 pm someone called Orange County Animal Control to get her. She had a microchip, but the phone number was disconnected. She spent 8 days in the shelter before we could pull her on behalf of the Southern California Abyssinian Rescue (SCAR). She had several infected sores in her mouth, along with 7 broken, infected, & loose teeth that had to be removed. Also there was a large mass that turned out to be cancerous. We will hospice foster Jasmine for SCAR. This is the 3rd very sick aby that SCAR has rescued this year that was dumped at high kill shelters by their owners due to health issues. SCAR is a U.S. tax-exempt, nonprofit rescue that relies on donations. It costs a lot to care for these sick cats, so all donations are greatly appreciated. Go to www.socaabyrescue.com for more information.”

Poor girl! I can’t believe what she had been through. And her face says it all about how she feels about her former humans…

Abys in Need: Another update on the Aussie Aby brothers

More good news about those two lost boys in New South Wales:

This was posted to Facebook yesterday:

Update on the Aby boys (beautiful pic thanks to Jo Lyons who goes to Renbury each weekend to take photos to help the animals gets rescues and adoptions)

Carer Jo A picked up the boys from Renbury yesterday and did a big round trip so they could see Dr David before going home. They are very small cats and underweight. Apparently they have great teeth and Dr David thinks they are only four years – not eight as advertised. They have been given some antibiotics. Apparently they were very vocal during their transport and did not like the vet very much either. Can’t blame them really. The carer has them isolated to the bedroom and they are very shy. Hopefully they will calm down after a traumatic day let alone the past week. I bet Jo ends up with some little friends on his bed tonight. They are shy at the moment having had the indignity of ending up in the pound and now another strange move. They will both be desexing in two weeks and eye removed as well as long as they are both healthy. Jo will have then on Royal Canin Baby Cat dried and wet and fresh human grade raw food as well so they get lots of excellent nutrition so they can recover and gain weight with some high quality nutrition on board.

I would like to put a huge thank you out to the people around the world involved in the Aby Club. They have actually covered most of the cost of these boys’ surgery and we are incredibly touched and grateful.
The girls at Melbourne Animal Rescue put their hands up as back up for these guys and we offered to help in the process. So only when they have had their surgery and given the all clear, they will go to MAR who are an excellent rescue group. And the Aby group will be helping spread the word for a suitable adopter. Pure breeds do need to be adopted by people who have breed experience as they have their quirks that must be understood.

Remember, if you want to make a donation for the Abys using Paypal, you may do so using this link. Then send an email to fostering@catrescue.com.au so they know to allocate your donation towards the Abys’ care. And stay tuned for more happy news about these two boys!

Abys in Need: Sebastian in Houston, TX

And just when I was feeling good about Aby rescue…

“Are you freaking KIDDING me!?”

This is Sebastian. He’s an 11-12 year old red male and…well, here’s the email:

“Owner just told me she cant wait any longer and is taking him to shelter…he is 11-12 years old. Child is allergic, I have courtesy posted him, but we don’t adopt out of area and the only inquiries we have had have been out of state, I think she got tired of waiting for us to find him a home. She asked us to screen apps. “

Yeah don’t get me started because I don’t even…she wants them to screen the applicants, but she’s going to dump him in a shelter because she doesn’t want to wait for the rescue to find him a good home? And look at him! He’s gorgeous!

“Fine. I’ll go somewhere I’m appreciated.”

Apparently they’ll only do adoptions within Texas. But that’s a big place…someone’s bound to need an Aby in the Lone Star State, right? If you’re interested, please email Connie Peacock.

Abys in Need – Red Female in Wilkes-Barre, PA

No name, no age…but definitely an Aby.

I got this via email and don’t have any more details than what’s below.

My name is Vickie, I’m a supervisor at the Luzerne County SPCA…located in Wilkes Barre, PA. We have an Aby (at the very least 95% Aby). We received her as a stray awhile ago. She’s shy and nervous and yet very sweet and loves attention.

She’s spayed and I’m hoping there’s a local rescue closer to our facility for placement. I don’t want to see her go to just anyone unless they’re familiar with the breed. I believe she’s a Ruddy, she’s rust/white. If you have anyone that I can contact please email or call the shelter at 570-825-4111.

Well, she’s definitely a purebred red/sorrel Aby, and she looks so scared and confused! If you’re in PA and need an Aby, here’s your chance! Contact the shelter and get this poor girl without a name out of there.

Abys in Need – Two Abys in Austral, NSW, Australia

These photos are just heartbreaking. The shelter is calling them “Abyssinian Crosses” but they look like purebred Abys to me.

Look at these poor ears! The cats in this shelter don’t seem to have names, only numbers, so this first one is #14840a, and it doesn’t say if he’s a male or female. It only says that he’s “Brown, has injury to eye which is being treated, underweight, shy but friendly in need of some TLC.”

This boy is #14840b, and he looks to be a fawn Aby, though he could be a sorrel or red silver Aby, too, since this is Australia. His ears are less tattered, and the shelter says he is “Fawn, underweight, shy but friendly in need of some TLC.” Both Abys were found in Narellan and were just listed today.

If you’re in New South Wales and want to rescue these two, please contact the Renbury Farm Animal Shelter, 402 Bringelly Road, Austral, NSW (near Liverpool)
Tel – 9606 6118
Email – info@renbury.com.au
Web – www.renbury.com.au

Poor kitties! As scary the idea of an Aby loose in the wilds of North America is, with cougars, coyotes and fishers…the idea of an Aby battling Aussie wildlife is so much more frightening!