TREE HOUSE NEWSVOLUME 42 ISSUE 1 • SPRING/SUMMER 2013

THE OVERSTIMULATED CAT: PATIENCE, TIME, AND UNDERSTANDING CAN SOLVE THESE ISSUES IN THIS ISSUE• Meet Advisory Board Members and cat behavior experts, Pam Johnson-Bennett and Jackson Galaxy • The third time’s a charm for Ernestina who finally finds a forever home• Our Pet Food Pantry needs your help - find out what you can do

Join Team Tree House & raise funds for the cats • Charity Race Team – Any race, any place, any time.

• Whatever you do, do it for the cats!

Enjoy benefits such as:• Personalized fundraising page• Free CARA membership (minimums apply)• Packages based on fundraising levels

Find out how you can help with Team Tree House.

Visit: TreeHouseAnimals.org/teamtreehouse or Firstgiving.com/TreeHouseCats

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Cover Cat: Jean Kelly is just one of several resident cats here at Tree House who is loving and playful, and enjoys visitors and attention. She can become overstimulated which, unfortunately, can cause individuals to label her as ‘difficult’ and miss the wonderful cat she is. With understanding and patience, visitors have a chance to see the gentle and affectionate side of Jean Kelly.

Contributors: Kristine Ankney, Kate Boisseau, David de Funiak, Sandy Glaser, Sydney Maier, Erin McEwan, Gwen Murphy, Jenny Schlueter, Jackie Such, Kady Walker Editors: Kristine Ankney, Jenny Schlueter Graphic Designer: Jowita Kostek Print/Production: Hagg Press

A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MAILBAGA special mailbag section dedicated to our happy matches

POT‘PURRI’Learn more about our Advisory Board Members and cat behavior experts, Pam Johnson-Bennett and Jackson Galaxy

COVER STORYThe overstimulated cat: patience, time, and understanding can solve these issues

EASY WAYS TO HELPOpportunities to help our Pet Food Pantry, shop our Amazon Wishlist or supporting retailers, and other ways to help

OVERLOOKED BUT NOT FORGOTTENThe “difficult” cat? Meet some of our more misunderstood resident cats who just need patience and understanding

HAPPY ENDINGSThe third time’s a charm - Ernestina finally finds a loving home

REMEMBERINGOur supporters honor and remember their friends and family to benefit our strays

TREE HOUSE CATALOGCheck out our new greeting cards and organic cotton canvas safety collars

Advertisements in this issue are provided to event sponsors

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LocationsHeadquarters: 1212 W. Carmen Ave.Chicago, IL 60640, 773-784-5488

Bucktown Branch: 1629 N. Ashland Ave.Chicago, IL 60622, 773-227-5535

Adoption HoursMonday - Friday 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.Saturday and Sunday 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m.

Last year’s adoption success has continued, with nearly 400 cats adopted already in 2013, and we’re not even halfway through the year. We are on a good pace to break last year’s record setting 646 in-house adoptions, and while these numbers are obviously impressive, we are also excited about the number of special needs cats who have found homes so far this year. We are extremely grateful to the many adopters who have welcomed Tree House cats into their homes. Please continue helping us spread the word to promote our adoptions.

The Capital Campaign for our new Adoption Center is underway, and we encourage you to get involved. Our goal is to begin construction on the Adoption Center in the spring of 2014, and we need all the help we can get to spread the message of our urgent need for this facility. We are currently forming committees to help us with the Campaign and are seeking volunteers to help promote the Campaign through public and private events, as well as through networking opportunities with friends, family, or at your workplace. We will have marketing materials ready in the coming months, which will include finalized architectural plans, renderings, naming and tribute opportunities, and a detailed description of our proposed programs and services. These marketing materials will be available for distribution to anyone interested, so please let us know how you can help promote the Campaign.

We are furthering the architectural plans with the Dobbins Group, a local architectural firm with decades of experience, most notably the design and construction of the Animal Emergency Treatment Center here in Chicago. The Dobbins Group will be consulting with the shelter design experts from ARQ, who have created our plans to date. We will likely be making some modifications to the current design to help increase efficiency and reduce construction costs. Some additional features we are exploring include:

• Expanded store for merchandise and supplies• A small café and lounge area• Expanded Education Center• A basement for storage and multi-purpose use space• Expanded Low-cost Clinic space• Increased parking area We’ll be finalizing our architectural plans soon in order to submit them for permit approval, so time is running out for you to offer your feedback. As our Campaign gears up, we hope we can count on your ideas, promotion, and donations. Please let me know how you would like to help. We realize that we wouldn’t be able to continue our life-saving work without your generous support, so on behalf of all of your friends at Tree House, both human and feline, we thank you for making our mission possible.

Sincerely,

David de Funiak Executive Director

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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MAILBAGLETTERS FROM OUR SUPPORTERS

can lay down with us as well, and she’ll become totally spoiled like the rest of the cats in the house! It’s so nice knowing all of our cats have had a connection somehow with Tree House! We feel very blessed to have all of them with us now!- Karen Zaldivar

Jones and JosephIt was quite the whirlwind of a day bringing the boys home. Just so you know, they HATE riding in the car. Luckily, we only had a few blocks to go that day. Jones became Jameson and Joseph became Sailor Jerry (Jerry for short). They were very nervous at first. After about twenty minutes of hiding under the bed, they started to explore their new home. I originally wanted to introduce them to a new room a day, but they quickly decided that this was their house and they would go where they pleased. The bond they made with my wife and I was almost immediate. Jameson has turned into quite the daddy’s boy and Jerry can’t go five minutes without knowing where his mommy is. When we adopted them, they were quite thin, and Jerry was recovering from an ear infection and had lost most of the fur from behind his ears. I am proud to say that they are both now well on their way to becoming the lazy house cats they were meant to be. Jerry has grown back all of his fur and now has enough to share with everybody. They are probably the two most loving cats I have ever had. They really do prefer to be right by you at all times, and I have to say, I don’t mind that at all. - Andrew Hodson

MoonballJust a quick update about the lovely Moonball. She is doing great! She is a ball of love every day! She is very comfortable here, and is even off most of her medication now! She is currently on one medication due to possible chronic bronchitis or asthma, however it doesn’t seem to bother her much, and we are working on a long-term method of treatment anyway. Truly, I have never met such a good-natured cat. She is just too funny. I have to clear her ears often as they seem to get dirty weekly, and she even purrs during that. And she loves the car. At first she wasn’t sure but now if I ever have to take her anywhere she just takes a nap with no complaints.- Nelly Papalambros

IncaOur little Djembe is so wonderful. My husband and I adopted her (then named Inca) from Tree House’s Uptown Headquarters last May. She had been at Tree House for only a few months, dealing with some minor issues, and recovering from her spay surgery and teeth extractions. When we met her, she was still healing, and her personality hadn’t been fully assessed. We fell in love immediately (even my husband, who is categorically a dog person). Her playfulness and affection were exactly what we were hoping for, and this past year she has become even more fun and loving. She enjoys having “conversations”, playing with almost anything, laying in the sunshine, and making sure she’s touching both my husband and I simultaneously. She creates so much happiness in our home, and we can’t thank you enough, Tree House!- Kate Kelley

MulderAustin (Tree House name, Mulder) is one of three orange tabby, male kittens that I adopted last summer. He is still very much a cuddler, and I often find him lying next to my head and waking me up with morning kisses. He and his doggie brother Milo are such a great pair. They play non-stop and also take naps together!- Tiffany Evans

IsIs BlueWe brought Tree House cat Isis Blue (a white Siamese), renamed to Socks for her cute little white paws, home on March 18th and kept her isolated from the other cats for several days. Smoke and Shamos (our other cats) were extremely curious about her, but Shelby (our third cat) didn’t seem to even notice her. We let her out to view the other rooms on the 23rd. Turns out she had no issues and got along with the other cats just fine right away. They are all good buddies now and enjoy each other’s company. We started out by giving her lots of space and just letting her roam. She loves the high perch and that has become a good zone for her. When she is on a perch, she allows us to pet her, and she meows and flips around asking for attention. However, she lets you know when she’s had enough, so we all know when to let her be. I know it will take time for her to adjust as she was out in the “wild” for many months, but she has made great strides with socializing, and I generally think she wants to be around us. She just has to learn that we are there to love her and not hurt her. She has seen the other cats lying on the beds with us, and she just started jumping up there herself. I think she will eventually learn that she

MULDER ISIS BLUE MOONBALLJONES & JOSEPH

INcA

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POT ‘PURR’IMEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Pam is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and former V.P. of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She founded the IAABC Cat Division and served as its longtime chair for eight years. She has also worked with the Winn Feline Foundation and was also on the American Humane Association’s Advisory Board on Animal Behavior and Training.

Renowned as a pioneer in the field of cat behavior consulting, Pam has influenced many practicing in the field today. Recently some of our staff met with Pam at the HSUS Animal Care Expo in her hometown of Nashville, and we talked about a few upcoming projects we’ll be working on, including developing more presentations for our Education Outreach Program and updating our Cat Care Guide. Over the last few years we’ve had several book signing events with Pam, and we hope to have her back again soon! We are thrilled to have Pam’s extensive expertise as well as her empathy and guidance on our Advisory Board.

Pam Johnson-BennettOne of the most sought-after cat behavior experts in the world, Pam’s “Think Like a Cat” approach to behavior and training has been profiled on television, radio, and in countless print publications. Star of the Discovery Channel UK’s new television series Psycho Kitty, Pam is best-selling author of eight books focused on cat behavior. Her book, Think Like a Cat has become known as the “cat bible.”

Pam began her career in cat behavior consulting in New York in the early 1980s, when there was no such thing as a cat behavior consultant, and it was considered foolish to work with individuals to change their cat’s behavior. Her journey into the world of cat behavior began with a personal experience when she first adopted cats in the late 1970s. She knew nothing about cats and quickly became a “bad cat parent” (her own words!). Her veterinarian’s advice was to euthanize her cats and start over. His perspective was that there were so many cats in the world, why waste time on the bad ones. Heartbroken, little did she know that this would be the beginning of a journey that would change her life. She read everything she could find related to psychology and behavior (whether it was child psychology, dog training, marriage counseling, you name it). She also began volunteering at nearby veterinary clinics, shelters, and rescue facilities, and started to look at cat behavior from the perspective of trying to determine what cats needed vs. what she expected of them. She began to make progress with her own cats, then friends’ and neighbors’ cats. When she returned to her veterinarian for her cats’ annual check ups, he took notice of the remarkable transformation in their behavior, then asked her if she’d work with some of his clients’ cats. Ironically, he eventually asked her to work with a troublesome cat he had adopted.

We are fortunate to have guidance from two individuals who, while having very different styles, share a compassion and commitment to educating people about cat behavior and humane animal welfare. Pam Johnson-Bennett is a world-renowned cat behavior expert who is credited with starting the cat behavior field. She has been a Tree House Advisory Board Member since 2009. Jackson Galaxy, AKA “America’s Cat Daddy”, brings his own unique rock star quality to the cat behavior world, and joined our Advisory Board in 2012. We are pleased to have the support of two such well-respected individuals in the cat behavior world.

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Jackson GalaxyA cat behaviorist with more than fifteen years of experience and the host of Animal Planet’s hit show My Cat From Hell, Jackson Galaxy specializes in helping individuals whose “out of control” cats are turning their lives and homes upside down. Jackson’s empathy and fascination for cats began one stormy night, sixteen years ago, while working in a shelter. At work late one night during a violent storm, he heard the cats in the stray cat impound area screaming. He remembered hearing somewhere that a “slow blink” means “I love you” in feline; a slow blink exchanged by cat and human establishes a link between the two. He decided to try it and, if nothing else, perhaps it would help quiet down or reassure some of the cats. Forty five minutes later, Jackson knew his life had taken a turn when the room was filled with sleeping cats.

A unique character in the feline behaviorist world, with his rock ‘n’ roll style, Jackson has been called many things: cat behaviorist, cat whisperer, cat trainer, and cat shrink. He describes himself as a cat listener. In his memoir, Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love and Coming Clean, Jackson tells the inspiring story of Benny, the cat who saved his life and set him on the path to becoming America’s Cat Daddy. Along the way, he shares his mission to help save the 4 million dogs and cats who die in shelters each year. As Jackson says: “Working in an animal shelter grounded me in the current reality of animal overpopulation and convinced me simultaneously of the promise of a no-kill country. We can achieve, in my lifetime, a world where homeless animals do not have to die – needlessly.”

In May, Jackson made a last minute visit to Chicago while on tour promoting the launch of the soft cover edition of his book. Never missing an opportunity to speak with the shelter community, we organized an event so Jackson could do a quick “cat mojo session”. More than 100 people came out and enjoyed a lively presentation and Q & A session. We hope Jackson will be back to visit in the Fall again for our Black Cat Ball. Jackson joined our Advisory Board last year, and we are excited to have his compassionate and knowledgeable expertise on our board.

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THE OVERSTIMULATED CATPATIENcE, TIME, AND UNDERSTANDING cAN SOLVE THESE ISSUES

The bottom line is that cats who get overstimulated are not being mean, and their actions are not pre-meditated. Rather, the resulting aggression is a sudden impulse that is really not within the cat’s control.

That said, it is every cat guardian’s job to recognize the impending attack and head it off at the pass. Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, star of Discovery Channel UK’s new television series, Psycho Kitty, and member of the Tree House Advisory Board, gives these recommendations on her website, catbehaviorassociates.com:

1. Be aware of your cat’s warning signs. Tail lashing/thumping, shifting of body position, twitching of skin, and direct looks from the cat are all indications that she has had enough petting. If the petting continues, she will likely scratch or bite.

2. Stop petting if you notice these signs. If you see a lashing tail, stop petting right away. Do not try to interact with the cat in any way; just leave her where she is.

3. Try not to reach the cat’s warning phase again. You don’t want your cat to learn that the only way to get his message across is to hurt you! If your cat becomes overstimulated after four minutes, for example, stop petting after two minutes.

4. Respect a cat who doesn’t like petting. It may sound strange, but some cats simply don’t enjoy strokes down the back. If yours is one of them, simply allow him to sit on your lap or beside you on the couch. Not petting him will actually build trust, and allow him to feel safe around you. You might try scratching his chin or the back of his head, starting with just a few seconds. Cats vary tremendously in what kind of contact they prefer, so take the time to find out which kind your cat enjoys.

5. Avoid rubbing your cat’s belly. Yes, some like it, but many don’t! Exposing the belly typically means one of two things: defensive aggression (allowing use of all four sets of claws, plus teeth) or relaxation. Even a relaxing cat can become defensively aggressive when his belly is touched. Avoid it!

Supervise all child-cat interactions. If you have small children, encourage them (only under supervision) to let kitty sit in their lap and pet once or twice if none of the above warning signs are visible. Do not allow them to chase, grab, pick up, or carry the cat, as this could result in serious injury. Older children can be taught that cats are not playthings but living, sensitive animals; young children simply won’t understand this, and must be closely supervised.

There is a sad scene that plays out in too many feline homes around the world. After a long day at work, you finally put on your comfy clothes, and sit down with a cup of tea. Perhaps you turn on your favorite music, and finally you get a chance to relax. Soon, your faithful feline companion stretches out next to you. You stroke her fur while she purrs and kneads the cushion between you. She seems to be drifting off to sleep, when suddenly and without warning, she grabs your hand with her claws and bites you! You respond with a shout, the cat jumps down, and then frantically starts grooming herself. What just happened?

This is a classic case of overstimulation or petting-related aggression. Sadly, it is one of the most common sources of feline-human miscommunication. We hear too often that a cat is “mean” or “crabby” when the poor cat is just trying to communicate to you that what might have been pleasurable at first, is now making her uncomfortable. Even worse is that 99% of the time, the cat had tried to communicate with their human in many other ways before scratching or biting, but the human didn’t get it! With no other means of communication left, the cat lashes out. Even sadder is that us humans often interpret this behavior in purely emotional terms and think that our cat doesn’t like us, or is just plain mean-spirited. But we know this is not the case and by “thinking like a cat” we can better understand why some cats get overstimulated, how to pick up on the signs, and how to stop the aggressive behavior BEFORE it starts!

To really understand why cats behave this way, we must go back to their origins. And although we think of cats as predators, we have to remember that cats are also prey to many larger predators.

So imagine that while you are petting your kitty, she reverts back to how she felt as a kitten when her mother groomed her. Kitty perceives our hand as her mother’s tongue, and she is in heaven while you “groom” her. Then suddenly something switches in her brain, she reverts back to reality, feels threatened by the hand on her body, and her natural fight/flight response kicks in! After the “attack” the grooming that takes place, as mentioned above, is the kitty’s attempt to calm herself down.

You can also look at overstimulation in more physiological terms; slow and fast-acting touch receptors get their signals crossed, essentially turning the initial feeling of pleasure to pain. Tree House Behaviorist Joan Levergood describes it like this: “Overstimulation is when a cat becomes overwhelmed with being touched and lashes out at the person petting them or someone else nearby.” She adds: “It seems like their brain misfires from the sensation of being touched.“

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Jackson Galaxy, also a member of our Advisory Board and Star of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell, is also well-versed in dealing with “overstimulation cats”. In a blog post on Littlebigcat.com he stresses how important it is not to send mixed signals. “The rule must be that no biting is allowed, ever”, he says. “Consistency on our part is key towards helping our cats understand a certain measure of right from wrong.” So, humans have to resist the urge to do anything that triggers the overstimulation in the cat (no matter how cute that tummy is), and we also have to make clear that any biting is inappropriate (even when the biting is softer than usual).

Fans of Galaxy’s show know that he is also big on play therapy, something we fully embrace at Tree House. Many cat guardians just don’t seem to put enough importance on the ritual of play for their cats. By engaging in regular play sessions, you give your cat the opportunity to “let off some steam” and provide an outlet for your cat’s natural hunting instincts - giving her acceptable prey as opposed to your hands or feet.

It takes some practice, but the idea is to understand what triggers the undesired behavior in your cat and not to misinterpret her motivations. Learn her basic body signals that show she is getting overstimulated so you can eventually avoid any attacks, and redirect that energy. With some dedication and patience, even the most “overstimulation-prone” cat can be tamed into a calm, cool, and collected one.

LESSONS FROM KITTENHOOD

Levergood warns that kittens who are picked up against their will, handled too much, and/or not given sufficient time to rest and play, or who are taught to play with human hands instead of toys are more likely to become easily overstimulated adult cats. Education Outreach Manager, Kate Boisseau, knows first-hand this is true. She shared the following story about her cat, Cassius:

“I know from personal experience that ‘only-kittens’ tend to grow up to be cats who get easily overstimulated. My cat, Cassius, is nine years old, and was adopted by my husband as a young, single kitten. Cassius never had a kitten friend to wrestle with and in his youth, he lived with four young men in their twenties, and he was handled and rough-housed a lot! He got used to biting people when he wanted to play, and when he was done with their affection, too. Not surprisingly, he grew up to be an adult cat who gets overstimulated easily. At Tree House, we adopt kittens out in pairs or into homes where they will have another cat or dog companion to play with. I think this is wise (my husband and I would never adopt a single kitten again!), not only because they love to have a playmate, but because having a playmate also helps them become well-adjusted cats. They are less inclined to be easily overstimulated if they have a friend to nibble on and tear around the house with.”

THE OVERSTIMULATED CATPATIENcE, TIME, AND UNDERSTANDING cAN SOLVE THESE ISSUES

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MORE ESSENTIAL TIPS AND TRIcKS

As soon as your cat bites or scratches, don’t struggle or try to pull away. Instead, go completely limp and/or even gently push your hand towards your cat and say “OUCH!” or “NO!” This will distract the cat, and make them forget about what they’re doing. If you stiffen or struggle, your hand resembles prey even more. Above all, don’t yell or punish your cat. It will frustrate, confuse, and upset them further, and it probably won’t make you feel good either.

Make sure there are lots of toys handy to distract your cat during an attack. Tree House has lots of toys (like our “kitty kickers”) that are great for kitty to attack, kick and bite, or chase (like our sparkle balls or felt mice). You can use these toys to distract and redirect the cat.

Pay close attention to your cat’s body language, as well as mood. If your cat is in play mode, don’t try to pet her! Some cats have a time or petting limit. Pay attention to this, and stop petting before that time is up (this may take some self-restraint on your part). Cats who become easily overstimulated may prefer head scratches, as petting down their bodies or backs may overstimulate them. Generally, it isn’t a good idea to pick up cats who get overstimulated easily - this will usually be too much for them! Avoid petting a cat’s belly, since this can often stimulate a cat’s defensive reactions. Hold out your hand and let the cat sniff you and then rub his head on your hand. Pet around the top of his head, cheeks, and sides of the body. Watch his body language. Tail flicking is a sign that a cat is becoming overstimulated. Dilated pupils can also indicate that the cat is in an excited state. Instead of pushing the limits, leave a cat wanting more petting as opposed to dealing with what happens when he wants less!

cHALLENGES OF THE SHELTER ENVIRONMENT

Socializing cats who are too often viewed as ‘difficult’ begins with a basic understanding of feline needs and the ways in which they communicate. In the cases of Tree House cats, who most often come from the streets or situations of abandonment or abuse, we work to provide them with opportunities for additional socialization and interactive play. It is also important to consider the possible underlying causes of overstimulation in order to help avoid, reduce, or eliminate the types of behaviors exhibited by overstimulated cats. For some cats, Tree House can be an overstimulating environment – there’s so much constantly going on and there are so many people handling them all the time! Often when they move to a calm home they are less prone to overstimulation. Environment plays a big role in overstimulation.

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EASY WAYS TO HELPOUR PET FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP

Most urgent needs include: Collapsible crates, top-loading carriers, and an iPad (for our year-end raffle). You can also drop-off donations at: Tree House Humane Society, 1212 W. Carmen Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 or 1629 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60622.

Shop and Support tree houSeThere are several opportunities for you to support Tree House while you get a little retail therapy (visit: TreeHouseAnimals.org/WaysToHelp to learn more):

Thirty One online store: Great totes, accessory bags, and storage with style for all you need to carry! 15% of sales support Tree House.

Visit: thirtyone.com/TelvidgeClick on: Place an orderClick on: Tree House Humane Society Fundraiser

U.S. Bones Rewards Fundraising Program for Animal Shelters and Rescues: Shop online for a variety of pet products including dog and cat food, cat litter, treats, and more at usbones.com.

FundraiSe For liFe eventS Such aS:• Weddings• Birthdays• Births• Anniversaries Or remember someone special by creating a special memorial page and asking individuals to donate in their honor.

Visit firstgiving.com/TreeHouseCats

Thanks so much for your help!

For more ideas on how you can help, please visit: TreeHouseAnimals.org/WaysToHelp

There are many ways you can help support Tree House beyond simply making a donation – check out these ways to get involved and help support the work we do.

Pet Food Pantry needs your HelPIn addition to cat rescue, we do all we can to help keep pets and people together. In 2012, we served 370 clients and distributed more than 70,000 pounds of food. The Pantry also provides food to our cat colony caretakers for free-roaming cats, some of whom feed 10 or more cats on a daily basis. Our main source of pet food for our Pantry has discontinued its program, leaving us at a large deficit – we need your help.

What we need: Kibble/dry food, canned food (please note that although our Pantry serves dogs and cats, we are in most need of cat food).

Here’s how you can help:• Visit our Amazon Wishlist (name: Tree House Humane Society) and have cat food sent directly to us (many will ship with FREE shipping via Amazon)• Drop off food at either our Bucktown or Uptown locations• Have a food drive in your neighborhood, block party, at your children’s events, local pet store, etc.

Items For our sHelter

Help our Cats in CagesCats who need to spend time in a cage due to health issues, or who are recovering from injuries need exercise and stimulation. We are in constant need of cage scratchers to help provide these kitties with exercise and activity. You can help by purchasing Stretch & Scratch brand cage scratchers. Visit

stretchandscratch.com or call 760-815-5686 to place an order and have it shipped directly to our Shelter Headquarters at 1212 W. Carmen Ave., Chicago, IL 60640.

Help with Shelter Supplies on our Amazon Wishlist We are always in need of items for our shelter and to use for events. An easy way to help is by shopping our wish list on Amazon.com • Order from Amazon and ship direct to Tree House• Wishlist name: Tree House Humane Society

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OVERLOOKED BUT NOT FORGOT TENTHE “DIFFIcULT” cAT? MEET SOME OF OUR MORE OVERLOOKED RESIDENT cATS WHO JUST NEED PATIENcE AND UNDERSTANDING

PoPPyseedPoppyseed resides at our Bucktown Branch, and celebrated her five-year anniversary at Tree House this past March. Poppyseed is an independent, sassy, and all-around alpha female. She was found abandoned in an apartment building where one of our staffers lived. It was apparent that she had most likely lived her entire life as a happy housecat and Poppyseed naturally had a hard time transitioning to life in a cageless, adoption center. She was scared and lost. It can be stressful for many cats to regulate and try to adjust to an environment with so many other cats with different personalities, and a steady stream of visitors. Due to the stress created by a new and unfamiliar environment, Poppyseed became increasingly wary of people. She had her guard up and at times would react in an aggressive manner, and was only open to receiving petting or affection on her terms.

Over time, Poppyseed has gained a circle of human followers who have remained faithful and devoted. In return, she has opened up her affections to a few committed volunteers and staff. In fact, she now relaxes enough to curl up on one individual’s lap or allow a nice combing of her beautiful tabby coat! It’s important to keep in mind that sometimes first impressions with cats like Poppyseed can be clouded by the behaviors that are simply reactions to the many things that can provoke them. We know that Poppyseed just needs to win the admiration of an adopter who will give her a chance to let her personality shine. Comfort and security make a big difference for many cats.

BertieHandsome Bertie managed to survive months with an injured leg outside before admission to Tree House. When he arrived, he was underweight, matted, and covered in flea dirt. With simple and devoted care, his health improved significantly. His immune system may be compromised by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) but Bertie has blossomed at Tree House. Bertie is on a canned-food-only diet to manage his weight. Being restricted to the diet room has turned him into quite an escape artist; he slips silently between the legs of unsuspecting visitors and shoots out the open door to gain access to the kibble in the adjoining colony room. When not planning his next escape, Bertie is content to lounge in the sunlight, but don’t let his relaxed pose mislead you, as unsuspecting guests who attempt to give him a soft belly rub run the risk of meeting his claws. Generally very affectionate and cuddly, Bertie is prone to overstimulation, making it particularly important to pay attention to his body language when interacting with him. When he is understood and individuals avoid overstimulating him, he is as silly and lovable as a giant kitten, which is why he is such a favorite among our youth volunteers. He delights with occasional bursts of energy which sometimes causes him to run in place like a cartoon cat. Bertie is like so many other cats who can become overstimulated, once you get to know their true character, you will make a friend for life.

Cats are social animals, but they also have innate survival instincts. Once a cat is wary of human contact, individuals must make an effort to win their love. Socializing cats who are too often viewed as ‘difficult’ begins with a basic understanding of feline needs and the ways in which they communicate. For Tree House cats, most of whom have come from the streets or from situations of abandonment or abuse, we work to provide them with opportunities for additional socialization and interactive play to help ease their fears and enable them to better trust humans.

Following are several Tree House cats who struggle with the issue of becoming overstimulated. However, as mentioned in our cover story, all it takes is some basic knowledge of feline behavior, a little patience, and a lot of love to be able to have a fruitful relationship with a cat with these tendencies. Additionally, when we consider a cat’s environment and triggers, it enables us to better understand why a cat may be acting out and take the time to get to know the truly wonderful cat underneath versus dismissing them as ‘difficult’. These cats have waited far too long for the forever home they deserve, and would love a patient and experienced cat person who could give them a second chance at a happy home life.

Jean KellyWe found a sad and scared cat crying outside in a carrier one rainy morning in 2008. She had been abandoned at our Bucktown Branch with a handwritten note: “I like soft blankets, pillows, and treats. Please love me!” When found, she was chirping, meowing, and crying, causing someone to remark that she was “Singin’ in the Rain”. She also had a throaty voice and masculine features which led us to believe she was a male, and she was therefore named Gene Kelly. Upon examination, however, it was determined that she was actually a stately female and the spelling of her name was appropriately changed to Jean Kelly, and thus began her life at Tree House.

In her Uptown colony room, Jean Kelly is a sweet cat who still has a lot to say and is notorious for being the disembodied meow in the room since she loves hiding under blankets while chirping away. Jean prefers to be in charge of her interactions with humans. While she is fond of laps and face scratches, she has to initiate them. She values her alone time and will alert you with a swat the moment she’s had enough!

Despite a tough exterior, she has a gentle heart and has found love in one of her feline roommates, Creepers, as well as his brother, Jeepers; the trio often roam their room in a pack. Jean Kelly is a headstrong and sassy lady with a warm, affectionate side. She would be an excellent companion for someone who could respect her space and earn her adoration. And, it wouldn’t surprise us one bit if in a home of her own, her overstimulation issues dissipate. She just needs a chance to prove it.

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OVERLOOKED BUT NOT FORGOT TENTHE “DIFFIcULT” cAT? MEET SOME OF OUR MORE OVERLOOKED RESIDENT cATS WHO JUST NEED PATIENcE AND UNDERSTANDING

enjoys playing, but is often too on edge to fully enjoy playtime. Sarah has clearly been through a great deal and would appreciate a home of her own with a quiet person who could encourage her to trust humans at her own pace. Given this, we are sure that her symptoms of overstimulation would be reduced significantly.

IpsoBeautiful Ipso arrived at Tree House shortly after her guardian became homeless. Ipso and her previous guardian lived in a car for some time, which forced her to have to catch her own food to supplement her lack of a regular diet. Ipso was very upset on her first day at Tree House and would not allow anyone to handle her. After reaching the adoption floor, she has had a hard time transitioning to living with so many other cats, and she often growls when they approach. Her overall state of alert causes her to sometimes swat at people who mean well but do not realize how guarded she is. For both her own health and safety, and the well being of the other cats and visitors, Ipso occasionally needs time away to settle and has her own designated acclimation cage for this purpose.

Ipso has special volunteers who work on building her trust, and we are thrilled to see the hard work is paying off as Ipso’s level of comfort seems to be improving. Slowly, her tolerance for the other cats has increased for longer periods of time, and there are times when she’ll seek out attention from people. Ipso’s perfect guardian would also be willing to give her as much time as needed to acclimate, as well as putting in the time needed to further coax out the affectionate side of this gorgeous girl.

ShimmyEight years ago, our Executive Director rode a cherry picker to the top of a utility pole to rescue Shimmy after we had received calls from concerned neighbors, who stated she’d been atop the pole for several days. We don’t know what made Shimmy run up that pole, however it may or may not have had something to do with her issues with overstimulation ever since. Shimmy is a very beautiful and chatty cat who now resides in her own office at our Bucktown Branch. While she might be considered by some as “difficult”, she has many fans, and those who know her and spend time with her understand that many of her issues and anxiety are triggered by the stress of being in a shelter environment. Shimmy is another example of a cat who has struggled with having to live with so many cats and not having the stability and consistency of a forever home and dedicated guardian. Although Shimmy enjoys humans and social interaction, she can become overstimulated by too much attention, in which case she might scratch or bite the nearest individual. With a kitty like Shimmy, it’s important to monitor her body language, and for individuals to stop whatever behavior or activity they are doing that appears to be agitating her. She has specific places on her body where she prefers to be petted (like the cute orange triangle between her ears) and other areas that are triggers for her overstimulation.

When learning to understand cats like Shimmy, it is a bit like a puzzle, and it takes time to determine how the pieces fit together and what actions they like and which trigger them. Sometimes we must challenge them to find out the result or to progress toward the next hurdle. With cats, the advancement may be a bit harder to track, but it can be achieved with patience and diligence. Sometimes, the most important thing you can give a cat is time, and with an open heart and open mind, you can find the joy of a cat ready to give back as much as she receives.

Sarah FerguSonSadly, sweet Sarah Ferguson was found wandering the streets, limping on sore paws because her claws had grown into the pads of her feet. Hers was a serious case and required emergency veterinary care, which she received thanks to the Triumph Critical Care Fund, created by one of our most generous supporters. Sarah Ferguson resides at our Uptown Headquarters. Her physical health is much improved since admission, but her emotional health is still fragile. She spends most of her day sleeping, often with her head buried under the covers, and she does not eat as well as we’d like. Sarah Ferguson is extremely uncomfortable around other cats. If she feels trapped or stressed, she will lash out at whoever is nearby, often times hissing a warning. She often slinks around the room as though she’s being stalked. Sarah Ferguson is sweet with people and enjoys head and chin scratches, craning her neck to receive attention.

However, if she feels threatened, she will swipe at the hand that pets her. With a cat like Sarah it is important to stay focused while petting her. She

JEAN KELLY POPPYSEED BERTIE

SHIMMY

SARAH FERGUSON IPSO

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HAPPY ENDINGSTHE THIRD TIME’S A cHARM - ERNESTINA FINDS A LOVING HOME

We hear that Ernestina is settling into the role of housecat once again. Her adopters have shared that “Ernestina is more than terrific and happy. She has situated herself very well in the house and loves to sit by the fish tank with her new best friend Snickers (their other cat), who now grooms her daily; she stretches out and enjoys every second of it.” We hear that she has taken to the adopter’s children as well as they have to her. Milus is in charge of brushing her fur while her younger child, Isaiah, likes to play Spiderman with Ernestina, who simply takes it all in. “Ernestina brings happiness to my family!” says Marcie. While we miss her here at Tree House, it is our goal to help every cat find their forever home, and we are so grateful that Ernestina finally received her “Happy Ending” with people who adore and respect her.

Ernestina arrived at Tree House as a fluffy, five-month-old kitten. It seemed like she would end up in a good home in no time. However, her journey to a forever home has been a tumultuous one. Ernestina has been adopted and returned to Tree House twice — through absolutely no fault of her own. Ernestina was first adopted with another Tree House cat named Sugar Cookie in March of 2001. Unfortunately, they were both returned seven years later when her adopters decided they traveled too much to keep them. Ernestina got a second chance at a forever home in August 2010, but the adopter returned her after only nine days. Again, it wasn’t Ernestina’s fault; her adopter sent a heartbreaking email explaining that the timing was all wrong, and that she wasn’t ready for a cat. Ernestina was overlooked for several years, in part because of health issues including a mild heart murmur and stomatitis (a dental disease), but also because she was prone to overstimulation. Ernestina would bark or swat if she was approached in a manner that she disapproved of, yet part of the challenge she faced was adapting to the shelter environment. Ernestina became a fixture in our front room, which receives a great deal of traffic – from people and cats – on a daily basis. Most individuals passing through the room would stop to give her some form of attention, such as a pet, kiss, or brush, along with the necessary medication she needed. It was an overwhelming environment for poor Ernestina. She was far from an aggressive cat, and she would simply communicate that she’d had enough with a swat or gentle smack. Those who did not know her or understand the environment she had to tolerate mislabeled her as “fickle”, “moody”, “a princess”, or “a diva” and one whack of her soft, ineffective paw was enough to keep them from truly getting to know the sweet cat underneath.

Toward the end of 2012, Ernestina suffered from a severe cold which took its toll on her health. Despite our best efforts, her health declined, and we feared she would not bounce back or have a chance to find her forever home. But Ernestina prevailed and began to return to her sweet self. Then she caught the eye of Tree House volunteer Marcie Hendricks and her son, Milus, who fell in love with her. Thankfully, they took the time to get to know the true Ernestina and after many weekly visits, they decided to take her home in February!

ERNESTINA

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF MAMAOur cat Mama passed away on October 23rd, 2012. Mama was our life and joy, she was the boss. Gone but not forgotten, what a cat she was. Loved her so much.

~ Shirley Lensky & John Miller

IN HONOR OF STEVE DALE

~ Matrix Partners

IN LOVING MEMORY OF TIGGER~ Pamela Goffinet-Martinez~ Joanie Wiinblad~ Sandra Thielz~ Kathleen Vaughn~ David Helt

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MANNY

My companion, my friend, and family member. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten. June 1997 to April 30, 2013.

~ Michael Gidwitz

EDITOR’S NOTESWe regret that Robert Klaus was inadvertently left out of the donor listing in the 2012 Year-In-Review. His name should have been listed under the $250 - $499 donor category. We apologize for this omission.

Tributes included are approximately from the beginning of January to the end of April. To add a tribute message to Tree House News, we request a gift of $50 or more. To include a photo with your tribute message, we request a gift of $100 or more. We can also send a tribute card to anyone you designate. Feel free to use the enclosed envelope to make your tribute gift. Thank you!

If you are interested in learning more about planned giving and leaving a legacy for the animals, please contact David de Funiak at 773-784-5488 ext. 226 or Dave@TreeHouseAnimals.org.

REMEMBERINGOUR SUPPORTERS HONOR AND REMEMBER THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO BENEFIT OUR STRAYS

MAMA

STEVE DALE

MANNY

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• Buddy, Winnie, Willy, & WallyNicoletta Dipietro• SashaRobin Doyle• Patti SpatzConrad Spatz• Tiffany Rose DustHazel Lindenbaum• BeansKay Harris• TaraGrazyna Giminska• JasperTracey & Steven Hallman• Lucy, Peach, & JimDeborah Brown & Benita Smolny• Cuddles & RockyJeanne Lamping• Barbara DeFuniakC. Gardnar Stevens• OllieDouglas Stoltzfus & Steve Lobacz• MollyRichard Thompson• BertMarueen Fitzpatrick & Douglas Armstrong• LieveKevin O’Neill & Debra Wierus-O’Neill• EllieRoger & Cheryl Gansauer• EliotAndre Daugavietis & Maureen Duffy-Daugavietis• Marcia Williams & Evelyn TempeVicki Strobel• Cootie BugDonna Marie Jesudowich• SlateMarsha Sible• MisdifEmilie Remus• McVickerApril Louise Nemrava• Lucille M. ReyesRichard & Susan WittMarion FrickChristine Johnson• ThelmaMarilyn Hallett• Charlotte Kolton DillionGerald & Judith Szesko• Kathy UlanowskiKennth Ulanowski

• Sunny & CleoSandy Pinckert• Sally from the AlleyJoan Cook• Sophie Allen SpencerJohn & Sylvia Kinney• David ZignonMarcine Todd• BetteDean & Norma Munson• Judy SchiltzLou & Joan EpiscopeCynthia Dombek• EveElizabeth Liwazer• ZoeRuth Meyer• BaileyAnna Voeller• PurrsMary Lou Hudson• SkittlesAllen & Nancy Labecki• JellyCarol Massey• Luna (Speakeasy)Emily & James Smith• 99James DeSomer• Vickie Boone NoviEdward NoviSandra Kleck• Bo & RoryGarry Grygotis• Dusty, Tiffany, Rose, May, & MollyannHazel Lindenbaum• Raymond J. ZittmanRonald UrbaniakMike Roche• Minnie GreenElaine Wittendorfer• SylviaDeborah Everds• John TeareJacqueline Teare• HillarySandy Pinckert• Dorothy MorossLinda Moross• Simba & CalebJohn Heckmann• DaisySharon Clement• Norma CobbsRaji Bala• May (1997 – 2013)Christopher Long & Daniel Nehm

IN MEMORY OF...• Tigger – Tree House Sponsor CatPamela Goffinet-MartinezJoanie WiinbladSandra ThielzKathleen VaughnDavid Helt• Emily GabrielsenAnne & Kenji YatsushiroEric & Lorie WaehnerValdina CreasyJerry & Peggy HudsonRandy FisherStanley Rebacz & Lynne GabrielsenSarah & Mitchell LiebermanJohn & Susan Sarmiento• MuffyValerie & Ross Lober• Deirdre O’SheaF. Evon• HopeLinda Viska• Jeff PonczakGlen & Joni PonczakJames SonnenbergNina SlodkiWilliam & Wendy Choslovsky• Joe the CatGretchen Dietz• Robert K. Goldmann, Engywok, & MarcoLisa Goldmann• Esther JamesKenneth James• MamaJohn Miller & Shirley Lensky• ElizabethMarina Yonan• CrackersMichael & Carrie Gidwitz• Mattie, Geffen, Sophie, Marcello, & Miss VivJason & Keri Pesola• Jean FleckWilliam Fleck• Murphy CaseyCarol Casey• FredScott & Wendi Nations• CasinoPatty Delony• MandyDiane Tymick• Timothy RundleDouglas & Kathleen Rundle• CricketDoris Reside• Martina ConnorsKelly Kinney

• Frosty & FluffyJohn & Judith MacLeod• Tyke & OllieHeather Groh• Sheila LoganMichael & Connie Summers• Tiger & MidnightPhyllis Wilmouth• AliciaAlbin & Helen Tyminski• Barbara J. DureeMargaret Banks• TigMike & Jennifer DePriest• CharlesGeraldine Heitzman• JasmineElaine Cyplick• Ann CholakianGirair Cholakian• Thomas M. McAuliffeNicole Finitzo• BanditLiz Copeland• SolaceKelli Walker• KoKoEdward Carroll• GinsuDaniel & Diane Jursa• Richard DaynowskiToby Singer• May, Molly, Sassy, & SaneMorton & Anne Stern• B.C. & MoochTeresa Brake• Buttons, Tiger, Cassie, & RustyLucille Wendell• Elfrieda SudhoffCynthia Butler• Sammy & AlexDebbie Gonzalez• DigitJohn Gordon & William Salvato• MaxiePatrick & Shirley Higgins• Gadzooks & Yonkers, & in honor of Paddleboat & San PanT.J. Johnsrud• Samie, & in honor of PrinceMichael Lucarelli• Stella & Gracie, & in honor of Mr. MazalBonita Hoefler & Jack Trytten

REMEMBERING

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• Pookie, Raisin, & Taco, & in honor of Khaki AnneckoShelly Clauze• Charlie & Isabelle, & in honor of AlingaMary Duffy• Judy FalcoLawrence Wilson• Tiger JoyceMarilyn Hallett• William GoldsteinPaula Pohill• Carolyn GralewskiKristin Groberg• Basia PraznowskiLynne Gabrielsen• Stanley PrezetteLinda Stellon• Maya ForteneseEdward Dworkin• Pearl ColeJoann Townsend• John Terry Power TatumBob Novak• Ruckus Lacey• Kimberly Radich• Lillian PritikinKatherine KuscevichEdel SchufreiderZorina Matavulj• Alex OrrDrew Hopkins• Pierre BarrettTera Miller• Willy & Syrus KiorpesLucy Sims• Tiger HuppertKristen Dewitt• Carol AllansonAnn Allanson• Zachary BrendelJudy Kaiser• Sylvester VromanCynthia Vroman• Pinky SullivanBarbara Pratter• Samantha Ann FergusonAmy Ferguson• Dorothy BiddleJudith Biddle• MallowMary Jean Kraybill• Sol IsaacsonMarjorie Isaacson• Gismo BainMargaret Bain• Anabel PrestonCharles & Alexandra Uth

• Mieze RavelAnneliese Znaidia• Mr. Lucky FabricantMindy SchwartzAmy Levy• LuvBug PrisekinDouglas Savitsky & Erika Skoek• Kali MillsMegan Campbell• Jinx ZalenskiCheryl Zalenski• Karola “Kari” SchoppeSara Sandberg-ThomaLauren AltenburgerSarah LangCynthia AlcantaraEmployees at OAA Service Center• Gil WeinsteinRichard Kotrba• Donna Lee AdkinsKimberly Chiew• Fido FeilAnneliese Znaidia• Catherine “Tati” GreensleyFrom loving nieces & nephews: Jan, Jim, Kathy, Michelle, Greg, & JohnJim & Krystyna Monahan• Sylvia LedererJeanette Wehmeier• Jeepers ProperBridget Mutter• Zoe MeyerSusan Meyer• Mr. SpinaNatalie White• Cheryl SarichMichael Roe• Edward MinickCheryl ChalfantMichael Vernon & Halley Aldeen• AbbeySarah Kaspar• Sauce of Trout TowneBonnie Cunningham• Coco MadoreDebra Leon• Seuss the Cat FrostAndrew Solomon• Tom McAuliffeSusan Nugent• Dave Marmalade ScotchWarren Sampson• Dave AlspaughBarbara Alspaugh• Moo Stewart-CooleyMichael Vernon & Halley Aldeen

REMEMBERING• Hannibal ZackfiaMelissa Wood• Ann NickolTimothy Tolan• Colette EggertLynn Minich• Kate SuperczynskiRichard Pena & Edith Podrazik• Callie CheekFredricka Cheek

IN HONOR OF...• Alexandra UthJohn & Colleen Uth• Patricia HefnerKathleen Schmidt• Eleanor PerryDeborah Perry• Terry ConnollyAnne Melinda Gulyash• Jennifer MihalikDylan Roeh• Otis & T-bone WalkerAnne Dasovic• Susan Lane’s 70th BirthdayJean Yates• TashiClare Dean• OllieGenna Bebko• Ann LintonTracy, Gracie, & George UngerCelia Gillard• Kiersten Essenpreis’s BirthdayJustin EssenpreisCourtney Essenpreis• Monet Cutter’s BirthdayMarie Galoney• Roger Anderson & Lindsay ColbertMichael Wasserman• Aaron Chait & Meghan DavisonMichael Wasserman• Phillip Jordan DevonMichael Wasserman• Peter & Megene ForkerMichael Wasserman• Kevin & Shannon GaydosMichael Wasserman• Jennifer SimmsMichael Wasserman• Keith WattsMichael Wasserman• Jennifer WeberMichael Wasserman• Hankee & GuerreroDonna Renee Smith

• Blanco, Batman, Quincy, Prince, Phantom, & ButtonPatrice Joy Zamenhof• Bountiful, Cheri, Jennifer, Perch, & other palsRosemary Erickson• OscarJudith Kreczmer• Phil, Slick, & SparkyMark & Lise Thorsby• Maria Edstrom’s BirthdayLynn KosarPhil EdstromRichard & Lori PearceBethy NygaardJon & Carol Rechtzigel• Booger, Buddy, Brian, Molly, & SmokeyHelen Mohr• Aja, Sparrow, Miles, Jackson, & HarvyGary & Sheila Courington• Sydney OlsenRobin & Eirik Olsen• Tree House CatsToni Chan & Alice Tse• Little Foot & Cow CowToni Chan & Alice Tse• Hemi, Piper, & MeimeiToni Chan & Alice Tse• Stardust, Belle, Priscilla, Elvis, & FrederiqueDarlyn Delaney• Mia & Fiyero Flagg-EatonMichael Flagg & Greg Eaton• All the kitties!Julia Chosy• Maggie HirshfeldSara Remington• DrexelRyan Johnson & Regan Brewer• Rio & AddieColleen Cushing• Neal & RogerKoni Shaughnessy• Dexter, Grayson, Inky, & MidnightChristina Pulawski• Waldo, Tilly, & ScrubStephanette Smith• Tree House Humane SocietyDebra Hunter• Heather SteffenMark Delaney• Saki, Penny, Sasha, Lily, Cloey, & OliveJane Degolier• Betty JacobsenConstance Luedicke

15

• Bo & Amanda Johnson’s MarriageTeri BrownPatricia AtchisonCalvin & Deborah BloodBeverly Jouza• Charles & Alex UthJohn & Colleen Uth• Kathi ColvinCatherine Clamp• Felicitas, Oxymoron, & HyperboleRichard Kiechhefer & Barbara Newman• Linus the CatMichael Yonan & Adam Connors• PonchoCorinne Wentworth• JackC. Marie Johnson• Karen Fitt’s BirthdayPatricia Jacobs• Wyatt AsnerChantel Asner• Alice DriscollJoseph Driscoll• Midori LeeDiana Bolz-Lambert• Sarah PoontongDavid Block• Carol Hofer & Ken Donhauser’s WeddingDavid & Joy Inverso

• Pablo & Mochi DanielsDavid Stagman• McGreggor “Mac” KramerMarilyn Kramer• Janelle HoekstraKatherine Van Horne• Maggie BobbittMichael Flagg & Greg Eaton• Mr. Bill & BearMary Jane Endicott• Susan WeisbergBrittany PlathJoyce Garst• June SpilburgJennifer Sauer• Lisa WiseBarbara Schulhoff• DijonMarilyn Cevicius• Sally BennettRachel Bennett• Noel Roberts’s BirthdaySusan Holzmeister• Joyce AlbertsIris Osten• David Scott NusbaumHoward & Joanne Nusbaum• Ellen Szymanski-BartnikCarol Vanek• Lisa Wise’s 50th BirthdayAlan & Jeanette Zemsky• Steve DaleMatrix Partners• Halvorson’s Three CatsJoy & Dean Halvorson• Corey LindseyPatrice Michaels• Don Bergh & Veronica Belsuzarri’s WeddingThomas McIeishCary Shoda• Chiquin JohnsonClelia Johnson• Dave HarperDarlene Grandolfo• ScoutMara Zile• Heather & Larissa TaylorSusan Leahy• Darryl DePriestRuth Savolaine• Tree House Foster ParentsLynn Welter• Catherine BorovinaT. Leslie Fisher• Otis MinegarAlan Sochacki

• Horatio BenJennifer Pagnini• Marina YonanRebecca Yonan• Matthew & Karla BushTimothy BushTheresa Kuhrt• Janis & Fred KruegerNeala Fink• Betty KalberKathy Kalber Kinsella• Sasha, Alice, Sammy, Djimmi, Buster, Fuzzy, Karma, Blackie, & FrankieWilliam Bader• Cindy & Matt KuzmaCarol Kells• Miss Abigail FultonStephanie Hlywak & Gabe Estill• Cynthia CzubaChris Gabrielsen• Laurel DearbornMarissa Wilkin• Scott WheelerKaren Wheeler• Tessa SchmellingStephanie Hughes• Pat MessickDonald & Kathleen Knop• Sally WallachJennifer Hanna• Karen SchmidtKathleen Schmidt• Marilyn StrojnyCourtney Currie• SamJennifer Achuthan• Ann & Jeff ClarkCathy Freigle• Pat & Tom GlavinGarry Sonnenfeld• LoveRonald & Sharon Rogowski• Allan BolchazyLadislaus & Marie Bolchazy• Brett GentileMarylen Gentile• My Friends, donated on their behalf for Christmas in lieu of giftsAnn Linton• Jeff & Denise FeulnerScott & Terri McMurtry• Vets & Staff at Chicago Cat ClinicAnn Lavon• Carol FletcherJulianne Williams• Ellen Bartnik-SzymanskiTammy Vanek

• Linda MasonWilliam Mason• George Butler-FordA. Ford• Carrie & Allison NewmanAlexandra Newman• Brenda WilliamsDeborah Ratner• Raymond O’BrienMatt O’Brien• Gary WatkinsEric Watkins• Owain & Gweynneth AlexanderUncle Kevin Case• Kenzie CameronAmy Rettberg• Brendan MalecMickie Flanagan• Judi & Casey HollatzJeanette Pesnikov• Dr. Pancake & Waffle DavisLayne Lebahn• Lolly O’ConnerClaudine Parra• Hiromi IshikawaDonna Palumbo• Kate WalkerLindsay Crammond• WillieMax & Florence Gabbard• LuckyDaniella Leinwand• Marcia IannoAdam Ianno• Alexandra GrantThomas Twomey• Mike RocheleauPam Alvarez• MoominAlison McKinzie• Jack & Terri KerrVerda Wille• Susan DemingDebra Shirley• Rose Schreier’s BirthdaySharon Schreier• Tom & Sally Bagley’s 50th AnniversaryLinda Willareth• Heather & Heidi MitchellGerald & Wanda Mitchell• Kelly KiorpesAnthony Kiorpes• Joan ConoverRandy Schnell• Dr. Lynda EwaldKathleen Brown

REMEMBERING

When your pet gets sick, you want the best care for them. Our experienced emergency veterinarians and board certified specialists provide state-of-the-art care when your pet needs it most. For 35 years, we have been a trusted partner to your veterinarian in the care of your pet.

3123 N. Clybourn | Chicago, IL | 773-281-7110 | www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com

OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED AND RENOWNED EXPERTS ARE READY WHEN YOUR PET NEEDS US MOST

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Dr. Jerry KleinSupervising Veterinarian

Dr. Stacia VolbrechtER Director

Dr. Brooke Bartell

Dr. Baruch Caballero

Dr. Rachel Fluegge

Dr. Sinyee Fok

Dr. Dylan Frederickson

Dr. Tracy Goode

Dr. Christina Hafemann

Dr. James Hardiman

Dr. Alicea Klemas

Dr. Michael Mallard

Dr. Rebecca Patterson

Dr. Erin Tennyson

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Michael LuethyDiplomate ACVIM

DENTISTRY & ORAL SURGERY

Dr. Cindy CharlierDiplomate AVDC

Dr. Bill KrugDiplomate AVDC

Dr. Marika ConstantarasResident

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Dr. Jason CrawfordDiplomate ACVR

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Seth GhantousDiplomate ACVIM

Dr. Jack MacKenzieDiplomate ACVIM

NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY

Dr. Michael PodellDiplomate ACVIM

Dr. Zachary NimanDiplomate ACVIM

Dr. Rebecca Windsor Diplomate ACVIM

ONCOLOGY

Dr. Jayme LooperDiplomate ACVR

SURGERY

Dr. Jeff BrourmanDiplomate ACVS

Dr. Aaron JacksonDiplomate ACVS

Dr. Steven NeihausDiplomate ACVS

Dr. Adam Prink Diplomate ACVS

Dr. Arathi VinayakDiplomate ACVS

DERMATOLOGY

OPHTHALMOLOGY

EXPERIENCE AND CARE THAT YOU AND YOUR

VETERINARIAN CAN TRUST

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KENNEDY EXPY / I-90/94

CHICAGO VETERINARY EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER

Emergency Care Intensive Care Specialty Care

State-of-the-Art Facility Open 24 Hours Every Day of the Year

– Fully staffed emergency & critical care facility

– CT, MRI & diagnostic ultrasound

– Advanced surgical suites

– On-site laboratory and blood bank

CHICAGO VETERINARYEMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER

Experience and care that you and your veterinarian can trust.

OPENING JULY 2013Chicago Veterinary Cancer Center

Medical & Radiation Oncology

PawsitivEnergy Rehabilitation CenterRehabilitation

16

REMEMBERING

When your pet gets sick, you want the best care for them. Our experienced emergency veterinarians and board certified specialists provide state-of-the-art care when your pet needs it most. For 35 years, we have been a trusted partner to your veterinarian in the care of your pet.

3123 N. Clybourn | Chicago, IL | 773-281-7110 | www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com

OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED AND RENOWNED EXPERTS ARE READY WHEN YOUR PET NEEDS US MOST

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Dr. Jerry KleinSupervising Veterinarian

Dr. Stacia VolbrechtER Director

Dr. Brooke Bartell

Dr. Baruch Caballero

Dr. Rachel Fluegge

Dr. Sinyee Fok

Dr. Dylan Frederickson

Dr. Tracy Goode

Dr. Christina Hafemann

Dr. James Hardiman

Dr. Alicea Klemas

Dr. Michael Mallard

Dr. Rebecca Patterson

Dr. Erin Tennyson

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Michael LuethyDiplomate ACVIM

DENTISTRY & ORAL SURGERY

Dr. Cindy CharlierDiplomate AVDC

Dr. Bill KrugDiplomate AVDC

Dr. Marika ConstantarasResident

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Dr. Jason CrawfordDiplomate ACVR

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Seth GhantousDiplomate ACVIM

Dr. Jack MacKenzieDiplomate ACVIM

NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY

Dr. Michael PodellDiplomate ACVIM

Dr. Zachary NimanDiplomate ACVIM

Dr. Rebecca Windsor Diplomate ACVIM

ONCOLOGY

Dr. Jayme LooperDiplomate ACVR

SURGERY

Dr. Jeff BrourmanDiplomate ACVS

Dr. Aaron JacksonDiplomate ACVS

Dr. Steven NeihausDiplomate ACVS

Dr. Adam Prink Diplomate ACVS

Dr. Arathi VinayakDiplomate ACVS

DERMATOLOGY

OPHTHALMOLOGY

EXPERIENCE AND CARE THAT YOU AND YOUR

VETERINARIAN CAN TRUST

BELMONT

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KENNEDY EXPY / I-90/94

CHICAGO VETERINARY EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER

Emergency Care Intensive Care Specialty Care

State-of-the-Art Facility Open 24 Hours Every Day of the Year

– Fully staffed emergency & critical care facility

– CT, MRI & diagnostic ultrasound

– Advanced surgical suites

– On-site laboratory and blood bank

CHICAGO VETERINARYEMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER

Experience and care that you and your veterinarian can trust.

OPENING JULY 2013Chicago Veterinary Cancer Center

Medical & Radiation Oncology

PawsitivEnergy Rehabilitation CenterRehabilitation

T. Sparkle Balls Small ........................4 for $1 – Item #115 Medium ....................3 for $1 – Item #116 Large ........................ $1 each – Item #117

‘CAT’ALOGPRODUcTS FOR THE cAT AND cAT LOVER IN YOUR LIFE

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Sale!A. Tree House Holiday Cards Tree House Cats Photograph Designs (Set A) ......................$8.00 Set of 12 – “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hannukah” Shelly Atkinson Lights of Love Illustration ...........................$8.00 Set of 12 – “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” House Lights Design ............................................................$5.00 Cat in Basket Design ............................................................$5.00B. 2013 Tree House Calendar ...................................................$5.00C. Tree House Cat Ornaments Cat with Bow Pewter Ornament ...........................................$7.00 Three Wise Cats (wooden) ..................................................$4.00 Plush Angel Cat with Snowflake ...........................................$2.00 Plush Cats with Jingle Bells (set of two) .............................$3.00

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New Items!D. Ceramic Egg Bowl ......................................... $16.00 – Item #189E. Frank & Fifi, set of 2 ........................................ $3.00 – Item #184F. Catnip Wedge ....... ..................................... $3.00 – Item #126G. Catnip Cinnamon Bun ..................................... $5.00 – Item #129H. Big Mouth Scoop ................................................................$7.00 Light Blue..................... ...................................................... #188B Dark Green............... ........................... .............................. #188GI. Sticky Paws XL 9”x12” 5-sheet Pack ................................ $12.00 – Item #190 Furniture Strips........... .................................. $10.00 – Item #191J. Tree House Greeting Cards .............................. $5.00 – Item #607

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K – S Catnip ItemsK. Kerry Mice.................. .................................... $5.00 – Item #113L. Catnip Strawberries ......................................... $4.00 – Item #444M. Catnip Mat ................................................... $12.00 – Item #105N. Leona’s Catnip Pillow ...................................... $4.00 – Item #107O. “Bewitched” Bootie ...................................... 2/$5.00 – Item #128P. “Bewitched” Mice ............................................ $5.00 – Item #120Q. “Bewitched” Taco............................................ $4.00 – Item #127R. “Bewitched” Fish ............................................ $4.00 – Item #139 S. “Bewitched” Kitty Kicker ................................. $8.00 – Item #132

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U. Spiral Balls (no photo) ............................ $1.00 each – Item #183V. Joe Jingles ...................................................... $3.00 – Item #182W. Bright Felt Mice .............................................. $2.00 – Item #114X. Wand Toys – Sparkler ..................................... $3.00 – Item #135 Cat Charmer .................................................... $6.00 – Item #102 Da Bird ............................................................ $7.00 – Item #124 Da Bird Refill ................................................... $4.00 – Item #125Y. Dragonfly Toy (no photo) .............................. $12.00 – Item #111Z. Cat Dancer – Original ...................................... $4.00 – Item #103 With Catnip ..................................................... $6.00 – Item #110AA. Crinkle Bags (various designs) ................... $20.00 – Item #126AB. Peek and Play Toy Box ................................ $20.00 – Item #181

For full descriptions, and to see more items, please visit our website: TreeHouseAnimals.org

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Order Form

Item # Item Description (please print) Price Size Qty. Subtotal Ship To

#1 #2

#1 #2

#1 #2

#1 #2

#1 #2

#1 #2

#1 #2

Subtotal

20% discount for Tree House members only

Shipping fee from chart (for each address)

Total

*Charitable donation

Final Total

#1 Ship to Person Ordering

Name

Street Apt.

City State Zip

Daytime Telephone (required for credit card purchases)

#2 Ship to Different Address

Name

Street Apt.

City State Zip

Sign card from Date to Ship

(optional—for gift order)

Method of Payment

£ Check or Money Order enclosed (Sorry, no CODs or cash)£ Charge to: Visa MasterCard American Express Discover

Card Number Exp. Date / /

Signature (required)

HOW TO ORDER1. Fill out order form completely, including street delivery address ($1.50 extra charge for non-street address). Specify items to be sent to other persons. Gift card included upon request; gift wrapping not available.2. Calculate shipping fee with easy chart below.3. Send order form with full payment, including shipping (use chart). No billing or COD. Do not send cash. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery after we receive payment and order.

CHARGE BY PHONE FOR FASTER SERVICECall 773-784-5488 ext. 230, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Thursday and Saturday, to place merchandise orders by phone. Or you may fax your order to 773-784-2332 any time. You may also order on our secure website: TreeHouseAnimals.org.

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AM AN AOAM – AO Apparel AM. Tree House Logo Hooded Sweatshirts in Indigo Blue Unisex. Sizes S, M, L, XL .......................... $35.00 – Item #641AN. 2012 Stray Pride Tees and Tanks Unisex Tees. Sizes S, M, L, XL ................. $20.00 – Item #635T Women’s Tanks. Sizes S, M, L, XL ........... $25.00 – Item #635KAG. Tree House Logo Tees by American Apparel ........... $20.00 each Men’s Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL – Cranberry ................ Item #632 Army (Limited Time Only, NO XXL) ............................ Item #626 Black .......................................................................... Item #627 Navy ........................................................................... Item #628 Women’s Sizes: S, M, L, XL Teal ............................................................................ Item #636 Purple ........................................................................ Item #633 Light Blue (Limited Time Only) .................................. Item #630 Olive ........................................................................... Item #631 White (Limited Time Only) ......................................... Item #629

AF – AL Care, Supply, and MoreAF. Adjustable Harness and Leash Gold ...........................................................$10.00 – Item #185G Blue ............................................................ $10.00 – Item #185B Purple ........................................................ $10.00 – Item #185L Pink ............................................................ $10.00 – Item #185P Red ............................................................$10.00 – Item #185R Green .........................................................$10.00 – Item #185N AG. Canvas Collars ............................................................ Item #188 Adult with Charm .....................................$15.00 – Item #188AC Adult without Charm .................................. $12.00 – Item #188A Kitten with Charm ....................................$15.00 – Item #188KC Kitten without Charm ................................. $12.00 – Item #188K Charms (seashell) ........................................ $7.00 – Item #188CAH. Cat Care Products Cat & Kitten Nail Trimmer (no photo) ........... $8.00 – Item #205 Wire Brush (no photo) ................................. $6.00 – Item #809 Zoom Groom (no photo) ............................ $10.00 – Item #840 AI. Clickers (no photo) ........................................ $3.00 – Item #304 AJ. Feliway Electric Diffuser ........................................... $30.00 – Item #301 Electric Diffuser Refill .................................. $20.00 – Item #302 Pheromone Spray ....................................... $25.00 – Item #303 AK. Peat Seed & Grass Pack (no photo) .............. $5.00 – Item #811 AL. Kitty Afghan (no photo) ................................ $7.00 – Item #851

AC – AE ScratchersAC. Floor Scratcher ........................................... $30.00 – Item #121AD. Ultimate Scratching Post ............................ $75.00 – Item #122AE. Ultimate Post Perch .................................... $20.00 – Item #165

SHIPPING INFORMATIONWe ship UPS in the continental US. Extra $1.50 fee for orders to Canada, Hawaii, APO & FPO, P.O. Boxes and Parcel Post (where UPS does not deliver). These shipments take an additional two weeks. Shipping charges to foreign countries quoted upon request. Use a street address (your business address, if necessary) for fastest service.

EASY SHIPPING/HANDLING/INSURANCE CHART: $10.00 or less .............................. $3.00$10.01-$30.00 .............................. $4.95 $30.00-$40.00 .............................. $6.95$40.01-$50.00 ............................. $7.95 $50.01-$60.00 ............................. $8.95 $60.01-$75.00 .............................. $9.95$75.01-$100.00 .......................... $11.95$100.01-$150.00 ........................ $13.95Over $150.00 ............................. $15.95Call for delivery to Canada

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Thanks to

for sponsoring this year’s Stray Cat Strut

ArkHealTreeHouseAd5.13.indd 1 5/31/13 12:47 PM

Chicago’s Only Feline Resort & Spa!

www.meeowchicago.com@meeowchicago

312.244.3738

SERVICES

Thanks to

for sponsoring this year’s Stray Cat Strut

NON-PROFITORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDELGIN, IL

PERMIT #126

NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART ADOPTION CENTER & LOW-COST CLINIC COMING SOON

EXTENDING OUR REAcH

Education Center and Training Area – promoting the humane treatment of animals, featuring educational and training sessions on cat and kitten care, and behavior, training, and certification classes for dogs, and informational seminars on Pet Trusts, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).

BE A PART OF IT

Learn how you can help us build for the future.Visit our website at TreeHouseAnimals.org

creating a premier facility that will embody today’s best practices in housing and treating cats – more space, improved environment, and expanded services to save more animals’ lives – until there are no more stray cats.

FINDING MORE FOREVER HOMES

Adoption Center – creating an inviting space to increase positive interactions with our resident cats and help even more animals find their forever homes, featuring an enriching, cageless environment with plenty of sunlight and vertical space for the cats to enjoy.

PROMOTING PET HEALTH AND WELL BEING

Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic (the first of its kind in Chicago)– helping improve the ongoing care and health of both cats and dogs. by supporting low-income families and individuals in our community with free and low-cost services similar to those found in private veterinary practices.