Identifying cat genders in the field - coloration

1. We're interested in identifying which cats are female, because.... females have the kittens.  Selective trapping and spaying of the female cats can stop reproduction and growth of the colony immediately.   Immediately, is good.

a classic "patchy" calico - black, orange and white in solid patches of color.

A calico tending toward a tortoiseshell - lots of black, less white.

A tortoiseshell calico - no white.

a muted, or dilute calico: gray, tan and white

Looks like a tabby, but has orange mixed in, so she's a calico.  Sometimes called a "torbie".

Tortie - her orange might be faded, or she might be almost entirely black with one small orange spot or a few hairs!  still female.

I call this a calico tuxedo, because of her white feet.

2. Orange, or orange-and-white cats are often male (75%), but can be female.  

this guy looks male - long limbs.  He's less than 2 because he doesn't yet have jowls.

this girl is a mom - note her calico kitten.

Identifying cat genders in the field - cat butts

A cat's gender is written on its bottom - can you read it?

Un-neutered male, younger than 2 years (no jowls).  Starting at about 8 months old, you'll also observe that he'll spray to mark his testosterone-y scent.
I think he's showing them off.

Neutered male.  When neutered young, there's no visible scrotum.  This boy has 4 "spots" - top one is his anus, bottom one is his pee pee, looking closely, the middle pair are his former testis (highlighted by his coloration).

Same here.  Neutered male - 3 dots.  Note the distance of his peepee from his anus. 

A tomcat - un-neutered male over 2 years old.
Raggedy ears from fighting, the large "grapefruit" sized head, the jowls develop at 2 years + and will disappear after he's neutered. I admit he has bits of orange which might make you think he was a calico, if it weren't for his FACE.

A (goofy) female.  No way to tell if she's spayed.  Often her vagina will be highlighted by her coloration, and it looks like a slit immediately below her anus (visible here).  Male's "stuff" is an inch or more from the anus.

Kitty Cottage (large)

Large Kitty Cottage, fits 3 large, 5 smallish cats that are friendly with each other.

Entry is from below, keeps out wind and snow.  14" is an easy jump for a cat, but keeps out other critters.

unobstructed interior space allows kitties to snuggle together for warmth.  Clear end-panels let in natural light.

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How to file for 501(c)3 non-profit status
You file for non-profit status so that income to your humane organization (donations, adoption fees) do not have to be declared (and taxed!) as income. Donors get a tax exemption when they make donations to your group - so they will donate more generously. In Massachusetts, the Mass Dept of Agriculture currently REQUIRES that you hold non-profit status and register your entity with them, or they will regard you as a commercial PET SHOP, which must be licensed - or stop your humane activities.

In broad outline, the steps are these:
1) Find an accountant who will file your IRS form 1023 for a price you can afford. I know someone in the Boston area who's done several of these, and he charges between $225 and $300, which is probably a discounted rate. You may be able to get this service for free (perhaps you have an accountant on your board), but it will save you in the long run if they have experience doing this and know where the pitfalls are.
2) form a non-profit corporation to do business (and fundraise) in your state
3) file for federal (IRS) recognition of your non-profit status - you'll want an accountant for this.
4) let the state know that you have federal recognition, so that you will be exempt from state sales taxes as well.
Timeline: If you do your part expeditiously, it takes 2-3 months of total waiting time for the government (state and federal) wheels to turn.
Costs: It costs approximately $600: $350 in filing fees, and $250 for a friendly and sympathetic accountant.
Future Maintenance: Once you've got your 501(c)3 status, you'll need to file a short annual tax form (the 990EZ) with the IRS and the state, as well as filing a roster of your officers (called your Annual Report) with the MA Division of Public Charities.

There's an excellent workbook to get you started - by Anthony Mancuso.
Written for non-lawyers, "How to Form a Non-Profit Corporation". He walks you through the decisions (not many), supplies boilerplate Bylaws needed for the federal application. He also discusses when it makes sense to go through this process - and when it doesn't.


In more detail (specific to Massachusetts):
1) you come up with a unique name for your group - and there's an online database for you to ensure that it's a unique name (if there's another humane organization with the same name in the state, your corporate filing will be rejected. If there's a non-animal related business with the same name that wouldn't be confused with your org, you might get away with it. )
2) File your Articles of Organization with the state. This notifies the state of your intention to start a non-profit corporation, the charitable and fund-raising activities that you intend to pursue, and the people who will be responsible. There's an online version of the Articles of Organization to fill out, and a $35 filing fee.
Once you do this, you will be able to get a business checking account in your business name (however you won't be considered non-profit until you get federal approval (step 5). The state (MA) has a website for non-profit corporations, out of the Secretary of State's office. Many of the forms for changing your name, officers, purposes, are located here. Don't sweat these forms and decisions too much (but read Mancuso) - it's not necessary to bare your soul to the bureaucracy, and most choices you're making can be changed later with the appropriate form and filing fee!

2a) Once your state corporate filing is done and accepted (a few weeks), you'll file an online request for a "certified copy". You'll need this stamped official copy to send in with your federal filing. It will come in the mail in a week or so, and there's a small fee.

3) In the meantime, you can get your Employer ID number (EIN). Fill out the online form (you'll need your officer's addresses), and the system will generate a number. That will be your "non-profit number" when you complete this process. Be sure to PRINT THE FORM before the final step - or you won't have a copy.
3a) Go over the boilerplate By-Laws, adding your corporate name, and check that the provisions are adequate (for now). Print out a copy.
3b) open a business checking account. Any donations made to your corporation while your federal application is pending will be tax deductible retroactively, as long as they were made within a year of approval. Once your non-profit status is approved federally, you may want to change to a bank that offers free accounts to non-profits.

4) Bring your
By-Laws,
certified copy of your Articles, and
your EIN
your checkbook (to pay the $300 filing fee) and
a bank statement showing your corporate bank balance (you are disclosing this to the IRS)
to your chosen accountant. He will file the IRS Form 1023 (all 28 pages) for federal recognition of your non-profit status. The filing fee is $300 if you think you'll take in less than $10,000 per year. The accountant will also charge for his/her services (or perhaps you'll get a good deal, or perhaps you'll enlist an accountant for your board!).
Accountants are more experienced dealing with the IRS, and the financial side - I think it's preferable to use an accountant versus a lawyer. Especially one who's done it before.

5) Best case, you'll wait 30-45 days for IRS approval, if your accountant knows what s/he's doing and there aren't any flags raised, otherwise you'll go back and forth with questions/clarifications, but then you'll get approval - called your Determination Letter. This is what you show people who want you to verify your non-profit status.

6) Register your now-federally-recognized corporation with the MA Dept of Revenue, for exemption from state sales tax.

7) Register your organization with Mass Dept of Agriculture if you intend to adopt animals to the public.

You're done!

Trapped Pets Still Being Rescued alive... 4 weeks after Hurricane Katrina.

Rescuer points toward the meow!

Kitten was rescued from the attic of this house. Cat leaps from the roof into the arms of his Mom, finally home.

Hi All; I just heard from Cathy and they need more help right away. She had a list of 50 houses to go through and she and her partner were able to break into 4 houses(very hard work!). Two houses were empty and in the other houses they found a cat in each. Both alive, very dehydrated and emaciated, but she feels that they will live. She is now heading back for the day. So....they need more people to help bash through windows and doors to get in and search the houses. MAC is organizing a van or bus to go down asap. Please contact MAC if you want to go by bus....Will report more when I hear from her again. But she is finding live animals, but they need a ton of help!!Thanks, Stacy

MassAnimalCoalition.org

Hi All; Passing on a message from Cathy Ahern. She went down to New Orleans yesterday to help with the rescue of cats as a result of the Alley Cat Allies appeal for help. She called me this morning. Here is her information... The rescue effort is very well run by HSUS. It is like a huge Topsfield Fair, there are tents for sleeping, showers and plenty of food. The three main jobs that they need volunteers to help with:
1. Search and Rescue-there are still houses that they haven't gotten to. She is going in today. She was certified last night.
2. Feeders to go into the city to drop food for all of the animals.
3. Animal care for the hundreds of dogs and some cats that they have at the Lamar Expo Center(HSUS is located).There are plans to evacuate the rescue center in the event that Rita comes their way. It is very urgent that people go down now to help. There is a Delta flight that leaves at 2pm today from Boston. You can fly into Baton Rouge or New Orleans and rent a car from Alamo. They seem to be the only place that has cars. Cathy will pick you up at the airport. Call Cathy on her cell phone at 978-360-6228 asap if you can come down. I will email more as I hear from her.Thanks, Stacy

Help Animals hurt by Katrina

The Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC), an umbrella organization of Massachusetts animal-friendly groups and businesses, is in communication with state and national humane groups now in place or en route to the devastation caused by Katrina.
We will be hearing shortly about what they need us at home to do, to assist. Likely needs will be homes to shelter animals (pets - dogs, cats, birds) orphaned by the storm.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah is also helping animals in the devastated area, they have issued the list of needs below. if you can help, please e-mail hrf@bestfriends.org with specific information on how you would like to help, what expertise you may be able to supply and how best way to contact you. We are compiling a list and will be contacting people as the program develops. Please see the list below:

Volunteer help:
- People with emergency/disaster experience to work at the disaster site.
- Long term foster homes (approximately 3 months)
- Carpenters and other construction trades people to work at the temporary and permanent shelter sites.
- Veterinarians and veterinary technicians
- Truckers
- People with trucks and vans to do animal and supply transport.
- People to collect and hold supplies until they ship
- People to volunteer at the Sanctuary for at least one week to cover for deployed personnel.

Supplies needed:
People needs:
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Vegetarian People food that won’t spoil or need refrigeration
Portable toilets and sanitizer
Insect repellent
Sun showers
Sunscreen
First aid kits for relief workers
Hand sanitizer

Pet needs
Pet Food
Animal Bedding
Crates (all sizes)
Collars/leads
Veterinary Supplies
Puppy and Kitten Formula
Canopy tents for the animals
Large cat tower/cage (for kittens)
Portable water bowls for animals
Microchip Scanners

General needs
RVs, SUV’s & Trucks (4x4), ATV’s (loaned or donated)
Tarp
Two way radios
Generators
Rope
Duct tape
Cable ties
Fencing, both temporary and permanent
Heavy work gloves and welding gloves
Carpentry supplies
Gas cans
Gas for vehicles
Flashlights
Batteries (AA, AAA, C & D)
Water
Water tanks
Clorox bleach
Warehouse facilities near Tylertown, MS
Garbage cans
Garbage bags
Tents
Camping Gear
Towels
Blankets
Collapsible wire cages (extra large size)
Extension cords (heavy duty outdoor approved - 100 foot long)
Grooming clippers (electric)
Zip Lock bags (extra large size)

Important note: Please contact us at the number above before you buy large quantities of any of these items.

This list is not exhaustive and if you think that you can offer goods or services that can help, please contact hrf@bestfriends.org. We will contact you soon.

Baby Boom: Coping with Kitten Season
©2005The HSUSBy Rebecca Simmons
You've heard of the dog days of summer; what about "kitten season"?
No, it's not a fifth season—it's the time of year when cats give birth, flooding animal shelters across the nation with homeless litters. Kitten "season" is really three seasons in one, starting in spring, peaking in late spring or early summer, and ending in fall.
"In New Hampshire, kitten season lasts from early spring through late fall," says Jen Corbin, adoption center manager at the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Stratham, New Hampshire. "We are actually seeing kittens earlier and earlier each year."
Domino Effect
So why does kitten season occur?
"The warm weather coincides with female cats' heat cycles," says Cory Smith, program manager of animal sheltering issues at The HSUS. "When female cats go into heat, male cats come running from near and far. Cats' reproductive hormones are very powerful."
And no matter where the cats are, they don't have far to go.
"In every community in the nation, there is an over-abundance of unsterilized cats both owned and un-owned, says Smith. "A frenzy of mating takes place each year."
The easiest way to help reduce the overwhelming numbers of unwanted cats is to spay and neuter your own cat and encourage others to do the same.
"It makes a huge difference," says Smith. "Even if your cat only goes outside occasionally, or there's a chance that he may get out, it allows plenty of opportunity for him to mate. Unaltered cats are driven by their hormones and tend to sneak outdoors primarily in search of a mate. Mating just once can start a domino effect that can result in dozens, even hundreds or thousands of unwanted animals."
These unwanted cats and kittens, when not left on the street to fend for themselves, often turn up in high volume at the local animal shelter.
Shelter Strain
Kitten season presents many challenges for shelter staff and the cats in their care. Resources already hard to come by—like food, money and space—are often stretched to their limit as shelters, that often take in thousands of animals every year, are inundated with homeless cats.
Typically, the adult cats feel the most immediate effects, as they are often overlooked by potential adopters when kittens are in abundance.
"During kitten season it becomes more difficult to place adult cats. Even when people come in with the intent to adopt an adult, their heads are turned by the cute, active kittens, and the adult cats are passed by," says Corbin.
As shelters struggle to accommodate as many cats as possible, the risk of illness also increases.
"As we reach our capacity, the close quarters cause the cats additional stress, and they begin to spread germs, get sick—and the whole population suffers," says Corbin.
The animals aren't the only ones who feel the effects of stress. The burden often carries over to staff and vet services as they attempt to cope with the overwhelming number of cats.
"Often the staff takes home the overflow and become overwhelmed as they care for animals during the day and the night," says Corbin. "The burden also affects our local vet population as we scramble to find enough vets willing to help us get the cats spayed and neutered."
An End in Sight?
The vast numbers of cats that shelters accommodate across the nation during kitten season will not drop overnight. But there are many ways to help reduce cat overpopulation and to bring much-needed relief to the animals, and to the people, affected by kitten season. Here's how you can get involved:

• Spay or neuter your cats! Kittens as young as 2 months and weighing two pounds can be safely altered. Check with a local vet or spay-neuter clinic for more information.
• Help your local shelterDonate supplies, money or your time. Contact your local shelter to find out what's needed most.
• Care for homeless or wild cats in your areaWork with your local animal control or feral cat group to help control your neighborhood's feral and stray cat populations.
• Become a foster parent: Contact your local shelter or rescue group to learn more about becoming a foster parent for cats or kittens in need.
• Adopt: Open your home to new cat or adopt a playmate for your existing pets.
  Rebecca Simmons is the Outreach Communications Coordinator for Companion Animals at The HSUS.