Great Cats From Second Chance Animal Rescue, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

I'm a foster mom for Second Chance Animal Rescue, based out of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, just outside the Twin Cities. My sweet foster kitty, Kirby, is currently available for adoption, as are some other wonderful cats.

Lately, very few cats have been adopted from Second Chance Rescue. Perhaps it's the bad economy...

In any event, here's a few of the wonderful cats available for adoption from Second Chance Animal Rescue. If you live in or near the Twin Cities, please consider adopting a Second Chance kitty!


GORDY is approx. 4 years old and a cute black & white boy with a beard and moustache. He's a real sweetie, very friendly and likes to be where the activity is. He loves to hang out in his cradle perch and watch television with you. He likes to play with his interactive toys or he's fine just watching the activity out the windows. Gordy is a silly guy yet mellow. He gets along very well with the foster's cats and needs to be adopted into a home with another cat companion. Gordy has his own cute personality; after you finish your shower, he will help get the water drops out of the tub! Gordy would be best in a home without kids or dogs. He is neutered, FeLV & FIV negative, and distemper and rabies vaccinated. His adoption fee is $95. If you're looking for a real pal, call us at 651-771-5662.






DUNCAN is approx. 1-2 years old and a strikingly handsome black and gray cat with white feet and chest. He is shy at first and needs a kind voice so he feels brave . . . and then he warms up and becomes your best friend. Duncan is an active and affectionate boy, and he likes to head but and rub against his foster mom. He loves running through the house and playing with balls and toy mice and climbing the cat scratching tree. He likes being up hightand watching the bird activity out the window. Duncan loves attention and playing with interactive toys with his foster mom. He also entertains himself by playing ball - he carries a small rubber ball around, drops it and then chases it - very smart guy. Duncan also throws his fleece toy in the air and chases that. He’s a big sweet (and often clumsy) boy who likes to talk to you and rub up against you when he's happy. He should be adopted into an adult home without other animals.
Duncan is neutered, FeLV & FIV negative and distemper vaccinated. His adoption fee is $100. Call 651-771-5662 if you have a quiet, loving home and are looking for a great friend.


HI – my name is CISCO and I'm approx. 2 - 2 1/2 years old and a cute black/brown tiger. Both of my ears were frostbitten off so I look like one of those funny breeds called a Scottish Fold. I am a very happy, social, and affectionate cat. I LOVE sitting on your lap while you read, watch TV, or work on the computer, and I purr happily to let you know. I'm a good cuddler at night and want to be part of the family. I also love to play with those toys with feathers on them, furry mice and sparkle balls. I really like my scratching tree and enjoy hanging out on the top level so I can keep an eye on the house and watch out the windows. Sometimes I like to talk to you. I would like a home without other animals so I can have all the attention; I might be okay with another playful cat if slowly introduced. And a home without young kids is preferred too. I am neutered, FeLV & FIV negative and distemper vaccinated. You can adopt me for just $95. Please call Second Chance at 651-771-5662 to see adorable me.


FRAZER is approx. 5 years old and a WONDERFUL orange/white boy with pretty green eyes. He is such an affectionate, friendly, social, loveable guy – he LOVES to be carried around and will hang over your shoulder (and gives little kitty kisses). Frazer is a good cuddler, likes to sit on your lap, be petted, sleep with you and just be part of your world. He will follow you around and tell you all about his day - and he comes when he is called; he's a good conversationalist. Frazer enjoys catnip toys, furry mice toys, his scratching post and watching the activity out the windows. When he wants to be held, he will reach out for you with his front paws or will try to jump to your arms. Frazer enjoys laying in the sun and taking long naps. He would prefer a home without other animals or young kids running around. Frazer is neutered, FeLV & FIV negative and distemper vaccinated. His adoption fee is $100. Call 651-771-5662 to see this friendly lover boy.


SYLVESTER is approx. 2 years old and a handsome black/white tuxedo with beautiful green eyes and long whiskers. He is a friendly, social boy who comes running when you call him, and he will jump up on your lap purring happily. Sylvester likes to snuggle and sleep with you and is a good companion while you're watching TV. He likes to follow you from room to room and, when you come home, he will greet you with a cute meow. He also likes to greet company when they come to the house. Sylvester likes his catnip toys, watching the activity out the windows and being petted. He is fine with the foster's cats and likes to be part of the whole family. A home without dogs would be preferred and older kids would be fine. He will need routine brushing to keep his coat nice. Sylvester is neutered, declawed, FeLV & FIV negative and distemper vaccinated. His adoption fee is $110. Call 651-771-5662 to adopt handsome, wonderful Sylvester.

Call 651-771-5662 to apply to adopt one of these beautiful cats, or any of the other pets available through Second Chance Animal Rescue. Or, you can visit some of the cats and dogs at Petco in Roseville, Minnesota, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. located at 2575 North Fairview Avenue (North of Highway 36 off Fairview Avenue) on November 8, December 13, January 17, or February 14.

Second Chance Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization dedicated to rescuing, caring for and providing homeless dogs and cats with a second chance at life and companionship. We don't have a shelter but instead house animals in volunteer foster homes until permanent, loving adoptive homes are found. We rescue dogs and cats from animal control facilities and from a wide range of other situations before they are put to sleep or, in some cases, sold for research. Each animal is vet checked, heartworm or feline leukemia checked, wormed and spayed or neutered. The adoption fee includes a free ID tag and free vet exam.

Second Chance Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 10533
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: 651-771-5662
Website: secondchancerescue.org

Are You Midnight's Good Luck Charm?

Black cats, like black dogs, are much less likely to be adopted from shelters and pounds. Sadly, many people still associate black cats with "bad luck." Black cats in shelters also often get overlooked in favor of "flashier" cats like Siamese, long-hairs, orangies, Maine Coons, etc. Black cats and "plain jane" tabbies are usually the first to go down in high-kill shelters, who are starting to see a huge influx of cats and kittens as kitten season begins.

This guy really breaks my heart. Midnight looks exactly like my mom's cat, Max. I tried to convince her that Max needed a buddy, but considering the fact that my mom is in Minnesota and Midnight is in Georgia, it just doesn't work. Can you give Midnight a home?

Midnight 08-1259 is a black adult male domestic short-hair cat in desperate need of a new home. He just loves attention! If you can help Midnight, please contact the Lee County Animal Shelter immediately.

Lee County Animal Control
759 Hwy 32 East Leesburg,Georgia
P.O. Box 889
Leesburg, Ga. 31763
Phone: 229-759-6037
dcopeland@lee.ga.us or dmathis@lee.ga.us

Update 6/2: I am thrilled to report that Midnight has been adopted!

"Mr. Sweet Potato Head" Needs a Special Home, Georgia

"Mr. Sweet Potato Head"

This handsome orange kitty has seen the rougher sides of the street, as evidenced by the scratches on his face. Affectionately nicknamed "Mr. Sweet Potato Head," this guy absolutely loves to be petted! He purrs non-stop! Despite his rough appearance, all "Mr. Sweet Potato Head" wants is someone to love.

"Mr. Sweet Potato Head" is already neutered and up-to-date on shots. This lover-boy is, however, FIV positive, and as such he needs a special home. His FIV-positive status is most likely the result of his life on the streets. It does not have to be a death sentence for him!

Many people, even cat people, shudder at the term "FIV," because often, FIV positive cats are euthanized and never even given a chance for adoption. FIV cats, or cats with Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus, can lead long, happy, healthy lives.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessarily mandatory to keep an FIV cat separated from non-infected cats. It is only spread through blood, such as the case of serious puncture wounds.

Here are some facts about FIV from the Best Friends Animal Society:

1. The Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.

2. FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.

3. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.

4. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing. It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.

5. The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, unneutered tomcats.)

6. A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.

7. Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.

8. FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible. Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet, keep and treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise.

The biggest challenge to keeping an FIV cat is the necessity to be vigilant about any health issues. For more information about FIV, please visit this article from Best Friends.

Please don't let FIV scare you away from this wonderful kitty! If you are interested in adopting "Mr. Sweet Potato Head," please contact Heard County Animal Control immediately. Because "Mr. Sweet Potato Head" was picked up by animal control, his time is extremely limited!

Heard County Animal Control Center
11818 Ga Hwy 100
Franklin, GA 30217
Phone: 706-675-3570 (Ask for Kaylene)
Email: heardcountyanima@bellsouth.net

***UPDATE 2/27***

Great News! Winging Cat Rescue has rescued "Mr. Sweet Potato Head," and he will be making his way to a special-needs sanctuary a couple states away.

Critical Cats

I manage another site called Critical Cats, hosted by Squidoo. On Saving Lives One at A Time, I feature a variety of pets, including both cats and dogs. I also offer information regarding rescue and adoption of shelter pets, and I offer information regarding interesting ways to help pets in need. The purpose of Critical Cats, however, is solely to promote the adoption of death row cats. Although I obviously cannot post every death row cat urgently waiting adoption, I try to update the site with new cats several times a week.

If you have room in your heart and home for a shelter cat, please consider stopping by Critical Cats to view the profiles of some special death row cats.

Teddy Wants to Be Your "Teddy-Cat", Georgia

Teddy is an absolute cutie pie! Teddy is a young adult male orange and white tabby cat in desperate need of a new home. Look at his cute mustache!

Teddy is located at the Sumter Humane Society in Americus, Georgia. The Humane Society is not "no-kill," so Teddy's time is limited.

Teddy is already neutered, up-to-date on shots, and litter-trained. His adoption fee is $85, which includes his 1st FVRC P vaccination, Rabies shot, Micro chip, worming and negative FIV and FeLV test.

The Sumter Humane Society may also be able to help with transportation if you don't live near Americus.

If you are interested in adopting or rescuing Teddy, please call 229 924 0268 immediately!

Sumter Humane Society
702 Magnolia Street
Americus, GA 31719
Phone: 229 924 0268
Email: shumanes@sowega.net

**Update 9/2/08. Unfortunately, Teddy's listing has been removed, and I have not been able to determine his fate.

Sweet Declawed Tabby Needs A New Home in Georgia

This gorgeous tabby, 20080137, was brought in as a stray. 20080137 is an adult female tabby domestic shorthair in desperate need of a new home. You can definitely tell she used to be owned by someone....she adores attention and she's been declawed and spayed.

20080137 is located at Walton County Animal Control in Monroe, Georgia. Since she is at an animal control facility, time is of the essence! If you are interested in adopting or rescuing 20080137 please call 770-267-1322 immediately!

Walton County Animal Control
1411 S. Madison Ave.
Monroe, GA 30655
Phone: 770-267-1322
Email: wcanimal@monroeaccess.net

Update 2/25. This beautiful kitty's listing has been removed. Unfortunately, I have been unable to determine her fate. :(

I Just Need Somebody to Love! Rome, Georgia

8c113 is a young adult female domestic shorthair in desperate need of a home!

As you can see from her photo, 8c113 just wants someone to pet her! She is rubbing her head on the cage in the hopes that someone will just give her a little love.

8c113 is located at the Floyd County Animal Shelter in Rome, Georgia.

If you are interested in adopting 8c113, please call 706.236.4545 immediately! 8c113's time is extremely limited, so time is of the essence!

Floyd County Animal Control
431 Mathis Road
Rome, GA 30161
P: 706-236-4545

Update 2/25. This sweetie just breaks my heart. All she wanted is for someone to rub her head through the bars of the cage. I am sad to report that her listing has been removed, and I have been unable to determine her fate.

St. Martin Parish Animal Control Needs Your Help!

St. Martin Parish Animal Control is located in St. Martinville, Louisiana. Sadly, there are many, many more animals that come into animal control than are adopted or rescued from the facility. They need help! If you live in the area, please consider adopting a pet from St. Martin Parish Animal Control. If you do not live in the area, or cannot adopt a pet, please consider cross-posting on behalf of these animals. The more exposure they get, the more likely they are to be adopted! Pets at St. Martin Parish Animal Control can also be fostered. As a foster, you provide the love and care and the rest of the basics are provided for you. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the pet before adoption, or to keep it safe and healthy while it waits for a permanent home. Foster homes give many rescued animals another chance for life.

Cross-posting works!! Chance, the brindle Plott-hound mix I posted about a couple times was rescued from St. Martin Parish Animal Control through the efforts of rescuers around the country!

Here are just a couple of the pets currently located at St. Martin Parish Animal Control in desperate need of adoption or rescue.

Tommy Chat 318732 is a young adult male gray and white domestic shorthair in desperate need of a new home. Unwanted pets have a very limited time at St. Martin Parish Animal Control, so time is of the essence! He is extremely affectionate and loves attention. He also gets along well with children and other animals. If you are interested in adopting Tommy Chat please email Jealena.Gros@la.gov or call (337) 394-1220 immediately!

***UPDATE 3/7! TOMMY CHAT HAS BEEN ADOPTED!***




402278 is a young adult male white domestic shorthair in desperate need of a new home. Unwanted pets have a very limited time at St. Martin Parish Animal Control, so time is of the essence! He is just a cuddle bug and absolutely adores attention. If you are interested in adopting 402278 please call (337) 394-1220 immediately!

***UPDATE 3/7! 402278 HAS BEEN ADOPTED!***





Sebastian 397626 is a young adult mastiff mix in desperate need of a new home. Unwanted pets have a very limited time at St. Martin Parish Animal Control, so time is of the essence! Sebastian is about 11 months old, and he's very friendly and outgoing! He's a big boy, weighing in at about 90 pounds. If you are interested in adopting Sebastian please call (337) 394-1220 immediately!

***UPDATE 2/16! SEBASTIAN HAS BEEN ADOPTED!***








408145 is a young adult female terrier pointer mix in desperate need of a new home. Unwanted pets have a very limited time at St. Martin Parish Animal Control, so time is of the essence! 408145 has stunning eyes! Did you see the triangle between her ears? She is about 9 months old and weighs about 35 pounds. If you are interested in adopting 408145 please call (337) 394-1220 immediately!

***UPDATE 2/16! 408145 HAS BEEN ADOPTED!***



The St. Martin Parish Animal Control Facility's address is 1004 Industrial Park Road, St. Martinville LA 70582. Opening hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. Adoptions are on a first come first served basis (this is why it is a good idea to call first). The $65 adoption fee entitles you to a $50 spay/neuter certificate and a $10 rabies certificate.

For more information on how to help pets at St. Martin Parish Animal Control, please contact the St. Martin Humane Society.

Georgia's Gizmo Needs a Good Home

Gizmo 8654 is an adult female gray and white domestic shorthair cat in desperate need of a good home.

Gizmo's adoption fee is $50.00 which includes spay, rabies vaccine, and a microchip.

Gizmo is currently located at Glynn County Animal Services in Brunswick, Georgia. Glynn County Animal Services is an animal control facility, so Gizmo's time is very limited!

If you area interested in adopting Gizmo, please call (912) 554-7500 as soon as possible!

Glynn County Animal Services
4765 Us 17 N
Brunswick, GA 31525
Phone: (912) 554-7500
Email: animalservices@glynncounty-ga.gov

Update 2/28. Sadly, Gizmo is no longer available for adoption, and I have been unable to determine her fate :(

Feral Cats and Alley Cat Allies

Just because he's feral, doesn't mean he has no friends.



Most communities have large populations of stray cats and kittens. Some of these cats once belonged to someone, and have simply reverted to a wild state. Others, however, are feral. Feral cats were born in the wild and have never been socialized to humans. In essence, they are wild animals. Most adult feral cats cannot be domesticated and lead lives as normal, affectionate pets. However, feral kittens that are caught at an early age can often be socialized and lead great lives as pets.

Feral cat populations are a problem. They kill native bird species, they raid garbage cans, and they can spread diseases to your pet. BUT, the worst part of all is the tragic lives feral cats live. In urban areas, these cats depend on scavenging for human food scraps, and thousands starve to death when food supplies run low. They are killed by coyotes, by dogs, and in some parts of the U.S., by mountain lions. Their most dangerous predator, however, is humans. Thousands die on the roads when they are hit by cars. Others are killed when people poison them, shoot them, or worse. These animals lead a miserable existence.

Sadly, many communities have chosen to deal with feral cat populations by trapping them and killing them. Even in communities without a feral cat population control program, well-meaning individuals often trap feral cats and bring them to animal control facilities or humane societies. Bringing a feral cat to a shelter is almost a guaranteed death sentence. Feral cats are not socialized to humans and are generally not suitable as pets. Deemed "unadoptable" as soon as they come through the doors of a shelter, feral cats are almost always immediately euthanized.

There is a humane solution to the feral cat overpopulation problem called Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR. TNR involves trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and returning the to the area where they were trapped. Usually, the trapped cats are also vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases. The released sterilized cats are then cared for by kind individuals who make sure they have enough food, water, and shelter to survive. By returning the sterilized cats to the location, the cats maintain their colony structure. Colonies protect their territories, keeping out newcomers and keeping a steady population. They also stop reproducing, allowing the colony to slowly die off as each individual cat dies due to natural causes. TNR also allows volunteers to trap kittens who may be young enough to be socialized and placed into homes. Stray cats and abandoned pets which are socialized to humans are also sorted out from the colonies and placed for adoption.

Cat owners can also help control the feral cat population. 1. Keep your cat indoors. If you live in an area where feral cats are exterminated, your cat may be mistaken for a feral and be killed. A cat allowed to roam outside is also at serious risk of being killed by wild animals, hit by cars, catching a disease, or being hurt or killed by cruel humans. 2. Spay or neuter your cats. If you have a female cat, and she gets outside even once unattended, she can come back pregnant. If you have a male cat, and he gets outside even once unattended, he can impregnate a female feral, perpetuating the problem.

More ways you can help:
1. Visit Alley Cat Allies to find out a wealth of information about humanely controlling feral cat populations.
2. Become a feral cat caretaker.
3. If you are feeding feral cats, have them spayed or neutered. Caretakers can often get free or reduced price veterinary services for the feral cats they care for.
4. Encourage your local lawmakers to adopt TNR as a means of controlling the feral cat population.
5. Spread the word!