Catymology

More wildcat news. Last week, hunters used their dogs to tree this gorgeous cougar, apparently a wild one, near Spooner, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin officials who came to look have said that wild cougars are rare in Wisconsin and next door here in Minnesota. I sort of wonder whether the cougars might not be migrating. After all, in some parts of the country, it's spring, and young cats have been known to range out quite widely to find mates. Uh, oh. That could lead to more cougars.

The interesting thing about this cougar story is that the hunters backed off. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources asked them to try to trap the cat so that they could put a marker on him and see where he was going. But the hunters, who seemed to have a bad attitude toward government workers of any kind, pulled their dogs out and let the cougar go. I sure hope he's managed to catch some prey, because it's been beastly cold up here in the Upper Midwest recently.

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/40797587.html?elr=KArksUUUUå

This cougar is joining the Friday Ark !

Labels: wildcats

Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune has a feature about wild cougars in Minnesota. The handsome cat above was caught on film in 2007 by a stationery camera set up near Floodwood, Minnesota. But, according to the Department of Natural Resources, the wild cougar population is very small in our state, maybe only two or three individuals. Apparently humans can easily mistake other species for cougars. Last month, someone near Elk River captured something on video that they thought was a cougar, or cougars. DNR scientists say that what the video actually shows is a house cat and some foxes.

A house cat mistaken for a cougar? That's pretty wild. I'm really glad that I do not go roaming around in the woods at night--or any other time. Some silly human could get spooked by my huge, fierce hunting presence, and who knows what would happen? Even though it's illegal to hunt cougars, there are quite a few stupid humans running around who are willing to flout the law.

Then there are those humans who only pretend to hunt, and like to joke about it. Some of them have been circulating a photo of a very large, very dead cougar in the internet, claiming it was killed in Minnesota this winter. The only problem is that it wasn't killed here; the poor cat was killed several years ago in Washington State.

If you read down in the comments on this article, you'll find several from humans who vow that they have personally seen real cougars, as well as some from people trying to make jokes about "cougars"--women over 35 who pursue younger men. The whole subject seems to attact humans who lack a sense of humor.

Get on board the Friday Ark at Modulator.

Labels: wildcats

Ever since I first heard the story of the story of Kajeeka and George, two rescued lynx who bonded at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, I have just fallen in love with these two. A donation to the Sanctuary lets you send a unique gift of lynx love to your Valentine. But hurry! You have only until tomorrow, February 7, to order in time for Valentine's Day delivery. Even if you miss that deadline, a donation will help to keep these wildcats and many others safe.

Here's what the Sanctuary website has to say:

Kajeeka, left, and George, right, both Canadian lynx, share an extremely unique bond at the Sanctuary. Both originated from a fur farm and both had health issues due to inbreeding. Right away George let us know that he was Kajeeka’s protector. She arrived deaf and blind in both eyes, so when feeding time came she relied on her hearing and sense of smell. George would always place himself between the keeper and Kajeeka. No matter how close she came to the enclosure wall, he stood on guard, warning us with his low growl.

George came with a bad knee and it soon became hard for him to get around. Knowing how important it was for him to care for Kajeeka, we knew something had to be done. Sadly, the only solution was to have his leg removed. At almost the same time, Kajeeka’s left eye became infected. We knew since it wasn’t functioning it would be much more comfortable for her to have it removed. Both recovered remarkably fast. Their disabilities don’t prevent them from playing, climbing perches or wrestling in a box filled with catnip. But their favorite pastime is curling up together for an afternoon nap. They enjoy each other’s company so much, they’re inseparable – companions for life!

Their sweet story is a perfect display of true love for this Valentine’s Day! Show someone you love them by sharing George and Kajeeka’s story of ‘Lynx Love.’ Your gift of compassion can be shared with a loved one for a $25 donation. We’ll send you or your loved one a ‘Lynx Love’ Valentine greeting card with this fullcolor photo of George and Kajeeka and their story of love. The inside message also tells the recipient that a donation was made with love in their honor.

Orders must be received by February 7th to
guarantee delivery by February 14th.

Valentines can be ordered with a credit card on the WS online store

Don't forget the Friday Ark at Modulator.

Labels: valentine, wildcats

The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) in Sandstone, Minnesota, recently took in a pride of lions: Asha, Shanti Deva, and Aslan. Now they have a new habitat where they can roam. Better yet, TWS has begun posting videos of the big cats on YouTube. The most recent one shows the three lions walking from their temporary holding pen, through a specially constructed pathway, to their new home. There are several other interesting videos of other TWS animals, as well. The sanctuary isn't open to the general public, so these videos are the best way to follow the good work that they are doing to help our big cat brothers and sisters.

Labels: lions, wildcats

News from the Wildcat Sanctuary:

"The cats have had a wonderful time playng with their snowmen. Each cat finds a fun treat inside from food to Lawry's season salt. Diablo Guapo nicely licked is snowman until his weight tipped it over. Tractor (in photograph) hugged his snow man and rubbed all over the face that was painted in vegetable paint. Baby Jenga took apart his and played with each individual snow ball until he fell asleep in the snow. This winter has been cold for the keepers but the animals are staying warm in their heated dens and buildings and having a lot of fun playing with their snow creations."


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The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned and abused cats.

Labels: wildcats

Did you know that the great American poet Emily Dickinson wrote a poem about the leopard?

Civilization--spurns--the Leopard

492

Civilization—spurns—the Leopard!
Was the Leopard—bold?
Deserts—never rebuked her Satin—
Ethiop—her Gold—
Tawny—her Customs—
She was Conscious—
Spotted—her Dun Gown—
This was the Leopard's nature—Signor—
Need—a keeper—frown?

Pity—the Pard—that left her Asia—
Memories—of Palm—
Cannot be stifled—with Narcotic—
Nor suppressed—with Balm—

Emily Dickinson

In this poem, Dickinson identifies with the captive female leopard. In her own habitat, the leopard is regal--dressed in satin and gold--and she is conscious. In captivity, under the frown of a "keeper," the leopard is diminished, but not broken. She still remembers her glory (the palm), and retains her feline dignity.

Like many of Dickinson's poems, this one can be read on several levels. Perhaps the leopard is the unconventional--the poetic impulse itself--wild and untamed. Or perhaps Dickinson saw the leopard's captivity as a symbol for slavery.

Look for more poetic beasts at Modulator's Friday Ark. The Carnival of the Cats will be at Pet's Garden Blog this Sunday.

Labels: poetry, wildcats

The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, sends this news about some of their new residents:

Meet Maya

An individual, who realized it was illegal for him to keep her, surrendered Maya, a 7-week-old bobcat kitten, to TWS. She's a strong little girl and a very good eater. Dr. Baillie gave her a clean bill of health and she is making herself right at home. Though it will be months before she is big enough to be with other bobcats, she has made friends with several of the Bengal domestic cats at the Sanctuary. Soon she will grow into a well-adjusted bobcat and live with others of her species. We're happy to provide Maya with a lifetime of compassion and care.

Athena Arrives

A gentleman in California illegally owned Athena. The owner refused to provide much information on Athena because he was concerned California Fish and Game would prosecute him. A sister sanctuary in California offered to pick up Athena, bring her to their vet and then send her to TWS. Two sanctuaries put time and money into saving Athena as the owner washed his hands of her. Athena is about one and a half years old. She is a beautiful girl and in good health. But with all that occurred over a few short days she is understandably frightened and confused. We're doing our best to help her feel comfortable and settle in to her new home.

Their care and enclosures will be expensive. To sponsor Maya or Athena visit: http://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/adopt/Sponsorship_form.pdf

Labels: wildcats

My favorite charity, the Wildcat Sanctuary, has just announced a contest; the winner will receive his or her very own portrait, plus a tour of the Wildcat Sanctuary for two of his or her humans. As you know if you've been reading my blog, the Wildcat Sanctuary gives homes to our wild cousins, many of whom have been abused after being kept as pets. The tour is the big lure here, since the sanctuary is not normally open to the public. I hope they get a million entries, as the entry fee will help support the beautiful wildcats who live at the sanctuary.

enews: "Tell us why your pet is wild at heart and you could win a custom painted portrait of your favorite animal friend and other great prizes! To enter, send your $15 entry donation with a picture of your beloved pet and a story (150 words or less) about the wonderful and whimsical things that make your best friend wild at heart. Download the registration form,

Does your cat climb the drapes like it's a tree? Does your dog howl at the moon or dig up buried treasures in your back yard?

The top 5 stories will be posted on our website along with the photo of your wild-child. The winning story and photo will be displayed at our annual Jungle Boogie event in October.

Grand Prize: 16' x 20' canvas painting of your pet (animals only, no people) and a behind the scenes tour for two of TWS.

1st & 2nd Prize: Custom-designed jewelry from a local jewelry artist.

All proceeds will benefit the wild at heart residents of The Wildcat Sanctuary!

Deadline and entry instructions:

All entries must be received by August 1, 2007. The winner will be announced August 15th. Mail your photo and story (sorry, photos cannot be returned) to TWS, PO Box 314, Sandstone MN 55072 or email both to us at: cat@wildcatsanctuary.org. Portrait will be done from the photo you submit.

Labels: wildcats

Got leopards? Get out your cell phone and download some ringtones. Reuters reports on the humane way to lure leopards into traps:

AHMEDABAD, India (Reuters) - Forest guards in western India are using cell phones with ringtones of cows mooing, goats bleating and roosters crowing to attract leopards that have wandered into human settlements, officials said on Monday.

The wild cats in the state of Gujarat often roam into villages near forests in search of food, say officials, adding that this results in attacks on people.

But rather than use methods such as live bait like goats tied to trees to lure the leopards, which then fall into large pits dug by guards, officials say they have found a safer method to trap the cats.

"The moos of a cow, bleating of a goat from the phone has proved effective to trap leopards," said D. Vasani, a senior forest official in Gujarat. "This trick works."

The leopards are trucked far away from inhabited areas and released in the forest.

Let's just hope that the leopards don't start retaliating by downloading ringtones that appeal to humans. All they'd have to do is check the latest hot ringtones at Billboard.com. I'd recommend something like Rascal Flatt's "What Hurts the Most." Raarrr!

Labels: wildcats

The latest newsletter from our friends at the Wildcat Sanctuary tells of the rescue of the beautiful Bengal Cat, Mystique:

TWS received an email from a concerned individual in Arizona who saw a posting on Craig's list for an F1 Bengal Cat being offered free to a good home. TWS contacted the owner immediately offering sanctuary for Mystique. Information we received revealed what a difficult life Mystique has endured. "Due to breaking my back in a car accident, I don't feel as if this is the proper place for her. When I got her she was housed in total darkness all the time in over 100 degree weather. I believe she has been passed around to many different breeders and has been neglected and abused and way over bred every where she has gone till I got her. She doesn't like brooms due to past abuse. She lost her ears to another Bengal cat as a kitten."

Mystique is a very calm girl. She hasn't hissed once since she arrived, but will hide if a caregiver gets too close. Mystique will get to live in cooler temperatures with an outdoor habitat and indoor heated building. After she is spayed, she will be introduced to the other F1 Bengals at the sanctuary.

Labels: wildcats

News from the Wildcat Sanctuary: Baby Shalico Grows Up

Shalico was surrendered by a college student who ordered him off the internet when he was just weeks old. Over the winter, Shalico grew and has really come into his own. Recently, it was time to introduce him to his own kind. Kitty, an older female lynx met Shalico and wasn't all that impressed. She felt he was too rowdy and didn't respect her personal space. But little by little they learned how to co-habitate and can be found lying back to back during naps.

Less than a month ago, we received Ramsey, a 3-year-old Canadian lynx, who was living in a condo near Washington DC. The owner chose to surrender Ramsey because he was destroying the house and was a threat to visitors. At TWS, Ramsey will get to experience what life is like as a lynx for the first time.

Ramsey was introduced to Shalico and Kitty. Much like Kitty, Ramsey thought Shalico had too much energy but he decided he could deal with it. All three moved outside into a new habitat this past weekend. Ramsey was nervous of his cougar neighbors but curled up in a summer den. Kitty investigated all the surrounding cougars and bobcats while Shalico thought he had gone to heaven. He ran from one side of the enclosure to the other, he chased his neighbors through a shared wall and was in motion for hours.

Though Shalico seemed to enjoy his first day as an adult lynx, he didn't want to leave behind being a kitten all together. He still wanted his baby blanket (pictured) for his first few days out.

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The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, works to save my cousins, the big cats.

Labels: lynx, wildcats