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- Feb 28, 2014
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As the leader of a TNR program (Trap-Neuter-Return of feral cats) I am reaching out to breeders with an unusual request.
For a pilot project supported by Maddie's Fund I need to find neonatal kittens. Ideally NOW.
Let me explain: My TNR team won Maddie's Fund Innovation grant for the idea to train a dog in nose-work, to find newborn kittens when trapping feral cats for TNR. This will save their lives (sometimes we don't even know there are kittens, until mom is in surgery!). It will also make TNR more efficient, as we will be able to work a site 100%. It will help finding kittens, place them in foster care, prevent them becoming feral.
We have the trainer, the dog, the handler. Now the only thing missing is kitten scent for training! We would like to have the "Kitten K-9" team ready in spring.
Here is my problem: we are in the Pacific Northwest, and kitten season is clearly over here. I personally know two cat breeders locally, but none of them has kittens under 4 weeks.
I don't need the kittens in person, just the help of the human taking care of them. I have scent kits prepared, ready to mail to whoever can help me.
The age limit is, because our "target" are neonates, and the scent of the babies changes once they start weaning.
If you have kittens under four weeks, or know someone, PLEASE contact me! If you have a lead, or another idea where to find kittens right now, contact me. I have also posted in Maddie's shelter forum, and emailed to TICA.
For a pilot project supported by Maddie's Fund I need to find neonatal kittens. Ideally NOW.
Let me explain: My TNR team won Maddie's Fund Innovation grant for the idea to train a dog in nose-work, to find newborn kittens when trapping feral cats for TNR. This will save their lives (sometimes we don't even know there are kittens, until mom is in surgery!). It will also make TNR more efficient, as we will be able to work a site 100%. It will help finding kittens, place them in foster care, prevent them becoming feral.
We have the trainer, the dog, the handler. Now the only thing missing is kitten scent for training! We would like to have the "Kitten K-9" team ready in spring.
Here is my problem: we are in the Pacific Northwest, and kitten season is clearly over here. I personally know two cat breeders locally, but none of them has kittens under 4 weeks.
I don't need the kittens in person, just the help of the human taking care of them. I have scent kits prepared, ready to mail to whoever can help me.
The age limit is, because our "target" are neonates, and the scent of the babies changes once they start weaning.
If you have kittens under four weeks, or know someone, PLEASE contact me! If you have a lead, or another idea where to find kittens right now, contact me. I have also posted in Maddie's shelter forum, and emailed to TICA.
