I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat!

For a handsome tuxedo cat, there are some names that immediately come to mind.  Who doesn’t remember the antics of Tweetie-Pie’s arch-enemy?

So with the number of Bobbys that have passed through our hands at the Sanctuary, it’s interesting that there have been so few Sylvesters.  The first Sylvester I knew, you can meet here – he was a large cat who lived in the Moore House with the older inhabitants.   Today's Sylvester came to us as a pretty suspicious boy in the winter of 2011, and it took him a good while to decide that humans were to be trusted. I understand there was an earlier Sylvester who passed in 2009

DW

He was picked up from a farm near Steveston Highway, but we think he may have been a stray rather than a feral. He had already been neutered, and his right ear is slightly notched so he may be a TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) cat like Luke or Marilee, though their ear-clip is much more obvious. He is one of the cats with a shortened tail, with a lump at the end - whether an injury or a genetic marker, we don't know. For a good while he held himself apart from the usual swarms of cats that greet a visitor, but he’s very food-motivated, and it wasn’t long before he was hovering hopefully on the edge of the crowd.

He caught the eye of long-time volunteer and Board member Karen Yu, who made something of a project of him, coaxing him closer and closer until he allowed himself to be handled.  He’s still very picky about who he allows to touch him; if there is no food on offer, he’d rather curl up somewhere separate and watch what’s going on.
Karen says:
Sylvester only made himself known to me a couple of years ago, even though he’d been at the Sanctuary since 2011.  One day, I showed up and noticed that there was a black and white face peering through the fence.  Since that time, I’ve found him at the gate almost every time I arrive so I make it a point to spend time with him, whether to give him treats and/or give him some attention.  Last year, Sylvester had some balance issues so I spent quite a bit of time in his cage with him.  His short crooked tail reminded me of one of the first cats I took home from the Sanctuary, Lanny, and Sylvester’s habit of waiting for me by the gate was reminiscent of another favourite, Tex.  Seeing Sylvester faithfully wait for me is hard to resist, so I have to admit that he gets the majority of treats that I bring, although other front courtyard cats like Cagney and Blaze have learned that being in Sylvester’s vicinity gives them some benefits.  I hope that because of the time (and treats) I spend with Sylvester that he has become more comfortable being around other people, so that others can also see what a special cat he is.

Sylvester hanging out with Little Orange - MW

He’s not one of the actively antisocial cats like Leland, but he’s pretty picky about his feline company as well – not a snuggler, but willing to sit next to a chosen friend for a little while. He and his tuxedo pal Miller are two of the cats that are not interested in volunteer Laurie’s Sunday fish offerings; they would much rather pig out on Temptations!

He knows and loves Karen, coming to meet her on the evenings she’s working at the Sanctuary. The fact that she has a pocket full of treats doesn’t hurt!  And you won’t hear him saying “Sufferin’ Succotash!” like his namesake.  It's more likely to be "More crunchies, please!"

ML

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Moira Langley, Debbie Wolanski & Michele Wright

Just good friends

Just as with people, there are extroverts and introverts in the cat world; cats who love company and those who hate it. I introduced some of the “I vant to be alone” cats in the Garbo Cats blog, and more of the devoted couples in the Valentines blog.  Today’s blog introduces some of the front courtyard cats that can often be found together.  They’re not bonded pairs, like Diamond and Garfield, or Adam and May. But they are cats who can often be found sharing a bench or a bed; cats who obviously feel easy in each other’s company.

Little Orange - MW

Little Orange (I don’t know if there was ever a Big Orange) is a friendly boy with a crumpled ear, and the softest coat of fur. On Sundays he anxiously waits for Allison to arrive, and has just started venturing onto her lap. He’s a calm cat, and obviously attracts more skittish friends; he’s a particular favourite of wee Marilee, who is more open to being touched by human hands when she’s cuddling with him. 

Sylvester - anticipating treats! - ML

Sylvester used to be a very shy boy and is gradually coming to realise that nobody will harm him; he has started to join the crowd at the gates, and is a big fan of Temptations (but not of chicken or tuna). He’s not progressed to laps yet, but leg-rubbing is a favourite. This Sylvester is not to be confused with a much larger cat of the same name who used to live in the Moore House (Gericatrics)

Sylvester & Little Orange hanging out together - MW

Spencer - MW

Spencer is another cat who’s still quite shy, though he’s lived with us for some time. He has a hard time when food is being handed out; he doesn’t like to take tidbits from fingers, and when you put a treat down in front of him, someone more determined (usually Jake) often pushes in to get it.

Lancelot sitting on Puffin's favourite perch - BC

His buddy Lancelot is a relative newcomer, and is also shy; he suffers somewhat from Black Cat syndrome in spite of his magnificent coat – he’s sometimes confused with Cooper in the Connor, and since she is a Nasty Cat, I think people are wary of Lancelot.  He tends to hang out in the area just outside the single-wide, which is often missed by visitors, and he’s often found sharing the papasan chair with Spencer.


Lancelot & Spencer - BC

Gilbert - MW

Gilbert is a quiet sweet boy who is one of my own favourites – and of several other volunteers as well. It’s hard to believe that 5-6 years ago he was hiding on a shelf and refusing to come down; now he happily hops up on the laps of the people he loves.

Dirky - MW

Dirky is not as quiet and sweet as Gilbert – in fact, he can be downright pushy with cats like Leland, though he’s not the scrapper he used to be. He suffers from skin cancers on his ear, which occasionally need to be nipped off, so unfortunately he’s no longer as handsome as he was. We still love him, though.  With his human friends, he’s always glad to be offered a lap and a little attention; if that’s not available, a cuddle with Gilbert is quite acceptable!

Gilbert & Dirky - BC

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Brigid Coult, Moira Langley, Michele Wright

Top Hat, White Tie & Tails

It’s too bad you could never get cats to go for formation dancing – because we surely have a number of handsome guys in tuxedos around the Sanctuary

I just got an invitation through the mails
Your presence requested this evening
It's formal, a top hat, white tie and tails

 

Larry

Nothing now could take the wind out of my sails
Because I'm invited to step out this evening
With top hat, white tie and tails

Smoochie

I'm puttin' on my top hat

Tyin' up my white tie

Brushin' off my tails

 

Sylvester

I'm dudin' up my shirt front
Puttin' in the shirt studs
Polishin' my nails

 

Babylon and Bart

I'm steppin' out, my dear to breathe
An atmosphere that simply reeks with class
And I trust that you'll excuse my dust
When I step on the gas

 

Hudson - PH

for I'll be there

Puttin' down my top hat
Mussin' up my white tie
Dancin' in my tails

 

Tugboat - ML

But no – Fred Astaire is way too energetic for these very cool cats!

Blogger: Brigid Coult

Photos: Phaedra Hardman, Moira Langley & Michele Wright

The Wednesday Night Crew

This is a shout out to all the working staff at RAPS who do such an amazing job of keeping the hundreds of cats at RAPS healthy, comfortable and loved.  Since I frequently refer to the staff in my blog posts, I thought I’d give the Wednesday night crew a chance at the spotlight too.

Leslie is the sanctuary’s senior medical staff and gifted cat savant with a profuse knowledge of all the cats’ names and histories.  How is it possible for one woman to know so much about so many cats?  I guess it would be because that knowledge comes from a place of love for every single one of them.

Leslie started in 1998 after meeting RAPS executive director and founder at a garage sale back when it was known as the Richmond Homeless Cats Society.  The sanctuary was built in 1999 and she has been here ever since.  When I asked Leslie what she thought was the best thing about working at the sanctuary, she said this: "unconditional love from hundreds of wonderful little souls and getting to know each individual's personality.  Taking care of their health needs is challenging, but very rewarding."  Indeed, Leslie takes very good care of the sick cats at the sanctuary and I`ve no doubt that a good dose of her love is the best medicine around for those cats.

Leslie and Ann holding Tugboat and Marmalade

Ann started as a volunteer for RAPS sanctuary in 2008 and eventually worked her way to a medical staff position and works alongside Leslie every Wednesday night.  Ann has a vivacious and infectious energy about her that brings about peals of laughter, fun and adoration from everyone two legged or four.   

Often I come to work on Wednesdays and Ann will enthusiastically tell me about some new cat that has arrived and is always eager to take me to meet them.  Fearless med staff that she is, she has plenty of scratch and bite scars to prove that she is dedicated to helping the sick and needy cats of the sanctuary.

When I asked Ann who her favorite cat of the sanctuary was she said this: “well, I guess that would be Maxi man or Marmalade… or maybe Gilbert, but then there is Gunther and Sylvester and well Cagney is great and I can’t forget about Seven and also…” and well, you get the picture.  An unfair question on my part really, how can you pick just one?

Ann

Doug works Wednesday nights but he keeps to himself and I don’t often get a chance to talk to him all that much.  He keeps the sanctuary running smoothly, fixing just about anything and everything that needs some fixing.  He has built some of the houses for the cats and keeps up on all carpentry and maintenance issues.  That is a tall order with hundreds of cats running loose who keep him busy in the wake of their destructive ways.  Doug is always hard at work whenever I see him but every once in a while I catch him with his laser light out playing with one of the cats.

Doug plead the fifth when asked who is favorite cat was but I have been informed by the rest of the staff that Doug has an admirer in Josie who stomps around in delight whenever Doug comes near. She is absolutely overjoyed when Doug kneels down to pat her hind end which elicits an odd but endearing little dancing jig and singing number from this little lover cat.

Doug with Josie by his side and Lincoln in his lap

And finally there is Louise who came from South Africa and started as a volunteer in 2009, eventually finding  a position in 2011.  Louise has an incredibly gentle way with the cats softly talking to them and cooing at them while she goes about her work.  She has an endearing laugh and a beautiful smile and seems to be able to read the minds of these cats with incredible insight.  She always has a good story to tell about any cat you care to ask about.

Though hard for her to nail it down to one cat, when pushed, Louise states she has a special affection for Buddy as he is just a sweet boy always ready for a cuddle.

Louise with Buddy

These four staff members are just a few of the dedicated staff who provide love and care for the cats at RAPS. You are all loved and appreciated not only by the cats, but the volunteers who work with you and make our experience at the sanctuary complete.