This fund is the lifeline for ensuring every one of our fluffy little felines gets the top-notch care they deserve, from routine check-ups to those surprise curveballs life throws our way.

1. Medication & Chronic Care:

   Jerry: Our brave FIV+ warrior with stomatitis—basically, he’s allergic to his own teeth. He’s already had two dentals this year, and we’re committed to keeping him comfortable and healthy for the long haul. Currently on doxycycline and Prednisolone, we are dedicated to providing him with ongoing treatment.

   Tomlynn: Initially diagnosed with stomatitis and rat ulcers, recent symptoms pushed us to get a mouth biopsy (still awaiting results). Now, we’re making sure he gets the care he needs. Currently on Prednisolone, and we’re committed to any new diagnosis and treatment plan.

2. Non-Emergency Illness Treatments:

   Cottontail & Socks: These two are dealing with stubborn digestive issues that haven’t been resolved yet, so it’s time for second opinions.

   Sage: Poor guy has frequent upper respiratory flare-ups that need a second opinion.

   Tomson: He has a skin issue initially diagnosed as a flea allergy, but treatments aren’t cutting it—time to dig deeper.

3. Vaccines:

   Rabies: Critical for preventing this deadly disease, especially in a colony environment.

   FRVCP: Protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia—essential for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of outbreaks.

   Feline Leukemia: Important for protecting against this highly contagious virus that can spread quickly in close quarters.

   Sources:

   Catster - How Much Is a Rabies Shot for a Cat?

   Catster - What’s the Price of Cat Vaccinations?

4. Yearly Check-Ups:

   Did you know that most colony cats only see the vet once in their life when they get spayed/neutered? Not at Cat Patch Inc. Our cats see the vet yearly for additional vaccines and check-ups. Many see the vet multiple times a year. For example, when Albert showed up with a hole in his abdomen, he received immediate care. Jerry and Tomlynn have been to the vet five times this year alone. Squeak went twice last year for her ears and mouth issues. Regular vet visits are essential to maintaining their health and well-being.

5. Monthly Preventative Treatments:

   Revolution Treatments: Secure consistent funding for monthly Revolution treatments to prevent flea, tick, and parasite infestations. This ensures all cats are protected without stretching resources thin.

   Lime/Sulfur Dip: Did you know ringworm really likes colony cats? When it appears, it spreads like wildfire. At the first sign of ringworm or other fast-spreading diseases like mites, we need to act fast. Lime/sulfur dips keep it under control.

   Supplements: Like L-lysine and Probios.

By supporting the Ongoing Health Fund, you’re helping us make sure every cat here gets the best possible care, whether it’s managing chronic conditions, receiving yearly check-ups, or tackling new challenges as they come up.

Establish a separate fund specifically for after-hours and emergency situations. This fund ensures that urgent health needs are met without compromising the colony's overall security.

Why It Matters: Emergency situations can be costly, and having this fund allows us to make quick, critical decisions without financial constraints.

The Challenge: Many of our cats arrive at Cat Patch Inc. with gastrointestinal issues, some referred to by vets as “garbage gut," and others with food allergies or intolerances. We want to ensure that we cover all of these needs. These conditions often result from the inconsistent or poor-quality diets they had before joining our colony.

Our Solution: To manage these issues and improve their overall health, we’ve adopted a high-quality, low grain and low processed chicken diet. This vet recommended food, 4health Grain Free Adult Indoor/Outdoor Whitefish and Potato Formula Dry Cat Food, was initially introduced to help specific cats like Cottontail, Socks, and Miss T, but it has proven to benefit the entire colony. We do feed a wider variety of wet food as it is less than 10% of their diet.

Why It Matters: This diet is crucial for maintaining the improved quality of life for our colony cats. The difference it has made in their health and well-being is clear, and maintaining this level of nutrition is essential to ensuring they continue to thrive.

This fund covers the essential day-to-day supplies needed to keep our operation running smoothly. These include:

Cleaning Supplies: Disinfectants, paper towels, gloves, and other items to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for the cats.

Food Administration Supplies: Bowls and storage containers to ensure that food is distributed safely and efficiently.

Medication Administration Supplies: Syringes, pill pockets, and other tools that make it easier to administer necessary treatments.

Cat Litter: Needed for TNR efforts and for cats that are confined due to medical issues. 

Miscellaneous Items: Any other supplies that might come up, such as bedding, blankets, and toys to keep the cats comfortable and mentally stimulated.

Finishing the Cat Shack and Recovery Room: We’ve donated and dedicated these spaces to the colony cats and have been improving them whenever we can, but we always prioritize the cats' immediate needs like food, preventative care, and healthcare first. While we’re making do with what we’ve got, these spaces aren’t yet up to the standards our cats deserve. Completing the cat shack will be a game-changer—stabilizing temperatures during the winter and providing a safe haven where our fluffy little felines can escape the harsh elements. The recovery room, once finished, will offer a more secure and cozy environment for those recovering from illness, surgery, or just needing some extra TLC. These improvements are crucial to ensuring every cat at Cat Patch Inc. has a comfortable and safe place to call home.

Building Smaller Cat Houses: We regularly construct additional smaller cat houses that can be placed in the cat shack and outdoors for our feral cats or those too scared to go inside the cat shack. These houses offer shelter and protection, ensuring that every cat has a safe space, regardless of their comfort level with indoor environments. This approach also helps increase the territory for the cats to choose from, which decreases fights over territory.