FURRY FRIENDS ANIMAL RESCUE QUEENSLAND inc

Sinead's fostering experience.

7/9/2021

Sinead Louise says:
I absolutely love fostering because you get to be part of an animal's journey from less than ideal circumstances all the way to a loving, caring forever home. To take in an animal that has been neglected, abandoned or mistreated, love it and build it's confidence, then hand them over to a family who will continue to do the same thing is so rewarding.

Get to Know One of Our Foster Carers - Astrid

22/4/2021

While the Furry Friends volunteer team is divided into sections which focus on different areas of the organisation (human resources, social media etc), one of the most crucial aspects of our operations is our foster carers. Without them, none of our work would be possible.

Around ‘[two] and a bit years ago’, a foster carer named Astrid joined our ranks. ‘I have grown up with cats and felt that I wanted to help cats ... get a second chance,’ Astrid explained when asked about her motivation to foster for Furry Friends. There are a number of qualities that we look for in our foster carers, but the main one that Astrid would describe herself is ‘calm’. ‘[In regards to being calm] I think that benefits when fostering, to show the kitties that they can find ... trust again,’ Astrid says. ‘When they [are] at our place, they get cuddled, proofed and spoiled.’

Though she’s a hands-on carer, always ready to shower her cats with attention, Astrid’s vast experience has given her valuable insight into how cats integrate into a household. ‘I find it easy to look after cats, they entertain themselves,’ she says. ‘They are very curious individuals and let’s be honest, there is no privacy if you have cats.’ She reassures us that they need to know everything.

When asked about what advice she’d give to potential foster carers, she replied ‘there is nothing to be afraid of [when] becoming a foster carer ... Fostering is such a rewarding thing to do, and yes, it hurts when they go, but it feels amazing to know that it was you that helped to give them a new chance to find a loving family.’ For Astrid, receiving photos of her former charges from their new owners will never not bring a smile to her face.

All of our foster carers have warm hearts, and it’s clear to see that Astrid’s heart will continue to beat for cats in need. ‘If I counted correctly, I had [fostered] around 65 cats ... [who] have all found a loving family they call home now,’ she revealed. An incredible feat from an equally incredible woman.

Fun fact: Astrid is in the middle of writing a book!

P.S. Want to be like Astrid? Ready to save the life of a cat in need? We want you.

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Photo by Ilse Orsel on Unsplash

Keeping Cats Calm During Storms

15/4/2021

Stormy weather is the bane of everyone’s existence. Rain, thunder and lightning can dampen anybody’s mood. This is also the case with cats. Our feline friends, like any pets, tend to dislike thunderstorms. The violent weather combined with the ‘build-up of static electricity in the air’ can create immense anxiety in cats.

Unlike dogs (who are quite vocal about their disdain for storms), a cat’s reaction to storms can vary. Outward behaviours such as ‘being clingy, restlessness … [and] pacing’ are obvious signs that your cat is distressed. However, if your furry friend tends to stick to themselves, they may hide from the storm in safe places such as ‘under beds or in dark, quiet corners.’ Regardless of how your cat reacts, we’ve put together some tips for how to keep any cat calm during storms.

Create Hiding Places

Photo by Dim Hou on Unsplash

The most common reaction a cat would have to a storm is to hide. Because of this, it’s important to have a number of hiding places around your residence. These can be as simple as your cat's napping area or leaving a wardrobe open for them to hide inside. Rain and thunder can be loud, so the goal here is make your cat feel as cosy as they can be. With that in mind, keep tabs on where your furry friend is at all times. The more your cat wants to hide, the more reclusive their spot may be. Keep an eye on their physical safety and make sure you don’t accidentally lock them inside something.

Keep Them Inside

Photo by Nick Page on Unsplash

It might seem obvious, but it needs to be said. Cats need to be indoors when storms hit. In this case, you need to be vigilant and be mindful of what the weather is like at the time. According to ‘cat behaviour consultant and … author’ Pam Johnson-Bennett, it’s best to bring cats inside ‘well in advance of inclement weather.’ At the same time, Johnson-Bennett also advises for pet doors to be firmly locked once all cats are inside. As humans, we hate being caught outside during a storm. Cats are the same.

Breathe & Give Your Cat (Some) Space

Photo by nine koepfer on Unsplash

Our pets can read us like books. They know what we’re feeling and they’ll base their emotions on ours. When it comes to cats in storms, they’ll panic if they see us panicking. The best way to deal with this is to act as if nothing is out of the ordinary. You might pet your furry friend once or twice, but don’t go overboard.

In regards to giving your cat space, this has to do with their behaviour. Generally speaking, cats may want to be left alone during storms. Taking them out of their hiding places or holding onto them will do nothing but make your cat’s anxiety worse. Let your cat know that they are still in your presence, but don’t coddle them. With that being said, if your cat comes to you for comfort, go right ahead and pet them.

While there’s a variety of medications and ‘anxiety wraps’ that can keep them calm, the above tips are some of the easiest ways of keeping your furry friends calm during stormy weather.

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Superfecundation - The Modern Cat Family

9/4/2021

In March, we asked our fellow furry friends on our Instagram: ‘What would you like to know about cats?’ We received a response which peaked our interest. The question asked 'how can cats be from the same litter but have different fathers and breeds?' It’s an interesting question and one we wanted to know the answer to. The simplest answer to this question? It’s superfecundation.

What Is Superfecundation?

According to Merriam-Webster, superfecundation is defined as ‘successive fertili[s]ation of two or more ova from the same ovulation especially by different sires.’ It’s a straightforward answer to a question that isn’t commonly asked. We knew that there had to be more to it, and we were eager to dive in and learn more.

How Does It Work?

It’s all about biology! The mating cycle of cats (aka being in ‘heat’) are determined by the seasons, typically ‘spring and summer’ when temperatures are higher and the days are longer.

Throughout a female cat’s reproductive life, they will go through periods where they constantly make noise and they won’t sit still. They’ll ‘roll around on the ground and rub up against objects.’ This is the first sign that a female cat has entered the mating cycle. While the chances of a female allowing a male to approach her at first is small, she’ll ‘allow a … [male] to approach her and mate’ further in the cycle. It’s very common for a female to mate with multiple males during a cycle because it increases the chances of fertilisation.

After the mating process, the female will release a number of eggs from her ovaries into the reproductive tract. If the female had mated with more than one male while she was in heat, the chances of different eggs being fertilised by sperm will increase.

The Results?

Multiple kittens that look different from each other! According to vet, Dr Donald Shellenberger, the most obvious way of seeing the results of superfecundation is if the kittens ‘look drastically different from each other.’ Similar to humans, cats have recessive genes so characteristics like coats and eye colours aren’t the best indicators of superfecundation. However, if the kittens look as if they are of different breeds then you’ll know what occurred.

While it’s unlikely for it to happen to a female house cat (especially if the cat is the only animal in the house or tends to stick to themselves), superfecundation is very common amongst strays. It’s one of the reasons for why desexing cats is so important. So there you have it. It is possible for a litter of cats to have different fathers.

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash

Get to Know Us - Kylie

22/3/2021

As a virtual charity, social media is a huge part of how we connect with fellow cat lovers. On our Instagram and Facebook pages, we share fun facts, updates, cat profiles and so much more. There’s a whole team dedicated to creating the posts you see on our social media every day. And many of those posts are created by our very own Creative Content Writer, Kylie!

After living overseas for the past decade (where she worked as a freelance content writer and copyeditor), Kylie decided to return to Australia for the next chapter of her life. Apart from looking for full-time work, she says ‘I am also working on a novel while finishing my thesis for a Master of Writing degree.’

Joining us in December of 2020, Kylie was inspired to sign up because she wanted to maintain her skills while developing new ones. It also gave her an outlet while readjusting to Australian life. With her background in language and writing, Kylie slid into her role easily. However, her work for Furry Friends is slightly different from what she’s used to. ‘[T]he biggest difference is the medium in which I write for FFARQ. Social media is something I engage with daily in my personal life but not something that has been the absolute focus of my professional life,’ says Kylie.

All writers love to experience and learn new things. In the past three months, Kylie has expanded on her role to cover ‘SEO practice[s] and brainstorming ideas for upcoming strategies.’ When asked about any advice she would give to potential volunteers, Kylie says ‘[d]o it. Volunteering can be a time commitment that not everyone can make, but I think the reward is definitely worth it.’ To Kylie, the satisfaction you get from knowing that you are working for the greater good, and developing/solidifying your skills, is reason enough to volunteer.

Fun fact: Kylie is into fitness! She’s looking into becoming a personal trainer.

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Photo by MIKHAIL VASILYEV on Unsplash

My Cat Is a Fussy Eater. What Do I Do?

15/3/2021

With so many varieties of cat food available, it’s no wonder that our beloved felines have their likes and dislikes. A cat who is a picky eater is the bane of any pet owner’s existence. Not only can it overly complicate mealtimes, but it can also lead to serious health issues such as ‘hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)’ and anorexia. So what do I do if my cat is picky with food? There’s a few solutions you can try.

Watch Out For The Temperature

Photo by am on Unsplash

According to Purina, there’s more than just food that can turn a cat into a picky eater. A cat’s environment can also play a role in them not wanting to eat. If your furry friend prefers dry food, but stops eating it, the most likely culprit is the weather. ‘As dry food absorbs moisture (especially in warm weather) … [the food] may have turned stale,’ advises Purina. You’ll need to change it. It’s a similar story for wet food. If it’s too cold, your cat won’t be able to smell it and they won’t eat it. When that happens, microwave that tasty meal to room temperature and your fussy feline will be eating again in no time.

Pawsome tip: you can also try mixing two foods (your cat’s favourite and something else) together. Remember, cats love a balanced diet and there’s nothing wrong with shaking things up a little!

Make Them Comfortable

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

We told you not too long ago that cats value their privacy. While that’s still true, it may not be the case when it comes to their food. Barbara Saunders of Catster recommends stroking or petting your cat while they’re eating. Dubbed ‘affection eaters’, cats that want a little extra attention during mealtime may be suffering from stress. Be patient, don’t be aggressive, shower them with love and your furry friend will lick their bowl clean.

Monitor Their Eating Habits

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Maybe you’re feeding Felix too many treats? Maybe Molly prefers to spend her time outdoors, catching anything that she could eat as a snack? Whatever the case, it’s important to make sure that your cat is not being overfed. At the end of the day, one of the simplest solutions to a cat being picky with food is having too much of it.

All in all, feeding a fussy cat is possible. With the right amount of patience and willingness to try new foods, you’ll have your fussy feline eating out of the palm of your hand in no time. Questions? Our vet nurse, Crystal, knows more.

Friendly reminder: there's a difference between a cat being a fussy eater and a cat who is unwell. If your cat has stopped eating, lost a lot of weight and looks as if all the vibrancy they once had is gone, you must contact your vet immediately.

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Get to Know Us - Mary-Ann

15/2/2021

Photo by Eric Han of Unsplash

Anybody who has worked in an organisation knows that a lot goes into its day-to-day operations. Tasks need to be done quickly, information needs to be sent to the right people, external workers need to be liaised with at all times… it’s a careful juggling act that needs to be handled with care.

That’s where Mary-Ann comes in. Working full-time by day, Mary-Ann serves as a foster carer coordinator by night. She is the point of contact between Furry Friends team members and its many generous foster carers. Joining the charity seven months ago, she frequently reaches out to our carers for updates on the cats and kittens being cared for. ‘I am an absolute animal lover and have a few furkids of my own,’ she says, ‘I wanted to help the many cats and kittens looking for new homes and to help other families find their forever furkids to join their homes.’

Outside of her work with us, Mary-Ann cares for her ‘cats, dogs and chickens on … [her] farm.’ Her love for animals is something that stretches back into her past. ‘From a young age I was the kid who always wanted to bring home the cats, kittens and animals that needed a new home,’ Mary-Ann shares. For her, one of the greatest fulfillments of the role is seeing the fostered animals being adopted and blossom in their new homes.

‘Anyone who is able to help,’ Mary-Ann concludes, ‘it is very rewarding and will be greatly appreciated by the team at Furry Friends.’

Fun fact: Mary-Ann enjoys ‘gardening, arts and crafts … [and] reading.’

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Do I Need a Cat Tree? Yes. Yes You Do

15/2/2021

Every cat owner knows that it’s a natural instinct for cats to climb. Not only does it give them the opportunity to survey their surroundings, but it also gives them some much wanted space. It’s very common to find your cat resting up high on furniture anywhere in your house.

While we understand that a climbing cat is a happy cat, it’s not always ideal to have Whiskers on the coffee table or find tufts of fur on your bookshelves. But what can I do? It’s simple. You need a cat tree.

A Piece of Nature Indoors

While there are hundreds of designs for them, at its core, a cat tree is meant to mimic a cat’s surroundings if they lived in the wild. Out there, cats climb trees to protect themselves from predators or hunt prey. Using platforms as ‘branches’, all cat trees contain a few flat surfaces for your cat to climb or lounge on. This height will allow your cat to feel safe and secure in their environment.

Photo by Christelle Hayek on Unsplash

They Make Great Scratching Posts

Ever looked at a cat tree and noticed small columns of rope? They’re not there just for decoration. Cat trees offer your pet ‘a built-in scratching surface’ curtesy of the ‘sturdy vertical surfaces’ that they come with. Not only do these posts allow your cat to maintain their claws and satisfy their instincts to scratch, but they also give them the opportunity to mark their territory with ‘a visual mark and a scent’.

Photo by Shubham Sharma on Unsplash

They’re Pawsome for a Little Me Time

As affectionate as cats are, they do appreciate their privacy. Small spaces are popular amongst felines for the security they give him. According to New York Times bestselling author and cat blogger, Kate Benjamin, ‘cat trees that have boxes, hammocks or platforms with raised sides’ are perfect for cats who want to be left alone. Not only that, but if the structure has toys built into it, then your cat can be safely left to enjoy their company.

Photo by Eric Han of Unsplash

Just like you have space in your house to call your own, your cat needs one as well. While there are a number of ways to acquire one, some cheap (DIY) and some more pricey, cat trees are essential to the wellbeing of your furry feline. Need some help choosing? Click here for a guide. Are you ready to see your cat climb to new heights?

P.S. Here’s a little something to make you smile.

Video sourced from: SnowCastle Cats

Written by Matthew Leong for FFARQ

Reducing Carbon Pawprints

7/2/2021

As humans, being an environmentally ethical consumer can be an overwhelming task. From electricity usage to the smallest details such as the right laundry detergent - every little action has a real life consequence. As pet owners, we are always wanting what is best for our little friends, that is why it can be so easy to forget about how your pet's consumption impacts the planet. Whilst we know the task of ethical shopping can be an overwhelming task, it is the small things that can make the most tumultuous change. With this in mind, we've listed a few of the small steps you can take into consideration next time you do your pet supply shop!

FOOD

According to a ScienceDaily study in the US, pets are responsible for 25% of the total calories derived from animals. Whilst some pet owners are choosing the path of plant-based diet for their furry friends, this neglect of meat from a cat's diet can be extremely detrimental to their health! Whether you stick to kibble, canned food or even cook it up in the kitchen, the two big things to think about here are brands and packaging. When it comes to brands, do your research and search for sustainable brands. As for packaging, bulk buying pet food can save a lot of excess platic and waste in the long run.

TOYS

Playtime should not have to be a drag, but there are many ways that you can avoid using easily breakable or cheap harmful materials. Whether you decide to use second hand, search for economically friendly brands, or even go DIY - sustainability has room for work and play!

BEDDING

When it comes to bedding, it's each cat to their own. As some cat owners may know, despite having made up a gorgeously fluffed pile of cushions and pillows made specifically for kitty, sometimes they'll claim the arm of your sofa as their little nook. Similar to toys, paying attention to the brand of bed and using second hand materials can be a great way to ensuure minimal wasteage.

BATHING/GROOMING

Similar to humans, bathroom procuts can be quite easy to neglect when pursuing environmental sustainability. Even though their washes are not as frequent as ours, making a switch to paraben free or green-friendly shampoos is a great way to keeyp both kitty and the planet clean and pristine!

The Space Between Forever: Five Reasons to Become a Foster Parent

27/1/2021

You will have the opportunity to nurture and connect with a number of cats and kittens.
If you have always wanted a cat of your own but haven’t quite landed in a stable scenario to do so, this will also be a great opportunity for you to learn the ropes of cat caring. Whether you house one or 13 cats throughout your time as a foster parent, you will most certainly fall in love with the warm companionship of these furry friends.
It is a temporary arrangement
Whether you live off lease or are living out of your regular home – as long as you can offer essential items and a safe space for the animal, you will certainly be considered as a viable foster-carer.
The cats in your care will hone great social skills
Provided you are able to care for more than one cat at a time, your house guests will have to learn to share their new environment fast. Especially if these animals go on to live in busier homes, the ability to adapt in these settings will be extremely vital later on.
You’ll be enriching their lives
One more fostered cat is one less in a shelter. Instead of spending their days anxiously crammed in a cage, you will be taking them into the warm embrace of your home and increasing their chances of finding their forever home.
You’re not just saving one cat
Surprise! Fostering one cat has a huge ripple effect. By taking a cat out of a shelter, you are creating space at the shelter for more cats to pass through! From more resources, space, and more time: by opening your heart and home to a foster cat, you are greatly helping us and other shelters to do our jobs to the best of our ability.

If this was just the convincing you needed – then what are you waiting for? Head to our “Foster For Us” page to sign up and find out what you will need.

Photo sourced from Unsplash
Written by Gabrielle Bott-Banas for FFRAQ

<<Previous

Our Mews Bulletin

Sinead's fostering experience.

Get to Know One of Our Foster Carers - Astrid

Keeping Cats Calm During Storms

Create Hiding Places

Keep Them Inside

Breathe & Give Your Cat (Some) Space

Superfecundation - The Modern Cat Family

Get to Know Us - Kylie

My Cat Is a Fussy Eater. What Do I Do?

Watch Out For The Temperature

Make Them Comfortable

Monitor Their Eating Habits

Get to Know Us - Mary-Ann

Do I Need a Cat Tree? Yes. Yes You Do

A Piece of Nature Indoors

They Make Great Scratching Posts

They’re Pawsome for a Little Me Time

Reducing Carbon Pawprints

FOOD

TOYS

BEDDING

BATHING/GROOMING

The Space Between Forever: Five Reasons to Become a Foster Parent

FFARQ News

Archives

Categories

Our Mews Bulletin

​Create Hiding Places

Keep Them Inside

​Breathe & Give Your Cat (Some) Space

​Watch Out For The Temperature

Make Them Comfortable

Monitor Their Eating Habits

​A Piece of Nature Indoors

They Make Great Scratching Posts

They’re Pawsome for a Little Me Time ​

FOOD

TOYS

BEDDING

BATHING/GROOMING

FFARQ News

Join the Furry Friends family today!

Archives

Categories

Create Hiding Places

Breathe & Give Your Cat (Some) Space

Watch Out For The Temperature

A Piece of Nature Indoors

They’re Pawsome for a Little Me Time