Goathouse Refuge Blog

Cat of the Week: Boudacia

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Boudacia is a lovely young tabby who arrived at the refuge in September 2011 with 4 tiny kittens (Queenie, Midas, Sawyer, and PeeWee). She was such a good mama cat, but her babies are growing up and getting adopted now, and Boudacia would love to have a home of her own where she can be doted on. She's a loving and friendly girl who will be a wonderful addition to your family. Come meet her soon! Approx. DOB Fall 2010

See more photos of Boudacia.

Community Listing: Elmo (Macaw)

2012-01-18T12:08:00.004-05:00

NOTE: This bird is in need from the community. This is listed as a courtesy, and the animal does not live at the Refuge. The Goathouse Refuge is not responsible for any problems with the animals or with the adoption process. Please contact the owner directly for more information.

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UPDATE 1/24/12: Kindred Spirits Wildlife Center is delighted to report that the macaw will be going to a great rescue where he will be in the hands of qualified individuals. He will be cared for, his health looked after, and once he is doing well, he will be available for adoption. Anyone who was interested in taking him that might still be interested can put in an application once he is ready. Please contact KSWC directly if you are interested.

Blue and gold macaw located in Alamance County, NC, needs a new home immediately. His owner passed away and his elderly wife is unable to care for the bird.

He needs either:

someone familiar with these birds who is willing and able to provide this macaw with rest-of-his-life care
someone who can donate a good quality macaw cage. He has a possible foster home lined up but needs a proper cage.

If you have a proper cage and would be willing to donate it or if you would be interested in rescuing this bird yourself, please contact:

Dana Sims, danasims@sprynet.com

Kindred Spirits Wildlife Center

P.O. Box 1222, Graham, NC 27253

www.kindredspiritswildlifecenter.org

336-376-8602

Cat of the Week: Aunt Pearl

2012-01-18T06:28:00.001-05:00

Aunt Pearl is a lovely young girl, a mostly white calico with beautiful markings and sweet eyes. She’s an affectionate kitty who loves to make biscuits while you pet her; it’s fun to see her do the classic "pushy paws" kitty dance. Aunt Pearl gets along with other cats, loves people and attention, and also enjoys playing with toys. She'd love to come curl up in your home and provide unconditional kitty love. Come meet Aunt Pearl soon! DOB 2010

See more photos of Aunt Pearl.

Cat of the Week: Big Tom

2012-01-11T06:11:00.000-05:00

Big Tom arrived at the refuge in January 2011. The poor guy was in bad shape; he was hungry and skinny, and had an infected eye and an injured nose. He's healthy now and not as shy as he was at first. He's finally feeling comfortable enough to make friends and let us see what a charming and lovable fellow he really is! Big Tom is laid-back and undemanding; he enjoys relaxing on a warm blanket in the studio building and cuddling with his best friend, Commander. These two handsome fellows would make a wonderful pair of easy-going house cats.

See more photos of Big Tom.

2011: In Memory Of...

2012-01-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

SMITTY

JUPITER

WALNUT

TOBIA

LEROY

ENDORA

SHELBY

NINA

HORTENSIA AND RICARDO

ESTRELLA

MARIO

Rest in peace to these kitties that we lost this past year. We remember you with love.

Cat of the Week: Emma

2012-01-04T01:40:00.006-05:00

Emma is one of the sweetest and most cuddly kitties you'll ever meet. All she wants is to love and be loved (and a comfy cat bed is nice too!). An adorable tabby with an orange stripe on her head and a cute white splodge on her nose, Emma has a prize-winning purr which you'll hear when you pet her. She's an experienced house cat whose family moved away and couldn't take their pets with them, so Emma has been through a lot of sad changes in the past year. Please give this gentle and beautiful girl a second chance at having a forever home. DOB 2009.

See more photos of Emma.

Community Listing: Dusty

2012-01-03T14:37:00.000-05:00

Dusty is a 2 1/2 year old declawed gray cat with white boots and white fur on his chest and belly. Because he is declawed, he must be an inside cat. Dusty would do well as the only animal in a home with adults or a family with older children who can give him love, patience and quality time. He is a medium-hair domestic cat whose parents were feral cats. His mother abandoned him at a very young age; therefore, he did not have the opportunity to be socialized as most kittens do. He does not get along with the 2 older female cats in his current home; however, when he is alone, he is calm and plays with his toys.

Contact Judy at jcook87@triad.rr.com. References will be required and checked. Located in Burlington, NC.

Community Listing: Miss Kitty

2012-01-03T10:44:00.001-05:00

NOTE: This cat is in need from the community. This is listed as a courtesy, and the cat does not live at the Refuge. The Goathouse Refuge is not responsible for any problems with the animals or with the adoption process. Please contact the owner directly for more information.

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Hi, my name is Miss Kitty! I am a 2 - 3 year old spayed black and white tuxedo female cat who needs a loving home with a patient person who can help me learn good socialization skills! I was rescued from the woods with 5 younger kittens, and I want to find a forever home (or foster home where I can stay until I am adopted into a forever home)! I will need a little extra attention to help me learn that the world is a safe place. My current foster mom says I am making great progress and the Vet says I am healthy and just need someone who has the patience to help me be the sweet cat that I really am! I'm spayed (12/13/11) and current on all vaccines and treatments.

Located in Durham, NC. Contact Linda Logan – llogan@southcourtdurham.com, 919-599-6450.

December Adoptions

2011-12-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the 19 cats and kittens who found forever homes in December!

Belinda, Stewart + Selena (3 kittens from the same litter who went to a new home together)
Clavel
Martina
Pancho
Sawyer + Queenie
Storm
Madelena
Nate
Joey
Antalya + O'Leary
Peggy + Butternut
Brice + Brock
Ming

Pancho and his new owner:

Cat of the Week: Mia

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

We'd like to introduce you to the lovely Mia who would love to have a home of her own for the holidays.

Mia isn't a special needs cat (she's completely healthy) and she's not a black cat (in fact, she has very unique tabby fur, light grey with some peach swirled in). What makes Mia less likely to be adopted is the fact that she's six years old. She's by no means a senior citizen cat, but most people want to adopt kittens. Kittens are wonderful too, but there are many reasons why an older cat like Mia would be a perfect addition to your family.

Mia is an experienced house cat whose human family was forced to give her up. She will make a graceful transition into your home and lap; she won't climb the curtains or jump on the bed at night while you're trying to sleep. She's just as affectionate as a younger cat and she does enjoy playing, but she's more mellow. And as you can see, she's a true beauty with gorgeous eyes and a sweet face.

It's not easy for a cat like Mia to be uprooted from her home and moved into a refuge situation with so many other cats and new people. Mia was a little bit sad and homesick at first, but she's making the best of it and has settled into Refuge life. She enjoys relaxing on the futon in the Studio building and lying in the sun outside. She's so very sweet and grateful for all the petting and love she gets from volunteers and visitors. Please consider opening your heart and your home to Mia.

View more photos of beautiful Mia.

Community Listing: Feen

2011-12-08T18:23:00.004-05:00

Name - Feen
Age - 4 years old / Weight - 6 lbs / Indoor only

Feen is an alert, intelligent and attentive cat who pays a lot of attention to what goes on around her. She quickly adapts to changes and seems unafraid of strangers, greeting new people enthusiastically. She loves people and activity. A tiny cat, she is healthy and athletic. She is a calico tabby with gorgeous yellow-green eyes and white mittens all around. She is four or five years old, spayed, fully vetted, microchipped and recently had an infected canine removed. She was found as a malnourished stray at a gas station in Raleigh, but is now at a healthy weight. Not a picky eater. She would make a great housecat for someone.

Liane Salgado
GAMBERSTER@GMAIL.COM
Chapel Hill NC

Happy Tails: Moon and Lorena

2011-12-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

Kittens Lorena and Moon are getting big! They went to a family with three fun little boys. Everyone is doing great and are very happy. The cats don't sleep with the boys but do enjoy playing with them.

Tigger is at the Goathouse now

2011-12-07T17:00:00.001-05:00

Name - TiggerAge - 10 / Weight - 10 / Indoor only
Reason for surrender - my soon to be wife is extremely allergic to cats
How long owned - 10 years

His former owner wrote:

Tigger is a beautiful white cat with the tradional pink ears, feet and nose. He is also very docile and as most cats, a nice cat to be just your friend. He is also declawed and has not experienced any ill effects from this.To see him is to love him; it is with great pain I give him up but life is full of sacrifices.

Community Listing: Buddy

2011-12-07T16:51:00.005-05:00

NOTE: This dog is in need from the community. This is listed as a courtesy, and the dog does not live at the Refuge. The Goathouse Refuge is not responsible for any problems with the animals or with the adoption process. Please contact the owner directly for more information.

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Name - Buddy
Age - ~1 yr / Weight - 40 lbs?

I found this dog by HWY 87 one month ago. He had been hit by a car and left for dead. I took him to the vet and had him checked out and they determined his hip was dislocated. He had surgery about 2 wks ago and is recovering nicely. The family that was going to take him is no longer able to. I have 2 dogs of my own and my HOA will not allow me to have another one. Right now he is in my back patio (townhouse) and I can not keep him there long. Please help me!

Tana Coleman
tarhlborn@gmail.com
910-988-6705, 910-229-3544
Fayetteville, NC

Cat of the Week: Gabriella

2011-12-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

Gabriella is an extremely cute grey girl with a white locket on her chest. She has an adorable round face, big round eyes, and round body, very huggable. She's a little bit shy at first, but if you hang out and listen to her while she tells you all about her day (this girl loves to chat!), she'll become your friend and let you pet her. Then she'll follow you around. She's got the most lovely green eyes and did we mention how cute and round she is?!

She must have some British Shorthair or Chartreux relatives because her round cheeks, stocky build, and beautiful blue-grey coat are dead ringers for characteristics of those breeds. Once you have earned her trust, Gabriella will make a great little best friend and housecat. Come meet her soon!

See more photos plus videos of Gabriella.

November Adoptions

2011-11-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the 10 kitties adopted in November!

Sarge and Lara
Linda and Alice
Velia
Mario and Marcelo
Camilla
Avery and Binx

Linda and Alice on adoption day:

Cats of the Week: Henrietta and Matilda

2011-11-30T06:25:00.000-05:00

These gorgeous sisters arrived at the Refuge in the summer of 2010 after their owner had to move to the UK for his job. They are experienced house cats who will be a perfect pair of feline companions for some lucky person.

Henrietta is a calico girl with a white chest and unique markings; Matilda is a tiny tortie with a sweet face and beautiful green eyes. Both of them are friendly cats who love people, attention, and treats!. Henrietta is easy-going and very sweet while Matilida has got some charming tortie feistiness in her. They were so scared when they arrived at the refuge; they are doing better now but in their heart of hearts, they really want to be family house cats again. Please give Matilda and Henrietta a second chance at a forever home - they would love to come home with you and provide unconditional kitty love! DOB October 2008.

See more photos of Matilda and Henrietta!

Community Listing: Theodore and Sasparilla

2011-11-29T09:30:00.008-05:00

Community Listing: White Kitty

2011-11-23T09:50:00.003-05:00

Community Listing: Boomus

2011-11-23T09:42:00.002-05:00

Community Listing: Queenie

2011-11-23T09:38:00.005-05:00

Community Listing: Runt and Sarah

2011-11-23T08:37:00.005-05:00

Cat of the Week: Ears

2011-11-16T05:25:00.006-05:00

This gentle eight-year-old tabby girl really needs a friend. Change isn't easy for any cat and seems to be harder for a middle-aged girl like Ears. She's been through a lot the past few months; she lost her home through no fault of her own, found herself on death row in a public shelter, and then came to the Goathouse. Being in a new place with so many other cats has stressed her out and she stopped eating; she's fragile and bony right now but will eat when someone pets her or holds her. We're keeping her in a cage so we can monitor her health and food intake.

Someone loved this cat very much at some point in her life; you can tell by how affectionate she is and how much she appreciates attention from people. She loves being petted and held, and has a prize-winning purr. Ears really needs a foster home (or better yet, a forever home) with a patient loving person who will help her feel safe and make sure she eats (and syringe feed her if necessary). Please call us if you are willing to open your home and your heart to this sweet tabby girl.

See more photos of Ears.

Happy Tails: Girasole

2011-11-09T13:50:00.005-05:00

We love Happy Tails! Photos and an update from Girasole's new mom:

HAPPY TAILS!

Girasole has evolved from a shy, unsure little boy to a rather confident cat testing the boundaries in his new home with his new friend, Meat Loaf.

He is very curious, follows me everywhere and has been sleeping on the bed with us from the first night. He still has quite a bit of kitten in him, as evidenced by his late-night playtime with his new toys and circle scratchers. A bit of catnip after dinner means a late night for everyone!

Girasole is still learning how far he can go with Meat Loaf, who is 17 and was needing companionship after the loss of her brother. She is taking to him -- slowly. And one day soon I know she will play when Girasole wants, but for now, she allows him to sleep in the bed and on the sofa with her -- as long as she gets to lay on the top in her spot.

Girasole seems to be settling into a contented life here and is relaxed -- no one bothers him and he gets fresh air everyday on our little deck. He is excited when I return from work, eats very well and sometimes enjoys a treat.

Lastly, thanks to everyone at the Goathouse, and especially you Siglinda, for giving us the opportunity to adopt Girasole and give him a second chance. He has been such a blessing in our lives. THANK YOU to everyone who cared for Girasole and made sure he was safe.

Community Listing: Dottie

2011-11-08T10:16:00.005-05:00

Community Listings: Marbles, Patches, and Sneezer

2011-11-02T13:44:00.008-04:00

NOTE: These are cats in need from the community. This is listed as a courtesy, and the cats do not live at the Refuge. The Goathouse Refuge is not responsible for any problems with the animals or with the adoption process. Please contact the owner directly for more information.

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Three friendly stray cats, living outdoors but fully vetted, need homes. Their neighborhood is not the best...some thugs poured gasoline on Sneezer and he got away before they lit him on fire, so they desperately need homes! All three cats are approx. 2 years old.

Contact Lissa in Waxhaw, NC
mamamia4768@yahoo.com
704-905-0568

Patches- this long haired, multi colored cat is adorable! She's small, less than 6 pounds, and very sweet. She will make a wonderful lap cat...one of those kitties that is happiest being massaged! The neighborhood where she lives is very dangerous for small cats...busy street nearby, stray dogs, and people who think hurting animals is a sport. She is still outdoors, so please take a chance on this petite girl and give her a forever home:)

Marbles-long haired black/orange female...absolutely beautiful girl! She is a very sweet, very playful cat! She starts purring as soon as you lay a hand on her! Pull anything on a string and the game is on...she will play for an hour! Marbles will keep you entertained for sure, and since she is not in the best of neighborhoods, really needs to find a family she can call her own.

Sneezer-is a loving black male. He will follow you around, and if he doesn't know where you are, will make a cute noise like he's saying "hey?" He is one of the most inquisitive and playful kitties I've met, and is a big lover, too...loves attention! He has a chronic runny nose...will take a special person to take him in, as he will probably need to get on antibiotics to get him better. He needs a home desperately...a couple of monts ago, some thug teenagers poured gasoline on him, and he escaped before they could light him on fire. Seriously. Given a chance, he will undoubtedly be an amazing companion.

October Adoptions

2011-11-01T12:48:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to the Goathouse cats who found homes in October!!

Cats
Bevva
Indy + Blue
Girasole
Marisol
Levi (his foster home became a forever home)
Rita
Amber (went to a foster home)

Kittens of the Week

2011-10-31T11:50:00.018-04:00

Meet Ashe, Logan, Rusty, Joey, and Chiclet!

These five adorable male kittens are living in a foster home but are available for adoption through the Goathouse Refuge. If you would like to meet any/all of these babies, please call or email the Goathouse office, and their foster mom will arrange a time to bring them to the Goathouse. DOB June 2011.

Ashe and Logan
These tuxedo brothers "sing" for their supper. Where the other kitties meow when they want something, Logan and Ashe have a very extended meow that sounds a bit like an aria. They are nearly mirror images of each other and do everything together, including sleep, and they must be adopted together.

Rusty
The short-haired orange tabby is named Rusty. He's a sweetheart.

Joey
Joey is a fluffy angora orange tabby who is very sweet and playful, and the most laid back of the bunch.

Chiclet
The mostly white and orange tabby is named Chiclet. He is the comical one.

Community Listing: Daisy

2011-10-29T09:21:00.004-04:00

Community Listing: Henry and Tux

2011-10-28T13:15:00.004-04:00

NOTE: This is a cat in need from the community. This is listed as a courtesy, and the cat does not live at the Refuge. The Goathouse Refuge is not responsible for any problems with the animal or with the adoption process. Please contact the owner directly for more information.

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UPDATE 10-29-11: Tux and Henry found a home!
Tux and Henry are 4 years old cats with cute personalities and are funny, playful and affectionate. They are brothers, have been neutered and declawed, so they are inside kitties. They love our screened porch and are playful and affectionate. Unfortunately, two cats, a cat-hating dog, allergies, and most recently a baby girl necessitated that they find a new home. We are fostering them while looking for a forever home for them.

Tux: Big boy will come running to meet you, loves to eat and chase the laser light and swish his tail while “stalking” gold finches from within the screened porch; adores being combed and getting into Henry’s food before Henry finishes; fearless of vacuums and thunder.

Henry: Orange tabby is shy, loves under beds and sofas and skittish until he gets to know you. After that, he loves to lap sit and chase Tux; loves treats and being combed and wants to be wherever you are; is intrigued by the hummingbirds.

If you decide that Henry and Tux are perfect for you, they come with all the accoutrements (dishes, litter box, cat carriers, toys, etc).

Located in Pittsboro, NC. Call Pam at 919-533-6548 for more information.

Happy Tails: Nicodemus, Snappy, and Miro

2011-10-18T10:48:00.007-04:00

We love Happy Tails! Here's a report from the family who adopted Nicodemus, Snappy, and Miro.

"I adopted Nicodemus and two kittens on Labor Day weekend and want to let you know that all three of them are doing really well. We changed Miro's name to Saavik, but Snappy is still Snappy and happy. The kittens are best of friends! They often sleep together, eat together, and play together. Saavik often bring out the kitten in Niko with some play wrestling and running around the house; the "old boy" seems to enjoy it.

Nikodemus enjoys sitting on the couch and hanging out on the deck with me. He also likes to snuggle next to my legs in bed, though not every night, and has started to hop into my lap as well as my daughter's. The three kitties bring lots of joy to my household. My kids and I really love them and I already can't imagine life without them--nor do I want to."

Cat of the Week: Dixie

2011-10-12T05:14:00.004-04:00

Meet Dixie, a lovable girl with a white chest and mittens, and thick calico fur the color of autumn leaves. She's such a sweet kitty with a shy, gentle personality. She's not the kind of cat who comes running up and jumps in your lap, but when you approach her, she's happy to see you, and grateful for the petting and attention. Dixie has been at the refuge since 2008, patiently waiting for her person to come. She will make someone a great little friend - maybe that someone could be you?

See more photos of Dixie.

Happy Tails: Gracie and Chris Jr.

2011-10-06T07:08:00.001-04:00

A nice note from the family who adopted Gracie and Chris Jr.~

"These are pictures of former Goathouse kitties Gracie and Alfred (formerly known as Chris, Jr. -- honest, he picked the name himself! I called him King Alfred the first night he was home with me in May, and it was the first time he came to me & fell asleep immediately in my lap).

Alfred and Gracie are both just wonderful, hilarious, loving, fun kitties to live with. My older cat, Wick, loves them both too. They make me happy every day, and I try hard to return the favor. Hope you enjoy these, please share as you like!"

Cat of the Week: Sassy

2011-10-05T01:30:00.005-04:00

Sassy is adorable. She's a bright-eyed and sprightly little girl with fabulous grey and white tuxedo markings. An adult cat who is so tiny that she looks more like a kitten, Sassy can be a little bit shy at first, but once you make friends with her, you'll see that she's a gentle and loving girl who enjoys eating treats from your hand and being petted. She's been at the refuge for over a year now and would love to have a home of her very own. Please come meet Sassy soon!

View more photos of Sassy.

September Adoptions

2011-10-01T09:29:00.007-04:00

Thank you to everyone who opened your home and heart to a Goathouse kitty in September!

Cats:
Nicodemus
Alex
Paulette+Imp
Leatrice
Mia
Dahlia
Buster
Licorice

Kittens:
Cadmus
Snappy+Miro
Moon+Lorena

Cat of the Week: Madelena

2011-09-28T05:20:00.005-04:00

What a serene and elegant beauty! Madelena is a mostly white calico with unique markings; she has a few orange calico spots on her head and back, and a dark striped tail. Madelena is a calm and quiet kitty who is very sweet and open to affection; she melts right into you when you hold her. This gentle and peaceful girl would love to come curl up happily in your home. Come meet her soon! DOB 2010

See more photos of the lovely Madelena.

Happy Tails: Felix

2011-09-19T11:05:00.004-04:00

Felix is doing very well. We renamed him Oberon but for now we call him Obi because Oberon is a big name for such a little kitty.
Here are some photos of him. He forgets to put his tongue away a lot. :)

Kittens of the Week: Jack and Angelica

2011-09-14T05:22:00.001-04:00

Jack and Angelica are two of the sweetest, most loving little kittens you'll ever meet. Favorite things include each other, people hugs, purring, and running around the room on little toothpick legs.

This brother and sister pair are adorable; both of them are mostly white with grey markings. Angelica loves to be held. Jack does too, but he's a little more independent. They are regular domestic house cats, but they have short, soft hair and big ears, characteristics of the Cornish Rex breed, which give them an interesting, exotic look. They were hungry and scrawny when they arrived, but they are getting cuter everyday. Sweet sweet kitties. DOB May 2011.

There are over 25 kittens available from the Goathouse right now. A few of them are in foster homes but most are at the Refuge; you can meet them all on the website kitten page. Tell your friends, tell your family, please help us get these babies into loving homes. And come visit us soon for complete Kitten Immersion in the Kitten Cabana!

See more photos of all the Goathouse kittens.

More Happy Tails: Cezanne (Mr. Chubbs)

2011-09-12T07:00:00.004-04:00

Cezanne is enjoying his comfortable new digs and all his new toys~

Hanging out with his new brother, Gomez~

This is the first time he heard Miss Flo sing (she's a 33-year old singing parrot)~

August Adoptions

2011-09-09T04:31:00.005-04:00

August was a great month for adoptions. Thank you to everyone who opened your home and heart to a Goathouse kitty!

Cats:

Einstein and Huxley
Aragorn and Zipper
Mr. Chubbs
Hope, Socks, and Savio
Molly

Kittens:

Feather
Malcolm and Martin
Fern
Felix

Foster Homes:

Levi
Gigi
Button

Beautiful Molly was pulled from death row at a public shelter, came to the Goathouse, and was adopted a week later!

Happy Tails: Mr. Chubbs

2011-09-08T06:43:00.004-04:00

Mr. Chubbs is one happy kitty in his new home! His new name is Cezanne, which seems like the perfect name for him.

A note from his new mom:

He's been very affectionate yet shy. Head butted me like crazy and he played with his new hot pink catnip stuffed baton toy. Rolled around, grabbing it and licking it and smiling. He actually purred! He did come over and knead my tummy, and he keeps tapping my shoulder with his paw the way you saw him do.

It was thrilling when he finally purred and thrilling again when he played with a feather toy. He was a riot with his catnip baton!

His new brother, Gomez, hanging out outside the door to the "safe room." He's eager to meet Cezanne!

To be continued....

Cat of the Week: Commander

2011-09-07T02:34:00.002-04:00

Commander is a nice guy! He's a dark orange tabby fellow with golden eyes and a sweet disposition. He enjoys napping and lounging but is always more than happy to accept affectionate petting from a passing human hand! About his name - we don't know the story, but it's a funny name for such a mild-mannered cat. Commander would love to be your best kitty friend. Come meet this little buddy soon.

See more photos of Commander.

Pinocchio needs a ride to his new home!

2011-09-05T14:09:00.001-04:00

UPDATE:
We found a home for Pinocchio! Now he needs transportation to his new forever-home in upstate New York. Pinocchio's new family is willing to pay for gas and tolls. Can you--or someone you know--help get him there? If so, email Siglinda at siglinda@earthlink.net or call (919) 542-6815.

Pinocchio really needs a home! He’s a wonderful black-and-white hound mix puppy. He weighs 30 pounds and is about 2 feet tall. The vet doesn’t think he will get much bigger. He loves to play with his toys and his stick. He gets along with all the other animals here. He loves everyone.

Cat of the Week: Playgirl

2011-08-31T05:57:00.003-04:00

What a beautiful kitty! Playgirl is a silver-gray tabby with a white chest, and cute white toes and boots. She's a charming young girl who has made a lot of progress overcoming her shyness since she came to the refuge in 2009. She really enjoys being petted now and even comes up to ask for attention. It's been wonderful to watch her become more relaxed and trusting. Playgirl would love to find her human best friend who will give her a happy and loving home. Please come meet her soon! Approx DOB 2008

See more photos of Playgirl.

Happy Tails: Victoria

2011-08-30T08:19:00.002-04:00

Thank you to Sarah for sending these sweet photos of Emmy (formerly named Victoria). The shy litte kitty is feeling more comfortable everyday and as you can see, has made herself right at home on the bed!

Cat of the Week: Avery

2011-08-24T05:48:00.002-04:00

Avery is looking for love. He gets along fine with other cats, but it's people he is really interested in. When you pet this cat, he gets the sweetest blissed-out look in his eyes. It'll melt your heart to see how grateful this fellow is when you pay attention to him; he just soaks it up like a sponge. Avery loves to cuddle, and is the kind of cat who gets on your lap, nestles right in, and makes it clear that he plans to stay awhile. He's really hoping that someone will pick him out of the large black cat crowd at the refuge and give him a forever home.

Avery is a great guy who is ready and willing to provide unconditional kitty love to his special person. Come meet him soon! DOB 2008.

See more photos of Avery.

Cat of the Week: Ruby

2011-08-17T06:21:00.002-04:00

Ruby came to the Refuge in the summer of 2009 when she was a very cute and very shy kitten. She grew up in our kitten room and while all of her little kitten friends got adopted, Ruby remained wary of people and no one adopted her. She's now a beautiful grey and white young adult with a cute black nose. She's still shy but has made progress. Once she gets to know you, she loves for you to pet her and sometimes she even purrs! Ruby would love to meet a patient and kind person who will give her the time, attention, and love she needs. Ruby loves other cats and would enjoy being part of a multiple cat family. Please help Ruby discover her Inner Lapcat! Approx. DOB June 2009

See more photos of Ruby.

Gigi is at the Goathouse now

2011-08-11T08:06:00.002-04:00

This was a courtesy listing, but Gigi has come to the Goathouse now. Please come meet her soon!

Update: Gigi went into a foster home. We hope it turns into a forever home for the shy sweet girl.

*******************************************************************

Gigi needs a new home. She is 7 years old and lived in an indoor-only home. She is spayed and up-to-date on all vaccines.

Her owner writes:

"Gigi is a weird little cat that I personally rescued, seven years ago, from a parking garage in Chapel Hill. At the time, I took her to the Orange County SPCA and asked them to contact me if they couldn't find her a home - she didn't appeal to anybody so I took her back.

She's a shy cat who generally likes to stay in her comfortable "spots" - some out in the open, some more hidden. She gets along fine with the other cats and actually seems the happiest playing with the other cats. While she seems a little feral/shy, she doesn't swat or bite...she only hisses until you pet her, then she purrs. She was diagnosed with a heart condition early-on and prescribed medication. However, the process of trying to give her the medication only made her more reclusive, so we stopped.

I've attached some pictures. You'll notice one of her weird behaviors - if you take her into a smaller, closed room, she likes to jump on your shoulders. I learned this when trying to give her the heart medication years ago. I need to re-home this cat because my girlfriend has given an ultimatum."

Cat of the Week: Beth

2011-08-10T05:40:00.003-04:00

Beth is an absolute beauty! Super soft with fabulous markings, she's a sweet young girl who really wants a home of her very own. Beth is a little bit stressed about being around so many other cats at the refuge, and we are doing our best to help her feel safe. She gets along fine with older, laid-back kitties, but rambunctious cats make her grumpy. Beth would love to go to a home where she is the only kitty, but she'd also be okay living with one or two other calm, non-threatening cats. She hopes her human best friend will come for her soon! Approx DOB 2010.

See more photos of Beth.

Happy Anniversary, Polly!

2011-08-09T07:44:00.006-04:00

Thank you to Karen for sending us an update about this sweet kitty:

Polly (formerly known as Baby or BabyBird) has been living with us for about a year now, and I thought you might like to see some updated pictures of her. She is still very talkative and will trill and mew at you when you talk to her. Sometimes I hear her talking to herself. She enjoys following us around and watching the wildlife from the window, and will sleep on the bed between our feet at night. She is the only cat I have ever known, however, who does not respond at all to a laser pointer. She just looks at me as if to ask why I am doing such an odd thing.

The first picture is a little dark, but it shows her nestling with me, which she loves to do. She's also kneading her feet, I think, which is another thing she does when she's very happy.

The second one is her perching on the back of our sofa. She likes to look outside from there and stalk wildlife, and, of course, she enjoys the soft blankets!

In the last one she is showing off her belly. She likes to do this to get our attention. Sometimes she'll groom like that, in which case she rolls from one side to the other, depending where she's grooming.

Happy Tails: Velcro

2011-08-05T07:16:00.002-04:00

We love Happy Tails!

A note from Velcro's new family:

We adopted Velcro (now it's Catrah) and she has been a wonderful addition to our family. She has won over our hearts as well as the other pets in the house. A favorite game of hers is to attack the German Shepard's tail until she gets chased. We also found her and our older cat sleeping together last night.

Thank you so much, she is a wonderful little kitten and we adore her.

June and July Adoptions

2011-08-04T01:06:00.009-04:00

Thank you SO much to everyone who opened their hearts and homes to a Goathouse kitty!

Cats:
Jenny
Victoria
Sam
Charlie

Kittens:
Scarlett + Rhett
Zippy
Velcro
Mason + Twiglet
Miles + Solo

A beautiful photo of Charlie in his new home~

Cat of the Week: Cammie

2011-08-03T06:56:00.003-04:00

It's not easy being a black cat. Black cats are often overlooked by people interested in adopting, and sometimes it's hard to tell them apart. But our Cammie has several things that help her stand out from the large black cat crowd at the Refuge. First are her vivid green eyes, so lovely. Next there's her meow, which has been compared to a frog's croak.

Then there's the fact that she always wants to be where the action is, so we tend to see her a lot. And lastly, there's the fact that almost every visitor to the Refuge who meets Cammie asks, Is that cat pregnant? Cammie would like everyone to know that she's NOT pregnant and NOT fat, she's just fluffy!

Please consider adding Cammie to your family. She's a wonderful girl. Approx. DOB March 2008

See more photos of charming Cammie.

Happy Tails: Mason and Twiglet

2011-08-02T07:40:00.005-04:00

A note and some cute photos from the family who adopted kittens Mason and Twiglet (now named Mason and Lee).

Dear friends at the Goathouse Refuge,

The kittens are settling in nicely. They spent a bit of time exploring their room and getting comfortable yesterday, and playtime started shortly after that. I took today off from work to spend more time with them. They are eating and drinking well, and their tummies have settled from the move. They are adorable and have brought great joy to our home.

Thank you!

Cat of the Week: Levi

2011-07-26T19:10:00.013-04:00

Hard to believe that someone abandoned Levi and his friend Zipper at the county dump. We don't think they'd been there very long because they were in good shape compared to some of the other cats we rescued from the dump in February. Both of them were very scared and who can blame them? It's no fun being dumped!

Levi is a handsome little guy with a really pretty silvery grey tabby coat. He's shy at first but will let us pet him and even starts to purr. Spend a little time with him and you'll see that Levi has a very playful nature. His little eyes light up when you dangle a toy above him.

Just recently, Levi broke his leg and had to have surgery. We would love to find a quiet and loving foster home where he can recover. The Goathouse will cover medical and other expenses, you just need to provide the love (and a quiet room with low furniture so he won't jump). Please call or email us if you would be willing to help Levi.

See more photos of Levi.

Cat of the Week: Blue

2011-07-20T08:20:00.009-04:00

Blue is a bright-eyed and friendly fellow who gets along with everyone, people and other cats alike. Full of personality and extremely handsome, he will be a wonderful best friend for some lucky family. He came to the Goathouse in spring 2008 when he was a kitten, and he sure would love to have a family and forever home of his very own. Please come meet Blue soon!

See more photos of Blue.

Happy Tails: Lenny

2011-07-15T08:57:00.008-04:00

Lenny was part of a litter of four sweet blue/grey kittens (Laverne, Shirley, Lenny, and Squiggy) who came to the Goathouse in early 2010. All of them have been adopted, and we just got this update from Lenny's new mom. What a handsome cat he is!

"Here are two pictures of our dear Austen (nee Lenny) - he is named for Jane Austen! The first is with his now best friend, Tom, whom we found on an evening walk last summer, just about the same time we brought Lenny home from Goathouse. They are now inseparable. We are so lucky.

We think of you so often and of your wonderful work."

Happy Tails: Amy

2011-07-14T07:38:00.002-04:00

We love Happy Tails and Happy Kitty Photos!

A note from Amy's new mom:

"Amy (now "Motley") is doing great! She's a very playful and loving cat, and we get along perfectly. She's silly, too, as you can see from her pictures; she likes to play in water. Ha!

Thanks again and have a great summer!"

Cat of the Week: Two Dots

2011-07-13T03:50:00.003-04:00

Two Dots is a sweet and pretty girl with distinctive almond-shaped eyes and two tiny dots on her nose. This charming and talkative kitty cat LOVES people and attention. A little bit shy when she first came to the Refuge in 2009, Two Dots has really come out of her shell; she now loves to greet visitors and make them feel welcome. She'll let us pick her up now and when she sits on your lap, she'll give you gentle little kitty kisses. Her brothers, Tom and Jerry, were adopted in August 2010, and Two Dots would love to find a forever home too. Come meet this special girl soon!

View more photos of Two Dots.

Cat of the Week: Geo

2011-07-06T03:19:00.001-04:00

Geo is a striking cat with a huge heart. He is very easy going and loving towards people and other cats. Geo is not needy, but he does love to be noticed and appreciated, and he loves to appreciate you as well.

This black and white fellow is social and affable, and if you come to visit the Goathouse, you will doubtless see him hanging around the volunteers and being sweet. Geo always wants to be where the people are; he'll be a wonderful house cat and best friend for some lucky human. And let's face it, you can't look at Geo's nose without smiling and if he were your cat, he'd make you smile everyday! He's been at the Refuge for two years now and hopes that his forever family will come for him soon. DOB 2008.

See more photos of Geo.

Happy Tails: Frankie

2011-07-05T11:37:00.005-04:00

A nice note and some cute photos from the family who adopted Frankie last year. He looks like such a happy boy!

"We wanted to let you know that Frankie has been an amazing addition to our family! We have been meaning to send you photos of him since we adopted him in September, but I have never gotten around to it. So here are some pictures of him! He loves people and always wants to be where we are. He loves laying in your lap and he has grown very affectionate to certain blankets in the house. He still is full of energy and loves to play, but he seems to be adjusting very well to his new life. We could not have asked for a better companion!"

Happy Tails: Jenny

2011-06-30T09:02:00.002-04:00

It's so wonderful to see Miss Jenny relaxing on a sofa with a family of her own!

Here's a note from her new mom:

Jenny is doing great! She is such a sweet kitty and seems very happy here. Every time I come in the door she rolls on her back so I can pet her tummy! I think that's a good sign. :-)

Cat of the Week: Leatrice

2011-06-29T00:57:00.002-04:00

Leatrice is an extraordinarily sweet and pretty young lady. She has a unique color combination in her tabby fur--black, brown, white, and orange--and an equally distinctive affectionate nature. Leatrice loves people and other kitties--she was even observed at an adoption event comforting another cat by putting her paws around the cat and hugging her! When you visit the Goathouse, Leatrice is almost always one of the first kitties you meet; she loves to hang out on the table by the front door and greet everyone.

Leatrice came to the Goathouse when her owner was evicted from his home, and she's been waiting for over two years now for her second chance at a forever home. She's the perfect house cat and loving companion. Please consider opening your heart to this wonderful girl.

View more photos of Leatrice.

Cats of the Week: Linda and Alice

2011-06-22T04:28:00.004-04:00

These two sisters came to the Goathouse last fall when they were babies and honestly, we can't believe they haven't been adopted yet. They are teenagers now, still playful and fun, and ready to bring lots of joy to their forever home.

A real beauty queen, Alice is loving, cuddly, and soft! Her tail is extraordinarily fluffy, her white mittens are spotless, and her cali-tabby coat is quite unique. Linda is a cutie pie calico princess, full of personality; she's mostly white with a jaunty cap and colorful tail. She loves to cuddle against your neck, perch on your shoulder like a parrot, or play chase with her toys. These girls are not only sisters, they are best friends and playmates who would love to be adopted together. Please come meet them soon! DOB August 2010

View more photos (and videos) of Alice and Linda.

A Sneak Peek!

2011-06-17T09:32:00.005-04:00

Check out some of the amazing auction items you can bid on at this weekend's Caffe Italiano! Exciting vacations, a garden consultation, signed pottery, and more!

Reserve your tickets today by calling (919) 542-6815 -- you're helping to support our cats and kittens by participating in this great event. A win-win!

Two Kittens are Easier than One

2011-06-15T12:39:00.002-04:00

We like our kittens to go in pairs.
Congratulations on your decision to adopt a kitty cat! Choosing the right companion is a big step, but is lots of fun and the results are very rewarding. We have found that kitten adoptions have a much higher success rate when they are adopted as pairs or into a home that already has another young kitty. If you have decided to adopt a kitten, consider getting two. This can actually be less work for you, because the kittens will expend much of their youthful energy and aggression on each other. The companionship will make for more well-adjusted pets.

Two kittens are easier to care for. Here are 10 reasons to adopt a pair.

- Fewer behavior problems with two kittens. Cats that have a playmate tend to be more socially well-adjusted and avoid behavior problems like shyness, biting, hissing, being frightened and hiding in the company of people they don't know.
- One kitten can become lonely. If you work long hours or travel for a weekend, two cats keep each other company and are more tranquil during your absence.
- Peace of mind for you. You can rest easy at work or on vacation knowing your cats have each other’s company.
- Two kittens will self-train. Kittens learn by copying. If one kitten is quick to learn appropriate litter box use, the other will be likely to copy. They also help each other with grooming; wash-up after meals soon becomes a ritual with 2 kittens.
- They help each other burn off energy. A pair of kittens will entertain each other in the wee hours of the night, allowing you a full night’s rest. No one can play with a kitten like another kitten can!
- Two cats stay healthy together. As they get older, cats are less likely to gain weight due to lack of movement when they have a companion to play with. They will remain more playful and youthful in later years with a companion.
- The workload to care for two cats remains relatively the same.
- Having two kittens provides endless hours of fun.
- They will each have a friend for life.
- You are saving two lives instead of one.

What if I have an older cat?
Of course it depends on the established cat's personality, but in our experience, we find that many adult cats' patience can run thin when a kitten wants to play! Though it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older cat as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older cat. The kitten in return, will be "rewarded" for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older "uncle" to relax in peace.

What if I can only afford one cat?
Vet bills are probably the main difference in expenses between having 1 cat versus 2. If you can only afford one cat, we have many young adult cats that would do fine in a single-cat home. We also have cats that would be happier in a home where they don't have to share! Ask our staff and volunteers to introduce you to them when you visit.

OK, I’m ready to adopt! Now what?
The next step is to fill out the adoption application on our website. All applications will be reviewed by the refuge staff. The refuge will contact the interested party to set up a home visit. Only after a member of the refuge has visited the applicant's home will they consider continuing with the adoption process. Once a home is considered safe for our cats, the applicant pays a tax-deductible adoption fee of $100 per cat. This fee covers the spaying/ neutering, testing and all vaccinations that ensure the cat lives a healthy and happy life with their new owner.

Cat of the Week: Sabrina

2011-06-15T00:41:00.008-04:00

What a nice girl this is. And cute! Sabrina has an absolutely adorable round face with chubby cheeks and bright round eyes. Seriously, kitty cats don't come much cuter than this one. Sabrina is about two-years-old and has been at the Refuge for over a year now. She's hoping that someone will pick her out of the black cat crowd, fall in love with her, and take her home. Maybe you can make this sweet cat's dream come true!

See more photos of Sabrina.

Happy Tails: George!

2011-06-08T08:16:00.014-04:00

We love Happy Tails!

Fun-loving George was adopted last month. He went to a wonderful home with a four-year-old orange tabby named Trueman and an eight-year-old cat-loving German Shepherd named Vilkas.

We just got this report from George's new mom. Sounds like George is a very happy boy!

"George is doing great and is fully integrated in the family! He and Trueman are best friends. They run and romp through the house in the morning, then they have to have naps. They chase each other in the early afternoon, then we have to have naps again. They are so much fun, and George is happy. He is into everything, but we only have had one casualty, a picture frame broke. No big deal, I can glue it together. We are glad he is with us. We love him, and he is a perfect match for Trueman and our life!"

Happy Tails: Hercules

2011-06-03T17:05:00.004-04:00

A wonderful report from Hercules' new mom:

We adopted "Hercules" a couple of months back. Hercules is called "Hambone" now, and he's clearly well received by our 15-year-old cat, Sinister.

There hasn't even been an hour that goes by where Hambone doesn't make us laugh, and he's been an amazing addition to our family. Sinister, who lost his brother of 14 years this past February, no longer cries at night and has a new joyful bounce in his step as Hambone tires him out with playing and chasing games.

I can't thank you and all the Goathouse volunteers enough for making this possible. We've spread the word far and wide of how impressed we are with Hambone and the Goathouse Refuge.

We intend on coming to visit soon and returning the crate you loaned us.

Please share this with Hambone's previous caregivers. We love him so much!!

May 2011 Adoptions

2011-06-02T06:57:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to these kitties and their new families!

Chris Jr.
Meg
George
Cashew
Savannah

Gracie (her foster home became a forever home)

Erin (this girl went into a foster home)

Young George says, "Adopt a Goathouse Cat!"

Cat of the Week: Rosa

2011-06-01T00:47:00.008-04:00

June 2 Update: We have received $500 for the Rosa Fund so far. Thank you all SO much!

Can you help our beautiful Rosa? Rosa requires a procedure to remove an obstruction from her respiratory tract. Her diagnosis is uncertain, but she is unable to breathe freely due to this condition. The NC Veterinary School Hospital can help, but it is a delicate and complicated procedure.

We need to raise $1,700 for the first stage of her treatment that will determine her prognosis. We are asking our Goathouse friends to help save Rosa's life. You can donate on the Goathouse website using Paypal (please write a note saying that your donation is for Rosa). You can also contact the refuge office and make arrangements to donate via check.

Rosa is a gentle and lovely young girl, and we hope to see her healthy and happy soon. Any assistance you can give will be deeply appreciated. Thank you!

See more photos of sweet Rosa.

Cat of the Week: Baby

2011-05-25T01:27:00.003-04:00

Baby is a curious and affectionate kitty who came to the Refuge in 2009 from a kill shelter in South Carolina. Baby is friendly and loves people; she likes to hang out in the Studio Building with the volunteers and visitors, and when she spots a vacant lap, she jumps right in it! Once Baby takes a liking to you, she'll follow you around, quietly hoping for some attention and petting. She's ready to meet and go home with her human best friend!

During the month of May, Baby can be adopted for a reduced adoption fee as part of our “Seniors for Seniors” adoption event. Baby's got a lot of good years ahead of her and she's such a people-loving cat, we'd love to see her in a happy and loving home. She would be a wonderful indoor-only kitty for a retired adult. More details about Adoptathon 2011 are here.

View more photos of Baby.

Happy Tails: Athena

2011-05-24T14:01:00.004-04:00

We love Happy Tails!

Here's a note we received from the lady who adopted the lovely Athena:

Hello Siglinda and everyone who knew Athena at Goathouse Refuge,

Athena is GREAT! I wanted to let you know that Athena has become a full member of our household with Sampson accepting her and all going well. She has the run of the place both inside and out. I let her out during the day when I can be around and otherwise, they both stay inside.

Sampson has not been hissing at her for several weeks and they frequently touch noses, which I take as a good sign. I've seen them in a game of chase several times as well, usually with Athena being the temptress and Sampson chasing her, but then turning tail and running while Athena chases him back. I notice that when I go away for a few days, Sampson is not as frantic about being with me when I return as he was when he was here alone and that's the big thing I was after for him.

She's a great cat, very loving, catching lizards and voles by the dozens it seems. She's a wonderful addition to both mine and Sampson's lives. Thank you for helping me bring her into our lives.

Heart2Home: May edition

2011-05-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

Look for the featured Goathouse kitties on page 19 of the latest edition of Heart2Home magazine.

You can view H2H online or pick up a copy at these Triangle locations.

Thanks so much to our friends at Heart2Home!

Cat of the Week: Princess

2011-05-18T08:44:00.013-04:00

Princess is very easily one of the sweetest cats at the Refuge. She's a gentle girl who does not have a mean bone in her body and loves other cats just as much as she loves people. She's a lovely tuxedo cat with unique facial markings; you can't help but smile when you look at her. Is it a Rorschach ink blot? Or a sweet little upside-down heart? Ask Princess!

Princess has allergies and requires a special diet. Other than that, she's a healthy and affectionate girl who would love to come curl up happily in your home and provide you with unconditional kitty love.

During the month of May, Princess can be adopted for a reduced adoption fee as part of our “Seniors for Seniors” adoption event. She's not a Senior citizen cat (Princess is about 5 years old), but she's been at the Refuge for over 3 years now, waiting for her special person to come for her. We would love for this wonderful girl to have a home of her very own. More details about Adoptathon 2011 are here.

See more photos of Princess.

Cats of the Week: Ming and Mao

2011-05-11T14:02:00.001-04:00

It's not easy to be a six-year-old house cat who is uprooted from your home. But at least Ming and Mao have each other; this brother and sister have been together since they were kittens. They came to the Refuge in the summer of 2010 when their family could no longer care for them.

Ming is a cuddly and talkative girl with a cute meow, and Mao is a handsome guy, very playful and friendly. They are both affectionate and easy-going cats who get along great with kids and love attention from people. They were so afraid when they first arrived at the Refuge; they've settled in now, but in their deepest hearts, they both long to be house and family cats again. Please consider opening your heart to these two wonderful kitties.

During the month of May, Ming and Mao can be adopted together for a reduced adoption fee as part of our "Seniors for Seniors" adoptathon event. More details here.

View more photos of Ming and Mao.

Cats of the Week: Teddy Ruxpin and Raggedy Ann

2011-05-04T07:49:00.016-04:00

These two sweet teenage kitties really need a home....we would like to get them into a foster or forever home as soon as possible because they aren't happy at the Refuge. Both of them are stressed and scared because of all the activity and the other cats. Teddy hasn't been eating, so this week we took him to the vet who said that he's perfectly healthy, he's just stressed out.

Raggedy Ann is a unique and beautiful fluffy calico; her brother Teddy is a classic orange tabby. They are about 8 months old and even though they are shy, they are gentle cats who respond sweetly when you pet them. Right now, they spend most of their time huddled up together, looking around warily. They are in desperate need of a quiet and peaceful home where they can feel safe, relax, play, and be happy. If you can provide a foster home for these babies, please contact the Goathouse office.

See more photos of Raggedy Ann and Teddy Ruxpin.

March/April Adoptions

2011-05-01T11:57:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone who opened your heart and home to a Goathouse kitty!

Friday
Amy
Hercules
Muffy

Oliver (his foster home became a forever home)
Frisco (foster home became a forever home)

Leona (went to a foster home)

We hope that May will be our best Adoption month ever. Read more about Adoptathon 2011.

Cat of the Week: Binx

2011-04-27T07:35:00.003-04:00

Binx is an all-around great guy...handsome, friendly, easy-going, undemanding, but so happy when you pay attention to him. Binx came to the Refuge because his owner could no longer take care of him, so he's an experienced house cat who is eager for a second chance at having a happy home. He's been at the Refuge for over a year now, hoping that someone will pick him out of our large black cat crowd. Come meet Binx soon - you can usually find him relaxing on the futon in the studio building with the other cats. He'd love to be part of your family! Approx DOB February 2009.

See more photos of Binx.

Adoptathon: May 2011

2011-04-26T07:42:00.000-04:00

The Goathouse Refuge will be joining rescue groups from all over the world during Pet Adoptathon 2011.

"During this harmonious adoption effort, over 2,000 shelters from around the globe join the North Shore Animal League in an effort to save as many pets’ lives as possible. This year, Pet Adoptathon 2011 will be bigger and better than ever – for the entire month of May!"

During the month of May -

~Every person who adopts a cat (or cats!) from the Goathouse will receive a bag of Science Diet cat food AND a bag of Goathouse fair-trade organic coffee.

~Senior citizens (age 60 and older) who adopt an older kitty (age 5 or older) will receive 50% off the adoption fee.

~Everyone who adopts a cat or kitten from the Goathouse in May will be entered into a raffle to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind Kitty Face Coffee Cup, designed by Siglinda Scarpa.

Please consider opening your heart and your home to a Goathouse kitty and help May 2011 be our best adoption month ever!

Happy Tails: Hercules

2011-04-20T11:23:00.008-04:00

We love Happy Tails! This one is from Hercules' New Family:

We are so excited to deliver excellent news to you, not only is "Hercules", now named Hambone, doing fabulous, but he's already getting along with our cat, Sinister!!! It's like it was meant to be all along! We are so pleased, and Hambone is so calm and happy, fun and playful all at the same time it seems.

He's so well-adjusted and we have you all to thank for that. All your hard work and all those volunteers' hard work at the Goathouse pays off!

He clearly loves laying right on us and taking naps in the sun! Sinister made it into one of these too, you'll see they were playing with a catnip toy in our room. We'll send more soon!!

Love,

Holly & Nathan

Chrissy needs a home!

2011-04-19T08:56:00.007-04:00

Chrissy was adopted from the Goathouse in February 2007; she was one of the very first cats rescued and adopted out after the refuge was founded.

Now her family has to move and can't take poor Chrissy with them. It's very hard for a cat like Chrissy, who has been a house/family cat for over four years now, to come back to the refuge. We would love to find a foster and/or permanent home for her as soon as possible.

Her owner writes:

"Chrissy is very loving and affectionate. Eager to greet you when you come home, or curl up in your lap after a long day. A change in living situation is forcing us to find her a new home. She is comfortable around dogs and loves attention."

If you are able to help Chrissy, please contact the Goathouse office and we'll put you in touch with her owner so you can make arrangements to meet her. And please help us spread the word about this kitty. Thank you for your help!

Heart2Home: April edition

2011-04-18T09:38:00.001-04:00

Look for the featured Goathouse kitties on page 17 of the April edition of Heart2Home magazine.

You can view H2H online or pick up a copy at these Triangle locations.

Thanks so much to our friends at Heart2Home!

Cat of the Week: Cashew

2011-04-13T07:06:00.007-04:00

Yay! Cashew was adopted!

Cashew is a gentle and extremely sweet teenage boy. A snuggly cat with soft fur and beautiful tabby markings, Cashew has been at the refuge for over six months now and would love to find a home of his own where he will get lots of cuddles and playtime. This friendly fellow really enjoys hanging out with his cat friends at the refuge and would be happy to go to a home with other kitties. He will be a wonderful addition to your family!

See more photos of Cashew.

Cat of the Week: Jenny

2011-04-06T06:47:00.007-04:00

Yay! Jenny was adopted, June 2011.

Isn't Jenny cute!? She's a sweet and laid-back calico girl who gets along with everyone. She loves snoozing on a blanket with the other cats or relaxing in the kitchen with the volunteers. She's been at the Refuge for a year-and-a-half now, waiting patiently for her human best friend to come take her to a home of her very own. Please come meet this lovely girl - Jenny will be a very special companion for some lucky family.

See more photos of Jenny.

Cat of the Week: Tuesday

2011-03-30T06:53:00.004-04:00

Tuesday is a little cat with a BIG heart. Last year when elderly cat Sweetie was dying of cancer, Tuesday spent a lot of time lying on the futon with Sweetie, comforting, grooming, and cuddling with him. Such a sweet and loving girl. And kitties don't come much cuter than Tuesday; she's got fabulous tuxedo markings with an adorable white chin. This friendly young girl likes people and loves other cats; she would be a perfect addition to a multi-cat family. Come meet Tuesday soon!

See more photos of Tuesday.

Call for Egg-Themed Art!

2011-03-29T08:05:00.006-04:00

Last week, the Goathouse issued a call to artists for "egg" themed art which will be auctioned off at our Mother's Day garden party, Cat Eggs, Timballo, and Opera.

Here is our first submission: a basket of Emu eggs with feathers. Very creative and unique!

To submit your "eggy" creation, please let us know by April 8 and then deliver your artwork to the refuge by May 1.

Thanks for your support of the Goathouse kitties!

Happy Tails: Peter and Stewart

2011-03-28T09:08:00.007-04:00

The Goathouse always encourages people to adopt a pair of kittens and this is why!

Peter and Stewart's new mom writes:

The kittens are wonderful!

They curl up together for a little love session on the couch every afternoon although with today's rain, they decided a warm spot near the wood stove would be better (see photo).

They love each other and are always together. We are so happy we got them together!

Happy Tails: Tookie!

2011-03-24T13:44:00.001-04:00

This is amazing! Volunteers who remember Tookie from her days at the Refuge know that she was about as feral as a cat can be. Look at her now!

If Tookie had ended up in a public shelter, she would have been labeled "unadoptable" and euthanized. Instead, she found a home with a patient and loving mom who has helped Tookie learn to enjoy life. Yay!

Her new mom writes:

"Ms. Took loves to be brushed. She is still very shy and it is easy to spook her, but when she sees her brush she meows and starts purring. I think we’ve bonded. :)

Even though Tookie only spent 46 days at the Goathouse, I give the Refuge credit for keeping her safe until I could bring her home. The few people still there who might remember her as the extremely cage-aggressive feral bobcat with a padlock on her cage door will truly appreciate how far she has come in accepting life with humans."

Cat of the Week: Ellie

2011-03-23T07:21:00.002-04:00

Ellie is such a lovely young girl. She came to the Goathouse in spring of 2009 as part of a group of cats who were scheduled to be euthanized at a South Carolina shelter. She was very frightened when she arrived and has made a lot of progress over the past two years. She's still a little bit shy with new people, but once she learns that you're there to be her friend, she enjoys being petted and doesn't mind being held. Ellie would love to meet a kind-hearted and patient human friend who will take her home and give her the love and attention she needs to completely relax and blossom. Please consider opening your heart and home to this beautiful cat.

View more photos of Ellie.

Please protect your cats from ticks

2011-03-22T14:37:00.003-04:00

A message from Siglinda:

Hello to all the wonderful people who have adopted a cat from The Goathouse Refuge.

Below is information about a very serious disease that can be fatal to cats. The most common symptoms of infection are lack of energy and appetite, usually accompanied by a profound fever. Some cats develop a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. If you see your cat showing any of these symptoms take them to your vet immediately. It’s very important to put Frontline on your cat each month.

We had 2 cats die of this terrible disease last year. Thank you for your time, we hope this will keep the cats healthy through the summer.

VTH Warns of Tick-Transmitted Disease Danger to Cats

Clinicians in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are advising cat owners and their veterinarians about an increase in a deadly tick-transmitted infectious disease that without proper treatment has a mortality rate close to 100%.

The disease, cytauxzoonosis, is related to malaria and is caused by the parasite, Cytauxzoon felis, found in ticks carried by host bobcats. The most common symptoms of infection are lack of energy and appetite, usually accompanied by a profound fever. Some cats develop a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

According to Dr. Adam Birkenheuer, assistant professor of internal medicine, C. felis was first discovered in Missouri in the mid-1970s and for years was only documented in the south central region of the U.S. Prior to the late 1990s the disease had never been reported in North Carolina.

“Between 1998 and 2004 we saw a series of 34 cases from North and South Carolina and Virginia that were diagnosed by the NC State Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory here at the CVM and the State Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories,” says Dr. Birkenheuer. “We reported this surge in cases in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association as we went from having never seen this deadly disease to times where we saw several cases a week in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.”

The disease seems to occur in “hotspots” with some households having several cats acquiring the infection. The majority of cases seen at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) have come from Pittsboro, Southern Pines, and coastal North Carolina from Morehead City down to the Southport area. Pet owners and veterinarians should be aware that these are not the only affected areas and VTH cases have come from other parts of the Triangle including Wake Forest, Rolesville, and eastern Raleigh.

“There are a couple of reasons we believe we are seeing this increase in Cytauxzoonosis,” says Dr. Birkenheuer. “One is the change in the distribution of the tick species that can transmit the infection to domestic cats. There are two species of ticks that can transmit the infection from bobcats to domestic cats, Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum. Amblyomma americanum is a tick species that aggressively feeds on just about any mammal and has a geographic distribution that is rapidly expanding north and east. The other is that some cats survive the infection and can act as a reservoir leading to the infection of more cats.”

Testing for the disease is relatively simple and the veterinarian can usually make the diagnosis by examining a blood smear or performing a cytologic examination of infected tissues like lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. In some cases a DNA test can be used to confirm infection.

Up until recently, most veterinarians have been taught that this disease is 100% fatal and that there is nothing that can be done. Recently in collaboration with the University of Missouri, NC State clinicians performed a clinical trial evaluating a new treatment. With this new treatment patients at the VTH have had survival rates approaching 85%. The results of the trial should be published soon. CVM researchers with the Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research and researchers at the University of Missouri have sequenced the parasite genome and hope to use this information to develop a vaccine and additional novel treatments.

“We are very excited about the results of the clinical trial, but this is still a very serious illness that often requires a week or more of hospitalization but after treatment these cats return to live a completely normal life,” says Dr. Birkenheuer. “In fact they seem immune to re-infection after recovery.”

The best protection against Cytauxzoonosis is to keep cats indoors and use a treatment that is approved to kill ticks on cats (some canine products can be toxic to cats). The use of anti-tick products alone may not guarantee the prevention of infection. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if an owner detects any signs of the disease in the pet.

Heart2Home Magazine debuts!

2011-03-21T08:56:00.009-04:00

The premiere issue of Heart2Home has been published. Look for the featured Goathouse kitties on page 3!

Congratulations to Kim and everyone else involved.

You can view the March edition on line or pick up a hard copy at the following locations:

Pittsboro - Chatham Marketplace, General Store Cafe
Carrboro - Weaver St. Market
Chapel Hill - Library on Estes, Whole Foods, Phydeaux
Durham - Whole Foods, Shannon Rd. Library, Snow Building, 331 Main St, above Beyu Cafe (our office is on the 4th floor - suite 407 - last on the left)
Raleigh - Phydeaux, Quail Ridge Bookstore (in the Whole Foods plaza)
Hillsborough - Weaver St. Market, Paws at the Corner, Main Library

Helping Animals in Japan

2011-03-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

Many rescue organizations, including the Japan Cat Network, are working to rescue animals, despite the immense challenges and dangers. The U.S.-based World Vets has sent a team to Japan to help. Learn more about what's going on and how you can help.

Cat of the Week: Hercules

2011-03-16T07:31:00.003-04:00

Update: Hercules has been adopted. Yay!

Hercules is a friendly and laid-back fellow who is about two years old. This handsome orange tabby was found alone and outdoors in the bitter cold; he was rescued and brought to the refuge where everyone was quickly charmed by his lovable and easy-going personality. He loves people and being petted; he also enjoys snoozing on the futon with the other cats. Hercules has been at the refuge for over a year now and would love to find his forever home soon!

See more photos of Hercules.

We're going to be on TV tonight....

2011-03-15T08:52:00.004-04:00

The Goathouse Refuge will be featured tonight!

North Carolina Now
Tuesday March 15 at 7:30pm
UNC-TV

Adopt the Internet Day: March 15

2011-03-10T14:13:00.008-05:00

Click on the image above to learn how you can help Petfinder celebrate! In honor of their 15th birthday, Petfinder is asking people everywhere to pledge to spread the word online about adoptable pets on March 15, 2011.

Goathouse Refuge cats can be found on Petfinder here. Happy Birthday to Petfinder, and many thanks to everyone who helps to spread the word about the wonderful Goathouse kitties.

Cat of the Week: Imp

2011-03-09T08:57:00.007-05:00

Meet Imp - a tortie without the tortitude! Torties have a reputation for being the "divas" of the cat world (and there's nothing wrong with being a diva!), but Imp isn't like that at all. She's more like a girl scout....cooperative, cheerful, and kind. She gets along with other cats and with kids.

This lovely girl has the most amazing fur, soft as a bunny. It’s a real pleasure to hold Imp and run your fingers through her soft and thick coat. Her colors and markings are just beautiful plus she has the cutest feet - one is black and the other is orange. When you pet her, she responds sweetly and loves the affection. Imp is an experienced house cat who came to the refuge after her owner could no longer care for her. She's been waiting two years now for a second chance at having a loving home. Please come meet Imp soon!

See more photos of Imp.

Coffee with a Cause

2011-03-08T08:39:00.006-05:00

Support the Goathouse kitties by purchasing some fair-trade organic Goathouse label coffee – espresso, decaf, dark, and house blends are available, and all are delicious!

Unique one-of-a-kind kitty face tea cups are also available for purchase. Coffee and tea cups are available in the Goathouse Gallery, and we can also ship by UPS. Please contact us for information about ordering.

The cats thank you for your support!

Cat of the Week: Lucinda

2011-03-02T09:29:00.002-05:00

Lucinda is a lovely young girl with blue/grey fur, a white spot on her chest, and a cute white stripe down her belly. A gentle and lovable girl, Lucinda isn't the kind of kitty who comes running up to jump in your lap, but when you approach her, she responds sweetly and loves the attention and petting. She's been at the refuge for a year now and would love to meet her special person soon. She's a true sweetheart who will bring beauty and grace to your home. Come meet Lucinda! Approx. DOB May 2009.

See more photos of Lucinda.

Happy Tails: Cheerio

2011-03-02T09:00:00.007-05:00

Juice, formerly known as Cheerio, is settling in well with his new family, including a friendly dog! Barry writes,

"Cheerio (call me Juice) is adjusting slowly and well. He has the run of the whole house now and has established himself as alpha over the dog. He's quite chatty but this is decreasing. He's got a strange affection for the kitchen sink and does like to curl up in my desk drawer while I work. Thank you for your help in taking care of such a fine cat.

Barry & Sarah