Safe Haven for Cats

SAFE Haven rescues NC's "lab cats"

2010-09-19T16:42:00.001-04:00

Arriving in the middle of the night, five tired adult cats, have endured years of abuse at a lab in North Carolina. They are now safe, warm, dry, cared for and loved by the staff and volunteers, here, at SAFE Haven for Cats, the Triangle's oldest no-kill animal shelter.

Executive Director and Founder, Pam Miller, said of the five, "I am astonished at the resilience of these creatures. Even after all they have been through they still want to be petted and loved. And I know each of our 60 weekly volunteers are going to want to do just that!"

If you would like to sponsor one of these wonderful cats please click on the donate now button on our website and give a gift of $5 in their honor. $1 for each of them.

Do you have just $10?

2010-08-18T15:13:00.000-04:00

mother hubbard ten from Ravenwood Productions on Vimeo.

Donatella

2010-08-18T13:30:00.003-04:00

Orange Fizz

2010-08-06T12:34:00.001-04:00

Chewy

2010-08-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

$75 Spay/Neuter Package

2010-07-22T09:23:00.004-04:00

Do you know about our $75 Spay/Neuter package? The price includes a thorough examination, spaying or neutering, rabies and distemper vaccinations, ears cleaned, nails trimmed and pain medication. And, we spay and neuter not only our own shelter animals, but strays, ferals cats and personal feline pets.

Other services are available during the spay/neueter, for an additional fee:

•FeLV / FIV Test
$25 per cat
Testing for Feline Leukemia & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

•Fleas, Worms and Ear Mites
$15 per cat (1 Mo); $70 per cat (6 Mos)
Treatment with Revolution®.

•Pregnant Cats
$10-$20 per cat
Additional charge for sterilizing pregnant cats.

•Lactating
$10-$20 per cat
Additional charge for sterilizing lactating cats.

•Cryptorchid
$10-$20 per cat
Additional charge for sterilizing cats with an undescended testicle.

•Microchipping
$25 per cat
HomeAgain® pet identification and retrieval system.

•Soft Claws
$20 for front paws per cat
Vinyl caps glued to cats claws to protect against scratching/injury.

Orange Fizz

2010-07-20T11:54:00.000-04:00

Tuxedo Cat Ball 2010

2010-03-31T08:56:00.002-04:00

What is the Tuxedo Cat Ball for? Saving the lives of helpless and lost cats and kittens. The proceeds of this year’s ball will be spent on the expansion of the SAFE Care Feline Spay and Neuter Clinic. In order to save more cats we need to double the capacity of our clinic. How are we going to do that? By building, equipping and staffing a second surgery suite. The first phase of this important mission is purchasing the surgery table, lights, anesthesia machine and the supplies for the second surgery room. These will cost close to $50,000. We know you will have a fun and fulfilling evening at the Ball AND you will be helping us in a major way to go from sterilizing 1,700 cats a year to over 3,000!

Tickets are now on sale for the Sixth Annual Tuxedo Cat Ball to benefit of SAFE Haven for Cats and SAFE Care Feline Spay and Neuter Clinic. The event takes place on Friday, April 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum in Downtown Raleigh and is SAFE Haven’s largest fundraising event each year. Models for Charity of Raleigh will assist SAFE Haven at the Ball this year. Models for Charity is an organization of professional men and women in the Triangle who raise money for local charities through modeling - hosting fundraisers and volunteering and attending fundraisers held by organizations such as SAFE Haven.

The theme of the evening is “Sweet Sixteen”, celebrating SAFE Haven’s sixteenth year, and will feature an elegant reception, and silent & live auctions of over 150 items including original works of art, jewelry, trips, gift certificates and many unusual cat-themed items. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Swingin’ Chads. This year, ticket prices have been reduced to $75 per person or $150 per couple and are available at http://www.safehavenforcats.org/tcb or by calling (919) 872-1128. A complete listing of auction items may be viewed at http://www.safehavenforcats.org/tcb.

“As we celebrate sixteen sweet years of SAFE Haven for Cats, we invite the community to join us in commemorating this very special year,” says Pam Miller, SAFE Haven founder and executive director. “Funds raised at the Ball will help us find forever homes for more cats and kittens, and assist the community with expanded spay/neuter services. “

Here’s the important details:
Friday, April 16, 2010, 7-11 pm
Marbles Kids Museum
201 East Hargett Street
Exquisite food and complimentary drinks
Tickets only $75 per person (much less than other comparable events!)
Free parking at the Wilmington Street Station or Moore Square Station
Jazz melodies by the Swingin’ Chads
Games and Raffles – Are you a jewelry person or a techie? No worries we have a raffle prize just for you. Decide which to go for – the 3.2 karat diamond tennis bracelet or an iPod Touch.
Silent Auction for over 200 practical and usable items – bidding will start at 20% of retail value – and bargains to be had at our Live Auction, including some of the following:

2011 4 day/3 night Daytona 500 Package
Fighter Pilot for a Day Experience
Myrtle Beach Golf Package
Hannah Montana 3 photo collage

Orange Fizz

2010-02-25T07:56:00.003-05:00

I'd make you so very happy if you picked me today. No, I don't do all that hyper, razzle-dazzle business at the front of the cage trying to demand your attention. That's just not my style. I don't believe in forcing things; it just doesn't seem like that's the right way for me to find my forever person. But if you could just pause a few minutes ... open my door, extend your hand, scratch my head. Then my regal, stately exterior will begin to melt and I'll start to show you some of the wonderful things about me. My rumbling purr. The shy head butts. My energy as I chase a toy. And pretty soon, you'll recognize that all the stored-up love I have would be my special gift to you.

A special plea from Billie Holladay

2010-01-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

Help me, please.
Open your arms and your loving heart and wrap them around me like a warm, soft blanket.
I’m a beautiful little tuxedo teenager who came into the world with a premature death sentence. I tested positive for the feline leukemia virus, which affects a cat’s immune system. If the virus blooms in me, it means I could become seriously ill very quickly and die way before my time.
Because of that I know that committing to love me is a risk. And I know that somewhere down the line losing me could cause you pain.
But today, tomorrow and likely for many, many more tomorrows into the future, we will have rich, good times.
Right now I’m now so healthy and frisky and eager. I yearn to play and romp, get long chin scratches and stretch full length without touching a wire wall.
But because of what I have, most of my hours must be spent in my cage so I won’t spread it to other cats. When people visit, the visits tend to be short. They wear scrubs or old tees and wash their hands right after.
They have been so good and so patient with me here at SAFE Haven but SAFE Haven isn’t a sanctuary where cats can stay permanently so time is of the essence.
I need to find my forever home quickly to make room for others.
I would need to be the only cat in your house or else live with cats that also have the feline leukemia virus.
But let me stress that what I have definitely cannot be transmitted to you, to your children, your dogs or other non-feline pets. (Did I mention I like dogs?)
Follow your heart. Seize the moment and make it count as I do daily. After all life comes with no guarantees. What matters is what we do with what we’re given.
Come take me home today.

2009-09-14T12:26:00.001-04:00

Safe Haven for Cats is, like many of us, experiencing some of its most difficult financial times ever. It has certainly been a domino effect for us as many people no longer have the money to care for their pets or cannot afford to have them spayed or neutered. On average, we get six cats or kittens abandoned at our shelter or clinic EACH WEEK. Adoptions are down. Donations are down.

We truly try to never turn away anyone. We have recently been helping an elderly pet owner who simply became overwhelmed caring for cats - also reproducing rapidly. We have thus far taken in 20 of her cats, and expect 10 more in the coming days. We have more cats and kittens now than ever before.

Our spay/neuter clinic is usually booked weeks ahead, not only by petowners, but with the cats that we take in who are abandoned or orphaned. That's right - every animal at SHFC receives complete medical attention, spay/neuter, food, bedding, interaction with people and other cats, and the safety of a roof over their head each and every day.

The cost of providing all of these services is tremendous. Our spay/neuter clinic offers low cost (only $75) sterilization to help control the pet population and to ensure that every animal has a home. Thanks to the dedicated vet, staff, and volunteers, those goals are closer just a little bit every day. Our adoption center and our cats are maintained by crews of volunteers donating their time as cleaners, adoption counselors, soecial event personnel, office helpers and spokespeople.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Spread the word about SHFC. Send us your friend requests, share your stories on our Facebook or MySpace page, or tell your friends.
2. Volunteer. If you have time, we have a variety of times we could use some help. You don't have to commit to every day or every week - just when you have some free time.
3. Donate items. Our wish list is located at http://www.safehavenforcats.org/supplies.html#wishlist.
4. Donate to our upcoming fundraiser - WE'RE HAVING AN AUCTION! Details are here: http://www.safehavenforcats.org/auction.html
5. Donate money. There are two easy ways - sponsor a cat (http://www.safehavenforcats.org/sponsor.html) or consider an automatic bank draft (http://www.safehavenforcats.org/donate.html#autodraft) for as little as $5 a month. It's fast, easy, and secure, AND you can change or cancel your donation at any time.
6. ADOPT!!

Please keep us in your thoughts as we continue to protect the cats and kittens through these difficult times.

From our happy pet families.....

2009-09-09T12:15:00.002-04:00

"Lulu is “just a delight” and is adjusting very well. She’s very affectionate and talkative and loves to play with feather toys. Bella, the resident cat, is slowly adjusting to having a newcomer in the household but we believe with a little more time they will come to an understanding and reach a good place."

"We could not be happier with Lily (she looked more like a Lily than a Tambourine to us). She is a wonderful little kitty. We found a vet we liked right near us in Brier Creek (the Animal Hospital). They treat Lily very well and told us she is a healthy cat. She is definitely spoiled; she has more toys than one kitty should have. She sleeps with us every night and likes to wake us up in the morning. One thing she does I have never seen another cat do...she plays fetch! She will bring one of her toys to us and wait for us to throw it.

She is definitely great company to have around. We are so glad that we decided to adopt from SAFE Haven and feel very lucky that we ended up with Lily.”

"Trixie was very shy (hiding under the covers or the couch) and didn't eat much the first two or three weeks after I brought her home. Then she came out of her shell! She's out almost all of the time, has a great appetite, and is very frisky and playful! Her favorite toy is the cat dancer, which she sometimes chases around the condo in the wee hours of the morning. :)

We've formed a wonderful bond, and I'm so glad I adopted her. She's great company and provides endless entertainment.

Thanks so much for the great service you provide!”

"Duffett (a.k.a. Mittens) is doing wonderful. She has adjusted wonderfully to our family and my children love her (she's spoiled rotten). She also has a new best friend (our Maltese). They get along so good and are fun to watch together.”

"Sebeka, now Bella, is doing very well in her new home. She has put on a little weight and is very social. We had a party last weekend and Bella loved meeting and interacting with the guests. She is exactly what we were looking for."

Monday & Hollyhocks

2009-08-18T14:08:00.005-04:00

We adopted Monday (top photo) when we came in on Saturday. She is doing great! Here are some pictures (as well as a few we took of Hollyhocks {bottom photo}, whom we adopted from you in December). Both cats are getting used to each other, and the hissing has (mostly) stopped. Monday is so curious - a real outgoing sweet cat! She's already tried to get into the fridge, and I found her asleep on the dining room table this morning.

Thanks again for such a great adoption experience!

Meet Quinn

2009-08-18T13:55:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to let you know that my wife Kathy and I celebrated Quinn's 6th anniversary with us today! It was six years ago today that we brought this very special little guy home.

Here are a couple of pictures from this weekend. (Don't let the collar and name tag fool you, Quinn is a 100% indoor cat. My wife is just afraid that one of our cats is going to slip out the door one day so she's got name tags for all of them now.) ...

A Home for Donatella

2009-08-11T13:46:00.005-04:00

Hi, I’m Donatella.

You won’t find a sweeter, more personable – and, if I do say so myself - more beautiful cat here in the adoption center at SAFE Haven.

Even though I’m only 2 years old, I have really bounced around in my short lifetime and am close to losing hope for finding my one and only forever home. So I’m reaching out to you.

I was adopted from SAFE Haven as a bright young thing in March 2008. But somehow something went wrong. In October, I was found in a humane trap and brought to a veterinary clinic where the microchip scan identified me as a SAFE Haven cat.

SAFE Haven once again cloaked me in love. I got another chance at happiness in December 2008. But in February I was back again. Other animals in my new home were chasing me and stressing me out terribly. Which leads me to the special challenge that comes with me.

I always use my litter box here at the shelter but my aim is often too high and I sometimes miss the target. I have a special box with high curved sides but unfortunately that’s not enough. Dribbles trickle into my living area and sometimes down my enclosure. As you might guess, this behavior can be an obstacle.

The SAFE Haven policy is to secure pledges from adopters that we all will be “indoor cats only.” That’s because it’s safest for us and means a much longer lifespan. But after a lot of discussion and careful consideration, the folks here have decided to make an exception in my case in the hopes that I can find my way to a caring, low-stress home where I can be indoor-outdoor.

Mostly indoor --because I want to spend most of my time with you-- but with access to the outside where I can do my business. I’m microchipped but I would need my collar with ID and tags on at all times.

There could be good options out there that would work perfectly for me.
Maybe a home with a pet door that would allow me to come and go to an area (garage or deck) where the litter box could be placed and spills wouldn’t matter.

Maybe a home with a large fenced yard, where I safely move around but wouldn’t bother neighbors and where you could keep an eye on me and let me back in after bathroom duties are done.

I am a charmer and have so much going for me. When you walk by my cage, I’m very chatty and will walk along beside you. All that super-hyper kitten wildness is behind me but I’m still plenty playful.

If you can find it in your heart to open your arms to me, or know someone else who could, please contact SAFE Haven now. I’m so ready to begin my new life.

Sincerely,
Donatella

Fundraiser - please help!

2009-08-09T07:38:00.001-04:00

Our annual live auction is scheduled for October 10, 2009, from 5pm to 9pm at Raleigh Auction and Estate Sales located at 4900-A Craftsman Drive, Raleigh 27609. (Directions can be found here: http://www.raleighauction.com/directions.shtml) We need to make $10,000 from this auction!!!

Therefore, we need to start collecting items NOW!! Below is a list of things that sell well at auctions:

Used car, boat, trailer, motorcycle, or camper ●good quality used furniture such as dining set, bedroom set, sofa, loveseat (leather is prized!), game table, bookcases, end or coffee tables, entertainment centers ●wicker furniture ●Vintage furniture/lamps from the 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s, - retro anything from this period! ●wrought iron items such as patio table/chairs, planters, chaise lounges, architectural items ●solid wood/antique furniture ●glassware, china, figurines, crystal - names that sell very well are Herend, Waterford, Lenox, Limoge, Lladro, Hummel, also Depression glass and art glass ●Revere ware pots & pans, stainless steel, Items from Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Pier One, etc. ●pewter ●sterling silver anything ●Vintage advertising collectibles such as Coca-Cola, enamel signs ●vintage toys from the 40’s through 80’s such as Radio Flyer red wagons, vintage dolls, vintage trucks (Tonka), wind-up toys, hard rubber or early metal cars and trucks ●radios from the 50’s/60’s ●first edition books ●decorative items such as wall hangings, sconces, silk flower arrangements, pretty decorative dishes, vases, statues, Seth Thomas mantle clocks ●primitive farm tools, pottery, crocks ●sports memorabilia, signed jerseys, NASCAR ● quilts ●vintage doilies, linens and tablecloths ●vintage hats, purses, gloves, scarves, handkerchiefs, or christening gowns ●art - nicely framed prints, oil on canvas, oil on board, watercolors (animal, still life and landscape especially popular) ●hunting scenes, Ducks Unlimited, nice wood frames by themselves ●nice costume jewelry, loose gems ●10-14 k jewelry, rings, pins ●sterling silver bracelets, necklaces

Please save these types of items for another time. Phones ● wedding dresses ● stuffed animals ● clothes, shoes ● mugs ● small household appliances such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, can openers ● baseball cards ● file cabinets and most office furniture ● electronics such as TV’s, boom boxes, CD/DVD players, speakers ● tote bags ● books ● appliances such as washer/dryers (unless less than 2 years old), refrigerators, stoves, microwaves ● exercise equipment ● futons ● rugs ● CDs and DVDs ● Christmas decorations ● dishes ● pots & pans ● bedding & linens.

You can start dropping off items now at the auction house. The drop off hours are as follows:

Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am and 4:30pm
Sunday, 9/27, between 1 and 3pm (any stuff)
Saturday, 10/3, between 12 and 2pm (small stuff only)
Sunday, 10/4, between 1 and 3pm (any stuff)

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you so much for your help with this important event!

The SAFE Haven Staff

Please - Popeye needs a loving home

2009-07-21T17:39:00.002-04:00

Popeye was hanging out in North Raleigh near two busy streets. He found a place where someone was putting out food for another stray cat and because he was hungry, he took some. Evidentially, the other cats in the area did not think much of that, which was pretty unfair since he was just trying to survive.

The man feeding the strays gradually gained Popeye’s trust and was able to pet him all over his belly. Popeye LOVED this. He hung around because he loved the man, the petting and the food. But the other cats hurt Popeye, we think, and damaged his right eye. The man felt it was time for Popeye to come to SAFE Haven.

This formerly “feral” cat was soon given all the medical care he needed and a warm, dry, safe place to stay. A place with loads of food and plenty of daily petting. He is such a happy cat today, as he sits in a sunny window in our new adoption center. Thanks to your steadfast support we were able to completely turn his life around.

Popeye needs the love, caring, and support of his own family and his own home. Is there any cat more deserving?

More about SAFE Haven for Cats

2009-07-21T12:04:00.001-04:00

· We moved 51 cats into our new adoption center on June 26.
· Since then we have adopted 30 cats and kittens from the new space.
· We are getting plenty of publicity due to our location right on Durant Road.
· We passed our license requirements with flying colors.
· We saved thousands of dollars on the project with donated goods and services.
· Most of all, the cats are very relaxed and happy with our big sunny windows.
· Look for Open Houses at the new space during July and August.
· Next up - The SAFE Care Clinic is expanding!
· We are going to construct another surgery room and hire a second veterinary technician.
· With this investment we will be able to double the number of sterilizations performed from 1,500 to 3,000 per year. Just imagine how many lives this will save.

A Home for Havana

2009-07-21T10:27:00.001-04:00

My fiance Guillaume and I adopted Havana from your shelter a week ago, and we just wanted to let you know that we love our little Havana to pieces! She is such a joy to have in our lives, and we feel very fortunate to have found her! She was a little shy at first in her new home, but is now the runner of the house and has to know everything that is going on! If we don't know where she is, we can always find her in her favorite spot, on "her" dining room chair tucked nicely under the table (where she can hide and see all). She loves to play and she can jump really high in the air to chase her bird feathers. She sleeps with us at night, although she's barely big enough to jump on our bed (it takes her a few tries, but she eventually succeeds and commences to purring!). She is most definitely a lap kitty, and loves to be wherever we are. We've had several friends come over to meet her, and she's very comfortable and out-going.

Thank you so much for your assistance and kindness in helping us adopt Havana. We're very happy we chose Safe Haven, and we feel very lucky to have our little Havana!

This week's wish list

2009-07-19T12:31:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!

First the good news. Four of our cats got their forever homes this week - Sebeka, Duffett, Teresita, and Trixie! That's wonderful news.

Now for the not-so-bad news. We have five cats abandoned on our doorstep this week, so we scrunched a few cages together to make room for these beautiful animals. Thankfully with the adoptions we freed up some space, but it's making our waiting list even longer. That's never good news.

How can you help? Of course, stop by to adopt, but there are other things we need, too. Please pass the word around that spaying/neutering is the ONLY way to go. This makes sure every animal has a safe and loving home.

And, we are in need of some basic supplies this week. Bleach is always needed, as are paper towels. But this week with the additional roomies, we need jars of baby food - veal or turkey only please, nothing mixed in (like macaroni or veggies). We also need a special cat food that all of our cats love, and i helps them to adapt to their new environment. It is called Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys. The two "flavors" we use are turkey florentine and yellowfin tuna florentine. Both are NOT the shredded or chunky variety.

Once again, thank you for all of your help!

From our friends, part five

2009-07-14T11:12:00.001-04:00

Just writing back to let you know that Sateen and Othello are now Gracie and Oliver. They're still in love, and have adjusted nicely. They keep each other entertained, and spend a lot of time sitting in the window sills together. It took them a while to get playful, but once they did it hasn't let up. They sleep with me every night, except for about an hour between 3 and 4 when they gallop around the house and wrestle and hiss.
They're well loved and well cared for, and your organization did us a favor by matching them up with our family. We couldn't imagine not having them now.

From our friends, part four

2009-07-14T11:11:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay - life has been a bit crazy as I suspect it is for everyone. We have renamed Rex as Gizmo. He is so goofy and when you view the picture you will see why. The kids love him and he has really adapted well but he is getting quite fat!! He loves to eat so I have to watch that. He has been a great addition to the family and we are very pleased with him. Thank you for your patience and help the day we adopted him!

From our friends, part three

2009-07-14T11:09:00.004-04:00

Our sweet little kitten, Aztec, is doing great! We renamed him Marmalade. Sometimes he even gets called Marmalade Montgomery. I don't know where the Montgomery came from, but it seemed to fit! We love him to death. He is so cute and playful. He gets into a little mischief sometimes, but he responds very well to correction. All I have to do is make a sound like a water bottle spraying, and he straightens right up! He loves to be held and petted. He will curl up in our laps and lay there for a long time. We couldn't be more pleased! He is a real treasure! I've attached a couple of photos of him. Thanks for letting him come to live with us!

From our friends, part two

2009-07-14T11:09:00.002-04:00

Hershey was renamed Duncan. He's become a wonderful part of our family. He and Jesse (the young dog we adopted about 6 mo ago) have become good friends. They bully each other at different times. He's a very active young man, loves to chase, run, catch, retreive and of course EAT. Both he and Jesse are good antidotes for a someone who works way too much. He demands play time, and it's very ACTIVE playtime. I hope I can attach a couple of pics....He has a favorite sleeping place is one that was previously cat tested, and if that's not enough, he imposes on the pup's special spot, 'just because.' they play, get mean with each other, but are good friends....we're delighted that he adopted us..... (my last beloved cat was black, wasn't looking for another black but he adopted us)...

From our friends, part one

2009-07-14T10:46:00.000-04:00

Hi Safe Haven for Cats,

I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how great Taffeta, now known as Daphne, is doing. It took her a few days to get adjusted to the house, smells, sounds, and my other cat, Drusilla, but she is now is fitting in just fine.

She and Drusilla have been becoming the best of friends, even sleeping next to each other on the couch, and all in a little over a week.

Daphne loves sleeping on the cat condo and especially loves to look out the windows at the birds and squirrels. I'm so glad I could give her a great home!

Thank you for all of your help and expertise in choosing Daphne (Taffeta) as the perfect fit for our house.