Cats are particular about where they sleep. (Getty Images)
DEAR JOAN: We have a kitty problem.
Our Berkeley neighbor has had to enter a nursing home, and her Oakland daughter can’t take her cat because she’s allergic. Amy has tried for six weeks but cannot find a home nor a foster home. Shelters are full. We can’t take him.
He’s a beautiful, healthy, sweet 11-year-old guy named “Catness.” People are spreading the word, but nothing so far. Do you have any suggestions?
— Jayne Thomas, Berkeley
DEAR JAYNE: It sounds like your neighbor’s daughter is doing her best and doing everything I would suggest. I’d recommend Amy expand her search to the larger Bay Area. If she can afford it, she might offer a cash donation to sponsor Catness and his future care. She should also visit area vet offices and pet food stores and ask about putting up “home wanted for loving older cat” fliers.
Although Craig’s List is helpful in finding new homes for objects, it’s not ideal for living creatures. Such ads can attract some unsavory people. Contacting friends and friends of friends is a much better option.
All of these things take work and time and can be very frustrating. I’d like to encourage everyone with a pet to think about what will become of your beloved companion if something should happen to you, or if your circumstances suddenly change, making it impossible for you to keep your pet.
Talk to friends and family now and see who is able and willing to take your pet in. Then put it in writing, make sure your wishes are known and that the person you’ve chosen will be able to quickly step in to care for your pet. Some animal rescues will agree to take in your pet for a promised fee, and you can always include any arrangements in a will.
You’ll sleep easier knowing it’s been taken care of. In the meantime, if one of my readers is interested in taking Catness, send me your name and contact information, and I’ll pass it along to Jayne.
DEAR JOAN: I have finch feeders on my now wintery magnolia trees, but something is stripping the bark off the top side of the branches. I have never seen stripped bark like this. Do squirrels eat bark?
— Gratia R., San Jose
DEAR GRATIA: They might nibble the bark, but squirrels are more interested in the wood pulp underneath, perhaps as a source for drinking water.
As the rain has provided plentiful water, the squirrels could be using the bark to help line their nests in preparation for baby squirrel season.
Squirrels also are obsessed with gnawing, and sturdy tree limbs are a favorite. Their teeth are continuously growing, so if they don’t file them down by gnawing on things, they’d soon find themselves in trouble.
The chewing usually doesn’t cause significant harm to established plants, but it can weaken branches and cause them to break. You can use a chemical repellant on the tree limb. There are many on the market, but researchers recommend ones that have thiram as one of the main ingredients. Thiram has a low toxicity to animals, making it safe to use around pets, although you’ll need to follow instructions.
Using peppermint oil or hot sauce might also help.
Animal Life runs on Mondays. Reach Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.
Originally published at Joan Morris, Correspondent