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Betsy became a member of our household several years ago when she was dropped off at our rescue during a cold Christmas season. After a few weeks,

my husband and I decided she was a good fit for our current feline family so we adopted Betsy. Imagine my surprise when I started the grooming routine and she reacted with a strong distaste for the whole process. I tried several grooming aids including baby combs and soft brushes. Each ended with an unhappy kitten whose biting and growling began within a few seconds of the process. So, weekly grooming became less frequent and replaced with full body combing when mats started to appear. Unhappy with this solution, we decided that regular professional shaving was a better option for our Betsy. While this solved our dilemma, there are other reasons for shaving a cat. They include: Excessive mats that cannot be removed by the owner Obese cats that are unable to groom themselves Chronic flea infestation Specific health issues (i.e., ringworm)Our groomer suggested a ‘Lion Trim’ for our Betsy. This trim shaves the body and belly of the cat smooth and leaves the limbs and neck ruff longer. The tail can be shaved with a tuft at the end or left the same length as the limbs. Head, cheeks, limbs and paws are very sensitive and easy to nick so they should be left alone or trimmed lightly. Variations of this style include a sanitary cut which trims the back of the tail and hind haunches to eliminate litter box messes. Cautions to remember: Elderly cats that have very thin skin and are often dehydrated, so their skin is prone to nicks and discomfort Underlying health conditions that may prevent the hair from growing back in Cats that are aggressive or intolerant of the process

While most cats enjoy a good combing or brushing on a regular basis, we know that all cats have unique personalities. Betsy has a standing appointment at our groomer every four months which keeps her mat-free with minimum home grooming sessions.

Barnes and Noble will provide supplies and space for us to raise

money by wrapping gifts at their Six Mile and Haggerty store in Northville. Two or three BFPCR volunteers per shift will be at the tables, and we need gift wrappers on December 9, (5-10 p.m.), 14 (1-10 p.m.), 15 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Our rescue will receive donations from customers. Last year totaled $412.00. If you can volunteer for a shift at Barnes and Noble bookstore, please contact Anne at 248-979-4131 or Nancy at MickeyV52@aol.com. c

Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue strives to find homeless purebreds loving homes, initially in foster care. Cats are tested for FIV/FeLV, vaccinated and spayed/neutered (if age permitted). Our adoption process places cats and kittens into caring, permanent homes where their personalities have been matched with prospective adoptive families.

Gift Wrap Fundraiser

Fundraiser suggestionsDoes your company have giving campaigns or charitable events? We’d love to be included. Please call 248-442-0840 or 248-308-2289 and let us know if we could be your charity. We are a 501(c)3 nonproft organization.

Like us on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/BackdoorFriendsPurebredCatRescue c

The ABC’s of Shaving Catsby Anne Klein

Amazon ShoppersDid you know that Amazon has an identical shopping site that benefits non-profits? It is www.smile.amazon.com.Go to www.smile.amazon.com to register and select Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue as your non-profit. From that point on, Amazon will accumulate the purchase amounts from all our supporters and will send us a monthly check for a percentage of the amount. Are you an Amazon Prime member? No problem, it works with Smile.Amazon too.Please be sure you are on the smile.amazon.com site when shopping. Amazon does not recognize your purchases on amazon.com for this program. c

Just Shop and Kroger Gives

Kroger sent BFPCR checks totaling $410.15, because supporters designated our rescue as their charity. If you would like to participate and need help to register online, please email MickeyV52@aol.com. If you do not use a computer, leave a message with your telephone number on our rescue line 248-308-2289 for a call back to have your q u e s t i o n s a n s w e r e d . To s e l f - r e g i s t e r, g o t o www.krogercommunityrewards.com and create an account using the number on the back of your Kroger Plus Card. Once you have registered by creating a login and password, you will be asked to select your location in Michigan. Follow the prompts to enroll your Plus Card in the Community Rewards program. Our organization’s number is 84006. Every one living at your address, even if they have different numbered Plus cards, will automatically contribute, and Kroger will donate up to $300 quarterly at no extra expense to you. Shop and present your Kroger Plus card as usual, and if it works, you will see the Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue name at the bottom of your receipt. c