Animal Care
The priority of The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is the care of our residents. Frankly, it's our sole reason for existence. The educational programs and corporate events are merely ways to expose the public to the situation regarding the cats in the wild, and to raise funds to take care of the animals.
This is a twenty-four hour a day job, seven days a week.
And willingly and lovingly done so.
The care given our cats is meticulous, thorough, and more comprehensive
than the care most people give their pets. The care is continuous, repetitive,
and ongoing - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For example, babies require a special formula every two hours, plus the cleaning that a mother normally provides has to be simulated. As babies reach 6-8 weeks old, this formula is supplemented with raw chicken pieces. Their diet must be carefully monitored.
The animals are given a fecal test every three months to check for parasites and/or other hidden problems. Most pets only receive a fecal exam every few years.
Some of the cats continue to receive a 5/1 vaccination that fights against feline diseases . This shot bolsters the body's own natural immune system to fight illnesses.
Each day, the cats receive calcium and other vitamins necessary for maintaining their proper health. Their cages are cleaned daily, including fresh water - this happens more frequent when the cats play in their water bowls!
Finally, there's play time! There's a large field that they often romp in. Occasionally, there are even trips to the beach - who says Cats Don't Like Water!. At home, all the cats love their pools.
The concerns we have heard expressed are ones that we've all shared at one time until we have become further educated about the cats and their own needs. It is not the whims of people that dictate the cats handling but rather what they require for their own safety, and a solid upbringing.
The cats DO NOT perform tricks nor are they considered an act. We do joke, however, that the cats have all of us very well-trained to their standards. The point is, these are not pets and never will be. This sanctuary's focus is to provide a home for these animals on the planet as their natural habitats decline.
The enclosures for the cats at The Catty Shack Ranch are significantly above the standards required by the State of Florida.
Some people have concerns about the cats being in captivity at all. That's more of a philosophy difference than a concern about this specific facility. If you have these concerns, and particularly if you're concerned about animals being in captivity, we encourage you to ask yourself the following:
Do I want this animal to become extinct? Remember, three of the tiger sub-species have been extinct since the 1950's.
What am I willing to do to help save animals on this planet?
What am I doing now to help save animals on this planet?
References
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
800/342-8105
Hornocker Wildlife Institute, Inc.
Siberian Tiger Project
University of Idaho
P. O. Box 3246
Moscow, Indiana 83843
LIOC Endangered Species Conservation Federation, Inc.
P. O. Box 22085
Phoenix, Arizona 85028
United States Department of Agriculture
Eastern Region
2568-A Riva Road Suite 302
Annapolis, Maryland 21401-7400