Comments for Big Cat Rescue

Comment on Hybrid Facts by Sonjadore

Sonjadore — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:27:39 +0000

Hey BCR:
Love the work you do. Regarding hybrids, I’d like to share my cat’s story. Rascal is part Chausie, and was rescued in the fall of 2006.
We first saw Rascal in our neighborhood in August 2006. He was unsuccessfully attempting to hunt. He was a very striking cat, but his fur was matted and he was emaciated. A fellow animal-loving neighbor set a humane cat trap for him. He was so skinny that the trap had to be weighed in order for Rascal to trigger it.
Rascal lived in our neighbor’s garage for a while. He was absolutely terrified of us. Any attempt to approach him resulted in hissing and spitting, and we quickly decided that he had no owner (the unanswered “Found” ads confirmed this). He was likely an abandoned kitten.
Despite his demeanor, I became attached to him pretty quickly. When our neighbor moved, I did not want to see him go to a shelter (his feral nature was pretty much a guarantee that he would not be adopted), so I offered to look after him. I set up a bed for him in my old playhouse, and began to feed him a steady diet. I also attempted to socialize him.
Just a week later, Rascal looked like a completely different cat. He had gained a good amount of weight, and his bones were no longer visible. His coat had become soft and glossy. He was still afraid of most people, but he had bonded with me. Sending him to a shelter at this point was out of the question, and my family made the decision to adopt him.
About a month after he had been adopted, we discovered that Rascal was part hybrid.
Rascal is a bit like Jekyll and Hyde. At times, he is incredibly affectionate and snuggly. At other times, he will destroy the house if left unattended. He is also the most possessive and territorial cat I have ever met. He’s got in in his head that I am “his”, and no one else can have me. In short, he is a handful, but I would not trade him for anything.
I don’t like to think about what may have happened had we not taken him in. I don’t think he would have survived. I am so glad that we were able to give him a home. To anyone thinking of purchasing a hybrid cat: don’t. The hybrid cat trade leads to staggering amounts of animal cruelty. Rascal’s abandonment as a kitten is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many cats in shelters that are waiting to be adopted. Give one of them a home. It will be the best decision you will ever make.

Comment on Rufus by tammy

tammy — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:50:27 +0000

Will never forget you Rufus! You’ll be loved and missed forever!!!! Rest in peace.

Comment on Rufus by Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:02:12 +0000

Rest in peace beautiful baby boy. Love you so much Rufus! Forever! <3

Comment on Rufus by Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:00:32 +0000

Rest in peace beautiful baby Rufus. Love you so much! Forever! <3

Comment on AdvoCat 2012 03 by BCR

BCR — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:34:56 +0000

We had to password protect the page but hope to have it live again soon.

Comment on AdvoCat 2012 03 by Steven Linke

Steven Linke — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:47:26 +0000

What happened to rufus’s ustream page, we can no longer access it?

Comment on Feeding Rabbits to Bobcats at Big Cat Rescue by BCR

BCR — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:00:57 +0000

Thank you for your thoughtful post. The image is not posted on any of our sites. The people who try to cause trouble between animal rescue groups are the ones posting it and we have sued them for it, but lawsuits take years to wind their way through court.

Comment on Feeding Rabbits to Bobcats at Big Cat Rescue by Terri Dick

Terri Dick — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:09:59 +0000

Thank you for your response & explanation, Carole. It’s difficult for those of us who share our lives & love with furry companions who also happen to be “prey” animals to accept the whole Circle of Life/Food Chain thing. However, there are many who recognize that nature is what it is and we need to think realistically & rationally in order to provide our various rescues with the best outcomes. I believe it is critical that members & volunteers of ALL rescue groups maintain a strict policy of mutual respect & consideration for the others’ missions & feelings no matter the creature you are working to save. That said, a picture of big cat rescuers holding dead rabbits & smiling would definitely upset rabbit rescuers & be considered disrespectful of their philosophy & mission (even when that is not the intent). Consider how your recuers would/do feel when viewing a photo of a dead big cat strung up with a smiling “hunter” standing next to it. Especially if the poor creature were specifically stocked at some stupid fenced in reserve so that some rich idiot can shoot it, get his picture taken with it, & then hang the head in his home to brag to all his friends what a man he is….ugh.
Sadly, I know that ignorant, rude, & inconsiderate people will always be a reality, but that makes it even more important for us rescuers of all nature’s creatures to continue to educate the public and each other every chance we can. We need to encourage empathy, compassion, & mutual respect for each other & insist on the most humane treatment of ALL animals no matter their purpose in life.
Thank you for allowing me a reply.

Comment on Today at Big Cat Rescue Mar 21 by Beth

Beth — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:29:09 +0000

Thank you BCR for this update! I also want to send out heartfelt thanks to all the great people watching Ustream and keeping a close eye on Rufus. There are a good many people spending hours watching with nothing but healing thoughts and care for this precious little baby. They are from all over the world! <3 Now if we can only get the rest of the world to care this much! Thinking of you everyday, Beth Capps

Comment on CEO Magazine profiles Carole Baskin by martha skinner

martha skinner — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:17:13 +0000

Excellent article on a very dedicated woman. The Big Cat Rescue is one of the finest we have ever visited. In addition to providing a sanctuary for so many needy Big Cats Ms Baskin continues to fight for legislation to halt private ownership and abuse of wild animals. Many many animals will be saved from abuse and mishandling due to her efforts.