PAW Fort Madison Animal Shelter

06/17/2026

Hi there... I'm Uma... I heard my friend Skywalker went home yesterday and I wanted to say that I've been here a long time too 😿. I know I'm a little smaller than the other cats, and I'm a little older than them- but I know I still love all the same! After two years, all I want is to finally find people who love me no matter my flaws, who will pet me all day and let me sleep on them all night 🌙🐾. Will you visit me?

Stop in between 1-4 any day of the week to meet Uma, our 6 year old female tortie-tabby with an adoption fee of $50

06/17/2026

Some very good advice!

If you have found and rescued kittens, you may be wondering how to catch the mom cat. 🤔 It is so important to make that effort!

Please don't just scoop up the kittens and move on. 🚫 Leaving the mother cat behind often means she will face the exact same situation again in just a few short months, producing another litter and continuing the cycle.

If kittens are around, there's a very good chance mom is nearby, even if you haven't seen her. It is actually uncommon for an entire litter of kittens to be abandoned.

So how do you find her❓

Place the kittens in a carrier or trap at the location where they were found. Then set a baited trap in front of the carrier and cover both with a sheet or blanket to create a little "tunnel" leading straight to her babies.

And here's the important part—go away. 😂

Mama cat is much less likely to return if a scary human is standing nearby watching. Let the kittens and the trap do the work for you. If possible, go inside and monitor from a window. If you're in a public location, park nearby where you can still keep an eye on the trap from your vehicle.

Good luck and happy trapping! 🐾

Edit for clarification: Going away does not mean leaving the trap unattended. Never leave a trap unattended. It simply means not standing right next to it expecting mom to walk in while you're watching. Monitor from a window, your vehicle, or another location where you can observe the trap without being seen.

06/16/2026

PAW Animal Shelter is looking for a Volunteer Handy Man to help up with small jobs - drywall patching, small paint jobs, small repairs, etc. Nothing too hard or too strenuous. If your wife wants you out of the house for a few hours (= we would love to have you hang out with us! Please PM us if you are interested or have any questions and Thank You! .

06/16/2026

Goodbye Skywalker 🥳! Huge thank you to her wonderful adopter for opening her home to this long-term resident. Skywalker has been waiting on her forever home since 2023- we weren't sure she'd ever find the perfect match, but here she is three years later with her new found family! Truly, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Happy Adopt A Shelter Cat Month 🥰🐾

06/16/2026

🚨SAVE THE DATE! 🚨
An exciting Meet our Puppies Adoption Event is happening this Saturday, June 20th from 1–4 PM at PAW Animal Shelter. If you aren’t looking to adopt at this time- stop out and PLAY with our puppies- they would love to play with you. Hope to see you Saturday!
Keep an eye on our page for more information on this FUN day!

06/16/2026

Good Advice

How to tame feral kittens! Some folks promote allowing feral kittens to "come around in their own" - Some people do not recommend touching the kitten until the kitten comes to be handled. Some people recommend plenty of hiding spots so the kitten can feel safe and invisible.

But this passive socialization of feral kittens... results in fewer feral kittens learning to be friendly and finding adoptive homes. Kittens need to be handled and they need to be played with, even if they are not excited about it. The goal is creating positive experiences so they are less afraid.

The 4 main steps to socialization are C.A.T.S.

-Containment: Creat small space where kittens cannot escape you. I prefer a 42-48 inch wire dog kennel or a CritternNation cage but even a small bathroom will do. If the kittens are feral and scared, its okay to let them chill for the first day or so to get used to their new environment. But after their terror has subsided, remove hiding spots so they get used to your presence. You want them to be forced to be seen. If you can move their kennel to eye level, they will feel less threatened

-Acclimatization: Start off with quiet voices and slow movements. As they become less fearful, introduce normal movements and sounds. Keeping a radio or TV on can help. Use toys and treats so they develop a positive association with humans. With older ferals, consider feeding canned food or treats ONLY while you are in their presence so they associate you with good stuff.

-Touch: Begin with toys and then progress to your hands. Short sessions spread throughout the day are best. Start with brief pettings while feeding wet food or squeeze treats. As they relax, you can briefly pick them up. "Pick ups" are usually, simply, to place them in front of food. With small kittens, you can watch TV with them in a hoody sweatshirt pocket or inside a covered cat bed. If they are extra wild, wrap them up in a towel burrito so they cannot bite or scratch you

-Socialization: Introduce the kittens to new people. If they are accepting touch, encourage visitors to hold them while feeding treats or have friends play with toys with them

What are your favorite tips and tricks?❤

(Thank you Onalaska Farm Sanctuary❣️❣️❣️)

06/16/2026

(Adopted on June 16th! Thank you!) Meet Skywalker! This sweet, 6 year old has been with PAW for 912 days! Her tabby coat and age often makes her overlooked by adopters 😿. Unfortunately that means nobody gets to see she is as playful as a kitten, fantastic with children, and gives the warmest cuddles. Please help us get Skywalker to her forever home by visiting her between 1pm-4pm any day of the week. Skywalker’s adoption fee is $50 (fully vetted) Happy Adopt A Shelter Cat Month 🐾🩷

06/15/2026

THIS is ALL of us EVERYWHERE! Please become a sustainable monthly Partner with PAW Animal Shelter- Your monthly donation of $5 or more will help us continue to do what we do- Help Them!

06/14/2026

The Scammers are at it again- PAW Animal Shelter is NOT selling T-shirt’s at this time! PLEASE Do NOT buy from our page

06/14/2026

Have you been looking to add a mini athlete to your life? Well then this Cowboy Corgi (Corgi/Heeler mix) might just be your guy! Martin is 6 months old and is so ready to be your training partner! Martin does well with other dogs and would thrive in a home that appreciates an active, curious pup who loves a good challenge. If you’ve been looking for a loyal companion with a big personality in a compact package, this sweet boy might just be your perfect match! Stop by PAW today between 1-4 and we will be happy to introduce you!