Thursday 4 August 2016

Progress on the cat door

Apparently, the cat door is a success for Dorah and Annabelle.

Annabelle & the cat door from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.


Dorah brought two baby snakes in on Tuesday morning. Yes, TWO. Those who blame cats as killers don't know about our catch and release program. The back deck is full, including our resident tree frog!

Dorah's snake from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
I could hear rattling of cat dishes in the kitchen. Sure enough, Dorah brought a friend inside. I released it on the Hops vine on the back deck.

Ribbon Snake vs. Garter Snake

Use one or more of the following characteristics to identify ribbon snakes:
  • A thin body. Garter snakes’ bodies are described as “stockier” when compared to ribbon snakes.
  • A long tail. Ribbon snakes’ tails are one-third or more of their total length; garter snakes’ tails are generally one-quarter or less of their total length.
  • Narrower heads than garter snakes’ heads.
  • Side stripes on the third and fourth scale rows. Most garter snakes have their side stripes on the second and third scale rows; some have them on the second, third and fourth scale rows.
  • Unmarked labial scales. Ribbon snakes’ lips are pure white; garter snakes have dark marks along the edges of each labial scale.
  • A white spot in front of the eye; garter snakes don’t have one.

11 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Good for you and the cats, but I think I'd be sealing up that door.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I like the cute little snake and the frog.

Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!

Christine said...

cute videos Jenn!

Kailani said...

yikes! that's scary! Glad I don't have cats. (allergic to them.) ;)

William Kendall said...

Good that the cats don't hurt the critters. I wonder what the snake thought of all that.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Oh what a little cutie... hmmm maybe the open door policy will bring some challenges!!! YAM xx

Maria Glória said...

Que vídeos gostosos de ver, os movimentos de lindos gatinhos.

Kay said...

That's such a cute cat door. Gosh, I'm not sure I'd be as thrilled to see baby snakes brought back to the house. Very interesting though.

Powell River Books said...

What a tiny little snake. - Margy

Margaret E. Dent said...

Catch and release sound great in theory. Problem is cats have toxins and bacteria in their saliva that pretty much kill any animal that came in contact with it. If a bird or snake has been scratched during your cat's playtime, those toxins and bacteria enter their bodies. The animal may appear fine on release but it WILL eventually die an ugly death.

Ask any wildlife rehabber, they'll tell you the same thing.

Jenn Jilks said...

Aren't you a sweetie, Margaret! I ALREADY FEEL GUITLY ENOUGH. I didn't have these cats born into the world. I do try to keep them happy and healthy. I've been duly bitch slapped again. Women are such bitches in their high an mighty stance on the world.

The snakes I have rescued have not died nearby. I do the best I can.