The scoop on ear tuffs and fluffs

Dear reader, sometimes a furry visitor blesses us with her presence. She has an owner, but likes to check out all the folks in the neighborhood. I love that she will sit in my lap and purr contentedly.

It was during one of the recent lap sessions that I noticed her ear tuffs. Cat ear tuffs, sometimes known as Lynx tips, are the fur that grows from the tips of the ears. I was familiar with ear tuffs on big wild cats like Lynx and Caracal, but I had never noticed them on a domestic calico cat.

Ear tufts may be a rare trait but it turns out that cat breeds with ear tufts come in all shapes and sizes. Maine Coons are instantly recognizable due to their large ear tufts. They are a native breed to America, and I suspect my visitor may be part Maine Coon.

Looking at her ear tips, I wondered what function they serve other than making her look adorable. A bit of research reveled that ear tips on big cats are used to attract birds. They flick their ears and the movement resembles insects luring birds close enough for a meal.

Amazingly, ear tuffs help to keep the cat’s ears clean and free from dirt. They also help direct sound into the ears making it easier for them to pinpoint the sound of prey. I have observed my visitor hunkering down in the tall grass, flicking her ears, and sneaking up on an unsuspecting grasshopper. Bingo! She is quite the hunter.

Another useful cat tool is ear furnishings. Ear furnishings are the fluffy hairs found on the inner portion of the ears. Ear fluff helps cats pick up faint sound vibrations, which aids in hunting. It also serves to keep out debris. Regardless of breed, many domestic longhair and shorthair cats have ear furnishings.

Without tuffs and fluffs, a cat’s life would be tough!

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have six adorable six-month-old puppies. There are three girls and three boys.

We also have seven fluffy kittens’ ages 15 to 20 weeks. There are five boys and two girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

Folks to sign up for free money for CAPS with the AmazonSmile Program details following.

Fancy Feast kitten wet food.

Cat litter for our guests’ comfort.

Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

All the folks who registered in the AmazonSmile program, we receive free money from your purchases. Millions of pooch smooches to you!

Mavis for her dedication to CAPS, she is always upbeat and friendly when she answers the phone. Paws applause to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

November Holiday: Take a Hike Day

Register in the AmazonSmile program, a website operated by Amazon. Customers enjoy the same selection of products, low prices, and shopping features as on Amazon.com. The only difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by you.

If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Over the Rainbow: If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to Kathleen Williams-Miller a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.