Nestled in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Cat Tales Wildlife Center stands as a unique testament to determination, resilience, and the power of second chances. Since its founding in 1990, Cat Tales has been much more than a traditional zoo—it is a sanctuary, a haven for wildlife that has been displaced, relinquished, or deemed non-releasable. Unlike a zoo, which often focuses on animal exhibits for entertainment and education, Cat Tales is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center that provides lifelong care for animals in need. However, to the residents of the inland Northwest, Cat Tales is the closest thing to a zoo, filling a vital gap in the region. Your support is integral to our mission, and we value your contribution to the well-being of these animals.

Second Chances for Wildlife

Over its 30-year history, Cat Tales has become a beacon of hope for over 100 animals, including big cats like lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, leopards, bears, wolves, and other native wildlife. Many of these animals come from backgrounds where they faced euthanasia—rescued from private owners, law enforcement seizures, or cases of abandonment. Cat Tales is often their last stop, offering a second chance at life in a forever home where they receive expert, specialized care, ensuring their well-being and happiness.

A Small Nonprofit With a Big Heart

Despite being a small nonprofit, Cat Tales has continuously punched above its weight. With a limited staff and resources, the center operates mainly on donations and the passion of its dedicated volunteers and students. Cat Tales also provides unparalleled educational opportunities through its zookeeper school, where students learn the intricacies of caring for exotic and native wildlife, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in animal care, conservation, and ecology.

An Educational Hub for Spokane

Though not a traditional zoo, Cat Tales is recognized as a crucial part of Spokane’s wildlife education landscape, offering guided tours, community outreach programs, and educational events. It’s the “little wildlife rescue that could,” making a significant impact on the lives of animals and people and standing tall as the inland Northwest’s closest connection to a zoo. Every day, Cat Tales proves that with determination and heart, even the smallest organization can make a lasting difference.

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Our sanctuary is home to a variety of species, each with its own unique dietary needs. Here’s a glimpse into the types of food we prepare:

Carnivores: Animals like our tigers and bobcats enjoy a meat-rich diet.

Feast Components & Routine

• Prime Proteins: Our felines feast on top-notch red meat, including equine (horsemeat) and beef, as well as premium-grade chicken and turkey.
• Chicken Necks: These aren’t just meals but also dental care tools! As natural toothbrushes, chicken necks help maintain oral hygiene, ensuring no tartar buildup. They’re packed with calcium-rich protein, and their vertebrae are safe for consumption, causing no internal harm.

Serving Proportions & Adjustments

On average, every big cat is served meat at roughly 2-4% of its body weight. However, this is more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like species, weight, age, activity level, hormonal fluctuations, and other unique requirements play pivotal roles. Our team closely monitors everything from scat patterns to health indicators to ensure the diet stays effective and appropriate.

• Vital Additions: We sprinkle essential supplements on the main course. This includes bone meal for calcium and phosphorous balance, multivitamins, and probiotics to ensure robust health. A dose of glucosamine coupled with chondroitin is provided for those with joint concerns.
• Natural Fasting Instinct: Taking natural cues, larger feline species like tigers and pumas undergo a weekly fasting day, especially in warmer climates. Depending on various factors, this might even extend into winter. Contrary to popular belief, these majestic creatures don’t feast daily in their natural habitats. Their digestive system functions optimally with periodic empties.

Omnivores: Our raccoons, foxes, and bears have varied diets.

This include fruits, vegetables, eggs, species-specific kibble, and prime proteins like those we feed the carnivores.

Preparation Process

Every meal is carefully prepared with the animals’ health and nutritional needs in mind:

• Species-Specific Diets: We tailor each meal to meet the specific dietary requirements of different species. For example, tigers need a high-protein diet with essential nutrients found in meat, while raccoons benefit from a balanced mix of proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
• Age-Related Needs: Young animals require more protein and calcium for growth, while older animals may need softer foods or supplements to support their health.
• Fresh and Safe Ingredients: All food is sourced fresh and inspected for quality to ensure safety and nutrition.

Feeding Safety

Feeding time is conducted with utmost care to ensure the safety of both the animals and our staff:

• Protected Contact: We use barriers and feeding tools to maintain a safe distance while delivering food, especially for large and potentially dangerous animals like tigers and bears.
• Routine and Calm Environment: Animals are fed calmly and predictably to reduce stress and ensure they feel secure during mealtime.

Food Pan Retrieval and Dishwashing

After the animals have enjoyed their meals, we follow a thorough process to maintain hygiene and safety:

• Retrieval: Food pans are retrieved using tools to ensure staff safety. This process is done carefully to avoid disturbing the animals.
• Dishwashing: All dishes and feeding tools are thoroughly washed and disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure the animals always eat from clean containers.

Recordkeeping

Accurate records are crucial for monitoring the health and well-being of our animals:

• Dietary Logs: We keep detailed logs of what each animal eats, how much they eat, and any changes in their diet. This helps us track their nutritional intake and adjust as needed.
• Health Monitoring: Recording feeding habits and food-related issues can quickly identify and address potential health concerns.

Benefits for the Animals

Proper feeding practices are essential for the health and happiness of our animals:

• Nutrition: Ensuring each animal receives a balanced diet tailored to their needs supports their overall health and longevity.
• Enrichment: Feeding time is an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation. For example, with the bears, hiding food in various locations encourages natural foraging behaviors.
• Health Monitoring: Regular feeding routines and careful recordkeeping help us monitor the animals’ health and detect any issues early.

We invite you to join us during this important part of our day. Feeding our animals is not just about providing food—it’s about ensuring they live enriched, healthy lives.

What Do Tigers Eat?

What Do Foxes Eat?

What Do Black Bears Eat? A Guide to Their Diverse Diet

Ensuring Complete Nutrition for Captive Black Bears: Diet Adjustments

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Why Winter at Cat Tales?

Winter transforms Cat Tales into a wonderland where our native and exotic residents thrive. From the majestic Siberian Tigers, natives of chilly Siberia, to our local species like cougars, bobcats, lynx, red foxes, coyotes, wolfdogs, and black bears, each animal dons a thick, cozy fur coat and becomes especially lively. While most guests prefer the warmth of summer, these cooler months are when our furry friends truly shine.

Meet Our Winter-Active Animals

Discover the joy of watching our animals in their element. The Siberian Tigers relish the cold, their thick coats a testament to their native climate. Even our other cats, often thought of as creatures of warmth, surprise visitors with their thick winter furs and heightened activity levels. Winter at Cat Tales offers unparalleled opportunities for photography and videography, especially during the pristine beauty of a fresh snowfall or the excitement of feeding time.

Planning Your Visit

Although the winter chill and snowy paths may seem daunting, they’re easily navigated with warm clothing and sturdy boots. Inside, we ensure your comfort with cozy warm-up spaces alongside hot drinks and snacks. Don’t miss our “Cats of the World” Museum or the chance for a Big Cat or Black Bear Adventure, complete with behind-the-scenes glimpses courtesy of our attentive staff.

Special Winter Activities

Winter at Cat Tales is not just about observation; it’s about participation. For those unphased by the cold and eager to lend a hand, our winter maintenance and cleanup efforts always need volunteers. It’s a beautiful way to contribute to the well-being of both our animals and fellow guests.

Stay Warm and Engaged

Our indoor areas offer warmth and entertainment between your outdoor adventures. Savor a hot beverage, explore our souvenir shop, and immerse yourself in the “Cats of the World” Museum. With your comfort ensured, every moment at Cat Tales is an opportunity for discovery and connection with nature.

Connect With Us

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about winter specials and events. Please share your own winter adventure stories and photos by tagging us. Your experiences inspire our community and help spread the magic of Cat Tales.

Winter at Cat Tales is not just a visit; it’s an adventure that brings you closer to nature and the remarkable animals that make the cold their playground. We invite you to bundle up, step into the wonder of the season, and see why winter is a spectacular time to explore and learn about wildlife.

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Winter transforms Cat Tales into a magical landscape where our staff, students, interns, and volunteers ensure every resident has a safe and comfortable season. As temperatures drop, our team makes meticulous preparations to guarantee our beloved inhabitants have the necessary resources. 

Addressing Unique Needs: How We Care for Each Animal

To counter the challenges of winter, we take proactive steps to address the unique needs of each animal. These steps include switching their regular metal water buckets to heated ones and providing access to fresh water at all times. Straw-lined den boxes offer warm, cozy retreats when they need a break from the constant cold temperatures. Additionally, strategically placing food in less snowy areas ensures undisturbed meals. Surprisingly, many of our residents thrive in the winter, exhibiting increased activity compared to the summer. 

Clearing Pathways and Ensuring Safety

In addition to providing heated water buckets and cozy straw-filled dens, we make sure to clear pathways of snowfall, which can turn icy once packed in. Our work involves shoveling snow out of the way and layering it with basalt, providing essential traction to ensure the safety and comfort of our animals. Winter creates challenges that require extra time in each workload. Our winter tasks require efficient and careful time management. We adjust our projects and feeding time, moving them up to maximize daylight and ensure we complete our outdoor tasks before the early winter darkness sets in. 

The Joy of Snowfall: Enrichment for Our Residents

Snowfall in and of itself becomes an enrichment for all of our residents as it is something new introduced to their environment, and many animals enjoy playing in it.

From African Servals to Arctic Foxes: Adapting to Winter

Contrary to expectations, African Servals do remarkably well in the winter landscape. African Servals can live up to altitudes of 9,800 feet and live through temperatures below freezing. While their longer legs and smaller paws may require special attention, such as ensuring sufficient traction, they often exhibit increased activity and playfulness in the snow. Instead of their beds being straw-lined, we provide heated den boxes for them to retreat to when they need something to warm up their tiny paws. In contrast, our Arctic Foxes are well-equipped to handle snowy landscapes. Their natural environment can plummet to -58 degrees F, and when faced with blizzards, they instinctively tunnel down for shelter. Adaptations such as longer nails and furry soles make traversing the snow easier for them. Their short ears and muzzles are charming features and crucial adaptations to their chilly climate, minimizing heat loss and ensuring their survival in harsh Arctic conditions.

Tailoring Care to Native Environments

Understanding each of our animals’ native environments helps us tailor our care to meet their specific needs, guaranteeing they remain comfortable and content throughout the season. 

Our Commitment to Diverse Wildlife

At Cat Tales, we celebrate the diversity of our residents and strive to create a sanctuary that caters to the unique needs of each species. From the spirited African Servals to the resilient Arctic Foxes, our commitment to their well-being remains unwavering as we navigate the wonders of winter together.

Community Support: Making It All Possible

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support from our community, which plays a vital role in positively impacting our animals’ lives. Your help enables us to implement essential winter preparations and maintain a high standard of care for our diverse residents. We look forward to creating a winter haven that ensures the well-being and happiness of our beloved wildlife.

Join Us in Our Mission to Protect and Preserve

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Gray squirrels are native to this particular area thus we are an ideal location for acclimation and “soft release”. It has been found that outdoor overwintering of juvenile gray squirrels provides for a higher survival rate than an indoor environment for squirrels of this age. We will continue to provide food for them through out the winter and monitor the squirrels for any health concerns.

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Many of the animals that call Cat Tales home are our native species including cougars, bobcats, lynx, red fox, coyote, wolfdogs, and black bears. Our Siberian Tigers enjoy the winter weather. (They are native to Siberia, after all…) All our other cats, though we think about them living in warm climates, grow thick fur for colder weather and are very active in the winter.

Most of our guests come out in the warmer weather, but the animals with fur coats prefer to sleep when the temperatures are what we, as “short furred” humans, consider comfortable.

Some of the drawbacks to a winter visit include colder temperatures, snowy or icy pathways, and the occasional grumpy others who don’t enjoy the cold. These are obstacles that are easy to overcome by dressing warm and wearing good boots, gloves, and a hat.

We do provide warmth for those inside moments and invite you to grab a hot drink and snack, souvenir shop, and visit our “Cats of the World” Museum. Once your fingers and toes are warm again, it is time to go on a Big Cat or Black Bear Adventure. 

Photo opportunities abound, especially when the snow is fresh. (We can’t do much for the visuals when the snow becomes “dirty”.) The animals are quite active, especially at feeding time, so you might want to consider video.

When we have clear access and all the safety concerns have been address, our staff may offer the occasional “behind the scenes” glimpse into the zookeeper only areas or snap a photo for you of animal cuteness.

For those who don’t mind the cold and would like to volunteer their time to help us with winter maintenance and clean up, feel free to let us know. We could use the help for the comfort of not only the animals, but for our guests.

To keep up on wintertime specials and events – follow us on Facebook ​www.facebook.com/cattaleswildlife or on Instagram @cattaleswildlife  https://www.instagram.com/cattaleswildlife

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