Evenutally this cold snap will be over soon, but in the meantime?

Every large cat has access to at least one cinderblock den filled with straw. This is, of course, where they\'ve spent most of their time over the last few days. The small cats have enclosed houses with heaters and beds.  Several cats have \"denmates\" and it isn\'t uncommon to see them snuggling together to share warmth.

Nature helps out a lot too! Tigers have dense fur (1700 ? 3300 hairs per square inch, depending on the species) to help keep body heat in and male lions have lush manes that work like wool hats to retard heat loss. The cougars aren\'t quite as lucky with their fur but they all have \"snuggle-buddies\".

Trials and tribulations of the volunteer staff are many. They are short-handed because many volunteers are iced in far from the sanctuary. For those that are able to make it in, they are dealing with frozen water tubs in the enclosures and frozen pipes in the commissary. Hot water is being carried from the residence and Visitor Center to the commissary and the cats. To make matters worse, the heater is not working in the commissary so there is little respite from the cold for the humans.

There are three very sick cats, all of which require shots; one also requires the administration of subcutaneous fluids.This is no small feat. It may take up to 45 minutes and the cats often get spooked by the sounds of noisy winter coats. The delicate work of IV lines and syringes make wearing gloves impossible. The difficulty experienced by the dedicated volunteers of In-Sync is balanced only by the rewarding work that is accomplished out there every day.

In-Sync Exotics is dedicated to the rescue and care of abused, neglected, or unwanted exotic cats.  At present, there are 52 exotic cats and one coatimundi calling In-Sync home.  This includes three exceptionally rare white lions, a golden tabby tiger, and three white tigers.  For more information about the sanctuary, visit www.insyncexotics.com.