HEALTH FOR CATS: August 2012

Thursday 30 August 2012

About Cats: Happy Cat Month, Allergic to Cats?

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From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats

Lots of new things in store for September, which I hope will make for "Happy Cats" for all my readers. Have you hugged a kitty today? It's great therapy for both of you.

By the way, if you enjoy these newsletters, consider passing one on to a fellow cat lover - or simply give them the link below.

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Allergic to Cats?

Seasonal allergies are bad enough, but they exacerbate allergies to cats for those of us who suffer with them. Living with a family of cats adds a triple whammy to those of us who suffer from asthma, hay fever, or hives. Thousands of victims of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies are able to cope with their allergies while living with the cats they love (including your Cats Guide). These articles and features can help those with allergies who are determined to keep their cats, by applying one or more of these tips for reducing your allergic reactions to cats. You may never be able to eliminate your allergies entirely, but in many cases, you can help minimize the symptoms.

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September is Happy Cat Month

Thanks to the folks at CATalyst for the reminder that Saturday is the start of Happy Cat Month. Do you think your cats are happy? How can you tell? Amy Shojai, CABC former Contributing Writer on Cat Behavior, and now the Guide to Puppies, wrote a great article, How to Know Your Kitty is Happy.

If you still have any doubts, take a look at Is My Cat Sad?, also written by Amy.

Some tip-offs to happy... Learn more

Stress in Cats

My cats finally had a short window of stress-free relaxation once we were settled in from our move last November. Then Spring changed to Summer, and with it, a whole new raft of other household changes. The California Department of Forestry requires that all residents in forested neighborhoods keep a "safe zone" around our homes to prevent the spread of forest fires, and we had our inspection in late June. The resultant noise, workers and heavy equipment all around the property, were extremely stressful for both me and the cats. Billy only came out from under my son's bed to eat, drink, and use the litter box. The other three cats had regular hissy fits to ease their own stress.

This article highlights the various causes of stress in cats, with suggestions for ways you can help.

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Cat Picture of the Week: Opie

Our last Cat of the Week for August, 2012 wasn't exactly the pick of the litter when Haley decided she wanted him for her forever cat. Her cousins had brought home an abandoned cat from a camping trip, and she had gifted them for her rescue with a litter of six kittens. Opie (then called Candy) was actually the runt of the litter, and when Haley was holding her favorite, a black kitten named Gus, Candy, the wimpy runt sort of threw herself at Haley, and you can probably figure out the rest from there.

Yep, Candy the runt turned out to be a boy kitten and Haley renamed him, of course. Today he is 11 years old, and their bond is complete. Read more of Opie's story and find out how to submit your own domestic cats' pictures and stories.
Photo Credit: © About.com Member Haley

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Thursday 23 August 2012

About Cats: Toyger Cat Profile, Get That Cat to the Vet

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From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats

In our hectic, busy lives, it's important to pause now and then to enjoy and appreciate the good things that surround us, like our cats. I have always been touched by those who have told me "My cat saved my life," including friends, family members, and those who respond to the Therapy Cats User Answers.

We can show our appreciation for this unconditional love and loyalty by giving them the best medical care we can afford. If you enjoy this newsletter, please pass it on to a friend, or send them the link below.

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Toyger Cat Profile

Photo Credit: © Helmi Flick

Like the Bengal, the almost extinct California Spangle, and the Savannah, the Toyger is a "designer cat," developed with a specific intent, in all three examples to achieve "the look of the wild," enabling those of us who love the big cats to have miniature replicas adorn our homes and apartments. In the case of the Toyger, the cat's resemblence to a tiger does not include overly large size. The Toyger is actually medium sized (10 to 15 pounds), but sturdily muscled, much like its "big brother." Learn more about the development of this relatively new designer cat with this new Toyger Cat Profile.

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National Take Your Cat to the Vet Week

I welcome any opportunity to reinforce the importance of regular veterinary care for cats, and National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is a perfect opportunity. In fact, led by Petfinder, a number of groups are extending the event a full week, from August 22, 2012 to August 28th. If you've been putting off vaccinations for your new kitten or existing cats, take them to the vet. If you have a cat who has suddenly started peeing outside the box, take him to the vet - FLUTD is the number one cause for litter box avoidance. Is it over six months since your senior cat has been to the vet? Get her there ASAP. There are a number of diseases which target senior cats, and the quicker the diagnosis, the better for your cats's health, comfort, and longevity. This may be the most important information you'll read concerning your cats' health this year. If you feel this blog has been worthwhile, please forward the link to other friends with cats.

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Music Therapy for Cats

I listen to soft jazz or "easy listening" music during the day when I'm working, and my cats also seem to enjoy the music therapy. According to Amy Shojai's article, "Sound causes physical changes in the body. Brain waves change with different kinds of sounds--music with a pulse of about 60 beats per minute slows the brain waves so the listener feels more relaxed and peaceful and shifts the consciousness into a more alert state. This rhythm also slows breathing, which calms the mind and improves the metabolism. It works for humans, and also for our pets."

I've noticed that my cats do seem to be more mellow and relaxed when the music is playing, so I even play it on the radio when taking a cat to the vet. Read more of Amy's article to learn how you can use music for your cats' benefit.

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Cat Picture of the Week: Alki

Photo Credit: © About.com Member Londonople

In the fall of 2010, feeling the need for a feline companion, Londonople visited a friend's mom, who had a houseful of cats. Alki was just a wee guy of one month and well socialized when she took him home. She has made a point of exposing him to all kinds of circumstances, including people, and other cats and dogs, and Alki has taken it all with aplomb. The two of them have a true bond that is a pleasure to behold, and I believe her when she writes that Alki "is the best cat in the world." Read more of Alki's story and find out how to submit your own domestic cat's photo and story.

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Thursday 16 August 2012

About Cats: Cats' Body Language

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Cats

Cat Basics

Health & Behavior

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From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats

We've been experiencing hot August nights, and even hotter days across the U.S. for several weeks. Sending COOL thoughts to Help Your Cats Beat the Heat until we meet again next week.

If you enjoy these newsletters, consider sharing with a few friends, or send the subscribe link below:

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Cat Picture of the Week: Percy

Percy may have been a spur-of-the-moment adoptee as a kitten, but at one year old, he acts as if he were born and raised in "Vintage's apartment. She describes him as a clown who can always make her laugh, and friendly to visitors, even small children. Read more of Percy's story, and how to submit your own domestic cat's story and photos for publishing on this website.

Also, if you've been thinking about adopting a cat or kitten, be sure to read Vintage's advice. It is packed full of gems, and you owe it to yourself and your future kitties to heed it.

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Kitty Cam Video Collar Findings Spur Debates

Kerrie Anne Loyd, an ecologist with a doctorate from the University of Georgia, was concerned about the effect of roaming cats on wildlife, especially birds. The National Geographic Society has long been working with the Critter Cams it developed to study the intimate lives of critters from seals, sharks, and whales, to lions, brown bears, and penguins. It was a match made in heaven.

Loyd and a group of U. of G. colleagues, worked with National Geographic, and the Kitty Cam project was born. The project goals were not confined to wildlife conservation, but also included improving the lives of cats...learn more

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Cat Olympics Show and Tell Gallery

Although the human Summer Olympics' closing ceremony was Sunday, the Cat Olympics is in full swing. As in previous years, Cat Olympic Events will continue daily, year-round, unlike the human Olympics, which are only held every two years, alternating the Summer and Winter events.

See the early entries, and find out how to enter your cat or cats to the various Cat Olympics Events. Please, only one event per entry. If you enter two, only one photo/event will be posted.

Cats' Body Language Illustrated Tutorial

One of the most important pieces of advice I can give is to know your cat's normal condition, including his body language. This means not only to have a solid understanding of his physical condition, by examining his eyes, ears, coat, claws, and body, but also to regularly observe his body language.

They may or may not vocalize, but in most cases, cats' body language is unmistakable. What sort of impression do you have about this cat's body language? Find the answer and more, with this tutorial on Cats' Body Language
_{Photo Credit: Mr. Cat © Tanis}

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