HEALTH FOR CATS: August 2013

Thursday, 29 August 2013

About Cats: Does Your Cat Bring You Gifts?

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From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats

In my home, we spare no expense for our cats. How can we, when they bring us so much pleasure in the short time they share our lives?

Much more coming in September, but I intend to enjoy my four fuzzy best friends on Labor Day. Hope you'll do likewise!

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Review: Catit Cat Scratchers

I had been happy with various Catit products before, so I was pleased to accept the offer of a Catit Decorative Cat Scratcher for review purposes.

Photo of Billy With his Catit Hourglass Scratcher
photo © Franny Syufy

Our home is filled with scratching posts and climbing towers, and most of them are designed for adult cats who enjoy tall vertical scratching. When the Catit arrived, I assembled it and put it next to an old, tall scratching post next to our television. Billy immediately claimed it as his own, but I've not yet been quick enough to film him using it - just guarding it against poachers. Read my review for more details.

Cats' Urine pH Factor

It has long become widely acknowledged that a cat's urine pH can be directly related to the health of its urinary tract. Since urinary tract problems constitute the number one reason for cats' visits to the vet, it is important to understand more about the urine pH factor for cats.

Is your cat in danger of developing crystals in his urinary tract? How does his diet affect his urine pH? This article offers help in removing the mystery of the desired range of feline urine pH and how these numbers can correlate to a cat's urinary tract health.

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Does Your Cat Bring You Gifts?

I've been blessed with three gift-bearing cats, all resulting from different emotions, on the cats' part.

Bubba brought me little snakes and dead catfish, mostly to remind me of my place in the family hierarchy (well below his). Jenny drags out my bedroom slippers because of love and loneliness. When I was a teenager, our Manx cat, Bobbie, left a parting gift of dead birds, mice, and a rat in the toilet, most likely because he was angry over... Read more

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Cat Picture of the Week: Sandwich

Photo of mixed breed cat, Sandwich
photo © Kristin Patterson

Sandwich, this week's Cat Picture of the Week, was obtained as a wee mixed breed kitten from an online ad. Kristin, his adoptive mom, was told he was a female, and it turned out that he was a boy kitten, barely old enough to have been weaned.

Sandwich's personality is a dichotomy considering his sturdy handsomeness. He is eighteen pounds now, and Kristin describes him as "a small kitty mentality in a Great Dane's body." His weight and appearance do resemble a Bengal cat, and the personality can possibly be related to the climate in the home where he was born. Obviously, he ended up in a loving home.

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Thursday, 22 August 2013

About Cats: Street Cat Named Bob, Cats' Pet Peeves

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Cats

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From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats

As promised last week, a review of one of the most memorable cat books I've ever read. I'm hopeful to finish another review of an inexpensive but sturdy cat scratching post.

Also, thanks to Pet Shops at About.com, news of a Proctor & Gamble voluntary call of Iams and Eukanuba dry food, including those for cats. Please pass this link on to friends with cats and dogs.

Have a great week, and hug your kitties until we meet again.

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A Street Cat Named Bob - Review

Photo of book cover, A Street Cat Named Bob I had read the Kindle version of A Street Cat Named Bob, and enjoyed it so much that when the publishers asked if I would like a hard copy of the book for review purposes I joyfully accepted. I hope that after reading my review, my readers will have the pleasure of reading this book yourselves.

Writing "My cat saved my life" may seem extreme to many people. After all, we read newspaper articles and other accounts of dogs saving lives, but rarely if ever, hear of such feats by cats. However, those of us with personal experiences, or who know someone with personal experiences, the understanding is clear. While James Bowen literally saved Bob's life, after reading about James' history with drugs, it became inevitable to this reader that Bob would in turn save James.
Photo © Hatchette UK Ltd.

Cats' Top Pet Peeves

Did it ever occur to you that your cat's misbehavior and/or bad attitude might be a result of things you do or don't do? For instance, would you want to use a public restroom that smells like a dirty litter box? Just as we humans do, cats have pet peeves too.

Does your cat suddenly turn on you with a strong bite or painful scratch while you're petting her? It could be a sign of petting aggression.

Search Related Topics: litter box maintenance pilling cats cat food

Human Foods Toxic to Cats

Human foods are best avoided for cats, in my opinion. While a small bit of roast chicken breast may be harmless, we are only teaching cats the bad habit of begging at the table, while filling them with potentially toxic foods

Chocolate covered raisins give cats a double whammy of toxicity, as both raisins and chocolate are poisonous to cats. Other human foods on this list vary in the degree of their toxicity.

On the other hand, according to VPI Pet Insurance, The most common claims for cat and dog poisoning except for chocolate, are human medications, Rodenticide, Plant Poisoning, and Household Chemicals.

Search Related Topics: foods toxic to cats premium cat foods heinz body anemia

Cat Picture of the Week: Misty

Misty is so beautiful, her photo could grace a magazine cover. It's hard to believe that this Maine Coon mix Cat of the Week was given up to a shelter when she was just a kitten. Easier to understand that her previous owner was an elderly lady who could no longer care for her cats, as is sadly often the case.

Photo of calico cat Misty
photo © Jacqueline Hawkes

Jacqueline writes that Misty is a chatty cat, and loves to cuddle, but sometimes disappear, then show up sometimes later. She attributes this to the solitary nature of cats, an opinion that some people might disagree with. She also suggests that cats should be given their own space, as some cats are not particularly fond of commotion, including children. Learn more of Misty's story, and how you can submit your own domestic cat's photo and story.

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Thursday, 15 August 2013

About Cats: How to Care for Cats You Can't See

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From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats

Although most of my readers are sighted, a time-saving cat care routine benefits all of us. Today's feature article provides just that: highly recommended reading.

How many of us can say, "My cat saved my life?" Coming next week, review of a book by a man with the living, purring truth. Until then, hold tight to your own purr-fur pals.

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How to Care for Cats You Can't See

Mario Mannea loves cats, and may be one of those folks with a "Sucker sign" over his door in language visible only cats. Even if it were visible to humans, Mario wouldn't see it, as he has been completely blind since 2003. He put his skills as a former software engineer to use by developing a plan of organized care for his cats - a plan which he now shares with other blind readers. In my opinion, Mario's tips are littered with gems of advice for all cat caregivers.

Mario also shared a thought in one of his emails, that I think describes the kind of man he is:

"It is my personal conviction that, God created man as a steward and care giver of his creation and, for this purpose he is well made. Why then have we made such a mess of things? The problem is self, and our tendency towards self seeking. These people who have taken in special need cats, have demonstrated that there is something greater than self, and ultimately, far more edifying to the spirit."

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How can I cat-proof my electrical wiring?

Question: My new kitten is fairly interested in the wires behind my TV and connected to my computer (these are all connected to the same surge protector.) I am very concerned about this. I planned on getting a little squirt gun for potential problems, but I can't squirt her when she is getting into the wires, for obvious reasons. How can I cat-proof these wires? Please help me, I don't want to come home from work to find a zapped kitty! I will unplug these when I leave the house, until I hear back from you.

Read this article for my reply.

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Should Your College Roomie be a Cat?

Depending on your location, college will be starting soon, and students might be thinking about companionship. Would a cat be a good roomie? There are lots of considerations to think about first.

My first consideration is always for the cats. A college cat needs the same responsible care you would give your family cats at home: nutritious food, fresh water, a clean litter box, veterinary care, toys, and attention. With a full course schedule, a social life, perhaps a part-time job, you simply may not have the time left for the kinds of attention a cat needs. In that case, volunteering for a shelter would be a win-win solution. You would get your needed "cat fix," and the shelter cats would benefit from your attention and care. Think about it.

Search Related Topics: adopting a cat responsible ownership vaccinations for cats

Cat Picture of the Week: Westin

Westin may not have lived to be our second Cat of the Week for August, 2013, were it not for the fact that someone cared enough to rescue him from a high-kill shelter when he was just a tiny kitten.

As it was, Westin had to be hand-fed for the first two weeks he was home, before he could eat kitten food. Today, as you can see, he is a healthy, active cat, thanks to the excellent care he is given. Among the several pieces of advice Kathleen offers is one that all of us should remember: "Be as patient with your cat as you are with yourself."

Search Related Topics: domestic cats shelter cat adoption kitten food