Aksum Abyssinian Cats

Boarding your cat over the holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 09:16:00 +0000

You are going to visit Grandma over the holidays, but she lives far from you or is allergic to cats or just doesn't want to deal with cats in her house. So you take your cats to your vet or the local cat boarding facility while you are gone.

What happens to your beloved cats while they are boarded? How can they have a better, less stressful experience there? Does anybody really know for sure? Yes they do and here is the solution!

Winn Feline Foundation sponsors research that helps our beloved felines in many ways. A recent study looked at what worked best for a cat in a new place.

"How owned house cats face a novel environment" found there were three things that help a cat cope better and relax more while they are being cared for in a new place.

1) Cats need a place to hide while they get used to being in a new place.

2) Cats need to be able to go up high and look down at everything so they can figure everything out.

3) Cats enjoy interaction and play with their caretakers so much that they relax and start enjoying themselves by the second day in their new environment.

So there you have it. Ask about these three things when you are looking for the best place to board your cat. Or get a pet sitter. :)

-Susan Graham
Aksum Abyssinians
http://aksumabyssinians.com

Jaxx's Excellent Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:27:00 +0000

Aksum At The Shows

Longer, more detailed story is here: A Cat Show Adventure

Jaxx at 7 months old - Photo by Helmi Flick Cat Photography

Jaxx was being judged by this nice lady at a CFA show in Concord, NC on February 11th and he got a wild look in his eye and leapt over the spectators onto the floor about 8 feet in one jump and took off running for all he was worth toward the open door to the show hall a few yards away. At the same time, the judge took off running after him, and I took off running down the next aisle to do an end run around him and get between him and the door, which other people were hurrying toward also to close it. My friend and vet mentor headed down the aisle too, for a coordinated 3-point team to catch Jaxx as fast as we could. I got around between Jaxx and the door, a feat I don’t think I could have accomplished if it weren’t for the relatively slippery tile floor (as opposed to carpet) that Jaxx had to deal with and my serious adrenaline rush!

Jaxx saw me and started back the way he came, in one of those cartoon-like running-backwards sort of turnarounds. Then he saw the judge who was hot on his trail, and did another turnaround, sliding around with an amazing amount of grace the whole time. Meanwhile, people are shouting “CAT OUT!!” and “CLOSE THE DOOR!!” all around us. Jaxx looks at me and the judge and goes off in a completely different direction, this time toward the row of show cages the cats were all in (the ones not in the rings, anyway). Each double row of show benches has the show cages and then there is an aisle between each of them. My vet friend was waiting in the other aisle. We all knew this routine very well from previous encounters with escaped cats. We hadn’t practiced it together before but we knew it so well that each of us took just the right place to head him off.

Most cats, when in Jaxx’s situation, would run under the tables and run around hiding and playing hide and seek til somebody could figure out which table they were under and the owner could catch them. But not Jaxx, oh no!! He leapt OVER the top of the show cages in two huge bounds of muscular athleticism into the other aisle!!

Where my vet friend was waiting for him. He slid to a stop, defeated for the moment. Then he looked up and saw a show cage, which to him usually means he gets to take a well deserved rest from all of that moving around into and out of cages and being messed around with by all those strange people he doesn’t know (the judges). So he jumped inside the show cage. My friend zipped it up immediately afterward and declared, “It’s not his cage, but he’s caught.” Which he definitely was. I had also done another fast turnaround and had come around the other end (I can’t leap over things quite like Jaxx can!!) and ran down the aisle, thanked her, unzipped the cage, grabbed Jaxx and, breathing rather heavily by now, walked back over to the judging ring.

The judge had been watching all of this at close range and at my inquiring look, said “You can put him back in his cage.” Which I did rather gratefully. He gained the nickname of “Houdini” proclaimed by the ring clerk who had also been watching all of this while yelling “CLOSE THE DOOR” into the microphone, but if you ask me it wasn’t so much a trick as a rather extraordinary bout of athleticism and trapeze artistry.

So when he was called back into her ring for a final, I didn’t know what to think. I guessed she thought he was nice, and well, he is nice, several of us had gotten together to find the nicest Russian Aby from someone we could trust and got him over here, so of course we think he’s nice too….But how nice? There were 50 Championship cats at the show, including some very very nice ones that were being campaigned, too. And would Jaxx’s escape trick count for or against him or not matter at all?

So I waited as she kept picking other cats as she made her (confusing still, I must admit!!) way up the ladder from 10th (or something-th?) up to Best Cat and Jaxx still wasn’t chosen. I think my eyebrows went pretty far up when we got to 5th Best and she still hadn’t chosen him. Wow, in the top four?? And another, then another, then finally only two left. And at that point she picked Jaxx to be Best Shorthair Champion and 2nd Best Allbreed Cat. Wow!!! I was told that Grand Champions make it into the finals and an Open (Novice, first show as an adult) cat didn’t have much of a chance at a final, much less a high number like 2nd Best. I was dumbfounded and silly-happy all at once. :-)

Jaxx with his Best Shorthair Champion & 2nd Best Allbreed Cat ribbons

And I had enough wits about me to make a video of Jaxx being shown by the judge, explaining what she liked about him and why she picked him as her Best Shorthair Cat (and by extension, and something she did a couple of minutes later), her 2nd Best Allbreed Cat. (I still don’t get that part, Jaxx has three ribbons from two rings, it’s very confusing. But I’m not complaining!!!)

Til next time!

Simon's Cat in 'Double Trouble'

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:47:00 +0000

Click here for the newest Simon's Cat Video

New Simon's Cat - Sticky Tape

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 02:02:00 +0000

Simon's Cat - Sticky Tape

New Simon's Cat - Santa Claws

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Simon's Cat - Santa Claws

New Simon's Cat Video - Lunch Break

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:42:00 +0000

Simon's Cat Video - Lunch Break

Pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) - the infection of t...

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:12:00 +0000

Aksum Notes: This is only for wet FIP. Dry FIP can present in a myriad of ways and is extremely difficult to diagnose. It does, however, have an experimental treatment that is often helpful. Dry FIP needs this experimental treatment early in the course of the disease, however, in order to have any chance of success.

Simon's Cat in 'The Box'

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:53:00 +0000

Sleepy Kitten Is So Cute We Can't Stand It

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 +0000

PawNation - Sleepy Kitten Is So Cute We Can't Stand It

Aksum Abyssinians - kittens playing at 4 1/2 weeks old

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:06:00 +0000

Aksum Abyssinians Kittens Playing

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Sat, 08 May 2010 01:19:00 +0000

Aksum Abyssinian kittens playing

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:32:00 +0000

Simon's Cat - Snow Business

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:58:00 +0000

New Simon's Cat Cartoon Movie! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuf61OjvoPQ

Building a No-Kill Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:15:00 +0000

Building a No Kill Georgia with Nathan Winograd

February 23, 2010
by Nathan J. Winograd

"Join me on Friday, April 16, in Douglasville, GA (metro Atlanta) for an inspirational two-hour multi-media presentation followed by a book signing for Irreconcilable Differences. The seminar has been called 'a prerequisite for rescue groups and organizations that are serious about changing their communities to No Kill.' The seminar is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required."

"For more information or to register, click here."

"For other dates and locations, including Washington, Florida, New Jersey, and more, click here."

Blood Test for Cancer in Dogs & Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:51:00 +0000

First blood test unveiled for cancer detection in dogs

Feb 17, 2010
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

"Richmond, British Columbia -- You may now be able to diagnose cancer in a dog with a simple blood test. BioCurex has announced the availability of the OncoPet RECAF test, which has detected 85 percent of a variety of cancers in dogs at the standard 95 percent specificity level in premarket studies."

"...OncoPet is in discussions with North American and Canadian distributors, and the test will be available in China as well. BioCurex hopes to have similar tests for other companion animals -- cats in particular -- in the second half of this year."

(read full article)

Is Your Cat Getting Too Many Calories?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:16:00 +0000

Wide Variation In Calorie Content Among "Low Calorie" Pet Foods

"Dog and cat owners buying weight-control diets for their overweight pets are faced with a confusing two-fold variation in calorie density, recommended intake, and wide range cost of low-calorie pet foods, according to a study by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University."

"...Among their findings is that dry dog foods range in calorie density from 217 to 440 kilocalories per cup (kcal/cup) and a recommended intake that ranged from 0.73 to 1.47 times the dog's resting energy requirement. The diets also varied wildly in price - from 4 cents to more than $1.10 per kilocalorie."

"Similar findings were made in wet dog food (189-398 kcal/can) and cat food (235-480 kcal/cup) marketed for weight control."

"...Another important issue identified in this study was the high variability in feeding recommendations for weight loss based on the labels that were evaluated. In fact, for most of the diets, pets would not lose weight or would actually gain weight if owners adhered to the labels' feeding directions and did not adjust according to their pet's individual calorie requirements."

(read the full article)

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Aksum Notes: The average adult cat needs 20 to 30 calories per pound of body weight every day.

A 5 lb. lean adult domestic cat needs 150-170 calories and a 10 lb cat needs about 200-280 calories. Add about 25 calories per lb to calculate correct calorie needs. For example, an 8 lb cat needs 210-240 calories per day. Adjust up if your cat is very active, and adjust down if your cat is not active.

Enough protein is very important for a cat. With too much carbohydrates in their food, cats are susceptible to diabetes. A 10-pound cat should have about 12.5 grams (approximately 90 calories) of protein and 5.5 grams (about 70 calories) of fat each day. Grains provide "empty calories" for cats, the same way doughnuts and other snack foods do for humans.

Pregnant/nursing cats and kittens need much more calories than adult cats (a 10 lb nursing cat needs about 600 calories). Allow them to eat what they want (free feed).

Measure out the amount of food for adult cats each feeding (Taste of the Wild dry cat food has 390 calories per cup), and feed them when you are there. Feed twice a day or more often. Take up the food after 10-30 minutes.

Tips: Change from dry food to wet food. Limit treats or give no treats. Add canned pumpkin to the food to add fiber intake. Increase exercise. It's fun to play with your cat!

Sources:
The One Best Thing For Your Cat's Health
Your Cat's Nutritional Needs
Adult Cats - Caloric & Nutrition Requirements
Daily Caloric Intake For Cats
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Formula
Feeding Your Cat: Know The Basics Of Feline Nutrition

Pets Help Reduce Pain Meds

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:18:00 +0000

Recovering With Four-Legged Friends Requires Less Pain Medication

"Adults who use pet therapy while recovering from total joint-replacement surgery require 50 percent less pain medication than those who do not..."

"'Evidence suggests that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) can have a positive effect on a patient's psychosocial, emotional and physical well being,' said Julia Havey, RN, study presenter and senior systems analyst, Department of Medical Center Information Systems, Loyola University Health System (LUHS). 'These data further support these benefits and build the case for expanding the use of pet therapy in recovery.'"

(read the full article)

Advantage topical flea products now in retail outlets

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:50:00 +0000

Bayer to sell Advantage, K9 Advantix products directly to pet retailers
Feb 9, 2010
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

"Shawnee, Kan. -- Beginning in March 2010, Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division will sell Advantage Topical Solution (Dog), Advantage Topical Solution (Cat) and K9 Advantix directly to pet specialty retailers and specialty Internet sites, the company reports today. The company will also launch a multi-million dollar national advertising campaign aimed at consumers in an effort to drive return visits to veterinary clinics" including coupons for purchases of Advantage and Advantix directly from vets. (read entire article)

Cat urinating outside of box?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:47:00 +0000

Dr. Barchas, well known for his Dogster and Catster articles answering questions for dog and cat owners, has some well-proven methods for solutions to inappropriate urination.

Behavior Modification for Urinating Outside of the Litter Box, by Dr. Eric Barchas

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Aksum Notes: Favorite products used successfully here at Aksum are: Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract Litter, Simple Solutions Enzymatic Cleaner, Urine Off Enzymatic Cleaner (don't use Urine Off on things that are not easy to rinse off such as mattresses), and various products such as "No Go" that smell bad to cats. We also have several litter boxes that we scoop daily and change out weekly or more often.

Aksum Store - use it as an idea source or click on the links to buy the products online.

Communicating With Other Species

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:58:00 +0000

Whale Song

Thanks to Terrierman for sending a link to this amazing video!

The message to this video is so beautiful -- When it comes to communicating, anything is possible! This world would be a better place if we all remembered and practiced this.

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PnWFlzF3dE

Optus Whale Song Ad Website with background story and more videos

How Vets Help Cats Get Better Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:40:00 +0000

Vets are encouraged to help "get cats out of the shadows" by AVMA

Dogs get better health care than cats, says American Veterinary Medical Association. Most cat owners feel cats can take care of themselves, and don't want to spend money on well visits.

Here's why that attitude can hurt your cat, and how veterinarians are helping cat owners understand why and how to improve medical care for their cats.

Two NEW Surprises at Destiny show!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:43:00 +0000

UPDATE: Destiny Cat Fanciers

Thanks for coming to see Dancer and TWO NEW SURPRISES at Ft. Walton Beach, Florida next to Destin January 23-24th!

Dreamer's web page: http://aksumabyssinians.com/cats/dreamer.html
See our newest Abyssinian queen just four months old, double registered and shown in CFA and TICA.

Second Chance Charlie's web page: http://aksumabyssinians.com/charlie.html
Read all about this miracle cat and how he survived being pierced by an arrow when used for target practice by an uncaring hunter.

Thanks for coming by to say hello to Dancer, Dreamer, and Charlie!

Aksum Abyssinians

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Happy New Year! May you be happy and successful in 2010!

Aksum Abyssinians

New Simon's Cat - 'Snow Business'

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgmXrARr6aI

Cute Video - Playing with a Kitten

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Graham - Atlanta, GA USA) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Surprised Kitty video on YouTube:

Playing with a Kitten