WhollyCat | A Holistic Approach to Cat Care

The “It” Factor

Jules — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:26:18 +0000

Pet Peeve: The “It” Factor

One of my pet peeves is what I call the “It Factor.” For example, I used to subscribe to a well-known cat magazine. Although there was some informative value to this publication, over time I just couldn’t take IT anymore. In part, I didn’t renew my subscription because of the It Factor, and some of their content wasn’t suitable for what I stand for regarding the care of cats. IT was all too much, and my breaking point.

Some vets and other people and publications drive me crazy with the use of one particular little word! Maybe I am just one crazy cat lady and shouldn’t be so sensitive about this, but that just ain’t gonna happen. Ever. When it comes to cats, I’m highly sensitive and recognize their uniqueness—their intrinsic value as living, breathing little beings.

You might have already guessed, but for those that haven’t, I’ll explain what the It Factor is. It is the use of that one two letter word, “it,” assigned to cats instead of calling them him or her, he or she, etc. For example: “…remember that your cat is doing the best it can…” “…take it to the vet…” “It should receive…” “It might like…” ARG!!!! IT makes me so angry I could growl and spit!!

Cats, although sometimes stoic when in pain, most definitely feel pain when they hurt–or are being harmed. Cats feel love and return it ten-fold. Cats think and process information: “Should I do this, or is it going to get me in trouble?” (I’m thinking of one particular red-head in my household.) Kitties have a strong human bond with us; even if we don’t deserve it. Some have saved lives with acts of heroism.

Would you call your child an IT? Your spouse? Your friend? Your dog?

In my not-so-humble opinion, the use of “it” when he/she or him/her or their actual name could (should!) be used, so devalues them as a living, breathing species that deserve respect and love. Using “it” turns them into an object like a flower pot, or a rock in the middle of the road. A thing that can be discarded or put to sleep at the mercy of whomever is their caretaker (I use that term loosely for some!) without a second thought. Or be discarded at the whim of some of the human persuasion because they no longer match the decor in their home (yes, I’ve been privy to this actually happening–and is why I mention this).

The use of this word to describe these little ones disgusts and disheartens me. The negative connotation by using the term “it” when referencing kitties makes me so very sad for the kitties that have to endure this sort of thought process and the ensuing treatment as an “it” instead of a valued member of the family.

Okay, I’m off my soap box. So tell me, what are your thoughts about “it”?

Libby, a Tale of Inspiration

Jules — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:14:48 +0000

Libby, a Tale of Inspiration…

This is the story of darling Libby, a severely neglected kitty. I have to admit…I cried like a baby for this beautiful little girl. Heartbreaking in the beginning, but oh so inspirational and triumphant in the end!!

I will say, while watching Libby’s transformation, that I was thinking of holistic supplementation to use as supportive care for her illnesses (pancreatitis and hyper-T). When she came to these folks, she was in need of immediate and life-saving care. I feel they have done a wonderful job for precious Libby and given her a second chance at life!

Do you have an inspirational kitty tale to share? Contact Us and we’ll share it. Or, just post your story in the comment area below.

My Crazy Cats!

Jules — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:52:16 +0000

Have you ever wondered why your cats do goofy, weird, or downright crazy behavior?

I have—that’s why I created this section of our blog.

For instance, with my three: Abby, Maxie, and Izzy, one minute all is peaceful, serene, and calm in our home—but it only takes one kitty to disrupt this tranquil setting.

The chase begins!!

…Out pokes Izzy’s tiny head from behind the couch with a look of devilish delight on her little face…and off to the races she goes! She’s “hellin’” down the hallway at a speed that I’m sure breaks the sound barrier!

Not-to-be-outdone Maxie was asleep in the living room high atop their kitty tree. Now he’s wondering what the commotion is about. His sleepy Maine Coon eyes instantly get get huge. He jumps from the kitty tree and pounces into action. He’s totally down with giving chase! Off he goes after wee little Izzy. They chase and tumble over each other with boundless energy, a blur of black and grey with splotches of white mixed in.

But where is Abby? He’s the lone holdout in this confounding cat craziness (he is the elder and must maintain some sort of decorum after all). He too was taking a cat nap…that is until it gets the better of him! Then off he goes to join the other two—a light strawberry-colored flash of enthusiasm, enjoying the last few minutes of fun. And of course, he makes is seem like it was all his idea as he leads the pack at the end of the race.

And then it’s over. Silence. Total and utter silence. Where are the by now tired trio?! Back where it all began: napping, of course!

Lesson learned: Play hard…nap harder!

What do I do while this kitty craziness is going on? I sit back out of their way and enjoy their crazy antics—especially since we’re talking a combined total of over 40 pounds of “kitty” that could knock me over like a bowling pin! And where’s the fun in that?!

So why to they do this? Pure darn fun? Their natural feline instinct of chasing down potential prey? Unspent energy just waiting to erupt? I go with: for the pure darn fun of it!

The Uncanny Intuition of Cats…

Jules — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:33:14 +0000

In order to make my point about how intuitive kitties are, I need to unpack a bit of my personal life for y’all:

Back in 2002 I was going through a battle with cancer, yup, the “Big C.” I was in distress, emotionally drained, and physically spent.

During this time Abby and Tuffy began to exhibit an uncanny, intuitive nature that I had never seen from them before. It was amazing to experience! It reinforced my unconditional love for cats, and most especially my love and gratitude for brothers, Abby and Tuffy. No human could, or did, what they did for me during this time. It was like they “got it.” Big time!

It all started with my two precious babies sticking to me like glue, literally. It was amazing how their intuition spiked into high gear and they could sense that their mama needed them without a word or meow being spoken…

In this silence Tuffy would curl behind my head as I sat on the couch and wrap his little arms around my neck and snuggle his face into my hair, gently purring. Abby stayed stuck next to me on the couch purring up a storm—he couldn’t have gotten any closer if he tried! If I got up, they followed me everywhere, and I do mean everywhere; if ya get my drift.

The astonishing part of this is that Abby never did the “cuddly-type” of thing (still doesn’t), and Tuffy was a cuddly lap kitty, but didn’t do what he did during this time (he did continue to wrap his little arms around me, etc. on the couch until the day he had to leave us due to CRF—I think he found he really liked it!). When I needed them most, their love for me and their behavior was a hundred-fold more intense. And it was daily. They knew. They really knew!

I will be forever grateful for the love Abby and Tuffy, precious brothers, showed me during this time. I wonder sometimes if they know how much they helped me back then? But then again I know the answer to this because—they’re kitties! Amazingly awesome kitties!

Tuffy-cat, my little strawberry ‘tweet tart, your mama misses you each and every day. I still feel your presence in our home. You will never be forgotten! Mama loves you, dear boy.