The Kat's Tale

Great Animal Rescue Stories and Japan's Tsunami Animal Victims Update

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:01:00 -0800

Great Animal Rescue Stories and Japan's Tsunami Animal Victims Update

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 23:23:00 -0700

Great Animal Rescue Stories and Japan's Tsunami Animal Victims Update

Woofy in your Wedding:As the Ring-Bearer of your Brilliant Moissanite Jewel

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:09:00 -0800

Chances are, if you are on this blog, reading this post, it is likely that an adorable pet is perhaps part of your family, hence a part of your wedding plans. Just another consideration for that special day that has long since morphed from a standard wedding ceremony into a budget-busting, personally tailored extravaganza. But fear not! You can have it all: the wedding of your dreams, complete with a brilliant Moissanite ring and your pooch too, without sacrificing your first born.

Mix a little traditional wedded bliss with the ever-changing diverse family design and you have the customized and always entertaining vows of today. No gem represents this diverse union better than Moissanite, a naturally-occurring and incredibly rare gemstone. Just a handful of crystals have been discovered, always in extreme environments like meteorites, upper mantle rock, or even as tiny inclusions inside diamonds. Although this stone creates a symbol of everlasting devotion and love, imagine its significance when presented by your ring-bearing Rover.

Many couples are opting to include their beloved pet in their nuptials, as a part of the family - and what better choice than to include everyone? An eager flower girl, presenter of the almighty ring or depending on your pet's breed and personality, their presence alone may be enough, with a pet sitter of course. However you decide to exchange your vows make sure that you do a trial run, especially when incorporating pets into the ceremony!

Maintaining your cat's weight with healthy cat treats

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 20:48:00 -0700

After my cat, Kyra, started gaining weight my vet suggested I start looking

for healthy cat treats, which are great for cats that need to lose a few pounds.

The vet and I discussed Kyra’s eating habits, the food I fed, and her activity

levels. When the vet could find no medical reason for the weight gain, she

suggested that the high calorie treats I was feeding Kyra may be the culprit!

Cat treats can be used as an effective way to train or reward your cat, but

should be fed in moderation, and with an understanding of the ingredients

Like anything you feed your cat, you need to diligently read the labels! Many

cat treats on the market today are full of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates

that contribute to weight gain and overall poor health in many felines. A

healthy cat treat should have a high protein content, moderate fat content

and low fiber / carbohydrate counts. Using this information, you can compare

labels and find a lower calorie cat treat that has the right concentration of

fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

If you are trying to train or reward a cat and do not want to cut back on the positive reinforcement, try feeding the cat his or her normal food just a bit less per day. After speaking with your vet and reading your cat food labels, you should be able to come up with your cat’s daily recommended caloric intake. With this in mind, you can substitute treats for food calories, and not cause weight gain.

I am happy to report that by switching Krya to a lower calorie cat treat to lower and maintain her weight; I have not had to change the amount of treats she receives each day. Kyra is losing the extra weight she had gained & still enjoying her cat treats!

Amber Alert to find your lost pet

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:44:00 -0700

My Dad's new kitten "Cisco" proved to be the perfect little feline friend, much to everyone's surprise, it was a match made in Cat Heaven. With his orange stripes and apprehensive nature Cisco reminded my Dad of his favorite childhood pet "Poncho" and the two bonded as the best happily ever after tale would depict, until...Cisco didn't come home one day! What now? Needless to say, my Dad was worried sick and the entire family provided support but what services exist to locate missing pets? Especially cats with his temperament, more likely to run and hide from help instead of running to rescue. He put up flyers, called the Animal Shelter, went door to door and shook dry food in the surrounding area as suggested by one of the help lines and called his Vet for suggestions. It had been over a week with no word, no meow, nothing. You can't help but think how awful it must be for parents with missing children.

Fortunately, huge strides have been seen with the Amber Alert and although the protocol with missing children may be slightly different than with pets, the concept is the same: The sooner the better. PetAmberAlert uses this technology to help spread the word rapidly about your lost dog, cat or any type of missing pet. For example, lets say that there is a lost cat in Chicago. Alert system results in an 85% success rate if the alert goes out in the first week, a 75% success rate after two weeks, and a 65% success rate after eight weeks. PetAmberAlert has the only system combining immediate Poster, Phone and Social Media alerts with an online database where people can search lost cats and locate you and your contact information. I now have them bookmarked for future feline escapades.

Now for Cisco's amazing reunion with my Dad! About 3 weeks had elapsed since Cisco disappeared and although my Dad had all but given up on ever seeing him again he heard a faint but familiar meow in the distance while getting the paper one morning. On the other side of the creek in the back of his house he saw the outline of a cat, but this cat was gray not orange and white, could it be? He finally identified this scrawny, dirty-gray cat as his poor lost Cisco and with the help of one of the nicest condo residents that lived on the other side of the creek, Cisco was returned home, bringing joy to everyone involved. It is still a mystery where he was for all that time but after the Vet checked him out he confirmed that he was dehydrated and had lost lots of weight but was otherwise healthy. Cisco's safe return was a miracle no doubt and had we known about an Amber Alert for pets, there is no doubt that we would have used it!

Cisco now, resting comfortably in his loft, he is not planning any vacations this summer!

Fur Friendly Films for your Cat

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Tue, 1 May 2012 15:19:00 -0700

Does your cat follow you around at times, meowing with such persistence that you are convinced that she has something important to say .....If only she could find the right words. Her water and 5 food bowls are brimming, liter box is clean, and the basket of kitty toys guaranteed to entertain even the most finicky feline personalities are starting to collect dust!

Perhaps she needs a good movie. Seriously! Results to these fur-friendly films differ - My cat is only interested in the birds, while others cat captives sit silently for an hour or more.

With more cats living indoors these days, I am convinced that they simply become a bit bored, taking up bug hunting and human harassment to pass the time. Why not try a video made for cats!? Give it a go, you just never know what that cat has on her curiosity radar.

Darlene Sabella's Smashing Magazine: 2012 THE YEAR OF POWER

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Tue, 3 Apr 2012 12:50:00 -0700

Darlene Sabella's Smashing Magazine: 2012 THE YEAR OF POWER: Click here for an easy and free way to help care for those in need at The Animal Rescue Site!

MANILLA FOR DUMMIES

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Thanks to Wm Rowe
Today was my bill paying day. I have everything organized on a website called Manilla.com. Basically it is like an on-line file cabinet that organizes all of your bills. It keeps your payment history and alerts you to when things are due. It is a life saver for me, because I have never really been the most organized person! You can create a free account and there is absolutely no charge for the service. On your “home page” you link your on-line accounts to the site. For example, I linked my account with cleartvbundle.com to my Manilla.com account folder. It automatically stores and saves all of the information and will e-mail me when I set it to. I made an e-mail alert for when I received the bill and one week before it is due. I don’t have any of my payments on auto-withdrawl because I like to check each statement, so knowing when they are due is clutch! I have also been able to put my cell phone, credit card, gas, electricity, and water on Manilla.com. It is a great organizational tool and the best part about it is that it is free!

Feline Agenda - A Poem

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:46:00 -0700

All programs are choreographed
for her delight
a field's frenzied performance
or a leaf's minuet.
A tossed calico mouse
or one circling the house
Cat never doubts her claim
to delight, for all kinetics
shape diversion in flight.
Cat glissades by day,
goes stalking by night
makes perfectly clear
that all needs are a right
and firm fixed in feline agenda.

A poem in "These Fringes of Time"

by Thelma Shaw

Finally got it

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:40:00 -0800

This guest post from Doris Dillon
We finally got a t1 line in my office and it is make my job so much easier. My boss has got to be the least technologically inclined person on the planet and it makes it so hard for me to get my work done. For example, he still likes to fax things a lot more than he likes to use e-mail… Have you even seen a fax machine in the last five years? You should hear my clients when I tell them I'm going to fax them something. Also, he likes to send out a lot of paper letters, which means a lot of time for me spent addressing envelopes in buying stamps. He doesn't seem to understand that we could save a lot of money by setting this correspondence out via e-mail, either he doesn't understand or he just doesn't care. I do appreciate that he's all about tradition but when it comes to doing your business the right way I think it's important to stay current so you don't fall behind.

Aging Pets and Senior Cat Care

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:44:00 -0800

Well, I guess it is inevitable - something all pet parents face: the thought of our precious petlings becoming sick or worse is overwhelming and unless you have had and loved a pet, the excessive vet bills, sleepless nights and down right hysteria, it may be hard to understand. "It's just an animal" I have heard on more than one occasion! And I am here to testify to you that this attachment and fear of loss is quite real, as my aging and very dear tabby cat "Baby" approaches 16, the thought of life without her seems unimaginable. Visions of her suffering are even worse however which is why I have tried to be proactive in my research and preparation for the inevitable signs of he ultimate enemy, aging.

One thing that I have learned is that as cats age, there is a slow but steady decrease in the weight of their kidneys and a loss of filtering ability. Cats are born with a certain number of filtering apparatus' in their kidneys. These filters are lost when the walls of the blood vessels that form them thicken, scar and become blocked as cats age. The most common signs that owners observe are weight loss and increased thirst, which I have indeed noticed with my tabby cat "Baby" for about 4 - 5 years now. I always try to make sure that she has plenty of water, placed strategically around the house and I also added wet food to her diet once each day.

Although hard to face, animals like humans are not built to last forever. Like most seniors, I have noticed that Baby prefers a quiet evening in her warm bed. Not to say that she doesn't enjoy an occasional catnip craving or romp around the room, I attempt to keep her routine as consistent as possible. I keep noise to a minimum and try to make her as comfortable and happy as possible, returning the unconditional love and companionship that she has given me for all of these years.

Tasty and Healthy HomeMade Dog Treats for our Canine Comrads

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 22:03:00 -0800

Dog Treats

Many pet owners and breeders prefer to prepare their own food and treats. Home prepared treats and foods are often more nutritious. and you can be sure what they contain. This recipe for dog treats was contributed by Faith Heinauer who is a caterer, cookbook author, columnist, and the creative force behind her website, Break Eggs.com :

Coda is dressed up for Halloween to get her treats!

Biscuit dough:

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup water

Glaze:

1 large egg
2 Tablespoons milk

1. Preheat the oven to 275°.

2. In a large bowl: combine the flour, oatmeal, wheat germ, peanut butter, vegetable oil, honey, baking powder and water.

3. Mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

4. Roll the dough out to a ½-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes and place on baking sheets.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the egg and milk. Brush the glaze on the biscuits.

6. Bake for 30 minutes. Rotate the pans, and bake for an additional 20 - 30 minutes, until biscuits are golden and firm.

Our Thanks To:
Faith Heinauer is a chef, cookbook author, columnist, and the creative force behind her website, Break Eggs.com Sign up for tasty bi-weekly newsletter!

When I was in Miami

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:09:00 -0800

Guest written by our friend Mason Abbott
This one time when I was on vacation I was just getting to my hotel and my cell phone rang. I was in the mood for getting to the beach and drinking a pina colada but I was pulled from that fantasy back to reality. I was alerted that my home alarm system had been going off and the police were heading to my house. Since I live in Atlanta and I had just arrived in Miami there was not a whole lot I could do from that many miles away except worry and pray. I was mostly worried because my dog was in the house. I had asked my neighbor to feed him and walk him and take him out to play a few times a day so that I didn’t have to put him in a kennel for three days. As it turns out my neighbor was the one who set off the alarm on accident and couldn’t remember the code! Talk about a scare! I was just thankful that I had worked with HomeSecurityFamily.com to have my home secured.

Relax at your next trip to the Vet: Can Scrubs really make a difference?

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:29:00 -0800

As many times as we have boxed up our kitties in their carriers and prepared them for that long trip to the Vet's Office it never seems to get any easier. I don't know who is more apprehensive, us or the shivering pets, some of them sick, entering an intimidating Veterinarian's office for the first time. On a recent trip to a new Vet in town, scheduled to get several of our rescue cats neutered, I couldn't believe my eyes as we were greeted by a warm and friendly office staff wearing fun custom made scrubs in beautiful pastel shades like pink and blue.

I am still not sure if it was us or the cats but the environment in this office made a huge difference in our experience that day. Taking a pet to the Doctor is already stressful so as a pet parent, you have to be as calm as possible so your pet won't become rattled and have to be medicated, restrained or worse. The women in the office told me that they had their scrubs custom made to fit their new animal friendly office design by going to Blue Sky Scrubs, online at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/

I was actually so impressed that I am ordering some for myself! I just can't decide on the color!

The Best Care for all Pets

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:09:00 -0800

Even during these challenging economic times, most families I know consider their pet a part of the family and would never scrimp on their routine veterinary care, pet meds, nutritional food, exercise and of course the loads of love that they so richly deserve! I can tell you first hand that rescuing and caring for dozens of stray cats is not an easy or inexpensive venture but the alternative is not one that I am willing to consider. Most of the homeless and abandoned kittens and cats that I come across in my rescue efforts are still quite young and simply need basic pet care, a spay/neuter procedure and a little TLC to transform them into an adoptable angel. If I had one wish it would be that all animals would have a forever home with a family that cares for them and appreciates all the incredible qualities that pets seem to bring out in people.

That said, we all know that caring for even one pet can be quite a commitment, financially and physically, so I will share a few tips that I have learned over the years caring for my own pets as well as some of our rescue cats.

First, find a local Veterinarian that you and your pets are comfortable with and trust so that this process is as painless and price-friendly as possible
Second, find a reputable online site to purchase your pet meds so you can stock up in a flash. Especially if you are busy, with multiple critters, an online source is a real time and money saver! You can also pick up toys and treats at the same time saving on shipping costs
Hopefully you have been able to find a healthy diet for your pet however, if you do have a problem you can report complaints about a pet food product electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or you can call your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators
Always Always Always make arrangements to spay or neuter your pet. There are Low Cost Programs now in most areas

The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment. The way we care for our animals is a big part of this incredibly special union.

A Damn Good Dog

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 15:19:00 -0800

Guest post of the week by Val Flores
I am a girl of the South. I am a product of the University of Georgia. Growing up in the suburbs outside of Atlanta, Saturdays were spent playing outside and listening to Larry Munson call UGA football games. At 18 I knew my fate rested in acceptance to UGA. Once enrolled, football Saturdays took on new meaning to be in the city, in the stadium where the “Silver Britches” played with heart and soul week after week. As much as the Redcoat Marching Band and players marching through the “Dawg Walk” are the epitome of football Saturdays in Athens, so was Larry Munson. He was the voice of the Bulldogs for over 42 years, missing calling commentary for only one game of his career at UGA following a surgery. He made no excuses for his partiality to UGA. His passion for the game and enthusiasm for UGA in both winning and losing seasons is what made him a legend. He coined phrases and colored plays like no other. Big names come and go in university circles- stellar athletes, notorious coaches, and even famous alumni, but there is no greater legend at the University of Georgia than Larry Munson. It is for this reason that Georgia fans watched the Bulldogs on Direct tv but turned their TV’s on mute, so they could listen to the real voice of Dawgs. Sadly, the Bulldog Nation lost our voice on the evening of November 20, 2011, outside of Athens, Georgia. Those are going to be some tough “hobnailed boot[s]” to fill.

Taurine in a cat's diet: What is it and why is it essential to feline feed

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:32:00 -0700

In response to a recent post titled "Cats eating people food" our friend Kathy commented, adding a very important sideline for pet and cat lovers to be aware of when considering a cat's diet: the presence of taurine in kitty's meals! I used to hear quite frequently that cats benefit more from their own cat food rather than sharing a meal prepared for pet parents but I never really knew why. I do know that recently caring for so many homeless cats who hadn't received the balanced cat diet contained in most well known brands of feline feed, that many had serious respiratory infections that caused them to wheeze, have problems breathing and the all too common weepy eyes which seriously impacts their vision and eventually their lives! At this point, they really need antibiotics but I tried to minimize early symptoms by crushing up an amino acid called Lysine and mixing into their food. As Kathy pointed out, amino acids are imperative for cats and as outlined below, it is typically present in most of your cat food brands, so if you do provide people food, be sure to supplement with their cat food as well.
Taurine is an amino acid that is required for many cellular functions. Cats can synthesize (manufacture) taurine in their bodies; however the rate of synthesis is low and taurine supplies are used up quickly. Taurine is produced in the liver and then absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestines, it is found in highest concentration in the heart, central nervous system (CNS), retina, and skeletal muscle.

Why do cats require taurine?

To maintain integrity of photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye,
To support proper development and functioning of neurons in the cental nervous system,
To sustain heart function ,
To bond bile acids.

Causes of Taurine deficiency in Cats

Feline taurine deficiency is a syndrome most commonly caused by inadequate intake of taurine in the diet. Cats eating an improperly balanced diet or a vegetarian based diet are most susceptible. Other less common causes are loss of taurine via the intestinal tract and insufficient production of taurine (synthesized by the cat). Most commercial cat food diets are nowadays supplemented with taurine to provide a balanced diet.

Taurine deficiency most commonly results in an enlarged, weakened heart. This condition is usually reversible with taurine supplementation. Deficiency can also cause blindness, poor growth and diminished reproductive performance.

Symptoms of taurine deficiency

Heart disease - Taurine is necessary for normal function of the heart muscle cells. Taurine deficiency leads to weakening of the heart muscle, which in turn can lead to heart failure. This condition is known as dilated cardiomyopathy and can be fatal.

Blindness - If insufficient taurine is present, the retinal cells can’t function properly and this eventually leads to impaired vision and in some cases, blindness.

Reduction in growth

Reduction In reproductive performance

Prevention - Checking your cat’s diet

If your cat’s diet is primarily made of high quality animal protein it will contain taurine as this is found naturally in animal-based proteins. Taurine is added to manufactured, dry cat foods that are low in animal-based protein. Wet cat foods are supplemented with twice the amount of taurine found in dry food for cats to maintain adequate blood taurine.

Ingredients labels will only list taurine if it has been added during the manufacturing process, therefore, taurine found naturally in animal based proteins will not be listed.

The best way to ensure your cat is receiving a nutritionally balanced diet is to ask your vet to recommend a food suitable for your cat taking into account age, breed, activity level and any illnesses or problems which may be able to be corrected through diet. In most cases, complete and balanced diets are scientifically formulated to provide all the nutrients to meet your cats dietary needs and ensure sufficient levels of taurine.

A Kat's Tale welcomes your comments, suggestions, tips and of course - your own experiences - so please feel free to express yourself and even share a picture of your precious pet with us! We will post on our special "friends page" so show your baby to the world! Thank you!

Microchipping your pet: Is it the best way to keep track of your wandering loved one?

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Thu, 7 Jul 2011 17:06:00 -0700

Up to 8 million animals end up in shelters every year. Unfortunately only about 20% of dogs and less than 2% of cats are ever reclaimed by their owners. One way to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is by having a microchip implanted.

It's quick! Implanting can be done in seconds. It doesn't have to be done by a veterinarian but it is recommended, since it does matter where you put it and how you inject it.
It's almost painless! It hurts about as much as getting blood drawn. It is a large needle so there is a pinch.
It's affordable! If you are going to the vet for just one microchip the procedure will be about $50. Scheduling the procedure with your pet's routine check up or other treatment will probably cost even less because you have already paid for the office visit. Local animal shelters and rescue groups do it for less so it might be worthwhile to check it out.

Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine at ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City explains how micro chipping works:
What is Micro Chipping:
A needle is used to place a little chip under the animal's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The chipm as a unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner.
Will the Chip help me get my pet back is lost?
Yes, but only if someone takes them to a shelter or veterinarian's office to be scanned for a chip. Some people think it is like a tracker or GPS device but it only works if scanned.Once they get the chip number and the company that made the chip, the shelter or staff will contact that company to find the owner. Remember to keep your contact information current otherwise they will not be able to locate you.
Do all scanners used by Shelters pick up all microchips?
No, there are more universal scanners now but some work better than others. Not all shelters have universal scanners that work well and the personnel using the scanner need to know how and where to scan. Chips can migrate so they need to scan the body thoroughly--easier said than done sometimes.
Do all Shelters scan for microchips when they find a pet?
All Shelters should scan a pet and they should do it with a universal scanner but there is no guarantee that all shelters do this.
If my pet is micro chipped does he need a tag too?
Yes, A microchip is only part of your pet's identification system. Your pet should also have a collar with tags on it. You can't assume that the person that finds your pet will know anything about microchips but if your phone number is right there everyone knows what to do.

Amazing Friends I've Met

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Wed, 1 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

I love the experiences I am having while perusing the internet. I've met so many wonderful people who mean the world to me. What makes someone particularly special to me is their love of animals and efforts they have engaged in to rescue, save and place abandoned animals. As I visit different sites here, and read the words of others, I am constantly struck with the deep and sincere heart of so many. I am very greatful as I have harbored a disappointment in my fellow humans for, what I perceived, a huge lack in empathy for other sentient beings. I am, daily, being pleasantly surprised that my feelings are not as wide spread or correct as I had thought.

Chatkath...Kathy Tinney. A wonderfully loving woman who is giving so much of herself and her resources to help animals in need. This site, The Kat's Tale..is but one of her efforts to do just that. She is a wonderful woman who does without so that others (cats!!) can have a better life. She is also an excellent writer and, anyone reading this, should visit her on HubPages under her user name Chatkath.

We met on HP's as we share a common love for cats. This is how the world, in it's best possible being, should work. I guess some would call it "networking." I hadn't related to the term before ...thinking it another cliche' or 'latest and greatest' cool thing but...now, I see that it's true. Looking for and finding others who share interests and then working together, in many forms, to see that grow and become successful, is what "networking" is all about. So, we are networking here on The Kat's Tale!

To inform, educate, and introduce people to the wonderful world of cats. There are many misconceptions out there about our feline friends...many incorrect opinions and, basically, misunderstandings. Believe me, as you read Chatkath's hubs and blogs, and as you become familiar with the writings of others about cats; you'll learn that former beliefs (based on misinformation or 'rumor') are wrong. As time allows, I'll be adding to this site from my own observations, experiences and stories about the cats in my life; how they came into my life and what I gained by sharing my home with the many rescued cats I've been so lucky to have met.

Welcome to The Kat's Tale..a BIG thank you and HUG to Chatkath and, many well wishes to those who visit this site. Kathy aka Lucky Cat

My Baby is now a Senior Striped Tabby Cat

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Sat, 28 May 2011 22:17:00 -0700

Yes, my adorable little 2 week old kitten that I fed with a bottle over 14 years ago is showing her age. She moves a little slower, shows her temper and wants things her way always - which, by the way, isn't much different from most cats I know, she is just a bit more spoiled I guess. It has always amazed me how much she really mimicked me, like my own child! If I had fur and stripes, you couldn't even tell us apart, I swear! She even follows me in the bathroom in the morning to have her make up applied just loving the sable brush across her furry face.

If I lose weight, she loses weight, if I don't like something, she will typically feel the same way, a true Mother-daughter relationship. Many people notice this strange phenomena with their pets - don't they? A family resemblance? OK, well humor me. And she has a little cowlick on top of her head just like me, except I use gel, she uses flea gel. We are the perfect pair, my Baby and I as she snoozes beside me as I type away. She looks at me right about this time signaling me that it is time to go to bed and off we go. I can't imagine life without her. She will always be my Baby even when she hits 100, cat years willing.

Fix Every Kitty in the City: All pets deserve a safe loving home

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:07:00 -0700

This post is an effort to reduce the number of homeless cats and kittens that roam the streets and fields daily looking for food. The only way to accomplish this is by reducing the sheer number of these animals without loving permanent homes. By spaying or neutering your own cat and/or sponsoring a cat or donating to an organization that does this at a reduced fee, you are preventing unbelievable suffering and becoming a part of the solution!

Because of the pet overpopulation problem, more people are spaying/neutering their felines now than ever before. Over 10 million dogs and cats in the United States alone are being put to death by euthanasia each year in animal shelters because there are no homes for them. And, the great majority of these animals are perfectly healthy, friendly and young. Because of this, great care should be taken to prevent pets from unplanned breeding, or breeding without homes available and waiting for the babies. The best solution to this problem is to spay your female pets and neuter your male pets.

There are many benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered. For females, having them spayed will prevent them from going through any more heat cycles. Un-spayed females normally come into heat several times a year, and these cycles can last from several days to several weeks, and include such behaviors as spraying of urine (yes, females can spray, too!!), marking with urine, howling, and some other obnoxious behaviors. Neutering a male before he reaches puberty almost always prevents completely the development of all mating behavior, which includes spraying urine and marking territory with urine, and the desire to roam outside searching for a mate. This in itself puts the cat at great risk for injury or even death from being hit by cars; being the object of human cruelty; infection and disease from other cats; death from natural predators, and cat fighting.

So be sure to schedule surgery for your own pet and if you are able to help with our fix every kitty in the city program, please support your local non-profit spay/neuter clinic by either donating or sponsoring a pet. Be part of the solution! We thank you!

Cat Woman Extraordinaire: A Feline's Best Friend

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:36:00 -0700

Saying goodbye to Sneakette

Her Avatar is appropriately Lucky Cats and I can testify, after getting to know a little bit about Kathy Novelli, any cats that are fortunate enough to cross her path are very lucky indeed! Originally from Napa, California, Kathy took in more than 70 stray, hurt and homeless cats over an approximate 20 year period. She expertly advocates spay and neuter as the ultimate and only solution, caring for these otherwise helpless felines with her own money and creating a bond that easily earns her the title, "Cat Woman Extraordinaire". Read more about Kathy helping furry friends in need!

But that was just the beginning! Kathy and her partner Al decided to pack up, cats in tow and moved to a much roomier old style ranch with tons of character in Kansas that they fixed up to be an absolutely beautiful dream home for them and their ever increasing family of feline friends. The love and care that they give to these otherwise unwanted and forgotten cats is an example of humankind at its best. I get the feeling however that if you ask Kathy, she will tell you that she loves caring for her cats and that she, without a doubt, is the lucky one!
I say that if there were more people like Kathy and Al - the world would be a much better place for all of us!

Chocolate Can Poison your Dog: A Warning for all Dog Owners

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:15:00 -0700

Everyone knows that fireworks are dangerous to pets. But how many people know that during the yearly, traditional Easter egg hunt, your little dog could be poisoned by finding and consuming a chocolate egg or chocolate filled bunny? The Veterinary Poisons Information Service recently published figures showed that chocolate was the most common poison to affect dogs. A small dog can die after eating a single chocolate bar. The chemical in chocolate that gives humans a pleasant buzz – theobromine – has a highly toxic effect on dogs. A small chocolate feast that would be a pleasant indulgence for a human can kill a dog. Half a small bar of dark chocolate – around 50g (2 ounces) - is enough to end the life of a little terrier. Milk chocolate is less dangerous, needing twice as much for the same effect.
Small dogs are much more at risk. Like most poisons, the effect is dose-dependent, so a 40kg Labrador would need to eat eight times as much chocolate as a 5kg terrier to be affected.
This is not just some theoretical risk. As a vet in practice, I see dogs dying of chocolate poisoning every year. If animals are rushed to the vet within an hour of eating the chocolate, there’s a good chance that they can be saved. Drugs can be given to induce vomiting, emptying the stomach before the chocolate has had time to be absorbed. If treatment is delayed, and the poison has been absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream, there’s sometimes little that can be done to help.
The signs of poisoning start within six hours of the chocolate being eaten, reaching a peak at around twelve hours, and continuing for another 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the chocolate toxins wreak havoc with the function of the heart and brain. Despite the best veterinary care, many patients don’t survive.
The signs of poisoning start with restlessness, vomiting and diarrhea, with tremors, convulsions and heart failure following soon after. It’s a desperately worrying time for owners: their beloved pets are left in intensive care at the vets, and it’s a matter of waiting, hoping and praying. Some dogs survive; many don’t.
The big risk, contrary to popular perception, is not dogs being given occasional chocolate treats by pampering owners. Most of the crises have involved dogs discovering stashes of chocolate. A box of chocolates is left on a table, or an Easter egg on a sideboard. The dog sniffs out the chocolate, tears the wrapping off and scoffs the whole lot within minutes. Most humans feel full after eating half a dozen chocolates. Dogs have no such “off” switch; they just keep eating the chocolate until every last one has been consumed.
The key to saving a dog’s life in this situation is speed. Any dog that’s eaten more than a square or two of chocolate needs to be rushed to the vet, so that their stomach can be emptied before the chocolate toxins have been absorbed into the bloodstream. Phone your vet at once, whatever the time of day or night. Get your animal treated as soon as possible, whatever it takes.
Dogs die unnecessarily every Easter or for that matter any time when you have chocolate around and accessible to your pup. Take the extra care to assure there is nothing chocolaty within reach and you just might save your best friend's life!

Cats eating people food: What foods are safe to feed your pet

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Mon, 9 May 2011 13:10:00 -0700

While humans are omnivores, meaning we can survive on meat and vegetables, a cat is classified as an obligate carnivore, meaning it needs meat to survive (or at least thrive). So, it’s true that cats, unlike humans, don’t derive much nutrition from vegetables. But Dr. Colleran assures us that carbohydrates aren’t inherently bad for cats. Rather, cats are just able to derive more energy from protein and use it more efficiently. Some cats enjoy chomping on plants every once in a while to get roughage or fiber.
Vegetables
If you’ve noticed that your cat has this craving, keep houseplants away from it, because they may be toxic. Instead, serve up small portions of veggies to your cat. Some recommended vegetables include baked carrots, steamed asparagus or broccoli, green beans, winter squash, or chopped greens. Dr. Colleran advises cat owners to wash veggies thoroughly and avoid anything that might be indigestible, like uncooked carrots.
Along these same lines, some cats chew on and eat grass in order to throw something up, like a hair ball that’s caught in their throat. Some cat owners without lawns will bring in some grass if their cat gets that craving.
Cheese
Many cats love cheese, and it’s a good source of protein for them. And although some cats are able to eat it without any problem, you’ll find that dairy products often make the list of dangerous foods for cats. That’s because as many cats mature to adulthood, they become lactose intolerant. For these adult cats, any cheese, milk or other dairy will cause diarrhea.
If you’re interested in feeding your cat dairy, give it a very small amount at first to see how its digestive system handles it. It might be able to safely handle small portions of cottage cheese, or even yogurt and sour cream. You can also try giving your cat low-lactose varieties of cheese and milk.
If you only feed dairy to your cat occasionally as a special treat, you’ll be able to use it to get a finicky cat to take its medicine. Some sneaky cat owners actually grind up pills for their feline and put the powder on cheese or butter to get them to ingest the medicine.
Fish
Most cats love fish, and it can provide some much needed nutrients for them. After all, you’ll find it in many commercial cat foods. So, if you’re preparing a nice tuna sandwich, it shouldn’t do any harm to sneak your cat a bite.
But — and there’s always a “but” — you should be aware of some concerns with serving your cat too much fish. The high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in a heavy tuna diet will deplete a cat’s supply of vitamin E. You should also be aware that carnivorous fish like tuna, salmon and swordfish are more likely to contain higher levels of mercury than cod, halibut and flounder.
And although you’ll find some vets who believe that it’s fine and even preferable to give your cat uncooked fish, Dr. Colleran disagrees. She warns that uncooked oily fish contain too much thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine, an essential vitamin. This is addition to the safety hazard of eating raw fish. For instance, uncooked freshwater fish might carry a tapeworm.

Eggs

Eggs are great for humans and cats because they’re rich in protein. In fact, many books that promote natural cat diets strongly encourage owners to give their cats eggs. After all, in the wild, cats would occasionally raid the nests of birds. Vets agree that cooked eggs, such as scrambled or hard-boiled, make an excellent and nutritious treat for a cat.
However, although some natural diet books recommend raw eggs — which provide more nutritional benefits and are what a cat would get in the wild — Dr. Colleran again says this is too dangerous. Salmonella and E. coli have become too much of a risk. “Not only do you not want to make your cat sick,” she notes, “but you don’t want to bring those kinds of organisms into your environment.” This can be a problem if, for instance, something harmful passes through the animal but remains in its excrement.
Another concern is that eggs are very allergenic. Dr. Colleran recommends watching for manifestations of an allergic reaction if you do feed your cat raw eggs, or anything for that matter.
Meat
Because cats are carnivores, animal meat is one of the safest human foods to give a cat, which it why we rank it at No. 1. Cooked poultry is probably the best choice. Uncooked meat brings with it the same safety concerns as uncooked fish or eggs. Nevertheless, as with fish and eggs, you’ll find a few vets who prefer raw for the nutritional value.
You’ll also find conflicting advice as to whether you should worry about fat content. Dr. Colleran explains that it’s largely a matter of calories. Fat is nutritious in itself, but cats, like humans, shouldn’t consume too much. And cats suffer from an obesity problem in the United States, too. Even if your cat could use the extra calories, however, too much fat in one sitting can cause diarrhea. This is why you shouldn’t let your cat finish your rejected fat trimmings from the table.
So, it seems that moderation is important for everything we can give a cat — except of course, our unconditional love.
Throw Me a Bone: Bones have an ideal ratio of calcium and phosphorus that’s nutritious for cats. But they’re also a choking hazard, so you’re best to take them out of the meat. However, veterinarian and author Dr. Bruce Fogle has said that bones from a well-cooked chicken neck should be fine if they’re introduced to the cat early in life.

Are Cats Really Smarter than Dogs or Just Different?

kathy.tinney@gmail.com (chatkath) — Fri, 6 May 2011 01:15:00 -0700

Ok, before I start a major controversy here, I did not conduct this study. Researchers at Oxford University did. They have indeed conducted a study of mammal brain sizes and concluded dogs are smarter than cats because of their relative increase in brain size over the last 60 million years. How did they archive those records? They said dog brains grew more due to their constant social interaction, whereas cat brains stayed about the same size due to being more independent and more solitary creatures. But most animal lovers knew that already right?
Last year a study came to the same conclusion regarding dog intelligence, based on tests involving dogs and cats pulling strings to get rewards. No surprise, the cats didn’t do well at all. We probably have all heard people tell humorous stories of cats completely ignoring humans, and shunning interaction with humans, so why would a research study assume they would be suddenly fully engaged by a test set up by scientists at a particular time and place? We know that cat's own humans and not the other way around!
Dogs, on the other hand, appear to be generally very interested in social interaction, playing with balls, playing/wrestling with each other, and so forth. Visit a dog park on any day and you will see a high level of social engagement, when was the last time you went to a cat park? Perhaps one could say dogs are more task-oriented and since they are descended from wolves, which are very socially-oriented animals living in packs with complex interaction, a test set up by human masters involving simple tasks and rewards is nearly designed for them to excel on. Which is to say humans, being social creatures, made a research test biased towards other social creatures, dogs in this case. A test using sweet foods as rewards would not be indicative of cat intelligence because cats don’t taste sweetness due to their taste buds being different. Now this is news.
For this year’s study, the focus on physical brain measurements depends upon the assumption that an increase in brain size on a evolutionary time scale indicates dogs are smarter than cats. However, there is another assumption involved — that dogs and cats started off with equal intelligence, and dogs increased. Even if dogs and cats millions of years ago had the same size brains, that does mean they were of equal intelligence. It’s possible cats were smarter then, and still smarter now, but have smaller, more efficient brains. What is more likely given that evolution seems to reward creatures with adaptability and diverse skill sets, is that dog and cat intelligences are different, and comparing them is much more complex than simply measuring physical brain size. Like most studies, you must consider the set of variables and come up with your own conclusions.
Dog and Cats are very different animals altogether, but like most things, we love to compare them. I say they both have humans outsmarted any day of the week! Tune in for the next study and be the first to know specific brain size differences, if any.