No one enjoys the embarrassment of having a house smell like cat pee, especially the really strong musky odor of sprayed cat urine. Even more important is the fact that urinating outside the box is often the result of an undiagnosed UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
Cat Corner - hang around with us to learn all about cats...
This section is for cat news, education, with a little humor tossed in, and not meant to be offensive to dog lovers.
There is an urgent need of can cat food, towels, sheets, and blankets.
Cat Corner
Never High-Five Your Cat
Cats as a class, have never completely got over the snootiness caused by that fact that in Ancient Egypt they were worshipped as gods.
~P.G. Wodehouse
When a little black cat decided to become part of our family, there was a certain period of adjustment. Not being pet owners, we were absolutely clueless on the care and keeping of felines. You'll be happy to learn that Toonsie turned out to be an excellent teacher and my husband and I are now very well trained. For those of you contemplating adopting a kitten, I'd like to share with you a few pearls of wisdom that we picked up.
10. Never High-Five Your Cat
There may be moments when you wish to congratulate your cat for a task well done. Try to avoid the traditional high-five--or low-five, for that matter--as they tend to flex their claws on impact, leaving your palm with tiny triangular flags of skin. It's your cat's little way of reminding you who's in charge. Not that you need reminding--that was firmly established in the first five minutes of making her acquaintance.
9. Avoid a Midnight Swim in the Dark
Now of course we know that cats don't swim. Most of them hate water and consider anyone who immerses themselves in liquid to be a total idiot. Still, if your cat is used to watching you take a daytime dip, she'll keep her eye on you, but leave you to enjoy your swim. Not so if you decide to take that dip in the dark. Avoid this at all costs unless you wish to have your cat clinging to your screen like a very loud decorative ornament. You see, you think you're alone in the dark, but your cat can see all the nocturnal creatures out there and will continuously scream a warning at her rather obtuse parents.
8. Napping One Hour Prior to Your Cat's Supper Is a No-No
You know how you stick a toothpick into a baking cake to see if it's done? Well, Toonsie will stick one sharp claw into you to see if you're still alive and able to feed her dinner. She may not be hungry yet, but prefers the peace of mind that food service will run smoothly at the first rumble of her tummy. She will continue this test every ten minutes just to be on the safe side. Not only will you not have slept, but you'll probably have thrown your back out from the landing you took every time she used you as a human pin cushion and you flew into the air.
7. Decorate Your House to Match Your Cat
This may seem like a silly hipster affectation, but trust me, it's not. If the color of your cat matches the color of your rug, sofa, bedspread, any and all comfy spots where she will choose to sleep, it will save endless hours of vacuuming in the long run. Fortunately for us, everything in our house was already black before Toonsie arrived. If down the road we ever get a tabby, for instance, I'd definitely redecorate in beige. It's just easier.
6. Remember that Cats Like to Read
Cats like to keep abreast of current events, so should you open a newspaper, be prepared for your cat to jump on top of it and snuggle in for the long run. Feel free to read around her, but she will not be budged from her sweet spot. Even if you buy your cat her own paper, she will still prefer to read along with you. Just enjoy it.
5. Cats Are Natural Helpers
I can't tell you how many times Toonsie got involved in construction projects around the house. She helped the TV man install a satellite dish on the roof. She assisted the cable guy with wires in the attic. The phone man couldn't have wired the phone in the basement drop ceiling without her. I even watched her follow my husband step for step between the pool filter and skimmer, sticking her nose in to inspect the process right along with him. Of course Toonsie was the most helpful when my husband demolished the bathroom down to the studs in order to remodel it. She never missed an opportunity to get into the floor or ceiling to do an inspection.
4. Never Think You Can Outsmart Your Cat
Like world champion chess players, cats plot their game plan several moves in advance. Whether you are trying to get in or out of the door, climb a stepladder or a flight of stairs, your cat will find a way past you. Just because your cat is sleeping on the other side of the house doesn't mean she is unaware of your actions. Try sitting down for dinner while she's sleeping. Your stealth cat will be sitting between you instantly without the sound of even one paw step. You may not know where she is, but she knows where you are. Get used to it.
3. Keep to a Schedule and NEVER Take a Vacation
There's an urban myth that cats are independent creatures who are aloof and can fend for themselves if left with enough food and fresh water. Not true. To arrive home so much as one hour later than her supper time will result in a very angry cat. She will sit with her back to you and let you know that you are no longer on speaking terms. We needed to take a business trip that would only keep us away one full day. Toonsie was fed breakfast on day one, brunch on day three, and was left big dishes of all her favorite dry foods and canned foods on timers. When we arrived home, not one morsel was touched and she was royally pissed. She stared at us accusingly, stamped her paws when she walked, and refused to come near us. You've never been stung until you've been snubbed by a cat.
2. Always Buy Extra Sushi
Believe me, it's just easier. When placing your sushi order, decide what you can eat and then just order a few extra pieces of sashimi--cats watch their carbs. Toonsie can eat sushi faster than you can cut it into pieces and put it on her plate, and it's probably the only food she will overeat if we don't control her portions. It's a culinary treat that gets to be pretty pricey since she prefers it from a good Japanese restaurant as opposed to the supermarket. Why do we do it? The look in her eyes that tells us, "Raw fish, you two are smarter than I thought," is reward enough for us.
1. Thank Your Lucky Stars Every Day
You've never been loved until you've been loved by a cat. They become an addiction. Toonsie gives us endless hours of entertainment and affection. From waking us for breakfast at sunrise until she gets her goodnight kiss, Toonsie never lets us forget that we're happier people for having her in our lives.
Ships’ Cats
British sailors had some furry help during World War II. Tiddles (left) spent his whole life aboard Royal Navy aircraft carriers, traveling some 30,000 miles with them. He was born at sea on the HMS Argus and was later promoted to captain's cat on the HMS Victorious. He's pictured in July 1942 at his favorite station, on the after capstan, where he could play with the bellrope.
Convoy, the ship's cat on HMS Hermione, was so named because he often accompanied the ship on convoy escort duties. He was listed in the ship's book and given a full kit, including his own hammock. He went down with 87 of his shipmates when the Hermione was torpedoed in 1942.
"In a cat's eyes," runs an English proverb, "all things belong to cats."
Cat Urine Problems
Friday May 15, 2009
One of the top reasons for surrendering cats to animal shelters is for problems associated with spraying and/or urinating outside the litter box. We examine here the causes of spraying and peeing outside the box, how to combat litter box avoidance and urine spraying, and how to remove the stains and odor of cat urine from carpeting, bedding, and clothing. Included is a comprehensive article specific to territorial spraying by cats, to round out a complete resource section on Cat Urine Problems.
"The three little kittens, they lost their mittens,"
The three little kittens, they lost their mittens,
And they began to cry,
"Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear,
That we have lost our mittens."
"What! Lost your mittens, you naughty kittens!
Then you shall have no pie."
"Meow, meow, meow."
"Then you shall have no pie."
The three little kittens, they found their mittens,
And they began to cry,
"Oh, mother dear, see here, see here,
For we have found our mittens."
"Put on your mittens, you silly kittens,
And you shall have some pie."
"Purr, purr, purr,
Oh, let us have some pie."
The three little kittens put on their mittens,
And soon ate up the pie,
"Oh, mother dear, we greatly fear,
That we have soiled our mittens."
"What, soiled your mittens, you naughty kittens!"
Then they began to sigh,
"Meow, meow, meow,"
Then they began to sigh.
The three little kittens, they washed their mittens,
And hung them out to dry,
"Oh, mother dear, do you not hear,
That we have washed our mittens?"
"What, washed your mittens, then you're good kittens,
But I smell a rat close by."
"Meow, meow, meow,
We smell a rat close by."
Cats Rule and Dogs Drool!
Dog may be man's best friend, but for some folks, a cat is a wiser choice for a pet.
A cat can be a very lovable companion. They are smart, loyal, and occasionally very entertaining.
10 reasons why cats are better than dogs!
1. Cats don't need to be walked in bad weather.
2. Cats don't bark.
3. Cats don't require a bath.
4. Cats don't require a fenced-in yard or lots of space.
5. Cats don't chew up your favorite shoes.
6. Cats are easy to litter train.
7. Cats cost less to feed than larger dogs.
8. Cats can be left alone for a day or two (with plenty of foodand water)
if you have to go out of town. 9. Cats smell better than dogs. 10. Cats purr and they are just cooler than dogs.
BASIC CAT CARE
Thisinformation was extracted from the web site of The Humane Society of the United States. For additional information,visit http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care.
1. Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will bereturned home safely.
2. Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments, protects both cats and people in thecommunity.
3. Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.
4. Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for areferral.
5. Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat over population.
6. Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Askyour veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
7. Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.
8. Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft,and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
9. Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.
Ohio State study: College students find comfort in their pets during hard times
A new study suggests that college students may handle stressful situations better if they have a pet.
Research has already shown that pets can improve the quality of life for people who are aging or those who are chronically ill. But researchers at Ohio State University recently found that many college students may also benefit from owning a cat or a dog.
A survey of students at a large university and other adults in the area found that nearly a quarter of college students surveyed believed their pets helped them get through difficult times in life. Students who chose to live with at least one dog, one cat, or a combination of the two were less likely to report feeling lonely and depressed; something they directly attributed to their beloved pet.
These findings highlight how even younger, healthier young adults can benefit from living with our four-legged friends, said Sara Staats, lead author of the study and professor emeritus of psychology at Ohio State's Newark Campus.
"We might not think of college students as being lonely, but a lot of freshman and sophomores are in an early transition from living at home to living in dorms or off-campus. College is a very stressful environment for them and sometimes they can feel isolated or overwhelmed with the change," she said.
"We found that a lot of young adults are choosing to have an animal companion for important reasons. Many feel their pets will help get them through these difficult and stressful situations, and many more say that without their pet, they would feel lonely."
The results showed that avoiding loneliness was the top reason given by both students and adults. Nearly identical percentages of married and single persons gave this response, but students and those over 50 years of age were far more likely to list this as their top reason.
The study was based on survey responses from nearly 350 college students at a Midwestern commuter campus and nearby community members. Only those people who currently or previously owned a cat, a dog, or a combination of the two were included in the present study. People who were 18 to 87 years of age were all surveyed to study the differences between adults and students.
Participants were asked to indicate their current level of health, the type of pet(s) owned, and whether they believed a pet affected their overall health. They were then asked to identify their top reasons for owning a pet in both multiple-choice and open-ended surveys. The results were recently published in the journal Society and Animals.
The results showed that most adults and college students chose to own a pet for similar reasons. Although the results were based on self-reports, many of those surveyed believed their pet contributed to their overall health in a number of ways.
Nearly a quarter of all college students and adults reported that their pet was useful in keeping them active. This answer was more common for those who owned dogs, but those who had feline friends also reported their cat helped keep them active.
Likewise, 18 percent of college students and 13 percent of adults said their pet was important to helping them cope during difficult times. This belief was far more likely among those who were single rather than married, but it was listed by both groups in both open-ended and multiple choice questions.
But the results showed that avoiding loneliness was the top reason given by both students and adults. Nearly identical percentages of married and single persons gave this response, but students and those over 50 years of age were far more likely to list this as their top reason.
While previous work has demonstrated that the elderly benefit from animal companionship, this study is the one of the first to suggest that animal companions help those younger than 30 years of age, Staats said.
"Most of the studies on pet ownership focus directly on those adults and older generations who have heart problems or special needs. But there hasn't been much recognition of that fact that young, healthy college students also derive benefits from pet ownership such as hedge against loneliness and improved ability to cope," she said.
While the reasons for keeping a pet may be similar among adults and college students, the lifestyles differences between the two may provide clues as to why students rely on their pets more often, Staats said.
Many people in their late twenties to mid-forties have established circles of friends. Adults usually live in areas with friends, colleagues, and family nearby, making their lives more stable than those beginning to build their lives. Many more adults are married or have started raising a family, and have years of experience learning how to cope with difficult situations.
Many first and second-year students, however, are in the beginning stages of building a new network of friends. College students living far from home may find it harder to deal with difficult situations because they are thrown into a new environment and expected to find their way, often for the first time in their lives.
As a result, many students may find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn from their environment.
"Many students said that their pets fulfill a significant role that is missing in their lives. The pets are not a substitute for human social interaction and support, but they do provide important interaction for these kids who might otherwise feel isolated from their current environment," Staats said.
"I wouldn't advise everyone to go out and buy a puppy. But I think this research clearly shows that many students can benefit both psychologically and socially from living with an animal companion."
Staats conducted the study with undergraduate psychology students Heidi Wallace and Tara Anderson.
#
Contact: Sara Staats, (740) 366-9279; staats.1@osu.edu.
Written by Jenna McGuire, Mcguire.165@osu.edu
Media contact Jeff Grabmeier, Research Communications, (614) 292-8457; Grabmeier.1@osu.edu.
Conquering the Disposable Cat Syndrome
Kittens are adorable, aren't they? Even the hardest heart will soften at the sight of soft, cuddlyballs of fur. But kittens grow up all too soon, and unless their humanguardians educate themselves in the proper care and training of their felinecompanions, they may become cats with unpopular habits, such as soiling antique rugs and scratching your new leather recliner. At times like these, without their protective cloaks of cuteness, cats may be looked on by some people as "disposable goods," and thus the line is drawn between cat owners andcat lovers.
The shelters are full of them, these throw away cats and dogs, whose only crimes were having the misfortune of being the pets of people who considered them "property" rather than "family."
This tendency is a product born of a societal attitude ingrained over several generations, from times when pets were valued only for their contribution to the family unit. Dogs were valued as sheep and cattle herders, hunting companions, or to guard the homestead. Cats, on the other hand were regarded as "mousers," and every farm had its barn cats for that purpose, proliferated generation after generation, with the reward for their toils consisting of an occasional saucer of milk, along with as many mice as they could catch. No one thought too much about the death of a barn cat - there were always plenty more to take their place. And die, they did, from disease, predators, or infections from untreated wounds.
Societal Changes
As society changed and more and more people moved away from the farm, many brought a cat or two along for company. The concept of pedigree cats and cat shows in the late 19th century brought with it a new awareness of the cat as a companion, and even "moggies" benefitted from this new concept.
Sadly though, because of the continued failure of many irresponsible people to spay and neuter their pet cats, we are burdened with a cat overpopulation problem. Consider the endless loop this creates; where one form of irresponsibility foments another:
Indiscriminate breeding, intentional or not, creates an excess of cats.
An excess of cats makes it easy for a careless cat owner to "trade in" or otherwise dispose of a cat that doesn't "work out." The mindset of pets as property often means that last year's kittens soon lose their luster as quickly as last year's car model or computer, both of the latter which will also fail to perform if not properly maintained.
Although spay/neuter laws have been passed with varying degrees of success in some cities, responsibility simply cannot be legislated; instead, it must be learned.
Since for the most part I'm probably "preaching to the choir," you might be wondering, "okay, whatdoes this have to do with me? How can I teach responsible pet ownership to someone else?" Here are some suggestions, for starters:
By Example:
Spay and neuter yourown pets.
Practice proper litterbox management- keep them scrupulously clean.
Supply your cats witha variety of legitimate scratching surfaces, along with claw trimming or SoftPaws, in lieu of declawing (the easy way out).
Feed your cat a nutrionally balanced diet.
Don't try to bypass veterinary care. In the end, it is poor economy, and your cat could ultimately pay the price with his life.
Take time every day to play with your cats. You are creating treasured future memories.
By Gentle Persuasion:
Encourage everyone you know to spay or neuter their pets. Familiarize yourself with all the excuses, and prepare a compelling argument to each excuse.
Learn more about declawing and its humane alternatives, and speak out when you hear of someone's intentions to have this procedure done on their cat. Keep in mind that they probably have the kindest intentions but may not have all the facts they need to make an educated decision.
Volunteer at your local shelter and talk to potential cat adopters about the serious responsibilities they are taking on.
Write letters to the editor.
Study, practice what you learn, and study some more.
You may find your new avocation so addictive that you'll soon be able to refer to yourself proudly and accurately as an animal advocate.
Welcome to the club! You'll find the weight of responsibility much lighter when it is shared with others of a like mind, and you're in good company - the best company on this planet, because you care.
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