Xmas miracle - dog saves cat, just in time for Caturday. Merry Christmas!

TROY, NY -- Troy police said a heroic dog rescued a trapped cat on Thursday. According to an official press release, a woman walking her dog heard a cat in a pile of trash. The trash had been set out for collection in the alley between 109th and 110th streets, and Third and Fourth avenues. Investigating sounds of distress, the dog sniffed out a baby kitten sealed inside a cardboard box (pictured above).

Troy Animal Control was contacted and the terrified kitten, which is 8 to 10 weeks old, was taken to the Troy Veterinary Hospital at 840 Hoosick Road. The kitten suffered from hunger and exposure, but is expected to fully recover and will be kept at the facility while the investigation continues.

Troy Police detectives are conducting a criminal investigation into this act of cruelty and ask anyone with information to call them. If you know anything, please help them out.

Big cats to soon understand celebrity paparazzi frustrations, just in time for Caturday

A big problem with protecting endangered great cats is keeping an eye on the naturally stealthy animals in the field. This is especially true of the endangered tiger, whose remaining numbers in the wild are quite scarce.  While camera traps are nothing new, they were mostly developed for game hunters and really aren't fast enough to catch fast-moving cats most of the time.  Not only that, monitoring a tiger population over a large area requires thousands of them and the coast can be prohibitive.

The good news is that the technology in cellphone cameras is making available a new kind of camera trap that is lightweight and much cheaper than the old models.  Not only that, the cameras photograph animals in three-tenths of a second, which was about as long as it took for the cats to enter the center of the frame.  Grateful for these new camera traps, researchers plan to deploy them across tiger territory in Russia, Malaysia and Indonesia. But cameras are also headed to Gabon and Uganda for the study of forest leopards and the rare African golden cat.

It will be a while before the results of the switch to the new technology are fully known. But test cameras have already produced great shots of everything from big cats to other wildlife and even the cats’ biggest enemies: poachers.

Five years after Hurricane Katrina, Scrub the cat returns just in time for Caturday

BILOXI, Miss. — Five years after becoming lost in Hurricane Katrina's horrible aftermath, a gray and white tomcat named Scrub has been reunited with his Mississippi family!  The Humane Society of South Mississippi says Scrub was identified by an implanted microchip. The now 7-year-old cat was brought to the shelter by a Gulfport woman who'd fed him as a stray over the past couple of months but worried about his safety during a cold snap.

Scrub's owner, Jennifer Noble, says that she was skeptical at first when she received a call from the shelter. But by the end of the first night back, Scrub had snuggled in bed with one of her boys.  He remembered them.  The woman who'd been feeding Scrub lives about 15 miles away, it turns out. Noble says Scrub is in excellent condition and is happy to be home.

Who says miracles can't happen?

Raw Cat Food - Why It's the Best Diet For Your Cat, and What Are the Trade-offs For You?

The biggest myth surrounding cat-ownership is that cats are worry free, self-contained and self-providing pets that require little or no maintenance. Cats are so good at giving people the impression of independence and self-reliance, that people believe they don't have to provide the highly-focused attention to cats that, say, dogs require. The fact of the matter is that cats do require the same attention to detail that any dog does, and maybe even a little more in some cases. This is especially true when it comes to probing the controversy regarding whether raw cat food is better that canned cat food or kibbles for your feline ward.

It's a sad thing to look around our country these days and see so many people who have allowed themselves to become overweight and then have to deal with the consequential suffering and ill-health effects of obesity. Diabetes, shortness of breath, constant exhaustion (and aching lower extremities) from lugging around so many extra pounds and lowered self-esteem. Of course, the garment industry is singing happy tunes with all the extra thread they have to put together. There's no shortage of explanations for why this situation has come about, but I think when it comes down to it, we can only blame ourselves at the individual level for allowing such a condition to take root. After all, how many pounds overweight does one have to get before they realize that something's not right and becoming a problem? 10, 20... 50 lbs? And how long does it take to realize that the magic pills, diets, elixirs and effortless, lose-weight-with-no-work-out machines are products being marketed to your ego, to separate you from your bank account, and not to solve your problem?

No... the only way to find an ideal normality is with thorough research, discovery and a lot of hard work... accompanied with a healthy life style change. But, enough sermonizing about us human. This is about cats, their eating habits and raw cat food!  One thing needs to come along with this discussion from the previous paragraph. Most people are not experts in animal nutrition and rely on others to lead them in the right direction. The source for most expert advice (available to a person for their daily decision making and selection of choices) usually comes to us through the traditional media of radio, newspapers, television and now, the Internet. Media offers two kinds of resources. Investigative reporting, which is presented in newscasts or opinion pieces, and secondly, the marketing hype that provides commercial broadcast funding. The former is reliable enough to believe in more often than not, and might call for further research on your part if it interests you. The latter really only wants you to spend your money with them. That's not necessarily bad.  It does ultimately put people to work and provides many with an adequate, and even comfortable living. Unfortunately, the bottom line is that corporations only have one objective in the end. That is to feed their bottom line. Now recent events have caused many to reconsider the morality behind a corporations goals. But, as long as this market structure is the paradigm for our economy, the ultimate goal for big business will always be to maximize their profit-loss statements towards the profit end of the spectrum, any way they can get away with, and at your expense... literally.

So, what does this rant have to do with cats and if raw cat food is what you should be feeding them? Simply put, most people rely on the marketing hype to base their decisions regarding the food they feed their pets. Which is exactly the wrong source for basing such a critical decision. Take the cat for example. It's not only a scientific fact, but a cultural one also, that the cat is described as an obligate carnivore. This defines cats as creatures who derive most of their food nutrients from the animals they hunt and consume (raw cat food). When a cat devours it's prey, she will eat everything - including not only muscle meat, but the brains, organ meat and the stomach and its contents (which may consist of grasses and grains). One thing she doesn't do is fire up a stove and saute or bake her dinner, or prepare a nice sauce to go with it. She eats it raw. Cultural purists use this description as an argument that feeding cats store-bought, mass produced canned or dry cat food is doing your cat a disservice by depriving her of the natural nutrients she would normally get in the raw cat food she captures in the wild, and for which she was biologically designed.  Little known fact:  Dogs can live without meat but cats can not!

Pottenger's cats...

Francis M. Pottenger, Jr. (1901 - 1967) was the son of Francis M. Pottenger, Sr., the physician who co-founded the Pottenger Sanatorium for treatment of tuberculosis in Monrovia, California. Between 1932 and 1942, he conducted what is know as the Pottenger Cat Study. One part of this study was what effect heat had on the nutrient value of raw food. In other words, what happens to food when you cook it.

"Pottenger used donated laboratory cats to test the potency of the adrenal extract hormones he was making. The adrenal glands of these cats were removed for the experiments and Pottenger noted that most of the cats died during or following the operation. He was feeding the cats a supposedly nutritive diet consisting of raw milk, cod liver oil and cooked meat scraps of liver, tripe, sweetbread, brains, heart and muscle.  When the number of donated cats exceeded the supply of food available, Pottenger began ordering raw meat scraps from a local meat packing plant, including organs, meat, and bone; and fed a separate group of cats from this supply. Within months, this separate group appeared in better health than the cooked meat group! Their kittens were more energetic and, most interestingly, their post-operative death rate was lower.

At a certain point, he decided to begin a controlled scientific exploration. Pottenger conducted studies involving approximately 900 cats over a period of ten years, with three generations of cats being studied.

Meat study:  In one study, one group of cats was fed a diet of: Two-thirds raw meat, one-third raw milk, and cod-liver oil and a second group was fed a diet of two-thirds cooked meat, one-third raw milk, and cod-liver oil.  The cats fed the all-raw diet were healthy, while the cats fed the cooked meat diet developed various health problems.  By the end of the first generation the cats started to develop degenerative diseases and became quite lazy.  By the end of the second generation, the cats had developed degenerative diseases by mid-life and started losing their coordination.  By the end of the third generation, the cats had developed degenerative diseases very early in life and some were born blind and weak and had a much shorter life span. Many of the third generation cats couldn't even produce offspring. There was an abundance of parasites and vermin, while skin diseases and allergies increased from an incidence of five percent (in normal cats) to over 90 percent in the third generation of deficient cats. Kittens of the third generation did not survive six months. Bones became soft and pliable and the cats suffered from adverse personality changes. Males became docile while females became more aggressive.
The cats suffered from most of the degenerative diseases encountered in human medicine and died out totally by the fourth generation.  At the time of Pottenger's Study. the amino acid 'taurine' had been discovered but had not yet been identified as an essential amino acid for cats. Today, many cats thrive on a cooked meat diet where taurine has been added after cooking. The deficient diets lacked sufficient taurine to allow the cats to properly form protein structures and resulted in the health effects observed. Pottenger himself concluded that there was likely an "as yet unknown" protein factor (taurine) that may have been heat sensitive.

Milk Study:  In another study, dubbed the "Milk Study,", the cats were fed 2/3 milk and 1/3 meat. All groups were fed raw meat with different groups getting raw, pasteurized, evaporated, sweetened condensed or raw metabolized vitamin D milk. The cats on raw milk were the healthiest, while the rest exhibited varying degrees of health problems similar to the previous cooked meat study.  This particular Pottenger cat study has been cited by advocates of raw milk as evidence that it is likely healthier for humans than pasteurized milk.  The same is said for butter, by the way.  Though Pottenger's experiments don't conclusively verify that raw cat food diets are better for sustaining a healthy support for the physiological needs of cats than cooked (canned) or dry kibbles, (because he didn't use canned cat food or kibbles in the experiments) certain conclusions can be drawn:

*Cooking meat can destroy certain food nutrients, namely amino acids (proteins)
*Cats thrive more healthily on raw meat rather than cooked meat with less degenerative results
*Cooking meat for your cat requires the replacement of the essential amino acid taurine, and possibly other nutrients destroyed in the cooking process

Pet food marketing-hype says that "XYZ" cat food products are healthy for your pet because it adds "ABC" nutrients, vitamins and minerals to their product, which safeguards your cat's health. Fortunately, marketing laws require that the ingredients in any given product be listed on the packaging of your cat's food.  Ultimately, it is left up to you to make the decision about which is the best shelf product for your cat.

Today's problem-plagued market place has left many in doubt as to whether the corporate entities that supply the bulk of our aggregate necessities can continue to be worthy of our trust. Arrogance and greed have always gone head-to-head with social morality and it's usually the end user that ends up paying with unnecessary suffering. Many pet owners have now taken matters into their own hands and are resorting to providing raw-ingredient meals (made with their own hands) for their pets. It's not a bad step but certain measures, which include a life-style change, need to be taken when preparing your pet's meals to keep her safe from bacterial infection and insure that her nutritional needs are met.

Here's an example of a raw cat food meal preparation from scratch:

2 kg [4.4 pounds] raw muscle meat with bones (chicken necks are mostly cartilage, are easy to chop and easy for the cat to digest) thighs and drumsticks or, better, a whole carcass of rabbit or chicken amounting to 2 kg; if you don't use a whole carcass, opt for dark meat like thighs and drumsticks from chicken or turkey)
400 grams [14 oz] raw heart, ideally from the same animal (if no heart is available, substitute with 4000 mg Taurine)
200 grams [7 oz] raw liver, ideally from the same animal (if you can't find appropriate liver, you can substitute 40,000 IU of Vitamin A and 1600 IU of Vitamin D--but try to use real liver instead of substitutes).

NOTE: If you cannot find the heart or liver and decide to substitute with the Taurine/Vitamin A and D, then remember to replace the missing amount of organ meat with the equivalent amount of muscle meat. In other words, if you cannot find heart, you add another 400 grams of the meat/bones. If you can't find the liver, add another 200 grams of meat/bones.
16 oz [2 cups] water
4 raw egg yolks (use eggs from free-range, antibiotic-free chickens if you can)4 capsules raw glandular supplement (such as, for example, "Raw Multiple Glandular" from Premier Labs)4000 mg salmon oil
200 mg Vitamin B complex
800 IU Vitamin E ("dry E" works well) Buy Vitamin E in dry powder form. It's much easier to deal with than those little oil-filled capsules.OPTIONAL: 1/4 teaspoon of kelp and 1/4 teaspoon of dulse (1/2 teaspoon total) Try and get dulse and kelp in powder form that you can easily measure with a teaspoon rather than in capsule form. Taking apart those capsules is time consuming. If you can only find kelp in caplet form, you'll need to spend time crushing the caplets with a mortar and pestle.OPTIONAL: 4 teaspoons psyllium husk powder (8 teaspoons if using whole psyllium husks) ?

It looks like this recipe will produce about 5- 6 lbs of finished raw cat food product which would feed a single cat for several weeks. That means most of it would have to be frozen in individual air tight containers and thawed as needed.  The digestive system of a cat is designed to handle things human systems can't. Their stomachs have a highly acidic environment, which is an excellent deterrent to ingested bacteria such as ecoli and salmonella. In the wild, cats sometimes eat some pretty 'iffy' stuff with no ill effects because they are natural scavengers. Wild cats die more often from infection due to injuries than from food poisoning.

However, there are steps you can take if you have concerns about raw cat food borne bacteria.

*Avoid packaged supermarket ground beef using whole chunks of meat instead
*Buy "free-range" meat and poultry as fresh as possible
*Add priobiotics (which help maintain intestinal health) to your raw food preparation

Proper handling of raw cat food is essential since some raw cat food may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or your pets! Be sure to keep raw cat-food meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash hands prior to, and after handling raw cat food. Wash working surfaces, bowls, and utensils that come in contact with raw meat with hot, soapy water. Always wash your hands after cleaning your cat's waste; this includes litter boxes.  Pick up and dispose of uneaten raw cat food within 30 minutes of feeding your cat.

Preparing raw cat food meals from scratch for your cat is a labor of love indulged in by purists. Most people don't have the time, and maybe lack the talent to take on such a task. If you count yourself among this latter group, rest easy. Ready-made products are finding their way to the market place. There are complete raw cat food meals which are shipped frozen and there are mixes which all you have to do is add the meat. Just remember that if you are going with the mix, be certain that the essential amino acids such as taurine are included. If not, then be sure to add the heart (a source for taurine) and other organ meat from the same animal if possible, with the raw cat food meal so that your cat won't be deprived of these critical ingredients.

So, what are the trade-offs, you ask?

Well, for one thing, you will have to forego the convenience of one-stop-shopping in the supermarket pet food aisles. Orders for raw cat food meals or mixes are mostly made on-line so you will have to deal with credit or debit cards. Pre-planning will have to be regular routine so that you don't run out of raw cat food before the next shipment arrives. If a shipment thaws, you will have to return it because you won't want to take any chances with bacterial infection. Most companies will honor returns due to thawing. And, if you prepare raw cat food meals completely from scratch, be prepared to spend a couple of hours in the kitchen with this task.

The real trade-off is with the quality of cat food you will be providing. The store bought, 'meal' based, cereal foods will be replaced with the high quality fresh foods that cat's were designed for. Some cats may balk at the transition at first because they weren't socialized with raw cat food as kittens. But, their health will show marked improvement, you will probably be surprised by the results which can be compared to how your cat behaved before being fed a fresh, high quality raw cat food diet that meets their needs nutritionally.  Plus, their immune systems will be stronger - giving your cat the best chance for a longer, healthier life.

Cats Are Very Lovable Creatures... but they need stuff!

"Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?"- An Irish saying about cats, perhaps best describes what pleasure-giving creatures cats can be.  Jean Burden beautifully defines the feline beauty. "A dog, I have always said, is prose; a cat is a poem." Cats for many people, are really very lovable - remember 'Snowbell' - the cat of "Stuart Little"?

But seriously...

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments. Cat grooming is a very important part of keeping a cat as a healthy pet and 'cat supplies' can be defined as important things that can be purchased for cat grooming, and maintaining general good cat health.  In fact, 'cat supplies' is a pretty general term that covers a variety of important cat-care products.

Cat Grooming:  Cat grooming is, in fact, a part of cat health care that covers the entire life-span a cat. It includes feline care, feline health care, feline diabetes care, etc. It also includes practices like kitten care, giving a hygiene bath, general cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside, nail trimming, removing cat fleas (and insects) and having regular meetings with a professional veterinary. Cat owners should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Like children, kittens require some extra special attention. A kitten is delicate and should be handled with care. It also needs to be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Cat Grooming Supplies:

Cat grooming supplies play a key role in the process of maintaining a happy and healthy cat. Supplies for your pet may include a special cat home or house, cat doors, cat furniture, cat carrier, cat beds, heated cat beds (for older cats), cat toys, cat collars, designer cat collars, jeweled or jingling cat collars, cat odor removers, cat clothes, special cat jewelry, cat food, cat tonics & supplements and cat medication.

Cat Beds:

A cat bed is a bed specially designed for the sleeping comfort of a cat. It should be the most pleasurable place for a cat, where it retires to take sweet dreams. Good cat beds are actually quite important for maintaining good cat health. An improper sleep may very much affect the general health of your cat - thus the masters of cats should be very careful when buying cat beds. A cat bed and cat bedding should include a cat bed mattress, cat bed sheet, cat pillows, cat throw pillows, cat blankets and cat quilt or duvets.  Cat beds are available in numerous styles and include designer cat beds, heated cat beds, luxury cat beds, wicker cat beds, leather cat beds, etc.  There are number of designer cat pet beds available on the market for purchase, both in physical pet stores, and also online.

Message for the day:  Love your cat!

Cat trapped in Shopko garden center... bobcat, that is!

What was first reported to be a 'large' feral cat in a Shopko garden center ended up being a wild Montana bobcat instead!  Nobody's quite sure why the wayward bobcat made its way to the store Wednesday afternoon.  Maybe he smelled somebody's lunch.  Mike Maynard, an animal control officer with the city of Helena (Montana), said he was called to the store at about noon to collect the cat. But when he realized it was a wild bobcat, and not some regular stray, he called in game wardens as backup.

Dave Loewen and his partner hopped the store’s fence to gain access to the animal, which was not near any shoppers and really didn't want to be there anymore. The capture took less than five minutes, he said.  “We scooped him up (with a net), put him in the truck and took him out to the regulating reservoir off of York Road,” Loewen said. “He should be just fine out there.”  Loewen said it’s not the first time a bobcat has been seen in town, but it was the only time he has captured one within the city limits.  “He just got out of his element and didn’t know what to do next,” he said.

Choosing a Cat Tree, Playground or Kitty Condo - What's Best For You?

Buying cat furniture can be a confusing and perhaps exhausting experience. Nothing is more frustrating than setting up what you feel is a beautiful cat tree, only to have your cats completely ignore it! I've owned cats all my life, and I'll try to share some of my 'expertise' and insight with you in order to help make your decision a bit easier.

There are a number of factors to consider in choosing a cat tree, condo, tower, playground or gym. Here, in no particular order, are some things you'll want to keep in mind:

*Your cat's habits and preferences
*Placement and space requirements
*Materials and construction
*Expandability
*Price

What does your cat want?  Do you know?  CAN you know?

As a general rule, most cats share certain traits and habits, such as curiosity, a desire to hide out in a dark, enclosed spaces and a love of heights.  But as every cat owner knows, each kitty is different!  The first thing I'd suggest is to spend a few days paying close attention to your cat's habits. Where does he usually sleep, hang out or play? What kinds of things does she play with? When you pick her up, does she want to climb up on your shoulders? What kinds of places are you always battling to keep him out of? The answers to these questions should help you decide what kinds of features your cat will appreciate the most.

Features and the kitties who love them:

Kitty Condo: A cat who tends to choose a dark, quiet corner to sleep in will probably want a model with a kitty condo. The same could be said for cats who love to explore shopping bags, boxes, cupboards and other dark, secret places. If your household is one of those busy or hectic ones with kids playing and lots of folks coming and going, kitty might just love the peace and quiet (and privacy) that an enclosed cat condo brings.

Height: Some cats just need to be up high. Some kitties just like to be able to see everything, and some feel more secure up above the reach of the family dog or small children. If your cat is always trying to climb up on your shoulders when you pick her up, or likes to jump up on counters, you might consider getting the tallest cat tree, kitty gym or playground you can. A floor to ceiling tower can be a good solution, and they come in a variety of configurations - some are very simple and take up very little floor space, others can be quite elaborate. There are also a lot of free standing models over 6 feet tall that will satisfy your cat's need to look down on us poor humans!

Secure Sleeping Spot: Our cat always sleeps leaned up against something (me, a chair cushion, or the raised lip on her favorite cat perch) - she needs the security of feeling something against her back for her to truly relax. If your cat is like ours, you'll want to be sure that the cat tree or playground you choose has a place to sleep where she'll feel secure. You might want a sleep tray with raised sides, a curved half moon shaped shelf or a kitty hammock.

Not So Secure Sleeping Spot: Our other cat just sprawls out anywhere - if your cat is like him, he'll be perfectly happy with an open shelf to nap on.

Observation Post: Pretty much every cat likes to keep an eye on things, especially from above.  It's simply a survival instinct. Make sure the model you choose has a place where your cat will want to spend many hours of the day, whether it's a flat shelf, kitty hammock, curved shelf or tray. In addition to the style of the observation post, consider the height off the floor and ease of access - especially if your cat is elderly or doesn't get around as well as he used to.

Kitty Hammocks: We've found that most cats love a hammock, although timid cats may need some reassurance at first due to the extra 'give' they feel at first when they step on it. Once they get used to it, it may become a favorite 'hang out' (sorry - I couldn't resist!). If your cat is unsure about the hammock at first, put it close to the floor for added peace of mind. As your cat gets used to it, you can move it higher if you like.

Play Tubes: Playful cats like tubes or tunnels because they can charge right through them or lie in wait and pounce at unsuspecting passersby - animal or human!

Placement...

Even if the cat furniture you choose has all of the things your cat loves, if you put it in the wrong place he may completely ignore it! Think about where your cat spends time now - is she a 'people cat' who wants to be in the same room as the rest of the family? Is she more of a loner who seeks out quiet spots in unused parts of the house? Does he like to look out the window? (check for nose prints on the glass!)  Years ago we had a fabulous floor to ceiling cat tower with multiple shelves, a kitty condo - the works! The only trouble was that the one place in the house where we had space for it was a room that was hardly ever used. Since our cats like to be with us, they never used the tree and we ended up donating it to the local humane society. Now we have a smaller cat tree that we keep in the family room where we spend much of our time, and the cats use it every day.

If you can place the tree next to a window there is a much higher likelihood that your cats will use it. A window that opens is best, especially for indoor kitties. The smells and sounds from outdoors will keep them entertained and engaged in the world around them.

Space...

Here's where you start thinking about your needs. How much space are you willing and able to devote to cat furniture, whether it's a playground, kitty gym or cat tree? Be sure to look at all the dimensions - baseplate size, overall dimensions and height - and actually measure the space you have in mind to make sure it will fit. Many models are modular in design, so you don't have to put it together exactly as it is pictured. This can give you a bit of flexibility if space is an issue. Look for the phrase 'modular design' - not all cat trees have this feature!

Materials and Construction...

One of the main considerations here should be how stable and sturdy the cat furniture is. Cats will not use a wobbly or unstable tree! Look for broad bases and bottom heavy designs that will keep it from tipping when your cat jumps up on it.

Wood: Some cat furniture manufacturers use plywood, while others use particle board - and they will all swear that the wood they use is the absolute best! The truth is that each has advantages and disadvantages.
Plywood is quite strong because it is made from thin layers of wood, and each layer has the grain running in a different direction from the layer above and below. Since the visible surfaces are covered, the manufacturer can use a lower grade of plywood that will have knots showing and may be a bit rough to the touch. So you may have rough exposed wood on the inside roof of a condo or the underside of the baseplate - not really an issue for most folks, but a good thing to know ahead of time.

Particle board is made of small wood chips bonded together by a kind of glue. It is heavier than plywood, so it adds stability to a cat tree, and the surface is much smoother than plywood. But... it is more likely than plywood to break (sometimes corners will chip off ), but under normal use this shouldn't be a problem.

Coverings: Carpet or fake fur? The debate rages! One thing everyone agrees on is that (whatever covering you choose) make sure it is not a closed loop carpet or other covering that can catch a claw. I'm sure you've seen a cat stretch out and get a claw caught in a bedspread or sofa cushion.  In a relaxed setting, the cat is usually able to extricate himself, although he may leave a snag in the fabric! Imagine your cat at top speed romping up and down his kitty playground - if the playground is covered in non cut pile carpet (like Berber) and he catches a claw it can cause a serious injury.

Carpet is soft and inviting, but since one of the purposes of cat furniture is to give your kitties a place to sharpen their claws, some folks think carpeted cat furniture just encourages or even trains your cat to sharpen his claws on the carpet on your floor. Personally, I've never had that problem, but I know some folks have. If you do choose carpet, make sure it is cut-pile carpet to prevent possible injury from a caught claw. Carpet is secured with staples, which have the potential to stick up and scratch fingers or paws, but well made cat furniture does not usually have this problem.

Fake fur isn't quite as cushy as carpet, but as long as it is secured with non-toxic glue, there is no possibility of injury from an errant staple. Some manufacturers do staple the fake fur, however, and it is much harder to bury a staple in fake fur than in carpet - if you choose fake fur, make sure that it is glued, not stapled. Like the carpet vs fake fur debate, the staples vs nontoxic glue debate is a heated one. I am of the opinion that as long as the glue is nontoxic and the staples are applied properly, glue is best for fake fur and staples are best for carpet. It's a matter of personal preference as to whether you choose carpet or fur. One nice thing about fake fur is that it is washable.  Often times, models with hammocks are covered in fake fur.  Check to make sure that the hammock covers zip off, so you can throw them in the washing machine.

Sisal Rope: Most experts agree that sisal rope provides an ideal surface for your cat to sharpen her claws. It's durable, yet it doesn't 'catch' claws the way non-cut pile carpet can. Most cats love the feel of it under their paws and will instinctively start scratching when they feel it under foot.

Curved Features: Any curved surface on a cat tree is made of thick cardboard tubes - they are used in construction as molds for making round concrete pillars (among other things). They are quite sturdy and should last a long time, but be aware that they are cardboard and will be the weakest part of your kitty gym - especially if they ever get wet. Look for designs that offer extra support to a curved feature - two attachment points is better than one!

Expandability and Flexibility...

If you're anything like me, you get bored with your environment and need to rearrange the furniture now and then. Cats get bored too, and so many of the models you will find are of a modular design which allows you to put them together in more than one way and to add or swap out features later. If this is important to you, be sure to look for the phrase 'modular design' - not all models have this feature!

Price and Other Human Concerns...

Cat furniture can seem expensive, but it truly is an investment in your cat's health and happiness. A cat who has a place to burn off energy and take a safe nap is less likely to develop destructive habits like scratching your furniture or relieving himself outside the litterbox. Indoor cats especially need some extra stimulation to keep them from getting bored.

Of course, you are the one who has to decide how much to spend on your cats.  But, with cat furniture, you really do get what you pay for. If your budget is small, you are better off getting a smaller model than a large cheap model. Cheap cat furniture is likely to suffer from poor quality materials and workmanship, which will shorten its life. Also, it will probably be wobbly and therefore less appealing to your cats, so they may not use it at all. You may get lucky, but in my experience cheap cat furniture is a waste of money.

Aesthetically speaking, your cat couldn't care less what the cat tree looks like.  Cats are much more concerned with function, so please yourself in the aesthetics department! And as far as color is concerned, cats' eyes are optimized for hunting in low light - they don't really see color. So choose a color that works for you, one that matches your decor or a neutral color that will blend in even if you change your decorating scheme. Some cat owners choose colors to match their cat's fur, so the cat hair won't show as much.  Others like a very different color to inspire them to keep the cat tree vacuumed.  Color is purely a personal decision and will not affect your cat's enjoyment one way or the other!

I hope I've been able to help you sort out some of the maze of decisions that need to be made in choosing the right cat tree for your kitty and for you. Hopefully I haven't just added to the confusion!

Why Cats Flip For Catnip!

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh catnip, perhaps you've been struck with the question; "What causes catnip to affect cats that way?" Catnip is indeed an unusual phenomenon among cats, it has the ability to alter your cat's behavior like nothing else can. So what exactly is the reason for what scientists have coined as "the Catnip effect"?

Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds, the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats in such a manner remains mostly a mystery (just like the biological cause of purring). There is, however, much that we do know about Catnip and cats, even if we don't have the ultimate answer of exactly  "why?" yet answered.

The Science Stuff...

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and is a perennial herb from the mint family and is in fact also referred to as "Catmint". It is a plant indigenous to Europe but has been exported and is now found all over including the United States and Canada.  The active ingredient in Catnip is an oil; Nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves of the plant. This is the reason you are able to find Catnip in a bottle or spray form in some pet stores.

Other Uses For Catnip...

Catnip is not only good to stimulate activity in cats, it can also be used by humans as an herb for a medicinal tea which may soothe toothaches, help against coughs, and may also perform as a sleep aid. Furthermore, Catnip can be used as an herb on salads or other foods (as has been the case for centuries in France). Lately, Catnip has also been garnering favor as a natural insect repellent rivaling the effectiveness of many store bought varieties of repellent.

Catnip and Kitty...

Catnip affects approximately half of all cats (rather than every cat, as most people imagine). What determines whether or not a cat will react to Catnip is a genome that is inherited (or not inherited as the case may be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, do not react to Catnip until reaching about 3 or 4 months of age and becoming sexually mature. Older cats are also more likely to have a diminished or non-existing reaction to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that the Catnip effect is based at least partially on sexuality and that the reaction may be something like an aphrodisiac. Further adding to this belief is the similarity of a sexual pheromone found in the urine of the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product in Catnip).  Cats that can be traced to regions where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated house cat is not the only cat that may be affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip effect, felines such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and even lion are known to react much the same way the common house cat would! It is interesting to note that while Catnip can act as a stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it can conversely act as a relaxant if ingested.

Therefore, you may see a different, nearly opposite result depending on whether your cat chooses to eat the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the latter being the more typical behavior).

How to Use Catnip With Your Cat...

Catnip can prove to be a very useful tool for a few common problems with your cat.  If you are lucky enough to have a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then here are a couple of ideas for you and your furry little friend.  Catnip and Lazy Cats:  Catnip can be used to get a lazy cat off his or her butt. Some cats are notoriously lazy - choosing to sleep much of their day away in a nice golden patch of sunlight on the living room carpet, only waking up to eat and gather some necessary attention from their indulgent owners. If this sounds like your cat, you may soon see (if you haven't already) that your cat is becoming more and more round... as in FAT. This is generally not a good thing. Catnip may be able to help. Presenting catnip to your cat encourages activity (of course provided the cat sniffs rather than eats the herb).Many adult cats will respond to Catnip in a manner that resembles their childlike kitten hyperactivity, jumping, playing and running around as if it was given an injection of kitty adrenaline, which in essence, is the case. The effect of Catnip on a cat can last somewhere between two and fifteen minutes. If the latter is the case, then this is a decent amount of exercise and will help keep your cat a little more svelte than without a Catnip treatment.

Furthermore, if you leave the Catnip out for a few hours then your cat may return to the herb later (an hour or two after the effect has worn off) and again react in an energetic fashion. So in this sense you may consider Catnip sort of like a kitty energy drink.  Catnip and Cats That Scratch Furniture: If you have a cat that seems bent on the destruction of your furniture then Catnip may again be able to come to the rescue. Cats can be frustratingly picky about just about anything under the sun including where they want to sharpen their furniture destroying claws. It is not uncommon for a cat to damage or destroy a piece of furniture just because the owners finally gave up on trying to redirect their cat to the unused cat scratching post that set them back anywhere up to a hundred dollars and more. A good way to attempt to change this frustrating and expensive behavior is to rub some Catnip or Catnip oil on a scratching post that you are attempting to get the cat to use. Introduce your cat to the newly "Catnipped" scratching post and see how he/she reacts. If all goes well, your cat will sniff and inspect the post and then begin clawing at it. After a few times (you may have to re-Catnip the post) hopefully kitty will be trained to use the post rather than the sofa.

Using Catnip with Multiple Cats...

If you've never used Catnip before and you have more than one cat it is advisable to try it out individually on each cat before introducing it to all of your cats at the same time. The reason is because Catnip affects some cats in a negative manner causing the cat in question to become aggressive rather than merely playful. Introducing it to your cats individually enables you to control the situation and keep a cat that may react aggressively isolated from your other cats. This of course means avoiding a possible cat fight that could result in broken furniture, hurt kitties (possibly requiring a vet visit), annoyed neighbors (and probably owners), or a combination of all of the above.

Growing and Keeping Catnip...

Growing your own Catnip can be rewarding as it can save you money, give you the satisfaction of doing something yourself and ensuring that you always get fresh, high-quality Catnip for your cat. A word of caution however; the exact kitty reaction you want to grow your own Catnip is something to be wary of. If you plan on growing your Catnip out of doors and other cats can access your Catnip garden then be prepared for unwelcome feline visitors. This may not be a problem for you personally, but cats are by nature territorial and if you have a cat that lives alone without the company of other cats this could prove to be an area of stress for your cat. Even if you keep your cat inside at all times, your cat may get agitated if he/she looks out the window to see another cat frolicking in territory your cat considers his or her own. If you choose to grow your Catnip indoors, be careful to keep it out of reach of kitty. Otherwise you'll likely have Fluffy jumping up on furniture even to the most out of the way place to get access to the tempting herb. Cats are great jumpers and not really known for respecting precious household knick-knacks. So if you do decide to grow it indoors for a cat that reacts to Catnip, be careful to grow it in a place that your cat won't be able to access it. A room that you always keep closed to the cat is probably the best solution for indoor grown Catnip.

If you do find that your cat reacts positively to Catnip you should be sure to use it sparingly so as not to dull the effect which can be the result of overexposure. A good rule of thumb is to not treat your kitty more than once a week on average to Catnip.  Given all the positive effects that Catnip may have on your cat you owe it to yourself (and naturally your fluffy little ball of affection) to see how he/she reacts to this strange and well known herb. It will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat and most likely an entertaining show for yourself as well. It's a win win situation.

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Feral cats cost birdwatchers $17 billion a year. That's the asinine claim anyway.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new report that recommends killing feral cats as a way to control the animals, including a primer on how to shoot a cat, is stirring emotions among bird and cat lovers.  The University of Nebraska at Lincoln's 'study' found that neutering or spaying is ineffective at eliminating feral cat colonies, though useful in reducing colonies' expansion.  One satisfied official from the American Bird Conservancy calls the report "a must read" for communities with a feral cat problem.


But critics note the wild cats help control rodent populations, and say habitat destruction, herbicides, planes, building glass and other issues are a bigger threat to birds.  They also question the report's conclusion that feral cats' killing of birds 'costs the U.S.' $17 billion, when accounting for how much bird watchers, hunters and others spend on the hobbies.

There Are No Bad Cats! (Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them)

A cat is a cat, is a cat.  They are what they are.  Believe it or not, there are no 'bad' cats. Cats are just unique, that's all. They live in a cat world and do what cats do, no matter what you try to say or do to convince them to adjust to your world. The most important thing for you as a cat parent is to understand why your cat does what it does. Cats do not go to obedience school. If they had their way, you as a pet parent would go to obedience school to learn how to deal with your pet!

A cat is not a dog; a cat does not act like a dog, think like a dog or behave like a dog. If you want a pet that behaves as a dog, get a dog not a cat. That said, let's get to the point of understanding cat behavior. Punishing a cat for wrong behavior is like trying to empty the ocean one-cup at a time. Try as you may, you will never empty the ocean or get your cat to understand why you are punishing him/her.  Punishment will never cure bad behavior; it will only make your cat frightened and leery of you. Cats are smart enough to know that once punished for a misdeed they will not do it again... in front of you (wink). They will wait until your back is turned or you are out the door. Though you may believe your cat understands what you are saying (or yelling about), it will pay you no heed except to run away, ignore you or wait to do it again later.

A perfect example is our male cat Smokey, he dislikes our female cat Tiger.  Every chance he gets he will chase her.  This is what he does. However, if he starts out to chase her and then sees me he stops, looks at me and then will turn away as if he was just out taking a walk. He knows I will say "No" quite loudly and scold him. Of course, it doesn't do any good to scold him, but it makes me feel better.

There are several good reasons why your cat does what it does to annoy you. First of all, cats really don't have a good grasp of the English language (believe it or not).  They are not furry little people. However, they do understand positive and negative responses to their actions. Cats love praise, pets and treats, and this is our secret weapon. Screaming, yelling, spanking or throwing (heaven forbid) will only traumatize your cat and make it fearful of you.  Stop for a moment and think about the life your cat is leading (okay, you wish you could lead that life) take into consideration its day. You are at work all day and may get home late and tired. Your fur ball has been sleeping all day and wants to play.  You want to sit, eat and watch TV. You give your cat a few pets and, while you are doing that, he/she gives you a little nip on your hand. You react by jumping up and possibly yelling and chasing him/her. Hey, this is fun!  Your cat got your attention and you are "playing." We humans sometimes reward our cats for their bad behavior by giving them the attention they want.

Cats need to scratch and stretch their claws. It is a natural thing to do and it feels good. It is up to you (as the pet parent) to provide scratching material, whether it is the couch or a scratching post, it is immaterial to the cat. Cats learn by experience, if they do something and it turns out to be a good experience in their eyes, they will do it again, a bad experience may eliminate the behavior, or they just might try it again to see if something good happens.  One important thing to remember is that if your cat suddenly starts doing things that he/she never attempted before, and the behavior is not to your liking, observe the current situation in your household. Have there been sudden and unusual changes in the household routine, new furniture, new people or a new pet? Has there been a change in your cat's bathroom routine; is kitty eating, do you notice any changes in your cat's grooming habits?

It does not take much to disturb the serenity of a cat's world, as cats like routine and changes can cause reactions, which are not always to their liking. Also, consider medical problems, your cat may not feeling well and this too can cause behavioral problems. Since cats cannot talk they may misbehave in order to show their concern or displeasure to the changes that have occurred.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind while you are trying to reform kitty:

First of all, stop all reprimands and punishment-- they seldom do any good anyway. Make life with your cat fun and rewarding. Create an environment for yourself and your cat that satisfies you both. Remember, a cat does not read minds and has little knowledge of English (or any other human language).  Help your cat understand what you want it to do by making the "yes" experiences rewarding and finding ways to eliminate most of the "no" experiences. We are going to list below some typical behavioral problems and possible solutions. It is important should you have any questions about your cat's behavior that you consult your vet to discuss it.

Aggressive behavior: Can be caused by fear, being disturbed when napping, injury or sickness, or being in a bad mood.  Solution: Should the cat nip or scratch you while petting, say "NO" and stop petting. Do not play rough with your cat as it does not know nice from not nice. Were you petting or scratching in a sensitive area of the cat's body? If your cat hisses or its ears are flattened back, leave the cat alone. Check for injury.

Begging: Can be caused by the cat being hungry or just wanting attention.  Solution: Feed the cat just before your sit down to eat or, if the begging is for attention, take a minute or two to pet and talk to your cat.  A little quality attention will go a long ways.

Constant meowing: Females that are not spayed will meow constantly while looking for a "fellow." Or your cat may need some quality time with you.  Remember, just a few minutes of undivided attention will do wonders. Another thought is that your cat may be ill or hurt.  Solution: Spay or neuter your cat (you really should anyway) and give your cat some quality time.  Cats need to know that they are loved, just like food and water.  And remember - your cat may be sick or hurt, especially if the crying occurs when kitty is trying to go to the bathroom. If so, take a quick trip to the vet or call for advice.

Jumping on the counters and/or furniture: Cats love high places and cats are generally nosey.  Exploring is just part of a cat's nature.  Solution: When it comes to the counters, stove and the dining table in our house, a consistent "NO", and placing the cat on the floor, worked fine. It took several tries at this, but it worked. Another solution is to put double sticky tape on the counter for a day or two.  The cat will walk on it and get stuck, not have a good experience and will stop (as it is no fun). Also, keep food and other attractive smells off the counter or table. Things that make noise and may fall off the counter also work, as it will scare the cat. Cats do not like to be scared.  If your cat is getting on the furniture and you do not want that, provide a comfortable nesting place high up if possible. There are window seats that you can fasten to a window sill. We have a small bed on top of a section of our entertainment center where our female can escape.  If you have a particular piece of furniture you do not want the cat on, put foil, plastic or some inexpensive netting that you can buy at a fabric store over it when you are not at home. Cats do not like the feel of that and will stay off it and will soon ignore it. There are also things called "scat mats" which can be purchased on the Internet or at major pet stores.

Fighting with other cats: Cats are inclined to protect their habitat, they might be looking to mate, and some cats just want to show who is boss.  Solution: First of all, spay or neuter your cat, as they make much better pets and are less inclined to fight. Never break up a cat fight with your hands. Use a hose to spray them, throw a towel on them or make a loud noise to scare them. If your resident cats are having a dispute, separate them by putting them into separate rooms for a while. Usually, they will simmer down and become tolerant of each other again.  In our household, a sharp "No" works for a while with our male and female. Be certain to give each one plenty of affection, out of sight of each other. Some cats are like people and they just don't like each other no matter what you try to do.

Spraying: A cat operates on smell, and spraying is a natural way to mark its territory. Also, a cat will spray if it feels threatened, stressed or anxious.  Solution: Spay or neuter your pet to decrease the need to be overly territorial. Give your pet a lot of attention, as it may feel stressed and/or unloved.  Provide a safe haven (preferably high up, off the ground) if your pet feels threatened by another household pet.  If your cat is spraying near or on a window, your pet may be marking its territory because of an outside cat. Keep curtains or drapes closed.  Do not punish your cat for spraying as it may increase his/her anxiety. Using a citrus-based cleaner will remove the scent and keep kitty (hopefully) from doing it again. We have found that the male cats usually do spraying, we have not seen our females do it, though they might! Interestingly, when our one male cat sprayed, there was no odor after we had him neutered. However, the spraying left an oily substance that had to be cleaned up.

Scratching and tearing furniture: Scratching is a natural instinct of a cat. Boredom or a lack of a scratching post can cause the problem.  Solution: Scratching is part of a cat's life.  It provides exercise, an opportunity to stretch, relieves stress and allows them to shed their claws. If your cat is a house cat and does not have the opportunity to find a tree or post to scratch, it is up to you (the pet parent) to provide one. Cats are not overly particular about what they scratch, as long as it fulfills its criteria.  Couches and stereo speakers fit the bill quite nicely. Providing a good scratching post (actually several are better) is a great alternative to your couch. You can make your own with a little effort, or buy one at your favorite pet store. A good scratching post should be at least 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall, be sturdy enough so it won't fall over and scare the cat, and be covered with either hemp rope or the reverse side of some leftover carpet.  Do not use the right side of the carpet for a post; use the backside as it provides the proper grabbing material. Actually, you can make a post that lies on the floor, as long as it is long enough for the cat to stretch out on. There are some inexpensive ones made of cardboard that have a catnip scent that cats enjoy.  Those actually work really well!  When teaching your cat to use the post, it is always a good idea to rub some catnip on it to attract the kitty. Whenever you see your cat using its post, praise the cat and give it a small treat, this conditions the cat into thinking this is a great thing for it to do. If your cat is scratching the furniture, punishing will not help the matter. Remember that a cat knows better than to do something it has been reprimanded for in front of you.

Do cats have a secret language?

Most of us are familiar with the variety of sounds that cats can make, including meows, hissing, growls and purrs. A meow can mean anything from "I want food" to "will you play with me?" to "hello there". Some cats, such as Siamese cats, are much more vocal than others. No one knows exactly how the purring sound is made, but it usually indicates contentment. Hissing and growling usually mean the cat feels threatened or unhappy about something. Cats, especially very young ones, might make these sounds when playing too.

Cats rarely meow when communicating amongst themselves. They use a combination of body language, tail movement, scent and eye contact. When communicating with humans, cats differ their sounds by rhythm, intensity, pitch, tone and volume, so we can take a reasonable guess at what they are trying to say.

However, cats will sometimes use sounds when communicating with one another too. If a kitten wanders off, the mother cat might meow loudly and clearly to call her offspring back to safety. A cat might hiss or growl if another cat or intrudes on its territory. A cat enjoying some prey it has hunted will also use these sounds to warn off another cat coming too close.

Feline Sense of Smell and Communication

A cat's sense of smell is highly acute and highly developed, since they are natural hunters and scavengers. It is used in several ways to facilitate communication. Two cats living together will sniff each other several times a day.  That's normal. This tells the cats where the other has been, what they have been doing, what they have recently eaten and whether they came into contact with another animal. Cats detect pheromones left by other cats, usually when marking territory. If a cat could talk, it might ask these things verbally, but a few sniffs tell them everything they need to know.

Cats living together often groom one another. This provides social interaction, removes parasites and keeps the fur clean. A mother cat recognises the scent of her own kittens and grooms them often to provide comfort, keep them clean and encourage bowel movements.

Feline 'Language' and Hierarchy

Hierarchy amongst cats is determined by the outcomes of social interactions between the cats. Some factors determining hierarchy include gender, the environment, reproductive status, age, size, aggressiveness and submissiveness.

Hierarchy between cats is different to hierarchy between dogs. Dogs are pack animals and exhibit dominant actions, such as growls, stares or body checks. Cats, on the other hand, don't live or hunt in packs. If two or more cats live together, the hierarchy might be present but humans may not recognise the subtle dominance signals and the secret language of cats is used to decide hierarchy. One sure-fire way to upset a hierarchy is to introduce a new cat. The newcomer's status is unclear, so the other cats will use their secret communication to sort the situation out.

Feline Communication and Territory

Cats are territorial animals. Their territory is usually a combination of places they share with other cats and other places they consider theirs and theirs alone. A cat marks its territory by urinating, scratching or rubbing its body on an object. Other cats can see (and smell) these marks as clearly as signposts, telling them which other cat's territory they are in. Cats can detect pheromones in urine or from a place where another cat has rubbed itself.  With so many ways of determining territory, hierarchy and much more, cats hardly need words!

CATS - Choosing, Caring and Training.

CATS - Basically, it's everything that you need to know about them!

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8 week-old tuxedo kitten rescued from dump. The Aristocats!

'...he took a second look, and this time he discerned a kitten struggling against all odds to live. I have been told by sincere and respectable animal welfare advocates that there are some fates worse than death. In my 30 years of animal welfare work I have yet to meet a healthy animal willing to subscribe to that doctrine, and could she speak, I suspect WM would have articulated her preference for life in that moment much better than I. But she couldn't speak or even cry for help. However, she could move - and so she moved this man to compassion.'

Read the full story here.  (new window)

Over 2,700 Thanksgiving meals are delivered to homeless animals in Texas

The 'Thanksgiving meals' were provided by a support group (Austin Pets Alive!), a clinic, and a pet food manufacturer. Yes, that includes dogs, but the cats are busy sleeping off their turkey and are willing to share this Caturday.

The meals were provided by Nulo, an Austin-based natural pet food company. Each animal's Thanksgiving dinner included Nulo's turkey and sweet potato recipe for dogs, turkey recipe for cats, and cranberry and chicken treats.

“Most people get to take a break for the holidays but our dogs and cats are still here," Sarah Weinstein, Public Relations Manager of Austin Pets Alive! said. "We are thankful that Nulo is helping us during the Thanksgiving holiday so we can have a little extra something for our pets to be thankful for while they're waiting to find their forever homes."

This veteran deserves a salute on Caturday

At a time when most of us are still digesting the turkey and thinking about pumpkin pie, one man is concerned with a less traditional meal: Feeding the feral cats in his local town.

'He had dumped about a week's worth of cat food on the ground just behind Memorial Hall, and three very appreciative cats were gobbling up the great feast.'

Read the full story here.  (new window)

Make your cat happy for Caturday

A safe cat is a happy cat, and a content cat will put a smile on your face when you come home at the end of the day. Learn how to keep your kitty safe and happy with our care and behavior tips. You can also learn about adoption, how to help feral cats, and why felines are better off with their claws.

Get the facts and get advice from The Human Society. (new window)

Mark Anderson Plays Copland & Gershwin for your dog (and maybe your cat too!)

Canine Lullabies Combo CD Vol. 2 is just as amazing as Vol. 1, only now it includes all 18 songs from the Musical Therapy Combo CD: London Bridge, Rock-A-Bye Baby, Are You Sleeping?, Lullaby and Good Night, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Hush Little Baby, and Old McDonald (Had a Farm), This Ole Man, Ten Little Indians, Skip To My Lou, My Bonnie (Lies Over The Ocean), The Farmer In The Dell, Yankee Doodle, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Sing A Song of Sixpence and Three Blind Mice.

Now your pet will have 1 whole hour to enjoy this soothing, calming anti-anxiety music. Numerous studies have proven that for pets experiencing separation anxiety - whining, chewing, barking, etc.- this CD can have amazing results. It can stop or decrease barking, console whimpering puppies, comfort sick or hurt dogs, and settle hyperactivity. Just a few testimonies from kennel workers confirm the miraculous effects of this music does to animals:

"Even some of my regular hyper dogs went to sleep and were quiet for hours." ~ Sandi - Country Pet Inn, Sheridan, WY

"Amazing results! One pet had separation anxiety, whining, chewing, etc. Within two minutes he was laying peacefully." ~ Mike - Ebony Kennel, Plymouth, NH

"I believe the music has a soothing effect on both the cats and the dogs." ~Angela - South Paw Bed & Bath, Smythville, TN

Playing the Canine Lullabies Combo CD Vol 2 at a low volume, is GUARANTEED to help calm your prescious pet! Push the repeat button on your CD player and let it play all day to reduce separation anxiety when your pet is home alone. The actual human heartbeat is the rhythm of the same 18 classic lullabies/nursery songs on the Musical Therapy Combo CD. Plays 58 minutes.

Cats like it too!


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Man killed rescuing kittens. No, really. That's the headline. :(

Man dies rescuing kittens

WHITE OAK - An eastern Colbert County resident trying to retrieve two stray kittens he thought he accidentally struck moments earlier was killed Tuesday night when he was hit by a passing motorist on Cottontown Lane.  Michael Arndt, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene about 7:30 p.m. by Colbert County Coroner Carlton Utley, who said Arndt likely died from injuries to his spine and head. The accident occurred at 6:40 p.m., authorities said.  The scene is about 1.5 miles from County Line Road in the White Oak community.

Arndt was carrying two kittens in his hands and heading back to his vehicle when an approaching vehicle left the roadway in an attempt to avoid Arndt's vehicle, which was parked alongside Cottontown Lane.  Friends and neighbors, many overcome by emotion, comforted each other with hugs as they raced to the area as news of the accident quickly spread. They later stood quietly and watched state troopers process the scene.

“We were real close,” said his older brother, Bob, a Moulton police officer. “Mike loved to hunt and fish, and I was going see if he wanted to go hunting on Thanksgiving Day.”  He paused briefly and did not finish his thought.

Family members said Arndt and his wife, Connie, were heading to the Quad Cities area for dinner and to buy groceries for a family meal Thanksgiving Day. They live about a mile east of the scene at 3370 Cottontown Lane. Arndt, heading west on Cottontown Lane, thought he had run over two cats, so he stopped his vehicle, turned around and headed back to the spot, according to his brother. Authorities said he pulled across the narrow, two-lane road, and when he stopped his vehicle, it was facing east in the westbound lane.

Arndt left his Suzuki sports utility vehicle and walked down an incline to the kittens. He was walking back toward the roadway when a vehicle topped a hill.  Emergency workers at the scene said the driver of a Toyota Corolla swerved to miss the Arndts' vehicle and left the roadway, striking Michael Arndt, who was three or four feet from the road.  The Toyota, which was carrying a family of three, including the couple's teenage daughter, traveled about 500 feet along the inclined ditch, crashed through a fence and came to rest in an area overgrown with weeds.

The mother and daughter in the other vehicle were taken to Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield for treatment of minor injuries, authorities said.

“That's just like him,” Bob Arndt said when finding out his brother had returned to check on the kittens. “He loved animals. There's no telling how many stray animals he picked up and gave homes to through the years. He kept dogs and cats all over his backyard. He just hated to see something bad happen to an animal.” He described his brother as a “very kind-hearted and generous man. He went out of his way to help people and he loved to tell a joke.”

“At Christmas, he would dress up as Santa Claus and go to hospitals and nursing homes in the area to visit people who were going to be alone,” Bob Arndt said. “He would buy a bunch of stuffed animals and give them to the kids and to those people in the nursing homes. He was just a great guy.”

Bed Head TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier - 4 oz.

Curl Amplifier.  It's gonna rock your curls!  (hint:  it's not for cats - tee, hee, hee)

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Pet Pals: New Leash on Life

'Pet Pals: New Leash on Life' continues Legacy's tradition of creating award-winning educational games that are designed for aspiring vets of all ages. Players can take part in each animal's story and control their fate, providing rich and realistic gameplay. There are more than 30 animal cases, created by practicing veterinarians from around the world, showcasing 15+ different breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits and birds - as well as exotic animals like iguanas and chinchillas!

Players will encounter emergency situations with audio and visual feedback, with a daily task system and weekly game-time that is new to Pet Pals.  Case difficulty and number of tasks required to complete a day's work will increase as the game progresses, with a robust reward system including trophies.  Little details like answering machine messages, staff interactions, animal care tasks (that include grooming, caretaking and feeding),  and fellow rescue-workers give the player further information on the animals.  Adoptive owners even  call to give feedback on their new pets!  That's part of the new 'enrichment' portion of the game, where the player ensures that the animal is adoptable and finds the perfect family. Bonus minigames and trivia quiz too!

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Feline Pine Original Cat Litter (20-Pound Bag)

Destroys odors - biodegradable, chemical free and organic.

Four week supply. Pine pellet cat litter. (Compressed Pine Pellets for the litter box)

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Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone

ZYMOX Otic is used in dogs and cats for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation of the external ear caused by bacterial, viral and yeast infections. Treat once a day for 7 days for acute infection and once a day for 14 days for chronic infection. Do not use in conjunction with other topical ear medications or cleaners.

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Innova EVO Turkey and Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food

Innova EVO Turkey and Chicken Formula dry dat food was created to supply the key nutritional benefits of a raw food diet in a safe and convenient manner. EVO can be fed exclusively as a total diet for your pet or in combination with a raw diet to provide a solid nutritional base of the important vitamins and minerals your feline might otherwise be missing.

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Nordic Naturals for Pets, Omega-3 Formula Soft Gels (180 ea)

For Optimal Pet Health!  3rd Party Tested Purity that you can trust.

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Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

CD set that goes with PBS series. Includes original cast recordings from many important muscials... and 'Cats' is in there somewhere!

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Cat Sitter Vol. III

1,000,000 cats can't be wrong! They loved the creatures in Cat Sitter Vol. 1. They craved the symphony of song birds in Cat Sitter Vol. II.  Now Cat Sitter Vol. III completes the trilogy! 14 fresh-water tropical fish tanks, combined with our new "digital catnip" animated characters fill the screen with over an hour of continuous loop cat entertainment. Thousands of bubbles combined with the sounds of nature in 5.1 Surround Sound will mezmerize your curious feline friends.

Don't leave your kits alone, without some entertainment.

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Black & Decker HV9010P Retriever Pet-Series Cyclonic-Action Corded Dustbuster and Blower

Cyclonic-Action Pet Vac (Corded Hand Vac), designed for pet hair clean-up.  Got a long-haired cat, or multiple cats?  Then this product will help you out a lot when you're trying to keep things tidy around the house.  Its rubber bristles generate an electrostatic charge for better hair pick-up.

It's got lots of other good features too that make it purrrfect for cat lovers!

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Cloud Star Buddy Rinse, 19 Ounce

19 Fluid Ounces of the best pet conditioner ever.  Soften, detangle and condition your pet's fur with this recommended product.  Afterall, it's the only 'suit' they have.  They deserve to have it cleaned well, and they'll love you for it!

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Feline Pine Original Cat Litter, 40-Pound Bags

Feline Pine is the #1 natural alternative to clay litter. With no odor, no dust and no tracking, you'll only wish you had found it sooner! How does it work? Read on!

Feline Pine defines the word "simplicity." Liquid waste is COMPLETELY absorbed, at which time the strong ammonia odor is naturally neutralized. As the odorless pellets dry, they break down into sawdust and settle to the bottom of the litter box, leaving fresh pine pellets on top! Simply scoop and flush solids daily and both you and your furry friend will happy with the results.

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Angels' Eyes Tear-Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats (Chicken Flavor)

Hey, I thought this was a blog about cats!  Well a lot of cat owners have dogs too and Angels' Eyes is the first product specifically developed for both dogs and cats to eliminate unsightly tearstains from the inside out. Angels' Eyes also helps to eliminate staining around the mouth and their coats due to licking. Other products are topical (requiring high maintenance) and yet will only remove the tear stains temporarily, causing it to return worse than before.

Angels' Eyes starts working before the tear stains begin and never adds food dyes or wheat, which can have negative effects on your pet. Just sprinkle Angels' Eyes daily on regular food. After 3 months, reduce it to 4 times a week. After 6 months, reduce it further to twice a week. As you keep trimming the stained areas, the newly grown coat will be totally clear. The growth pattern of your pet's coat will determine if it will be completely tear stain free anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks.


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Ragdoll Cat Secrets - Pet Owners Guide

Unique, expert advice on the care and training of Ragdoll cats.

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Purrrfectly Trained Cat

'There's more than one way to train a cat.'  Do you believe it?  Well, there actually are a variety of methods for cat-training.  Believe it or not, it can be done!
Check out this method.  (new window)

How To Make Your Cat Adore You

It goes without saying that any cat will generally be your buddy (at least to some extent) if you can figure out how to work a can opener.  But... there's a whole lot more to cat psychology than that!

Take a look for yourself!

How To Train Your Cat

This ultimate eBook contains great instruction on training your cat and having a rewarding relationship with feline pets in general.  Do YOU think you can train a kitten (or even an older cat) to be a proper pet?  Well, actually, you can if you have the right information and know-how.

Check it out!

Cat takes on coyete and wins

Tigger is one courageous cat.  When a dangerous home invader appeared in his yard, he knew what to do.  Read the story of Tigger and what happened when this house cat came face to face with a wild coyote!

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Cat Tree Construction Plans - Save money!

New to the market. Professional cat tree plans written by the manufacturer. Complete, detailed construction plans designed to save customers money and time.

Check it out here.  (new window)

The story of The Marvelous Dog and The Wonderful Cat

Here's a charming tale for both young and old about dog and cat magicians and their upbringing by a loving enchanter, who teaches them all he knows of magic. Setting out to see the world, the dog and cat must battle with their master's arch-enemy, the evil sorcerer Zidoc.  If that sounds like an interesting story, that's because it is!

Take a glance here.  (new window)

Solutions To Your Cat Behavior Problems

Do you have a good cat or a bad cat?  If you have a bad cat, here's something that can help!  Written by two experience veterinarians (with over 28 years experience), this brand new guide will solve all your cat behavior problems.  This is a cat-behavior guide you can trust.   The material covers a wide range of feline behavioral issues, with practical solutions to each of them based on experience.

Have a look!

World's longest domestic cat

Think you have a long cat?  Sure any cat can stretch and show off it's feline body length, but Stewei is another story.  Stewie is over FOUR(4) feet long!  Amazing but true. Maine Coons are a domestic breed, but they are big, furry friends!

Read the story of the world's longest cat right here.  (new window)