We talked last week about how cats are not necessarily the solitary creatures many people believe them to be, and in fact can really benefit from the company of another cat. If you have decided to find a companion for your cat, there are a few things to consider before introducing the new cat to your family.
Just the other day, the little girl I nanny for lost the second of her gerbils to old age. The first one died a couple of weeks ago, and since they were sisters and had been together since birth, I guess it shouldn't be surprising that the second followed so soon.
It seems to be common knowledge that cats are solitary and prefer to be alone versus having another cat as a companion. You will hear this from just about anyone who claims to know anything about cats, so it must be true, right? While some cats may prefer to be alone, anyone who has seen two cats curled up to each other, enjoying a snuggle while they nap, will agree that cats do not always prefer the loner lifestyle.
My husband and I are thinking about changing vets, to one a little closer to home, and something came up that made us think of doing it sooner rather than later. I got a recommendation and called to make an appointment.
While I was talking to the receptionist, I explained the problem... and she told me that "by law" the vet has to do a full examination on a new pet, and then, "if they see a problem," they can address it.
If they see a problem? First off, I'm telling you there is a problem. This is why I'm calling you.
Secondly, if that's really the law, then you are the only ones following it!
Metafilter user lemuring dug up a fascinating old Animal Planet special, evidently from back in the days when Animal Planet ran documentary shows about animals (instead of their current line-up of endless animal-related reality shows). "City of the Wildcats" follows a colony of cats that lives in the ruins of Trajan's Forum in Rome. You can watch it on Youtube in two parts, each about ten minutes long: Part 1, Part 2. 
Let’s talk for a moment about the practice of putting bells on the collars of cats to keep them from hunting. While I totally get that walking into the kitchen to see Tigger chomping on mouse entrails is a little disconcerting, I think the practice of denying cats their natural tendencies is a bit harsh. It sort of reminds me of some vegetarians I knew who insisted on feeding their cat a vegetarian diet, right up until it nearly died from starvation. It isn’t right to make a totally different species live by our ideals – they aren’t made that way.
If you have indoor cats, you need a no headache cat litter. I’ve tried them all and Cat Country litter is the best.
It is made of wheat grass that is chopped up into tiny pieces and then formed into small pellets about the size of an eraser on a pencil.
Liquid waste causes the pellets to break down and absorb the liquid. The cellular structure of the wheat also absorbs the smell. The broken pellets fall to the bottom of the box and are easily removed along with solid waste without creating a dusty mess. Read more about The best cat litter ever
Along with the other topics of cat grooming, we should talk about trimming your cat's nails. Now it is true that most cats, most of the time, will not experience nail growth that causes problems. 
I hate brushing my cats. It's hard to remember to take the time to do it, and they don't like it much either. The best case scenario is for them to tolerate it, albeit barely; worst case is that they spin around and attack the brush (or me!) for forcing them to suffer the indignity.
But there are actually some very good reasons why brushing cats is good, especially those with medium- or longer-length coats.
As cats age, it's common for them to lose weight suddenly - or over the course of several months - for no apparent reason. Often, these cats will show no symptoms other than the weight loss. Many cat owners conclude that their cat is "just skinny" or that this is part of the natural process of getting older. 
In a world where people are increasingly distant from each other, we strive to find a connection that is meaningful and lasting. For some people, that connection is a pet, and they can form a bond that is almost as strong as a parent to a child. For that reason, when a couple who had pets instead of children decides to go their separate ways, the battle over who takes the pets can become incredibly fierce.
Shedding season is fast approaching. This year I decided to get ahead of the curve: last weekend I bought a Furminator for my cats. 
Every cat scratches things. It's not just exercise and a way to loosen the shed claw covers, it's primarily a way for your cat to mark her territory. Many carnivores mark their territory by scratching - including bears and tigers, who scratch tree trunks. The higher the scratches are located on the tree, the deeper the scratches, and the more prolific the scratching, the more trouble you know you're in! 
Even a healthy cat can go through an occasional bout of being a finicky eating. The conventional wisdom is that you should "wait it out and he'll eat when he's hungry enough." But what these laypeople don't realize is that if a cat fails to eat (or under-eats) for long enough, they are at risk of Fatty Liver Disease. This is basically a feedback loop where not eating makes the cat feel sick, and the sicker the cat feels the less they eat, which makes them feel worse. Next step: liver failure. 
Sometimes, looking at those objects of our affection as they stroll nonchalantly through the house is just not enough. Sometimes, you need more of a cat fix than the real thing can provide; a way to solidify your adoration into something tangible that will last for years. These books on cats provide you with a cat fix, even if find yourself without a feline companion. They are much easier to clean up after, too!