February 2012

Are Cats Really Solitary Animals?

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.

Choosing a Vet: Go with Your Gut

Going to the vet isn't always fun, but it can be a better experience if you trust and like your vet!

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!

Rome's Feral Cats Get The Attenborough Treatment

Meow bella!
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.
 
We often see feral cats in passing, but we rarely get to see very far into their lives. I have a friend who feeds a trio of feral cats at his home in the country; we know almost nothing about them. Cats are so secretive, and so seemingly commonplace, but this documentary is proof that their lives are incredibly fascinating.

Putting Bells on Collars

"Where there is a will, there is a way, and your cat will surely find a way to do what he was born to do."

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.

The best cat litter ever

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.

Trimming Your Cat's Nails

It's quick and easy - and it can save you and your cat some pain!
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. 
 
(Although it is possible for a neglected cat's nails to grow over, under, then up and through their paws. I know a cat who suffered this fate, she was rescued from a kitten mill in this condition. She survived and thrived with her new owner, although her gait was never quite the same. But assuming that your cat experiences a normal amount of mobility, this should not be a concern for the vast majority of cat owners.)

3 Reasons to Brush Your Cat

Yes, brushing takes time and is hard to remember to do. Here are 3 reasons to do it anyway.

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.

Older Cat Losing Weight: What Could Be The Cause?

A skinny old cat is probably a sick old cat
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.
 
But it isn't! Most likely, an older cat's weight loss is caused by one of three common conditions. All of these conditions are easily treatable, which can give your cat several more years of comfortable, healthy life. 

Cat Custody Battles

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.

Grooming Your Cat

Kitty's tongue isn't always enough!
Shedding season is fast approaching. This year I decided to get ahead of the curve: last weekend I bought a Furminator for my cats. 
 
Let me tell you something, it is SHOCKING how much fur you can get off a cat with a Furminator. You would think my cats would be bald by now, with all the fur I have taken off them in the last week. But no: all I have done is caught the loose fur before it ended up all over the couch, the carpet, my clothes, the bed, etc!
 
Not to mention, hairballs! If you brush the hair off the cat, it won't end up in their stomachs when they groom themselves.

Choosing And Placing A Scratching Post

Cats scratch to mark their territory - which is why they love couches so much!
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! 
 
Your cat works on the same principle, just smaller. And on the arms of your couch.

Food for Finicky Eaters

Tiki Cat, baby food, Nutrical, and Science Diet A/D
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.
 
Then again, you might just want to give your cat a special treat, maybe for her birthday, or for a holiday!
 
Either way, there are several great options out there for treating a happy cat, or coaxing an unhappy one to eat.

Cat Book Roundup

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!