Saturday, January 31, 2015

6 Signs Your Home Is Ruled by Cats

Now that you have chosen your pet (or they have chosen you), let's see what your home may look like once the newness has worn off. There’s a reason cat owners, as well as other animals, are sometimes referred to as “staff.” Cats have a way of burrowing in and taking over not only your heart, but your home too. Take a look at your house for these telltale signs that a cat is running the show. 


1. Random Litterbox Locations

Corner of the dining room, smack dab in the middle of the home office, in the master bathtub? Use to keep mine in the bathtub so the litter wouldn't get all over. Much easier to keep clean. Just lift it out when you're ready to take a shower or bath. Cat owners know it's easier to have it where the cats want it than to clean up a mess.


2. Cat Pillows

Your cat may find a favorite pillow they like on the couch, in a chair, or on the bed. You can tell by the indentation left by their body which one it will be. It will also collect an increasing amount of fur. Kirby has a favorite pillow on the couch that he always uses. Sunlight from the window will shine on him while he naps. Ah, such a life! Needless to say, Mom or I don't use that pillow anymore.


3. Limited Access to Technology

Some cats love to lie on a warm keyboard. Cat-ruled humans know that removing the cat from the keyboard sounds much easier than it is. Your cat will keep returning to claim his spot — or force you to abandon your computer. Mine have never liked to lie on the keyboard, but they will get up in my lap or stand on the desk looking at the monitor and do everything to get my attention.



4. Uncomfortable Sleeping Arrangements

When you walk into your bedroom at night and see a cat lying on your pillow, what do you do? Squeeze in somewhere else, of course! Cat owners know that nobody but the cat gets to sleep where and when they want. My two would lie on the side of the bed and eventually move me completely over during the night by gently "kneading" my side. When I would wake up in the morning, I would be hanging on to the edge of the bed for dear life! They were smack dab in the middle wondering what was wrong with me.



5. Sleeping Schedules That Aren't Your Own

Homes run by cats are those that rise early. If it's not the furry face staring at you, it's the incessant meowing, the blinds rattling, items falling off shelves or other disturbing noises the cat purposefully makes. No one sleeps through breakfast when cats are in charge. Kirby isn't too bad, but Sammy is pacing all over my computer desk, the night table, up in the window, jumping down on top of me, or anything else he can think of!


6. Shredded Cat Trees

The 10-year-old, shag-carpet-covered, shredded cat tree is the one the felines want, so it's what a cat-managed home has. And cat owners know this truth: Get rid of the favorite cat tree and put your furniture, rugs, windowsills and perhaps even your own body in peril. The one Sammy used was lying in pieces around the house before I finally got rid of it. He hasn't liked anything I've bought since, so I have to watch him pretty closely with his scratching.



Is yours a cat-managed home? Please tell us about some of your experiences with your cat/s.



Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

Saturday, January 24, 2015

When a Cat Chooses YOU!

I've heard and read in several places that you should let your pet choose you rather than the other way around. This is not always possible. However, sometimes when you have a choice, just sit back and see which one comes and interacts with you. You'll find this will be a much more satisfying relationship for both you and the pet.

What do cats look for in potential rescuers? Of course, it's impossible to know for sure, but I've come up with a few things that they might consider. See what you think!

1. Your Resume

This will probably be the first requirement, so brush the dust off your resume and bring it up to date.


Why do they think that way? Well, after all,





2. Eating Arrangements

Two things to remember here. You need to be available when THEY are hungry and you need to have the right kind of food.





If those requirements aren't met, you might have a situation like this:



3. Playtime

Younger cats love to play and can be entertained by simple things, such as boxes. The important thing to remember is that playtime can be anytime in a 24-hour period!


At times, they prefer playing by themselves.




Sometimes, they want to play with other animals.


As with humans, things can go wrong. Your cat may develop this attitude:



4. Sleeping Arrangements

Cats will sleep where they are comfortable; this may or may not be where you want them to sleep.




There will be days when your new cat will be very happy with you and the service you provide.


Other days, not so much!


Getting everything together and working well will be beneficial for both you and your pet. Just remember:


What do you think of these requirements from a cat? Seems pretty reasonable considering my cats. :) Let me know what you think.





Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Siamese and Special Needs Cats

We've been talking about adopting cats and the decisions you need to make in order to provide a smooth transition for you and for the cat. A Labrador or a Rottweiler can be an equally wonderful pet, providing the dog's needs and temperament mesh with the owner's. If not … look out. The same holds true regarding cats, and "breed specific" rescue groups are now a major trend in feline as well as canine rescue.

Today, let's take a look at the Siamese breed. The reason I chose this breed is because they are one of the first adopted, but also the first to be brought back! Why is this? That's because these pretty faces are typically "in your face".



I can relate to this since my Sammy has many Siamese qualities. His body build, the shape of his head, and his incessant talking are all Siamese traits. Siamese are high maintenance in behavior because they get involved in everything you do! However, they are low maintenance as far as grooming due to their short, sleek hair.

Siamese have been one of the most popular cat breeds in America ever since they got a lot of publicity, good and bad, with leading roles in two hit 1950s movies, "Lady and the Tramp" and "Bell, Book and Candle." The breed originated in Thailand (formerly Siam).

The Siamese Cat Rescue Center has just one shelter facility, in Locust Dale, Va. But it has some 400 volunteers throughout the Eastern U.S., from New Hampshire to Florida and as far west as Indiana and Tennessee. At last count, SCRC has rescued a total of 9,303 Siamese cats since its 1998 inception. Along with four affiliate Siamese rescue organizations, one each in Texas and Colorado and two in California, the rescue total is 21,189. None of this would be possible without the Internet. Click on Siamese Rescue to connect with volunteers and resources across the U.S., or to peruse a parade of photos of cats and kittens available for adoption and appreciate all the variations within the breed: Seals, Blues, Lynx torties, Lilacs, Chocolates, and Snowshoes.

Here are stories about two special rescue cats that will warm your heart. The first is about Blaze, a rescue who lost his eyes at a very young age. Even though he has special needs, his "mommy" gave him a forever home.

Blazing Blind Trails

The second story is about Pippa, a rescue cat, who appears to have the special ability to detect when her eight-year-old owner is about to suffer a hypoglycemic episode due to her diabetes.

Rescue Cat Makes Sure Diabetic Owner is Feline Fine 

We're talking about adopting cats, but these following thoughts apply to any pet! Be responsible, please.









Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667


Saturday, January 10, 2015

Choosing the Right #Cat For You

Last week we talked about the wonderful reasons for adopting a cat. Before you actually adopt, the most important decision you will make is choosing the cat that's right for YOU! We're going to talk about some of the general choices today that you should consider. Circumstances and families are all different; your new pet needs to be able to fit into your life without causing stress to it or to you.

1. Sleek or Fluffy

Cats wear coats ranging from the nearly naked to long and elegant. If you like a long, luxurious coat, keep in mind that it requires daily brushing. Most cats aren't equipped to keep long hair from tangling or matting even though they groom themselves many times a day. Long hair also creates more housekeeping; your vacuum and lint brush will get a workout. Finally, long-haired cats tend to be more prone to hairballs. Not all long-haired cats enjoy being brushed. You might end up having to take yours to a groomer.






Short-haired cats don't require as much brushing, but it helps to remove loose fur, stimulate the skin, and distribute oils through the coat. A cat who likes being groomed will come running when it sees the brush.
(Kirby does this. Can't even show it to Sammy, let alone brush him)

2. Pink or Blue collar.

Some people have strong opinions about which sex makes the best pet. Having had both, I think the individual cat is more important than the sex. I do agree that both sexes need to be "fixed" to control the population of unwanted pets.



3. Kitten or Adult

Kittens are cute and wrap their paws around your heart in seconds, but there are disadvantages too. They need extra care, supervision, and a bit of training. Since they are fragile little creatures, they're vulnerable to many dangers.Although most cats are easy to train to use a litter box, kittens—like all babies—do have accidents. At around 6 months, most kittens go through a wild stage and seem to have endless energy and springs for legs. A kitten is susceptible to disease and will need to visit the veterinarian several times for vaccinations and checkups. A kitten is an unknown entity—you really don't know what kind of cat you'll end up with once they outgrow their kitten personality.




If you can't devote the time and effort or spend the money necessary to raise a kitten properly, consider adopting an adult cat instead. Most adult cats adapt quickly and become part of the family as easily as kittens. When you adopt an adult cat, you can already see the size and the coat as well as evaluate its personality. They're past those crazy kitten stages that require you to do major kitten-proofing in your home. If you adopt from a rescue organization, shelter, or breeder, your cat will probably have been examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, and brought current on vaccinations and other health care. If your adult adoptee is a purebred from a responsible breeder, you will get documentation of any health clearances its  had as well as the health history, and you'll be able to ask about behavior, habits, and quirks. Cats retired from showing and breeding are often quite young and are usually very well socialized to people.



4. Personality


Cats, like people, are individuals. No two are exactly alike, whether they're from the same breed or even the same litter. Some cats are very mellow and will tolerate any kind of handling, including being dressed in clothes. These cats are perfect for young kids or older people who want and appreciate this type of cat.









Other cats don't like being picked up or held and will only come to you for petting when they feel like it. There are cats who live to nap and cats who are perpetual motion machines.





Next week, we'll talk some about the pros and cons of a certain breed, as well as special needs cats. (They want a forever home too!) In the meantime, here are some more stories of successful adoptions.






Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667















Saturday, January 3, 2015

Have You Adopted a Pet Recently?

If you have, you're one of many. That's seems to be a very popular thing to do around holidays and birthdays. Unfortunately for some of these pets, it's not a good situation once the newness wears off. Let's take a look at some of the reasons to adopt and some good-ending stories about people that did adopt.

Life is better with pets in so many ways. In addition to being loving companions, pets teach us many valuable lessons, help keep us healthy, and provide unmatched fun and cuteness. Here are just a few of the best reasons to adopt a pet:

1. Pets give your life balance so you don't have to work so hard.









2. Caring for a pet can teach your child about compassion, sharing, and the joy of playtime.



3. Pets make excellent couch potato pals.



4. Your pets will always save a spot for you and keep it warm.


5. Pets can make the mundane tasks, like paperwork, even more fun.


6. Everyone can use a snuggly cuddle, but did you know that owning a pet can have health benefits?


7. They will greet you at the door like you've been gone forever, even though it's only been five minutes!







 Here are two stories about kittens being adopted that will touch your heart. Do you have a rescue story to share? If so, let us know.









Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667