Is YOUR Cat a HOT Mess?

It really has been HOT here lately. Don't have central air, so the cats and I are looking for cool places to be. Do have an air conditioner in a living room window which helps, but it hit 95 here yesterday! We don't normally get to those kind of temperatures until August. As I was looking through my Catster magazine, I found an article about keeping your cats cool. Will share with you and see what answers you would give.

1.Your weather app indicates it's going to be a scorcher of a day! Your home isn't air conditioned, so how do you keep your cat comfortable?

     a. Place fans near their favorite resting spots as well as food and water dishes.
     b. Place one fan by their food and water dishes so they can feel cool while they drink and eat.
     c. Take deep breaths and blow cool air on them throughout the day.
     d. Nothing special; cats are adaptable.

2. You have to leave for several hours, and the temps are escalating. What kind of cool treat should you leave for your kitty?

     a. Catsicles (wet food that's been frozen in plastic cups and then put into your cat's dish)
     b. Refrigerated wet cat food.
     c. Plain water is just fine for a cooldown.
     d. A banana milkshake obviously.

3. The heat is boiling, and even indoor cats have an increased need for fresh water during the summer months. How do you keep your cat's water dish cool and refreshing while you're away from home?

     a. Place ice cubes in a cat fountain, which provides a constant flow of oxygenated water.
     b. Place ice cubes in your cat's water bowl.
     c. Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning, when you get home, and before you go to bed.
     d. Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning. Good enough!

4. Signs of heatstroke include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting, and collapsing. How do you protect your cat's rising body temp from the dog days of summer?

     a. Place frozen water bottle in your cat's bed and other regular resting places.
     b. Regularly rub you kitty down with a cool washcloth. 
     c. Fill up a baby pool, and let it take a dip.
     d. Grab electric clippers, and start shavin' the kitty coat!

5. Your cat needs comfortable places to sleep during a heat wave. How do you help that hot cat find its cool while you're gone for the day?

     a. Make sure rooms with cool floors, like basements, are easily accessible.

     b. Move kitty's food and litter box to the bathroom creating a cozy one-room sanctuary with cool sinks and tubs for napping.

     c. Move your cat's beds away from areas that heat up quickly.

     d. Close the windows so warm air stays outside.

6. Families can become busy during the summer, but cats still need play and interaction. What's the best way to keep your cat active during hot weather?

     a. Encourage play during the cooler hours of the morning and evening.
     b. Place their favorite interactive toys in the coolest parts of your home.
     c. Dance with them in front of an open freezer.
     d. Who wants to be active when it's hot?

7. It's unavoidable; You have to take your cat on a long car ride, and the heat is miserable. What's your plan?

     a. Keep the air conditioning blasting so you and kitty don't melt.

     b. If there's no AC, attach a portable fan to the carrier.

     c. Make sure he drinks plenty of water before the ride.

     d. Drive really fast so the trip is as short as possible.

What answers did you pick? Some were so funny you knew they weren't right, but that's okay. Next week we'll discuss the best way to help your cool cat keep its cool. If I have enough people respond, I can report that too. 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

Do Cats Forget Like I Do?

It seems that I forget things now more than I used to. I'm assured that it's all part of aging, but that doesn't help the frustration. Just this morning, I'm thinking to myself, "I know there were two things to do on the computer today. What was the second one?" Do any of the rest of you find yourself in that situation? Or this?

Let's look at some cats who forgot things. The cat who forgot he was adopted.

The kitten who forgot to run fast.

The cat who forgot he shouldn't be on the table.

The cat who forgot he gets stuck in the chair.

The cat who forgot she's not a chicken.

The cat who forgot he never left!

The cat who forgot his license.

The cat who forgot to look cute.

The cat who forgot to lock the bathroom door.

The cat who forgot he was tired.

The cat who forgot to wear matching socks.

 The cat who forgot he wasn't home.

 The cat who forgot who controls the red dot.

The cat who forgot how to get in the house.

The cat who forgot where he was.

I guess the answer to my questions about cats forgetting is yes. Seems like they do forget. Of course, you have to have the one exception! Here's the cat that COULDN'T forget.

 If you have a story about your cat, please share. Always enjoy your comments!

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

6 Reasons YOU Should Be a Cat

Right now my boys have it pretty good! They don't have to worry about fixing a leaky basement, watering the yard, taking care of the plants, cooking, etc. Summer is such a busy time around here because I have a HUGE back yard. Even when my mother was alive, it was up to me since she was in her 90's and not really able to keep up with it. Don't mind it, but it's hard to get back in gear after not doing anything all winter. Found a picture I liked about being a cat so will share with you.

1. Free Food

Hey, free is good. Too bad the grocery store doesn't think so! :)

2. Free Rent

No house payments, taxes, and insurance to think about either!

3.  Sleep As Long As You Want To

Would love to sleep in more some days, but always wake up early. Darn!

 4. Look Great With No Effort

Don't have to spend any time making yourself look good.

5. Toes Look Like Beans

Don't know if this is a pressing reason to be a cat, but it's an interesting concept.

6. License To Kill

Based on these six reasons, would you like to be a cat? I definitely like the first four reasons. Not too sure about number five and definitely not number six. Let us hear from you. In review, here are six reasons to be a cat.

 

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

 

Getting Ready For Summer

It's spring and summer is just around the corner! The cats and I are getting ready to enjoy some of the activities that are possible during the summer. The boys and I won't be wearing bathing suits, but these girls seem to enjoy it!

There certainly are other things we can be doing, however. Walking is fun and good exercise. It's especially nice if you have a friend to walk with.

If you haven't done much walking during the winter, make sure you get in shape first.

It's nice to take a drive up to the mountains and enjoy the scenery.

Besides enjoying the scenery, you can also get away from the heat. Some areas of the country get pretty HOT during the summertime.

With the heat come the bugs and insects.

Many people like to work out in the yard taking care of flowers and such. I can kill them quicker than I can grow them, so I just like to sit in a lawn chair and enjoy my yard that way.

It's always fun to explore new territory.

Summer also brings vacation time and family visits.

Whatever your plans are, get on your sunglasses and have fun! (Minus the cigarette)

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