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

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

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.

Branwell, the Cat Who Came In From the Cold

Memieux' Story

Catherine Bussiere: Cats

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

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.

 Meet Satin, the Amazing Cat With Nine Lives.

Meet the Two Sisters

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

 

The "Gifts" of Christmas From Your Cat--Entertainment

The first two gifts we talked about were Affection and Happiness. Please refer to the previous blogs if you haven't read them yet. We'll conclude with Entertainment, although, these are not the only gifts. There are many more. Each cat is different and brings its own special gifts to you. Of course, the gifts described in this blog are all connected. As these creatures show their affection, it makes you happier. They keep you entertained which makes you laugh which makes you happier!

#Gift 3--Entertainment

First of all, we know that cats have cattitude!

Second, you NEVER know what to expect next!

That's the reason they are so entertaining. Mine can be perfectly calm; the next minute, they're jumping over each other, playing with something, or peeking out from behind a corner. Their expressions can be hilarious, especially if we don't do what they think we should do!

These expressions, these entertaining moments can happen at any time during the day or night. They might involve other animals.

Of course, that also includes other cats!

They definitely will involve you sometimes!

This could go on and on as you well know. I think you get the idea! Tell us about some of the things your cat(s) do that make you laugh. Would love to hear some cute stories!

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

The "Gifts" of Christmas From Your Cat--Happiness

In the last two weeks, we've taken a look at the 14 ways that cats show their affection. Admittedly, some of them seem a little weird to us, such as spraying, scratching, and sticking their butts in our faces! If you haven't read the last two blogs, check them out to see why this is a form of affection.

#Gift 2--Happiness

They MAKE US FEEL HAPPIER. They are such great companions and love us with unconditional love 365 days a year. Psychologists at Miami University have found that people who own pets are more conscientious, more social, have better self-esteem, and healthier relationship types. Pet owners, especially those with dogs, can get more exercise and reduce stress. Animals help us heal; many are used as therapy animals. 63% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members. So how can animals make us feel better and happier?

 They can grab our attention which distracts and relaxes us.

These cats are also offering social support which reduces stress, as well as, physical contact with another living thing which is good for mind and body.

Here are other examples of how supportive they can be. Or, at least, they think that they are!

How do your cats make you happy? I know when I have a cat in my lap, or sometimes two, things just seem to be better. I'm not nearly as stressed out. It's very comforting.

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