The Importance of Playing With Your Cat

Enough of this serious stuff!!  Let's have some fun and play with our cats and/or watch them play with each other.  That's good for a belly laugh once or twice a week at least.   We get some good advice from Lisa Selvaggio about how to do this.

 According to Drs. Foster and Smith, cats can get very bored, anxious, and even stressed when they aren’t allowed to release their pent-up energy in the form of play.  A cat with a lot of energy and nowhere to release it will end up destroying your belongings or getting vicious with other pets in the house and even his human companions. It’s very important to give your cat just a little bit of time each day to really run around, chasing after a toy, to act out on his natural instincts to hunt and take down prey. This will keep him content and well-adjusted.

Playful kitties Bobo and Nikita take down a tiny remote control helicopter in this video posted by Krzysztof Smejlis who assures us that neither cats nor helicopter suffered any harm.  http://laughingsquid.com/playful-cats-take-down-tiny-remote-control-helicopter/

Exercising to Stay in Shape

A lot of cats end up overweight, and it isn’t always due to a poor quality diet either. Cats who don’t exercise won’t burn off the calories and fat they ingest at mealtime, and this will inevitably lead to weight gain, which can then lead to myriad health problems, including diabetes and arthritis. Therefore, exercise through play should be an integral part of your plan to keep your cat at a healthy weight. Use a wand toy to get your cat to jump high or run along the floor, but don’t overdo it. If your cat begins to pant, let him rest.  Kodi and Shorty won't let their human exercise without them.  Maybe the kiddies need their own yoga mats.  http://lovemeow.com/2014/04/exercise-with-cats/

Kodi and shorty wouldn’t let their human exercise alone, so they join him. Perhaps the kitties need their own yoga mats.
Read more at http://lovemeow.com/2014/04/exercise-with-cats/#PUPppCaZDRF2uWj1.99

- See more at: http://lovemeow.com/2014/04/exercise-with-cats/#sthash.RHK7s4ju.dpuf

Kodi and shorty wouldn’t let their human exercise alone, so they join him. Perhaps the kitties need their own yoga mats.
Read more at http://lovemeow.com/2014/04/exercise-with-cats/#PUPppCaZDRF2uWj1.99

- See more at: http://lovemeow.com/2014/04/exercise-with-cats/#sthash.RHK7s4ju.dpuf

Choose the Right Toys

When it comes to choosing toys that are appropriate for each feline in your household, think about the personality of each. For a shy or easily frightened cat, for example, stick with basic toys, such as feathers on a wand. For cats who are really curious and not really afraid of much, you can even purchase battery-powered mice that roll along the floor on their own. And, of course, anything with catnip in it is sure to be a hit with any kitty.

 It's not just humans who like playing Fruit Ninja. Cats in particular seem to love the swipe-to-slash game.

 http://kotaku.com/cats-playing-fruit-ninja-1548747690

Mimic a Hunt

Playtime is an opportunity for your indoor cat to pretend that he is hunting for prey in the great outdoors, so when you’re dangling a toy in front of your cat, move it around like a prey animal would move. Rather than frantically swinging a feathered toy on a string in your cat’s face, for example, place it on the ground and move it slowly and then quickly, letting your cat hide somewhere to come out and pounce at the most unexpected moment, just like he would do in the wild.

Just remember that, whether you’re directly interacting with your cat during playtime or not, be there to observe the activity and ensure your cat’s safety. A lot of toys can easily be swallowed and may pose choking hazards or become lodged in the intestines.  (She probably wouldn't agree with the cat who likes to play ping pong, but he is being supervised.  http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/videos/cat-attempts-to-play-ping-pong/)

Bags are always a favorite among cats as illustrated in this video.  http://www.thepetcollective.tv/cats-battle-a-bag-cat-vs-bag/

Do you have favorite ways of playing with your cat?  Please share them with us!  Adios!

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

What To Do About Feral Cats

As I mentioned before, my Sammy is a feral cat.  What's the definition of a feral cat?  A feral cat is one who has not been socialized.  Truly feral cats are simply never going to flourish in a busy household and deserve not to spend the rest of their life hiding under someone's bed.  WHERE is best for them is a topic of hot discussion.  Many opinions on the Internet favor a trap-neuter-release program.  Others feel that feral cats should be destroyed, period.  I don't have the answers, but that has to be a humane way to deal with this problem.

Right now there are 85 million cats in the country that have a forever home.  Combine that with up to 60 million feral cats, and you have a major problem.  These cats kill 2.5 million birds each year, along with rats, mice, chipmunks, lizards, etc.  At least 33 different species of birds have reached extinction.  Now, before we put all of the blame on cats, you also have to consider that urbanization is part of the problem.  Clearing trees and bushes for new malls, condos, etc. cuts down on the available space for birds to nest and makes them more vulnerable to the outside cats(socialized and feral).

Biologists have given this example of how the animal kingdom works.  Let's say that rabbits are plentiful one year and foxes have plenty to eat.  But, the following year, rabbits are not plentiful and the foxes go hungry.  That is the "natural" rhythm of things.  But our cats don't work that way.  If they can't find something to hunt, they go home, eat, and go out again the next day.

Fortunately, I don't think these cats got the memo about mice and birds:

In many cities, feral cats are taking over the neighborhoods.  Citizens are complaining, animal control is busy, and some huge-hearted people are trying their best to take care of hundreds of cats by trapping and neutering them before finding forever homes for them.  An adult feral cat will never likely be a household pet, but the kittens can be "socialized" if caught at an early age. 

Why so many feral cats?  I do know that people abandon their pets which really makes me grind my jaws!!  Plus people don't have their pets neutered or spayed. That's not the whole problem, but it does contribute.   A cat will reproduce up to three times a year if not spayed.  What are your thoughts on the subject?  Do you have recommendations for what should be done?  Personally, I never let my cats out, but that's just me.  Would like to hear from the rest of you.

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

Truly feral cats are simply never going to flourish in a busy household, and deserve not to spend the rest of their life hiding under someone’s bed. - See more at: http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/feral-versus-fearful-cats#sthash.WwqrFPVu.dpuf

Truly feral cats are simply never going to flourish in a busy household, and deserve not to spend the rest of their life hiding under someone’s bed. - See more at: http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/feral-versus-fearful-cats#sthash.WwqrFPVu.dpuf

Truly feral cats are simply never going to flourish in a busy household, and deserve not to spend the rest of their life hiding under someone’s bed. - See more at: http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/feral-versus-fearful-cats#sthash.WwqrFPVu.dpuf

Victory At Last!

A short story for your enjoyment:


He was just a tiny ball of fur.  He wasn't alone, however, because his mama had given birth to four other kittens.  He knew they were there from the very beginning since he could feel and smell them.  After ten days, he was able to open his eyes and see them.  Oh, my goodness, that was so exciting!  As they grew older, the other kittens starting disappearing.  One by one, they were gone and never came back.  He really missed them because they had shared so many things while they were eating, playing, and exploring this big thing called a house.  He asked his mama many times about his missing brothers and sisters.  She would just have a sad look on her face so he quit asking.

As he was growing up, he learned which places he could or couldn't be in the house, when to crawl on a lap, what time he would be fed, times that he should hide from those short humans, called kids, plus many other things.  He learned from his mama how to play and explore the back yard.  However, Mama wouldn't always stay in the yard with him.  She would climb the fence and disappear for a while.  He didn't know where she went nor would she tell him.  Sometimes, she came back with an animal that was small and had a tail.  At first, he thought it was someone to play with; however, the animal wouldn't move.  Mama said it was dead, whatever that meant!

He always wanted to go with mama when she disappeared.  That finally happened when he got older.  One day as he learned to climb the fence, she decided it was time for him to learn to be a hunter.  It was not as much fun as he thought it would be!  He did everything that she told him over and over again!  He never caught this animal she called a mouse.  He was so disappointed that he finally gave up.  One day, in the house, his human called something a mouse!  It wasn't even moving!  He was going to try one more time before he finally gave up.  Crouching low to the ground, he moved effortlessly and quietly.  He leaped up and pounced!  VICTORY!  Mama would be so proud.  He was now a hunter and could prove it!

It's Hug Your Cat Day!!

And if you don't have a cat of your own, hug someone else's cat!  Good advice from my friend, Sharla Shults.  http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/do-you-sense-the-emotion/

I would like to introduce you to my friend, Sharla, now.

My childhood experiences revolve around a small southwestern Georgia town where education played a most important role. I followed in my dad’s footsteps and attended Troy State University, Troy AL in pursuance of my teaching degree in mathematics and science. At the time I was in school, Troy was (is still BTW) very well known for studies and entrance into the education field. After graduation, I taught for four years and then, in light of a very substantial pay increase, left teaching and ventured into the railroad industry. This in turn, led me to my soulmate, and eventually a return into education until my retirement in 2008. Even in retirement I still work in education but as an Online Education Specialist (fancy title for teaching online instead of in the classroom). The difference is that now my students are teachers. What makes it really special are the times I encounter those who were once my classroom students are now my students again but in a totally different environment. Now that is having come full circle! What a blessing!


Being a mathematician by nature is a strange beginning for a writer of poetry. As a child and even into adulthood, never did the vision of becoming a writer materialize. Not until much, much later in life did this gift emerge. How DID it begin? Well, one day an angel sat on my shoulder and began whispering in my ear. Days and nights ran together as the words poured from my thoughts onto paper. That, of course, would be any kind of paper on hand at the time. It was not unusual for the quiet whisperings to come at any hour of the night, perhaps even in dreams, and if not written down at the moment faded as swiftly as the rising sun. My passion for writing persists to this day and I never know when a random thought, a fleeting comment or a whispering from the past will trigger the next verse. For you see, I am not the writer, but only the messenger from His hand to mine, from my heart to yours. . .


To my husband, my soulmate, who inspires me in so many ways and still remains able to sometimes get a good night’s sleep, all is not lost in my dreams.


I invite everyone to open your heart, mind and soul to opportunities to remember, discover and reflect.

You can find Sharla's books at http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/my-books/  Please check them out.

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Until next time, remember:

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

OMG! I'm Going to the Vet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Again!

This week it was time, once again, to make the annual visit to the vet for Kirby. Checkup, shots, and claws trimmed does NOT make him a happy cat. When I first ran this blog, I included advice from vets about getting your cat used to the carrier, riding in the car, etc. Have found some more information that I will share. I'm also happy to announce that I followed some of what I had read and things are a little better.

Putting the carrier in the family room where Kirby could lay in it or sleep in it (without having to travel in it) did make it a little easier. Now I can just pick him up and put him in because the carrier is already there and open. It makes it easier if I set the carrier on its end so that I can lower him in butt first. I put a towel over the carrier on the way out to the car and keep it there until we're inside the office. I now stay out of the exam room because that seems to keep him calmer.

Cats are America’s favorite pet, yet they are seen less often than dogs in veterinary clinics. Why? I thought you’d never ask. It’s because of the widely held belief that cats are lower-maintenance pets. They can stay indoors, munch as needed from a brimming bowl of non-stinky dry food, and then poop in a box. They pretty much take care of themselves – right?

Cats who miss their annual exams may go years with painful erosive tooth lesions, making it painful to eat. Other insidious disorders like benign thyroid tumors or kidney failure, a fact of life in all older cats, could be gradually destroying your kitty. Observant owners can make a huge difference. Take a feel along your cat’s backbone once a week. If it’s getting that boney feel, you may have discovered loss of muscle mass.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), also called pancreatic insufficiency and maldigestion syndrome, was thought to be rare in cats. However, because of the results of different studies, it really isn't that rare. It can be a potential cause of diarrhea and chronic weight loss in cats. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency means there is a decrease or lack of digestive enzymes being produced by the pancreas. In cats with the disorder, proteins, starches and fats from the diet aren't broken down sufficiently to be absorbed through the intestinal wall. This means nutrients can't get into the bloodstream to supply nourishment to the body's tissues. Much of the food that is eaten remains undigested in the GI tract and ultimately leaves the body in feces. If left untreated, a cat with EPI can literally starve to death despite how much food is consumed. Pancreatic insufficiency can have several potential causes, but the most common source in cats is chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Other causes are parasitic infestations, as well as cancer. Talk to your vet if your cat has any unexplained weight loss to see what kind of treatments are available.

Next week I'll share the rest of the new information I've found, including 11 situations that require your getting your cat to the vet immediately. What are your experiences with going to the vet?  Would love to hear them.

 

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

What!! Didn't You Get the Memo?

Our topic the last few weeks has been about feeding your cat(s).  It was suggested by a University of Illinois study that more frequent feedings might help in keeping your pet's weight down.  Another suggestion was mixing wet and dry food together or just simply adding water to dry food.  This insures that your pet gets enough liquid.  Somehow, I don't think these cats got the message!

At least, these cats have some sense of the right things to eat.  Et Tuna Bruta!

Now, there's the matter of enough liquid in your pet's diet.  Once again, don't think these cats listened.

At least this cat listened to part of the advice.  Hooray for you, cat!  Go to the head of the class.

This is something my cat would probably do!

Included this information as a review.  Let me know about the "adventures" of feeding your 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

Interesting Facts From Purina One

Found this site  http://www.purinaone.com/cats/cat-journal/activities/feeding-hydration  and discovered some interesting facts about the way cats eat that I hadn't thought about before.  Last week, we discussed smaller, more frequent meals, and choices of food.  Today, we'll deal with bowls and their placement.  Just as a review, you remember it was suggested that feeding both wet and dry food is a good idea.  Purina One agrees.  Here are their thoughts.

"It’s wonderful if you’re already feeding wet food and dry kibble as part of your feeding regimen. If not, here’s why you should consider it. In the wild, cats get to experience a variety of tastes and textures and derive much of their hydration from their prey. That’s why we believe wet and dry foods are better together. Dry kibble mimics the crunch of prey and helps keep teeth clean. Wet food has a protein and moisture content that’s close to a cat’s natural diet."

They also have activities to show you how to introduce wet food into your cat's diet which is something I need to do.  I've been feeding totally dry food because this one doesn't like wet food.

And this one tries to bury it!!

Hummm.  This might be an ongoing project for quite a while.

Now on to the interesting part I hadn't thought of.  Sammy, the feral cat, displays some of these behaviors which now make sense.

Cats use their whiskers to navigate their environment by measuring the width of openings to determine if it’s wide enough to pass through. This is especially helpful at night.  In addition, cats in the wild are constantly aware of what's going on around them in order to detect rivals or predators. And when cats eat, they tend to crouch. This posture brings their head closer to their eating surface – usually a flat rock, fallen tree or ground.
If your current bowl has tall, straight sides or is more square than round, you may notice an air of discontent at feeding time. The reasons? Experts note you’ll see hesitation, even pacing around her bowl over the discomfort of whisker stress – an annoying sensation that’s caused when the whiskers rub up against the sides of the bowl.

Size of the bowl seems to be okay, so maybe it's the location:

You might also observe nervousness caused be an inability to see who’s approaching. Or the frustration brought on by not being able to extract food that’s stuck in the crannies of the bowl where the base and the walls meet.  If you find more mess than usual around your feeding location or food left behind are other signs that something may be off.  If you're using a bowl with steep sides, it's time to make a change.  



When choosing where to place your cat’s feeding dish, it's important to understand the pressures of feeding in the wild.  Active hunters know the value of food, so they stay alert for rivals coming in to steal a hard-earned meal.  Also know that cats are quite vulnerable to predators while eating. So they seek locations where they feel protected from the back or flank, but can still keep a watchful eye on anything approaching as they eat.

Yup, I think I need to change the location where they eat because their backs are to the traffic going through the kitchen.

Was this information helpful to you?  Would love to read your comments and hear of your experiences!

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty, which is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667