Cats Have Definite Opinions About Things

Having been a cat owner for ten years now, I know this to be a fact!  The pictures that I see on the Internet that really crack me up are the ones with captions showing how strongly cats believe in having their own opinions of themselves and you.  Would like to share some of these now.

We'll start with this one because it seems to sum it all up in one picture:

Yup, that pretty well says it.  Let's see if we can find examples of other attitudes.  When I first brought my two cats here, my Mom had a lot of plants around the house.  Within a few months, some had to be removed because Sammy was eating the leaves.  I guess he was trying to tell us this:

We have many terms of endearment for our furry companions, but perhaps they have an opinion about that.

They have very definite ideas about showing love and affection!  That's mainly for when THEY are in the mood.

You learn very quickly about the moods of your cat and how to read them.  I've never tried to put mine in a tub of water for a bath (I use a wet washcloth), but I'm sure this is the reaction I would get!

They love to bring you gifts (?) to show they care.  I have friends whose cats bring in dead birds, lizards, and even a snake!  You should accept these gifts graciously because:

Did you ever notice how some dogs and cats get along?  Sometimes, it's okay.  Other times?  Well...........

And on that note, it's time to close down the blog for today.  Hope you enjoyed!  Please share any attitudes you laugh at with your 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

Wish I Could Live Like a Cat

As I was flying around the house the other day getting ready to go somewhere (again!), I looked at Kirby and Sammy sleeping or eating and thought to myself, "What a life. They have it made!"  That gave me the idea of comparing my week to their week in my blog.  Hope you enjoy.  We'll start with Monday.

Monday

Me:   Meet with prayer group at church for a short service, an hour of Senior Conditioning, and coffee with my friend, Georgia.  Sometimes I also have an appointment with the chiropractor.  Usually work on Social Media, editing my new book, or writing a short story for a website.

Tuesday

Me:  Have line dancing and coffee in the morning.  Really hit the writing hard on Tuesday afternoon to get ready to post three blogs during the coming weekend.

Wednesday

Me:  Starting to get busier now.  Senior Conditioning and coffee in the morning for an hour.  Caregivers from ten until noon since I'm caring for my 95-year-old mother who still lives in her own home!  Have to catch up with Social Media and promotion in the afternoon.

Thursday

Me:  Oh, boy!  Line dancing and coffee to start off with, lunch with friends, and coffee in the afternoon with a different group of friends.  On this day, I'm lucky if I even get my e-mail sorted!

Friday

Me:  A little bit of a breather finally!  Senior Conditioning and coffee in the morning with shopping and cleaning in the afternoon.  Do manage to get some e-mail taken care of.

Saturday

Me:  Trying to catch up with Social Media, promotion, writing, and anything around the house.

Sunday

Me:  This is MY time!  After church, it's football the rest of the day.  LOVE it!

There you have it in a nutshell.  Would love to see your comments about your week or how your pet reacts to certain things you do.

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 Meaning of Life

Tommy, and his friend, Bob, the cat, were talking about the meaning of life one day.  It wasn't a very serious talk since Tommy was very young and Bob was a cat.  However, Bob could talk which made it easy for Tommy to understand him.  They took turns telling each other what they thought life was all about.

Tommy told Bob about how his day would go most of the time.  Mom would get him up in the morning to eat breakfast and get dressed.  He would play for a while or listen to a story that Mom would read if she had time.  Then it would be time for lunch.  He would have to take a nap in the afternoon.  It was always fun when Dad came home because he would play with Tommy until supper.  They would all sit around the table and visit about their day.  Pretty soon, it was time to go to bed.  Tommy thought that his life was boring sometimes, except for the playing part, of course.

Bob told Tommy that he had done some of the same things when he was a kitten.  Momma would give him breakfast in the morning and almost clean the fur right off of him.  Playing was a lot of fun, but he couldn't do it for very long without getting sleepy.  Sometimes he played with Momma; sometimes he played with hoomans like Tommy.  It seemed like he slept a lot when he was little.  His Momma was always close by to protect him and his brothers and sisters.  Momma taught him many things so he would be able to take care of himself when he grew up.

By this time, Tommy needed to go home.  As they were saying goodbye, they decided what life was all about.

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

Okay, Let Me 'Splain It Again!

Time for another original story. Let me know if you like it.



Ralph and Fluffy lived together in the same house.  Ralph was a dog; Fluffy was a kitten.  Ralph didn't think the same way Fluffy did which would upset Fluffy.  He would try to be very patient with Ralph, but sometimes it was hard.  He talked to him many times about how cats and dogs should get along, but Ralph wouldn't listen.

Fluffy had a very comfortable bed of his own, but Ralph would always lay on part of it so he could be close to Fluffy.  He loved Fluffy very much and thought he was the greatest thing since peanut butter was invented.  Fluffy had cat food to eat; Ralph had dog food.  For some reason, Ralph thought that cat food tasted better than dog food and always ate some of Fluffy's food.  The humans thought Fluffy had eaten it and wouldn't give Fluffy any more until the next feeding time.

Ralph loved to play with toys and would always bring them to Fluffy so they could play together.  It seemed that he couldn't understand cats sleep 18 hours a day and don't want to play all the time.  Having to wake up when he wasn't ready really made Fluffy crabby!  One day, Fluffy decided that he'd had enough!!  It was time to talk to Ralph and make him understand how he should act!  From that day on, there were no more problems.

Home Improvements For a Cat (According to the Cat!!)

 I have a wonderful friend, Viv Drewa, who keeps me in stitches with her pictures and blogs about cats.  Since the last two weeks have been about moving, I wanted to share her latest thoughts about home improvements for cats.  (The pictures are from my gallery)  Here's what she has to say:


Tonight I’m looking at how cats would like their homes improved. This list covers things as simple as lower counters to as complex as landing strips- yes, I did type landing strips.

Cats are simple in their wants, but sometimes they still want a few changes in their lives. One thing all cats want is a long stretch of carpet to run on, a landing strip of sorts. It’s much better for stopping on, tile and wood floors just don’t allow a poor cat to dig in their claws to implement a 180 degree turn, which in turn can endanger your cat. So do them a favor and get nice thick carpeting- there’s a reason it’s called carpet.

Lower counters are also something cats would all enjoy, it would make looking for snacks much easier.

 

In-floor sinks are also something most cats would enjoy, with faucets that they can use. Let’s face it, we humans are not the only ones who enjoy a nice fresh glass of water.

Floor mounted ice cream dispenser… come to think of it, I’d like one of these myself.

Purr activated treat dispenser. Enough said.

All two cat households should also be equipped with a wrestling or boxing ring.

One last thing all cats wish they had is a spring-loaded mouse catapult. Catch the mouse, place it in the catapult and next thing you know there’s a mouse in space.

Hop over and read some of Viv's blog.  You'll find something funny and interesting, I'm sure.  Look forward to 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

9 Moving Tips for Moving Across the Country With Cats

Here are more tips from Jane A. Kelley to go along with her advice from last week.  Again, wish I had known this!

First and foremost, proper preparation is key. In addition to packing, shipping, or selling your stuff and getting your car road-ready, take these steps to get your cats road-ready, too.

My cat, Bella, waits for her "meet and greet" with the vet. Make sure that at least your cats' rabies vaccinations are current, because that is a legal requirement for interstate travel in the U.S.

 

1. Get your cats vetted and microchipped

Before you leave, make sure that your cats’ vaccinations are up to date and that they have a supply of any medications they need. A microchip can be a lifesaver if one of your cats goes missing along the way.

2. Research health certificate requirements

If you’re flying with your cats, you will need to have health certificates. Otherwise, import requirements vary from state to state. Washington, for example, requires a certificate of veterinary inspection for each animal and proof of current rabies vaccination, but pets traveling in cars with their owners are exempt from the certificate requirement. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides links to import licensing requirements for each state.  

Cat wearing a collar with a license tag by Shutterstock

 

3. Research pet licensing requirements at your destination

The city of Seattle requires that all cats be licensed within 30 days of their arrival.  That means I’ll have a month after I get there to go to City Hall (or wherever the pet licensing agency is) and get Siouxsie, Thomas, and Bella’s licenses. You can usually find this information on the city's website or by doing a web search for something like "[location] pet licensing rules."

4. Find pet-friendly hotels along your route and reserve rooms

PetsWelcome is a website that allows you to enter the beginning and end of your trip and provides a directory of every pet-friendly hotel along your route. Each hotel has slightly different requirements and pet deposit fees, so be sure that you can comply with the hotel’s pet policy. I’d also recommend deciding how far you can comfortably drive each day and reserving rooms at those points along your route before you leave.

Somali kitten on hotel room bed by Shutterstock

 

5. Organize your cats’ information

Keep your cats’ veterinary records, along with photos and descriptions of each cat, in an easily accessible folder or tote in your vehicle. Keep a pet first-aid kit and your cats’ medications here, too.

6. Gather your pet supplies before you leave

Get enough cat food to last for the duration of the trip, plus a couple of more days in the event of delays. If you buy canned food, get a product with a pull top. Have paper towels, spare carrier liners, puppy pads, and pet stain cleaners easily available. Get a small bag of the litter they currently use and a few disposable litter boxes. I’d also recommend that you bring some Feliway spray and Rescue Remedy or some other calming flower essence.

Cat food cans with pull-tab tops by Shutterstock

 

While you’re en route, here are some other important considerations.

1. Keep your cats’ needs and comfort in mind

Pull up all food and water an hour before you leave. That will allow your cats to eat and do their litter box business before you hit the road, and it will reduce the chance that they’ll vomit. Make sure you have your “road food” packed before you leave, too; don’t leave your cats alone in your car to pick up groceries. While driving, keep the music at a reasonable volume.

My cat, Thomas, sniffs at a pet carrier.

 

2. Buckle up for safety

Keep your cats in their carriers, and strap those carriers in with seat belts to ensure safety in the event of an accident or emergency stop. Never, ever open your cats’ carriers with the car doors open; it takes only a second for them to flee and become lost in unfamiliar territory.

3. Be as relaxed as possible

A long-distance move is a huge transition. Your life and your cats’ lives are changing forever. This trip can be an amazing experience for all of you if you can be fully present because, after all, the journey is as important as the destination.

Siouxsie won't let me forget to pack her favorite toy.

 

Have you ever made a long-distance move with your cat? Do you have any more tips to share?

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

How Do You Prepare Your Cats for a Big Move?

Summer is travel time; vacationing, visiting family, etc.  Also happening at this time, people are moving.  Having moved from Las Vegas back to my hometown, I wish I had known this before I left.  I traveled 850 miles with one cat talking ALL DAY LONG the first day and both of them talking the second day.  Was I ever glad to get here.  Then came the adjustment of living in an entirely new home.  That's a story for another day!  Right now, I would like to share the advice of Jane A Kelley.  She posted an article on Catster about this topic earlier.

I’m about two weeks away from a 150-mile move. I’ll be leaving my humble suburban basement apartment for a beautiful top-floor loft in a large city, and I have a lot to do before moving day: purging stuff I no longer want, packing stuff I still need, arranging for the movers’ arrival, and so on and so forth. And, of course, preparing my cats for our huge transition.

I have moved house with my cats before, but never quite so far. This is also the first time I’ll have two strange men in my home, running in and out with my furniture and all the knick-knacks, paddy-whacks, and gewgaws that are a part of my life.

If you’ve never relocated with a cat before, there’s lots of good advice available on making the physical aspects of the move easier for your cat, and I plan to follow these instructions to the letter.

What's this I hear about a move? / Curious cat photo via Shutterstock

 

But beyond the logistics of keeping my cats safe, there are other things I feel are equally important.

Cats know that something strange is in the air. They pick up our feelings and the changes in our own energy as we experience the excitement, stress, and occasional terror involved in such a huge life change. So the first thing I had to do is tell my kitties what’s up.

I told my cats that we’re going to be moving to the biggest cat tree in the whole world! I painted a picture in my mind of the new apartment: the windows everywhere (more “kitty TV” channels than they’ve experienced in years in my relatively windowless basement apartment) and the numerous sun puddles they’ll be able to use for their basking pleasure.

I told them about our new landlord, a cat lover who can’t wait to meet them.

Aren't you forgetting something? / Cat at window photo via Shutterstock

 

I told them what’s going to happen on moving day: the men, the quick emptying of the house, the carriers and the two-and-a-half-hour car ride, and reassured them that everything’s going to be okay.

I opened my heart and shared my feelings of excitement, joy, and anticipation.

Yeah, all of this stuff is pretty woo-woo, but I believe cats understand this stuff and that it helps to alleviate the stress they feel when they sense change in the air.

On moving day itself, I’ll give them a couple of drops of Bach Rescue Remedy by stroking their heads and rubbing it into their fur. This flower essence is fantastic for relieving the physical, emotional, and spiritual stress that comes along with major life changes like moving.

At our new home, I’ll dose the cats with Stress Stopper flower essence and plug in a couple of Feliway diffusers.

Finally, I’m going to take a couple of days off from work so that all of us can settle into our new home together.

I’m fortunate that my cats are people-bonded rather than place-bonded: wherever Mama is, is home, as far as they’re concerned. Place-bonded cats suffer much more during a move because they’re ripped away from the home they know so well.

What have you done to help your cats through a move? If you’ve done things that worked -– or didn’t work -– I’d love to hear from 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