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Habits to Learn for a Cat-Safe Home

Pins, Tacks, and Rubber Bands are Hazards to Cats

Cat-proofing your home isn't just a one-time event. Learn to keep an eagle eye out for potential hazards to cats by making it a daily habit. Your cats will be safer and you will have peace of mind in knowing you are doing your part to keep them safe.

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Cats Spotlight10

Cat Breed of the Week: Havana Brown

Wednesday May 22, 2013

The Havana Brown is unique to gaze upon, and even more delightful to enjoy as a companion. Browns are very people-oriented and will often extend a paw to gain attention. With its charming manner and soft, gentle voice, the Havana Brown would make an ideal pet for a single person.

Susitnaladys Trudy of Mokolea AKA Trudy was featured on the Cat Fanciers Association's website under the Havana Brown Breed Profile, as the CFA National Best of Breed for 2001-2002 show season.
Photo Credit: © Diane Mounib, Mokolea Cattery

About the Breed | Submit Your Story

Cat Picture of the Week: Lucy

Monday May 20, 2013

It was love at first sight when Chelsea S. and Lucy, this week's Cat of the Week first met at the Tampa Bay SPCA five years ago.

Photo: Cat of the Week, Lucy
Image © Guest, Chelsea S.

Today, they still play together and are closer than ever, and Chelsea rarely has any problems with her, with one exception. Though Lucy is only six pounds, she can throw a hissy fit when it is time to go to the veterinarian. That sure struck a chord with me.

We still have time for one more Cat Picture of the Week for May, so read more of Lucy's story and find out how you can submit your own tuxedo cat's photos and story.

About.com GuideCats

Monday May 20, 2013

With the wealth of cats who work as office assistants for my fellow About.com Guides, I seized the opportunity to recruit some of them for an About.com GuideCats photo op.

Photo of GuideKittens Melody and Cupcake
Image © Jane Anderson, Guide to Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

This compilation of GuideCats (and GuideKittens) is not just a photo op, though. The stories accompanying the photos are funny, endearing, and sometimes poignant. However, they all reflect the love and respect we About.com Guides have for our furry office assistants, as well as the devotion they have for us. Take for example, Melody and Cupcake, pictured here. Their human mom, Jane Anderson, is the only purrson I have ever known who actually labeled one of the cubbies in her desk organizer, "Cats," because, of course, her kitties love to sleep there.

Among others, you'll see Yoshi, the GuideCat for Allen Grove, of College Admissions, and Aglaia, who encourages David Beaulieu, the Landscaping Guide, to plant more catnip. Cats are drawn to plants by a magical allure. In addition to Landscaping, we have GuideCats for both Gardening (Three GuideCats) and Container Gardening. This is just a beginning, though, so please bookmark About.com GuideCats and stay tuned. In the near future, I hope to add several more feline executive assistants from About.com, including my own four GuideCats.

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Checklist of Information for Your Cat Sitter

Sunday May 19, 2013

I can't remember the last time I was away from home overnight. and a large part of the reason is the worry about our cats while we're gone, particularly with Billy recently diagnosed with diabetes, and the spectre of possible insulin injections holding over our heads. Fortunately, we have at least two professional petsitters in our commiunity, at least one with vet tech experience. I still will leave a printable Checklist for Your Cat Sitter the next time we're gone overnight.

Photo of cat, BillyOur cats are always happier right here at home. Their separation anxiety is bad enough, when we're gone, without having to be left at a boarding facility. It's important to make sure the surrogate caregiver knows exactly what to do for your cat, both in terms of routine care and what to do in case of an emergency. The printable checklist will nicely serve that purpose.
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy

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