Franny's Cats Blog May 2005 Archive

How extensive is your knowledge about cats' mating habits? Do you know how cats' heat cycles work? Take this javascript-based quiz on cats' mating and estrus cycles to test your ... Read More

The all-important first six weeks in a cat's life will do much in determining his personality and character for the rest of his life. Healthwise, this period is also extremely ... Read More

"J.B. (for James Bond) since they both wear their tuxedo like a pro. J.B. is between 4 and 6 years old according to his vet. He adopted me a year ... Read More

A reader inquires: I hope to soon adopt a cat for the first time, but I have a very small apartment. Where can I put the litter box so visitors (and ... Read More

From my mailbox: I've heard that dry-pilling of cats can be dangerous because the pills get stuck in their throats. My cat has been coughing a lot since we started giving ... Read More

Bud, an FIV cat, has been kept alive with a combination of drugs used to treat HIV and OTC supplements. The result has been total measurable viral suppression, to ... Read More

It's not too late to think of planting a garden, so think of one that cats can enjoy too, in safety. Gardeners generally fall into two categories: those who enjoy watching ... Read More

Sir Elton would be another statistic had it not been for the intervention of Sam and Irene: We trapped him, took him to the vet where he was tested and "tutored." ... Read More

Men who love cats are very special people and deserve the best when gift-giving occasions arise. These are my favorite choices for cat-related gifts for the very special cat men ... Read More

Guest writer Colleen Patrick shares her experiences with declawed cats at shelters: At the shelter, I believe we see a disproportionate number of declawed cats surrendered, and I think I've figured ... Read More

May is for Tuxedo cats and other black-and-white cats because... well, just because. Maybe for the Spring Prom tuxedos, although I'm sure my readers can figure out some better justifications. ... Read More

The first time I saw her little mustachioed face peeking out from under the pallette I knew she had to be mine. We trapped the mom and had her fixed ... Read More

We all love special treats, and cats are no exception. Cat treats are wonderful as rewards for taking medicine, to conceal the medicine itself, for special applications, such as dental ... Read More

Cats do not get a vacation from the dog days of summer, and they need your help to keep summertime annoyances at a minimum. Learn how to keep your kitties ... Read More

It is always with concern when we witness what seems to be angry aggression between cats who have been good buddies in the past. Two cats will be engaged in ... Read More

A reader asks: Is there any difference between cat hair and cat fur? I've seen references to both phrases on your site and other cat sites, but no one has ever ... Read More

ARF's (Animal Rescue Foundation) state-of-the-art facility in Walnut Creek, California, was the culmination of years of planning and fund-raising, and its doors opened to the public in August, 2003. I ... Read More

Cats are mysterious creatures and sometimes their behavior stymies us, because we don't always understand that "behavior problems" are often just our cats' way of telling us of their needs. ... Read More

The Cornish Rex is the oldest of the three Rex cats breeds, originating c 1950 as a spontaneous mutation in a litter of barn cats. With its arched back, long ... Read More

How extensive is your knowledge about cats' health matters? Do you know common symptoms of health problems in cats and what they might mean? Take this javascript-based cats health quiz ... Read More

From my mailbox: My eight year old male cat appears to be constipated. He tries to use the litter box but no go. He is quite vocal and seems to asking ... Read More

"I adopted Claudia on Dec 29, 2004 from the local Humane Society. She's a bit shy, but I managed to get a nice photo of her sleeping in a shoe ... Read More

Babies and cats do not have to be mutually exclusive. By using patience and common sense, you can teach your new baby and your cat mutual respect and ease the ... Read More

Geriatric cats and other previously obese cats who suddenly quit eating are subject to Fatty Liver Disease, also known as Hepatic Lipidosis. Fatty Liver disease is serious, sometimes fatal, but ... Read More

An Associated Press article disclosed that a bill has been introduced into the California Legislature by Democrat Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, of Van Nuys, which would outlaw the sale of cats ... Read More

Prior to 1997 when pet sitters first became a commonplace word there were only a few options available for away-from-home pet care: Ideally, a family friend or relative to come ... Read More