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Franny Syufy

Franny's Cats Blog May 2008 Archive

By Franny Syufy, About.com Guide to Cats

Cat Picture of the Week; Tyler

Saturday May 31, 2008
This is Tyler. He is the love of my and my fiance's life. We call him a dog because he is so unusually affectionate and attention-seeking for a cat. He ... Read More

Top Feline Physiology and Anatomy Facts

Thursday May 29, 2008
What is a "normal" heart rate for your cat? How long are cats pregnant for? Does a body temperature of 102.5F mean that your cat has a fever? Find out ... Read More

Update on Butch, Cat of the Month, April 2007

Thursday May 29, 2008
Many readers will remember Butch, the winsome tabby shelter cat who stole so many hearts last year. Butch was a shelter cat in New Jersey who had been waiting for ... Read More

Glossary of Feline Terms

Thursday May 29, 2008
Are you sometimes confused when reading articles about cats? Do you roll your eyes when you read words like 'obligate carnivore,' nictitating membrane,' or 'idiopathic?' Help is here with my ... Read More

Wordless Wednesday: Jaspurr, Fearless Hunter

Wednesday May 28, 2008
Photo Credit: © Franny SyufyMore Wordless Wednesday HereWordless Wednesday on About

Should I change my cats' food from Kasco?

Wednesday May 28, 2008
Q:I have been feeding my 3 cats Kasco for about 15 years. they like it and appear healthy. they have all been seen regularly at my veterinarian. Due to the ... Read More

2008 Tuxedo Cats Picture Gallery

Wednesday May 28, 2008
Black and White Cats Featured for our May, 2008 Cats Picture Calendar Black and white cats are like snowflakes: you'll never see any two with identical markings, but Tuxedos usually have ... Read More

Poll: January 2008 Cat of the Month

Tuesday May 27, 2008
After months of consideration, I have decided to re-institute the voting for Cat of the Month. We'll be playing "catchup" for the next month or so, then will return to ... Read More

Chitter-Chatter Cat Video

Tuesday May 27, 2008
Watch Other Users' Videos Submit Your Own Video Enjoy this You Tube video of two Bengal Cats "chitter-chattering" at a bird outside their window. Although Bengals are an exotic breed, ALL cats ... Read More

Cat Breed of the Week: Javanese

Tuesday May 27, 2008
If you're open to a bit of excitement in your life, a Javanese may be the cat for you. It is an extremely intelligent breed, and will soon assert its ... Read More

Remembering Cats on Memorial Day Weekend

Monday May 26, 2008
Creating a memorial to a cat you have loved and lost is a good way not only to honor your beloved kitty, but also to help you through the grieving ... Read More

Cats' Urine pH Factor

Monday May 26, 2008
Did you know that the number one reason cats are taken to the veterinarian is related to urinary tract problems?It has become widely acknowledged that a cat's urine pH can ... Read More

Your Cat's Nutritional Requirements

Sunday May 25, 2008
Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in animal nutrition for over two decades. She is also a human nutritionist and has helped thousands of people and their pets live happier, ... Read More

Cat Picture of the Week: Kit and Molly

Saturday May 24, 2008
In March of 2007 we had to have our Jack Russell Terrier, Aggie, put to sleep due to complications of old age. Aggie had been our faithful companion for a ... Read More

Video: How to Clean a Litter Box

Saturday May 24, 2008
Does your home shout "cat house" the minute visitors enter your door? Are you having problems with odorous litter boxes and/or cats who shun them in favor of a corner ... Read More

Best and Worst Cat Stories

Saturday May 24, 2008
Cats have an inimitable way of bringing out the humor in cat lovers, by making us laugh at their antics, and by the way they can make us look foolish ... Read More

Top Picks: Toys for Home-Alone Cats

Friday May 23, 2008
Bored cats can sometimes become mischievous cats while trying to entertain themselves. Fortunately, there are several toys that can help keep them occupied, and stimulate and challenge their curiosity and ... Read More

The Importance of Food to Your Cat's Health

Friday May 23, 2008
Along with veterinary care, a nutritious diet is critical to your cat's health and longevity. Learn why the right food plays such an important role in responsible cat care. You'll ... Read More

New! Kittens Galore Photo Album

Thursday May 22, 2008
If you enjoyed the Just Kittens Picture Gallery, you'll love this new Kittens Galore! Photo Album. Just like its predecessor, it contains nothing but photos of cute kittens. You are ... Read More

Quick Tip: Dispensing Multiple Pills

Thursday May 22, 2008
Do you have a cat patient who is not patient with pilling? One who must take multiple small pills or halved/quartered pills? Those divided pills have sharp edges, and it's ... Read More

Cat Care Quiz and Poll

Thursday May 22, 2008

Wordless Wednesday: Raven Fishwater

Wednesday May 21, 2008
Photo Credit: © Antje More Wordless Wednesday Here

A Letter from a Shelter Manager

Wednesday May 21, 2008
From the Forum: Kim writes: "I think our society needs a huge "wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all... a ... Read More

Cat Breed of the Week: Japanese Bobtail

Tuesday May 20, 2008
The Japanese Bobtail did indeed originate in Japan, and has been beloved in that country for centuries. In fact, the popular Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) is a ceramic image of ... Read More

Cats Body Language: A Picture Tour

Tuesday May 20, 2008
We can learn a lot about our cats' temperament, as well as their health at any given time by learning and observing their body language. They may or may not ... Read More

Help Your Cat Beat the Heat

Monday May 19, 2008
The other day, my son was listening to a talk show host on the radio. The guy, who broadcasts from his home studio was talking about his dog rolling around ... Read More

Two Kittens Picture Gallery

Monday May 19, 2008
If you are thinking about getting a kitten, you should know that two kittens are better than one, for a number of reasons. Enjoy these photos submitted by readers of ... Read More

How To Assemble a First Aid Kit for Cats

Monday May 19, 2008
There will be times when you can't get your cat to the veterinarian right away, or her condition might warrant emergency first aid treatment before the trip. Be prepared, with ... Read More

Cats Photo Caption Contest

Sunday May 18, 2008

Cats Being Cats (At Their Very Best)

Sunday May 18, 2008
Although this feature attempts to give cats human-like attributes, as we humans are prone to do, please read it with a grain of salt. We all know ... Read More

Cici - The Cat That Came A Calling

Sunday May 18, 2008
Shortly after publishing the article about Sasha, the Cat Who Used Tools, Franny thought that other readers might have stories about their own tool-using cats. She was pleased when Grace ... Read More

Cat Picture of the Week: Taz

Saturday May 17, 2008
Taz is three months old in this picture, which is when I adopted him. Taz was feral and part of a "community rescue effort" where the City was going ... Read More

About Cats PhotoQuiz 2: How Well Do You Know Your Cats?

Saturday May 17, 2008
If you're like many cat lovers, you want to know everything there is to learn about cats. Here's a chance to test your knowledge about cat breeds, behavior and colors. ... Read More

Video: How to Clean Pet Stains and Remove Odors

Saturday May 17, 2008
New About.com Video with JJ Burkart Love your cat, but hate to clean up his messy, stinky stains? Learn how to remove pet stains and odors quickly and easily so you ... Read More

Top Things a Cat Needs for Survival

Friday May 16, 2008
In order to survive, there are certain minimum things a cat needs, such as good food, water, a litter box, scratching post, and a place to sleep. Oh yes, and ... Read More

Free Email Class: Care of Your Senior Cat

Friday May 16, 2008
Whether we call them "geriatric," "older," or "senior," it is always difficult to watch our old guys and ladies age. Geriatric cats suffer many of the same conditions and diseases ... Read More

FAQ of the Day: How can I get rid of pet redeye in pictures of my cat?

Thursday May 15, 2008
While I am sure that no one would confuse me with a real photographer, I seem to have more than my share of red eyes in photos. It's caused, of ... Read More

Cats and Their Pets Picture Gallery

Thursday May 15, 2008
For centuries, cats have been happy to live in harmony with dogs, rabbits, goldfish and other domesticated critters, as these pictures with attest to. However, cat lovers all know that ... Read More

Wordless Wednesday: Cup O' Cat

Wednesday May 14, 2008
More Wordless Wednesday HerePhoto Credit: © Franny Syufy

Cat Writers Contest Offers $12K in Prize Money

Wednesday May 14, 2008
From the CWA (Cat Writers' Association): OCEANSIDE, CA –Sometimes, it pays to be catty. The international Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA) is now accepting entries for its 15th annual Communications Contest with ... Read More

From the Forum: Faucet Slurping

Wednesday May 14, 2008
From the Cats Forum Forum member MyOreo writes: "when my cat Oreo preferred to drink out of the faucet, I didn't really care since the faucet drips and I can't do ... Read More

Facts About Tuxedo Cats

Tuesday May 13, 2008
Did you know that tuxedo cats are 200% smarter than other cats? That the first cat in the new world was a Tuxedo cat named Asgerd aboard a Viking ship, ... Read More

Whose House Is This, Anyway?

Tuesday May 13, 2008
Territorial Battles with Cats Anyone who has spent a bit of time around cats knows that they're pretty independent critters. Cats have certain ingrained needs and the only way to peacefully ... Read More

Cat Breed of the Week: Himalayan

Tuesday May 13, 2008
If Persians are the number one cat in popularity, the Himalayan color division has to play a large part in that favor. The Himalayan is a result of breeding Persian ... Read More

Quiz: What Kind of Cat Person Are You?

Monday May 12, 2008
What kind of cat person are you? Are you indifferent to cats, a cat owner, a cat lover or an irredeemable cat slave? Take this javascript-based cats quiz to help ... Read More

Cats FAQ: Cat Hates New Kitten

Monday May 12, 2008
Introducing cats is sometimes a tricky business. Rushing the introduction can create tension that is difficult to undo; like putting one paw forward and going five paws back. Guide Franny ... Read More

How to Care for Your Humans

Sunday May 11, 2008
Guest writer Martine Carlsen contributes an article on Useful Advice for Cats: How to Care for your Human, a humorous, but all too true commentary on the way cats perceive ... Read More

Cats 101: Getting Your First Cat

Sunday May 11, 2008
Getting your first cat or kitten can be a huge step for a "Cat Newbie." These helpful articles and resources will help you in making that all-important decision of committing ... Read More

DIY Outdoor Enclosures for Cats

Saturday May 10, 2008
Spring is here and summer is on the way! Cat lovers who want their cats to enjoy fresh air, greenery, and sunshine, while keeping them safe from traffic, dogs, predators, ... Read More

Cat Picture of the Week: Mori & Tassi

Saturday May 10, 2008
Peanut's Place Cat Rescue/Sanctuary located in SW Minnesota - the big boy on the left is our own cat "Mori" cheeking it up with one of the kittens that was ... Read More

How to Human-Proof a Cat House

Saturday May 10, 2008
First, we must define "Human-Proof" as the act of arranging a cat house so that the humans who mom and pop-ulate it know without a doubt who is boss in ... Read More

Top Mistakes by New Cat Owners

Friday May 9, 2008
Adopting your first cat is a huge step, not to be taken lightly. Although cats have a reputation for taking care of themselves, that fact does not equal "no care ... Read More

How can we keep our adult cat from biting during play?

Friday May 9, 2008
From the FAQ archives. Franny answers this question and offers behavioral modification tips. We have adopted a 15 month old Maine Coon Cat who with lots of patience has developed a ... Read More

Video: How to Give a Cat a Bath

Thursday May 8, 2008
Watch Other Users' Videos Submit Your Own Video From Franny: Back by popular demand: Although 10 minutes long, this is one of the best videos I've found on how to bathe a cat. ... Read More

Cat-Safe Ant Control

Thursday May 8, 2008
Spring is here, and that means bugs. Are you troubled by ants, but don't want to endanger your cat with toxic commercial sprays and poisons? Here are some cat-safe alternatives ... Read More

Most Popular Polls About Cats

Thursday May 8, 2008
We care about your views on matters relating to cats, and we give you the opportunity to express those views through several different media. Polls are an excellent way to ... Read More

Cat Songs Quiz

Wednesday May 7, 2008
I love music, and I enjoy many genres of music, but I honestly hadn't thought about how many times cats come into play with song lyrics, titles or even musician's ... Read More

Cat Picture of the Week: Chucky

Wednesday May 7, 2008
This is Chucky; he is being fostered until his foot heals. We're not sure just how it got smashed but everything in the foot and all the toes are broken. ... Read More

Kitten Food for Kittens

Wednesday May 7, 2008
Kittens are not just miniature cats, and need kitten food for at least the first 10 months, to meet their special needs for growth and development. Kittens' growth and development ... Read More

Cats Top Pet Peeves

Tuesday May 6, 2008
Things That Upset Your CatHave you noticed your cat acting particularly grumpy lately? Does kitty's body language show he is peeved about something? Take a look around; you may find ... Read More

Cat Breed of the Week: Havana Brown

Tuesday May 6, 2008
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. ... Read More

Cat Rescue Picture Gallery

Tuesday May 6, 2008
Cat rescue not only involves organized groups, but also those generous individuals who rescue abandoned, injured, or abused cats and personally adopt them into their own homes. These pictures depict ... Read More

Cats Photo Quiz

Monday May 5, 2008
Do you think you can tell the sex of a cat at first glance? It may not be as easy as you think. Even gender-based color patterns are not always ... Read More

Cats' Special Spots Picture Gallery

Monday May 5, 2008
Pictures of those Irresistible Love Spots on Your CatOnce again our forum members have come up with an idea so great I just had to use it for an album. ... Read More

Top Reasons NOT to Declaw a Cat

Monday May 5, 2008
If you are thinking of declawing a cat, or a veterinarian suggests declawing at the same time as neutering, before you make a decision for non-reversible surgery, please consider these ... Read More

Misty, Secret Agent Cat

Sunday May 4, 2008
Somewhere in the southwestern deserts of the United States, a cat with the code name, Misty provides vital defense assistance to the government. A guest feature article, by BalletCatter, Misty's ... Read More

Ten Reasons why Two Kittens Are Better Than One

Sunday May 4, 2008
The decision to adopt a kitten is an exciting event, but not to be entered into lightly. Kittens require an enormous amount of care, which, of course, is compensated by ... Read More

Ways to Drive Your Human Crazy

Sunday May 4, 2008
Jaspurr, Joey, and Billy, GuideCats for the Cats site at About.com, offer suggestions for their favorite ways to drive their humans crazy. I'm sure you will recognize at least one ... Read More

Final Tribute: The Man Behind the Cats

Saturday May 3, 2008
1937-2008Asa was my guide, who led me to my love of cats, and was the prime factor behind my taking on this labor of love over 11 years ago. As ... Read More

FAQ: Where should I put the litter box?

Friday May 2, 2008
The decision of where to place the litter box (or in most cases, boxes) is an important one, both for the cat and the humans. Learn some excellent tips for ... Read More

Free Kitten Care Class

Friday May 2, 2008
So you have decided to add a new feline member to the family. Or perhaps you just adopted that adorable kitten and are now wondering, "what next?" If so, this ... Read More

Hello from a Fellow Guide

Thursday May 1, 2008
Hello cat lovers! My name is Janet Tobiassen DVM, and I am the Guide to Veterinary Medicine. I am stopping by to say "hi" and introduce myself, as I will ... Read More

Video: Baby Loves her Vacuuming

Thursday May 1, 2008
Watch Other Users' Videos Submit Your Own Video Our Rainbow Bridge cat, Bubba, used to love being vacuumed. His salon of choice was the top of our dryer in the utility room, ... Read More

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