About Cats

Cutest Cat Contest Entry Deadline is Today

2009-07-05T13:21:53Z

Entries for the contest are coming in at a steady pace, but I don't want anyone to be disappointed by having waited too long. The deadline is tonight at midnight ET. To save last minute back-and-forth emails, here are a couple of reminders:

Kitten photos are not eligible for this contest. Entry photos must be of cats at least 12 months old. If your cat is an adult, but looks much younger, it would help if you would mention his/her age in your entry.
ONE cat per photo, please. The contest is for "cutest cat," not "cutest cats."
Include your full name and desired copyright attribution. I've found through experience that email addresses are not always indicators of your name.

I'll be spending the remainder of this week uploading photos to the Cutest Cat Contest Picture Gallery. As soon as it is finalized, our panel of judges will complete their selections of the 12 semi-finalists. At that time, the semi-finalists, their friends, families, and fans, will be given the opportunity to "schmooze" the voters by posting "vote for my cat because..." in a form attached to the gallery of semi-finalists.

In the meantime, get your photos in to me today, then relax and enjoy the cutest cat gallery.
_{Photo Credit: © Erin L. Murphy}

Happy Birthday U.S.A.!

2009-07-04T16:35:38Z

While we are listening to patriotic music, stuffing ourselves with barbecue and all the fixings, I hope that we will all remember that with our independence won at great cost 233 years ago, came new responsibilities. Responsibilities toward those we care for, and those we don't care so much for.

Since I write about cats, I am concerned here with our responsibilities toward our cats. When we first domesticated cats those thousands of years ago, we formed a symbiotic relationship with cats, which, though it has evolved over the years, still defines our roles. In the very early years, cats killed rodents and snakes that infested grainaries, and were rewarded with the comforts of a hearth and home. For the most part, today, we give our cats a comfortable home, nutritious food, a place to sleep, and toys to occupy them, and they reward us with entertainment, and completely unconditional love.

This is as it should be. However, when we turn the tables and shirk our responsibilities, the system falls apart. I'm talking about things like throwing an unspayed female cat out to fend for herself because "she got herself pregnant," or leaving an elderly cat behind, locked in an empty home because of foreclosure or eviction. When we take actions like that, we are failing our cats, failing society, and failing ourselves.

Please take a few minutes today to reflect on Responsible Cat Ownership and ask yourself if you are a responsible cat parent. If you can assure yourself that you are, consider helping someone else become more responsible. Then kick back with your friends, family, and cats, and have a relaxing 4th of July.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

Profile: Mimi Ausland, Founder of freekibble.com

2009-07-03T10:01:47Z

Mimi Ausland is very much like another other ordinary 13 year old girl. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to movies with them, swimming and biking. But underneath that cute facade lies a teenager who is anything but ordinary. Mimi has also been featured in newspaper articles, on radio and television, and even has been a guest on Oprah Winfrey's and Ellen DeGeneres's shows.

What makes this young girl so special? Well, for starters, Mimi could hardly wait until she turned nine, because that was the minimum age to volunteer at the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) in Bend, Oregon. She didn't stop there, though. Mimi raised the bar by donating kibble to the shelter, then raised it even further, when she founded freekibble.com, and freekibblekat.com in April of 2008. With the addition of corporate sponsors, Castor & Pollux, an Oregon family-run pet food manufacturer, followed by Canidae, and Dogtime Media, at the present time over 1,200,000 meals have been served to hungry dogs and cats in 12 animal shelters across the U.S.

I was honored to be granted an interview with Mimi Ausland, and found that she is a seasoned veteran to interviews. But underneath it all, Mimi Ausland is still a sweet, "normal" kid, untouched by her sudden rise to fame. Learn more about Mimi's background, as well as her hopes and dreams for the future. Mimi has had a love affair with animals all her life. Today the world of animal lovers has a love affair with Mimi Ausland.

What's in a (Cat) Name?

2009-07-02T15:47:31Z

It's been huge fun looking at the unusual names while sorting through entries for the Cutest Cat Contest, and some stand out as so popular, I've had to number the entries with duplicate names. Thus far we have 3 Chesters , 2 Sashas , 2 Callys, 2 Callies, and a Cali. We have a Bird, and a Mew-Mew, an amusing combination.

I've personally had two female cats with male names. We had Figaro (who became Figaroa after giving birth to a litter of 5 kittens), and Arthur, whom I smuggled into the house under the guise of being a male. My Angel cat Shannon was the only cat to my knowledge who actually had a street sign named after him (he was also named after Shannon park, where my daughter found him.)

Read the featured article to see how other people name their cats, then tell us how you arrived at your own cat's name. Your comments are welcome.

The Effects of a Fallen Economy on Cats

2009-07-02T13:25:52Z

I've received two pieces of news recently related to our current recession/depression and cats. The first was from a young woman who had lost her job and was forced to move in with people who don't want cats in their home for one reason or another. As a result, the cats were PTS, a very sad example of economic euthanasia.

The second was a press release concerning the New York City Housing Authority Pet Policy, which went into effect May 1, 2009. It's ironic that the NYCHA goes almost directly against the Mayor�s Alliance for NYC�s Animals goals.

Then, there's Governor Schwarzenegger's recommendation to shorten the "kill reprieve" period for cats and dogs in California animal shelters, which is more directly related to the current economic climate. However, the net results are the same:

More cats and dogs will be killed in shelters.
More cat and dog lovers will suddenly find themselves having lost their beloved pets.

How about you? Have you been directly or indirectly affected by our current economy? Vote in the poll, then post your comments below. I'm also interested in seeing your advice for others who may be faced with having to give up their cats.

Cat Breed of the Week: Russian Blue

2009-06-30T03:05:06Z

The physical beauty of the Russian Blue is complemented by its loving, quiet disposition. Although shy in nature, Russian Blues are affectionate intelligent, and playful with their human companions. They get along with children and other pets, making them a fine addition to a family. If you are a single household, the Russian Blue will fit equally well, as he can entertain himself while you are gone and welcome you with his smiley face when you return.

This smiley-faced Russian Blue Beauty is Sass Bucket, now retired from breeding. You may submit your own Russian Blue cat's photos by using the Photo Submittal Guidelines.
_{Photo Credit: © Aunt Elliecat}

Q: What Has 959 Legs & is Covered in Fur?

2009-06-29T22:12:03Z

A: The About.com Cutest Cat Contest Picture Gallery, that's what. At the time of this posting, there are 240 cats entered, with three dozen more remaining to be added to the gallery. Why the odd number of legs? One of the contestants has only three legs, but I guarantee, you'll never be able to spot which one it is. Pictured here is Kelpie one of the latest entries, who is joining all the way from So. Africa.
_{Photo Credit: © Patricia Smyth}

There is still time to enter, but don't delay. The absolute deadline for entries is Sunday, July 5, 2009, at midnight PT. Please read the rules carefully, along with the instructions for sending, then send me all the information requested in the entry form. To help ensure acceptance of your photos, also read the article on common entry form mistakes.

Contest Rules & Entry Form
Common Entry Form Mistakes

4th of July Survival Kit for Cats

2009-06-29T13:33:22Z

The 4th of July, Independence Day in the U.S., is the most traumatic day of the year for cats. If you live in the U.S., unless you pack a tent, hiking boots, and your cat, and take off for the high country, it is unlikely you'll spend a fireworks-free 4th of July. As with many of our traditional holidays, people tend to forget the meaning of "Independence Day," but concentrate their celebration on "bombs bursting mid-air" and barbecues.

Although many municipalities don't even allow the "safe and sane" fireworks anymore, people still seem to find the not-so-safe kind. In my neck of the woods, some fools take the "bombs" literally, as they explode one M-80 after another. These can be devastating to human sanity, to say nothing of the poor cats' nerves. My veterinarian tells me that the 5th of July is the busiest day of the year for shelters - no doubt because of the number of pets running away in fear. Please take these tips into consideration as the holiday approaches.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

Must Reads:

Top Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors
Natural Remedies for Stress in Cats
Minimizing Stress and Anxiety in Your Cat

10 Reasons why Two Kittens Are Better Than One

2009-06-28T13:51:06Z

With the passing of my 19 YO Shannon, I found myself for the first time in several decades missing a "sunshine boy" in my life. I pleaded with my husband to let me adopt another red cat, but he was adamant, saying "I couldn't so that to Bubba." I finally convinced him by reasoning that two kittens would keep each other company and stay out of Bubba's hair. Six months later, we welcomed Jaspurr and Joey into our family, and it worked out even better than I had thought.

That was only one of the 10 reasons why two kittens are better. If you're one of those diehards who need more proof, see the Two Kittens Picture Gallery. You may submit your own "two kittens" photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information. Please use "Two Kittens" as the subject of your email.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

How can I support a friend whose cat is dying?

2009-06-28T13:12:08Z

Unless one has personally experienced having a terminally ill cat, it is very difficult to know what to say or do to support a friend in that position. The new "cat dad" who emailed me this question found himself in that dilemma with two separate friends, a woman whose cat is terminally ill, and a male friend whose cat had recently died.

I have been blessed, both with friends online and "in real life" when my Shannon, shown here, was terminally ill, and later with Bubba. Several kindnesses stick out in my memory in Shannon's case. The night Shannon was PTS, my next-door neighbor, Sandi, drove me to the vet clinic, then gave me a generous shoulder to cry on. My online friend, C.H.U., composed a memorial symphony for Shannon. Later, my husband donated to the U.C. Veterinary Medical School in Shannon's honor.

While "Let me know if there is anything I can do?" is kindly meant and received, more specific offers (and actions) are much more meaningful. Read my suggestions for giving meaningful support to a friend in need.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

More About the Loss of a Cat

Knowing When To Let Go
Dealing With Loss
Helping Children Deal with the Loss of a Pet(Vet Med Guide)