All Articles after 10/15/03 -- now contained in my Cats Blog (Main Page Web log)
10-15-03 Store Those Wand Toys Safely
Probably THE most popular toy for interactive play with cats is Da Bird. Yet even this toy has hidden potential for harm if left lying around. Here's a quick tip (first of a new series) for storing Da Bird and other wand or fishing pole type of toys safely.
10-15-03: Top Things a Cat Needs for Survival
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 don't forget toys. These are my top choices for the things a well-kept cat needs for survival.
10-14-03 Organization Profile: California Siamese Rescue
The aim of these selfless individuals is to locate, rescue, and foster unwanted, abandoned, and/or abused Siamese cats until carefully selected permanent homes can be found for them.
10-14-03: Book Review: Princess Fiona - my Purrsonal Story
The purchase of this small book will not only gladden your heart or the heart of someone you care for, but will help the mission of CASR (California Siamese Rescue) in saving lives of forgotten felines.
10-12-03: National Feral Cat Day
National Feral Cat Day, on October 16, was founded by Alley Cat Allies. Stacy Mantle, author and animal advocate, has written a thought-provoking guest article for About Cats on what goes on behind the scenes in a feral spay-neuter clinic.
10-10-03: Roy Horn and the White Tiger
Ever since Roy Horn was injured by the seven-year-old white tiger, Montecore, people have wondered what really happened. Did this big cat, who had appeared in Siegfried and Roy acts thousands of times, suddenly revert to the wild? Or was there more to the story? Learn a bit more about trained big cats as your About Cats Guide scoops out the facts.
10-7-03: Top Gifts for Fussy Felines
As the holidays approach, are you wondering what kinds of gifts you might get for your spoiled cat - the cat who has everything? Wondering what kind of gifts to get your favorite cat for a birthday, or adoption anniversary day? Look no more - here are my top picks for the spoiled cat who has everything. You'll find a potpourri of choices to suit every gift-giving occasion for fussy cats.
10-7-03: Top Picks: Gifts for Cat Lovers
Cat lovers are the easiest people in the world to thrill with a gift, because anything cat-related will be welcome. These are my latest top picks for gifts for a cat lover for the holidays, for any other special occasion, or even "just because."
10-7-03: The Remarkable Purr of a Cat
One of the top items of curiosity about cats is 'why do they purr?' Although there is no definitive answer why cats purr, it is a remarkable ability shared by no other animal, except certain big cats and the raccoon.
10-2-03: Focus on Cat Food
Index of all articles on cat food and nutrition, reviews of cat foods, and Top Picks of premium cat food brands on About Cats.
10-1-03: Human Food for Cats?
Although some cats will beg for scraps of human foods at the table, it is best to limit their food to commercial cat foods or specially prepared cat foods with cats' nutritional needs in mind. Some human foods should NEVER be fed to cats because of the potential of toxicity.
9-26-03: FLUTD: Feline Urinary Tract Disorder
To those of us who have been blessed with healthy cats, it is a devastating blow when urinary tract disorders rear their ugly heads. Unfortunately, these conditions are common and they can sneak up quickly with tragic results if you are not consciously watching for the early symptoms.
9-25-03: Safe Weight Control for Your Cat
Subtle changes in your cat's weight can be indicative of serious underlying conditions, and for that reason, ideally, your cat should be weighed monthly after reaching the age of ten years. If your cat is already overweight, a slow loss is indicated through a food management program. There are inherant dangers in too sudden a weight loss, namely fatty liver disease
9-24-03: Hepatic Lipidosis
Fatty Liver Disease in cats can come on very suddenly, and when diagnosed in time, can be cured by dietary means, but left untreated can be fatal.
9-21-03: New Email Class: Kitten Care
Brand new email class on caring for that new baby fuzzball in your life.This class is self-paced, e.g., you will receive Lesson 1 immediately after enrolling. Then each week, on the same day, you will receive a new lesson, for a total of eight. There is no final exam, and you won't be graded, but the rewards of watching your kitten grown into a stunning, healthy cat are priceless.
9-21-03: Countering Counter-Surfing Cats
One of the more common discussions in the Cats Forum as well as my email box is "how do I keep my cats off the kitchen counter?" Indeed, some of the forum members are of the conviction that it's okay to let their cats counter-surf. If you feel otherwise, as I do, here's help in staying one jump ahead of kitty.
9-19-03: Top Picks - Toys for Cats
Completely revised top picks with a number of new additions, some deletions, and a partial re-order of those remaining. The number one toy remains the same - this one is a keeper!
9-19-03: Does Your Cat Bite and Scratch?
While this aggressive kind of behavior is painful and frustrating to deal with, try to remember that cats never do anything without a reason. They are actually very predictable creatures, and biting and scratching are cause and effect behaviors just as most undesirable behaviors.
9-18-03: Destructive Chewing
Destructive chewing by cats is undesirable, first, because of the potential of danger to the cat, and second, because of damage to family valuables. Causes of destructive chewing by cats can range from teething in kittens to curiosity, to boredom, and even (surprise!) because of a nutrient deficiency.
9-17-03: Top Picks - Catnip Products
Many cats are crazy for catnip, and a dab of catnip will irresistibly lure cats to any toy, scratching post, or kitty tower. Fresh catnip is also a favorite treat for cats. Here are some of my favorite picks for catnip, catnip treats, catnip toys and accessories, and catnip to grow.
9-16-03: Top Picks - Premium Canned Kitten Food
Kittens need a premium canned food for the source of all the necessary nutrients needed to promote the development of strong bones and muscles, promote healthy teeth and gums, and to provide a source of protein and fat needed for the intense period of growth which occurs during the all-important first year.
9-15-03: Kitten Food for Kittens
Kittens are not just miniature cats. Kittens' growth and development need extra protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to get the right start in life. The extra protein is needed for growth and development of strong muscles and supporting tissue; fat is essential for fatty acids, as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins, and for the additional calories for energy.
9-10-03: Top Picks - Premium Dry Kitten Food
Kittens have special nutritional needs to promote growth and development. These foods were ranked first, for protein source, and second, for nutritional analysis, giving weight to protein and fat, although other factors applied.
9-9-03: Do You Know Why Your Cat Purrs?
According to the Cats Protection of the U.K., most people do not have a good insight into their cats' behavior. In fact, they think most people don't have a clue as to what their cats are saying to them.
9-8-03: Billy's Baby Book Update
Billy is making up for his poor development in his early months. He weighed in at only 2.8 lbs. on his first vet visit, at one week shy of five months old. Three weeks later, he tipped the scale at 4.6 lbs., a substantial gain. He still is growing, although at almost six months, we have not weighed him recently. Here are two new pages of photos of Billy and his forever family.
9-5-03: Introducing Your New Kitten to the Family
Keep in mind that your home is a strange new place to your kitten, and depending on her background, she will need time to adjust and explore. She may have come from a foster care situation where care was taken to bond her to humans. Or she may not have been so lucky...
9-4-03: Kitten Care - First Vet Visit
When bringing home a newly adopted kitten, it is imperative that you get her checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible, not only for her own health, but to ensure she doesn't bring with her any serious communicable diseases, such as FeLV or FIV.
9-3-03: Cats Photo Quiz
How well do you know your cats? Here's your chance to enjoy some photos of gorgeous cats, while testing your cat knowledge.
8-31-03: The Outdoor Cat
Cat lovers who want their cats to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the ambience of trees, bushes, and plants, often feel guilt by confining their cats to the indoors. Here are safe compromises to offer your indoor cat the best of both worlds, without the hazards of free roaming outdoors.
8-13-03: New Email Class: Introduction to Cat Care
If you've just adopted your first cat ever, you'll have lots of questions about his or her care and management. This email class, offered in eight daily lessons, will give you a strong foundation of knowledge in the care of cats. The class is ongoing, and you can sign up at any time. Don't settle for just a "pet," make your cat a lifetime companion.
8-12-03: Canned Cat Food
Cats who eat a diet of only dry food are losing out on the extra nutrition they can get with canned cat food. Many commercial dry foods are packed with carbohydrate fillers. Why then, should a pampered household cat eat a diet that is loaded with the one food nutrient he really doesn't need?
8-11-03: Top Beds for Cats
In response to the question "where does your cat sleep?" your response might be "anywhere he wants." Many of us share our beds with our cats, but cats also need their own private beds for snoozing, or just for being alone for awhile. These selections fit a variety of needs, for napping, window gazing, or therapeutic relief.
8-10-03: Outdoor Enclosures for Cats
Cat lovers who want their cats to enjoy fresh air, greenery, and sunshine, while keeping them safe from traffic, dogs, predators, and those who would harm them, should consider building an outdoor enclosure, either from a kit, from plans, or from your own creativity.
8-10-03: Who Put the 'Nip' in Catnip?
Did catnip get its name because cats are so nuts over it, or did they fall for the oldest marketing ploy in the world? Here are some enjoyable ways you can use catnip to rev up your cat's energy level and enjoy some inter-species bonding.
8-9-03: Top Picks: Interactive Toys
Playing with your cat is essential for bonding, weight control, and for helping your cat develop muscle tone, agility, and stamina. Some of these toys were designed for cats' individual play, but can be converted for interactive use.
8-8-03: What's In Your Cat's Water?
Is your water fit for a cat's consumption? You may be surprised to learn what potential contaminents may exist in your community's water supply. Learn how some prudent investigation will help protect your cat's health.
8-7-03: Product Review: Paws of Endearment
Paws of Endearment is a wonderful way of preserving your pet's most memorable traits in an attractive three-dimensional plaque, and also makes a welcome gift for other pet owners
8-7-03: Product Review: FlutterBalls
Interactive play with our cats is one of the best ways for developing the human-feline bonding that is so important to our relationships, as well as providing the exercise cats (and humans) need for developing strong and supple muscles, joints, and bones. FlutterBalls provide all of the above, and are rousing fun for the lucky furballs who have them in their toybox.
8-6-03: Glossary of Feline Terms
In order to help all of us to better understand words, acronyms, and phrases seen and heard regularly in the ailurophile (I'll let you look this up) world, I've completely revised my glossary of feline terms. It offers short, dictionary-style definitions of each term, a pronunciation guide, with a sound file so you can hear the word pronounced, and in many cases, links to articles and other resources relevant to the term.
8-2-03: Product Review: Blue Cat Food
Although Blue Cat Food is new to the market, its excellent "human grade" ingredients and the added concept of "LifeSource Bits" give it a head start toward being a contender among premium quality cat foods.
8-2-03: Billy's Baby Book
New cats and kittens come along when we least expect them, and Billy was no exception. This adorable kitten has captured our hearts, and it's my pleasure to share his new baby photo album with pictures from his birth day forward.
7-25-03: Confessions of a Kitty-Whipped Slave
The other day I was telling some Cats Forum members about Bubba's increasing bossiness in his old age. Bubba has all three of his human slaves pretty well trained. During the ensuing discussion, Pat (raleigh54) remarked, "You're sooo kitty-whipped." The truth can be told, for the first time.
7-20-03: Shelter Sheets Index
The full library of the HTML version of Shelter Sheets, designed so that adopted cats will stay adopted.
7-1-03: CWA to Hear Heloise
Cat Writers Association Press Release - members of the CWA, along with other ailurophiles, will hear Heloise speak at the CWA annual conference, to be held in Houston, TX in November, 2003.
6-24-03: The Clumping Clay Controversy
Many readers are aware that clumping clay litters have come into disfavor in recent years. While, to my knowledge, there have never been any scientific studies proving the hazard to cats of clumping clay litters, there has been a flood of anecdotal testimony that clumping clay litters may be hazardous.
6-23-03: Review: Cat Attract Litter
Sometimes for one reason or another, cats begin to avoid the use of their litter box, or a previously outdoor cat needs to be trained to the use of a litter box. Cat Attract was developed by a feline-only veterinarian as a "training litter." This litter contains a natural herb "attractant" that piques a cat's curiosity in the litter.
6-22-03: Saving You a Long Road for a Cure
Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) can be baffling and frustrating, but sometimes are very curable, especially if the cause is a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. This guest article by Tina Camporeale may help others who have been stymied by "incurable" URIs in recently adopted kittens.
6-19-03: Adopt a Shelter Cat
This article examines the ongoing debate of "kill" versus "no-kill" shelters, and offers readers the opportunity to vote their opinions and discuss their viewpoints.
6-19-03: Product Review: Drinkwell Pet Fountain
It is important to keep a source of clean, fresh water available at all times for thirsty cats. The development of automatic pet fountains has made that easier for busy companions of cats. Your Guide reviews the original automatic pet fountains.
6-17-03: Readers' Choice: June '03
Although the mix is somewhat the same since the Top 10 Readers' Choice was published in May, there has been a change in popularity and some new pages have been added. Here are the 10 most frequently-visited pages on the About Cats site in June 2003. How many of them have you read?
6-16-03: The Bombay Cat
By Michelle T. Bernard, a freelance writer who breeds and
shows American Shorthairs. She returns as a guest author with a profile of the exotic "parlor panther" known as the Bombay.
6-6-03: The American Shorthair
Michelle T. Bernard, author of the new book, "Raising Cats Naturally," has generously shared with us an article about one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. - the American Shorthair. Michelle is an expert on this breed, and has been breeding and (raising naturally) ASH cats for years. If you like this "All-American Cat" breed, you'll love this article.
6-5-03: Top 10 Ways to Decrease Your Allergies to Cats!
One of the recurring questions by email or on the Cats Forum has to do with coping with allergies to cats. You may have been allergic to cats for years, and had to avoid contact as a result, or you may have suddenly developed sneezing, wheezing, or itching eyes when near your favorite tabby. Guest Writer Mercia Tepping has come up with a list of 10 things you can do to keep your health and your kitty too.
6-3-03: Meow TV Premiers to Mixed Reviews
Your Guide with the assistance of the GuideCats, offer hisses and purrs for the premier showing of Meow TV, the highly publicized show just for cats. Actually, the hisses and purrs are from your Guide, the cats just slept through the gala performance.
5-30-03: So Your Cat is Pregnant
Where do you go from here? Your first major decision is whether or not to allow the condition to continue. If the answer is "yes," here's help in knowing what to expect in the next two months (or 63 days, as it were).
5-29-03: Florida Cats Threatened
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Director suffered "hoof and mouth" disease when he joked about shooting cats on a still-open phone line after leaving a message for Alley Cat Allies.He referred to that respected organization as a "bunch of crazies," and called their written commentary "shit."
Alley Cat Allies representatives are asking that the vote intended for May 30th be postponed until an unbiased scientific study can be done
5-25-03: Meow TV to Air on Oxygen
Press Release for Meow TV, sponsored by MeowMix and produced on the Oxygen network. Meow TV is said to be the first show produced for cats, and is highly anticipated by cat lovers too.
5-25-03: Top 10 Articles and Features
An important part of writing for any audience is giving them what they want to read. For that reason, statistics are a vital part of any writer's toolbox. I thought it would be fun to share the ten most-read articles and features on the About Cats site. Although this list is from one point in time, it is pretty representative of the mix from week-to-week.
5-24-03: SARS Virus Found in Palm Civets in China
Researchers in the southern part of China have detected coronaviruses closely related to the SARS virus in three wild animal species, including the civet "cat," which are sold in markets there for food consumption.
5-21-03: Guide Cats Taste Test
To supplement the list and reviews, I decided to try an experimental taste test, using four of the Top 10 products I happened to have on hand. The results were interesting, and I offer them with a few caveats.
5-15-03: Top Picks: Premium Dry Foods
Since a number of premium dry cat foods have been introduced recently, these picks have been significantly changed. A few have dropped off the list entirely, and several have been added, necessitating a "shake-up" of the order.
5-12-03: How To Index
All How To articles on this site have been upgraded and republished, many with illustrative photos. Learn how to trim claws, clean your cat's teeth, remove a tick, or walk your cat on a leash, for starters. You'll find plenty more to choose from.
5-9-03: Sea Otters and Cat Feces
Veterinary researchers and marine biologists are zeroing in on a parasite found in cat poop as one of the possible causes for an increase in the sickness and death of sea otters on the California Coast. If this proves to be true, what can cat lovers do to help mitigate the problem>
5-6-03: Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul
Product review of the new premium dry cat food with the colorful name, that's taking the U.S. by storm.
5-1-03: Product Review: Scccat!
A versatile training solution for counter-surfing, scratching, and undesirable spraying behavior, as well as other problem behaviors in cats.
5-1-03: Petrotech Odor Eliminator: Product Review
An all natural product, made with organic ingredients, in two versions, direct spray and spray mist.
4-22-03: California AB395 (Time Sensitive)
California bill AB395 is in the hands of the B&P (Business and Professional Code) Committee now, and a hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2003.Please check this list, and if you live in the district of any of these members, pick up the phone and call their office today.
4-21-03: How to Bottle-Feed a Newborn Kitten
Nutrition in the first several days is critical to the survival of a newborn kitten. Follow these step-by-step instructions for bottle-feeding a newborn kitten, including precautions to take, helpful tips, and the follow-through "cleanup job," including stimulation of the bowels and urinary tract, and you will be a competent surrogate cat mother in no time.
4-21-03: The Mating Game: Mating and Conception in Cats
While it is assumed that most people have good intentions about spay/neuter, sometimes females mature earlier than anticipated, and the unwary caregiver will find herself with a female in heat. Here are answers to some questions you may have on what happens during oestrus, or if she indeed finds a mate
4-16-03: How to Tell if Your Female Cat is in Heat
Female cats that are not spayed will eventually come into heat (technically called oestrus), and the signs are unambiguous, once you know what to look for. Here are some behavioral symptoms to watch for if you suspect your diva is in heat.
4-10-03: Anti-Declaw Advocates Score Major Win
The City of West Hollywood, CA has set a precedent for other municipalities by being the first city in North America to ban the declawing of cats. Where do we go from here?
4-8-03: The Feline-Human Bond of Love
Love is the binding ingredient between cats and humans, from the ancient days, when Egyptians considered cats as gods, to the present time, when many humans have only a cat as companion and soulmate, and others view their cats as their 'children'.
4-3-03: Writers' Group Seeks Contest Entries
The Cat Writers' Association welcomes entries from both members and non-members. Entry fee is required, and more information can be found on this press release.
4-2-03 Knowing When to Let Go
An article by guest writer Kari Winters. Help in knowing how to make that decision we all dread, and handling what follows. No one wants to say good-bye to a furry loved one, but there is great peace in knowing that when the time came, you were able to do the most loving thing.
3-14-03 Cats 101 - Getting a New Cat
Complete "tutorial" on all the things you need to know about getting a new cat, from the first germ of the idea to homecoming.
3-8-03 Pardon the "Expression"
Anal glands are not a subject that normally arises in polite conversation among cat lovers, but their function and occasional dysfunction are things you need to know about for your cat's ongoing health.
3-5-03 Kids and Cats
A new photo album of some of our potential future veterinarians and animal advocates, learning to love and respect their cats.
3-3-03 The FIV Vaccine - Friend or Foe?
Is this vaccination indicated for your cat, or would he be better off without it? The decision is not as easy as you may think.
2-27-03 Cats Being Cats
The first article written for "The Mining Company," revised for the sixth anniversary of its writing.
2-27-03 Teach a Kid Respect for Cats and Other Animals
A child who learns to respect the animals around him will make a difference in the future of the world. Here are some ways to foster that respect and love.
2-20-03 Happy Birthday Jaspurr and Joey!
Jaspurr and Joey, GuideKittens for this site, turned one year old this week. Help celebrate their birthday with their new 4-page photo spread. See how they've grown!
2-19-03 Salute to Holly Golightly
Tribute to the dog who inspired the writing of "How Could You?", the most widely published amimal-related essay in the world, by Jim Willis, author of "Pieces of my Heart - Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature."
2-11-03 Cats Blog
A day-to-day compilation of new material on the About Cats site, along with the latest news from the Net that impacts cats and people who love cats.
2-10-03 February is Spay & Neuter Month
February has been chosen as Spay and Neuter Month by countless humane societies and animal advocacy groups. There are many ways you can contribute to this effort, starting with spaying and neutering your own cats.
2-5-03 Cats Purrsonality Quiz #3
Have you often daydreamed about "coming back as a cat?" Take this new Purrsonality Quiz to find out what kind of cat you might be. It's furry unscientific, but furry fun!
2-1-03 How to Examine Your Cat's Teeth and Gums
A monthly at-home examination of your cat's teeth and gums is an essential part of a dental health plan, and will keep your cat on-target toward healthy teeth and gums.
2-1-03 Top Dental Care Products for Cats
Your Guide's Top Picks for the tools you'll need for starting a dental care program for your cat.
2-1-03 Dental Care Plan for Cats
Dental care for your cat is critical, not only for promoting good dental health, but the overall health of your cats, as well. Here are tips and tools you need to get your cat aimed toward better dental health.
2-1-03 Open Wide, Kitty
Extensively updated article on the importance of dental care for your cat.
2-1-03 February: Pets Dental Health Month
February is set aside as Pets Dental Health Month, as veterinarians and other experts promotion education for pet owners on the dental needs of cats and dogs.
1-30-03 Review: "Pet Care in the New Century"
A great basis for starting a reference library on cat management. Amy Shojai really knows her stuff!
1-28-03 Review: "Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets"
Your Cats Guide reviews this book by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD. He not only makes a good case for home-prepared food, but gives you recipes designed to help manage a number of diseases and conditions.
1-20-03 Marrying Into the Food Chain
Can a man survive marriage into the food chain, especially when the pack leader is his bride? Stacy Mantle, author of "Conquering the Food Chain: Living Among Animals (Without Becoming One)" thinks so, and tells their story in this guest article.
1-10-03 The Vivisection Quandry
Animal experimentation is such a controversial topic that many cat owners would prefer not to even think about it. But it isn't going away anytime soon. Perhaps we all need to think about it more seriously.
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