Cat-Friendly New Year Resolutions for 2012

When we take on the care of a cat, we assume responsibility for his well-being, health, and happiness for the rest of his life. Part of that responsibility includes respect. Cats are not dogs; they are not miniature furred people, and no two cats are ever alike. We need to respect those differences and honor cats for being their own unique selves.

Consider Jaspurr and Jenny. Jaspurr is an extremely dominant alpha cat, while Jenny is a rescued stray, now an indoors-only cat, and a calico, with all the sassy traits of that color pattern. Jaspurr considers Jenny a threat to his personal domain. Jenny, on the other hand is street-smart. Having been terrorized by male cats outside, she is understandably scared of Jaspurr and will hiss whenever he comes near. Only by understanding them have I been able to help them attain a guarded relationship.

Bubba, pictured here, took many trips to the vet during his life, especially during the last two years. They were either routine followup appointments for his hyperthyroidism, or wild emergency trips, but each of them was necessary.

My own criteria for When to Call the Vet is a sound one, and I'll continue to follow it.

We'll be more careful about cleaning them too, and replacing worn motors and filters, when necessary.

Cats are habitual creatures and love to have a playtime set aside every day at the same time. I'll rearrange my busy schedule to make sure that I'm included in that play. Play time is bonding time, just as much as lap and cuddle time, and the cats look forward to it. I've found that if I don't schedule playtime with Jenny, she makes her own time, chasing invisible prey across the bed just after I've dozed off at midnight.

It's probably a good time to invest in another Da Bird, too. They particularly like the lifelike flight of that toy, and it's a good way for me to be involved in their play, and help Jenny burn off some of that youthful energy.

I'll get plenty more practice with my little adopted girl, Jenny, who has become more needy since our recent move to a new home.