Living in a cat's world

Any crazy cat lady will tell you that their feline friends have complete run of the house. Sure, I may pay the mortgage and buy the food, but when it comes to personal space, it all belongs to my kitties. They sleep where they please. They play with anything they desire. They even want my attention only when it suits them.

Over the years, I learned to let the cats dominate the house. After all, I am merely a human who is living in their territory.

This morning when I woke up, I noticed a painful crick in my neck. I felt fine before going to sleep, so what happened? That's when I realized I was sleeping in a strange, contorted position. Surely I didn't choose this on my own. I glanced around to find a cat above my head, one on my side and another between my legs. During the course of the night, they must have moved me to suit their sleeping styles.

After a quick bite to eat, I decided to check my e-mail before heading off to work. I found my youngest kitty peacefully resting on my laptop keyboard. I would never let another person sit on my computer, but I find this behavior from my cat to be cute. They must really enjoy the warmth the keys emit.

It doesn't matter the day of the week, my cats are sure to do whatever they please. If I go in the bathroom, I usually have to remove one from the tub or sink before turning on the faucet. They try to trip me when I walk in the front door after work. Before I sit down on the couch, I must check to make sure I'm not about ready to smother a kitty. A person would move out of the way if they saw a giant backside coming down on them. My cats? They just stay put, daring me with their claws to try and sit on them.

Even the dining room table has become their territory. Of course, I don't truly allow them to wander across my dining surface, but they like to test my temper by strolling on the table whenever I turn my head. If I chase them off, they just wait until I'm not looking to jump back up.

If these were human children, I would scold them and teach them not to do these things. Cats, however, tend to be quite stubborn. They have claws and fangs, something babies do not have - at least I hope not.

What do my cats provide me? They give me all the unyielding love that a person could ever want. I don't have to worry about having a bad hair day or feeling under the weather - they will always put a smile on my face. So what if my kitty wants to sit in my favorite chair?

Kitty reunited after 16 years

All of my kitties are indoor pets. Whenever I open a door, I make sure to shoo them away. I'm always worried that one of them will run outside and get lost or injured. My heart would completely break if I ever lost one of my babies. I would search high and low for them, with the hopes of a safe and sound recovery.

For family in Munich, Germany, however, their search was not as fruitful. When their kitten Poldi ran away 16 years ago, they searched for him for several months without any luck. To the amazement of everyone, their beloved cat finally came back home last week.

Now a senior, Poldi was discovered in a forest approximately 20 miles from his previous home. The hiker who spotted the kitty, rescued Poldi and took him to a nearby animal welfare clinic. Poldi was not in good condition and was missing all of his front teeth. The vet reported that he obviously didn't feel well.

While microchipping was not a popular thing 16 years ago, the family did have Poldi tattooed on his ear. The vet spotted this marking and was able to contact his human owner, Monika Moser.

Of course, Moser was more than shocked to hear that her long lost kitty had been safely found. She gave up hope on locating him many years ago. Poldi spent many days at the vet's office, but we can happily report that he is back at his childhood home with a family who loves him dearly.

While this story has a happy ending, there were also many years of heartache while Poldi was missing. I urge all pet owners to get their animals registered in their towns. Have them microchipped so that they can be easily returned. Make them wear a collar at all times with a name tag. Indoor animals are less likely to get lost, but even the most protective owners are sometimes unable to prevent a runaway.

Why Doesn't Kitty Ever Kill the Bug?

Before I begin, I want to preface this by saying that I'm scared of bugs. Terrified. If one comes crawling my way, I will scream and cry, just like a little schoolgirl. My heart starts to pound, and I begin to feel that the end is near. If the bug doesn't kill me with a poisonous bite, it may kill me with a heart attack.

My kitty, on the other hand, LOVES bugs. To him, they are new found friends. He gets so excited whenever a moth comes flying in the front door. If he sees a spider on the floor, he will follow it all around the house. There is just one thing he won't do...kill it.

I always thought that cats were supposed to be great insect and rodent catchers. After all, farmers keep them in the barns to keep the rat population at bay. I guess my kitty is missing that gene. Although we've never had any rodents - *knock on wood* - come into our house, we do get our fair share of creepy crawlies.

In my mind, any normal cat should find a bug, catch it and kill it. Don't they find them to be tasty? Isn't the thrill of the hunt something cats enjoy? Not mine.

Here's an example of a recent event:

While sitting happily on my sofa, my kitty comes prancing into the room. He has his head held high and his tail straight up. He meows to me in a muffled tone. I call him over, only to realize that he's carrying something in his mouth. What is it? He pridefully comes to me and drops a HUGE roach at my feet. Trust me when I say huge...I do live in Texas, and EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas.

Instead of being able to praise kitty for bringing me a dead present, I realize that the roach is very much alive. It starts frantically running in my direction. I scream bloody murder at the top of my lungs and jump up on the couch. My life starts flashing before my eyes. My kitty looks very concerned at this point. Why don't I like the present?

Why not, you ask? Because it's still alive, that's why! Bad kitty! You are supposed to kill the presents before dropping them at my feet. You almost gave me a stroke! Of course, these words mean nothing to my cat. He walks away, looking for another bug to bring me.

I can't be mad at my cat, but I am upset that his killing instinct is not there. Do your cats eat their bug prey?

Our One Size Fits All Policy Does Not Work

After reading about the curfew in Japan that was affecting cat cafes, I started wondering why we don’t have something similar here in the United States – a cat café that is, not a curfew.  For people who are unable to have a pet of their own, a place where they could go to unwind and play with animals while enjoying a cup of tea or a cocktail might be just the thing to reduce the stresses of the day.

In our country, however, animals and food don’t mix.  I know some cities and states are enacting different laws that may allow pets in some food establishments, but this one size fits all policy of not letting animals near food just doesn’t work.  Obviously, restaurants and stores that cater to the general public should have a way to keep animals away, but a blanket policy prohibits things such as a cat café, and that’s a shame.

The intent of laws prohibiting animals from food establishments is to keep people safe, both from allergies and from animal-borne diseases.  But shouldn’t there be a little leeway for just such things as a cat or pet café?  As long as it is clearly marked that animals are within, businesses should be able to choose whether or not to allow animals.  We have the right to choose where we shop, and a business should be able to respond to its customers’ wants.

While I don’t have limitations on the pets I can have, and probably wouldn’t frequent a cat café, I think it should be an option for people who are unable to have their own pets, and I wish the laws in every state had loopholes to allow for things like this.

Introducing Another Kitty to Your Household

As a crazy cat lady, I've brought home a new kitty on several occasions. Cats can be protective of their homes, and it is sometimes stressful for the other cats to meet this new addition. They may hiss and growl. They may become more aggressive around their toys and food. If you are considering bringing home another cat or kitten, there are a few things you can do to make the introduction go more smoothly.

Don't let the cats see each other right away.

What does this mean? Whenever you bring home a new cat, isolate the animal by locking him up in a different room. If you allow the cats to mingle right away, you take the risk of one of the them getting hurt. You can avoid the claws and teeth by keeping them separated for a few days. Allow the cats to smell each other underneath the door, but do not let them into the same room.

Once they are familiar with each other's scent, place the new kitty in a pet carrier in the same room as your current cat. This will allow them to smell and see one another, while still protecting the new cat from an altercation. Hissing and loud meowing are normal at this point. You may need to repeat this process over a few days.

After the cats seem to be more comfortable in the same room, you may let them roam together. Sure, they may not be instant friends, but they are more likely to tolerate each other.

Give the new cat his own things.

Cats are very possessive of their belongings. Don't expect the new cat to share a food and water bowl with your current kitty. Provide the new feline his own toys, and make sure he has his own bedding. It's even wise to put out an extra litter box for your new friend. Make sure all of these items are new - the scent of a previous animal may keep the new cat from taking to the items.

Make sure your current kitty gets a lot of attention.

Don't forget about your current cat. He was there before the new one, and there is a good chance he is feeling very jealous about sharing his house. Praise your old kitty on a regular basis, and make sure that you give him more attention than before. If you find yourself spending too much time with the new addition, your current cat may grow to resent you. Monitor your cat's day to day actions. If he starts doing something strange, like urinating outside the litter box, he is probably feeling left out.

Most cats will learn how to tolerate another animal over time. With any luck, they will even become friends. Never rush cats into accepting one another. Have a little patience, and your cats will learn to live in harmony.

Cat Curfew in Tokyo

In Tokyo, new regulations are limiting the time cats and dogs can be on display, apparently in an effort to curb all-night pet shops that keep the animals under bright lights 24 hours a day.  While that makes sense, it is having some other effects that are stirring up anger in many residents.

Cat cafes, where cats owned by the café run around and play with customers, who are charged an hourly fee for the privilege, are going to see a steep drop in customers because of the new curfew.  For example, at one café, many customers don’t arrive until eight, which is the new curfew, and stay until closing time at ten.  Those late workers will no longer have the ability to spend time with cats, in a place where pet laws don’t allow many people to own their own.

First off, how cool is it that there’s a place you can go to hang with your favorite furry friends, and get drinks too?  Here in America, we still have to fight to get seeing eye dogs into places that serve food.  Would that we were so advanced, because life would be much better if our pets were more accepted.

Second, while I see the need to stop the 24-hour pet shops, I think it is really sad that the rule does now allow provisions for such a good cause.  People need contact with animals, so by taking that away, the government in Tokyo is taking away a major source of comfort for people who can’t own their own cats.

This is just another case where more regulation is not always better.

Sleepypod - Let Kitty Travel in Comfort

If your kitty is anything like mine, they hate to travel in a car. A 15 minute car ride to the vet results in an anxious cat that cries and meows for the entire trip. My cat will sometimes get sick in the carrier, leaving a mess that is not much fun to clean up.

I was on the hunt for a better option, and that's how I discovered the Sleepypod. Unlike a traditional pet carrier, this one provides comfort to an otherwise nervous kitty. My cat will never again ride in the car without it.

What makes the Sleepypod different from other pet carriers? The difference is really in the design. Unlike other crates and cages, the Sleepypod is made to hug the body of the pet. Your kitty easily curls up in a ball inside of the carrier - just like they would in a pet bed. Instead of having a hard plastic bottom, the Sleepypod is lined in plush. The liner is removable and machine washable. If your cat has an accident, it is easily cleaned in the washing machine.

In addition to being a pet carrier, the Sleepypod easily converts to a pet bed. The mesh top is attached by a zipper. When removed, the base of the Sleepypod can be used as a bed. By allowing your cat to sleep in the Sleepypod at home, it makes them easier to "catch" when you need to go on a trip.

What really sold me on the Sleepypod was its safety features. Unlike other pet carriers, the Sleepypod has undergone several crash tests to make sure it will protect your pet in the event of an accident. These are the same tests that baby car seats must face. The Sleepypod is easily secured with a seat belt. I always place mine in the backseat, just in case the air bag deploys.

Ever since I purchased my Sleepypod, my cat has been less anxious in the car. Instead of crying all the way, he now curls up and takes a nap. I couldn't have asked for a better product.

Newly-Adopted Cat Gives the Ultimate Gift of Gratitude

In my favorite feel-good story of the week, a cat who had just been adopted a few hours earlier is responsible for saving his owner’s life when she suffered a diabetic seizure.  The cat, Pudding, jumped on his new owner’s chest, reviving her momentarily.  She called out to her son for help, but when he didn’t hear, brilliant Pudding rushed to the boy’s room and woke him to call for help.

Pudding’s owner, Amy Jung, firmly believes she would not have survived without Pudding’s intervention.  Her doctors agree, and now Pudding is going to be registered as a therapy animal, alerting Jung when her blood sugar is getting low.

It’s stories like these that prove all those cat haters wrong.  Sure, cats are self-sufficient and like to show their independence, but they are also capable of deep affection and concern for their owners.  Anyone who has had a cat during rough times can attest to how good they are at comforting their owners.  Their heightened sensitivity makes them better able to predict both health and emotional problems.

Sure, dogs are in the spotlight when it comes to being the most empathetic and sensitive to their owners, but there is no reason to think cats aren’t capable of just as much empathy – they simply choose to hide it better.

So next time someone discounts your cat as selfish and uncaring, point out this story to them as a testament to just how caring a cat can be.  It just goes to show you how no kind act goes unrewarded.  I’ll bet the Jung family is even more happy that they adopted Pudding.

Cat Treats for Tempting Kitty

"Overall, all of these treats were a huge hit with my cats."

Just like people, my cats like to indulge in a little treat every now and then. They run into the room as soon as I open a container of treats. All of the cats follow me around when I have these irresistible bites in my hand. I almost feel like the Pied Piper.

The supermarket shelves are stocked to the limit with various junk food for cats. I often find myself staring at the selection, wondering which ones my cats will enjoy the most. I recently purchased several bags of these temping cat treats to see how they responded to each brand. Here are the results:

Whisker Lickins Tender Moments

These salmon-flavored fish, heart and flower shaped treats come as a soft, moist nugget. They are easy to squish with your fingers, which means your cat can quickly devour them - no chewing really needed. I like how the texture is completely different from their daily cat chow. The bags are resealable, which keeps the treats fresh for a long time. These treats do not have an overpowering aroma, but my cats seem to smell them very easily. For about a buck a bag on sale, they are a great bargain.

Kitty's Reaction : My cat gobbled them up.

Feline Greenies

Feline Greenies come in a variety of flavors, but since my cats seem to prefer seafood treats, I decided to purchase the Oceanfish variety. This brand is the favorite of many vets. They promote fresher breath and cleaner teeth. The crunchy texture actually removes plaque buildup from your furry friend's teeth. They supposedly have an enzyme in them that actually kills bacteria for more pleasant breath. They are a bit pricey - about $3 for a TINY bag.

Kitty's Reaction: My cat gobbled them up.

Whiskas Temptations

These treats are a blend of both crunchy and soft - the best of both worlds. The outside of this pillow-shaped treat is hard, promoting tooth and gum health. The inside, on the other hand, has a soft filling. I chose to treat my cats to the tuna flavor. These are also very affordable. It cost me only a dollar and some change for a good sized package. I also see coupons for these frequently in the Sunday paper.

Kitty's Reaction: My cat gobbled them up.

Overall, all of these treats were a huge hit with my cats. They were excited to be able to participate in this cat treat experiment. Let me know which treats your feline pal prefers!

Build Your Own Scratching Post

Cats just love scratching posts and cat trees, but have you looked at the prices of those lately?  Paying $100 for a chunk of plywood covered in cheap carpet seems a little excessive to me, especially when you can easily make your own, and a custom one at that, for a fraction of the price.  If you aren’t afraid of a little elbow grease, making your own scratching post is a great way to keep your cat happy for a lot less money, and as we all know, money can’t buy a cat’s love or all those toys would have done it for sure.

Some building supply stores will have great deals on thin plywood, so keep an eye out.  You can also talk go to a construction site and ask for scraps to get cheap or free plywood, and sometimes even wooden spools, which are perfect for this project.  Cats are not heavy, so one-quarter inch plywood is sufficient.

Post on Craigslist or talk to a local flooring store for small, thin carpet remnants.  It is easier to work with thinner carpet for this project, which works out to be cheaper too in most cases.

At a local building supply or hardware store, pick up a heavy duty staple gun and some extra staples. 

The great thing about making your own is that you can design it any way you like.  You can create multiple levels or keep it simple.  You can even create a single box with carpet inside and out to give your cat a scratching post and comfy bed all rolled up in one.

Once you have your design figured out, all you need to do is shape the carpet around it and secure it with heavy duty staples.  It really is that simple.

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