Super-Premium Cat Foods

The real surprise is how many people still feed their cats Cat Chow or Meow Mix.
The New York Times has a recent article about the trend towards super-premium, incredibly expensive cat and dog foods being brought to market. They are produced by small companies like Weruva and Tiki Cat, and include ridiculously delicious-sounding names and flavors, with whole food ingredients that are often marked "human grade."
 
I might be inclined to laugh at this silly article and the silly people in it. Except that I buy that stuff, now, too. 
 
I have an older cat - almost 17 - and he has become picky in his golden years. But you know what? He goes mad for Tiki Cat and Fussie Cat. These are both preposterously expensive, tiny little cans of stuff that honestly I could totally see myself spreading on a cracker. Today for lunch I literally fed myself and my cat the same dollar amount of food. He got a 2.8 ounce can of Fussie Cat "Tuna and mussels in aspic" (89 cents), and I fixed myself a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese (5 for a dollar).

In my case, it's kind of a medical issue. But here's the thing: once you give your cat a can of the super-premium stuff, he doesn't want to go back to the usual glop and crunchies that you used to feed him. Can you blame him? This stuff is delicious, and it smells absolutely atrocious, which seems to be a big part of the appeal for the cats.
 
One thing I have learned from watching "It's Me or the Dog" on Animal Planet is how many middle-class and wealthier families feed their pets regular people food. You can understand why: real food is better than the pre-packaged mass market stuff for pets the same as it is for us. 
 
If you had the time and resources and money, why not? And as long as you're willing to feed your pet a really wholesome food, why not save yourself the time to cook it and just buy a flat of Tiki Cat instead? At least you know it's healthy for them (unlike some of the stuff I see people dump into their pet's bowls). And it's been super-charged with vitamins and minerals they need. Cats in particular need to have taurine as a supplement or they can experience severe health effects.
 
The real surprise is how many people still feed their cats Cat Chow or Meow Mix. That stuff is garbage, and if you look at the serving size (which is huge, because the food is full of sawdust) it's the same price as much better food. Especially after the melamine disaster from a few years ago - why risk it?
 

Cats on a Leash

When I was younger, I saw what I thought was one of the most ridiculous things ever conceived…a cat on a leash.  I mean, cats are born to wander, not be chained up like a dog.  We all know we are beneath them, so the thought of subjecting a cat to such nonsense almost seems blasphemous.  I thought that until I talked to the owner of the cat, who had a perfectly reasonable excuse for walking his cat on a leash.

The owners of this cat were snowbirds, traveling north for the summer and staying in their motorhome.  Their beloved cat made the trip with them, but because they were frequently in new surroundings, they couldn’t just let him wander around for fear he wouldn’t return.

So their solution was to walk him on a leash, which they did faithfully every single day.  I was surprised that the cat wasn’t fat from living in a motorhome all the time, but he looked great and seemed to really enjoy his sedate walks. 

I still don’t think I could ever bring myself to putting my cat on a leash, no matter what the circumstances, but at least now I know that there might actually be a good reason for such torture.  This particular cat had grown up that way, so to him, it was business as usual.  I’m glad they were thoughtful enough to leash him, because it would have been devastating to lose him on one of their stops.

What about you?  Would you ever leash a cat?

Cat Eye Colors

If you ask any cat owner, they will probably tell you that their cat’s eyes are the most striking feature.  Cats have unique eyes that are beautiful and luminous, made even more so by their vivid colors.  While the most common colors of cat eyes are brown, yellow or orange, many cats also have blue or green eyes.

Some breeds have specific eye colors, and can only be considered purebred if their eyes follow breed standards.  The Russian Blue, for example, must have green eyes, while a Siamese has blue eyes.  Those breeds are not the only breeds that can have blue or green eyes, but they must have those eye colors to be considered for the breed.

Some would say that you can tell the quality of a cat by the color of its eyes, but I don’t think that is necessarily true.  I have known some pretty awful cats whose only redeeming qualities were their pretty blue eyes, and my favorite cat had common copper eyes.

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then we must be able to see deeply into a cat’s soul.  Their eyes are disproportionately large for their head sizes, and according to the Pictures of Cats website, our eyes would be eight inches in diameter if they were the same proportion to our heads – now that would look funny!  Fortunately, for cats, they pull it off well and their eyes are usually the first thing that draws us to them.

From copper, orange, amber and hazel to vivid shades of blue and green, cats have beautiful eyes.  There is even a gemstone named after them, Tiger Eye.
 

What is the Deal with Catnip?

Most every cat owner that I know has a stash of catnip toys hidden in a drawer somewhere. Whenever Kitty is really looking bored, we like to pull them out for a little bit of fun. Our cats roll around in it like crazy. They lick the toy and don't want anyone else touching it. They may even get angry if we try to take it away from them.

I have one cat, in particular, that is what I call a "mean drunk." If he smells catnip, he MUST have it right then. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get this treat. Whenever another cat approaches him, he will attack them to protect his catnip. I think it is his drug of choice. Once the toy is removed, our kitty is friendly and happy once again.

So, what's the deal with catnip? Why does it make normally docile kitties go wild for a short period of time?

I've always been curious about this herb. It turns out that catnip is actually part of the mint family. Can you believe that? It does not smell like any sort of mint I would ever want to taste. Our cats are attracted to the scent of catnip, but this attraction is short lived. If a cat is freshly exposed to a sprinkling of the herb, they literally act crazy. It is their instinct to rub the smell all over their body. They may even try to lick it up.

There is a chemical in the catnip called nepetalactone. Humans do not respond to this chemical, so it is difficult for scientists to understand why cats have the reaction that they do. Something about the intense scent of this chemical triggers a response in the cat's brain. Don't worry, however, your kitty cannot overdose on catnip.

After a few minutes, most cats lose interest in the herb. This happens once they become accustomed to the smell. Some cats are able to walk away rather quickly, while others may take a little more time rubbing their face in it. If you try to reintroduce the catnip right after they leave, they will not have the same reaction. You have to wait a few hours for the cat to forget the smell to encourage another wild response.

Not all cats respond to catnip. I've personally never met a kitty that did not go crazy for the stuff, but they are supposedly out there. Does your cat have a wild reaction to the smelly herb?

The Best Cat Toy Ever

Any time I walk into a pet store, I have a hard time avoiding the cat toy section.  Those toys just look like so much fun, and I want to bring them home for the kitties to play with.  I have learned my lesson though, after buying toys time and again and watching the cats turn up their noses in disdain.  No more will I waste money on store bought toys, when the best toy in the whole world is available for free and in ample supply.

Without fail, every single cat I have known in my life will prefer a paper bag to just about any other toy they were offered.  There is something magical about a paper bag.  Perhaps it is the satisfying noise it makes every time a tentative paw reaches out to swipe it, or the way another cat will shoot out of it like a greyhound at the track if someone pounces on it.

I don’t really know what it is about paper bags that makes them so special, but they are surely the most appreciated cat gift you can find.  When they are new, cats will spend hours going in and out, reaching out paws to snag unsuspecting passers-by, and pouncing with glee on their ignorant companions hiding inside.

A paper bag that has been reduced to shreds can still provide ample fun for cats, too.  Simply tear it up and make little paper balls for hours of fun chasing and destroying.

So next time your cat is bored, refrain from solving the problem with your bank card.  Instead, scrounge up a paper bag and watch the joyful celebration.

What Kind of Food Does Your Cat Prefer?

I sometimes feel sorry for my cats. Unlike humans, they only get a small menu when it comes to mealtime. They never seem to mind, but I do wonder if they would like more variety in their diet. Even with a large selection at the pet store, I stick with the same few brands. If I switch my cat's food too often, I get a not-so-nice treat in the litter box later on.

With that being said, I still do not know which food is the best for my kitties. The debate between wet and dry food has been going on for years. I want to make sure that my cats get only the best, but which one is really better for them?

Wet Food

Any pet owner will probably agree that their animals prefer wet food over dry any day of the week. As soon as they hear the can opening break through the lid, my kitties rush into the kitchen. They know that a delicious, fishy treat awaits. Their bowls will be empty in a matter of seconds.

I always thought that wet food was more of a junk food. But, it seems that I may be wrong in that assumption. Cats are carnivores by nature, and wet food contains more meat and less fillers than dry. It also has a lot more liquid, which prevents kitty from getting dehydrated.

Dry Food

Dry food is much more convenient for me. I can leave a bowl out all day long and trust that my cats will only eat it when they are hungry. Growing up, I heard that dry food was healthier for cats. It promotes chewing, reducing tarter build-up on the teeth. It is also usually lower in calories and crude fats, keeping kitty fit and trim.

On the other hand, dry food has a lot of grains and carbohydrates that a cat does not necessarily need in their diet. You have to search for a food, such as Blue Buffalo, that features meat as the first ingredient.

What's my take?

I still think that my cats want some variety in their food, so I feed them a mixture of both wet and dry. During the day, I free feed them with a bowl of dry kibble. Every night, I give them a dish of meaty wet food. They seem pleased with this. What do you feed your kitties?

What if You Don't Like Your Cat?

Recently, our family made the decision to find a new home for one of our dogs.  She had great potential, but just didn’t fit in with our family very well.  That got me thinking about cats, who are notoriously more difficult to train than dogs, and what to do if you have one you just don’t get along with.

While I believe you are making a commitment to an animal when you bring it into your home, I also believe that some animals – and our family – may be better off if they move on.  Yes, some issues can be trained out of an animal, but they also have their own unique personalities and I believe that sometimes animal and human personalities can clash, just as human personalities do.

In those cases, when you just don’t get along with an animal, I think it may be a better idea to find them a new home with someone who will love them than to keep them in a place where they don’t necessarily fit in.

The trouble with cats is that they are so much harder to rehome.  More people like dogs and are willing to take on an adult dog, but it can be difficult to find someone willing to adopt an older cat. 

As long as the animal isn’t in danger or creating a danger for someone else, I think the best solution is to keep them in your home, where at least you know they will be adequately cared for, until you can find a loving home for them to go to.

What do you think?  Do you keep a cat you just don’t like, or find them a new home?

Why Won't Kitty Stop Grooming?

Fleas? Allergies? Anxiety?

I'm having a slight dilemma with one of my beloved kitties. For one reason or another, he will not stop grooming himself. He licks and cleans nonstop. Normally this wouldn't be an issue, but he is starting to lose fur in some places on his body where he is constantly licking - on his belly and hind legs. One other cat owner that I spoke with is also dealing with this problem. We are both worried that we will have bald kitties if we don't figure out a solution.

The vet did give me a few ideas, so we are trying to narrow them down.

Here they are:

Fleas

Cats will obsessively clean themselves if they have fleas. They feel the little creatures crawling on their bodies and try to pick them out of their fur. I've checked out my kitty, and not a single flea has been spotted. Of course, that does not mean they don't exist. I live in a warm climate, so fleas are always hopping about. I applied some prescription Revolution to my cat, in hopes of killing the creepy crawlers if they do exist. So far, no results.

Allergies

Just like humans, cats and other animals can suffer from allergies. Instead of presenting with the normal runny nose and watery eyes, they may have extremely itchy skin. When scratching doesn't calm the itch, your cat may instinctively lick the area over and over again. I really think that this may be my cat's issue. The vet would prescribe Prednisone for this, but we want to wait to see if the flea medication works first. Steroids have a long list of side effects, and they should only be taken when necessary. Besides, allergies can be seasonal, so hopefully the itching will resolve on its own.

Anxiety

The most difficult to diagnose is anxiety. If kitty is not feeling content for one reason or another, he may be licking as a way to calm himself down. When I got this cat, he was abandoned by his owners. They left him without food and water for who knows how long. He didn't have a good temperament, but I worked with him everyday to help calm his fears. Anxiety could very well be the reason for his grooming. If he has memories of abandonment, he may always fear the worst.

I'm not going to give up until I find a solution to this issue. He's not hurting himself, but he does look really silly with his bare tummy and hind legs. Please stop grooming, kitty!

Gifts for Cat Lovers

We cat lovers are in a category that is all our own.  As a result, there are many cool gifts targeted just to us.  If you are looking for a unique gift to give a cat lover in your life, consider some of the following.

Crazy CAT Lady Ceramic Coffee Tea Travel Mug
I love the whimsical cats depicted all over this mug.  The shape and size are great too – it is not like traditional gift mugs that all look pretty much the same, despite their unique designs.  This mug is completely functional, and even comes with a lid.  Both the mug and lid are dishwasher and microwave safe, and the total cost is a mere $13.28, with free shipping options.

Willow Tree Kindness Figurine
Willow Tree is one of my favorite brands of collectibles – I have several displayed on my dresser and I love to look at their unique beauty.  This adorable figurine depicts a girl carefully holding a cat, with both cat and girl looking into each other’s faces.  It is $13.47 with free shipping options, and makes a thoughtful, beautiful gift for any cat lover.

Boston Warehouse Sitting Pretty Salt and Pepper Set
Not every cat lover would display cats in their dining set, but for those who will, this is a beautiful, whimsical set that doesn’t look cheesy like so many similar products can.  At just $10.33 with free shipping options, it won’t break the bank either.

From whimsical to elegant, these gifts are ideal for just about any cat lover in your life, plus they are all affordable for almost any budget – a win-win!
 

What Happens to Your Cat After You Die?

Being the owner of a fluffy cat is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can imagine. In return for providing shelter, food and companionship, a cat will give their owner a lifetime of pure, unyielding love. They rely on you to take care of them, but what will become of your beloved kitty if something happens to you? While this may be a touchy subject for many, it is something that cat lovers need to think about when they make the decision to raise a kitty.

Most cats will live from 14 to 20 years of age. More often than not, the pet will pass away before their owner, but this is not always the case. Who will care for your cat if they outlive you?

Each year, thousands of kitties are brought to shelters. Many of them are older cats who lost their owner to death. These kitties are heartbroken and depressed. Only a select few will visit a shelter seeking an older animal. It is usually the kittens that are adopted first. Unfortunately, many shelters will euthanize the cats that do not find forever homes in a short time frame.

In order to avoid this fate for your beloved cat, you need to make arrangements beforehand. Consider including your pets in a will. Ask your friends and family if they are willing to care for your kitties if something were to happen to you. Include their names in a legal will. This way, the courts will know where to send the animals.

Once you decide who will be caretakers of your pets, you should take the time to teach them about each animal. If your cat has a few quirky habits, let them know in advance. Tell them which types of food and toys your kitty likes the best. Since the transition will be tough on both parties, keeping some familiarity in routine will make things easier.

Consider not taking in anymore pets once you reach a certain age. As you get older, the risk of death becomes greater. Adopting a kitten when you are 75 is not a wise choice. If you cannot live without a cat, then pick one from the shelter that is also elderly. In the end, these cats will appreciate the last few years that they got to spend with you.

It is never to early to start planning for the future. Making sure you have a plan for the unexpected is the only way you will know your pets are cared for after you are gone.

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