Seems like everyone and everything is all a-Twitter! In case you don't know, Twitter is a booming social networking and micro-blogging service. It helps people stay connected in real-time just by answering one simple question: What are you doing? In 140 characters or less.
Even cats don't want to be left behind. They're tweeting too! An engineer who has two cats created a cat door for them to keep the food-stealing neighbor cats out. His own cats are fitted with an RFID chip on their collar. When they come near the door, the door senses the cat is authorized and unlocks the flap. Well, that's nothing new. But here's the twist--
Each time a cat comes in or goes out, a camera above the door takes a snapshot of the cat and tweets a message via the cat's own Twitter account.
Okay Mittens, you have 140 meows! Go!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Smitten by Mittens
Itty Bitty Mitty!
One big change in my life is that instead of taking care of one cat—Mittens, the half-Siamese—I now have three!
Adopting a Senior Kitty
First, let me tell you that I finally officially adopted Mittens. Yes, she's no longer a temp cat! She's got a permanent role—a starring one, mind you!—in my life. I'm thrilled. I can tell she is, too. She's fast asleep.
My friend Pixie, who used to be Mittens' guardian, told me that she no longer wanted to keep Mittens. And that if I returned Mittens to her, she'd just look for another home for her.
Of the three cats Pixie had, Mittens was always her least favorite.
Part of the reason, I suppose, is that Mittens used to belong to Pixie's ex-boyfriend's young daughter. The daughter went to live with her mom (the parents are divorced), who didn't want a cat. So she left Mittens with her dad, who was living with Pixie at the time. When Pixie broke up with him, he abandoned Mittens. (He himself simply disappeared, who knows where.)
Mittens’ Hard Luck Tale
I can certainly understand if Pixie doesn't have the best memories associated with Mittens. Under the circumstances, Pixie can be commended for spending hundreds of dollars on Mitten’s veterinary bills to cure her nasal fungal infection. Particularly since Pixie’s been very much strapped for cash. With all the turmoil in her life, she was having a hard time taking care of herself, let alone a sick cat. I helped out by boarding Mittens for free and providing all the care that she needed, including medicating her twice a day.
Another reason Pixie never cared much for Mittens is that she appeared to be a very needy cat. I suppose it’s because she’s been neglected most of her life. It’s surprising that she’s so affectionate even after being abused as a kitten.
According to Pixie, her ex-boyfriend’s daughter—who was a troubled little girl at the time—used to stuff Mittens in a pillowcase and swing her around.
No wonder Mittens is so skittish. She’s a scaredy little cat who spooks at her own shadow. And needy? Yes. I still remember meeting Mittens on Pixie’s bed. My buddy and I had just gone into Pixie’s bedroom to get something when Mittens sidled over to us, back arched, tail held high. Meowing non-stop, she proceeded to rub and head butt us for the next 20 minutes. As we stroked her per demand, her fur flew (boy, does she ever shed!) scattering all over the maroon red bedspread. We tried to make a break for it a number of times, but she managed to corral us back each time.
She’s a Brand New Cat
Well, I’m proud to say that today she’s a far different kitty. She’s recovered from her infection, gained weight (a tad too much!), she’s healthy, and no longer needy. Most of the time she sits on my bed with a look of smug contentment. She never accosts anyone with persistent head butting. In fact, if anyone tries to pat her too much, she’ll deliver a kung fu kick with her hind leg—just a little warning, still pulling the punches, so to speak—or give a little mock bite.
I also took her to the humane society to get microchipped. She has her own Home Again tag dangling from her Parisian chic black collar. Recently, I purchased a rhinestone letter “M” for her. She’s a styling kitty! At age 14, she’s young at heart.
The other two cats in my life now are Sammy—my new temp cat— and Lydia, a blind, albino cat, who’s here to stay for good. All the cats here are senior cats. Each with his or her unique tail and a tale to tell.
Have you ever adopted a senior cat? If so, how did that work out for you? Please feel free to comment if you care to share.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
In Memoriam, January 14, 2009
Goodbye, Carlton
Beloved Carlton who shared his life with my friends Jane and Joe, passed away yesterday. He was 17. He was a handsome, funny, quirky, playful, affectionate and adorable cat.
Carlton had been ill for many years. In fact, when he was first diagnosed with a kidney illness in 2005, the vet only gave him 6 more months to live. But he was given the very best veterinary care possible. He went to every specialist who could conceivably help him. My friends simply doted on him. During his illness, there was at least one person at home with him. He wasn't left alone for even an hour.
I know many cat lovers, but few loved their cat as much as Jane and Joe.
Carlton couldn't have wished for a better life.
Beloved Carlton who shared his life with my friends Jane and Joe, passed away yesterday. He was 17. He was a handsome, funny, quirky, playful, affectionate and adorable cat.
Carlton had been ill for many years. In fact, when he was first diagnosed with a kidney illness in 2005, the vet only gave him 6 more months to live. But he was given the very best veterinary care possible. He went to every specialist who could conceivably help him. My friends simply doted on him. During his illness, there was at least one person at home with him. He wasn't left alone for even an hour.
I know many cat lovers, but few loved their cat as much as Jane and Joe.
Carlton couldn't have wished for a better life.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Adopting Cats That Aren't Brothers
Adopting Kitties Who aren’t Littermates
Ever wonder how if it’s okay to adopt 2 kittens who aren’t littermates? It most certainly can be done especially if the cats are young enough.
Here’s an amusing story by my neighbor and fitness guru CJ. It’s about how she came to adopt two cats that weren’t brothers. Oh, by the way, I’ve introduced her cats in a previous post:
Kidney Failure
I had a cat named Maudie, who was sick with kidney failure. I had her from the age of 8 weeks until she was 19 years old. When she had to be put down I swore I would never get another cat.
The Cutest White Kitten
About one month after she passed away I went over to one of my friends house, and she had the cutest white kitten I had ever seen. Long hair, big blue eyes, I feel in love. It dawned on me that my friend Betty wasn't a cat person, yet here she was with this adorable kitten. I told her if you decide you don't want this kitty I will take him. She just smiled and said this cat has been waiting for you!
Naming Cats by the Color
She knew that one day soon after Maudie died, I would want another cat. So I adopted this kitty who was named Madison at the time. Part of the story is that my family has always carried down from generations.... color specific cat names....all white cats in my family whether they were male or female, were named Phooey. All yellow/orange cats that were male were Maynard and all female yellow/orange cats were Pinky.
Dumped in a Dumpster
After I adopted Phooey, I decided I didn't want him to be alone so I knew someone who worked with "pets in need" and they had a couple of abandoned kitties who were dumped in a dumpster after just 3 days of life. They were rescued and waiting to be adopted.
Hyper Kitty
I went to visit these kitties and one of them was about 4 pounds. He had long, orange fur and was as hyper as heck. He was running around like a crazy cat, attacking his brother, flipping over the litter box, and just basically being a kitty. I applied to become his owner but had to pass a home inspection first.
Just Like Brothers
Shortly thereafter, I adopted Rocky, who then became Maynard. They are about 2/3 months different in age, but have always behaved as brothers. They are going to be 13 next January. They are the first male cats I have owned and, I have to say, more affectionate than females.
Long Live the Feline Siblings
I hope they live as long as Maudie did—or longer because I cannot think of them not being around. Again, I swear I will not get another pet when they pass on, but I also know in my heart that I will.
Ever wonder how if it’s okay to adopt 2 kittens who aren’t littermates? It most certainly can be done especially if the cats are young enough.
Here’s an amusing story by my neighbor and fitness guru CJ. It’s about how she came to adopt two cats that weren’t brothers. Oh, by the way, I’ve introduced her cats in a previous post:
Kidney Failure
I had a cat named Maudie, who was sick with kidney failure. I had her from the age of 8 weeks until she was 19 years old. When she had to be put down I swore I would never get another cat.
The Cutest White Kitten
About one month after she passed away I went over to one of my friends house, and she had the cutest white kitten I had ever seen. Long hair, big blue eyes, I feel in love. It dawned on me that my friend Betty wasn't a cat person, yet here she was with this adorable kitten. I told her if you decide you don't want this kitty I will take him. She just smiled and said this cat has been waiting for you!
Naming Cats by the Color
She knew that one day soon after Maudie died, I would want another cat. So I adopted this kitty who was named Madison at the time. Part of the story is that my family has always carried down from generations.... color specific cat names....all white cats in my family whether they were male or female, were named Phooey. All yellow/orange cats that were male were Maynard and all female yellow/orange cats were Pinky.
Dumped in a Dumpster
After I adopted Phooey, I decided I didn't want him to be alone so I knew someone who worked with "pets in need" and they had a couple of abandoned kitties who were dumped in a dumpster after just 3 days of life. They were rescued and waiting to be adopted.
Hyper Kitty
I went to visit these kitties and one of them was about 4 pounds. He had long, orange fur and was as hyper as heck. He was running around like a crazy cat, attacking his brother, flipping over the litter box, and just basically being a kitty. I applied to become his owner but had to pass a home inspection first.
Just Like Brothers
Shortly thereafter, I adopted Rocky, who then became Maynard. They are about 2/3 months different in age, but have always behaved as brothers. They are going to be 13 next January. They are the first male cats I have owned and, I have to say, more affectionate than females.
Long Live the Feline Siblings
I hope they live as long as Maudie did—or longer because I cannot think of them not being around. Again, I swear I will not get another pet when they pass on, but I also know in my heart that I will.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Celebrating New Year with Cats
Ring in the New Year with Your Favorite Feline Friends
Are you ringing in the New Year with your cat? Will you be spending New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone with your cat? Or perhaps with a cat (or cats) and a significant other?
There were many years when I spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone with my black cat Saki. (Ditto for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.)
Holing up with Your Kitty?
I usually had a better time snuggling with my cat and a good book than at a raucous party, or in the company of drunks. Or indeed, with my family.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy getting together my family. But spending a major holiday in the company of a feline friend is much more peaceful—and generally more predictable.
A Good Cat is Forever
At any rate, no holiday is complete without the companionship of a cat. For those of you who have lost their beloved cat recently, my heart goes out to you. I understand all too well the grief, the despair, the emptiness. But you will get through it.
If you will, send a little prayer or a loving thought to your newly departed. Take very good care of yourself. Your cat wouldn’t want you to suffer.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
If you don’t happen to have a cat, or even if you do, but you want to usher in the year 2009 with a few more felicitous felines, try calling a local animal shelter and see if they’re holding a New Year’s bash.
In my area, Town Cats, a no kill shelter is offering a light buffet of food and drinks for humans on New Year’s Eve from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The shelter, which houses more than 100 cats, is also requesting treats and toys for their resident felines. Monetary donations are accepted too, of course.
You can make a difference in the lives of these cats—and yours, too—by visiting shelter cats, giving them some tender loving care, and offering donations to the shelters.
Happy New Year! May you and your cats enjoy good health and good times in 2009 and in all the years to come.
Are you ringing in the New Year with your cat? Will you be spending New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone with your cat? Or perhaps with a cat (or cats) and a significant other?
There were many years when I spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone with my black cat Saki. (Ditto for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.)
Holing up with Your Kitty?
I usually had a better time snuggling with my cat and a good book than at a raucous party, or in the company of drunks. Or indeed, with my family.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy getting together my family. But spending a major holiday in the company of a feline friend is much more peaceful—and generally more predictable.
A Good Cat is Forever
At any rate, no holiday is complete without the companionship of a cat. For those of you who have lost their beloved cat recently, my heart goes out to you. I understand all too well the grief, the despair, the emptiness. But you will get through it.
If you will, send a little prayer or a loving thought to your newly departed. Take very good care of yourself. Your cat wouldn’t want you to suffer.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
If you don’t happen to have a cat, or even if you do, but you want to usher in the year 2009 with a few more felicitous felines, try calling a local animal shelter and see if they’re holding a New Year’s bash.
In my area, Town Cats, a no kill shelter is offering a light buffet of food and drinks for humans on New Year’s Eve from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The shelter, which houses more than 100 cats, is also requesting treats and toys for their resident felines. Monetary donations are accepted too, of course.
You can make a difference in the lives of these cats—and yours, too—by visiting shelter cats, giving them some tender loving care, and offering donations to the shelters.
Happy New Year! May you and your cats enjoy good health and good times in 2009 and in all the years to come.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Cats and New Year's Food
Welcoming in New Year with Your Feline Friend
It’s hard to believe that it’s already New Year’s Eve! Soon my laptop will be displaying the year 2009 on the screen. Amazing. I wish that my cat Saki were still alive to herald the New Year.
But I do have my friend’s cat Mittens, who is the same age as Saki if she were still around. (Saki, wherever you are in the Great Beyond, are you happy?)
Never Feed Your Cat Holiday Tidbits
Anyway, as a cat guardian I have to look after the well-being of my furry friend. On New Year’s Eve, that specifically means:
Do NOT give kitty any table scraps. Nil. Nada. It’s bad for cats. And dogs. Even if they beg, even if they look entirely too adorable, you absolutely must resist the impulse to toss them tidbits from the holiday table.
Can Mittens Ever Vibrate!
Okay, I confess. On Christmas Day I gave Mittens some organic, grass-fed filet mignon from my friend’s plate. (It’s way too expensive even for human consumption.) She was ecstatic. She blissed out. She emitted 4 loud, resoundingly happy meows, purred loudly, and vibrated her tail. Mittens vibrates more vociferously than my cell phone.
Hours later, she threw up. Fortunately, that’s all that happened. But really, I should not have given her human food. And not in the quantity that I did. Just because Mittens looked so cute that I could’ve simply squeezed her till she was purple (do cats ever go purple?) doesn’t give me the license to feed her steak.
(Okay, more confessions. I’ve given Mittens turkey from the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day. In the past, I’ve also brought her home some cheesecake.)
Nutritionally Unbalanced Holiday Fare
Festive fare is too rich for cats—probably too rich for human!—as well as unbalanced nutritionally and could be harmful to their health. It doesn’t pack the nutrients that your cats need.
Cats Must Avoid Japanese Sweets
Kittens require food that can help support their development and growth spurt.
More confessions. When Saki was a kitten, I was living in Japan so I gave her some Japanese sweets. She loved them. Even though cats can’t taste anything sweet.
When I happened to mention the snack to the vet, he shot me a look so withering that I wanted to tuck my tail and slink away. Well, at least I never fed Saki any more bean-jam filled pastries.
Be Careful What You Feed Elderly Cats
Older, geriatric cats find it harder to digest unaccustomed food. Like aging humans, their metabolism is slowing down, and they need all the nutrients they can get to help them cope with the onslaught of age.
So….
Take it from me: Keep your cats away from New Year’s delicacies!
It’s hard to believe that it’s already New Year’s Eve! Soon my laptop will be displaying the year 2009 on the screen. Amazing. I wish that my cat Saki were still alive to herald the New Year.
But I do have my friend’s cat Mittens, who is the same age as Saki if she were still around. (Saki, wherever you are in the Great Beyond, are you happy?)
Never Feed Your Cat Holiday Tidbits
Anyway, as a cat guardian I have to look after the well-being of my furry friend. On New Year’s Eve, that specifically means:
Do NOT give kitty any table scraps. Nil. Nada. It’s bad for cats. And dogs. Even if they beg, even if they look entirely too adorable, you absolutely must resist the impulse to toss them tidbits from the holiday table.
Can Mittens Ever Vibrate!
Okay, I confess. On Christmas Day I gave Mittens some organic, grass-fed filet mignon from my friend’s plate. (It’s way too expensive even for human consumption.) She was ecstatic. She blissed out. She emitted 4 loud, resoundingly happy meows, purred loudly, and vibrated her tail. Mittens vibrates more vociferously than my cell phone.
Hours later, she threw up. Fortunately, that’s all that happened. But really, I should not have given her human food. And not in the quantity that I did. Just because Mittens looked so cute that I could’ve simply squeezed her till she was purple (do cats ever go purple?) doesn’t give me the license to feed her steak.
(Okay, more confessions. I’ve given Mittens turkey from the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day. In the past, I’ve also brought her home some cheesecake.)
Nutritionally Unbalanced Holiday Fare
Festive fare is too rich for cats—probably too rich for human!—as well as unbalanced nutritionally and could be harmful to their health. It doesn’t pack the nutrients that your cats need.
Cats Must Avoid Japanese Sweets
Kittens require food that can help support their development and growth spurt.
More confessions. When Saki was a kitten, I was living in Japan so I gave her some Japanese sweets. She loved them. Even though cats can’t taste anything sweet.
When I happened to mention the snack to the vet, he shot me a look so withering that I wanted to tuck my tail and slink away. Well, at least I never fed Saki any more bean-jam filled pastries.
Be Careful What You Feed Elderly Cats
Older, geriatric cats find it harder to digest unaccustomed food. Like aging humans, their metabolism is slowing down, and they need all the nutrients they can get to help them cope with the onslaught of age.
So….
Take it from me: Keep your cats away from New Year’s delicacies!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Herbs for Cats with Liver Disease -- Part 2
Your Cat's Not Responding to Conventional Medicine?
You might try herbal supplements for your cat if you’re not getting much result from conventional medicine, or you want to avoid giving your cat medication on a long-term basis for a chronic illness.
Cats with liver disease might benefit from herbs and nutritional supplements. As mentioned in my previous post, however, please be very careful if you choose to do so.
Spotty Quality Control of Herbs
Bear in mind that there is as yet little research on the effects of herbs on cats. That doesn’t mean that herbs aren’t safe—but it does mean that you should talk to your vet before giving your cat any herbal remedies.
But most vets don’t know anything about herbs or nutritional supplements. It’s rather like asking your regular doctor for nutritional and other dietary advice—they mostly don’t have a clue. (I know, I’ve gone that route before for myself.)
Get Expert Advice
Look for a vet who knows how to use herbs for cats with liver disease. Whatever time you may spend researching for one is time well spent.
You really need expert advice. Dosage has to be adjusted for the smaller body size of the cat. And remember too that some substances that are safe for humans can be toxic to cats. (Like chocolate and garlic.)
Get herbs from a reputable manufacturer. (Again, get the recommendation of a vet or a practitioner that you trust.) Herbs are not regulated by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) and the quality can vary a lot.
Helpful Herbs and Vitamins
Here is a short list of herbs and vitamins that are sometimes used to treat cats with liver disease. I will discuss them at greater length in my next post.
Milk Thistle
L-Carnitine or Carnitine
Turmeric
SAM-E (S-adenosylmethionine)
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
You might try herbal supplements for your cat if you’re not getting much result from conventional medicine, or you want to avoid giving your cat medication on a long-term basis for a chronic illness.
Cats with liver disease might benefit from herbs and nutritional supplements. As mentioned in my previous post, however, please be very careful if you choose to do so.
Spotty Quality Control of Herbs
Bear in mind that there is as yet little research on the effects of herbs on cats. That doesn’t mean that herbs aren’t safe—but it does mean that you should talk to your vet before giving your cat any herbal remedies.
But most vets don’t know anything about herbs or nutritional supplements. It’s rather like asking your regular doctor for nutritional and other dietary advice—they mostly don’t have a clue. (I know, I’ve gone that route before for myself.)
Get Expert Advice
Look for a vet who knows how to use herbs for cats with liver disease. Whatever time you may spend researching for one is time well spent.
You really need expert advice. Dosage has to be adjusted for the smaller body size of the cat. And remember too that some substances that are safe for humans can be toxic to cats. (Like chocolate and garlic.)
Get herbs from a reputable manufacturer. (Again, get the recommendation of a vet or a practitioner that you trust.) Herbs are not regulated by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) and the quality can vary a lot.
Helpful Herbs and Vitamins
Here is a short list of herbs and vitamins that are sometimes used to treat cats with liver disease. I will discuss them at greater length in my next post.
Milk Thistle
L-Carnitine or Carnitine
Turmeric
SAM-E (S-adenosylmethionine)
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
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