Share the story of you and your feline companion with Purina Cat Chow and you could win $5,000!
Did you rescue Fluffy from the side of the highway during a rain storm? Were you a cat hater until someone's cat won you over? Whatever your story - and we all have one - Purina wants to hear it.
In addition to the $5,000 grand prize, Purina will share a video version of your story on their Facebook page, YouTube and Twitter. Five runners-up will receive $1,000 and a year supply of cat food. Forty honorable mentions will receive $100 gift cards.
You have until July 31st to submit your story. Gotta go...I have a story to write...
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Would You Rather Talk to Your Cat?
If you answered yes, you're not alone. According to a study conducted by Kelton Research for Del Monte Foods, 31 percent of respondents would rather speak with their cat after a long day than their best friend, children, or parents. Del Monte Foods is the company behind Meow Mix Tender Centers cat food.
Interestingly, 39 percent of respondents also thought their cat was a better judge of their mood than their romantic partner. And most cat parents are certain they could pick their own cat's meow out of a group of meowing felines.
Apollo and I have had plenty of conversations over the years. I talk. He follows at my heels, staring up adoringly and meowing. I talk some more...he rubs my chin with his face...
Interestingly, 39 percent of respondents also thought their cat was a better judge of their mood than their romantic partner. And most cat parents are certain they could pick their own cat's meow out of a group of meowing felines.
Apollo and I have had plenty of conversations over the years. I talk. He follows at my heels, staring up adoringly and meowing. I talk some more...he rubs my chin with his face...
Friday, March 9, 2012
Japanese Cat Cafe
What a great idea! I wonder if the U.S. has something similar. If I had the investment capital, this would be a fabulous way to indulge my love of cats. In fact, I wonder if creating a cat cafe at local shelters or rescues would help defray the costs of caring for the animals while they await adoption. Certainly there would be some expenses and health concerns, but overall, doesn't it seem like the perfect way to have a pet even if you aren't allowed one at your rental community? Or maybe your husband has allergies, but your son loves playing with kittens?
I'm not sure about the new law the Japanese government is passing to change the cafe hours. And, certainly, if you are aiming the law at late-night pet shops and not the cafes, can't you make the wording more specific? We can make laws regarding specific breeds of dogs...I would think the government can find a way to allow the cat cafe to keep it's regular operating hours.
I'm not sure about the new law the Japanese government is passing to change the cafe hours. And, certainly, if you are aiming the law at late-night pet shops and not the cafes, can't you make the wording more specific? We can make laws regarding specific breeds of dogs...I would think the government can find a way to allow the cat cafe to keep it's regular operating hours.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
No Outdoor Cats, Example 5
The photo attached to this article is not G rated. Viewer discretion is advised.
It's truly disappointing that politics has come to this. If anyone has information regarding who committed this crime, please contact PETA or the Arkansas police department.
It's truly disappointing that politics has come to this. If anyone has information regarding who committed this crime, please contact PETA or the Arkansas police department.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pesticide-based Flea and Tick Products May Be Harmful
Pesticide use and the argument against it is not new. Pesticides have long been criminalized for their connections to human disease. Over the years, they have also been connected to heath issues among our pets.
Over the last few years, class action lawsuits have been filed - to the tune of more than 75,000 of them - due to injury or death of a pet because of spot-on (topical) flea and tick products. Any flea and tick medicine may cause adverse affects to pets or their humans, but permethrins are the specific chemical at the center of these lawsuits.
Honestly, I've never given much thought to flea and tick medications because my cats are strictly indoors and spent most of their lives in Wisconsin where the threat isn't quite as serious. Now that we are in South Carolina - where winters are too mild to kill mosquitoes, fleas and ticks - our veterinarian has recommended the cats receive a monthly treatment. So once a month we cat wrangle and do our best to keep them from grooming themselves for a few hours. You wouldn't think they could reach between the back of their skull and their shoulder blades, but they are amazing contortionists.
After reading this article, I went to take a look at the Sentry PurrScriptions Plus topical treatment we purchased at Petsmart. This particular treatment has etofenprox and pyriproxyfen. Seems its a different chemical, but it's got me thinking. Is any chemical better than another? Particularly when used on an 8 pound animal?
Talk to your veterinarian about the risks and consider an all natural treatment instead. I know I'll be shopping around.
Over the last few years, class action lawsuits have been filed - to the tune of more than 75,000 of them - due to injury or death of a pet because of spot-on (topical) flea and tick products. Any flea and tick medicine may cause adverse affects to pets or their humans, but permethrins are the specific chemical at the center of these lawsuits.
Honestly, I've never given much thought to flea and tick medications because my cats are strictly indoors and spent most of their lives in Wisconsin where the threat isn't quite as serious. Now that we are in South Carolina - where winters are too mild to kill mosquitoes, fleas and ticks - our veterinarian has recommended the cats receive a monthly treatment. So once a month we cat wrangle and do our best to keep them from grooming themselves for a few hours. You wouldn't think they could reach between the back of their skull and their shoulder blades, but they are amazing contortionists.
After reading this article, I went to take a look at the Sentry PurrScriptions Plus topical treatment we purchased at Petsmart. This particular treatment has etofenprox and pyriproxyfen. Seems its a different chemical, but it's got me thinking. Is any chemical better than another? Particularly when used on an 8 pound animal?
Talk to your veterinarian about the risks and consider an all natural treatment instead. I know I'll be shopping around.
Friday, November 4, 2011
No Outdoor Cats, Example 4
A cat was found drowned with a five pound weight tied around its neck.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19263775
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19263775
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Letting Go
My oldest, Apollo, has been living with kidney disease for several years. Originally put on a prescription diet and monitored with regular blood tests, he's maintained his young-cat-ness until a few months ago. He was hardly eating and his veterinarian determined he was dehydrated and needed additional fluids to keep his system running smoothly. Now he gets 100ml of IV fluids every other day. Initially, it seemed to be working and Apollo started eating again but soon started vomiting more than was normal for him. The vet prescribed a dosage of Pepcid to help settle his stomach and once again, we were on our way.
A month later, he started throwing up even more often, including the Pepcid that was supposed to be helping him keep food down. On top of this, I found blood in his urine. Back to the vet we go for more care.
Instead of getting better, Apollo's eating habits grew worse. I think he may have been associating the prescription diet with not feeling well and stopped eating it altogether. The night before I called the vet yet again, Apollo hopped up on the sofa, stood on my chest, rubbed my face, and stared into my eyes.
He was giving up. He was tired. I could see it, I could feel it. He appreciated my efforts, but no longer wanted to fight the battle. I've loved this cat for 18 years and I'm sure if he could speak, he would say, "Enough" and limp off to the bedroom to have a nap in the window.
When I talked to the vet the next day, he advised another test and a day of IV fluids. But I know we are only prolonging the inevitable. We cannot fix kidney failure. At what point is the care you are providing your cat no longer really helping him? When does it become more about protecting yourself from having to let go?
The vet recommended getting Apollo to eat; whatever he was willing to eat. I bought his favorite Fancy Feast dry food from the local grocery store and he's been inhaling it like he hasn't eaten in years. I watch him and I can't help but think of inmates on death row requesting their last meal. I don't bother with the prescription diet anymore. I don't make him take Pepcid anymore. He still receives IV fluids every other day to keep him hydrated and comfortable, but I'm no longer putting him through the stress of fighting a battle we both know he's not going to win.
He's doing well right now. Hopefully, he will continue to be well for a long time, but if he's not, I will honor his wishes and allow him to move on. I know he will be in good hands. I know my dad has been patiently waiting for his favorite nap cat.
A month later, he started throwing up even more often, including the Pepcid that was supposed to be helping him keep food down. On top of this, I found blood in his urine. Back to the vet we go for more care.
Instead of getting better, Apollo's eating habits grew worse. I think he may have been associating the prescription diet with not feeling well and stopped eating it altogether. The night before I called the vet yet again, Apollo hopped up on the sofa, stood on my chest, rubbed my face, and stared into my eyes.
He was giving up. He was tired. I could see it, I could feel it. He appreciated my efforts, but no longer wanted to fight the battle. I've loved this cat for 18 years and I'm sure if he could speak, he would say, "Enough" and limp off to the bedroom to have a nap in the window.
When I talked to the vet the next day, he advised another test and a day of IV fluids. But I know we are only prolonging the inevitable. We cannot fix kidney failure. At what point is the care you are providing your cat no longer really helping him? When does it become more about protecting yourself from having to let go?
The vet recommended getting Apollo to eat; whatever he was willing to eat. I bought his favorite Fancy Feast dry food from the local grocery store and he's been inhaling it like he hasn't eaten in years. I watch him and I can't help but think of inmates on death row requesting their last meal. I don't bother with the prescription diet anymore. I don't make him take Pepcid anymore. He still receives IV fluids every other day to keep him hydrated and comfortable, but I'm no longer putting him through the stress of fighting a battle we both know he's not going to win.
He's doing well right now. Hopefully, he will continue to be well for a long time, but if he's not, I will honor his wishes and allow him to move on. I know he will be in good hands. I know my dad has been patiently waiting for his favorite nap cat.
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