|
Hay vs. Straw
When caring for outdoor cats, such as ferals, community cats, farm/barn cats and indoor/outdoor cats, remember this: “Hay is for Horses, Straw is for Strays.”
Straw will reflect body heat back to a cat and actually repels moisture. Straw is tough, thick, dry leftover stalks from crops. It's lightweight and golden in color. Straw has a hollow center which makes for great insulation (much like double pane windows).
Do NOT use hay (OR blankets) for bedding in outdoor cat shelters. Hay is green and heavy. Hay is typically used to feed animals, like horses. It absorbs moisture, making it damp, cold and uncomfortable for cats, and has the potential to get moldy.
You can buy straw bales at your local co-op, farm/ag supply stores, local garden center/nursery, and some grocery stores.
(Editor: As seen on Facebook by tnrworks.)
Health
Cats and Autism
Cats appear less stressed after adoption by families with children with autism, study finds.
While researchers have found that adding a shelter cat to the family can help lower stress and anxiety for children with autism, a new study shows that joining a family does wonders for the felines, too.
Attachment to humans
In 2007, Edwards et al. carried out the unusually-named ‘Ainsworth Strange Situation Test’ in order to test whether cats were more attached to their owners than to a random human. In this test, the cat was essentially placed in a room and experienced being alone, being with their human owner and being with an unknown human. The researchers found that cats spent more time allogrooming (head-butting) their owners than the stranger. They also only ever followed and played with their owner and never with the stranger. The cats were generally more exploratory and moved around more when their owner was in the room compared to the stranger. Both when alone and with the stranger, the cat generally spent more time being alert and sitting by the door. They vocalised the most when alone (compared to when with either human). Thus it seems that cats do have attachment to their owners that is stronger than with a random human, which is perhaps somewhat comforting to know.
Cats also seem to experience separation anxiety, which also indicates that they feel attachment to their owners. When separated from their human owners, cats are more likely to display stress behaviours such as urinating and defecating in inappropriate locations, excessive vocalisation, destructiveness and excessive grooming.
An article in Scientific American as reported in part by Paul DeCeglie
Do Something Nice for Your Cat
Everyone needs a little spot they can call their own…including Fido. So create a convenient resting area in your home that provides privacy. Make sure it’s located where others cannot sneak up on him. Having his own space will help make him feel safe and secure, while also fostering his strong sense of independence. It doesn't have to be elaborate; just be sure it is clean, dry, and restful where he can sleep and relax. Line your cat's bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel, both of which should be washed often. As a bonus, if possible, locate his quarters on high—where he can look down on his surroundings.
Scratch This
No need to tell you that cats like to—indeed, need to--scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. More importantly, your cat needs a sturdy scratching post that is at least three-feet high. The post should be stable enough that it won't wobble during use, and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark. As an option, a scratching pad might work.
Things
we can do to help animals:
Sign petitions, write to your legislators
and local officials, check local shelters to learn their needs and how
you can help.
|
