Hello Cat Lover,
I hope you are having a good summer. Not too hot, not too
busy. Running a shelter here has kept me too busy for my
own good, but it's work that needs to be done. This is the
time of year when kittens and puppies are dumped off at
greater than normal rates... mostly kittens.
I've been getting a lot of emails from folks with questions
about kittens, too. I have a question box at my web site here:
http://www.theproblemcat.com/faq.html
and it is getting a lot of use this summer!
But that's a good thing. It means more people are concerned
about cats and kittens than in the past. There are more cats
than dogs, but dogs usually get more attention. If we can
educate more people about cats, maybe they'll get a better
deal some day.
I'm just grateful to you for being a good caregiver for your
own kitties and for all the good you do where you live. Just
spreading the word, and setting a good example, are two of
the best things you can do to show the world that cats are
worth it!
Thank you.
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TIP OF THE MONTH
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Did you know that indoor-only cats can become depressed
if they are bored?
Cats are natural observers in the wild (even if that means
your backyard) and are wired by Nature to watch out for
prey. You can play into that instinct by providing them with
safe indoor activities, such as watching a fish tank, or
a video of one (mine likes the aquarium screensaver on my
computer). Or, play predator-like games, such as chasing
a feather on a string. Cats also like high places, perhaps
mimicking their predatory urges outdoors that lead them
to climb trees, for example. To let them enjoy that feeling,
provide climbing/jumping opportunities in your home, with cat poles,
condos, cat trees, or even their own shelf on your wall.
Giving a cat something to do can help prevent depression,
and even might prevent her from acting out her urges in
other ways when you are not home, like climbing the drapes,
squeezing into a china cabinet, or knocking things off
the fireplace mantel or a display shelf.
Like some dogs, some cats can suffer from separation
anxiety and be destructive in your home when you are away.
If things cannot be worked out, consider placing kitty into
a cage when you are not home. (Just be sure there is food,
water, a litter pan, and a toy in there, too. If possible, place the
cage by a window with an interesting view.) If you need to
be gone longer than a day, hire a pet sitter or have a
friend check in on kitty every day instead.
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WEB SITES
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Donated furs make warm nests for rescued animals
http://timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/NEWS/512040325/1016/FEATURES07
Wildlife rescuers cut up the furs and style them into surrogate "mothers,"
toys and comforting nests for abandoned and injured raccoon kits, baby bunnies
and other creatures.
To donate a fur, call the Humane Society at (301) 258-3109 or PETA at
(888) FUR-AWAY. Or visit www.hsus.org/furdonation or www.furisdead.com/donate.asp.
Cat Returns To U.S. First Class
http://wcbstv.com/watercooler/watercooler_story_335074659.html
When Emily the cat went missing, her owners looked for
their wandering pet where she had ended up before -
the local animal shelter. They later learned Emily sailed to France!
(CBS News)
NOTE: If any of these website URLs is too long to click on, you
may have to copy and then paste it into your browser.
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A SMILE FOR YOU
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Declawed Housecat Chases Bear Up Tree
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2057784
Do you have any funny stories to share about your cats?
Send them in and I'll share them here in this newsletter.
(Include your name and website if you have one, and I'll give
you a "plug" for your site. Or, anonymous is OK, too. It's
up to you.)
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MY WEB SITES:
http://www.theproblemcat.com
http://www.7stepsto9lives.com
http://www.thebestcatfurniture.com
http://www.loveablecat.com
http://www.hipaws.org
http://www.myhappycats.com
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