Hi Cat Lover,
Here's what's in this issue:
Tiger cub smuggle attempt...
Pregnant strays...
Cat food news...
Stuff for Cat lovers...
-- books
-- cat litter review
Web sites to explore...
A smile for you...
-- latest video
-- clever TV ad
Take action for animals...
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NEWS FOR CAT LOVERS
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Tiger cub smuggle attempt:
Just when we start thinking the world is becoming a better
place for the animals and new laws are passed to prevent
these things, we find out the wackos are still doing it. Here
is a story about a tiger cub smuggled in someone's luggage:
http://bit.ly/cVzjQx
------------------------
I often get questions from readers and website visitors about
what they should do if a pregnant stray cat shows up. The
problem, as they see it, is that it's not their cat, they don't have
the money to care for it, or they don't have space to keep it,
but they will feel guilty if they don't do something.
Here is a good article on the subject by veterinarian Jane Bicks:
http://blog.f-r-r.com/C314935631/E20100821111234/
She doesn't address the responsibility issues, but my advice
in most cases is to at least help mama kitty for a few days
so she can have her kittens in a safe environment. Find room
somewhere... anywhere.... the garage, a storage shed, a back
bedroom, closet... whatever you have that could serve as a
temporary shelter. Be sure it's warm (or cool) enough, can't be
invaded by predators or curious children and pets, and allows
enough room for her to move around, use a litter box, eat and drink.
Provide "nesting" material: old towels, blanket, etc. and fresh food
and water.
During this time, make a lot of phone calls... veterinarians, shelters,
friends. Do NOT put up "Free to Good Home" posters. The little family
will more than likely end up in an abusive situation, or a research lab.
Congratulations to three readers this month, who just found themselves
in this situation and are doing the right thing for their new, unexpected
families! (And thanks for the very precious pictures!)
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CAT FOOD NEWS
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http://bit.ly/4E9bZj (How to report a petfood complaint)
---------------------
Here are two sites that provide the latest info on what's
being recalled:
1. www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls/default.asp
(from the American Veterinary Medical Association -
a review of all the latest petfood recalls and alerts.)
2. www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls
(from the US Food and Drug Administration)
-------------------
Help Feed Shelter Animals
Don't forget to visit these sites as often as you can and
click on the shelter-feed links. There is no cost to you
to do this.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/
http://pets.care2.com/i?p=868775137
http://www.freekibblekat.com/ (Answer a trivia question...
even a wrong answer gives a donation.)
You can sign up for their daily reminders, too, if you need
a little nudge, like I do.
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STUFF FOR CATS (and cat lovers)
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Books:
http://www.theproblemcat.com/misc/catscapades.html
http://www.theproblemcat.com/misc/petpoetry.html
--------------------
As a follow-up to my endorsement of an economical kitty
litter alternative, called Best Cob, which I told you about in
the last issue, I have new information.
After using it for almost 3 weeks now, I have to say I may
not buy it again.
The good points are:
* low price
* cats willing to use it
* very absorbent and clumps lightly
The bad points are:
* just as dusty as clay litter
* no odor control at all after the first day or two.
* need to replace it more often with new, as it has a
particularly offensive odor when moist. That means
you can't just scoop the box a few times before
replacing the litter. So, you'll use it up faster.
Since I have many cats here, they can't all live in the
house. I do have more than a dozen inside, however,
so odor control is very important.
The other cats reside in the other buildings on our farm, so
I took what was left of my 40 lb bag of Best Cob and am using
it in those locations. It's satisfactory for "outdoor" use but still
must be disposed of carefully to prevent attracting predators.
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WEB SITES to explore
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Video on pets choking
http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/choking/
Flea Control Secrets http://bit.ly/daZr9h
Pet Poison Helpline
http://urbanpawsmagazine.com/archives/1137
http://www.theproblemcat.com/letsmove/
(How to move when you have pets)
http://www.thebestcatfurniture.com
(Because every cat deserves to be comfortable!)
http://www.everypetmatters.com
(Information about getting pet insurance)
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A SMILE FOR YOU
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Clever advertising:
If you haven't seen this yet, you are in for a treat. A furniture
store in England (IKEA) created a most unusual advertisement
using cats to show how comfortable their furniture is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCB7RqGS684
Thanks to Al and to Jean for sending this in.
-------- LATEST VIDEO -----------
Check out the video on my website, at the bottom of the page.
http://www.theproblemcat.com
This is Gordon, a kitty with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. It's a neurological
side effect of some diseases, most often distemper. Not all cats die
from distemper, but will often have brain defects, leaving them with
varying levels of coordination problems. They don't seem bothered by it
and can live very happy lives, and for just as long as any other cat.
Therefore, a lot of people are keeping them as pets now, rather than
putting them down. I have one at home also, named Jamie. He's quite
the character, and has no idea he has a "disability." He loves to play,
even though he often falls over trying to catch a fuzzy toy.
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TAKE ACTION TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED
===================================
These sites provide up to date information on how to help animals:
1. http://www.pet-abuse.org
If you're so inclined, it's a good resource to find petitions to
sign, letters to write, or other actions we can take to help pets in
abuse situations.
2. http://www.dosomething.org/whatsyourthing/Animal+Welfare
A good resource for helping people decide what kinds of help best
fit their own abilities and interests.
3. http://bit.ly/1YfBeo
Five quick, easy ways to help rescue pets NOW!
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Do you have any interesting stories to share about your
cats? Send them in and I'll put them here in
this newsletter. (Include your name and website
if you have one, and I'll give you a "plug" for
your website. Or, anonymous is OK, too. It's
up to you.)
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Are you on Twitter yet? Anyone want to "follow" me?
Just go here, get an account (free, easy, fast), then
click on the Follow button under the picture of my cat!
http://twitter.com/drbert
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If you ever want to review past issues, here is where
they are stored:
https://www.ymlp.com/pubarchive.php?catsgalore
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Roberta, the Cat Lady
mskitty @ catlover.com
PS - Now for the new Legal Stuff I have to display:
Now required by the FTC as of Dec. 1, 2009:
Disclaimer: This email newsletter may contain
affiliate links that may provide compensation to
our shelter if a purchase is made. 