Hello Friend of Cats!
Did you know that a black cat is really a tabby cat with black
stripes on a black background? Seems strange to think of it
that way, but those who do research on such things have found
that the genetic coloration process is more complex than
previously supposed, and according to the genetic studies they've
reviewed, this is the scientific reality of how the colors work.
I wonder if these are the same folks who discovered that a
panther is really a leopard that has black spots on a black
background.
Makes me think of the joke about the polar bear eating marshmallows
in a snowstorm...
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TIPS OF THE MONTH
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In keeping with my efforts to provide tips about hot weather,
I have another one this month. Last issue I reiterated the
tips I've mentioned so far, such as, be sure your pet has
plenty of water, and second, to be sure there is shade so
they are not "trapped" in the hot sun. Next was a cautionary
note about having them spayed and neutered.
This issue, I want to mention heartworms. They aren't just for
dogs, I'm afraid. This time of year is especially risky, since
there is likely to be more mosquitoes flitting about. Some areas
have mosquitoes all year 'round, so be watchful where you live.
Mosquitoes are the carriers for the heartworms. They snack
on an infected animal, then inject the organisms into their
next victim. The worm then reproduces in the new victim's
blood stream, and the larvae that form migrate into the animal's
heart and lungs, where they mature into full-grown worms, which
astonishly, can grow up to 14 inches long.
This can cause death in the infected animal as the worms multiply.
The best defense is a good offense, basically. Check with your
vet to get your pet tested and to work out a prevention program.
This includes preventive medications, as well as
removing anything in the environment where water can
accumulate and stagnate. In other words, eliminate mosquito
breeding areas.
And thanks to Judy, who wrote in about the use of lawn and garden
preparations during the warmer months. Specifically, be cautious
about using cocoa bean mulch. It's known to be toxic to dogs, but
it doesn't hurt to be careful about using it around cats, also.
And be very careful about using yard chemicals, too, most of which
are toxic or fatal to pets.
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A SMILE FOR YOU
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While I'm still out of good jokes to share, I do have some
very fun cats to watch at the shelter. They keep me smiling, and
sometimes laughing. Today, one of the new kittens was darting around,
testing her jumping muscles, leaping up onto anything she could
manage, learning how high she could reach, and how to land without
falling off.
She decided to jump on top of a covered litter box, a plastic
box thing, with a series of slots on top for ventilation.
Like so many of our supplies and equipment, all of our litter
boxes are getting old and well-worn. The plastic slots are
mostly broken.
When the little kitten jumped on top of the box, she landed
square on the slots, which gave way, and she fell into the
sand about 12 inches below. A startled little kitty emerged
from the entry way, with a very perplexed look on her face!
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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Again, here are my current web sites:
http://www.theproblemcat.com
http://www.7stepsto9lives.com
http://www.thebestcatfurniture.com
http://www.loveablecat.com
http://www.hipaws.org
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Have a great week!
