September 15, 2008A good day for some kittiesSounds like the K92 Day of 110 Cats sent at least some kitties to happy homes. 
Speaking of Novak, she wrote a commentary in today's editorial section about the trap-neuter-release program that collects up homeless cats, sterilizes them and returns then to their original hangout. This practice has drawn criticism (even here on this blog) from bird enthusiasts who fear hungry, feral kitties will feast on their feathered friends. I can tell you from experience that feral cats are not the only ones that hunt birds. When I was a little kid, we had a cat named Tiger (low points for originality, I know) and there was absolutely nothing we could do to keep her from catching birds. We had other cats when I was a kid. Tiger was the only one who hunted birds. Or maybe she was the only one who could catch one. She sure had a talent for it. And believe me, Tiger was not at all hungry. She very well fed on Purina Cat Chow, Little Friskies and canned tuna. It used to make my mother so mad, because she loved wild birds. Tiger did finally learn, no matter how proud she was of herself, not to deliver her prize catch to my mom. That's usually when the yelling would begin, and nobody, not even a little striped kitty, wanted any part of that. I know what blog reader Tim would say: Why didn't you keep the cat inside? Because my mom didn't believe in litter boxes. But I digress. September 5, 2008Feline funHomemade toys for cats are simple enough, but I think this guy has gone over the simple edge….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adXTF5wPft4 Many of my grandmother’s cats liked to play fetch and all my life I remember her having her homemade cat toys around the house. All they consisted of was a knee high stocking, rolled up and tied off with a piece of string to make a little ball. She wore knee highs all the time and when one would get a run in it, she recycled way before it was the “green” thing to do. The cats loved it. September 3, 2008What will he become?Blog entry by Heather Froeschl Will this....  
September 2, 2008Eight lives left?Blog entry by Heather Froeschl In Gilbert, Arizona, it seems one kitty just didn't want to say goodbye to her owner for the day. Bella somehow survived a 2 1/2 hour trip by hanging on to a spare tire under the man's truck. Did she use up one of her nine lives? Superstition aside, that cat must have some pretty sharp claws! Here's the link to the whole story, thanks to Associated Press and FoxNews.com: July 8, 2008This and that about catsSorry no blog entry yesterday; sometimes my other work responsibilities jump ahead of blogging, as much as I hate it when that happens. I'll make up for it with a long one today. 
I'd like to start a dialog about cats, a pretty hot topic in the news lately. I got this e-mail from Kathy Perdue at the Roanoke Valley SPCA yesterday: "We have seen the largest influx of cats and kittens that anyone can remember. Many of them are coming to the RVSPCA as strays, but so many of them are being turned in by owners who cannot take care of them any longer. We are hearing more stories from families in financial crisis that must give up their family pet. We are desperate to get the word out that these cats need homes. The RVSPCA does not have space for any additional cats/kittens and the space at the Regional Center for Animal Control & Protection is quickly being filled. If you’ve been thinking of adding to your family of four-legged friends, now is the time to act. Pass the word along to all your friends and colleagues. We need your help to find homes for as many of these wonderful felines as possible. For more information, contact William M. Watson, Jr., Executive Director of the RVSPCA at 540.344.4840, ext. 205, or bwatson@rvspca.org." Pet are indeed the victims of economy. So many people are losing their homes and forced to give up their pets when they move back to rental property. And current gas prices are cutting into food budgets; hard to feed the animals when your kids are hungry. Sounds like we need to extend Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month into the rest of the summer. There have been several articles and editorials in The Roanoke Times, and a couple of entries on this blog, about the program of trap-neuter-release for feral cats. June 10, 2008Got mice? Get cats.
If you have an infestation in your barn, stable or farm, these specially trained rodent control technicians (a.k.a. feral yet friendly kitties) are highly motivated and will work for kibble. All Barn Cat Buddies have been sterilized and vaccinated at no direct charge to the prospective employer, but donations are gladly accepted, appreciated and will ensure the continued success of the program for future Barn Cat Buddies. Protocol and relocation counseling is given to all barn owners so the feline security guards accept their new place of employment and understand their job requirements. Contact Heather Scott or Diane Novak at 420-7241 for more information. May 13, 2008Top 10 myths about catsI got this list in a press release from Petlane. The italics comments are from me. 
1) Fat cats are not more prone to getting diabetes. 2) Cats cannot be trained to scratch on appropriate scratching surfaces. 3) Physical punishment is a good way to teach a cat to behave. April 14, 2008Beautiful Sabra
Sabra and her other feline friends seem happy together in the Cattery, but I know they would rather have a home and a family. If you are looking for a sweet and social kitty, stop by the League for Animal Protection in Fincastle. January 27, 2008Just a few more cat show factoids
Lesson 6. There are some very cute little kitties at the cat show. You see exotic breeds as well as more familiar-looking felines. If you like cats, this annual show is a hoot, and a bargain at $5. Keep an eye on this site for updates on future shows. More lessons from the catwalk
Lesson 4. Despite the playful nature of the show ring, judging is serious business, Flash photography can be distracting to the kitty and the judge, so I learned as I bothered Peyton, one of Diane Boettcher's prized Persians. Peyton, just like his namesake, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, rallied and exceled, but it is polite to be quiet and demure while the kitty is showing off for the ribbon-givers. Things I learned at the cat show, part two
Lesson 3. Show cats will be examined by many judges during the day. The cats are very cooperative and most actually seemed to have fun. Judge Douglas Myers teases this Cornish Rex with a feather and encourages the cat to play with the shiny, little danglies on the show ring stand. A kitty is judged on playfulness and personality as well as breed standards of confirmation. Things I learned at the cat show, part 1
Lesson 2. All Himalayans are Persians. Not all Persians are Himlayans. The difference is the points, the little frosting of color on tips of the kitty's face, ears, tail, and legs. November 15, 2007Giving some love to the kittiesDogs seem to dominate my blog topics, mostly because dogs are very public pets. Let's face it: there are no cat parks, fenced or otherwise. You won't see cat owners walking their felines in costumes through downtown Roanoke, although the mental image I get thinking about that amuses me. But I do love my kitty, every bit as much as I love my dog. Thai is a wonderful cat, and I feel privileged that he chose me to be his human. As a newly-homeless, six-month-old kitten, he just darted through our front door one night about five years ago, and made himself at home. By morning I was smitten with this gentle kitten, and he's been my little shadow ever since. 
My daughter Laura's cat, India, crawled into Laura's life when she found the sick, tiny, two-week-old abandoned feral kitten crying on our doorstep. India bonded immediately with Laura, and I really believe India sees Laura as the mother cat in her private colony. India is proof that some feral cats can make good pets. 
As I wrote this entry, Thai was curled up asleep in the big soft chair next to my desk in my office at home. He likes to be alone with me. And that makes me feel like I must be a good person, since my cat is selective to whom he honors with his presence. Post a comment about what makes you the special human in your kitty's life. October 12, 2007In praise of older kittiesHappy Wag blog readers have shared a couple of wonderful stories about finding true love in the local animal shelters. AKC wrote about adopting a mother cat after all of her kittens had all been adopted at a shelter. While the kittens and puppies are hard to resist, please take time to meet and consider adopting an adult dog or cat. These are the animals that are often overlooked, and wait a long time to find their forever home. That time could be better spent curled up and purring on your bed with you, or rubbing your tired shins when you've had a bad day. Even the very best shelter care is no substitute for a real home and a family. If you are thinking about adopting a cat, here is a candidate to consider: 
Culpepper is a big, sweet kitty who tried his best to get me to take him home (it almost worked, too!) One word of warning: he's a major swirler. If you adopt this loving kitty, be prepared to have cat hair all over your pant legs. I recommend you pick up a lint brush on the way home from the Roanoke Valley SPCA with Culpepper. Keep sharing your shelter-adoption success stories. Your cat probably can't type (my cat Thai tries, but he just can't get his paws over the home row) so you have to tell the world your love story. October 1, 2007The real terror on the homefront- hungry kittiesFirst let me say that I love my cat, Thai, very much and I can't imagine life without him.  Oh, he looks sweet and adorable. But let me forget to fill up his food bowl before I go to bed at night, and Chairman Meow walks all over me in my sleep. (Among his other nicknames: Osama Bin Kitty and Yassar Aracat.) One night last week, he paced back and forth on my head until I got up and provided him a fresh supply of kitty kibble. On my head, mind you, back and forth. Friends have recounted similar acts of domestic violence from their cats; perfectly good slumbers ruined by cats who insist on their nocturnal needs being met. What really kills me is that after I fill the bowl, he often walks away without so much as a nibble. I know that in ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped like gods. Apparently, cats have never forgotten this, and they are annoyed that they have to constantly remind us. So tell me about your tales of kitty terrorism. What does your cat do when your service isn't up to snuff? |
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