January 25, 2008Keeping kitty fit, entertained, and sanitaryHere are a couple of WikiHow articles on leash training your cat and making a jungle gym for your favorite feline. 
And apparently just like Robert DeNiro's character did for Mr. Jinx in the movie "Meet the Fockers," you too can toliet train your tabby. The warnings on these cat lessons are most amusing: Warning: Never leave the cat on the leash in the backyard alone. The cat may try and hop over the fence and get stuck, resulting in an imminent cat funeral. Warning: Do not teach your cat to flush. Although it is possible, once they learn they seem to enjoy it and will do it all the time.
Do these things at your own risk. Good luck and let us know how it goes. January 22, 2008Kitty Care 101In honor of the cat show coming to Roanoke this weekend, I will dedicate some blog space to all-things feline this week. Don't run away, dog-lovers. While we shine a spotlight on kitties, we will not ignore pooches, I promise. 
Here's a list of ten tips for caring for your cat, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States and with a little editorial comment from me: 1. Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag: No matter how you try to body block the door, a determined kitty can get around you and disappear. Only about 5 percent of all lost cats are reunited with their families, so do all you can to make sure Fluffy can find home. And when choosing a collar for a cat, especially a female cat, think bling. She is a diva, after all. 2. Follow local cat registration laws: Roanoke County requires you to register cats just like dogs, meaning you pay a fee after you prove your pet has been properly vaccinated. 3. Keep your cat indoors: Keeping Fluffy confined to the house may seem like a violation of her personal freedom, but it's really the only way to protect your feline from the dangers of life on the outside. January 14, 2008Into the great wide openI promised to let you know about the cat stroller I ordered as part of my New Year’s resolution. The Double Decker Pet Stroller by Kittywalk Systems Inc. arrived last week, and so far, this is my best purchase of 2008. There are actually three pieces to this contraption. There are two pet carriers, or Cat Caves, as we have come to call them. These were obviously designed by people who understand cats. Half of the carrier is covered in a mesh net and the other half is covered in a nylon fabric that creates a purr-fect little sanctuary when kitty wants to see be not be seen. 
The carriers easily lift on and off the body of the stroller, which is a very sturdy vehicle with nice double wheels that swivel on the front, two foot brakes on the back wheels, and a plush, comfortable handle grip. There are pockets on the back of the carriers for keys, a wallet, cell phone, whatever you would need while out for a stroll. And when you are done, it folds up nicely, too. December 31, 2007Walkabout kittiesTonight, I and several million of my closest friends will resolve to stop eating so much, get more exercise and end 2008 in better shape than we ended 2007. To keep this vow, I could plan on walking my neighborhood with my dogs. Many people stroll through my suburb with pooch in tow. The problem is my dogs bore easily on walks and would much prefer to play in the park or run hot laps in our backyard and then snooze on the couch. Besides, they are in great shape and don’t need a new exercise regime. So why not walk the cat? My cat Thai is about as agreeable as any kitty I have ever met but he would not tolerate a leash. He may, however, enjoy the scenic view from a stroller. 
The Kittywalk Double Decker Pet Stoller SUV will allow me to keep my feline under control as I cruise up and down the hilly streets of my neighborhood. The stylish stroller has two “privacy parlors” that hold up to 25 lbs. each, so more than one pet can ride without having to share a seat. It looks like a carrier on wheels, so if you travel with your pets, this may be a good option. I ordered one today. I will let you know how it works out. If you have plans to workout with your four-leggers this year, post a comment October 23, 2007A litter box in the SkyAh, what a wonderful distraction the Sky Mall magazine is when you are crammed into the middle seat on a long, turbulent flight, as I was last Sunday. Sure, I was losing feeling in my feet and legs, but I am always happy perusing Sky Mall, chock full of hundreds of cool things that I never knew I needed but I am pretty sure I can’t live without, including fashion-forward litter boxes. I hate the unsightly litter box we have now, so I am thinking about investing in one of these attractive alternatives. I like the cabinet, but I think the planter would be more versatile. 
My daughter’s cat, India, will be fine with either choice. My concern is my cat Thai, who is very picky about his toilet facilities. He insists on Tidy Cat litter, and if the pan is not in pristine condition, well, let’s just say he does more than think outside the box. I would hate to drop serious cash on one of these decorator kitty restrooms just to find Thai expresses his displeasure all over my floor. This laser thingy, however, is a must. I may not be able to wait until Christmas to give my kitties this toy. 
I am glad I only fly a few times a year. I really can’t afford airfare and the Sky Mall. |
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