Recently a friend of mine was diagnosed with cat scratch fever. What had happened was he was dating a woman who had a grown cat that like to sleep under the bed at night. One night my friend got out of bed in the middle of the night and scared the cat, which took off running. As the cat ran across his foot, the back claw scratched his foot. No big deal he had a little scratch and was fine.

[Read more →]

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that affects an unborn child. A woman who is pregnant and change the litter box is at risk for this disease if they have not been doing this for years before becoming pregnant. Over sixty million people have the parasite toxoplasmosis, but do not have any symptoms because they have become immune to the parasite. Women who become pregnant and decide to get a cat are more at risk of passing this parasite unto their unborn child.

[Read more →]

Most cat are homebodies, preferring to stay in their own house rather than travel anywhere.  But, if you have an unusual kitty, who likes to go wherever you go, an article in the Boston Globe offers some hotels that not only allow pets, also have perks for pets.

The James in Chicago offers pets staying with them a pet travel kit, a service menu from a nearby pet spa and a food menu from a nearby restaurant.  One item on the menu is smoked salmon lollipops for kitties.

[Read more →]

Many people will put out a can of tuna and feed the cat. The truth is that tuna is not god for cats. There is something in tuna that when fed three or four times a week can cause health problems in the cat. Tuna given a few times a year will not affect the cat’s health, but it is still smarter to feed the cat canned cat food that is meant for them to eat.

[Read more →]

If this is possible, I would like to know. I watch television every Sunday morning and this animal person has bunny rabbits, mice, ferrets, cats, puppies and birds all walking around mixing and mingling together. Evidently these animals all live together from birth on up. Now my oldest cat is a killer. She is not allowed outdoors, but when she knocks out the corner of the screen in the upstairs window, she always brings home the rewards. She has bought home birds, mice and one time a live baby bunny that I rescued.  

[Read more →]

Have you ever received a package in the mail that had foam peanuts inside? If so, you might already know that cats think these little static foam peanuts are their new play toys. Cats will dig, claw, bite away the box until they unleash the little foam peanuts from the box. Can you imagine walking into a house and seeing nothing but peanuts everywhere and your cat running around with peanuts sticking to their hair? It sure is funny until you try to catch the cat and clean up the mess.  

[Read more →]

It’s an important question these days.  As veterinary technology races into the future, procedures and surgeries for you cat become more expensive.  Vets are more capable of saving and fixing your beloved kitty, but you will have to pay.  We all dread the possibility of being asked to choose between our pet’s life and a $2,000 bill.  Pet insurance can make that decision much easier.

[Read more →]

Micro chipping is a newer technology that requires implanting a small chip under the skin of the cat on the head. By doing this, cats that escape the house or get lost can be returned to their owners when found by animal shelters. When the cat is scanned, your name address and phone number come up on the screen as being the owner.

[Read more →]

The Manx cat is a funny looking domestic breed.  It has no tail.  The Manx or tailess gene is dominant and kittens of Manx cats may have a tail, no tail, or a short tail, wich fanciers call “rumpy risers.”

Manx cats originated on the Isle of Man, off the coast of England hundreds of years ago.  The people of Man are Celtic and originally spoke a language called Manx.  The genetic history of the Manx is unclear because the Isle of Man saw many trade ships coming and going.  A cat from almost anywhere could have contributed to the breed.

[Read more →]

Cats as any other animal that lives in the house needs to have their vaccinations. Cats that are not vaccinated have a chance of contacting distemper, rabies or leukemia. Even if they do not venture outside, they can still contact these diseases. The vaccinations are made to protect the cat’s health and keep them healthy.  

Licensing your cats is also important. If you live in the city or a rural area, you should license your cats. The reason for licensing is to keep a record of cats and other animals that live within the community. If the cat would get outside and wander away, the license is a sure way to find the owner.  

[Read more →]