Cat Bits, Bountiful Breaks, and Boners

All my tidbits and information are gleaned from various sources on the Internet. I give credit when I can find the info of the person doing the research or writing.

Miscellaneous things about cats

1.  Cats do not think that they are little people. They think  
that we are big cats. This influences their behavior in  
many ways.

2.  Cats have AB blood groups just like people.

3.  A cat's jaws cannot move sideways.

SOLVING KITTY PROBLEMS

1.  Counter Cats and Kittens  

Is your cat constantly jumping up on your kitchen counter  
tops? Try temporarily applying double-sided tape to the  
edges of the counter. Cats dislike the sticky feeling on  
their paws. An alternative is to purchase a mat made for  
keeping cats off counters. It is plastic mat that emits a  
small static shock when touched.

2.   New Litter  

Is your cat suddenly sneezing a lot or having watery eyes?  
If you recently changed the brand of cat litter you use, it  
could be causing mild irritation to your cat's respiratory  
system. If you decide to change brands, do so gradually so  
that you can be assured your cat will tolerate it.

3.  Food for Your Diabetic Cat  

Has your cat been diagnosed with diabetes? There are now  
diets available that are specifically formulated for cats  
with this disease. They help manage glucose levels in the  
blood stream and may lower your cats dependency on medica-  
tion. Speak to your veterinarian about the best diet for  
your diabetic cat.

4.  Keep Your Distance  

Cats naturally compete for food, and are uncomfortable eat-  
ing in very close proximity to one another. Give each of  
your cats their own separate food bowl, and space them  
well apart at meal times.

5.  Party! Party! Party!  

Cats are naturally nocturnal, and will want to party all  
night. Help your cat keep quiet when you want to sleep by  
having a lively, interactive play session right before you  
go to bed.

6.  Be Aware Of Raw Fish  

Some types of raw fish can cause a deficiency of the vitamin  
thiamine. Symptoms of a thiamine deficiency include complete  
loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness, seizures and  
even death. In cats it can also lead to heart problems. Feed  
your cat a high quality cat food to avoid any problems.

7.  Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets  

In cold weather, keep your pets away from antifreeze  
solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze that  
spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets and is deadly,  
even in very small amounts. Following is more cold  
weather information.  

One of the problems when the temperature drops is a  
tendency for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods of  
cars. It may be warmer, but a car's fan belt can kill  
or injure them when the motor is started. If there  
are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, bang loudly on  
the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before  
starting the engine. If you own a cat, it is better  
to keep him inside on cold days.  

Make sure your furry little friend has a warm place to  
sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor, such  
as a cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow  
in it.  

Never leave your cat alone in a car during cold  
weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the  
winter,holding in the cold. Your companion animal  
could freeze to death.

Caring for pets in the winter requires a few common sense  
pre-cautions to make sure our furry little friends are safe  
and healthy throughout the winter months. It's especially  
important when the temperature drops below zero and there's  
a wind chill factor. This could be deadly for your pet. A  
rule of thumb is , If it's too cold for you outside than  
it's definitely too cold for your pet.

FROST BITE  

Be aware that if your cat is exposed to cold temperatures  
for too long she can suffer frostbite. The ears, tail and  
feet are affected first. Keep your pets indoors when it  
is cold or ensure access to warm and dry shelter.

8.  Emergency!  

The key to responding to an emergency is to be prepared.  
Keep information concerning emergency contacts for your  
cat near the phone and in your billfold. This information  
should include the phone number and address of the closest  
pet emergency clinic that has night and weekend hours, as  
well as the number of the local poison control and your  
own veterinarian's number.

Copyright 2007 by NextEra Media

Cat Funnies

1.  Why is the cat so grouchy?  

=^,,^=   Because he's in a bad mewd.  

Cassie Cattails

2.  What is the cat's favorite magazine?  

^,,^   Good Mousekeeping.  
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Cassie Cattails

3.  The name most used for a pet cat is 'Kitty'. The most used  
phrase is 'Here Kitty, Kitty' with 'You Stupid Cat' running  
close behind.   (© Lisa Brewer)

4.  What does a cat do when it gets mad?  

^..^   It has a hissy fit.  
 ><  

Cassie Cattails