Bo and Adam

We all know that the safest place for a cat to live is inside your home. However, sometimes that simply isn’t possible. There are times when circumstances dictate that, no matter how much you love your cat(s), they must spend all or most of the their time outside.

For us, our inside cat (Alexa) simply could not and would not tolerate other cats coming inside. When our current outside babies came along, Alexa already had complete and total run of the house. To bring any inside would surely incite a riot.  I honestly just don’t trust any of them not to fight and it would break my heart if any harm came to any of them.

Fortunately, Hannah, Jelly Bean, and Queen Fatima seem perfectly content with the arrangement.  After all, their outdoor crib is the only one they know.  We’re very lucky to live in a remote area with a garage they have access to 24/7 – as well as two abandoned barns they LOVE to hang out in.  The garage and the barns have lofts that Jelly Bean and Fatima love to sleep in.  Hannah prefers to sleep on the carport, so I keep a warm, elaborate tent for her during the cold months. When it gets super cold, she joins the others in the loft.

If your cat or cats also have to live outside, realize that there are steps you can take to protect them, keep them safe, and even help them live longer.  Below are my own tricks and tips of the trade that I’ve adhered to through many years of being a cat mom:

• Like inside cats, make sure your outside cats eat primarily cat food. People tend to think of outside cats, often, like dogs. They’ll throw them scraps as they would a German Shepherd.  Cats have very dainty, complex digestive tracts and cat food products are designed especially for them.  It’s the food they should be given the majority of the time.
• I’ve never put collars of any sort on my outside cats. Some people do, and swear by it, but I’m scared by the thought of the collar getting caught on something.  Again, we live in a remote area, so I don’t have to worry about name tags, dog catchers, or anything like that.  If I did, I’d find a “break away” collar.
• Give your outside cat LOTS of escape opportunities. Not only is our yard full of trees, but my husband keeps the garage door open just large enough for our cats to slink into. Nothing larger can follow them into the garage.
• On the carport, I have tall black shelves that our cats can also jump onto if a skunk, possum, or raccoon spooks them.
• Keep all motor oil, weed killers, car wash, etc. put far away from nosy cats. Also, be sure to spray (with a hose) any residue left behind.  These products can be poisonous to inquisitive cats.
• Outside cats need love and attention as much as indoor cats.  Make sure to set aside certain times each day to visit with your outside babies – even during the winter. Bundle up and cuddle up!
• Outside cats generally get some exercise on most days – often by chasing feathered or furry prey!  However, they need physical activity and play just like our inside cats do. We tend to think they get all of the entertainment and exercise they need by living outdoors, but think about it: They pretty much see and do the same things over and over again.  Mix things up for them by buying special cat toys, cat nip, scratching posts, and so on.  Give them new things to see, smell, and do.
• I’ve always given our cats a combination of dry and wet cat food. I also give them food/treats that are good for their teeth.
• Always, always, always provide fresh, clean water and lots of it. In the winter, be sure to check on their water throughout the day.
• Make sure your cats have a safe, dry, warm, and comfortable bed. Cats love their beds as much as we humans do! Their beds are very important to them.  Make certain that your cats have soft beds that are always dry.  Place the cat bed where your cat likes to sleep or hang out.  Realize that cats, generally, don’t want their bed in high-traffic areas. The thing a cat hates more than anything is feeling vulnerable. Put the bed in a safe, out of the way spot – preferable off the ground – or under a table or tent!  See Cat Beds.

There’s no reason your outside cat can’t live a long and wonderful life. Our outside cats are beautifully healthy and happy and always live for many years.  We’ve always had at least one inside diva cat (Prissy, and then Alexa) who refuses to allow feline company – so we’ve always had outside babies as well as the inside “spoiled” girls!

Love your cats, whether they’re inside cats or outside, with all you have and think about them and their happiness throughout the day – not just when it’s time to feed them.  Remember, they need attention and affection as much as they need water and food.

Hannah

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Click each to see the larger version. Is it any wonder that we crazy cat lovers are such crazy cat lovers?! How could we not be flat out of our minds for these expressive, hilarious, and lovable animals?

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I found this article on Animal Planet.com that I thought I’d share. It lists some very common foods that are actually dangerous for animals to eat. If your pets like leftovers – or if they pull a seat up and join you, the article might prove to be an eye-opener….more importantly, it might prove to be a life-saver.

See What You Should Know About Household Hazards to Pets.

I’m confused about garlic being on the list. I’ve read in so many places where veterinarians suggest putting garlic powder on a picky pet’s food to entice them. I’ve even written that particular tip on this blog. So I don’t know if the powder is safe or not – I’d rather be overly cautious than wrong, though.

I’m going to find that particular post and put a warning beside it – just in case. No pet’s life is worth taking chances!

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I can’t even tell you how much I love this little
Cat House. It’s 21 in. x 15 in. x 21 in. and ready to move in.

From the Website:

You’ve heard of a dog house, now how about a carpeted, cozy indoor house for your favorite feline? This carpeted house is purrfect for your lovable cat, and the larger size is great if your pet wants to bring along some feline friends for a house party.

The only thing is, we’d need a duplex because Prissy would absolutely love it – but there’s NO WAY Alexa wouldn’t crawl in right on top of her.

That, I’m afraid wouldn’t go over terribly well. Poor little Prissy’s nerves aren’t what they used to be. Sometimes she’ll hiss at Alexa just for breathing her air. I’ve told her that’s unreasonable and borderlines on the “B” word but she just kind of huffs at me.

What I’m thinking is that we should buy one, then we can use my husband can use it as a guide for us him to make a similar one.

I’ll run it by him later. He’ll think I’m terribly brilliant batty.

Have an amazing Labor day weekend with your cat! – Joi

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Maybe it’s because I’m currently suffering from Monday-itis, but I love this cat’s attitude. I’ve felt like letting loose with a big “WHAT! EVER!” 3 times today and it’s not even lunch.

The WHAT EVER – Sweatshirt is available online only. The same lovable free spirit feline is also featured on buttons, mugs, collectibles, tees, and more. Click through to see just how much she’s getting into.

Back to work, I guess. Frankly, I’m kind of interested in seeing just how many catastrophes can sling themselves at me in one day. I just may be working on a record here. Nothing that a little trip to Starbucks won’t cure, though.  Oh yeah, I smell a Mocha Latte in my near future.

This would be me warming up the car.

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Neutering is a very quick and simple surgical procedure with a very short recovery period. Besides helping to cut down on the cat population, having your cat(s) neutered will have a positive effect on their behavior and health. Below are some reasons, courtesy of About.com, to pay a visit to the vet.

• Neutered cats are less likely to spray strong urine
• Neutered cats will lose the urge to fight
• Neutered cats will be less likely to try to escape
• Neutered cats will not suffer the abscesses from fighting
• Neutered cats will be less likely to contract diseases such as FeLV and FIV
• Neutered cats will not be subject to testicular cancer
• Neutered cats will not likely develop “stud tail,” caused by overactive glands in the tail
• Neutered cats have a decreased risk of mammary cancer

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Spot “Micro Mouse” Radio Controlled Mouse

Did you know that when you play with your cat, you not only give yourself a much needed break, you’re also doing something very beneficial for him – even lengthening his life?

Not only is play time fun for your cat, it makes him feel loved, keeps his mind and instincts sharp, provides exercise, keeps his appetite healthy, relieves stress and alleviates boredom. As painful as stress and boredom are for us humans, they’re doubly so for animals – so anything we can do to prevent them should be a priority.
So, gab a string, a ping pong ball, a shoelace, or your cat’s favorite toy and have a blast.

It’s good for both of you!

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Italian Ceramic Dog Or Cat Dish Cherries

Fish Pudding:
1 cup leftover fish
1/2 cup water
About 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Shred fish, warm in water add bred crumbs. Until thick, stir and cook about a minute or two serve warm. May also be put on dry cat food as a dinner treat.

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