Taking the Mystery Out of Cat Vaccines

When it comes to cat vaccinations, cat owners can have a ton of questions. Mostly, the questions center around the safety. We wonder if we should vaccinate our cat and, if we do, will it lengthen her life?

Thanks to Paw Nation, much of the mystery and controversy has been dealt with. Paw Nation spoke with veterinarians Kristen Nelson, author of “Coated with Fur: A Vet’s Life,” and Christine Bellezza, co-director of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University.

When and why should pet owners vaccinate their cats?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that kittens start getting their shots at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, the time when the immunity they received from their mothers starts to wane. “It’s important to vaccinate cats because the viruses that we’re vaccinating against are very prevalent in the environment,” Bellezza says. “Cats that aren’t vaccinated are very much at risk.”

Despite that high risk, not all cat owners follow the guidelines.

“Unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect information on the Internet related to vaccinations,” says Dr. Nelson. “As a result, I have observed an increase in the number of people who refuse vaccinations for their pets. Now I am beginning to see an increase in the number of animals who contract these diseases.”

To read the rest of the interview (one that all cat owners should read from the first word to the last word), please visit Cat Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Protecting Outside Cats in Excessive Heat

As I’ve said many times before, I have outside cats that are only “outside” cats because of a certain inside baby (Alexa) who I’m afraid wouldn’t be too welcoming. We don’t call her our little spoiled baby for nothing.

Plus, a few of our outside cats are Ming Li’s kittens – she was a feral cat who it took months of coaxing to even approach. Unfortunately, she’s no longer with us but before she left, I was able to pet her at will – she actually became a pretty big baby, purring constantly.

She left behind several babies and, since they were born to such a wild little momma, I’d never stand a chance of picking them up!

I can pet two out of three of them regularly. They’re very sweet but picking them up would probably completely freak them out at this point.

So bringing them inside is an impossibility. Hannah, of course, can be picked up, hugged, kissed, and held all day… she loves it, the big baby. I’m just very scared of her and Alexa getting into a squabble. Besides, she doesn’t seem to mind living out in the wild.

However, with an excessive heat advisory in effect here in Owensboro, Kentucky today – I’ve been doing all I can to cool off my hot little girls and boys.

I’ve “iced” Hannah down twice – she loves it! Fatima wants no part of it and the boy cats look at me like I’ve lost my mind completely. Earlier, Fatima (the tiniest little cat in the world) looked on the brink of death – seriously. Her mouth was hanging open and her eyes just didn’t look right. I wet a towel down with cool water and laid it on the ground. She wouldn’t let me rub her with it but when I laid it out on the ground, she laid on top of it.

I then took out a big bowl of ice and placed it all around the area she and Hannah were lying in. They both licked the ice and laid down amongst the melting glaciers.

One of the boy cats (Bullet) took off for the barn after a long cold drink and the other (Jelly Bean) enjoyed the glaciers with the girls.

He’s such a little Romeo.

I looked out a few minutes ago (I’ve been checking on them frequently) and they were still chilling nicely. Fatima looks 100 percent better and Hannah seems to be hinting for another ice massage.

Soooo…. I’m off to ice my girl down and HOPE the others will allow me to give them one as well.

Precious Happy Endings Thanks to ASPCA!

See the inquisitive little doll above?  His name’s Lyle (is that a great name or what?!?!).  He, along with 138 other precious cats were recently rescued thanks to compassionate cat lovers such as Lyle’s new parents.  ASPCA does so much for animals and has been responsible for so many animal lives saved and human lives touched that I’m sure there’s a special place in Heaven for each member.

Lyle was one of the cat’s rescued and now…. you’ll love this… has his very own room, filled with cat trees.  Lyle’s living the good life now and I have a  feeling his new family couldn’t be happier.

To read more about Lyle and this recent effort, please visit ASPCA’s News page – it’s currently the second story down.

Don’t you just love happy endings?!?!

ASPCA and Walmart Ask You to Lend a Paw

One of my absolute favorite organizations is ASPCA.  As an animal lover extraordinaire, I absolutely love all that they do for helpless little animals.  That’s why I follow their trail of good deeds and try to bring them to your attention!

Please read the following and help ASPCA and Wal-Mart as they try to help as many precious animals as possible. I already loved Wal-Mart, but I do even more so now.

From ASPCA:

Approximately five to seven million adoptable dogs and cats enter animal shelters nationwide each year. Of those, approximately three to four million are needlessly euthanized simply due to a lack of space or resources to adequately care for them.

Overpopulation is the leading cause of unnecessary euthanasia. This is largely due to an inadequate number of spayed and neutered pets, even among those living with otherwise responsible pet parents. Experts estimate that half of all puppies and three-quarters of all kittens born in the U.S. are the result of unplanned litters.

Walmart^® is proud to support the ASPCA^® in our goal to save and improve the lives of millions of pets nationwide, and to help raise awareness around the importance of adoption and spay/neuter. Walmart is showcasing its partnership with the ASPCA and celebrating Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month throughout April, culminating with a special event on May 1 in Miami, Florida. The event will raise awareness and funds for the ASPCA, Miami Humane and Miami Animal Control Services.

Through the support of key pet suppliers, Walmart will host a fun walk and Pet Care Fair in Bayfront Park. Sponsor tents featuring educational seminars, information and giveaways will be available throughout the event, along with main stage performances and family fun. Education and community support through programs like the Pet Care Fair play a large role in preventing unwanted litters and increasing the number of pet sterilizations.

You can get involved, too! Animal lovers everywhere are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/lendapaw and help “Lend a Paw” to support the ASPCA’s goal to save and improve the lives of millions of animals nationwide. When visitors click on the “Create a ‘Lend a Paw’ Post” button, Walmart, through the generous contribution of key pet suppliers, will donate $1 for each post (for a total donation of up to $100,000). All funds raised go to support the life-saving missions of the ASPCA and its local partners.

Also: ASPCA was selected as one of 49 charities to participate in Members Project^®, an exciting new promotion from American Express^® and TakePart. As part of the promotion, they need you to vote for the ASPCA EVERY WEEK at takepart.com/membersproject/vote – this will help them win $200,000 to help animals in need!

They’re currently in the lead – but there are only about 5 weeks left, so every vote really counts!

Also from ASPCA… Go Orange!

To commemorate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this April, our corporate partners are “Going Orange” to celebrate the ASPCA’s victories on behalf of animals. ASPCA partner Red Lion Hotels has selected one of its flagship properties, the Red Lion Hotel at the Park in Spokane, WA, to light up orange for the entire month. In addition, Subaru of America, Inc., Clorox, the makers of Fresh Step^® cat litter, Brown Cow^® All Natural Yogurt, and Dyson^® will be supporting an ASPCA Spay/Neuter Block party in New York City as well as pet adoption and wellness events in Tampa, FL (April 24), and Dallas, TX (May 1). For more information about the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month celebrations and how you can get involved and be a voice for animals this April, please visit AspcaApril.org.

Safe Toys and Safe Play for Your Cat

One of the things I cherish the most in my e-mail inbox is the daily Cat Age Tip of the Week newsletter. (Click the link to find out how to sign up!)

In today’s tip, we’re reminded how important it is to keep out cats toys and playthings safe.

Here’s the daily tip:
Whether your cat prefers expensive store-bought toys or items found around the house, take care to keep your cavorting cat safe.

To prevent choking, avoid toys with parts that can become detached during play. Bring out the pounce in your pet with safe choices such as a ping-pong ball or a catnip mouse. Playtime with string or yarn should be carefully supervised to prevent your cat from accidentally swallowing it. Finally, secure free-standing kitty condos and cat towers to the floor or wall to keep them from toppling over.

Great advice! I’d also add the following:

• Decorative ribbon that’s used for gifts is very enticing to pets.  It’s fun to play a great game of tug and catch with them using the bright ribbon.  However, this kind shreds pretty easily and could be a real choking hazard to an animal.  Last year, Alexa found a strand beneath the Christmas tree and took off for the back of the house.  It was as though she knew she had something I didn’t want her to have!   I followed to get the ribbon to throw away and, in that little span of time, she had one end down her throat.  This year I didn’t even buy this type of rolled ribbon for our presents.  I subscribe to the theory of “better unbelievably safe than unbelievably sorry.”
• Inspect toys just as you would inspect them for a child.  Think of each conceivable possibility – will this small piece come off…. can that get wrapped around her/his neck… that sort of thing.
• I love the tip above about securing their towers and condos to the wall.  Just because you don’t think it could possibly topple over doesn’t mean it won’t.  I never in a gazillion years believed Alexa would be able to turn an ironing board over on herself, but she sure managed.  (Yes, as a matter of fact, she does have to be watched like a toddler!)  In fact, we have bamboo shelves in the kitchen that she occasionally likes to climb, I need my husband to anchor them to the wall. Our little girl is more of a busy body than Prissy ever was.  Prissy rarely climbed anything beyond the couch or the nearest bed.  Alexa’s convinced she’s part mountain lion.
• Watch out for newspaper left lying around.  If your cat is as inquisitive or playful as Alexa (Heaven help you), they probably like to attack the paper and see how fast they can shred it.  Little pieces of newspaper can get stuck on the back of the cat’s tongue and become a choking hazard quickly.
• While we’re talking about chocking hazards, watch out for the green grass that’s popular in Easter baskets.  Like the ribbon and paper, it can become dangerous very fast.  Be sure it’s out of your little one’s way.

I guess that’s all of the tips I can think of for now… at least until Alexa gets into something else!  If you have any to add, please do so in the comments.

Click the following link for a wonderful article: 10 Ways to Make Your Cat Younger.  Oy.  I’m almost certain Alexa has no waist definition. I mean, I know she has a waist… somewhere…. She’s all over the other 9 though.  She just needs to eat a little less… Maybe cut back to just 1 lunch instead of 3…

Teleflora and ASPCA Create a Beautiful Valtentie’s Day

What a beautiful idea! If you or a loved one send flowers this Valentine’s Day (which is always an excellent way to say I Love You), you’ll want to do so with Teleflora. Not only are their floral arrangements too beautiful for words, their heart’s in the right place, too – with animals!

When you send flowers for Valentine’s Day, you can also give back to the ASPCA. When you buy flowers through Teleflora using their special link, 20% of the product price will be donated back to the ASPCA. Click HERE for the special link and the very special opportunity to give love all the way around.

Send a bouquet today!

Ten Most Common Pet Poisons

Few things are more heart-breaking than losing a pet.  However, when one is lost due to the owner’s negligence or ignorance (I don’t mean that to be insulting – I just mean when an owner is unaware that something could be harmful!) – the pain must be almost impossible to live with.

ASPCA, an organization I firmly believe in, has listed the Ten Most Common Pet Poisons of 2009 and every pet owner should read the list.  In fact, we should all read the list, then forward it to everyone we know!

Animals depend entirely on us and I’m sure you feel the same way I do – I have no intention of letting them down.  Click the link above to read the very informative list.  A few might just surprise you.

The gorgeous Cat Poster Print at the top of the post is available online for less than $10!

EDIT:  I fixed the broken link to the article – - – - So sorry!

Iams Helps Find Loving Homes For Over a Million Precious Animals

Beautiful actress Hilary Swank and her two precious adopted dogs

I was sent a very heart-warming and encouraging final update on Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH).  IH4TH had its most successful adoption drive ever by placing nearly 1.4 million pets into loving homes in the last three months!

1.4 million babies!  If that doesn’t touch your heart, I’m not sure it can be touched.

Between Oct. 1, 2009 and Jan. 4, 2010, more than 3,500 animal organizations and the IH4TH ambassador—two-time Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank—proved to be a powerful combination in the massive effort to help reduce pet homelessness.

“I’m proud to be part of such an amazing cause and I hope the many families who adopted through the IH4TH program will experience the same unconditional love and fulfillment my dogs Karoo and Rumi give me every day,” said Swank. “I hope our success inspires everyone to get involved and continue to help eradicate pet homelessness because there are millions of animals who still need our help and we all have the ability to help make a difference.”

The following animals were adopted this year:
* 729,357 dogs
* 588,265 cats
* 46,016 other animals (including rabbits, reptiles, horses, birds and more)

As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, IH4TH partners thousands of animal organizations dedicated to helping place homeless animals with happy, loving homes. Founded in 1999 by the Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH—along with nearly 3,500 pet adoption centers – has helped more than 4.6 million pets find shelter, including nearly 1.4 million from just this year!

The next IH4TH program will kick off on Oct. 1 2010, but this is still an issue that needs attention—and there are plenty of ways to get involved now! To learn more about how to make a difference in the life of an orphaned pet, including finding participating shelters, volunteering or making a donation to support animal organizations and pets awaiting new homes, visit www.iamshome4theholidays.com.

As a pet lover extraordinaire, I want to say thanks to Hilary Swank, Iams, and every single very special person who gave a precious animal a new home.  May your newly expanded family be ridiculously happy and your homes filled with love.

If Hilary weren’t already one of my absolute favorite stars, she would be now.  But, alas, I’ve adored her since I first saw her.

How to Make a Cat Tree

I’ve been pricing cat trees for our inside girl, Alexa.  Our outside girls and boys have plenty of trees, barns, logs, lofts, etc. to climb on, but I know Alexa would love a cat tree placed near a window.

Since she broke her leg last year, I’ve been extra cautious about her climbing on just anything, so safety is top on my list… as it should be on everyone’s.

I found a great article a few minutes ago about building your own cat tree and thought I’d share it with you.  Click the link and get your tools ready!  What a wonderful way to make sure that your cat furniture is well made and safe.

Keeping Your Pet Safe This Halloween

ASPCA released the following News Alert concerning Pet Safety during this time of year. As Pet Parents, it’s up to us to protect them and keep them safe, so here are ten ways we can do just that:

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1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can’t see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

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