Keep your outside cat warm this winter with this wonderfully affordable Heated Cat Bed.  This beauty is available on Amazon for a purrfectly reasonable price.  Outside cats will appreciate the extra warmth and comfort provided by a great heated cat bed such as this.

Inside cats would also feel extra pampered (and warm!) with a heated cat bed – especially older cats who may have a little arthritis.  Many older cats will do their best to find the warmest places in the house simply because it makes their achy little bones feel better. Providing them with their own heated little cat bed just makes a lot of sense…. plus it’s a loving thing for a cat parent to do!

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The UL-listed K&H Thermo-Kitty bed keeps your pet feeling warm and secure year-round. The affordable heated bed uses a 4-watt dual-thermostat unit buried inside the thick, soft, orthopedic foam base to warm the bed 10 to 15 degrees above air temperature to match your cat’s normal body temperature. Remove the cover for easy machine-washing. For indoor use only. 1-year limited warranty. Measures 16 inches in diameter. Conveniently sized to fit almost anywhere indoors.

Also, check out the Outside Cat House that Keeps Cats Warm and Dry

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Hauser–Cat Out
Buy This at Allposters.com

Fortunately, my girls have always been GREAT about telling each one, “That’s Alexa. She’s spoiled rotten and cannot ever go outside.” We’ve never had a single misstep. We’re also lucky that Alexa never tries to get out. She knows she has a great thing going here and doesn’t attempt to rock the boat. The only time she even approaches the door at all is one of us is returning home.

The tin sign shown above would serve as a great reminder for houses with pampered babies that MUST stay indoors – it’s also incredibly cute! Click through for a closer look.

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Like all kids, cats love the holidays.  One of the highlights each year for me is seeing the reactions of our cats when the Christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and all the other decorations come out.  Their eyes light up as they insist on getting right in the middle of everything!

While cats make the holidays even sweeter, it’s a time when we have to pay close attention to potential dangers for our little ones. Many of the following definitely fall under the heading “common sense,” but we all get so busy this time of year, sometimes we need a few reminders.  Our cats lives are definitely worth the extra time it takes to read over cat safety tips, so let’s have at it.

1. Even though it’s tempting to give our cats “special treats” such as ham, turkey, whipping cream, icing, etc during the holidays, come up with a better plan.  Buy special Cat Treats and dole them out instead. Cat’s insides are very, very special and they simply can’t process the food that we’re able to process. Why take chances, right?
2. Make certain your Christmas tree is VERY secure and stable.  Many cats like to climb them (Prissy always did!) and the last thing you want is the tree toppling down on top of your cat.
3. If you have a live tree, be sure your cat doesn’t drink from the water. Cover it in some fashion. Stagnate water is a health hazard, for one thing, and for another who knows what kind of chemicals or fertilizers could transfer from the tree into the water. This water could make your cat very sick at best and could prove poisonous at worst.
4. If you have cats (or dogs or small children for that matter) in your house, you’d be better off avoiding tinsel altogether.  Cats find tinsel completely irresistible – so shiny and easy to play with! However, tinsel easily gets into their digestive tract and can cause obstruction (which requires surgery and a great amount of pain for your cat).
5. Tissue paper, popular for putting in gift bags, is something else that cats can get into their digestive system, which would then wreak havoc.  If you use tissue paper, make certain it’s closed up tightly within the bag and be sure to throw it all away immediately upon opening.
6. Beware of long ribbons as well.  Cats can get them wrapped around their necks, creating a choking risk.  They’ve also been known to get these ribbons stuck in their throats.
7. Never leave burning candles unattended, for obvious reasons.
8. Anything that involves burning oil, melted wax, or flames is simply too risky. Potpourri pots can EASILY be pulled down by a cat who is either attacking the cord or simply running from one place to another.  Again, it’s just not worth the risk.
9. Cats LOVE gift bags – the bright, fun, “crinkly” bags spell GOOD TIMES to an inquisitive little girl or boy!  I always leave a few lying around for Alexa, much to her delight.  However, I make certain that the strings are unattached – the larger bags are especially dangerous (the ribbon loops look like little nooses!).
10. I already mentioned “treats,” but this one merits its own mention: Chocolate is a huge NO NO for cats (dogs too). Chocolate can poison a cat, plain and simple.  Also, make certain your cats never eat anything containing xylitol.  Again, what’s the best way to make sure your cat doesn’t digest food that’ll harm her? Feed her only cat treats and cat food.  Also, remember that just because you don’t hand it to your cat doesn’t mean she can’t get to it! Keep candy and all other foods out of your cat’s reach.
11. No doubt you (like me) fill your cat’s stocking with toys and special treats.  Make sure the toys, themselves, are safe. It’s always best to buy specially made cat toys because you pretty much know for certain they won’t contain poisonous paint or harmful parts. Cat toy manufacturers have a lot of codes they have to live up to and that always makes me feel safer. Remember that long, stringy toys can cause a lot of nightmares, as can small parts that can come off and lodge in your cat’s throat or intestines.
12. Make sure no turkey or ham bones are given to your cat and be sure they’re disposed of properly.
13. Keep Holly (the plant, not a relative!) out of the home.  Holly can cause pets to suffer needlessly with nausea and diarrhea.
14. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset as well as cardiovascular problems.
15. Many lilies lead to kidney failure and death for cats.  Why take any chances?  Buy artificial plants and keep your cat safe and healthy.
16. If there’s a lot of commotion, noise, and guests, some cats may want to retreat to another room for some much needed peace and relaxation.  If this is the case, be certain they have their essentials nearby: Litter box, water, food, and a comfortable place to sleep.  If your cat does seek refuge, don’t try to coax her out – she’ll come out when she feels ready.

Finally, remember three facts that are essential for cat health and safety:

1. Cats are small children in fur coats. Everything is a toy and everything is a game.  Like children, they cannot discern what is safe and what isn’t. It’s up to us. To keep them safe, we have to think like they do and look at the world from their viewpoint. Seek out anything that poses a threat to your cat and remove the danger.
2. Cats are perhaps the most emotionally in-tuned animal in the world.  They’re like emotional sponges, as one vet put it. They pick up on our moods as well as the excitement going on around them. Sometimes the chaos and excitement will cause them to act differently than normal. They may sleep more, may be cranky, or may need more of your attention and reassurance.
3. Cats aren’t wild about change. They crave consistency and want their little world to pretty much stay the same. Same feeding schedule, same play time, same “couch time,” and same television routine!  Cats feel stress and nothing causes them to stress out quite like change, so keep things as normal as you possibly can during the holidays.  Also, cats HATE sharing their parents with other people or situations. They want their mom and dad’s attention and feel distress when they feel that someone or something else is taking any of this attention away from them. If children (or Heaven forbid other pets!) come into your home during the holidays, be sure to reassure your cat(s) and involve them in everything you possibly can.

I hope you and your cats have a fun, safe, and wonderful Christmas and holiday season!  I’ll be adding more cat lovers gift ideas, cat toys, and cat ornaments – so watch for them.

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If you’re a regular reader, you probably already know that we had a much (much much much, much…) loved cat named Prissy, who I named after my favorite Gone With the Wind character, who lived for over 20 years. Within those years… 20, wow, that’s a lot of years…. she only had to go to the vet once, when she was 3 – for a sinus infection of all things.  Prissy was a house cat, which certainly helped her achieve such an impressive lifespan. In fact Keep your cat safe and secure inside your home at all times was listed number 1 on Real Age.com’s Cat Health Tips for Helping Your Cat Have a Younger Real Age.

Of course, there are times when your cat has to live outside the house rather than inside the house. They’re still much beloved family, of course, their section of the house simply doesn’t have a roof.  If your cat has to live without a roof, as some of our cats do, read How to Help Your Outdoor Cats Live Longer.

A few safety precautions all cat lovers will want to take include:

• Make certain your houseplants are safe. Some houseplants are poisonous and shouldn’t be allowed in a cat’s vicinity EVER. I wouldn’t even keep one on the highest shelf in a room my cat never visits. Can you say not worth it? No plant is worth making a cat sick and it certainly isn’t worth the risk of killing a cat!  Please see Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Cats.  Needless to say, if you have dogs, be sure to check the same website for poisonous plants for dogs.
• If you have an indoor cat, be certain that all guests to your home know that the cat is not allowed outdoors. Some people have cats that come and go and may automatically assume that your cat does so as well.
• Please don’t allow your cat to lie on or play near ironing boards.  I see a lot of precious pictures online of cats lying on ironing boards (horrifyingly enough, sometimes the iron’s plugged in and is next to the cat) online.  I used to keep our ironing board up most of the time (with a blanket on top) because Alexa loved to lie on it and look out the window. One day, she had a terrible accident, though, and somehow managed to pull the ironing board down on her when she quickly jumped off.  One of the metal legs landed on one of her tiny back legs, breaking her leg in two places.  I’ll NEVER forget the pain she was in or the helpless, sick feeling I had. She had to have a cast and had to spend months in a large cage. It was absolute hell for me and her.  When we first brought her home from the animal hospital with a cast on her leg, I had trouble getting her to agree to the cage. At one point, she backed into a corner as tears, literally ran from her eyes (as well as mine!). It’s an image that will stay with me forever and will prompt me to beg cat lovers to keep their ironing boards put up at all times. PLEASE. If you have a cat blog, a facebook page, or a Twitter account, help me spread the word about the dangers of ironing boards for cats.
• Always remember how inquisitive and nosy cats are! Be certain to always double check the dryer before closing the door – even if you’re almost certain your cat never came into the room.

Click HERE to read the Real Age.com article about adding years to your cat’s life. Great stuff!

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The “good” thing about this mousepad is that it’s absolutely adorable. It lets anyone and everyone know how much you love animals – especailly your own pet(s). The “great” think about the Just A Buck, Change Their Luck(tm) Mouse Pad is that you’re taking the opportunity to give money to PetSmart Charities that support and care for precious animals.

The “remarkable” this is, you’ll get this mousepad when you make your donation of just $5.00. I honestly don’t remember the last time I saw a mousepad for that price. I’d donate $5.00 to animal causes any day, with or without the mousepad. It’s just icing on the cake!

Click through to jump all over this opportunity.

Notice how accurately the pets are drawn in the picture above! The dog’s all eager to play and interact with his humans and the cat’s trying to act nonchalant and laid back… all the while you can tell that she loves being near her humans.  The body language on these pets is just perfect!

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Did you know that having your cat declawed is painful for him/her? Don’t be fooled by what some may tell you, it’s simply not a painless, simple procedure. Not for the cat, anyway.

From The Complete Cat’s Meow: Everything You Need to Know about Caring for Your Cat by Darlene Arden, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant:

The declawing procedure is painful for your cat. Even if a veterinarian uses a laser and the cat can walk sooner, your cat can’t really be comfortable with part of its toes missing, especially since cats walk on their toes first. This means that your cat is in pain and has to walk differently, rather than in its normal manner.

Most cat parents have their cats declawed for the same reason: Cats scratch furniture (and very often anything else they can handle!).  There are far better solutions to this problem – solutions that won’t hurt the cat or affect the way she enjoys the rest of her life.

When our precious Prissy was alive (all 20+ years!), buying new furniture was completely out of the question.  That girl never met a couch or chair she didn’t like. She was convinced each and every piece of furniture was an elaborate scratching post for her!   My daughter Stephany would help the situation by keeping Prissy’s nails clipped – a procedure that the ever laid-back cat actually enjoyed. Prissy never scratched walls or woodwork, but furniture was in constant danger.

I did, finally, find a way to throw salt in her game: I placed throws over the sides of the sofa – her favorite spots.  I also started buying her scratching posts and placed them near her favorite spots.

With Alexa, it’s a little different.  She seems to understand that furniture is for sitting on.  She enjoys few things more than curling up on the sofa with her mom and dad as we all enjoy a game of baseball (or whatever it is we’re watching at the time).  Alexa’s weakness is door frames.  I’m having trouble convincing her that these weren’t placed in the house solely for her enjoyment.

She’s not buying it.

I’ve found a way to outsmart the little smarty pants, though, and it’s AGAIN with scratching posts.  I’ve placed one near her favorite place to scratch and, now, when she’s in the vicinity, she uses the scratching post instead.

If you’re trying to lure your cat away from scratching furniture or wood, use a good, sturdy scratching post – preferably one treated with catnip.  If the scratching post doesn’t come with its own catnip, buy a package and make the scratching post more enticing for your cat yourself.

Also, it probably goes without saying but Alexa, Hannah, Jelly Bean, and Queen Fatima want me to say it anyway: Cats cannot be treated as dogs or children when it comes to discipline.  Remember their ancestors are lions, tigers, cheetahs, etc… how responsive do you think this DNA is to “NO!” or, worse yet, swats to the backside?!?!  They’ll simply think you’re mean and will perceive you as a threat.  Cats don’t even like yelling.  They simply aren’t wired to be disciplined in this manner.

However, many cat parents have had success with spritzing a tiny bit of  water (something cats detest) on their cats when they’re involving themselves in unsuitable behavior.  I’ve never done it, myself, but many say that their cat comes to associate scratching on furniture with the unpleasantness of spritzed water.

Personally?  I’d be afraid that, yet again, my cat would come to perceive me as a threat or as a meanie!   Maybe if you were somehow able to do it without them seeing you? I’m not really sure.  I do know this, though: Cats are very, very bright and it wouldn’t take them long to realize when scratching was safe and when it wasn’t.  After all, what they’re doing is as natural to them as scratching an itch is to us.  I’m convinced that the best solution for all is simply to give the cat an alternative: A sturdy, safe, scratching post.

Click the following link to read more about The Complete Cat’s Meow: Everything You Need to Know about Caring for Your Cat by Darlene Arden.

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post (See all Cat Scratching Posts)

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We do everything in our power to care for, nurture, and protect our cats.  We buy the best cat food available, we provide our cats and kittens with engaging cat toys and can often be found on the ground playing with them – having at least as much fun as they are.  We know that playtime for cats isn’t just fun, it’s healthy and provides physical activity and mental stimulation that are very, very good for them.   In fact, when it comes to cat health, playtime is vital.

But, as mindful and lovingly careful as we are, there are still areas we need to improve in.  There are plenty of hazards in our home and yard that pose potential harm (often fatal) to our cats.

So, to promote better cat safety and care, we’ve rounded up what we believe to be a comprehensive list of tips, advice, and information for keeping our cats safe from harm and illness.  Like children with skin, there’s only so much we can do to protect children with fur!  However, since they mean the world to us, we will do everything and anything within our power.

Personally, I firmly believe that a home with cats (or dogs, for that matter) should be treated the same as a home with small children.  When children are small, we can’t count on them to reason what might or might not be harmful, so we remove all perceived harm and danger.  Animals aren’t capable of always recognizing harm either.  They’re very childlike in many ways and one of the most obvious ways is that they live in the moment.  They see something that looks like a good time, and off they go!

They’re also like children in this way:  Almost everything goes to the mouth!

Alexa reminded me of this truth a few nights ago.  I was fixing an Asian-inspired meal and apparently, somehow, a crispy Asian noodle hit the floor. I hear a little crunching from a few feet behind me and I turn to see her with the noodle half-in, half-out of her mouth!  She’s nothing if not accident-prone, so I distracted her with her favorite cat treats and threw what was left of the noodle away.  Alexa, being Alexa, would have probably choked on the noodle (or stuck it in her ear, or broke a couple of teeth, or poked herself in the eye…).

As I was giving her a couple of treats, I told her that she was “Just like a 2 year old baby.” And it hit me that, yes, in fact, cats are very much like 2 year olds – which is why we need to do periodic “child-proofing” inspections around our home, garage, and yard.

Keep Your Cat Safe Tips

1. Ironing Boards. First of all, the iron is an obvious danger.  Be certain that you never leave an iron plugged in if you aren’t right beside it.  Also, when you unplug the iron and leave it to cool down, be certain that it’s completely out of your cat’s reach.   Even the ironing board, itself can be a safety hazard.  Although it’s actually the only time I’ve ever heard of the incident (again, it’s Alexa we’re talking about!), a few years ago, our beautiful little baby (shown above, looking for something to get into) broke one of her legs in two places when she ran to jump on an ironing board.  She somehow managed to pull it down on herself.  One of the metal legs fell on one of her tiny legs and broke it.  Needless to say, she was in a great deal of pain.. which probably took a couple decades off of my life…. and had to have multiple veterinarian visits, surgery, a leg cast, and cage confinement for nearly two months.  I will give my husband this, he found the biggest cage known to exist!  It was agonizing and could have been completely prevented if the ironing board had not been left standing.  Yes, it’s a one in a million type of scenario – but if you’d seen how much pain this beautiful little cat was in, you’d know that one in a million is well-worth preventing.
2. Human Medications.  Unfortunately, for several years now, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards. The ASPCA manages thousands upon thousands of calls each year involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Again, approach safety measures as you would if you had a small child in the home.  They can and they will find a way to get into anything that peaks their curiosity.  Be sure to lock up all medicine and never leave any pills, vitamins, herbs, or supplements lying around in the open.
3. Certain People Food. Grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously harm cats and dogs. Thousands of pets die each year from the type of poisoning you’d never expect: food.  What many cat and dog parents think of as “treats” are anything but. Onions are another food that should not be given to pets.  One of the worst offenders – chocolate – is particularly dangerous.  Chocolate contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.  Not only should we all keep these foods out of reach of our pets, we should make certain that anyone who is around our pets also knows that people food is off limits.  You don’t have to be nasty about it, of course.  Simply approach the conversation matter-of-factly… “Did you know that many human foods can actually poison cats?  That’s why we make sure (Fluffy, Scratch, Mayor Tom…) only eats cat food.”
4. Safety for Outdoor Cats in Extreme Weather. For those of us who have outside cats AND inside cats, we know that some simply can’t come in – our babies are destined to live just outside of the walls. When it’s extremely hot or extremely cold, we have to do everything in our power to keep them safe and as comfortable as possible.  Please read Keeping Your Cat Safe in Hot Weather for tips on dealing with summer.   As for winter safety, you might want to consider the KatKabin! It’s a beautiful and cozy cat house that stays warm and dry inside. Click the link to read my review.  Bullet is actually cuddled up inside the KatKabin now.  I have it up off the ground, on a sturdy wide shelf under the carport. He doesn’t seem to mind one little bit that it’s hot pink either!  I went out earlier (it’s the dead of winter now and we have several inches of snow on the ground) and stuck my hand inside the KatKabin.  It felt as warm as it does in our house!  Always be sure to keep your cat’s water bowl filled and unfrozen.  Jelly Bean drinks more than any cat I’ve ever seen, so (in addition to the fact that there are four of them out there) I actually have to refill their water bowl many times during the day.  During winter I go out even more often, to replace the frozen water with fresh water.  Jelly Bean’s always the first one in line!
5. House Plants. Azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.  I don’t allow lilies in the house OR in the yard.  Poinsettias are also known to be toxic.  When it comes to house plants, I actually allow very few in.  Not only do I not want to take any chances with little Miss If There’s A Way to Cause Drama, I’ll Do It – I know she’ll just make a spectacular mess!  As for flowers I add to my flower beds and pots outdoors, I always research them online to make sure they’re safe.
6. Pet Medications and Tick and Flea Products. Many well-intending pet parents mismanage and misuse pet medications and products.  Please ere on the side of extreme caution.  In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.  Also, if you have an elderly cat or dog – I honestly wouldn’t apply or use anything without my veterinarian’s advice.   The last summer Prissy was alive, she and Alexa had a little bit of a flea problem.  I got some “over the counter” flea medication to use.  It was the type that you place a few drops between their shoulder blades.  I used it on Alexa, without incident. However, given the fact that Prissy was 20 years old – and not in the greatest shape – I didn’t use it on her at all.  Somehow, it just didn’t seem safe. I simply combed over her little body and removed fleas monkey-style.  Not long ago, I read that applying medicine like this to older pets can be very dangerous and cause them to have seizures and suffer greatly.  It was a clear case of allowing intuition to guide the way.  Always, always, always treat older pets with extreme caution, love, and tenderness.
7. Garden Products, Chemical Hazards, and Automobile Products. Each of these can pose great harm, often fatal, to pets.  Again, ere on the side of caution and keep all of these products UP off of the ground in your garage, home, or carport.  Keep lids screwed on VERY tightly and immediately wash up any spills or leaks.  My husband not only keeps all of these products up, off the ground, most of them are even in buckets or other containers.
8. Plastic bags and other plastic products. Cats can suffocate in plastic bags, so be sure they’re always completely out of reach.  Again, treat it as you would if there were children in your home.  Also, keep dry cleaning bags out of the way.  Throw them away as soon as you bring the garment in the house.  (There are few things I hate more than dry cleaning bags!)
9. Ribbon, thread, and even dental floss. All of these look like nothing but a good time to a cat but they can easily get choked on them. The long, “curly” ribbon so popular at Christmastime is a potential nightmare to cats.  Many cat parents use it as a toy, but a cat’s claws can shred it to tiny fibers that they can then ingest – either intentionally or unintentionally.   They’re also a choking hazard.
10. Wobbly tables and plant stands. Double-check the tables and, in particular, plant stands in your home.  Some tend to be wobbly, especially on carpet.  It’s the ideal situation for a cat to either run past (and topple over) or take a running dive at and come crashing down with it.  The latter was Alexa’s ironing board maneuver.  So graceful.
11. Mini Blinds. If your cat is anything like Alexa (Heaven help you both), she’s fascinated with mini blinds.  When they’re closed, she loves to shove her head between the rungs and look out.  When they’re open, she loves to attack the cord.  I have to keep a constant eye on this little girl!  I’ve learned that I have to keep the cords folded up out of the way and, during the day, we raise the blinds at the windows she frequents.  Cats can hang themselves in mini blinds, so take great precautions.
12. Household Cleaners. Treat all household cleaners as you do garden products: Keep them entirely out of the way of your pets.  Also, keep the toilet lids down at all times, so the pet doesn’t try to help themselves to a cool drink – not only is this gross (really, really gross), if you use toilet bowl disinfectants or cleansers, it’s potentially poisonous.
13. Speaking of Toilet Bowls… Keep the lids down at all times.  If a cat were to try to jump on top of the toilet, and the lid isn’t down – catastrophe.
14. Candles. Never leave candles burning in a room you aren’t in.  Not only is it hazardous for your cat, it’s hazardous for you!
15. Hot Scented Oil Devices. Hate these!  There are just far too many possibilities for harm.  They can be spilled, knocked over, touched… Even if you have one set up high, in a place you’re sure your cat would never go – they could conceivably grab the cord and pour hot oil on top of them. Can you imagine the pain?!?!
16. Stove Safety. As with Children, keep all pot handles aimed toward the back of the stove.  It’s too easy to knock against one and send a hot pot crashing to the floor.
17. Cat Toys. Always double-check your cat’s toys and inspect them for frays, cracks, and so forth.  Many chocking incidents can be prevented if you make sure everything is in place when it comes to cat toys – make sure nothing’s spilling out and that there aren’t any splintered pieces that could pose a problem.  Also, make sure standing scratching posts are secured in place – be sure they don’t topple over.
18. Heavy Metals. No, not music (although if played loud enough, I’m sure a cat wouldn’t appreciate it much!).   According to ASPCA, heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury,  accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009, alone. Lead is especially dangerous, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
19. Pet Food Recalls. Always stay on top of recent cat and dog food recalls.  Sadly, this has become a regular part of pet parenting.  Would these pet food manufacturers please get their acts together?!?!  Make it a point to check cat websites such as this one regularly for pet food recalls.  Also, here’s a little tip.  Go to Google and set up a Google News Alert (click the link to go directly to the page you need).   Enter the term, “Cat Food” (add another for dog food if your cat has a canine brother or sister!) in the field marked Search Terms, then choose the other specifics and enter your e-mail address.  Whenever there is “news” involving cat food, you’ll get an alert about it in your e-mail.
20. Cat Collars.  I, personally, would never put a cat collar on an outside cat. Not only would my own outside cats think I’d completely lost my mind, it’s simply far too dangerous.  If a cat is, say, in a tree, the collar could easily catch on a branch.  Many well-meaning bird-loving cat parents will even put bells on their cat’s collar to warn the birds.  I love birds as much as anyone (we even have 4 bird feeding stations in our yard!), but if a cat is attempting to hide from or get away from a predator, the bell could toll for them in the worst way.

It bears mentioning again, so bear with me while I mention it again: Treat cats in the house or yard just as you would treat children in the house and yard.  Treat them like babies because they are babies.

I know there are other tips and safety hazards out there.  If you know of any first-hand, please share them with us in the comments.  In the meantime, pass the link to this post around to all cat parents you know.  What may seem like common advice to one person can cause another to say, “Wow! I never thought of that!”  Every time that’s said… another precious cat can be spared a great deal of pain and suffering.

You might even save her life.

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If you’re familiar with me at all, you know that I have 5 cats. One (Alexa) is an indoor diva and the other four (Hannah, Bullet, Jelly Bean, and Queen Fatima) are outside cats.  Alexa – who was “here first” as she likes to remind the others – will not even consider allowing the others to get so much as one paw through the door.  Fortunately, these outside babies don’t seem to mind the arrangement.  No doubt if they did show interest in coming in out of the weather, I’d have to have a long, hard talk with little Miss Alexa.

We live outside the city limits, on a large piece of land.  There is actually an old barn, as well as a garage (my husband keeps the door cracked for them to come and go, then cleans it out when spring hits…. sigh, I love him).  When Bo and Svenn were alive, they absolutely loved the garage.  They could be found sleeping up in the loft even in the summer!  Bullet is also big on the garage and when the weather is particularly cold or stormy, off he goes.  Jelly Bean likes to go back and forth between the garage and the barn.

Odd that he’s the only one (of the many, many, many cats we’ve had over the years) to seek warmth and refuge in the barn.

HOWEVER, my little outside girls (Hannah and Fatima) will not head for the garage unless it’s storming or snow is on the ground.  No matter how cold it gets, they see no need to leave the carport.  I always make them a little tent in the corner – with many thick covers and blankets draped over a few lawn chairs.  When it isn’t too cold, all 4 cats can be found in their tent!  Yet I always wanted something more – another warm option for them….

…something like a little house.

Ironically enough, I had been thinking about this situation when I got an e-mail asking if I’d like a KatKabin to review for Cat-Pause.com.  I was thrilled to accept and watched for its delivery daily.

When the KatKabin arrived, Alexa and I anxiously opened the box.  The KatKabin was bigger and even prettier than I had hoped for!  They sent me a beautiful hot pink version and Alexa couldn’ t take her eyes off of it.  I put it on the ground – without the little removable door on the front – to see if she’d go in.  She’s kind of an odd duck about things like that, so I was skeptical.  However, she marched right in, turned around and laid down on the soft little pad it comes with!

Unfortunately for her, I had the KatKabin in mind for the outside kids – after all, she has a heated home with warm couches and warm beds!  I hauled the beautiful little KatKabin outside for the fearless foursome to inspect.  It was a chilly day but not cold enough to send the boys off to the barn or garage.  Jelly Bean was the first one to try out the KatKabin.  He actually took up residence for about an hour before the others got a shot at it!  Bullet’s snide, mocking looks (imagine, a tough guy cat lounging in a hot pink cabin) didn’t faze him. He just went to sleep in his comfortable surroundings.

The minute Jelly Bean left the KatKabin (nature called), Queen Fatima (a very small, adorable, fragile gray cat – she’s the spitting image of her feral cat mom, Ming Li) went in. Since we lost Ming Li (I loved that little eccentric cat!), Queen Fatima looks at Hannah as her mother – something that Hannah endures with great humor.  The fact that she separated from Hannah long enough to try out the KatKabin kind of caught us all off guard.

Over the course of the day, all of the cats took turns with the KatKabin. At one point, Fatima and Hannah were in there at once. Fatima looked blissfully happy but Hannah looked like she could use a big old helping of “ME time.”

Even on the coldest days, when I stick my hand into the KatKabin, I’m amazed at how much warmer it is in there.  The cat’s body heat sort of creates a little sauna. When the weather isn’t overly cold (we’ve actually enjoyed some really nice weather for over a week), I take off the little removable clear door.  My cats love to sit in their KatKabin and watch birds, one another, me…..  Bullet actually tends to lie in it toward the front with his little arms sort of sticking out – it reminds me of a dog in a dog house.  A comparison he doesn’t appreciate.

Product Description

Product Description

KKZBL Doors: Single Door (as shown) The KatKabin DezRez is the new outdoor stylish house for cats. It is a light yet sturdy house with unique, feline-shaped ends that will appeal to cats of every type. The KatKabin will stand securely on any type of ground and comes with a KatKushion and a KatFlap door to keep wind and rain out. Please Note: Double-door KatKabins are special orders, and thus NOT returnable. Please allow an extra 24 – 48 hours for processing on double-door orders. Features: -Royal blue is the ideal choice for that cool, confident cat about town. -Includes KatKushion and a KatFlap door to keep the rain out. -Optional double door setup has door on each end (special order, not returnable). -Outdoor stylish house for cats. -Light yet sturdy with unique feline-shaped ends. -Great shelter for abandoned, wild or feral cats. -Specifically developed as an outside cat house which withstand extremes of temperature. -Made from the strongest materials and will not fade in sunlight. -Will stand securely on any type of ground and comes with a KatKushion and a KatFlap door to keep wind and rain out. -Dimensions: 13” H x 16” W x 22” D.

Whether your cat is an inside cat, an outside cat, or enjoys the best of both worlds – he or she will LOVE this KatKabin. You’ll love how beautiful it looks and love the fact that it keeps your baby warmer even more. Read more about the KatKabin by clicking the link or order your’s today on Amazon.

Order the Blue KatKabin.

Order the

Order the KatKabin DezRez Standard in Hot Pink.

Remember, the KatKabin is available in many colors. Just click through one of the links above and find the color you want! Those of us who love our cats like family (which is exactly what they are) do everything in our power to make them healthy, safe, and happy. This is just another way to show our babies how much we love them.

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If you love cats – and given the fact that you’re currently on a cat website, I’m thinking it’s a logical conclusion! – an organization you should become intimately familiar with is Big Cat Rescue. This outstanding organization protects some of the most spectacular and gorgeous animals in the world – the cats our house-cats fancy themselves to be… the big guys!

Their website (www.bigcatrescue.org), along with their videos, pictures, and information seek to show the world just how special these cats are. They also do an outstanding job when it comes to fighting for the cats that are in danger. The gloves come off and they go toe to toe with anyone who means harm to any of these beauties.

I’m absolutely addicted to their videos. Not only are cats my favorite animals – whatever the size – I’m also completely floored by the similarities between a big cat playing and my own babies playing. Just watch the wonderful video below as the much bigger babies play with Christmas presents, boxes, and cardboard paper rolls. The maneuvers and the complete and utter delight in what’s at hand is just like the cats we have in our lives.

I also would ask that you consider giving to Big Cat Rescue. Those of us who love animals so dearly can’t just expect others to protect and care for them. We have to take the love and concern that we feel in our hearts and put it into action. Let’s face it, if it stays in our hearts, it won’t do these wonderful animals any good whatsoever.

Enjoy the video and visit Big Cat Rescue for more.

What beautiful faces!!!

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Salmonella, salmonella, salmonella.  Will you ever get out of the news and stay out?!

Procter & Gamble is voluntarily recalling a limited number of bags of its Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care dry cat food, which may have been sold in a couple of stores in Loveland, Colo.

The recalled product comes in blue 6.8-pound bags and features a code date of 02304173 (B1-B6) and the UPC number 1901403921.

No other Iams pet food products are affected.

P&G reported that it has worked with retailers to remove the product from stores in Loveland. The company said it believes three bags may have been purchased recently by consumers in the area. No illnesses have been reported.

Pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans, according to the company. Cat owners are urged to contact their veterinarian if their pet has consumed the recalled product and is exhibiting these symptoms.

Humans can also become infected, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the cat food or surfaces exposed to the recalled product, according to the company. Symptoms in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headache. Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to infection, according to the company.

Consumers who have purchased Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care dry cat food are urged to discard the product and call P&G toll-free at 1-800-862-3332 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST for a product replacement.

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