Raison

One of the shelter cats, a “purrmanent resident” if you will, has had body shakes for over a year. The diagnosis by the shelter people is Parkinson’s. Despite this, she seems in good shape. She doesn’t always use the litterbox, but otherwise behaves in a dignified manner befitting her advanced feline years.

Her name is Raison, and she’s an exotic shorthair, an orange tabby with a smooshy looking face. Despite her shakes, she can still leap over the office gate when she chooses. She is not a fan of young, boisterous kittens, but likes people just fine. In fact, she has her own special set of visitors who come every Tuesday to see her.

Although I’m thrilled that she’s gone this long without too much worsening of symptoms, knowing that in the near future, we will likely lose her, is painful. However, I feel lucky to have her in my life, for however short a time it may be.

Unfortunately, when I went looking for information on Parkinson’s and cats, I did not find very much. A Google search produced three articles. The one thing I did learn was that there are a number of conditions that mimic what are Parkinson’s symptoms in humans. The best thing to do if your cat seems afflicted is schedule a vet visit.

For more information, visit http://www.justanswer.com/questions/efdu-cats-head-sometimes-shakes

Joy of laser pointers

I’ve found that cats vary wildly in what kind of toys they find fun. For example, I once had a cat who refused to play with any of the store bought toys I brought home. I would throw them enticingly in front of her, and she would look at me as if I were mentally challenged. From this, I assumed she had not had much of a chance to play/practice hunt in her kittenhood.

However, she really liked it when I would crumple up pieces of paper and throw them in random directions. So even a very picky cat can be tempted at times.

A popular toy with the cats I know is the laser pointer. It’s called different things, but it’s basically a tube with a tiny flashlight inside that’s controlled by a button. Most cats are fascinated by the red light zigzagging around and pursue it as if it’s prey.

The laser pointer can be manipulated from a sitting position, and the light reflects off just about anything in the room, from the floors to the walls. Even shy cats can be persuaded to emerge and start chasing the light. I think it’s the motion that attracts the cat because it certainly isn’t the feel, the scent or the taste.

Some cats, however, are immune to the charms of the laser pointer. Most of the ferals at my local shelter love to chase it, but a couple just look at you as if you’re, well, mentally challenged. So it’s not a guarantee, but there’s a good chance, your cat might enjoy this. They’re usually found in the cat toy section in any pet store, near the stuffed mice and the dangling feathers.

Born loners?

Recently, an article in The New Scientist entitled “Dogs vs. Cats: The Great Pet Showdown,” by Kate Douglas concluded that while cats are excellent at some things, dogs are better at bonding with strangers.

In the same section, the writer concluded that cats “are born loners.”

My personal opinion is that they just get bad press. Many cats are introverts, but are capable of forming full and lasting bonds with people and other animals. It’s just going to take longer than with a dog.

Cats trained to compete in shows don’t seem to have a problem going strange places and meeting strange people. So this tendency in their nature’s, if it exists, can be overcome.

A minority of cats really seem to enjoy or at least tolerate strangers. These are the ones who, when you visit a shelter, roll over to display their tummies and purring lustily, start rubbing against their cages. What’s even more impressive is that some of these cats may have suffered abandonment or neglect in their past, yet are resilient enough to give humans another chance.

Like humans, I’ve found the majority of cats fall between the two poles. Some are loners; some are extremely friendly. Like most humans, cats tend to prefer their nearest and dearest for company. While trusting a stranger makes sense when the cat is left to fend for itself, it has less of a motive to when it’s living in an environment where its every need is taken care of. (While the owner may tell the cat that the Vet is “nice,” the fact remains that the owner is not the one on the exam table.)

While dogs are certainly endearing in the way they often greet strangers as if they are their best buddies, it also makes sense for an animal not to rush into every new situation. This goes for human animals, as well. Cats, because they are wired differently from dogs, seem to grasp the definition of “stranger danger” better.

As the article pointed out, cats view humans differently than dogs. We are not considered the leader of the pack by cats. Instead, it often seems as if the cat wants us to wait on her, which is why cats have a rep. for being “selfish.”

My take on this is that cats behave very much like humans when it comes to relationships. We manipulate our friends and family, too; we just have a bit more finesse than our cats. Like humans, the motives of cats are less straightforward than dogs. It’s much easier to understand and like an animal who clearly sees you as the boss. While a cat/human relationship may not quite resemble a master/servant one, it’s certainly different than a dog/human one.

To read article, visit http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20427381.200-dogs-vs-cats-the-great-pet-showdown.html?page=1

Pets and Holidays

It may sound hokey, but I’ve discovered over the years that most of what cats want for Christmas is cheap and/or free.

After shopping, take the breakables out of the bag, and let the cat investigate the rest. Cats also like to play in the boxes of ornaments and decorations, even if you’ve moved all the contents to a safe place.

A cat may run and hide when you drag in your tree, and sometimes this is the wisest course (mine always topples over at least twice). However, once things have calmed down, he or she may creep out to investigate.

Cats will vary in how eager they are to play with the tree ornaments. Some will ignore them, but others won’t. Try moving most of the soft, non-breakables onto the lower branches, in case your cat does want to play.

During get-togethers, try to make sure the cat can’t accidentally slip outside (unless it’s an outdoor cat). Some cats will join in the festivities, at least for a period, while others will disappear when the first guest arrives. You may find your cat sacked out on your guests’ wraps at the end of the evening.

Holidays generally introduce lots of noise, excitement and disruption of one’s daily routine – all things most cats dislike. Try to set aside time to spend privately with your cat, if you can. I think sometimes cats feel neglected during these times, simply because there is so much else going on in their owner’s life. If cats had a list to Santa, they’d probably list time spent with their favorite humans as a gift. Sometimes the best presents are intangible.

Pictures with Santa

Last Saturday, I helped my local shelter with a pet photos with Santa fundraiser.

It turned out, despite the bad weather, to be a busy day. We had many dogs, several cats, a rat – who came in her own carrying case with a box of Cheez-Its for a bribe, and an infant. The child was actually the best behaved photo subject of the day.

In general, the dogs looked happier about being dressed up in antlers, sweaters and Santa outfits than the cats did. All three of the cats had a look in their eye, as if they were thinking, “This better be worth a can of Pounce when I get home, or maybe two.”

A couple of the dogs were not pleased to meet a very large man in a red suit with white gloves and chose the route of passive resistance. The store floor wasn’t carpeted, however, so when the dogs sat down and the owner pulled on the leash, they wound up sliding along behind like luggage. Eventually, however, they all settled down for their photos.

I considered bringing my cats down for a photo, but decided against it. If I tried, I would have to give them a massive bribe in order for them to tolerate the photo session. Also, the presence of the dogs would stress them. So this year, I’ll send out store bought cards.

Holiday Hazards

Unfortunately, a lot of holiday trappings can cause harm to our pets, including our cats. Here is a short list of some of the most common hazards. For more information, visit the sources and sites listed below.

Mildly toxic
Christmas trees (except fake) – drooling, vomiting,
Poinsettia – nausea, vomiting

Moderately toxic: Call vet or poison control center.
Holly – vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Mistletoe – gastrointestinal distress

Severely toxic: Call vet or poison control center.
Amaryllis
Daffodil/Narcissus
Ivy
Types of lily (such as Calla, Tiger and Peace)

Other holiday hazards
Christmas lights – harmful if chewed
Candles
Ornaments – if ingested
Tinsel, ribbons and strings of beads
Christmas tree water – may have pesticides and preservatives

Sources:

“Poisonous Holiday Plants, Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM/ About.com Veterinary Medicine
“Are Christmas Trees Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?” Ibid

Cat Fanciers Association: http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants.html – has an extensive list and other articles on holiday hazards.

Prepping for the vet

I once had a cat who I could not, despite much trying, get into the cat carrier. Even enlisting a friend to help didn’t work.

I “solved” the problem by finding a vet who made house calls. Later, for various reasons, I went back to visiting the vet.

My cats usually don’t mind the actual vet exam too much, but one loathes the bouncy Tigger-like dogs that always seem to be in the waiting room when I arrive. He’ll throw up from nerves, if I’m not vigilant, so I try to distract the dogs by letting them sniff me.

Some cats are impossible to stuff into the carrier. My two current cats are medium hard to trap. I use the following steps.

1. Get the carrier out well before visit time. Unless they’ve had a really traumatic experience with it, most cats will check it out then decide it’s not a threat.

2. Give yourself more time than you’ll think you’ll need to catch the cat (unless it’s an angel and goes right in).

3. Shut the cat in a room without any of your other pets. If it’s a bedroom, the cat makes a beeline under the bed; if not, it’s whatever piece of furniture is toughest to maneuver. Try not to let the cat sense your anxiety (if indeed you’re anxious). When you talk to the cat, use a soothing tone, no matter how much the clock is ticking.

4. If necessary, consider bribing the cat. Just make sure your other pets can’t get in (though they may be eavesdropping outside). I try to let the cat munch for a few seconds, to help let its guard down. (Sometimes the cat has to fast, though, which makes the job tougher.)

5. When the cat is more or less in arm’s reach, grab the scruff of its neck and pull it out. It may complain. It may struggle or go limp. Keeping a firm hold, put the cat in the carrier. Sometimes it helps to tilt the carrier and put the cat in from that angle.

6. After this, I always talk to the cat soothingly, even if I’ve had to chase it for awhile. I don’t know if this helps the cat, but it gives me a chance to calm down.

7. Experimenting with other size carriers may help. The cat I had who refused to be caught, later was able to be stuck into about the biggest carrier the store had. It was hard to carry – particularly since vets do not have automatically activated doors. But it worked.

This isn’t a foolproof way of catching a cat. Some cats are simply too tricky and manage to thwart their owner’s every move. For those cats, I recommend a lot of patience. And a sense of humor.

To adopt or not to adopt

When volunteering at my town’s animal shelter, I can usually resist the urge to adopt one (or more) of the residents. But now and then, I am very tempted to do so.

The last time was awhile ago, and the cat was an exotic shorthair tortie named Shaman. She was surrendered with three other Persians. The Persians’ personalities ranged from aloof to friendly, but she was an absolute doll. Whenever I’d open the cage, she’d climb into my arms – even without an express invitation. Holding her was like holding a big, soft brick.

I was sorely tempted to take her home, but I managed not to. At the time, I had three cats, none of which would have been pleased to see a new addition.

She did find a home, but recently, there’s been this semi-Angora kitten at the shelter. He was born in the wild, but whether through natural temperament or a lot of “socializing,” he has become a real sweetheart. He functions as a combination washcloth/scarf, and whoever is lucky enough to get him will have a very clean chin, not to mention save on heating bills this winter. Unlike many kittens, he likes to be held for long periods of time, and he purrs during every second.

Fortunately, I’m sure he’ll find a home any day now. Everyone wants kittens. Well, mostly.

Fictional cat hoarders

I read “Harriet the Spy” when I was around the main character’s age. I enjoyed it, but to me, the moral was not that sometimes you had to apologize/lie to keep your friends. Rather it was don’t walk around with a book in which you’ve written unflattering things about everyone in your life, and you won’t have this issue in the first place.

At the very least, write something like, “Math Homework” on the cover if you’re going to tote the book around in public. Maybe then no one will want to read it. Hello?

Anyway, what I remember are the characters that Harriet spied on; compared to them, her classmates were boring. There was the guy at the deli who was always begging his dad for the truck, and the woman who refused to get out of bed because she was bored. Oh, and rich.

Then there was Harrison Withers. The book wasn’t clear on whether he was a reclusive famous artist or merely an eccentric, but it did say how many cats he had. I’m not sure of the number now, but it was in the double digits.

Apparently, pet owning restrictions are more stringent in New York City, because the Board of Health wanted to impound the cats. But since the members always wore a hat, they were identifiable and avoided.

I don’t think the reader was supposed to see the guy as a stereotypical cat hoarder because all his cats have names, he clearly loves them and even eats yogurt 24-7 so that they can have tuna.

However, one day Harriet shows up and the cats are gone. This is symbolism, although it went over my head as a kid. She’s lost her friends; he’s lost his cats. Even as a kid, though, I had a lot more sympathy for Harrison. Being ostracized by your friends would be horrible, but what would really be brutal is having your cats impounded with no chance of retrieving them.

However, Harrison does what most cat lovers would do which is go out and get another cat. A kitten. Who seems (I think) to have “a sneer.” At the time, I just thought that was cute. Cats do have very human facial expressions.

Meanwhile Harriet, after a lecture from her former nanny, bounces back, too and writes a story that she sends to The New Yorker. Hey, why not? Follow your bliss, as another famous nonconformist once said.

Do all cats like meat?

In my experience, no. I’ve known a cat who was a vegetarian and refused to eat leftover hamburger (though knowing what I do now about takeout meat, she was making a wise decision).

Some cats will only eat the food that is put in their bowls. I’m not sure why this is, but some cats just don’t seem to recognize meat as edible cat food.

Or your cat could have gourmet tastes like mine. She likes to share my tuna salad sandwich I get from a local cafe, but if I try to whip up some tuna salad at home, she won’t touch it. I’ve finally figured out why – the cafe’s has shaved carrots and black olives in it, while my version just has mayo and relish.

Some cats like to play with their meat when you give them a piece. They bat it around like it’s still alive. I’m not sure if this is instinct taking over, but it can be amusing to watch.

Cats can be extremely unpredictable when it comes to food. The turkey or chicken that they couldn’t get enough of today may be disdained tomorrow. They seem better than humans at recognizing when they are hungry. If the cat isn’t, it may give you a skeptical look. However, if you leave the house and then return later, the scraps may be gone.

Happy Thanksgiving.