Earth Day action

Today is Earth Day so it's a good day to reflect on the larger world outside. Unfortunately so many species around the world are threatened or endangered that it's difficult not to get discouraged. Sadly humans are pretty much behind all the factors that contribute to a plant or animal species demise. How can you not feel overwhelmed? If you are a registered voter, contacting your legislator regarding wildlife and environmental issues is an easy and free action. Most major non-profit groups such Humane Society of the United States, World Wildlife Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, Snow Leopard Trust and the Iinternational Fund for Animal Welfare will send you regular emails about upcoming state or federal legislation that pertains to wildlife. Just log onto their websites and get signed up. 

Today I chose to highlight a wild cat I didn't know much about. There are only 2,500 Andean cats left in the wild. Unlike majestic lions and tigers, this guy is as small as a house cat! A coalition of organizations is working to purchase protected land in Argentina where these cats live. In honor of Earth Day please consider skipping your Starbucks or lunch out today and donating $5 or $10 to help these little cats.

Protect the Endangered Andean Cat

City Kitties Outside

With more high rise building sprouting up all over Seattle these days, I fear "kitty high rise syndrome" may increase as well. Cats can get bored inside and being outside, even on a small balcony, can add interest and excitement to their lives. But just like humans, savvy felines make errors of judgement or have accidents that can end up being painful and disabling or worse, fatal. Here's a story about one lucky kitten  who survived an incredibly long fall and will make an excellent recovery. Being young likely helped his survival, as older and overweight cats may not fare so well in a fall.

So how can you safely give your kitty the fresh air and enrichment he needs? With outdoor enclosures, cats can have "outdoor time" when the weather permits. For kitty guardians living in apartments or condos where no structural changes are allowed, the Kitty Walk systems are ideal. You can also easily take these with you when you move. Your cat will quickly learn the routine and when it's time for him to go back inside, a few treats should help as a reward for his cooperation. No matter what type of enclosure you choose it's always best to allow for "outdoor time" only when you are home and can monitor your kitty to make sure he is comfortable. If you can install a cat door or leave your own door open enough for kitty to come and go then you can be sure he is able to come back inside if he gets cold, wet or overheated. (Just like people, some cats enjoy the cold or heat and others don't.) Put a kitty condo or chairs with cushions out so your cat has a soft spot to doze and a bowl of water. Spring is just around the corner, we'll all soon be able to appreciate the outdoors again!

This is a DON'T!

Ready for the Kitten Bowl this weekend?

This Sunday, February 7th, watch the cutest little "footballers" play around on the Hallmark channel. All 71 kittens will be available for adoption after their big game. This is a great way to raise public awareness of all the precious kittens and cats in shelters awaiting homes.   

Kitten Bowl

Kitty Stars

Catdance Festival

Check out some of the cute short films entered in the 2016 Catdance Festival!

 I love how cats truly own the Internet. 

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Squirrels are part of our urban landscape and just like birds, they are not only important in our ecosystem but super fun to watch! The infant squirrels who years ago fell out of a very tall tree into my back yard may or not still be around  (I cannot tell them apart). Those four squirrels had been bottle fed for a month by a licensed wildlife rehab center and while not exactly tame, they weren't afraid of humans. I felt some obligation to feed them during the fall and winter months and continue to do so. So now all the squirrels living in my garden share a bowl of sunflower seeds and peanuts in the colder months and help themselves to whatever fruit and vegetables I attempt to grow. They prefer zucchini blossoms to the actual zucchini so I never have to worry about a glut of giant zucchinis like a lot of gardeners, or even having any squash actually. Oh well, the kitties and I think squirrels are cute and enjoy having them around so I can buy zucchini at the farmer's market if I want...

happy-squirrel-appreciation-day

How Catified is your Home?

Here are some shots of two very kitty-friendly homes! Scarlett is a 4 year old orange tabby who requires a lot of stimulation in her daily life. Trout as well, is a busy little person. Their parents encourage these smarties to be curious and confident with lots of enrichment options such as a variety of scratching/scent marking options, climbing levels, and spots to "cave." When the kitties are at home on their own the blinds are open so kitties can watch the world outside and enjoy sun breaks.

Scarlett at the top of her four-in-one condo. She can use the chairs for climbing as well. Hanging in front of the window is a humming bird feeder that Scarlett's people keep filled. There is also a large tree squirrels scamper on in Scarlett's view.

Scarlett observing me in her kingdom. In addition to the large kitty condo, Scarlett can choose to scratch the sisal rope post for a different texture.The centerpiece of the room is her leopard print tunnel. This is particularly fun to hide out in when playing with da bird or a laser.

Trout enjoying the warm indoors on a clear but chilly day. The corner window gives him an incredible view of the neighborhood and the urban wildlife.

Trout has probably spotted the neighbor kitty across the street in this picture. Being up high allows him to feel secure.

If your kitty isn't using her kitty condo, moving it to a different area with more of a view or near where you spend a lot of time will help. If your cat is climbing on a certain chair or other piece of furniture repeatedly, that is probably a good spot to put her own condo. Remember that offering a more interesting alternative is the best way to redirect a behavior you dislike. Cats need to scent mark belongings in their home, which is what scratching your sofa accomplishes. Either a cardboard scratcher or a sturdier post near or next to the couch should make them happy. Their own bed on the sofa or near it would also be ideal. I hope this makes you excited to arrange your living space so that your feline family members get maximum enjoyment from the home you share!

Catty Holiday Ideas

If you love celebrating the holidays with gift giving then of course you want to include the cutest, furriest member of your family -  your kitty! The fun part of gifting with your kitties is watching them enjoy their latest toy or treat. Indoor cats can easily suffer from boredom, particularly if you are away from home a lot. They also need activities that are feline specific, such as hunting, nesting and caving. Whatever your budget you can discover some new catty things to enrich and stimulate. Here are some of my favorites:

• A well built kitty condo/scratcher. This is an investment that you cat will enjoy for many years. A large kitty condo is ideal for not only exercising and napping but marking out as kitty territory (kitties scent mark with their paws and temples). This means you don't pile laundry or junk on top of it as it belongs to the cats! I highly recommend placing it in front of a window where kitties can watch birds and squirrels and get some sunshine. If you have dogs or small children, a condo with a cubby on top is perfect for kitties to cave in. Check out Mud Bay (multiple locations), Cats Exclusive cat store in Shoreline, or hauspanther.com for groovy designs

• Freeze dried salmon or chicken instead of grocery store treats made with questionable ingredients. Dried salmon and chicken is pure protein and by far the favorite treat of most kitties. Cat-man-doo or Wildside are two excellent brands. For kitties without many teeth these can easily be crushed into a dish. Fish flakes (bonito) also make a great treat and can be found at any Asian foods store, as well as pet food stores.

• A heated bed, especially if you have an older kitty. A cat's body temperature is naturally higher than ours and given how much they sleep, what could be more comforting than a warm bed? If you program your thermostat so that the heat doesn't run much while you are at work or asleep then a heated bed is a must. These are safe to leave on 24/7, and some are activated only when kitty rests on them.

• Organic catnip. Buy a big tub and place a bit on their scratcher before you head out the door each day or make your own toys. Here's my top DIY project: Take a large wool sock or sweater sleeve and wash it so that it "felts" slightly. This will prevent your cat from tearing it up easily. Then stuff it with sweater scraps or cotton and LOTS of catnip. Stitch up the end, easy peasy. Here is a kitty named Trout kicking and "killing" his wool "animal!"
  
• Some safety reminders for the season: Remember to forgo tinsel on your tree and make sure your cat cannot access the tree water, as these can both be very harmful. Buy cat grass at Whole Foods to distract your kitty from the tree. If you plan to have folks over and you don't allow your cat outside, it's best to set him up a room for the duration of the party. Put a sign on the door that says PRIVATE. Cat friendly guests can visit with your kitty in his room and you won't have to worry about his safety. Many kitties prefer quiet time over a group of strangers anyway. 

• Feliway Comfort Zone plug-ins can help if your cat is stressed from guests. Avoid scented candles, Glade plug-ins and infuser sticks as these are incredibly strong for sensitive kitty and doggy noses. These products may contain up to 1,500 chemicals, including petroleum, and formaldehyde, contributing to breathing problems and headaches in the short run. Keep your environment fragrance free for the kitties!

Best to you and your Kitties in the holiday season!