New Little Friends

Image may contain: cat, flower and plant — photo by Clarabelle Fields

We have some new friends staying with us, my dear followers. I have been very excited about these friends because they are my favorite kind of friends: they are quiet, and pleasant, and above all, they are edible! I love these new friends!

My human brought them home one day and left them out on the table so I could greet them. I always like to greet new friends when they come to my empire. So I did my royal duty by jumping up on the table and giving these newcomers a friendly welcome. They were certainly unusual to me at first, because I don’t usually have plants as visitors. They were very tiny and green and they had a unique perfume. Usually plants smell sweet or grassy, but these smelled different. They smelled sharp and a little spicy, and although I didn’t like it at first, I wanted to be polite and entertain my new guests. I wanted to sit with them and start a conversation to learn more about them, and I was just starting to do that, but my human ran in and rudely interrupted, whisking the plants away before we could get properly acquainted — her accusation was that I was planning to eat them. Maybe, but not before a proper introduction!

For a while, the plants stayed in one of the guest rooms, locked away from me. I sat outside the door and tried to find opportunities to get inside and continue getting to know my guests, but I wouldn’t get to steal more than several extra seconds with them before my human would notice me and kick me back out. Now my new friends are sitting outside on the back porch, where they do not seem to notice me staring at them from the window. It’s sad, but I know one day I will get to know these new friends. I might even get to give them a loving nibble.

August 1, 2019 0

The Benefits of Having a Crafty Human

43727754_1976771032369190_4556514930127273984_n — photo by Clarabelle Fields

I might sometimes complain about my human — especially regarding her unfair policies about diets — but overall, I would say I am a very lucky cat and that I picked my human quite well. Many humans are kind and loving, like my human is, but I also enjoy a great number of additional benefits thanks to my good luck and the wise guidance of my discerning feline heart — my human loves all kinds of crafts, and as such, I always have a steady supply of new and fascinating crafty things to taste, sit on, sit in, and examine. She keeps me entertained with her ever-growing stash of craft supplies. Every day there’s something new. New bags, new baskets, new yarn, new snacks. I wait until she goes to sleep, because that is my golden hour when I will be undisturbed, and then I begin my explorations.

So much to do, so much to paw, so much to eat! Yarn and ribbon and fabric and string! Glitter and plastic and pom poms and more! Paint to step in! Lace to tear! Paper to eat! So many edible, scratchable, bitable things — shiny things, stringy things, glittery things, papery things, ribbony things!

The possibilities are limitless — I can kick the yarn and break its neck. I can eat the ribbon and the string. I can nibble the craft paper and bite the plastic. I can claw the boxes and pounce inside. I can roll in the cloth and eat the fleece. I can knock over the beads. I can bat the pom poms. There is always something fun to do at night. Her closet is my jungle gym, and her craft supplies are my treasure.

I am a fit, lively explorer, the explorer of shiny, edible things! Every cat should have a crafty human to keep them young at heart!

July 1, 2019 0

Obstructions (Monthly Cat Care Article)

julius_sick — photo by Clarabelle Fields

Disclaimer: the staff writers here are not vets nor are they qualified to give medical advice. This article’s purpose is strictly to share stories/information and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Please take your cat to the vet if you suspect anything might be wrong with them. Your vet will know best what to do in your specific situation.

In light of this month’s article about all the tasty crafty things that Julius (and many other cats) enjoy, it seemed appropriate to discuss intestinal blockages and obstructions in this installment of Cat Care. Many cats, especially younger ones, will often ingest or attempt to ingest items that are not actually edible. Common items that cats ingest include ribbons, rubber bands, string, and plastic items, among many others. Some of these items, although not technically “edible”, can pass through the digestive tract without causing problems. Sometimes, however, these inedible items can cause potentially serious health problems for the feline who has ingested them.

Ingested foreign bodies can get stuck in and obstruct the stomach, small intestine, and/or colon. If left untreated, an obstruction can become a perforation, in which the object pokes or cuts a hole in the intestines, and this can lead to a dangerous systemic infection. The obstruction can also sometimes result in a condition called bowel ischemia, in which blood supply to the bowels is restricted or cut off, and this can result in tissue death and other serious complications.

Signs that your cat could have a gastrointestinal obstruction include:

Vomiting
No appetite
Weight loss
Diarrhea/constipation
Pain or discomfort when abdomen is touched
General lethargy or unusual behavior

Obstructions, as well as their resulting complications, can result in the death of the cat if not treated appropriately. Therefore, if you suspect your cat has ingested something it shouldn’t have, or if it’s showing symptoms of obstruction, it’s important that it receive veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Vets can diagnose obstructions via x-rays, physical examinations, ultrasounds, and endoscopies. Obstructions can often be successfully treated with surgery or other procedures, especially if they are caught early. Although common and usually treatable, obstructions are still a serious health condition and should not be taken lightly.

Prevention is also important when it comes to obstructions. Rather than having to treat the obstruction through surgery and other invasive means, it’s even better to prevent the obstruction from occurring in the first place. Items that your cat might find tasty or tempting should be kept out of its reach or otherwise concealed where your cat won’t be able to get to them. It is especially important to note that ingesting string or yarn is extremely dangerous for cats. For this reason, cats should be supervised when playing with yarn or string, and every attempt should be made to prevent them from ingesting it.

Cats are curious creatures, and their curiosity can often get the better of them. Remember, curiosity killed the cat, so as much as our kitties might love their shiny, stringy things, pet parents need to beware and make sure such toys are carefully put away when playtime is over.

July 1, 2019 0

Weight Management (Monthly Cat Care Article)

Cats, just like humans, often struggle with weight management. It’s not uncommon for cats, especially if they are exclusively indoor cats, to be overweight or even obese. And, just as humans’ health can be negatively impacted because of unhealthy weight, overweight cats can also experience a range of health problems stemming from their bulky figure — including but not limited to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, and breathing problems. Cats that are older, female, spayed, and kept indoors are at highest risk for becoming overweight or obese, but any cat can have weight problems, even young ones.

Your cat’s vet is your best resource for determining if your cat is overweight. Healthy weight ranges can vary widely, depending on your cat’s age, breed, sex, and personal body build. In general, though, you can determine if your cat is overweight if you cannot feel their ribs when you touch their sides, if your cat struggles to run and play easily, and if your cat does not have an obvious waist. These things could all indicate your cat might benefit from a diet.

There are many ways that pet parents can help their cats obtain and maintain a healthy weight. Encouraging your cat to exercise is an important part of weight management. Getting your cat fun toys and dedicating a fixed amount of time, perhaps 15-20 minutes per day, to playtime is a great way to prompt your cat to exercise. Another important part of weight management is limiting your cat’s access to food. Cats should be fed fixed portion sizes at specific times of day and should not be allowed free access to food or treats. Some vets might recommend or prescribe a special diet cat food to help you cat lose weight.

Your cat’s weight loss journey will likely be a long, ongoing process, but with the help of your vet, you can design a plan that will be perfectly suited to your little one’s needs and that will ensure they will stay healthy and playful long into their old age.

June 1, 2019 0

Diet Rage

I am very angry right now. I have been angry for a good number of weeks. The humans in my household have taken audacious steps to ruin and interrupt the glorious mealtimes I used to have. Service is worse than ever before, and I no longer enjoy the benefits of a self-serve buffet. Mealtimes have become downright horrendous. Quality is poor. Serving sizes are too small. Everything is awful. I’m going to leave this establishment a terrible review on Yelp, without a doubt.

I had been living a good life until now. My humans were lenient, letting me have all I wanted. Milk, yogurt, chicken, beef–whatever I asked for, I received. But I knew the day would come when they tried to stop me. I laughed in the face of the vet tech who staggered trying to lift me onto the table. I was doing more splendidly than ever before. My cat tree was overflowing with my glory, all 18 pounds of me. Why couldn’t the stupid humans realize that this was a good thing? I saw, in the vet’s disapproving eyes, the confirmation that my good days were coming to an end. I endured jokes and puns about my frame, cruel words thrown around above my head as the humans contrived their evil plan. Garfield. Obese. Big-boned. And then I heard the most dreaded word of all, the death sentence for my happiness. Diet.

That was months ago, and the torture has yet to cease. I am subjected to only two meals a day now, breakfast and dinner, with an agonizing 12 hours in-between, and no more treats from the kitchen. I try, sometimes, to get them for myself. I open cabinets and cupboards; I snuffle around in corners like a pauper, looking for crumbs and scraps to soothe my hunger. I sit in front of the pantry door and cry for hours, bemoaning my fate, lamenting that I lack the thumbs that would allow me to at last open the door and take all the kibble my heart desires. I even ate lettuce once when it fell on the floor. I am that desperate. My dignity has been crushed beyond hope.

I do not know when the vile vet will be appeased. She was happier last time but still demands even more. I am losing strength. I do not know how much longer I can endure this barbarity. I repeat: I only get two meals a day now. Only two. The injustice is incredible. I hope I survive, but I cannot be certain I will. I am surely skin and bones now, a shadow of my former self. I hope to write to you all again, if I do survive this. Maybe the vet will decide to be merciful and release me from this plight. I will return to my habitual post now, sitting resolutely in front of the pantry door, waiting for some angel to come and open it for me. The humans do not care. They watch, they listen, and yet they do nothing. All they say, day after day, is “You’ve already eaten”, but they will never understand the torment of only having two meals a day.

Until next time, provided that there is one,

Julius

June 1, 2019 0

Protecting Little Paws (Monthly Cat Care Article)

As Julius reminded us this month, most cats consider themselves to be tigers or some other kind of large, majestic feline. And it is only fitting for tigers and lions and other big cats to explore and climb and run all over their territory. It’s good for cats to explore various parts of their house — it gives them good exercise and entertainment — but they can also risk injuring themselves and their precious little paws during their journeys through kitchens, cabinets, and other spaces.

Common sources of injury could include: burns from hot stovetops, twisted paws/ankles from slipping and falling, chemical burns (and potential poisoning/digestive problems) from stepping in household cleansers (and then licking it off). It’s important that pet parents check their house carefully to make sure there aren’t any dangers that gallivanting felines might get their paws involved in. As always, it’s best to try to prevent accidents and injuries from happening rather than having to treat them later.

Good practices to follow include:

Being watchful of hot stoves. Don’t let your cat in the kitchen while you’re cooking. Pay attention so that they don’t run across the stove while the burners are cooling off.
Consider removing tablecloths, table runners, and other coverings that could potentially make tables and countertops slick and that your cat could accidentally get tangled/caught in.
Restrict your cat’s access to high places, especially if your cat likes to climb. Banisters are of particular risk, since it’s very possible your cat could slip and fall from such a great height.
Keep household cleansers and other caustic substances locked away and out of your cat’s reach. Watch your cat carefully whenever you use these substances to make sure your cat does not accidentally step in them, especially if you are cleaning floors, bathtubs, etc.

Despite our best efforts, however, sometimes accidents do happen, and our little ones hurt their paws. In these cases, it’s important to treat the injuries properly and then to follow up with veterinary care if necessary. In the event of burns to the paws, especially chemical burns, wash your cat’s paws well with cold water and then wrap the paws in gauze. If the burns are severe, be sure to take your cat to a vet for treatment. Infection is always a concern whenever the skin is injured or broken. In the case of your cat having slipped and fallen from somewhere — this can especially happen if cats get caught in tablecloths — they could have severe bruising, a sprain, or even a broken bone. You will likely need to take your cat to the vet for a physical exam and x-rays to assess the injury, especially if the cat is crying out in pain, is limping, or if a paw/limb is visibly swollen or otherwise injured. If this happens, try to wrap your cat securely in a towel to make them more comfortable and stable during transport to the vet.

Hopefully, your cat will be a wise enough tiger to avoid getting themselves into scrapes and messes, but it never hurts to be on the safe side and know what to do in case your beloved house panther hurts a paw.

May 1, 2019 0

On tigers, and why I am one

julius_fat_on_couch_2 — photo by Clarabelle Fields

Tigers, those majestic king-beasts of the feline world, are famous for a number of reasons. They fierce and capable hunters, routinely bringing down large prey in amazing feats of physical performance, and in addition to their athletic prowess, they are dazzlingly handsome, their beautiful stripes and bright eyes enchanting all those who see them. Further, firmly striking their identity apart from that of your average, everyday feline, they enjoy water and swim in it when they want to, something that we would hardly ever see your everyday feline do. Taking these qualities into account, I think it’s safe to say that I, too, must be some form of marvelous tiger, since I exhibit all the traits of one of these magnificent creatures.

I always suspected that I was a descendant of tigers, even if nobody told me. Perhaps they were trying to conceal my regal heritage from me, but that ruse could only be kept up for so long. Royal blood always emerges sooner or later. My physical similarity to tigers is undeniable–anyone who looks at me for so much as a second certainly must recognize the familial relation. I have the orange stripes, the eyes, the gait, the broad, imposing face. The only thing I am really lacking is stature, and that can be made up for with confidence, of which I have plenty.

Like my mighty relatives, I also love water. My human was surprised when spritz-bottles did nothing to discourage me. She was surprised to find me in the bath tub when it still had water in it. She was also surprised to find me tolerating baths unperturbed, especially if the water was warm. Yes, I love water. I love to stick my paws in it, my face in it, my tail in it. She fills up the sink for me to have as a giant water bowl, but I like water best if it’s being used by someone else. I investigate every cup that people leave out. I don’t care if my belly gets wet when I’m stealing a drink out of the tub. I put my paws in the toilet and drink out of it too. My human has given up trying to stop me. Silly human, toilet water is what keeps me so healthy!

When provided with this evidence, who could deny my relation to those tigers? The resemblance is uncanny, with a brilliant personality to match.

May 1, 2019 0

An imperial message on cat beds

We all know that cats need a variety of nice beds to sleep in. We cats are certainly connoisseurs of comfort and luxury, and this discerning taste only becomes more refined with age and experience. I have slept in/on a great number of different beds in my time, and I’m going to share my wisdom with you all today and rank my favorite sleeping spots.

#5: The Tried and True Cat Bed

I have two cat beds, which my human has smartly placed on the floor beside a large window. They are good, sturdy, practical things. They’re soft enough for a quick nap and they keep my butt warm and add extra comfort when I’m watching birds, but they’re nothing remarkable. True luxury exists elsewhere.

#4: The Couch

I like the couch more than my cat beds because it’s off the floor and much softer. I can stretch out and lounge on blankets and cushions. It also gives me a good view of my domain.

#3: My Human’s Bed

This was the best sleeping spot I knew for years. Warm, cushioned, and plush, the bed is certainly an unparalleled kind of luxury. I can sleep here for hours in all sorts of positions: stretched out, on my back, cat loaf, and more. I can rest my head on pillows and snuggle with my human. The bed is a solid, staple favorite of mine.

#2: My Cat Tree

Oh, how my life changed forever once I got my tree! I love my cat tree! It combines so many of my favorite things together — I can be up high, reclining in plush luxury, and I can watch birds comfortably from my window. I spend many hours of my day in my cat tree. It offers great versatility, allowing me to carry out my favorite activities in warmth and comfort.

#1: My Basket

Don’t get my wrong — I love my tree, I love my human’s bed, but this one takes the cake above everything. I never knew how wonderful baskets were until recently. I discovered this by accident and a true stroke of luck. There is something so beautifully, enticingly rustic and wild about being in a basket. It makes you feel like a true tiger, surrounded by nature, sleeping in the rough. It fits me snugly and perfectly, and I sleep just like a kitten. I would recommend a well-fitted basket to every cat who can get one!

April 2, 2019 0

Sleep Disorders (Monthly Cat Care Article)

15310262_1226993964013571_1553764470_n — photo by Clarabelle Fields

Cats can certainly adhere to odd schedules, at least by human terms. Cats often sleep blissfully through entire days only to burst with lively energy and enthusiasm at particular hours of the night. Most “normal” cats do sleep quite a lot — sometimes upwards of 15 hours or more — but this sleep is generally light or dozing sleep, from which they can awaken quickly if need be, and most “normal” cats awaken for activity during dawn or twilight hours. That being said, however, cats can and do suffer from a variety sleep disorders, especially as they age.

Narcolepsy is one kind of sleep disorder cats can suffer from. A cat with narcolepsy will suddenly collapse and seem to have fallen into a deep sleep, and the cat will also exhibit signs of REM sleep as if it is dreaming. The exact causes of narcolepsy are unknown. The disorder in and of itself is not dangerous, but could present dangers if the cat were to fall into water or from a high height because of a sudden sleep attack.

Sleep apnea is another sleep disorder cats can have, especially if they are overweight or if they are Persian. Symptoms to look out for include loud snoring, gasping/choking while asleep, and spasms of the diaphragm. Treatment might involve weight loss if the cat is overweight or corrective surgery in more extreme cases.

Cats can also suffer from insomnia, especially elderly cats. Some elderly cats will develop erratic sleeping schedules and will have difficulty sleeping. Some cats will be extremely restless and vocalize frequently throughout the night as well. In many of these cases, insomnia and disrupted sleeping patterns can be the result of age-related cognitive decline or sometimes hyperthyroidism.

So what’s a pet parent to do? If your kitty doesn’t seem to be distressed or in pain and their sleep schedule stays relatively the same, perhaps they just enjoy roaming during nighttime hours. You might want to invest in earplugs.

April 2, 2019 0

New Quarters and Intrigue

Greetings, dearest followers. It has been a long month of journeying and adventure for your imperial leader. Some big changes have occurred in the humans’ world, the specifics of which I do not yet fully know or understand. I do not usually concern myself too much with their goings-on, but this time their business crossed over into my world. I found myself in transit, on a trip into the unknown. I did complain, but alas, it seems this journey out of my territory was a necessity.

I am penning you this letter now from a new land and entirely new quarters. My trusty forever human is with me, as are now two other humans who smell and sound like her. I have heard them referred to as my “grandparents”, but I do not think of them this way. They have become part of my royal court, and they are my two new favorites. I love my forever human, no doubt, but these two new subjects understand the importance of generosity, and they lovingly indulge my whims for snacks and fresh flowing water. They certainly treat me as an emperor should be treated, and I hope my forever human learns some things from them!

My forever human assures me this change is temporary. She says we will soon return to my territory, where I have my own tree and my own garden full of birds. Until then, I have to be content with the view of someone else’s garden. It’s not too bad here. I have a penthouse suite all to myself — at least, most of the time.

There is a darker side to all of this. There is intrigue afoot, my dear subjects, another cat in this house, and she has reigned over this territory far long than I have reigned over mine.

She is the omnipotent queen of these parts, and she is not to be trifled with. I had the misfortune of meeting her once, and never again. She was like a hellhound out of a nightmare, ready and seasoned for battle. She has the battle scars to prove it, too, and she nearly gave me one of my own. My forever human, my bodyguard, sacrificed herself to stop this attempt on my life. It looks like we will not be forging a feline alliance after all.

Since our encounter, the queen has remained by herself, downstairs, and she has not come near me again. I have staked out my own little corner of her world, and I will remain here until it is time to return to my empire. My forever human is keeping a careful watch at the door. I never doubted her fealty, but now I know for sure she is on my side, now and forever.

March 2, 2019 0