Now we are three

Sweet-natured Dusty got along with everyone.

There’s a collection of small canisters on our fireplace mantle. Soon another one will be added.

Dusty left us on Saturday morning. Although he was 17-1/2, he hadn’t been sick, no traumatic illness overtook him. I rejoiced in his grand old age when he turned 17.

He had some old kitty symptoms: his flanks were concave, he drank more water and peed more. But his appetite was hearty and he seemed to enjoy all the normal catly things – cuddling on the couch or on the bed, snoozing in the sunshine of the bay window next his good bud Pully, the food foraging game, catnip toys, sharing the milk from my cereal and space in front of my computer in the morning.

Raw feeding is still an uphill battle

I recently came across an article in a Canadian newspaper about Neal and Jo-Anne Cropper, a couple who opened a store, Growlies, which

Tekla knows what's good!

sells raw food for dogs and cats. They’ve been in business for four years and started their venture in response to the pet food recall of 2007. Better yet, they’re sourcing their meats locally.

For those whose heads have been buried in a bag of kibble, the pet food recall of 2007 caused many pet guardians to rethink their pets’ diets. Although 8,500 complaints were reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, only 14 were verified due to the lack of a centralized database. Kidney failure was the commonly cited cause of death. Analysis pointed to the presence of melamine found in wheat gluten imported from China, which was used to boost the food’s protein analysis. A resolution of sorts was reached in 2009. 

Tune in Jan. 7 for Jackson Galaxy Redux

Fans can't wait for Jackson Galaxy's second season of "My Cat From Hell."

Fans of Jackson Galaxy’s My Cat From Hell have been waiting with baited breath for the return of the series. The three-part miniseries aired last year and was renewed, thanks, in part, to viewer demand.

The new series of six episodes featuring the feline trials and tribulations of 12 families, each with a unique set of issues, is set to debut on Jan. 7 on Animal Planet.

Keep Your Cat Safe for the Holidays

Photo by Soybeck

My husband always remembers his first Christmas with his kitten, Tigger: Paul walked into the living room one morning and met him eyeball to eyeball up in the tree.

The annual Cat Writers’ Association conference is here

On my way to White Plains, N.Y., to the Cat Writers’ Association annual conference and awards banquet.

CWA Professional Member since 1994

It’s always great to meet up with old friends and learn the latest and greatest in the pet writing industry, and the writing industry as well. Oh, and we party hearty as well.

National Feral Cat Day: We’re Fine Thank You

When we last visited Tortie and her friends, it was a winter wonderland.

The eight or so kitties roamed and played around carefully shoveled pathways. Their food was protected from the elements in a cabin of sorts and there was fresh hay in their huts. Plywood walls offered some protection from the elements.

Tortie was with the colony when we visited last winter.

The summer that followed was exceptionally hot, but the dense shrubbery and tall trees shaded the colony from the summer sun. They stretched out under the trees or under the dense shrubbery. Kind caretakers came by the make sure they had plenty of water and food.

Pulitzer: My problem child

Pulitzer, looking so innocent.

In every multiple cat family, there’s one who can be fingered as a “problem child.” Maybe he’s a bully and picks on the youngest or the most timid. Or maybe she’s the picky eater. Or a door darter.

Or the hoser.

Pulitzer. I’m talkin’ ‘bout you, boy.

Cat Care for Everyone!

For all you — i.e. Branford area — locals, my semi-annual cat care course will take place at Branford High School, Oct. 4, 11, and 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

We talk about everything cat-related: adoption tips, introductions, choosing a veterinarian, behavior issues such as outta litter box problems, scratching and aggression, nutrition (always a biggie), and much more. Of course, we’ll talk about your questions and concerns.

I believe in giving people the tools to learn what’s best for their cats, so there will be tons of resources.

The course is offered through Eastshore Region Adult & Continuing Education. You can click here to sign up. The cost is $49.

Email me, sebahner@snet.net, if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

Throw-Aways

Just in the last few weeks:

Dusty's owner "suddenly" became allergic.

Dusty’s owner has suddenly become allergic – after eight years; she’s a beautiful, apparently purebred Ragdoll.

Minuit is on the verge of euthanasia because her owners can’t deal with her being diabetic; it’s something that can be managed by taking her off the dry food she’s been eating.

Mousam was found starving, and hanging around the yard of a residence in Old Lyme; he’s sweet and friendly and has been vet-checked as healthy.

A very large friendly black cat and tiger kitty, who appear to be companions, were left at the door of a veterinarian.

A pair of tiger kitties was dropped off at the East Haven Shelter, which is at capacity.

I received an email regarding a pair of adult cats who are on the verge of being given up because there’s a new baby in the household.

Paws down for Animal Planet’s latest cat-related offering

Animal Planet has just aired another new cat-related show, but we’re not happy about this one.

Titled “Help, I’m Becoming a Cat Lady,” the show follows Gina, a 30-something cat-loving woman, as she is coached into the proper way to ingratiate herself to a man.