Exotic Cat Breeds

          From domestic shorthairs to oriental mixes to maine coons, common cats breeds vary in body shape, size, facial features, coat texture and color, and behavior. While the Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 40 pedigreed breeds, the breeding of new hybrid felines are slowly increasing in popularity. Here is a breakdown of the most popular new breeds of cats:

          #1 Savannah: Savannah cats are crossbreed hybrids of a domestic and a serval, a wild African feline. They are gold with black spots and markings and are extraordinarily large for housecats because of their wild ancestry. Savannahs weigh up to 30 pounds and can jump up to 8 feet in the air. They are known for being highly intelligent, social, and loyal. Savannahs are easily trained to walk on a leash, fetch, wake up owners, and perform tricks on command. Their personalities are often compared to dogs. Purebred savannahs (50-50 ancestry) cost up to 25,000 to purchase from breeders. The most notable thing about Savannahs is that they are simply HUGE!

A small Savannah cat plays with a domestic shorthair.

     

          #2 Bengal: The Bengal cat is a cross between a common domestic shorthair cat and an Asian Leopard Cat. Despite their name, they are not closely related to the Bengal tiger. Bengals are of similar size and temperament to regular housecats, but they have exotic spotted markings.

Bengal cats are known for their exotic markings.

  

          #3 Safari: Safari cats are a cross between the South American Geoffroys cat and a domestic housecat. They are large in size and have exotic markings, resembling a small leopard. Safaris are extremely rare as only 80 are currently registered with The International Cat Association. Like Savannahs, they are difficult to breed and very expensive to come by.

Safari cats closely resemble wild felines.

The Cat House on the Kings: A No-Kill No-Cage Animal Shelter

          The Cat House on the Kings is California's largest no-kill no-cage animal shelter. Located just outside of Fresno in the town of Parlier, the organization provides a solid example of a different way of caring for cats. Along with prepping cats for adoption like many other facilities, the Cat House provides a home for unadoptable cats: those that are too old, sick, or wild to live happily in a human home. Since its founding in 1992, the Cat House has rescued over 18,000 cats and 5,000 dogs and spayed and neutered over 40,000.
          The concept of the shelter is a simple: fence in a large, safe area full of food, water, medical care facilities, and opportunities for shelter, and allow the animals to roam as they please. The 12-acre lot has a main house, visitor's center, and caged ward for kittens and animals undergoing medical care. Inside each building are lots of furniture, climbing structures, and soft places to sleep and play, along with plenty of cat doors to allow the animals to come in and out as they please. Cats can play inside, outside, climb trees, find shelter, play with others, or wander off on their own. The animals here seem truly happy and are much more full of energy and curiosity than most animals found in shelters. The Cat House on the Kings provides a wonderful sanctuary for abandoned cats, as well as an alternative solution for loving owners who can no longer keep their animals. Cat owners can surrender their feline for a fee, ensuring that he or she will be safe, cared for, and happy.

Cats roam free at the Cat House on the Kings.

Meet Oskar: The Blind Kitten and YouTube Star

Oskar plays with Klaus, his owners' other cat.

         
          Oskar, a shorthair tabby kitten, was born without developed eyeballs and has no vision. Despite his disability, he plays with toys, eats, drinks, and finds his litterbox with ease, and gets along with with his owners' other cat. His story shows the miraculous ability of cats to adapt to their surroundings and circumstances and maximize each of their senses. According to Oskar's owner, Mick Szydlowski, Oskar relies primarily on hearing and scent to maneuver his way throughout the house. Both senses are keen and he can accurately pinpoint where most sounds and smells are coming from, allowing him to eat easily and come when called.
          According to an MSNBC article on Oskar, his owners created his YouTube channel and Facebook page in the hopes of "inspiring others to open their hearts and homes to pets with special needs". For more on Oskar, visit his YouTube account at www.YouTube.com/user/Mick12321kciM. 

Crafting With Cat Hair: Not Just for Crazy Cat Ladies

          Cat fanatics may get kookier on the daily, but there's is at least one new development in crazy cat lady land that could provide entertainment for the masses: using cat hair to make crafts. The new book Crafting with Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make With Your Cat , by Katsori Tsutaya, explains step-by-step ways to turn cat hair into felt that can then be used to make cat toys, small blankies, and finger puppets. The key to the method is to avoid harvesting hair by any method other than brushing (don't shave kitty)!

          By using gentle brushing techniques to remove unwanted hair that has already been shed, these crafts serve as a rudimentary form of recycling. You gain crafts, while kitty loses nothing! For those of us cat-lovers who also like to be creative and green, this activity could be a great new past time. Maybe.

The book is available in stores and online.

Rest in Peace Jack the Cat

Shortly after being discovered on October 25th, Jack was treated by multiple veterinarians.

          Jack the cat, the orange tabby who went missing on August 25th from the American Airlines baggage carousel at John F. Kennedy Airport, died on Sunday, November 6th, 12 days after he was found. After going missing in the airport for 61 days, Jack fell through a ceiling tile on October 25th, visibly shaken and emaciated from starvation and dehydration. What started as a blissful reunion for Jack and his concerned owner Karen Pascoe soon turned into a nightmare as veterinarians quickly diagnosed him with multiple infections. Because of his plight inside the airport, severe malnutrition led to organ dysfunction and loss of blood to 40-60% of his body. Jack was also covered in wounds so severe that multiple surgeries would have been required to close them. Infected and plentiful, Jack did not have enough remaining unaffected skin to close the wounds. Ms. Pascoe ultimately decided to choose the route of euthanasia as Jack's treating veterinarians assured her that further suffering and a painful death were inevitable.
          After 12 days of intensive treatment and care, Karen Pascoe opted to euthanize Jack to put him out of his misery and send him to a better place. This story brings up multiple issues in terms of euthanasia, traveling with pets, and grieving the loss of a beloved cat. For more on Jack the cat's tale, visit his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jack-The-Cat-is-Lost-in-AA-Baggage-at-JFK/143108332445793 . The page has over 25,000 likes.

          

The Kitty State of The Union Part Two: A Proposed Solution

          A small percentage of cats are housed and cared for through pet therapy programs such as Pets for Jailbirds, a British campaign designed to reduce suicide rates behind bars. Increasing these numbers could provide a simple solution to getting cats off the streets. According to Prison Ombudsman Stephen Shaw, “It is not just relationships with other human beings that are being fractured when you go to jail. The intensity of our attachment to animals can mean losing touch with them is almost as hurtful as losing touch with family. The benefits animals can bring are huge. Having a pet to look after and train has a genuinely therapeutic effect and visibly brings down stress levels and motivates inmates to behave”. Anecdotal evidence of the therapeutic benefits of cats can be seen in various programs through the United States and Europe.

Cats can provide a therapeutic benefit to patients.

            While little research is available today regarding the efficacy of cats as therapy animals, ample evidence can be found indicating the benefits of therapeutic canines. During the past 25 years, the number of prison programs in which inmates train dogs has increased rapidly and are in existence in at least 20 U.S. States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and New Zealand. “Such programs appear to break down barriers of fear and mistrust between staff and inmates; and there is also evidence that they reduce recidivism and behavioral infractions among inmates”. At a prison pet therapy program in Newfoundland, Canada, positive changes have been seen in both the inmates and the involved canines. Correctional staff report reduced anxiety and loneliness and in increased sense of motivation and responsibility amongst the inmates participating in the program. “Inmate relationships with dogs allow them to build trusting relationships, come out of their boxes, and provide quality care for the strays”. Another program in Abbotsford, Canada models a program pairing abused dogs with female inmates. In the program’s 7-year run, significant improvements have been seen both in the moods of the prisoners and the behaviors of the formerly abandoned dogs. “Half of the program is employment training for the women, teaching them how to show up on time, follow through with daily duties, and be responsible for the wellbeing of a major project. The other half of the program is a training program for the dogs, getting them off the streets and giving them loving caretakers and a second chance at life. The program improves each dog’s chance at a permanent home and each inmate’s chance to survive when released”. An Otisville, New York program encourages discipline and responsibility through canine care. “An inmate in the program spends 24 hours a day with the dog. He must learn basic veterinary care, keep a journal, and be an assistant to a primary trainer for at least six months before he gets his own puppy”. Inmates participating in the program report an increased sense of responsibility, focus, and purpose. From improving the emotional wellbeing of long-term prisoners to increasing employment skills for those about to be released, dog therapy programs provide many benefits to both humans and employed animals.

            Cats have the capacity to impact similar positive change in inmates due to theirability to increase positive moods. Research indicates that there are no significant blood pressure or pulse differences in response to a dog versus a cat. In summarizing the results of a scientific study on pet therapy conducted in 2008, the authors state that “in the typical pet therapy paradigm, one would not expect different physiological effects from the use of a dog or a cat. Pet ownership, like raising a child, involves care taking and an emotional attachment. Thus, it is not surprising that the positive, long term cardiovascular benefits associated with pet ownership affect survival and general cardiovascular health”. This indicates that because cats are capable of illiciting the same positive physiological responses as dogs, they can provide similar health benefits to human caretakers. Cats are also capable ofresponding to human emotion. Two studies conducted within the past 10 years have indicated that cats respond to human sadness with physical affection including licking, pawing, and sitting close to or on the lap of a person. Like dogs, domestic cats require quality, consistent care, particularly when kept indoors without access to live prey. Felines require feeding, litter attendance, grooming, personal attention, and some behavioral training in order to be properly cared for and socialized.

            The need for additional housing for cats paired with the proven benefits of animal therapy programs in prisons provides an opportunity for both inmates and cats to benefit through the creation and implementation of cat-based therapy programs in correctional facilities. Feline capacity to reduce heart-rate and blood pressure as effectively as dogs makes them suitable for programs designed to reduce stress amongst inmates. Like dogs, felines react to human emotions by expressing affection and providing comfort, making them ideal candidates for companion animal positions. As felines care requires several daily tasks, they can readily be employed in job-related skills training programs such as the canine program in Abbotsford, Canada. Cat care is also likely to instill a similar sense of focus and responsibility in inmates as in program participants in the Otsiville, New York correctional facility. “Prisoners have a real need to prove they can do something right. You’re taking care of a living life here, so it allows them to make a real impact on society”. In programs focusing on the therapeutic benefits of participating in the care of an animal, cats can participate based on their high-maintenance lifestyles.

            Employing cats as therapy animals in correctional facilities reduces the numbers of strays in need of housing and care while increasing the physical and emotional wellbeing of prison inmates. Cat therapy programs provide a cat population control method that is both low-cost and beneficial to local ecosystems as it brings cats inside from natural habitats and restricts their access to avian prey. With few disadvantages and an added benefit to human convicts, employing cats in prisons provides an ideal solution to the stray cat overpopulation issue in the United States of America. 

Things to Keep Away from Kitties!

          Cats have a habit of getting into everything from cabinets to pantries to tightly-sealed spaces, but did you know that their curious romps could result in your kitty being poisoned? Cats have a keen sense of smell and are usually intelligent enough to avoid toxic substances, but many things are undetectable to them, especially foods that are mixed with other ingredients. Most substances that are toxic to humans when ingested (cleaning products, medical syrums, etc.) are also toxic to cats, but cats also have a list of strange sensitivities that are not common knowledge. The following is a breakdown of the most common toxic substances to avoid in households with cats.

          #1 Dairy: The age-old image of giving a bowl of cream to a kitten is certainly based in truth considering how much cats love the taste of milk products, but the sad truth is that adult cats can not digest the protein enzymes in cow's milk. Ice cream, cheese, milk, cream, sour cream, kefir, yogurt, and whey should all be avoided. Once cats have been weaned off their mother's milk, they no longer need the probiotics and proteins found in milk. Casein, a milk protein, actually interferes with a cat's ability to absorb other nutrients. So, all in all, it is best to avoid giving dairy treats to cats once they have reached adulthood.

          

          #2 Houseplants: Many varieties of common houseplants are toxic to cats, which is unfortunate considering how much they love to nibble on grasses and hide in potted trees. The best way to keep a house feeling green and lively without killing your kitty is to furnish it with safe plants and give your kitty access to cat grasses, common seedlings which can be purchased for a few dollars at pet supply stores. Common plants that are toxic to cats include aloe vera, azalea, baby's breath, carnation, daffodil, hyacinth, marijuana, lillies, citrus fruits, tomato, and tulip. When ingested, these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and death. A complete A-Z list of toxic plants can be found here: House Plants that are Toxic to Cats.

Kitties love playing with houseplants, which is why it is especially important to know which ones can make them sick!

          #3 Onions and Garlic: The enzymes in onions and garlic destruct red blood cells in cats. Also, due to the mild intensity of their stomach acids compared to those of humans, garlic and onions severely irritate the stomachs and intestines of cats. Also, the intense flavors are overwhelming for them and can cause watery eyes and sneezing (much like in humans)!

          #4 Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid that is toxic to cats. It also contains caffeine, which their little systems can not handle, and sugar, which they can not taste or process. No chocolate for kitty!

          #5 Yeast: Cats can not tolerate this fungus and experience urinary problems, digestive issues, and allergic reactions when they ingest it. Keep kitty off the counter when baking with yeast!

Cats have a very short digestive tract and a sensitive system, so it is important to prevent them from ingesting irritable substances.

The Kitty State of The Union: Cat Health and Numbers in the United States

          In The United States of America, the population of domestic cats has grown to over 153 million as of January 2011. While many are housed as pets, euthanized, or sterilized to prevent reproduction, current control methods fall short of solving the issue of strays. An estimated 70 million cats live outside in feral colonies facing physical challenges and negatively impacting the natural ecosystem. With the majority of animal shelters already operating at full capacity, the current status of feline overpopulation calls for a new, low-cost solution to house and socialize mass numbers of cats. 

          Stray cat overpopulation in the United States presents an issue both to cats themselves and the ecosystems they impact. As domesticated animals, cats have no natural ability to combat fleas, ear mites, frostbite, infections, and disease, not to mention injuries or cruelty. Add scarce food and shelter to the mix and many feral cats suffer needlessly. In addition to challenges faced by cats, they pose a threat to native wildlife. According to the American Bird Conservancy, domestic cats are considered to have been primarily responsible for the extinction of 33 bird species since the 1600s. Sterilization and human companionship alone cannot provide solutions to the issue of wildlife predation as even well-fed cats take prey.

With cats reproducing at a rapid rate, too many are left without homes and care.

          Current popular control methods include housing animals as pets, a practice accounting for approximately 54% of U.S. cats, euthanasia, and efforts to reduce reproduction such as sterilization and breeding restrictions. With most shelters operating at full capacity, new solutions to feline overpopulation are desperately needed.

 

Cats Don't Dig the Sweet Stuff

          According to an article from The Salem News, cats do not possess the necessary taste buds for detecting sweetness. While humans, dogs, and other creatures with varied diets have as many as 10,000 taste buds to detect various flavors and nutrients, cats, who only need meat to survive, are limited to 500. While many housecats are given vegetable and grain-rich kibble, cats in the wild feed solely on small live prey such as rodents and birds.
          While cats may not be able to taste sugar, carbohydrates and fats in many sweet items still attract them. This is why cats are often found licking yogurt, whip cream, ice cream, and other dairy-based desserts. The ability to taste sweetness serves a biological function in animals who consume fruits and veggies for nutrition, but carnivores like cats need only to be enticed by meat. Because cats have no need for sugars and can not taste them anyway, it is best to avoid allowing them to consume it. Cancer and other disease cells thrive on sugar and wreck havoc on the health of cats.

This silly kitty is probably attracted to the coolness of the icee, rather than its sweet flavor.

Cats Might be Smarter Than Dogs?

Cats, though fickle, are an inquisitive and intelligent species.

          The intelligence of cats is often underrated due to their virtual inability to be trained. Dogs may respond beter to human communication, but are they truly "smarter" then cats? New scientific research suggests that cats may in fact be the brighter species. Felines have over 300 millions neurons in the cortex of their brains, whereas dogs are limited to 160 million neurons. Cats are also known for their self-sufficient habits such as litter box usage, hunting skills, and keen senses, allowing them to be potty-trained and able to feed themselves without nearly as much training as dogs.

Cats are quick learners who quickly figure new things out with little trial and error. Unlike dogs, cats rarely repeat unsuccessful attempts to obtain food, toys, or coerce their owners. 

Cat brains are similar to human brains in their composition and complexity.

          According to How Stuff Works, researchers have been aware that cats are able to learn complex tasks since as early as the 1920's. A Pennsylvania State University test conducted in the 1950's concluded that cats are capable of "oddity learning" in which the animal is shown three objects and is rewarded for choosing the one that looks least like the other two. In the test, cats consistently pawed a small round object amongst square blocks to win a food reward. Some studies have concluded that cats do as well with this kind of learning as monkeys.  According to Dr. John Wright, a certified animal behaviorist and psychology professor at Mercer University, "most cats are extremely capable problem solvers. Cats know how to size up a situation and then act on the information received". Many cats cat even train their owners to feed them, pet them, and take care of them. A behavior that, when you think about it, is pretty darn smart! 

          

11th Annual National Feral Cat Day

           Today is National Feral Cat Day, a yearly event started by Alley Cat Allies, a cat advocacy group dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of feral felines. In honor of this year's Feral Cat Day, over 300 events are being held throughout the nation including free spay and neuter clinics and awareness seminars.

            Feral cats are descendants of domesticated housecats who are born and raised in the wild, often forming colonies in both rural and urban areas. Because they are unsocialized, it is very difficult to take them in as pets. They often display aggressive behavior and are much more instinctually "wild" then socialized domestic cats, and they are very weary of humans. As their populations grow quickly, they are often trapped and euthanized to reduce their effects on local ecosystems. Trap, Neuter, Return, a program designed to reduce feral cat populations without injuring or killing them, has been adopted by many shelters and animal advocacy groups throughout the United States. 

             The purpose of National Feral Cat Day is to promote awareness about the mistreatment of feral cats and encourage citizens to participate in local Trap, Neuter, Return programs by either setting humane traps themselves or donating time or money to TNR groups. 

             Details on local event times and locations can be found here: http://nationalferalcatday.org/

           

           

          

Willow's Adventure - One Cat's Journey Shows the Value of Microchipping

iPet Companions: Playing With Kitties Over the Internet.

         A new robotic toy called the iPet Companion has hit the market this week, allowing cat owners to play with their cats by controlling a toy from a remote location and watching the interaction on a webcam. A commerical version of the gadget has become a popular marketing tool for Humane Societies to encourage cat adoption by allowing potential parents to "meet" available cats without making a trip to a shelter.
          A New York shelter, Bideawee, offers online "Kitty Play Dates" that allow users to see kittens play with a toy that is responding to real-time remote control commands. Since the program's introduction in early October, over 2,000 visitors from as far away as Asia have logged on to the website to interact with the shelter's cats. According to an article from GizMag.com, various shelters have seen a significant increase in kitten adoptions since the installation of the iPet machines. 

Kittens play with the iPet Companion at Bideawee animal Shelter.

          A blog post from Technabob.com prices the home gadgets around $850.00 each for cats, a hefty fee for many cat owners. Other (less expensive) ways to connect with your cats while you are away include having a friend or neighbor check in on them and report back to you, or setting up a Skype account that you can access from a work computer or smartphone. By opening Skype on a home computer and setting it to auto-answer, you can videochat with your kitty by calling their name and watching them on screen.

A screen shot from the iPet Companion home version.

Bathtime!

                   Cats are very clean animals who spend up to 30 - 50% of their waking hours "bathing themselves". Their tongues are lined with coarse, barb-like hairs that comb dirt and debris out of their fur. For the most part, there is no need to bathe indoor, shorthair cats, but long-haired cats or those who spend time outdoors may get too dirty to be able to keep themselves fully clean. Even the cleanest of cats occasionally gets themselves covered in something by knocking over a bowl of soup, rolling in a potted plant, etc., so keeping a bathing plan handy is useful for all cat parents. 

               The first thing to be aware of is that most cats detest water. Wear long-sleeves and trim their claws before bathing unless you want to end up looking like you had a fight with a rosebush. Fill the tub about half way with warm water, making sure it is low enough to allow kitty to touch the bottom. Use either a large cup for pouring water directly onto the fur or a detachable shower head (one of the scariest things for them is the loud sound of a running shower and the overwhelming experience of water flying about). 

              Ease them into the tub by holding them above the water to let them "swim" with their paws, then slowly but surely lower them until they are standing in the water. Your kitty will probably fight this, so pet and speak softly to them while holding them firmly. You may even offer them a treat!

Cats will often reach for anything available to help them get out of the water! Watch out for sharp teeth and claws!

              Rub a small amount of cat shampoo (available at pet retail stores) into their wet fur, avoiding their head completely. If you must wipe something off their face, do it with a wet washcloth separately from the bath session. Rinse them clean by gently pouring small amounts of water directly onto their fur (or using a gentle setting on a detachable showerhead) to reduce the level of intense noise and physical stimulation.

             Have several large, plush towels at the ready so you can wrap kitty up and soon as you pull her out of the water. While my cat absolutely detests baths, she always cooperates with me when I wrap her up in warm towels and hold and "pet" her (dry her off). Some cats will tolerate a blowdryer on a low setting and others will simply run and hide much too quickly for you to even attempt such a feat.  

              Offer kitty treats and praise for enduring the horror of bathtime with you!

 

Digital Babysitters: iPad Apps for Cats

Need to engage your cat? There's an app for that. The same technology that has revolutionized music, information dissemination, and socialization has even begun to cause change in the way modern pet owners entertain their felines. Gone are the days when a simple ball of string can occupy a cat for hours*. In this digital age, it's all about the tablet games.

Most of the games available today consist of some sort of digital mouse or dot darting across the screen to engage the cat's hunting instincts and encourage them to swat at the marker. According to a New York Times Article about apps for cats, the most popular apps to date are Game for Cats, Cat Game, App for Cats, and Cat Toy. Each of these apps are also available on smartphones, but the smaller size makes them significantly less interesting for kitties.

The Game for Cats home screen. Both the dot and the mouse dart around the screen and cats paw at it to "select" a level.

Whether your finnicky feline will engage with any of these games is difficult to predict, but they will undoubtedly be fascinated by the sounds, colors, and movements featured in each for at least a short period of time. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some cats are truly entertained by iPads, but this seems unlikely for those who spend much of their day hunting live prey in the backyard.
One of the potential issues here is practicality with the tablet. Unless you can afford to buy your cat its own, it may be a bit risky to allow it to swat around your personal one. My cat, for one, is not allowed near my smartphone or laptop as she has been known to scratch and bite both of them. It looks like the only way to truly see if these apps are worth downloading is to try them out at home.

Check out this youtube video of a group of cats playing with an iPad. Pretty adorable!

* Just kidding. They love that stuff!

Glow-In-The-Dark Kitties To The Rescue!

What sounds like science fiction has become a reality thanks to a new genetic engineering technique employed by scientific researchers at the U.S. Mayo Clinic. While 5-year-olds across the country may be hoping the technology will be used to breed kittens available to the average consumer, their creation has not been for novelty purposes, as amusing as the image of a neon cat may be.  

Although the modified cats appear to be normal in regular light, they glow under UV lights.

The glow-in-the-dark felines have been lab-bred as part of a medical study about HIV and AIDS. By modifying their DNA with two linked genes - one that fights off Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and one that promotes fluorescence - scientists can track whether the technique has worked by simply looking to see if they glow. The creation of the glowing protein in their tissues indicates that the virus-resistant gene has taken effect as well. Because the glowing cats gave birth to glowing kittens, it is possible that protection against viral invasion can be passed through generations. 

According to an article from Daily Mail UK, "the research will speed up the search for vaccines and treatments against HIV, the Aids virus that has claimed more than 30 million lives around the world".

 FIV and HIV are similar in that they both attack the body's immune system and reduce protection against infection and disease. The primary source of spreading the virus is biting, so it is important to be aware of the health history of neighborhood cats or to keep your kitty indoors. Although the research findings of the study prove its significance, whether genetic manipulation of animals is ethical is highly debated. Even if their existence provides valuable insight into the future of AIDS prevention, is it humane to force them to live their life out in laboratories? Both sides of the argument have solid support and will potentially continue to battle one another for years to come.  

Is animal testing ethical?

Cat Lost at JFK Still Missing After Two-Week Search

LOST KITTY:

LAST SEEN IN AMERICAN AIRLINES CARGO AREA

            Have you seen this cat? He is an 18-pound orange tabby named Jack whose story sounds like a case for Ace Ventura. Nicknamed "the feline fugitive," Jack has been freely roaming New York's John F. Kennedy Airport since his mysterious departure from his carrier crate 14 days ago. Although his method of escape has yet to be determined (or publicly released), the confirmed facts are as follows: On August 25th, Jack was checked into American Airlines flight 177 from JFK to San Francisco as cargo. Half an hour before the flight's scheduled departure, owner Karen Pascoe was alerted of his disappearance. Two weeks and countless news reports later, Jack is still missing in spite of airport-wide search efforts including humane traps and detective canines.


            While Jack and Karen's story serves as a sad reminder that flying with cats is a less-than-desirable experience, some simple tips can increase the likelihood of success and reduce travel-related stress. First and foremost, research airline pet policies to find flights that best suit your needs. Many airlines allow cats to stay under your seat if housed by a carrier approved for in-cabin travel. Fill the carrier with familiar toys and blankets and set it up as a sleeping spot at least one month prior to departure to give kitty enough time to get used to its feel. Cats are much less likely to escape a favorite hideaway than a foreign box when under stress. If possible, book off-peak flights at smaller airports to avoid large crowds and chaos, and be sure to keep your cat's health and identifying information with you at all times.

            In the event that your cat does go missing, look for them in dark, quiet, and out-of-reach places away from loud noises and traffic. Even a bustling airport can be the perfect setting to adhere to general pet search tips. Last but not least, speak up! Jack's facebook page has gained over 13,000 likes and made national headlines. Pressure from Ms. Pascoe, cat fans, and the media have driven American Airlines to step up their search efforts and issue public updates. With the airline under scrutiny and the story circulating around the country, Jack is much more likely to be found than if Ms. Pascoe kept her complaints at bay. She is my cat momma hero!

"Brush Up" on Feline Dental Disease

             While many of us are quick to spot symptoms of illness in our furry friends, we often exhibit little concern when it comes to dental care. Who knew cats could get cavities? According to an article in The Washington Post, about 70% of cats over the age of two have some form of dental disease. A study by Banfield Pet Hospitals, the world's largest general vet practice, yielded similar results: dental disease was the most common ailment found amongst the 450,000 cats treated in 2010. These statistics can sound daunting but the recommended precautions are simple: have your vet check kitty's teeth at his biannual physical, and get her teeth cleaned once a year. Less costly preventative measures include sticking to dry food (it scrapes teeth and sticks less than wet food) and good ole' fashioned brushing. This can be a challenge for owners of finnicky felines, but a gentle introduction and follow-up treats can trick almost any cat into getting his chompers scrubbed. Here is a link to a great tutorial video from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

 How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

If only it were this easy!

            The implications of dental disease range from sore gums and tooth decay to heart attacks and kidney disease if infection spreads. Yikes! While living with a toothless cat will certainly decrease your likelihood of receiving fang-induced puncture wounds, dental disease and tooth removal is extremely painful and stressful for cats, not to mention expensive. Regardless of your regimen, keep a lookout for telltale signs of dental disease like bad breath, red gums, and drooling. Make a veterinary appointment immediately if any of these symptoms appear since they are likely to progress rapidly. I hope I haven't scared you, fellow cat lovers! As long as you keep on eye on things and follow the recommended steps, your kitty's smile will last a lifetime.

ASPCA Poll Reveals Pet Owner Evacuation Plans

              Those of us with "fur kids" know the gut-wrenching feeling of experiencing an emergency involving our pets: the guilt after leaving them for long periods of time, the concern when they feel sad, and of course, the panic that ensues when they disappear (a cat parent's worst nightmare!) While we may be more or less prepared for basic predicaments, what do we do when an all-out catastrophe calls for a widespread evacuation? Well, according to a new poll released by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, most of us just wouldn't go! The poll's findings, detailed in The Washington Post and on FoxNews.com, reveal that 42% of cat or dog owners would not evacuate without their pets, 39% would leave them behind, and 19% aren't sure. While it is wonderful to see statistics proving the strength of human-animal bonds, both parents and pets can benefit from pre-disaster planning.

An ASPCA emergency pet shelter for Hurricane Irene victims.

              As cat owners, it is important to be prepared for emergencies beyond the daily stressors we expect (my gadget-loving kitty steals and hides various trinkets on a daily basis, for example). Be sure to invest in a carrier crate and keep it stashed with a blanket and some plastic containers of food and litter in case you ever have to just throw kitty in there and hit the road! Also, keep tags and collars on AT ALL TIMES - I can not stress this enough as cats are prone to slipping away at extremely inconvenient times and will only stop fussing with their collars if they wear them consistently enough to get used to its sensation. Last but not least, consider microchipping, a procedure that securely places identifying information beneath the skin. This way, if all else fails, your kitty friend will come straight back to you as soon as he or she is scanned at a local shelter. I am personally grateful for the microchip I have invested in considering how often I find my cat's collar stuck on a neighbor's tree branch or chewed and frayed to the point of disintegration. More tips for prepping your pets for peril can be found on the ASCPA website's "Disaster Preparedness" page.

An X-ray of a cat with a microchip implant.

Carriers such as this one can increase kitty's safety.

New on the Market: Age-Defying Cat Food

               For doting cat parents who would "pounce" at the opportunity to postpone their felines' last breath, new developments in feline nutrition are cause for celebration. Luckily, according to an article by Allison Cerra of DrugStoreNews.com, Hill's Science Diet has recently launched a new food line designed to curb feline aging. Acting on the assumption that lean muscle mass promotes longevity, Hill's science diet age-defying blend is formulated with L-Carnitine, an amino-acid that helps the body produce energy.  The new kibble also includes antioxidants, minerals, and essential oils to increase organ health and function as well as enhance the appearance of kitty's skin and coat. Whether this new product represents a true breakthrough in feline healthcare or a replica of many existing kitty kibbles has yet to be seen, but the discounted promotional coupons and sweepstakes entry opportunities available on the website certainly make the product worth a try.
               If designer pet foods aren't up your cat's alley or if your kitty prefers the wet stuff, you can still do your part to prevent and reduce signs of aging as well as assist your furry friends through their elderly years once that inevitable day arrives. Basics include making sure your cat stays hydrated in all stages of life (cats can be finnicky about water unless it is cool, fresh, and readily available), playing with toys at least 20 minutes per day to provide physical activity and mental stimulation, and increasing soft bedding and assistive ramps and steps to take the edge off some of the stressors of geriatric cathood.

              

Welcome to The Cat Chat!

Monki: my cuddle buddy, playmate, and boss.

Hello there! My name is Andrea and I am a journalism student residing in Fort Collins, CO. My relationship with my cat Kiki (short for MonKI KItten) is the inspiration for this blog. Since adopting her from a local Humane Society last April, much of my energy has been devoted to caring for her as best I can. While my wallet and free time have certainly taken a hit, it has been well worth the joy and entertainment Kiki's companionship has added to my life. As the number one pet in the United States, I know that cats have won the hearts of many other individuals like myself. The purpose of this blog is to create a forum for cat fans and owners to read and discuss new developments in feline research and kitty parenthood. I am always looking for new content and would love your recommendations for posts, favorite links, and kitty pics! It takes a special kind of person to love a creature who pounces on you in the middle of the night, chews and scratches your things, and ignores you if you don't clean up it's poop several times a day. Fellow cat lovers, this blog is for you!