Fur Everywhere

Paula Abdul Auctions Clothes to Help Animals

2009-07-15T22:28:00.003-06:00

Paula Abdul, a judge on the television show, American Idol, is currently holding an auction for thousands of pieces of designer clothes to help benefit the Americans Humane Association's Pets and Women's Shelters programs, the Petco Foundation, and Guide Dogs of America.

The auction, which started on June 29, is being conducted with Auction Cause, a company that uses eBay to help raise money for various causes.

Abdul is the spokesperson for the PAWS program. The PAWS program allows victims of domestic violence bring their pets to the shelter with them. The program allows the pets to stay on-site rather than being housed elsewhere in order to provide the animals with safety and victims of domestic violence with a source of comfort and unconditional love while they are undergoing the transition from an abusive relationship.

Abdul is auctioning off thousands of pieces of designer clothes - some worn and some not. Some of the designers include, but are not limited to: Westwood, Dulce and Gabbana, Pucci, Zac Posen, and Burberry. Abdul will donate 10% of the proceeds to the PAWS program. She will also make private donations to Guide Dogs of America and the Petco Foundation.

The auction will be running for the next few months, according to Cat Channel and new items will be added daily. If you would like to check out the auction, please visit Abdul's eBay site.

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Most Unusual Pet Names

2009-06-25T18:07:00.003-06:00

Common pet names are simply too dull for some people. Have you ever met a cat named Blue Man Chew or a dog named Kanye East? Veterinary Pet Insurance Company voted on the 10 most unusual cat and dog names for the second year in a row. The company searched through their database to find the 50 most unusual names for cats and dogs and then voted on the top 10 in each category.

They deem the top 10 most unusual cat and dog names as follows.

Cat Names:
1. Snag L. Tooth
2. Polly Pissypants
3. Clawed Monet
4. Dishwasher
5. Velvet Elvis
6. Yardsale
7. Eartha Kitty
8. Thurston Picklesworth III
9. Blue Man Chew
10. Catzilla

Dog Names:
1. Doogie Schnauzer MD
2. Inspector Foo Foo
3. Sargent Sausage
4. Fluffermutter
5. Mouse Meat
6. I Am Sparticus
7. Bam-Bam Noodle Butt
8. Lunchbox
9. Kanye East
10. Angus Sir Loin

All of the owners of these pets with unusual names said there was a reason for the names. For instance, Snag L. Tooth has a snaggle tooth that sticks out even when his mouth is closed.

If you are interested in seeing the 50 most unusual cat and dog names, you may visit VPI's website.

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Cat Fest!

2009-06-22T18:10:00.001-06:00

On July 11, 2009, the Denver Dumb Friends League is holding a Cat Fest to honor our love for cats. At this Cat Fest, you can:

See/meet cats and kittens who are ready for adoption
Buy special cat merchandise
Learn about cats and why they are so lovable!
Take polls to compare your kitty to others'
See a purebred cat exhibition
Learn fun facts about cats
Play games and win prizes

Cat Fest will take place at the Denver Dumb Friends League from 10am-3pm on Saturday July 11. Denver Dumb Friends League is located at: 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO,

Please support my blog by visiting my Avon store!

FDA Approves Felimazole for the Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism

2009-06-15T17:23:00.003-06:00

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug Felimazole for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Feline hyperthyroidism occurs when too much of the thyroid hormone T4 circulates in the body. Symptoms can range from milk to severe. Some of the most common symptoms of feline hyperthyroidism include: increased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, muscle weakness, diarrhea, nervousness, high heart rate, increased urination and drinking, heavy/labored breathing, and poor coat.

Hyperthyroidism is a very common condition in middle-aged and senior cats. Field studies were conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States in order to determine the effectiveness and safety of the drug for cats. In the United Kingdom study, 77% of cats had normal T4 levels and 81% of felines had reduced condition severity by day 42 of treatment with the medication. In the United States, cats also had significantly lower T4 levels and improved signs of the disease by day 42 of the treatment. A total of 166 cats were treated with the drug during these studies.

According to the FDA, the most common side effects of Felimazole are: diarrhea, vomiting, a change in food consumption - either a decrease or an increase - and lethargy.

If you believe your cat may be suffering from hyperthyroidism, please visit your vet in order to have your cat examined. Most of the time, vets can perform a simple blood panel to determine if your cat has hyperthyroidism or another disease with similar symptoms.

Vet Communication Differs Depending on Type of Visit

2009-06-10T17:53:00.002-06:00

A new study conducted by the Argus Institute at Colorado State University indicates veterinarians communicate differently with clients depending on whether the visit is a problem appointment - one related to a health concern - or a wellness appointment - general check-up.

The Argus Institute found that in wellness appointments, veterinarians focus more on building a relationship with their clients. They try to engage pet owners to take part in their pet's care and to express their opinions during appointments. Vets also tend to talk in a different tone in these visits with more laughter, compliments, reassurance, and social talk.

During problem appointments, vets tend to focus mainly on medical issues. The tone of the appointment is one of stress as many clients are emotionally distressed and anxious and vets are perceived as being in a hurry.

Additionally, the Argus Institute reports that when vets use a paternal communication style in problem appointments, potential negative consequences could ensue for the pet, the client, and the veterinarian. Specifically, Jane Shaw, DMV, Ph.D., and director of the Argus Institute says, "We know that paternalism is not an effective approach in gaining results. Without engaging the client in a conversation about their pet and obtaining their opinion, they aren't as likely to follow through with home care. They also are not as likely to build a strong relationship - and subsequent loyalty - to their veterinarian."

A strong relationship between a client and a veterinarian is important because vets are more likely to get complete and accurate information from clients about their pets and be able to diagnose problems more easily. Clients are more likely to follow at-home care recommendations when vets encourage them to participate in their pet's care as well.

Dr. Shaw recommends veterinarians ask open-ended questions during appointments to encourage clients to open up about their pets.

Source:

Cat Channel: Vet Communication Depends on Visit

The Evergreen Cat Lodge: Home Away from Home

2009-05-04T02:19:00.001-06:00

If you live in the Denver area, you may be interested in this. I found a great boarding place, which seems like a better option than other boarding facilities, in my opinion. Evergreen Cat Lodge is a cat-only boarding facility that offers suites - not cages - for cats whose owners who want to board them when they travel.

The Evergreen Cat Lodge offers three types of suites from which cat parents may choose. The Very Important Pet (VIP) suites are large in size and offer large windows that overlook the 9 acre estate. Most of the VIP suites also contain either an electric fireplace or an electric replica of a wood burning stove. VIP suites cost $35 per day.

The lodge also offers Deluxe suites for $29 per day. Most of these rooms are as large as the VIP suites and most also contain windows.

Economy suites are availabe for $22 per day and are smaller rooms that still offer the comfort of home.

All of the suites at the Evergreen Cat Lodge contain things that might be seen in a home to offer a more comfortable atmosphere for your kitty. All the rooms also have a glass door so that cats can be checked on without disturbing them.

Litter and water are cleaned and changed at least twice each day. Additionally, liquid and pill medication can be given to your kitty at no extra charge. All kitties also get individual attention while they stay at the facility. As to not disturb cat's feeding schedules, cats can be fed once, twice, or three times a day or free fed. While the lodge does provide cat food at no extra charge, cat parents are encouraged to bring their cat's regular food as to not disturb their diet.

All cats are required to be up-to-date on their FVRCP vaccine and cats who spend time outdoors are also required to be up-to-date on their rabies vaccines.

The Evergreen Cat Lodge offers the comfort of home to your cats while you are away. To learn more information about this facility, please visit their website or give them a call at: 303-679-1245.

Biggest Losers Contest Winners

2009-03-29T21:12:00.001-06:00

A while back I posted about the Biggest Losers Contest (in Purrfect Pets) where owners of obese cats were encouraged to help them lose weight on a veterinary approved diet. The results and winners of the contest were recently published in the May edition of CAT FANCY magazine.

The first place winner is Pumpkin, a 13-year-old cat who weighed 30 pounds before he began his weight-loss journey. At 30 pounds, Pumpkin's owners, Kathryn Maxwell and Elizabeth Bible, said he didn't move anymore than he had to. They did not force him to exercise, but began to feed him a recommended amount of weight management cat food every morning and evening. He began his weight loss journey in July 2007, and by January 2009, he weighed 14 pounds. His owners say he now plays and runs with the other cats, is much happier, and can groom his entire body.

The second place winner in the Biggest Losers Contest is Serendipity, a nine-year-old cat, who weighed 23 pounds when he began his weight-loss journey. His owner, Marian Kaplan, gives him a little less than 1/8 cup of diabetes food every morning. She tosses it piece by piece down the hall to give Serendipity some exercise and to keep him from snarfing his food, then stealing the other cats' food. In mid-morning, Serendipity receives four dental treats, tossed as well. Ten pieces of diabetic food are then tossed to him mid-day. In late afternoon, he is served 1/4 of a small can of wet cat food in a bowl with three posts, which makes him work for his food. Finally, before bed, he gets 10 more pieces of diabetic food tossed to him.

Serendipity now weighs 11 pounds.

The third place winner in this contest is Baron, an eight-year-old cat who weighed 22 pounds at the beginning of his weight-loss journey. Baron's owner, Nan Schaeffer said when Baron was rescued he was malnourished and gained weight too quickly, which led to him becoming obese. Baron has been eating four controlled meals each day and must jump up to his table in order to eat them. Baron now weighs 13 pounds, and enjoys running and playing.

An Abandoned Kitten

2008-06-17T21:14:00.002-06:00

Today, I saw something really sad - an abandoned kitten. Please read the story I wrote about it here: http://anxiety.today.com. While you're there, please feel free to check out the rest of my blog, which has to do with anxiety and overcoming it.

I hope to see many of you over there!

Cat Slide Shows

2008-05-18T11:26:00.003-06:00

Sleeping cats are so peaceful and adorable. Today, I ran across a slide show of adorable sleeping cats, and I wanted to share it with you. To view the slide show, visit: http://www.petplace.com/cat-photos-from-our-users.aspx?utm_source=catcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_corepage&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter.

Here you will also find slide shows of funny, cute, beautiful, and kittens.

Enjoy!

Let Your Kitty Enjoy the Great Outdoors, Safely

2008-05-11T22:47:00.003-06:00

Now that it's soring, your cat might enjoy the sunshine and fresh air the outdoors has to offer. If your kitty likes the outdoors, you may want to consider making him or her a cat enclosure. This article provides information, tips, and resources for building safe cat enclosures for your furry friends.

I hope you find this article helpful!

National Cat Protection Society

2008-05-06T23:03:00.004-06:00

It's difficult to think about, but what would happen to your cats if you were to pass away before they did? Would a relative step in and care for them? Would they have to go to a shelter?

The National Cat Protection Society will care for your cats for a lifetime for a one-time fee of $5,000 if there is ever an event that prohibits you from caring for your cats.

The center was founded by C. Robert Calore, who loved cats his entire life. He started the National Cat Protection Society after he completed his Army tour in France where a friendly cat curled up with him in a hole. In 1975, he opened a second chapter of the Society in Spring Valley (his first chapter was opened in Long Beach).

The National Cat Protection Society provides a wonderful environment for cats, with staff members and volunteers who give the cats who reside there a lot of love and attention. Additionally, each cat is served his or her own personal diet, given dental care, and provided with medical care.

The Society opened a special Retirement Center for senior cats, which currently is home to 30 senior cats. Bob Walker will be redesigning the space, and plans to add cut-outs of tropical fish, behind which cats may hide and palm trees with rope wrapped around them for scratching posts. The space is being redesigned to improve the quality of life for the cats who reside there.

Source: CatChannel.

Need a blogger? Contact me at miniemedia@gmail.com.

Vaccination Schedule

2008-04-28T23:53:00.002-06:00

I located a great vaccination schedule on PetCo's webiste. It is the most direct, and easy-to-understand schedule of vaccinations I have ever seen for kittens and cats. To see the schedule of vaccines, please go here.

Please remember to keep records of all of your cats' vaccinations. Some landlords (and states) require you provide proof that your cat has been vaccinated with the Rabies shot every year (or three years if your cat gets the three-year shot).

Vaccinations

2008-04-28T01:19:00.002-06:00

This weekend, I took Carmine and Milita to get their vaccinations, so I wanted to remind all of the pet parents out there to please remember to keep your pet's vaccinations updated for their health and protection.

I am going to try to find a list of vaccinations felines need to have and when they should have them tomorrow.

I also wanted to let everyone know I have new items posted in Bead Paradise (http://beadparadise.blogspot.com) and that a portion of the proceeds from each sale are donnated to the ASPCA.

Glow-in-the-dark cats

2008-04-21T01:32:00.002-06:00

Tonight, while having dinner with a friend of mine, he mentioned something about a glow-in-the-dark cat. I seriously thought he was pulling my leg, but when I looked it up on the Internet, sure enough there are TWO glow-in-the-dark cats, created by Korean scientists:

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9833107-7.html

What do you all think?

Reporting Animal Cruelty

2008-04-18T23:07:00.004-06:00

If you witness an animal being abused or suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, you should report it to the proper officials in your state so that they may investigate what is happening.

To find out who you need to report animal cruelty to in your state, please visit this page and select your state from the list. Alternatively, call your local animal shelter or veterinarian and ask to whom you should report animal cruelty.

When you report animal cruelty, you will want to write up a statement of exactly what you witnessed. Be as detailed and specific in your statement as possible and name the other witnesses who saw the act or acts of animal cruelty if any others were present. Be sure to include the date and approximate time of the incident as well. If you have any photos of the abused or neglected animal or perpetrator, be sure to include copies of these photos with your written statement.

Make copies of any written statements and/or photos you hand over to the investigating officials.

The officer should follow-up with you as to the outcome of the case. If you have not heard from the officer you reported the case to in a reasonable amount of time, it is ok to give him or her a follow-up phone call, e-mail, or letter. You may even wish to contact the officer's supervisor if he or she does not respond to your follow-up contact in a reasonable amount of time. Following up with the officer and/or supervisor ensures that animal cruelty is not ignored, is investigated, and that appropriate consequences are suffered by the perpetrators of animal cruelty.

Help Stop Cruelty to Cats in China - Please Sign this Petition!

2008-04-15T22:01:00.003-06:00

While browsing Cat Channel today, I ran across this very disturbing news story. Basically, in Beijing they are capturing cats, putting them in very small cages, and letting them die, a long, slow death. Apparently, they want to have nice looking,c lean streets in Beijing for the tourists who come to the Olympics. If you'd like to read the entire story, please click here.

Please sign this petition in order in support of stopping this cruelty to cats in China! And please pass it along to all of your friends and family.

Types of Animal Cruelty

2008-04-13T23:26:00.005-06:00

In order for us to fight against animal cruelty, we must first have an understanding of what animal cruelty is.

Violence: Violence towards animals can includes beating, setting an animal on fire, torturing, mutilation of, or any other form of intentional hurt toward any animal.

Neglect: Neglect includes depriving an animal of proper food, water, veterinary care, and/or shelter.

Hoarding: Hoarding involves having more cats than one can reasonably take care of. Most people think of animal hoarders as having 100 animals or more, but really, animal hoarders can have as few as 5 cats if the person housing the cats cannot reasonably care for each and every cat's needs.

In my next post, I will tell you how you can learn about your state's laws regarding animal cruelty.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bracelet

2008-04-09T23:55:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone!

I am feeling better, and I have some news.

I made a bright orange bracelet that is intended to raise awareness and help prevent cruelty to animals. You can purchase this bracelet for $3.50 (which includes the shipping charge) on my blog Bead Paradise at: www.beadparadise.blogspot.com. I will donate $1.00 of each bracelet purchase to the ASPCA.

Please hop over and take a look, and please tell all of your human and kitty friends about this bracelet! Thanks so much!

A Note from Carmine

2008-04-08T02:17:00.002-06:00

This is Carmine. Mommy wanted me to post a note, telling everyone she has been very sick lately, and she is sorry that she has not been able to update this blog recently. She should be back soon. She is feeling a little better. I am trying to get her to go to sleep for the night, but Mommy tells me there is too much work to be done. Humans can be so silly sometimes!

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

2008-04-03T00:17:00.003-06:00

April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty month. This month I will be discussing how you can recognize signs of animal cruelty, what to do if you suspect an animal is being hurt or neglected, and how you can help prevent cruelty to animals.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a great organization that strives to prevent animal cruelty all over the United States. I encourage you to visit their website to learn more about animal cruelty and how you can help prevent it.

I want to remind you that I sell beaded bracelets in my Bead Paradise blog, and that a portion of each sale goes directly to the ASPCA. I plan on putting up new items at lower prices, so I encourage you to visit often.

Need a blogger? Contact me at: miniemedia@gmail.com.

Rent a cat!

2008-03-30T23:59:00.002-06:00

I ran across this article today, and I just *had* to share it!

It is so sad that many people cannot have cats as pets in Tokyo, but these cat cafes are such a brilliantly creative idea to help cat lovers have some quality kitty time!

Check it out:
http://inventorspot.com/articles/calico_caf_caters_cat_owners_craving_kitty_companionship_11879

Homewood Suites Pet Contest

2008-03-26T22:34:00.001-06:00

Homewood Suites is having a pet photo/video contest from April 15-July 18, 2008. The site is asking that pet owners upload photos or videos of themselves or their families with their pets, sharing a simple moment.

Each entry is eligible to win a trip to New York. The winners will also be shown on billboards in Times Square!

For more information, you can visit the Homewood Suites website.

Human Medication a No-No for Cats

2008-03-25T00:25:00.003-06:00

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the most common claims for cat poisoning were a result of cats ingesting human over-the-counter or prescription medication.

I want to remind all of the pet parents and owners out there that while I know it can be costly to make vet trips when your cat is sick, you need to do so in order to get the right medication prescribed for your kitty.

Sometimes, well-meaning pet parents can give their cats a dose of over-the-counter or prescription medication in an attempt to reduce their furry friend's suffering. However, this usually leads to more suffering, not less. Our kitties bodies are much smaller than ours, and often require different and/or smaller medication doses than we do.

If your kitty is sick or injured, please take him or her to a vet and allow the veterinarian to prescribe the right medication for your kitty.

To read the report by VPI, please visit: http://www.catchannel.com/News/pets-ingest-human-medications-more-often-than-other-poisons-vpi-reports.aspx.

Laser Pointers Provide Beneficial Exercise

2008-03-18T23:56:00.003-06:00

About a week ago, I bought my cats a laser pointer. They absolutely love it!

It's a great way to play with my cats and to give them an opportunity to get exercise at the same time.

Exercise is very important to cats. They need it, just as we do, to keep them from becoming obese. Obesity causes many health problems, such as Diabetes for cats.

It also makes cats feel loved when their parents take the time to play with them and to engage them in activities.

Help Pets, Florida

2008-03-14T00:35:00.004-06:00

I received a newsletter today from the ASPCA, alerting me that the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine is currently considering a measure that will deny animal shelters the right to microchip pets.

The ASPCA says, "In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, microchipping has been identified as one of the most effective methods for reuniting pets with their owners. Microchipping by animal shelters is standard practice across the United States, and it’s especially important in Florida--perhaps the state most vulnerable to devastating hurricanes. This vital service that shelters provide to Florida residents and their pets must be protected.

The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine needs to be reminded that the leading cause of death among pets is not disease, parasites or injury. Sadly, it's the euthanasia of lost pets who cannot be identified."

I agree with the ASPCA, wholeheartedly. Denying shelters to microchip pets will reduce the number of pets that can be reunited with their families.

The ASPCA has prepared a letter you can e-mail to the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine, and you may do so by visiting: https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2331.