Why Don't Cats Play Poker in the Jungle?

Because there are too many cheetahs.



Being the responsible parent that I am,  I was teaching my kids how to play poker yesterday on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Poker with cats around is difficult.   They climbed on the table,  swatted at the cards and attempted to tip the poker pot.  Kids,  cats, and poker are a bad combination if you are being too serious but we had a lot of fun with it. 

None of us are ready to go tour the poker circuit.   Well, maybe the cats are.  They have some cool poker faces.

my Favorite picture of Wizard

This is my favorite picture of Wizard.   It is a selfie that his Boy helped him with.   It is stolen from my son's phone.

Cat vs Mailman

I can see my pets doing something like this.   It seems like they are always hatching some kind of evil plot.

Catnip and Cats

Ticks on your pets

The climate change is causing Canada and North America to become more hospitable to the black legged tick.   They are creeping north and bring Lyme disease with them.   We already had enough other forms of ticks.  We didn't need these too.

Tips for humans to avoid ticks are:

 Wear light colored clothes so the ticks can be spotted.  (this doesn't work so well for dogs.   Especially dark colored dogs or long haired dogs.)

Wear long sleeves and pants and tuck pants into socks.   (dogs don't wear pants or socks)

Wear bug repellent containing DEET (poisonous to dogs.  Don't do it)

Have someone inspect for ticks.   (THIS is the one for dogs)

Pet owners must check their pets for ticks.

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on blood and carry a variety of diseases.

To search your pet for ticks start by running your hands over it's body feeling for lumps, bumps or abnormalities.  Pay special attention to ears, necks, skin folds and crevices.

If a tick is found it will need to be removed.   Wear latex gloves.  Using tweezers or a special tick removal tool,   grasp the tick at the point of attachment.   That is as close to the pets skin as possible. Do not squeeze the tick.  It could cause the tick to push the blood and bacteria back into your pet.  Pull the tick straight out.  Some of your pets skin may come off.   Then flush the tick down the toilet.

Clean the spot on your dog with a mild soap and water and watch the spot for signs of irritation or infection.   Contact your vet if the spot doesn't clear up or if you see signs of illness or infection.

Tick Repellent Recipe for Humans and Pets

Ticks are rampant this year.   Here is a recipe that helps to repel them.   It is safe for humans and pets.

I am who I am because of my dogs

I am who I am because of many dogs but recently,  Boo, Leon and Daisy get honerable  mentions.

Cats Resturants



Wizard tries to Charm Mika but She Isn't as Easy as the Other Girls

Mika is very fussy about who she let's into her space.   Wizard thinks all the girls should love him.   They both seem very confused by the other's expectations of their relationship. 

the Optimists, the Pessimist and the Cat

How to Peel a Snake

Most people love blogs about dogs and cats and sweet fuzzy animals because they are cute and love to cuddle.    My girl Jaya is beautiful and magestic and loves to cuddle too.   Some would say she is just stealing my body heat but I like to believe she loves me.   She will snuggle on the couch for hours.

In this picture she is fresh from a bath and I have just helped her shed.   Wild snakes are better able to shed because the rub against a rough terrain like stones and sticks but captive snakes live in nice smooth terrariums.   Jaya has always had trouble shedding.  She usually scrapes off the dead skin from her face but will wear it like a hat until I help her.   She is a very lazy snake.  

The shedding process for her involves a nice warm bath then the skin rolls  right off like a condom leaving her fresh and beautiful.

Definition of Rescue

Happy Victoria Day Weekend

Victoria Day weekend is here and that means fireworks.   Humans love the bright lights and loud noises.   Most animals do not.

It was during our backyard fireworks display last year that we lost our Rosie.   Our dogs were not frightened by the noises but it did not occur to me that the cats would be.  Rosie ran right through the screen door to escape.  We got her back a couple of months later but it was a rough couple of months for everyone.

If you have pets who are afraid of fireworks my advice would be:

Don't take them to firework displays.  It won't make them get used to it.   It will just frighten them more.  Keep them secure at home.   They are usually happiest someplace where the noise is dampened like the basement or a room without windows.

Soothing background noise that they are comfortable with like the television or the radio can be helpful too.

All the humans need to stay calm too.  If the humans panic then the animals will too.

Most importantly,  don't be a fool like I was and expect a screen door to stop a frightened animal.   Keep your pets secure and have a Happy Victoria Day weekend.

Our Cast of Cat Characters meet for Breakfast

Our Cast of Cat Characters gather together for breakfast daily.   

From left to right they are Lawrence, Mika, Wizard, and Rosie.   

Yes, it is like feeding time at the zoo.

Leon's final Tribute

We said good-bye to Leon on April 22nd 2015.  He was a good dog and we loved him dearly.  

Sadly,   Leon got old and and was in pain so we had to bring him to the vet.  There was no other humane alternative.  

Leon loved his kids, his cats, and his brother Boo.  

We will all miss him.  He will always be in our hearts.

Please Support TNR



The Difference Between Life and Death for Homeless Cats

Every Failure is also a Victory

 

David Foster Wallace had this right.  Especially when it comes to Foster Failures.  Each of these monsters has stolen my heart and earned a place in my home.  My failure to foster is a victory for all of us.



it is Every Cats Duty to be as annoying as possible

This sums up Lawrence completely.   She is so sweet and cute but also a complete pain in the ass. 

My House, My Cat, My Rules

What do Kids Who Don't Have Pets do?

I noticed today (not for the first time) that a very large portion of my children's day is spent with their pets.   When they are home they nearly always have at least one animal in their arms, on their laps or following at their heels.

My daughter G wakes up every morning with the dog in her bed and at least two cats.   My son V wakes up every morning with at least one Cat in his bed.   Wizard rules that bed.   The morning always starts with some pet cuddle time before they can get out of bed.

V and G then fight over which pets will stay in the bathroom with them while they shower.

If either kid needs to go to the basement to get clothing or towels from the laundry room it is Brutus' job to go with them to make sure they are safe from the basement trolls.

Once the kids are home in the evening the pets are once again by their sides.   I regularly have to watch new dance routines that G has worked out with her pets or see new stupid pet tricks that V has worked out with his pets.

So, I asked them today what they thought kids who didn't have pets did with their time.   They really had no idea.

Air Mail Cat Kit

it Comes with a Lever that Sweeps out all the Cat Toys

I'm sure every cat owner wishes they had one of these.   It's amazing the things that cats hide under the couch.

I Work Hard so my Cat can have a Better Life



A Mother's Day Poem from the Cat



Talk to your Cat about Catnip



Please leash your dogs for everyone's safety.

My dog is a rescue dog.  I didn't have him as a puppy and I don't know all of his history but I can tell his life hasn't always been easy.   Because of his rough beginnings,   he dislikes  other dogs and most adult men until he has a chance to get to know them.   He always is braced for the worst from them and is ready for the attack. 

Because of this,  walking with him is an adventure and I constantly need to be alert.  I take many precautions like a muzzle, choker, and a shock collar (I know, I don't like it either but when it comes between someone being bitten or my dog getting a little shock, the shock wins.)   My dog is never allowed off leash.

Now,  here is my complaint.   Other people's dogs who are off leash where there are signs clearly saying that dogs must be on a leash.   There is a dog park down the street where people can let their dogs run freely.   Use it!



I was walking along the local trail with my dog today when along comes an older woman walking a cute little dog who looks like it should dispense tissue out of it's butt.   Very sweet.   I see them coming so I pull my dog Boo off the trail and try to take one of the little off shoot paths but of course her fluffy little dog is off  leash and runs straight for Boo while barking.   Fortunately, Boo was wearing his muzzle so the other dog just got a little nip.  If he didn't have the muzzle the little dog would probably no longer have a face. 

The other dog owner does not move quickly so she was no help.  My shins are bruised from trying to shield the other dog while trying to get Boo far enough away from it.    I had to hold Boo down while trying to make the other dog go back to it's owner.  It only moved out of my reach and continued to bark which only riled Boo more.

The owner did finally catch up to her dog.  She made no apology for her dog being off leash or even acknowledge that I was there.  She just grabbed her dog and continued on her way.  Fine!

Now,  some people say it is my problem that my dog isn't socialized and he shouldn't be out in public. 

My argument is:  how will he ever get any better if he is locked in the house all the time?  If he never sees any other dogs or people he will only get worse.  He needs some exercise and he loves to go for walks. 

He has already gotten better since we have been working on his behavior.   He used to bark if he could hear another dog barking and he would try to attack any dog he saw.  Now he only worries about dogs that come really close to him.

He still watches adult men who appear to be a threat.  He is alert and aware but he no longer barks or growls unless I seem nervous of the man. 

At home,  Boo is a  sweet and loving snuggle bug who gets bullied by the cats. 



We are doing our best and will continue his training.  We will continue to be vigilant and watch for potential dangers.  

So, if you are reading this,  if your dog does not come back to you immediately when you call it 100% of the time,  please keep it on a leash.   Please consider other pets and their owners.

To foster an animal is a great gift of kindness

How Old is Your Cat in Human Years

Just like humans, cats start out cute and sweet as kittens.   Nearly everyone loves kittens and it is easy for kittens to get adopted.  They are still cute while in their baby and  kid stages.

Everyone who has raised a human teen has considered at least once (if they are being honest with themselves)  turning them into the humane society to be re-homed.   Let's face it,  teens are difficult.  They are adult sized with a child's energy and thought process.  Don't worry,  they will grow into their bodies and it will get better.

Adult cats from the ages of about two to ten seem to be ideal.  Adult cats are usually healthy and independent and low maintenance.  They need to be fed, watered, clean litter boxes and some love when they demand it.  They seem to be ideal pets.

Unfortunately,  like all of us,  cats get old.  They may need additional vet care, special diets, and medications.   They get slower.   Their vision fades.  They may have problems with the litter box.

Responsible pet owners need to consider all of this before bringing home that sweet little kitten.  It can be a twenty year commitment to care for another living creature.  

'

Lawrence likes to play dress-up with the girl

Lawrence is usually a rough and tumble girl who doesn't like to be fussed over but when her girl decides it's time for dress-up Lawrence just swallows and puts up with it.   She is a pretty girl.

A Foster Poem

 

 

I often  think about the animals that I have fostered and have sent on to their new homes.  I have loved every one and I hope they are doing well and are happy with their new families.



Happy Cinco de Mayo

Happy Star Wars Day!

The Angry Houseguest

Dexter isn't a foster or a foster failure.   He is a renter.

Dexter is staying with us while his family is away on vacation.   He is not happy about it at all.   I have never met such an angry cat and I've had feral cats in my home.  He hisses and growls and swats at us.  

Dexter tries to bully the other cats.  He is very large and he growls and hisses constantly but the other cats now know that he has no claws so he has become a joke.  They taunt him mercilessly.

He has now been with us over a week and I still cannot touch him but he is starting to get lonely enough that he wants to touch me.  He will rub against me and growl while he does it but will swat at me if I try to touch him.  

He has certainly earned the psychopath name from the TV  show Dexter.   He is one weird cat.