Month: May 2014

The World According to Bob Now Available in the US

Books| 3 Comments

the-world-according-to-bob-the-further-adventures-of-one-man-and-his-street-wise-cat

If you’re not already one of the hundreds of thousands of fans of James Bowen and his street cat Bob, this is a good time to get to know the amazing duo. Since the publication of A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life was first published in 2012, Bob and James have been capturing hearts around the world. The book became an international bestseller which has been translated into 25 languages, and there are rumors of a movie deal.

The sequel, The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Street-wise Cat, was publishedContinue Reading

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How to Soothe Your Cat’s Pain with Yucca: Benefits & Uses

Products| 6 Comments

infusion-of-liquid-medicine-by-a-vet-from-a-syringe-into-the-mouth-of-a-cat

Arthritis in cats is a common, but under-recognized condition in senior cats. The signs are often subtle, and can be hard to distinguish – cats can’t complain about their aching joints, so all cat guardians see is a response to pain. Cats with arthritis might avoid the activities they used to enjoy, some may become depressed or change their eating habits, others may simply seem grumpier than usual.

There are multiple modalities to address arthritis pain, ranging from anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, and Reiki to supplements.Continue Reading

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How to Recognize If Your Cat is Stressed

Feline Behavior| 4 Comments

cats_and_stress

Written by Jai Patel for Vet-Medic

Stress is the body’s response to a stimulus, such as fear or pain, that interferes with normal physiological equilibrium. It can include physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. And just like humans, cats experience stress. Experiences such as moving house, abuse, injury or death in the family can all cause stress. However, there can also more subtle stress triggers, such as visitors in the home, other cats, or even something as seemingly simple as installing new carpet.

Unlike humans, cats can’t tell us when they’re stressed, so it’s up to us to recognize the signs. Any noticeable change in behavior can be an indication that something isn’t quite right.Continue Reading

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Memorial Day: Cats and Soldiers

Feline Lifestyle| 10 Comments

cats_and_soldiers

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we honor the memory of the men and women who have died in military service. It’s also a day to recognize the sacrifices of our military personnel and thank them for their service. And one of those many sacrifices involves leaving beloved pets behind during deployments.

It’s not surprising that many soldiers take care of the stray cats they meet overseas to get a little bit of furry love while they’re away from home. Continue Reading

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Review: Citizen Canine: Our Evolving Relationship with Cats and Dogs

Books| 4 Comments

Citizen_Canine_David_Grimm

I doubt that anyone reading this blog needs convincing that cats are family members. In fact, for most of us, it’s hard to understand that not everyone feels the way we do, but the fact of the matter is that cats (and dogs) were once wild animals. In Citizen Canine: Our Evolving Relationship with Cats and Dogs, Science deputy news editor David Grimm explores the changing status of cats and dogs in our society, from their wild origins to their current status of the most loved and valued animals on the planet.

The book is divided into three sections:Continue Reading

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A Visit to Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium (With Pictures)

Feline Lifestyle| 6 Comments

Written by Rachel Woodisse

When I first heard about the new trend of cat cafés, my first reaction was one of slight alarm. Working as a cat sitter for over 12 years and before that working in a cat-only veterinary clinic, I was worried about cat welfare. Surely cats like to be on their own and don’t wish to live in large numbers? How would they cope with so many different people coming and going everyday? What about small children causing the cats possible stress? Most cat guardians know how hard it can be to introduce cats to each other and hope they get along, but in large numbers in a café environment?

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium opened earlier this year, and I just had to visit and see for myself. The café has been full up with bookings for months in advance since they opened in March, but I managed to get tickets for this month.

Lady_Dinah's_Cat_Emporium Continue Reading

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Review and Giveaway: Cat Food for Thought

Books| 21 Comments

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I spend a lot of time looking at cat food labels so I can stay on top of all the latest information on feline nutrition, so it was a refreshing change to spend some time looking at cat food labels purely for fun. Cat Food for Thought: Pet Food Label Art, Wit & Wisdom is a charming little book featuring cat food art from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.Continue Reading

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Bravo Pet Food Recall

Feline Nutrition| 2 Comments

Bravo_petfood_recall

Note: This article covers a recall that occurred in 2014. For up-to-date information on current pet food recalls, please visit the FDA’s recall website.

In 2014, Bravo recalled select lots and products of Bravo Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.Continue Reading

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From Australia to India With Three Cats

Feline Nutrition| 8 Comments

three_cats_on_sofa

Written by Lisa Hall

Taking cats to India….three of them! Everyone thought I must be joking….

I’m Australian fashion designer, Lisa Hall. My label, Madame Hall, creates one-off women’s clothing from my home in the remote town of Bhuj in India. I’m living my dream life….but, it was only possible because I could bring my three Australian cats to India with me.Continue Reading

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Living With Cats When You’re Immunocompromised: Risks & Safety Tips

Feline Health| 7 Comments

Owner hugging her cat

Millions of Americans have conditions that compromise their immune system, including diabetes, kidney failure, HIV, autoimmune disease, organ transplants, and cancer. An immunocompromised patient’s immune system is weakened either by the disease, or by the drugs used to treat the disease. As a result, these individuals have a reduced ability to fight off opportunistic infections which would normally not affect a healthy person.

Numerous studies have shown that pets have a beneficial effect on human health, most physicians now agree that by following simple, common sense guidelines, immunocompromised patients can minimize the risk of infection without having to give up their feline family members.Continue Reading

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Metal Cats by Alexandra Crockett (2023 Review)

Books| 3 Comments

Metal_Cats

Not too many people know that I like heavy metal music. Actually, I like pretty much every genre of rock, from classic to alternative to yes, heavy metal. But rock music and cats don’t always go together, especially since most cats don’t like loud noises (I make sure I only blast my music at top volume when I’m in my car, away from Allegra and Ruby’s sensitive ears.)  I definitely never thought I’d ever see a book that combines two of my loves: cats, and heavy metal music.

Metal Cats features photography by Alexandra CrockettContinue Reading

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