Month: July 2016

Mews and Nips: Photos of Japan’s Cat Island

cat-island

Earlier this week, Business Insider, of all publications, featured a series of wonderful photos of the cats on Japan’s “Cat Island.” Aoshima is home to more than 140 cats, who outnumber humans 8 to 1. The island has become a bit of a tourist attraction, and people donate food for the cats from all over Japan. For more photos of the cats, please visit photographer Sayokoi Shimayamo’s photostream on Flickr.

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this week, here’s a recap: Continue Reading

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Review: To Catch a Cat: How Three Stray Kittens Rescued Me

to-catch-a-cat

I love memoirs about cats that change their humans’ lives. I’ve had a few of these life changing cats in my own life, so I know just how much these furry angels in disguise can impact our lives. In To Catch a Cat: How Three Stray Kittens Rescued Me, journalist Heather Green shares her story of how three stray kittens that showed up in her boyfriend’s yard not only led to her becoming involved in a world of trapping, vet visits and kitten taming, but also helped her find her place in the world.Continue Reading

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Feline Heart Disease: What You Need to Know

feline-heart-disease

Feline heart disease is far more common than most cat guardians realize, and it can strike any breed of cat at any age. What makes feline heart disease so challenging is the fact that cats rarely show the typical warning signs such as shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, coughing or weakness until the disease is quite advanced.Continue Reading

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Gatos Ilimitados: Meet Cat Artist Adriana Gasperi

 Gatos-Ilimitados

This is a sponsored post

Adriana Gasperi is an international artist referred to as “Gatos ilimitados” for her unique and popular portrayal of cats. The artist, who lives in Venezuela, is recognized for personifying the cherished feline and its multi-faceted personalities. Her art combines her lifelong interest in painting and drawing and her proficiency in color, design, and computer programs. She adorns the faces and bodies of her subjects with colorful designs inspired by Indian and Mexican motifs. Her paintings have been shown in one-person and group exhibitions worldwide. They include those held at Galería Intramuros in Caracas, Venezuela, the Cat Art Show Los Angeles, and the Tokyo International Art Fair 2016, among others. Her paintings are in numerous private collections in Europe, South America and the United States.Continue Reading

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E-Cigarettes Are Toxic to Cats

ecigarettes-vaping-toxic-cats

We’ve previously covered the dangers of secondhand smoke for cats: cats living with smokers are twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma than those in non-smoking households. Cats with five or more years of exposure to tobacco smoke were at more than three times greater risk of developing lymphoma. Studies also suggest a link between oral cancer in cats and exposure to tobacco smoke. Some smokers are now using electronic, or e-cigarettes, and it turns out that the vapor from these devices is highly toxic to cats as well, and can even be fatal.Continue Reading

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Summer Reading for Cat Lovers

summer-reading-cat-lovers

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One of my greatest summer pleasures is spending time outside with a good book. Whether it’s on my deck, in a sidewalk cafe, or a park, there’s just something about reading outdoors that makes one of my favorite pastimes even more special. I like to read a lot of different genres, but of course, a large part of my summer reading list is made up of cat books.

You can find plenty of suggestions for your reading list in the book section on this site. Today, I thought I’d share some old favorites that make for great summer reading.Continue Reading

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Mews and Nips: Britain Gets New Prime Minister but Larry the Downing Street Cat Remains in Office

Larry-Downing-Street-cat

Britain’s new Prime Minister Theresa May moved into the official residence at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday as David Cameron left the office, but one important member of Britain’s government is staying put: Larry, the brown and white tabby who moved into the residence in 2011. The official mouser is considered a government worker and will continue to live at the famous address even after his boss packs his bags. For more about Larry and the tradition of Downing Street cats, visit NBC News.

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this week, here’s a recap: Continue Reading

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Nine Lives: A Story of Catastrophe, Compassion and Caring – Part Three: It’s a Wonderful Life

9-cats-collage

During my recent visit to Los Angeles, I met nine cats and Chery, the woman who is caring for them. I meet a lot of cats in my work, but rarely have I been as affected by an encounter as I was by this one. These cats lived through trauma and hardship. They are a testament to the resilience of animals, and their ability to live in the moment, no matter what they may have encountered in their past. Spending time with Chery and the cats was a magical and humbling experience. This is their story. The cats, left to right, top row: Arden, Zazu, Ramses, second row: Moofy, Tweety, Patterson, third row: Noodle, Sandy, Julia

Click here to read Part One: Temporary Rescue

Click here to read Part Two: The Cats ReturnContinue Reading

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Nine Lives: A Story of Catastrophe, Compassion and Caring – Part Two: The Cats Return

nine-cats-collage

During my recent visit to Los Angeles, I met nine cats and Chery, the woman who is caring for them. I meet a lot of cats in my work, but rarely have I been as affected by an encounter as I was by this one. These cats lived through trauma and hardship. They are a testament to the resilience of animals, and their ability to live in the moment, no matter what they may have encountered in their past. Spending time with Chery and the cats was a magical and humbling experience. This is their story.The cats, left to right, top row: Sandy, Ramses, Patterson, second row: Arwen, Zazu, Julia, third row: Tweety, Noodle,Tweety and Patterson, Julia

Click here to read Part One:Temporary RescueContinue Reading

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Nine Lives: A Story of Catastrophe, Compassion and Caring – Part One: Temporary Rescue

nine-lives

During my recent visit to Los Angeles, I met nine cats and Chery, the woman who is caring for them. I meet a lot of cats in my work, but rarely have I been as affected by an encounter as I was by this one. These cats lived through trauma and hardship. They are a testament to the resilience of animals, and their ability to live in the moment, no matter what they may have encountered in their past. Spending time with Chery and the cats was a magical and humbling experience. This is their story.Continue Reading

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Review: In Clover Supplements for Cats

feline-supplements

There are a lot of supplements for pets on the market, and it can be challenging for cat parents to know not only which ones your cat might need, but which ones are quality products. I’m always on the lookout for quality products and was intrigued when In Clover approached me about reviewing some of their supplements.

I rarely accept supplements for review unless it’s something I’ve already thoroughly researched and/or tried. I won’t use Allegra and Ruby as product testers for products whose claims I can’t verify. After taking a look around In Clover’s website, I was impressed.Continue Reading

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