Month: October 2016

Mews and Nips: It’s National Cat Day

Mews and Nips| 4 Comments

national-cat-day

Did you know that today is National Cat Day? As the photo above shows, we think it’s a bit silly to have a “holiday” like that, since that’s obviously every day for all of us, but there’s actually a bit more to it than just showing our own cats how much we love and appreciate them. National Cat Day was founded to increase awareness about the number of cats that need to be rescued.

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: Life Works Itself Out (And Then You Nap)

Books| 2 Comments

life-works-itself-out-and-then-you-nap

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If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know that I’m all about learning from our cats. I’ve been bringing you feline wisdom via two volumes of Purrs of Wisdom and numerous Conscious Cat Sunday columns for the last seven years. In Life Works Itself Out (And Then You Nap,) two Japanese authors offer lighthearted advice – and lots and lots of kittens.Continue Reading

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Is There a Connection Between Cat Breed, Coat Color & Behavior? Scientific Facts Explained

Feline Behavior| 13 Comments

cat-breeds-cat-coat-color

The question as to whether there’s a connection between coat color and behavior is endlessly fascinating one to me, especially when it comes to tortoiseshell cats. A recent study at UC Davis suggests that there may be a link between feline aggression and certain coat colors. A newer study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine investigated the association between breed, coat type and eye color and behavior1.Continue Reading

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Review: Oliver the Cat Who Saved Christmas

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oliver-cat-saved-christmas

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Cat books don’t get much more heartwarming than Oliver the Cat Who Saved Christmas: The Tale of a Little Cat With a Big Heart. This story of a cat whose life changes when he is left homeless and scared after the pub where he lived burns down. Thanks to the kindness of the humans in his quaint English village, Oliver finds a temporary foster home until his guardian can rebuild the pub.

As Oliver learns to trust again, he also becomes determined to help the humans around him. When he meets a little girl who desperately needs a friend, he realizes that the entire village needs help to save their Christmas.Continue Reading

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Celebrate the Vet Tech in Your Cat’s Life

Feline Health| 4 Comments

vet-tech

When your cat goes to the veterinary hospital, she’ll probably spend more time with veterinary technicians or other staff members than with the veterinarian. I’m not a big fan of the term “technician” for what vet techs really do. While they are educated in the latest medical advances and skilled at working alongside veterinarians to give cats the best medical care possible, they are so much more than that.Continue Reading

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Cats May Have Been Man’s and Woman’s Best Friend for 10,000 Years

Feline Lifestyle| 6 Comments

Woman owner hugging cat

Written by Elizabeth Colleran, DVM

Earliest evidence of companion cats

The first evidence of companion cats comes from the island of Cyprus about 7,500 years BCE (Before the Common Era). This island is somewhat unique because even when water levels around the globe changed dramatically a land bridge to any continent never existed on the island. Thus, the only animals that lived on Cyprus came there by either swimming or flying. Given that cats are mostly loathe to swim in salt water, the only way cats got there was on ships, likely Phoenician ones. These ships were quite small, making cat stowaways unlikely.Continue Reading

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How to Trim the Nails of an Aggressive or Angry Cat

Feline Behavior| 30 Comments

Cutting cat nails

Written by Laura Cochrane, DVM

If you ask Mojo the cat about his favorite pastimes, nail trims would definitely NOT be on the list. Sleeping and eating, yes. Nail trims, a big NO.

Mojo is a tough-looking former stray who now holds court at the office of Spirit Essences*. He was rescued by none other than Jackson Galaxy, the cat behaviorist who co-founded the line of flower essences with Jean Hofve DVM. Mojo loves people and spends his days going from office to office, making sure everyone is staying on task. He’s adjusted quite well to being spoiled and is even a big softie most of the time—except on nail trim day.Continue Reading

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From Veterinarian to Pet Solution Specialist: How Two Cats Inspired a Feline Vet

Feline Health| 7 Comments

lynn-bahr-dvm

Written by Dr. Lynn Bahr, Founder of Dezi and Roo

Unexpected Beginnings

Surprisingly, unlike most in my profession, I did not grow up knowing I would become a veterinarian. It was a cat who got me interested in the practice and I am forever grateful to him. I met Rudolph on July 4th, 1980 and my life was changed forever. He was a unique kitty with an adorable pink nose—it was pale when he slept and then bright red after play. It was my love for Rudolph that inspired me to join the feline veterinary profession. Helping cats and their owners is how I honor his memory.Continue Reading

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Environmental Enrichment for Kittens: 6 Expert Tips

Feline Behavior| 5 Comments

Maine Coon cat playing with feather toy at home

At their core, cats are wild animals. When we invite them to share our lives and homes, we can’t expect them to completely give up all their natural instincts. We have to look at our living space from cats’ point of view and provide an environment that keeps them stimulated.Continue Reading

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