Feline Lifestyle

Cats in Japan, one year later

Feline Lifestyle| 13 Comments

Japan Cat Network cat in Fukushima

Today is the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck 40 miles off the coast of Japan. The quake tilted the earth’s axis and triggered a series of powerful tsunamis, which wrought destruction for more than 6 miles inland. Fifteen thousand people died, thousands are still missing a year later. There are no statistics on how many animals died in the quake, but the number is sure to be staggering.

Immediately after the quake, animals rescue groups from around the world came together to help animals displaced by the massive disaster. One of the groups instrumental in coordinating rescue efforts on the ground in the early days was Japan Cat Network. I got in touch with Susan Roberts, the founder of Japan Cat Network, to find out how cats are faring in the earthquake area, one year later.

Japan Cat Network’s volunteers are still tirelessly working in the affected areas to help as many cats as they can. Continue Reading

Rare male tortoiseshell cat is looking for a home

Feline Lifestyle| 31 Comments

male tortoiseshell cat

Those of us who love tortoiseshell cats already know that they’re unique when it comes to their personalities, also known as tortitude. They also have unique genetics. The vast majority of tortoiseshell cats are female, because two X chromosomes are required to produce black, gold and orange coloring. Male cats only have one X and one Y chromosome, so technically it’s genetically almost impossible for a male to inherit the tortoiseshell coloring. A male tortoiseshell has an extra X chromosome, making it an XXY.

According to a study by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri, only 1 in 3000 tortoiseshell cats is male.

Given the rarety of male torties, I’m always excited when I hear of one. Continue Reading

Misbehaving felines in Southern California or New York? You could be on TV!

Feline Behavior, Feline Lifestyle| 4 Comments

my cat from hell jackson galaxy

You’ve watched Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy come to the rescue of behaviorally challenged cats and their humans for two seasons. Armed with his signature guitar case filled with cat toys, Spirit Essences and other training aides, Jackson trains the humans as much as he trains the cats, since the majority of feline behavior problems are caused by humans who don’t understand cats’ natural behaviors.

And now cats and lovers everywhere are rejoicing: Animal Planet has renewed My Cat from Hell for a third season! The new season will feature ten new episodes.

Jackson hasn’t met a cat he couldn’t help. If you live in the greater Los Angeles or New York City area and have a cat whose behavioral problems are driving you crazy, Animal Planet wants to hear from you.Continue Reading

Feral Cats in the Spotlight

Feline Lifestyle| 36 Comments

feral cat

The plight of feral cats continues to receive publicity – unfortunately, not all of it based in fact. Feral cats, also referred to as community cats, are often misunderstood.

What is a feral cat?

Feral cats are descendants of a domesticated cat that have returned to the wild. Feral cats are born in the wild, as opposed to stray cats, who are usually cats who have been lost or abandoned.

What is being done to help feral cats?

There are a number of high profile organizations that address the problem of feral cats nationwide. Groups such as Alley Cat Allies are dedicated to protecting the lives of cats through education, promoting humane care for feral cats, and putting an end to the killing of cats.Continue Reading

Hollywood here we come! The Conscious Cat joins The Tiniest Tiger on the Red Carpet, and you’re invited!

Feline Lifestyle| 3 Comments

red carpet cat

Gracey, The Tiniest Tiger, a popular blog about cats both big and small, will be joining Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell, at a special pre-Oscar celebrity bash. They’ll be tweeting live from the event as they meet and mingle with the stars, and Allegra, Ruby and I are going to join in on the fun!

And you can participate, too! You’re invited to a Red Carpet Cat Twitter Party on Wednesday, February 22, from 5:30 – 7:00pm Pacific Time. This party will feature The Tiniest Tiger on the red carpet as they debut their new The Tiniest Tiger Hipster Bag to the stars at a special Oscars celebrity gifting suite. And we’re very excited about this, because the bags contain, in addition to many other fabulous things, one of our beautiful Buckley’s Story bookmarks!Continue Reading

Talking cats

Feline Lifestyle| 31 Comments

tortoiseshell-cats-talking

One of the primary ways cats commuicate is through body language, but they also express themselves vocally. And most cat’s vocal expressions go far beyond just “meow.”

Even though I have no scientific evidence, in my experience, when it comes to being talkative, tortoiseshell cats have most other cats beat. Buckley was one of the most vocal cats I’ve ever come across. She had a range of expression from an almost silent meow to a very loud, demanding cry that almost approached a scream. I often heard her meowing or chattering somewhere in the house. At first, I always went looking for her, concerned that maybe something was wrong. I soon realized that she just loved to “talk.” It was almost as if she felt compelled to provide a running commentary on her activities:  “I think I’ll go in the bedroom now.”  “Oh, maybe I’ll jump up on the window perch. That looks like fun.”  “Oh, look! There’s a big blue bird by the feeder!”  It seemed that her constant delight at everything in her life needed to be expressed out loud.Continue Reading

Catify Your House! Cat Products Recommended by Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy

Feline Lifestyle, Products| 59 Comments

Jackson-Galaxy-store

This post contains affiliate links*

Jackson Galaxy just launched his brand new online store, where you will find many of the products shown or mentioned on the show.

New from Petmate: The Jackson Galaxy Collection

Jackson_Galaxy_Collection

If you’ve been watching My Cat From Hell, you’ve probably learned that there are frequently two themes to the challenging cases Jackson works with on the show: vertical space, and play therapy. One of my favorite lines from this season so far is “you’ve got  to catify your house!” If you’re anything like me, you’re probably intrigued with some of the toys, scratching posts and wall shelves Jackson recommends on the show.

Here’s a round up of some of my favorites from recent episodes.

cat-tree-Jackson-Galaxy-recommends

The four-tiered cat tree from Mountain Cat Trees shown above is on Allegra and Ruby’s wish list. I love the combination of natural wood and sisal. These trees are handcrafted, so no two are the same. The wood is treated with a non toxic and environmentally safe clear coat finish. This finish is pet safe, has no odor and helps prolong the life of the tree.

cat-shelves-climbers

I also love these cat climbers. I think Allegra and Ruby would have a blast with these – I just have to find a space in my house to mount them! I particularly like that they have manila roping to define the edges of the shelves. The shelves come in various sizes and even include a corner shelf, and the clean, simple design will go with any decor.

Da-Bird-cat-toy

I don’t think there’s been a single episode of My Cat From Hell when the Da Bird toy hasn’t come out of Jackson’s guitar case. This toy is a perennial favorite at our house.

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you decide to purchase through any of our links, we get a small commission. We only spread the word about products and services we’ve either used or would use ourselves.

Calling all leap year cats

Feline Lifestyle| 4 Comments

cat-leaping-cute

Happy February! 2012 is a leap year. According to astrology, people born on February 29 have unusual talents and personalities. They are said to be good-natured, outgoing and friendly. They are optimists who see the positive side of any issue and are loyal friends.

Whether astrology is accurate or not, if you have a cat who was either born or adopted on February 29, you technically only get to celebrate his or her birthday or “gotcha day” every four years. And while all cats are special, maybe that makes these leap kitties extra special?

If you have a cat who was born or adopted on February 29, please leave a comment and tell us a little about your leap year kitty.Continue Reading

Valentine’s gifts for cat lovers

Feline Lifestyle| 8 Comments

valentines-cat-card

Do you exchange Valentine’s gifts with your friends and family? If you do, there’s bound to be a cat lover or two on your list. Even if you just send cards (and who doesn’t love to receive a real card in the mail in this age of e-cards), you’re probably looking for something that expresses your love for cats. Here are some suggestions that will be sure to delight the kitties or the cat lover in your life.

valentines refrigerator cat magnet

Deborah Julian offers a number of wonderful cat-themed Valentine’s cards (like the one at the top of the post) in her Etsy shop. I also love this refrigerator magnet – wouldn’t it make the purrfect gift for the cat guy in your life?Continue Reading

Carmina the Cathedral Cat: RIP

Feline Lifestyle| 21 Comments

Carmina-Cathedral-Cat-Window

The story of Carmina the Cathedral Cat, the resident cat at Washington’s National Cathedral, captured my readers’ hearts when I first wrote about her in November of 2010. I thought her story should be shared with a wider audience, so I pitched it to Cat Fancy magazine a while back. Last week, my editor approved the story for the June issue of the magazine.

I got in touch with the media contact at the Cathedral to get updated information on Carmina. I didn’t expect the following e-mail:

We are saddened to tell you that the Cathedral Choral Society’s beautiful kitty, Carmina Chanté Schumann, was fatally struck by a car on Woodley Road on Tuesday evening, November 1, 2011. Witnesses reported that she was frightened by a dog and ran into the street.

Carmina has entertained everyone in the Cathedral Library since June 2010, when she was adopted from an animal shelter. Continue Reading