“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be

judged by the way its animals are treated” - Mahatma Gandhi

Cat Corner - hang around with us to learn all about cats...

This section is for cat news, education, with a little humor

tossed in, and not meant to be offensive to dog lovers.

There is an urgent need of can cat food, towels, sheets,

and blankets.

Cat Corner

Cats

This cat site is a 'Cat Essential' must, including everything

you need to know from 'A to Z about Cats,' 'A to Z on

Feline Health' and loads more categories, all pertaining

to cats. Even if you're not a cat person, you're sure to

fall in love with the cat featured in the 'Photo of the Day,'

an enchanting feline snapshot, changed daily. Stop by

for a peep; you may even decide to adopt a furry friend,

instructions about which can be found in the 'Adoption'

section.

Never High-Five Your Cat

Cats as a class, have never completely got over the snootiness caused by

that fact that in Ancient Egypt they were worshipped as gods.

~P.G. Wodehouse

When a little black cat decided to become part of our family, there was a certain

period of adjustment. Not being pet owners, we were absolutely clueless on the care

and keeping of felines. You'll be happy to learn that Toonsie turned out to be an

excellent teacher and my husband and I are now very well trained. For those of

you contemplating adopting a kitten, I'd like to share with you a few pearls of

wisdom that we picked up.

10. Never High-Five Your Cat

There may be moments when you wish to congratulate your cat for a task well done.

Try to avoid the traditional high-five--or low-five, for that matter--as they tend to flex

their claws on impact, leaving your palm with tiny triangular flags of skin. It's your cat's

little way of reminding you who's in charge. Not that you need reminding--that was

firmly established in the first five minutes of making her acquaintance.

9. Avoid a Midnight Swim in the Dark

Now of course we know that cats don't swim. Most of them hate water and consider

anyone who immerses themselves in liquid to be a total idiot. Still, if your cat is used

to watching you take a daytime dip, she'll keep her eye on you, but leave you to enjoy

your swim. Not so if you decide to take that dip in the dark. Avoid this at all costs

unless you wish to have your cat clinging to your screen like a very loud decorative

ornament. You see, you think you're alone in the dark, but your cat can see all the

nocturnal creatures out there and will continuously scream a warning at her rather

obtuse parents.

8. Napping One Hour Prior to Your Cat's Supper Is a No-No

You know how you stick a toothpick into a baking cake to see if it's done? Well,

Toonsie will stick one sharp claw into you to see if you're still alive and able to

feed her dinner. She may not be hungry yet, but prefers the peace of mind

that food service will run smoothly at the first rumble of her tummy. She will

continue this test every ten minutes just to be on the safe side. Not only will

you not have slept, but you'll probably have thrown your back out from the

landing you took every time she used you as a human pin cushion and you

flew into the air.

7. Decorate Your House to Match Your Cat

This may seem like a silly hipster affectation, but trust me, it's not. If the

color of your cat matches the color of your rug, sofa, bedspread, any and

all comfy spots where she will choose to sleep, it will save endless hours

of vacuuming in the long run. Fortunately for us, everything in our house

was already black before Toonsie arrived. If down the road we ever get

a tabby, for instance, I'd definitely redecorate in beige. It's just easier.

6. Remember that Cats Like to Read

Cats like to keep abreast of current events, so should you open a newspaper,

be prepared for your cat to jump on top of it and snuggle in for the long run.

Feel free to read around her, but she will not be budged from her sweet spot.

Even if you buy your cat her own paper, she will still prefer to read along

with you. Just enjoy it.

5. Cats Are Natural Helpers

I can't tell you how many times Toonsie got involved in construction

projects around the house. She helped the TV man install a satellite

dish on the roof. She assisted the cable guy with wires in the attic.

The phone man couldn't have wired the phone in the basement

drop ceiling without her. I even watched her follow my husband

step for step between the pool filter and skimmer, sticking her nose

in to inspect the process right along with him. Of course Toonsie

was the most helpful when my husband demolished the bathroom

down to the studs in order to remodel it. She never missed an

opportunity to get into the floor or ceiling to do an inspection.

4. Never Think You Can Outsmart Your Cat

Like world champion chess players, cats plot their game plan

several moves in advance. Whether you are trying to get in or

out of the door, climb a stepladder or a flight of stairs, your cat

will find a way past you. Just because your cat is sleeping on the

other side of the house doesn't mean she is unaware of your actions.

Try sitting down for dinner while she's sleeping. Your stealth cat

will be sitting between you instantly without the sound of even

one paw step. You may not know where she is, but she knows

where you are. Get used to it.

3. Keep to a Schedule and NEVER Take a Vacation

There's an urban myth that cats are independent creatures who

are aloof and can fend for themselves if left with enough food and

fresh water. Not true. To arrive home so much as one hour later

than her supper time will result in a very angry cat. She will sit

with her back to you and let you know that you are no longer on

speaking terms. We needed to take a business trip that would

only keep us away one full day. Toonsie was fed breakfast on

day one, brunch on day three, and was left big dishes of all

her favorite dry foods and canned foods on timers. When

we arrived home, not one morsel was touched and she was

royally pissed. She stared at us accusingly, stamped her

paws when she walked, and refused to come near us.

You've never been stung until you've been snubbed by a cat.

2. Always Buy Extra Sushi

Believe me, it's just easier. When placing your sushi order,

decide what you can eat and then just order a few extra pieces

of sashimi--cats watch their carbs. Toonsie can eat sushi faster

than you can cut it into pieces and put it on her plate, and it's

probably the only food she will overeat if we don't control her

portions. It's a culinary treat that gets to be pretty pricey since

she prefers it from a good Japanese restaurant as opposed to

the supermarket. Why do we do it? The look in her eyes that

tells us, "Raw fish, you two are smarter than I thought," is

reward enough for us.

1. Thank Your Lucky Stars Every Day

You've never been loved until you've been loved by a cat.

They become an addiction. Toonsie gives us endless hours of

entertainment and affection. From waking us for breakfast

at sunrise until she gets her goodnight kiss, Toonsie

never lets us forget that we're happier people for having

her in our lives.

Cat Urine Problems

Friday May 15, 2009

No one enjoys the embarrassment of having a house smell like cat pee,

especially the really strong musky odor of sprayed cat urine. Even more

important is the fact that urinating outside the box is often the result

of an undiagnosed UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).

One of the top reasons for surrendering cats to animal

shelters is for problems associated with spraying and/or

urinating outside the litter box.

We examine here the causes of spraying and peeing

outside the box, how to combat litter box avoidance

and urine spraying, and how to remove the stains and

odor of cat urine from carpeting, bedding,

and clothing. Included is a comprehensive article

specific to territorial spraying by cats, to round out

a complete resource section on Cat Urine Problems.

"The three little kittens, they lost their mittens,"

BY ANONYMOUS

The three little kittens, they lost their mittens,

And they began to cry,

"Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear,

That we have lost our mittens."

"What! Lost your mittens, you naughty kittens!

Then you shall have no pie."

"Meow, meow, meow."

"Then you shall have no pie."

The three little kittens, they found their mittens,

And they began to cry,

"Oh, mother dear, see here, see here,

For we have found our mittens."

"Put on your mittens, you silly kittens,

And you shall have some pie."

"Purr, purr, purr,

Oh, let us have some pie."

The three little kittens put on their mittens,

And soon ate up the pie,

"Oh, mother dear, we greatly fear,

That we have soiled our mittens."

"What, soiled your mittens, you naughty kittens!"

Then they began to sigh,

"Meow, meow, meow,"

Then they began to sigh.

The three little kittens, they washed their mittens,

And hung them out to dry,

"Oh, mother dear, do you not hear,

That we have washed our mittens?"

"What, washed your mittens, then you're good kittens,

But I smell a rat close by."

"Meow, meow, meow,

We smell a rat close by."

Cats Rule and Dogs Drool!

Dog may be man's best friend, but for some folks, a cat is a wiser choice for a pet.

A cat can be a very lovable companion. They are smart, loyal, and occasionally very entertaining.

10 reasons why cats are better than dogs!

1. Cats don't need to be walked in bad weather.

2. Cats don't bark.

3. Cats don't require a bath.

4. Cats don't require a fenced-in yard or lots of space.

5. Cats don't chew up your favorite shoes.

6. Cats are easy to litter train.

7. Cats cost less to feed than larger dogs.

8. Cats can be left alone for a day or two (with plenty of foodand water)

if you have to go out of town.

9. Cats smell better than dogs.

10. Cats purr and they are just cooler than dogs.

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Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center

More Links

Never High-Five Your Cat

Cat Urine Problems