from a sweatshirt!

This is from my friend, Dave, at the ASPCA Online Community, for those of you with sewing skills who would like to make a custom cat bed - here is the pattern. The pattern was given out at a Paws With A Cause event by one of the local animal shelters. Feel free to share it.

(This also answers the age-old question of what to do with your favorite sweatshirt that is too worn to wear but you just cannot bear to toss it out!)

Step One: Turn sweatshirt inside out and sew neck opening together. It may look funky when you turn it right side out, but once stuffed the fold will turn into a nice pleated top.

Step Two: Turn sweatshirt right side out. Lay sweatshirt flat front side up, in the shape of a T. Then, draw a line from underarm to underarm, pin and sew. This separates the bottom of the bed from the top which will become the sides and back.

Step Three: Fold the arm seam along the side of the sweatshirt body. Pin and sew. Repeat for the other side.

Step Four: Stuff the upper part, arms and chest. Stuff the lower part, body of the sweatshirt.

Step Five: Pin and sew the bottom of the sweatshirt and the cuffs. (Sew cuffs shut over the seam where they are attached to the sweatshirt.)

Step Six: Now fold the arms around the bottom and tack the cuffs to the bottom of the sweatshirt. You can sew over both layers of the cuff, or sew the bottom section of the cuff down, leaving the top part to cover up the sewing.

YOU DID IT! YOUR CATS WILL LOVE THEIR NEW BED!!!

Dear Fisher,

I am facing a fact. I have an obsession for stuffing my mouth with toys, socks, and sometimes underwear I find around the house. We have a cat here, too, and she gets really mad when I take her toys and pull them apart. My humans aren’t too happy with all the half pair of socks, either. Lately they are trying to teach me to leave their stuff alone and I have to start behaving. I just forget and go back to my old ways. Can you explain this and give us some advice so we are not all upset all the time?
Nick

Dear Nick,

You are describing what I call quirky dog behavior. While it may cause a lot of angst around your house, it is not at all uncommon. You, the dog, are quite trainable, and you will do well by your people to keep working at it. Humans are not always as easily trainable as their dogs, but they play a key role in the outcome of the whole exercise. A perfect combination is a dog who does not lose site of his need to please, and a human who will remain calm and consistent in their training procedures.

Understanding why you need to fill your mouth with stuff is an important start.
For instance, you may become bored when you are left alone. The war begins when the enemy is underwear and socks, and you must pursue the enemy in order to save the household from hidden danger. Or, if you are less creative, you simply want to get as much of your human’s scent as possible embedded in your psyche as possible, and what could be better than a stinky sock?

According to the Humane Society of the United States, “toys are not a luxury, but a necessity. Toys often help prevent bad behaviors from developing.” Your humans can alleviate their distress by establishing some habits of their own, such as:

1. Pick up the dirty laundry and put it out of your reach
2. Schedule some serious playtime with you before they leave the house
3. I recommend looking at the Humane Society for tip sheets for solving poor dog behavior. My favorite is: Provide toys that offer variety—at least one toy to carry, one to “kill,” one to roll, and one to “baby.”

You may even inspire the cat to come up with a similar plan for her toys - or not. In any case, I wish you all well.

Your friend,
Fisher

Creative Commons photo by Augie Schwer

National Take Your Dog to Work Day, June 26, 2009

Most humans know that having pets reduces their stress, forces them to smile more than they would otherwise, and generally add harmony to their lives. Few get the pleasure of sharing such simple pleasures with their workmates.

The America Pet Products Manufacturing Association (APPMA) completed a survey on animals at work. More companies are allowing pets at work – small companies as well as large. Results of their survey of businesses that allow pets include:

1. 73% said pets created a more productive work environment
2. 27% enjoyed a decrease in absenteeism
3. 73% said interpersonal skills improved
4. 58% said employees stayed late with pets (no need to go home to let the dog out!)
5. 100% said they would continue to allow pets in the office

If you are among the lucky people allowed to take your dog to work on the 26th, be sure you and your human’s co-workers are prepared. The North Shore Animal League North Shore Animal League encourages the celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day by posting tips and office etiquette for you.

Cats are not invited again this year, but if all you canines behave, maybe we cats can go to work next year. Or not.

Your friend,
Fisher

Nyankoro is a cafe where you can relax and interact with REAL cats! Why go to this? It’s actually a really nice and cheap way to relax and get away from the crazy city life of Tokyo, which can get a bit overwhelming at times. Also it was so cold outside, and so warm in the Nyankoro Cafe.

Here is their official website (find a cat who can translate – it’s worth it):
Cat Cafe

Wanna start a movement?

Dear Fisher,

School is just about out now and I am not looking forward to the annual road trip to Nana’s house. I hate to ride in the car! I get nervous and shed a lot and yowl most the way there. It is 14 hours on the road and my people just have to drive straight through. Did I mention that I really hate it? I know I get all upset and make a fool out of myself but I can’t help it. All my independence goes down the drain. I drive them nuts. How can I get over this?

Freddie

Dear Freddie,

I do have some sympathy for you, but I have to admit a road trip sounds pretty exciting to me. One key phrase in your letter really sticks out. You lose your independence? Would that be anything like admitting you are not in charge? If that is the case, you might want to consider a major attitude adjustment and enjoy the ride.

You might feel better if you know that very few cats enjoy going on road trips. Some get nauseated from the motion – called motion sickness. Some get nauseated from the silly car games their humans play with there kids. But, it is a special time for your family and you would do well to give up and join in.

If your problem is really fear of traveling, your humans can take some steps to try to help you out. Medication is a worst case option and not very recommended. Your vet can help with that if your problem is hyper-serious. Before going with that option, though, I certainly do recommend a strong dose of catnip to help your anxiety. Depending on your personality, you will either be happy and playful, or you will snooze most of the way there. Munchies, of course, should be provided.

Your humans can do a little to help you out before the trip ever starts. For instance:

1. Get your shots and Certificate of Health up to date well before the trip so as not to alarm you of the purpose of the trip.
2. Get a lightweight harness and leash – no car door should be opened until you are securely on a leash. Wear your new harness for a few days before the trip.
3. Pull out the cat carrier and make it available to you to explore beforehand – a secure, comfy fabric carrier is nice.
4. New toys and yummy treats placed inside the carrier might help.
5. Take you for short drives around a block or two (not to the Vet office).
6. Let your humans do all the packing for you, i.e., identification and vet records, a little food and water, toss away litter box, catnip, moist hand towel for clean-ups, catnip.

For many more great ideas, go to The Pet Center tto find out more about Traveling With Your Cat.

Sit back, enjoy the ride, and buckle up!

Your friend,
Fisher