The Super Bowl has come to Tampa Bay, FL. It is all abuzz around here and should be an eventful weekend. I am pretty sure that is what prompted my good friend, Brent Marchant, author of a wonderfully insightful book for all you movie-goers. Check it out – Get the Picture…conscious creation goes to the movies.
And now, remember this one from the Superbowl ads years ago? Still funny…
Also remember that due to a great advertising budget and new technology, no critters were harmed. Enjoy Herding Cats!
Dear Fisher,
My name is Lightning because I used to dart around like a bolt of lightening. I am older and calmer now, but I have had to make some serious adjustments. Me and Cooper were adopted as little kittens into a wonderful home where we were pretty spoiled rotten. We were so happy with her that we never came out from hiding when others came to visit.
Then one day, our person became very ill and could no longer take care of us. Her friends helped arrange for our new home. We were very sad, but instead of sticking together, Cooper started acting like my enemy. That really hurts and I am wondering why he had this sudden change in attitude. We are in a nice home with good people. Do you have any ideas?
Lightning
Dear Lightning,
I am so sorry to hear about your sadness but happy you have a nice new home. Humans are frightfully aware of the pain in their hearts when their pets become ill and they can no longer help them, but they are not always so aware of the trauma a pet may feel over losing his owner. It is a tough situation when pets feel loss, sadness and fear. In your case, where your good buddy is now acting like your enemy, it is natural for you to wonder what the heck is happening. I would ask that you give Cooper more time to make adjustments. He is likely taking his frustrations out on you. As soon as you understand that, you will not take it personally.
Two things you should not do: First, do not assume the whiny “poor me” kitty attitude. This will only make you more vulnerable and easier to torment. Second, forget about beefing up in order to clean Cooper’s clock. There will be no peace in the valley if the two of you are constantly whopping each other. Keep in mind this could result in your permanent separation. You can, however, assume the Gandhi persona and just let it be and in the meanwhile, ohm for the best possible outcome.
Your new humans must watch for poor behavior habits right away. After all, you have just gone through a major life change. What can they do about it?
- If one cat decides to be an alpha cat and set all the rules, equal treatment by the humans is a good equalizer.
- Take note of times of good behavior and congeniality and make these special – treats are good.
- Separate your food and water bowls and provide separate little beds, moving them closer together as time heals wounds.
- Call for a time out if bickering becomes more aggressive – separate cats for awhile and then slowly reintroduce them.
- Learn more about stressed out cats – visit Best Cat Art to find out more information on stressed out cats.
Getting back to a good relationship is very possible and is, of course, the most positive outcome you could have. I do want to mention, though, that you should also take note of your own behavior to make sure you are not the antagonist. Best of luck to you!
Your friend,
Fisher
Some days it is just plain exciting opening my email. I love getting letters from you pets out there and I do strive to answer your questions and help resolve your issues as quickly as I can. After all, I know if you took the time to write to me, you wanted action!
It is also fun for me to share some of the other miscellaneous email I receive. Today I rushed to open “Inner Peace” in hopes of learning a great secret. Well, I was not really disappointed and I certainly was amused.
Inner Peace
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
…Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!
Your friend,
Fisher
Dear Fisher,
I am happy the holidays are over and all those tempting sweets have been eaten or given away. Boy, it is hard not to just chin up to the table and grab a bite. I must confess I did a little of that, but also, I am aware of the consequences. The last thing I want is to get whisked away to the vet to get my teeth cleaned.
So here is what I am wondering about. Isn’t it possible to do the dental stuff right here in my own home? Maybe my humans can use some ideas on how to do that.
Tessie
Dear Tessie,
You are one lucky dog if your people are concerned about your teeth. I wonder what got that started. Oftentimes, it is the bad doggie breath that made them seek help in a hurry. But never mind what got them to do it – it is good for your overall health and popularity.
Dogs, just like humans, can have all sorts of problems related to bad teeth. Too many table scraps and sweets can lead to plaque, then tartar, and ultimately caries – caused by bacteria that produce acids that can literally burn through your tooth enamel. The importance of scaling is to get at the bacteria in the gum line. Polishing is pretty self-explanatory. Your friends will see you coming with those pearly whites gleaming in the sun. Your vet can perform the function of scaling and polishing. The good news is, with proper weekly teeth maintenance, scaling and polishing only need doing every 2 to 3 years.
If your humans are already over-tasked, your groomer may also apply general tooth and mouth maintenance along with that adorable puppy cut. They often have products available and are usually quite knowledgeable about proper dental care. Your internet can also provide you with a vast array of utensils, sprays and gels to suit your taste.
Signs of poor dental health include tartar, displayed as creamy-brown, hard material on your teeth. Other signs are bad breath, of course, and then worse – receding gums and difficulty eating. Loss of appetite and sensitivity around the mouth should get you to the vet soon.
-
Home dental care could be a nice bonding between you and your human. A few tips on getting started:
- Your human should start by stroking the outside of you mouth to get you used to idea that this is just another form of petting.
- Then try a breath spray. Think of it as a nice refreshing mist that will allow you to slurp all over your human’s face again.
- Next your human can put a small amount of tooth gel on his finger and gently distribute amongst your teeth. Repeat daily until you are used to someone messing with the inside of your mouth.
- Now for the tooth brush. This is where your opinion really matters. You may be more accepting of the finger brush, which covers your human’s finger and has little rubber bristles on one side.
- Do put your foot down on the use of human toothpaste and toothbrush. They are not meant for your enjoyment.
Visit Instructables for more information.
And now in the interest of equality, I must mention to you cats out there that this can all apply to you as well. Tuna Breath is no longer a good excuse when you have just inhaled a small can of turkey and giblets pate.
Your friend,
Fisher
by tim snell on Creative Commons
While most of the general world is focused on President-Elect Obama’s foreign, economic, health and war policies, the animal world is all abuzz with the prospects for a new dog in the White House. There are surveys, pleas for adopting a shelter pet, and probably a few wagers out there.
Just after National news reported Obama would prefer to adopt a shelter dog, Joanne Yohannan, Sr. Vice President of Operations and Emergency Rescue for the North Shore Animal League America stated, “That’s wonderful news for the more than 8 million puppies and dogs living in shelters across the nation.” Yohannan further commented on the great example Obama would set for others wanting to adopt a dog or cat.
Will it be a pedigree or a mutt-i-gree?
Shelters house an abundance of dogs – pedigrees and mutt-i-grees alike. A mutt-i-gree is simply a mixed-breed dog, often referred to as a mutt. Much like most average Americans with mixed heritage. Mutts have nothing to be ashamed of whether they are dog, cat, person, or the President-elect, who did not shy away from saying “mutt, like me.”
Pedigrees, also referred to as purebreds, come in a multitude of sizes and shapes, and most are owned by those who like the distinct qualities of a particular breed. It is not uncommon for great expectations to turn to disappointment and for one reason or another, the animals end up in shelters, just like the many mutts found and rescued. There are many more pedigreed dogs and cats than there are pedigreed people.
Thanks to the internet and an internet savvy President-elect, finding the right dog can be pretty easy. One can even visit the site dogtime to “find your wag.” It’s easy: Just fill in the form and be very sure to list the exact attributes you want in your new pup pal. Think personality, barking behavior, exercise regimen required, size, etc. etc. Do not hold anything back. The folks at dogtime are dedicated to matching up man and dog.
Also check out The American Mutt-i-grees Club. No doubt the Obama children could spend quality time on this site, learning about their new pup and just plain having fun.
tjflex2 Creative Commons
Mark your calendar: January 10, 2009
2nd Annual Live Like a Cat Day
Name: Live Like A Cat Day
Host: Everyone Everywhere!
Type: Party
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2009
Time: 12:00am – 11:55pm
Location: Wherever you want
City/Town: Anywhere, The Universe
Description: It is your day all day long. You do not even need to BE a cat to celebrate.
Invite all your friends! Who wouldn’t want to live like a cat?
A few suggestions from the Pros:
- Sleep all day.
- Stock up on supplies – Whatever you think you might need.
- Have food delivered to you. (That reminds me of the great affirmation, “I want it all, and I want it delivered!)
- Watch pay per view movies – splurge.
- Do nothing. Don’t try too hard. This is a no-brainer holiday and it is for every critter on the face of the earth, and those tuned in from the otherworlds.
…and my favorite:
Visit them at Live Like a Cat Day for a wealth of information. They will even tell you HOW to live like a cat.
My favorite is from their FAQs Page:
Q: What are some of the benefits of Live Like a Cat Day?
A: Some of the benefits include increased self esteem, lower stress levels, reduced blood pressure, increased happiness, self awareness, creativity and more!
Celebrate Live Like a Cat Day and give yourself a license to do whatever you please!
Tell all your friends and if you have more suggestions, be sure to post them on their wall.
Gotta go get ready now.
