Dear Fisher,

Really warm weather is here now and I am wondering if you have an idea about what to do about all my shedding. Hair is everywhere in the house. I play in a big back yard with trees and flowers and lots of great shaded areas. I never see my shedding out there so how come it’s all over the house? My human guy is always brushing his clothes and furniture. And then that awful vacuum cleaner comes out to get the hair out of the carpet. He doesn’t really complain but I know it’s annoying.

Ralphie

Dear Ralphie.

Some pets think that the more the humans obsess about hair on the furniture, the more the hair just appears. Then there are theories that if a human shares his house with a cat or dog, or any other furry critter – and he wears black – the fur will instantly gather and cling to his clothing. This phenomenon is even more extreme if the person in the house is a guest. I find nothing to prove or disprove such a theory, but pet lovers everywhere seem to agree it is true.

Shedding hair is a normal process in dogs, cats, and even people. It is just simply out with the old and in with the new. There is a season for everything, as they say, and you are in your hair-shedding season. Now, just as a caution, if you are shedding excessively and developing bald spots, get to the Vet ASAP. You could be reacting to your dog food, or you might be over-stressed, or something physiological could be going on and you need to get it checked.

Normal shedding is just that – normal. Grooming is very important in order to help the process along. Daily combing routines cut down on the evidence. Your human can do this himself, take you to a groomer (get a good recommendation), or do both. It is going to be much easier for him to do it himself first to see how effective he can be in eliminating his own frustration. Daily brushing is also a great one-on-one bonding between man and dog.

Visit The Amazing Dog Training Man for an excellent article called “How To Reduce Your Dog’s Shedding in 3 To 5 Days”. His recommendations include:

1. Brushing Start at the head and work towards the tail
2. Groom Frequently Establish a regular schedule and include lukewarm bath
3. Carding An extra step to remove excess undercoat

Oftentimes dog lovers will take their dogs to a groomer for nice summer fur cut. You may not approve of you new look, but the extra breezes blowing through your short hair can make you more comfortable and help you enjoy those lazy days of summer.

Your friend,
Fisher

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Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Fisher,

We are Gretchen and Callie and we have some serious concerns about bath taking. We were adopted into our forever home about six months ago by a wonderful woman who takes very good care of us. She also takes good care of the house and is very active at keeping things clean and neat. Now she wants to keep us clean and neat, too, and is talking about giving us a bath.
Please give us some advice. What can this be like?

Gretchen and Callie

Dear Gretchen and Callie,

I can understand your concerns since cats are not natural bathers. Most cats hate water, so it is likely your human has a good reason for the bath but neglected to share it with you. Two things to remember are: she takes very good care of you, and she is in charge.

The bathing of cats is usually not a frequent part of normal grooming and some cats live their whole lives without one. But, if either of you are negligent in your own natural grooming – or have fleas – a bath would be helpful. Maybe your human thinks you would really like it. In any case, you will get the chance to let her know how you feel about it, and it could be a once in a lifetime experience.

There are alternative methods for controlling fleas and your human can talk to your family veterinarian about them. If it is a grooming issue, there are products in the pet store such as pet wipes (for delicate wash) or waterless cleaners (dry cleaning). Then there is the full on bath and I have to tell you, I myself have had several and they are not bad at all.

Tips for warm water cat bath:

1. Purchase a recommended kitty shampoo.
2. Remove loose hair with a good brushing and clip cat’s claws.
3. Cats are small and should be bathed in a sink rather than a bathtub.
4. Breakables should be removed from the immediate area.
5. Place small towel or mat in sink so cat does not slip and slide.
6. Avoid water in vicinity of eyes and ears.
7. Post bath – wrap cat in warm towel and offer lots of cuddling.
8. Do not comment on appearance of wet cat.

For more information, read “Survival Techniques for Bathing a Cat”, by Nell Liquorman.
Water’s warm, surf’s down, and you are in good hands. Relax and enjoy it.

Your friend,
Fisher

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What’s a City kitty to do without a yard of her own? Through my social networking on Face Book, I became acquainted with Melanie Baird and her amazing Catio. Her cat is FIV positive and must stay inside. But what is a City kitty to do without a yard of her own? This extraordinary bean set out to find the best of both worlds for little kitty.
She looked and looked on the net and reports “there really aren’t any window/outdoor pet options for city dwellers.” The ones she found online were “very small and hardly had a view.” So, she made her own. What a lucky cat!


The top is glass and prevents rain and moisture from getting inside. (She thought of everything.)
She used all cat friendly grasses. The first one shown here is Barley (it took about 10 days to come up). Other plantings include oats, red clover and cat grass which are rotated when ready.
A few adjustments were made – like adding hinges and a lock to the front so she could water the plants. If you have any doubt about the quality of work done here, visit the Melanie Baird Gallery at Rain Glass Garden. You will find very beautiful garden glass art. Is there no end to her talent?

But, what if you have a City dog?
Melanie says, “I wish there was some way to make a dogio for Lili. She eyes it sometimes and I think she knows we have really spoiled the cat and not her….but, I don’t feel bad, really, because she gets to go skiing with us.”

Now I have to ask you, would you rather loll around all day in the Catio, or go on a ski trip? Hmmm…I wonder if Melanie made little doggy skis for Lili.

Your friend,
Fisher