Dear Fisher,

I’m having an issue with my biped dad. He thinks just because he wants breakfast when he gets up, I should have breakfast. I don’t like eating in the morning so I nuzzle my food out of the dish and around on the kitchen floor. Every day it’s the same thing until he decides to not give me food so I’ll get hungry. What’s up with that? I know he thinks if I get hungry enough I will clean up the mess on the floor. He has even rushed off to work and forgotten and then I do get hungry. I just sneak over to the cat’s bowl and chomp down her food. It’s kinda a game now, but I would rather not make him get mad at me. Any suggestions?

Bubbles

Dear Bubbles,

Perhaps your owner should schedule a healthy check up at the vet clinic to determine if there are any underlying health issues. Having cleared that, your behavior might just be a ploy extra attention. Or, it could be you are engaging in “the hunt”. As a direct descendent of wolves living in the wild, you are calling up the need to forage for food by refusing to eat your food for the greater adventure of stealing some of the cat’s food. Since cat food is not very satisfying, and the cat could give a you-know-what, you are likely getting a little bored with the game.

As a domesticated canine, your desire to make your owner happy will probably win in the end. A few suggestions for your biped to help get you back on track are:

1. Give you praise when you eat the food he puts in your bowl
2. Give a shout like “hey!” when you start spreading food all over the floor
3. Just simply ignore your errant behavior

Just remember, the cat may act aloof, but cats are hunters, too. Kitty might just get fed up with your antics and launch her own attack – and it will not be for your food.

Your friend,
Fisher

Dixie is waiting for you now

Fancy Cats Rescue Team, Herndon, Virginia
Dixie is a sweet little cat who was adopted as a wee kitten and recently returned when the kids left for college! She is a little turned around and wondering what happened to everyone! She will make a wonderful addition to her new family. She cannot wait to meet you. Please hurry! See Dixie and visit other Internet All Stars at Petfinder.

But wait…there’s more. Petfinder is hosting a Blog Hop. Join in and Adopt the Internet!
There’s no registration required and you can add any kind of link!

Dear Fisher,

I can just feel the nice weather coming soon and I’m exspecially excited about a few more trips with my humans. The thing is, though, I’ve been talking a lot lately and they think I’ll drive them nutty on the trip. I think I’m just a happy cat. What’s so wrong about that? And why do they get mad at me?

Rosie

Dear Rosie,

I can understand your becoming Chatty Catty when you feel nicer weather coming and you can get out more. Most cats will talk some, but Siamese are known to talk more than most. Talking is one of their most beloved traits. Depending on intensity and frequency, it can be one of their most irritating traits as well. Your people may have a lot of things to think about and that will make your cat-speak a little more on the irritating side of the scale.

Your humans should first analyze the situation carefully and make sure all your needs are met. Do you have food and water in the proper bowls? Is the litter box clean? Are you just lonely and want attention or are you reacting to some sudden change in routine around your home.

I know you are telling me you are just jabbering because you are happy, but sometimes we cats tend to chat a little more if we are stressed. Stress could come if you are packed and ready for the next trip, but the weather is not cooperating. It is just a thought. If that could be the case, hang in there. The weather will change. It always does.

Here are a few tips for your humans to help them avoid undo irritation:

1. Ignore your behavior until you are quiet and then pour on the love.
2. Be patient.
3. Do not scold – that will just encourage you.
4. Do not reward – that will just encourage you.
5. Allow time in the day for some good healthy play time.
6. Be patient.

Are you just talking more or are you exercising excessive meowing? For more information on the subject, check out cat vocalizations.

Happy trails, Rosie. Or should I say tales?

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I started my life as a newborn kitty living on the street and I have to tell you it wasn’t much fun. I was scared most the time and afraid of everything. One day, my mom and siblings just disappeared and I was hungry and lonesome. Then I saw there was a being that came out of a house every morning to get some papers. She was pretty and quiet and when she noticed me she smiled. I wanted to not be afraid so bad. She put out bowls for me with food and water.

As time went on, I had my daily treat from her and she spent more time outside and slowly I felt more comfortable. Many weeks later I was up to the door peaking inside and finally I even went inside. Oh me oh my, what a nice place. And we are now very much friends and I am very happy there. But now she is talking about fixing me. I thought everything was fixed when she let me into her house and loved me. I just don’t get it, but I am scared again. Should I run away?

Spitfire

Dear Spitfire,

Do not run away! You are among the very lucky to have a nice new home with a loving human to take care of you. It is essential that you really go all the way on your trust issues and let her help you as much as she can. It will make her happy, and in a way, you kind of owe her that.

Fixing is simply a term used for spaying/neutering of cats so they either do not go around bothering other cats or do not get bothered themselves. It is a long story for one so small, but basically, the operation prevents overpopulation of cats. Your human is very happy with you and probably does not want more cats right now. If she decides to welcome another cat, she will likely rescue a kitty just like she rescued you.

Spay/neuter procedures are very common and while it is surgery, it is not difficult. Here are some things you can expect:

1. A car ride – and this may be your first, so make every attempt to enjoy it.
2. Arrival at the veterinarian clinic where all staff will comment on how adorable and good you are.
3. You will receive an anesthetic which will make you very sleepy and alleviate any pain connected with your surgery.
4. After a long nap you will probably wake up and wonder what the heck happened, but oddly enough, you will not really care.
5. Still feeling a little goofy, you may start to wonder what happened to your human.
6. Your human will show up to take you home and spoil you rotten and get all googley over you. This you will care about.

There are already too many little kitties out there who are still waiting for new homes. Some are living in the wild and face many dangers every day. Your human is doing something very wonderful for your future happiness and safety. Give her many purrs and kisses.

Your friend,

Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I have been feeling a little gloomy lately. I’m sure you heard about all the snow we got up here in the north. Well, I live on the 3rd floor of a 3 story house, and when I look out my window I see the 2nd story roof. There’s this little squirrel who comes to visit me and he looks awfully hungry and cold. I wish I could help him out.

In the nice weather he likes to come up and play hide and seek with me. He runs and hides and of course I can’t really go seek, but he doesn’t know that. So we are friends and have a nice game. Now we are still friends but I can’t help him get warm. How will he survive?

Emily

Dear Emily,

I have heard a lot of news of the snow storms across the the country and I am sorry you are feeling gloomy. I am sure there are many more out there who wonder about the critters who cannot come inside and get warm.

Squirrels have good survival skills in that they can hoard all sorts of goodies, especially through the fall. They are pretty aware of the season that comes after autumn and thanks to their keen sense of smell, they find all sorts of food – acorns, nuts, grains, and even birdseed. Some squirrels will find holes in roofs and set up a retreat in a building, but this is not recommended and can lead to other problems. Old barns, a garage, or a hole in a tree is much better. Be assured they are wise enough to start preparations before the storms come. That saves many, but, alas not all. They will stay in their hide-away until the snow stops, and then they are back out looking for more food to add to their cache.

I found an excellent article in the Washington Post, written by staff writer, David Fahrenthold, Mr. Farenthold gives great insight into what outside critters have been up to during your last siege of storms. I think you will feel much better and less worried after reading his article, “Local animals adapt, hibernate through the snow storm”. I know I did.

After reading the article, it occurred to me, dear Emily, that your little friend was probably just checking in to let you know he is OK. Who knows? I might get a letter from the little guy wondering about why you looked so gloomy.

Your Friend,

Fisher

One day our dear cat lover friend and website designer sent us a link to a site she had just completed. My staff person went bonkers over the idea, the quality of the product, and the need for the product.

The Portable Pet immediately sent my staff person back in time to an early morning fire alarm blasting our solace at the condo were we lived. First thought is always to get us kitties out to a safe place. But, said she, “Where are the cat carriers?” She tore through the storage closet and finally found one of the carriers. Not wanting to tempt disaster with more wasted time, she shoved us both into one carrier. Now little brother Wart is very thin, but very large. I am shorter but, ah…a little pudgy. Sharing one carrier along with the alarm noise had us all completely fritzed out – not to mention, the two big lugs in one carrier made a very heavy load to carry down the stairs! She vowed to always know where the carriers were and have easy access to them.

Dorothy Ramirez, The Portable Pet creator, was most gracious when I contacted her and suggested to do a review.When we received the sample, our thoughts were reinforced. The packaging itself was so special and well thought out we will keep it as a surprise for when you get your own. A clear and complete set of instructions is included.

Pets are endangered in the obvious situations like earthquakes and hurricanes, but there are many more situations you and your pets can get into where food and water, health records, a comfy blanket, a new toy and some treats can save major distress. The Portable Pet carrier cover has pockets for everything. Plus, it is sturdy, waterproof, easily cleaned, with reflector tape, D-rings to fasten a leash to, large and small pockets, and fastens to the carrier with strong hook and loop tape.

Everything you need!

The Portable Pet cover is designed and shown to fit over a solid cat carrier. We have canvas carriers and it fits over them and we can fasten it on the bottom. But, I must say, even if you have a larger cat or dog carrier, the value of the product is enormous. It will fit over the handle and none of the uses are compromised.

It works well with our canvas carrier, too!

I have to give this product a 5-star rating!
And please visit The Portable Pet

Take a look at the web designer, too! 5 Cats Marketing

And per the FCC, here is our disclaimer: “We asked to do the review. We did receive a sample of the product, but we would have begged to do the review if The Portable Pet’s creator was not interested.”

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I’m writing as anonymous so as not to embarrass my humans. What’s the big deal with all this holiday stuff? It’s good that everyone’s all loving and happy, but I’m just not in the mood. I’ve spent lots of years with the human relatives over the holidays, and this year I just don’t want to participate at all. I just want to take my old bones upstairs and stay out of site ’til it’s over. I’m tired and I just want to be alone.

Am I a Hum Bug? What’s the matter with me anyway?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Not only do I not know if you are cat or dog, I also do not know your age. I get the idea you are mature enough to know what you want, though. Cats and dogs – and other animals for that matter – are much like humans in their aging process. The eyes may get a little cloudy, lots of chattering sounds like one big muffled noise – in slow motion, no less. Grey hairs show up, you now have a little paunch, your limbs are creaky and so is your attitude. It is all very natural and you are wise to accept it.

The human relatives list has likely expanded with new small humans getting lots of attention, the giddy young couples trying not to get attention, and the elders demanding attention. I support any effort you can make to plan a day of lounging away from the maddening crowd. I feel it is in your best interest if your humans will provide:

1. use of of the Master bedroom
2. food, water, and a special treat
3. closed door with Do Not Disturb sign

As for you humbuginess, enjoy it and enjoy a quiet day of solitude while the throngs of folks downstairs – even the ones that brought the baby human – are enjoying their holiday merriment. Honor yourself and you will be honored. Enjoy!

Your friend,

Fisher