Hi Fisher,
I’m so glad I found you. Mr Hey U and I live in the same house, but we are definitely NOT friends. He doesn’t like to play and complains to the human every time I go anywhere near him. I was here first, but he thinks he should sleep right next to her. I don’t think this is fair as he was just a street kid that the human felt sorry for..He tries to get real snooty but he can’t pull it off. I am wondering if he is just jealous because I have a name of royalty and he is just Mr. Hey U. Is this possible?
Your friend
Gussy
Dear Lord Gussy,
You indeed have a royal name! It appears you already held court and sent down a ruling on which one of you is the most worthy of the best spot on the bed. Mr. Hey U has become your subordinate, although he may not see it that way at all. The inherent personality of all cats includes a touch of aristocracy – even in one you refer to as “just a street kid.”
Your royal name suits you well. One can only wonder which came first – the name or the attitude. Little research is done on the tendency of a pet to take on certain characteristics implied by their public name. For instance, Brutus may be a large burly cat with an attitude, but no one will ever know for sure if he would have turned out small, easily intimidated, and somewhat whiny had someone named him Chump.
In truth, a cat’s public name is most likely a reflection on the human who presented it. Names of pets are often taken from human memories of a favorite movie, a cartoon character, or sometimes even a favorite cocktail. Humans are usually very thoughtful in their choices. For example, a pure white cat is not likely to have the name Merlot…or Hangover. Some will need to observe a kitten or cat for a few days before they decide on a name. There are others who can look in a cat’s eyes at first meeting and instinctively know what to call them.
A few things for the humans to consider – maybe even before their cat is found:
1.Remember that a cat can live for 20 years. Choose a name that will grow with him.
2.Choose a name the cat can easily recognize. 2-syllable names are best.
3.Pick a name that fits the full grown cat as well as the kitten.
4.Pick a name for your cat that preserves his dignity as well as yours.
5.There are many sites out on the Internet to help with cat names. I recommend Easy Cat Guide, the ultimate cat name guide.
The best answer for you, Lord Gussy, comes from the wisest cat lover of all, “But above and beyond there’s still one name left over…The name you will never guess. The name that no human research can discover,But the cat himself knows and will never confess.” – T.S. Eliot
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.
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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
Dear Fisher,
I have had many wonderful times rummaging through wrapping paper, ribbons, and the Christmas tree in past years. I’m quite a mature cat, so my humans know I am not going to chew on things I shouldn’t and wouldn’t swallow things that could make me choke. This year I am a little worried because we are expecting a new kitten in our house on Christmas Eve and I am hearing rumblings about changes and new rules. I’m beginning to think my Christmas isn’t going to be very much fun. What do you think?
Izzy
Dear Izzy,
First of all I cannot think what could be more fun than a new kitten coming to live with you. You need to think this through. Just imagine how your maturity and the innocence of your new housemate can make you a star. You have years of stories to tell of how you frolicked through the gifts under the tree and the bauble rearranging you likely managed from atop the tree. You will be idolized. New Kitty will hang on your every meow and yearn for the day when the rules relax and he, too, can enjoy such merriment.
You have given me a very good insight into your humans, too. Think about your own young life back in the day. I am sure you can remember your people taking precautions to keep you out of harms way. Cat plus curiosity plus Christmas tree can turn disastrous if a few rules are not put into place. They placed a great deal of trust in you, and I must add here that not all “mature cats” would be worthy. A Christmas tree without tinsel is still a Christmas tree. Decorations should be kept at a minimum. It is best not to have a lot of dangling ornaments to entice the new little kitten. Of course, the most cat-proof thing to do is set the tree up in the yard, keeping it there for the duration of the holiday. While that would be a nice way to share your holiday spirit with the neighbor people, it might not be very safe for the neighbor cats.
Several ideas your humans can use to dissuade improper behavior are:
- Secure the tree with a strong stable base, or attach clear fishing line to the top of the tree and then to a ceiling hook. No need to re-invent the theory of what goes up must come down.
- Most cats do not like the smell of citrus, so place lemon or orange rinds around the bottom of the tree to stop the climbing urge. For best results, replace the rinds often.
- Sprays, such as Bitter Yuck, can keep critters from chewing on the branches. Humans will know immediately what little kitty was up to when they hear the exclamations, “bitter!” and “yuck!”
- Choose ornaments that are not easily confused with kitty toys. Kittens are not likely to bite into a china candy cane. Or, you might find out that new little kitty is not the brightest bulb on the tree and re-think keeping the tree in the yard.
Visit Cat Lovers Only for more information. Most safety rules apply the the Dog as well – just do not tell the dog you found the information on a cat site.
Be safe, be good, and have a happy holiday.
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay
Out There weekend edition
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Dear Fisher,
I had a most scary accident last week and my humans are still reeling from the experience. Now every time they look at me it is with worry and I can almost hear the tsk, tsk. I was racing around in the back yard and chasing a leaf because it was so much fun. I jumped up high to finally catch it and it was too close to the pool. I lost my balance and ended up slipping and hitting my head and falling in the pool. I was dazed enough that I couldn’t swim.
My boy saw this happen and laughed and then got scared because I looked like I was going to go down under. I was gasping and trying to get air with no water. It was awful. They were all so scared and now they just seem to be mad at me. How can I help them forget this terrible thing?
Curacao
Dear Curacao,
You have just disproved the great myth that cats always land on their feet! You have also exposed another truth – cats can really be clumsy at times. That is ok, I am just glad you did not drown and really destroy the lives of your people. Consider this a lesson well learned and your people will follow suit. Remember that sometimes your humans just love you so much and an upset like that can make it seem like they are mad at you, but they are not.
The biggest result of this event is most likely fear that you will pull a stunt like this again, and the best thing to do is have a plan of action. Pet first aid classes pops into my mind. Many animal shelters and the Red Cross have classes. Quick action is of utmost importance. Planning for the worst will ease the fear for both you and your people.
OK, you say, so what is the worst that could have happened? You could have gone down for count 1 and taken in a lot of water. By count 2, your breathing has gone awry, and you probably would not have even been aware of count 3. I have just described the 3 stages of drowning. No wonder your people are upset.
I strongly recommend you and your humans take a course in CPR. A good online description can be found at Rescue Critters!® brand pet CPR. Right off the bat, you need to know the first 3 rules — Look, Listen, and Feel for breathing. Rescue Breathing is used if there is a pulse, but no breathing:
- Give 4 to 5 breaths using Mouth-to-Snout method
- Check for pulse
- If there is a pulse, give 1 breath every 2 seconds for a cat
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is used if there is no pulse and no breathing. Please visit the site, or take a class. I cannot take the risk of missing a step. Practice sessions will probably annoy you, but remember it is for your own safety.
In the meantime, I suggest getting another hobby besides leaf chasing. I recommend napping.
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay
Out There weekend edition
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I’m an inside cat but sometimes I get to go out on the patio with my people. I have to be supervised. That’s what they say. I love all the flowers and plants out there, but they fuss at me whenever I try to nab a bite. They say some plants are poisonous, but how do I know which are good and which are bad? They know I don’t always remember the rules so maybe they should get rid of the poisonous plants?
Waldo
Dear Waldo,
Keep in mind that your humans buy plants because they are beautiful on the patio or in the yard, and they do supervise you so you won’t get into trouble. Sometimes severe weather conditions can cause humans to bring outside plants inside. They are usually under some stress when that happens and might forget about the seriousness of exposing you to plants dangerous to your health.
Campaign for CATNIP! When it shows up as a “special treat” on the patio, make sure to show a great deal of appreciation. Don’t hold back on silly antics that make them laugh. Cuddle up to them and show off your loving nature. That should guarantee a steady supply of catnip and then you must leave the other plants alone. And do not forget!
Several sites on the internet provide lists of poisonous plants. There are a few variations, but when in doubt, just stay away. Some plants on the list that are common in or area are:
• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
• Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix L.)
• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.)
• Hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis)
• Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Oleander (Nerium oleander L.)
• Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
• Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
Go to Library UIUC Education for an extensive list of plants.
Some of the common symptoms of plant poisoning are loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, pale tongue or gums, swollen tongue, abdominal pain, or worse yet, convulsions. When in doubt, your people should call your veterinarian with as many details and suspicions as possible. They must remain calm and coherent, lest the vet will suspect they have also chewed on a few plants.
As a back up, cut this out and stick it on the refrigerator door:
The Animal Poison Control Center is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance to veterinarians and animal owners. There is a $50 consultation fee paid by the animal owner, veterinarian or product manufacturer.
Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435
Your safest plan is to confine your dining to only substances put lovingly into your very own food bowl.
Your friend,
Fisher
