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6.15.08
There’s no time like the present month
to give a shelter cat a permanent home
| As my readers are probably are aware, I’m what’s known as a very good “cat dog.” Which is to say, I’m the kind of dog who seems to feel a natural fellowship with those of the feline persuasion (and as far as I can tell, the cats with whom I share a residence seem to harbor the same feelings about me). |
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| So I suppose it’s only natural that I would want to remind my readers that June is national “Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat” month – and to encourage them to do just that.
This desire to want to see as many deserving felines as possible find good homes is one I share with a fellow New Jersey resident, Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the “Mutts” comic strip, who every so often devotes his strip to ‘shelter stories” about companion animals whose only desire is to be welcomed into a loving home.
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| Patrick, who has been drawing the strip for 14 years, is also a board member of the Humane Society of the United States, and has helped the society call attention to things like the Safe Cats campaign and Spay Day USA. His cartoons I must admit, are the parts of the Sunday paper I never shred. (For more about Patrick, click here).
Like Patrick, I’d like to put in a good word for shelter cats, and Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month is as good a time as any to do it. If you visit your nearest shelter, you’ll find that a lot of them are “homeless pets” in the true sense of the word – not feral cats, but felines who have been dropped off by families who couldn’t keep them for various reasons, such as having to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets (which is really a shame for both the pets and their companion humans). |
This is Hunter, a temporary resident of a local shelter who recently found a "forever" home. |
| Such cats, you’ll discover, are readily adaptable as well as adoptable, and love nothing more than to curl up by your feet or on serve as bed warmers at night. And they can be wonderful ‘purry’ as well as furry.
For those of you who might prefer a kitten, you’ll usually find ones of all descriptions at shelters – especially this time of year.
You say you already have a cat? Then you have an especially good reason to look for another, as cats are the most sociable critters in the world (even more so than us dogs) and, from my observations, love nothing better than to curl up next to one another or groom each other. |
Otis, like Hunter, was overlooked for quite a while, it seems that everyone wanted to adopt a kitten. But Otis didn't give up, and early this spring he was adopted into a wonderful home complete with a kitty friend -- thanks to Ellie, who came to the shelter and met Otis. |
| Even if you have a dog, he or she might well enjoy a little feline companionship, just as I do – especially when you’re away. But not all dogs are fond of cats. So before you adopt a cat, it’s usually recommended that you bring your canine friend down to the shelter to see how he or she reacts to the presence of cats. |
Squirrel |
Come out and meet the Green Team
(and get a Pet Promise sample)
Check out our calendar of events to see if the Pet Promise Green Team will be in your town. If you live in the Chicago area, they will be at selected Petco stores throughout the summer and don’t forget to see if the Veggie Bus of the Conscious Goods Alliance tour will be cruising your way.
I could tell you more, but I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy about kitties now and need to see what my own are up to. Talk later.
Posted by Bumby at 1:25 p.m.
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5.28.08
A dog's best friend
While I have my share of canine buddies, one of my closest friends is my feline housemate Leilani. Being that she’s senior cat of the house, she was kind enough to take me under her paw, so to speak, when I first arrived in New Jersey from Tulsa, Oklahoma over five years ago.
Leilani showed me around the house, pointing out the best nap spots and not complaining too much when I shredded her favorite catnip mouse. Since I think felines are the cat’s meow, I present to you a few expert tips on keeping your kitty happy and healthy.
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I like to sit near Leilani when she's napping so I can protect her if necessary. Sometimes she lets me share the nap cushion, other times I just nap on the floor next to her. |
Help keep you cat well watered
As descendants of wild desert cats (as anyone who has ever watched a house cat stalk an insect could figure out), the domesticated feline is a “natural” when it comes to conserving water, which can at times be bad for their health. By drinking less, a cat forms more concentrated urine, which can put it at greater risk for urinary tract problems.
One way to help address this is to feed your cat a 50/50 diet of canned and dry food. Be careful not to double feed and end up with a fat cat. An easy way to figure portions is to know how much of each kind would be a daily serving and then serve half of each. Leilani has her Pet Promise Ocean Fish Formula in the morning and a serving of Pet Promise Healthy Weight and Aging formula for supper.
Always make sure water is available and to your cat’s liking. Leilani likes her water best from a drinking bowl “fountain,” and my other kitty roommate, Pumpkin, enjoys his water from a large bowl, which he likes to splash around in before drinking the water off his paw.
Cats should stay out of the dog-food bowl
Leilani does have a bad habit of nosing in while I’m eating my Pet Promise Daily Health and stealing as many bites as she can. While I am the sharing type and would never object to my best cat friend eating from my bowl, it turns out that dog food isn’t the best diet for a kitty (and vise versa).
It seems that cats have much higher needs for protein than us dogs as well as requiring certain nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid. You should be feeding your cat a food containing high quality protein -- especially important for older cats like Leilani (who just turned 16). Leilani always eats Pet Promise, which has meat, fish or poultry as its first ingredient.
Cats don’t always stop at just smelling the flowers
While some people complain that their dogs will eat just about anything, I think cats take the prize when it comes to tasting odd things. Leilani, as well mannered a princess as she is, goes crazy trying to eat cut flowers (which usually end up in the bathroom behind a closed door). Lillies, azaleas, foxglove and tulips should be kept out of your cat’s reach (and that of curious dogs too). For a complete list of toxic plants visit this page at the ASPCA web site.
About my new spring 'do'
I, Bumby, have a new, professional fur stylist. Debbie created this look just for me, complete with a feather adorning my head.
Feather update: While I had a good time sporting my feather, Leilani decided enough was enough, and pulled it out after a couple of days. |
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Bumby’s Green Tip
Have your person take you out as often as possible. Loud barking, cuff tugging and dragging your leash around are good tips people often pick up on. This may encourage them to walk more, which can often lead to walking or biking instead of driving to close-by destinations.
I could tell you more, but I think I’ll get my person to take me for another walk around the block now. Talk later.
Posted by Bumby at 11:36 a.m.
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Born: October 1, 2002
Found at: Small Paws Rescue, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Most distinguishing feature: My nose, often used to bump people with so they will pay attention to me.
Favorite fun thing: Playing "music" on my squeaky toys.
Friends: The 3 cats who share my house; Leilani, aka, The Princess; Skeezix, aka, Fuzzball; Pumpkin, aka, The Orange Paperweight; Nikko, another Bichon who lives on my block (my best dog friend) and my person.
Favorite food: Pet Promise Chicken and Brown Rice Formula.
Favorite treat: Pet Promise Jerky Strips (for them I always "sit" the first time).
Favorite place to be: At home
Favorite movie: Babe, Pig in the City
Favorite song: That'll Do (it's from my favorite movie)
favorite links
smallpawsrescue.org
petpromiseinc.com
howdogfoodsavedtheearth.com
bestfriends.org
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