How has it only been a month since we said goodbye? It seems like so much longer since I last saw your beautiful face, heard the sound of your purr, and held your beautiful little body in my arms...you always were the perfect fit.
I wish I knew that you were ok without me. I try to imagine that you and your big sister Sashi have found each other and are taking kitty heaven by storm. I think you two together would be a force to be reckoned with.
I've put all of your toys in a special keepsake box with chickens all over it. When I saw it in the store it made me smile because you loved chicken more than just about anything. Your litter pan, food and water bowls, and cat carrier are all cleaned up and waiting in the garage for another kitty to use them. There's hardly a trace of you around yet I feel your presence everywhere.
My days seem so much longer and emptier without you here. You're still my first thought when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I think about when I lay my head down at night. Each night I still softly whisper goodnight to you...have you heard me?
You were perfect, but you knew that. From the moment we met you instantly stole my heart, and from the moment I opened your carrier in the living room that first day you made this house your home, and you made the house a home simply because you were there.
I know that you loved me until your last breath. I hope and pray that you know I will love you until mine. The memories of the time we had together will live on in my heart forever.
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
Christmas in July Winners: * Mystery Lot: katsrus * Historical Romance Lot: Marlene B * Christian Fiction Lot: Elaine K
Enteritis in cats is a very serious disease. It's often referred to as distemper, which is a disease that dogs commonly get. However, feline enteritis isn't the same. A common other name for the condition is panleukopenia.
This disease normally strikes kittens younger than six months old. However, older cats also have a relatively increased risk of developing it. Older cats may be strong enough to fight off the affliction, but kittens can easily succumb to it.
Feline enteritis is caused by a virus. Wild animals such as cats and raccoons can harbor the highly contagious virus. Infected animals can pass it to your cat by coming into direct contact with him. If your cat comes into contact with nasal or oral secretions, he can get infected too.
Owners should also know that the virus that causes enteritis in cats can also contaminate items such as bedding, litter boxes, and food dishes. Owners can also pass the virus along to their cats because it's capable of contaminating human hands.
After being infected with feline enteritis, your cat may not show any symptoms for up to ten days. Common signs include high fever and loss of appetite. Cats may also vomit frequently, producing yellow-tinted bile in the process. If you touch your cat in the abdominal region, he may cry out in pain. It is also common for cats to have diarrhea and produce stool that also has a yellow color, although it may appear to have blood in it instead.
As mentioned, enteritis in cats is quite serious. That's why it is important that you get your cat checked out and diagnosed with the condition as soon as possible. The chances of your cat surviving a bout with this virus rise considerably the earlier that treatment is started.
There is no way to battle the virus that causes cat enteritis directly. The vet will simply need to provide supportive measures to help your cat make it through the disease. Antibiotics will likely be given to stave off any bacterial infections. IV fluids and nutrition therapy may also be necessary.
It is very easy to prevent enteritis in cats. Simply have your feline vaccinated. The virus can live virtually anywhere in your home, so your kitten would be at risk if left unvaccinated. Using a standard disinfectant won't be enough to kill the virus either.
If your cat survives an episode of feline enteritis, then you should be aware that he will continue to shed the virus for a few weeks. Other cats in the household can easily be infected. The good news is that cats that survive an infection from the virus will be relatively safe from reinfection since their immune system will be boosted.
There are many reasons why cats can experience problems with hair loss. A relatively rare reason for this to occur is because of feline endocrine alopecia. Vets don't exactly know why this rare skin condition occurs.
Whenever it does develop though, your cat's hair will start thinning. Various areas of the body will be affected by hair loss. You may notice that these areas appear to be the same on both sides of the body. Two areas that are most often affected include the rear legs and abdominal region.
Certain other medical conditions can mimic the signs caused by feline endocrine alopecia. To see if your cat is really suffering from this condition, the vet will have to rule out other possible causes of the hair loss first. Parasites and conditions like ringworm can cause similar signs.
In order to make a diagnosis of endocrine alopecia in cats, vets typically look at a sample of hairs under a microscope. Doing so can help determine at what stage of their growth the hair were broken. Skin scrapings around the affected area can also help determine what's causing hair loss in your cat. Fungal infections like ringworm can easily cause signs.
A blood sample may also be in order if your vet suspects feline endocrine alopecia to be the problem. The sample won't be tested in the office though. A laboratory will need to inspect it to see how the endocrine system is functioning as far as hormones go.
As mentioned earlier, vets don't know why cat endocrine alopecia develops. Hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid hormone are some of the leading suspects though. Cats with the condition may need to start a regimen of hormone therapy to deal with it.
Cats that are eating foods that they're allergic to may experience spontaneous hair loss. Therefore, you may need to start your cat on a food trial to see if it helps relieve the signs. You may need to start feeding your cat a different type of food.
Sometimes, feline endocrine alopecia is treated with medications that are designed to grow the hair back. This isn't always the preferred method of treatment in cats though. These medications can lead to serious side effects in some felines. They can be toxic to the liver over time and also cause cardiac problems.
Cats may even develop other conditions like diabetes mellitus after taking these medications. Some even experience changes in their behavior.
Ragdolls are exceptional animals who demand unique care and consideration. Their characteristic fur, character, and medical needs mean different methods of care. Let?s investigate all of these three things specific to Ragdolls and how to care appropriately for your cat.
Ragdolls have long, soft, rabbit-like fur. As their fur does not mat, the Ragdoll doesn?t need a lot of grooming. However, it?s a good to groom your Ragdoll at least every few days. This alleviates hairballs and aids in bonding.
Many folks think that Ragdolls don?t shed. This is not always true. It actually depends on the specific cat. For example, I have two Ragdolls. One sheds gigantic masses of fur, and the second sheds not one hair. Because it?s hard to know if your cat will shed, it?s a good practice have a vacuum and lint roller ready just in case.
The Ragdoll character can be defined as: respectful, outgoing, perceptive, needy, and passive. Due to these distinctive characteristics, special care should be reserved for Ragdolls.
Due to the their sociable and friendly character, we shouldn?t let these cats outside unless they are supervised. The Ragdoll breed does not grasp self-defense. They probably won?t recognize danger or comprehend the occasion to battle or flea from a risky situation.
The perceptive and needy aspects of the Ragdoll character may present challenges if leaving the cat home a long for a large part of the day. Usually, a couple hours home by alone is the longest time you should leave them alone.
If responsibilities such as work or school have you away from the home for greater than a couple hours, it preferable to adopt another pet to stay home and keep your cat company. Usually, Ragdolls are welcoming of other pets, including dogs.
Generally speaking, there are no health problems associated with the Ragdoll breed. Nevertheless, be aware of the disease called HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a genetic disease found in some Ragdoll lines. Disappointingly, a cure has not been found for HCM and there are no treatment options available. The survival rate is very low. HCM typically claims the life of the Ragdoll when they are still a kitten ? sometimes younger than one year old.
Ragdoll groups have donated tons of money to research and find the HCM gene. In the end it payed off: the Ragdoll HCM gene was isolated.
Now that genetic testing for HCM is available, a good breeder will test the parents for HCM before breeding a cat. If you are breed a Ragdoll, it?s tremendously important to test the cats for the HCM gene. If you want to purchase a Ragdoll, be certain to ask for the medical paperwork indicating that both parents tested negative for the HCM gene.
I was first introduced to this perfect little book when I read a review from one of my favorite cat bloggers, Cat Chat with Caren and Cody. I instantly downloaded the book, checked out Athena's blog, and emailed the author to see if she'd be interested in joining me for an interview.
A Forever Home for Athena takes readers into the mind of tiny kitten Athena and her sister Lily as they are tossed out into the cruel world following the death of their kitty mom. After many days of being hungry, cold, and wet, they are finally brought to a shelter where more uncertainly awaits them: will they ever get enough to eat, will they be able to stay together, will a nice person take them home or will it be a scary person with a black light around them?
Finally Marie and her mom visit the shelter and Athena instantly knows she's found the human that she was predestined to love and protect forever. The feeling is mutual and Athena finds herself in a home with more love than she ever could have imagined. But the life of a rescue kitty is never easy, and she still lives with the fear of being abandoned and wonders from time to time if her sister found the same beautiful life that she ended up with.
This book touched my heart and is a must read for cat lovers everywhere. It made me smile, cry a tear or 100, and made me so proud to a cat lover and rescue advocate. Snuggle up with your kitty while you read this one and make sure they know that you will keep them safe forever.
Thank you so much for joining me today, Marie. Can you tell us how you came to be a cat writer/cat blogger?
You are welcome, and thanks for inviting me!
I've always loved cats and have always written so I suppose it all naturally fell into place (though it took some time!). It wasn't until I adopted my cat Athena in the summer of 2011 that I started writing about cats, though cats have featured in my fiction writing before (even in my vampire books!). I had a writing blog for some time but found that I was fast losing the enthusiasm to post regularly (and to be honest, running out of ideas). At the time I was discovering more and more cat blogs and loved reading them so I decided to start one for Athena. Cats and animal welfare have always been a passion of mine.
In your opinion, what makes cats so exquisite?
Everything! I love their grace, mysticism, intelligence, aloofness, curiousity, beauty, calmness, wisdom, eyes, soul... I could go on and on!.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I tend to write better at the beginning of the day, even though I'm not a morning person. It wasn't always like that. I'm mostly a night owlbut adopting Athena changed all that. I think I should point out here that though I have always loved cats, I hadn't had a cat for many years after my other soulmate cat, Suzy, passed away in 1998. She was in my life for 13 years and her loss really cut me up. I decided I couldn't go through that pain again, and also for many practical reasons I couldn't share my life with a cat for a very long time.
Are your own cats a constant source of inspiration for your writing?
Definitely! Athena is my muse. No doubt about that. She inspires not only my writing, but other artistic endeavours, like photography. I've suddenly become very passionate about it and it's thanks to Athena and my blogs that I've realised it's something I should pursue. I've always enjoyed taking photos, but now I really want to learn everything there is to know about the subject.
As someone going through the grief process right now, how have you dealt with the loss of beloved pets?
Well, as I said, I lost my dear Suzy many years ago now but I still think about her daily. She will always be in my heart and I still feel her spirit near. I also lost my dad back in September 2010 and it took a while to come to terms with that. But rescuing Athena a few months later helped immensely in the grieving process.I always feel that my dad sent her to heal me. I had been thinking of getting a cat just before he passed away, but I needed to grieve properly before deciding to actually start looking for one.
What was the inspiration for A Forever Home for Athena...are you a big adoption advocate?
I wrote a few chapters from Athena's point of view in my memoir The Cat Years: How My Cat Soulmates Saved Me and I was amazed at how natural it felt for me to write in this manner, so I thought then that I must write some books from the cat's perspective, perhaps for children. I wanted to tell Athena's story and decided it would be great to write about her adoption and her experience (as I imagined it) so as to promote the importance of animal adoption. I also wanted to give back to the shelter that Athena came from, as well as two other charities I support.
What are you currently working on?
My cat Suzy's story, again aimed at children but I'm sure adults will love it too!
What are some of your favorite books?
I enjoy many genres but these days I tend to read many cat and animal books, mostly non-fiction. Two books I really enjoyed was Solomon's Tale by Sheila Jeffries (which is not non-fiction but a lovely story about a cat who gets reincarnated to help a young family and A Streetcat Named Bob by James Bowen, about a street musician who found a ginger stray on his doorstep – a meeting that totally changed his life. These are among my faves.
I understand you are a certified Reiki Master Practioner...can you tell me more about Reiki? I'm fascinated by it.
Reiki translates as universal life energy and is an amazing energy healing method that originated in Japan many years ago. Though I'm certified, I don't work professionally in this field yet, but my main focus is to use it to help animals that need it. My cat really loves it!
As a powerful healing energy, animals, especially cats, respond very well to energy healingIt can help re-balance energy and can help with mental, emotional and physical problems, whilst also providing pain relief for various illnesses and injuries.
You don't have to be psychic or gifted to be able to offer healing to your own animals. Giving healing to your pet is great for deepening the connection between you. Of course, if you are worried about your pet's health in any way you must visit your vet first, but as a complimentary therapy Reiki works very well. However, it isn't a cure for terminal illness, but it can help alleviate stress and pain.
What are some things everyone can do to help the plight of homeless cats?
Raise awareness. The internet has made it possible to do that and even if you can't give much of your time to volunteer at a shelter or indeed help financially, I feel that joining animal rescue sites on facebook, twitter, etc and sharing is a great way to help.
Also, adopt don't shop. It's as simple as that. If you want a cat, there are thousands of them at rescue shelters (some unfortunately will be killed if not found suitable homes, which makes me angry and sad). And if you have cats, make sure to get them neutered. If you are not planning to breed from your cat this is the responsible thing to do. Don't have your cat giving birth and then dumping those poor kittens at local shelters. You are just adding to the problem and they are full to bursting as it is.
Domesticated cats have been in America for many centuries (which are believed to have originated from Britain and Europe), but Siberian, and Siberian "Seal Tabby Point" (Neva Masquerade), an offspring of cross breeding Siberian, Siamese and Birman cats are still rare in America. The Siberian cat has a long history which dates back to the 17th century, living on the tree tops in the dense Siberian forest. Over the centuries this breed adapted to Siberia?s harsh climates which no other breeds could do. Siberians have a triple fur coat; guard hairs, awn hairs, and down, which enabled them to withstand the harsh climates of Siberia. Siberians, and in particular, Siberian Neva Masquerade cats, are known to be one of the most intelligent cats in the world, although they have very humble beginnings. With a long history of survival in the harsh climates of Siberia, these cats have proven their endurance and worth many times over and now have reached championship status with many feline clubs around the world. In the 1930s, Siberians were discovered in the south central area of Russia, living on the streets of Novosibirsk and nearby small towns. Breeding with Siamese and Birman cats (whether naturally, or with man?s interaction) the Siberians offspring is known as a Seal Tabby Point, due to its color. Soon after, this breed was transported to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and announced as a "New Breed" called Neva Masquerade. This name was derived from the nearby Neva River, and the masquerade parties so prevalent among the wealthy people living near the river. My source, and the owner of Cattery is an expert with Siberians who has owned, handled, and bred this breed of feline for more than 40 years in her native Novosibirsk, Russia and is very familiar with Siberian?s and the later arrival of Siberian Neva Masquerade?s. My source also told me that she first begun seeing the Siberian Seal-tabby-point (Neva Masquerade) long before 1993 and it was first born in her home town of Novosibirsk.
The Neva?s traits are pointed coloring (different coloring on their feet, nose and tops of the ears), with much white fur and blue eyes. The origins of the color point is obviously met with some dispute, but as long as proper records have been kept (1980?s), color points are noted to have been produced, although to this day the jury is still out on its true origins.
Siberians take five years to fully mature physically, but keep their kitten-like personalities throughout their life. The first Siberian was imported to America in 1991, and the first "Neva Masquerade" was imported in 1996. Although Neva Masquerades (Seal-tabby-point) where imported later to America and became quite popular with cat fanciers, they are still rare in the United States, and many breeders have waiting lists for their kittens. The Siberian was accepted into TICA (The International Cat Association) New Breed program in 1992 and given championship status in 1996.
In the world of cat show competition, all standards that apply to the Siberian Cat, apply to the Color point (Neva Masquerade) variety, according to TICA. In January 2009, the Neva Masquerade was accepted into the Fife registry (F?d?ration Internationale F?line) as a new breed known as "Siberian Color Point". Siberian cats were accepted for registration by CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) in February 2000 and advanced to championship status in February 2006, although some countries still do not accept color point Siberians as a variety of the Siberian cat breed.
Although Siberians do shed and require regular grooming, the coat is not inclined to mat which makes grooming easier and quicker than most longhaired cats. Siberian and Siberian Neva Masquerade?s, are considered hypoallergenic due to the lower levels of a protein in their system (Fel d 1). Most cats have approximately 63,000 microns while Siberians have a mere 200 microns of this protein in their systems, which is a source of allergies with all cat breeds. Although Siberians are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, its best to spend some time around one before considering adoption.
Neva Masquerade?s, as well as all Siberians, adjust easily to their lifestyle surroundings and make a very good house pet. Siberians are very sociable cats and want to be near their owners. They will usually greet you at the door when you come home, not unlike the family dog. Often described as dog-like, the Siberian is loyal and not shy around guests, they are intelligent animals and quick to learn. Their meow is sweet, and when they come to greet you, they make a unique chirping sound. Many Siberians find water fascinating and like to be around it and watch running water, it?s said that some like to bring their toys and drop them in their water bowls. They also will not only monitor your shower or bath, but possibly join you, too. This affectionate breed makes an ideal lap cat and a wonderful companion who will bring their owner years of happiness, as their lifespan can exceed 16 years. Siberians and Neva Masquerade?s are completely trusting of humans, making it quite a responsibility when placing these kittens in new homes, according to the owner of siberianking.org nursery.
A social breed which loves the company of humans, and enjoys other animals, along with all the other fascinating traits the Neva Masquerade has, let it not go without saying, this breed is so intelligent it learns different languages very fast too. Since the Neva?s of, my sources cattery, are transported directly from the south center of Siberia and then raised in a multi-lingual household, they understand both Russian and English languages, according to this nursery?s owner. She also went on to say that this cat really understands different languages, and not just the tone of a person?s voice. The fact is, she said, is that no matter what tone is used with Neva Masquerades (Siberian Seal-tabby-points), they understand the language and respond better than most dogs.
The following are some fascinating facts about all domestic cats as well as Siberians, which you may not have known:
?Domestic cats can run about 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour.
?The cat's tail is an extension of its backbone, and the flexible tail helps a cat keep its balance and land on its feet when it falls.
?A cat can move each ear independently, and improve its hearing by aiming the cup of its ears in the direction a sound is coming from.
Although domestic cats have lived for centuries in Europe and America. The Siberian Neva Masquerade is still very new and unique to most Americans. From its wonderful personality to its incredible disposition, and dog like attitude, this is one breed that is sure to warm the hearts of cat lovers, and maybe make some Dog lovers (who never thought they would care for cats), into cat fanciers as well.
There are many reasons why cats can experience problems with hair loss. A relatively rare reason for this to occur is because of feline endocrine alopecia. Vets don't exactly know why this rare skin condition occurs.