Health

DECEMBER 5:  THE CREEK FIRE TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY

11 PM -  December 4, 2017:    Los Angeles Channel 7:  “Breaking News:  Severe wind warning for the Santa Clarita/San Fernando Valleys.”  I know the drill.  Roll up the patio blinds.  Close the windows.  All four cats follow me.  Weird.  Usually one or two cats follow me, not all four.

The above is kitten Gracee in 2011 -- just before she injured her eye (see the second paragraph) 

COST SUMMARY OF A PET/CAT:  Pet parents spent $53 billion in 2012 ($70 billion in 2018) per the American Pet Products Association.  Individual annual cost per pet is estimated at $1,035 in 2012 (similar today) per the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).  They estimate that it costs $1,000 for the first year & $500 annually thereafter barring any major disease or accident. For cats, this includes food, kitty litter, pet insurance coverage & basic preventive vet care.  

At our house, we like modern, safe and colorful.  The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed/Carrier is all of these.  I first saw them on the Internet & then at a BlogPaws Conference. I ordered one to see if my four cats would like it. They were excited just by the big box. They climbed in and out of the box and then, of course, the carrier. It is Spirit's but all the cats LOVE IT.  FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by SLEEPYPOD. We will only review products on this blog that we USE and LOVE. 

PLEASE don't feed your cat from your Thanksgiving Day spread. The following foods are in the 'Forbidden Zone:'  onions, garlic, some spices, butter, sour cream, bacon drippings, stuffing, gravy, and pumpkin pie.  Can have ONE bite if you must: turkey (bones will kill a cat), mashed potatoes (no cheese, butter, sour cream or bacon), sweet potato (no brown sugar or marshmallows), green beans (no butter or onion topping), carrots. Lilies & poinsettias are fatal to cats. Watch the center pieces.

Following my knee surgery, I didn't touch a computer until now. Recovery's slow. I always had at least one, sometimes two Cat Authors snuggled next to me. THE ABOVE PIC SHOWS A CONCERNED SPIRIT AWAITING MY RETURN TO MY RECOVERY CHAIR. 

After knee surgery in August, I found an agency, HomeWatch, that helped me and fit into our four cat household. THE ABOVE PIC SHOWS THE CATS WAITING FOR HOMEWATCH'S AMALIA.  HomeWatch was everything we needed and wanted.  Thank you, HomeWatch.

We, the Cat Authors, have not been posting for the last month cause Meowmuh got a new knee.  Don't know what a 'staple' is but they removed 'em yesterday. Hundreds of 'em. I, Meowmuh, have to interject here--it was only 30. The Cat Authors misrepresent facts. They say:  "That's our story and we're stickin' to it."  And they do.  The conversation ends when, in unison, they launch into a grooming session.   

The BlogPaws Conference in South Carolina gave each attendee big swag bags of toys, food, etc.  PetSafe's SlimCat Interactive Cat Feeder was in the bag. I filled the plastic balls with their fav dry food and set them on the floor. Inkee-Bear figured it out first. Each ball holds 2/3 cup of dry food/treats; they are dishwasher safe with BPA-free plastic. It provides small portions while they 'hunt' their food and expend energy. This is not a sponsored ad. This is simply what the Cat Authors do best - eat.

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Hemingway admired the spirit and independence of cats. His first cat was given to him by a ship's Captain. It was a white, six-toed (polydactyl) cat named Snow White. He was fascinated by polydactyl (Latin for extra digits) cats. Most of his cats were then polydactyls. Only a polydactyl cat can parent another polydactyl (a dominant gene). The Maine Coon is the first breed known to have this trait but any breed can be polydactyl. The polydactal paw with the extra thumb is larger giving the appearance of the cat wearing mittens.  

Spring is here.  Birds are chirping, singing and building nests. Easter is just around the corner.  Remember the beauty and fragrance of Easter Lilies? How can something so achingly beautiful kill our cats?  According to The Humane Society of the United States:  "Cats are poisoned by any part of a lily."  Please do not place lily flowers or plants in your home.  If you place them outside, feral and indoor-outdoor cats are at risk.  Keep our felines safe over Easter.