Where in the World was Jinx.

Jinx as you all know, is my adventure seeking little fluffy cat. She  is her own girl, loves most people and other animals, even the dog. She will nose touch even Mr. Pees a lot, aka Jekyll. But the call of the wild is strong in this one, so much so that an open door is an invite to escape into the unknown. Does not matter that food or water is available to her or not, off she will go. Like there is a voice in her head that says the grass is always greener on the other side. Hmm, what the fluffy one doesn't know is she really doesn't have wild cat instincts in her and that the outside is fraught with so may dangers. Just the strong hold the outside has on her banishes all of the smart cat reasoning in her head. So on Jinx's last adventure she was outside for 24 hours. I had the feeling she was stuck under the neighbors house. Because the neighbor has a small yippy dog, this kept Jinx under the house no matter what anyone did to coax her out. We left food and water close to the spot we knew she had gotten in. I checked often before I had to turn in for the night, just hoping she would manage to sneak out, but I am sure she was scared witless, as the yippy dog barks at the slightest noise. The next day, 24 hours later I spoke to my Grandson and ask that he go and sit outside for awhile to coax Jinx out, he agreed, and about a half hour of him sitting outside, away from his video game, she came out from under the house, in what he describes as very fluffed out agitated cat. So much for your grand adventure Jinx. I would like to say I told you so, but because your a cat, and have your ideas as to what is right and wrong, you will not listen. But maybe just maybe this last adventure will stick and the fear you felt will remain in your head. Happy Momma Cat.

This if everyone remembers is my Big Guy Jekyll. He is a big oh softy, unless he is having a moment, which we all have. Jekyll has what is called a fatty tumor on his side, and will be undergoing surgery for it on August 19th. Now I am a bit concerned about this, okay big time concerned, but I have faith that everything will be okay. So if everyone could say a little prayer for the Big Guy he would appreciate that, so would Momma Cat. Hugs from Catdom.

Why don't Cats and Dogs live as long as humans.

The biggest share of this blog are taken from Petplace.com, the author is Dr. Debra. Of course as always I do interject my own comments. I know one of the biggest concerns of mine concerning the Catdom, is the mortality of the clowder.( Remember this is a group of cats) I often wonder how I will take the death of one of my furry babies. I really don't care to know, but must face facts. Anyway on to the article. To answer this, consider that everything about a dog or cats life, from their growth to ability to learn is accelerated. Tooth development is a great example of this. Puppies and kittens are born with no teeth, begin to acquire their baby teeth in as little as 3 weeks, and have all their baby teeth by 45 days. Puppies and kittens have their adult teeth by the time they are 6 months old. Another way that growth is accelerated is in the reproductive process. This requires a great deal of energy to be expended by our pets. Dogs and Cats can be reproductively active as young as 6 months old.(I recommend spaying or neutering your furry baby as so as your vet gives the go ahead) Dogs and Cats deliver their young in 60 to 65 days. Imagine the energy that this takes. They often produce litters of a few to a dozen offspring. I'm exhausted just thinking about that. All of this expedited growth means that the bodies of Dogs and Cats do an immense amount of work that can hasten the aging process. In addition the metabolism of Dogs and Cats is much higher than humans, who burn calories at about half the rate of most common animals companions. With all of this acceleration, the senior years start early. For Cats, it may be as early as age 8; for Dogs the senior age frequently starts at 4 or 5 years of age. For large breed Dogs or giant breed dogs especially. Smaller Dogs this can start at age 8 or more years old. This still doesn't answer the question of why the life spans of Dogs and Cats are so much shorter. As it turns out, when all was said and done (with the research) it was learned that no one really knows why it happen. So even though the few things mentioned in the article are related to the lifespan of our furry ones does impact their lives, we need to do all we can to safeguard their lives. I feel it is important that they get balance nutrition, plenty of fresh water, exercise, and lots of love and attention. Why else did you get your furry baby but to care and love them, and to have the most awesome companion. Happy Cats.

Where in the world is Jinx.

Jinx is an escape artist. She thinks that outside is better than inside. I'm not so sure about that. When Jinx makes her escape she always ends up in the same place. So much for leaving home. I called home on my way back from visiting and ask that the AC be turned on. It was pretty warm outside, and I just wanted to be able to relax when I got home, plus when it's so hot who the heck can sleep. This is especially true when five cats reside in your house, and of course they all think that the bed is the place to be. Who cares if Momma Cat is hot. Jinx was missing. I wasn't real upset as I knew where she would be. So even though we covered this before, the story isn't over. Jinx decided it was time to escape again. Yes I was gone again. This time I was at work, but she had gotten out first thing in the morning, and the Bearded One wasn't having any more of this mess. So Jinx is gone again. I asked my Grandson to look for her and when I got home, I would do the same. This time, I couldn't even get the fluffy escape artist to come home. I was sad, so sad. My poor little fluffy kitten was gone, and this time I feared the worst. That night all of the cats were acting strange, one of there own was missing. They were sad. Jinx hadn't came home.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Those of us here in the Catdom would like to say "Happy Father's Day" to all of the fathers in the world. Sometimes Dad's don't get the recognition that they deserve. Well we would like to say we appreciate Dads. My Dad has been gone for a long time over 20 years, and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. It may just be a fleeting moment or a memory of something from my childhood. So always remember to call your Dad, just to say nothing but, I Love you. Happy Father's Day Dad, I know you watch over me. Happy Cats and grateful daughter.

Jinx, the escapee. Or I spent the Night away.

At my house never assume anything, and I mean anything. Jinx likes the outside, and will try anything to get there. So last weekend I call home when I am on my way from the beautiful north. It was hot and sticky, I figured by the time I got home all I would want was a nice shower, and to be cool. So as I call, my family is like we didn't know we could turn on the air. Duh! And then I get the news. Ah Mom, Jinx got out sometime last night, not sure when, and so did Jezz, but we found her. We looked for Jinx, and just can't find her. So as I am driving, I think great just great. But I remain calm. I tell them that she is under the neighbors house. I am then informed that it had been raining quite a bit at home, and everything was soaked, especially under the neighbors deck. Okay she's still under the house I say, go out bend over and call kitty, kitty. When I get home I go and start calling for her. Nothing. I still know she is under the house. Cat Mom knows. I check again in about 30 minutes after I shower, still nothing, so I just let it be. She has to be hungry, and wet. She will come home. After awhile I think, dumb cat, I'm going to bed soon, and I need her to come home. Once again out the door over to the neighbors, calling here Jinx, come on kitty, kitty. Then I hear her crazed meow, I'm here come get me. She had decided to finally come from under the house. Now if you can imagine a wet muddy long haired cat, well that's what I had before me. So I scoop her up and proceed to the house, thinking I'm going to have to give this cat a bath. Not even a favorite thing to do. I'd rather walk through fire. I get her inside rub some mud off her, put her down, and off she goes to the food and water. Dumb cat. Hope your big adventure was worth it. Happy cat. After thought, my poor family was beside themselves, cause they lost Jinx, all I was thinking, hmm now you know how your Mom feels when I can't find you either. Serves you all right. Parent Logic.

Good Morning.

What a fine day it is. Yes it's a bit foggy, but so what. Thought I would tell you a story about Jeykll. Now we all remember that Jeykll is a large black cat. His nickname is Mr. Pees A lot, sorry buddy. Well for some reason a few months ago he started to sleep on the pillow next to me a night. Heck if I know why. He would wait until I was all settled for the night and just before I turned off the light he would sit on the floor and meow, so I would tell him okay come on up. He would jump on the bed walk over the top of me, nearly crushing me, not really but it felt like it. He would then arrange the pillow with his paws and lay down with his head on the pillow. Just like a tiny human. I have never figured out this behavior, but it is one of the things he does. I am always amazed by the things the cats will do, fix blankets to their liking, sleep in odd positions, chase things only they can see. Sleep on my keyboard while I am typing, Jinx. Race around the house, irate each other. Attack my feet when I make the bed, because someone is always under the bed waiting for a victim. Drop furry mice on the bed, and somehow always find them under the covers. How do they do that anyway. Made bed, mouse under covers. Magic I guess. Well that's all for today. Enjoy your day. Hugs from the Catdom. Happy Cat.

It's been a long time.

It's Saturday June 13. We've been gone a long time. Things to do people to see. The Catdom is doing fine, they are all fat and sassy, Momma Cat included. We have missed checking in with the world everyday, but as I said things to do. Over the last few months we have evolved and grown. I fixed up the house, it is oh so much more cat friendly. Away with the carpet in the living room, Phantom can now throw up cat food without me having to scrub carpeting. Nasty job that is. Mr. Pees a lot and I have come to an understanding. I don't leave my bathmat on the floor after I shower and he doesn't pee on it. Winter was tough on everyone it was so cold, and the cats did have cabin fever along with Momma Cat. We just wanted to throw open the windows so we could hear the birds sing, and take in all the wonderful smells. Hmm Coffee is ready, need coffee. Oh that's good. First cup always makes me smile. That is until a cat comes along and has to investigate the cup and shake a few hairs into it. That would most likely be Jinx, you know she just loves to type. But today no cats. I'm visiting a friend, the house is quite and I am enjoying the peacefulness. Momma Cat just has to get away from the RAT RACE once in awhile. Even though the kitties are in capable hands, and being fed, watered and the litter boxes scooped I do worry about them. They are my furry babies, part of my family. I know when I arrive home tomorrow Jezz, will snub me, Phantom the attention whore will follow me everywhere, Sophia still mostly could care less, Jekyll will look at me and I know he is thinking, really you left me with the bearded one, Jinx, happy girl will just be happy. Well that's all for now, I'm going to enjoy my coffee and the view outside. We have so many new pictures to add so you can see everyone is fine, still have that upload problem, but never fear, it's all good, we will borrow another computer and be back in business. So from the Catdom, Have the BEST DAY. Happy Cats, Happy Momma Cat. Hugs.

Cat First Aid Kit.

I never thought about it but I am sure a first aid kit for my pets would make a lot of sense. So to make your own get a see thru plastic container. On the inside of the lid place a list with the following number. The Animal Poison Control number, Your Vet's phone number, and the Local Veterinary Hospital. Also have handy in a plastic bag your pets health records. Keep in mind that a lot of things we have in are homes are toxic to our pets. The following are handy to have in your pets first aid kit. 1) Tweezers to remove splinters. 2) Nail Trimmer. 3) Scissors, handy for hair clumps or foreign objects tangles in their fur. Be careful not to cut to close. 4) Betadine Sponges for cleaning wounds, with an antibacterial cleanser. 5) Saline Solution to remove dirt or foreign objects from eyes. 6) Peroxide. Only use if instructed by an Emergency Animal Hospital. This induces vomiting. Do not use on wounds. 7) Triple Antibiotic Ointment.. 8) Sterile Telpha pads, non sticky, these are to place under bandages, so as not to stick to the fur. 8) Bandages. Well this isn't a hard list to gather up, and as always it is best to consult with your vet when in doubt. Happy Healthy Cats.

Hanukkah Safety.

We found this interesting article about pets and Hanukkah, and wanted to share. Hanukkah brings excitement with rich foods, toys, gifts and the beautiful Menorah. It can be easy to forget these traditions as well as Christmas traditions are not always good for our pets. Plan ahead to insure the safety of the fluffy members of your family. 1)Donuts, also known as Sufganiyot, are made of fried dough filled with artificially colored red custard or jelly and sprinkled with powered sugar. This pastry sounds yummy but is loaded with fat, sugar and lots of calories. A pet ingesting a Sufganiyot could suffer severe gastrointestinal distress. 2)Latkes. Oh so delicious. We use to make these at Christmas when I was a child. My mom sometimes tried things from other cultures at Christmas, this was a favorite. These are made with shredded potatoes, eggs, and fresh diced onions, fried and topped with sour cream or applesauce. Fresh onions can cause Heinz body anemia in pets. Onions are toxic to dogs as well as cats. 3)Chocolate Gold Coins. At Hanukkah children eagerly await to receive these foiled covered chocolate coins. Leaving them in places pets can reach and eat them can cause severe toxicity in pets, as well as foil ingested can cause major problems. 4) Dreidel. These are really neat four sided tops. The top spinning can draw the attention of your family pet. Keep these and other small toys out of reach. 5) Menorah. This is the symbol of Hanukkah. Over eight days the candles are lit until the Menorah is fully ablaze. Keep pets away for home, human and pet safety. Happy Hanukkah.

Top Ten Holiday Decorations to Avoid.

This article is Jinx approved. There are always things to avoid during any holiday, it just seems as though Christmas may just have a few more to be careful of with pets in the home. 1)The Tree Itself. Make sure your tree is secure especially if you have a real tree. Dogs jump cats climb. Finding the safest place to put your tree may not always prove to be easy. Do your best. I am lucky that my furry ones stay out of the tree. 2)Imitation Snow. Not such a good idea. It sure is pretty but very toxic to your pets. 3)Preservatives On Your Tree or in the Water. Water is tempting to your pets. Chemical preservatives are sometimes used on trees to keep them fresh longer. This can leach into the water bowl, so cover the water bowl with a tree skirt, aluminum foil, or anything that will keep your pets out of the bowl. 4)Edible Ornaments. The cute little ornaments that Susie made in school are wonderful on the tree. But they are dangerous to Fido. Candy Canes are fun as well but not so much for your pets. Place them high just like the cute ornaments. 5)Lit Candles Oh the season is so much better when the house smells good with a beautiful burning candle. Left unattended they are one of the most dangerous items you can have in your home. This is true of children and pets alike. Keep the candles in a safe secure place. 6)Christmas Lights. Make sure those lights are securely tucked in the tree and on windows. Secure extension cords as well. Chewing on the lights not so good. Maybe you have seen National Lampoons Christmas Vacation movie, when the cat chews on the Christmas lights and gets fried. Not really funny. 7)Holly Berries, and Holly. Beautiful but toxic to children and pets alike. If you enjoy having this as a decoration, keep out of reach of pets and children. 8)Angel Hair. This is a blast from the past. You could use it to decorate your tree, oh how pretty but it made you itch. It is no longer on the market, but you may have some vintage ornaments that have it on them. Place this securely in a display case or leave packed away. 9)Delicate or Treasured Ornaments. Make sure these are placed securely high on your tree. Shattered glass ornaments can end up in your pets eyes, fur and stuck in a paw. 10)Tinsel. Skip the tinsel. It just creates such a mess, and you find it for weeks after the tree is down. Ingesting it can cause your pet a intestinal obstruction which can be deadly. Opt for garland and secure it well and not to low. I hope you found these tips helpful. I know it is a bit late in the season, but we have been very busy. Happy Cats.

Do Cats have Separation Anxiety?

Yes they do. Just ask me I have personally viewed this first hand. My Momma cat Jezz is the Queen of Separation Anxiety. This is one cat who knows when I am going to visit relatives. I don't even have to say the words, she just knows. I suppose the extra activity on my day off my be a clue. Jezz will follow me as I pack a bag, will sit on the bathroom counter as I brush my teeth, comb my hair and put on makeup. All the while she will be rubbing up on me and meowing very pitifully. I feel really bad but I do have family to visit and with five cats I do make sure everything is in place, but with Jezz no one is as good as Mom. I don't have any real solutions to this problem, other than just to make sure everyone is comfy before I leave and that I personally feed and water everyone before I go. I spend a few minutes with each cat and a few extra with Jezz. I am never gone long, but to her it must seem like an eternity. My son makes sure she stays out of harms way, this is the one who thinks all of the other cats are evil, and makes her own trouble. So yes separation anxiety is real. Think of your furry babies like children, and try to make everything as calm as possible when you must go away. Well I have an emergency, Mr. Pees a Lot dragged my bath mat off the side of the tub and peed on it. Good Grief.

WOW we must of gotten lost.

Well I have only one excuse. It is the holiday season and boy have I been busy. You know decorating cats, baking with cats, shopping with cats. You get the picture. The tree went up and I had lots of help sorting out the color coded branches. Jinx scattering one pile and Sophia laying on another pile. It took twice as long to get the tree up because I had to resort all of the branches. Then we started on the lights. Around and around I go along with Jekyll and Phantom getting in on the act, then Jezz wants to help but the boys wouldn't let her. So she goes and sulks in the corner. Then comes sorting out the ornaments for the tree, no one cares so I am left in peace for a bit. I get the ornaments on the tree and then get out the wide velvet ribbon I use instead of garland, this is grabbed by Sophia and out to the kitchen she goes. When I get it back and on the tree it is time to repack everything we don't use. I have to keep taking cats out of the packing carton, and when I finally get it packed it goes to the shed. Thinking I am safe to head out the door, out sneaks Jezz. I drop the box and start after her when the screen door swings open and here comes Miss Sneaky Jinx. I have to grab her or she runs off to explore, Jezz is happily munching on grass. I let her and store the boxes, then grab Jezz which makes her very unhappy. The tree looks really nice and we sit down to enjoy it. Happy Cats.

Naming your New Puppy.

What's in a name? Plenty I tell you. Just as naming our children, which they have to carry the rest of their lives, naming a new puppy is important. How do you figure out what is the best name? Sometimes naming our pets can be very complicated. I know that when Sophia came home I didn't name her for two or three weeks. She grew into her name. But more importantly the naming of a new puppy can be difficult at best. There are some things to take into consideration. One of those is the fact is easier for a dog to understand two syllabled names. Some examples are Bella, Buddy, Cosmo, Lucky and Rocky. The name you give your dog is one of the ways that you communicate with them. So the more complicated the name the less your dog will understand that you are calling them. I know show dogs have long drawn out names for their pedigrees, but at best they are probably called some shortened version. So there are plenty of places to look up names for dogs, and make sure it is a simple two syllabled name so when you communicate with your new family member they will understand who you are speaking to. Also the way you speak to your dog is important as well, they do pick up on the tone of your voice. This is a Jinx approved article. Happy Cats.

Tips to keep Pets safe this Holiday

Be careful when you deck the halls. Trees with decorations low to the ground tinsel and garland are all so inviting to cats and dogs. So if you love your pets and care about your special ornaments be careful where you place them. Buy the kitty or dog a new toy and hopefully it will help prevent them from being in the tree. Be wire conscious. When hanging lights make sure that they are tucked into the tree real good and if you use an extension cord make sure it is secure as well. This goes for outdoor lighting as well, make sure wildlife cannot get tangled either. Save human treats for humans. Fido or Miss Kitty may beg for a treat you are having this holiday season, but don't give in, grab them a special treat when you go grocery shopping, and keep that on hand for those moments. Bundle up. When taking the pooch out for his walk keep in mind some of our furry friends do not have a very thick coat, so a coat that is lined or quilted is ideal for your furry friend. Boots help as well. Get your pet in on some holiday fun. Take a walk around your neighborhood or the local park and check out the decorations. This not only gives you some time with your pet and helps you to wind down, but your pet gets some exercise. Also they will pick up on the excitement in your voice as you ooh and ahh over the decorations. Put your pets on the nice list. Pets need Christmas presents as well as you. It is a great time to replace those old and worn out toys, and get some special treats. Create a quite space for your pets. If having friends and family over for the holidays have a space set up for your furry babies to rest and get away from all the merriment. They will thank you. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

A Day to be Thankful for.

Today is Thanksgiving. This is a day to give thanks for all that we know and love. Today is also a day to remember loved ones far and near. Sometimes people say I have nothing to be thankful for, but just maybe deep down in your heart you know you do have at least one thing. So let me remind everyone that at this time of year when we are busy preparing for the Holidays we may have people whom we forgot to check in with, a distant friend or family member, an elderly neighbor or even your own parents. So this year instead of being stressed out because your children want all of the fancy new gadgets you can't really afford, do something nice for and elderly neighbor. Donate your time and your kids time to help feed the homeless. Donate time at a rescue shelter for animals, or just donate a portion of the money you were going to spend on that ugly sweater for Uncle Harry, or that toy for Little Johnny will break in two days to doing something good for someone who has nothing. Even the smallest thing can bring joy to someone who maybe lonely during the Holidays. I am grateful for my children and grandchildren. I don't hear from or see them a lot, but I am still grateful that they are in my life. I love my children, they are good kids. Check on your Mother kids. I am grateful that I have five wonderful cats. They make me crazy some days but, bring joy to my life. I am grateful that I have a job I like, and people whom I work with are good people. They can also make me a bit crazy but that's life. I am especially grateful for all of my family who are far and near. I am grateful for the lessons my Mom taught me, and for my Dad teaching me how to be a farmer. So today take a moment and reflect on what you are grateful for, may it be small or large, and love one another all year long. Happy Cat.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Pet Owners.

If you wish to feed Harry the Dog or Miss Priss the Cat turkey, keep these things in mind. Fully cooked turkey no bones, and no skin or fat. Just a few tidbits mixed into their dry or wet food is suffice. If you like stuffing with your turkey, great. Harry and Miss Priss don't. Most stuffing contains a herb called sage. This can cause gastrointestinal upset and also central nervous system depression to pets, if eaten in large quantities. So best bet, don't serve stuffing to your furry babies. Better safe than sorry. Keep in mind a lot of Vets are also are taking the day off and if you have a pet emergency an Animal hospital is going to cost double. Keep them from raw eggs as well. Some tips for dog owners. Yes to turkey. No to onions, garlic, leeks, and scallions. Yes to plain mashed potatoes. No to grapes or raisins. These can cause kidney failure in dogs. Yes to cranberry sauce. No to Xylitol, artificial sweetners. Yes to macaroni and cheese. No to chocolate. Yes to green beans. No to alcohol. So as we all know everyone over eats on Thanksgiving, well most people sometimes myself included. But that doesn't give us free license to over feed our furry babies. They can suffer from stomach distress as well as we can, but in their case it can make them more miserable than humans. So even though you want to fix Harry or Miss Priss a plate do it in moderation. They will thank you and you will feel better knowing that you didn't over do the sharing of the Thanksgiving meal. Happy Cat.

Relax, Ha, Ha.

I just felt it in my bones, today I would go home and enjoy a nice cup of hot coffee, and some relaxing music, maybe do a load of laundry, just kick back and enjoy the evening. Right, I mean wrong, wrong, wrong. I feed the kitties their food, and as they finish Jekyll cleans up everyone's dishes, I sit down to relax. Nope not happening. Jezz for once is sitting peacefully on the couch and Phantom decides to aggravate her. He runs right up to the couch and takes a stance of dominance. Well she isn't having any of that nonsense and starts batting the couch, like she is trying to make him back off, and he keeps coming at her like the Roman army. I have to get up and stop the nonsense as everyone else decides to get in on the act. Little Sophia starts snarling, then Jinx gets her tail in a knot, Jekyll saunters over to check it out gets swatted for his efforts by Sophia, Jinx starts advancing on Phantom. Mom grabs the nearest weapon. The dreaded squirt bottle. Makes the fiendish clan scatter to the far reaches of the domain. Everyone finally comes back to the living room and settles down, I get back to my now cold coffee, and think maybe, just maybe tomorrow will be my day. Tired Mom, Settled Kitties.

Cat Love.

Do you think it is possible to love your cats to much? Well I certainly don't think so. But of course I have been referred to as The Crazy Cat Lady. I have drugs for that, I'm not crazy. Beside the point. I do think that some people are more in touch with their pets then they are people, and I have heard that, those people just don't relate well to people. Now everyone has an opinion about some thing or other. I for one think that having pets are healthy. They can help to keep you active, if you have a dog, walks are needed, its you moving, and they like to chase things, keeps you moving. Sure you have to pick up their poo, but it is just part of owning a dog, keeps you moving. Cats also like to play and this can be very interactive. Cats like to be chased around, they like to have you at eye level, and in my case they style my hair. Pets can keep you occupied if your alone, and they do enjoy having a cup of coffee with you in the morning, they can keep you company when you read the morning paper, and make you laugh when you are grumpy. Just try making a bed when a cat is around, at my house it is a challenge to make the bed, but we make a game of changing the bedding, and it makes me laugh. So I guess if loving your pet makes you a crazy person, then I guess you can call me The Crazy Cat Lady. Jinx I'm done, no leave the keyboard alone, no I don't need help, Jinxxxxxxxxxx.

Toxic Plants.

Tis the season for people to bring plants into the house for the holidays. The biggest plant that people buy for the holidays of course re Poinsettia's. These are beautiful flowering plants, and come in many colors, and some are dyed to achieve the blue and green colors which are beautiful at best. But the Poinsettias are highly toxic to cats, and children as well. I checked on line to see how many plants where toxic to cats and the list contains 399 plants. Here are just a sample. Aloe, Amaryllis, also a holiday favorite, American Holly, Apple, Peace Lily, Pothos, all things many people have in their homes or yards. Here are some things to watch for. Since many plants are irritants especially for the gastrointestinal tract, most symptoms seen will be the result of irritation or inflammation. Such as redness, swelling, or itchiness of the skin or mouth. Some toxic principles directly affects a particular organ, the symptoms will be related to that organ. Examples Difficulty breathing (airways affected). Drooling or difficulty swallowing (mouth, throat, or esophagus affected). Vomiting (if stomach or intestines affected). Diarrhea ( if the intestines or colon are affected). Excessive drinking and urinating (if kidneys are affected). Fast, slow or irregular heart beat (if heart affected). Should you see any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. The best thing to do is of course not have these plants in your home, but should you be careful. Children as well as dogs can be affected by these plant as well. So here in the Catdom we wish everyone a Happy Holiday, but we also wish our many furry friends a Safe and Happy Holiday.