Ten Ways To stop Fleas. Yikes.

Fleas are a problem for most people at best. Fleas are annoying and irritating to our pets and some humans as well. My mother cannot tolerate insect bites of any kind, and the bites swell up on her. So if you imagine that a mosquito bite on you, think of fleas on your furry babies. Now last year we had a real bad bout of fleas here, I along with the cats where just beside ourselves. Flea baths, flea floor spray, and of course the treatment on the shoulder blades. So here are ten things to do. I did get the gist of the information from one of my fave web sites, but the comments are purely me. 1. Spot on treatments. These include Advantage II, Pet Guard, Sentry, and others. I have to watch what I put on my Little Sophia, she can only tolerate Advantage II. The rest have something in them that makes her really sick, no matter how carefully it is applied. I almost forgot there is a brand that is what I will call organic, not as effective but she can tolerate that one really well, cannot remember the name but it's pretty good. 2.Oral medications. These come from your vet. If you have children these are the best as you don't have to wait for them to dry for the kids to be able to play or pet the kitty. 3.Flea shampoos, these can be effective but, just try bathing a clawing scratching wet cat who really, really, doesn't want a bath. These are only effective for about two weeks and then you can don the steel elbow length gloves again. Be my guest. 4. Flea collars. I do not recommend at all. Some people use them I have a great fear of pet choking. Or if indoor outdoor pet, getting caught on something and you get the picture. I am sure the pet collar people hate me now. Goes with the territory. 5. Powder and sprays, though may be effective, they can be tricky to apply and you have to not breath it nor should the animal, then there is the whole Sophia Jinx grooming thing, not so good. Okay so I alienated another group of people. Deal with it. 6. Vacuum your house. This needs to be done daily and also run the hose attachment along the base boards inside the couch, you get the drift. Wash all of the animals bedding, and yours as well. Don't forget the cat tree houses either. 7.Household sprays and foggers. If you got them bad this may be your only way to eliminate the problem. Call Orkin, Rose, or any reliable company. The pets and your self have to leave, and the pets need to be gone a full 48 hours. Expensive I know. 8. Flea traps, never have seen these so not real sure about them, maybe someone out there has, let me know. 9. Clean Your House, I mean go through it like a mad dog, because of course you are at this point. You should throw the drapes and throw pillows in the dryer hot setting for about ten minutes. Sweep hardwoods and tiled floors good, and mop with a good cleaning product, clean the kitty toys or hey maybe they need new ones so throw em out. Get Jekyll new boxes to sleep in and well it's fall time to get going and clean up. 10. Keep your yard clear. Mow that lawn, keep weeds and brush down, and maybe have someone come in and spray your lawn, just remember that the animals cannot walk on it for a period of time. Check with the company you hire. I know this is a lot of info, but you and your family well be much happier for it all. Happy Cat.

Random Thoughts.

Everyone has random thoughts. I have them all the time, well not all the time, but a favorite is when I am in the walk in closet and as I come out a cat is usually sitting on the counter and a paw reaches out and snags me. Another favorite of mine is when a cat is peeking up at me from the floor and as I lean over to see what's up, I get jumped. I have a cat in the face, or swiped by a paw. My cats perform random acts of kindness and I think that people should follow suit. If I am sad a cat will always comfort me and cuddle with me. I get kitty kisses if I have had a long tiring day from Jinx, and head butts from Phantom, all random acts, as I am sure they don't always give it much thought. Random acts of kindness should be just that random, without much thought and something to make others feel better. So as August winds down and the children go back to school, be thankful for the kindness of your family and friends. Hug your family, cuddle your pets and randomly make someone's life just a bit better, weather it be human or furry. Happy Cats.

Sisterly Love, Or So It Seems.

Jinx and Sophia are quite the pair. Where as Jinx is a love muffin Sophia is cool and aloof. But find them together and they are adorable. The two of them got along pretty much from the beginning when Sophia was old enough to play. They will curl up together in the same chair, or on the floor. They groom each other. but they do have their moments. Jinx as I have mentioned will run about like she is crazed, and Sophia will watch totally disinterested in all of the antics in the house. But just let one of them be picked on by the other cats and they each go into protection mode. It is like to say don't mess with my sister. Human children will do the same thing. They can pick on each other, but just let someone else try and one will protect the other in a heartbeat. I find that my furry children are so much like my own children when they where young. The oldest would pick on the youngest, and the youngest would make the older one crazy, but they always had each others back. Cats are the same. Today I would like to send condolences to a friend who had to put to rest his elderly kitty. His kitty was 18 years old, and I know it was very tough for him, even though he wouldn't really say it was so. So may your furry friend rest in peace, and find new found energy in Kitty Heaven. For here in our house we Believe all Kitties go to Heaven.

Top Reasons your Cat Hates the Litter Box.

Well I know this one first hand, I have a very finicky cat who cannot tolerate a dirty litter box, he is right now laying on the floor tired from his walk. Passed out more like it. Now at my house when I mean dirty it better not have any lumps in it at all. He prefers the litter box in the bathroom and I keep that one probably the cleanest. This litter box is a large Sterlite brand storage container, and fits him to a T. Placement is very important to cats and sometimes depending on your situation it can be very trying to figure out what is the best place. Currently I also have litter boxes in my backroom, which on laundry day finds me dodging cats and boxes. I have read suggestions that if you have a spare closet, try that for the cat to have privacy. I find that if the cat has that kind of privacy someone will surly try and corner said cat in the box and cause a ruckus. So no closets or lids on said litter boxes. If you have a quite corner maybe block it with a screen of some type. You could easily make one. I could look up plans and show you how. Of course you can buy all types of fancy furniture to put litter boxes in, but hey they can be expensive. Changing litter can cause issues for some cats, and I have had some litters I refuse to buy as the smell offends me. So I try and get something that is low odor, and or no odor. Cats are very sensitive to certain smells, and if it smells bad to you think what it smells like to them. Finding the right litter box is important as well. Like I said I have one that is very large for my Big Guy, and he likes it. If a litter box is to small you can end with a cat who very well may find somewhere else to go to the bathroom. Changes in a cats environment can also cause litter box issues, if your household under goes changes a cats habit may change as well. A cat with anxiety is not a happy cat. So if you have changes in the home, remember the cat is effected as well. Territorial disputes can cause problems as well, I know this first hand as I have five cats. Yes I am nuts. I have seen this one first hand and it usually involves Momma Cat. If someone thinks he or she is not getting enough attention it causes problems and my special guy pees on the floor just outside of the litter box, or my favorite on my bathmat when I forget to hang it over the tub. So as you can see lots of things effect a cat and their litter box uses. But the one thing I didn't say was... if it seems to be a drastic change in your cat call a vet. So that's the scoop for today. Happy Cat.

For Me?

Jekyll has a box fetish. I don't care if the box is for him or has something in for someone else. Jekyll thinks that all boxes are his. Now this box had picture albums in it that I needed to go through and fix, not for Jekyll. I set the box down near my chair and was thinking a cup of coffee sounded good before I got started, when I returned to the living room, here is Jekyll trying to stick his head into the tiny opening. I watched him for a bit snapping pictures, he sniffs the box walks to the other side, steps up on it, thank goodness he didn't jump on it. He tries to get the lid off, goes back to the handle hole sticks his face into it again then a paw, over and over. Finally I walk over and move the box so I can take stuff out of it. He sits down watching me like okay lets get on with it I'm waiting. I take everything out and in he jumps. Well another box lost to Jekyll. Happy Jekyll.

Dance of the cats.

Cats Dance. At least at my house they do, and dance well I might add. The dances vary from morning to night. The morning dance consist of mom moving her feet on the bed and a cat dances around them to avoid the kick off. The next dance is at the bathroom sink, or sitting on the sink and doing the paw swat dance. The sink dance involves me dodging the cat as he or she moves along the counter in my way I might add, and artfully moving around the sink and in front of me as I get ready for work, this will also include the cat who tippy taps on my shoulder for attention dance. My favorite in the morning is I need a drink dance with a cat artfully swaying and swishing to get me to turn on the sink for a drink from the tap dance. Play on words there. This one is where a cat turns themselves upside down to drink from the faucet. The afternoon dance is waiting at the door for me to open the door and try to dodge out the door dance, with me a blocking the way, not easy when five cats are dancing to the tune of LET ME OUT. Its a rather obnoxious song. On to the bedroom to see who can knock over mom with a running through the bedroom dance, this involves me ducking the cat on the dresser flying to the bed, and ending up in the bathroom with the two big cats interrupting well you know. They will intertwine around my feet, not easy for big cats, and intertwine around each other and it is all rather graceful. They stop and do so at the same time one to be petted and the other to wait his turn and then on again. The kitchen dance is just a marvel. All five are dancing to and fro to be the first to receive a nice bowl of chow. Sophia will dance across the counter to try and get the first bowl, sorry Sophia, get down, then fluffy butt aka Jinx tries to dance her way to the bowl as well, this leaves three cats to dance around the kitchen floor in circles that intertwine each other until the bowls are served. The mouse dance is a dance that only Phantom does, he will get a furry mouse and swat it into the air and dance around the mouse when it lands, then it flies into the air again and again, till he is tired of the dance. So yes Virginia Cats Do Dance.

Is my cat bored? Probably

I get a lot of information from the net about cats, as well as from my own experiences. After all with five cats, count them, never mind. I do learn a lot by just watching interactions at my own house, and because I am curious as a two year old, I subscribe to several web sites for new information to bring you and learn something new myself. So I found this article on the net, unfortunately I forgot which one. Yes cats do get bored. I know that boredom in cats makes them sleep way to much. So during the day while I work they sleep. Not when I get home. I try and interact with each cat everyday. Weather it is cuddling, brushing or going outside, I try and make life more interesting. Sometimes it is hard as I am tired from 10 hour work days. I talk to each cat, who knows what they understand, it doesn't matter, like right now, Jinx get off the keyboard. Or Jezzabel who proofreads everything I type. Seriously. So here are some suggestions to fight boredom. One of my suggestions is get catnip. It is fun to watch a cat roll his big black self all over the stuff. He doesn't eat it just rolls in it. My own suggestion. Window views are important for cats. If you can get a window perch, my windows will not hold one but I have cats perches in front of my windows for them to view the world. Put a bird feeder outside a window for more kitty fun. Scratching post are important, not only does it help kept the furniture safe, it lets them stretch. Create refuges for them, places high and low, they like this, Jekyll has one in the closet, Sophia the cupboard above my counter, and Jezz has her bed tucked under a pie safe. Places they can view what is going on are good. Pet toys are important, a variety is good and they do pick out what they like, our fave here is little furry mice, and sparkly balls. Play time with your cat is good, get a small dowel and attach a sturdy string on it and wrap a toy onto the string and bounce that around for the cat to chase. Also ribbon wiggling on the floor is interesting. Pens on the counter are fun at my house. A nice sunny spot is always welcome, and needed by cats, and if you are able just set up that bird feeder by a sunny window as well. Happy Cat.

The Crime Scene and the Cat.

This is Phantom's story. The crime scene is a reenactment you know just like on crime shows. Now I know that you have all seen those cute videos of cats unrolling the potty paper on Youtube or other such places, well so have I but never in my own home. My bedroom has it's own bathroom, and one late afternoon I was watching television in my room unwinding from a long day. I saw Phantom walk past headed to the bathroom as he likes to drink fresh water out of the faucet, but I knew Jezz was doing just that. So I saw that he was sitting on the commode and went back to watching television. I was enjoying a comedy show I like and wasn't paying attention to what was unfolding in my bathroom, or rather unrolling. Out of the corner of my eye I see what looks like Phantom touching the roll of potty paper, yuk. Oh no, he had in a few seconds unrolled about 10 feet of the stuff onto the floor, and while I'm looking at him, he is still two pawing my paper. Of course my phone wasn't handy to snap that picture. I get up to fix the situation, he is looking at me like WHAT?, and starts to seriously try to fix it himself. What I mean is he is really trying to roll the stuff back up. Now I sometimes wondered why my paper was weird on the roll, I just figured another member of my family used my bathroom, again yuk. Really in retrospect it was quite funny, but I hate waste. I haven't caught him doing it again, but I am sure I will at some future time, Gotta keep an eye on that one. Happy Phantom.

Hmmm.

Well I see that BlogSpot and my pictures still do not work on this computer. I have been able to transfer them on an old XP computer and then save them as a draft so you get to see pictures of the clan. Well I will have to dig it out as I have a lot of pictures to share. I really wish this would get resolved so I could do it all from this computer that I use to post. Oh well, I will get on that tomorrow. We wanted to check in tonight and let you know that no one has escaped since we got new screens on the house. They are really nice screens made by a very handy guy. I just can't say how grateful I am that my little sweeties can't escape, that is such a scary thing to have happen. We have been doing some home improvements since last week and it has been hectic here, the cats don't seem to mind much, but they do tend to be a bit nosey and get in the way. But the work needs to be done as I like my home. Just had a cat jump on my lap and about knock over my pop. Darn cat, not sure why he did that but all is okay. Jekyll got to go out on the leash tonight, but he wanted to go in the road. I think he was trying to escape. For some reason he will not go in the grass, I am not sure why, it seems to freak him out, I will not even try to pick him up and put him down in it, as I am afraid I might be clawed, I do not relish that a bit. But he did enjoy himself much to the distain of Her Highness who really wanted to go out. I can handle only one cat at a time outside, it will be her turn tomorrow, if she is lucky. Everyone else is doing good, Sophia won't go out so I don't have to worry about her. Have a great night everyone. Happy Cat.

10 Commom Disorders of Senior Cats.

Not unlike humans Senior Cats also can be effected by diseases just like humans. For some people this can be very distressful. I have one recommendation if you have the resources. Pet Insurance. This would be something to think about and something you would have to research. What you would like me to do that. Sure I will come up with a list of providers for cats and dogs as well. I can try and get that together in a few days. Vets as well have that information in their offices. 1) Nutritional Concerns. Obesity is very common in older cats. It can effect longevity and cause other problems. Overweight cats can become diabetic and suffer feline lower urinary tract disease. Proper nutrition is very important. 2) Dental Disease. This can be a problem in older cats. Untreated dental disease can lead to tooth loss, and cause infections posing a risk to other body parts. 3) Kidney Disease. This is common in older cats. Caught early it can be treated with special diet and treatment. Screening blood test are recommended. 4) Hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland becomes overactive, often due to a tumor. 5)Diabetes. Unlike people cats that have diabetes can not be treated by changing the diet only. They have to have a daily shot of insulin. 6)Hypertension. Cats with high blood pressure can develop serious illnesses. Such as sudden blindness or heart disease. 7) Heart Disease. Enlargement of the heart, can be treated. 8) Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This is associated with vomiting and diarrhea. 9) Skin Tumors. Lumps and bumps are common findings in elderly cats. 10) Cancer. This is a major problem that faces older cats. All of these can be treated if caught in time, but of course can be costly. I understand that this can be very distressing information. But I felt that it was important to understand that just like us our pets can become ill just like we do. So I will leave you with this, and hope that all your furry babies live long and prosper. All our Hugs, Happy Momma and Happy Cats.

How do you know when your cat is Senior.

As you know cats age just as humans do. They don't stay young forever, as I have often thought of what would happen as my kitties become older. Jezzebel is around 10, and she is know considered a senior cat. She still has crazy kitten moments and I feel glad of that. Like us animals can either age gracefully or not. Our wish is always that they will age gracefully and not suffer of course. At 10 years old you may notice your cat has started to slow down. Aging doesn't effect all cats the same. Even older cats my still be active and playful, have no noticeable physical or mental incapacitation. Others may have age related handicaps just like older humans. Here are some things to consider to help kitty age gracefully. Regular vet visits are important. A good quality cat food is needed. Grooming, as older pets are not as agile and often less interested in taking care of themselves. Keeping them active and playing as often as possible. Tomorrow we will discuss keeping your senior cat healthy. These handy tips and information comes from the web site Petplace.com. Later in the week we well tell the story about "The Cat and The Crime Scene". Pictures will accompany that story. Happy Senior Cat.

Jinx Hijinks.

On Saturday I went visiting, and was gone for quite awhile. When I arrived home, I got out the canned cat food for the kitties. I got out the bowls set them on the counter opened the can, this always brings everyone running. But after I set the bowls down, no Jinx. Hmm. I wonder where she is. I looked high and low, and low and high. In closets, cupboards, everywhere. Then I remembered that when I walked by my son's bedroom window the screen was pushed out a bit. Oh my, she got out I just knew it. I found my son and told him he needed to help look for her. I had no idea how long she had been out, I'm sure it was hours. I finally found her under the neighbors house where she had a spot that Jinx could get under, I had a heck of a time getting her to come out as the neighbor has a yippy little dog, whom the neighbor said had been barking for awhile. It took me ten minutes to get Jinx to come out from under the house. She looked pretty worse for wear, and was all fluffed out as she was scared. Now I know she likes to go outside, but why she didn't come back over to our house I don't know unless she went out back and the dog chased her under the house. So I was then on a mission to get the screen fixed. I had a good friend whom said he could come and fix them. Well Sunday morning I got up went about my business and went to town to get groceries. When I came back I noticed Mr. Pees A Lot had peed on the back room floor and Sophia was trying to bury it with cat litter. So I set about cleaning up the mess and clean the litter boxes. I then headed to my bathroom and as I was walking in my room I see a cat stuck to the outside of my screen. Jinx had gotten out again. I dropped the bag of used litter and ran out the door, and she came running to me. And again I have no idea how long she had been out, but her belly was dirty, so under the house she must of been. Jinx was fine, but I did get those screens fixed, as I would be very sad to loose one of my furry children.

Adopting a New Pet.

I don't know if any of my babies are considered adopted. I consider them to be rescued adopted. Each of them came with a special set of circumstances. I do not regret any of the rescues that I made. Each cat is special and has it's own personality. Some things not so great but I take all of that in stride. When considering getting a pet, you really need to know what you are getting into. You don't just bring the pet home and expect that there isn't any work involved. They must be feed, watered, walked, petted, loved, and loved some more. There is brushing to do, litter boxes to clean, cat or dog food to buy, shots to get, loving to give, patience and so much more. There will be nights with no sleep if you bring home a puppy, there is potting training, and upset bellies. It is just like having children. If you are not up for the job, don't take it on. Do your homework especially if you have children. And if you do they need to be involved in the process. Ask friends and family about pets they may have, call around and talk to vet assistants about the vet you may be interested in and their pricing. If you get a young pet or older pet, check out how it interacts with you and your family. So do your homework, and don't make a decision based on just cuteness factor. Happy Adopting.

Things to look at when adopting from a rescue.

These 10 items are compiled by Nina Stively. Nina has worked in animal welfare for 10 years. She puts together very good things that you need to have on your list to look at when rescuing a cat or dog from this type of place. I feel that it is very important to check out the rescue facility very closely. After the list of items I will talk more about what to look for in adopting a new member for your family. 1) Must be an IRS registered 501c3. A registered non profit can provide transparent financial accountability. 2) Provide accurate and honest temperament information on the animal. 3) Allow you to see where the animals are housed upon request. 4) Know their limits as far as how many animals they can house comfortably and safely. 5) Have a responsible intact process for the animals. 6) Provide the "Five Freedoms" to all animals in their care, for as long as they are with them. Freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. 7) Be adopter friendly. 8) Have the animals spayed/neutered and current on vaccines before they go home. 9) Always take the animal back if the new owner is unable to keep the animal. 10) Provide references. This is a lot to think about but if you go and find all of these items to be true, your chances of finding that special new member of your family and it will be a good experience. Also know that any animal that you bring home deserves to know that this will be their forever home, and that the first few weeks will be hard, probably on you and the new member of your family. There will be adjustment. You can do it if you have a positive outlook on the whole situation, and expect the unexpected. Rescue on.

Hey Look Where I'm At.

As I have talked about before, the smaller the space the happier the cat. As you can see by the picture Jezzebel is one happy camper. I saw her sitting on the table, yes the table it was for the cats anyway to eat from when Jake was still alive. He liked cat food a lot. Anyway she seemed to be sitting higher than she should have been and, I walked over and here she sits inside this basket. Ah Jezz why? I had set it on the table to use for apples and bananas but well after cat butt has been in it I just let her have the basket. Later I found her laying in it. Now of course she doesn't fit very well, but that is how cats are comfortable and feel safe, so I guess she felt very safe as she over flowed the basket a bit. Now Jezz has a very favorite cat bed that we put near the heat in the winter, but I guess dogs like small spaces as well, because our visiting canine has taken it over, not sure if I will be able to get the dog smell out of it, but as it was a bit expensive I will have to try. Maybe if I sprinkle baking soda in it and let it set a bit, that will solve the problem. Poor dog wants to go home so, I just let her be. Happy Dog and Cats.

A Few More Interesting Facts on Cats.

I am sure people know about more about cats than I do. Mostly I learn by reading and interacting with my own clowder, and scouring the internet for anything I can learn. For all of you that don't have time I try to find out things for everyone who may not have the time. It can be very time intensive to look things up. So here goes. These are really good ones I found today. Oops gotta check on dinner, be right back. We are having one of my summer favorites. Bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches on sub buns. Yum. Alright I know bacon bad, but with fresh lettuce and tomatoes so good. On to the topic of the day. 1) Cats loose their baby teeth at 6 months. Interesting. I never noticed. 2) The brain of a cat is biologically closer to a human than that of a dog. 3) Cats detect sounds more acutely than humans can, but also have a finer sense than dogs. 4) In some parts of Australia, black cats are considered a sign of good luck. Hear that Jekyll your going on vacation, to Australia. 5) Cats may hiss or even spit (Jezz) at fellow cats, but they save their meows for communicating with people. 6) According to people that study cats, cats think people are a larger version of cats. That's why I'm momma cat.

Cat Facts to Share with Kids.

Kids are naturally curious. So they always have questions for you. Here are some things that you can share with them, to pique their curious side. You may have to pick and choose, and use what you feel best, also have them look up more information on the internet, with you giving them a hand. Good rain day project. 1) The average hours a cat sleeps is between 16 to 18 hours a day. 2) Calico cats are almost always female. 3) Most cats are lactose intolerant and should not be fed cows milk. 4) A male cat is called a "Tom" and a female cat is called a "Queen" Don't I know I have a Queen Bee living at my house. 5) Cats knead with their paws when happy. 6) Cats can get tapeworms when eating mice. Okay I know gross. 7) Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds. Just listen sometime and you will hear that. 8) An adult cats have 30 teeth. 9) Cats can run up to 30 miles per hour. Not Jekyll, but most well toned kitty's probably can. 10) A cat can jump almost seven times its height. 11) A female cat carries her kittens about 58 - 65 days before they are born. 12) Cats cannot taste sweet. 13) A cats sense of smell is 14 times greater than a humans. Don't try to wear your socks two days in a row, the cat will know. 14) A group of kittens is called a Kindle, and adult cats are called a clowder. 15) Cats have 5 toes on their front paws, and 4 toes on their back paws. But you know what some cats have 6 toes. 16) Cats who fall five stories have a 90 percent chance of survival. Do not try this at home. 17) Cats whiskers are not for show, they help cats detect objects and navigate in the dark. 18) Cats cannot see in complete darkness, only at low light levels. 19) Humans greet by shaking hands. Cats greet by touching noses together. This is how Jinx greets me as well. 20) Cats have sandpaper like tongues that they use to clean and groom themselves. Cats are beautiful creatures and they have many things about them that are unique. Enjoy your furry babies, and if you have children educate them on their uniqueness. Happy Cats.