Muffin's Pet Connection~

Hello my sweet pet friends,

Happy Spring even thought I know for most of your there is still snow everywhere. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Believe me it's not that I didn't want to. Time just seems to go by to fast and I have been very busy with different things in my life, but all good. :) Can you believe April is almost here and Easter too? Can't wait.

I want to spotlight two very special and dear friends of mine. Jude and Norm Sunden Lassow. They are an amazing couple. They are the owners of Muffin's Pet Connection in Brooklyn, New York. www.muffins.org

Norm and Jude have been involved with animals since childhood.  Six year old Jude bottle fed a  three week old puppy.  Her Aunt's fifteen year old Spitz Spaniel mix, was too old to be a nurturing mom to her five puppies.  Jude's family took care of "Pandy", using a dolls bottle to feed the pup.  Jude's maternal instinct soared and she totally bonded with this little puppy.  Pandy was her loyal, devoted, trusted friend! He was her protector!
     When Pandy was six years old, he developed a cancerous tumor near his lung. He wasn't neutered because in 1950's, spay/neutering wasn't the issue it is today.  This made a huge impact on Jude's life. Muffin's Pet Connection was established to enlighten about the importance of spaying/neutering.
     Norm and Jude learned to respect, care for love God's creatures and try to Reach, Teach and Educate their personal pet philosophy through Muffin's. They've been rescuing and saving animals for over 45 years. 

Jude is truly an inspiration. She recently published a book called "Tinky's Magic Glasses".

Here is a sample of one of my illustrations. It is Tinky and Tim~

Please note that these are  Halloween catnip dolls, but we do have them in plain different colors. I will be posting a photo asap. But this is here so you have an idea of what they look like. :)

I am honored to be her illustrator for her book. Jude and I are like sisters. We understand each other and respect each other. We even created a catnip doll together called PeggySue. Norm rescued a three legged cat which they named PeggySue many years ago from a basement. She has been with them ever since. ;)

So I thought I would spotlight her as well as the catnip dolls. I am not kidding when I say that cats everywhere go absolutely nuts for these dolls. The best part of all is that it's for a great cause.
 http://www.muffins.org/osc/product_info.php?products_id=58&osCsid=51411042691baa05f2524ce1f44175f8

The PeggySue catnip cuddle doll is the Ambassador for Spaying and Neutering cats and dogs. Please go to www.muffins.org and learn about Muffin's low cost spay/neuter program. Muffin’s adopted PeggySue, a semi-feral, three-legged cat. ‘God Kissed Her Little Paw’; see the capabilities, NOT disabilities. Norm rescued PeggySue from the basement in our apartment building. 25% of the proceeds from this doll benefit the PEGGYSUE 'HELP-A-PET" fund. The $8.25 includes shipping and handling per doll. Muffin's is a 501 (c) tax exempt Animal Service Organization.
   The PeggySue catnip doll is handmade by me in  the USA. Awareness© Each doll is 5" or 6” tall. Each doll is uniquely different; It is 100% cotton fabric, stuffed with 100% Polyester Non-Allergenic America's best selling polyester fiberfill, and contains hand grown ORGANIC CATNIP from Canada. The PeggySue catnip cuddle doll is the Ambassador for Spaying and Neutering cats and dogs. Please go to www.muffins.org and learn about Muffin's low cost spay/neuter program. Muffin’s adopted PeggySue, a semi-feral, three-legged cat. ‘God Kissed Her Little Paw’; see the capabilities, NOT disabilities.

Please take a minute or two to visit her Jude's site and maybe purchase a doll to help the PeggySue Help-A-Pet fund. 

These catnip dolls are available online, but they are also available at a few stores in Brooklyn and one in
New Jersey.

Here are the names and locations of the stores:

Fins, Feathers & Fur (718) 238-7904
9302-4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209

Pet Dog Delight (718) 339-7800
300 Kings Highway (between 6th & 7th St) 11223

Puppy Paradise (718) 252-7877 0r 718-258-2342
2082 Flatbush Avenue 11234 

NYC.COM (718) 768-3954
385-7th Ave. 11215 

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your visit.
Until next time~
xo
Janet

Why Cats Love Boxes~

I came across this article on Care2 and thought I would share. I am a big cat lover and love to watch cats play in a box. Hope you enjoy this article.
Cats love boxes: big boxes, small boxes, even items that resemble boxes, such as drawers, sinks and laundry baskets. But what is it about boxes that sends our feline friends into a frenzy?
Cats are instinctively drawn to boxes because they offer security. The confined space provides protection from predators, and it’s a great place to stalk prey while remaining virtually unseen.
Climbing onto, jumping into and hiding in boxes is simply part of a cat’s natural behavior, so providing an empty box or two is an inexpensive way to enrich your pet’s environment.
Leave a box in a safe place for your cat to play. You can drop in a couple of favorite toys or cut a few holes in the side so he can peek through or stick out a paw to swat at toys — or people.
Boxes also offer safe, cozy places for felines to nap. Cats sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, so it makes sense they’d seek out places where they’d be safe from attack.
Place a blanket in a box that’s about the right size for your cat and it will likely become one of his favorite places to nap. The confined space provides a sense of safety, and the sides of the box help maintain the animal’s body heat.
But while all cats instinctively appreciate a good box, no feline seems to enjoy cardboard quite as much as Maru, the Internet-famous cat with more than 400,000 YouTube subscribers.
In a 2010 interview with cat blog LoveMeow, Maru (as told to the blogger behind the website) said, “I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to stop going into a box when I see one. When I nap, I like a small box because it is snug and fits me just right. However, when I play, I prefer a huge one.”

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/why-do-cats-love-boxes.html#ixzz2oEbVCamz

Have a wonderful day,

xo

Janet~

Safety Tips for Dogs by Care2

Happy Almost Halloween!

I came across this cool article at Care2 regarding tips on how to keep your dog safe during Halloween and thought I would share. I will look and see if there are any cat safety tips too. Enjoy!

It can be very fun for children to dress up and pretend to be a different character. But, dogs don’t understand the concept and can be very fearful of people wearing masks and costumes. And the huge number of children ringing the doorbell and yelling “Trick or Treat” can put many dogs into sensory overload. In my early adult years, I had a small dog with a heart murmur that had a heart attack on Halloween and died. The constant activity was too much for him. If I knew then what I know now, I would have kept him away from all of the noisy activity.
TheUncommonDog.com provided this infograph, filled with helpful tips for keeping dogs safe on Halloween. I agree whole heartedly about keeping your dogs in a separate room, away from the trick or treaters. Many will benefit from being in a quiet room with a good chew toy, lights out, and calming canine music playing to keep them stress free. Cats will also benefit from being in a quiet room away from the noise by the front door. They require consistency in their environment, and Halloween is filled with unpredictable events for them

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/keeping-pets-safe-on-halloween.html#ixzz2jEAnjfmy




Have a safe and very Spooky Halloween! Ruff! Ruff!
Hugs, Janet~

Otters holding hands

I've seen this video before, but it's so worth sharing again. I promise that it will make you smile. Enjoy~

Henri 2, Paw de Deux

This is the cutest French kitty video ever. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

xo
Janet~

Cat and Soldier Rescue Each Other in Afghanistan~

In war-torn Afghanistan, an injured bengal-stripped cat found a friend just in time.
Sgt. Jesse Knott saw the kitty limping around the edges of a concrete barrier meant to protect the base from mortar attacks. A trail of fresh blood followed the feline. Sgt. Knott knew if he didn’t intervene, the cat would not make it, so he lured the cat into his office with a piece of delicious smelling steak.
Sgt. Knott nursed the cat back to health and named his new friend Koshka (Russian for cat). The favor however was soon returned, as Sgt. Knott claims this four-legged friend saved his life just a handful of months later. ”Koshka gave a lot of love back to me.”
Fortunately, Sgt. Knott still had Koshka when his two close friends were killed in a suicide attack. Sgt. Knott felt that if he hadn’t had Koshka to get him through the darkest days of his deployment, he likely would have committed suicide.  ”I lost all hope… It was my darkest time and he’s what got me through it. Just the bit of compassion and love that cat showed me is what it took to remind me to stay strong.”
Normally, soldiers are not allowed to keep pets while on duty, but an exception was made for Sgt. Knott after the sudden and violent loss of his two friends.
Sgt. Knott is now back in the US and so is Koshka, thanks to Knott’s parents who paid $3,000 to fly their son’s lifesaving furry angel home!

What a beautiful story. God's animals are truly precious. They were put on the earth for us to enjoy. So glad this kitty saved this man and brought him happiness. God Bless him and his kitty. 

Wishing you a purr-fect weekend,
xo
Janet~

Flipper the Robot Cat~

What a sweet and wonderful story. Someone had a heart of gold and helped this kitty. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did. WTG! Can't wait to see Flipper walk very soon.

Have a purr-fect day,

Janet

Tarder Sauce, aka Grumpy Cat New Year's Resolutions

It's almost 2013! I can't believe it. Can you? Where did the year go? Do you have New Year's resolutions ready? If you don't maybe Grumpy the Cat can help give you some ideas. 

There have been quite a few Internet pet stars this year, but none have captured the Zeitgeist quite like Tarder Sauce, aka Grumpy Cat. Rising up from obscurity via Reddit, this adorable little "grumpy" cat instantly became a sensation, appearing everywhere from TV shows to magnets. Check out this now very famous feline to see what the new year holds and what she plans on accomplishing with her famous frown in 2013.

Here are her resolutions.

Resolution #1

"I made resolutions once. It was awful."

Resolution #2

"Learn to hiss."

Resolution #3

"Eat Pokey's breakfast before he wakes up."

Resolution #4

"Focus more on my career. I want become an animated cartoon character."

Resolution #5

"Did I mention eat more of Pokey's food?"

Resolution #6

"Catch that little red dot that my owners tease me with! They think I don't know it's a laser pointer."

Resolution #7

"Learn to like this 'healthy' new food they are feeding me."

Resolution #8

"I won't try to eat the fish out of the aquarium anymore."

  http://www.petside.com/slideshow/grumpy-cats-new-year-resolutions/tarder-sauce-resolution-one


Hope you enjoyed Grumpy's resolutions.

Have a very Meowy Mew Year!
xoxo
Janet~

Cat Burglar-Klepto Kitty..lol

I wouldn't mind a little thief like this in my neighborhood. He is adorable.
Have a purr-fect day!
xo
Janet~

For All Cat Lovers-How to get rid of Cat Pee~

Cleaning Cat Urine by Eric D. Ronning

First, if it’s a fresh stain you’re dealing with, you’ll need to blot up as much of the cat urine as possible. Since we don’t want to waste a bunch of paper towels, gather up some old cloth towels, rags or unwearable clothes. Using one or two pieces at a time depending on thickness, lay them down on the wet spot and stand on ‘em. Wear some shoes or sandals, you won’t want the urine soaking through the rag and into your socks. Continue this with a fresh rag each time until you see little or no wetness on the used towel. If you’re worried about not being able to use your rags again, don't be, just put them in the wash with some detergent and about ¼ cup apple cider vinegar.

Saturate the stain with a water and vinegar solution. You will want to perform this step regardless of whether you’re dealing with an old or a new stain. Mix up just what you will need using three parts warm water to one part white vinegar. I usually do 1 ½ cups warm water to a ½ cup of vinegar. Poor the solution slowly over the stain and allow it to sit and soak for 3-5 minutes. Not only is vinegar a good natural solvent, it also kills bacteria.

Sprinkle the effected area with baking soda. After you get the spot good and dry again using the method mentioned in the first step, sprinkle the entire spot with baking soda. You don’t want to over do it, but you don’t be too shy about it either. Think glazed donut, not wedding cake.

Bring together some hydrogen peroxide and some dish detergent. It’s time for another concoction. In a large measuring cup mix together about ¾ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide (yes, it’s the same stuff you keep in your bathroom for cleaning cuts, lightening hair, and gargling) with about one teaspoon of dish detergent (preferably a brand like Seventh Generation that is not petroleum based).

Drizzle the hydrogen peroxide/dish detergent mixture over the baking soda. Again, don’t be too shy. You will want to saturate the spot pretty well without going beyond it if possible. Remember, peroxide can sometimes discolor or bleach fabrics which is the reason for first trying this in an inconspicuous spot. After you get it good and wet, use the tips of your fingers or a brush of some kind to really work that baking soda down into the carpet. Baking soda is highly absorptive so it plays an important part in the cat urine removal process.

Kick back and let it dry. Give the peroxide, baking soda and dish detergent a few hours to dry and work it’s magic. This is a great time to grab yourself a glass of wine or a nice cold brew (assuming you are of legal drinking age). After all, you’ve earned it. Once the carpet has dried thoroughly, get out the vacuum cleaner, suck up the baking soda, stand back and admire your work. While it’s only happened to me a couple times, if you run across a particularly tough cat urine stain, it may require a second run through.

Why clean green when cleaning cat urine? What to use?

If you don’t have the time for removing cat urine and cat urine stains with the method mentioned above, or you just have more money than I did as a college student, there are many products out there that work quite well for the removal of cat urine. Just remember to keep it green. Yes, protecting the environment is the most important reason for this, however, there are others. The main ingredients in many a commercial cat urine cleaner are perchloroethylene which is used in dry cleaning and can cause dizziness, nausea, and damage to the kidney and liver, and naphthalene which is in fact a petroleum product. Naphthalene, besides being a neurotoxin and a possible carcinogen (according to the EPA…but what do they know?) also leaves an oily film on the carpet that can actually attract more stains.
These days when I remove cat urine from carpet I usually just spot clean. No point in doing the entire carpet for one little spot right? Simple Solution NATURAL Stain & Odor Eliminator is usually my cat urine cleaner of choice. It has a biodegradable formula that works quite well. I have in the past also used natural enzyme/bacteria cleaners such as Nature’s Miracle, Bac Out Stain & Odor Eliminator by Bi-O-Kleen, Capture Pet Stain and Odor Neutralizer and Complete Pet Stain and Odor Remover by 8in1. If your cat urine problems are a little more widespread and you do need to do the whole carpet, there are some good natural/green carpet shampoos for the large extraction cleaners. Look for products such as Earth Friendly Products Carpet Shampoo, Enviro-Rite Carpet Cleaner and Ecosafe Products Carpet Cleaner.

Thank you Eric!

Until next time...
Have a purr-fect week,
xo
Janet~

PEGGYSUE/CALAY

Here are two of the cutest cats ever. They belong to my dear friend Jude of Muffin's Pet Connection. www.muffins.org. They are the reason that the Peggy Sue catnip doll were created. They were both rescued kitties and both are 3 legged kitties. They are truly special. :)

Cat in the Mist -

What a curious kitty. I love to watch this kitty trying to catch the mist..lol Hope you enjoy this cute video.

Have a purr-fect day,

Janet~

OSCAR the Cat Predicts Death

We are never prepared to lose a loved one. This kitty is amazing. His name is Oscar. He seems to know when someone has a short time and is about to pass away. Cats are so amazing aren't they?

Pitbull VS Kitten (Real Love Real Fights)

This has got to be the cutest cat and dog video I have seen in a long time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. ;-)

Have a purr-fect and woofing great day!

Janet~

Jewelry made from cat hair??

Okay I love cats to death,but I have to admit that I would not want to wear their fur on my neck. I give this lady credit for her creations,but to me it's strange. What do you think?

The furry orbs that adorn Flora Davis http://web.me.com/floradavis/floradavis.com/Gallery_/Pages/Neck_Sculpture_1.html

jewelry have more to them than meets the eye — and might even be a little gross to many consumers.
That’s because the orbs, which Davis describes to Wired.co.uk’s Olivia Solon as looking like “oversized white pearls”, are made out of fur from Davis’ cat, Gaia.
The flame-point ragamuffin needs to be groomed regularly to prevent matting and, after noticing how beautiful and soft the fur is, Davis began to accumulate Gaia’s fur.
Davis’ technique?
She starts by taking a small handful of fluff, which she molds into a starter ball. To this she adds more fluff around the edges and then rolls it between her palms quickly until the strands of hair start to felt into tight, solid ball forms. She then stashes the balls until there are enough to make a necklace — which can take between two and three months.
Davis sells the jewelry on Etsy for $95-$280.Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/jewelry-made-from-cat-hair.html#ixzz1Qrxtv000

Have a purr-fect day!

Hugs,

Janet~

Sweet Tsar Will Be Missed~

This is adorable kitty named Tsar. Passed away last week. He belonged to a friend name Joanna. I just had to post a few pics to show you this adorable kitty that will truly be missed.

As you can see from the photos that Tsar was a fun loving kitty. He loved to pose for the camera and also loved his PeggySue catnip doll. Rest in peach sweet Tsar. I trust that the Lord is playing happily with you and that Joanna will see you again someday.

These are the words that Joanna posted on Facebook..

"It's hard saying good bye to someone you love... this was a hard week. My sweet Tsar passed over the rainbow this week and took a piece of my heart..was playing in the morning and waited till I came home from work and died in my arms.. And he wasn't sick - Joanna

Wishing you all a purr-fect week,

xo

Janet~

Coping With Pet Loss~

It is never easy to lose a pet. So I thought I would post some information for all of you who might have lost a pet or know someone who needs some pet loss advice. Hope this helps. It's from Care 2 .com

PetLoss.com – A pet loss grief support website, including personal support, thoughtful advice, The Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony, Tribute Pages, and healing poetry.
Tufts University Pet Loss Suppot Hotline – Callers speak one-on-one with staff members (trained by a psychologist) for as long as they wish.
10 Tips on Coping with Pet Loss by Moira Anderson Allen, M.E. – Very helpful tips covering everything from coping with feelings to deciding whether to stay with your pet during euthanasia.
ASPCA Pet Loss Support – Includes advice on everything from end of life care to tips on helping you decide if it’s time for euthanasia.
Care2 Pet Heaven eCard – Furry, fluffy, and fantastic. Not only are these cards sending a healing message, all Care2 eCards generate donations to great organizations.
Altar – After Byron passed, I created an altar in the area he used to eat. It included flowers, pictures of him, his dog bowl, collar and favorite toys. Having reflective moments in that sacred space proved to be very healing for me.Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/surviving-pet-loss.html#ixzz1NsxiPxuz

And here is a Rainbow Bridge Poem:

Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

(Author unknown)

Cat Anxiety-What You Can Do~

I came across another cool article for all you cat lovers. Do you have kitties that are afraid of getting into a cat carrier?? Read this awesome article for some good tips.

Men, children, people in general, thunderstorms, cars, other animals—all are common sources of cat anxiety. Often a cat’s fear begins with an initial bad experience—say, accidentally being locked in a car on a hot day. Cats express their fear in different ways. They may bite or scratch, run and hide, tremble, or even urinate when scared. Your job is to figure out what’s making your cat afraid and try to change those conditions.
By Pet Editor
Calming Cats in Carriers: A Gradual ProcessIt’s very common for a cat to be afraid of being locked in a carrier or travel crate while in the car. This action usually leads to a trip to the vet, and kitties are very good at anticipating what that may mean. You can help your cat get over that fear, but it will take some time. Start by leaving the carrier out on the floor with the door open and letting your cat explore it on her own. After she seems comfortable with the idea of the carrier being out in the open, place a treat near the entrance. If she eats the treat, put out another, a little farther into the carrier. When she takes that one, place another goodie inside the carrier, even farther toward the back. You may want to put a towel or a bed in the carrier to make it even more inviting. Eventually, the cat will get into the carrier, at which point you can start picking it up. Start by simply walking into another room and then letting your kitty out. Gradually increase the time the cat spends in the carrier and the distance until you can comfortably get her into the car.
Helping Your Anxious Dog Cope with Car Travel
Cat Scared of the Road? Take Her for a RideIf you have to drag your shy cat to the car or she trembles uncontrollably during the ride, ask yourself whether you take her in the car only when she has to go to the vet or boarding kennel (or someplace else that he might find unpleasant). If the answer is yes, take her for a ride around town or go somewhere pleasant, such as a friend or relative’s house. Keep your cat calm by doing this several times until she gets the idea that a car ride doesn’t always lead to a scary place.
Calming Cat-in-Car TricksIf your cat is afraid of the car, start to desensitize her by putting her in the car for a few minutes without turning the engine on. Then gradually expose her to more of the sensations associated with being in the vehicle. Work up to starting the engine, backing the car out of the driveway, and then actually going on a short trip. If you slowly desensitize her to more and more of the elements associated with a car trip, she will eventually learn to tolerate a road trip.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-conquer-cat-car-anxiety.html#ixzz1NHGP5z9J

Have a purr-fect day!

Janet~

True Story of Babu and Tami in Japan~ Love this!!

I came across a wonderful article written by Jake Anderson of Care 2 and just had to share it with all my animal lover friends. They really are Gods amazing creatures. You will just love this true story and want to hug this doggy.

You may have seen the video of the dog in Japan that refused to leave the side of another canine injured by the tsunami. Now another heroic dog story has surfaced, but this time it includes a person. Daily Yomiuri Online has reported a twelve-year old shih tzu named Babu very insistently led her owner straight away from their home right before the tsunami struck and up a hill. Immediately after taking their place on the hill, a very large muddy wall of water engulfed their house, where they had been just minutes before. Babu has a particular way of letting her 83 year-old owner, Tami Akanuma, know when she wants to go out for a walk, but there was something a little different about it that day. Babu was more animated, and the lights in the home had gone out, when she bolted out the front door. She headed away from the normal walking route and instead went towards a hill. Akanuma heard a warning message about a tsunami approaching over the community speaker system, and followed Babu. The dog kept running way, then waiting for Tami to catch up, repeatedly until they had traversed a kilometer. On the hill Tami looked backwards and saw the land they had just crossed covered in cold sea water and mud. Babu and Tami survived that day, which was the worst of the disaster in terms of the forceful destruction, and are now staying in a shelter with about sixty others. Akanuma’s house was about 200 yards from the coast in Taro-Kawamukai. The average life span is about twelve years and Babu just turned twelve.

Some believe Shih tzus descended from Tibetan dogs that lived over ten thousand years ago. Modern day Shih tzus are descended from just fourteen that were saved from the Cultural Revolution. It has been thought some animals can feel vibrations and hear sounds humans can’t perceive and therefore are alerted earlier to natural disasters like earthquakes.Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dog-saved-elderly-lady-from-tsunami.html#ixzz1IC3voaUR

May God Bless all the people of Japan and their sweet animals too.

Hugs,

Janet~

Sassy and Pugs

Happy Wednesday Sweet Pet Lovers!

I hope you are enjoying the spring that has finally arrived. I have been super busy or I would have posted sooner.

Today I would like to share my sweet friend Emmas doggies with you.

She has such cute pets. I would like to introduce her newest member of the family. Her name is Sassy. She is a beagle. It is so unfortunate to know that she was abused,but thank goodness she is now in the loving hands of Emma and getting alot of the love she so richly deserves.

Here are two adorable pictures of her.

The last picture is Sassy and Pugs. Aren't they the cutest?? So glad I could share them with you. Emma I wish you all the happiness with you new addition and your other babies too. :-)

Hope you enjoyed the photos and thanks for stopping by to take a peek. Please feel free to leave a comment. I welcome them. ;-)

Janet~

Must Love Cats: The Klepto Kitty

OMG...this kitty made me laugh out loud. Notice the bra? lol I love it. Enjoy!

5 Catnip Tips~

I came across some cool info regarding catnip and thought I would share...


Q: What is catnip?

A: Everyone has a weakness. For most cats, it’s catnip.

Here are five things every cat lover should know about this mysterious product that drives cats batty.

1. Catnip is an actual plant. A member of the mint family, Nepeta cataria L. (aka catnip) grows throughout the United States. The plant features small, lavender flowers and jagged, heart-shaped leaves that smell faintly of mint.

2. It’s easy to grow.Cat lovers who possess a green thumb can grow catnip from seed after the last hard frost of the season. As a perennial, this herbaceous flowering plant will return each year with proper care. Keep in mind that catnip requires plenty of room to grow and flourish, much like most felines. Once it grows, you will have the most popular house in the neighborhood — at least among the feline population.

3. Most cats love it. Catnip leaves and flowers can trigger chemicals in a cat’s brain that lead to bouts of energetic euphoria or laid-back laziness. For that reason, dried catnip and catnip-laced toys make regular appearances on pet store shelves. Mary Ellen Burgoon of Park Pet Supply in Atlanta advises cat owners to sprinkle dried catnip leaves on scratching posts as a training tool. Pinch the leaves first to release essential oils, and a little goes a long way. You also can refresh old toys by placing them in a sealed jar along with a sachet of catnip. It’s a great way to jump-start a fat cat’s exercise regimen.

4. Use with care. Once cats get a whiff of catnip, it’s best to leave them alone until they’ve lost that loving feeling. Catnip also can cause excessive drooling, so you may want to retrieve those cat toys after use. No one wants to step on a soaking wet cat toy. Burgoon also suggests storing catnip and catnip-laced toys in an airtight container or a cat-proof area.

5. People like catnip, too.Catnip also can be used for tea. The presence of a chemical called nepetalactone produces sedative-like affects in humans, making catnip a popular home remedy for headaches as well as insomnia. To make catnip tea, add one teaspoon of dried catnip leaves or three to four teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves to a mug of boiling water and let it steep.
As a pet lover, I get much more enjoyment out of watching cats enjoy catnip. Weird Nature’s video of cats catching a whiff of the plant is pretty entertaining. I also like to partake in a bit of digital catnip, courtesy of sites like LOLCats or Catbook. My feline-loving friends also may want to bookmark Animal Planet’s Secret Society of Cat People site, although it’s not so secret anymore. Enjoy! Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-must-know-catnip-facts.html#ixzz1DohuSF00

Have a purr-fect weekend!
xo
Janet~

Bringing an Outdoor Cat Inside~

Living in the city I have always had indoor cats, but I see plenty of outdoor cats and recently met someone seeking advice on how to get a stray she had befriended into her home for the winter. Part of me wonders if a feral cat might be happier to live outside, the ones in my neighborhood seem quite well-fed and frolicsome. But then I think of February in the Northeast, not to mention that Red-tailed Hawk that has been frequenting our backyard around breakfast time…
So, according to the Humane Society of the United States:

1. Transforming a free-roaming cat into a safe cat can be done, but it does require planning, persistence, and patience. The key is to make the change from outdoors to indoors gradually, until the new way of life becomes old hat. Many cats will adjust with minimal effort while others will be miserable–and let you know it. They may scratch at doors, claw at windows, yowl, and try to dash through open doors.

2. If your cat has never used a scratching post or a litter box, introduce both items well in advance of transitioning your cat to a life inside. If you’re feeding your cat outdoors, begin feeding him indoors. Then, instead of letting the cat back outside as soon as he’s finished eating, keep him inside for gradually longer periods of time.

3. Other members of the household may have to be “retrained” to close doors quickly and provide more stimulation for their feline friend. Playing with the cat is a great way to keep both his mind and his body in shape. Some former free-roamers will appreciate your providing “kitty greens” for them to munch on instead of your houseplants: Try planting grass, alfalfa, catnip, wheat, or oat grass (sold in pet supply stores) in indoor pots for this purpose.

4. If you live in a climate that has cold winters, that season may be the perfect time to help your cat make the transition to a life indoors. Your cat is likely to appreciate a warm, dry bed in which to snuggle. After the weather warms up and you’ve checked that screens are secure, open the window and let your cat feel and sniff the fresh air. Or, if your cat is docile enough, take him outside in your arms or on a leash attached to a harness.

5. If you’re having trouble slowly transitioning your cat to a happy life indoors, it may be better to go “cold turkey.” Letting your cat outdoors occasionally may only reinforce his pestering behaviors. Your veterinarian may prescribe short-term drug or homeopathic therapy to help your cat through the transition period

6. If you have an indoor cat who is scratching your couch or not using the litter box, think twice before you put your cat outdoors. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems that could be contributing to problem behaviors. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, work with your veterinarian, a trainer, or animal behavior specialist who uses positive training techniques. There is always a reason, from your cat’s point of view, for behavior that you consider to be inappropriate. He is not acting out of spite or revenge. Patience and persistence, not punishment, are the best way to get your cat back to his good habits.

7. If allergies or pregnancy make you think about putting your cat outside or even giving up the cat, consult your physician and learn how to manage those conditions while keeping your cat safe.

8. By providing for your indoor cat’s physical and emotional needs, you can create a safe and stimulating environment. Although domesticated several thousand years ago, cats still retain many behaviors of their wild ancestors. These delightful behaviors can be played out in the great indoors. A paper grocery bag, a cat’s vivid imagination, and your caring attitude will go a long way toward keeping you and your cat young at heartRead more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/bringing-an-outdoor-cat-inside.html#ixzz1CFCXmGZq

Hope you enjoyed these cool tips!

Have a purr-fect day!

xo

Janet~

Tucker piano Dec 7'2010.wmv

This doggie is one talented pooch...LOL!