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!

Wishing you a Woofingly and Purr-fect New Year!!

Happy New Year from PeggySue and all her furry friends! May God bless each and everyone of you with good health and lots of happiness for 2011!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL YOUR ANIMAL FRIENDS!!

Greeting from all the kitties and doggies of the world! They would all like to wish you a very Merrrrry Christmas! PeggySue would like to share pics of all her friends. Enjoy..

Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'

A sweet friend posted this video and I just had to share it with all of you. It's Simon the Cat. He is hilarious. Enjoy!

The two talking cats

This has got to be the two cutest talking cats I have ever seen. How I wish I knew what they were saying! lol Enjoy.

xo

Janet~

Useful Dog Tricks performed by Jesse

Check out this amazing doggie! I wouldn't mind having him around the house..lol

Enjoy!

xoxo

Janet~

Doggie Health Tips and a Pillow ;-)

A healthy dog is a happy dog. Most dog health tips will make owning your dog much easier as the dog will have less problems. It is important to be careful when purchasing products to help keep your dog healthy as you need to distinguish quality products from unsatisfactory items. A few basic precautions will ensure that your dog lives a long and healthy life.
Bathing
How much to bath your dog will depend on the breed and where the dog sleeps. Dogs that sleep on the bed are typically bathed more often as are dogs that live indoors. Dogs that live outdoors will be bathed less often. Normally, a dog has a bath when the coat is dirty. Do not use human shampoo to wash your dog. Pet shampoo is made specifically for dogs because a dog's skin is much more delicate than humans. If you bath your dog frequently, then vegetable oil supplements or Linatone can help keep the coat and skin healthy.
Allergies
Dogs have allergies just like humans. Signs of allergies for dogs include biting, face rubbing, face scratching and skin chewing. The areas that are affected by allergies include the base of the tail, ears, mouth and eyes. Most dog allergies are inherited from the parent. As with humans, the best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the allergen. Make sure to keep good records on your dog's behavior because diagnosing allergies is tricky. If the dog has severe allergies, then treatment consists of allergy shots. Talk to the veterinarian about the best allergy treatment for your dog.
Fleas
There are several types of nontoxic flea repellents that will prevent flea infestations. Citrus is a powerful flea repellent. Let a cut lemon sit in boiling water. The water repels fleas when sprayed on the dog. Combinations of aromatherapy oil will also repel fleas. Cedarwod oil and lavender oil will repel fleas when a drop or two is spread over your dogs skin twice a week. Bathing is needed for a dog that already has a flea infestation. Rinse the dog with a solution of fresh rosemary steeped in boiling water. Pour it over the dog and allow her to dry.
Ears
There are many problems that can affect your dogs ears. A healthy dog ear will not have any odor and will be pink-gray in color. Ear infections are common and can be hard to treat. Your vet will know exactly what to do. The minute you notice something wrong with your dog's ears, visit your vet. To prevent infection, clean the ears with hydrogen peroxide. Dip a cotton ball in the hydrogen peroxide, then wipe out the ears. Clean the ear carefully and dry the ears completely after cleaning.
Grooming
Every dog needs to be groomed. Start grooming as a puppy and make it fun. Your dog will enjoy being groomed and will not run away. When the dog associates grooming as fun, this makes grooming quick and easy. A soft brush is best for grooming and brush hair in the direction that it grows.
Water
A dog should always have access to drinking water and the water dish needs to be refilled everyday. When it is cold outside, check that the water has not frozen. If necessary, a heated dog dish can prevent frozen water in the winter. In the summer, if the water is too warm, your dog can get sick. Try to position water bowls in the shade to keep it cool all day long.
Visit the Vet
Going to the vet and waiting to uncover the problem yourself could be life or death for the dog. The sooner the diagnosis is given, the less expensive and more effective the treatment might be. Maintain a good relationship with your vet and call if you notice something not quite right with your dog. It is much better to be safe than sorryRead more: Free Dog Health Tips eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7297486_dog-health-tips.html#ixzz14zGIpHPr

I hope you enjoyed these free health tips by Liz Tomas of eHow.

I also wanted to share my latest pet pillow. It's available for sale at my pet boutique called Whiskers and Tails Cottage.

http://www.makeminepink.com/boutiques/whiskers---tails-cottage.aspx?page=1

I am working fast to add more product so please bare with me.

Have a woofingly good day!

xoxo

Janet~

Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN DOGGIES AND KITTIES!

I thought I would share some Halloween Pet Dangers Tips.

Most of us want to involve our pets in all of the action and excitement of our lives; but it’s not always so great for our pets. Consider Halloween. Consider it from a pet’s perspective, to be specific: the doorbell ringing repeatedly; a parade of yelling sugar-fueled “creatures” behind the door; toxic chocolate to find; decorations to get tangled up in; and how about the dreaded pet costume? (OK, I understand that not all pets are shamed by costumes, but I just keep thinking of my daughters’ dog Winky and his look of abject misery when the doggie witch costume comes out of the closet.)
It’s important to keep your pets safe this Halloween by thinking around the holiday excitement, and being aware of the little catastrophes lurking in the night. Here’s a round-up of tips from animal protection groups compiled by consumeraffairs.org:
Don’t give Halloween candy to dogs and cats. Candy can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Candies that have the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs–even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and lead to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. Symptoms of chocolate ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate, and even seizures. See 10 Foods Poisonous to Pets for more information.
Avoid putting costumes on pets. Many dogs and cats don’t like costumes, and some can confine or restrict their movements. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t impair their movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe or bark. Also check the costume for any choking hazards. A safer alternative is a simple Halloween bandanna. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/halloween-pet-dangers.html#ixzz13uyLzIkx

Keep pets inside and away from the front door and trick-or-treaters. “Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors constantly arriving at the door, and pets may escape the safety of their home, said Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the ASPCA Pet Adoption Center in Manhattan. “Be sure that your pet has identification tags should he or she accidentally get loose.” And remember cats–especially black ones–often fall victim to pranksters.
Keep candy wrappers away from pets. Cats love to play with candy wrappers, animal experts say–and many cats love to eat strange things. But if cats ingest aluminum foil or cellophane it can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.
Keep Halloween decorations away from pets. Dogs and cats can easily knock over a jack-o’-lanterns and start a fire. And curious kittens are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. Keep dangling decorations in high places to avoid choking hazards. Wires and cords from holiday decorations also pose a danger to pets. If chewed, a wire can damage your pet’s mouth from shards of glass or plastic or give them a potentially lethal electrical shock.
Use fake cobwebs sparingly on trees and bushes. They can pose a risk to pets and small birds can easily become entangled in the webbing. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/halloween-pet-dangers.html?page=2#ixzz13v0WcJ7C

Have a fun day,

Janet~

Great Cat Facts~

Happy Friday Everyone!

I came across these cool cat facts online and just had to share them with all you cat lovers. Enjoy! I will be posting Doggie facts too.

xo
Janet~

1. Ambidexer-Cat?
You probably never thought about a cat as being either left- or right-pawed, but over 40 percent are either lefties or righties. That means there’s quite a few out there who are ambidextrous. Luckily for them, they can probably operate the can opener with both paws. :-)

2. Warm or Cold? Food that is. Cats don’t like their food too hot or too cold. They like it just right. And for them, just right is room temperature, just like their prey would be in the wild. Cats are indeed the Goldilocks of the animal world.

3. In Living Color Cats see in color, so your new paisley frock in orange, purple, and yellow won’t be lost on them. They also have fantastic night vision, and only need one-sixth of the light humans require to see. So don’t go getting your cat night-vision goggles.

4. What’s in a Name?A group of kittens is called a “kindle” (yes, just like that fancy new electronic book device available now), while a group of adult cats is called a “clowder.

5. Meow?We all know the meow sound, whether it’s questioning, scared, happy, or imperiously demanding dinner. Curiously, cats only meow at people, not at other cats.

6. Four-Legged Mood Rings Cats are highly intuitive creatures, and they are more than able to pick up your mood, especially from your tone of voice. They know when you’re yelling at them (though they often don’t seem to care). If you need your cat to calm down, try speaking to her in a soothing, loving voice. You’ll be amazed.

7. Lofty Beginnings Ever wonder who invented the cat door? It was Sir Isaac Newton. Perhaps he was vexed by his cat wanting in and out all the time and disturbing his work, so he did something about it–much to the relief of cat lovers everywhere.

8. It’s All in the Fall Cats really do land on their feet. In fact, they all fall in the same way. First they rotate their head, then twist their spine around, followed by a rear leg alignment and finally they relax into it and arch the back, thus lessening impact. But please, don’t experiment with this at home. Take our word for it.

9. Baby Machines Unless you want a “clowder” of cats cluttering your home, spay, and neuter your furry feline. Just one pair of cats and their kittens can produce 420,000 (!) offspring in a mere seven years.

10. Individuality Like human fingerprints, cats have their own built-in unique tag of telling them apart–their nose! The nose pads of cats are all uniquely ridged, meaning no two are the same. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/fantastic-cat-facts.html?page=10#ixzz11mfwGl3u

This Is Charley

You just have to see this awesome video of Charley. What a sweet kitty. He has cerebellar hypoplasia. I have never heard of this ,but it's so good to know. Someone out there might have a kitty that has the same symptons and not know it. So this is a great way to educate our dear cat lovers.

Have a purr-fect day!

xxoo

Janet