April 2, 2009

Dear Obie,
I really enjoy your column, but sometimes all the "serious" discussions kind of bum me out. I'm a cat that likes to relax and tune out the world, so tell me; what is your favorite relaxation music?
Signed, Jasmine
Salem, Oregon


Dear Jasmine,
Relaxation music, huh? That's a tough one, because I like so many kinds of music, and they all help me relax. For example, Dean Evenson's "Soundings of the Planet" CD's are great for relaxation. But I think my favorite music is music that involves cats. "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart is one of my all-time favorite songs, as is "Stray Cat Strut" by the Stray Cats and "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. But my very favorite relaxation sounds are my brother's and sister's purrs!
Your friend,
Obie

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Dear Obie,
I have a squirrel that lives in a big old tree outside my house, and he just loves to run around in my yard, knowing full well that I'm an indoor cat and I can't chase him away! Is there anything I can do to make him stop teasing me?
Signed, Aloysius
Burns, Oregon


Dear Aloysius,
If I knew of any way to stop squirrels from teasing indoor cats, I would use it on that pesky fellow who lives outside my house! Alas, I'm afraid squirrels will always tease indoor cats and get away with it!
Your friend,
Obie

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Dear Obie,
Are there more dogs or cats in American households?
Signed, Kim
Biloxi, Mississippi


Dear Kim,
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2007 survey, despite the fact that more households in America own dogs (approximately 43 million to 37 million households with cats) there are more cats living in American households! (81 million cats compared to 72 million dogs.) That averages out to 2.2 cats per household as compared to just 1.7 dogs. I thought that was pretty cool! It was also interesting to note that dogs go to the vet more often than cats, though I don't know if that means cats are healthier or are just better at hiding illnesses! Dogs visit the vet an average of 2.6 times a year compared to 1.7 visits for cats, and annual vet bills for dogs run near $200.00 compared to just $81.00 for cats.

So, from what I can tell, people who own cats are more likely to own more than one, and I really like that! After all, some of my best friends are cats!
Your friend,
Obie

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"The cat is nature's Beauty."
-French proverb

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Remember, folks, I am not a vet! I am a cat! Always talk to your vet before making any medical decisions regarding your cat! Please!