Conversations with Obie

June 6, 2010

2010-06-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My cat, Reginald, gets very stressed when it comes time to take him to the vet. Is there anything I can do to help make these important visits any less traumatic for him?
Signed, Mary
Salem, Oregon

Dear Mary,
I know exactly how Reginald feels! My cat siblings and I absolutely hated going to the vet, even though we love our vets and we know our humans only take us there because they care about our health.

Whenever the cat carrier would make an appearance, we knew it could only mean one thing! A trip to the vet! At that point, it became every cat for itself! At least, until our humans started getting sneaky!

You see, Mary, what my humans started to do was to leave the cat carrier in the living room, right next to the couch. They would leave the door opened, and put a big fluffy blanket inside. They would even throw some treats or a catnip toy inside. Sneaky humans!

What happened, of course, is that we cats lost our fear of the carrier. It was no longer a thing of evil. It became a common part of our lives, a piece of furniture, and even a source of good things!

As the fear vanished, it became easier for our humans to capture us and take us to the vet. We no longer heard the tell-tale sound of the carrier being brought up from the basement. We no longer had time to hide. Why, I can remember vet visits being canceled because our humans couldn't catch us! Ah, those were the good old days!

What they did next was even more nefarious. They started taking us to the vet's office for simple, non-invasive visits, like a weight check. The staff would pet us and coo over us, and then we would go home. No needles! No squeezing! The vet's office started to become, gasp, a fun place!

The only way I would improve on a vet visit would be if my humans wouldn't take us in the carrier at all, but they insist. We could get hurt badly if there were an accident, they say, or we could get out of the car and be hurt, or lost. Humans have an argument for everything!

When I am at the vet I like to have my humans in the room with me, but I know that some cats get more stressed if their human stays in the examining room. My vet says it is because we cats view our humans as protectors, and when they just stand there watching the vet squeeze us or give us shots, we feel betrayed. My vet suggests that a human cat-owner should watch how their cat reacts to them being in the room and react accordingly.

Sometimes, when I get home from a vet visit, my cat siblings hiss at me, like it's my fault! So my humans started letting us out of the carrier in a room separate from the other cats, with food, water and a litter box, until we could ease back into the normal household routine.

And we all know that cats love a routine! We like things to run smoothly, not all topsy-turvy. Which is another reason many cats get stressed by a vet visit. Reginald may just be responding to the upheaval in the even tenor of his ways! Try some of the tricks my humans used on me and see if they don't help ease the stress of vet visit time!

If the day ever comes when another kitten enters your life, try taking it on rides in the carrier while it is still young. If a cat views a ride in the car as a normal routine in its life, it won't be as freaked when you load it in the carrier for a ride to the vet.

Thanks for the email, Mary! I hope Reginald does better on his next vet visit!

Your friend,
Obie

May 16, 2010

2010-05-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings, everyone!

A very popular saying among cat owners is that cats are like potato chips; you can't have just one! And why would you want to limit yourself to one cat? Cats are just so cute, you have to have more than one.

Not to mention the fact that cats are social creatures. We like to have playmates. When you go to work, we don't want to be all alone in the big scary house!

The other side of this coin, though, is when people take in more cats than they can care for. Cats require medical care and plenty of attention. When the good intentions of a cat lover exceed their ability, financially or emotionally, to care for their cats, problems occur.

So before you decide to fill your house with wonderful furry friends, please look at your situation realistically and make the right decision for the cats. We will appreciate it!

*****

My human, who works as a Cat Caregiver at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, recently attended the burial ceremony for one of the sanctuary cats that had passed away. At the ceremony, the following blessing was read, and I wanted to share this with all of you. I'm sure that anyone who has ever lost a beloved cat, or any pet, will be able to relate to these words from Canon Henry Scott Holland.

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we still are.
Call my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used to.
Smile, think of me.
Let my name be ever the word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
Somewhere, very near,
just around the corner,
all is well.

*****

A life without cats is like a life without oxygen.
Your friend,
Obie

March 28, 2010

2010-03-28T20:21:00.001-07:00

Hi, everyone!

I wanted to share some of my favorite cat quotes with you.

"Never trust people who dislike cats."
-Irish Proverb

"No matter how much cat's fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens."
-Abraham Lincoln

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior."
-Hippolyte Taine

"With their qualities of cleanliness, discretion, affection, patience, dignity and courage, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?"
-Fernand Mery

"When I play with my cat, how do I know that she is not passing time with me rather than I with her?"
-Montaigne

"You can keep a dog, but it is the cat that keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals."
-George Mikes

"One must love a cat on its own terms."
-Paul Gray

"There is no way of talking about cats that allows one to come off as a sane person."
-Dan Greenberg

"Like a graceful vase, a cat, even when motionless, seems to flow."
-George Will

"A meow massages the heart."
-Stuart McMillan

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat."
-Ellen Perry Berkeley

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."
-Leonardo da Vinci

"I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through."
-Jules Verne

Have a great day, everyone!
Your friend,
Obie

March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
I am an indoor-only cat named Sterling, and sometimes at night I like to run around the house like a maniac. My humans get annoyed by this behavior, and I can't explain to them why I do it. Can you help?
Signed, Sterling
Salem, Oregon

Dear Sterling,
I'll do my very best to explain to your humans, and to all human cat owners, why we cats get a case of the "nighttime crazies." The "nighttime crazies" is the phrase I use to describe those times when we as cats play wildly during the night.

In many cases, cats with the "nighttime crazies" run around the house, knock things off the counters, or even jump up on the bed and paw at their humans ears or face, trying to get them to play along. Understandably, this action can annoy a human who is trying to sleep. So why do we do it?

One theory held by many human animal-behaviorists is that we are acting on instincts passed down to us by our wild feline ancestors. In the wild, most cats hunt at night, when our superior eyesight can combine with the nocturnal habits of our prey to bring us a meal. That natural instinct has been handed down to us over the centuries, in spite of our relative domestication, and we just can't help ourselves.

Another theory, loosely tied to the one I just mentioned, is that domesticated, indoor-only house cats don't get enough exercise during the day. Strenuous exercise during the day would help us to overcome our nocturnal instincts and let us sleep at night. Unfortunately, for most of us, our humans work during the day, and the boredom of an empty house leads us to sleep in the sun, and when night arrives...BAM! We're wide awake!

One thing humans can do to help us sleep at night is to play with us in the evening. Exuberant play time in the evening will help us to burn off some of the energy we've built up during our long day of napping, and will make it more likely that we will sleep at night, and allow our humans to do the same!

When you do play with us at night, though, remember to stop the play about an hour before you want to go to bed. If you get us all wound up and then try to slip between the sheets, we'll still be full of energy and we probably won't let you sleep for a while.

I always suggest an hour of vigorous play, then an hour of petting and snuggling. Help us to relax. Then, when you want to go to bed, we'll be more likely to leave you alone.

Sometimes, though, a cat is so boisterous that it must be confined to a spare bedroom or other room at night. This is fine so long as you provide a room big enough for your cat to move around in, and you provide plenty of food, fresh water, a bed to sleep in, and a scratching post. And remember, once you start this arrangement, stick to it. Kitty might meow to be let out, but don't give in! Remember, we are creatures of habit, and eventually we will become used to being placed in our own room.

Most importantly, always remember that we as cats do not get the "nighttime crazies" simply to annoy humans! Being active at night is in our blood and our basic nature. Like humans, we require both recreation and sleep, and it is up to you as humans to help us coordinate our schedules to match yours!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it and stop there, lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again, and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore."
-Mark Twain

February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
My cat, Sue, has very bad breath, and I don't know if it is because of the food she eats or if there is something else going on. What are your thoughts?
Signed, Krysten
Salem, Oregon

Dear Krysten,
I can understand your concern. As much as our humans love us, they don't enjoy receiving a blast of "cat breath" into their faces when they hold us. Many people believe that bad breath is just something that goes along with having a cat, like hairballs or being ignored!

Unfortunately, bad breath can be a sign of a dangerous condition known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common ailment suffered by both dogs and cats over the age of three, and is usually a result of a pet not receiving proper dental care.

Did you know that only one out of ten pet owners regularly have their pet's teeth cleaned? Now, I'm a cat and not a math genius, but one out of ten isn't a very high percentage. And, even though cats and dogs rarely get cavities, we can still suffer from plaque and tartar buildup on our teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and bleeding gums. Also, the bacteria that causes all this can get into our bloodstream and cause major damage to our most vital organs.

I always tell people how important it is to make sure their pet receives regular dental check-ups, at least once a year. This can be done at the same time that you visit your vet for your pet's annual physical and bloodwork, which is also very important in the early detection and prevention of disease. And if your vet checks your pet's teeth and recommends a cleaning, get it done! Your pet's health depends on it!

So what about brushing your pet's teeth? If you start early, this can be an easy way to forestall gum and teeth diseases. Starting a brushing regimen as soon as your cat comes home allows the cat to get used to the procedure as a part of daily life. And it keeps you from getting a faceful of stinky cat breath!

There are also foods available that help remove and reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Talk to your vet about which food is best for your pet.

I am having my teeth cleaned by my vet in a couple days, and, while I'm not looking forward to it, I know it is being done because my humans love me and want to keep me around for a lot of happy years!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Everything I know, I learned from my cat. When you're hungry, eat. When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vet, pee on your owner."
-Gary Smith

February 14, 2010

2010-02-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings, everyone! Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you are all having a great day and are sharing it with someone you love!

I recently received a letter from a reader in Salem who sent me a list of the top reasons why pets are better than children. I thought it was really funny, and I wanted to share some of the entries with you. I hope you enjoy them.

Pets are better than children because:

A pet eats much less than a child, and never complains about your cooking.

A pet never asks to borrow your car, never wrecks your car, and will never cause your insurance rates to go up.

A pet loves going places with you, and will never roll its eyes when you suggest an afternoon at the park.

A pet will never surprise you with undesirable piercings or obscene tattoos.

A pet is easier to train than a child, and will usually come to you or at least respond in some way when you call.

A pet doesn't demand the latest expensive fashions, and you don't have to spend gazillions of dollars on them at Christmas or on birthdays.

A pet is never embarrassed to be seen with you in public, and they like the same music you listen to.

A pet won't sass back at you when you scold them.

A pet won't run up huge phone bills by texting every living soul on the planet or spend hours on the internet, buying stuff with your credit card.

A pet doesn't embarrass you in a crowded restaurant.

A pet doesn't need expensive toys; an old tennis ball or bottle cap will do just fine.

A pet never has to be cajoled or threatened into doing homework or clean its room.

A pet loves it when your loud and crazy friends come over, and will never flounce out of the room in disgust at your jokes.

A pet doesn't demand that you buy it one of everything in the store, and then scream loud enough to be heard in the next county when you refuse.

A pet will miss you when you're at work all day, and will greet you with joy and enthusiasm when you get home.

A pet can be placed in a cage at night or when you're not home, and they won't call Child Protective Services on you.

A pet going to the veterinarian costs far less than a child going to the doctor.

A pet doesn't require that you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a higher education that they probably won't use anyway.

A pet won't bring home a creepy boyfriend or girlfriend that you have to be nice to, even as you cringe in horror.

A pet doesn't need to be carpooled to music lessons or soccer practice.

A pet is attentive to you when you're sick, and will love you unconditionally.

A pet will gaze at you with adoring eyes, and loves nothing better than to sit by your side or lay on your lap. Being with you is the greatest gift a pet could ever ask for.

I hope you have enjoyed this humorous look at the relationships between adults and their human and non-human children.

Your friend,
Obie

January 30, 2010

2010-01-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings, everyone!

Last week, I wrote an article about how dangerous it can be when a cat stops drinking. I received an email from Jeanie, who most of you know from Friends of Felines, who reminded me how dangerous it can be when a cat stops eating, as well.

Jeanie told me about a particular cat that had been adopted from Friends of Felines. The owner brought the cat back because it had stopped eating a week earlier. The man believed that the cat would eat when it got hungry. Unfortunately, by the time the cat was brought to Friends of Felines and was seen by a vet, it was severely jaundiced and had to be put to sleep.

That particular cat had an upper respiratory infection, which in many cases will cause a cat to stop eating simply because it can not smell its food. The cat had developed hepatic lipidosis, or "fatty liver."

Fatty liver is an accumulation of fats in the liver tissue. Fatty liver is currently considered to be idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause, but most experts believe it may result from the manner in which a cat's body metabolizes fats and proteins.

In most cats, the progression of fatty liver follows a common path. The cat, for whatever reason, will stop eating. Since there is no food being processed for energy, the cat's body will respond by sending fat cells to the liver to be processed into lipoproteins. Since a cat's body is not designed to efficiently process fat cells, much of the fat is stored in the liver cells. This can cause the liver to fail, leading, so many times, to the death of the cat.

Fatty liver can be accurately diagnosed through a series of tests, which is why I always tell my readers to get their cat to a veterinarian at the very first sign of trouble. I can't say that too many times!

The symptoms of fatty liver are fairly standard. A cat, usually overweight, will suddenly stop eating. The cat will lose weight, leading some people with overweight cats to, at first, believe that is a good thing. Many people with overweight cats want them to lose weight. But, if your cat does start losing weight, you need to find out why!

Other symptoms include vomiting or excessive salivation, and most cats will be lethargic. Some will become jaundiced, showing yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Is there a treatment for fatty liver? Yes, but only if the problem is detected in its early stages! For fatty liver, the best treatment starts with force-feeding. The idea behind force-feeding is to get enough nutrients into the cat to reverse the metabolic malfunction that first caused the problem. Normally force-feeding is done via a tube inserted into the cat's stomach by a veterinarian.

A special food mixture is prepared and fed into the tube using a syringe. This is not a difficult procedure and can easily be done by the cat's caregiver right in the home. After a few weeks many cats will start to eat on their own, but the force-feeding may need to be continued for several more weeks just to be sure the cat is out of danger. Force-feeding can also be done via the mouth, though you must be careful when doing this not to force food into the cat's lungs by accident.

Any time an animal stops eating or drinking, something is seriously wrong. A cat can not tell you in words that it is sick, which is why humans must watch carefully for changes in behavior. If you see something that is not right, remember the magic words: Get to the vet!!! Quick action on your part can save your cat's life and give you a lot more happy years together!

Thanks for the email, Jeanie!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

On Monday, I am moving to Kanab, Utah, where my human daddy has been working as a Cat Caregiver at Best Friends Animal Society. I don't know when he will get internet connected at the house, so I can't say when my next column will be out. Oh, the ways humans will inconvenience us cats! Until I am back on line, please love one another and enjoy each day!

*****

Cats rule!
-Obie

January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
I have a cat named Juniper who doesn't drink as much water as our vet says she should. Our vet keeps telling me to encourage her to drink more water. How do you get a cat to drink more?
Signed, George
St. Charles, Louisiana

Dear George,
Trying to get a cat to drink more often can be very frustrating for humans, especially when they know that drinking plenty of water is vital for a cat's health and well-being. In fact, urinary tract problems due to dehydration is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in cats. Water is also essential in helping the body digest food and absorb nutrients, and to flush out bodily waste. Water also helps control a cat's body temperature.

Water is the second most important nutrient in your cat's body, next to oxygen. A cat can go for days without food and lose up to forty percent of their body weight and still survive. But when a cat loses just ten percent of it's body's water, important organs will begin to shut down. A loss of fifteen percent of body water will kill a cat.

So what is a human to do when kitty refuses to drink? Well, you can start by making your cat's water more appealing. Start by keeping Juniper's water bowl clean. Just as a human will not drink from a dirty glass, cat's don't want to drink from dirty water bowls. Yuck! And a dirty water bowl can be a breeding ground for nasty bacteria. I don't know about you, but I have no desire to drink bacteria.

Many cats prefer to drink running water. My humans have a pet fountain in the corner of the living room, and I love it. The sound of running water is appealing to cats, and running water has less chance of developing bacteria. Also, cat's prefer cool water, and water that flows through a pet fountain is cooler than standing water. Plus, the filter keeps the water much cleaner.

Here's another hint. If Juniper is still being obstinate, try adding a little tuna juice to the water. We cats go nuts over tuna juice! The smell of the tuna will make Juniper want to drink the water.

If Juniper is still being stubborn, talk more with your vet to find out if they have any helpful hints.

Thanks for your email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
I have three cats, a dog, and a parrot. I do my best to take good care of my pets, and I love them dearly. I've been thinking a lot recently about what makes a good pet owner. Do you have any thoughts on the subject?
Signed, Paul
Canby, Oregon

Dear Paul,
I believe there are several characteristics that can define who is a "good" pet owner.

A good pet owner makes sure their pet is fed only the highest quality food and always has access to fresh, clean water. A pet's diet goes a long way towards determining the quality of a pet's health.

A good pet owner will make sure its pets are spayed or neutered. Pets that are fixed live longer lives, and are less likely to have behavioral or dominance issues.

A good pet owner makes sure their pets are up-to-date on all their vaccinations, and receive regular check-ups from a veterinarian.

A good pet owner keeps their home and yard safe for their pets. Poisons and chemicals are safely locked away, and hazardous items are kept out of a pet's reach. It's no different than making a home safe for a toddler.

A good pet owner will provide their pet with either a microchip or a collar with identification and a number where they can be reached. Many pets that end up in shelters are family pets that wander away from home and get lost, and without a tag or microchip, it is nearly impossible to get them back home again.

A good pet owner keeps their pets safe by containing them in a house or yard. An indoor-only cat will live anywhere from twelve to seventeen years on average, while an outdoor cat normally lives only two to three years!

A good pet owner gives their pet a lot of love and attention. Pets crave approval and love from their humans. Giving them what they need makes them feel happy and secure.

A good pet owner will get their pet to a vet at the first sign of illness. Waiting a few days to see if your pet gets better can often have the opposite effect, and makes it harder for your vet to treat them.

Paul, if you meet all the criteria on this list, then I would consider you a good pet owner!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"What is more beautiful; feline movement or feline stillness?"
-Elizabeth Hamilton

*****

Remember, I am not a vet. I am a cat. Please talk to your vet before making any health decisions regarding your pets! And please visit my human's webpage at www.donamiet.com

January 17, 2010

2010-01-17T15:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
How are big cats different from other cats?
Signed, Iris, Age 6

Dear Iris,
Big cats, like lions and tigers and leopards, are different from small house cats like me in many ways, but one of the most unique is in their ability to roar! Oh, how I would love to be able to roar like a lion, especially when my sister, Meeshka, is picking on me, or when my food bowl is empty!

Big cats can roar because of the difference in the structure of a bone that is present in the mouths of all cats. The bone is called the "hyoid" bone, and it connects a cat's tongue to the roof of its mouth.

In small cats, like me, the hyoid is hard, while in big cats it is flexible. That flexibility allows big cats to open their mouths really wide and let out ferocious roars!

But don't count me out. I'm practicing. And I'm sure, one day, I will surprise everyone with my own roar!

*****

Dear Obie,
Where do butterflies go in the winter?
Signed, Amanda, Age 7

Dear Amanda,
Butterflies migrate, just like many birds. You see, butterflies are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperature is the same as the air around them. And since they can't put on a jacket or warm clothing when the air gets cold, they have to migrate to someplace warmer.

Migration is when an animal or group of animals travel to a specific location on a regular basis. Caribou in the Arctic migrate every year, as do many butterflies. They travel to the same location every year, and they follow the same route.

The monarch butterfly has possibly the most amazing migration of all butterflies. Monarch butterflies in the northeastern United States and Canada migrate south to a small area around the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, a one-way journey of over 2500 miles! When the monarchs arrive, the mountainous area is transformed. Butterflies cover every tree branch, every bush, practically every inch of ground. The earth becomes a carpet of orange and black.

In the spring, the monarchs begin their return journey to the north. Along the way, the female monarchs lay eggs on milkweed plants, their favorite food. When the babies hatch, they go through metamorphosis and then continue their own journey to the north.

*****

Salem Friends of Felines has lots of sweet and adorable kitties that need good homes. If you have space in your home and heart for an adorable feline friend, please visit Salem Friends of Felines, a fantastic no-kill shelter located on Commercial Street just south of Mission. I was adopted from there, and look how great I turned out!!

*****

"Like a graceful vase, a cat, even when motionless, seems to flow."
-George F. Will

January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Greetings, everyone. I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!

Recently, some very good friends of my humans who live in Houston, Texas, adopted a kitten. They thought long and hard about all the factors involved in the decision, and after they were sure they were doing the right thing for their family, they went to a local shelter and picked out a small orange and white kitten. They named him Alex.

Alex was shy at first, but slowly he ventured out and began to explore his new home. He was very curious about his new surroundings, and seemed especially curious about our friend's two children; two-year old Sebastian and eight-month old Sarah.

Alex had an upper respiratory infection when he was adopted, and which our friends treated with antibiotics. He had a good appetite and for a while he seemed to be getting better. Then, about a week ago, he started going downhill. He stopped eating and stopped jumping onto our friend's laps for his loving.

Several trips to the vet followed, and new medicines were tried, but nothing seemed to help. Alex developed severe diarrhea and had to be force-fed both food and water, but still nothing seemed to do any good.

On Wednesday morning, January 6th, Alex passed away. He had finally been diagnosed with pneumonia and his little body couldn't fight any longer. He was just a few months old.

Alex's death hit our friends very hard. In the short amount of time they had known him, they had come to love him. They were envisioning a long relationship with him, and seeing their children grow up right along with Alex, creating lifelong memories of their first cat. It wasn't meant to be.

Losing a beloved pet is extremely difficult. The love and attachment that quickly forms between a human and a pet can only be understood by those who have felt the same attachment and love. And there is an extra-powerful bond that develops between human and pet when the human has been nursing the pet through an illness, praying for its survival, struggling with everything that have to carry that pet through its sickness and back into good health.

And when everything has been done that can be done and the pet still passes away, the trauma can be intense. A small life is over. A cat that deserved to live a long and happy life was denied that life by fate. In a situation like that, there is little one can do to console the grieving family. I know that our friends did everything humanly possible for Alex, and I also know that Alex was fortunate in that, for a brief period of time, he had a home and a family that loved him. Many shelter cats never get that chance.

Alex's journey on this planet was so very short. We can shake our heads or curse at the seeming injustice of his death, but nothing we do or say can bring Alex back. The sun rises and then it sets again. The world moves on. But today our world is a little darker.

Rest in peace, little Alex. I know you're continuing your journey, and you're in a place where there is no pain or illness. And I'll look forward to the day we meet again on the far side of the circle of life.

Your friend,
Obie

January 2, 2010

2010-01-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Hello, everyone, and welcome to 2010! It is a new year, and a chance for new beginnings. A time for resolutions, most of which will probably not be kept! But my resolution is to do better in 2010 in writing my column. And you'll see a few changes in my column this year. I will be writing about all species and types of animals, not just cats (though cats will be my main focus!) I've received emails from several people asking for information about dogs, rabbits, even crocodiles! I'll do what I can for my fans!

In today's column, I want to look back, to some animal-related news stories of 2009. One of the top news stories affecting animals, and all life on this planet, is global warming. The effect of global warming, especially on glaciers and sea ice, is alarming. Reputable scientists from all over the world are issuing warnings about the rapidly-increasing loss of ice in all areas of the planet, from the Arctic to Tibet.

The melting ice poses many dangers, including the rapid destruction of diverse ecosystems that support polar bears, seals and walruses, among other organisms. Another danger is the thawing of the Arctic tundra, which can release copious amounts of the greenhouse gas methane.

And humans are affected, also. Ice melt is occurring even faster than scientific models have predicted, emphasizing the need to cut emissions before the world sees ice sheet collapse, catastrophic inundation of low-lying coastal areas, and widespread water and food shortages. The time has passed when humans can bury their heads in the sand and pretend it isn't happening!

In other 2009 animal news, shelters faced an inundation of pets as home foreclosures forced many families to move, in many cases leaving family pets behind. Cities found themselves strapped financially to house and care for the animals, which, sadly, has led to an increase in the number of pets being euthanized.

But it wasn't all bad news in 2009! In Thailand, a 48-year old elephant named Motola was permanently fitted with an artificial leg ten years after losing a limb from stepping on a land mine.

In China, a Beluga whale at an aquarium saved the life of a diver after the diver suffered severe leg cramps and could not swim to the surface. The diver, 26-year old Yang Yun, was one of several people involved in a competition, in which they would submerge to the bottom of the Beluga tank without the benefit of breathing apparatus and stay there for as long as they could.

When Yang Yun attempted to swim to the surface, she could not move her legs. The Beluga, named Mila, quickly sensed the problem and lifted the drowning woman to the surface. Cool, huh?

In Swampscott, Massachusetts, a kitten named Gloria may have used up more than one of her nine lives after she somehow ended up in a glass crushing machine at a local grocery store. Employees heard the cat meowing inside the machine, which operates by crushing glass between two heavy rotating blades, and quickly pulled the plug on the machine before calling animal control.

The kitten, maybe a year old, was rescued from the machine and taken to a local shelter where she is available for adoption. Other than some glass dust in her eyes, Gloria was uninjured by her harrowing experience.

And finally, a new dog moved into the White House in 2009. Bo, a Portugese Water Dog, was given to the Obama's as a gift by the late Edward Kennedy. And even though I am a little disappointed that the Obama's didn't adopt a dog from a shelter as they had promised to do, it's still good to see a dog adding character and charm to the White House!

Have a super 2010!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Never trust people who dislike cats."
-Irish proverb

*****

Several people have asked me whether Salem Friends of Felines is a no-kill shelter. Apparently they feel that because the shelter doesn't trumpet its no-kill philosophy across its newsletter, that they are trying to hide something. Take it from a cat who was adopted from Salem Friends of Felines and whose humans volunteered at Salem Friends of Felines, SFoF is definitely a no-kill shelter!

SALEM FRIENDS OF FELINES IS A NO-KILL SHELTER!!!!!!!!

If you ever have questions about Salem Friends of Feline's mission or goals, please stop by and visit them at 980 Commercial St SE, or call them at 503-362-5611.

November 29, 2009

2009-11-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
I was thinking about getting my friend a kitten for Christmas, but I've heard a lot of people say that giving someone a pet for Christmas, or any other holiday, is a bad idea. What's your opinion of this?
Signed, Martin
Shaw, Oregon

Dear Martin,
There are several reasons why I am against the idea of giving an animal to someone as a surprise gift. And one of my main reasons is because I believe the selection of a pet has to be a personal decision. A human needs to select a cat, dog, ferret, bird, or whichever animal they choose, based on their own emotions and wants. You may pick out the cutest Siamese kitten you've ever seen only to find that your friend has always wanted a Calico. Oops!

I have heard several knowledgeable people say that choosing a pet for someone else is a little like arranging a marriage. For either relationship to work, there has to be genuine attraction. Without that initial spark, and a developing love, it will never work out!

Certain people are drawn to certain animals, just like certain people are drawn to certain other people. For a successful and long-lasting relationship to develop between a human and an animal, the human needs to select the animal that best suits them.

My second reason for disliking the idea of giving an animal for a holiday gift is that the holidays are crazy and hectic. People are coming and going, there is a lot of activity and confusion, and to bring a new pet into chaos is never a good idea. Remember, when a cat or dog or any animal enters a new home, it is a scary time for them. Everything is new, and strange. There are new people, new smells, new sounds, and even new animals. It is frightening!

When a new pet is brought into a home, there needs to be a time of bonding. The new pet needs to learn about its new home, including the rules and routines of the house. It needs to settle in, get comfortable, find its rhythm in the larger sphere of its surroundings. And the human needs to be able to give attention and love to the pet, helping it to settle into its new home. The holidays, with all of the hustle and bustle, is not the right time for calmness and serenity, and in many cases, the end result is behavioral issues that the humans don't have time to deal with.

Did you know that the busiest time of year at animal shelters across the U.S. is in the days and weeks right after major holidays? That is the time when all the animals given as gifts are dropped off at shelters because "it didn't work out." That's really sad!

Third, and most importantly, it has to be the right time for your friend to take a new animal into his or her life. They have to be fully prepared, emotionally and otherwise, to make a commitment to a new animal that could last for two decades! They have to be ready to take full responsibility for the health and welfare of that animal.

If you feel that your friend is ready for a new pet, instead of buying them one as a surprise, arrange a trip to a local shelter or reputable breeder. Offer to help with adoption fees as your gift, or buy bowls, toys, etc. But let your friend choose the animal. Your friend needs to be fully involved in the selection of their pet for it to work for both of them.

An adorable puppy or cute kitten is a really neat surprise on Christmas morning, but so is a stuffed bear or a good book! And if your friend decides to take the bear or book back to the store, it won't create an emotional trauma for the bear or book, or for your friend!

So, please, don't give animals as gifts unless the recipient is fully involved in the process.

Your friend,
Obie

*****

I am really proud of my human daddy! His fourth book, "Never Cross the Everglades with an Angry Howler Monkey," is being released in January 2010, and he has just been hired as a Cat Caregiver at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. My sister, Meeshka, claims she taught him everything he knows about cats, but we both know he really learned it all from me! Congratulations, dad!

November 15, 2009

2009-11-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings, everyone!

Now that winter has settled her cold hands upon the land, please take some time to think about your outdoor cats. Even though everyone knows my feelings about outdoor cats, and how dangerous it is for cats to be allowed outdoors, there are still people who allow their cats to go outside. And this time of year can be an even more dangerous time for them.

Cats crave heat. When it is cold outside, we will seek any heat source we can find. This has led to cats being seriously injured or even killed when they have climbed up into the engines of cars.

If you have an outdoor cat, please provide a safe and warm place for them to sleep. A cat house with blankets or even straw is better than nothing. If you use straw for the bedding, change it regularly or it can become moldy, causing respiratory problems for your cat. Also make sure the cat's house has more than one opening so it can escape if chased into the house by another animal.

Some cities will put salt down on sidewalks and roads to help thaw ice. An outdoor cat walking on the salt can get granules stuck in their paws. When the cat licks its paws later during grooming, it can ingest the salt, causing severe gastrointestinal problems. Also, salt is caustic and can lodge in their pads, causing skin irritations.

Outdoor cats are very active and need proper nutrition, especially during cold weather. Always make sure there is plenty of food and fresh water provided for your cat. Check the water regularly, as water bowls will freeze during cold weather, denying your cat its required hydration.

Many people perform automobile maintenance in the fall, including changing antifreeze. Cats are drawn to the smell of antifreeze, and it is very toxic to us! Ingesting even a small amount of antifreeze can kill us! Make sure you dispose of any chemicals in a secured container!

As we all know, outdoor cats face many dangers, and live a far shorter life than indoor cats. The dangers faced by outdoor cats only increase during the winter. Please, if you are not going to keep your cat indoors, do everything you can to keep it healthy and safe during the cold months!

*****

Cats, indoor and outdoor, face many other dangers during this time of year. Many people like to decorate their houses for the holidays, and some of those decorations are very bad for cats. Many lilies are deadly to cats, including Tiger, Asian, Stargazer and Casa Blanca Lilies. Poinsettias can cause stomach problems in cats, as can mistletoe and holly.

Christmas tree water can contain pesticides and fertilizers that can make cats ill. Stagnant tree water is another danger, creating a place for bacteria to form.

Tinsel and ribbons can get caught in our intestinal tracts and cause obstructions, while glass tree ornaments can cut us if they get broken or ingested. And liquid potpourri, while it smells pretty, can make us very sick!

The holidays should be a time of joy and pleasure. Taking some extra time to keep your holiday celebrations pet-friendly can keep your holiday from becoming a tragedy!

Your friend,
Obie

October 25, 2009

2009-10-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
Where have you been? We miss you!
Signed, Calypso
Keizer, Oregon

Dear Calypso,
I'm sorry I haven't written a column in a while. It has been really busy here at our new home, with my humans getting in all the sight-seeing they can before winter closes the National Parks around here. Plus, my brother, Mackenzie, got sick and had to be taken care of, so my human daddy didn't have a lot of time to do my typing for me. Luckily, Mackenzie is doing great now, and things are slowing down, so I'm back!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
Earlier in the year, you wrote a column about black cats. With Halloween coming, could you please talk again about black cats and the rumors that surround them?
Signed, Gail
Salem, Oregon

Dear Gail,
I'd be glad to! I'm a black cat, as you know, and I hate those rumors! Here is the email I received and my answer to it.
Your friend,
Obie

(From February 13, 2009)
Dear Obie,
What's the deal about this story I keep hearing about black cats being unlucky? I'm a black cat, and I think my humans are very lucky to have me in their lives. Since you are a black cat, also, I'm hoping you can help get rid of this silly rumor.
Signed, Miss Madison
Pine Ridge, North Dakota

Dear Miss Madison,
I agree with you one hundred percent! I wish I had the power to get that crazy idea out of people's heads, yet some still want to believe that black cats are unlucky, just like they believe breaking a mirror brings seven years bad luck, and it's bad luck to walk under a ladder, and Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Humans have the silliest notions!

In Great Britain, owning or seeing a black cat is considered to be very GOOD luck! King Charles I owned a black cat that he loved very much, and, as if to prove the cat's luck, the day after the black kitty passed away the kind was arrested! Also, fishermen's wives in the British Isles kept black cats when their husbands went out to sea, believing that the good luck inherent in the black cat would see their men home safely. Maybe the unlucky black cat rumor started in the United States way back in the Pilgrim days as another way of breaking away from the United Kingdom.

On the down side, rumors have abounded for centuries in America that black cats were witches in disguise, or at the least were familiars to witches. A black cat that crossed your path would bring bad luck, or even try to steal your soul! And, sadly, this foolishness has led to many black cats being harmed simply because of their fur color, or not being adopted from shelters.

So what makes a black cat black? According to Dr. Marilyn Menotti-Raymond, a staff scientist at the National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Genetic Diversity, black cats are black because of a genetic "accident." A black cat gets its coat color from a combination of three genes: a dominant "brown" gene that determines the darkness of the hair pigment, a dominant "dense" gene that ensures complete coverage of the hair, and a mutated, recessive "agouti" gene that would normally produce banding on the fur. It is this combination that has caused black cats to lose their normal striping and appear solidly black.

My humans believe that having a black cat in the house is very lucky, and, fortunately, many other enlightened humans feel the same way. Rumors are rumors, and superstitions are nothing but unfounded fantasies and vapors. Just ask any of the thousands of people who have the amazing GOOD fortune of having a black cat in their house and they will tell you the same thing. And hopefully some day black cats will be loved the world over for the fine, amazing animals we are!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

A friend recently expressed concern when her kitten, Casper, started licking the pumpkin she was carving for Halloween. She wondered if Casper could get sick from the pumpkin. I know that when my older sister, Tabitha Susan, was having a lot of stomach problems and diarrhea, her vet suggested that my humans give her small amounts of pumpkin to help her stomach. Pumpkin is very high in fiber, and can give relief to a cat or dog that has diarrhea. So, Megan, I'm sure Casper will be fine.

*****

I received a really nice email from a lady named Sandy who adopted a black and white cat named Louise from Salem Friends of Felines on Mother's Day this year. The kitty is now called MoMo, and has settled into their lives and taken a place in their hearts. I could tell from the email that she loves MoMo a lot, and I'm sure MoMo loves her, too. And from the picture she sent me, of MoMo resting comfortably on a pillow on their bed, I can see that MoMo, like me and my brothers and sister, has full run of the house!

Thanks for the email and picture, Sandy! Give MoMo a big hug for me!

*****

Halloween is fast approaching, and it can be a dangerous time for black cats. Please, if you have a black cat, keep it indoors during this time of the year. All cats should be kept indoors for their own safety, anyway, but it is especially important to keep black cats out of harm's way on this, my least favorite of holidays! So, for your kitties sake, keep him or her safely inside your house. Thank you!

September 28, 2009

2009-09-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
I recently returned from volunteering with the cats at Best Friends in Kanab, Utah, and one of the cats there has ringworm. What is ringworm?
Signed, Fred
Salem, OR

Dear Fred,
In spite of its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the hair, skin and nails of dogs and cats, and also humans! Though ringworm will self cure with time, all pet owners need to be aware of what ringworm is, how to identify it, and treatment options.

There are several different fungi that cause ringworm, and are normally found on an infected animal or in an area where an infected animal has been. Spores shed into the environment can live for up to 24 months, and can exist on bedding, carpeting, drapes, and combs and brushes.

Some animals will carry the organism without ever showing signs or symptoms. Humid environments are the most conducive to the organism, but it exists in all climates.

Most healthy cats have a natural immunity to ringworm, though any cat can be infected with exposure. Kittens under one year of age and cats with other underlying illnesses or reduced immunity are more likely to be infected.

Ringworm normally appears as small round lesions on the ears, head or tail. These round shapes are what originally gave the organism the name of ringworm. The lesions are usually scaly and hairless. On occasion, a cat's entire body can be affected, resulting in excessive hair loss and itching.

It is important to always exercise caution when introducing a new pet into a household with existing pets. Any new pet should be seen by a vet prior to being mixed with your existing cats or dogs. At the first sign of possible ringworm, isolate the pet from your other animals and get to your vet as soon as possible.

Your vet will run some very simple tests and will most likely prescribe an antifungal ointment with thiabendazole or miconazole. There are also shampoos available that contain miconazole, and advanced cases may require oral medications or even lime sulfur dips! Long-haired cats may need to be shaved in order for the medication to reach the affected skin areas.

It is important to help your pet fight the organism by providing good nutrition and by strictly following any directions given to you by your vet!

Because the spores can live so long in the environment, cleaning an affected area is vitally important. Carpet should be steam-cleaned. Vacuum rugs and drapes and immediately dispose of the vacuum bags. Mop floors instead of sweeping, because sweeping just sends the spores floating happily across your house. Wash all bedding and clothing in a bleach mixture.

As I always say, your vet is your best friend in fighting any health issues with your pet. Listen to what they say! They're pretty smart people!

Thanks for the email!
Your friend, Obie

*****

"I put down my book, 'The Meaning of Zen,' and look at my cat smiling into her fur as she delicately combs it with her rough pink tongue. 'Cat, I would lend you this book to study, but it appears you have already read it.' She looks up and gives me her full gaze. 'Don't be ridiculous,' she purrs. 'I wrote it.'"
-Dilys Laing

*****

I hope you are all doing well! I miss getting emails! Please email your cat questions to me, or questions about any animal-related topic!
Your friend, Obie

September 9, 2009

2009-09-09T08:06:00.001-07:00

Hello! I want to begin this "Conversations with Obie" column by asking you a question. 98% of cat owners do "this." What is "this?" The answer will be at the end of my column.

*****

I've had several readers of my column ask me about transportation to and from veterinary visits for people who do not have a car of their own. I can sympathize with them about this situation. When you are unable to get to the vet, it can be scary, because you want to do what is best for your kitty. My suggestion would be to contact a pet-sitting service, such as Pet Nana in Salem, and talk to them. Many pet-sitting services will provide transportation to a vet's office for a small fee, allowing pet owners without cars to still care for the health of their beloved animals!

*****

Another question I receive concerns trimming cat claws. I've heard all the jokes that surround cat claw trimming, about wearing a suit of armor or having blood ready for a transfusion after the cat claws you to shreds, but in most cases a cat owner can trim his cat's claws without incident. The key is preparation.

It is best to start the process when your cat is young. The earlier you start trimming your cat's claws, the more the cat will view the procedure as simply part of the normal routine, and won't react with stress and fear. Have your vet show you the proper procedure the first time, and then you will know what to do.

Be careful when trimming your cat's claws that you don't get into the area known as the "quick." This is the pinkish area in the center of the claw where the nerves and blood supply for the nail are located. Cutting into this area will cause pain and bleeding.

Make sure you use the correct instruments! Have your vet show you the proper tools. Human nail trimmers are more likely to cause cracking and breaking of the claw, so please do not use those! When trimming, avoid clipping too much of the nail. A good rule of thumb is to clip the claw so that it is even with the paw pad.

When clipping the nails, have someone help you hold the kitty so you can concentrate on the claws. If your cat is not used to having its nails trimmed, be prepared for him to squirm and try to fight you. Hold the kitty firmly but be careful not to hurt him. Gently squeeze down on the paw so that the toes flex and the claw is exposed. Again, make sure you do not cut into the quick!

If you happen to cut into the quick, stop the trimming and place silver nitrate on the nail. Your vet can provide you with silver nitrate or tell you where you can purchase it. Flour or corn starch will also work. If the bleeding does not stop, contact your vet.

Sometimes, a kitty will be so upset at this alteration from its normal routine that it will become very stressed. My sister, Meeshka, absolutely hates having her nails trimmed, and she will fight so vigorously that my humans will let her go to end her stress. What my humans have done as a compromise is to make an appointment every three weeks at the vet to have our nails trimmed. While we are getting our pedicure, the vet also does a quick check of our teeth, ears and listens to our hearts. We also get weighed, and my humans can ask the vet any questions they might have about our health or about specific concerns. The cost is minimal, and regular visits with the vet might help spot a health issue before it becomes a problem.

I have had people ask about the newer rotary nail grinders, and whether they work. It all depends on your cat. Some cats will sit quietly while you grind their nails, and others will be scared of the sound and will fight to escape. Introducing the rotary trimmer slowly is the best way for your cat to become familiar with it.

*****

So what is it that 98% of cat owners do? They kiss their cats! Isn't that a great statistic? And I'll bet the other 2% kiss their cats, also, but don't want to admit it! Personally, I love my noggin kisses!

*****

I hope you all had a great Labor Day holiday!
Your friend,
Obie

September 1, 2009

2009-09-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
I have three cats and I am thinking about buying a parakeet. I had a parakeet as a child and really miss having a bird in the house, but I'm not sure how my cats will react. Will they accept the bird? Will they attack it? Can cats and birds live in the same house?
Signed, Gloria
Keizer, Oregon

Dear Gloria,
It is very difficult to judge whether your cats will accept a bird into your house, since all cats are different. Some cats will accept a bird with no problems or concerns, while others can not suppress their instincts and will always view birds as potential prey.

Many people who attempt to mix cats and birds in the same house will take steps to keep the animals separate from each other. Keeping the birds on a screened porch or in their own room is one possibility, though that often means less interaction with you. Another possibility is to install a hook in the ceiling and hang the cage from the hook, keeping the bird out of the cat's reach. If your cat is well-behaved, hanging the cage from a stand will work, but in many cases a cat can knock over a cage-stand and reach the bird.

Never forget that we cats are predators. It is in our nature to hunt. Birds are one of our favorite prey animals. I love to sit in the window and watch the birds outside, and a part of me wants to chase them, but as an indoor cat I can not follow that instinct. And that is a good thing. Cats that kill birds are a threat to the natural balance of nature. I know this. But it still doesn't change my instincts!

Unfortunately, the only way to really know how your cats will react to a bird is to bring a bird into your house. That isn't the best solution, especially if it doesn't work out and you have to return the bird, but in reality there is no other way to know. Take heart in the knowledge that, in many cases and with the proper precautions and diligence on your part, cats and birds can live together in harmony.

Thanks for your email,
Your friend, Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
Do cats have heart attacks?
Signed, Shay
Dallas, Oregon

Dear Shay,
In truth, any living being with a heart can have a heart attack, even cats! Heart attacks are not nearly as common in cats as in humans, mainly due to the fact that most cat owners take better care of their cat's health than they do their own! Heart attacks and heart disease in humans can mainly be attributed to diet, and, luckily, most cat foods are low in the ingredients that cause heart disease. Hereditary diseases can also lead to heart problems, and those are the leading cause of heart attacks in cats.

Cardiomyopathy is the term used to describe diseases that affects heart muscles. Cats, for the most part, develop one of three heart diseases: dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. While different, each disease affects the heart by interrupting the amount of blood that the heart can pump to the body.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is when the chambers of the heart become large and dilated. When this happens, the heart muscle is weakened and can not pump the blood the body needs to survive. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is when the walls of the cat's heart develop fibrosis, which is the replacement of normal heart tissue with scar tissue. Scar tissue is thicker and harder than normal tissue, which causes the heart to work harder to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in cats, and it occurs when the lower left chamber of the heart, called the left ventricle, thickens and stiffens, while the top left chamber, the left atrium, enlarges. When the left ventricle thickens, it does not allow as much blood to enter the chamber. When that happens, less blood is pumped to the body, and the heart itself demands more oxygen to function. If the heart can not get the oxygen it needs, there are big problems!

Cats can have heart disease for many years before it becomes severe enough to cause heart failure. Potential symptoms that might point to heart disease are excessive vomiting, difficulty breathing, anorexia, coughing, panting when engaged in any activity, weight loss, and lethargy. Some cats may become paralyzed in their hind legs due to blood clots associated with heart disease. If you see any of these happening with your cat, please get him or her to your vet immediately!

Early identification of heart disease is vitally important for the long-term health of your cat. Heart disease discovered early in its development can be controlled through diet and medication, and the cat can lead a long and happy life. Cats more severly affected may require oxygen therapy and will need to be kept in a quiet, stress-free environment.

In all cases, working closely with your vet to diagnose and treat potential heart problems is the key to keeping your cat healthy and happy. Regular vet visits and physicals will potentially catch heart problems in their beginning stages.

Thanks for the email,
Your friend, Obie

*****

"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast."
-Anonymous

"In a cat's eyes, everything belongs to the cat."
-Anonymous

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat."
-Ellen Perry Berkeley

*****

Please remember I am a cat. I am not a vet. Always consult with your vet when you have any questions or concerns about your cat's health. And please visit my human's website at donamiet.com. Have a great day!

August 21, 2009

2009-08-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, friends!
Have you missed me? Sorry it has been so long since I wrote my column! It is so difficult to work during the summer; all I want to do is laze around on my blanket by the front window and enjoy the sunshine! And the birds in the hedge outside my window like to sing and flutter their wings and I just love watching them!

So I hope you'll forgive my laziness, because there is a lot going on to be excited about. And the biggest and best thing is the upcoming Salem Friends of Felines Fundraising Event! Last year's event was so much fun that my tail is still trembling!

If you want to have a fantastic time, make sure you attend this event. And what is even more fun is volunteering to help out! Please contact Salem Friends of Felines for tickets or to volunteer. Their number is 503-362-5611.

Some of the great auction items include a trip for two to Disneyland, and a trip for two to Cancun, plus lots of other great items donated by Friends of Felines sponsors and supporters.

This event, not only being a lot of fun, goes to help all of the amazing kitties at Salem Friends of Felines. These are sweet, loving kitties who desperately want to be adopted into a forever home, and they deserve that home! The folks at Salem Friends of Felines work so hard to care for and find homes for the kitties in their care, and until you visit the center and spend time with the kitties, you don't know what you're missing. I was once a kitty at Friends of Felines, and I'll never forget how they loved and cared for me until my humans came along and took me home. And the joy I felt when I finally had my forever home can not be described. You can give that some joy to a fantastic kitty!

Anyway, that's all I have to say about that! Please send me your letters with any questions you might have concerning all things "cat," and I'll answer them for you!

Take care of yourselves, and love a kitty today!
Your friend,
Obie

August 4, 2009

2009-08-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
I always feel so bad for stray cats when it's either very hot or very cold outside. I've heard that it's wrong to feed them because then they become dependent on you. I have to travel quite often, and I am usually gone for several weeks at a time, and there is nobody to feed them while I am gone. I don't want to start feeding them and then have them starve while I'm away. Obie, what's your opinion?
Signed, Sonja
Salem, Oregon

Dear Sonja,
That is a very difficult position that you are in. Where I live now there are stray cats that run the neighborhood, and my humans face the same dilemma. Being cat lovers, they hate to see cats that are abandoned or homeless, but they also know they can't feed, shelter and care for them all. Luckily, there are many communities that have organizations that can help assist and care for feral cats, either by offering spay and neuter programs or just through a network of people who will put food and water out for the cats. My best advice is to contact animal rescue organizations in your area and ask what options you have.

To answer your question another way, I would tell you that if you can not maintain a feeding schedule and there is nobody to assist you, then do not start feeding the stray cats. That may sound cruel and uncaring, but you stated in your own letter all the reasons why you shouldn't feed the cats when you are unable to provide regular food supplies. Like any animal, stray cats will return to a food source, depending on that food source to be there, and when it isn't, that causes problems.

Please, talk to animal welfare groups in your area, and ask for help. Chances are, you'll find a lot of caring people who will assist when you are out of town!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My kitties ears amaze me, how she can turn them independent of each other and in all directions! How many muscles are in my cats ears?
Signed, Jill
Eugene, Oregon

Dear Jill,
Believe it or not, there are 32 muscles in each ear! That is a lot of muscles for a little ear! Compare that to the human ear that only has 6 muscles. And did you know, your kitty can rotate its ears 180 degrees independently from each other, and can respond to sound ten times faster than a dog! Hearing is one of the most important senses for a cat, second only to our sense of smell. Our hearing is far more powerful than the hearing of either dogs or humans.

Here are some other interesting cat facts you might not know. Cats have more bones in our bodies than humans, 230 compared to 206 for humans. A cat can see six times better than a human at night. Cat's jaws only move up and down; we have no lateral or side-to-side motion like humans do. When a cat drinks, we scoop up the water backwards, using tiny barbs on our tongues to catch the water. A domestic cat can sprint at 31 miles per hour. And almost 10% of a cat's bones are in its tail!

All in all, we cats are amazing and fascinating creatures, aren't we?
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Did you hear about the cat who drank five bowls of water?
He set a new lap record.

How many cats can you put in an empty box?
One, because after that the box isn't empty.

Name one place your cat can sit that you can't.
Your lap.

Five signs that your cat is too fat:
1. Confused guests constantly mistake her for a beanbag chair
2. Fewer calls to the fire department, but an upsurge in broken tree branches
3. Waits for the third bowl of food before getting finicky
4. No longer cleans itself unless coated in Cheez-Whiz
5. Has more chins than lives

*****

Congratulations to my sister, Meeshka, whose pet advice column in the St. George, Utah, Spectrum newspaper is now being carried every Friday instead of every other Friday. Way to go, Meeshka! And congratulations to my human daddy, whose fourth book, "Never Cross the Everglades with an Angry Howler Monkey," will be published later this year!

July 26, 2009

2009-07-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I hope you're all having a great July so far! You may have noticed that I didn't write a column last week. Well, there were a couple reasons for that. One, I haven't received any emails to reply to (hint, hint) and two, my human typist decided it would be neat to spend a couple days at Zion National Park! As a cat with no thumbs, I can't type my own column, you know!

So, anyway, here I am today. And I wanted to comment on an email I received on Friday. Frank in Salem wrote and told me that he was at PetSmart and was given a handout that listed no-kill shelters in the Salem area. Frank was concerned because Salem Friends of Felines wasn't listed on the handout, and he wanted to make sure that Friends of Felines was still a no-kill shelter. Frank, rest assured, Salem Friends of Felines IS and always will be a no-kill shelter! That will not change! It may have been that the handout you received was from Friends of Felines and was listing other no-kill shelters, or it may have been an oversight. But either way, take it from a cat who was adopted from Friends of Felines; no-kill it is and no-kill it will always be!

And while we're speaking of Friends of Felines, keep in mind that August 1st is the date for the Kitty Carnival at PetSmart on Lancaster! Last year's Kitty Carnival was a lot of fun, and helped to raise both money and awareness for the awesome work done at Friends of Felines. The Kitty Carnival will run from 11AM to 5PM, and you don't want to miss it. There will be games, prizes, and adorable kitties that are available for adoption to good homes. Check it out!

Then, coming up on September 26th, the annual fundraiser will be held at the Keizer Renaissance Inn. This is a great time to gather together to help the kitties, and to meet all the wonderful people who work so hard to find homes for cats that need them. And the results speak for themselves: 412 adoptions so far in 2009 and over 2000 spay and neuter certificates handed out!! Keep watching my column for more information as the fundraiser approaches!

In the meantime, please send me emails! If you have any questions about your cat, let me know! I'll even answer questions about dogs, fish, iguanas, bats...you name it!! I'll look forward to hearing from you!

In the meantime, remember that animal abandonment is a crime! Don't do it!

Your friend,
Obie

July 12, 2009

2009-07-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
When did cats first arrive in America?
Signed, Furby
Salem, Oregon

Dear Furby,
The history of cats in America is pretty fascinating. While some people may believe that cats were originally brought to America by explorers and settlers from Europe, many scientists do not believe that to be the case. DNA studies have led scientists to believe that cats lived in Asia as long as 11 million years ago, and in North America as long as 9 million years ago! That's a long time!

The cats that would have been found in North America 9 million years ago would have borne little resemblance to me or other cats you might see today. Our long-ago ancestors were hunters, carnivores that traveled from continent to still-forming continent on land bridges. They spread out through the vast jungles and prairies, hunting for their food, hiding from enemies, and I'll bet they were fearsome beasts, the kind of beast my sister Meeshka tries to be when she's chasing me!

So when did cats first start to become domesticated? Again, let's turn to our friendly scientists for that answer. It is believed that, during the Stone Age, cats learned that where there were humans, there was food. And where there was food, there would be mice and other rodents. So cats began to live near areas of human habitation. The humans didn't chase them away, because the cats served a useful purpose in keeping down the vermin populations, but cats did not become pets until much later.

About five thousand years ago, as the Egyptians became more and more experienced in gathering and storing grain, they were faced with a major mouse problem. The solution? Cats, of course. The Egyptians became the first culture to domesticate cats for their use, and, as they did, they became in awe of the cat. Its nature caused the Egyptians to revere it, and treat it as royalty, which, some say, the cat has never forgotten!

In the Middle Ages, however, cats faced persecution. Pope Gregory IX, an apparent cat hater, declared that cats were evil and should be destroyed. Millions of cats were killed, along with anyone who owned one. With the killing of the cats, however, came a huge increase in rats and mice, and millions of people died from the plagues they carried. Eventually, common sense won out and cats were once again allowed back into homes and villages.

Today's domesticated cat was first brought to America around 1600, traveling on trading ships, where they again carried out their task as killer of mouse and rat. The cats in America proved their worth, not only as pest control but as pets, and humans grew to love them and revere them again. Today, more households in America have cats as pets than any other animal!

And that is the history of cats in America! We've had our ups and downs, and there are still ignorant people who don't like cats or believe they are evil, but they are a clueless minority! Cats are great! And we're here to stay!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

A Cat's Prayer

Dear God, please send somebody who'll care.
I'm so tired of running and sick with despair.
My body is aching and filled with such pain;
And, dear God I pray, as I run in the rain
That someone will love me and give me a home,
A warm, cozy bed and food of my own.
My last owner left me alone in the yard,
I watched as they moved, and, God, that was hard.
So I waited a while, then went on my way
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now, God, I'm so tired and hungry and cold;
And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.
They've chased me with sticks and hit me with straps
While I run in the streets just looking for scraps.
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
For I have become just a "Victim of Man."
I'm wormy and dirty and ridden with fleas;
And all that I want is an owner to please.
If you find one for me, I'll try to be good.
I won't scratch the carpet; I'll do as I should.
I'll love them and play with them and try to obey.
I will be so grateful if they'll let me stay.
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
Because I'm getting weak and I'm so all alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
Because I'm so afraid, God, that I'm going to die.
I've got so much love and devotion to give
That I should be given a new chance to live.
So, dear God, please hear me, please answer my prayer,
And send me somebody who will REALLY care.
-Author Unknown

*****

I know the economy is bad and everyone is struggling to make ends meet, but the need for organizations like Salem Friends of Felines is as important as ever. If you can help in any way, please do! They do such wonderful things for the cats of the Salem area, cats that deserve to have loving homes. Thank you!
Obie

July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
Last night, all of my neighbors were shooting off fireworks and fire-crackers, and the loud booms and pops scared me. I spent most of the night hiding beneath the bed. Is it wrong of me to be scared of loud noises?
Signed, Sam
Ivins, Utah

Dear Sam,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being frightened of loud noises, and there is nothing wrong with hiding beneath the bed. Many humans forget that animals, especially cats and dogs, have super-sensitive hearing, and what sounds like only a small bang to them can make our heads hurt! The Fourth of July is a fantastic holiday, and means a lot to people in America, but to pets it can be a scary day and can cause a lot of stress. I have even known some cats and dogs who have had to be medicated around Independence Day for just that reason.

Sam, the holiday is over and you can come out from beneath the bed!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
I am a Siamese cat; not a thoroughbred, but still beautiful in my own right! I am eleven years old, and I live with my humans in Monmouth, Oregon. We recently moved to Monmouth from St. Louis, Missouri, and ever since we have arrived here I have been pulling out my fur with my teeth. My humans brush me every day, but nothing seems to help. They don't mind picking up the piles of fur that I leave around the house, but they are worried about me. Am I a psycho kitty?
Signed, Niles
Monmouth, Oregon

Dear Niles,
I do not believe that you are a psycho kitty, but there is obviously something going on that needs to be addressed. I am guessing that your recent move is playing a significant role in your "over-grooming," but let's look at all possibilities.

There are four basic reasons why the majority of cats over-groom, and those four are skin allergies, urinary discomfort, parasites and stress. A visit to your vet can help rule out such possibilities as urinary problems, skin allergies, or parasites, and if those do exist there are medications and topical ointments that can help.

One type of skin allergy is a result of an allergic reaction to food. Even when a kitty has been eating the same food for years, its body can develop an allergy to that food. My big brother, Rockafeller, ate the same food for ten years, then suddenly developed an allergy to it! Changing foods will often cure this problem, and most veterinarians recommend changing to a food that has only one basic protein. If kitty responds well to that food, and that one protein, you can begin reintroducing other proteins to its diet.

But, after reading your letter, I am leaning toward stress being the cause for your condition. Moving to a new house in a new city can be very stressful for cats. We are creatures of habit. We like our litter box to stay in the same place, our couch to never move, our view out of the window to remain constant. We like familiar sights and familiar smells. When all of those things suddenly change, we get stressed. And when we get stressed, we over-groom. The medical terminology for this condition is called "psychogenic alopecia." It is kind of like OCD for cats.

When your cat tries to jump onto a counter or the back of a chair and misses its landing, the cat will pause and groom itself. This is our way of getting back in tune with the situation, and comforting ourselves. Over-grooming is a manifestation of this natural habit. In extreme cases, vets will recommend medication to calm the cat. However, if the over-grooming is not causing skin irritations or problems like constipation or excessive hairballs, most vets will advise humans to provide as stress-free an environment as they can as an alternative to medication.

Whatever happens, Niles, see your vet as soon as you can, and feel good knowing you're not a psycho kitty!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Never trust people who dislike cats!"
-Irish Proverb

*****

Now that summer has fully arrived, please visit the Salem Friends of Felines thrift store on Commercial Drive for a great selection of shorts and T-shirts, as well as other fun items to make the summer of 2009 a great one. And while you're there, stop in and visit with the kitties for a while. Socializing with the kitties helps calm them and helps them become used to human interaction, thereby increasing their chances of being adopted into forever homes!

And, please visit my human's website at www.donamiet.com!

*****

I am a cat. I am not a vet. Always talk to your vet before making medical decisions for your cat! Thank you!

June 28, 2009

2009-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
I really enjoy your column, and I appreciate the way you encourage cat owners to keep their cats indoors. Outdoor cats not only face many dangers, but they also have an adverse effect on the bird and rabbit populations. I have three cats, Francis, Jeremiah and Da Guy, and they are all indoor-only cats. But I do have a question. What are some suggestions you might have for keeping my indoor cats entertained?
Signed, Gill
Pasadena, California

Dear Gill,
Thank you for your kind words, and for keeping your cats indoors. They will live longer and healthier lives because of it!

I can understand your concern about keeping your indoor cats entertained. Many humans are afraid that their cats will get bored if they are kept indoors, but humans don't understand cats that well. What seems boring to a human may not be boring to a cat. Sitting and staring out a window would be boring for a human, but us cats love it. The world outside our windows is exciting and unpredictable, and there is so much happening out there. We see other animals prowling around, and people, and birds, and even something as small as a bug walking in the grass will catch our eyes.

But, if you feel your cat is getting bored, then there are things you can do to entertain them. Playing with your cat not only helps keep them occupied, it increases your bond with them and helps keep them healthy by reducing obesity and keeping their muscles toned. Playing with them allows them to vent excess energy, and will help them sleep longer during the night. Sometimes. My humans play with me all the time, but that doesn't stop me from racing through their room chasing Meeshka or Mackenzie at two A.M.! And playing with your cat allows them to release any aggression they might have on the toy and not on your ankles!

If your cat is being bad, don't try to distract him or her from their bad behavior by initiating play. Play is seen by a cat as a reward, and we will think we are being rewarded for being bad. Wait until your cat is calm and quiet and being good, then play with them. Also, try not to use your hands, fingers or toes as play objects, because this will encourage kitty to scratch or bite them. Use a toy. If play gets too rough, stop and put away the toy until kitty has calmed down.

Set aside a specific time of day for play. Cats are creatures of habit, and knowing that play time is approaching will make us feel comfortable, and will often prevent bad behavior before it starts.

So what can you play with your cat? Oh, the ideas are without limit! Teach your cat to play fetch, by attaching a favorite ball to a string, throwing it, and reeling it back to you. The cat will learn to return the ball for more play. Pull the ball around the house at the end of the string and watch kitty chase it. Us cats love to chase moving objects. If there is someone else in your house who likes to play with kitty, sit at opposite ends of a room and toss a plush ball back and forth. I especially love this game! Even tossing a piece of dry cat food across the floor will provoke a reaction, and watching a cat chase food like that is so much fun.

My humans have a laser pointer, and my sister and I will chase that red dot all over the house. My humans also like to get on the floor with me and move a toy beneath the rug. They love to watch me stalk it and pounce! I also like it when my humans put a cardboard box on the floor for me to jump into, and them scratch the outside of it. I try so hard to catch whatever is scratching at that box.

One hint I would give you is to put away your kitty's favorite toy when you're not playing with them. Leave some toys out when you're not home, but save the favorites for your special time together. That always makes them more special!

I hope these suggestions will help to make your human-kitty time more special!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
Why do cats eat houseplants?
Signed, Sarah
Shenandoah, Texas

Dear Sarah,
One theory suggests that cats eat plants because our larger cousins in the wild chew on grass and other plants to aid in their digestion. Another thought is that different plants attract cats due to their scent, or texture. Whatever the reason, it is true that some cats do attempt to eat plants, and that can be dangerous.

There are an amazing number of plants that are dangerous for cats, including ferns, evergreen, eucalyptus, boxwood, Black-eyed Susan, primrose, rhododendron, irises and lilies. For a complete list, I would suggest going to the Cat Fanciers' Association website at cfainc.org. In addition, plants provide great hiding places for disease-carrying insects. If you have cats, I would suggest silk or plastic plants!

However, if kitty seems to crave having something green and organic to chomp on, how about providing him with cat grass? Many pet stores and online catalogs sell small containers of safe cat grass, and most cats love it. Most are rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients and are grown from organic sources. All you have to do is add water! Try them and see what happens.

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch."
-Leo Dworken - Author

*****

I am a cat. And, even though I am smart and talented and gorgeous, I am still just a cat. I am not a vet. Never make medical decisions for your cat without consulting a vet. Thank you!

June 21, 2009

2009-06-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
I don't like cats. I especially don't like my neighbor's cats that are always in my yard, destroying my garden and making a mess in my flower beds. How can I keep cats out of my yard?
Signed, Tom
Shaw, Oregon

Dear Tom,
First off, let's make it clear that cats are not the problem at your house. The problem is your neighbor, who doesn't keep his cats inside. Cats are explorers, and will roam far and wide if they are allowed to wander outside. And we are territorial, using our urine and feces to mark territory. In many cases, this natural tendency causes problems with neighbors who don't appreciate that cats will "do their business" in gardens and flower beds, and then bury it. The fault is not with the cats, who are only doing what comes naturally. So your email to me should have started with, "I don't like my neighbor because he is irresponsible in keeping his cats indoors."

Be that as it may, there are still many cat owners who ignore the myriad dangers lurking out there and allow their cats to run free. So what can a homeowner like Tom do to keep unwanted cats out of his yard? The most important thing to remember is to not use extreme measures, like poison. Not only is it cruel and inhumane to poison a cat, you might also end up poisoning other domestic animals and wildlife, and could potentially poison your neighbor's children! And in many communities, putting down poison is also illegal. Luckily, there are numerous ways to keep cats out of your yard that are humane. So what can you do?

The main goal is to discourage animals from being in your yard or garden, in a humane way. You can plant things that will discourage cats from entering your garden or flower beds, such as rosemary, geraniums, pennyroyal, rue, lavender, garlic, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, and other plants with strong scents that cats don't like. Talk to your local garden center about these types of plants. A friend of mine in Utah uses a mixture of rosemary and water in a plastic spray bottle, which she sprays in her gardens and around the perimeter of her lawn, and she tells me that she has virtually eliminated the problem!

I have also heard that laying chicken wire in your garden helps, because cats do not like walking on chicken wire, and we can not dig through it to bury our "offerings." Lay the chicken wire down before you plant, then use wire cutters to cut openings for your plants. The same concept goes for egg shells and coffee grounds, which, by the way, make great fertilizer! You can also try ground-up pine cones and nut shells, or orange and lemon peels. I would recommend against using mothballs, because they are toxic, and a small child could eat them.

A method used by some people to keep all animals out of their yard is to place a sprinkler on your grass that is hooked-up to a motion sensor. When a cat (or dog or raccoon or squirrel) enters your yard, the sprinkler goes off, soaking the animal and sending it scurrying away. This is called using "cat psychology." Cats do not like water, especially when it hits them unexpectedly. Moving the sprinkler around the yard keeps the animal from learning where it is and circling around it. Plus, it waters your yard and garden! A good commercial system might cost about a hundred dollars, but it's better than being aggravated or doing something that could hurt or kill a neighbor's pet, or put you on the wrong side of the law.

There are commercial cat repellents on the market that work by releasing a scent that cats hate, and most pet supply stores carry them. Spraying them on the places where the cats are doing their business usually keeps them away. Remember, cats have very sensitive noses, and we don't like things that hurt our noses. I've even heard people suggest sprinkling pepper on gardens and flower beds, but I would advise against that. Pepper can cause permanent harm to a cat's eyes.

For those of you who don't really mind having a cat or two visit your yard, but don't want them doing their business in your garden, try planting a patch of catnip in another part of your yard. Not all cats like catnip, but the majority of us do, and they might claim that as their own and leave your other gardens alone. Or put a small sandbox at a far corner of your yard to act as a litter box. Yes, you will have to clean it out, but at least you will know where the feces is located.

Tom, I hope this helps with your concern. And please don't hate the cats for just being cats. We can't help what we are!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Happy Father's Day!

*****

This past Friday, my sister Meeshka debuted her column in the St. George, Utah, Spectrum newspaper! Later this week, after the Spectrum updates their website, her column can be seen by going to thespectrum.com and clicking on "St. George Neighborhoods." Scroll down almost all the way to the bottom of the main page, and "St. George Neighborhoods" will be on the right-hand side of the page.

*****

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior."
-Hippolyte Taine - 1828-1893 (French critic and historian)

*****

Folks, please remember that I am a cat. I am not a vet, or a gardener. Please talk to your vet before making medical decisions for your cat, and please talk to a gardener before attempting to cat-proof your yard!

June 13, 2009

2009-06-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My friend has four cats. They are all indoor/outdoor cats, and all but one are very good about using the litter box. Jessie's mama was a feral cat, so she never learned to use the litter box from her mama, and Jessie does not want to use the litter box. She doesn't want to go outside, either. She wants to go on the floor in the house! Ick! My friend's autistic son is very attached to Jessie, so Jessie has to be allowed in the house. Jessie is an adult kitty, three to four years old. What can be done to retrain an older cat to use the litter box? My friend is at her wits end!
Signed, Frankie
Salem, OR

Dear Frankie
I can understand your friend's concerns. When a kitty that is obviously loved, like Jessie, won't use a litter box, it can be very frustrating. I applaud your friend for wanting to train Jessie; in too many cases, people will just dump a cat like Jessie at the pound! Boo on them!

So I have given your problem a lot of thought, and then I consulted with a veterinarian friend of mine, Dr. Kristen McDonally, DVM. And Dr. Kristen offered the following advice.

First, place a brand new, clean litter box in a small, confined area. A laundry room or an unused half-bath are perfect. Make sure the litter box is filled with new, clean litter, preferably a clumping litter. Cats are fastidiously clean animals, that is just our nature, and it is an ingrained trait with us to bury our urine and feces. So if Jessie is in a small area with that brand new box of litter and no other place to go, she just might take right to it. But she might also need some further training.

The trick is to place her in that small room as soon as she has finished eating or right after she has woken up from a nap. The room needs to provide a lot of privacy, as kitties are "private bathroom" creatures. We don't like an audience when we're doing our business! Take Jessie into the room, set her in the litter box, and scratch the litter with one of her paws. This helps to kick-start that instinctual "bury my waste" part of her mind.

Watch what she does. If you see her starting to sniff or dig in a corner, immediately pick her up and place her back into the litter box. Scratch the litter with her paw again. This may need to be repeated several times, so Jessie's human will need to be patient. Just remember that Jessie isn't trying to cause trouble; she wants to be a good kitty. She just needs your help!

When she does use the litter box, heap a lot of praise on her! Let her know that she is a great kitty and that you are so happy she went "in the big potty," as my wacky humans say!

A couple very important points to remember, according to Dr. Kristen, are to keep the litter box clean and to have enough litter boxes for the number of cats you have. Going back to that thing about cats being fastidious, we don't like dirty litter boxes. Yuck! And if you have several cats, don't try to get by with one litter box. The rule of thumb is to have one litter box for each cat, plus one. So if you have three cats, you should have four litter boxes. This is not always necessary, but it is a good guideline to follow. Also, if you can, place a couple litter boxes in separate areas of your house. When my brother Mackenzie first joined our family, Rocky would sometimes block the door to the laundry room, where the litter boxes were, forcing poor Mackenzie to find somewhere else to go. My humans solved that by placing another litter box at the far end of the house, thus eliminating the problem!

Finally, don't punish Jessie if she has an accident. Yelling at her, or worse, will not teach her a thing. We cats don't understand English, remember? All you will accomplish by punishing her is to make her afraid of you.

I hope everything works out for your friend and Jessie! Please email me again and let me know how it went!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Happy 5th birthday to Salem Friends of Felines! Today is the 5th birthday of my all-time favorite kitty shelter! And in five years, those super folks have adopted over 2600 kitties into forever homes, as well as spear-heading spay and neuter awareness in Salem. There aren't enough great things to say about everyone at Friends of Felines! I love you all!

I am so proud of my human daddy! His historical book, "John Colter - the Legend of the First Mountain Man" has been published and is now available! He worked so hard on this book, and I should know; I spent a lot of time on his desk while he was working on it! You can find it through Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, etc., or ask for it in your bookstore. You can also visit his website at donamiet.com and learn more about it, including how to order signed copies! Way to go, daddy!

I am also very proud of my sister, Meeshka. Beginning on Friday, June 19, Meeshka's animal advice column, "Meeshka Tales," will appear every two weeks in the St. George, Utah, Spectrum newspaper! Meeshka will answer emails from Spectrum readers who have questions about any kind of animal, not just cats! Way to go, Meeshka!

And, finally, congratulations to my old friend, Nonnie, on receiving her new kitty wheelchair! Now you can run around and play like you've always wanted to do! I'm so happy for you, Nonnie! And thanks to everyone who donated money so she could have a wheelchair! You are angels!

*****

"We can not, without becoming a cat, perfectly understand the cat mind."
-St. George Mivart (1827-1900) British Biologist

*****

I hope you enjoy reading my column, but please remember that I am not a vet. I am a cat! Always consult with your vet before making any medical decisions concerning your cat! Thank you!

June 7, 2009

2009-06-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings, faithful readers!

I'm sad today. Why am I sad? Because nobody is emailing me questions to answer in my column! I'm a smart cat, and I know a lot about the world of cats, but without your emails and questions, I would just be writing to hear myself write! Did that make sense? I hope so.

So, in place of emails to answer, I guess I could just write about stuff happening in my life. I'm getting settled into my new home. The neighbor cats, Starsky and Hutch, stop by once in a while to visit, and we talk through the window. Another neighbors chihuahua, a hamster in a collar, runs past once in a while, and we watch it and laugh. Imagine, a dog smaller than me! And they say dogs are descended from wolves? Hah!

The full desert heat hasn't kicked in yet, but it still gets hot during the day, with highs in the mid-90's. The sun shines all the time! It feels really good on my tummy!

My sister, Meeshka, and my brothers Rockafeller and Mackenzie are doing good. Meeshka is trying to convince the local newspaper here to carry a column written by her, called "Meeshka Tails," where people can write her with any animal questions and she will answer them. I hope it works out for her. She is a smart kitty and would make a great columnist!

Other than that, life goes on. I check my email every day and nothing! Just a big blank empty. So please write! I need something to do, or else I'll just get in trouble!

I hope you're all doing great! Stop by Salem Friends of Felines and say howdy for me. And love on the great kitties while you're there!

Until next time,
Your friend, Obie

May 31, 2009

2009-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My vet just diagnosed my cat, Humphrey, with an upper-respiratory infection. What is that and how does a cat catch it?
Signed, Garry
Salem, OR

Dear Garry,
Upper-respiratory infections are awful! Trust me, I know! I had a bad one when my humans first adopted me and I was on medication for several weeks before I finally got rid of it. I know how poor Humphrey feels! I hope he gets better soon.

An upper-respiratory infection is generally caused by one of two invasive agents: feline herpes-1 virus or the calici virus. Just about 90% of upper-respiratory infections can be traced to one or the other of those two nasties. Feline upper-respiratory disease is very contagious, and can easily be passed from cat to cat in a shelter or in a multiple cat household, and that was my problem. When I was at Salem Friends of Felines, we kitties just kept passing the disease around in spite of all the efforts made by our caretakers to cure us! The disease can also be passed by humans who pet an infected cat and then pet a cat that is not yet infected, or through the sharing of toys or food bowls.

The most common symptoms you will see displayed by an infected cat are sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, runny eyes, fever, and a loss of appetite. If you see any of these, do like Garry has done and get your cat to the vet right away! Your vet can run a series of tests to determine which virus is causing the infection and treat directly, and once the cat is away from the source of the infection healing is fairly rapid, and complete. It is important to keep the eyes and nasal passages cleared, and many vets will prescribe a nasal decongestant. Placing a vaporizer in the room with the cat to increase humidity also helps.

It is very important to keep your cat fed and hydrated. As simple as it sounds, many cats stop eating just because their poor noses are so full of gunk that they can't smell their food! In some cases, force-feeding is necessary to keep your kitties strength up so its body can fight the infection. If you have other cats in your house, keep them separated from the sick kitty! In most cases, your other cats will already be infected by the time the disease becomes apparent, but you never know!

Once a cat has been infected, it can be a carrier for the rest of its life yet not show any symptoms. Please stay in continuous contact with your vet and make sure your kitty receives regular check-ups to make sure the symptoms don't recur.

Garry, give my best to Humphrey. I hope he feels better soon!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My cat, Roger, used to hiss and yowl whenever another cat came anywhere close to our house in Spokane. If he even saw a cat from across the street, he would tremble and chatter and get very aggressive. We recently moved to Bakersfield, California, and there are several neighborhood cats that walk right beneath Roger's favorite window. When they do, he does nothing, just watches them go by. Why is his behavior different now than it was in Spokane?
Signed, Katie
Bakersfield, CA

Dear Katie,
Never forget that everything your cat does in life is based on one instinct; survival. The way he acts, eats, sleeps or walks can be traced back to survival. And one of the main ingrained rules in a cat's psyche is that he or she must defend their territory in order to survive. Once Roger had determined that his house in Spokane was his territory, he was bound by his instincts to defend it. By moving to a new house and city, his natural instincts have altered slightly. He is a strange cat in a strange land, and to Roger, those other Bakersfield cats were there first, and now he is the interloper in their territory. As such, he must lay back a little, assess the situation, and gain his own sense of territory back. Give him some time. Once Roger adopts your new home as his, you might see those old territorial instincts come back to the fore. Or not. Who knows? We cats like to stay mysterious!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"A cat sees no good reason why it should obey another animal, even if it does stand on two legs."
-Sarah Thompson, Countess Rumford - 1774-1852 (the first American Countess)

*****

Hi, folks! When you read my column, please remember that I am a cat. I am not a vet. Always consult with your vet before diagnosing or treating your cat! Thank you! Obie

May 24, 2009

2009-05-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
What is Memorial Day?
Signed, Floppers
Biscoe, North Carolina

Dear Floppers,
According to my friends at Wikipedia, Memorial Day is defined as a federal holiday to commemorate American men and women who died while in the military, serving their country. The holiday was first enacted to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War, and is in fact celebrated near the day of reunification following that war. After World War I, it was expanded to include Americans killed in any war or military action.

Originally observed on May 30th of each year, many veterans feel that the "floating" quality of the holiday, now observed on Mondays to create a three-day weekend, has made people care less about the true meaning of the holiday and simply view it as a three-day break from work! Since my human daddy is a veteran, I believe those who died in the service of this country deserve more than just a passing recognition!

As a cat, I enjoy any holiday that allows me to spend more time with my humans!!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Rumplebum, just turned fifteen years old yesterday. I really love him! How can I best keep him healthy so I can enjoy him for a lot more years?
Signed, Kim
Denver, Colorado

Dear Kim,
First off, happy birthday to Rumplebum! As a fifteen year old cat, I can tell that you are doing the right things to keep him healthy already. The average life expectancy for cats is fourteen years, though with today's medical knowledge and the care given by great owners like you, many cats are living to twenty years old and beyond.

The most obvious thing any cat owner can do is make regular vet visits an important part of your relationship with your cat. Your vet is the expert, the one who can track your cat's health and maybe spot a small problem before it becomes a big problem. My humans make sure I get a complete physical with blood work once a year, and my older brother, Rockafeller, who is eleven, gets a physical every six months. Your vet is also an amazing source of information on nutrition and other health issues. Talk to them, and ask questions. They will be happy to answer!

As a cat owner, you are the very best guardian of your kitty's health. You are the one who sees Rumplebum every day, who knows his moods and his routines. You will be the first to notice irregularities in his normal demeanor, such as changes in appetite or thirst, coughing, lethargy, weight loss, weakness, or vomiting. Make notes of what is changed so when your vet asks you about the problem, you can give clear and precise answers. Some questions the vet might ask, according to my friend Dr. Virginia Clemans, DVM, are: how long has the problem been present? Is the problem getting worse or staying the same? Have any home treatments been tried, and if so, what are they? Your ability to answer these types of questions will help your vet get a clearer idea of what might be wrong with your kitty.

If your vet prescribes medication or a treatment plan, follow their directions as closely as possible. Make sure kitty gets all his medicine, and if for some reason you can't do that, let your vet know right away! Your cat will not get better if you don't follow your vet's advice!

Barring health issues, one of the main foundations for a long and healthy life is nutrition. There are so many different types of cat foods out there, it can be hard to know what is right for your cat. Premium cat foods are usually better health-wise than cheap store brands, or generic brands. Yes, premium foods are more expensive, but isn't your cat worth it? You get what you pay for, whether it's a television or cat food! And, once again, your trusty vet is often your best source for information on what food is best for your cat. An underweight cat has different dietary needs than an overweight cat, for example, and all foods are not created equal.

Personally, I feast on fresh ocean salmon and the highest grades of tuna and lake perch, and...okay, I'm fibbing. But choosing the right food for your kitty is important! Research, ask your vet, and do what is best for that feline companion who loves you and depends on you to do what is best!!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Sandpaper kisses
on a cheek or chin-
that is the way
for a day to begin!

Sandpaper kisses-
a cuddle and a purr.
I have an alarm clock
that's covered in fur!"

-Bobbi Katz - Author ("Pocket Poems" and "Once Around the Sun")

*****

Hi, everyone! I hope you enjoy my column, but please remember that I am not a vet. I am a cat. Always consult with your vet before making health decisions for your cat! Thank you! Obie

May 16, 2009

2009-05-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
I have two cats, Simon and Mercury. They are indoor-only cats. Sometimes I worry that they are missing out on life by always being indoors. I know you're an indoor-only cat. Am I worrying needlessly?
Signed, Gene
Salem, OR

Dear Gene,
Many people believe that a cat is only happy when it can run free outdoors, "being a cat." That is not true. In fact, I think a cat is truly happier when it is an indoor-only cat. I know that I love the familiarity and security of my home, knowing that nothing can get to me or my brothers and sister. Outdoor cats face so many dangers, including encounters with mean dogs or cats or wild animals that might injure or kill them, or infect them with diseases, to traffic dangers like being hit by a car. There are mean people who might hurt them, rusty or sharp objects that might injure them, and toxic plants and chemicals that can make them very sick, or worse. And, if an outdoor cat does not have a tag with an address or contact phone number, animal control might capture them and they'll be taken to a shelter and, most likely, euthanized!

Indoor cats are safe from all those dangers. We play-hunt, using our toys as our prey, and we chase each other all over the house! We have fresh food and clean water, and if we sometimes sit in the window and look out like we're dreaming of being out there, don't give in! Let us dream, and be happy knowing you are keeping us safe and healthy!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
We are thinking about adopting a cat from a local shelter. Is it better to adopt a kitten or an older cat?
Signed, Chelsea
Boca Raton, FL

Dear Chelsea,
I am so happy to hear that you are going to adopt from a shelter rather than getting your cat from a pet store! Good for you! And as far as your question goes, the age of the cat you adopt really depends on your lifestyle. Kittens are rambunctious and full of energy, and if you have a more slow-paced, sedate lifestyle, the kitten-energy might be too much for you. Older cats are more mellow, and are more likely to lay on your lap getting love and affection. Adult cats require less supervision than kittens, they are more likely to sleep all night, they are probably litter-trained already, and they may be more accustomed to children or other pets. Also, older cats, especially in shelters, are so often passed over in favor of kittens, and end up being euthanized, and that is so sad!

Many people believe that an older cat in a shelter is there because it has problems of some kind, such as health or behavioral issues. In many cases, that is not the reality. Many older cats end up in shelters when their owners have health issues or pass away, or they move and can not take their cats with them. Maybe they had a change in their lifestyle, or had a child who developed an allergy. Or maybe they have another pet who couldn't get along with the kitty. There are many reasons why a kitty might end up in a shelter. Visit with them, give them time to show you their personality, then decide.

Good luck with your new kitty! Write and tell me how it goes!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Summer is here, and at Salem Friends of Felines there are lots of shorts and T-shirts for sale, at really awesome prices. Stop in, say hello, visit with the kitties, and walk out with some great bargains. And tell a friend!

*****

I'm a cat. I am not a vet. Please talk to your vet about any issues or problems with your cat before making medical decisions! Thank you!

May 9, 2009

2009-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
What are some parasites that might infect my kitty?
Signed, Dave
Kansas City, Kansas

Dear Dave,
There are several nasty parasites that could infect your kitty, and most can cause serious and even deadly medical conditions! I hate parasites! Yuck. Here is a list of some of the worst parasites and what you need to look for to decide if your kitty is infected.

One of the worst is heartworms. Transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, heartworms spend their lives, obviously enough, in the heart and the blood vessels connecting the heart and lungs. Signs of heartworm include coughing, decreased appetite, rapid breathing, listlessness and weight loss. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the infection, but treatment is vital!

Another nasty parasite is hookworm. Hookworm is ingested by your kitty when he or she drinks contaminated water or eats bad food, or is exposed to infested soil or feces. It can even penetrate through the skin! Hookworm causes severe diarrhea and anemia. Pale gums, stunted growth, emaciation, dull and dry coats and weakness are all symptoms of hookworm.

Roundworms are a common digestive tract parasite, living in the small intestine and absorbing nutrients, damaging the intestinal lining, and interfering with digestion. Severe cases are most often accompanied by thin and dull coats, a pot-belly appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia.

Ear mites are nasty little buggers who invade a cat's ears, and other areas of your cat's body. A kitty with ear mites will be seen scratching constantly, and in really bad cases the ear canal will even bleed. If left untreated, hearing loss can occur.

Tapeworms live in the small intestine and are segmented. They can grow as long as 20 inches! Imagine, a 20-inch long work inside your kitty. Blech! Symptoms of tapeworms include nervousness, convulsions and vomiting. A kitty might even scoot across the floor on its bottom if there are active segments near its anus.

These are just some of the parasites that can make life miserable for your kitty. If you notice any unusual behaviors that might indicate your kitty has a parasite, or any problem or illness, please contact your vet right away!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
Are you settling into your new home?
Signed, Roddy
Biloxi, Mississippi

Dear Roddy,
I am getting settled into my new home, though it is not a quick process. My humans are still unpacking and putting things away, but it is looking more and more like home all the time! Thanks for asking!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Folks, please remember, I am not a vet. I am a cat. Please talk to your vet before starting any medications, or if you see potential health issues in your cat!

May 2, 2009

2009-05-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! I'm back! We are finally getting settled in to our new home in St. George, Utah, and it has been a major adjustment for me. Let me tell you a little about moving as a cat. It stinks! First there is the confusion and uncertainty, as everything that is familiar is packed up and loaded into a big truck. Though I do have to say that when the house was empty, I could run around like a maniac!! That was a lot of fun.

But then I was picked up and put in a cage with my sister, Meeshka, and we were put in the front of the truck and off we went. I don't like riding in a vehicle, because that usually means going to the vet, but this time we went a lot farther than the vet! We rode up over the Cascades, had a tire blow out near Sisters, Oregon, then went on across eastern Oregon and south to a place called Winnemucca, Nevada. There we stopped for the night, and as my humans were taking me into the hotel room we watched a barn owl flying around a nearby field. It was pretty cool, even though I was glad I was in my cage! That old owl might have had me for dinner!

The next day we headed east on the interstate, and Nevada interstates are awful! I thought I was going to get bounced right out of the truck! Can't humans do anything right? Anyway, we made it to Wells, Nevada, then headed south from there until we reached Ely. We stopped for the night in Ely, and continued on to St. George in the morning.

And here we are. I'm still getting used to my new home, but as long as I have my kitty friends and my humans, I'll be fine! My humans don't have their computer hooked to the internet yet, so I'm having to dictate my column to my human daddy and send him off to the library to type it for you, but that's okay. Both my humans have found jobs already, so pretty soon they'll get my computer hooked up and I can write to you as often as I want!

In the meantime, be good to each other, help a kitty in need, and spend lots of money at Salem Friends of Felines thrift shop!!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Don't worry, be happy!"
-Bobby McFerrin

April 19, 2009

2009-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! I will be taking a little time off from writing my column, since my humans are moving me to a new state and just told me they have to pack my computer! I don't recall them asking me if I wanted to move, but that's fine. As soon as we get wherever the heck we're going and get settled in, I will be back writing my column. In the meantime, please send me your email questions, so I have something to write about!

Thank you!
Your friend,
Obie

April 16, 2009

2009-04-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
Recently, my humans switched my cat litter from my old familiar clay litter to these funny little paper pellets. They say the paper litter is better for the environment. I'm not so sure about this change, as I really like things to stay the same in my life! Please tell me what you think.
Signed, Spooky
Gary, Indiana

Dear Spooky,
It's never easy when your humans force change on you, but this time, it really is for the better. With cats being the favorite pet in America, hundreds of thousands of pounds of clay cat litter end up in landfills every year. Clay cat litter is not biodegradable, which means it will be around forever! Even though most paper cat litter will also end up in a landfill, paper cat litter is biodegradable. And most paper cat litters are made from post-consumer paper; in other words, it is made from paper that has been recycled. That is also good for the environment, and let's face it, this is the only world we have!

That is the benefit to the environment. But why is this a better thing for you? Well, many clay cat litters contain silica dust, which has been linked to feline asthma. Paper litter also reduces the amount of dust that gets tracked through your house. While there is sometimes an increased amount of odor involved when using paper cat litter, this is usually minimal and of little consequence. All in all, paper cat litter is the way to go!

So, Spooky, your humans really are trying to do what's best for you. Hopefully they won't change too many other things in your life!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

I have a great idea! How about enriching your life by volunteering at Salem Friends of Felines! You will gain so much from the experience. You'll get to meet new people, you'll get out of the house for a while, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that a minimum of effort on your part will have a maximum effect on the awesome cats and kittens at this wonderful no-kill shelter! You can help in the thrift shop, go on an outreach, or help feed the kitties! Even sitting on the floor and petting the cats will help socialize them and increase their chances of going to a forever home. So what do you say? Wanna help? Then take that first step. You'll be glad you did!

*****

"With dogs and people, it's love in big splashy colors. When you're involved with a cat, you're dealing in pastels."
-Louis A. Camuti, DVM (Author of "All My Patients are Under the Bed")

*****

Folks, please remember that I am not a vet. I am a cat! Please, consult with your vet before ever making any medical decisions!

April 9, 2009

2009-04-09T07:17:00.001-07:00

Dear Obie,
Can you please explain to my humans why I like catnip so much? And what is catnip, anyway?
Signed, Bitsey
Dallas, Oregon

Dear Bitsey,
I'll answer your second question first. Catnip is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. Its scientific name is "Nepeta cataria." The active ingredient in catnip, and the reason many cats love it, is called Nepetalactone, which is absorbed by cats through a special receptor in the olfactory system. In other words, we smell it! The Nepetalactone chemical triggers varied responses in cats, including rubbing, chewing, licking, chin and cheek rubbing, and even growling. In other cases, some cats become almost lethargic, leading to the misconception that catnip is related to hallucinogenic drugs!

Catnip can be ground up into a powder or small pieces and given to cats that way. My humans will place it in a zipper bag with a plush cat toy, then give us the toy. We love that!

The typical response to catnip only lasts for 5-15 minutes, on average, and only occurs in about 70% of cats. Personally, I love catnip, and it's hard for me to imagine that 30% of cats have no reaction to it at all! What I also find fascinating is that, after the initial 5-15 minute response, our olfactory senses will not respond to catnip for at least another hour. This oddity is why kitties will often get up and walk away, seemingly uninterested after just playing like maniacs!

In spite of the sometimes dramatic responses some cats show to catnip, the herb is completely non-toxic and is harmless to cats. Some cats will eat the catnip, and this can cause vomiting or diarrhea, but those symptoms are rare. If they occur, then just don't give kitty as much catnip next time!

Catnip can be easily grown in the United States and Canada, but it does have a tendency to take over a garden. If your humans try to grow their own catnip, Bitsey, you might want to tell them to plant it in large buckets or containers!

Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My long-haired kitty, George, coughs up a lot of hairballs. My husband always seems to step on them in the dark, and even though I find that rather funny, I'm concerned about George's health. What can I do about his hairballs?
Signed, Ashley
Needles, California

Dear Ashley,
Even though hairballs are a common ailment in cats, and many people just believe they are part of owning a cat and are therefore nothing to be concerned about, the opposite can be true. Hairballs, formed when a kitty grooms itself and swallows the hair, can block a kitty's intestines and cause an impaction. Sometimes those impactions have to removed surgically! Hairballs can also cause painful constipation. At their mildest, they are uncomfortable to cough up, and even a little scary. An equivalent in the human world is choking on a piece of food and trying to bring it back up. Not pleasant!

The simplest and best way to prevent hairballs in your kitty is brushing. As simple as it sounds, brushing away excess hair will keep that hair from being swallowed and will reduce your kitties chance of suffering from hairballs. And, of course, there is the added benefit of spending time with your kitty during the brushing process, and who doesn't like to spend time with their kitty?

Other steps you can take as a cat owner are to give your kitty special "hairball" treats. These will help lubricate the digestive tract and allow the hairball to pass easier. Some foods are specially formulated to help control hairballs, also, but always read the labels carefully. Another trick that has worked for many cat owners is to give kitty a little canned pumpkin or squash baby food, or even 1/2 a teaspoon of butter a couple times a week.. And never hesitate to talk to your vet if problems persist.

I hope this helps George.
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Cat's like doors left open, in case they change their mind."
-Rosemary Nisbet

*****

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!

April 5, 2009

2009-04-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about some really neat things that are happening at Salem Friends of Felines, and to ask for your help!

First, Salem Friends of Felines is entered in a contest with the Salem Statesman Journal newspaper in a Best Of Salem poll. Friends of Felines is in the "Best Thrift Store" category, and I'd like all of you to click the link on the Friends of Felines home page and vote for us! The more attention we can bring to the thrift shop, the more money we can raise to help all my awesome kitty friends! So vote often!

Also, please click on Nonnie's picture on the home page at sfof.org and read his story. Nonnie is a super little kitty who is paralyzed, and Friends of Felines is trying to raise money to purchase a cart that he can use to scoot around! He is a really active cat, and if he could get a cart, that would be so great for him! Any size donation will help to make his life so much better! THANK YOU!!

A good friend of mine in Eugene, Oregon, named Danette sent me this cute list:
Five Reasons Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs
1. Dogs drool. Cats don't drool. No drool is better than drool.
2. Dogs lick your face with tongues that have been...well, you all know where they've been!
3. Cats can be left at home alone all day without developing bad habits, like destroying your furniture.
4. Cats don't treat you like you're God, and that grounding is good for your ego.
5. Dog breath.

I hope you're all having a great weekend!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

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!

April 2, 2009

2009-04-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

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

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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!

March 29, 2009

2009-03-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Moses, is eleven years old. Is that considered old for a cat, or is he still a kitten?
Signed, Carla
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Dear Carla,
Moses probably wouldn't be considered a kitten, but that doesn't necessarily mean he is old, either. While many veterinarians would consider a cat to be a senior once it reaches seven years of age, many kitties are living well into their late teens, and even early twenties! Improved health care and better diets have a lot to do with this upward trend in longevity, along with cat owners who are proactive and who seek medical care for their cats when needed.

My human mommy and daddy had a cat named Tabitha who lived to be twenty years old, while their cat Misty passed away at eighteen and Lucky passed away at seventeen. By maintaining their health and making sure they received regular veterinarian check-ups, they were able to give those kitties long and happy lives.

As cats age, however, there are changes that may take place, and it is up to you as Moses' human to watch for those changes. Confusion, hiding, excessive meowing and wandering are signs that a kitty might have a condition known as "cognitive disorder." Cognitive disorder in cats is much like Alzheimer's in humans; in fact, post-mortem examinations of the brains of cats who appeared to suffer from cognitive disorder revealed the same twisted fibers, known as beta-amyloid plaques, seen in the brains of human Alzheimer's sufferers.

Obviously, regular trips to the vet for senior wellness screenings will help to detect problems early on, and may help make your cats journey into "senior citizen" status a gentle and happy one. If your cat exhibits any of these behaviors listed below, you need to consider that he or she might have cognitive disorder and get them to your vet right away. Changes in eating or drinking habits, changes in grooming habits, forgetting to use the litter box, strange vocalizations, confused by familiar and regular surroundings, changes in sleeping habits, even staring into space or at walls are all signs that there is a problem and they should be addressed right away!

My vets, Dr. Shimek and Dr. Slama at Hoffman Veterinary Clinic, recommend that all senior cats receive wellness exams twice a year. That way, diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, hyperthyroidism and retinal disease can be caught and treated early. This will help kitty age gracefully. It also helps diagnosis when cognitive disorder might be present, by eliminating other possible underlying problems. If cognitive disorder is diagnosed in your cat, anti-anxiety medication often helps, as well as your role in keeping kitty's life as stable and stress-free as possible. Never forget that cats are creatures of habit, especially as they get older.

Other things you can do to help your older cat are to provide an extra litter box for their use so they do not have to walk as far, and you may also need to provide canned food that has been warmed to make it more palatable. Also, using a water fountain helps remind kitty to drink, which is extra important as cats age.

My friends at Drs. Foster and Smith have provided the following checklist of symptoms to help you know when to get your kitty to the vet. Seizures, irritability, loss of appetite, deafness, fatigue, weight loss, swollen gums, frequent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, bleeding gums, sneezing, nasal discharge, greasy skin, offensive body odor, straining or coughing when breathing, and sores that do not heal are all warning signs. Call your vet immediately if you see any of these in your cat.

Carla, if you maintain his health, you can look forward to many more happy and healthy years with Moses!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Several people have asked me for an update on my brother, Mackenzie. When Mackenzie was at Salem Friends of Felines, his name was Maurie, and he was the frightened black and white kitty who occupied the top cage just to the right when you entered the cat area from the thrift store. Well, Mackenzie is doing great! He chases me up and down the hallway and wrestles with me, and his favorite place is on the padded bench in the front window, soaking up the sunshine. He even loves to sleep right on top of my human mommy and daddy at night! He has really come out of his shell and is a happy kitty!

*****

"Of all God's creatures, there is only one that can not be made a slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat."
-Mark Twain

*****

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!

March 23, 2009

2009-03-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My cat, Ruby, seems to be having a lot of trouble recently jumping up on the couch, or leaping up to her favorite window bench. She's eleven years old. Is it possible that she has arthritis?
Signed, Scott
Billings, Montana

Dear Scott,
As cats age, they develop some of the same infirmities as humans do when they get older. That list includes such things as arthritis, and degenerative joint disease. Some of the side effects, and the ones that you are most likely to spot, are things just like you mentioned. Cats become less active, or have problems getting up following a nap, or stay on the floor rather than jump onto a bed or couch or window ledge.

Arthritis will affect every cat in different ways, but, as mentioned above, the most common affects are in the areas of movement. The simple things that your cat always did without effort suddenly become painful, and they stop doing them. Jumping, stretching, playing; all will cause pain in their joints. These signs, however, can be difficult to spot. In most cases, the cats joints are not swollen or painful to the touch, and only through observation, and noticing behavioral changes, can you recognize the signs of arthritis. If you do recognize that Ruby is acting differently, as you say you have, talk to your vet. Ruby could have arthritis.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help make her life easier. Many pet retailers offer steps that you can use to give her easier access to the couch or bed, or even to her favorite window ledge. Heated pads can also help make her joints feel better, but use them with caution! The best types of pads are the ones that reflect back a cats body heat rather than the plug-in variety. You can also purchase litter boxes with lower sides than a standard box, allowing Ruby the luxury of getting in and out without having to make that big step over the rim!

Another option is nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, as I talked about in my column of March 15. Talk to your vet about these new natural drugs. They can help Ruby feel a lot better!

I hope this helps, Scott!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
What is heartworm?
Signed, Tai-Chai
Columbus, Ohio

Dear Tai-Chai,
Heartworm is a nasty infection that garners a lot of attention in dogs but is not mentioned that often in cats. Cats can, however, suffer from heartworm just like dogs, and it is just as dangerous to us as it is to our canine friends! And heartworm can affect indoor cats as well as outdoor cats!

Heartworm infection occurs when an infected mosquito bites a cat. This infects the cat with heartworm larvae, and those larvae then mature in the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. The larvae mature in those vessels, causing an inflammatory reaction, which then in turn leads to respiratory problems.

Unlike heartworm in dogs, it is the larvae rather than the mature heartworms that cause the problems. And since the larvae are in the vessels that supply blood to the lungs, the primary symptoms of heartworm in cats are difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting, and not eating. These signs, too often, are mistaken for asthma or bronchitis, and, since the standard tests for heartworm don't always detect the larvae, many cats are misdiagnosed. Luckily, new scientific discoveries are allowing vets to detect heartworm more readily in cats, leading to more cases in which cats can be effectively treated.

If you think your cat might have heartworm, call your vet. Get treatment as soon as possible, and your kitty can recover and live a happy life!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"What a cat dreams, it dreams with all its soul. When a cat plays, it plays with all its might. And when a cat loves, it loves with all its heart."
-Don Amiet

*****

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!

March 20, 2009

2009-03-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Austin, hates to take a bath. He fights and yowls and scratches like a maniac whenever I have to give him a bath. Do you have any suggestions on making bath time easier?
Signed, Kenneth
Asheboro, North Carolina

Dear Kenneth,
Though there are some cats out there who enjoy water and don't mind being bathed, most, including me, do not like water and hate bath time! This can cause major stress not only for us but also for our poor humans who have to bathe us, and who sometimes come away from the experience battered and bloody! But I do have some tips that might make bathing Austin just a little easier.

First, start the process by giving Austin a thorough but gentle grooming. Choose a comb or brush that he enjoys, and work it through his coat, removing any tangles but being gentle, since cat skin is thin and very sensitive. This is a good time for you to check him for sores, wounds, lumps, or any other skin problems. Clean his ears and trim his claws while you're doing this. This first step will often help ease Austin into "bathing" mode, easing him toward the time when the water comes on!

Make sure you have all the tools you will need for Austin's bath handy and accessible. This will reduce the amount of time spent actually bathing him, and will reduce his stress level. Have the proper shampoo that is just for cats, a couple soft towels, and maybe a soft brush to comb out any spots you might have missed during the grooming. Place a towel in the bottom of the sink to keep Austin from slipping while getting his bath. This is important, as we cats are very sensitive to the surface beneath our paws, and we hate to slip!

Some vets and experts recommend placing cotton balls in a cat's ears to keep water from getting in there, and even to apply an ophthalmic cream to the eyes to prevent shampoo from hurting them. Make sure the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot, and I highly recommend a gentle stream of water. My humans will fill several large cups with warm water so they do not have to turn on and off the faucet, which can scare a cat and make the process more stressful.

Cats do not like to be restrained, so the less you "hold" Austin the better it will be for him. Cats also react to the voice and mannerisms of our humans, so you need to remain calm and collected. Speak to Austin in a quiet voice and try not to get stressed or excited. Move slowly, and Austin will be less likely to get agitated.

Work the shampoo in gently, avoiding the area around the face. A cat's face is its most sensitive area, and washing a cat's face is more likely to generate a hostile response! Plus, like humans, we don't like soap in our eyes or mouths! Once you have shampooed Austin thoroughly, then you need to rinse him just as thoroughly. Again, a gentle flow of warm water works best as opposed to a hard spray, and you should repeat the rinsing several times. Once you are sure you have all the shampoo rinsed from his fur, rinse him again! Remember, he will immediately groom himself after his bath, and you don't want him eating shampoo!

Gently dry him with a soft towel, using a blotting technique as opposed to rubbing him. You will notice that I again use the word "gently." Gentleness during Austin's bath is key; being gentle will make it a less traumatic experience for him, and you! If Austin can handle the sound, you can use a blow dryer to help dry him, but make sure it is on a no-heat setting. Cat skin can be easily burned by a hot hair dryer.

If Austin absolutely will not put up with being wet, there are waterless shampoos on the market. Check with your vet and find out what he or she recommends. You can also try giving Austin a "sponge bath" with a moist washcloth. Whatever you do, again, be gentle!!

For those of you who have a new kitten, start bathing him or her now, when they are young. A cat who grows up with bathing as a normal part of their life will be less likely to "lose it" when bath time rolls around.

Good luck, Kenneth!
Your friend, Obie

*****

Walter from Salem, Oregon, wrote to me and asked me how he can help Salem Friends of Felines. He has a cat named Soul, who enjoys eating pasta! Well, Walter, there are many ways you can help Salem Friends of Felines with their awesome mission! Shopping at the thrift store at 980 Commercial Street SE is one way, and giving monetary donations or donations of items that can be sold in the thrift store is another way to help. You can sponsor specific cats, or just drop a dollar or two, or even a few coins, in the donation jar on the counter! Another way to help is to go to their website at sfof.org and click on "donate." That page gives numerous ways in which you can help, including buying memorial tiles or volunteering your time at the center or at outreach events! There are so many things you can do to help, Walter, and everything is appreciated!

*****

"Cats, no less liquid than their shadows, offer no angles to the wind. They slip, diminished, neat, through loopholes less than themselves."
-A.S.J. Tessimond (English poet, 1902-1962)

*****

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!

March 18, 2009

2009-03-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Obie,
My Siamese cat, Sir Wonderful, has a habit of dropping his toys into his water bowl, then walking away. Is there a reason he does this or is he just crazy?
Signed, Allyson
Bend, Oregon

Dear Allyson,
I can't tell you if Sir Wonderful is crazy or not, but dropping toys in water or food bowls is not uncommon in cats. If Sir Wonderful is anything like me, his food and water bowls are two of his favorite places in your house, kind of like his favorite sleeping spot (where you are also likely to find his toys.) Don't forget, in the wild, large cats tend to carry their prey to their "nest" site to be consumed later, as this is their safe place. To Sir Wonderful, his food or water bowl is his safe place. So rest assured that his behavior isn't unusual!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My human mommy gets frustrated with me when I play during the night, and she is trying to sleep. Please tell her that this is natural!
Signed, Carolina
Lincoln City, Oregon

Dear Carolina,
Cats are nocturnal. That is the long and short of it. In the wild, most cats hunt by night and sleep during the day. As descendants from wild cats, such as lions and tigers, our most natural period of activity is at night. When we race through the house at two AM, bowling over the other cats or knocking down lamps, we are hunting. This is instinctual. We can't help it.

One thing your human can do to make her life a little easier is to accept it! Just kidding. If she plays with you just before bedtime, maybe using a toy to really wear you out, she might get better sleep. Also, having two cats helps give them a playmate they can chase around during the day, helping to burn off some of that energy. Other than that, there isn't a lot that can be done to alter instinct. One good bit of news for her, though, is that, as cats age, we are more likely to sleep at night rather than rip through the house, the way kittens do. So tell her to be patient, enjoy you as you are, and sleep when she can!

Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Easter is coming, and the thrift shop at Salem Friends of Felines on Commercial Street has some great Easter gifts. Stuffed rabbits, baskets, wall hangings; everything you need to decorate for this great holiday! So stop by and check out their stuff, and visit with the kitties while you're there!

*****

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!

March 15, 2009

2009-03-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! I'm back from my vacation, at last! I had a great time, seeing some of the amazing country in eastern Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, and meeting lots of new people, and new kitty friends. It was a really fun time, but it is also great to be home again!

*****

Dear Obie,
My human mom gives my much older sister glucosamine for cats. She used to limp because her joints were getting old and arthritic. Now she runs and plays and jumps just like she used to do when she was a young cat. My mom tells all her older friends with cats about it. Perhaps you might want to share the benefits of glucosamine with your readers.
Enjoy reading your column,
Cheyenne

Dear Cheyenne,
Thanks for the email! Glucosamine and chondroitin have actually been used by doctors and veterinarians in Europe for over twenty years to treat osteoarthritis in both humans and domestic animals. In cats, we have many different joints that can easily be affected by osteoarthritis, largely because of our active natures. We run, jump, and play so vigorously that our joints take a lot of abuse, all "sleeping cat" jokes aside! Hip dysplasia is one of the top problems faced by cats, and the use of glucosamine and chondroitin can really help us feel better!

Only recently have doctors and vets in the United States started prescribing glucosamine and chondroitin to their patients, and a lot of the reason for the delay is money. These are products that can not be patented by the large drug companies, as they are considered a nutraceutical. Nutraceuticals are naturally-occurring substances that are found in many foods, and in human and animal bodies, and basically fall under the same heading as vitamins. Large drug companies are seeking profit from their products, to offset research and development costs, so nutraceuticals have been largely ignored.

Fortunately, that is no longer the case. The benefits of these items are now becoming widely known, and more and more vets are using them to treat animals with arthritis issues. The results that have occurred in both humans and animals have been eye-opening, and now several drug companies are offering glucosamine and chondroitin products.

So where do these substances come from? Well, glucosamine and chondroitin are found in the bodies of animals, mostly within cartilage. Due to the breakdown during digestion and normal processing, very little of the glucosamine in an animal's diet is available for use by the body. So the body compensates by synthesizing its own glucosamine. As an animal ages or the joints become damaged, the body can't keep up with the production and a supplement is needed. And that supplement, surprisingly enough, comes mainly from the shells of crustaceans! Glucosamine is a 2-amino derivative of glucose, obtained through hydrolysis of chitin, and crustacean shells are rich in chitin! And chondroitin is found in animal cartilage, mostly cow.

Now, how do these substances work to help cats? According to my friends in the Veterinary and Aquatic Services Department at Drs. Foster and Smith, cartilage consists of several different cells, one of which is called chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are responsible for building new cartilage as the old breaks down. As cats age, the chondrocytes can't keep up with the breakdown of the old cartilage. Glucosamine acts like a construction worker, providing the boost needed to help rebuild broken down cartilage. Meanwhile, the chondroitin acts like a policeman, blocking destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joints.

With any new drug or process, one of the main concerns is side effects. Happily, in over twenty years and millions of doses prescribed in Europe, there has not been a single report of side effects other than mild stomach upset. And that can be eliminated if the drugs are given with food. This is a perfectly safe treatment for animals, and humans, who suffer from arthritis and joint deterioration, and offers that light at the end of the tunnel that many pet-owners crave for their pets. These products can be purchased in health food stores or online, but I highly recommend you consult with your vet before placing your pet on any medication! Many vets in America are just learning of the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin, so if your vet is unsure, give him or her time to research it. But definitely, if you have animals that suffer from joint problems and osteoarthritis, call your vet and ask about these amazing products!

Thanks for the email, Cheyenne!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Cats and women do what they want, and men and dogs had better just learn to adjust."
-Author unknown

*****

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!

March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone! I hope you're all doing great. I'm enjoying my vacation in southern Utah, seeing some really good friends and all the beautiful scenery! But I do miss my kitty and human friends in Oregon, too!

When I get home, I will answer your emails, so please keep sending them. I should be home by the 14th of March. (It seems so far away!)

Have a super week!
Your friend,
Obie

February 24, 2009

2009-02-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
I will be taking a brief vacation to go visit some really good friends, so I won't be home to write my regular column. But I promise I will get right back into the groove as soon as I return, and I will try to send some updates from the road! Please continue sending me emails, so I have something to write about when I get back; I really love your emails! In the meantime, love one another, enjoy every day, and be glad that this world includes kitties!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"There is no better friend than a cat."
-Don Amiet

*****

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!

February 22, 2009

2009-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Jordan, always goes into a corner and sulks if I scold him for something. Why does he do that?
Signed, Beth
Guthrie, Oklahoma

Dear Beth,
Jordan really isn't sulking, believe it or not. Keep in mind, to cats, humans are giants! Humans are big and loud and, well, a little scary at times. When you have to discipline Jordan, or yell at him for something he did, that scares him. In the animal world, when one cat is trying to intimidate another cat, the cat doing the intimidating will stare intensely at the cat he is trying to intimidate. In your home, when you are scolding Jordan, chances are you are staring at him. Back in the animal world, short of launching into a cat fight, a cat that is being intimidated will walk away. That is what Jordan is doing with you. Don't look at his actions as sulking; look at them as surrendering to your dominance.
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My human doesn't understand why I run around the house like a maniac all the time. Can you help explain it to her?
Signed, Sadie Cat
Salem, Oregon

Dear Sadie Cat,
Why do you run around the house like a maniac? Because you're a cat! That's what cats do! You see, we kitties occasionally have to burn off excess energy, and what's the best way to burn off energy? A quick little gallop down the hallway, of course. As animals that have descended from predators, we have an ingrained instinct to hunt. And big cats hunt by sneaking quietly up on their prey, then launching themselves forward for a quick grab. A house cat has no reason to hunt, so the energy we would normally burn in hunting builds up within us. When that happens, watch out! And did you know that a typical house cat can reach speeds up to 31 miles per hour, and will cover three times our body length in a single leap while running full speed? So, Sadie Cat, let your human know that a running cat is a healthy cat, and to just sit back and enjoy the show!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

I want to thank everyone who came to PetSmart on Lancaster Drive in Salem yesterday for the Kitty Karnival. It was a lot of fun, and four kitties were adopted into loving homes! There were games, and lots of neat prizes given away, and money was raised that will help Salem Friends of Felines take care of the kitties in their charge. So, again, a big thank you to everyone who stopped by!!

And don't forget to visit the Salem Friends of Felines center on Commercial. There are lots of gorgeous cats there who are anxious to be your friend, and there are also lots of great bargains in the thrift store! Bargains, bargains, bargains!! And in today's whacky economy, who doesn't love a bargain? So go there right now! And tell them Obie sent you!

*****

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!

February 18, 2009

2009-02-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
I live in a small town in north Florida, where we have a real problem with fleas. My kitty, Osmond, is an indoor-only kitty, but he still gets fleas. I don't like to use chemicals or flea collars, so do you know of any natural remedies for fleas?
Signed, Alyssa
Old Town, Florida

Dear Alyssa,
I can understand your concerns, and finding a natural, chemical-free solution to fleas isn't easy. Even some so-called "natural" flea remedies are just as bad for your kitty as a standard flea collar! So you have to be careful what you purchase for your pet. Read labels carefully. Just because an item is made from natural ingredients does not mean it is healthy for your cat. I've seen flea control products that have a warning to keep out of the reach of children! How can something dangerous to children be good for a pet? One ingredient used in many natural flea remedies is derived from citrus peels, which are toxic to cats! And many synthetic flea control chemicals can cause severe reactions in your pet! So, just say no to chemical flea agents!!

So what can you do? Well, there are several steps you can take to keep Osmond flea free, and the most important is housekeeping. The average female flea lays 15 to 20 eggs in a day, and can lay up to 600 eggs in her lifetime! And those eggs can be laid on your furniture, in your carpet, and in your cats bed. For every one flea you might find on your kitty, there could be a dozen or more in other places just waiting to make Osmond's life a misery!

Vacuuming is a huge help in controlling fleas. Put flea powder in the vacuum bag, then vacuum everything; carpet, drapes, cushions, and every nook and cranny you can reach! Then empty the vacuum bag right away to prevent eggs from hatching and re-infesting the house. Seal the bag in plastic and get rid of it! Next, wash your pet's bedding regularly, and put it through a hot dryer. This will also help to kill any existing fleas or eggs. Cedar chips make a great flea repellent when placed inside kitty's bedding.

Bathing Osmond regularly is another important chore. We all know kitties do not like being bathed, but using a mild shampoo will drown fleas that are already on him, and will wash off any eggs that might have been laid on his skin.

Nutrition is a major factor that affects the severity of a kitty's reaction to flea bites. Skin is the first place most animals show signs of poor nutrition, and dry or unhealthy skin will react more harshly to flea bites. Keep in mind that the skin is the largest organ on the body, and you should never put anything on your pet's skin that you wouldn't feed him, since anything placed on the skin will absorb into his system. Even animals that receive the healthiest diet can still need an extra nutritional boost. Try giving your pet Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) at the rate of one milligram per five pounds of body weight on a daily basis. You can also add small amounts of brewer's yeast, about a teaspoon full, to your kitty's food. Anything to aid Osmond's nutrition will help him battle fleas. Talk to your vet about other nutritional supplements.

I hope this helps you keep Osmond flea-free! Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
Why does my kitty always want to climb on me or get in my face when I'm talking on the phone?
Signed, Bryan
Holdenville, Oklahoma

Dear Bryan,
The main reason your kitty does that is because he has no idea what talking on a phone means! He doesn't know what you're doing; all he knows is you're talking, probably in a happy tone if you're talking with a friend, and he thinks you're talking to him. So he wants to get closer to you to show you he's listening and he likes your voice! Pet him, give him a toy to chase, but enjoy the fact that he wants to be close to you!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"I love cats because I enjoy my home, and little by little they become its visible soul."
-Jean Cocteau

*****

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!

February 13, 2009

2009-02-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
What's the deal with this old story I keep hearing about black cats being unlucky? I'm a black cat, and I think my humans are very lucky to have me in their lives! Since you are a black cat, also, I'm hoping you can help get rid of this silly rumor!
Signed, Miss Madison
Pine Ridge, North Dakota

Dear Miss Madison,
I agree with you one hundred percent! I wish I had the power to get that crazy idea out of people's heads, yet some still want to believe that black cats are unlucky, just like they believe breaking a mirror brings seven years bad luck, and it's bad luck to walk under a ladder, and Friday the 13th is an unlucky day! Humans have the silliest notions!

In Great Britain, owning or seeing a black cat is considered to be very GOOD luck! King Charles I owned a black cat that he loved very much, and, as if to prove the cat's luck, the day after his black kitty passed away, he was arrested! Also, fisherman's wives in the British Isles kept black cats when their husbands went out to sea, believing that the good luck inherent in the black cat would see their husbands home safely. Maybe the unlucky black cat rumor started in the United States way back in Pilgrim days as another way of breaking away from the United Kingdom.

On the down side, rumors have abounded for centuries in America that black cats were witches in disguise, or at least were familiars to witches. A black cat that crossed your path would bring bad luck, or even try to steal your soul! And, sadly, this foolishness has led to many black cats being harmed simply because of their fur color, or not being adopted from shelters.

So what makes a black cat black? According to Dr. Marilyn Menotti-Raymond, a staff scientist at the National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Genetic Diversity, black cats are black because of a genetic "accident." A black cat gets its coat color from a combination of three genes: a dominant "brown" gene that determines the darkness of the hair pigment; a dominant "dense" gene that ensures complete coverage of the hair; and a mutated, recessive "agouti" gene that would normally produce banding on the fur. This combination is what has caused black cats to lose their normal striping and appear as solid black.

My humans believe having a black cat in the house is very lucky, and many other humans feel the same way. Rumors are rumors, and superstitions are nothing but unfounded fantasies and vapors! Just ask any of the thousands of people who have the amazing GOOD fortune of having a black cat in their house and they will tell you the same thing! And hopefully some day black cats will be loved the world over for the fine, amazing animals we are!

Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Gentle eyes that see so much,
paws that have the quiet touch,
purrs to signal "all is well,"
and show more love than words can tell.
Graceful movements touched with pride,
a calming presence by our side,
a friendship that takes time to grow,
small wonder why we love them so.
-Author Unknown

*****

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!

February 11, 2009

2009-02-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,

Two of my kitties have chewing fetishes! Tigger likes to chew facial tissues and cotton anything, like the Christmas tree skirt. And Mo-mo likes to chew on plastic bags, the thicker the better. They get good quality food and plenty of water. Why do they do this? And is there anything I can do to get them to stop? Do I need to add a vitamin supplement to their diets?
Thanks, Obie!
Signed, Maria
Canton, Ohio

Dear Maria,
My big brother, Rockafeller, has the same problem with photographs; my humans have to make sure all photographs are put away or they'll get eaten! And he likes to chew on plastic laundry baskets; you ought to see the teeth marks all over them! Animal behaviorists are at a loss to explain this behavior, just as they can't explain why some cats will chew anything plastic, while others will ignore it altogether. I guess it's like humans, every kitty has its own peculiarities! Some animal specialists believe there is a slight chemical scent released from plastic that cats find fascinating, while others think the coolness and texture of the plastic, or photograph, on their tongue just feels good. Many plastic bags from grocery stores are made with corn starch, and some cats like that taste! Another school of thought is that some cats may be trying to nurse, and use the plastic, or material, as a substitute for good old mom! There was a kitty at Salem Friends of Felines named Mutti who would suck on people's shirts when they would hold her in their laps; I remember my human daddy coming out of the kitty room with little wet spots all over his shirt!

Cats that suckle on clothing or other items might have been weaned from their mothers too early in their lives. This is especially true in stray cats, who may lose their mother to cars or other dangers. Some cats will outgrow the behavior, and others will do it all their lives. In almost all cases, lack of vitamins or nutrition is not the issue; it is simply a behavior. If it is too much of a problem, you can put something on the material that a cat doesn't like the taste of, such as hair spray or citrus spray.

In all cases, especially with plastic bags, never allow your kitties to eat the plastic! It can become impacted in their intestines and make them really sick! So make sure all plastic bags, photographs, etc., are put away where kitty can't get to them!

Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My human mommy just took a new job in North Carolina and she tells me we will be moving soon. I'm scared! Please tell humans how to make moving easier on kitties like me!
Signed, Toby
Greeley, Colorado

Dear Toby,
Moving can be very scary, especially for a kitty who has lived in one home all its life. Home becomes familiar, with scents and sounds that we recognize as part of our every day lives. But humans can make a move easier on their kitties, and other pets, if they take a few simple precautions. My friends at the Humane Society recommend the following steps for humans moving with animals. First, pack your belongings for the move over a period of time, not all on one weekend. This will allow your pet to maintain its usual routines while adjusting to the fact that things are changing. Second, make sure you have a strong carrier for your pet to ride in, one that is large enough for them to move around comfortably. Get them used to being inside it, and maybe take them for short rides to accustom them to travel. Third, make sure you have ID tags for your pet! They need to have the pets name on them, an address and phone number where you can be reached, and a list of any medications or medical issues your pet might have. That tag will be your pet's ticket home in case you get separated, and may save your pet's life! Fourth, keep your pet secure during the actual move by placing them in a closed room with plenty of food and water, and a sign on the door that clearly states DO NOT OPEN! Make sure that movers or friends know to leave that door closed, and check on your pet frequently to make sure they are not becoming too stressed. Number Five, make sure your pet is safe during the actual move. Strap their carrier down with the seat belt, or, if your dog is used to the car, use a restraining harness to keep him safe in case of an accident. Never leave your pet in a car or truck alone, especially in summer, and never carry your pet in the bed of a pickup or the back of a moving truck. Six, talk to your vet. Your vet knows your pet, and may be able to prescribe a sedative if your pet gets really stressed during travel. And your vet might know of vaccinations or health certificates required by the state or country you are moving to. Seven, plan ahead for pet-friendly hotels along your route, and also for regulations if your pet will be flying. Make a list of all the things you need to do, so you are prepared in advance for any situation. And, finally, prepare your new home. Have all those things your pet will need, like litter boxes, food, water and toys, and have their favorite cushions or beds so they will feel at home as quickly as possible. And always have a recent photograph of your pet should they become lost!

Toby, I hope this helps your human make the move easier on you. Good luck in your new home!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

"After scolding one's cat, one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word, and has filed it for reference." - Charlotte Gray

*****

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!

February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
Sometimes when I wake up in the night, my cat, Felix, is licking my head! Why does he do that?
Signed, Colin
Salem, Oregon

Dear Colin,
One of the very first things a newborn kitten experiences is its mother licking and grooming it. And let me tell you from my own experience when I was just a kitten, there is no more amazing feeling in the world! It is a feeling of pure comfort and warmth and love! When Felix licks your head, he is trying to pass along that feeling that he got from his mother. Be happy! It means Felix really loves you!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My best friend, Sally, can't come play at my house because she is allergic to cats. I really want her to come over and play with my two kitties, Henry and Mr. Gonzo. Why are some people allergic to cats?
Signed, Zara
Tucson, Arizona

Dear Zara,
Many people believe that it is cat fur that causes an allergic reaction in humans, but that is not the case. All of us cats have a protein in our saliva known as FEL D1. When we groom ourselves, that protein is deposited onto our fur, and from there it makes its way onto the carpet and furniture in our house. Some people have an allergic reaction to this protein where others don't, just like any other allergen, like pollen or citrus. Some cats have more of the protein than others, which is why people who are "allergic" to one cat might not be allergic to another.

For years, it was believed that regularly bathing a cat would reduce the allergic reaction in a resident human, but recent studies are saying otherwise. Many scientists now believe it is better to wipe the cat with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any loose dander. There are also products on the market that can help reduce the effects of FEL D1. Talk to your vet about those.

Here are some other tips to help make your house more allergy free, and help both your friends who might visit or resident humans in the house who are allergic. Keep your cats out of the bedroom. Many humans, like mine, love to have their kitties sleep on the bed with them, but the protein can get into the blankets and make the bed a real allergy-monster! Vacuum regularly with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum to remove dander and hair that might have the FEL D1 protein on it. Using HEPA air filters in the rooms frequented by your kitties also helps. Another great tool is a vapor steam cleaner. Steam cleaners provide a chemical-free way of cleaning and killing dust mites, mold spores, bacteria and cat allergen. Wash your hands immediately after petting your cat, and avoid rubbing your eyes or face until you do wash your hands. And remember that you do not have to get rid of your kitty! Taking the above steps will allow you and your kitty to live happy lives together.

Always remember this one fact: the protein that causes the allergic reaction has to be airborne and you have to breathe it in to have a reaction! Following the above tips, such as using a HEPA air filter in your house, will pull those allergens out of the air and make your house safe for you and your friends!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Two of my very best pals when I was at Salem Friends of Felines were Priscilla and Grace O'Malley. They have been there for a long time, and I can't understand why nobody has adopted them! They are really sweet kitties, and they deserve to have a loving home where they can sleep in the sunlight and purr happily when their new humans love on them! Please stop by Friends of Felines and spend some time with Priscilla and Gracie. Trust me; you'll fall in love with them, too!

*****

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!

February 5, 2009

2009-02-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
My vet tells my humans that I should be immunized against Feline Leukemia. What is Feline Leukemia?
Signed, Boswell
Yuma, Arizona

Dear Boswell,
Feline Leukemia (also known as FeLV) is a viral disease that only exists in cats. Contrary to some rumors you might hear, the disease can not be transferred to humans or any other animal; that's why it's called Feline Leukemia! FeLV is caused by a type of virus called a retrovirus. A retrovirus infects the cat's cells and reprograms them to continually produce copies of the virus. That is what makes FeLV so nasty! As the cells reproduce copies of the virus, it creates a condition called persistent viremia, which makes the disease impossible to cure!

FeLV affects a cat's bone marrow and immune system, causing the cat to become anemic and unable to fight off even routine infections. Cats with FeLV are often very lethargic, and can become jaundiced. They may also suffer from enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and a general loss of energy and stamina. In some cases, infected cats will develop lymphosarcoma, which is a type of cancer that can affect many of their organs, beginning with the lymph nodes and spreading to the brain, liver, spleen and intestines.

Unlike FIV, which requires something like a deep, penetrating bite wound to spread from cat to cat, FeLV is in a cat's blood, saliva, urine, feces and mucus, and can be spread to other cats through fighting, sharing food and water bowls, sharing litter boxes, and through grooming. Since the virus is fragile in the environment, many experts feel that long-term contact is necessary to pass the virus, but other experts disagree.

So how does a vet know if a cat has FeLV? There are a couple tests that can be done to detect the actual protein of the virus that circulates in the blood. One is called the ELISA test, which is the one most vet's use. If the ELISA test shows a positive reading, the next step is the IFA, or immunofluorescense assay, which must be performed by a diagnostic lab.

Is there a cure for FeLV? Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of scientists, there is not a present cure for FeLV, but I can see the day coming when there will be! (Keep your paws crossed!) Right now the best that humans can do if their kitty has FeLV is to maintain the cat's health with good nutrition, regular veterinary care, and a low-stress living environment.

There is a vaccine that a vet can give to cats who are considered to be at risk of exposure. Most indoor cats do not require the vaccine, but I would highly recommend it for any cat that ventures outside. The vaccine is safe, but, like all vaccines, there is no guarantee that it is 100% effective. (All the more reason to keep your kitty indoors!)

Sadly, most kitties that are diagnosed with FeLV live less than two years following diagnosis, though that time-span varies widely. Getting immediate vet care at the first sign of illness will help prolong the cat's life, and an infected kitty can still live its final years happy and fully enjoying life.

So, Boswell, I hope that answers your question! Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Don't forget, February 21!! The Kitty Karnival at PetSmart on Lancaster in Salem! Fun! Games! Kitties! Great people! If you miss this, you'll feel really bad until the next Kitty Karnival, and you don't want to feel bad! So mark it on your calendar right now!!!!!

*****

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!

February 2, 2009

2009-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
Could you please explain to our human daddy why we like to jump up on the kitchen counters? Our mommy is rather cool with it and just puts us down with a warning but daddy hollers and runs and stomps his feet almost scaring us - but we know he really does love us. Also why we like to play in water whether it's in the bathroom sink, kitchen sink or even in the shower. We think it's very normal.
Purrs and mews-
Max, Shasta and Shy-Shy
P.S. We also started our lives at Salem Friends of Felines but then our foster mommy and daddy decided that they just couldn't let us go and adopted us so now we have mommy and daddy and MissyP and Reba Mae and Cia and us all living together. It's pretty neat having so many kitties to terrorize.

Dear Max, Shasta and Shy-Shy,
First off, it's great hearing from kitties who came from Friends of Felines! That's such a great place! And it's so cool that you are "failed fosters!"

First off, there are a couple reasons why we kitties love the kitchen counters. One of those is the fact that we love to be up high, where we can see everything going on in our home, whether it is the activities of our feline brothers and sisters or being better able to see what mommy and daddy are doing. We also love the kitchen counter just because it smells so good! That is where food is prepared, and even if your humans clean the counter, us cats with our sensitive noses can still smell the food!

I know the dangers, that we might jump on a hot stove or ingest cleaning solutions, and the reason your humans chase you off is because they love you! There are several tried-and-true ways to deter kitties from getting on the counter other than the squirt-with-water method or the stomp-and-yell. One is to apply sticky tape to the edges of the counters. We hate the feel of sticky anything on our paws. Another idea is to lay aluminum foil on the edge of the counter. It not only feels icky, it makes loud noises, and we don't like loud noises. Some humans have taken metal coffee cans, put just a few pennies in them, and set them at the edge of the counter, with just a few inches of room between them. When the kitty tries to jump up, the cans will fall, and will make enough racket to send us running as far as we can!

There is a product out there called Ssscat! It has this little electronic sensor thingie that detects the motion of the cat, which then trips a loud alarm, coupled with a quick spray of a harmless gas. It is supposed to work pretty well.

Now about the water. It is a myth that all cats hate water! Some really enjoy it. A lot of the big cats, like tigers, love to swim! House cats usually don't like water, mainly because our coats trap water, and it is really annoying to be all wet! But a lot of cats enjoy playing in the tub or a sink. The water in many cases is moving, which attracts our attention, and we prefer drinking water that is not stationery or stagnant. But the main reason some cats love water is curiousity! We're cats! We have to investigate everything! And, like humans, we have personalities that are unique to us.

Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
When I have guests over, my kitty, Mario, has a tendency to approach the people who don't like cats rather than the cat-lovers. Why does he do that?
Sincerely, Thomas
City of Industry, California

Dear Thomas,
If a kitty walks into a room full of strangers, he is drawn to the person who ignores him and will walk right past people who are open and inviting. Why is that? Because in the cat world, when one kitty is threatening another, it will stare boldly at the cat it is threatening. So, Mario will transpose that behavior onto the strange humans he meets, and approach the human who is exhibiting "cat friendly" behavior. Unfortunately, that is usually the one human in the room who, for whatever reason, doesn't like cats!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Everyone, please make sure and keep your kitty up-to-date on vaccinations and vet visits! I know we don't like going to the vet, but regular check-ups with a vet will sometimes help in catching a problem in its early stages! So, see the vet! The vet is your friend!

*****

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!

January 30, 2009

2009-01-30T13:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,

I am a new addition to a loving home with two other brother and sister cats already there. I am an adorable, very fluffy, one year old, grey cat. I love my new family very much except the mean (neutered) boy cat always chases me under the couch when he sees me. My new people spayed me thinking that the scent would keep him from wanting to chase me under the couch, but it has been over a month and he still picks on me just as always. Do you have any other suggestions for me and my people to get this mean old cat to leave me alone?
Thank you,
Boots

Dear Boots,
Isn't it scary when another cat, especially a bigger cat, picks on you? Well, hopefully, I might be able to help. Unfortunately, most cats are very territorial, and when a new kitty gets introduced into a territory already "claimed," it can cause problems. That is why most experts suggest a gradual introduction of a new cat into a home over several weeks.

But since it sounds like you've already been integrated into your home, we may have to try something different. Let me give a few suggestions of things your humans can try to help reduce the animosity. Since food aggression is the most common type of aggression between indoor cats, they can try spreading the food bowls out, even to different rooms in the house. This will keep the kitties from being forced to eat in close proximity to each other. Another idea is to spend 15-20 minutes a day playing with each cat individually, using laser pens or feather toys. This will help to release their energy and reduce anxiety. Also, using a product like Feliway, that contains facial pheromones, might help. These pheromones are thought to have a calming effect and are associated with pleasurable experiences and "friendly" cats. Though they can not be sprayed on the cats themselves (don't do this!) they can be sprayed in the room where the cats are. Another trick is to put a bell on each cat so they will know where the other cats are and won't be surprised by an unexpected encounter.

If none of those work, then the last option might be what is called Separation and Reintroduction. I've turned to my friends Dr. Nicholas Dodman and Dr. Alice Moon-Fanelli of PetPlace.com for their step-by-step process.

Step 1 - Completely separate the cats in two divided environments within your house. Perhaps one cat could go upstairs (environment A) and the other downstairs (environment B). A closed solid door should separate the two areas. Make sure water and litter boxes are readily available in both areas! Make sure each cat is aware of the other cats presence on the other side of the door, but confuse their territorial instincts by switching their environments on a daily basis. In other words, the cat in environment A gets moved to environment B and vice versa. If you live on a one-floor house, use a bedroom as your second environment.

Step 2 - Begin the process of desensitization and counter-conditioning. If you feed your cats freely, where they can eat whenever they want, stop that process. Feed them twice a day so that they will be hungry enough to participate in across-the-door socialization at mealtimes. Feed the cats simultaneously on either side of the closed door so they can hear and smell each other while eating.

Start by placing the food bowls as far apart as necessary so the cats remain comfortable. After the cats have been eating for a few days without aggression, start moving the bowls closer to the doors. Once they are relaxed with each other on opposite sides of the door, move on to the next step. One hint: if you play with the kitties and pet them while they are eating (having two people helps) the cats will learn that good things happen when they are close together. Just make sure you only feed them and play with them during these training times. It'll be tough, but they need to recognize that the good things happen when they are close together.

Once the feeding times have become relaxed, start letting them see each other. Open the door a crack, but block it with something like a wedge or doorstop so they can not get at each other. Once they get used to seeing each other and are relaxed, widen the opening. Make sure they have enough time to get used to each other before moving on to a wider opening.

Step 3 - Now the two cats can be taken into the same room with each other. Make sure they are on a harness or in a cage, so they can not attack one another. Do this for short periods, and always be aware of aggression on either side. Keep them at opposite ends of the room, and keep these sessions to 15 or 20 minutes only. During this time, feed them and play with them, again reinforcing in their minds that good things happen when they are in a room together. Each day, if all is peaceful, move them a little closer together, until they are able to eat side-by-side without aggression. Once this stage is reached, try releasing the passive cat from its harness, then do the same the next day with the dominant cat. If you don't have problems when each cat is freed separately, then try freeing both cats at the same time. Be alert, though, and be ready to separate them if aggression occurs!

Once the cats can be together peacefully for extended periods, boost up their egos! Praise them and reward them whenever they are peacefully in a room together. If the more timid cat begins to hide again or the dominant cat starts blocking access to water or the liter box, you may have to move back a step or two.

It's a tedious process and it may take several months to achieve success, but it's worth it! Don't rush the process and you will hopefully find that your household will be the happy relaxed place where all your kitties can live in peace! Do realize, however, that in rare cases there might be two cats that simply can not live peacefully together, but can be perfectly happy living in two separate areas in your house. Hopefully that won't be the case with you, Boots, but please email me again and let me know how things are going!

Good luck!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

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!

January 29, 2009

2009-01-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
Why does my cat purr?
Signed, Jonathon
Winchester, Idaho

Dear Jonathon,
Cats purr for several reasons, not all of them reasons you might expect! Just about everyone knows that cats purr when they are happy and content, but did you know that cats also purr when they are tense, or during traumatic times? Cats that are very sick or seriously injured will also purr, and many vets and scientists believe there is a reason for that. A cat's purr is measurable between 25 and 150 Hertz, which is the same frequency range that can stimulate bone growth and healing. So a cat that is sick or injured will purr as a way of promoting self-healing. This train of thought has led to cats often being used in convalescent hospitals and nursing homes! Holding and petting a purring cat has been proven to lower blood pressure, and there isn't a better way to relax than petting a soft bundle of fur!

Happy cats love to purr! A mother cat will purr to its newborn kittens, maybe as a way of reassuring the kittens that all is well, and the kitten grows up using its purr in that same manner. So when your kitty jumps into your lap and starts purring, it is telling you that all is well!

A cat that is in a stressful situation will often purr, maybe as a way to reassure itself. Cats also use purring as a communication tool between themselves and other cats. Frightened cats will often purr as a way of conveying their submissive or non-threatening intentions to another cat. A feral cat might purr to let other feral cats in a colony know that he isn't planning on attacking and that he wants to be friends.

Purring is an amazing function, and is part of what makes a cat a cat!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
I'm an orange tabby cat living in Salem, Oregon, and I have a problem. My human can't understand why I love to climb up to the top of the bookshelf all the time. Can you explain why I love high places?
Signed, Joshua
Salem, Oregon

Dear Joshua,
I can understand your love of high places! I feel the same way myself. My humans bought me a climbing tree that goes all the way to the ceiling, and I love to sit on the top shelf. From there, I can see all of the living room, dining room and kitchen, and even down the hallway to the bedrooms! You see, kitties like us are territorial. We love our homes, and we feel it is our duty to defend it and guard against interlopers. What better place to do that than high up where we can see everything?! Plus, we feel secure and safe when we're high up where predators can't get us, and sisters like Meeshka can't sneak up on us and pounce!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Here is an interesting piece of information all you kitties might like! On this date in history, January 29, 1996, the Broadway musical, "Cats," gave its 6138th performance, making it the longest-running musical in history! It bypassed "A Chorus Line" to win that distinction. See, everyone loves cats!

*****

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!

January 27, 2009

2009-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
I've been an only cat for about two years, and now my humans have told me they are going to bring a puppy home next week. They seem to think I need a new friend. I'm a little nervous; I've heard that all dogs hate cats and will try to eat them if they get a chance! Do you have any tips for my humans to make sure this works out and I don't get eaten?!
Signed, Maxwell
Jefferson, Oregon

Dear Maxwell,
I can understand your concerns, but don't believe all the rumors you hear. Not all dogs hate cats. In fact, in many homes, dogs and cats live together very peacefully, and even form lifelong friendships! I'll keep my paws crossed that the same happens for you.

To Maxwell's humans, here are a few tips for introducing Maxwell to his new canine friend. I live in a house without dogs, so I turned to my friend Sherry Woodard at Best Friends Animal Society for some help with this column. Sherry is Best Friends' dog training and care consultant, and she knows her dogs!

First off, Sherry says it's best if you have two humans there, one to grab the puppy and the other to grab Maxwell just in case their first meeting doesn't go so well! Keep the puppy on a lead, and watch very closely the body language of both kitty and puppy. See how they react to each other. If Maxwell is not acting aggressively, allow him to move around the room. Likewise, if the dog is not acting aggressively toward the cat, allow Maxwell to approach him and give him a good sniff. Signs of aggression in cats can include hissing, growling, arching his back, or laying back his ears. Signs of aggression in a puppy can include lunging, growling, barking and whining.

Never allow the dog to chase the cat at the first meeting! It may look like play, but remember that they just met. They don't know each other well enough to play yet! If the puppy lunges and tries to chase after Maxwell, it's time to try something different. Try putting Maxwell in a bedroom with a tall baby gate across the door. Make sure he has food, water and a litter box, of course! Then let the puppy see him for a second or two, followed by redirecting the puppy's attention to something else for a while. Praise the puppy for his restraint. Keep doing this throughout the day, but don't get frustrated. Some dogs will lose interest in the kitty within a couple hours, others may take a few days. The worst case is if the puppy never loses interest in the kitty and continues to act aggressively toward him, in which case they may never be able to be left together. Don't forget that a dog can seriously injure or kill a cat very quickly, and a cat can seriously injure a dog just as quickly.

Maxwell, since you are a couple years old, you might have the upper hand if your humans bring home a small puppy. In many cases, older cats are secure enough to put a puppy in its place. But hopefully your humans will know to always watch how you act toward each other, and will never assume all is well. If there are problems that are ongoing, humans, please seek help from a professional animal specialist. And don't try punishing either animal as a solution; punishment never solves a problem and could make things even worse!

Good luck, Maxwell! I hope the new puppy becomes your best friend!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Gator, always runs from the room and hides when I play my stereo. Do you think my music hurts his ears?
Signed, Bonnie
Everglades City, Florida

Dear Bonnie,
I think you're exactly right. We kitties have sensitive ears, and loud music can make our heads hurt! Gator is very likely looking for a quiet place to rest his ears when he runs from the room. Really loud music isn't good for any animal in your house, and it's not good for you, either! Wouldn't you rather play your music quietly and have Gator sleep in your lap than play it loud and have him run away?
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Mark February 21 on your calendar! That's the Kitty Carnival at PetSmart on Lancaster Drive in Salem, from 11 AM to 4 PM! There will be fun games, an artist will be doing pet caricatures, humans can have popcorn, and, of course, there will be some awesome kitties there who would love to be adopted by you! All kitties deserve a loving home, and the joy they bring to your life will be immeasurable! So come by and visit on February 21!!!

*****

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!

January 25, 2009

2009-01-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
Tell us a story!
Signed, Pete
Kanab, Utah

Dear Pete,
One of my very favorite stories is a Native American legend about Rainbow Crow. Where I live in Salem, Oregon, crows often visit our yard, and my sister, Meeshka, starts chattering at them. It's so funny! She doesn't like crows, and she says they're just big black screeching nuisances! But, after hearing the story of Rainbow Crow, she has started to see them in a different light.

Many view a cardinal as being a far prettier bird than a crow, and most would say the meadowlark has a much nicer voice. But according to many of the histories passed down from the original native people of this continent, Crow once had magnificent rainbow-patterned plumage and a singing voice that would make your heart cry! So what happened to turn that bird into the crows that we see today?

Well, according to legend, there came a time when Creator became angry with the people that lived on the planet and took away summer, leaving the world wrapped in ice and snow. The people were cold, and scared. Hunting was difficult in the deep snow and food was scarce, making the children cry with hunger. Something had to be done.

A wise Medicine Man approached Crow and asked for his help. The people needed someone to appease Creator, and they thought that Crow, with his beautiful plumage and wondrous singing voice, could convince Creator to help them. So Crow flew up, far into the sky, up and up and up, to the place where Creator lived. He sang for Creator, and told him of the suffering of the people on the frozen earth, and Creator took pity. Breaking off a branch from the tallest tree, Creator touched the branch to the sun, causing it to catch on fire. Then Crow was told to take the burning branch to the people and tell them as long as they tended it and always honored Creator by not letting the fire go out, they would never again be cold.

Crow took the burning branch in his beak and flew down to the earth, flying as fast as he could! The smoke from the branch singed his feathers and burned his throat but onward he flew. He took the fire to the people and they were warm again, and there was much celebration. But Crow was forever changed into the bird we see and hear today. He may not be as beautiful as the cardinal or sing like the meadowlark, but he still holds an honored place in many Native American cultures because of the sacrifice he made for the people.

So when you look at a crow in your yard, Pete, and if the sun hits his feathers just right, you can still see a hint of rainbow colors. And, like I tell Meeshka, the crow always reminds me to look beneath the surface at others, and never to judge based on first impressions. Every creature on this planet has special talents and treasures; some are more hidden than others but they are still there. And when Meeshka starts yowling like a laryngitic banshee, I just try and imagine that somewhere in her past one of her ancestors might have saved the human race by singing to appease the gods.

The gods must have been tone-deaf!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Pete wrote to me from Kanab, Utah, which is the location of the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in America, Best Friends. But don't forget that we have a fantastic no-kill cat shelter right here in Salem, Oregon, called Salem Friends of Felines! They are on Commercial Street just south of Mission, and until you stop in and visit them, you don't know what you're missing! Please drop by, and tell them that Obie sent you!

*****

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!

January 23, 2009

2009-01-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
My name is Simon, and I was adopted a year ago from a shelter here in Florida. My human has been getting upset with me recently because I have been scratching the couch, but there is nothing else in the house I can sharpen my claws on. I don't want my human mommy to be mad at me. HELP!
Signed, Simon
Port Charlotte, Florida

Dear Simon,
Scratching has always been a trouble spot between kitties and our humans. Scratching is a natural function for a cat. Cats scratch for several reasons. One is to mark our territory, not just through the visible claw marks but also through a scent left by the pads on our paws. Another reason is for exercise. Scratching helps us to stretch and work the muscles in our front legs and chest. And we also scratch just because it feels so darn good!

Some humans will punish their kitty when they catch him or her scratching, but that never works! For one thing, we as kitties have no idea what we're being punished for. If a kitty scratches a chair ten times a day when their human is at work and then the human comes home and squirts the kitty with water for scratching the same chair, that just confuses the kitty and might even make him scratch more! So the best alternative to punishment is to provide kitty with something they can scratch. A scratching post with sisal rope is the best, because it is rough enough to feel really good and it is tough enough to stand up to repeated scratchings. Just make sure the post is tall enough for kitty to stretch out when scratching, and has a large enough base that it won't fall over. Us kitties don't like being scared, and if the post falls over and scares us, we might never use it again!

It is very important to place the scratching post in the highest traffic area of the house, where the family hangs out! We felines are social critters, we love to be around our humans, so if you hide our scratching post in a back bedroom, we're probably not going to use it. Use more than one; heck, a scratching post in every room is my idea of paradise! And when you see your kitty using the post, praise him! Tell him what a good kitty he is!

Simon, I hope your human reads this and buys you a scratching post. Trimming your cats claws is another way to reduce any damage the claws might cause, but, please humans, do not declaw your kitty! We love our claws!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
What is your favorite movie?
Signed, Sir Galahad
Dallas, Oregon

Dear Sir Galahad,
My favorite movie is "That Darn Cat." But I also enjoy "The Three Lives of Thomasina."
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Hi, everyone! Please keep checking the Friends of Felines website for information on our Kitty Carnival coming up in February. The Kitty Carnival is so much fun! There are games and prizes and of course beautiful kitties that can be adopted. Come see us! Who knows, I might even be there...

*****

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!

January 22, 2009 (2)

2009-01-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
How is your name pronounced? Is it OH-BEE or AHH-BEE? The latter would seem more correct since you said your first name is Obsidian. Please settle this argument between me and the other cats in the house.
Yours truly, Takashi

Dear Takashi,
AHH-BEE would probably seem more correct, but my humans aren't always known for being correct! My name is actually pronounced OH-BEE. They derived that from my initials, O.B. (for Obsidian Bulungus.) The Obsidian is for my coal-black color, and Bulungus was the name belonging to a black cat that lived next door to my human daddy when he was a child. Occasionally I get nicknames like Obiwan, lengthened to Obiwan Kenobi, and then changed again to Obiwan Cannoli! (My humans are goofy!)
Thanks for the email, Takashi!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

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!

January 22, 2009

2009-01-22T09:29:00.001-08:00

Dear Obie,
What is FIV?
Signed, Mr. Fluff
Stayton, Oregon

Dear Mr. Fluff,
What would you like first, the facts or the rumors? I'll start with the rumors. FIV can be passed from a cat to a human; FIV is a debilitating disease that causes an FIV positive cat to live in pain and misery; an FIV positive cat must be kept away from FIV negative cats; a cat diagnosed with FIV should be euthanized immediately. Those are the rumors. Now for the facts about FIV.

FIV is the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It is what scientists call a lentivirus, which means that it progresses slowly through the cat's immune system. It is passed in the saliva of infected cats via a serious penetrating bite wound, or through blood transfusions. It is a disease found mostly in unneutered feral tom cats. And it is a feline only disease; it can not be passed to humans, dogs, or any other critter!

There is no specific treatment for FIV, but infected cats can and do live long and healthy lives, as long as their humans keep them up to date on vaccinations, feed them a high quality balanced diet, and get them to the vet at the very first sign of illness. FIV positive cats can live side by side with cats that are FIV negative, as long as they get along with each other; the disease can not be passed through the sharing of food or water bowls or litter boxes, or through playing or snuggling.

Symptoms of FIV vary from cat to cat. FIV positive cats are more susceptible to infections of the eyes, ears and mouth, the respiratory tract, the urinary tract, and the skin. These infections can be difficult to treat, but never give up! FIV positive cats can and do live long, happy lives! There is an FIV positive cat living at Salem Friends of Felines, a friend of mine named Purdy, and he is full of life and love and energy!

Humans, if you find out that your cat has FIV, do research into the disease and talk to your vet. If your vet doesn't have information or knowledge about FIV, find a vet that does. Please do not give up on your kitty!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My name is Sam, and I'm a gray tabby kitty living in Salem. I really like it when my human reads to me. Do your humans read to you, and if so what is your favorite book?
Signed, Sam
Salem, Oregon

Dear Sam,
That's great that your human reads to you! Many humans don't realize how much kitties like to be read to, and how wonderful it makes us feel. We as cats respond to our human's voices, and when they read to us it makes us feel loved and secure. My humans just finished reading "Dewey, The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World" to me, and I loved it. I also really liked "Snowflake in my Hand" by Samantha Mooney, anything by James Herriot, and, of course, "The Tale of Tom Kitten" by Beatrix Potter!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Haven't visited Salem Friends of Felines recently? Why not? Not only are there a lot of friendly and loving cats to visit, there are also hundreds of amazing bargains to be had in the Thrift Store. Plus, the people there are just so nice, you have to stop by and say hello! Tell them Obie sent you!

*****

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!

January 21, 2009

2009-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,
My human is a six-year old girl named Emily, and she doesn't understand why I have whiskers. Can you tell her why cats have whiskers?
Signed, Dudley
Stanfield, North Carolina

Dear Dudley (and Emily),
Cat's whiskers are a very important tool that fulfill several functions. Whiskers help a cat feel its way around, especially at night. Whiskers are so sensitive that, when a cat is walking through a dark room, it can tell when it is approaching a piece of furniture by the change in the air movement over its whiskers! Isn't that amazing? Here's something else pretty amazing. A cat's whiskers are roughly the same width as its body, and that is so the cat will know how wide an opening is before he or she enters it! And, Emily, you can tell your cat's mood by his whiskers; if they are forward and relaxed, he is usually in a good mood, and if they are pulled back against his face, he is scared or angry.
I hope that answered your question. Thanks for writing!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
How did you find your forever home?
Signed, Thumper
Woodburn, Oregon

Dear Thumper,
I was lucky enough to be found as a small kitten and taken to Salem Friends of Felines, where I was nursed back to health by the great people there and adopted by my humans in 2008. They had just lost a kitty they'd had for eighteen years. I went to my new home in Salem and was introduced to my new sister, Meeshka, a Lynx Point Siamese who had also been adopted from Friends of Felines, and my new brother, Rockafeller, a ten-year old Maine Coon/Ragdoll mix that my humans had rescued from a five lane interstate highway in Akron, Ohio, in 1998. Rockafeller is a big fluffy guy who lets me sleep against his tummy, and Meeshka, who is just a few months older than me, is my best friend! We wrestle and play and chase each other through the house like maniacs!
Later in 2008, my humans adopted a tuxedo cat they named Mackenzie. When he was at Salem Friends of Felines, his name was Maurie, and many people will remember him as the frightened kitty who lived in the cage just inside the door to the kitty area. Well, you wouldn't recognize him now! He runs and plays and sleeps in the sunlight, and he even wrestles with Meeshka and me! He's a happy kitty now, just like me!
Anyway, I hope that tells you a little about me. Thanks for the email!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

I watched the inauguration of President Obama yesterday from my favorite perch on my human mommy's lap, and I heard what she said about the Obama family adopting a dog. Dogs are great, but I think a nice regal cat would fit into the White House a little better! That's just my opinion, of course, but either way, I really hope the new President adopts his dog from a shelter and not a pet store!
Have a great day, everyone!

*****

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!

January 20, 2009

2009-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Obie,

I am a Smoke Tabby kitty like you, and I live with my humans in Monmouth, Oregon. I am currently an indoor kitty; I am not allowed to go outside at all. Am I missing anything?

Signed, Alphonso

Monmouth, Oregon

Dear Alphonso,

Many humans claim that it goes “against nature” to keep a kitty as an indoor-only kitty, but I disagree. After all, it could be argued that it goes “against nature” to bulldoze a hundred acres of forest to build a shopping mall, but that has never stopped humans from revving up those engines. In any case, the Humane Society and various veterinary groups estimate that an indoor-only cat will live, on average, almost twice as long as a cat that goes outdoors. Almost twice as long! When you ask if you’re missing anything by not being allowed to go outside, well, yes, you are. You’re missing being attacked by dogs, hit by cars, exposed to fleas or poison or feline diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV,) or even injured or killed by those few vile humans who enjoy hurting animals, especially cats. Also, did you know that fewer than 5% of cats that get lost and end up in shelters are ever reunited with their humans? So, Alphonso my friend, enjoy being an indoor kitty. It means your humans love you and want to keep you safe and healthy for a long time!

Your friend,

Obsidian Bulungus (Obie)

Dear Obie,

When did humans first discover the joy of having cats as pets, and is it true we were once revered as gods?

Signed, Friskers

Salem, Oregon

Dear Friskers,

Cats were first welcomed into the homes of humans, as far as we can tell, several thousand years ago in Egypt. The Egyptians were pretty smart, and they had invented new methods for storing grain. Well, stored grain is like an open invitation for mice and rats to come and feast, and who is better at getting rid of pesky mice and rats than a cat? When those humans discovered how great we were at keeping their homes free of rodents, the welcome mat was rolled out to us!

As humans spent more time with us, they did indeed come to revere us as amazing creatures, almost god-like! The penalty for killing a cat was death, and many cats were mummified after death and buried in sacred plots, just like kings! They even mummified mice and placed them in the graves to give the cats a meal during their journey to the afterlife!

So, be proud, Friskers! You are descended from royalty!

Your friend,

Obie

*****

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!

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2009-01-17T13:02:00.001-08:00