Animal Focus Network » Cats

Hiss and Tell: True stories from the files of a cat shrink

Diana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:01:58 +0000

by Pam Johnson-Bennett

One of my favorite books. She has a whole series of cat psychology case study books. Delightful to read. Very educational.

Meet Mambo, the cat who attacks his owner, but only on Sundays, and Bonsai, the cat whose dislike for the new boyfriend becomes very embarrassing. What secret does Freddie know about his owner’s new wife? In this offbeat and illuminating book, feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, takes you on the wildest house calls of her career. These stories-each of which unfolds like a mystery-will help owners better understand the ever fascinating cat psyche. Pam Johnson-Bennett sheds light on the communication breakdowns between cats and their humans.

Click here to buy it today at Amazon.com

(Animal Focus Network is an Amazon Affiliates member so we get a small commission for every book you purchase from our site. Thanks for your support.)

Check out more books on our site.

Children and Allergies

Diana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:43:56 +0000

There is growing evidence that having pets around babies and children is actually good for them, strengthening their immune systems against allergies. (source: Lafayette Animal Aid) See WebMD.com for more info: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/75/89692.htm

Pregnant Women NOT at risk from cats

Diana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:42:30 +0000

There is no reason to re-home your cats when you get pregnant. By simply washing your hands or wearing gloves when handling litter contents – you minimize the risk 100%. Toxoplasmosis is completely preventable with basic hygiene. The probability of contracting the parasite though the handling of raw meat is actually greater than handling litter contents. (source: Lafayette Animal Aid) See the CDC website for more info: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm

Over the counter Flea Treatments warning

Diana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:42:09 +0000

The EPA has been working with the company for some time to address the 7,100 complaints they have received from 1998 to 2003 about the drug causing illness in pets. The chemical that is likely causing the problem is pyrethrin. It is used in most over-the-counter flea and tick products. Louisiana SPCA veterinarians say it can cause problems in dogs and is only effective for about a week. The chemical can be harmful to cats. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a flea and tick product that contains fipronil or imidadoprid, which are considered much more effective. “We don’t encourage giving anything over the counter to your pets without asking your veterinarian about it first,” advises one of our veterinarians. Please remember that pet store employees are not veterinarians, and they aren’t trained to give you medical advice. Source: Laura Maloney tp article

Chocolate is toxic to pets

Diana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:41:43 +0000

Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, panting, excessive urination, tremors, confulsions and death. Baking chocolate is more concentrated than milk chocolate. Source: Animal Magazine.

Does Your Cat Own You?

Diana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:32:04 +0000

At the store, do you pick up the cat food and kitty litter before you pick out anything for yourself?

Did you buy a video tape of fish swimming in an aquarium to entertain your cat?

Do the Christmas cards you send out feature your cat sitting on Santa’s lap? Does your cat sign the card?

Do you accept dates only with those who have a cat? If so, do you eventually double-date with the cats to see how they get along?

Do you admit to non-cat owners how many cats you really have?

Do you buy more than 50 pounds of cat litter a month?

Do you climb out of bed over the headboard or footboard, so you won’t disturb the sleeping cat?

Do you cook a special turkey for your cat on holidays?

Do you feed your cat tidbits from the table with your fork?

Do you give your cat presents and a stocking at Christmas? Do you spend more for your cat than you do for your spouse?

Do you have more than four opened but rejected cans of cat food in the refrigerator?

Do you have pictures of your cat in your wallet? Do you bring them out when your friends share pictures of their children?

Do you kiss your cat on the lips?

Do you microwave your cat’s food? Prepare it from scratch?

Do you put off making the bed until the cat gets up?

Do you scoop out the litter box after each use? Do you wait at the box with the scoop in your hand?

Do you select your friends based on how well your cats like them?

Do you sleep in the same position all night because it annoys your cats when you move?

Do you think it’s cute when your cat swings on the drapes or licks the butter?

Do you watch bad TV because the cat is sleeping on the remote?

Does your cat “insist” on a fancy Sunday breakfast consisting of an omelet made from eggs, milk, and salmon, halibut, or trout?

Does your cat eat out of cut crystal stemware because you both watched the same commercial on television?

Does your cat sit at the table (or ON the table) when you eat?

Does your cat sleep on your head? Do you like it?

Does your desire to collect cats intensify during times of stress?

When people call to talk to you on the phone, do you insist that they say a few words to your cat as well?

When someone new comes to your house, do you introduce your cat, by name, to them?

Will you stand at the open door indefinitely in the freezing rain while your cat sniffs the door, deciding whether to go out or come in?

Would you rather spend a night at home with your cat than go out on a bad date?