Cat Power Tower - The Worlds Only Motorized Cat Tower

Crafting With Cat Hair

You can find this book on Amazon for less than $10.  It would make a good Christmas gift for that crafty cat lover on your list!

Misty Paws Still Needs a Home!

Kitty Kindergarten

Kindergarten Wolfartsweier is located in Karlsruhe, Germany. The cat-shaped kindergarten was designed by artist Tomi Ungerer in collaboration with architect Ayla Suzan Yöndel.

Cat-Library™

Murmuration of Starlings

This has nothing to do with cats but I had to share it, it's truly amazing.

The Teal Cat Project

www.store.tealcatproject.com/

The Ultimate Cat Tree!

No More Bored Cats

What Cat Owners Can Learn About Captivity

By C. A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVN, Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

September 9, 2011

I’ve heard about environmental enrichment for cats—what exactly is this?

Environmental enrichment can be defined as enhancing the health and welfare of captive animals by modifying their environment.¹ While cats are not commonly considered to be captive animals, many cats (and dogs) in North America are housed exclusively indoors, effectively living in captivity much like zoo animals. 

Zoo animal health and welfare have improved dramatically through environmental enrichment, which can be applied successfully to the care of indoor cats. Environmental enrichment lowers the incidence of what are called sickness behaviors in laboratory and clinical trials of healthy cats and in cats with feline idiopathic cystitis.^2,3

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What are Sickness Behaviors?

Sickness behaviors refer to a group of nonspecific clinical and behavioral signs that include varying combinations of^4,5:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia or decreased food and water intake
• Elimination outside the litter box
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Somnolence
• Enhanced pain-like behavior
• Decreased general and body care activities (grooming)
• Decreased social interactions

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Sickness behaviors result from a change in an animal’s motivation from normal interaction with the environment to one that inhibits metabolically expensive activities (eg, foraging) in favor of behaviors that promote recovery. These are well-documented physiologic and behavioral responses to infection found in all animal species studied and also occur in response to aversive environmental events.⁶ Psychological stressors—threats to perception of control and predictability—have recently been linked to immune activation and proinflammatory cytokine release, as well as to changes in mood and pathologic pain.^7-9 

Thus, sickness behaviors can result from both peripheral and central pathways. In contrast to more commonly recognized structural abnormalities, functional problems like sickness behaviors tend to wax and wane in response to changes in environmental circumstances.

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Basic Resources

Although comprehensive recommendations for environmental enrichment for indoor cats have been published, the basic approach is straightforward.^10-13Ensure that all cats in the household have unrestricted access to basic resources and as much control and predictability of the environment as possible. Basic resources include:

• Provision of a food container (bowl or foraging device), water source, and litter box in a safe, low-traffic area
• Accessible materials that can be scratched and climbed on (cats are the most 3-dimensional mammal humans commonly interact with)
• Uninterrupted rest areas
• Opportunities to play and interact with other animals, including humans, on the cat’s terms

In multiple-cat households, pay special attention to the prevention of resource guarding (by ensuring plenty of everything) and to the quality of interactions between cats, which is essential to the health and welfare of all concerned.¹⁴

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THE 6 ENRICHMENT CATEGORIES

1. Basic Resources—Food, Water, Elimination
Factors to consider for the 3 basic resources include location, type of resource, and how changes to each resource are made. Cats are prey as well as predator, so they feel most vulnerable and are most likely to become frightened while eating, drinking, or eliminating. To avoid this reaction, basic resources should be placed away from machinery that can start up unexpectedly or locations where cats may be startled or feel trapped. The type of basic resource can vary—dry versus canned food, still versus running water, features of the litter box, and type of litter all are worthy of consideration. 

When considering changes in basic resources, the guiding principle is, “First ask the owner, then ask the cat.” Implementing an idea that owners do not like or approve can risk damaging their relationship with the cat or affecting the cat’s quality of life. After the owners have agreed with the idea, then “ask the cat” by offering the new resource next to the familiar resource and letting the cat demonstrate its preference. 

2. Structural Features
Structural features are environmental elements that permit a cat to scratch, climb, and rest in approved areas as well as enjoy places where it can hide without risking forced removal by another animal or person. Once owners understand that scratching and climbing are natural, species-typical feline behaviors that can occur without damaging the owner’s cherished possessions and that cats prefer to interact with others in their environment on their own terms, structural features that meet the needs of pet and owner can be provided (for examples, see the Household Resource Checklist).

3. Social Interactions
The social structure of cats differs from that of humans and most other animals with which we come in regular contact in that cats can be reticent to permit others to join their group. As a consequence, intercat aggression reportedly is the most common form of feline aggression in multiple-cat homes. Although beyond the scope of this article, recommendations for this problem are available.^12,14

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<sup>Why Enrichment?

Enrichment should be discussed with clients and implemented at the earliest age possible. The goal of early introduction is to shape the attitudes and behaviors of the client toward understanding the importance of addressing the cat’s needs to ensure the pet’s best possible welfare and health. Additional discussions with cat owners before they introduce new elements into the environment may help avoid changes in the perception of control as well as predictability that inevitably attends change.</sup>

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4. Human Interactions
Structured interactions with the owner, such as departure and return rituals, play interactions, and grooming, can help an anxious cat overcome owner absences by imitating brief rituals of interactions (eg, petting, treats) that signal the owner’s departure and return. 

Play interactions can be based on the prey preferences of individual cats, such as toys that simulate birds (feather on a wand), insects (piece of dry food or laser pointer), or small rodents (many choices available). Some cats prefer to be petted and groomed rather than participate in play activities, which can be enriching as long as the activity begins and ends on the cat’s schedule.

5. Audio-Visual Enrichment
Audio-visual enrichment can include ambient sounds associated with the owner’s presence, such as a radio being played, and access to windows (maybe with a bird feeder in view), television, or a fish tank, depending on the cat’s preference.

6. Olfactory Stimulation
Olfactory stimulation can include herbs, such as valerian or catnip, or synthetic feline pheromones (feliway.com).

CLIENT EDUCATION
With new clients, I review the 6 enrichment categories, taking every opportunity to praise the client about the current situation as often as possible. If gaps are found, I offer alternate enrichment approaches that have worked for other owners and may also work for them or may stimulate their thinking about variations that might be more appropriate for their cat. I try to create a setting where owners choose the forms of enrichment they want to implement; they are more likely than I am to be familiar with what will and will not work in their particular situation, and they will have to expend the time, money, and effort to implement the recommendation. Once the choice is made, more specific suggestions can be made based on experience. Owners sometimes receive enrichment recommendations defensively, particularly when they believe they already are “good owners.” In these situations, empathically exploring the owners’ concerns, clarifying one’s agreement that they are acting in good faith, and asking for their ideas about what might help are generally useful.

There’s More!
“Getting off to a purrfect start with your new cat” highlights additional information on implementing environmental enrichment for cats, available atindoorpet.osu.edu/cats/

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WHAT CAT OWNERS CAN LEARN ABOUT CAPTIVITY • C. A. Tony Buffington
References & Suggested Reading

1.    Environmental enrichment: Increasing the biological relevance of captive environments. Newberry RC. Appl Anim Behav Sci 44:229-243, 1995.
2.    Clinical evaluation of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) in the management of cats with idiopathic cystitis. Buffington CAT, Westropp JL, Chew DJ, et al. J Feline Med Surg 8:261-268, 2006.
3.    Evaluation of the effects of stress in cats with idiopathic cystitis.Westropp JL, Kass PH, Buffington CAT. Am J Vet Res 67:731-736, 2006.
4.    Sickness behaviors in response to unusual external events in healthy cats and cats with feline interstitial cystitis. Stella JL, Lord LK, Buffing-
ton CAT. JAVMA 238:67-73, 2011.
5.    From inflammation to sickness and depression: When the immune system subjugates the brain. Dantzer R, O’Connor JC, Freund GG, et al. Natl Rev Neurosci 9:46-56, 2008.
6.    Brain-immune interactions and disease susceptibility. Marques-Deak A, Cizza G, Sternberg E. Mol Psychiatr 10:239-250, 2005.
7.    When not enough is too much: The role of insufficient glucocorticoid signaling in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders. Raison CL, Miller AH. Am J Psychiatr 160:1554-1565, 2003.
8.    Inflammation and its discontents: The role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of major depression. Miller AH, Maletic V, Raison CL. Biol Psychiatr 65:732-741, 2009.
9.    The relationship between cytokines and pain/depression: A review and current status. Strouse TB. Curr Pain Headache Rep 11:98-103, 2007.
10.    A review of the housing requirements of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) kept in the home. Rochlitz I. Appl Anim Behav Sci 93:97-109, 2005.
11.    From the Cat’s Point of View. Bohnenkamp G—San Francisco: Perfect Paws, 1991, p 48.
12.    Feline behavior guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Overall KL, Rodan I, Beaver BV, et al. JAVMA 227:70-84, 2005.
13.    Feline idiopathic cystitis: Current understanding of pathophysiology and management. Westropp JL, Buffington CAT. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 34:1043-1055, 2004.
14.    Intercat aggression: General considerations, prevention, and treatment. Moesta A, Crowell-Davis S. Tierärztliche Praxis Kleintiere 39:97-104, 2011.

Misty Paws Needs Your Help!

Meet Misty Paws: this sweet senior cat needs a loving home
(and some dental care!)

Misty Paws' story is a sad one. At 13 years old she was surrendered by her owners due to the fact that they are moving and also the cost of her much needed dental. This old tortoiseshell girl is currently in a temporary foster home but cannot stay for much longer. As she has never lived with other cats before it would be better if she was the only one in a home. She has not adjusted yet to the other cats in her foster home but there are three of them so she is overwhelmed. Misty Paws' world has been turned upside down and she has no idea where she is and why. 

In order to help her chances of finding a permanent home or even a long term foster home, her dental issues need to be addressed.

A ChipIn has been created for donations towards Misty Paws dental surgery which may cost as much as $1500. She will need some extractions or possibly all her teeth removed as they are in bad shape. 

 

Please click here to conribute to the ChipIn account.
Every donation is most welcome!

If you are interested in helping Misty Paws by offering
her a permanent or foster home then please contact
Feline Fancies for more info.

call: 604-787-7273
email: emma@felinefancies.ca

Lost 5 Years, a Colorado Cat Finds Her Way to Manhattan

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: September 14, 2011

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A calico cat named Willow, who disappeared from a home near the Rocky Mountains five years ago, was found on Wednesday on a Manhattan street and will soon be returned to her family, where two of the three children and one of the two dogs may remember her.

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Bebeto Matthews/Associated Press

A man discovered Willow on East 20th Street on Wednesday and took her to a shelter.

How she got to New York, more than 1,800 miles away, and the kind of life she lived in the city are mysteries.

But thanks to a microchip that was implanted when she was a kitten, Willow will be reunited in Boulder, Colo., with her owners, the Squireses, who had long ago given up hope.

“There are tons of coyotes around here, and owls,” Jamie Squires said. “We put out the ‘lost cat’ posters and the Craigslist thing, but we actually thought she’d been eaten by coyotes.”

Ms. Squires said she and her husband, Chris, were shocked when they received a call about Willow on Wednesday from Animal Care and Control, which runs New York City’s animal rescue and shelter system. Ms. Squires said that when they saw a picture of the cat, they knew it was Willow.

Willow was found on East 20th Street by a man who took her to a shelter, and Julie Bank, executive director of Animal Care, said the microchip led to the Squires family.

“All our pets are microchipped,” Ms. Squires said. “If I could microchip my kids, I would.”

The Squires children are 17, 10 and 3, and they have a yellow Labrador named Roscoe, who knew Willow, and an English mastiff named Zoe.

Ms. Squires said Willow escaped in late 2006 or early 2007 when contractors left a door open during a home renovation.

Ms. Bank said Willow was healthy and well-mannered, and probably had not spent her life on the streets of Manhattan.

Animal Care and the Squireses were trying to arrange for transportation back to Colorado. In the interim, Willow may stay with a foster family in New York.

“The kids can’t wait to see her,” Ms. Squires said. “And we still have her little Christmas stocking.”

A version of this article appeared in print on September 15, 2011, on page A28 of the New York edition with the headline: Lost 5 Years, a Colorado Cat Finds Her Way to Manhattan.

fainting goat kittens - original video

This is absolutely heartbreaking....

Make Your Own Biodegradable Kitty Litter

From the thegreenists.com:

Make Your Own Kitty Litter

Posted on February 19, 2008 by Allie

My cat is very patient when it comes to changes in her kitty litter. I don’t even have to do the thing where you add a percentage of the new litter to the old litter and up the percentage until you’ve totally switched over. Whatever I put in the litter box, she’ll use. So I’ve been testing out a lot of different natural kitty litters, and honestly, I don’t like most of them.

I’ve read horrible things about the chemicals that go into conventional clumping litters and the damaging effects of clay mining on the environment, so I’m not about to go back to clay litter. I like Feline Pine pellet litter, but we moved the kitty litter into the bathroom recently, and I’ve noticed that the cat kicks the pellets out of the box constantly. The pellets are too big for my little Dirt Devil to pick up, so I have to haul out the big vacuum every day, and I just don’t have the patience for that.

I came across a couple of litters made from recycled newspaper, but the cheapskate in me couldn’t justify paying for recycled newspaper when I have plenty of my own.

I started out using newspaper shredded in my paper shredder, but there were two problems.

1. I didn’t like the idea of the ink getting on my cat’s paws. It just didn’t seem healthy.
2. She tracked strips of paper everywhere like she was constantly throwing a kitty ticker tape parade.

So after a week or so of brainstorming, I came up with this recipe for homemade kitty litter.

1. Shred newspaper in a paper shredder. I collect the shredded paper in an unused litter box.
2. Soak the paper in warm water mixed with a few squirts gentle, biodegradable dish soap (like Ecover). The shredded paper takes on a cooked oatmeal consistency. The paper won’t come completely clean, but the water will turn grey.
3. Drain the water (an old colander works wonders) and repeat the soaking process minus the soap.
4. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the wet paper. Knead it in to the mixture (you might want to wear gloves to avoid getting ink on your hands).
5. Squeeze the remaining moisture out until it’s as dry as you can get it.
6. Crumble over a screen and leave to dry (it takes a few days).

Once it’s dry, I put about an inch and a half to two inches of the paper crumbles in the litter box, scoop solids daily and change it once a week. It takes about a half an hour to 45 minutes to make a 2-3 week supply of litter, and it’s kind of fun, in an elementary school art project way.

With the exception of a few cents worth of baking soda, it’s free. I use the circular newspapers and Pennysavers (make sure to remove staples) that come to our house. The baking soda does a good job of controlling odor, and it doesn’t track very much. I think it actually works better than most of the store bought products I’ve tried.

Once the temperatures are no longer arctic here, I plan to do this outside and use the wastewater to water my lawn.

Here’s how it starts out.

The Native American Teepee for Fluffy Little Critters

Canadian made from 100% recycled cardboard.  Find it here as well as the Canadian Cabin for Fluffy Little Critters. http://www.loyalluxe.com/

The Cat Scan

http://thecatscan.tumblr.com/archive
Here is an interesting archive of cats that got on scanners....

Rest in Peace Brady

Yesterday was a sad day...Brady left us after being in our lives for 19 years.  He was a cat that started out with me and ended up with my Mom and Dad and lived a long, happy life with them under the best possible care.  His beginning wasn't a good one but he lived out his days in the sanctuary of their home.  We all have heavy hearts today remembering and missing him.

Compost Your Cat Litter

I've started doing this recently.  We've been using the wood pellets for over a year now (I like them the best because they are cheap (about $6/bag) but most importantly they don't track litter around the box or the house!!!  Having a kitty in kidney failure that not only gets sub-q fluids twice a day but also drinks a lot of water causes a lot of traffic in the litter box.  We found that we were filling up our weekly garbage bin quickly by tossing this in the trash so started a compost pile next to the garage in the back alley.  We separate the urine from the solids and we toss the solids down the toilet or in a garbage bag.  I thought it would be safer that way.  I'm not sure we will use this in the garden but I don't see why we won't be putting it around the perennials next spring.  
I looked a lot online when I wanted to start this for information but there really wasn't any.  I came across this article today.  Check it out.
Wood Pellets Make Cat Litter Compostable Tejas Cattery

Our New Kitty Opa!

We sort of got her by default and she's cranky at the best of times but she does have a sweet side and is fitting into our home nicely.  She was living in a busy retail store for the past 15 years so she's happy to have a home and a family now.

Why Cats Paint

My Mom bought me this book a few years ago and I just have to share it.  It's so interesting.  Here is a little bit about our artistic feline friends below:

Show me the money
Quirky cat collections grace the walls of galleries worldwide. Some paint-ings fetch up to $19,000.! However, Bud D. Holly, a talented tabby in California (where else?), creates modest works of art which sell for $15.-$250. His owner, Sharon Flood, taught her furry proteg‚ how to walk across a selection of non-toxic water-colours after she noticed his muddy paw-prints on her glass table!

Worth a thousand words
Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics, written by Heather Busch and Burton Silver, is an international bestseller which accounts for the current craze in cat creativity. Brace yourself! In addition to exploring the history, theory and practice of feline art, the book contains startling photographs of paint-splattered cats at work on their colourful projects. According to the authors, couch scratching and mouse baiting are also legitimate means of artistic expression!

Here's the scoop...
Can all cats paint? No. Although 60 per cent of domestic cats will mark territory (ie, your leather couch), only 0.001 per cent will need a beret and palette. Don't despair - Morris may become the next Matisse with a little encouragement!
Which breeds are artistically inclined? Cats which don't mind getting their paws wet, such as Birmans, might be more likely to paint.
How can I tell if my furrball has talent? Observe your cat. Does she contem-plate the marks she makes in her litter box? Are the lines curved or aesthetic? Does she scratch the wall with litter left on her paws? Does she attack your furniture in one spot, as if creating a work in progress? Does she take pride in arranging her prey or parts of it? Does she like to play and create pat-terns with her kibble? Does she watch television and recognize other animals on the two-dimensional screen? Will she sniff out a cat food advertisement in Cat Fancy magazine? Does she make territorial claw marks on trees? Does she show interest if you mark the same places she does? Yes, that's an odd concept! (Each 'yea' is worth 10 per cent. Six 'yays' gives Puss a 60 per cent chance of dabbling in the fine arts!)
How can I encourage my cat to paint? To get your kitty's creative juices flowing, leave a saucer of non-toxic, scented acrylic paint (room temperature) near her litter box with an absorbent sheet of smooth board. Mix a few drops of urine in the paint to encourage marking behaviour. The moment Fluffy manipulates the paint, she's making her first artistic gesture!

It's in the cards
Are you still uncertain of whether your buddy is an artist waiting to be discovered? Don't sweat it. The folks at MONPA have designed Test Your Cat's Creative Intelligence: Eighteen easy-to-use cards, which measures kitty's talent through colour composition, brain dominance, ink blot, colour blindness, and optical sensation tests.

Artistic licence
The jury is still out as to why some cats paint. Is Puss trying to represent an object or emotional state? Does she need to explore her inner feelings? Is she communicating with us or another cat? Or, as many sceptics believe, is she simply marking her territory in a flamboyant fashion? The medium contains a mysterious message...

Museum of Non Primate Art

This is a must see site for lots of images of Animals as Artists and their work.

Check out the Videos of Cats Painting.

Feline Art Galleries
The Philip Wood Gallery

When the Philip Wood Gallery in Berkeley, California opened its doors in the fall of 1994 it had on show the first international exhibition of paintings and works created by cats - complete with Artist in Residence, Buster.
Gallery owner Philip Wood was keen to reverse the blinkered view held by most scientists and art historians which had determined that the marks that cats had been making with paint and other media for centuries were territorially motivated rather than having any aesthetic intent.
Philip Wood co-opted the assistance of leading cat-art expert Heather Busch to both curate the exhibition and to be on hand to answer the many questions which they knew would be raised. The show was an instant success, several visitors even turned up with their cats to get first hand advice regarding painting techniques and to present their cats with positive role models.
The Gallery, which is situated on the corner of Solano and Modoc, is open on weekends until the end of 1995 when the exhibit will travel to Europe. Some merchandise is available at the Gallery, including a Limited Edition Print of "Beam Me Up" a famous piece of work by world renowned cat artist, Orangello.

Ichon Gallery
An important exhibition of art by European cats will open on February 23rd at the Villa Ichon Gallery in Bremen. For more information contact Dr Klaus Hübotter, Tel: 0421 321803 or fax: 0421 326959.

Why Cats Paint
written by George Crowe on Friday, December 04, 1998

Why do cats paint? Apparently, it has to do with marking territory, and with the fact that acrylic paint smells a little like cat urine. Not all kitties do it. In fact, only a very small percentage seem to have artistic aspirations. But the ones that do put paw to canvas can command top dollar for their work. If you think your cat's got what it takes, you can buy a test to measure its creativity. Who knows? That little guy that climbs your drapes could be the next Picatsso.

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VOKRA's Second Annual Festival & Walk for the Kitties

Time	Sunday, August 21 · 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location	Jericho Beach
More Info	Join us on Sunday, August 21st 2011 for VOKRA’S biggest fundraising event YET! Enjoy the family friendly festivities and live music performances and Walk with us at our annual Walk-a-Thon! The day will start with a 10kms walk at 10am at the Jericho Sailing Club. Afterwards, hang around for VOKRA’s 11th year of rescue CELEBRATION including LIVE music, food, contests, face painting a raffle and much more! Last year we raised more than $25,000 for much needed vet bills and food for the cats. This year we know we can do even better! Our aim is to raise $50,000 towards this cause. Don’t forget to bring your change jars to contribute to our donation barrel! There will be FREE “Walk-a-Thon for the kitties T-SHIRTS for those who pre-register for the walk! Dogs are also very welcome; on their leashes of course; as well as, social and outgoing cats who love to be taken out for walks on their harness. You can download walk-a-thon PLEDGE forms at www.VOKRA.ca and register and help raise money for the cats. The top two pledge-drivers will be rewarded at the event. Come enjoy the day with Modern Mint Event Coordinators and Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association and the generous community of Vancouver and help raise donations towards their amazing kitten-foster programs.