Amy Shojai's Blog, page 108

Cyber Monday Specials for Writers! DIY Ebooks & Cat Writers Discount

“You make books on this thing? Really?” Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the THRILLERFEST video at the bottom, too, as well as a fun cat viewpoint video.  For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.

 Today’s a little different, though, when it comes to the WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF. I took several days off for the holiday and don’t have nearly as many links today, but it’s quality not quantity. Since it’s CYBER MONDAY, here are some you-don’t-want-to-miss writerly opportunities.

CAT WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION “MEOW WORLD” CONFERENCE SPECIAL today only you can get the conference for an amazing $59 (that’s more than half off the regular rate)! This is our first year partnering with BarkWorld so whether you write about cats, dogs, pets…or anything else…this event in Atlanta October 30-November 1, 2014 will have you howling with delight. Last year, I gave the seminar on Ebooks (below)…now offered as a Webinar.

Did you complete NaNoWriMo? Are you lined up at the starting gate, ready to pull the trigger on a spanking-new baby book? Whether you plan to DIY Ebook, hire POD done, or choose a la carte services for cover design, publishing and more, LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. Discover the options and make educated choices. Because do-overs sucketh big time.

EBOOK FOR WRITERS WEBINAR Dec. 7, 2-3:30 NY Time

Next Saturday, December 7, 2013, join my EBOOKS FOR WRITERS Webinar from 2-3:30 NY time for all the must-know options for publishing in today’s digital age. It’s only $40 (but you’ll get $10 off with the code GO INDIE). Register here.

No hotel, no travel, no makeup required. I love Webinars because I can wear jammies and have a cat or dog on my lap (well, as much of the dog as will fit). The recording makes it possible to revisit the session later—especially helpful for those with a time conflict who live in, say, Australia. Or the wilds of Manhattan. And, if you aren’t yet ready to pull the trigger on your book, the session helps you figure out next steps when you ARE ready. (Hint: Might be a cool early holiday gift for a writer in your life. PLEASE SHARE!)

The live Power Point presentation includes lots of SQUEEE! cute animal picture illustrations, answers your questions and gives you a life-preserver to keep you afloat as you dive off the self-publishing cliff. You will learn:

Pros & Cons of Ebook Publishing compared to “Traditional”
Options Available from DIY platforms to for-hire services
Kinds of costs involved
What you can (and should) do yourself
What you should hire professionals to do
Resources for helpful self-publishing software, editorial assistance and cover design help
Practical step-by-step how-to “Kindle-ize” your manuscript
Formatting tips for illustrations, covers, sidebars and table of contents
Promotional must-knows including DO’s and DON’TS!
Includes valuable links to further information, available as a down-load/handout.

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

 New Cat Species, the Tigrina

Ann Rice (below) has great advice.

2010 Thrillerfest Interview…and BTW, Lisa Scottoline has two gorgeous Cavs, check out her facebook page.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Thanksgiving–The Pet Writer Way

Magical-Dawg age 8 weeks…the first day he came home! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and I plan to take the day off, for a change, and enjoy spending time with my family. This blog post revisits a similar one from a couple year’s ago but is no less true now. Hope it’s appropriate to share my THANKS list with those of you who also love pets. And I hope you’ll add to the list of thanks by posting about your blessings in the comments.

I’m thankful to be home with my family—furry and human—rather than traveling. For many years I spent the weekend before Thanksgiving at conferences and so I’m grateful that can’t-miss event has been moved to an earlier date. I’m thankful that I’m not on the bumpy road and bumpier plane. I’m thankful my human family, though miles away, remain close-knit and loving. And I’m thankful all remain healthy.

I’m thankful for veterinarians who make life better for the pets we adore. I’m thankful for researchers who work to find diagnoses, treatments, and cures for our ailments, both for pets and for people. I’m thankful for the animal welfare volunteers who do the work of the angels when others somehow let pets down.

Seren still loves her sun baths. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful that I have the best job in the world, sharing information about the cats and dogs that have become so important to our emotional and physical health. I’m thankful for publishers, editors, magazines, newspapers, TV and radio shows, websites, bloggers and email lists that share these important resources to benefit cats and dogs and the people who love them. And I’m thankful to writing organizations, teachers, agents and all those who promote the craft of good communication and help others pursue this rewarding craft.

Nekkid tummy after spay–when Seren came home with us for good! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful that I found a dumped kitten sixteen years ago and brought her into my home and heart. I’m thankful that Seren-kitty still acts like a kitten and stays so healthy–despite her arthritis and recent bout with schneezles. I’m sure my veterinarian also is thankful Seren remains spry, since she is not a happy patient and the clinic staff likes to keep their fingers intact. I’m thankful she’s given up playing “gravity experiments” with my fine breakables, and has decided it’s okay to nap on my lap nearly every evening. I’m also thankful that she’s decided the dog is a boob and great fun to torment.

Momma dog “Greta” with Magic and his siblings (can you guess which one is Magic?). Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful for responsible breeders who ensure purebred dogs and pedigreed cats have a healthy paw-start in life. I’m thankful that Magic-dawg at age seven has become a bit…just a bit…less driven. I’m thankful for water hoses, and tennis balls, stuffed teddy bears and Frisbees that wear Magic out without exhausting me at the same time. I’m thankful my roughneck dawg hasn’t had any injury this year, and that his limping swollen paw turned out to be bug-sting reaction easily diagnosed and treated. I’m thankful Magic is smart, funny, a comedian, and a wonder to train—and doesn’t argue but has accepted that the cat is the boss of him.

I’m thankful that although he never grew up with pets, my husband loves Seren and Magic as much as I do. I’m even more thankful they adore him back (that could get awkward!). I’m thankful for my church family—pet lovers or not—who also support my furry notions. I’m particularly thankful to the Cuchara Gang (you know who you are) and partner in musical-play-writing crime who lift me up with friendship and love.

Finally, I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog or any of the other venues mentioned. Without you, I would not have a career, and my life’s passion would remain unfulfilled. Without you, your pets wouldn’t have the wonderful love and care you provide. Without you, there wouldn’t be any reason for this heartfelt—THANK YOU.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving. And please share all your special thanks in the comments–let’s get a THANK-fest going!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

Ask Amy: Why Does My Dog Suck…Pillows?

“My name is Magic–and I’m a suck-aholic.” Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

Has your dog ever had an obsession with a particular toy or object? It’s not at all unusual for kittens to nurse on their own toes, or the tail of a sibling. Just like with human infants, the behavior seems to be self-calming.

Dogs also can find stress relief by nursing on objects. Blankets, pillows and stuff toys are common targets. Licking or sucking can become an obsessive/compulsive behavior. For instance, Dobermans seem to indulge in “flank sucking” behavior and other dogs may lick-lick-lick a paw or toe until it becomes raw.

But in the case of puppies and even adults that indulge intermittently, it may not be a problem. (Magical-dawg told me to say that!). Now it’s your turn–what kinds of items does your pet target with licks? Do tell!

Of course, with THANKSGIVING tomorrow, there are lots more tasty things for dogs to munch. Just be sure they’re safe–a small amount of “treats” is fine but some can prove dangerous. Check out this article on people food for puppies to see what’s acceptable and what’s not–or even poisonous!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

Monday Mentions: Purina, Better With Pets & Writer-icty

Sandra Lyn, Purina behaviorist, speaks about the true nature of cats.

Last week I was invited to attend the Purina Better With Pets summit–and had a blast! There were 16 speakers, each presenting on stage in front of a huge screen (think TED for pet lovers). Not only was the event hugely entertaining, it was inspiring to hear how many of these movers-and-shakers of the pet world came to be involved in championing animals. I’ve also blogged about it at puppies.about.com and will in the coming weeks expand my notes and future interviews into full length articles. Here’s just a taste…Purina promises that the full videos will be available for everyone to view soon!

Brian Hare of Dognition talks about canine cognitive abilities–and how this chimp solved the peanut problem!

Beth Stern fosters kittens–and husband Howard names them.

Joseph Wakshlag discusses the connection between rehab and nutrition.

Marty Becker shares secrets of how “the bond” works–and is upstaged by his canine partner.

Robin Downing, veterinary pain expert, explains that age is NOT a disease…and there’s no excuse for letting pets hurt.

Judy Finnegan offers an uplifting talk how Puppies For Parole saves dog lives–and the dogs also rehab the prisoners (win-win!).

Canine architecture…some wins, and some very bad losers! Stay tuned!

Everybody’s favorite YouTube cartoon, Simon’s Cat drawn live by Simon Tofield.

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out lots of fun videos below, including the THRILLERFEST video at the bottom, too.  For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.

WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

 Audio Book Sales Double  And, if’n you’re interested, there are audio versions of my Complete Kitten Care, ComPETablity-Cats, ComPETability-Dogs and the dog-viewpoint thriller Lost And Found. And yes, sales are quite good!

Writers Digest Annual Survey–Let Your Voice be Heard!

How To Sell More Books at Christmas and yes, it’s got my tips for “bundling” books. I’m offering a three-book-deal for cat lovers and a four-book-deal for pet lovers.

Three Ebooks for $9.99

Four Ebooks for $9.99

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

 Tidy Cats Paw-tographed Cat Collars Auction a charity auction benefiting the spcaLA and featuring 32 celebrity-signed kitty collars including from Denis Quaid and Matt LeBlanc, check it out! For the pet lover (and cat) that has everything.

RECALL! True Raw Choice Treats (Canada) due to Salmonella contamination

Manhattan Rat Hunters Extraordinaire where city dogs get to chase and kill rats, wow.

New “Barn Hunt Association” for all sizes of dogs…testing rat/vermin finding ability. (Note: no rats are harmed, they’re confined in aerated PVC pipe containers). What do you think?

Speaking of singing…Yes, I’m a proud member of ASCAP, and register all my music there. Great video!

2011 Thrillerfest Interview with RL Stine

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Ask Amy: Cat Wants Pets When I Get Up & FREE FOOD ANNOUNCED!

Today’s the day Seren announces the winners of the #HillsPet food treat baskets! On November 15 the blog invited folks to comment why their cat(s) deserved treats for a chance to win one of 20 give away food baskets. I’d planned to have her sift through the names, and paw-pat her choices.

And what do you know…since we only had 12 comments, EVERYONE who added a comment has won a gift basket from Hills! Sorry, Seren, you don’t get to choose after all.

I’ll send an email to Jean Meyer, Brenda, Frank Steele, Constance Marie, Patricia, Karyl, April R, Lisa F, Sue, Lynette George, Diane Cannon and Kim (from GoodReads). ConCATSulations!

Today’s Ask Amy video has to do with a different kind of kitty treats. Does this ever happen to you? What do YOU think is going on? How do you handle it? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Don’t forget to vote for your and character choice in the forthcoming HIDE AND SEEK!

Ask Amy: What To Do With Sniff-A-Holic Dogs

I’m traveling today and may not be able to reply as quickly. But I wanted to share this fun new ASK AMY and find out how y’all handle your “nosy” dogs.

Dogs are lead around by the nose throughout life, and it starts early–as in this Ask Amy “rude” puppy behavior! What about your furry wonder? Has your dog’s nosy behavior ever gotten him or her in trouble? Created embarrassing moments? (Once our Magical-Dawg puppy stole underwear from the laundry basket and brought it out to show guests…sigh). Your turn, do tell!

In my forthcoming thriller HIDE AND SEEK, the dog hero character has been trained to track lost pets. So Shadow’s nose actually saves the day–with the help of Macy the Maine Coon cat. In these cases, savvy dogs may detect very important info that humans miss, and it’s up to the person to trust the dog’s nose. Shadow even laments the fact that scent-blind humans should pay closer attention to good-dogs able to smell important stuff. What do you think?

Here’s an article about a dog’s nose structure and sense of smell that explains a lot of what’s going on. What have I missed?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

Name That Dog-Cat Results & CWA Thanks!

Exciting news (below) about my HIDE AND SEEK dog viewpoint thriller and the results of the Name That Dog and Name That Cat contest. But first…

I was honored to win a Muse Medallion award for my cat behavior book in the most recent CWA Contest, but my feline furry muse was less than enthused about the award. Instead, she snubbed the book to investigate the PAW-some bounty provided in our World’s Best Cat Litter bag–and yes, everyone who attended received one of these over-flowing goody bags we put together at the bag-stuffing party (see video here). We also had the chance to win one-of-a-kind door prizes that included art and cat furniture and more.

THANK YOU to all the sponsors who provided a wide assortment cat-centric and dog-matic products. I have to share the bounty with all my pet-loving readers, since it’s nearly time to start stuffing those cat and dog holiday stockings (check ‘em out!):

Fun-tastic cat and dog toys and products from Hauspanther, Kong Company,  Nylabone, PetStages, Pioneer Pet Products & Sticky Paws
Coastal Pet Products cat collars, pencil cases from ASPCA
Catpod sleepers and Wall Waves cat furniture, DJ Cat Scratcher
Evercare lint rollers, Febreze carpet deoderizer
Artwork from Wall Words Wall Cats, Carruth Studio and Cori’s Pawtraits
VetraCare first aid products
CFA magazines and calendars and Dogwise book discounts and Through A Cat’s Ear Calming Music
And Seren-Kitty’s favorites of all: FOOD & TREETZ (which the Magical-Dawg insists on swiping–he steals cat toys, too): Bravo, Pawbreakers, Emerald Pet, Kitty Kottage, N-Bone, Pet-N-Shape, PetCo, PetSafe, Stella And Chewys, The Honest Kitchen, Vital Essentials, and Ziwi Peak

Cat Writers Association has been fortunate to be supported by dozens of pet-savvy products companies over the years, not only with “furry swag” but also funds to throw our annual conference and awards celebrations–and just doing good works for the cats (and dogs) that rule our hearts. We don’t recognize them often enough for all their wonderful support. As a pet writer, I couldn’t do what I do without the people behind these great companies. So here’s a Paws For Applause for these sponsors of the conference and awards program (some already named above):

American Association of Feline Practitioners, ASPCA, AdoptAShelter, Cat Fancers Association, Cat Fancy 1-5 Publishing, Ceva Animal Health, Cornell Feline Health Center, Dog Writer’s Association of America, Jacat Cattery, PioneerPet/Sticky Paws, Hartz Mountain Corporation, Morris Animal Foundation, Petco Foundation, Pet Sitters International, Precious Cat, Inc., PetSafe, Purina PetCare Company, Sergeant’s Pet Products, Quaker Pet Group, Sturdi Products, The International Cat Association (TICA), and World’s Best Cat Litter

In particular, my actor cronies and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to present STRAYS, THE MUSICAL at this 20th anniversary event, so I’m purr-sonally grateful for the Friday night ASPCA reception and Cat Fancy Dinner Sponsorship. (A short video sample of the performance has been posted here.)

Now then–after seeing all that, doesn’t it make you want to join the furry fun? NEXT YEAR in Atlanta where we partner with BarkWorld with MeowWorld Presented by the Cat Writers’ Association!

WINNERS OF “NAME THAT PET” CONTEST!

The and contests garnered an outpouring of furry interest. Thanks for your votes for the pet characters to appear in HIDE AND SEEK dog-viewpoint thriller coming soon (sequel to LOST AND FOUND). The winner’s names and why they chose their selection will also be included in the book, and winners will receive an advance E-copy of the book and a paw-tographed book as soon as I get the physical copies.

The cat names received more than 926 votes in total, while the dog names totaled 3203 votes! Just who ARE these kitty and doggy characters?

HOPE is a mother barn cat befriended by a young girl whose cat-allergic mother won’t let her have a cat. When the cat’s “real” owner disappears, the little girl’s desperate need to rescue this “momma kitty” puts them in the bad guy’s path–will it be a happy ending for the pair? The name HOPE received 300 votes and was suggested by PATRICIA (she also suggested one of the winning cat names!).
PINKERTON is a sick cat that Shadow (the hero dog) tracks and saves after the kitty escapes from a car accident. The cat’s illness holds the key to the mystery plaguing area animals–and their people. What a legacy! BELL won the NAME THAT CAT prize with 123 votes and was suggested by MARCI DeLISLE. She wrote, “Pinkerton was one of my favorite feral kitties. I was never able to tame him but he got to where he’d approach me when I’d be outside feeding. He was a big long hair tabby probably with some Maine Coon in him as he was very large with really big feet. Two things played into his name. One was his very bright pink nose on a white nose. And he was the resident security guard for the feral kitties. Thus Pinkerton. (think Pinkerton Security) I’d watch him walking around the property (5 acre small farm) making sure no interlopers came into the feral colony. He was so funny. And had a slight permanent frown on his face. He took his job very seriously.”


TRIXIE is therapy dog that lives at an Alzheimer’s unit. The dog belongs to the administrator but prefers to spend all her time with one of the patients, Molly Williams (Teddy’s wife, for those who read LOST AND FOUND). The dog stays by Molly’s side when she “wanders” and disappears from the facility. The name TRIXIE received 805 votes and was suggested by KRISTI BRASHIER. She wrote: Trixie – a very dark red golden retriever diva dog. Her goal in life is to have everyone pet her and tell her she’s pretty. She’s also known as the neighborhood thief because she goes around retrieving things from the neighbors which we then have to throw back into their yards the next morning. (Perfect for a therapy dog who could tote things from one room to another in the Alzheimer’s unit if you need moments of comic relief)
ROCKY is a dog that Teddy Williams and his wife Molly had years ago, and is the reason why the therapy dog strikes such a chord with Molly. The name ROCKY received 623 votes and was suggested by PATRICIA.

Thanks to EVERYONE for making this a fun contest–and it was a stiff race right up to the end. We’ll do it again with the third book, okay? Congratulations to the winners. I’ll be in touch shortly with any follow up that’s needed. I hope once the book is released you’ll share your starring role in helping name these furry characters!

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the fun videos including the great THRILLERFEST video at the bottom, too.  For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.

WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

 Author Beware: Blogging Books a vanity outfit based in German that is said to be worse than PublishAmerica! Oh, and here’s an update on 2 Moon Press

Copyright & Public Fair Use a great overview helps you decide can you use that image on Facebook? Your blog? Elsewhere? Thanks to Bobbi Florio Graham for the link

 Social Karma and paying it forward helps pay you today!

Using Lyrics in Books Hey, that’s why I write my own *vbg*

 Gene Lempp’s Weekly Writing Resources he does this every Saturday…BOOK MARK for great writerly schtuff!

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

Riverfront Cats Blog has something for cat lovers everywhere–highly recommended! And check out the Paw-some post from Christine Michaels on her purr-sonal blog, too (hint: pix from CWA conference and STRAYS).

Check out Brian Lowney’s book (above), from a pet journalist come stories you won’t want to miss!

Adopt-A-Pet.com Features Justin Bieber Pet Look-Alikes

Thanks to Romeo The Cat for pointing out this next video, LOL!

2012 Thrillerfest Debut Author Breakfast

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Paws for The Philippines

People around the world love their pets. The Philippines struggles with a devastating catastrophe that needs your help. Thank you to BlogPaws.com for pointing me to this PAW-some info-graphic that can help–will you help? PLEASE SHARE…like, forward, pinterest, FaceBook, whatever you can do…

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

 

#HillsPet Makes Cats Friendlier!

Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

What does cat food and cat treats have to do with making your house cat more friendly? One the most common questions I get as a cat behavior consultant deals with the evolving c’attitude of maturing kitties. Pretty much all kittens are in-your-face clueless (and confident!) spit-fires that never met a stranger. They gallop and pounce through life, love to play until they collapse–and then snuggle and purr themselves to sleep on your lap.

But the baby cat grows up and then OH NO! What happened to the snuggle-puss? Well, sometimes they stay cuddly throughout life. But very often, the baby grows up to be a bit more selective in how he or she wishes to interact. That can put the human’s nose out of joint when suddenly Junior-Cat disses the person who brought them into the house. So–what can you do?

TREATS & TIPS FOR TABBIES

The Ask Amy video, below, was created prior to me being asked to write this post. But it’s a purr-fect fit! People readily think about treats with dogs, but not so often with cats–and in fact, cats relish not only the tastiness but also the special interaction that comes with any food “extras.”

The key to treating cats, though, is to remember they are “grazers.” A full meal for a cat tends to be 4-8 individual kibbles. That’s all! They’re not going to belly up to the smorgasbord and gulp mouthfuls or handfuls the way my Magical-Dawg does. So a teeeeeny tiny amount is enough–the smell as much as the taste and the attention–that associates something positive for the cat with your presence.

Choice in treats typically is decided by the human with the pocketbook, but ultimately it’s in the cat’s paws whether or not s/he will indulge. Of course, we don’t want over-nutrition to create tubby Tabbies so it’s best to choose a treat that compliments the cat’s existing diet. Most pet food companies offer a “family” of products that go well together, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition is no different.

Treats that make kitty sit up and purr tend to be very different than what s/he eats on a regular basis. Reserving a very unique tasting/smelling food–a canned ration, for example–can be a great way to make your cat feel special without potentially upsetting the nutrition.

POSITIVE TREATING

How should you treat to help your cat be friendlier? Establish a routine. That could be every morning while you’re eating breakfast, or while you brush your teeth–or perhaps every evening while watching the evening news. Cats love routine, and once Kitty figures out the time and place that TREATS get delivered, you won’t have to remember–she’ll remind YOU!

Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Tiny bits are enough. Maybe dip your finger in the canned food like Hill’s Gourmet Turkey Entree. My cat Seren now will come when called, sit up, wave and (we’re working on) speak! with just me holding up my finger–she EXPECTS there will be something tasty awaiting her.

By rewarding your cat for a natural behavior, you also reinforce the interaction and teach the kitty there’s a benefit to paying attention to you. If the cat still won’t come near…use dry treats you can toss to him. And the next time toss it closer to you…and the next, closer still. Do this in cat-size steps, not all at once, and your cat will become friendlier without even realizing it!

FEEDING DIFFERENT FOODS?

Well, yes. Some cats do very well on the same old food all the time, but others relish variety. And let’s face it, PEOPLE love variety even if cats could eat MOUSE every single day, so it makes us feel good to offer variety to our beloved cats, too. For instance, you could choose to provide a dry kibble for all day “grazing,” and then give a bonus wet food for the evening or morning meal.

Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition

I received some of the Hill’s Crunchy Creations grain free treats last May when I attended the BlogPaws conference, and Seren-kitty LOVES them! Of course, she’ll just about do back flips for Philly cream cheese, too (shhhh, don’t tell the Hill’s folks, I know that’s not on the cat nutrition best-practices list). Seren is only 5 pounds so she could do with gaining a bit of weight–but if your cat is a bit tubby, try putting treats in a cat puzzle toy for added feline enjoyment (and exercise).

THE LEGAL STUFF: This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats, but I only shares information I feel is relevant to my readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Win a boatload of kitty tasties–Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Here’s your chance to try out the notion of complementary food. Hill’s is giving way a tasty basket of kitty goodies that includes a “trifecta” of cat nutrition–dry, wet and treats–all formulated to be easily mixed and matched to provide the same precise Hill’s nutrition you’ve come to expect.

HILL’S IS GIVING AWAY 20 GIFT BAGS!

(Give-away is limited to the USA and Canada)

Here’s how to enter. Leave a COMMENT below saying why your cat deserves special treats (hey, they ALL do!). I will figure out a way for my SEREN-KITTY to choose the winner on THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21 and will announce the 20 winners on the next day, Friday, November 22. Now that should give the kitties a true and proper Thanksgiving to celebrate! Go tell all your shelter and foster pet parents and get them to enter, too–SHARE the bounty, let’s spread some tasty love!

Be sure to check out the video, below. What are some other tips you have for helping cats act “friendlier?”

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.

Magic Markers & Seren Spots: Treasure Senior Pets

He’s got some gray fur on his muzzle now…

November is National Adopt A Senior Pet Month. It’s a great time to choose a wonderful “mature” pet as your new best friend–and all the must-knows for caring for them are available in my Aging Cat and my Aging Dog books.

Now that both of my “fur-kids” are mature pets, it’s put me in a philosophical mood.

Yes, I can’t believe it—Magical-Dawg is seven! It seems only yesterday that he came into our lives and wagged his way into our hearts (and onto the pillow). Magic weighed only eleven pounds when he arrived at eight weeks. Before long he’d left marks not only on our lives, but also the walls, the baseboard, the windowsills…

[image error]

Seren “owns” this old chair.

Seren-kitty is sixteen. She was a dumped kitten found asleep in an empty flower pot on the back of a friend’s porch. I got the call to help out because my friend had a toddler who WANTED THE KITTY! but Mom was allergic. So it was Amy-to-the-rescue, and I fully intended to advertise for a lost kitten or take to the shelter. Seren had other ideas, and climbed up my pant leg and wrapped her paws around my neck. Not a single piece of paper for my columns, articles, books or blogs has ever escaped Seren’s claws before being sent on to its publishing home. She’s been my office partner and editor ever since.

Seren was nine when Magic arrived, and he already outweighed her. She quickly took control of his schooling and I do believe part of Seren’s youthful c’attitude is directly due to the fun she gets from getting Magic in trouble.

Seren’s gotten a weee bit gray, too! Haven’t we all.

This morning my husband mentioned something that took me aback. “With our next cat, let’s…”

See, we’ve already decided we’ll have a next cat, and a next dog, but not yet. Not now, not while Magic and Seren still rule. But the time will come. I’m a bit superstitious, though, and don’t want to tempt fate by talking about that eventuality.

Meanwhile, our house is the same age as Seren-kitty and in need of some spiffing up. Every time I finish a deadline (during which I’m blind to most of what goes on in the outside world!), I come up for air and am appalled at how I’ve let the yard, the house, my office, “real life” fall into shambles. The past two days I spent shoveling out my office and now I can see the top of my desk again!

In particular, yard work is overdue. And inside, maybe fresh paint, new carpet, spackle away teeth marks, reupholster or refinish some furniture. Or, maybe not.

MAGIC MARKERS & SEREN SPOTS

The base of the glass top table in the living room has teeth marks from our first dog. Oh, how angry we felt when he turned it into his personal chew toy! But now, the sight prompts smiles and happy memories. I wouldn’t be a writer today if it weren’t for his inspiration.

You see, those Magic teeth marks on the windowsill, the here-and-there pulled thread on a Seren clawed chair, a small carpet stain, scrapes on the hard wood floor, for me are no different than the wall marks my parents used to chart their kid’s growth. Those are memories, a tangible reminder of a fleeting furry presence that shares laughs and loves for an all too short span of time.

I don’t have a perfect house. The off-white carpet matches Seren’s fur, but Magic’s drifts of black shedding turn it into a Dalmatian pattern. And furniture and baseboards have their share of puppy teeth or kitten claw marks. And that’s okay, I can live with that. I’d even put up with more claw and teeth marks if Seren and Magic would promise to stay with me for at least another dozen years each. Please.

Meanwhile, maybe I’ll enlist the dog to help dig up defunct rose bushes. I think he’d enjoy that, he’s already a champion at watering the grass (ahem). And Seren-kitty loves to supervise anything that will get the dog (spit!) in trouble.

What about your house? Are there any “pet marks” you treasure? Please share in the comments–don’t let me feel like the only awful housekeeper out there!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Don’t forget to vote for your and character choice in the forthcoming HIDE AND SEEK!