Amy Shojai's Blog, page 108
November 1, 2013
Ask Amy: Dog Uses Cat Litter Box
Today I’m at the Cat Writers Conference in Dallas, having a ball attending expert writing seminars and schmoozing with lots of cat (and dog) lovers. Last night at the opening event there were lots of BOO-tiful costumes displayed during the bag-stuffing party. Yes, had to don my wings!
Because many of us are bloggers, I learned a LOT about tips and tricks at past conferences. One of the best moves I made was switching from the “free” WordPress to a self-hosted site, and one of my blogging buddies recommended Blogelina to help with the transfer. Liked the job she did so much I became an affiliate…and just found out she’s running a $20 off special on a DIY service through Nov. 4, so wanted to give a heads up. Be sure to use the code SAVE20 at checkout to see $20 taken off the normal price.
Here at the CWA conference, such a gathering of pet professionals often results in some terrific discussions. For instance, I’m sure that the question, below, is not a unique one among my colleagues. But it sure did puzzle the pet owner!
How about you? Have your dogs ever shown unusual interest in the cat’s litter box? No, I don’t mean THAT WAY as in yucky treats, but wanting to potty there? Here’s the latest Ask Amy.
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!
October 31, 2013
Michael Palmer, We’ll Miss You…
Fans have lost a great writer, writers have lost a great friend, a family has lost most of all. The world will never be the same. Remembering Michael…
October 30, 2013
#HillsPet Disaster Relief Network Saves Lives
Can you find your cat to evacuate? Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Are you prepared for natural disasters? What about your pets? Living in Tornado Alley here in North Texas, it’s not unusual to suffer property damage from winds, floods, hail and twisters. Wildfires cause just as much pain and suffering, whether caused by an errant thunderbolt or the carelessness of a human. Across the country, these same issues plus mud slides, earthquakes, hurricanes and more can spell heartache.
There are many service organizations ready and willing to step in and help with disaster strikes. Since our pets ARE family members, those who embrace pets’ needs during these times of strife offer invaluable service not only to the animals, but relieve the stress of the people who love them. Very often, the first-line help comes from shelter programs located in or near the disaster site that offer help to displaced pets. Enter the Disaster Relief Network.
Pets affected by Hurricane Isaac in 2012 received help from Hill’s. Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Last May, Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced the formation of Disaster Relief Network through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love TM program. Hill’s already had a strong historical commitment to help shelter programs, and since 2002 has donated over $240 million worth of Science Diet® brand foods to nearly 1,000 animal shelters nationwide. After receiving requested feedback from participating shelters, improvements were made to the program so Science Diet® pet food is now available to any eligible US shelter at a significant discount, and our program remains open 365 days a year.
The Disaster Relief Network allows Hill’s to quickly distribute emergency pet food resources to participating shelters across the country. This formalized U.S.-wide network of shelters coordinates emergency pet food deliveries and is the first network of its kind. Food can be shipped within hours of a disaster. Learn more about the program here.
Disaster Prep for Pets
When Mother Nature throws a tantrum, you have no time to waste. Keeping your human and furry family safe can prove daunting unless you’ve made advanced preparations.
Watch weather reports. When weather turns ify, bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them. Know your pets’ favorite hangouts (and hiding spots) so you can find them quickly. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification. If you have nothing else handy, use a felt-tip marker and write your phone number and name on the pet’s tummy or inside the ears.
Designate a “safe room” in the house to confine pets until the all clear. Many homes in North Texas don’t have basements or storm cellars. An internal room without windows, often a bathroom without windows, can be a good option. At my house, Seren gets stuffed into her cat carrier and placed inside the pantry situated under the stairs. It’s big enough that the humans and Magical Dawg can fit inside, too.
If you must evacuate, take your pets along. It may be days before authorities allow you to return home.
Red Cross shelters currently prohibit pets, except for certified service animals because often local and state health and safety regulations do not permit pets in disaster shelters. Find a hotel, friend, or other accommodations in advance that will let you bring your dogs and cats. Do it NOW, so you know who to call and won’t have to search out options during disaster.
Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, to the pet’s collar tags. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen. Write directly on a flat nylon collar or halter to make it easy for a stranger to read the information. Tape this same info onto pet carriers.
Use a RESCUE STICKER ALERT visible to rescue workers to let folks know you have pets inside your home. Make sure it includes the types and number of pets, and your cell number as well as your veterinarian’s phone number. If you leave with your pets, be sure to write “EVACUATED” across the stickers so rescue workers don’t waste time looking for them.
In addition to providing for human family members, have a “pet kit” ready to take along that contains a three-day supply of all the pet essentials. If easily packed, take an extra towel or blanket for each pet. Don’t forget sturdy leashes, harnesses, carriers or X-pens for safe confinement.
Most facilities will require your cats and dogs to be under your control, and may also require proof of current vaccination. Include a favorite comfort toy or treat, the pet’s food and can opener if needed, and don’t forget water—one quart per cat-size pet per day (more for big dogs) is a good rule of paw. One of the pheromone spray products for pets can help relieve the stress of being in a strange environment.
Have plenty of plastic bags and newspapers as well as containers and cleaning supplies to help deal with pet waste. Puppy training pads or Depends undergarments work well.
Prepare for the unthinkable, too. Include current photos of your pets in case they get lost, and bring a first-aid kit to care for possible injuries. Include disposable latex gloves, sterile dressings, antibiotic towelettes and ointment, eyewash, thermometer, and any prescription medications your pets need. You can find more specifics in The First-Aid Companion For Dogs & Cats.
Your evacuation kit should also include a cell phone, flashlight, extra batteries, battery powered radio, map of area, whistle/air horn to signal for help, and matches in a waterproof container. Keep a list of emergency numbers with your phone, including a pet emergency clinic number and shelters that may temporarily house animals. Keep your car tank filled with at least half a tank at all times.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information and relief for human victims of disaster, and also offers more information about pets. Petfinder.com also offers great disaster preparation information for owners.
Be ready for Mother Nature’s “what if” surprises now and prepare for the worst. Then pray that you and your pets will never need this information.
Find out more about Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love TM Disaster Relief Network at Hill’s website. To request assistance during an emergency, shelters can contact Hill’s at DisasterRelief@hillspet.com. And check out this very kewl “gotcha story” video.
Do you have a disaster story? How did you manage with your pets? What would you do differently today as a result? Do tell!
This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Disaster Relief Network, but I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
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!
October 28, 2013
Monday Mentions: Cat Writers, Bat Saviors & Garbage Musicians
This week I’m preparing for the 19th Annual Cat Writers Conference, to be held in my back yard (Dallas TX). After the seminar lineup on Friday, that evening I’ll be performing with my cohorts in a sampling of music from our new show STRAYS, THE MUSICAL. Hopefully I’ll soon have some audio samples up of the songs.
The next day on Saturday, I’m presenting a session on DIY E-Books for Writers. This will be the 6th or 7th time I’ve offered the seminar, and it’s constantly changing so each time I get to update the course. In the afternoon, I’ll be at a pet book signing event at BAM (see the poster image, above) where I hope anyone in the area will stop in to say howdy! We’re at the Books-A-Million, in the Grapevine Mills mall, in Irving, Texas. It’s right in time for holiday gifts, too, you can get a book paw-tographed. I’ll have several of my nonfiction pet books as well as the thriller LOST AND FOUND on hand, and I know several of the other authors also will have more than one title available.
Then Saturday night at the awards banquet, I’ll also be presenting the Shojai Mentor Award to the CWA member who has made a positive difference in another’s writing/publishing career. That’s the plaque–a cat being lifted to reach the shining star. Whew!
What’s your week look like?
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. Don’t miss the BAT WEBINAR! Great video today of a surprising orchestra. Check out 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
Writers (& Artist) Unite! on NOT giving it away for free…
How Amazon & Goodreads Could Lose Big
8 Success Stories To Inspire from Colin Falconer. Trust me, you really want to read this!
Weird (Hilarious) Things Authors Do thank you to Darlene Arden for pointing this out
Jane Friedman On “The Age of the Algorithm”
Darknet of Publishing wow, who knew?
Need A Book Cover? Check it Out! some lovely options from Melinda VanLone
Twitter vs FB which one wins with kids?
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Train Guinea Pig to Detect Gunpowder! Animal training seminar at Wolf Park, what fun!
Why You DON’T Want to Be Fluffy’s “Guardian” an eye-opening read on the legality of the term
Free Noon Halloween Webinar on Bat Health from Morris White-nose syndrome is one of the fastest spreading, most devastating diseases to ever affect a wildlife species. But there is hope. Since the disease first became an epidemic on this continent, Morris Animal Foundation has been funding research to understand and contain white-nose syndrome.
Some of you know I’m a musician and this video really touched me. Thanks to Colin Falconer for sharing.
2012 Thrillerfest Panel
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!
October 25, 2013
Black Cats, Kitty Myths & #Pet360 Halloween Contest
An early color mutation of wild cats was the solid black color–and also was apparently associated with cats being “friendlier.” Image provided by Pet360
This post is sponsored by Pet360. I am being compensated for spreading the word about Pet360.com, but I only share information that I feel is relevant to my readers.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the purr-fect time to revisit some of these feline myths. Take a look and keep a tally of just how many of these spooky cat tails—and tales—from around the world sound familiar even today. More of these cat myths can be found in Complete Kitten Care, too. 
Cats As Gods
Egyptians loved and revered all animals, and considered many to be emissaries of gods. The large wild cats including leopards and lions represented virility and power, but the common housecat came to be worshiped as a god of pleasure and happiness. Called alternately Bast, Bastet and Pasht, this human-shaped goddess (with a cat head) rose to prominence in the ancient city of Bubastis, and her temple cats (much like the one sleeping in your lap) were considered emissaries of the goddess.
The name “Bast” can be translated as “the tearer” or “the render” which referred to the goddess’s nightly battle with the sun’s mortal enemy, the Serpent of Darkness. Bast was symbolized by the moon—which waxed and waned like the cat’s eye—and each day when the battle was won, the sun rose again.
Egypt’s cats were protected and cherished by the priests, and each whisker-twitch and tail-dance was carefully interpreted as messages from the goddess. Because they were so sacred, other countries took advantage of the fact. The Persian King Cambyses II had his solders use kitties as shields, and because the Egyptians refused to risk hurting a sacred cat, they offered no resistance and the battle was lost.
Buddhist, Burmese and Siamese cultures had similar beliefs as the ancient Babylonians that cats served as sacred vessels for human souls to attain paradise. When a holy person died, the cat hosted the spirit for as long as the cat lived, and then carried the human soul into Paradise when the cat died. Wow, maybe that’s why my Siamese wannabe Seren-dipity has such a high-and-mighty c’attitude.
Cats in Japan were greatly honored and in AD 600 served as guards to precious manuscripts housed in pagodas. They believed a cat crossing the path was good luck. Cats were valued so highly in the 10th century that common folks weren’t allowed to keep cats. Only noble families were granted that privilege.
In early Ireland, a cat-headed god was worshipped during the 1st century AD. Black cats crossing your path was considered good luck during the Middle Ages in Britain, and a black cat was also supposed to be able to cure epilepsy. Scandinavia also celebrated animals in religion. Freya, the Viking goddess of love and beauty, rode in a chariot drawn by “the most affectionate of all domestic animals, the cat.”
Cats As Demons
The gods and angels of earlier religions become the demons of later ones. So since cats had been celebrated by early civilizations, they became the scapegoats of ‘modern’ religions.
A Medieval legend recounts that the Devil tried to copy God and create man, but only managed to produce a sorry, skinless animal—the cat. St. Peter felt sorry for the pitiful creature, though, and generously gave it a fur coat—its one and only valuable possession.
Hebrew folklore prompted the legend that cats steal an infant’s breath. The story may have stemmed from tales of Adam’s hated first wife, the vampire Lilith. She assumed the form of a gigantic ebony cat called El Broosha, and newborns were her favorite prey.
Cats became associated with witchcraft and the devil during the Middle Ages in Europe and suffered greatly. Tales of feline familiars were common. In Europe and early America, black cats became linked to the devil and evil and were feared, because black was the color of the night and darkness—hence the devil.
Why Cats Get Blamed?
Because of the cat’s unique sensory capabilities, feline behavior foibles have given cats a bad reputation. Cats were thought to influence the weather, especially storms at sea. Today we know that felines can detect changes in barometric pressure, silent earth tremors that announce future earthquakes, or yowling just before a loved one dies.
Superstitious people found it easy to blame the cat as a cause of disasters, rather than celebrate kitty’s unique detection skills at predicting such things. But that doesn’t make the cat’s mysterious abilities any less extraordinary. For even more insights read this terrific article Are Black Cats Really Back Luck? at Pet360.
Do your cats dress up for Halloween? Image Copr. JT Seimer/Flickr
Do you share your life with a black cat? Have your cats ever seemed “other-worldly” or acted in a spooky way? What kinds of ghostly Halloween-like antics have you and your cats (and dogs!) experienced? Will they dress up this Halloween, or prefer to go “au naturelle?” Do tell!
Enter the Pet360 Tricks for Treats Halloween Contest for $1,000 in prizes and 10,000 meals to the pet shelter of your choice! Click here to enter!
Check out the Howl-oween pet safety and costume tips in this TV segment, too.
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!
October 23, 2013
Adopt A Pet Month!
Of course, you can adopt ANY month of the year! But October is a great time for cat and dog adoptions. I wanted to share this neato infographic from my buddies over at BlogPaws, just to give you some inspurr-ation for howling success!
For the puppy lovers out there, you may also be interested in these helpful articles (most apply to cat adoption, too):
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!
October 21, 2013
Monday Mentions: Erotica Panic, Kitty Face & Scottie Pinwheels
I’m feeling a bit like that baby rat, in a world out of my control and running the hamster wheel fast as I can with nowhere to safely jump off! Whew! Finally completed the orchestration for our performance of STRAYS, THE MUSICAL (this Sunday Oct 27 locally, and Nov 1 at the Cat Writers Conference). And I’m *this close* to having revisions completed on HIDE AND SEEK.
My Puppies.About.com site needs new material, and that’s on the agenda for this week, too. Oh, and the yard needs mowing, the roses wacking, and pets need petting. Somebody send me some extra hours in the day! I’ll resurface soon, gang, but need to dive back into the race.
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. 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
Book Hub Indie Pub’ing Group something to check out
Make Your Own Book Cover in MS Word
Kobo Culls Titles, yikes! Now they’re having to fix it. Here’s Writer Beware thoughts on the erotica panic
Writer Beware Warns of Early Termination Fees
Kristen Lamb On Fueling the Muse (for NaNoWriMo & beyond) and Alexandra Sokoloff on Story Elements CheckList
Interview With BookBub and how to get your book listed
Gene Lempp’s Linky Roundup lots of great resources here!
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Can You Read Kitty’s Face? Prof Daniel Mills researches the question
Dogs Follow the Friendliest an interview with the fine folks at Dognition
Your morning CUTE! a Scottie Pinwheel…
2012 Thrillerfest Panel
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!
October 18, 2013
Increase Cat Life Expectancy With #HillsPet
Seren is allowed to drink from my glass, too. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
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.
For an old fogey 16-year-old kitty, Seren-Kitty is remarkably well preserved. Siamese as a breed tend to have a longer cat life expectancy, and the average age of cats has increased to mid-teens. But it’s not unusual for cat longevity to reach the early twenties and beyond. With the exception of a recent URI, she’s never been sick and enjoys clean teeth, good appetite, normal litter-ary habits, sound heart and no lumps or bumps.
Seren now has a few white hairs surrounding her eyelids, made visible by the dark mask. And she’s got some arthritis so she doesn’t leap as high any more. A couple of her claws have thickened and require more frequent trims since she has trouble pulling them in (she “clicks” when she walks on hard surfaces). But keeping the dog in line seems to keep her very happy and engaged in life! I figured in “human years” she’d be around 75-80. You can find out your pet’s age with this neato cat age calculator.
HOW OLD IS “OLD?”
What is considered “old” for a cat? Those who follow this blog know I spent a couple of years researching and writing about aging pets (including Complete Care for Your Aging Cat) and wanted to share with you some of what I learned from talking with over a hundred veterinary experts. The question of what is old is complicated by the impact of genetics, environment, and individual characteristics. Consider human beings: one person may act, look and feel “old” at 65 while another 65-year-old remains an active athlete with a youthful attitude and appearance. The same is true for our cats.
“I think that actually varies a lot, and it’s getting older every year,” says Rhonda Schulman, DVM, an internist at the University of Illinois. “It used to be that eight was the major cutoff for the cat that was geriatric. Now we’re moving to the point that’s a prolonged middle age.” According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat on record was Creme Puff owned by Jake Perry of Austin, Texas. Cream Puff was born August 3, 1967 and still living at the age of 37 in 2004.
A good definition of old age for an animal is the last 25 percent of their lifespan, says Sarah K. Abood, DVM, a clinical nutritionist at Michigan State University. However, since we can’t predict what an individual cat’s lifespan will be, the beginning of old age is a bit arbitrary. Certain families of cats may be longer lived than others, in the same way that some human families enjoy a much greater longevity than others. The lifespan of your cat’s parents and grandparents is a good predictor of how long you can expect your cat to live. People who share their lives with pedigreed cats may be able to access this information through the cat’s breeder.
Old cats benefit from more frequent veterinary visits and exams. Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Longevity of unknown heritage cats are much more difficult to predict. Even when felines are “part” Siamese or Persian, for example, these felines may inherit the very worst, or the very best, from the parents. When all is said and done, one should expect the random-bred cat-next-door kitty to be neither more nor less healthy than their pedigreed ancestors—as long as they all receive the same level of care and attention.
Here’s some perspective comparing cat age to human age. “The World Health Organization says that middle-aged folks are 45 to 59 years of age and elderly is 60 to 74. They considered aged as being over 75,” says Debbie Davenport, DVM, an internist with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “If you look at cats of seven years of age as being senior, a parallel in human years would be about 51 years,” she says. A cat at 10 to 12 years of age would be equivalent to a 70-year-old human. You can check out human aging stats here.
IS AGE 7 THE MAGIC NUMBER?
I have to be honest here. While many dogs truly could be considered “mature” at age 7, healthy cats tend to age much more gracefully. Aging and longevity is so individualized, your cat may not be ready for a diet change until she’s 9 or 10. But since no pet food company has a crystal ball to pinpoint the EXACT time for a change, most recommend using the 7-year benchmark to transition cats and dogs to a mature formulation that helps reduce age related health challenges, like potential kidney issues (a BIG problem in aging felines). Today cats aged 7-10 are considered “mature adults” while 10+ are considered “seniors.”
What kinds of aging changes can you expect? Some are more obvious–like Seren’s white hairs, thickened claws and loss of hearing. But what about her “innards?” While it’s clear a kitten shouldn’t eat the same food as an adult, what’s the big deal with lifestage food choices once the cat’s a senior? Here’s the deal–age changes the way cats perceive–and use–nutrition. Responsible pet food companies research these changes and seek to provide formulations that address changing needs.
AGING KITTY TASTE
Changes in flavor perception are thought to reflect those experienced by aging humans, says Nancy E. Rawson, Ph.D., of the Monel Chemical Senses Center, a nonprofit research institute in Philadelphia dedicated to research in the fields of taste, smell, chemical irritation and nutrition. “But as a carnivore, the feline’s senses of taste and smell are quite distinct from those of the human, and responses to age-associated changes may differ,” says Dr. Rawson.
Cats aren’t able to detect carbohydrate sweeteners (dogs do! so beware the Halloween candy dangers to come!) Cats instead taste and seem to prefer meaty flavors described by people as “sweet.” Detection of meaty, salty and sour flavors doesn’t seem to be affected by age. Bitter tastes are more sensitive to aging changes.
Chemical irritations and “mouth feel” influence how well the cat likes or dislikes a flavor. Pet food companies have whole groups of scientists studying exactly what makes kitty belly up to the bowl, or snub it. Mouth feel can be influenced by changes in saliva content, for example, caused by dehydration that commonly develops in aged cats.
Disease or medication can reduce or increase the sensitivity of the mouth and tongue, and alterations in taste (and smell) can remain even after the disease is cured and the medicine is stopped. Dental disease creates a hypersensitive mouth, interferes with chewing ability, and produces unpleasant tastes and odors that prompt the cat to refuse certain foods. Warming foods increases the volatility of tastes and scents to make them more intense and appealing to the aging cat’s palate.
OLD CAT SMELL SENSE
Scent is very important for cats, but few studies have documented exactly what happens to its acuity in relation to age. Cats do lose smelling sense the older they get, but nobody knows the amount due to changes of aging compared to lifetime damage, says Lawrence Myers, DVM, PhD, associate professor of animal behavior, physiology and medicine at Auburn University. “We’re just starting to get a handle on how much the vomeronasal organ contributes to the total scent picture for dogs and cats,” he says. The vomeronasal, or Jacobson’s, organ is in the roof of the mouth between the soft palate and nasal passages and is thought to be important in the detection of pheromones, chemicals primarily involved in prompting sexual behaviors.
Age-related losses in the sense of smell result from changes in the anatomy—scent cells aren’t replaced as often—and at the molecular level when existing nerve cells and “messenger” molecules in the nose become less sensitive. Reduce salivation or altered nasal mucus composition also impact the way odor chemicals are dissolved and detected.
“We did a study a number of years ago and published it in the annals of the New York Academy of Sciences that dealt with the lack of the sense of smell in the cat, and the influence of food intake,” says Dr. Myers. “A complete loss of vomeronasal as well as olfactory nerve caused the cats not to eat at all. It seems as if the sense of smell gives them some sort of cue that it’s edible,” he says.
OLD CAT DIGESTIVE CHANGES
The digestive system includes the mouth, teeth, stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver. It processes nutrition and eliminates waste. One of the greatest digestion-related problems of aging cats is obesity, or “over-nutrition.” Older cats don’t exercise as much, and their metabolism slows down, so they gain more weight.
However, because cats are true carnivores and use protein as a source for energy, if they don’t eat enough, they’ll lose weight as they age. Cats may gain weight up to age ten, but then lose as they have less ability to digest protein and fat. In fact, weight loss particularly of lean muscle, tends to occur in cats at about two to two-and-a-half years prior to their death from age-related diseases, says Joe Wakshlag, DVM, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University. He says studies in otherwise normal adult cats indicate that increasing dietary protein by 35 percent (dry matter basis) enhanced lean muscle mass in these cats.
“The gastrointestinal tract in cats is relatively well protected from the ravages of time,” says Dr. Colin Burrows, an internist and professor of medicine at the University of Florida. “In older cats, just as in older people, the ability to digest diminishes somewhat but it’s not frightfully significant.” Smaller but more frequent meals often help the cat’s body absorb more nutrition.
HILL’S PET NUTRITION HAS ANSWERS
MAINTAIN health while aging with Science Diet® Active Longevity™ foods. Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition
DEFY the visible signs of aging with Science Diet® Science Diet Senior 11+ Age Defying. Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Hill’s Pet Nutrition offers a range of cat foods designed to meet the needs of your aging cat–whether she just celebrated her 7th birthday or 17th. For example, Science Diet® Age Defying™ cat food contains precisely balanced nutrition for senior cats as they age. In fact, Hill’s says you’ll notice a visible change for the better in your cat after just 30 days on this food, including increased play, interaction, and agility, and less potty accidents–and more awake time.
Modern cats age seven and older can still live full, happy and healthy lives. Age is not a disease. These days veterinarians often see still-healthy and vital cats of a great age. “I think if the cat lives to 25 years, I shouldn’t be doing anything but saying hello,” says Steven L. Marks, BVSc, an internist and surgeon at North Carolina State University. “If you’ve ever had a pet live that long, you want them all to live that long.”
Your turn! How old is YOUR cat? What kinds of aging changes have you noticed? Have food changes benefited your furry wonder? Do tell!
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!
October 17, 2013
FREE PREVIEW PERFORMANCE FOR STRAYS
(Sherman, TX, 10-17-13) – Local playwrights, co-authors Amy Shojai and Frank Steele, have cast STRAYS, THE MUSICAL with five popular local performers. The completed original show will feature a dozen catchy songs, an ensemble cast, and laugh out loud dialogue.
A free preview of the music from STRAYS, THE MUSICAL will be performed locally at Trinity Lutheran Church on October 27 from 7-7:30 pm. The show will also be the featured entertainment on Friday, November 1st in Dallas at the 19th Annual Cat Writers Association Conference.
STRAYS, THE MUSICAL explores furry foibles from the PETS’ point of view. The actors give voice to a variety of cat and dog characters in this hilarious–and often moving–musical review “drama-dy” that seeks to edu-tain audiences about normal pet behavior while honoring the bond we share with them.
Playwrights Amy Shojai and Frank Steele are both passionate pet advocates. STRAYS, THE MUSICAL is written especially with pet lovers in mind. “We hope the completed show will benefit animal welfare organizations in their fund raising efforts, as well as entertain pet lovers,” they say. STRAYS is their fourth co-written show. The duo most recently wrote, directed and produced the critically acclaimed original show KURVES, performed at the Rialto in Denison.
The cast for the STRAYS preview performances include both Steele and Shojai, with Theresa Littlefield and Gil Nelson (both performed in KURVES), and local orchestra teacher SuEllen Davis. Not only talented singer/actors, the cast brings their love and understanding of cats and dogs to their performances.
Cast for the preview/premier performance of songs from STRAYS, THE MUSICAL: L-R: Amy Shojai, Frank Steele, SuEllen Davis, Gil Nelson and Theresa Littlefield
The music includes solos, duets and full company numbers in styles ranging from pop rock to blues, calypso, gospel and Celtic. The 30-minute performance is accompanied by recorded full orchestral arrangements.
“The performance is a preview only, intended to offer a taste of what to expect from the full two-hour show,” say the playwrights. “We’re looking for feedback from the audience after the performance. That helps fine tune the future show.”
Shojai and Steele plan to hold open auditions (all ages, singers and nonsingers alike) for the premier of the full show at a future date. The completed show’s monologues, scenes and music are written to be modular, to allow only the cat portions, only the dog sections, or both to be performed, based on the audience demographic.
See the free preview performance of music from STRAYS, THE MUSICAL on Sunday, October 27, 7:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Travis Street in Sherman. To learn more about the performance at the Cat Writers Conference in Dallas, refer to http://www.catwriters.com for more information.
Please SHARE with all your pet-loving friends and animal advocacy groups!
October 16, 2013
Ask Amy: Pets Pester When I’m On Computer
I’m head-down crazy in the middle of revisions on HIDE AND SEEK. If you missed the NAME THAT DOG/CAT contest and want in on the fun (and get you and your pet name in the book) be sure to Add your suggestions for names in the comments.
Just because I’m at deadline doesn’t stop the fur-kids from demanding quality time. Even when they’ve had lots of one-on-one attention, though, they often decide that the best time to pester is…
When I’m on the computer. Usually in the middle of a tricky plot point. Or at deadline on something. Seren-kitty simply walks across the keyboard, and Magical-Dawg becomes a lap dog (all 90 pounds of him!).
This was one of several questions I got over the past several months, and since many of my readers also are writers (and pet lovers), it seemed the perfect topic for this most recent Ask Amy. How about your pets? What do they do when you’re head-down busy on the computer? And…what do YOU do?
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!
