Amy Shojai's Blog, page 117
April 24, 2013
Pet Grass Treats
I received Priscilla’s Kitty Grass ($8.95) growing kit for free to review on the blog. No, not THAT kind of grass–it’s for the pets.
They claim the grass has benefits for cats, dogs, reptiles and more. These days I’m waaaaay covered up and reviews take time, plus I hate to disappoint if the product turns out to be less than terrific. So I told them that I rarely do reviews here–but when I do, the pets test them. Seren is a persnickity old-lady-kitty. She’s spoiled–I’ve folded a blanket on the table in that picture so she can sun-bathe during the day. Although she’ll nibble roses (the real ones, not the stained glass ones 
)when we bring them inside, she’s not been much for munching grass even when we’d take her out on leash. And I hate giving bad reviews, so I had my paws crossed when the product came.
But the company sent me the kit anyway. Great, more work. *sigh*
The cute kit arrived when I was still covered up with other deadlines, and so there was a delay before setting things up. Turns out, it wasn’t much work at all. The kit includes a small plastic pot, a baggy of potting soil, a mix of barley, oats, wheat and rye seeds, and dummy-proof instructions. Basically, you empty dirt into the pot, add seeds, cover with a thin layer of dirt, and keep moist (not wet). Seeds began to sprout in less than a week. So what did Seren think? Check out her review, below.
I’ve blogged about why cats eat grass before. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they do not rely on vegetables or fruits in their diet, but require meat to survive. In the wild, the only vegetable matter a cat eats is found in the stomach and intestines of his prey.
Yet for unknown reasons, most cats seem to enjoy chewing grass. Indoor cats may nibble houseplants when they feel the urge to graze, and depending on the plant, that can be dangerous. A great alternative is providing “legal” greens to munch. And I think Seren’s endorsement says all that’s needed.
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!
April 22, 2013
Monday Mentions: Internet Kerflooey, Writing Challenges & Bling-icity
When I’m frustrated, I just turn to a bling pick-me-up!
I’m typing from Panera Bread because my DSL line has gone ker-flooey (that’s a techie term). Since the promised fix isn’t scheduled until Monday afternoon, I’m finish up the blog post and scheduling so it will go out even if — (gasp!) — the fix doesn’t happen. See, the internet went down last Thursday morning and I called immediately and was promised it would be fixed the next day “between 1-5 pm.” But nobody came.
Hey, life happens and you make it work anyway, right? I’m actually getting quite a lot of writing done without the distraction of email. So I’ve saved up all the new puppy-licious articles, blog posts, and other writer-ly schtuff and batching it to publish in marathon coffee sessions here at the restaurant. I’ll get everything done, no doubt. I just hope that I can resist the allure of all the bakery enticements.
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 SQUEEE! cute pet-astic videos 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
Sheila Bonham’s Timely Post “Respond to Darkness with the Light of Writing”
Content Mills–The Reality here’s a sobering review of several from writers who worked in the trenches
WordPress Attack! Change Your Password Haven’t a clue why it’s happening, but it is. And yes, I’ve changed my password. Oh, and my server guru notified me I had TWO wordpress installations. One that runs this blog and the other (I guess) was a backup but doing nothing–and it had been hacked! so beware, and take care.
Penguin Propose to Terminate Agency Agreements in Europe
AudioReads looks like a nifty new place to find audio books for listeners, and way for authors to spread the news. And yes, I’ve submitted my three audio books of the kitten book, the cat-competability book, and Lost and Found thriller.
Measuring FB vs Blogging Effectiveness
Help! I’m Published…and I Can’t get Up! awesome post by James Scott Bell
Informal Survey of Self-Pub Trends interesting info…
Terrible Minds Addresses Fair Use this is a must-read for writers!
Gene Lempp Awesome Writer-icity Links! Every weekend, his roundup has awesome info.
Dana Stabenow’s Storyknife Writers Retreat for Women what an awesome project!
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Feral Cat Spay Day sponsored by Alley Cat Rescue. Almost 600 veterinary clinics from 42 states have joined ACR in the fight to prevent cat homelessness. Together, over 4,300 community cats were spayed or neutered through FFCSD.
Dog Bacteria Gets Shared with Loved Ones ewwwwwwww!
Support the 2013 Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act Currently veterinarians are considered to be breaking the law if they transport controlled substances (pain meds, anesthetics, euthanasia solution) off their licensed premises…as happens in home house calls and farm calls. This limits their ability to practice.
Liz Wilson, a legend of the companion bird community, has died. She leaves behind a grateful world of bird lovers, and will be mourned by many including her husband and her 40-year companion Sam, a 60+ year-old female blue and gold macaw. The video below was a tribute to her produce three years ago–if nothing else you must watch the opening free-flighted macaws….just spectacular!
Your email:
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. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
April 19, 2013
Cat-egorical Affection
“The kid followed me home…can I keep her?” Image Copr. Maria Magnus/Flickr
This is a topic I’m covering in the future release of my updated PURINA ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CAT CARE. I’d LOVE to have your discussion/opinions for possible inclusion so fire away in the comments!
How do your cats show affection? When Seren was younger, she’d run into the living room and meow-meow-meow until we finally paid attention. It was her “Timmy’s down the well!” cry, so we’d follow her.
Without exception, she’d race away, pausing every now and then to be sure someone followed, and lead us into the laundry room. There, she’d leap onto the washer and head over to her food bowl on the countertop–
Which was full.
She wasn’t hungry. She just wanted us to watch her eat. Seren demanded that we observe and comment on her cuisine, after which she’d meow-meow-meow her appreciation and head-butt (and wipe her face!) on our sleeves.
I”m preaching to the choir here, I know. But anyone who has spent time with a special feline understand that cats have an undeserved reputation as aloof, solitary creatures. I believe that’s because people who have never been around them–or that are more attuned to dog behavior–simply don’t recognized feline signs of affection. Cats communicate their moods, emotions, and desires in a variety of signs that can be quite subtle. And affection is, after all, a two way street. The cat who is offered little interaction will return that indifference, while the beloved feline showered with attention blossoms into a loving pet. Cats are also individuals, with a wide range of personalities.
Cats show affection to other cats–and even dogs or other pets–by sleeping together and grooming each other. They indulge in subtle body contact, like bumping hips as they pass in the room or twining tails together. Affectionate cats share food, and enjoy playing together.
They show affection to humans in many of the same ways. They want to sleep on the pillow next to your face, they groom your hair. Often, cats will solicit owners to play, or watch them eat (like Seren!). Affectionate cats twine around ankles, offer head bumps, purrs and trills, and knead with their paws to express contentment. They’ll even follow you into the bathroom and nestle in your unmentionables. Ahem.
What are some unique ways your cats demand your attention, and/or reciprocate? How do you explain some of kitty’s foibles to family and friends who may be less appreciative of their antics?
By the way, more “felinese” cat language is discussed in ComPETability-Cat . . . and to help out with the pending kitten season and onslaught of new fur kids, I’ve reduced the Kindle price today and tomorrow to $2.99. You can also enter the GoodReads giveaway for a chance to win a paw-tographed free print version.
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. 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!
April 17, 2013
Pudgy Pooches & Tubby Tabbies
Chasing a new puppy around is a GREAT diet aid!
A couple of my friends look terrific after they’ve recently lost weight. I found it. *sigh*
It’s not that I don’t know how to eat right, I do. It just takes more thought and planning, and I’ve let a lot of that slide as I tried to meet deadlines. It’s a whole lot easier to stay on top of the pet’s nutrition and waistline than my own.
Is your pooch pudgy or fat? Obesity is defined as exceeding ideal body weight by 20 percent, and today about forty percent of pets are considered overweight. If you can’t feel the pet’s ribs, and/or she has a pendulous or bulging tummy, your pet is too plump. Obesity increases risk for diabetes, and is an aggravating factor in heart problems, arthritis, and skin problems. Puppies are cute when chubby but that puts them at risk as well. I’ve just written two new articles on the subject of fat puppies here.
I’m very fortunate that Magic has always been super athletic. Heck, he’s in MY diet plan, and ensures that I get up out of the computer chair and move several times a day, just to be sure he gets his exercise. Seren also has always been petite and active, and still weighs only slightly over six pounds. I suspect that’s why she’s still able to run rings around the dog, despite her age (16) and arthritis. But if you have an overweight pet, here are some tips for helping to slim down tubby tabbies and pudgy pooches. Heck, I’m using some of these tips on myself!
How to Slim Your Pet
Curb Snacks. Eliminating or reducing treats easily cuts calories. Instead, reserve part of the pet’s regular diet—a handful of kibble, for instance. Keep it handy to dispense as “treats” when your dog pesters, or reward with attention, not treats. In my case, I’ve got some fresh cut veggies prepared ahead. Now, if celery came with chocolate chips, I’d be happier.
Meal Feed. Rather than keeping the bowl full for all day nibbling, switch to meal feeding measured amounts. Divide the daily food allotment into four or even five small meals keep her from feeling deprived. Multiple small meals increase the body’s metabolic rate, so she burns more calories faster. (Hey, this works for me, too, when I can manage to do it.)
Offer Diet Foods. Reducing diets typically replace fat in the food with indigestible fiber, dilute calories with water, or “puff up” the product with air. “Senior” diets typically have fewer calories, so switching older pets to an age-appropriate formula helps. “Lite” diets aren’t magical and only mean the food has less calories than the same brand’s “regular” food—it might have more calories than another company’s food. Some pets eat more of the diet food to make up for lost calories, so you still have to measure the meals. Be sure to check with your vet before deciding to make major nutrition changes, though. Cats don’t do “crash diets” well and can get very sick with a liver condition (hepatic lipidosis) that can kill.
Go For A Walk. Make twice-daily 20 minute exercise part of your routine. Cats won’t power walk, but a slow to moderate stroll at the end of the leash once or twice a day around the house or garden will help burn energy. Magic and I have our 20+ minute ramble each morning, and then two or three more 10-minute fetch-sessions throughout the rest of the day.
Create A Treasure Hunt. Put food at the top or bottom of the staircase, or on a cat tree so kitty has to get off her pudgy nether regions to eat. If she can’t manage stairs or leaps, put the bowl on a chair and provide a ramp up so he’s burning a few calories. Setting the bowl across the house from the dog or cat’s bed also forces them to move. Use commercial treat balls, puzzle toys like Kongs or interactive feeders and place meals inside so the pet has to work to get out the food. For pets that eat canned foods, there are also refrigerated feeders or insulated bowls that help keep it fresh.
How do you handle your pudgy pet? Does he or she eat a special diet, or do you try to increase exercise in some way? What tricks work for your clowder, please share! Obesity impacts more than looks. It’s also a longevity issue. Slim dogs and cats live up to two years longer than overweight pets.
I wonder if they make “puzzle toy feeders” for humans?
Your email:
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 or dial me up each Monday night on the new weekly CAT CRAZY radio show. 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!
April 15, 2013
Monday Mentions: Deadlines & Lifelines
I have good news, and not so good news, and great news to share. First, I’m finally making significant progress on HIDE AND SEEK (the sequel to my 65+ starred review thriller LOST AND FOUND). I have a deadline looming every closer and have been scrambling to find a floaty-device to keep me from drowning in my to-do lists.
The bad news–in order to get traction on the fictioning process, I’ve had to make some very difficult decisions and slooooooow down on other fronts. Sadly, I’ve had to step away from some of my favorite projects, including the CAT CRAZY radio show. I’ll still be a “special friend” of the show and hope to return to the co-host chair once I’ve survived the various deadlines. Thanks so much for continuing to support the show.
Oh, the great news? MY LAPTOP IS HOME! Talk about a lifeline, that is very good news that I really needed. As far as I can tell (thus far) it’s made a full recovery thanks to the awesome Geek Squad over at Best Buy. That means I’ll be able to finish the audio version soon of the ComPETability (Dogs-to-Dogs) book and future titles. On that front, I again encourage y’all to subscribe (if you haven’t already) to my PET PEEVES newsletter. There’ll be some extreee-spashun book news on Thursday that will be announced there first.
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 SQUEEE! cute pet-astic videos 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
Cat Writers Association Early-Bird Conference Registration!
Google Alerts Goes Away–Enter Talkwalker Alerts I’ve signed up, we’ll see how well it works. Another one is Web Mention. Thanks to Leona DeRosa Bodie for the links.
B&N Launch Nook Press too little too late? Hmnnn. Check it it out here. And here’s more on what this writer calls an “insanely bad contract”
Screenplay Competition for Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy
5 Tips for Self-Pub’d Authors on Rights Issues
Writing in Sickness & Health a great post on fueling your fever (and other stuff) from August McLaughlin
5 Questions to Ask Characters Before you Write
Top 10 Book Blogs 2013 from Story Cartel a list you’ll want to bookmark!
Google+ Building Author Platforms a great post and tips from Marcy Kennedy–hint, she’s giving a 90-minute webinar April 20 with more info!
Les Edgerton Dialogue Tips Part 3
Cautions for ACX-AUDIBLE Authors oh dear…now what?
Slow Death of The American Author do you agree? David Gaughran’s response puts a whole other spin on things with What Scott Turow Doesn’t Care About
Did you read Stephen King’s “Under The Dome” — it’s coming to TV and I can’t wait! See the trainer/interview with Mr King, below.
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
RECALL! Virbac Heartworm Preventive for Dogs
Internet Vet Advice Shut Down! Oh wow…lots of websites could be in trouble if this stands, what do you think?
Cats Rule the ‘Net…but Dogs Rule Print oh yeah? what do you think?
Natural Remedies to Cat Allergies from two of my fav sources, Sally Bahner guest posting on The Conscious Cat blog!
Thank you to KB Owen for the head’s up about this great video!
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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!
April 12, 2013
Cat Whiskers
Maybe kitty will grow into them…Image Copr. Diane G. Zooms/Flickr
I’m fascinated by kitty whiskers, how about you? Does your cat have lots of whiskers, or only a few? Have you noticed how s/he actually uses them? Seren has a “wild” whisker that’s started to grow curled forward now that she’s an aging kitteh. And for some of the longer furred cats, you might not even see all of the whiskers.
THRILLERS WITH BITE!
April 10, 2013
Lick Maniacs & Canine Chewers
Has your dog ever lick-lick-licked himself raw? I have to watch Magic because he has a tendency to lick his paws or legs quite a bit, especially in the evenings when winding down for the night. My first shepherd developed ulcers on his paws and between the toes he continually licked. His were a consequence of severe atopic allergy, so I’m pretty sensitive to the tendency and interrupt the behavior.
LICK GRANULOMAS
Lick sores, technically termed lick granulomas, are pretty common and can develop from any minor injury from bug bite to a thorn. They can continue due to canine boredom. The affected dog incessantly licks a selected area, usually on a lower leg, which creates a raised, hairless ulcerative plaque — almost a callus that surrounds the never-healing sore. The constant licking makes the area itch and can cause secondary bacterial infection. This prompts further licking to relieve the itch, and a vicious cycle is created.
Any dog can be affected, but the condition most commonly affects older dogs. The syndrome is often seen in large active-breed dogs that demand a lot of owner interaction, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinchers, Great Danes, and–YEP–German Shepherd Dogs.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical signs, history, and microscopic examination of the lesion (biopsy). Treatment is difficult, and some dogs may never be completely cured. Infections may respond to antibiotics, and steroid injections may temporarily soothe itchiness.
There are some pain reliever/anti-inflammatory ointments that can help break the itch/lick cycle. Some newer “liquid bandage” materials may help. When the behavior stems from boredom, the best treatment is to give the dog something better to do with his time. Here are some tips for relieving doggy boredom.
The habit may be interrupted in some dogs through the use of veterinary prescribed drugs. Behavior drugs used in treating obsessive/compulsive disorders may be effective in certain instances.
Do your dogs lick or chew excessively? How do you manage the behavior? What successful treatment has your veterinarian prescribe? Please share!
This is a topic I’m covering in the future release of my updated PURINA ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG CARE. I’d LOVE to have your discussion/opinions for possible inclusion so fire away in the comments!
Your email:
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 or dial me up each Monday night on the new weekly CAT CRAZY radio show. 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!
April 8, 2013
Monday Mentions: Thrillers, Hedgehogs & Bats
Our roses have just begun to bloom–no, that picture was from last year. There’s another month to go before peak blossom time but I can’t wait. This year promises to be a glorious blooming frenzy (do blossoms frenzy?). As of last Friday the laptop gurus said my computer was FIXED and being shipped home so by the time you read this, I hope to have the laptop back. That means I can sit outside on the patio, amidst all the bloom-icity, while continuing the draft of the next thriller. Yeee-haw!
I want to encourage y’all to subscribe (if you haven’t already) to my PET PEEVES newsletter. There’ll be some extreee-spashun news in the middle of April and it will be announced there first.
Remember that tonight (and EVERY Monday night!) you can listen and call in with your pet questions on my new CAT CRAZY radio show. 
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 SQUEEE! cute pet-astic videos 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
The REAL Story of Indie Publishing, you do not want to miss this!
Kick-Starter How To, Part 4 (check out previous installments Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
E-Books for Bloggers Yep, that’s what I’ll speak about at the May BlogPaws . . . but it’s not just for bloggers, of course!
WordPress.ORG vs WordPress.COM the good, the better, the best
How to Write A Bestseller–then Quit a fascinating post by Colin Falconer
Amazon Kindle-book Return Policy–BOO-HISSSS!
Re-selling Digital Goods not so fast!
Lyrics In Your Novel? Do it Right (Legally!)
Global E-Book Awards from my colleague Dan Poynter (he has an awesome email newsletter, too!)
Les Edgerton Dialogue Primer good stuff! And here’s Part 2.
Common Jargon Writers Should Avoid I most certainly aspire to thinking this article has the capability to facilitate your utilization of word-smithery mechanics. Ahem. Shared from my colleague Andrea Dorn
5 Quick Facebook Tips for Busy & Shy Peeps from a great blogger Gene Lempp
National Service Dog Eye Exams registration now open!
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
National Service Dog Eye Exams registration now open! A way to keep service dogs healthy–American College of Veterinary Ophthamologists partner with Merial to provide service dogs and horses with eye care. Learn how to participate by clicking the link (or the picture).
Petfinder’s I AM A CAT PARENT Campaign get the scoop at the awesome Conscious Cat Blog
Skin Diving Goes to the Dogs…and Also the Cats (I don’t think Seren would approve)
New Cat Intros from my friend, cat behavior expert Marily Krieger
R.O.A.R. for the Animals a neat Rescue Operation for Animals Of the Reservation
Jackson Galaxy “My Cat From Hell” Show Returns, interview by my friend Sally Bahner
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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!
April 5, 2013
How Cats Hunt
“Come to momma…”
Is your kitty a “mighty hunter?” How does your cat hunt and what kind of big game does s/he capture? I’ve written about gift-bearing cats before to explain the whole idea behind why Sheba leaves mousy offerings just for you, URK!
But I wonder how proficient cats might actually be. In the past weeks, there have been a number of hand-waving outrageous claims of outside cats decimating bird populations, and those figures tend to be based on guestimates of populations and extrapolations of X-number-bird-meals per cat.
I dunno. Seren may have the equipment and heritage to hunt, but her finely honed hunting expertise begins with the bowl and ends with (at a stretch) crickets. Oh, but she leaves the buggy drumsticks behind (must not have enough meat on ‘em). I have a friend with a cat and Shadow hunts and stalks…(wait for it…) DUST RAGS. Nom-nom-nommy-good.
Anyway, just as with anything else, the ability to hunt requires skill and technique that can only be learned–and earned–through practice. Kittens hone technical skills through play with their littermates, and by their mother’s example but if they’re indoor only cats, they may never get the chance to face off against a ferocious sparrow. The outdoor kitties that do have to feed themselves generally have a low success rate due to poor nutrition or just because the odds are against them. They have much great success with ground-dwelling critters like mice, voles, and lizards since healthy adult birds can stay out of reach.
HOW CATS HUNT
Cats don’t need to be hungry to hunt. It’s the sound and sight of moving prey that provides the stimulus to chase and capture, a hardwired behavior as natural to the cat as purring. That’s one reason kitten play aggression that grapples your moving ankles can prove so energetic and intense.
Feline hunting behavior relies heavily on sight and hearing to locate prey. Cats use a couple of hunting strategies, depending on the prey they seek. Sometimes Kitty prefers ambush, and will crouch in a likely spot — perhaps with eyes glued to the mouse hole — and wait with infinite patience for prey to appear. Cats may return time after time to areas where their hunts have been successful.
Fishing requires patience, too. Typically the cat waits in a likely spot on the bank for a suitable candidate to appear, then uses a paw to scoop and flip the fish from the water. In shallow water, Kitty may wade in and use both paws by pouncing and grasping the fish. Not all cats are able to perfect fishing technique, probably because of the visual perception difficulty regarding the water. But even dry-land-dwelling kitties use the fish-scoop technique down a likely hole that may yield something yummy.
The stalk-and-pounce method has many components. Once the prey is located, the cat quickly moves closer in a low to the ground pose, and then stops and freezes sometimes for endless moments while watching the prey. If the target moves farther away, the cat adjusts by ever-so-slowly creeping forward one paw-step at a time, even freezing with a foot in mid-air to avoid revealing herself. For the final rush, she gathers rear legs beneath her and treads in preparation for for a forward thrusting take-off. It may require several darting leaps before she’s near enough for the final pounce.
HOW CATS KILL
Rarely is the quarry dispatched right away. Often, it escapes and Kitty must attempt to chase it down for recapture. Cats often indulge in a great deal of pouncing and tossing of prey into the air, allowing escape only to recapture small game. This isn’t inherent cruelty and serves a couple of purposes. “Playing” with the prey is a way for the cat to practice her skills, and also tests just how dangerous that rat or snake might be. Properly socialized felines have learned to inhibit their bite through play with owners and other cats, and toying with the quarry helps them build up the necessary excitement for the coup-de-grace.
Cats kill by biting the neck where the skull joins the spine, severing the vertebrae with the dagger-like canine teeth. They grasp the neck and use a “chattering” movement to position their bite accurately. In fact, cats frustrated in the hunt (i.e., watching from a window as squirrels play outside) often exhibit this chattering behavior which is actually the killing bite, in reaction to seeing out-of-reach prey.
Once the prize is dead and stops moving, the cat typically seems to lose interest for a short time. After the thrill of the hunt, the chase, and the kill, the cat needs time to return to an emotional equilibrium, and she may groom herself before claiming the prize. Then, she’ll carry the prey to a well-sheltered area to eat. Like your pillow.
This is a topic I’m covering in the future release of my updated PURINA ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CAT CARE. I’d LOVE to have your discussion/opinions for possible inclusion so fire away in the comments!
Your email:
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 or dial me up each Monday night on the new weekly CAT CRAZY radio show. 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!
April 3, 2013
What Dogs Taste
“Nom-nom-nom-nom-nom….” Image Copr. Barry Fryer
What dogs taste is a topic I’m covering in the future release of my updated PURINA ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG CARE. I’d LOVE to have your discussion/opinions for possible inclusion so fire away in the comments! Of course, we know some of the odd and nasty weird stuff dogs eat–I really do need to record an Ask Amy about why dogs drink out of the toilet–but do they actually taste such things?
WHAT DOGS TASTE
The taste system of dogs is used as a model for people because they are so similar but it appears young dogs don’t care as much about taste in relation to food preferences, and rely more on smell. This past year I attended lectures at a couple of pet food companies that included information about pet smell preferences–some are quite surprising! What are some unusual scents that your dogs seem to enjoy? With Magic, dirty socks might be a flavor enhancer . . .
Not everything is known about the dog’s sense of taste. We know that a facial nerve is “wired” to the taste buds on the front two-thirds of the tongue only, leaving the remainder somewhat of a mystery. Most of the dog’s taste buds are circular structures located on the upper forward surface of the tongue, and in four to six large cup-shaped bumpy papillae at the rear of the tongue.
CANINE SWEET TOOTH & MORE
The majority of canine taste buds respond to sugar, which can get them in trouble when they indulge in eating toxic but sweet antifreeze or chocolate. This is most likely a reflection of their omnivorous evolution. Dogs needed to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables to survive, so they evolved a sweet tooth because sweetness is a mechanism in plants that signals optimum ripeness. And like people, dogs are able to detect a kind of “fruity-sweet” flavor that attracts us — and them — to the calorie-rich ripeness of fruits and vegetables.
The second greatest number of canine taste buds respond to acidic tastes, which correspond to sour and bitter in people. However, dogs don’t appear to have a specific response to salt. Odors coupled with taste tend to impact what the dog will eat.
BEYOND DOGGY TASTE BUDS
Interestingly, the dog’s taste receptors don’t stop in the mouth, but extend down into the larynx. Dogs can taste and seem to prefer a “sweet” taste, from both carbohydrates and meaty sources and salty flavors. Sour perception and bitter tastes are more sensitive to aging changes. Many dogs have only a quarter of the active taste buds as when younger.
Chemical irritations and “mouth feel” influence how well the dog likes or dislikes a flavor, too. That explains some of the odd kibble shapes that commercial food companies create. Taste also is influenced by changes in saliva production so for aging dogs with dehydration problems, this may impact the dog’s sudden “snubbing the food” that he adored before. Even the odors or tastes produced by dental disease can make a dog refuse a favorite food.
What about your dogs? Are they garbage gluttons that snarf without sniffing first? Or do they need a whiff before ready to gulp?
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