Amy Shojai's Blog, page 118

Monday Mentions: Book Giveaway, Laptop Looser & April Fools Fun

Cat ears that move with your mood! (check out the matching tail, too!)

Seren is starting off the week right with some catnip, I’m getting caffeinated, and it’s the first day of a new month–fresh start, right? By now the laptop travails should be resolved. The replacement mother-luvin’ board arrived, the techno-miracle workers at Best Buy installed it, they called to say it worked great (YEE-HAW!) but did I want them to run full diagnostics while it was there? Feeling generous and relieved, I said, “You betcha!” And yep, my virtual tail was a-wagging. (I may need those ears, too!)

And two days later, the mother-lovin-board (new one) gave up the ghost. Gak! So now it’s been sent on to the Best Buy uber-wiz-bang folks. And I’ll be shopping for a new just-in-case laptop so I’ll have a backup in future. Oh, and before there’s a re-run of all the well-intended urgings to MAC-ATTACK, I’ll pass and here’s why. I already have two working desktops, music writing software, photoshop, audio-recording software and more running on existing machines and I need ‘em all to “play nice.” I have no time/energy for yet another learning curve with my deadlines. So while I’m sure the MAC would be a magic wand cure for all-that-ails-the-tech-world, I just can’t afford the time/$$ investment.

I’m excited to announce that my Cat ComPETability book is now available in PRINT! And to celebrate, you can enter for a give-away for a paw-tographed copy of the book. Meanwhile, I’ve once again crossed off major must-do’s so that this month will be one devoted to fictioning. 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. Lots of fun 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. In honor of APRIL FOOL’S DAY, one of the topics below is less than truthful–can you guess? The answer is clear at the bottom (don’t cheat!).

WRITER-ICITY SCHCTUFF

Goodreads Acquired by Amazon from the Goodreads founder. And here’s more from Amazon. Tim Spaulding from LibraryThing weighs in, and why this is  GOOD thing from discussion from David Gaughran.

Agent-Assisted Publishing & Amazon White Glove from the awesome Melissa Foster

Website Hosting–Info You Need to Know from Jami Gold

Congrats to the Thriller Award Nominees!

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

Were you right? Here’s the scoop on what’s bogus and why!

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

Easter Bunny-licious? Make Mine Chocolate!

Bunnies need love and proper care–they are not an impulse! Photo from House Rabbit Society

“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail…” Easter’s on its way, and rabbits go hand-in-paw with this annual holiday. But stop and think carefully before adopting one of these doe-eyed beauties. Rabbits require special care and you may get more than you bargained for.

Bunnies are intelligent, social animals who need affection and get along well with cats and well-behaved dogs. They can be litter box trained (emphasis on the trained)–it doesn’t happen with the wave of a wand. Rabbits tend to eat and poop at the same time–the original multitasking pet–so standard clay cat litters won’t work and can be dangerous to bunnies. You’ll find tips on rabbit care and training at the House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping educate the public.

BUNNY MARKING

Similarly to cats and dogs, intact rabbits use bodily functions to mark territory. You’ll need to spay or neuter your bunny friend to curtail the hormones that prompt marking behavior. This also decreases destructive chewing and territorial aggression. An attack rabbit is no laughing matter! House rabbits should be “fixed” between the ages of 3-1/2 to six months, depending on sexual maturity, by an experienced rabbit veterinarian.

A GNAWING HABIT

Once de-sexed and litter box trained, bunnies can freely roam your home and interact with the whole family. But first, rabbit proof the house. It’s natural for rabbits to chew on just about anything: furniture, rugs, drapes, and even deadly electrical cords.

Use the same tips for preventing canine teething to safeguard rabbits and provide safe chewable alternatives and toys to keep the bunny happy and distracted. Rabbit experts recommend cut, dried branches from apple, willow or aspen, or pine firewood; cotton towels; baskets or cardboard boxes filled with hay; and compressed alfalfa cubes. Juvenile delinquent bunnies under a year of age are more mischievous, and require more safe confinement and bunny proofing than older rabbits.

PROPER BUNNY CARE

Your pet bunny requires the same good veterinary care you provide for your cats and dogs, and rabbits are prone to specific health issues you’ll need to address. For instance, bunnies are naturally clean and groom themselves constantly–but that makes them prone to fur balls like Kitty. But rabbits can’t vomit. If the excess fur can’t be passed into the litter box, a blockage can kill the pet. Therefore, you’ll need to regularly groom your rabbit, provide at least 30 hours exercise a week to keep bunny moving on both the outside and inside, and provide fresh vegetables to help keep her regular. Special bunny hairball laxatives can help during molting season.

This year prepare ahead of time for your new Easter bunny surprise. You know your situation best. Bunnies can be rewarding pets but they do require time, training, and appropriate care. In the months following Easter, local humane societies and rabbit rescues are flooded with rabbits, former Easter gifts whose owners no longer want them. The unlucky ones are dumped outside where they usually become victims of predators, cars, illness, and injury.

Easter is a joyous time of rebirth and hope. Enjoy the egg hunts, the candy bowls, dinners with family and friends–and if you’re ready, welcome a living creature into your home and heart. If not ready for the breathing/chewing/pooping version, celebrate the wonderful world of bunnies with a stuffed toy, or a chocolate rabbit. They won’t mind being tossed aside.

Do you share your home with a bunny? My brother’s family has a pet rabbit that gets along well with the cats and dog–it can be done! Please share your bunny-licious experiences.

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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!

Easter Candy Caution for Pets

Puppy pens keep baby out of trouble!
Image Copr. D.Garding/Flicker

Easter season comes early this year. And although we love those chocolate eggs and candy bunnies overflowing the kid’s Easter baskets, a chocolate indulgence for pets can turn celebration into calamity.

Cats aren’t poisoned as often because they are a bit more discriminating about what they munch. But dogs often smell the candy right through the packaging, and eat it wrapper and all. Swallowed objects like foil or paper wrappers or the sticks off of suckers can cause intestinal blockage or damage, too.

CHOCOLATE TOXICITY

Any candy indulgence can pose digestive upset with messy results and a need for you to invest in a carpet cleaning service for the stains. But chocolate toxicity can actually kill your pet. Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant related to caffeine. Eating too much chocolate shifts your pet’s heart into overdrive.

Milk chocolate usually doesn’t cause life-threatening problems because it takes nearly two pounds of milk chocolate to poison a seven-pound pet. Baker’s chocolate can be deadly, though. It contains ten times as much theobromine as milk chocolate, which means a seven-pound pet only needs to eat two ounces to be poisoned. Licking chocolate frosting, lapping up cocoa mix, or gulping truffles—a very rich dark chocolate treat—causes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, coma, and even death.

MAKE HIM VOMIT!

If you catch your pet snacking on such things, induce vomiting as soon as you can to get rid of the poison. You can make her vomit up to an hour after she’s eaten the chocolate, but sooner is better. After an hour, the toxin has probably moved out of her stomach into the intestines, and vomiting won’t get rid of it.

It can be dangerous to induce vomiting if the dog or cat acts woozy. They can inhale the material on its way up and suffocate. As long as she’s alert, there are several methods you can use to get rid of the chocolate. Call the veterinarian for further instructions after the pet has emptied her stomach. If you can’t induce vomiting after a couple of tries, prompt veterinary care is even more important.

Better yet, don’t bring dangerous treats into your house. Here’s a thought—you could give the extra chocolate to me. I’m willing to make the sacrifice and dispose of the deadly sweet treats to protect your pets.

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, 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!

 

Monday Mentions: Pink Flamingo Dreams & Brass Rings

This past week has been a killer. Last Monday began well as I wrote a fun and exciting chapter on the LOST AND FOUND sequel and looked forward to the weekly Monday night CAT CRAZY radio program. But then the day tanked as my laptop died. Before folks start preaching the gospel of Mac, this had nothing to do with a virus and everything (apparently) to do with unstable North Texas power grid that tends to fry “motherboards” quicker than chicken-fried armadillo. Anyway, the laptop surgeons are prepping for a transplant once the new motherboard arrives, which means finishing up my next audio book has been put on hold. See, all the audio software is on the laptop, so it’s mobile and can move into my “sound studio” (aka office walk in closet).

 

There were a few other angsty happenings that truly got blown out of proportion because my nerves were already off the charts over the laptop. So I’ve been yearning for some Pink Flamingo Dreams that help me keep a-reaching for those writerly brass rings. Every artist has their own kind of brass ring and safe place.

The photo above taken at the annual writer retreat. When I get discouraged, the goofy bird reminds me that even outrageous creatures like flamingos exist (and unlikely dreams  like getting fiction published can come true). That place in the mountains is my happy place where the phone doesn’t ring, friendship and laughter abound, and all the ills of the world are left far behind. It’s where I go to recharge. Do you have a place like that, virtual or otherwise, that you share with family and/or friends? What’s your pink flamingo?

I’ve crossed all the monthly must-do’s off the list–except for tonight’s CAT CRAZY radio show (PLEASE listen/call in with your catty comments & questions!). And with my calendar cleared, this will be a week full of fiction-ing so I’m channeling “the bird” this week. What’s on your weekly to-do list?

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. Lots of fun 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

Signed Ebooks with Authorgraph! what a neat concept, for PAW-tographed books *s*

Barnes & Noble vs Simon & Schuster it’s getting tense…

Salt Cay Writers Retreat this is an AWESOME opportunity–wish I could go!

Beware of Autharium a caution from The Passive Voice, and additional info from Writer Beware

5 Writer Trends You Must Know from Jane Friedman

10 Favorite Book Blogs from Story Cartel

FTC Rules for BLoggers a must-read for those reviewing products or with “sponsored” posts

Best-selling Ebooks, the REAL numbers this will raise your virtual eyebrows…

How to Create A Successful Kickstarter Campaign

Winning Marketing Strategies for Ebooks thanks to Diane Capri for pointing out this great post

PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF

Crazy Pet Children’s Foundation, what a worthy cause–offers grants to kid-and-pet-friendly programs

Pet Parent Awards from the always awesome Morris Animal Foundation

People-Pet Relationship Study a survey where you can help

UraPet oh no, not another social networking site…just leave it to the pets! (caution: check the fine print on who owns what once posted…)

Top 10 Pet-Safe Vehicles I love it when my buddies do all the research for me–great info from Fidose of Reality

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, 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!

Cats & Deadly Lilies–First Aid Tips You Need

Copr. Home-and-garden.webshots.com

This is a repeat of a column I write nearly every year. The gorgeous lily makes its appearance each year, decorating church, home, and garden. I can’t have them in my house, though. I won’t to risk having an Easter lily anywhere near my cat Seren. For cats, the fragrant blooms can mean death.

This year, I’m very pleased that our church offers an option to give a donation to a local charity in someone’s name, lieu of purchasing a lily in someone’s honor. Don’t get me wrong, I love lilies. They’re gorgeous. But my Seren-kitty likes to munch any plant I bring into the house.

Many lilies are lethal to cats. Easter lilies, stargazer lilies, and Asiatic lilies are the most dangerous, and different cats react in various ways. The plants contain a chemical that can damage the kidneys, and kill your cat. Just biting a leaf or petal, or licking up the water from the vase can be enough to cause serious kidney disease.

Artificial flowers may be just the ticket, as in this posed shot.

Dogs often gnaw leaves, dig up the plant, or eat the whole thing. Cats aren’t as likely to eat plants, but just biting a lily leaf or petal can kill kitty. Felines more often paw-pat and shred leaves and stems during play, and may be poisoned when they later lick and clean their paws and claws.

Cats poisoned by lily toxin typically suffer kidney failure within 36 to 72 hours. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite. Some cats suffer permanent kidney damage and lose their lives, while others can recover if treated in time with dialysis that gives the organs enough time to heal.

Roses can injure cats if they bite thorns, but aren’t toxic and actually are edible…according to Seren!

The easiest way to protect your cats is to keep toxic plants out of reach—or out of your house altogether. Besides lilies, other potential harmful plants include rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera. Azalea can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma and death. Eating or chewing caladium, dieffenbachia or philodendron makes the tongue and throat swell up so breathing is difficult. Mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant) causes everything from mouth irritation to collapse. Crown of thorns and English ivy will prompt thirst, vomiting and diarrhea, stomach pain, and death in one to two days. Holly also causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Peace Lily

You can keep your pet family members safe and sound by choosing only pet-friendly safe varieties for your garden and home. Calla Lilies (below) and peace lilies (above), which don’t belong to the Lilium genus, are harmless to cats.

Calla Lily

There are many other plants that prompt mild problems, such as excess salivation or mouth discomfort. Keeping these out of reach of curious paws may be sufficient to protect your animals. But pet lovers should steer clear of the worst plant offenders, both inside and out. If you see your pet with one or more of these signs, particularly if a suspect plant is within reach, get help immediately! First aid can save the cat or dog’s life. Then take the pet to see the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Different poisons require very specific first aid. Usually that will be either 1) induce vomiting, (cats do this on their own very well–but never when you want them to!) or 2) give milk or water to wash out the mouth and dilute the poison. Making the pet vomit the wrong poisonous plant, though, could make a serious situation even more deadly, so you MUST know what to do for each type of plant.

Detailed advice for dealing with the most common plant poisoning is available in the book The First-Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats. The ASPCA Animal Poison-Control Center is available for telephone consultations (1-888-426-4435) in case of poisoning emergency.

What cat-safe plants do you have in your home? How do you keep the cat from destroying/eating them? Have you ever had a kitty-plant encounter of the dangerous kind?

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, 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!

PETS & POISON! National Poison Prevention Awareness Week

Out-thinking pets keeps them safe!

National Poison Prevention Week runs March 17-23, and is a wonderful time to learn how to protect pets from household dangers. Most cases of pet poisoning are accidental, and preventing accidents and knowing first aid saves pet lives.

Dogs are particularly prone to poisoning because like human infants, they put everything in their mouths. And they’re clueless. No offense, but dogs truly eat first and think later…or don’t think at all. *s*

Cats are more discriminating about what they eat, but contact poison can affect any pet if they walk through something toxic or it spills on fur and is absorbed through the skin. Cats can be poisoned when they lick off something that’s on their fur or claws.

Symptoms vary depending on the poison, amount of exposure, and the individual animal. You may see anything from drunken staggers and collapse, to salivation, seizures, or hyperactivity.

PEOPLE Rx

Poisonings from human medications has become the most common pet poisoning over the last several years. Dogs either gulp down tasty candy-coated pills, or owners give them human drugs without realizing the risks. Cats may play with pills, and accidentally swallow them. Be aware that pets don’t metabolize Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen or neproxin (Aleve) the same way people do, and can die from taking them. A single extra-strength Tylenol can kill a cat. Even pet medicines have the potential for toxicity if you give medication intended for one pet to another.

CHEMICAL SPILLS

Chemical toxicity used to top the list but the safer flea and tick products have reduced the numbers of overdosing. Problems occur when owners fail to read and follow directions. What’s safe for a dog may be deadly for a cat!

Cleaning agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants prove hazardous to pets that walk through spills and then lick themselves clean. Antifreeze and other household chemicals such as paint thinner, drain cleaners, pool/spa chemicals and toilet bowl cleaners also offer hazards to pets. Dogs and cats also fall victim to paint, solvents, expanding glue and other home improvement products.

MEAN GREEN

Plant poisonings are particularly dangerous to mouthy pets. Some varieties that can be harmful to pets include lilies, azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera. Dogs fall victim most often because of their urge for recreational chewing. But some cats nibble leaves or paw-play with plants and may be poisoned when they later lick their claws clean. Beware of Easter lilies this holiday! (more on lilies this Friday.)

CRITTER BAIT

Pest baits also tempt dogs and cats, and can poison pets that catch or scavenge poisoned rodents, roaches or snails. The same cereal grains often used in commercial pet foods also are used in rodent baits so dogs may willingly eat the poison. Anticoagulants like warfarin prevent blood from clotting, and cause uncontrolled and fatal bleeding from the rectum, nose, and even the skin. Other common poisons include cholecalciferol; bromethalin which irreversibly damages the nervous system; strychnine prompts seizures; and arsenic often kills before signs develop (the pet’s breath smells of garlic). Pest poisons may take 24 to 72 hours to induce signs, but once the dog or cat shows distress, treatment may not be as effective and can be too late.

SWEET POISON

Dogs love sweet flavors and often poison themselves by eating chocolate. Watch for details about Easter candy cautions on next Wednesday’s blog.

If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. Details on specific signs and treatments of various poisons are also listed in “The First-Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats.” For more information on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

Has your dog or cat ever suffered from poisoning? How did you know? And what did you do? I hope you’ll never experience a pet toxicity case but it’s best to be prepared, just in case!

 

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!

 

Monday Mentions: Cat Crazy, Writer-icity & Freelance Angst

60+ Starred Reviews & Counting!

Happy Monday! I missed posting my regular mash-up last week, so today’s makes up for that. And I’ve got some SNOOPY-DANCE-’O-JOY! news on the Thriller-icity front. LOST AND FOUND has been reviewed by Midwest Book Review, here. The pertinent line that I want to spray paint on the side of my car and drive around town says,

“”Lost and Found” is a fine addition to thriller collections with a family focus.” 

YEEE-HAW! If you’re so inclined to check out other reviews and maybe-sorta-kinda (gulp) tell others about the book, click on the cover above and share the link. I know most of y’all have already had plenty of opportunity to do so, several have reviewed the book, and I’m truly grateful.

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. Lots of contests today for cat videos, best veterinarian, dog heroes and pet blogs so be sure to enter and/or nominate your favs. 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

Shakespearean Insults great fun, and my future villains will henceforth be described as unmuzzled rump-fed puttocks! Shared by my writer friend Sandra Soli

JA Konrath’s Survey Response to Harlequin you do NOT want to miss this! Oh, and all that’s missing is calling ‘em unmuzzled rump-fed puttocks.

“My Amazon Best-seller Made Me Nothing” reality bites…

Tips from Mark Coker to Boost Book Sales

CircularFLO Converts InDesign to Fixed Image Ebooks great for graphics heavy titles (only works with Macs)

 OWFI Interviewed Me about The Reinvented Writer a workshop I’ll give at the upcoming conference in May.

 Facebook Tricks for Better Engagement from the always awesome Jenny Hansen

Hydra Brouhaha an ongoing issue of less-than-ideal author terms from publishers

Law Firm Investigates Author Solutions courtesy of Writer Beware, and another class action lawsuit against PublishAmerica

Google Reader Shuts Down what are your options?

Hey Freelancers, does this sound familiar?

PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF

I Smell Your Fear interest that this applies to PEOPLE and not just animals.

Music Benefits Shelter Pets with some cool studies how and why it works

Why Some Dogs Live Longer an enlightening post from Fidose of Reality

Horse Painting & More from Piper Bayard (no, it’s the HORSE that’s painting, silly!)

Cat Actors in Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Pet Car Restraints Don’t Work ruh-row don’t let Magic read this…

 

CAT CRAZY RADIO! LIVE!
Call In Tonight! 888-429-5471

For those who missed last week’s announcement, I’m hosting a newborn kitten-of-a-show called CAT CRAZY with Tracie Hotchner every Monday night (THAT’S TONIGHT!) 8PM Eastern, 5PM Western time. Call in with your CAT-CENTRIC questions (hey, we’ll field doggy schtuff, too) and listen on the Internet from your computer, etc. A lot has happened this past week in the world of cats, and no doubt we’ll have lots to hiss and purr about.

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, listen to the  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!

Cats & Mirrors

Cats become enthralled by their reflection–and sometimes it freaks them out! Image Copr. LemurEyes/Flickr

Years ago when I was on tour as the spokesperson for the Purina Cat Chow Way of Life Tour, we’d arrive in town the evening before and visit the shelter to choose a kitty for the next morning’s TV appearance. The “stars” almost always got lots of attention from viewers and were adopted. Understandably, shelter staff had their favorites and often urged us to choose a special feline that had less chance for a forever home. I had the delight to spend the night in the hotel room with the lucky kitty. Believe me, it was tough not to bring a whole clowder home!

One memorable time, the shelter volunteers urged us to take a “lifer” onto the TV show. This kitty had been there for several years, and probably couldn’t remember ever being on the “outside.” She’d had reconstructive eye surgery for a birth defect (problems with the eyelids) and had poor vision. But she was sweet and adored by the whole staff–so was chosen to make her debut on TV. That evening, when I opened the carrier door in the hotel room to allow her to stretch her legs, she got as far as the closet door, and FREAKED! The mirror reflection terrified her–that strange cat in the glass hissed at her, screamed at her, threatened to attack–and this poor cat hadn’t a clue what to do. It’s likely the eyesight issue made it worse, but many cats react to mirrors poorly.

CATS & MIRRORS

Cat face conformation—eyes at the front for binocular vision—lends itself to seeing reflections. But most times, a reflection doesn’t also have a strange odor or unique sounds attached, so for experienced cats, the reflection isn’t important or “real” without a signature odor or noises.

Other times, cats like my little shelter waif, develop problem behaviors from mis-recognizing their own reflection as a threat or playmate. Kittens that have less life experience are most likely to react to reflections before they realize they can’t reach that “cat behind the glass.” Some cats react to the reflections in pictures, oven doors, fireplace screens, or even tile. Mirrors and other reflecting surfaces can be confused with windows.

Cats often attempt to reach the other cat by pawing underneath or at the side of the mirror to “get around” the barrier preventing contact. Cats also do this after watching TV images of birds or other critters, mistaking the screen for a window.

EVIL CAT TWINS

The lurking outdoor cat presence primes the mirror-gazing kitty to become suspicious so his fearful reflection also triggers defensive body language. When the cat displays “friendly” body language, the reflection does the same and such interactions are less likely to cause problems. But a fearful or aggressive body posture is reflected back to the cat and perceived as a threat, raising the actual cat’s arousal. This becomes a vicious cycle. When cats are highly aroused they react rather than think, and it matters little that the reflection offers no scent or sound. Some cats learn to associate shiny surfaces/locations with feeling upset and these can trigger acting out behavior.

The interaction with the reflection runs the range from curious and playful, to head-thumping and screaming attacks. I’ve included a couple examples of milder reactions in the videos, below, but some cats become quite violent to the point they can injure themselves. This could also feed into cases of redirected aggression. In other words, the cat becomes hissed off by that “threatening cat” seen in the mirror, but can’t reach the interloper, and so instead nails a passing cat friend.

Each time a cat sees an upsetting reflection he practices being upset. Each repeat of a given behavior predicts more to come, and makes it more likely for it to continue. So what can a caring owner do?

 Remove mirrors if possible.
Move mirrors or problem reflective surfaces. A new location may not have the same associations.
Cover reflective surfaces you can’t move. Tape paper over cat-level mirrors, or spray-paint with temporary opaque color.

 

When you have one confident cat that ignores the mirror, play games and offer treats in the mirror-area while the upset cat watches. This can teach the upset cat that another feline has no fear, and can encourage copy-cat calm behavior. More tips for dealing with mirror angst or redirected aggression are in the ComPETability: Cats book.

Have your cats ever reacted to the mirror or their reflection in windows or other surfaces? How old where they? Did it become a problem? How did you manage it? As you’ll see in one of the videos, below, cats can and do react to images such as high-definition screens like TVs and iPads as well. How would you describe the kitten’s c’attitude in the first video? What about the second one?

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, listen to the  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!

Dog Aggression & What to Do

Play fighting can look and sound like the real thing.

Last month I attended the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. Yes, I know, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it. *s* During the week-long event, back to back seminars by veterinary experts offered the latest information on everything from chicken antibiotics and ferret care, to large animal info and—of course—cat and dog treatments.

Some of y’all know that I also write puppy-licious information at puppies.about.com and I’d just posted a series of articles on kinds of aggression. Guess what? The labels for one of the most common kinds has changed! So yet again, I’ve updated those articles as well as the ComPETability: Dog book (stay tuned shortly for the audio and print versions!), and wanted to share the information here.

It’s now called conflict aggression, but it used to be termed dominance aggression. The new descriptor makes lots more sense, though, because dogs that display this type of aggression act anything but “dominant” and instead do appear to be conflicted about how to act and what to do.

9 KINDS OF AGGRESSION & WHAT TO DO

Status Related Aggression can develop as the young dog matures and tries to find his or her place in the canine family group.

Sibling Rivalry has to do with interdog aggression and can be especially problematic when the younger pooch decides to challenge the older dog.

Fear Aggression is one of the most common types. Fear components can be part of nearly all the other kinds of aggression!

Conflict Aggression (used to be termed dominance) includes resource guarding (his bowl, toys, your bed!) and is directed at people.

Leash Aggression happens toward other pets or people when the dog is confined on a leash.

Territorial Aggression has to do with defending turf. We want dogs to protect us and our property–but it can go too far.

Predatory & Play Aggression can be normal for playful dogs–but can turn predatory toward smaller pets or infants.

Excitement Aggression often happens in doorways and hallways when the pooch gets too wound up.

Alliance Aggression appears to be uncommon but happens when one dog guards the owner from the other pets in the home–when you aren’t there the dogs get along.

Of course, aggression in and of itself isn’t necessarily evil and within the right context can be perfectly normal. Aggression always happens for a reason. Dogs and pups can be provoked into aggression by all kinds of clueless human behavior–it makes sense to the dog, of course! So to prevent dangerous aggression that can get you bit and lose your dog his home or even his life, it’s vital to learn how to understand doggy language.

Does this help with understanding canine aggression? What have been your experiences with your pets? How have you managed or prevented/avoided the problem?

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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!

 

 

CAT CRAZY Radio Show Debuts Tonight!

Got a question? Shout it out! Call the LIVE SHOW at 888-429-5471 . . .

I’ve always been CAT CRAZY (and dog crazy…and just PLAIN crazy!) pretty much forever. And lately I’m crazy with deadlines so today’s blog post is very short and sweet, so I can kick to the curb a couple more of those deadlines.

One reason I’m crazed in a GOOD way, though, is my new live call-in cat advice Radio Show with the awesome Tracie Hotchner! She’s created a brand new Internet radio network, and invited me (wow…I’m honored) as well as some other movers-and-shakers in the pet world to help host these shows on travel, nutrition, natural vet care, dog training–and all things cats!

Seren is over the moon! (Shhhh, don’t tell her, but some dawg-schtuff may well sneak into the show, too.)

CAT CRAZY is a live call-in show — 888-429-5471 each Monday night 8 pm Eastern, 5 pm Western — so you can listen from your PC or your smart phone or tablet device. It will be recorded and replay as a podcast in the archives if you miss a show. You can phone to ask questions or just add to the conversation, post in the comments here, and (if I can manage!) I’ll be on Twitter using the #catcrazy hashtag for conversations and questions. Whew!

Don’t worry, the regular MONDAY MENTIONS will post later today. I think. Maybe. *looking at to-do list* I hope…

See ya on the radio!

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, listen to the 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!