Amy Shojai's Blog, page 126
October 19, 2012
Ghost Hauntings, Cats and Ghosts
“I will be with you…always…”
During Halloween, our imagination turns to ghost hauntings, but do cats and ghosts actually have a connection? Does pet death mean the end or will they come back to comfort us?
Cats have long been thought to have a link with the “other world.” In fact, popular urban legends hold that cats see ghosts—and their behavior certainly seems to support that notion. My cat Seren often plays “track the spook” games, maybe just to mess with my head. You’ll understand more when you read the last paragraph.
Cats and Ghosts
We built our house 15 years ago but maybe the site used to be an ancient burial ground that remains haunted by spirits of the departed. That would explain Seren’s behavior when she fixes her gaze on “something” and follows the motion up the wall, around the ceiling, and out the door. *shiver*
It’s not just my own vivid imagination, either. A letter to the “Occult Review” magazine of April 1924 tells of a ghost that appeared in a chair, also apparent to the humans present. A cat in the room seemed to recognize the spirit, and immediately leaped into the spirit’s lap—and was dismayed when the insubstantial lap would not hold it. The popular movie Ghost of some year’s ago featured a cat able to see the spirit of the murdered victim, played by actor Patrick Swayze.
Can Cats Sense Death?
There also are many stories of cats wailing at the exact instant of a beloved owner’s death, even when separated by miles. How do the cats know? Do they “see” the spirit, or feel the psychic change at the sudden absence of their special human? Cats have the physical ability to see certain wavelengths and color spectrums that people cannot, and perhaps this “remnant” of the dearly departed remains behind—or in fact the spirit portion remains visible for felines as well as ultrasonic sound communication.
Oscar the cat, a resident of Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in Providence, Rhode Island, has an uncanny ability to predict which patient will soon die. He was adopted as a kitten but remains standoffish as an adult cat—until an individual nears the end of life. Then he will scratch at the door and demand to be in the room, whereupon he hops up on the bed beside the patient and sits vigil with them until they die. Oscar’s prediction rate has been better than the nurses or physicians who care for the residents, who suffer with severe dementia. Experts speculate the dying simply smell different, and that alerts Oscar. Yet he is the only one of several resident cats that seems to care. Relatives have said they feel comforted that Oscar spends time with their loved ones when they can’t be there.
Do Cats Haunt Us?
When cats die, owners recount experience of the kitty returning to comfort remaining pet friends and people that they’re okay. Sometimes the delicate paw-print tracks of never seen mourning “ghost cats” have been left where the owner can find them. Very often one can feel the jarring “thump” of the ghost cat leaping onto the bed at night, snuggling across your ankles, or being seen out of the corner of your eyes. These invisible visitors may still cheek rub and head butt ankles, so that people can feel the brush of fur against their skin. Wishful thinking? Perhaps the mourning human so desperately wants one last contact that imagination takes over.
But what of the other pets who also detect the invisible cat’s or chase a transparent cat as she runs through a room only to disappear into a wall? In some cases there’s also photographic proof that points to a kitty haunting a residence or person. One early famous example is a 1925 family portrait taken by Major Allistone in Clarens, Switzerland that documented a woman restraining an infant from climbing out of a baby carriage, with an older boy standing in front holding a stuffed bunny in his left hand. But in the boy’s right hand appears the face of a white kitten—except that white kitten had died several weeks earlier.
More recent examples abound and can be including pictures and videos posted on the Internet. For example, one family admired and took pictures of a neighbor’s flowers and captured the image of a cat in the window—only the family doesn’t have a cat, so just who was the ghostly feline and (perhaps more importantly) did the cat allow him/herself to be photographed?
Do Spirit Cats Return?
On October 29, 1993 at 8:30 p.m. my beloved dog passed away at age 12 years 5 months. At the time we lived in a tiny apartment and had to place his body outside in the entryway, to await burial the next morning. Shortly thereafter we heard a strangely haunting sound at the door, and found a cat crouching over my poor dog’s body muttering and crying. The cat was a stranger, one I’d never seen before or since. I like to think that this eerie cat visitor arrived to pay feline respects at his passing—it certainly couldn’t be my beloved dog’s spirit being hosted within this feline visitor. Or could it?
I never saw the cat again, although I did hear the yowls each year on October 29th at about 8:30 p.m. Maybe I imagined it? All I know is the spectral cat cries stopped after my Seren-kitty found us.
Have you ever had a “visit” from a dearly departed pet? Have your cats (or dogs) “detected” an otherworldly presence–what did they do? If you had the chance to see a pet ghost, would you want to? Have you ever visited certain locations (or even people) that you’re sure had an animal ghost in residence…what happened? Please share!
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, can dogs see ghosts, cats and ghosts, ghost hauntings, ghost stories, Halloween, pet death, www.amyshojai.com
October 17, 2012
Vacations & Pet Sitters
“I’ll guard the house while you’re gone!” (Image Copr. Melissamethamphetamine/Flickr)
The holidays are nearly here and pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog. Many of us will travel to visit family and friends, have folks visit, or spend vacation time away from home. Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members.
Good vacation plans depends on the individual pet, and your special circumstances. Does your dog love meeting new people, hide, or become hyper around strangers? Perhaps Chance the cat enjoys riding in the car but your brother’s dog hates kitties, or Grandma is allergic. Are pets more comfortable at a kennel, away from your nephew’s hair-pulling fingers? Or does your pet go on a hunger strike if boarded?
HOME ALONE?
In general, cats tend to prefer staying in their home amid familiar surroundings. Some do well if left alone for a day or two when provided with adequate food and water, and extra litter boxes. That’s not appropriate for kittens, cats older than 10 years, or any cat with a health issue that needs attention, though.
No pet should be unsupervised for longer than a couple of days. Make arrangements to have a friend, a neighbor, or a professional pet sitter visit at least once a day to clean the toilet facilities, check food and water (and medicate, if needed), and perhaps play or cuddle with the cats.
Leaving dogs at home is also an option. But unless your dog is litter box trained (yes, it can be done!), people visits must be more frequent for potty breaks and meals. Some dogs eat four-days’-worth of food at one time if it’s all left out at once.
BOARD or BORED?
Many dogs and some cats are fine when boarded at kennels. Reputable kennels require proof of adequate health care, so get vaccination proof from your veterinarian in advance. American Boarding Kennel Association provides a list.
Be sure that the cat space is out of sight and sound of the doggy facilities, to reduce feline stress levels. Some state-of-the-art facilities now provide pets with sofas, play times with other dogs, cat trees, videos of squirrels and birds to watch—and even close-circuit television monitors owners can access over the Internet while on vacation, to keep an eye on their furry friends.
Veterinarians may have kennel space available for dogs or cats with health issues that need monitoring. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding boarding facilities or pet sitters.
PICK A PET SITTER
Pet sitters are the ideal choice. You can search via professional organizations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International to find members in your area. Check out the pet sitter’s credentials, how long they’ve been in business, if they’re bonded/insured, what services they provide, and be specific about fees. Find out how much time the pet sitter spends on each visit—average is 30 minutes but for dog walking (especially multiple pets) or grooming/medicating it may take more time and require a higher cost.
Ask for references (and check them!) before you decide if the service or individual is a match for you and your pets. It’s also important to see if the candidate interacts well with your cats and dogs. Some pet sitters specialize in special needs animals. For instance, they may be able to medicate your diabetic cat or “pill” your reluctant dog.
Be sure to leave caretakers with detailed information about each pet’s care needs, veterinary contact information, and emergency phone numbers where you can be reached. Leave your pets’ leash, medications and other “must haves” in an easy access area and show the pet sitter where to find them. Alert the neighbors that a pet sitter or family friend will be coming and going from your home so they won’t be alarmed at strangers in the neighborhood, and give the pet sitter your neighbor’s name and phone number. Talk with your veterinarian about signing a “just in case” authorization for medical care (you can designate the dollar amount). That way, emergency care is available and funded even if you are unavailable to give your okay in person.
Preparing for your pets’ comfort during your vacations gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your time free from worries. After all the joy they bring you throughout the year, don’t your cats and dogs deserve happy howl-adays, too?
So…do you contract with a pet sitter, or perhaps a neighbor or family member to care for pets when you’re gone? Or do you board the dog? How does that work for you? How many readers take the dog along for the trip–or even the kitty? What tips and tricks make the travel problem free? Please share!
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, boarding dogs, pet sitters, pet vacation, travel with pets, vacation with pets, www.amyshojai.com
October 15, 2012
Monday Mentions: Maggots, Plague & Good Times!
Karyl Cunningham’s Simba reads Lost & Found!
I’ve been deep into discussions about the making of LOST AND FOUND for the past couple of weeks on the DogRead list (today is the last day–but you can read the archives if you wish *s*). It seems that I’m gaining some furry fans as a result and I’m delighted that the critters have given the book their paws-up of approval. I’m also discussing fun ways please join us!
This week I’m finishing up preparations for the Cat Writers Association conference. It’s our 20th anniversary celebration! So I’m putting together a fun power point presentation of pictures and history of the organization. I’ve also been honored with several Certificate of Excellence awards in the annual contest and will find out if any of these nominations result in a Muse Medallion win, too! If you’re in the neighborhood, I’ll also be presenting my Kindle-ization talk once again.
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. There are LOTS of fun links today–and even a rather important (sort of scary, too) video on the blog for self protection. Hope you’ll never need it.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Creativity Writers Conference. Sat., Oct. 20. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. KU Edwards campus, 12600 Quivira. Featuring Linda Rodriguez, fiction; Suzanne Lieurance, writing for children; Lisa Waterman Gray, travel writing, Olive Sullivan, poetry, Amy Viets and Bernadette Stankard, co-authorship; Mike Lance, electronic publishing. Fee: $75. Sponsored by Kansas City Voices magazine. Public welcome.
Fair Use what is it? Goodguidelines for writers
Writers, Create A Biz Plan and here’s how
Pub’ing Jobs at Harper Collins, Penguin
Dorchester Transfers Rights Back to Authors…if they can find you.
Do You NaNoWriteMo? 90+ published books began in this annual jump-start project that prompts writers to commit to 50,000 words in November! Do it!
Amazon Studios Options It’s First Novel to Become A Movie
Paying for Facebook Posts learn all about it and also this great explanation about EdgeRank
Open Letter to Virus Creators I really enjoyed reading this vent!
Self Pub’ing No Longer “Second Class” Route?
Google & Publishers Settle…well some of ‘em do. I got a notice that I may be due a refund. Someday. Maybe. Kinda-sorta-in-a-way. Mffft. Here’s what Author Beware had to say about it.
Bouchercon–Why I Stopped Going this author has some interesting observations
Plot Fixer Series, looks awesome!
Gender Specific Characteristics for Characters...or not!
Quick Backlist Building With Shorter Books….really? What do you think?
Can My Killer Hack A Heart? that is, interfere with the pacemaker? Doug Lyle’s nefarious info is dead-on (bwaaa-hahaha!)
PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
Pet Books Get No Respect...except here, of course. Two very well known dog writers expound on the furry truth
Pet Prescriptions & Veterinarians a good discussion from my friend over at Fidose of Reality
MAGGOT DNA I.D.s CORPSE and yes, I had to put that in all caps because it is so freakin’ cool! Yay, Doug Lyle…again!
Photos Help Shelter Animals Find Homes what a great project! You can do this, too.
TV Reality Veterinarian Fined for Negligence/Incompetence …but gee, he looks good on TV. What is WRONG with this picture?
California Squirrel Plague sounds like the plot to a thriller
SPONSORSHIP for Small Animal Studies Available at Morris Animal Foundation. Help your pet and others’, too.
Pet Loss & Bereavement–How Dogs Grieve. It’s awful, everyone’s different but getting through the pain can be done. Here are 7 Ways for Pet Lovers to Cope from psychology experts, and what to do for grieving cats from the awesome Marilyn Krieger
Dog Trainer Seminar–Suzanne Clothier Relationship Based Training Seminar, known as a “trainer of trainers” Suzanne will be at the Grapevine (TX) Convention Center on Feb. 23-24, 2013. The cost of the 2 day seminar is $250 for early sign up, and $275 after Jan. 1, 2013. Contact Kathi O’Malley for registration
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, cats, dogs, http://www.amyshojai.com, maggots, pet books, plague, publishing, Thrillers, writing
October 12, 2012
The “Stoned” Cat
“Gotta GO!”
Your cat has always been faithful to the litter box. But suddenly Tom leaves damp messages on the carpet, Sheba cries and squats right in front of you, and bloody urine puddles in the bathtub.
Cats are known to suffer from a group of disorders, including stones, as a part of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD. Male and female cats are affected equally. Urinary bladder stones occur in only about 20 percent of cats suffering from LUTD.
Actual “stones” of pebble-size and larger can develop but more commonly the tiny mineral deposits (called urolithiasis) are microscopic to sand-size. A mucous-crystal matrix can plug the urethra and prevent the bladder from emptying. Just think back to your childhood, remember a never-ending car trip with no bathroom access–multiply that discomfort tenfold to understand how the blocked cat feels.
Signs of urinary stones may include any one or combination of a break in housetraining, dribbling urine, straining in the litter box or spending lots of time “posing” with little result, bloody urine or urine with a strong ammonia smell, crying during urination, or excessively licking the genitals.
Diagnosis is based on these symptoms, urinalysis, and/or X-rays to reveal stones in the urinary tract. Without prompt medical attention, the blocked cat will die when toxins build up in the bloodstream, the kidneys stop working, or the bladder ruptures.
Creating Kitty Crystals
Not all stones are the same. Crystals and/or stones form when specific minerals and organic substances are present in the urine in the right concentrations. In addition, the urine must be the right pH (acid/base balance), and must stay in the bladder long enough for crystals to form. Consider pancake syrup in a pan–if it sits still long enough, crystals form. Therefore, formation of stones depends on volume of urine, concentration and type of minerals, frequency of urination, and genetics.
Cats evolved as desert creatures, and consequently conserve water extremely well. They may urinate only once every 24 to 48 hours, which means urine sits in the bladder for long periods and becomes more and more concentrated. Cats also drink sparingly, and seem to prefer to get water from their diet rather than lapping from a bowl. These instinctive tendencies predispose felines to develop bladder stones. Some kinds of crystals like struvite can be managed easily with diet, while others like calcium oxalate stones are a challenge–and diets that prevent one actually promote the other kind. Yikes!
The cause of feline crystals often can’t be identified. Diet can play a role in the formation of certain types of feline stones. And because up to 70 percent of cats have repeated episodes of stones, diet has become the standard way to treat and in some cases prevent them.
The Struvite Solution
A dozen years ago, 80 percent of feline bladder stones were struvite and developed in part due to alkaline urine. Pet food manufacturers discovered they could counter this and create acidic urine (and therefore prevent struvite formation) by adjusting the formulation of cat diets. Bless their furry lil’ hearts, nearly every commercial cat food on the market today has been designed to reduce the chance of struvite formation, by increasing the acidity of the urine.
When the diet has undergone expensive tests to prove this effect, the label may say, “for urinary tract health.” Honestly, though, all of the major cat food brands do pretty much the same thing–they just haven’t spent extra money on these tests and so legally can’t place a claim on the label.
A percentage of cats still develop struvite stones despite eating good foods. Special veterinary diets can dissolve existing stones and/or prevent formation of new ones, and most of the major pet food manufacturers offer therapeutic options. Therefore, if your cat hates the first food offered, ask about another therapeutic alternative. Diets only work if the cat eats them.
Cats that become blocked from urethral plugs–crystals mixed with mucus that get stuck in the urinary track–typically are unblocked with catheters to reestablish flow from the bladder. But repeated catheter use may cause scar tissue in the urethra that makes the problem even worse. Perianal urethrostomy surgery may be an option for these cats. The procedure shortens the male cat’s urethra—removes the penis—which creates a wider conduit for release of urine so the urethra doesn’t block as easily even if crystals continue to form.
Calcium Oxalate Conundrum
Today calcium oxalate stones are becoming most common. Struvite seems to affect younger cats while calcium oxalate more often impacts aging felines. In fact, some calcium oxalate uroliths, especially those in the kidneys, may not cause obvious health problems for months to years. As the cat ages, the bladder becomes less elastic and may not empty totally each time the cat urinates. Over time, this may lead to increased susceptibility to infections and large bladder or kidney stones.
The change in commercial diets to reduce struvite actually promoted a rise in calcium oxalate stones. These struvite-prevention diets increase blood-acid levels, which also tend to leech calcium from the bones. When this calcium is spilled into the urine it can form calcium oxalate stones. Calcium oxalate stones most typically block the ureters–the conduits leading from the kidneys to the bladder–and if too big to pass, require surgery to remove.
Stopping the Stones
So, what can a cat lover do? Be alert for signs of distress. Consider a blocked cat a life-threatening emergency and see your veterinarian immediately. Do your best to reduce cat stress, since that can predispose kitties to repeated episodes.
If your cat has been diagnosed with FLUTD, your doctor likely will analyze the crystals (if present); determine if infection is involved and prescribe medication and recommend an appropriate diet. Remember that an old cat with calcium oxalate crystals should NOT eat a food designed to prevent struvite, or vice versa. In addition to diet change, avoid giving any kind of mineral or vitamin C and D supplementation to cats, which can predispose to calcium oxalate formation.
Increase your cat’s water intake by feeding canned diets, which typically feature 70 percent water. Cats seem to drink more when the water remains fresh or running, so provide a feline drinking fountain, available from pet products stores. More water helps dilute the urine and encourages the cat to use the litter box more often, so the bladder doesn’t remain full for long periods of time.
While filtered or bottled water isn’t routinely recommended, it probably won’t hurt and might help especially if it encourages your cats to drink more. Try flavoring the water with liquid drained from water-packed tuna or a bit of no-salt chicken broth. All’s fair in keeping cats healthy–sometimes despite themselves.
Seren has been remarkably healthy and (knock wood!) hasn’t had problems with hit or miss litter box issues. What about your cats? Have they had problems missing the box? Crystal issues? What has been your kitty experience with regard to lower urinary tract issues?
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, calcium oxalate, cat behavior, cat care, cat urinary tract problems, cats, complete care for your aging cat, FLUTD, struvite, www.amyshojai.com
October 11, 2012
LOST AND FOUND–IS BANNED?!
“I wrote these…”
No, the book isn’t banned. I’m being facetious. But you just can’t get the book at local stores. Maybe I need to take Magical-Dawg around to woof at them!
I’m having a wonderful time discussing LOST AND FOUND on the DogRead list, and being interviewed for online events. Locally I’ve planned a “Book Launch” party at Grayson College on October 26, and have schedule another book discussion group locally at Trinity Lutheran Church at 6 pm on Saturday, December 8.
NOBODY LOCALLY WILL CARRY THE BOOKS, even though it’s in their systems!
Although the book IS available in print, and IS available for online order, it IS NOT being carried on the shelves of local stores. Now, I can understand that shelf space is at a premium and they couldn’t afford to offer a venue for all million of the “books a million” they claim. But you’d think there would be a mechanism or exception in place for LOCAL authors with guaranteed events and sales.
We have only one brick-and-mortar store locally. I also asked at the local independent bookstore because I want to support indies–but they’ll only do consignment since they’re a used book store, which means the author buys the books, they shelve the books, and sell them for a percentage. I’m sorry but I’m not a book store, either.
The Sherman Texas “Books A Million” refuses to bring LOST AND FOUND into the store. It’s Corporate policy, not them. The powers-that-be won’t stock them in the store because they must FIRST be reviewed in order to be shelved. It’s apparently okay to list them on the website, but not physically in the store. If you’re an author and wanting your book on the Books A Million shelves, the number to call for info is 205-942-3737.
Wrap your head around that one!
Even if I could get the book into the review system, it’s doubtful that they’d be available locally in time for my local events. The automated recording says processing time is 4 weeks from date of submission.
So I’d urge you to order the LOST AND FOUND books (and any other author books) wherever it’s easiest for you to do so. And since you have to order the books anyway, look for the least expensive place because the books are the same no matter where you order them from. Right now, the amazon.com site has the best price for LOST AND FOUND. 
And Magical-Dawg didn’t even have to woof at them.
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, banned books, books a million, lost and found thriller, publishing, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
October 10, 2012
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month For Pets Too!
Poodles have a higher risk of breast cancer than some other breeds.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for humans. I doubt that anyone in today’s world hasn’t been touched by this disease either personally or by knowing someone who has.
But did you know breast cancer also affects pets? And some of the research for people helps cats and dogs–and vice versa.
WHAT PETS ARE AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer accounts for half of the cases of canine cancer, and about 50 percent of canine breast tumors are malignant. High-risk breeds include the poodle, English spaniel, English setter and terriers, while low-risk breeds for mammary cancer include the boxer and Chihuahua. The older the dog, the greater the risk of tumors–you can learn more about canine cancers, diagnosis and treatment in both the aging dog book and also the cutting-edge medicine book.
Breast cancer is not as common in cats as in dogs, but it’s more deadly in felines. Nearly 90 percent of feline breast tumors are malignant. Siamese cats have two times greater risk of developing breast cancer than other cats, and at a younger age. Male cats and dogs almost never get mammary cancer.
EARLY SIGNS OF PROBLEMS
In almost all cases, you will find the lump or bump on your cat or dog while petting her. Breast exams, particularly for older female cats and dogs, are a great idea because they can detect lumps and bumps very early. Survival time depends on the size of the tumor when first treated. The smaller the tumor when treated, the better the chance your pet will do well.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to have your veterinarian evaluate potential problems immediately. Never settle for a “wait and see” approach—that gives the cancer more time to grow and spread, and reduces the chance of a good treatment outcome. Isn’t it better to find out that your dog’s lump was nothing to worry about, than to discover too late that it’s cancer and no longer treatable?
BREAST CANCER TREATMENT IN PETS
The standard treatment for mammary tumors is surgical mastectomy (removal) of the affected glands. That may be a single breast, or multiple breasts (usually) on one side of the abdomen. Your regular veterinarian may be able to perform this surgery, or you may wish to contact a veterinary oncologist.
Sometimes chemotherapy is suggested in addition to the surgery if not all of the tumor can be removed and/or if it has already spread. Some veterinary cancer specialists recommend using chemotherapy first to help shrink the tumor before it is surgically removed. Please remember that cats and dogs don’t lose their hair, and rarely feel sick during chemotherapy treatment. Pets don’t even know they’re sick, so they don’t become upset just at the mention of the “C-WORD” that fills people with terror.
PREVENTING PET TUMORS–YES, YOU CAN!
Unlike some other cancers where a roll of the dice seems to decide who will be affected, mammary cancer can be prevented—or the risk drastically reduced—in our pets. Spaying female dogs before their first heat cycle will nearly eliminate the risk. Intact (un-spayed) dogs will have seven times greater chance of developing mammary cancer. Spaying female cats also lowers their risk of developing mammary cancer, although not to the same degree as in dogs.
Cancer tends to be a disease of aging pets. My cat Seren is both a Siamese, and now a senior citizen, so I am particularly vigilant. Starting this month, I hope everyone will pay more attention to their cats and dogs, starting with breast exams. I promise, your pet will thank you for the extra tummy rub.
Have your pets been touched by cancer? Often I’m told the dogs and cats who go through this prove to be inspirational to their human families, living in the moment and still finding joy despite health challenges. What advice would you offer pet lovers who must face such trials?
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat cancer, cats, Complete Care for Your Aging Dog, dog cancer, dogs, national breast cancer awareness month, pet cancer, Pet Care in the New Century, www.amyshojai.com
October 8, 2012
Monday Mentions: Kurves, Swerves & Nerves
Happy Monday! The temperatures are doing jumping-jacks in North Texas this week–up/down/up/down–and I’m doing my best to stay healthy for performances this coming weekend of KURVES, THE MUSICAL. This is the original show Frank Steele and I wrote and produced last March, back by popular demand October 11, 12, and 13 at the Rialto. Yes, in another life I sing and “act sparkly” for fun and profit *s* and I’ve even included a short video of the awesome actors singing a few of the original songs. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll stop by–you can learn more about the show here.
On the writing front, I’m delighted that my swerves into fiction LOST AND FOUND has struck a chord with readers and already received lots of flattering reviews. You’ve made this writer’s “furry” dreams come true! I’m still discussing the book for another week over at the DogRead virtual book club so I hope you’ll join the conversation–it’s free, come-and-go, and you can even lurk if you wish (and maybe even find out some super-secret background about the book). There’s also still time to get your name in on the drawing for three free autographed copies.
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. I have bunch more–but the Verizon gremlins are getting on my nerves and won’t let me access my saved email. Color me less-than-impressed and verging on fed-up-entirely! If I can get at the other awesome links later, I’ll update the post as I can.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Cat Writers’ Conference November 1, 2, 3 and it’s our 20th anniversary! Yes, I’ll be speaking. *s* and it’s not just furry writing, it applies to all writers
Writing A Bipolar Character? here’s what you need to know.
Gotta Have Java? boy, I do…that’s part of my writer-ly routine. But here are some kewl coffee myths debunked.
FUN PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
Zombie Bees, Hijacked Minds it’s not sci-fi, it’s real…and would make a great plot!
Amazon Cares Prosecutes Abuse Case in Peru in a precedent-setting trial
Petties Awards! Friday October 12…check it out!
AVMA Says Pet Ownership Decreasing in US
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Theater & Performance, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, Kurves, Lost And Found, theater, Thrillers, www.amyshojai.com
October 5, 2012
Halloween Cat Costumes? Hissss-terical!
“Ready for my close-up!” (Image Copr. Karla Spence/Flickr)
Halloween cat costumes–I can hear the cats snickering (or screaming in horror). Do your cats “do dress up?” With Halloween just around the corner, thoughts of goblins, ghosts and get-ups begin to tease at the back of pet lover’s minds. Princess Molly in the picture seems quite happy with the frills but I suspect my Seren-Kitty wouldn’t be quite so accommodating. If you want your cats to willingly wear costumes, TODAY is not too early to introduce the notion.
In fact, knowing how to get cats to accept wear-ables may be important to kitty health. (How’s that for a teaser? ) Read on to learn more.
“Snoopy’s got nuthin’ on me!” (Image Copr. Karla Spence/Flickr)
The images in today’s blog were taken by the amazing photographer Karla Spence who obviously has the cat costume thing down pat! Probably the most kitty acceptable accoutrement (especially if your cat already wears a collar) is some neck adornment like the red sash on the Sky Pilot picture, above. Whole body costumes, as below, take a bit more getting used to. Also remember that the photos here–and in advertisements–are POSED shots! Sure the cat wore the costume and looked great at the moment the shutter clicked, but thereafter may have been throwing a hissy fit. The Number One consideration for cats and costumes must be IS IT SAFE, and a close second is–how does it affect your cat emotionally?
“Just call me Fonzie.” (Image Copr. Karla Spence/Flickr)
Safety issues include making sure the costume fits correctly. Too tight can cut off circulation or block vision. Too loose can tangle kitty feet, slide off partially and get caught on “schtuff” that again can cause injury or even strangulation.
Check for any chew-able parts of the costume. I caught Seren gnawing the cellophane wrapper on packaging yesterday, so if the costume has “danglies” that entice paws or nibbles, remove them. Remember to SUPERVISE your costumed cat. Even laid back cats that seem to take costumes in stride shouldn’t be left unattended.
Emotional issues also can be problematic. Cats hate change so anything new tends to hiss them off. Slow and gradual introductions to the costume are vital. I have a step by step 7 tips for Halloween costumes written for puppies–but it applies to adult dogs and cats just as well. Please share with anyone you know who plans to dress up their pets for the coming season.
You might want to share it with ANY pet parent. Because as I said earlier, there are times when therapeutic wear can be very beneficial. There’s an awesome product called the Pet Therapy Jacket that has some wonderful functions. It can hold a hot or cold pack in a particular spot (over achy arthritic hips), or help keep a bandage in place on a paw. It comes in several sizes, including jumbo for the largest cats and dogs. Here’s a review of the Pet Therapy Jacket.
Seren accepted the Therapy Jacket immediately.
I talked about the Thundershirt in the blog before, and how much it helped Seren deal more calmly with veterinary visits. Well, a Thundershirt is a cat costume! Here’s a review of the Thundershirt, and check out Seren wearing hers below.
Does your cat dress up for the howl-idays? How does that work for you? Do you do full costumes, fancy bows and collars, or does your cat say GET THE !@#$%^! AWAY FROM ME WITH THAT THING! Do tell…
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, 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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, animals, cat behavior, cat costumes, cats, clothing, halloween costumes, Pet Therapy Jacket, Thundershirt, www.amyshojai.com
October 3, 2012
Name Game–What Dogs Call You?
Magic at 11 weeks stock-piling toss-able toys.
It’s Woof Wednesday and I’m busier than a three-legged doggy in a flea circus, wow. Yesterday afternoon I finally got my copies of the thriller and have been discussing the story, writing process and more on the DogRead list (you’re still invited!). Something fun that’s developed has been folks “channeling their inner dog” to guess what their pet is thinking.
You see, in my book LOST AND FOUND, the service dog Shadow calls his trainer the “treat-lady.” So other list members began to speculate what their dogs actually think and how they refer to us. One person said her dog probably thought of her as “Mom,” while somebody else said their dog thought of them as, “that person who SHOULD be in the kitchen getting me food.”
From his behavior, I suspect Magic doesn’t think of me as Mom, or Amy or even Treat Lady. He thinks of me as, “she who tosses toys.”
Even as a baby dog, Magic was head-over-furry-heels in love with fetching. He will fetch ANYTHING. Socks, stuffed toys, balls, Frisbee. And I’ve never known him to be the one to call quits on the game. If he could throw the toy himself, he would–but since he can’t, he relies on his human housemates (the ones with opposing thumbs) to do the honor. He’ll bring ANYTHING to me, drop on my foot/lap/side of the chair, and then STARE…as if to say, “Make it GO, get with the program, do your JOB already!” And if I decline, he gets disgusted and eventually picks up the motionless toy and dumps it in my husband’s lap and repeats the process.
Okay, your turn. How does your pet think of you? She who fills the bowl? He who scratches tummies? Please share and don’t forget to say WHY your pet thinks this way!
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!
Filed under: Dog Training & Care
October 1, 2012
Monday Mentions: Rabbit Holes, Sandra Brown & Cats Rule
Sometimes we ‘go down the rabbit hole’ without knowing it . . .
Happy Monday. This week has got to be an improvement over last week’s virus, Internet kerfluffle and AC outage. In my world it seems “crappiocca” comes in threes–so hopefully my crap quota has been filled and I’ve tunneled out of the rabbit hole. For now.
There was some terrific stuff, too. I met an awesome blogger (new to me) at Healing Rescue Dogs Blog and she interviewed me about LOST AND FOUND. Want to know more? October 1-7 (that starts today!) I’m discussing myths about writing thrillers as part of THE BIG THRILL ROUNDTABLE PANEL.
Want more? (gulp!) I’ll be over at DogRead as the guest author starting today (Oct. 1) through Oct. 15. This is a yahoogroups email list dedicated to discussion dog books–and the many of list members are savvy dog trainers, exhibitors and more, I can’t wait to talk “dawg” and writing! You can subscribe and lurk, post questions, come and go as you like–it’s free. Here’s the link to find out more.
I will be sending out the copies of the LOST AND FOUND book to the winners–as soon as I get my copies! Arggg! There must be something up with the mail these days, because several of my online orders recently have been delayed or gone astray. Doncha HATE when that happens? I even have the padded envelopes addressed and ready to mail. Thanks for your patience–me, I’m biting nails!
I promise to get some more ASK AMY videos made. Several folks have asked terrific questions either on my Facebook pages or in blog comments. It’s been too long…but yep, been a weee bit busy. I’m saving the questions, though, so stay tuned.
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. Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for an awesome Thrillerfest interview with some legends–Sandra Brown, RL Stein and David Morrell!
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Poison Pen Press Launches YA Mystery Imprint, “Poisoned Pencil” with Ellen Larson, editor, now open to submissions!
PublishAmerica Lawsuit Dismissed
How To Host A Free EBook Day (Without Amazon)
Espresso Book Machine puts POD in your coffee shop. Really.
Before You Self Publish, Questions to Ask
Getting GoodReads Reviews on KoboBooks
A Million Books Sold, What Next? from the incredible CJ Lyons
Webinar on Selling Film & TV Scripts
Rudeness Compounded By Internet ya don’t say?!
Fake Facebook ‘Likes’ Disappear first it was fake book reviews, now fake “likes” Gimme a break! Oh, and the FanPages may not be worthwhile anymore.
Nightmare Sperm Donation from the creepy files of DP Lyle’s awesome blog
PET SCHTUFF
Cats Rule the Internet & Here’s Proof!
FUNNY Lost Pet Signs that said, it’s NOT funny to lose a pet so get ‘em microchipped and keep ‘em safe!
Pets Share Environmental Risks interesting article with what researchers are looking at
Are Animals Conscious? well, yes…so how should they be treated? Fascinating discussion.
Of Feral Cats, Conservation & Birds…Again.
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!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, David Morrell, DogRead, Lost And Found, publishing tiips, RL Stein, Sandra Brown, The Big Thrill, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
