Amy Shojai's Blog, page 127

Happy Cat Month

“Happiness is dozing in sunshine…” Image copr. “Olive Eyes” via Flickr

As September draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on how YOU celebrated National Happy Cat Month. Oh, you didn’t know? Well here at the Shojai household, every month–nay, every HOUR is designed with cat happiness in mind.

“They built the stairs for me…now if they’d train the sun to stay there!”

Just ask Seren. She’ll tell you.

I’ve spent the last month blogging on cat happiness over at Chewy.com on such things as How Cats Show Happiness (in some pretty interesting and unexpected ways!), as well as Weird Ways Cats Show Love. You’ll find some other fun topics at my Kitty’s Korner blog, too.

What makes your cat happy? Is it food that starts that purr-rumble? Or a particular game or toy? Seren is partial to sparkle-balls (yes, go figure MY cat would love bling). She’s always been a play-kitty and a reluctant lap-sitter, but over the past 6 months or so she’s demanded lap time.

I think that’s a symptom of her increasing age (along with the more piercing me-wows late at night). I’ve been referring to my own tips in the aging cat book these days.

Today we had a rousing game of chase-the-sheets as together we made the bed. It was as if Seren reverted to kittenhood! I know she’s happy as long as she engages in these games. Play therapy also builds confidence in shy cats and so can help keep them healthier (and slim and trim!).

“I am only borrowing it,” says Bella, “It makes me happy because it smells soooo good–like YOU.” Image copr. “KrazyBoutCats” via Flickr

Does your feline friend have any unique fun foibles that tell you s/he’s happy? Please share! They may end up in a future ASK AMY video or on the Kitty Korner blog . . . or even in the next thriller. Macy (the Maine Coon in LOST AND FOUND) loves his stuffed Mickey Mouse toy and plays fetch, for example. It’s always more fun to include REAL cat and dog experience but of course it’s legal for fiction authors to make schtuff up, too.

Fair warning. You know a writer’s brain fully caffeinated can be a scary, dangerous thing!

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, cat behavior, cat books, cat care, cats, Chewy.com, Happy Cat Month, kittens, Lost And Found, www.amyshojai.com

Hot, Blocked & Hacked! Oh rats…

Nothing cute like this little guy. Nope, my virus protection software EXPIRED late last night apparently, with no warning. They’re supposed to send email reminders and that didn’t happen. So this morning I awoke to over 100 blocked message notices and nearly an equal number from concerned folks who received emails from my verizon.net account with mysterious URLs. Even a couple of phone calls.

THANK YOU for letting me know (and yes, I do know about it so no need to send further messages).

If you got one DON’T OPEN IT! I haven’t a clue what they were but suspect if you click on ‘em you’ll also get infected.

Luckily my laptop virus protection remained in effect and I quick-like-a-bunny renewed subscription on all my computers, with upgrade. And the software did find and remove malware crud so I should be find. However, I think the virus software (webroot) also did something that’s now blocking my wireless Internet on the PC. Dang, it’s always something!

Meanwhile, this last burst of summer heat has my roses blooming again, and me wilting–because the AC just went out. They say that crappiocca happens in threes. Hacked, hot and blocked–I got my quota!

Have you ever been hacked? What about virus attacks? I’ve lost important info before and have (I think!) done a good job at backing up material. Oh, and for any computer geniuses out there, can you tell me how to get rid of the “broadband connection dial-up” popup on my desktop computer–I have wireless, so what’s the deal???

If I can get my virtual ducks in a row–and rats evicted–I’ll post a Woof Wednesday blog later today. That sound you here is my teeth gnashing . . .

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: Uncategorized Tagged: Amy Shojai, computer problems, hacked, virus, www.amyshojai.com

Monday Mentions: Extreme Grooming, Genius Crows & Bestselling Authors Speak!

Looks like motivation for murder…just sayin’

LOST AND FOUND launched last Thursday and I’m still riding the wave of excitement! THANK YOU to everyone for making the day so special–and the fun continues. For a debut book to so quickly climb the amazon rankings (to 8065 at one point!) is unbelievable, but the fantastic reviews have blown me away. Of course I hope more readers will post their comments in reviews. That’s how I know what y’all want for the NEXT book.

Want to know more about the book’s characters, the writing process, and what’s fact vs fiction? Join me Oct 1-15 for a come-and-go email book club discussion (you’ll love the dog expert members of this group!). If you love dog books, the DogRead group is THE place to be.

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. Don’t miss the neato video from Thrillerfest with Jon Land, panel master, interviewing the scary Ted Dekker, Jamie Freveletti, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson and Wendy Corsi Staub. Hear about how to amp up the thrill write in your fiction without losing credibility, enjoy!

WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

Rogue Reader to Launch at Bouchercon all about “writing on the ether” sounds fascinating!

Seasons of Publishing, hey I knew that!

Insights From Editors, you may want to hire one of these professionals. Be sure to browse the comments, too!

Nice Mommy-Evil Editor on #editreport a kewl way to see what editors think and why they URK! decline a project

New Twitter Profile Tips for Authors

What the Heck is EdgeRank and why should authors care?

Add Variety to Dialogue 7 tricks for your characters

The State of KDP Select and more insight into how to make the most of your Ebook free days.

Stonethread Publishing SpecFiction Short Story Contest

BookBaby Publishing Sweepstakes Contest

Read A Book, Win Trip to France!

Self-Pub’d Ebook Income Reports from CNN

PET SCHTUFF

Extreme Dog Grooming, gives new meaning to a living, breathing topiary. Wow!

Cute Pet Holiday Cards from American Humane for a good cause, too!

Music For/About Animals if you write music or listen to it (or your pets are composers!)

Crows–Smarter Than You Think they use tools, they reason, not your usual bird brains (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

Cat Behavior Survey please participate, I did…could help future cats. I had the pleasure to interview Dr Melissa Bain for some of my books.

Blood Test for Canine Cancer! wow, this could be huge. Also check out the COVER DOG CONTEST to benefit Canine Cancer Research

AKC ACE AWARD WINNERS these dogs are heroes on so many levels.

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: Uncategorized Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cat care, dog training, Jamie Freveletti, Jon Land, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson, Lost And Found, pets, Ted Dekker, Thrillers, Wendy Corsi Staub, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com

Less Adoptable Cats

“Yes, I’m different…but I need love, too.” Image Copr. Sanskrit Lady

It’s Feline Friday and hot on the “paws” of the doggy blog on Wednesday, today less adoptable cats get equal time.  Petfinder.com have declared September 17-23 to be LESS ADOPTABLE PET WEEK to give these pets extra visibility, but don’t let the ending of this promotion stop you from following your heart and adopting YOUR special kitty any time of the year.

Just as with the dogs, the “less adoptable” kitties don’t know they’re different than the “purr-fect” options out there. Adopting old fogie cats offers quite a few advantages. They’re more likely to have settled and become more willing to lap sit rather than swing from the drapes. With cats commonly living into their late teens or even twenties, adopting a mature feline friend could still offer you a decade or more of furry love. I’ve got lots of help for you in the Aging Cat book, too.

Only one leg? Tripod cats still jump and climb. Hard of hearing or deaf? These days my Seren-kitty me-WOWS much louder than in the past but we make accommodations for the normal changes of age. Learn more about living with a deaf kitty in this article.

Maybe the pet is blind. That doesn’t seem to slow kitties down. Cats are able to compensate very well with their other senses and can even manage leaps and other acrobatics. Learn more about how to live with a blind cat in this article.

I’ve said it many times but it bears repeating. Whatever a given pet’s “imperfections” they never seem to interfere with the cat’s ability ability to give and receive love.

Have you ever adopted a “less adoptable” pet? Why were they labeled as such? What challenges did you face and — was it worth it? (I’m waiting for a resounding YES!)

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 tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!

Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat adoption, cat behavior, cat care, cats, less adoptable cats, www.amyshojai.com

LOST AND FOUND & READER-ICITY UNCHAINED!

An autism cure will KILL MILLIONS

unless a service dog and his trainer find a missing child . . .

in 24 hours.

RELEASE DAY IS HERE!

And I’m doing the SNOOPY-DANCE-’O-JOY!

Here’s the PRINT VERSION of the book at $11.99

Here’s the NOOK VERSION of the book $4.99

Here’s the KINDLE VERSION of the book $4.99

WANT A FREE BOOK?

I’m giving away THREE autographed copies of the book on GoodReads and you can enter for the drawing here.

POST A COMMENT (or a pet behavior question) on this blog  and I’ll add you to a random drawing for another free copy of the book.

SHARE THIS BLOG and I’ll put your name in another time with each share on Facebook, twitter, Google+ etc.  Just be sure to tag/include @amyshojai or otherwise flag it so I know.

SUBSCRIBE to my PET PEEVES newsletter to get your name in the drawing yet another time and I’ll add a free cat or dog nonfiction pet book and a fun dog-centric or cat-astic item (promise your pets will love it!). YOU have to sign up, I can’t do it for you…here’s the link again.

By the way, winners of the NAME THAT DOG and NAME THAT CAT contest, as well as the owner of the gorgeous cover dog will receive autographed books as soon as I get my copies in the mail–so no need for you to enter. 

WANT A SNEAK PEAK?  Read THE FIRST TWO-AND-A-HALF CHAPTERS HERE!

MAKING AUTHOR DREAMS COME TRUE

Publishing a novel has been a 20-year dream, and I couldn’t have done it without you! YOUZE GUYZ ROCK!

I’m serious. Many of y’all have been my cheerleaders and friends through this journey. You’re dog and cat lovers, pet writers and book readers, experts I’ve interviewed for articles and books, and savvy writer colleagues with your own terrific books who have shared tips and suggestions along the way. You’ve already helped me so much. And I want to ask y’all to offer yet another PAWS UP to this author’s dream–

And also help some other authors along the way. Yes, I want this blog post to be shared by readers and writers–create a PASS IT FORWARD of READER-ICITY that helps as many authors out there as possible. Because the best way To Kill A New-ish Book . . . is to ignore it.

Please don’t buy it unless you really want to and can afford the book (I know $$ is tight). But there are a few things you can do to help books (including LOST AND FOUND) become a success, even without buying the book.

READER-ICITY RULES FOR GETTING BOOKS NOTICED

“Like” it (just click the “like” button on the amazon page, for instance).
“Like” the author page. Here’s mine on Amazon.
“Tag” it. These are descriptive words or phrases that help others find the book when they search for it. (On the book page type TT to open the tag box, highlight the tags and copy into the box, and save).
Read it. Love it. Hate it. Talk about it. Share with friends. Argue about it. Get hissed-off about it. Wag about it. Say it’s GRREEEAAAT! Say it SSSSSUCKS! And then . . . .
Review it (on Amazon, GoodReads, Barnes & Noble, your blog, etc.) ONLY IF YOU REALLY READ IT!

To make me PURRR with delight and look for more furry ways ways to reward my dear readers, please gift LOST AND FOUND with all the READER-ICITY you can muster. But don’t limit this to LOST AND FOUND. Find other books that you love and spread some READER-ICITY LUV!

CALLING ALL AUTHORS!

Once you have offered READER-ICITY to my thriller LOST AND FOUND you have my express permission to post one title, link and short blurb about YOUR book that needs READER-ICITY PIMPAGE (and then share it everywhere).  And I strongly urge all visitors to the blog to take a moment to share the READER-ICITY for a couple more books in addition to LOST AND FOUND and you may just find a new fav author.

Ya know, as far as I can recall a thriller that features dog viewpoint hasn’t yet made it to the Amazon top 100. Wonder why? Surely people who love dogs (and cats) have some paw-power to make it happen.  Wouldn’t it be kewl to get a “best in show” like that? A few well-placed howls and yowls would get the book enough notice to get the furry ball rolling. It’s in your paws.

Now let the comments begin!

Filed under: Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, book promotion, Lost And Found, publishing advice, Reader-icity, thriller, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com

Less Adoptable Pet Week

“Give me a chance….”

It’s Woof Wednesday and today I’m writing about less adoptable pets. We want our fur-kids to be a match made in doggy heaven for them and for us, and the less adoptable pets may get short shrift. In the “bad old days” chances are the less-than-perfect matches never saw the light of day. That’s changed, though, with dedicated rescuers and caring owners who discover furry gems despite any so-called imperfections. I just wrote a new article about adopting disabled pets you can find here.

In fact, the awesome folks over at Petfinder.com have declared September 17-23 to be LESS ADOPTABLE PET WEEK to give them a much needed paw-up in visibility. You can find puppies (and kitties) of all ages, shapes, sizes with obvious or hidden challenges.

The thing is, folks, most of these pets haven’t a clue that they’re any different than other pets. And there are advantages to adopting these fellows. Older pets already have all the puppy (or kitten) hijinks behind them and are known quantities, already trained, and ready to warm your lap. Besides, “old” is a state of mind and pets don’t read calendars.

Only one leg? Pets don’t let that slow them down! Hard of hearing or deaf? hey, my Magical-Dawg practices “selective hearing” too and you make accommodations for such things. Learn more about living with a deaf pooch in this article.

Maybe the pet is blind. Hey, I interviewed the owner of an old–AND BLIND–Bloodhound for my " target="_blank">Aging Dog book, and “Green Machine” still worked for the police searching out and rescuing the lost. Pets don’t let perceptions (or lack thereof) slow them down. Learn more about how to live with a blind dog in this article.

If we’re lucky, we’ll eventually have pets that become “less adoptable” simply because of age. But no matter the imperfections there’s one universal truth–there’s no damage to their ability to give and receive love.

Have you ever adopted a “less adoptable” pet? Why were they labeled as such? What challenges did you face and — was it worth it? (I’m waiting for a resounding YES!)

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 tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!

Filed under: Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, blind dogs, deaf dogs, dog adoption, dog care, dog training, less adoptable pets, petfinder.com, www.amyshojai.com

KURVES, the REVIVAL CAST

Local playwrights Amy Shojai and Frank Steele announce the revival cast of KURVES, THE MUSICAL. This family friendly show returns by popular demand to The Rialto Theater in Denison, Texas in mid-October.

Eight quirky characters, misfits all, become trapped inside MAXINE’S, a woman’s gym in Kurves, Texas. Despite numerous failed attempts to find happiness and true love, they finally succeed—but in unexpected ways.

The ensemble cast remains onstage the entire show. KURVES features laugh out loud dialogue, and twelve original songs—from ballads to blues, gospel to 40s-style numbers—complete with full orchestration.

KURVES Revival Cast, back row LR: Nikki Silva, Frank Steele, Theresa Littlefield, Johnny Flowers. Front row, LR: Hilary Gregory-Allen, Gil Nelson, Amy Shojai. (Not shown: Joe Maglio) PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH OLTMAN

Frank Steele directs the show and plays the cross-dressing Maxine/Max who owns the women’s gym and sings the title song. He has appeared in many TV and radio commercials, movies and TV shows including DALLAS. He taught drama for twenty-seven years and has appeared in over fifty plays as an actor or professional musician.

Amy Shojai directs the music and plays Celia, the bling-wearing visitor who sings, “Dreams For Sale.” Shojai is a local author with 26 published pet books, and has a performance degree in music and theater. She has appeared in several dozen plays in six states, most recently as Golde in Fiddler On The Roof, and has made countless TV and radio appearances both locally and nationally, including CNN and Animal Planet.

Nikki Silva is cast as the many-times-married Mabel, director of a soup kitchen, and sings the rousing gospel number, “Suck It Up, Sweetheart.” Silva is a theatre director and debate teacher at Denison High School. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a degree in drama, and is currently working on her Master of Arts degree in directing. Nikki has been singing and performing since she was five years old in musical theatre and country music opries, jamborees, and contests around the state. She has directed, co-directed, and/or performed in over 45 productions during her career, co-writing and touring an original musical in 2001. She wishes to thank the KURVES cast for inviting her in to their little family and being so helpful, kind, and encouraging.

Theresa Littlefield is cast as mousy poetry teacher Jane who transforms from plain-to-sparkling in the duet “Poetry & Jazz.” Theresa has performed in numerous college, church, and community productions.  She is an active member of the First United Methodist Church choir and handbell choir. She often plays saxophone for high school plays and church programs. She is a counselor at Fairview Elementary in Sherman.

Hilary Gregory-Allen is cast as newlywed Ronnie, and sings about her insecurities in the plaintive song, “The Picture.” Gregory-Allen majored in Theatre at Austin College and attended the Stella Adler Summer Conservatory. She most recently performed as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, and has appeared in leading and featured roles: as Viola in Twelfth Night, Kolenkhov in You Can’t Take it With You, and Ophelia in Hamlet. She also directed The Zoo Story and stage managed Waiting for Godot. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their tireless support. She plans to pursue a career in theatre.

Johnny Flowers is the inept but lovable movie-quoting robber Fingers who laments his lack of finesse and brings down the house in the song, “Silver Screen Blues.” Johnny has been active in theater for the past 30 years. Most recently he delighted audiences in productions of The Odd Couple, Arsenic & Old Lace, and Smoke On the Mountain III. Johnny is also involved in the Music Ministry at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison. He is a graduate of Grayson County College and works at the Sherman Kroger’s Store.

Joe Maglio plays ladies’ man Boots and sings, “You’re The Chick For Me.” He was one of the original dancers on American Bandstand and will show off smooth moves in KURVES. He attended Lon Morris School of Drama and worked for eleven years as technical director at Finley Playhouse. He graduated from Southeaster School of Theatre in 1988, moved to Hollywood and was active with Group Repertory Theatre in North Hollywood. Joe is a member of the Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and served on the nominating committee for the SAG awards.

Gil Nelson plays Ronnie’s husband, Troy Chadwick Noonan IV, who literally holds the key to MAXINE’S and ties up all loose ends in the song, “Life Happens.” Gil Nelson was a professional radio broadcaster for 25 years and has spent over 25 years acting in leading rolls in Community Theater productions such as The Odd Couple, Moonlight and Magnolias, 12 Angry Men and The Nerd just to name a few. He is also a talented playwright and in 2011 partnered with Gene Lenore to write the musical, The Lone Star Truck Stop, produced in cooperation with the Grayson College Theater Department.  He is employed part time with Workforce Solutions Texoma, performing resume, interviewing and resource seminars.

Mickie Martin is stage manager. Rehearsal space is courtesy of Leah, Rachel and Rebekah Martin. The Martin family has lent their considerable talent both onstage and off with the Sherman Community Players and Theatricks for many years.

KURVES, THE MUSICAL returns to The Rialto Theater in Denison, Texas at 8:00 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday October 11, 12 and 13. Tickets are $10 adults and $5  for kids (12 and under). For individual or group reservations call the Rialto at 903-465-SHOW. For reviews, song samples and pictures from the original production and to learn more about KURVES, THE MUSICAL here.

Filed under: Theater & Performance Tagged: acting, Amy Shojai, Kurves, musical theater, songwriting, theater, writing, www.amyshojai.com

Monday Mentions: Stranger Than Fiction?

Picking up steam, this train can’t be stopped!

It’s stranger than fiction that, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” That seems to be the theme these days. So much awesomeness will happen in the weeks ahead I can barely stand it!

LOST AND FOUND releases Thursday, yeeee-haw! Hope y’all will come to the “virtual” book release party (Don’t worry, I’ll post a special blog with details when I catch my breath. *S*)  I’ll also be the guest author October 1-15 on the Dog Read List, an online book club discussion group. With my full calendar the “in person official launch party” will come later (keep reading).

That’s because KURVES, THE MUSICAL revival cast has begun rehearsing for our back-by-popular-demand return to The Rialto Oct 11, 12, 13. Yes, I’m singing and acting…again…with many of the original cast returning, plus some new blood for some fresh takes on the material. It’s soooo much fun!

Once the show closes, my official “book launch party” for LOST AND FOUND will be hosted by the gracious student members of their Writers Club at the local Grayson College from 12-1:00 on Friday October 26. I’ll sign books, answer questions and share publishing/writing secrets from the official extra-secret-spectacular Author’s Official Handbook. (kidding…) More details to come, but y’all are invited!

The first weekend of November I’ll be in Los Angeles celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Cat Writers Association, again signing books, presenting a talk on DIY Ebooks, and also SINGING a couple of songs from the next original show, STRAYS, THE MUSICAL. Whew…I’m out of breath.

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. Don’t miss the neato video from Thrillerfest with Panel Master Kathleen Sharp, Dr. Afra Alshiban, Dana Haynes, D.P. Lyle, Matt Richtel, and Ann Rule   some of the best thriller authors out there. Hear about weird, wacky and wonderful schtuff — and whether or not it should go in your fiction. Enjoy!

WRITING SCHTUFF

Is Amazon “Prime” Worth It?

Harper Voyager Opens Doors to Unagented SciFi & Fantasy for 2 weeks–Oct 1-14, so get ready, set, GO!

Smashword’s Mark Coker Speaks in Sacramento, Sept 29th, check it out!

Top Indie Earners, what do they do re: social networking and marketing? You’ll be surprised!

POP! Goes the Ebook Bubble, really? What do you think?

Rules for Blogging Compensation, aka “just say NO!”

Protect Blogs from Hackers with these 8 tips, important info folks

Myers-Briggs Personality Types, valuable tool for character creation (and understanding yourself?), thanks again to Reeta Raitanen’s awesome blog.

Value of QR Codes for Writers, I’ll be using these on post cards and posters for my new thriller!

Dead End of DIY Publishing, thoughty post

PET SCHTUFF

Kitty Cardboard Castle, fun video–DYI for your cat?

Art Project for Kids & Pets from Kong Company (Magical-Dawg loves their products!)

Pet Amber Alert brings more lost pets home, from the terrific Fidose of Reality blog

Sept 22 is AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, check out the site for how you can get involved

Detecting Rabbit Pain with “Grimace Scale” Measure, fascinating study now used in vet medicine

Dog Jawbone Re-Grown, this is state of the art amazing wow-medicine at it’s finest! Photos, video and notes for those interested.

Happy Cat Month! learn more about purring from Cat Stanley

Veterinarian/Physician Parallels pet medical research helping people, and vice versa

 

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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 tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!

Filed under: Ask Amy Videos, Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy video, Kurves the musical, Lost And Found, publishing advice, Thrillers, writing advice, www.amy shojai.com

8 Ways to Slim A Cat

“I is fluffy…AND fat!”

Is your cat fluffy or fat? Obesity is defined as exceeding ideal body weight by 20 percent, and today about forty percent of cats are considered overweight. Overweight cats tend to carry a “pouch” of fat low in the tummy, but seem of average size otherwise. If you can’t feel the pet’s ribs, and/or she has a pendulous or bulging tummy, your pet is too plump.

I’m fortunate that Seren-kitty has always been petite, a good eater but not overly pudgy. She doesn’t even have that tummy pouch. In her case, she’s always been very active and I think that’s one reason she remains so healthy even at her advancing age.

So if your tabby is tubby, why should you care? Obesity increases risk for diabetes, and is an aggravating factor in heart problems, arthritis, and skin problems.

Common Causes for Fat Felines

Spaying and neutering won’t make kitty fat, but does reduce metabolic rate—how fast and efficiently food is use—by 15 to 20 percent. So unless food intake and exercise are adjusted after surgery, cats can gain weight.

Middle aged and older cats also tend to gain weight. Part of that may be due to changes in aging senses. While feline appetite is stimulated by scent, veterinary experts say a partial reduction in smell sense prompts cat to eat more food.

Indoor-only cats exercise less since they don’t have to chase mice to survive. Couch-potato pets fed high-calorie tasty foods often overeat either out of boredom or from being over-treated by owners.

8 Ways to Slim A Cat

Your vet should rule out potential health complications beforehand. Kitty crash diets can prompt deadly liver problems, called hepatic lipidosis. It’s best to aim for losing only about 1 percent of kitty’s starting weight per week. Medical supervision or a special therapeutic weight-loss diet prescribed by the vet may be necessary for obese cats. But for moderately overweight kitties, these tips work well.

Curb Snacks. Eliminating or reducing treats easily cuts calories. Instead, reserve part of the kitty’s regular diet—a handful of kibble, for instance. Keep it handy to dispense as “treats” when Kitty pesters, or reward with attention, not treats. (Ooooooh I can hear the cats now yowling, “No fair!”
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 cats 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.
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.
Schedule Play. Interactive play is the best way to encourage feline exercise. Feather toys or fishing-pole lures that the cat will chase are ideal. Some cats learn to play fetch if you toss tiny wads of paper across the room or down the stairs. Entice your cat to chase the beam of a flashlight. Or toss kitty kibble for the cat to pounce and munch.
Create A 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 Fluffy’s bed also forces her to move.
Puzzle The Cat. Commercial treat balls and interactive feeders are great options. Place one or two meal portions inside kitty puzzles so he must work to get the food. This can solve portion control, exercise, and the pester factor all in one.
Automatic Feeders. When you must be gone during the day, consider using an automatic feeder. Some have refrigerated units to offer fresh canned food servings from locked compartments at timed intervals

How do you handle your pudgy kitty? 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. Overweight cats have an increased risk for dying in middle age. A slim cat enjoys all nine of her lives.

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 tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!

Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cat diets, cat food, cat training, fat cats, how to slim a cat, www.amyshojai.com

What A Pain!

I’m injured! Because I get to work at home, there are certain perks I enjoy–such as going barefoot to work. But on Monday afternoon I happened to move too fast and kicked the whey outta my “pointer” toe (next to the big toe). This wasn’t just a stubbed toe, either–it lifted and peeled the nail back to the quick, bled everywhere and hurt like the devil! Yes, I said a few choice words as I hobbled down the stairs from my office (trying not to leave a bloody trail) to get bandage material. Ooooooh, that puppy throbbed and made me whimper and howl, let me tell you. And NO, I won’t show you a picture. I’m a-skairt to look at the injury myself.

Magic ripped off his dew claw, and the vet clipped it close and cauterized the bloody portions. These days, Magic nibbles the nail and keeps it trimmed himself.

Suddenly I understand how the Magical-Dawg felt a couple of year’s ago. After a run in the field playing fetch, Magic started shivering when he came inside. The ninety-degree weather argued that he was not chilled. I checked him head-to-tail, and found nothing wrong. But later in the week, he again started shivering, and even growled at me when I asked him to move—very uncharacteristic!

Finally, after several days and two vet visits, we figured out his problem. He’d torn a dewclaw back to the quick (it hadn’t come off so the injury remained hidden). Seren-kitty had this happen once, too, when her claw caught on bedding as she leaped from the pillow. She hid. But Magic’s short temper, shivers, and hyper-alert behavior resulted from being in pain.

SIGNS OF PET PAIN

Dogs in pain typically whimper, whine, cry, or yelp when touched. They may hold up an injured leg or limp and beg for attention. Feline pain symptoms look like fearful behavior, with the cat staying very still and quiet, or trembling. Cats often hide; when you touch them they nail you.

Some painful pets pace, become agitated and can’t get comfortable, pant or drool, or refuse to eat. Pets with a painful abdomen or back often assume a hunched posture, and painful eyes squint or water. I knew Magic’s symptoms indicated discomfort, but just couldn’t find the reason—and even the emergency veterinarian missed finding it, because the dog didn’t want to be examined. After all, dogs and cats can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we must be pet detectives to figure it out.

Pain tolerances vary from pet to pet just as in people. A one-size-fits-all program won’t work. Experts say there is a five-fold variation in pain tolerance for the same surgical procedure in humans. So if a condition would be painful in a person, you should assume it’s also painful in your pet.

Dang, I had no idea! My toe-throb injury kept me awake the first night despite multiple doses of Advil, and only now (three days later) has it subsided to a dull roar. I’m afraid to look under the BandAid. No more sparkly sandals for me this year–although the red nail polish sort of blends with the blood.

But pets require specific dosages and metabolize drugs differently than people—human pain medicines may be dangerous to pets. For example, dogs can develop ulcers from human-type aspirin products. Cats can DIE if given people- or dog-specific pain medicines. Pain control options from your veterinarian are always the best and safest choice for cats and dogs.

We took Magic to get his boo-boo fixed, and he was sedated, the torn nail clipped off, and antibiotics with pain meds prescribed. Pain is recognized as an important health issue for our furry family members. Providing proper pain medicine helps pets recover more quickly and completely.

It’s also the right thing to do.

Have your dogs ever needed pain medication–after surgery or an injury? How do you know when our pet hurts? And have you ever had an injury similar to your pets, like me? Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty have been quite attentive the past couple of days as I hobble around the house.

 

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 tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!

Filed under: Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat pain, dog behavior, dog care, dog pain, pain in pets, torn nail, www.amyshojai.com