Amy Shojai's Blog, page 145
October 10, 2011
Monday Mentions: Pet Books, Webinars & Howl-oween
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and blogs and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Today we're celebrating mostly pet stuff, and (ahem) some Amy-schtuff as this is a busy time with lots of appearances.
Please don't be shy about sending me your own links or suggestions for others to highlight. I love doing a SNOOPY-DANCE-'O-JOY! in celebration of all the savvy writers and animal advocates doing the work of the angels–and to a few angels as well.
HALLOWEEN FUN
TWO-FACED CAT right in time for Halloween–and yes, this is a real cat and still living, wow!
HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY for all of the pets of your life.
DOGGY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES–how to get him to wear it? Magical-Dawg hasn't any interest in dress-up And I'm afraid to ask the cat, she knows where I sleep. But if you're in the mood to get all ghostly-photo-op-icity with your pets, the latest article in the link could be a help.
AMY APPEARANCES
Most of y'all know that in addition to this blog, I also write books. You can find links to the various titles on the right side of the screen. And I'll be making some *virtual* appearances to lecture on the topics covered in a couple of these books, if anyone is interested in learning more. You can even ask me specific questions and I'll do my best to answer in a semi-intelligent way. Hey, I'm an actor, I can channel my inner intellectual (even if I cain't spell it without, you know, spell check).
For the rest of the month I'm the guest author on the DogRead Cyber Book Club and discussing my Pet Care In the New Century cutting edge medicine book for the first couple of weeks. We're covering bloat, back problems and paralysis, stem cell therapies and more to come–all those WOW-medical treatments now available to our cats and dogs.
The last half of the month we switch to dog and cat behavior and discuss the PETiQuette book. So if you have pet behavior concerns about multiple dogs, multiple cats, or putting the two together–or just like to talk about all the weird and wonderful things cats and dogs do, the discussion promises to be great fun. The DogRead Email discussion list is FREE!
INTRODUCING A NEW FAMILY MEMBER
On Monday October 24 you can dial up a live Webinar at Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs USA for a fun hour discussing pet introductions–cats to cats, dogs to dogs, cats-dogs to each other, pets to babies/kids–the whole shebang. The event is pretty dang reasonable, and is sponsored by a wonderful savvy dog group that donates part of the proceeds to a doggy foundation (you get to choose) such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the Rabies Challenge Fund, or the Canine Companions for Independence. Behaviorists and trainers can earn continuing education units. Dang, guess that means I'll have to say something halfway intellectual again. Hmnn. Hope to *see* you there.
Here are a few more links that caught my — OOOOH SHINY! (ahem, sorry)… If you've never before had the delightful experience of watching a Simon's Cat video, you're in for a treat! Hint: Any writer who lives with a cat will relate.
RECREATION CENTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FOLKS, very cool video and program.
ASPCA FUNNIEST DOG VIDEO CONTEST in conjunction with October's Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
DOG LAW RESOURCES an interesting blog for dog writers–or dog lovers.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Monday Mentions, Video, Wags & Purrs Tagged: Amy Shojai, ASPCA, cat behavior, cat books, costumes, dog books, dog training, Halloween, http://www.amyshojai.com, puppies.About.com, Simons Cat, writing
October 7, 2011
Feline Friday: Ask Amy–Why Does My Cat Spray?
"Mine don't stink--it smells GOO-OOOOD!"
Why does my cat spray? For the same reason that dogs leg-cock and "baptize" objects. Cats use urine to mark territory. But it goes beyond that.
To the cat, his own urine smells like him/her. Think of it as kitty cologne and spritzing that familiar scent all around makes the cat feel happy and comforted the same way you entering Grandma's house and smelling cookies baking "reminds" you of familiar safe things. So that means when your cat feels stressed, a way to calm upset kitty feelings is to turn on the (ahem) water works.
I've also known cats that spray over top of smells that either frighten them or that they associate with with something or someone they love. The cat who sprays the new boyfriend's shoes, for instance, might be trying to make him smell "safe" while spraying your pillow could simply mean "I own this space because it smells like my beloved so other cats STAY AWAY!"
Whatever the meaning or the cause, spraying can lose cats their homes or lives. People rarely consider spraying to be the back-handed compliment it is. Hit or miss potty behaviors are the top behavior complaint I receive and the number one cause of cats ending up in shelters. When I was a contributing writer for my colleague Franny Syufy's outstanding cats.About.com site I wrote a whole series of articles on the subject so you can learn more here. Often the spraying arises due to conflicts between multiple cats sorting out their social standing, and my book PETiQuette offers specific help for multiple cat homes.
The Ask Amy video offers several suggestions for helping with this issue. My colleague Marilyn Krieger specializes in Bengal kitties and can be contacted for specific advice regarding this glorious breed. What are some other suggestions that have worked for you with your cats?
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Amy Shojai, Bengal, cat behavior, cat books, cat care, cat spray, cats, Complete Kitten Care, http://www.shojai.com, Marilyn Krieger, why does my cat spray, www.amyshojai.com
October 5, 2011
Woof Wednesday: Dog Water Maniacs
Magical-Dawg as a baby LOVED to play in his water bowl--messy!
Is your dog a water baby? Today's Ask Amy responds to a reader with a "water maniac" dog who can't seem to stay dry no matter what. Some dogs come by the urge due to breeding, such as retrievers who live for diving into water. But even my Magical-Dawg thinks chasing the water from the hose is nearly as good as Frisbee Fetch.
But how do you handle waterlogged pooches as the weather gets cold? Water play and games can be a wonderful pastime in hot weather. Some parts of the country continue to suffer unseasonably warm weather and you can refer to these tips including water games to keep hot dogs cool.
My concern, though, would be for Magic to become used to splish-splashing in the tank (that's Texan for "man-made pond") and then try to do the same and fall through winter ice. There's probably no chance of that this year–our drought has dried up the tanks–but drowning can be a problem for water-loving hounds. Just because they can swim doesn't mean they won't drown if they can't get out of the water. Here's an article on drowning first aid and water safety as a "just in case" that I hope you'll never need.
Are your dogs water fanatics? Or do they avoid getting furry tootsies damp? How do you keep them safe? What other suggestions would you have for the owner of the doggy-slob in this Ask Amy?
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Ask Amy, Bling Alert!, Woof Wednesdays Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, dog behavior, dog swimming, dogs, first aid, puppies.About.com, water play, www.amyshojai.com
October 4, 2011
Tuesday Tips: Dragons, Mountains & Publishing
I miss my mountains!
Last week I was in the mountains of Colorado–BLISS!–communed with nature, beverage, bling, friends, and fictioning (not necessarily in that order). The past several week's Tuesday Tips have been a great help for me sharing insight from best-selling thriller authors. And I harvested a bumper crop of all-things-writerly and meant to include them in yesterday's Monday Mentions but there were just too dang many. So you'll find 'em here. But first a little introspection.
Meet Maurice, my dragon muse who keeps my fictioning ass-ets on target.
Like many bookworm rabid readers I thought that I could write a novel. And I tried, oooh how I tried! My first agent told me my work was wonderful, awesome, spectacular and that when the movie-of-the-week came out, I should play the lead. Wow! Of course, that was long ago in a galaxy far away when I'd only just fallen off the writerly turnip truck and PAID said agent for those glowing reviews. (See WRITER BEWARE blog listed below). Four novels later that agent got dumped–hey I was a slow learner!–and I'd begun selling articles while I searched for another agent for the fiction.
Low and behold, the articles garnered my first book contracts when an editor from Nooo Yawk contacted ME to write The Cat Companion followed by several other pet books–all without an agent. The search for an agent continued, and one in particular turned down the fiction but wanted to see nonfiction efforts–together we sold probably 15 pet care titles. I guess you could say the fiction gave me my book career, yet that success shoved novels and article writing aside.
Fast forward to the present–Nooo Yawk no longer calls or even picks up the phone or opens the email for pet books unless the author also has a network TV show or has slept with the wrong famous person. Print magazines that launched my own and others' careers are gone or fading fast. Online writing for pennies a page or for the "glory" of a byline has begun the new paradigm. Agents can't sell books because editors are afraid to buy.
Ebooks are the (current) king! Scary crappiocca but exciting, too. Never before have writers and authors had so much control–IF they take that leap. Once I'd finished pounding my head bloody against the wall and gnashing teeth over the changes, my books took that Ebook plunge and Internet articles became my bread and virtual butter. So how are you managing the changes in your writing life? Still angsting over schtuff that you can't change or taking the bull-hocky by the ballz and making a difference in your career?
Oh, it's still scary. Y'all know that now I'm the Puppies Guide at About.com, and they've just announced ABOUT.COM LAYOFFS, YIKES! The "contributing writers" program at About.com (a New York Times company) was summarily dumped last week with little more than a week's notice to the freelancers providing 12 or more pieces of "content" per month to various guide sites. In addition, 15 "channel editors" were laid off as well (see the link). After working for nearly a year as a contributing writer (CW) to the cats.About.com Guidesite before creating the spanking-new puppies.About.com Guidesite this comes as a shock to me and others working for the company. CWs are encouraged to apply for open Guide positions or the new "Topic Guide" program. And any other writer with the credentials may also apply and find it a rewarding venue.
I'll be releasing new nonfiction pet books in the months ahead but there's never been a better time to return to fiction. I'm taking a fun Email course from Lawson Writer's Academy from Tiffany Lawson Inman on the Triple Threat Behind Staging A Scene. I won the course (YAY!) from my blogging buddy Jenny Hansen. See? you can find all kinds of kewl schtuff reading, sharing and commenting on other folks' blogs! Speaking of blogs and other writer-icity tips, take a look at the following for some great insight, tips and inspiration.
BLOG DESIGN 101, some helpful tips on color, font and more
8 TIPS FOR WRITING THE PERFECT BLOG from Lorie Huston, great writer and animal lover (she's a vet, too!), all about keywords and tags and more.
PLEASE SIGN MY KINDLE! here's how...
PERFECT STORM LOOMS IN PUBLISHING from Bob Mayer's Write-It-Forward
AWESOME NOVEL DIAGNOSIS TIPS, a peek inside the head (wowie!) of Kristen Lamb
REVISING & POLISHING YOUR NOVEL, guest blogger Jodie Renner at DP Lyle's blog.
AMAZON'S KINDLE FIRE (TABLET), blog discussion from David Gaughran, and another great post on the topic from Jason Pinter
WRITER BEWARE! Aspen Mountain Press and also a great post on BAD CONTRACT CLAUSES
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Amy Shojai, Bob Mayer, David Gaughran, DP Lyle, http://www.amyshojai.com, Jenny Hansen, Jodie Renner, Lawson Writers Academy, Lorie Huston, puppies.About.com, Tiffany Lawson Inman, writer beware, writers conference, writing
October 3, 2011
Monday Mentions: Dogs, Cats, Babies and Treats
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and blogs and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Today we're celebrating lots of dogs, cats, babies and sweet treats. Some of the PEOPLE SCHTUFF at the bottom may appeal to writers for plot twists and the like. ALERT–I had so much writer-icty info that it's been bumped to tomorrow's Tuesday Tips blog so stay tuned, you won't want to miss that.
Please don't be shy about sending me your own links or suggestions for others to highlight. I love doing a SNOOPY-DANCE-'O-JOY! in celebration of all the savvy writers and animal advocates doing the work of the angels–and to a few angels as well.
Defending the Defenseless: A Guide to Protecting and Advocating for Pets a new book by my colleague Allie Phillips, outlines how you can do more to help companion animals. I've not yet had the pleasure of reading this book but it sounds wonderful, as it covers the people and organizations who are taking extraordinary steps to help animals. The book can show you how to get involved, from the simplest of tasks to more extensive involvement. Allie writes, "If we all just take one small step to help pets, we will launch the tipping point to end cruelty and homelessness." Amen to that!
BABY SCHTUFF
Many of y'all know Pam Johnson Bennett as a cat behavior expert and author–the QUEEN of cat wisdom! But did you know she's also mom to two-legged kid? She conspired with another screamingly funny mom to create COOKIES FOR DINNER because they say mothers don't need another "how to" book on parenting. What they need is to know that they're not the only ones who stand on the supermarket checkout line and share potty training horror stories with total strangers. (Lordy, sounds like me talking about the puppy poop-athon keep-away game, urk!). Amazon share this about the authors and book:
"Pam and Kae are two mothers who bravely (or insanely) fess up about the roller-coaster ride of motherhood. Kae went into labor four months after her husband left to move in with his girlfriend and also the precise day her house was tented for ticks… yes, ticks! Pam is a worrying germophobe who, at the ripe old age of 47 entered into the world of diapers and all things poop… You'll also discover when it's appropriate to have a conversation with Guatemalan insects and what it's like going to bed with normal-sized breasts the night before giving birth and then waking up with the equivalent of a dairy farm on your chest."
RISKY BABY BUSINESS from Jenny Hansen is a new blog (Saturdays) for anyone who has ever had a less-than-routine pregnancy–offered with compassion and not a little humor. I love all of Jenny's blogs but this one is particularly helpful for parents-to-be.
SWEET DOGGY & KITTY SCHTUFF
Kawai Cat Sweets
KITTY TREATS FOR PEOPLE, YUM! And no, I'm not talking about munching kitty toes–these are feline theme only.
MORE KITTY TREATS–BLING!--helping ACR cats via Wendy Christensen cat jewelry, and that's MY kind of treat! Here's the necklace that I have…and no you can't have it!
DOGTOPIA PRIMPS PETS IN THE PINK for breast cancer awareness. Dogs across the country will get primped and pampered in October, all in the name of breast cancer awareness and research. Dogtopia, a full-service dog day care, spa and boutique with locations throughout the U.S. is 'fighting for the cure' in their second annual "Paws for Pink" campaign.
DOGS HELP FIGHT BULLYING It makes sense. Having a dog nearby cools a kid's stress, which more than likely fans the flames of bully behavior. So if a bully breed can chill the chillun, I'm all for it. Great program! And you don't even need a REAL dog to make it work (although hands-on-petting certainly is more fun for everyone involved).
HARRY POTTER'S DOG NEEDS NEW HOME, say it ain't so!
FERAL CAT COLONY SUCCESS by feline-fantastic blogger Sally Bahner, and another neato torpedo story about FERALS WIN BIG AT CAT SHOW.
STAINED GLASS ANIMAL ART CONTEST, ooooooooooooooh, shiny! Submit any animal design in art glass, ceramics, mosaics or jewelry (Wendy, are you listening?). Some of y'all know in my spare time I make stained glass windows and lampshades (yes, I bleed for my art). This contest is way tempting.
KITTY CAME BACK after a flood–whew! Rough experience but happy ending from Darlene Jone's blog
HOME EUTHANASIA FOR PETS, a kinder, gentler final gift of love?
PEOPLE SCHTUFF
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS ALTER MEMORY….for what? Read the article.
WORLD RABIES DAY in BALI by Sophia Yin, DVM
DEPRESSED? GET CAFFEINATED! Coffee may keep depression at bay (yee-haw, vindication!)
DEPRESSION PREDICTS DEMENTIA? So I'm increasing the caffeination quotient, how about you?
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Howls & Hisses, Monday Mentions, Wags & Purrs Tagged: ACR, Allie Phillips, Amy Shojai, cat behavior, Darlene Jones, dogs and bullying, Dogtopia, harry potter's dog, http://www.amyshojai.com, Jenny Hansen, Pam Johnson Bennett, Sally Bahner, Sophia Yin, stained glass and pets, Wendy Christensen
September 30, 2011
Feline Friday: In Your Face!
This gorgeous kitty face, courtesy of mhstrp2009 illustrates that face-to-face, in-your-face, face-off behavior that kitties so often seem to want. While they may appear to be shrinking violets who hide under the bed–as does the little cat in the Ask Amy video below–they really want to be close to us.
But on THEIR terms!
Do you have a shy cat? You can reduce kitty anxiety with these tips. What about bed-sharing kitties? When Seren was a baby my husband couldn't sleep with her on the bed because her purr kept him away. These days, of course, the Magical-Dawg hogs the pillows. Are the cats avoiding the bedroom or swiping the covers? Maybe they sleep under the bed or chase each other and play midnight tag with your toes? How do you deal?
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Ask Amy, Bling Alert!, Feline Fridays Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, cat behavior, cat books, http://www.amyshojai.com, http://www.shojai.com, kittens, shy cats, why cats hide
September 28, 2011
Woof Wednesday: Eat Dirt! & Other Schtuff
Pups commonly eat sticks--not a good thing!
Owners fill bowls with nutritious food to keep dogs healthy. So why do dogs eat weird, disgusting and even dangerous stuff?
Dogs use their mouths the way we use our hands. They pick up objects and explore their world by mouthing, tasting, and chewing. That sometimes gets them into trouble if they swallow something they shouldn't.
Does your dog eat grass? What about poop–urk. Actually puppies tend to do more potty snacking than adult dogs and you can find tips to curb the nasty habit here. Adult dogs may continue treating the cat's litter box like a snack bar–unless you've got a Kitty Comando like my Seren-kitty that keeps all *sniff* DAWGS at bay.
What about eating toys or rocks or other non-edibles? The latest Paw Nation article "Weird Stuff Dogs Eat" offers some explanations. And courtesy of one of my Facebook friends, the Ask Amy video addresses the issue of dogs eating dirt.
So how do you manage your dog's odd snacking tastes? What's the weirdest thing your pooch has ever swallowed? I remember one of my Grandma's puppies gobbling up a favorite necklace pendant of mine when I was a kid. Yep, I recovered it later when the puppy passed it back to me–ahem–but never felt the same about wearing it again.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Ask Amy, Video, Woof Wednesdays Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, dog behavior, dog books, dogs eat dirt, dogs swallowed objects, http://www.amyshojai.com, http://www.shojai.com, Paw Nation, puppies.About.com, video, why dogs eat grass
September 27, 2011
Tuesday Tips: Carla Buckley, Pacing Ebb & Flow
I've spent the last several days head-down-slash-and-burn editing the thriller WIP, and the past several weeks' worth of Tuesday Tips have been a great help for me. Hey, it's my blog so I can post what I like! For all you fiction-lovers out there and those who aspire to do this brain-numbing-writer-crappiocca, I hope it's been helpful to you, too.
Here's the last installment of tips from Thrillerfest 2011. I've shared video tips from Karin Slaughter, a video of Michael & Daniel Palmer's Thrillerfest Song, as well as a video of the Thrillerfest interview with master author R.L. Stine, and Ken Follett. I shared an interview of John Sanford and pacing and Jeffery Deaver and Andrew Petersen weighed in on pacing. The awesome Joseph Finder offered three words that make all the difference in pacing and last week Jamie Frevelletti spoke about high-octane pacing. Today I've got the next installment of that panel. You can check out a boatload of Thrillerfest pictures here.
Where else but Thrillerfest could you get so much bang-for-your-buck with James Rollins interviewing a whole panel of best-selling-authors! This next video features another take on the question of pacing, this time answered by best-selling author Carla Buckley, author of The Things That Keep Us Here. This is a deceptively quiet book, with an ebb-and-flow to the pacing that tightens the tension like a silent scream.
That's right, it doesn't all have to be car chases and machine guns to create pacing. We've talked thrillers on the blog–cuz it's my blog and I happen to love the genre–but ALL fiction needs tension and good pacing. There's no cookie-cutter recipe that works for every book and author. How do you manage your WIP? Readers, what do you like in your book-o-the-moment choice? Is it character angst, plotting twists, a combination or none of the above? Please share!
This video is only a small taste, of course. You can get the full deal recording (and those of the other panels) of CDs, MP3s and DVDs of Thrillerfest here. And even better, you can come to Thrillerfest 2012 and see the big show in person! Registration info is now available.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, books, Carla Buckley, http://www.amyshojai.com, http://www.shojai.com, James Rollins, pet books, publishing, Thrillerfest, writers conference, writing
September 26, 2011
Monday Mentions: PUBSlush, Dolphin Tale & Birdbrain Video
Greta, a lovely girl--image copr. Ryan Chronister Photography/Flickr
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and blogs and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Get a load of that GORGEOUS dog in the photo! Today we're celebrating lots of doggy AND kitty content, plus some interesting writer tips and links. As a treat, there's even a clever parrot video, enjoy!
Please don't be shy about sending me your own links or suggestions for others to highlight. I love doing a SNOOPY-DANCE-'O-JOY! in celebration of all the savvy writers and animal advocates doing the work of the angels–and to a few angels as well.
WRITER SCHTUFF
Copyright Violation Protection information in this detailed article about what to do and how to do it. An additional tip that can help is to BLOG about your article as soon as it's posted and include a link to that article. Apparently Google registers blogs quicker than articles so this can help the author get "first dibs" on the content you create.
PUBSlush PRESS is an interesting alternative pub opportunity but there are still questions–as the fine folks at Writer Beware point out.
FUN PET LINKS, BLOGS & INFO
JACQUIE LAWSON Animated E-cards are simply a treat to view and to send. They often feature animals (especially dogs and cats) and are appropriate for any age or occasion from funny, celebratory or poignant. You can subscribe for a nominal fee. Here's one of the newest–featuring Fluff the kitten.
The Hero Dog Awards Celebrity Auction is live! The auction will run from September 19, 2011 to October 7, 2011, with proceeds supporting American Humane Association's mission to create a more humane and compassionate world by ending abuse and neglect of children and animals.
Cat Therapy Helps Jail Birds from Petside.com Blogger Jo Singer.
NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED Review Blog from American Humane (check out Winter the dolphin's story here!)
Shakespeare's Cats, a whimsical blog-look at the Bard's roles played by felines. If you liked that, you'll also enjoy the pictures of Yoga Kittens as well as Yoga Puppies, aroooooooo!
Snakes Are Snacking and wreaking havok on dogs and cats–know the signs and get them help! Great info from Raya-the-Vet's blog.
Adoption Pictures MATTER! Improved pet photos increase adoptions–a Texas photographer shows you how, very kewl!
Partnership Launches Cat Health Initiative, with some movers-and-shakers in the world of vet medicine research.
Musings of Natasha Finkel, the Fashionista Felina–fun blog your cats will want to read.
CAT HERO–DIABETIC ALERT FELINE, you've heard about the dogs–well kitties care, too. Lovely touching story from blogger Angela Wallace.
Houses Designed for Cats! Warning…don't let YOUR pets get a look.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Monday Mentions, Writing Tips Tagged: American Humane Hero Dogs, Amy Shojai, Angela Wallace, books, cat behavior, cat health initiative, cat therapy, dog behavior, Jacquie Lawson, Jo Singer, Morris Animal Foundation, Natasha Finkel, pet photograph helps adoptions, petside.com, puppies.About.com, Shakespeare's Cats, snake bites and pets, veterinary care, writers conference, writing, Yoga Kittens, Yoga Puppies
September 23, 2011
Feline Friday: Kitty Drinking Problem
Some cats will do anything for a treat!
The truth is, cats tend not to drink ENOUGH water, and we humans bend over backwards (OUCH!) to ensure they get what they need. I've gone through three "water fountains" with Seren. She's enjoyed them all and I don't know that a kitty vote would come paws-down in favor of one over another. There are a number of products on the market and the best option is what works best for your fur-kids. These are the ones my cat has used and enjoyed.
The Pet Mate Fresh Flow (black on the right) was the first cat fountain and I won the product at the Cat Writers Association event. It contains a clear plastic chamber that you fill, and water runs down a smooth cascade into a reservoir. Seren loved this and drank from it for years where it sat next to the sink in my office bathroom. It was a big awkward to fill because the plastic tank had to come out and be filled. After several years (6? 7?) the motor finally quit. The motor had been a bit noisy.
So I quick-like-a-bunny ran out and got a Drinkwell fountain (left, light blue) because–well–it was on sale and I had a holiday gift certificate to the pet products store. So far we've had this fountain for about 2-3 years I think and it's still going strong. The water spits out of the trough and falls with a splash into the reservoir and Seren-kitty drinks quite a bit from this one. The water can easily be replenished by dumping a glass full into the pan. The motor has a constant hum that I've finally gotten used to but must remember to shut off when recording a radio show or Ask Amy video.
The latest kitty water fountain is the Cat-It Fresh & Clear Fountain, that the kind folks at Hagen Pet Products sent to me for review. Or rather, for SEREN to review. The water burples up (yes, I made up that word) through a center hole in the canister-shaped device. The motor is nearly silent. Like the Drinkwell, to fill it I simply dump another cup of water into the well. I set it up next to the Drinkwell. For the first week, Seren ignored it, and the Drinkwell water level continued to go down. The next week the sneaky-puss started testing the new fountain but never when I could see her. I know she did because the water level began to drop–but so did the water in the Drinkwell. Several days later, the Drinkwell water level remained constant and the Cat-It burpling fountain clearly got Seren's vote. She now drinks in front of me but runs when I get out the camera. So you'll have to check out the Ask Amy video for her other favorite drink-spot.
So what's your cat's favorite way to drink? Does s/he have a fountain? Demand a bowl? Kibbitz for milk, or drink from the sink? Do tell!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!
Filed under: Ask Amy, Bling Alert!, Feline Fridays, Video Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, cat behavior, cat books, cat care, cat drinking, cat health, Cat-It Fountain, Drinkwell fountain, http://www.amyshojai.com, http://www.shojai.com, PetMate Fresh Flow
