Amy Shojai's Blog, page 18

Valentine’s Day: Pet Danger Advice

Valentine’s Day: Pet Danger Advice

I'm often interviewed by media about various cat behavior and dog training issues, and of course, Valentine's pet dangers top the list this week. Pet hazards are common when our normal routine goes out the window, so pet parents are vigilant around the holidays. Refer to this post about Easter dangers for pets.  And don't forget that pet safety issues for Christmas are similar to those for Valentine's Day but it's always good to refresh our watch list.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Spoil Your Cat: How to Show Cats You Love Them

Spoil Your Cat: How to Show Cats You Love Them

Cats are great actors and try to convince pet parents they’re already purr-fectly healthy and happy. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to think “outside the litter box” and find special ways to love your cat.

Recently, I've received a boatload of emails with product suggestions for spoiling cats with healthy fun. So check out some of the offerings--and in the comments, add suggestions of your own! Then share the blog far and wide to spread the kitty love!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Pet Music Therapy? The Sound of Success!

Pet Music Therapy? The Sound of Success!

Pet music therapy can help solve dog and cat behavior problems as well as offer physical therapeutic benefits. Our pets are attuned to sound and are incredibly sensitive to noises, including music. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, some pets with "stranger danger" issues are in for a rough ride. Pet music therapy can help. Read on for more tips.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

UPDATED AGING CAT BOOK DISCOUNTED!

UPDATED AGING CAT BOOK DISCOUNTED!

I'm delighted to announce the release of the 2024 edition of COMPLETE CARE FOR YOUR AGING CAT. This book, when released, received multiple awards from the prestigious Cat Writer's Association. I got the rights back after the first edition, published by New American Library/Penguin Books, and released an updated version first in 2010, and again in 2017. But the latest 2024 version offers the most comprehensive revisions and updated material.

Learn more--and how to get deep discounts on the Ebook, Paperback, and Hardcover editions!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Steve Dale EveryCat Health Foundation Communications Award Now Open!

Steve Dale EveryCat Health Foundation Communications Award Now Open!

Wyckoff, New Jersey – EveryCat Health Foundation announced that nominations are open for the Steve Dale EveryCat Health Foundation Communications Award.

The award, named in honor of long time EveryCat Board member Steve Dale, CABC, is presented annually, to recognize a person or group who utilizes various media outlets to educate and inform others about cat health and/or behavior for the purpose of promoting the human-cat bond, and the welfare of cats.

As a past recipient of the (then-named) Winn Feline Foundation Media Appreciation Award, this opportunity makes me PURR. We have so many worthy communicators who champion cats. Read more to learn how to nominate someone (or yourself!) but don't delay: Deadline is end of February!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Puppy Temperament Tests: Guide to Understanding Puppy Testing

Puppy Temperament Tests: Guide to Understanding Puppy Testing

Puppy Temperament Tests: Guide to Understanding Puppy Testing

Many breeders and shelter workers swear by puppy temperament tests--or they swear AT them! Learn what puppy temperament tests offer, and how best you can use them to find the pup of your dreams. If a new puppy figures in your 2022 plans, take a look at what you need to know about puppy temperament tests.

What Are Puppy Temperament Tests?

When Magic was a baby, his breeder conducted a series of puppy temperament tests to better predict his future personality. Many professional breeders do this best match each pup to future owners. We won that lottery, in part because Magic was an opinionated, head-strong, smart-aleck pup with test indications predicting he'd make a great Schutzhund dog. Because we'd had a German Shepherd in the past, and my background in behavior, the breeder figured we'd know how to channel that drive. Even so, Magic still nearly drove us crazy when the normal delinquent behavior began! That's when many dogs lose their homes.

Inappropriate expectations by prospective pet owners are a major risk factor for relinquishment. Owners fall in love with a barking bundle of joy, or a needy shivery stray. They dream of the Lassie-beneath-the-fur, but end up with a headstrong aggressive delinquent, or a clingy anxious pooch that eats through doors. That's where temperament tests can help, not just for professional breeders, but also shelters and rescues.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

2024 New Year Goals–from the Pets

2024 New Year Goals–from the Pets

It's another circle around the sun. How did that happen? New Years comes faster each time, and for me provides a time to reflect, remember, savor the "wins" and explore the "not greats" and make plans for the next 12 months. Rather than making New Year resolutions, I make new year goals—and hope that the journey along the way proves equally rewarding.

For instance, rather than say, “lose weight” I strive for good health. In 2023, my health improved and along with a healthier weight, more energy, and less achy-schtuff. That's a win, for sure! This year, I plan to continue that trend, concentrating on what gives me and my family joy, letting go of past angst, and challenging myself to grab for that next shiny object. I'm at the age when I've let go (well, still trying!) to not care so much about what others thing--and focus on what I want and need to stay happy and human.

Here's my annual yearly recap, plus New Year Goals...from the pets!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Pawsitively Clearing the Air: Answering Your Top 6 Questions about Amy Shojai Books

Pawsitively Clearing the Air: Answering Your Top 6 Questions about Amy Shojai Books

I get that being a pet parent means being a little careful – and sometimes even a little skeptical – when you’re deciding what ‘stuff’ you or your pet actually needs, like pet books. You’ve got to juggle a lot of decisions, balancing your pet’s personality, health, and well-being, plus the practicalities of budget and lifestyle. That's where Amy Shojai books come in.

After publishing my first book in 1992, I’ve had decades of feedback and so many incredible conversations with y’all about my books and pet care information. I think I’ve found the top folks tend to ask us about finding the best info-tainment for you to help your cats and dogs. Or simply to provide YOU with fur-tastic fun!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Hack-Wheeze-HONK! Protect Dogs from Holiday Kennel Cough

Hack-Wheeze-HONK! Protect Dogs from Holiday Kennel Cough

Coughing dogs are no fun for you, or your dog. With holidays near, many dogs may spend time away from home being boarded. That can expose your furry friend to kennel cough. Or other newer canine respiratory dog illnesses. Learn how to protect your dog, by understanding more about kennel cough, a very contagious disease.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Pet Holiday Visits? 10 Tips to Keep Tails Wagging

Pet Holiday Visits? 10 Tips to Keep Tails Wagging

Are pet holiday visits in your travel plans? Family gatherings are a big part of the holidays, and pets double the fun—and the stress. Here are tips for keeping your cat calm during the holidays, and read on for more tips.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing