Amy Shojai's Blog, page 21

Why Do Cats Fight After Vet Visits? How to Stop Cat Bashing

Why Do Cats Fight After Vet Visits? How to Stop Cat Bashing

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and Kitty no longer fears the carrier and handles the car ride with almost no signs of fear, anxiety or stress. Kitty purrs and cheek-bonks the veterinary technicians, and barely notices the doctor’s exam through all the petting and tasty treats. But as soon as you get home, Kitty’s former feline friends snub him, or worse. Why do cats fight after vet visits? What’s up with all the cat bashing?

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

Pet First Aid Medicine Chest: Home Remedies to Save Pet Lives

Pet First Aid Medicine Chest: Home Remedies to Save Pet Lives

Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.

Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.

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

It’s National Holistic Pet Day! But What Is Holistic Pet Care?

It’s National Holistic Pet Day! But What Is Holistic Pet Care?

Have you ever considered holistic medicine for your pets? There are many questions about what is holistic pet care. Is it the same thing as what your regular vet offers? There are many names for offering traditional medicine for pets. Some call it alternative medicine or natural healing. But are there specific definitions, and is holistic pet care a good choice for your cats and dogs? August 30 is National Holistic Pet Day, so it's a good time to revisit asking these questions.

This gorgeous pup has fun in the "natural" undergrowth...but poison mushrooms are natural, too!

WHAT IS HOLISTIC PET CARE?

Is natural veterinary medicine that different than a conventional approach? Many pet products companies have joined the "natural" revolution including offering herbs for pets, but is this because they truly feel that's better for our cats and dogs--or is it simply a marketing ploy? And how can pet parents decide what's best for their cats and dogs, and see through all the hand-waving hype?

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

National Dog Day, How to Make Dogs Happy & What Dogs Want Out of Life

National Dog Day, How to Make Dogs Happy & What Dogs Want Out of Life

At my house, National Dog Day happens every day. The celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to walk a mile in your dog’s paws. What dogs want can differ a bit from what dogs need.

While it’s a given that dog lovers treat canine companions with compassion every day of the year, during this special celebration, taking stock of what your dog wants out of life can offer insight to keep his tail wagging all year long.

WHAT DOGS NEED ON NATIONAL DOG DAY

Companionship

Our dogs want to be part of a family. That includes the humans in the household, but your dog may also count the other dogs, cats, rabbits or other animal friends as part of his extended family group. Karma-Kat adores Shadow, but never misses an opportunity to tease...maybe steal the dog's new toys or bed!

It’s not quantity, but quality of companionship...

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

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Cat Behaviors

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Cat Behaviors

Cat behaviors? How much do you really know about cat behavior? As a new (or even longtime) cat lover, you might feel puzzled or frustrated by some of the weird things cats do. And cat behavior might be on your mind, wondering what's normal—and why cats do what they do.

I’ve worked with countless pet lovers with questions just like yours. After decades in the industry, studying feline behavior and also interviewing hundreds of veterinary professionals, I’ve learned a TON about cat behavior. And there’s some stuff I think all cat lovers should know!

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

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Dog Behaviors

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Dog Behaviors

Dog behaviors seem obvious, but most dog lovers already know a lot about dog behavior. But even for longtime dog lovers, you might feel puzzled or frustrated by some of the weird things dogs do. And dog behavior might be on your mind, wondering what's normal—and why dogs do what they do. That can help enormously with dog training and solving problem dog behaviors.

I’ve worked with countless pet lovers with questions just like yours. After decades in the industry, studying canine behavior and also interviewing hundreds of veterinary professionals, I’ve learned a boatload about dog training and canine behavior. And there’s some stuff I think all dog lovers should know!

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

Do Cats Suffer Separation Anxiety? Your Guide to Signs & Tips to Relieve the Angst

Do Cats Suffer Separation Anxiety? Your Guide to Signs & Tips to Relieve the Angst

Yes, cat separation anxiety affects many felines. When school restarts, and the kids go back to class, your cats (and your dogs) may suffer from separation anxiety. The signs of distress are very different, though. I encourage you to read on to learn about tips for helping your furry family members adjust.

More recently, with more folks working from home, the cats have finally settled into a new routine. But just about the time Kitty gets used to your new schedule, the world changes again if you go back to the office. That may make them more prone to developing separation behaviors when you go back to work or kids return to school and leave them alone.

We very often hear about doggy angst during a beloved human's absence, but what about cats? Yep, it's exactly the same—only different. Here's how.

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

August Audio Book Binge! Thrillers discounted on Chirp, Apple, Nook & Spotify

August Audio Book Binge! Thrillers discounted on Chirp, Apple, Nook & Spotify

August Audio Book Binge: Amy Shojai’s Thrillers Discounted I’ve discounted all the audiobooks in the September & Shadow Thriller Series. So if you’ve not yet listened, here’s your chance to get a killer discount on the 3-book bundle, plus individual titles! Each book can standalone as a story. But why wait, when you can get […]

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

Karma-Kat #Reviews the Uahpet Wireless Cat Water Fountain

Karma-Kat #Reviews the Uahpet Wireless Cat Water Fountain

Cats evolved as desert creatures able to conserve water, but often don't drink enough to stay healthy. Karma-Kat increased his drinking habit after he got the Uahpet Wireless Water Fountain!

Even better, you can get 15% off ANYTHING in the Uahpet store . . .

Water equals life for our cats. Did you know that water makes up 84 percent of a kitten's body weight, and 60 percent of an adult cat's body weight? Water lubricates the tissue and helps distribute electrolytes like salt throughout the body. Water fuels digestion and elimination, and helps regulate the cat's body temperature. Without enough water, dehydration can cause severe illness. Even a 15 percent loss of body water results in death.

Yet cats get really picky about drinking enough water. We've had several pet water fountains here, and Karma-Kat and the doggos enjoyed them. When water sits for a long time, it tastes funny, sometimes taking on the smell or taste of the container. Static water encourages growth of mildew, mold, or bacteria that can make pets snub the bowl. While we hate the idea of pets drinking from toilets, the commode appeals to dogs--AND cats--because each flush fills the cool porcelain with fresh water that churning fills with air (aerates) for improved taste.

A pet water fountain offers a better option. But most cat water fountains require the pump to plug into an electrical outlet. Pets often chew cords and that poses electrocution risks. A wired fountain also limits the places where you can locate the fountain. So when Uahpet reached out offering to send us the Wireless Cat Water Fountain to test and review, Karma meowed with excitement! Well...not really, but I couldn't wait to try it out. It also works great for small dogs. Learn more . . . and get the discount code!

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

10 People Food Treats Dogs Can Eat

10 People Food Treats Dogs Can Eat

Oh, those puppy dog eyes begging for people food...It doesn’t have to be a holiday for us to want to give treats to our dogs. Our cats love people food, too. We love to indulge ourselves—and them—with safe people food and holiday dog treats.

These days, we're not going out to eat so much but are cooking at home more, so there are additional yummies available. Both Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat think they deserve some of the table food. We offer only in moderation, and that the choices are safe for pets.

Pet poisons can make our dogs and cats sick and we need to know what to do. Learn more about first aid for common pet poisons here. In fact, there are many high-risk foods for our pets. You probably know about chocolate, but did you know that macadamia nuts, avocados, or raisins/grapes can cause toxicity? Artificial sweeteners keep owners lean but any goodies sweetened with Xylitol could cause canine liver failure...

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