Amy Shojai's Blog, page 79
August 24, 2016
HIDE AND SEEK: Audio Book Now Available!
HIDE AND SEEK: Audio Book Now Available!
HIDE AND SEEK, THE AUDIO BOOK!A mysterious contagion will shatter countless lives unless a service dog and his trainer find a missing cat . . . in 24 hours.
A STALKER hides in plain sight.
A VICTIM faces her worst fear.
AND A DOG seeks the missing—and finds hope.
And yes…that is MY voice (or should I say…VOICES) on the audio book! It’s now available here:
Coming Soon to iTUNES!
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 21, 2016
What to Do About Cat Dehydration: Know the Signs
What to Do About Cat Dehydration: Know the Signs
Cats evolved as desert creatures and have an amazing ability to conserve water, but cat dehydration can still kill. Even though cats seem to prefer to drink water in the weirdest places (the sink? your glass? the TOILET?!) they most often just don’t drink enough water. It’s important to know the signs of cat dehydration and provide ample drinking ops to keep kitty healthy and happy.
WEIRD FACTS! Wonder Why Pets Love Bathrooms? CLICK to find out now!
WHAT IS CAT DEHYDRATION?
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. Normal water loss occurs in the cat’s litter box deposits, through moisture exhaled with the breath, and through sweat. These fluids are replaced when the cat eats and drinks.
I’m sharing this information from my DEHYDRATION entry from Cat Facts, The Series 4 (D): The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia[image error] which includes these topics: Deafness, Declawing, Dehydration, Dermatitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Diarrhea, Dominance, Dreaming, and Drowning.
I’ve broken the massive book into discounted catnip-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire CAT FACTS book either in Kindle or 540 pages of print.
Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial [image error]
WHAT CAUSES CAT DEHYDRATION?
Any illness may prompt the cat to stop eating and drinking, and prolonged fever increases the loss of body fluid. Specific disease conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure, as well as injuries or illnesses that result in vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding are all common causes of dehydration.
SIGNS OF CAT DEHYDRATION
A normal adult cat’s total body water is approximately 60 percent of his body weight. Signs of dehydration become apparent when the cat loses as little as five percent of normal body water. A 12 to 15 percent loss of total body water results in imminent death.
The earliest noticeable sign of dehydration is the loss of skin elasticity. Dry mucus membranes are another sign of dehydration. The cat’s mouth is dry, the gums are tacky instead of wet, and saliva may be stringy and thick.
HOW TO CHECK FOR CAT DEHYDRATION
When the loose skin at the cat’s shoulder blades is gently grasped and lifted, it should quickly spring back into place upon release. When slightly dehydrated, the cat’s skin retracts slowly; more serious dehydration causes retracted skin to remain in a ridge, and spring back little if any.
When your cat suffers dehydration, her capillary refill time (the time it takes for blood to return to tissue after pressure is applied) is delayed. You can get a general idea of the state of dehydration with this easy test. I recommend you do this when your cat feels fine, to know what “normal” looks like.
Gently press one finger to the side of your cat’s gums; this will briefly block blood flow, and turn normally pink tissue white when the pressure is quickly released. Normally it takes less than two seconds for the white to return to pink. At seven to eight percent dehydration, capillary refill time is delayed by another two to three seconds. Longer than four or five seconds indicates severe dehydration. Such cats may also have sunken eyeballs, involuntary muscle twitches, and their paw pads feel cold.
VETERINARY CARE FOR CAT DEHYDRATION
A cat with noticeable dehydration needs immediate veterinary attention. Fluid and electrolyte (mineral) loss will be replaced, and steps taken to prevent further loss. Intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary.
In mild cases in which the cat is not vomiting, oral hydration with plain water may be sufficient. Your veterinarian may prescribe a balanced electrolyte solution such as Ringer’s lactate with five percent Dextrose in water.
Fluids for treating dehydration in children, such as Pedialyte, are also suitable for cats. They should be given as directed by your veterinarian.
Find out more details about catnip and other “d” topics in Cat Facts, The Series 4 (D): The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia[image error]
Has your cat ever suffered from dehydration? Do you have a “kidney cat” and give fluid therapy at home? Please share your experiences! (Oh, and I hope you’ll forward this post to those who need the info…)
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 18, 2016
Thriller Thursday: Just Fall…for Nina Sadowski #ITWBlog
Thriller Thursday: Just Fall…for Nina Sadowski #ITWBlog
Chills, thrills and spills with Thriller Thursday by Amy Shojai
THRILLER THURSDAY is a new occasional feature of Bling, Bitches & Blood. As a member of International Thriller Writers and alumni of the ITW Debut Author Program, it is my honor to showcase select ITW authors and books participating in the ITW Bloggers Program. If you love reading great books as much as I do, check out my Spotlight Guest Nina Sadowski!
Hey there Sweet Peeps! Let me introduce you to Nina Sadowski and her new psychological thriller JUST FALL–for fans of Gillian Flynn.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
“What a terrific novel! JUST FALL arrived in the mail this morning and I read the book at one sitting, which I haven’t done in years. Nina Sadowsky’s premise is original. here voice is clear, her storytelling skills are remarkable, and her pacing is perfect. I may have to sit down and read this one again.” Sue Grafton, New York Times #1 best selling author
“Character rich and compulsively readable, Nina Sadowsky’s JUST FALL is a marvelous surprise. Exploring the universal need for family and human connection and the cost incurred when those bonds are severed, JUST FALL takes the reader on a wild ride through the psyches of two damaged people who hope to find redemption in one another. This novel is a winner.” Diane Keaton, actress and author
“A devilish tale of love, lies and betrayal. Sadowsky twists our most cherished romantic fantasies and exposes them to be frightening facades hiding terrifying secrets. Prince Charming, dream weddings and “happily ever after” are never what they appear to be in this wickedly fun crime drama. GONE GIRL meets BODY HEAT, packed with all the sex intrigue you want but never in the way you expect!” Ted Sullivan, writer and producer REVENGE, SUPER GIRL
AUTHOR BIO
Nina R. Sadowsky is an entertainment lawyer (in recovery) who has worked as a film and television producer and writer for most of her career. JUST FALL is her first novel.
She has written numerous original screenplays and adaptations and done rewrites for such companies as The Walt Disney Company, Working Title Films, and Lifetime Television. She served as President of Production for Signpost Films, a film financier and foreign distributor, where she worked on such projects as the Academy Award nominated “The House of Sand and Fog.”
Sadowsky served as executive producer for the hit film “The Wedding Planner,” starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, produced “Desert Saints,” an independent film starring Kiefer Sutherland, produced the supernatural thriller, “Lost Souls,” which marked the directorial debut of Academy Award winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminsky for New Line Cinema, produced the telefilm “Northern Lights,” starring Diane Keaton for The Disney Channel, and served as executive producer for the animated half hour comedy pilot, “Quints” for UPN. She also produced “Jumpin’ at the Boneyard” starring Tim Roth, Jeffrey Wright and Samuel L. Jackson, which was featured in the Sundance, Montreal and Torino film festivals.
She serves as adjunct faculty at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts program, teaching both writing and producing.
Connect with Nina
Website
JUST FALL…THE STORY:
JUST FALL is a psychological thriller that explores what happens after “happily ever after,” as a young bride discovers on her wedding night that her perfect husband is a killer; it is a metaphor for the perils and pleasures of intimacy and the fears we all have about revealing our “ugly sides” to those we love.
THEN
Ellie Larrabee’s life is perfect. She’s thriving at work, living in a fabulous apartment, and engaged to the man of her dreams. To all appearances, Ellie and Rob Beauman are a golden couple—blessed with good looks, success, and romantic chemistry that’s off the charts. Surely their future together promises nothing but happiness.
But on what should be the most wonderful day of her life, moments after saying “I do,” a shocking secret threatens to shatter Ellie’s happily-ever-after. She learns that the man she just married and loves with all her heart hides a dark past beneath his charismatic exterior. And the more harrowing truth she uncovers, the deeper Ellie is swept into a vortex of betrayal and uncertainty from which she may never escape.
NOW
On the island paradise of St. Lucia, Ellie isn’t basking in honeymoon splendor—she’s grappling with the chilling realities of her violently derailed life: Rob has blood on his hands and some very dangerous people on his trail, and only Ellie stands between him and the lethal destiny he’s facing. Rob never dreamed that Ellie would be dragged into the deadly world he’s trapped in—or used as a pawn against him. And Ellie could never have imagined how far she’d be forced to go to save the man she loves.
GET THE BOOK
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
iBOOKS
INDIE BOUND
(Note the story contains “plenty of sex & violence.”)
Subscribe to Amy’s YouTube Channel
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 17, 2016
Something A Little Different (Could Change Your Professional Life…)
Something A Little Different (Could Change Your Professional Life…)
Do you know about Joseph Michael free training?
If not, you should.
In less than 2 years, Joe’s flagship course, Learn Scrivener Fast, has enrolled 17,000+ students (!) and generated more than 7-figures in online sales.
And yes, I’m one of his students, can’t say enough great things about Scrivener. I use the program to write my thrillers (maybe you do, too). So when he reached out to me to share this news, I was happy to help out.
PAYING IT FORWARD WITH FREE STUFF
Anyway, Joseph is celebrating his 2 year “teachiversary.” (he’s a writer, and so it’s legal to make words up!)
To celebrate, he’s been “paying it forward” the past couple of weeks with give aways of some of the best practices he learned the hard way. I sent out the links to freebies to several of my email lists. In case you missed ’em, here they are again (don’t know how long these’ll stay available, though. This is for writers, readers, nonprofits, volunteers, you-name-it if you have a passion you’ve always wanted to share:
Joseph’s 10 Dirt Cheap Course Creation Tools (he uses ’em to create his courses)
Joseph’s Course Creation Bundle (love this! yep, I downloaded it…)
When this info hit the email lists, I actually got a couple of notes back saying, “there’s gotta be a catch.”
Guess we’ve been trained to be suspicious. That’s one reason I love my writers community because…
TO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
Uhm, nope. In the “indie” world, there’s a whole lot of support and sharing of resources. It’s what we do, sort of a new-age promo tactic but more than that–because it’s the right thing to do. I subscribed to Joseph’s email list ages ago, and he’s always got something neato-torpedo to share.
Now he’s stepping up the goodies so if you missed out on the other stuff, I wanted to share directly here with all my blog readers. Oh, and by all means SHARE this if you know others who might benefit (pay it forward yourself *s*).
A TEACH-ABLE LUNCH
To celebrate, he’s unpacking everything he’s learned in a new online training called 6-Figure Lunch Break: How One “Average Joe” Turned A 60-Minute Lunch Break Into A Profitable Six Figure Online Business (even without an audience or list).
The best part?
He gave me some free tickets to share! You can access the free training for a limited time here:
Register For The Free Training Here
In it, you’ll discover…
How a guy who couldn’t get a job as a pizza delivery guy ended up building a profitable online course business (and quit the 9-5 for good)
How to make extra money in 2016 (even if you have a job, family commitments, and other adult responsibilities)
The one market trend that hit 56.2 billion in 2015 and is expected to double this year (and how you can tap into this wave before it passes)
How ordinary people who are willing to teach what they know (even without being an expert) are doubling and even tripling their income
If you’ve ever wanted to profit from your passion, but didn’t know how, or you’re already teaching online but want to reach a wider audience and earn more money, watch the free training now.
I’ve already signed up. Cuz I know it’ll be worth it. Can’t wait to hear back what y’all think!
Enjoy!
Even if you can’t watch it right now, go ahead and sign up … then schedule a few minutes today or tomorrow to watch it. Don’t let the busyness of the day keep you from missing out on what’s most important to you!
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
Black Cats, Kitty Myth-Teries Explained
Black Cats, Kitty Myth-Teries Explained
This post originally appeared right before Halloween. But today is National Black Cats Appreciate Day, so I’m updating the post–since loving cats and dispelling kitty myth-teries should happen all year long.
An early color mutation of wild cats was the solid black color–and also was apparently associated with cats being “friendlier.”
Take a look and keep a tally of just how many of these spooky cat tails—and tales—from around the world sound familiar even today. More of these cat myths can be found in my book Complete Kitten Care, too. 
August 16, 2016
Heart-to-Heart About Dog Heartworms & Mosquitoes
Heart-to-Heart About Dog Heartworms & Mosquitoes
I hate mosquitos not only because they’re itchy aggravation, but these nasty vampires spread deadly dog heartworms. That can make your dog sick or worse—it could kill her. Dogs are the natural host–but they also can affect cats–and heartworms have been a problem at least since 1922 when they were first discovered. Today heartworms are found all over the world.
The heartworm Dirofilaria immitis belongs to a group of parasites called filarids, and is a type of roundworm. They live in the right heart chambers and pulmonary arteries—the lungs—of infected dogs. As you can imagine, lungs and heart filled with worms can damage and interfere with normal organ function. You won’t be able to tell if your puppy has heartworms. You can’t see them the way you can fleas or ticks. And your dog won’t even act sick until she’s been infected for quite a while.
Hunting dogs that spend lots of time outdoors are at highest risk.
DOG HEARTWORMS ON THE RISE
Despite the availability of effective and easy to use heartworm preventive options, the disease appears to be on the rise. In just two years, from 2013-2015, there was a 166 percent increase in reported positive heartworm cases, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Additionally, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) has tracked the geographic spread of heartworm disease to all 50 states and its increased prevalence in several regions of the country.
So what’s a pet parent to do?
UPDATE ABOUT DOG HEARTWORMS & MOSQUITOES
A groundbreaking study by John McCall, MS, PhD addresses this concern, investigating the effectiveness of stopping heartworm disease at the buggy transmission source. His new research shows that a multi-modal approach (adding mosquito repellents and insecticides alongside standard heartworm preventive protocols), offers even better protection for our dogs.
The study, sponsored by CEVA, explored the efficacy of a new “Double Defense” protocol. John McCall is a professor emeritus in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After fighting heartworm the same way for decades, McCall says it’s time for a new approach that includes fighting the mosquito as well as the heartworm.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DOG HEARTWORMS
Please ask YOUR veterinarian about how you can best protect your dogs from mosquitoes and dog heartworms. Learn more about Dr. McCall’s CEVA-funded study in this short video.
Several years ago, I interviewed Dr. Wallace Graham about prevention, treatment and more in my Pet Peeves radio show. Much of this information is still valid, so find out more about how to keep cats and dogs safe from heartworm disease in PET PEEVES, HEART-TO-HEART ABOUT HEARTWORMS.
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
A mosquito bite is more than just an ouch! That bite transmits diseases – possibly Zika to people and heartworms to our beloved pets. There are ways to reduce the mosquito population around your home, prevent bites and protect the whole family. And, a new study suggests a “Double Defense” protocol may protect your pet best. Learn more at www.fightheartwormnow.com (PRNewsFoto/Ceva Animal Health)
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 15, 2016
Dog Digging Disasters: Why Dogs Dig & How to Stop Excavations
Dog Digging Disasters: Why Dogs Dig & How to Stop Excavations
Digging is a normal canine behavior.
Dogs excavate for a variety of reasons. Dog digging is a natural canine behavior that evolved as a means of survival.
I’m sharing this entry about DOG DIGGING, an excerpt from Dog Facts, The Series 4 (Chapter D)[image error]This chapter covers a lot of ground, and here’s the topic list:
Dam, Deafness, Dehydration, Demodecosis, Dermatitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Diarrhea, Digging, Disc Disease, Docking, Dominance, Dreaming, Drooling, Drowning, Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
I’ve broken the massive book into discounted treat-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire book either in Kindle or 630+ pages of print.
Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial [image error]
WHY DOGS DIG
The dog’s footpads are very thick and callused, and are the toughest area of her body. Dogs use their claws and paws to shovel dirt when pursuing burrowing varmints, to bury food or toys for safe-keeping, and to create nests in the snow or dirt that protect them from the cold of winter, or the heat of the summer. Dogs also dig to escape, by tunneling beneath fences meant to confine them from harm.
Dog digging is practiced by all canines, but terrier breeds live for the joy of kicking up dirt. The word “terrier” means “of the earth;” terriers were developed specifically to dig in pursuit of below-ground prey.
PROBLEM DOG DIGGING
Dog digging becomes a problem when your dog is given no opportunity to indulge the urge; left to her own devices, she’ll often choose an inappropriate outlet. Dogs dig holes in the yard, un-plant your flowerbed or potted plants, empty the cat’s litter box, or even attempt to tunnel through carpeting, upholstery, and hardwood floors. When confined, dogs often scratch at doors or the floor in an effort to get out.
Digging becomes particularly problematic in dogs that are bored, and conversely, digging enthusiasm can be dampened by giving the dog something better to do. First, be sure you provide your dog with at least 20 minutes (40 is better!) of aerobic exercise every day. Burn off her energy by playing games of fetch or taking her on a brisk walk.
Northern breeds like the Husky instinctively dig holes to stay cool…or warm.
DOG DIGGING MOTIVATIONS & SOLUTIONS
If your dog is caching toys or food, then only allow her to have these items for fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. Take them away when she begins to lose interest, and offer them again at a later time. Some dogs bury objects to prevent another dog from stealing them. Give your dog privacy away from the competition if this is the case.
Digging holes to stay cool can be cured by providing your dog with a shaded area out of the sun, such as access to the covered porch or patio. A dog run with a concrete floor and shaded roof will provide a secure, comfortable outdoor area for the dog that can’t be pockmarked by digging.
For hard-case diggers, build a sand box for his legal excavation. A shaded area about three feet wide, six feet long and two feet deep will satisfy most dogs. Let him see you bury one or two of his toys (very shallowly) and then encourage him to dig them up. Get down on your hands and knees and show him by pawing the sand with your hand.
Escape from a fence (aka “boredom”) or hearing varmints underground motivates many dogs to dig holes.
LET ME OUT!
Dogs that dig to escape confinement may be discouraged when their holes are filled with bricks—eventually the dog should become convinced he’ll run into bricks wherever he digs. Dogs also dislike digging up feces, so you may discourage a hard-case digger by “planting” his own feces in the holes, and covering them up as a sort of booby-trap.
Indoor dog digging may require more specialized corrections. Provide some distraction, like legal chews or a favorite toy, to give the bored dog something better to do. Put a cover on the cat’s litter box, or move it out of reach. Cover the surface of large potted plants with gravel or larger rocks to make the contents unattractive to canine diggers.
Obedience training is the single most important step dog owners can take to prevent and correct problem behaviors like inappropriate digging.
Find out more details about digging and other “D” topics in Dog Facts, The Series 4 (Chapter D)[image error].
Does your dog dig? Is your back yard a moonscape of excavations? How do curb the impulse to kick up dirt? Please share your tips and tricks so others can help save landscaping and still enjoy their canine diggity dogs.
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 10, 2016
National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay
National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay
The “laying on of paws” does not replace proper vet care!
Monday, August 22, is “National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day” (#Cat2VetDay) and the cat veterinarians from American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is using this as an opportunity to educate cat owners on the importance of routine check-ups. Last year for this promotion I reported that eighty-three percent of cats are taken to the vet in the first year of ownership, yet over half of them don’t return!
AAFP wants to get the word out all through August. So…are you ready to get Kitty to the vet? What’s holding you back?
Click Here to Get 5 Expert Crate Training Tips!
What About Dr. Google?
Now, y’all know I have a boatload of books available about how to care for your furry wonders, from kittenhood to old age, first aid and everything in between. But a book or an Internet search is NOT how best to care for your cat!
Kitty needs hands-on whisker-to-vet interaction to ensure s/he’s healthy and will maintain that health for all of her nine lives. By the time you notice something may be amiss, it’s likely been percolating for a while…
How To Help
Don’t just spring the notion on Kitty-kins in one day. Plan ahead. You’ll want to get your cat used to the carrier. So check out this how-to blog with a kewl video for tips.
Then for some quick tips, read below.
Check out the PAW-some Infographic, below.
Please TWEET about this using the #Cat2VetDay hashtag.
CALL your vet today and make an appointment for your furry wonders.
SHARE on Facebook. We need to get our cats some furry love.
Oh, and here’s another great resources, a PDF you can share far and wide with more great info: 5 Cat-Tastic Benefits of Routine Vet Visits!
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 7, 2016
Catnip: More Than A Treat
Catnip turns kitties into tipsy clowns.
I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat’s grin. My cat Seren wears the same expression when she indulges. August 8 is INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY, and the perfect time to indulge your furry friend.
But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?
CLICK HERE! TO GET AMY’S 6 MEOW-SILENCING TIPS!
What Is Catnip?
Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at a saturation as low as one part per billion.
I’m sharing this information from my CATNIP entry from Cat Facts, The Series 3: The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia[image error] covering Cancer, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Carnivore, Car Sickness, Cataract, Catnip, Cat Scratch Disease, Cesarean, Cherry Eye, Chiropractic, Chocolate Toxicity, Claws, Climbing, Coccidiosis, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, Colitis, Communication, Constipation, Cryptorchid, Cuterebra, Cyst, Cystitis, Cytauxzoon, and Cytology.
I’ve broken the massive book into discounted catnip-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire CAT FACTS book either in Kindle or 540 pages of print.
Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial [image error]
How Catnip Works
Rather than a simple smell, the chemical in catnip resembles sedative components also found in the valerian plant, which may be used in natural therapies to calm pets and people. Catnip also may be similar to one of the substances found in tomcat urine—yucky to you, but a lovely smell to the cat! In fact, this pheromone in urine often triggers the same sort of behavioral reaction in cats as exposure to catnip.
These types of chemicals, once inhaled, enter the cat’s highly specialized scenting organ through the roof of the mouth. The vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organs sit between the hard palate of the mouth and the septum of the nose, and connect to the mouth via tiny conduits directly behind the cat’s upper incisor teeth. You may see kitty perform an odd facial grimace (flehmen) with lips curled back and mouth open when employing this organ.
Catnip is a kitty hallucinogen.
Can Cats Get “High?”
The Jacobson’s organs are linked to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that acts like a switchboard to direct information to higher centers. This part of the brain integrates taste and smell, motivates appetite, and triggers a variety of behaviors.
Catnip in cats affects the same biochemical pathways that are affected by marijuana and LSD in people. In its simplest terms, catnip is a feline hallucinogen. The kitty “high” lasts from five to 15 minutes, and causes a loss of inhibition. Catnip-intoxicated cats act like furry fools who roll and flop about on the floor, drool, and have a wonderful relaxing time.
Which Cats Are Affected
Cats rarely respond to catnip until they are about six months old, and some cats never do. The trait is an inherited one, with only two out of three domestic cats being affected. Boy cats seem to respond more strongly than females.
Since catnip belongs in the mint family, cats often react in a similar way to other types of mint. I’ve even seen some cats react to a type of honeysuckle—or even olives.
Fresh catnip is the best–cats roll to release the volatile oils
Catnip Stress Buster & Training Tool
Most scientists agree that catnip provides a harmless recreation for cats. For cats who respond, catnip can be a wonderful training tool. Catnip builds the confidence of some shy cats, and it can be used to “spike” the legal scratch objects to help lure kitty to do the right thing. Catnip can help take the cat’s mind off of the scary car ride—or at least induce a catnip snooze so she doesn’t care anymore.
You’ll find catnip toys, herbs, even growing kits advertised in all the finest cat magazines, “special” brands touted in pet stores, and feline fanciers comparing quality like true gourmands. The fresher the herb, the more likely your cat is to react. And no, catnip doesn’t affect people the same way, although it has in the past been used as a soothing tea for upset tummies.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Be aware, though, overindulgence may “wear out” your cat’s response to the plant. An occasional treat, perhaps once every two or three weeks, is plenty.
Find out more details about catnip and other “C” topics in Cat Facts, The Series 3: The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia[image error]
Does your cat react to catnip? Do you use a bit of ‘nip to help your cat relax, or as a reward or as….what? Is there anything else your cats react to in a similar fashion? Here’s how Seren reacts, LOL!
CLICK HERE! TO GET AMY’S 6 MEOW-SILENCING TIPS!
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AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
August 4, 2016
Thoughty Thursday: What’s YOUR Bliss?
Thoughty Thursday: What’s YOUR Bliss?
I’ve had a lot of jobs over the years, all why searching for my own personal bliss. Some were glorious adventures while others hit big numbers on the suck-ometer. That happens, when you follow your muse…in my cases, a furry one.
Jobs, Careers & the Bliss Factor
I’m a college graduate (woo-woo! thanks Mom and Dad!) with a double major in music and communication (aka theater/writing/fill-in-the-blank). So what’s my work history with such credentials?
Cashier, actress, newspaper delivery person, optometric associate, legal assistant, TV news reporter/anchor, voice teacher, vet tech, bank compliance officer, author, behavior consultant, spokesperson, middle school and high school choir teacher. For a while, I wondered if my folks had wasted their money sending me to college when it seemed my “just a job” treading water (to put, you know, bread on the table) had little to nothing to do with my original aspirations. Along with each came a boatload of shoveling crappiocca (and dodging what was lobbed my direction).
Grubby paws can mean you’re digging for gold!
Being Grateful For Crap
Would I change a single day? Well yeah…there are a few I’d give anything for a do-over. The worst times made me that much more determined to reach that shiny brass ring. And some days, I made enough headway to see it up close and personal.
I think without the bad times, I wouldn’t be as appreciative of the not-bad-times. The contrast makes each stand out more stark and bright and distinctive. It’s a struggle sometimes to be that optimist especially when the world around us has lost it’s sparkle, and the darkest portions seem to catch the spotlight attention, drowning out the goodness that I know is there.
For me, I gotta focus on the good stuff or I’ll drown in the pessimism. Goodness doesn’t always come in a spotlight, either–it rarely attracts the hand-waving LOOK-LOOK-LOOK that media wants. No, the goodness comes quietly, without fanfare, and sort of sneaks up on you: A grocery store clerk going out of her way to help find an elusive product. A stranger in the car ahead paying for a Starbucks. Prayer chain at church making a difference. A car stopping a line of traffic to let a mom-duck and ducklings waddle safely across the road.
If the “big bad” throws a large shadow, each of these tiny pinpricks of light are cumulative. You don’t need one big GOOD THING to throw the darkness back where it belongs–taken together, those individual star-shines out-shout the sun.
Finding Bliss Means Watching For Star-Shine Moments
No more dwelling on doom and gloom for me. Today, I resolve to take stock on a daily basis. Watch attentively for the tiny sparks of goodness that together banish the bad. Oh, and to add my own tiny flame to help fan that ember to full light.
Some folks-in-charge aren’t nearly as classy as this lil’ fellow. 
We all make excuses. It’s the human thing to do. But if something or someone tried to keep me from my fur-kids, from writing my heart, from shiny objects or my music, my God-gifted bliss—I’d by-heaven find a way over, through, or around. And shame on me for letting anyone try to take that away!
“Bliss is a ball . . .”
There’s a rush, a natural “right-ness” and physical Snoopy-Dance-‘O-Joy feeling in doing what is meant to be. It never gets old, but there’s no real destination, either. It’s a moving target that makes you reeeeeach just a bit beyond comfort level time and again.
I’m ready to stretch a bit. How ‘bout you? What is your bliss? What’s kept you from reaching out for that brass ring? Are you ready to join your spark to the light shining just over the horizon?
Magic says…”Bliss is Frisbee-Fetch!”
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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
