Amy Shojai's Blog, page 87

Must Know Puppy Care & Puppy Play Tips

Reminder, gang…for some reason this poor lil’ puppy book hasn’t been widely adopted. So I’m again making it available for reviews. Message me in the comments if interested!

COMPLETE PUPPY CARE is now available for your puppy-licious reading pleasure. I’ve included a brief excerpt below about how to tell when GOOD puppy play tips over into DANGEROUS games. That’s just the tip of the furry info, though. Please share the news about this book with all your puppy and dog loving peeps.

WANT A FREE PDF TO REVIEW?

COMPLETE PUPPY CARE includes more than two-dozen SQUEEE! cute puppy pictures (including Magical-Dawg as a baby), plus all the puppy must-knows. Those who subscribe to my PET PEEVES newsletter (click here & get another book free!) got the news early–and TEN folks won a free copy in exchange for posting an honest review. I’m nervously nail-biting until those get posted!

I’ll make the same offer here–post in the comments for a chance to review a free PDF copy of the book (the first 10 requests get the book!).

ABOUT COMPLETE PUPPY CARE…

Nothing beats a cute puppy for love, but proper puppy care and training prepares you and your new dog for a healthy and long life together. This up to date new guide provides a “Puppies 101” packed with veterinary facts, health care advice, how-to tips, and fascinating information about:

Choosing, training and communicating with your new puppy
Pros and cons of purebred versus shelter/rescue sources
Understanding common behavior problems and how to prevent them
Food, grooming and humane training recommendations
Tips for introducing your puppy to adult dogs, cats, babies and kids
The latest veterinary recommendations for preventive care
How to recognizing common health issues, and what to do
First aid and home remedies that save you money—and your puppy’s life!
More than two-dozen SQUEE! cute puppy pictures
Canine legends, myths and fun puppy facts including: Why puppies drink from the toilet, why dogs act guilty, reasons dogs hump your leg, and more!

COMPLETE PUPPY CARE empowers you with all the information necessary for your puppy to grow up into the happy, healthy dog you both deserve.

HERE’S THE EXCERPT…

“Just Kidding” During Play

Dogs use exaggerated behaviors, called meta signals, to tell other dogs all action that comes after is not serious but a game. For instance, the play-bow is a butt-in-the-air with front-end down position where the pup’s forelegs dance back and forth to invite play. When your puppy first play-bows, he’s

telling you that any growls or wrestling that comes after are meant as fun and games.

Adult dogs often “pretend” to be subordinate to a puppy—with play bows or rolling on the back—to build up the pup’s confidence and invite him to play. This “just kidding” game allows lower-ranking pups to practice being in charge with play bites, mounting behavior, and wrestling games. Once the

play is over, the higher-ranking dog again assumes his more “mature” behavior that tells the pup to respect his leadership.

BAD VS GOOD PLAY—KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE

Dogs of all ages enjoy playing. Behaviors for fighting and fun are similar, but you must know how to tell the difference between aggression and play-acting. Watch for “meta signals” which tells participants that whatever comes after is meant in a “play” context.

Dogs commonly drop toys on your feet or lap to solicit a game, and offer toys to other dogs in the same way. A play bow—the dog sticks his butt and tail into the air, and bows forward on lowered forelegs that dance side to side—is the classic signal and invitation for the games to begin. Often, the

“fighting” behaviors seen during such games will be exaggerated to indicate play, or the “fight” behavior sequences may be jumbled.

Play includes inhibited mouth-open bites often aimed at the legs and paws of other dogs. Dogs also paw and bat each other without force to hurt. In appropriate play, all the dogs willingly participate. If you suspect one of the dogs doesn’t like the activity (one dog repeatedly tries to escape or hide),

gently separate the pair to see if they go back for more. If the play session was too rough, one will sneak away.

Inappropriate play results in one or more dog frightened, hurt, or overwhelmed. Bully dogs always end up on top, while in appropriate play you’ll see dogs take turns chasing and pinning each other during wrestling. Mouthing aimed primarily at the head or neck, or uninhibited bites means play has gotten out of hand. You’ll hear yelps from the bitten dog.

Consistent play up on hind legs may indicate problems. Ongoing mounting, clasping and thrusting also can lead to problems, as can resting of paws, heads or whole bodies across other dog’s shoulders to intimidate or achieve social status.

Growls don’t usually indicate problems, but play can be so exciting that the action escalates into aggression. Listen for louder, lower pitched growls,and be prepared to break up the session before they get too aroused.

***

Okay now, what about YOUR puppies and dogs? How do they play? Is it polite, taking turns, or is there some bully behavior involved? At my house, Magical-Dawg’s best play buddy is Karma-Kat and that involves a whole new set of signals.

Don’t forget–post your comment for a chance to review a free copy of the book!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Stressful! #Cat2VetDay

Tomorrow is NATIONAL TAKE YOUR CAT TO THE VET DAY! I wrote about this earlier in the week here, and today you get some more tips for making the experience better for both you, and your cat.

But but but…kitty HATES the carrier, you say? I’ve written extensively about this in the past, and for a refresher check this link. You’ll find a PAW-some video in training cats to the carrier from the Catalyst Council in this video, too:

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have also provided the nifty infographic, below, as well as a great article YOU CAN SHARE on your blogs, tweets, facebook and anywhere else. Please read and share 5 De-Stressing Tips for Cats.

Now…have you called your vet for an appointment? Ready–set–CALL!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay

The “laying on of paws” does not replace proper vet care!

Saturday, August 22, is “National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day” (#Cat2VetDay) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is using this as an opportunity to educate cat owners on the importance of routine check-ups.  Eighty-three percent of cats are taken to the vet in the first year of ownership, yet over half of them don’t return!

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 can you help?

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–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Top 10 Puppy Proofing Tips to Save Dog Lives

School will soon start, and a number of summer pet arrivals may have more unsupervised freedom than ever before. Puppy proofing is the canine version of human baby-proofing when a new bundle of joy arrives, and it’s vital you know how to puppy proof your home and yard. Puppies explore their world with nose pokes, paw pounces, and chewing everything within reach.

For your new puppy, everything is a potential game. He uses his mouth the way infants reach out and grab. So tug-games with the curtains, keep-away when he steals your wallet, un-planting the potted palm or eating poisonous plants, and nosey sniffs of the candle flame get him in trouble.

During teething, he’ll want to chew even more to relieve the discomfort, but most dogs love to chew their whole life. Puppies not only damage your property, he could hurt himself or die from munching dangerous objects.

Think Like A Puppy

Anything that moves, looks fun or interesting, or dangerous will attract your furry delinquent. Get a puppy-eye-view of your home by crawling around on all fours to channel your “inner puppy” –it’s okay, you don’t have to wag or bark, just find and address the dangers. Remember, some pups aren’t really grown up mature dogs until 18 months or so, and even adult dogs can get into trouble. Here are some of the most common trouble spots.

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets often house cleaning supplies that can be poisonous if swallowed. When cabinets are within puppy reach, be sure the baby can’t paw them open. Child-proof latches are a good idea.
Toilet paper is a popular puppy toy. Drinking out of the toilet is another nasty habit that could be dangerous if a small pup falls in and drowns or ingests chemical cleaners. The easy fix is—shut the bathroom door, and/or always put the lid down.
Electrical cords tempt puppies to chew. They can be shocked and sometimes even rescue breathing and CPR may not save them. Bad tasting products like Bitter Apple may help but don’t rely on these as some funny canines like the taste. It’s better to keep the cords out of reach by installing baby gates to make rooms off-limits, moving electrical items and their cords elsewhere, or bundle the cords together. Home product stores offer products designed to do this.
Pups jump up on window sills to look out. That may tempt them to grab curtains or play tug with the cords on the window blinds. Some pups have strangled in these cords so tie them up out of reach.
Waste baskets can be incredibly rewarding for a puppy to pillage. Table scraps to old used tissues can be found so invest in waste baskets with lids, hide them behind latching doors, or set them on countertops out of reach.
Dirty laundry must smell like heaven to puppies. Concentrated beloved human scent found on worn socks and underwear or shoes can be very appealing. The pillow your head rests on when you sleep also smells like you. So protect the laundry basket, and close the closet door to keep puppy marauders from stealing and chewing shoes, purses or brief cases left on the floor. Puppies may confuse throw pillows with legal chew toys so make it easy for them to tell the difference and put forbidden objects out of reach.
If you have cats, be sure the litter box is out of reach. Puppies like to snack on poop, especially kitty potty deposits and aside from the unsanitary issue, this will hiss off the cat and cause potential inter-pet problems. Most cats can leap onto a tabletop to find their litter box, which keeps it out of dog range.
Some common house plants are poisonous if chewed and swallowed. Even if nontoxic, your puppy may have great fun gnawing and dragging pieces around the house, or practicing his excavation technique. Either hang baskets or set houseplants on tables out of reach, or throw away if they’re of the toxic variety.
Find a safe place out of puppy tooth range to store cell phone, TV remote or other such objects. If you’re paper training the puppy, remember that the newspaper, books, magazines or music left on the floor may invite puppy potty attention you don’t want.
Puppies also spend time in the yard. Don’t think a fence makes him safe. Puppies can wiggle out of tiny openings or get caught and injured trying to escape. Anything that can be turned into a toy should be put out of reach. Lawn and garden chemicals should be shut in puppy proof rooms or boxes.

What have I missed? Are there DANGER ZONES unique to your neck of the woods? Please share what has been a safety issue for your furry wonders!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Crash Test Dummies & Car Seat Covers

Back in May, I wrote about Kurgo Harness and how delighted I was that it fit Magical-Dawg. At the time, I also included information about the crash tests conducted by the Center for Pet Safety Studies. Since that time, I’ve received the latest results on follow-up tests, as well as a Kurgo Bench Seat Cover to review.

See how all that ties in together? Anyway, I’m late posting about the updated info as well as the seat cover, and beg forgivness. My excuse–I’ve been at deadline on the next pet-centric thriller (actually, I need to add something in there about pet safety in vehicles…you’ll have to read the book to get that reference), and also it’s been too dang HOT to have Magical-Dawg in the car to fully test the seat cover. So today, this is sort of a make-up blog to combine all together.

I am not being compensated for writing this post. Kurgo provided me with a free seat cover in exchange for an honest review. Kurgo is not responsible for the content of this article.

Image courtesy of Kurgo.

I received the Universal Fit Kurgo Bench Seat Cover for my Toyota Camri, list price $45. My first impressions were the material is soil resistant canvas with a plastic backing to make it waterproof. It comes in either charcoal or tan, and looks very nice.There’s a Velcro-close pocket in the seat back and front bottom of the seat supposedly for doggy storage items. There also are Velcro openings for seatbelts to come through, important when using the Kurgo Harness or another crash-tested product to keep your pet safe. It’s recommended to hand wash with cold water and mild detergent or on “gentle” with front load washing machines, and to hang dry.

This is a great product for keeping hair, mud, or other bodily insults off the car upholstery. Because it is a “universal” size, for my car the fit is loose and slides around a bit. There are elastic tie-downs for each bottom/side of the seat, and elastic loops to hook over each headrest. Essentially, the cover hangs from the headrests and drapes over the seat. An exuberant pooch could get it scrunched up. That said, for cars with back seats that fold down, the additional back-of-seat attachment would augment security. The Kurgo Bench Seat Cover is a solid and quality option for toting your dog around. Do be cognizant of size differences and read the reviews on the site, since different car “benches” may not fit as well as others.

Images courtesy of CPS

Center for Pet Safety Studies: Update

“After our findings in 2013 [on harness safety], we were eager to continue working to bring accountability to the pet products industry, while highlighting the products that will help improve safety for the entire family during their travels together,” said Lindsey Wolko, Founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety. The 2015 Crate and Carrier Crashworthiness Studies evaluated leading crates and carriers advertised to be crash tested and/or recommended for use in a vehicle. No live animals are used during these tests. Instead, the tests employed specially-designed crash test dogs that approximated the size and weight of real dogs.

Many manufacturers claim their products are crash-tested, safe and even protective for your pet, but today there are no substantiating tests or standards in the U.S. The data gathered from these studies will assist CPS in formulating crate and carrier testing and performance standards. Four crates and eight carriers were evaluated, and on July 24, 2015 CPS announced that three top products emerged in the tests:

TOP CRATE: Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8’ Tie Down Straps

TOP CARRIERS: PetEgo Forma Frame Jet Set Carrier with ISOFIX-Latch Connection and Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock

The full product performance report studies can be found at CenterforPetSafety.org. You can also now look for the logo (on the left) for products that have been certified safe by the Center for Pet Safety.

Do you use a harness, crate or carrier in your car when traveling with your pets? What about dealing with the mess, do you have a seat cover? How often do you take your cats and dogs for car rides? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

 

 

SHOW AND TELL, BONUS MATERIAL!

SNOOPY-DANCE O’ JOY!

I had to get that out of the way first of all. Yesterday I sent my next suspense thriller SHOW AND TELL to my faithful, picky, red-pencil maniacal (in a good way!), totally PAW-some beta readers to slice-dice-critique the work. It’s nail-biting time, hoping the story holds together.

Meanwhile, I’ve got my hard copy and going through the manuscript for another couple of edits. Then I’ll incorporate my readers’ notes, and send SHOW AND TELL off to my editor.

And she’ll repeat the process.

I’m hoping that by the end of the month we’ll have a pub date nailed down, as well as possible pre-order date. Here comes the fun stuff for all my Sweet Peeps, and especially those who won the t. For the runners up to the contest, pay attention because this involves you, too.

BONUS FOR ORDERING FIRST WEEK!

To entice those on the fence into “adopting” this latest SHOW AND TELL book and reward those for lending their pets’ names to the story, I’m putting together bonus material. Some of this will ONLY be available to those who order the book the first week of release, on a first come first serve basis.

To get the bonuses, you’ll need to email me a copy of your order receipt–that’s easy if you order online, just hit “forward” to amy @ shojai.com (no spaces) with the subject line SHOW & TELL BONUS.

My TRIPLE A TEAM will get first dibs, and next the subscribers to my PET PEEVES newsletter, and only then will it be announce publicly. So, if you’re not yet a member or subscriber, you might want to check those out.

What’s the bonus? Here ya go:

Limited edition POSTER of the book cover, and *photos of the NAME THAT DOG/CAT winners: Hercules, Waffles, Boris Kitty, Fuzzit, Kinsler, Teddy and Dot. The poster will be paw-tographed of course!
Exclusive EXTRA CHAPTER in Shadow’s viewpoint, featuring all the Runners Up winners: Thor, Lucy, Truffle, Caster, Einstein, Freckles, Buster and Bo.
First looks/listen/share of the SHOW AND TELL trailer
(If I can get it done in time…) First looks/listens of an original music video and the song SHOW AND TELL (written/performed by moi…maybe with Magical-Dawg howling backup!). In another life, I’m a singer/song-writer.

*If you are a winner or runner up but don’t have a photo or can’t get me one in time, I’ll find a stand-in image for the poster.

Stay tuned, because if you’re also a blogger and interested in helping get the word out, I’d love to work with you and offer some exclusive first look excerpts partnered with some of these bonuses.

Now, after a couple weeks of head-down busy-icity, I hafta get caught up on other work. Later, Sweet Peeps!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

First Cat Cafe Opens in Dallas

For their launch weekend August 8, guests will have the opportunity to meet a special guest of honor, internet “celebricat” Sauerkraut Kitty. Image courtesy of Tamar Arslanian

What the heck is a Cat Cafe and why does Dallas, Texas need one? Do they serve cream and mice to cats, or what? Find out this Saturday, August 8 in Dallas–with specialty coffee drinks and treats in addition to some adoptable kitties.

What Is A Cat Cafe?

Cat Cafes have been around for decades, and are very popular in Japan, in part to deal with cat lovers who don’t have enough space to live with their own feline. But in the past year or so, the cat café concept has become a popular idea in the US, too, and offers a legal “kitty fix” to those unable to share their life with a cat purr-haps due to rental policies or allergy concerns. In the best situations, cafe cats offer a way for cat-seeking adopters to get a more up close and personal test of potential kitty candidates behavior, and c’attitude.

Cat Connection Has You Kitty-Covered!

The Cat Connection, a Dallas based pet supply store and cat only hotel and spa, located at 14233 Inwood Road in Dallas, will be home to the first Cat Café in Dallas for four weekends starting Saturday August 8th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will feature adoptable cats and kittens compliments of various local rescue groups. Guests will be able to play with cats on a first-come-first-serve basis for up to twenty minutes.

Operation Kindness will provide adoptable cats and kittens for the Grand Opening on August 8th, and be on hand to facilitate adoptions. Operation Kindness is the original and largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas, saving more than 75,000 cats and dogs over almost 40 years. The organization cares for approximately 300 cats and dogs on a daily basis, with another 100 in foster homes. This first weekend, you’ll find specialty drinks with a barista on site and snacks all weekend for free.

Texas Cares and other local rescues will be on-site for subsequent weekends. Donations are not required but are appreciated and will support local rescue.

Errin West, co-owner of The Cat Connection says this will be “…a great opportunity for cat lovers in the area to connect with and interact with adoptable animals in a relaxed setting, hopefully increasing adoptions for local rescue groups.” I’ve visited the store, and it is well worth checking out all the PAW-some cat-centric products–having cats on hand puts this event over the top.

Sauerkraut, pictured above, will attend this first event on August 8 only, to offer her paws-up of approval. Sauerkraut is a special needs rescue kitty from Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Rising to internet fame due to her adorable scowl and struggles with Feline Hyperesthesia, Sauerkraut now serves as an ambassador for shelter cats nation-wide.

To ensure both feline and human attendees have an enjoyable time, The Cat Connection asks that no outside animals be brought to the event. Children are allowed under an adult guardian’s supervision. A complete set of guidelines can be accessed at The Cat Connection’s website.

Have you ever visited a cat cafe? Would you if given the chance?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to myTHRILLERS WITH BITE!

 

Amy Shojai Joins Toby Neal & Lei Crime Kindle World #LeiCrimeKW

I have a fantastical-fun announcement! Many of y’all who follow the blog know that I not only write nonfiction pet books, I also incorporate pet-centric themes and characters in suspense stories that feature pets–including a dog viewpoint character and trained cat. Now I have a chance to expand that notion in a brand new “world” of readers alongside a fantastic group of talented authors. My novella, as yet untitled, will launch in late December. If you want a chance to read and review it in advance, be sure to apply for my Triple A Team here.

I’ve been invited by best selling author Toby Neal to write a novella for her Lei Crime Kindle Worlds based on her Lei Crime Novels all set in Hawaii. Wow! She already as a fantastic team of authors with their own stand alone and series books, with the first group of novellas launched last April. The second wave, in some cases sequels to the first novella, launches today. Check it out here!

WHAT IS KINDLE WORLDS?

Kindle Worlds are short stories, novellas and full length books written in the “book world” created by a particular author. That may mean a continuation of an existing story with familiar characters, or taking a minor character and expanding/creating a new storyline. By writing in the Lei Crime Kindle World, I’ll have a chance to work with a fantastic team of other authors–including Toby herself!–to support each other and share our own work with those who already love reading Toby’s stories and characters.

For me, one of the deciding reasons to say yes has to do with Toby’s main character Lei and her relationship with her dog, a Rottweiler girl named Keiki! I’m still percolating on the story but it probably will be a “prequel” before Lei and Keiki connected. Y’all know how I love to write in young-dog “voice” LOL!

Of course, I must finish SHOW AND TELL first, and I’m nearly at the finish line on that 3rd book in the September Day series. Stay tuned for more fictioning news in the weeks and months ahead. The end of 2015 promises to be a roller coaster ride!

Meanwhile, I strongly encourage those who love mysteries, suspense, crime fiction and even contemporaries to check out the launch books today. You’re sure to get hooked–I know that I already am! Click this link now.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to myTHRILLERS WITH BITE!

Cats and Bathrooms

Does your cat follow you to the bathroom, paw-pat under the toilet door, yowl for attention when you want privacy? What’s up with that?! Our cats’ behavior sometimes challenges the most insightful among us to figure them out. Felines always have a good reason for doing what they do. But a given behavior doesn’t always mean what you think.

Dogs to this, too, but the toilet terrorist behavior seems even more universal among cats. I’ve had many readers relate funny stories about being ambushed on the (ahem) facilities, stalked with paw-pats under the bathroom door, and persistent potty buddies demanding lap-time or napping in unmentionables dropped to half-mast.

Karma does this. He loves “nesting” in the cool basin. What a surprise when there’s water in the bottom, LOL!

Why Cats Follow Us to Bathrooms

Human bathrooms are often the coolest place in the home because of the tile, small space, and fewer windows. Cats tend to be furry heat-seeking missiles that relish lounging in warm places, but a few—my Seren is one—enjoy cool spots. These kitties seem to appreciate spending time on cool tile, damp towels, or other slick or cool surfaces. For older cats suffering from the health condition called hyperthyroidism, the metabolism goes into overdrive and heats up the kitty so hyperthyroid cats often seek out cool resting places.

Cats also are instinctively drawn to high perches like countertops that they associated as safe. They chain behaviors that link one action to another in a particular routine. And cats LOVE routine, so once a behavior sequence becomes a habit (especially if there’s a benefit for kitty), your pet will repeat the routine over and over again.

Cats never do anything unless it’s of benefit to them, and they are rewarded in some form or fashion. For instance, when you awake in the morning and run to brush your teeth (before filling the cat food bowl), it only takes a couple of days for cats to remember the routine and race you to the bathroom first. So let’s put all this together, and answer the question, why are cats avid potty buddies?

6 Reasons Cats Love Bathrooms

Seren uses the potty as a stepping stool to the vanity, where I’ve placed a fountain and snack bowl.

People visit the bathroom on a predictable schedule, and they perform predictable behaviors while in the room. Cats know what to expect and won’t be surprised.
Bathrooms offer convenient sinks with running water that many cats relish. Moving water simply tastes better, and people persuaded to run the tap for the cat reward this interaction with attention.
The sink vanity provides a great perch or lookout for cats. Sitting on the sink or vanity positions a cat for a convenient face-to-face interaction when you are perched on the (ahem) thrown. That’s ideal from the cat’s perspective for controlling the interaction—the human can’t easily escape, so kitty can approach or stay out of reach as she prefers.
Cats that insist on lap-sitting time may be frustrated in other parts of the house if you often instead give attention to a magazine, book or laptop computer. The felines that snuggle in your rumpled tidy whities draped around your ankles offer another type of compliment—basking in your most personal aroma to be as near their beloved human as possible.
Felines appreciate the rewards they get by spending private one-on-one time with owners. Even the kitties that only paw-play under the door get attention in terms of you talking to them, or rewarding the behavior by FINALLY coming back out the door. The longer you spend inside the room and then emerge, the more powerful lesson cats learn that paw-pat persistence and kitty complaints eventually will garner success.

6. Toilet paper chase, the game that never ends! ‘Nuff said.

How about your cats–and dogs? Do they follow you to do your duty? What’s their reason? How do you manage the unwelcome attention? Do tell!

Karma LOVES playing with TP, how about yours?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to myTHRILLERS WITH BITE!

10 Reasons Pets Are Better Than Men

At the risk of hissing off men, and with tongue firmly in cheek, I had a lot of fun putting this list together of 10 reasons pets are better than men. Frankly, most items could be applied to women, too–or kids. Or (fill in the bank). What do you think? Have I missed anything?

Is this a type of “remote training?”

Pets Don’t Steal The Remote. Well, some dogs do, and chew it up (ahem). But both cats and dogs are happy to hang out and watch whatever TV show you want to watch. They don’t pick up the remote and change channels from DANCING WITH THE STARS to the latest football game without asking.

Pets have their own style…

Pets Don’t Care How You Look. Cats and dogs love you whether you wear makeup, the latest designer gown, or frumpy dumpy jeans. They aren’t interested in making sure you can impress their family or friends—it’s enough that you impress them with your big heart.

Pets Always Look Good. Cats never have to be reminded to “spiff up” for an event. They’re grooming is impeccable, and they’re always ready for that close up. Even dogs maintain that “casual chic” and wear mud well.

YOU’RE HOME!!!

Pets Are Easy to Please. If you’re a bit late coming home the dog is even happier to see you. For a birthday bash, Kitty is happy with an empty paper bag or crumpled up wrapping paper, and could care less what it contained. All the pet wants is your lap and your time.

Pets Don’t Try to Change You. In fact, cats will object if you change too much. Dogs love you for yourself, they don’t ask you to slim down or change jobs or move to please them. And once Kitty has the routine down pat, you can depend on the cat to stay the course without unexpected or unwelcomed changes along the way.

Cats Don’t Snore. Well, if they do snore it’s a delicate purr-like noise. They may hog the pillow, but cats won’t pull off the covers while you’re sleeping, or mess with the thermostat when you’re freezing (or boiling)—or complain if you adjust the thermostat for your comfort.

Pets Don’t Complain if You Leave Up the Toilet Seat. They may actually prefer that.

Pets Are Always On Time. They don’t need to call to say they’re late, or make excuses when they forget to call. And if you lose your watch and forget the time, dogs and cats remind you about the important events well in advance. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Playtime. Naptime. Cuddles. Treats. And treats. Oh, and treats and cuddles.

Pets Listen. When you need a furry shoulder to cry on, or talk out a problem, cats won’t offer you unsolicited advice. They don’t tell you what should have been done, or why you’re wrong. Dog don’t argue—although they may offer barky commentary. But for the most part they simply listen, wag or purr, and let you get it all out.

Pets Never Stop Loving. They show love in infinite ways. With wags and snuggles. With kitty eye-blink kisses. When they knead, cheek rub and purr, or shove a soggy tennis ball into your lap. Pet love is unconditional, and never has furry strings attached.

What are some other ways dogs and cats are better than…(YOU fill in the blank )

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