Amy Shojai's Blog, page 94

MEOW! 6 Ways to Silence Loud Mouth #Cats

MEOW! 6 Ways to Silence Loud Mouth #Cats

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

Recently we had a discussion with some of my Facebook friends and colleagues who have new kitties with — let us say — loud mouth issues, LOL! New cats and especially kittens can be very demanding, and it’s quite a challenge to silence meows from loud mouth cats.

I figured this was the purr-fect time to share some of the information from a couple of my books, particularly since kitten season is here. COMPLETE KITTEN CARE has some tips on choosing your new kitten based on breed (of course, strays may choose you!)

A few cat breeds are famous for their loud voices. Siamese-type cats are known for their distinctive meows and love to hold long—and loud—conversations with their humans. If you adopt one of these kittens, they’ll always get in the last word!

BREED TENDENCIES (from Complete Kitten Care)

Highly active, in-your-face: Abyssinian, Balinese, Bombay, Burmese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Egyptian Mau, Javanese, Oriental Longhair, Oriental Shorthair, Russian Blue, Siamese, Somali, Tonkinese
Less active “lap sitter”: American Wirehair, Birman, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Ragdoll, Snowshoe
Vocal, opinionated: Balinese, Color-point Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Javanese, Oriental Longhair, Oriental Shorthair, Siamese, Tonkinese
Quiet, prefers watching: American Wirehair, Birman, British Shorthair, Chartreux, Egyptian Mau, Exotic Shorthair, Havana Brown, Korat, Scottish Fold, Snowshoe
High-fashion models, requires lots of grooming: Exotic, Himalayan, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Persian, Ragdoll, Scottish Fold (longhair)

Cat communication begins early in life. Kittens less than three weeks old vocalize a defensive spit, contented purr, and distress call (similar to adult meow) if the baby becomes isolated, cold, or trapped. Interestingly, the call for “cold” sounds much higher pitched and disappears from the repertoire once the kitten can self-regulate body temperature at about four weeks of age.

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

Cats rarely meow at each other. They learn to direct meows at humans because we reward them with attention. Each cat learns by association that meowing prompts feeding, access to locations, and other resources provided by humans. Some cats learn to produce unique meows for each circumstance.

Humans often overlook body language that makes up a great deal of cat communication, but feline yowls, growls, hisses and purrs get our undivided attention—especially at 5:00 a.m.

DEALING WITH CATERWAULING (from ComPETability: CATS)

In multi-pet homes, troublemakers (other pets pestering) may prompt problem meowing. Cats introduced to other cats or dogs for the first time often meow more as a result. Felines use a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with other cats, but seem to reserve “meows” primarily for talking to their people. Meows are demands: let me OUT, let me IN, pet me, play with me, FEED me! As the cats become more passionate and insistent, meows grow more strident and lower-pitched.

Image courtesy of Deposit Photos.com

Giving in to meow-demands tells Sheba that pestering works to get her way, and any response such as putting the pillow over your head, yelling at her, or pushing her off the bed still gives her the attention she craves. The only way to extinguish this behavior is to totally ignore the cat.

That means, you DON’T get up to feed her; you DON’T indulge in toe-tag games; you DON’T yell at her, spray her with water, or give any attention at all. That’s hard to do when she’s paw-patting your nose, or shaking the windows with yowls. It can take weeks to months to get rid of this behavior once established, but with patience, it can be done.

Many people enjoy sleeping with their cat until Sheba opens her meow-mouth. You may need to make a hard choice, and shut her out of the bedroom. Cats shut out of the bedroom often continue to pester from the other side of the door, and may even scratch or otherwise cause damage.
Choose a “safe room” on the other side of the house stocked with lots of toys, a litter box, scratch object and food, and confine noisy cats out of earshot.
If other cats or dogs instigate the meowing, separating and confining the problem fur-kid away from the others can help. When the dog stays in his crate for the night, he can’t chase and tease the cat—or vice versa.
Meowing can result from boredom. Offer a Treat Ball or other irresistible toy that keeps the cat’s brain (and mouth) occupied so she won’t meow.
Closing windows so your cats can’t hear or see outside strays may help. Anything that attracts roaming cats to visit during the night should be discouraged. For example, avoid leaving out food on the porch, and clean up brush piles that make attractive critter hiding places.
When all else fails, invest in earplugs to help you ignore the cat’s please for attention!

VET ALERT!

For some reason, cats tend to become more vocal when suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), which can be a result of kidney or heart disease. When Sheba can’t hear her own voice any longer, she tends to meow louder and longer. Excessive meowing also may be a sign of deafness in aging cats or even kitty Alzheimer’s (feline cognitive disorder).  Check with your veterinarian about excessive meowing in any cat and learn more about aging cat issues in COMPLETE CARE FOR YOUR AGING CAT.

Here’s a fun Infographic that was shared with me–does any of this look familiar to you? How do you deal with bedtime pester bugs? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Cat Bed by Terrys Fabrics.

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Kittens Thrive with Training & #FoodShelterLove

Kittens Thrive with Training & #FoodShelterLove

One of 30 kittens at an adoption event where I was asked to take pictures…this baby was adopted, YAY! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s®  Science Diet® and Food, Shelter & Love™ Program, but BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Nothing trumps kittens for furry love, but when March kitten season rolls around, your local animal shelters drowned in a furry tide of cats of all ages that need adoption. Kittens can become pregnant as early as 4-5 months of age! Yes, babies having babies–that explains the bumper crop of kittens, right?

Bottle babies abound during kitten season! Image courtesy of Tonya Jensen

Thank heavens for fostering, dedicated shelter staff, and you–yes, YOU, one of the folks who volunteer, visit to help socialize the pets, donate your time or toys, or just SHARE this message to help give cats a paws up. Just spreading good information about care helps ensure kitties get the best chance for adoption. Y’all do the work of the angels.

THREE T’s OF KITTEN SOCIALIZATION

Yes, kittens (and cats) CAN be trained! I know that I’m preaching to the choir. Never doubt that you can make a positive difference while fostering, helping the babies through proper socialization. While kids are taught the three Rs, kitten socialization involves learning the Three Ts:

Touching: Touch the baby all over gently with pets, handling the ears, paws, tummy and more. Being taught that touch is pleasant helps with bonding to people, and hearkens back to how Mom-Cat cared for her babies. A kitten that accepts and trusts handling will be less stressed by veterinary exams, and so get proper timely care as she grows up.
Talking: Kittens don’t use words to communicate, but will need to pay attention to humans who do talk. She won’t understand all your words, but certainly understand the emotion. You can teach kittens to pay attention to humans simply by responding to them with the same words and phrases each time. Try saying, “You’re beautiful.” or “I love you.” or “I’ll keep you safe, baby.” And mean it–and she’ll understand, and blossom and BECOME beautiful, and more confident.
Timing: Kittens and adult cats pay exquisite attention to the details of their life. They easily learn consequences when they make mistakes (or do something right) if you tell them THAT is what I like, or THAT is not acceptable. Since cats do NOT respond well to punishment, think about catching kittens and cats in the act of doing something RIGHT and rewarding the behavior with praise, toys, healthy treats, or praise. Give the reward immediately–timing is key–to ensure good communication.

HILL’S® FOOD, SHELTER & LOVE ™ PROGRAM

More help is always welcome, of course. That’s where the Hill’s® Food, Shelter & Love ™ Program comes in, and not just for kitten season. The company donates food to shelters across the country 365 days a year, to date $240 million worth of food to nearly 1,000 shelters, helping over 6 million pets find a new home.

How kewl is that?! but it’s the babies–kittens–that benefit most, because proper nutrition has such a lasting impact on health and happiness. Good food even impacts kitty mood.

I sure wish my two cats had the benefit of good nutrition during their first months of life. Y’all have read how my Serendipity showed up as a dumped kitten nearly 19 years ago, and then barely a year ago Karma-Kat did the same thing. I often wonder if Seren, still barely 6 pounds, wasn’t somewhat stunted by her lack of good early nutrition. Karma, on the other paw, is obsessed with food probably because he had to scrounge and struggle to survive.

Karma thinks Seren makes a great pillow. Ya think the big boy likes his food?! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

Today, of course, they’re both spoiled rotten (sorta kinda in a way) centers of my life! Yep, they have the perfect perch on the dining room table under a stained glass lampshade (heat lamp?) in front of my laptop computer. Doesn’t every cat?

Hill’s® Science Diet® Kitten Healthy Development Original cat food provides precisely balanced, easy-to-digest nutrition for growing kittens. Image Courtesy of Hill’s

Is your shelter a part of the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program? Do you want to be? Find out all the details here.

Now it’s your turn. Do you volunteer at your local shelter? Do you foster? How did you find your kitty-of-your dreams? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. To stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Find out about the latest book give aways, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

Love Dog & Cat Mysteries? Preview Thrillers With Bite!

Love Dog & Cat Mysteries? Preview Thrillers With Bite!

THRILLERS WITH BITE!
Preview Chapters Now Available!

Thank you to everyone who has “adopted” my September Day suspense series. People especially have fallen in love with Shadow, the dog viewpoint character as well as Macy the Maine Coon. My books have been described as “dog mystery books” and “medical thrillers” and “cat suspense stories” and they really are more a mutt-mix rather than a purebred genre.

So I’m taking a page from some of my favorite authors, and posting preview chapters to offer y’all a sample taste, to see if my particular brand of furry thrill-ride suits you. Of course, I hope you’ll love reading the books as much as I love writing them! But also, I don’t want you to buy a book expecting one thing, and be disappointed, either.

I’ve posted the first two chapters of LOST AND FOUND HERE. These chapters include an introduction to behaviorist and trainer September Day and her cat Macy, as well as the very first “dog viewpoint chapter” in Shadow’s voice.

For those who have already read LOST AND FOUND, you can read the prologue and first chapter of the sequel HIDE AND SEEK HERE. The story picks up only a few weeks after the end of the first book, and reveals much more about September’s painful past. Oh, and Macy-Cat becomes an intrinsic part of the plot in this book (yes, I did that on purr-pose!).

Please share this post with anyone you think might enjoy the books. I am doing my best to finish the next story SHOW AND TELL, so stay tuned for more soon!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

#Puppies Book & Article Winners at #Dogs Writers Association Banquet!

#Puppies Book & Article Winners at #Dogs Writers Association Banquet!

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

The Dog Writers Association of America banquet was held last night in New York City. It’s traditionally held the night before Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and I’ve had the great joy and honor to attend both events several times. But not last night–due to travel constraints *cough-BLIZZARD-cough* and work issues, I wasn’t able to attend, despite knowing that I had a couple of entries in the running.

My book COMPLETE PUPPY CARE was nominated for a Maxwell Medallion in the category of Reference Books. I received the Nomination Certificate some time ago and am deeply honored. You can see all the regular category winners here. I hope that you’ll recommend the award-winning book to anyone with a new puppy in their future!

(Equal time for Complete KITTEN Care!)

Much of the book is based on research and articles I’d written over the past three years for my puppies.about.com site, and so this was particularly sweet for me. As many of y’all know, my contract with that company was abruptly cancelled last summer–for those morbidly curious, details here. Ya know, the best “revenge” is always success, LOL!

So an even sweeter recognition came when I won a DWAA Special Award last night for an article written for the puppies.about.com site titled “AKC Canine Good Citizenship Programs.” The information from that article of course is also included in the book. You can see the list of all the special awards winners here.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen Award

Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, this award is for the best writing about the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program or the puppy level of CGC, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy.

Recognized as the ‘gold standard’ for family dog manners, CGC and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy focus on teaching good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to dog owners. This award is a $500.00 cash award.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the nominees and winners! I am very fortunate to live in a world and participate in a community of professional communicators dedicated to sharing life-saving and relationship-saving information about the dogs we love!

Now then–how many of y’all have taken your puppy through the CGC or S.T.A.R. Puppy Programs? Or how about the AKC Community Canine program also mentioned in the article?

And…how many of y’all will be watching Westminster tonight and tomorrow night on TV? *raising paw* Magical-Dawg and I will be rooting for the…well, you know. *s*

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

Celebrating #Pets Peeves Newsletter! Subscribe & Get The Cutting Edge Book

Celebrating #Pets Peeves Newsletter! Subscribe & Get The Cutting Edge Book

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Pet Peeves Newsletter

My “bionote” at the bottom of blog posts mentions this and there’s a newsletter subscription box on the sidebar (and now a separate page), but I’ve not made a big deal about my PET PEEVES newsletter. BAD Amy!

I don’t email the Pet Peeves newsletter more than every few months, or when there’s “breaking news” about a new book or appearance. And it occurred to me that y’all — some of my most faithful readers and passionate pet parents — might not know about it. So here’s the details for all my Sweet Peeps!

Amy’s FREE PET PEEVES E-Newsletter includes health and behavior articles, pet-centric care tips, training tricks, pet news, Amy appearances, thriller-icity info and advice. Pet Peeves comes directly to your in-box every month or so. You can read what you like and pass on to other pet-loving friends. I often give away books or give subscribes sneak peeks to new events, so don’t miss out! (And of course you can unsubscribe anytime at all.)

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

by filling out the form, below. To thank you for subscribing and give a taste of my books, I’ll send you a free copy of my “cutting edge” book, below!

Please share this offer to your other pet-loving friends–maybe as a furry Valentine? *s*

* Your Email







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Email Marketing by iContact I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

9 Dental Issues You Share With Your #Cats and #Dogs

9 Dental Issues You Share With Your #Cats and #Dogs

Image courtesy DepositPhotos.com

Could your dog’s breath melt your glasses? Does your cat’s smile look like five miles of bad road? Pet tooth problems are surprisingly similar to their owners’ dental issues. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and a good time to check out your pets’ pearly whites. Here are common dental issues you share with your cats and dogs, as well as ways to avoid them.

Stinky mouth odor referred to as halitosis develops when bacteria grows on the tooth surface or tongue. Mouthwash and chewing gum may mask your halitosis but dogs and cats don’t gargle. They don’t spit, either, making fluorinated products dangerous for pets when they’re swallowed. There are rinses that can be added to pet water bowls that help freshen breath, and dogs benefit from “dental” chew toys that offer some cleaning properties or incorporate bacteria-killing enzymes.
Plaque develops when bacteria mineralizes into hard yellow to brown deposits on the teeth, often at the gum line. People typically remove most of this by brushing, flossing, and even chewing “detergent-type” foods like apples. Some dogs enjoy carrots and apples but most pets tend to gulp mouthfuls of food without too much chewing. Cats and dogs also lack opposable thumbs that make brushing or flossing possible.
Gingivitis—redness and swelling of the gums—happens when the bacteria in the plaque releases enzymes that cause inflammation. People might see blood on the toothbrush. Owners might see blood on the dog’s chew toy.
Receding gums develop as a result of the inflammation, and forms pockets around the tooth that expose bone, leading to loose teeth and bone loss. People with painful mouths and loose teeth complain to the dentist. But cats and dogs generally eat through the pain without showing much discomfort until it’s very bad.
Periodontal disease (decayed teeth, sore gums, bleeding mouths) affects 80 percent of pets by the age of three. Besides mouth and tooth problems, chewing pumps bacteria into the bloodstream and that damages the heart, liver and kidneys in both people and pets.

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

Cavities don’t affect pets in the same way as people, but cats can develop a sneaky kind of cavity called resportive lesions. The decay is hidden and starts at or below the gum line, eating the tooth from the inside out and leaving a fragile shell that can break. Up to 75 percent of cats with dental disease have one or more lesions that usually can’t be fixed.
Brushing teeth, as with people, is the first line of defense. Yes, you can teach pets to tolerate or even welcome tooth brushing (complete how-to details in Complete Puppy Care–works for cats, too!). Meat-flavored toothpastes with plaque-retardant enzymes and pet-size brushes used after each meal—or at least a couple of times a week—help enormously to reduce bad breath and plaque control.
Dentistry treats pet teeth in a similar fashion as humans but since dogs and cats won’t open wide and say “ah” a professional veterinary dentistry requires anesthesia.  Trying to clean pet teeth without anesthesia can be much less effective. Most veterinarians provide ultrasonic scaling, polishing, tooth extraction and antibiotics with pain medication when necessary. Veterinary dental specialists also perform root canals, provide crowns and even offer pet orthodontia (braces) to correct misaligned teeth that cause the pet discomfort.
Dental “treats” and specially formulated diets are available to improve cat and dog dental health. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance, which endorses such products.

Keep both your relationship and your pets’ breath smelling sweet. Don’t limit it to this month, either, but use the opportunity to “brush up” on the facts of your pet’s tooth health.

(This article originally was published by the Huffington Post).  I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

5 #Blizzard Tips from the ASPCA to Save Your #Pets Life!

5 #Blizzard Tips from the ASPCA to Save Your #Pets Life!

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

Last week I posted about cold weather dangers for pets and since that time, N. Texas has enjoyed some sunny, warm days. But in other parts of the country–yet another blizzard threatens. Thank you to the ASPCA for sending this important and insightful infographic designed to keep your dogs and cats safe!

You’ll find life saving first aid tips for hypothermia, frostbite, CPR, even cat fan belt injuries and more in The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats — but prevention trumps after the fact every time. So please SHARE this post far and wide, and get our fur-kids the protection they need!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

Valentines & Pets? What if Fluffy Hates Your Date!

Valentines & Pets? What if Fluffy Hates Your Date!

Photo courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

If you really want to please your partner this Valentine’s Day buy catnip and chew toys (and pet-centric books!) instead of chocolate. Love me, love my pet is the new Valentine rule of paw.

Cats and dogs show affection and devotion in very different ways. What some folks might find objectionable actually is the ultimate in a kitty or canine compliment! Here are a few examples:

Cats hop on our laps—then present their ass-ets for a sniff. (It’s sort of a backwards kitty compliment).
Dogs jump up and knock us down or ruin outfits. They’re trying to reach/lick your face, a way of saying “you’re the boss, I love you.”
Cats claw your most favorite chair—marking something that smells like you as their most favorite territory.
Dogs chew up your favorite purse—again, it smells like you and he wants to be close to his beloved.

I’ve written and lectured and been quoted about dog and cat behavior and care more times than I like to admit—in dog years, I should be dead! Lately, though, I’ve branched into fiction writing to bring the “good news” about pets to a whole new audience. People who have no interest in a how-to pet care/behavior book lap it up like BACON when presented as doggy (or kitty) litter-ature.

My dog viewpoint thrillers LOST AND FOUND and HIDE AND SEEK feature a German Shepherd service dog, a trained Maine Coon cat, and an animal behaviorist. I adore my main characters in these stories because they’re real to me. Shadow-dog and Macy-cat love their human, September Day unconditionally just like Magical-Dawg, Seren-Kitty and Karma-Kat love me. What we’d do for those we love—human and furry—really drives these thriller stories. And in real life, we love our pets back. Some of us wish our human loves were more like the pets.

Photo courtesy of DepositPhoto.com

VALENTINE’S FOR PETS

Don’t believe me? Get a load of this! A few years ago, a joint global poll by Reuters/Ipsos of 24,000 people in 23 countries found 21 percent of adults would rather spend February 14 with their pet than their spouse. And the American Kennel Club (AKC) surveyed dog owners and found even more startling results. Nearly 90 percent of women wish their boyfriend or husband was more like their dog. More than a third of women said, “If my dog was a man, he’d be my boyfriend!”

Men also wish their significant other shared some of the same qualities as their dog, especially the quality of “always being in a good mood.” Only 23 percent of men surveyed agreed with the statement, “If my dog was a woman she’d be my girlfriend.”

Based on the results, men and women should go to the dog for hints on pleasing the special humans in their lives. In fact, people have such strong bonds with their dogs and cats that the human in your life may become jealous. Reasons include dedicating “too much” time to the pet, preferring to cuddle with the dog rather than their mate, or that the dog “likes me better.”

Canine qualities women look for in men include a perennial good mood, willingness to spend time together, eagerness to cuddle on the couch, and being happy to eat her cooking without complaint. The survey also indicated women appreciated how dogs helped motivate them to exercise. Canine qualities that men appreciate in women include being as happy to spend time at home as out on the town, offering enthusiastic greetings when he returns home, and not getting mad when he wants to watch sports. Men also liked it that dogs were “up” for anything he wants to do.

So this Valentine’s Day, let your romantical inclinations take into account the cats and dogs that your two-legged honey adores. That’ll have them wagging their virtual tails in purrfect bliss!

HELP! MY PET HATES MY DATE!

Dogs and cats are considered a part of the family, but what do you do when your pet interferes with love and romance? When your dog or cat hates your date, but you’re smitten, what’s a caring pet owner to do?

I’ve published two quick-tip guides for the perfect pet book gift for Valentines to preserve your love and romance. My Dog Hates My Date and My Cat Hates My Date are available on Amazon. You’ll learn:

Why Some Pets Hate New People
Tips to Fix Furry Jealousy
How Dogs or Cats Show Love
Health Benefits of Pets & Why Kids Benefit Most!
Pet-to-Baby, Toddler & Kid Introductions
Breaking Up? Tips When Fido (or Sheba) Misses Your Ex
Why “Acting” Like Dogs or Cats Makes You a Great Romantic Catch!

Now it’s your turn. Have you ever had a situation where your pet hated your new love? What did YOU do? And if you know someone that needs help–please share this post with them!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

Happy Birthday Seren! Happy Gotcha Day Karma!

Happy Birthday Seren! Happy Gotcha Day Karma!

Photo courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEREN!

When a kitten was discovered asleep in a flower pot on a friend’s back porch about the first week of June, my friend called me for help. You see, her four-year-old daughter REALLY wanted this kitten, but my friend was allergic yet didn’t want to take the baby to the shelter. So it was Amy-To-The-Rescue.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, this tiny baby with blue-jean-color eyes raced across the floor and climbed up my pant leg, put her paws around my neck, and it was all over. I was smitten. I wrote about this in Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover’s Soul. The veterinarian judged her to be about five months old, so we counted backwards to give Seren(dipity) a February 1st birthday–which also happens to be my Mom’s birthday.

So this past weekend, Mom got birthday flowers and Seren got catnip treats for her 18th birthday. My still-teeny Siamese wannabe spent a loooong time on my lap getting a massage and grooming session, with Karma out of pester-range.

Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

KARMA’S GOTCHA DAY

This time last year, right before Seren’s 17th birthday, we prepped for a horrible ice and snow storm set to shut down North Texas for several days. On Friday January 31st, Magical-Dawg saw “something” dash across the back patio. A hungry, not-so-tiny kitten with blue-jean-color eyes came to the window and paw-clawed to get inside, never mind that a big black doggy face stared back at him.

He wore a collar, too, so I thought he must belong to the new neighbor. When I opened the door, he ran–I followed, and called for him. He kept running until I meowed at him. He stopped, mewed back, and then can running back to me. And a week later I blogged about him when knew that Karma was home for good.

The veterinarian guestimated Karma to be about 7-8 months old, so we counted backwards and–holy cats!–assigned his birthday in July on the same day as Magical-Dawg’s birthday.

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

So what do YOU think? Is there some really kewl karma and serendipity and magic happening here? For Karma to arrive so timely for Seren’s 17th birthday when, frankly, my old lady cat had been so ill that I feared her days were numbered. I know Seren would argue that SHE never asked for a kitten for her birthday, but Karma certainly turned back the clock and gave her new energy when he arrived.

However, having Karma around means Magic no longer pesters Seren the way he used to. Magic would waggingly welcome the idea of sharing a birthday with his best cat buddy, Karma. He’d been trying to make friends with Seren for seven years to no avail–and suddenly discovered the joys of a kitty playmate that LIKES him.

Have you ever had new furry wonders arrive at JUST the right time in some weird-and-wonderful coincidence? What’s the best birthday or gotcha-day gifts your fur-kids ever got? Do tell!

In the play STRAYS, THE MUSICAL we included a very short, funny but poignant scene called INAPPROPRIATE PET GIFTS, in which a puppy asks an older dog about the best and worst gifts he ever received. Worst gifts include a hotdog costume for Halloween, and the puppy’s best gift was an old shoe that smelled like the owner–“Heaven!”

“What’s the best gift you ever got?” asks Puppy.

Older dog answers with two words. “A home.”

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!

#Blizzard Hazards and Carbon Monoxide Danger

#Blizzard Hazards and Carbon Monoxide Danger

Photo courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

There’s a major disconnect for me today–while much of the East is dealing with the 2015 Blizzard, here in N. Texas our forecast is for a 70-degree sunny day. But that’s predicted to change very soon, and Magical-Dawg can’t wait. A few years ago, a similar blizzard shut down the whole area for more than a week. That’s what inspired the setting for my first mystery/suspense Lost And Found.

When cold weather descends, it impacts more than the shiver reflex. Last week the blog covered what constitutes old age in cats, and in fact our senior citizen dogs are most susceptible to cold temps. Don’t tell him, but at age 8, Magic is considered “mature.”

Old dogs get less cold tolerant as they age, because they lose muscle and fat mass that insulates, increases their metabolism, and keeps them warm. Aging skin and fur also tends to get thinner. Little dogs have less body mass to generate natural heat, too, and often benefit from a doggy sweater especially when they must do outdoor bathroom duty.

Photo courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

Pets stay warm by burning fuel—the food they eat. They need more calories to generate increased body warmth, too, especially if they’re outside pets and can’t rely on your warm lap. You can feed adult dogs a puppy food which increases the calories—or feed a “performance” diet. Just remember to switch back to a maintenance diet in the spring or you risk adding pounds and can end up with a fat Fido.

Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

When the temperature drops overnight, people pull on sweaters. Dogs don’t have the benefit of pulling something out of the closet to wear. Magic-the-wooly-wonder would spend hours outside if he had his choice. Yes, that’s him in the picture during the last storm, but even cold-loving dogs can have too much of a good thing.

INVISIBLE POISON!

I hope y’all have taken safety steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning–yep, it affects pets, too. Last week, our alarm system CO2 detector went off–WOOOOP-WOOOOP-WOOOOOP! The pets hated that, and it scared the whey out of me, too. It turns out our detectors were outdated, there was no leak by the water heaters (whew!), and once they were replaced we felt safe again.

You can get detectors at local home products stores. But many years ago, my brother’s pet bird, Gumby, saved the family’s life when symptoms alerted them to the danger. When Gumby began falling off his perch, they knew birdy fainting spells were not normal and sought veterinary help. The diagnosis was carbon monoxide poisoning, traced to a malfunctioning heater that could have put the whole family to sleep—permanently.

WHAT IS CO2

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. It’s a natural by-product of fuel combustion present in car exhaust and improperly vented furnaces, space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke. It can quickly kill people as well as their pets. Children and pets have died in as little as 15 minutes inside running cars while parents shoveled snow outside the vehicle, unaware the tailpipe was blocked.

The gas causes the same symptoms in dogs and cats as in their owners. However, carbon monoxide is lighter than air, so pets that live at human knee level may not show symptoms as quickly as their owners. Birds are particularly susceptible and like Gumby, may be the first to show signs.

Here’s what happens. Carbon monoxide is inhaled, absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. There it binds with hemoglobin, the oxygen-transporting component of blood. This blocks the hemoglobin from using or carrying oxygen at all, which affects all areas of the body including the brain. The gas creates a kind of chemical suffocation.

The most common symptom of human carbon monoxide poisoning (low doses) in otherwise healthy people is fatigue that clears up when you leave the house. In heart patients it can cause chest pains. Higher concentrations cause headache, confusion and disorientation, and flu-like symptoms with vomiting. Ultimately, the poison victim falls into a coma. When the victim is asleep during exposure to the poison, the dog, cat, bird or the person may never wake up.

We don’t know if poisoned pets suffer headaches because they can’t tell us about this early sign. But they do act confused, lethargic, and drunk in the same way as human victims. A distinctive sign common to both people and pets are bright cherry-red gums in the mouth.

HOW TO CURE CO2 POISONING

The body can only get rid of the poison bound to the hemoglobin by breathing it out, or by replacing the poisoned hemoglobin with new. The liver and spleen replace hemoglobin about every ten to fifteen days. When only a small amount of the blood is affected, the victim recovers without treatment as long as no more poison is inhaled.

But high levels of blood saturation will kill the person or pet unless emergency treatment is given. Twenty-five percent saturation level is considered dangerous for people. Usually, though, both people and pets should be treated when the carbon monoxide saturation level is ten percent or higher. Smokers will be more susceptible because they already have an elevated level of carbon monoxide in their bloodstream. In other words, if one family member smokes, he or she may suffer symptoms sooner than other non-smoking family members.

Administering high concentrations of oxygen is the treatment of choice. That increases the amount of gas that is breathed out. Many hours of oxygen therapy may be required. In some cases, ventilation may be necessary.

PREVENTION IS KEY!

To protect yourself and your pets from carbon monoxide poisoning, get your heating units inspected every year before you start using them. Carbon monoxide detectors are also available to be installed as a warning system.

If you notice any change in your pet’s behavior or your own health that coincides with cold weather or the furnace coming on, don’t automatically assume it’s the flu. Consult with medical specialists for both your pets and for yourself.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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 sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

 

 

 

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!