Ingrid King's Blog: The Conscious Cat, page 350

Aging Cats: What is Normal, and What is Disease?

Aging is inevitable for cats and humans. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners Life Stage Guidelines, cats are considered “mature” between the ages of 7 and 10, “senior” between the ages of 11 and 14, and “geriatric” over the age of 15. Aging is a slow and gradual process, and it’s important to know the difference between normal aging and abnormal changes that could be indicators of an illness. This can be particularly challenging in cats, since they are masters at hi...

Sunday Purrs of Wisdom: How to Be Content

When I think about what contentment looks like, I think of a purring cat. If there’s anything that illustrates happiness better, I don’t know what that would be.And it doesn’t take much for cats to be content: a sunny spot on the floor, a full tummy, a lap to curl up on – those are the ingredients for contentment when you’re a cat.

Why is it so hard for humans to reach that same state of contentment? Why do so many of us always look for the next best thing? For some people,the mindset for ha...

Mews and Nips: Gladstone the Cat is British Treasury’s Official Mousecatcher

Not to be outdone by Larry, the Downing Street Cat and Palmerson, the official mouse at Britain’s Foreign Office, the UK’s Treasury introduced its newest employee last week: 18-month-old Gladstone is taking over duties as chief mouser and PR purrson at the department. You can read more about Gladstone on The Guardian. I’d like to see this trend of hiring feline staffers spread to government offices around the world – purrhaps as a first step to cats ruling the planet?

If you missed any of th...

Review: Knits for Kitties

I love the creativity that goes into handmade cat toys, and I’m always amazed at what wonderful creations people come up with, but rarely have I seen a collection of toys as varied and creative as the ones shown in Knits for Kitties: 25 Knit Patterns for Making Cat Toys. Sara Elizabeth Kellner is a knitting designer who combines her love of animals and art to create whimsical toy patterns.

From grasshoppers to kitten mittens to birthday cakes, there’s a toy for every kitty in this book. The...

Back to School Supplies for Cat Lovers

This post contains Amazon Associate links*

One of the best parts of starting a new school year is shopping for new supplies. There’s a cat-themed version available for just about anything you or your kids or grandkids might need, and I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites for you today. And even if you’re not going back to school, these adorable supplies will dress up your desk at home or at work.

This Pusheen Pencil Case will keep all of your pens and pencils in one place and make you smile...

Felted Wool Cat Bags and Ceramic Signs from Show Me a Little Sign

I recently introduced you to Chery, the amazing woman who rescued nine cats who were living in a church parking lot with a homeless woman. You’ve learned about Chery’s huge heart, her compassion, and the love she has for her nine foster cats. Chery also has four cats of her own.

Today, I’d like to show you a different side of Chery. Chery is also an accomplished artist and crafter who makes adorable felted wool bags and ceramic signs featuring whimsical and inspirational messages.

Chery with...

Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Tract Healthy

This guest post by Courtney Taylor is sponsored by In Clover

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the top reasons why cats visit the vet. They are painful for your cat, and often lead to messy cleanup and expensive vet bills for you.

UTIs are most prevalent in male cats and may be caused by excess weight, lack of exercise and poor diet. However, the most common causes are dehydration and a high urinary pH. Crystals and struvite stones may form, which are extremely painful to pass. The...

Does Your Cat Need Help From Jackson Galaxy? Now Casting Season 8 of My Cat From Hell

Jackson Galaxy hasn’t met a cat he couldn’t help, as he’s proven for seven seasons on Animal Planet’s popular show, My Cat From Hell. If you’re at your wit’s end with your challenging felines, here’s your chance to apply for personal help from Jackson. The show is also looking for hero cats and cat guardians.

How to apply to be on My Cat From Hell

To apply, go to mycatfromhell.castingcrane.com.

You will be asked to submit pictures and videos. If you are selected for the show, you must be ava...

Conscious Cat Sunday: 7 Habits of Highly Successful Cat Parents

Cats enrich our lives in so many ways. From providing unconditional love to entertaining us with their antics, cats have a way of teaching us a thing or two about how to live a good life without really trying. Today, I’m offering you a somewhat feline-centric explanation of the habits outlined in Steven Covey’s timeless bestseller, 7 Habits of Highly Successful People.

1. Be proactive

Life doesn’t just happen. Food bowls don’t magically fill themselves. Whether you realize it or not, every m...

Mews and Nips: Photos of Japan’s Cat Island

Earlier this week, Business Insider, of all publications, featured a series of wonderful photos of the cats on Japan’s “Cat Island.” Aoshima is home to more than 140 cats, who outnumber humans 8 to 1. The island has become a bit of a tourist attraction, and people donate food for the cats from all over Japan. For more photos of the cats, please visit photographer Sayokoi Shimayamo’s photostream on Flickr.

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this week, here’s a reca...