Cat Views

I read an article today by Leslie A. Lyons published by the Scientific American about purring. I’ve decided there are few other sounds which compare to a purr – I call it the sound of love. OK, so the experts say that cats purr even in stressful situations, but not mine. No, instead she just sheds and sweats. Doofie is definitely a purrer. Even in mid-air she’ll either start or stop a purr on her path closer to me. OK, so the sound is produced by the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles at a frequency of 25 and 150 Hertz. Dr. Lyons’ article suggest the energy produced by purring may aid in bone density and to promote healing through muscle strengthening. So, even though the experts suggest a more scientific function of purring, I’m still going to say, if you want to hear what love sounds like, listen to your cat’s purr.

We received a great email today from one of our customers who just got their new Couchette by Kittypod. “Do you have any advice on how to clean it when the kitty barfs up a hairball on it?” It makes me laugh every time I read it, but Shannon’s question is a good one since she has a significant investment in “cardboard” cat furniture. We emailed the designer, Elizabeth Page Smith to ask her advice, suggesting perhaps vegetable oil could be used as a natural coating. Elizabeth promptly provided a very complete explanation which included wonderful insights about her design.

“Hi Nancy, Ha ha…yes, an issue I have personally addressed.  The best thing to do is to with a paper towel pick up the larger mess if there is any, in case of food regurgitation, and then allow it to dry. Once the spot is dry take a broom or brush and sweep the remainder of the mess away.  If there are still particles just use a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment.  This will clean the cardboard well.  No need to worry about sealing, the cardboard is sturdy and when dry will dry similar color to its original state.  This is all part of the use. Definitely no vegetable oil to be put on the material that will soggy the paper and give a really horrible smell.  It is best in natural state.  I say this also because the cats tend to also want to bite/chew on the cardboard so we don’t want to flavor the paper with something yuck.

In general, the couchette will receive ‘personalization’ by her cat.  This is the purpose of the couchette and is to be expected that there will be some wear and tear.  Every cat has their own way of interacting, some more aggressive than others, so the wear and tear will vary from cat to cat.

If you have something more to ask please do.

Best of luck and glad Shannon’s cat is finding pleasure and use of the couchette. +eps”

With over 63% U.S. households having pets, it’s not surprising that a new trend has recently emerged, pet sitting. I don’t know about you, but I’ve started traveling less since I was adopted by my cat, Doofie. At first, it wasn’t too much trouble because my neighbor and I were “co-owners.” So when she left, I took over and vise-a-versa; a nice arrangement. But she moved away, and as #1 human in Doofie’s life, I took over sole responsibility. Then, I tried paying an acquaintance – a complete disaster! I learned when I got home from a 10-day trip he never came over. My cat broke out of our house in desperation for food and water. Thankfully, she survived albeit a with some weight loss over stress and worry. She’s a good hunter and very adaptable, but it took her three days to stop sleeping with a paw on my shoulder to assure I was handy. Then, I got her a nanny….yes, my cat had a nanny! Her nanny was an elderly friend, much more reliable than the first choice. But that too, had its pitfalls. So today, I just came across a website dedicated to home pet care, certification and all! They refer to their trade as animal guardians – I like that! I live a relatively small town, and was pleasantly surprised to see a company registered with their site. They have handy suggestions for pet owners to locate an ideal sitter. Now, Doofie can stay camped out in her own home, snuggled in her favorite cat bed.

A few years back, I took Doofie to the vet for her annual check-up. Odd, now that I think about it, I don’t have an annual physical, but my cat does! Anyway, the vet said she needed to have her teeth cleaned. I must have laughed because the vet made a point of insisting it was necessary. We returned a couple of weeks later for her dental appointment. The vet-tech indicated that Doofie was going to be “put under” for the procedure. Yikes! Of course that makes sense as I can barely keep her quiet enough to brush her coat. I was asked if wanted to be present during the surgery – absolutely! They warned me about putting her under. Admittedly it was just awful, but I was confident that they knew what they were doing. Sure enough, she had several teeth removed. $150 or so later and a little unsteady, we both survived her ordeal. No high-rise cat perch sitting for Doofie for at least a couple of hours. Here’s a terrific article on the importance of your maintaining your cat’s health through proper feline dental care.

We noticed an interesting commonality in our customers. Well, not them personally but rather the fact that so many cat names are very distinct! It prompted us to begin to collect cat names, particularly since the cat furniture being ordered, is for some”one” especially important. Instead of Fluffy & Felix, we were seeing names like Milo, Ocashsa, Taisho, Deuce & Bruno. Bruno? Isn’t that a dog’s name. Oh well…. With a name like Bruno, I don’t suppose he really cares!

Well, you know how it is. Every January, we get the “most popular” lists. Recently, the Cincinnati Enquirer published a list of the most popular cat names. How do these names compare to your clan?

1. Max
2. Chloe
3. Tigger
4. Tiger
5. Lucy
6. Smokey
7. Oliver
8. Bella
9. Shadow
10. Charlie

Other names locally on the list include: Gizmo, Cocoa, Gabriel (too many vowels!), Bailey, Simba & Bob. Bob??? Somehow, I just can’t see a cat named Bob.

Looking for a new place for your kitty to eat? Want something up to date as well as earth friendly? We have the perfect thing! This Pet Diner is made solidly of Bamboo; with a water resistant finish and two top of the line stainless steel bowls. Bamboo can grow up to a rate of one meter a day. This means that when you cut a tree that is 60 years old, it will take 60 years to replace that tree. Bamboo allows you to cut them down and they will return in about 60 days! That’s a huge difference. Not only is bamboo great at growing, but also is quite strong. Some people in the tropics can build houses out of bamboo! There are also over 1000 species of bamboo, each with a distinctive natual beauty. This Pet Diner will be sure you last you along time in your home, but it will be doing the earth a great favor as well.

The American Curl is an interesting and adorable breed. Distinguished by their unique ears, which give them an almost “teddy bear” look. When they are born, their ears are straight and gradually curl backwards at the tips as they age, with long tufts of fur fanning outward. The major characteristics of theses cats are their curled ears, medium sized bodies, silky coats and walnut shaped eyes. There are long or short haired varieties as well as different colors and patterns. These cats have no physical disabilities to pass on as well, making them ideal pets. However, selective breeding of these cats did not begin until 1983. American Curls are very people oriented and have unique personalities. They retain their kitten-like personalities into adulthood, adjusting quickly to other pets, children and new situations. They talk in little trill-like cooing sounds. A cat gym is perfect for these darling c ats.

We all know how some cats love to “help” their owners with their daily chores while others could care less. My cat is one of the “helpers”. When I make the bed, she runs in, jumps up on the bed and pushes the spread under the pillows. (I couldn’t do it without her)! If I’m cooking she’s in the kitchen doing what she can to help. You know, batting at soapsuds is a big chore! When the Christmas tree went up, she really excelled! Playing with the branches and bits of flocking on the floor and then laying under the tree to keep it safe! The hanging crystal drops fascinate her. Due to her activities I know just what “Santa” will bring her..a  Pawprint Tunnel and Condo Play Center  from My Cat’s Heaven.

Does your kitty miss a little when they use there litter box? Well, your problem is solved! This sleek modern Litter Pod will not only make cleanup incredibly easy but it also ensures your kitty wont “litter” outside of its pod. Made to look sleek and lavishly spaced, is also made of stain resistant AND odor resistant materials! A cinch to maintain and a snap to clean up, this design is perfect for houses with multiple cats. Not only will your cat thank you, but you’ll thank yourself.

“Cats have the simplest of taste: the best is satisfactory” — Cat