Leaving Town For The Fourth Of July Weekend? Don't Forget To Plan For Your Cat

****This post originally ran in a slightly different version for Memorial Day Weekend. The information contained in this blog is important enough to be republished again and again. For those of you who missed this important blog it is my pleasure to present it to you again, with a few modifications. Enjoy!!!

The Fourth of July weekend is upon us!! It is the time for BBQ's featuring
"All-American" favorites such as chargrilled hamburgers and hotdogs, corn-on-the-cob oozing butter from every scrumptious kernel, camping, parades, fireworks and sparklers!! Most cats and dogs are terrified of the sound of fireworks, and sparklers can cause severe burns to cats, dogs and their humans should a renegade ember ignite clothing or fur). Plan to keep everyone far enough away and safe from the evening light show.

It is hard to imagine that once the Fourth Of July approaches summer is already half over, yep, half over (at least as far as the back-to-school ads are concerned).
Many people leave town for a few days to enjoy some fun and sun. Can't take your cat along for the fesitivities? Please don't forget to provide for him in your absence.

Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs and tend to do well on their own (for no more than 3 nights) providing his needs are taken into consideration.




1) Provide plenty of food and water: there are many wonderful automatic feeders on the market (most tend to be 48 hr feeders) that will dispense food automatically either when a timer is set or when the cat taps a pad or lever to dispense the food. There are also commercial "water coolers" that are great for cats that can be filled in advance with plenty of water so he doesn't have to crack open a cold one from the fridge (see right). I would test the dispensers thoroughly before you leave to be sure they are functioning properly. To give you double peace of mind I would still put out small bowls of kibble and water around the house in the event the dispensers don't function properly while you are gone. To give your cat some entertainment you can even hide treats around the house for him to find in your absence (under pillows, in his bed, on windowsills, etc.) This will provide some fun and put his hunting skills to good use.

2) Call home and let your cat hear your voice

Still have an answering machine? Experts say that calling home and leaving a message for your cat can offer him comfort, the sound of your voice will reassure him. I have done this and have to admit it upset me more because I thought my cat would be more distressed hearing me but not being able to find me. What do you think? I think another good idea which I have implemented is to leave a radio playing soothing music on or leave your TV on. The voices in the background will offer companionship and comfort for a lonely kitty.


3) Clean the litter box before you leave- Providing a second or third (depending on the number of cats you have) might be a good idea if you have a cat that is fastidious about using a clean litter box. Your cat may be angry with you for leaving and you do not want a dirty litter box to be an excuse for him marking his territory all over your home.


4) Leave windows closed or open just a tiny bit

Never leave your windows wide open in your absence. If you do not have air conditioning leave the windows just slightly open. The sight of a scurrying squirrel or other animal can excite your cat and he can possibly push the screen out while you are gone. Screen falls out, your cat is gone.


5) Think about the temperature in your home- Not using air conditioning when it is warm may be great for you when you are there with the windows open, for your cat not so much if your windows are just opened slightly, or worse yet not at all. If you have air turn it on (your cat's comfort is more important than pinching pennies) or leave a fan running in a place that your cat cannot be harmed by the rotating blades. Your cat is not just an animal, he is family and should be treated and cared for as such.

6) Leave some toys out-But, put away any toys (such as toys that dangle by a string) that require supervision. You don't want your kitty accidentally in danger caused by a toy while you are away.


Your cat should do fine if the above tips are implemented. I have instituted all of them and frankly I am much more comfortable with having a trusted friend or family member stop in at least once a day to check on my beloved baby. Be sure they are a bona fide cat lover, someone that truly cares about cats and will actually play with your cat, talk to him, soothe him and care about his well being while you are away, not just someone looking to earn a few extra bucks.

If you are having someone check on your cat be sure to:

Provide the phone number of where you will be along with your cell phone number.

Provide the name, address and phone number of your vet and the clinic you prefer your cat being taken to in (gasp) the event of an unexpected emergency.

Call your caretaker at least once a day (not 4 and 5 times a day like I tend to do because I am a neurotic kitty mama) to see how things are going and to answer any questions they may have.

Have a list of your cat's favorite hiding spots- spare your caretaker the stress of having to search in a frenzied state for a kitty who they think is missing but is in fact snoozing serenely on the towels in your linen closet.

Now that all of the important things have been done to provide safety and comfort for your cat while you are gone, if you haven't already, GET PACKING and pussyfoot on out of here and have a HAPPY AND SAFE FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!!!!

Painting A Dog A Day, Cats Always Welcome!

It has been a while since I have showcased an Artist in my Monday blog and today it is my honor to showcase Lake Orion artist Kimberly  Kelly Santini. It is a rare person indeed who evokes such enthusiasm, passion, vibrance, excitement and good 'ol personality plus, in just 140 characters or less, on Twitter! That is what I felt when my path crossed with Kims' a few weeks back. The fact that she is a native of Oakland County, Michigan doesn't hurt either. What sealed the deal of wanting to write about her? Just view some of her work and see for yourself, you will be smitten too.

"Kimberly Kelly Santini has no problem keeping herself busy. She is the creator of "Painting A Dog A Day" (now in year four, portraits of cats are welcome too!!), "a self-designed project that involves the completion of one new pet portrait each day. Her daily paintings are a renowned addition to many events: she's designed the American Kennel Club National Championships poster in 2007, graced wine bottles with a custom design, led elementary students in exploring their own creative voices through collaged pet portraiture, and won coveted awards at juried events."

"Santini is looking forward to creating her 1000th daily painting later this summer while simultaneously hanging an invitational solo exhibition at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah."

"An animal advocate, Santini donates a percentage of her studio's profits to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center, in Oakland County, Michigan."

I told you Kim has no problem keeping herself busy right? In addition to all of the above "she also teaches creative journaling, mentors emerging artists, is the Director of the Canine Art Guild, is a contributing Editor to Art Career Experts and other online art sites, is writing her third book and volunteers in the local communities of Michigan"

To Contact Kimberly Kelly Santini visit http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/ or http://www.paintingadogaday.com/

If you know of an artist you would like to see featured in my blog (who also paints cats) and donates a portion of their earnings to charities that support cats (and dogs) please leave a comment on this blog, or contact Caren Gittleman on Twitter at  http://twitter.com/catchatcaren or on Facebook at http://facebook.com/carenosringittleman

200 Cats For Adoption At Pet Supplies Plus Cat Days of Summer July 9-11

 For Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills and White Lake, Michigan, the hot steamy days of July have been renamed the Cat Days of Summer – for 200 meowing reasons.

The stores are ushering in 200 cats that will be available for adoption as part of the Pet Supplies Plus Cat Days of Summer event July 9 - 11. The cats and kittens are being transported from Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills and Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue in Waterford. They have all been health checked, vaccinated and spayed/neutered and are just looking for good homes.  Event hopes to ease overcrowding of homeless pets in Oakland County, Michigan.

Customers will be treated to free hotdogs, sales on all pet supplies along with no sales tax, drawings for door prizes including gifts baskets from The Gifted Pet http://www.thegiftedpet.com/ plus all the fun of a summer festival. Those adopting a cat or kitten can have a free photo taken of their newly-adopted pet and also get a free goody bag with items from Pet Supplies Plus and Nooters Club® which promotes pet spay and neuter and responsible pet guardianship.

“If you are looking for a new feline companion, this is the place to be,” said Addy Shattuck, owner of Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills and White Lake. “We will have all different breeds, colors and sizes of cats and kittens. We are hoping that we can find homes for more pets in Oakland County. "

Shattuck will also be reminding pet owners to keep their pets safe this summer with these safety tips:

Avoid keeping pets in parked vehicles for even a few minutes. Lack of air and rising temperatures can quickly be fatal even on “cool” days!

Keep pets inside to avoid heat stroke. If they must stay outside, provide shade and plenty of water.

If you travel with your pet, check out area emergency veterinary hospitals before you need them.

Watch for antifreeze that can leak from your vehicle if your engine overheats. Antifreeze tastes sweet, is inviting to pets and children and can be fatal even in small amounts.

Cat Days of Summer will take place at Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills at 2057 Telegraph Rd. (North of Square Lake) and in White Lake at 6845 Highland Rd. (M-59) and 8020 Cooley Lake Rd. on Friday, July 9, 4 p.m. - to 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 10, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and on Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cat adoptions Sunday only at the Cooley Lake Rd. store.

Cat Days of Summer is being sponsored by Nooters Club® and Nature’s Variety. For information,
 call 248-889-4131

Goodbye Amelia Earhart Middle School, Hello To New Beginnings

Hi all, Cody here. Happy Summer and all that stuff. It is gonna be a good summer. Not just a good summer but a good new beginning, yep I feel it, I feel it in my paws.

Don't know if any of you know but my Dad is a teacher. Or he was a teacher, well he could still be a teacher but for now he won't be teaching, he did that for a very long time. 35 yrs in fact. Barely missed a day. Dedicated guy my Dad is. Makes a kitty proud. I wasn't around for all of those years since I am only 3 but my Mom told me stories about it so that is how I know. Never doubt what I know. I know a lot you know.

My Mom told me my Dad was happy but also a little sad. For the 35 yrs he was teaching he taught in Detroit. He taught at  Amelia Earhart Middle School  for 26 of those years. He taught Special Ed. Not sure what that is but I think he taught pre-teen cats and kits  so I guess that is what makes it so "special" huh?

Well, Mom and Dad heard on the news that the Detroit Schools are in a financial crisis. To us cats it means they had no more money for tuna, mice and cool stuff like that. So the top cats decided that 40 schools have to be torn down. Just like that, they are gonna tear down my Dad's school. In just a matter of weeks it will be gone. That is sad. Teachers and staff abandoned and forced to be strays. I bet a lot of you kitties can relate to that. Many of the teacher cats and staff aren't sure where they are going to go and that is scary. I know. They are hoping they will be adopted by a new school that will appreciate all of their hard work and treat them nice and give them lots of money to buy catnip and cool stuff like that.

My Dad decided to retire and a few other cats at the school decided to retire as well. I didn't know what that meant so I asked my Mom. She said that means that my Dad will be home every day. (I thought it meant that when you "retire" you just get tired again and take a cat nap). Guess I don't know everything after all.

My Mom and Dad went to a party last week to say goodbye to all of the cool cats that my Dad played with all day at school. My Dad even emceed the party (ya know he's cool like that my Dad is). They had a good time but my Mom said it was bittersweet, (kinda like milk that spoiled I guess, kinda upsets your tummy).

My Mom told me they will still keep in touch with all of those hardworking cats. She is obsessed with Facebook and Twitter so she will keep a close paw on all of the teacher and staff cats to make sure they are doing well. She and my Dad are happy about that. But it is still sad that my Dad won't see them every day. He will miss them. He will miss his Linda Harper Cat the most because she kept a watchful eye on my Dad to make sure his school cage was neat and clean. She was very good to him and my Mom. She and my Mom are kind of like sisters. That is nice.

I think my Dad will be happier and I know my Mom and brother Dakota will be too. We get to have our Dad home every day. He will play with us and pet us and keep my Mom from going crazy having only a cat and dog to talk to all day. (She gets a little frustrated if we don't answer, you know how Moms are)

When my Dad came home from school last Friday I saw a slight tear in his eye. I saw it cause I ran to greet him when he got home. He was sad to say goodbye to those cats. He is excited though for a new beginning. 
I told him not to be sad. All of the great cats from Amelia Earhart Middle School that are not retiring are gonna get new homes and be just fine. The retiring ones are gonna have more time for lots of kitty fun.  My Dad will be fine too. I know it. I feel it in my paws. I know a lot you know.

"In The Summertime" From The Cats!

Meowed or sung to the tune of Mungo Jerry's classic "In The Summertime".......

"purr purr-purr uh, purr purr-purr, uh


purr purr-purr, uh, purr purr-purr, uh..."



"In the summertime when the weather is hot

You can stretch right out and be on your favorite cot,


When the weather's fine

You got playing, you got romping on your mind


Have some nip, have a climb


Go out and see what you can find"

"If her Daddy's rich, take her out for some filet,


If her Daddy's poor, just stay in and play,


Speed around the house,


really speed, really speeeed big time my friend,


When the sun goes down, you can make it


make it home before day's end"

"We're no threat, we kitties, we're not dirty, we're not mean


We love everybody, but we do as we please


When the weather's fine

We go fishing or go climbing up some trees


We're always happy


Life's for living, yeah that's our "felineosophy"

"Sing along with us, mew-mew-mew-mew-mew


purr-purr-purr-purr-purr yeah, we're hap-happy.......


mew-mew-mew-mew-mew...."



"Purr purr-purr, uh, purr purr-purr, uh


Purr purr-purr, uh, purr purr-purr, uh...."

"When the winter's here, yeah it's sleepy time


Bring a toy mouse


Wear your finest fur, it'll soon be summertime


And we'll sing again


We'll go jumpin' or maybe we'll settle down


If she's got "noms" or if she's got mice

Bring your kitty friends and we'll all go into town...."


Happy First Day Of Summer All!!

Remember, keep a fresh supply of water available at all times for your kitties, outdoor kitties take your flea meds!

Keep them away from pools, lakes, BBQ's, fire pits, dangerous garden plants and other outdoor hazards.

Make This A Great Summer For You And Your Favorite Felines!!

Thanks to Mungo Jerry's "In The Summertime" for the inspiration for this parody.

Happy Father's Day....To The Leader Of Your "Pride"

Love you and miss you with all my heart. You were always my "hero"  Caren

"Cat-toure" Reinventing The Catwalk!

"On the catwalk, on the catwalk, I'm gonna shake my little tush on the catwalk!" Oh sorry! Excuse me! You caught me singing! I sing this song every time I check out the cat fashions  that are available at http://www.cat-toure.com/ (isn't that name pure genius!?) I have a feeling YOUR cat(s) will be shaking their little tushes too when you check out the cool cat clothes at:

"Clothes for cats????" you ask. Have to admit I thought the same thing until I learned more
 about Cat-toure.

Cat-toure was founded by Jeff Kastin (Co-Founder and CEO) and Elyse Kigler in 2009.  Their inspiration for the Cat-toure clothing line came from their own Devon Rex:

"it all started when we adopted her, she was a year old, and would not sleep through the night. She would wake us up in every which way and although cute at times, we eventually became fed up. We had found a small dog tank laying around and we decided to put it on her. To our amazement, she had stopped crying and was able to sleep through the night!"

Jeff and Elyse went to find more tanks to comfort their kitty and soon were faced with the realization that it was very hard to find a tank that would properly fit their cat (or any cat for that matter!) "Viola!!"  Cat-toure was born!

"Why do dogs get to have all the fun?" Jeff and Elyse know that cats have a flair for fashion as well! Cats love looking cool and cute!

Their line consists of top of the line quality tanks, hoodies, (robes and accessories coming in the near future!)

Now where was I? "On the catwalk, on the catwalk, I'm gonna shake my little tush on the catwalk!!!"

"2010 is the year where Cat-toure will reinvent the catwalk!!"

Start strutting your stuff and

visit "Cat-toure" on the web at

 http://www.cat-toure.com/

Cody Gets His Say, His Rebuttal To "Celebrate Me Home" (Please!!)

Hey everyone! It's ME! Cody! Shhhh....don't tell my Mom I am here. I FINALLY got to the computer, not sure where Mom is, she's  probably somewhere tending to the incessant needs of good 'ol "Sheltie Boy".

A few weeks back my Mom wrote a blog about my not being upset when she leaves the house and not being overwhelmed with ecstasy upon her return. ("Celebrate Me Home" (Please!!) pub date May 21, 2010).  Well I am hear to tell ya there are 3 sides to every story, "his side, her side and the TRUTH!" I am hear to tell ya the TRUTH!

I was a tiny kit when my Mom adopted me, I was only 8 wks old. I came from a great foster home where I was greatly loved, my former name was "Prince" so sometimes my Mom calls me "Cody, the cat formerly known as Prince"....but my point is, with the name of "Prince" I was exalted and treated as royalty, as I SHOULD be!

Don't get me wrong. My Mom and Dad adore me, they give me toys, "noms" (don't know what a "nom" is? in "catspeak" a "nom" is a treat, got it?) food, kisses, playtime, hugs and cuddles but what I DIDN'T sign on for was a DOG.  Things were wonderful my first 2 and a half months in my new home, then what do they do? They bring in a DOG. They call him my "brother", get a clue Mom and Dad he is a DOG, "separated at birth?" I think not.

"Sheltie Boy" is a major attention hog, I think he takes his show dog lineage just a tad too seriously, he thinks he is a "star", get a clue, this is no show ring, you are in MY domain "Sheltie Boy"! I can barely get a meow in edge-wise! It all starts in the wee hours of the morning after I prance and dance around his crate and get him going, the whining, spinning (what's up with THAT??)  and barking for food begins, yep, they feed HIM first! Disgusting. Same thing happens at night, Dad comes home from work, "Sheltie Boy" starts his incessant barking and who gets fed first? HIM! Mom and Dad's favorite line is "Cody you're next"....who put "Sheltie Boy" at the top of the food chain? Geeze....I was here first!!

Mom and Dad think it is so cute that "Sheltie Boy" is hyperventilating, jumping like a Kangaroo on "Red Bull" and pitifully whining upon their return from ANYWHERE. Disgusting. Humiliating. Pitiful. They could have been in the bathroom and he will go through this ridiculous display of weakness upon their return. I am soooo far above that. I know they are home, am I happy? Yes! Am I gonna dance around them in an unrefined display of irritating exuberance? I think not. I am a cat, I repeat, a cat, cats are far more self-respecting than THAT.

On the bright side, "Sheltie Boy" DOES let me drink out of his water bowl (for some reason his water tastes sooo much better!, must be that slobber). Occasionally I catch a nip of the never-ending supply of beef knuckles that he has stashed all over the living room (until my Mom catches me and starts getting neurotic thinking that I am gonna get sick if I eat it.....geeze, get a life). He "kisses me" and sometimes tries to "groom" me (when he doesn't have his nose half-way up my butt, sick puppy) We "play", at least he THINKS it is play, one day when he least expects it he will be mine, all mine!! We keep each  other company when Mom and Dad leave. I love sitting and watching his neurotic self trying to chew up the door panel when the chihuahua across the hall charges for our door. Uh "Sheltie Boy" that is a CHIHUAHUA, do you hear me? A CHIHUAHUA....you are over 3 times his size and you react like THAT?? Puhllllllleaaase!!

So, now you have a little better understanding of what I have been going through ever since "Sheltie Boy" aka "Dakota" came to live in MY territory. I tolerate a lot. I am a kind, fun-loving and patient kinda guy. Ok I'll confess, I love Dakota, I love my Mom and Dad more than all the "noms" on this planet (well maybe not THAT much), I'm happy when you come home, but I will show you in MY way...I am a CAT, kindly remember that, you need embarrassing displays of affection? That is why you got a DOG. Rest assured I will always find ways to remind you of that fact.

A Passion For Plastic

I stood in the bathroom opening a package of "Post-It" notes, carefully looking over my shoulder to make sure "He" was nowhere in sight, opening it as quietly as I could...my eyes scanning the area, "all is safe" I thought to myself as I carefully placed the plastic "Post-It" wrapping in the bathroom garbage basket as quietly as I could. Normally when I leave the bathroom I close the door behind me in case "He" makes an appearance, today I didn't. I smugly smiled thinking I had pulled one over on him, "He" had missed the feast. I walked into the hallway, sat in the kitchen to do some work on the laptop. I heard a noise. A crinkling noise. "Noooo!" I thought, "this can't be!!" I jumped from the chair and ran into the master bedroom where I saw him making his escape. "He" ran through the hallway with the agility and speed of a pro football  punt returner, darting, weaving, slinking down nearly to the ground knowing I was onto him. I had caught him red-pawed. The chase was on. "He" ran as if his life depended on it, "Post-It" wrapping hanging from his mouth, saliva filled, like dead prey, lifeless in the clench of his teeth. He ran faster, head down, shoulders hunched, knowing this was his only chance. If I wasn't so afraid that the plastic would be swallowed I would have laughed myself sick at the appearance of  this silver gray pot-bellied furbaby running as if his life depended on it. I screamed "Drop it! Drop It", clapping my hands like a crazy woman. I shouted "Drop It" louder and with more urgency. Then I realized, this is not a dog, why am I yelling "Drop It" to HIM? This was a thief who was cunning like no other. This was the plastic pilferer, "He" was none other than my cat, Cody. The chase continued. Up and down the hall, he cut me off, darting in front of me hoping to trip me so he could be alone with his "catch". He headed back to the bedroom. "If he goes under that bed it is all over I thought" I ran faster, clapping louder, yelling his name. Aha!!!!!! The loudest clap worked! He dropped the plastic wrapping and ran like the little thief that he is. Another plastic catastrophe averted, for now.

Why do cats like to eat or lick plastic? Cody will chew on grocery bags, assorted cellophane wrappers (such as "Post-It" note wrappers as mentioned above), the plastic garbage bag ties, the plastic packaging on toilet paper and paper towels. If it's plastic, he wants it, he wants it bad and he wants it NOW.

When I first noticed this behavior, which I originally thought was bizarre ( I have now learned it is extremely common in cats) I asked my vet about it. He told me that plastic bags are now made with biodegradable ingredients such as corn starch which cats are attracted to both through taste and smell. Plastic bags that come from the grocery store also carry the scent and taste of the foods that were housed in them. Another theory is that an animal fat called "tallow" is used to make the bags. Cats can detect tallow by smell and greatly enjoy the taste.  Cats are also attracted to the crinkly sound that plastic  makes when chewed or licked. Some say that cats lick and chew plastic because some of their dietary needs are not being met, others say it is an obsessive compulsive behavior that resulted from having been weaned too early. None of these theories have been proven, they are just guesses as to why many cats crave licking and chewing plastic. Licking plastic alone will not harm a cat, what WILL harm a cat is if it ingests any of the plastic. This can cause a deadly gastrointestinal blockage.

Whatever the reasons, many cats have a passion for plastic. You need to be on the alert. Avert the sly cat burglar in your home, keep your plastic bags and shiny cellophane wrappers, your garbage bags and "Post-It" note wrapping where your sleuth cannot reach them. Don't be an accessory to the crime.

Cat And Sheltie At Play?-video

Yes! This actually IS play! I love this video! If you come into our home on any given day you will see nearly the same scenario acted out numerous times a day. The main differences are that our Sheltie doesn't snort like a pig and our cat is gray, oh and our Sheltie isn't permitted in the kitchen. Other than that, this is a "day in the life" at our house too!!

Was so happy to find this because it leads me to think that our cat and dog are at least SOMEWHAT normal (which is open to debate).

Notice how the cat in the video lays down in a submissive position to the Sheltie. This has always baffled me because our cat does the same. Anyone know why cats do this? Would love to hear from you! (keep it nice or your comment will "magically" disappear!)



Enjoy!
Meowy Monday All!

Cats In Trees, What Goes Up Sometimes Doesn't Easily Come Down

The reason cats climb is so that they can look down on almost every other animal - it's also the reason they hate birds. ~K.C. Buffington


The other day while watching the local news I heard a disturbing story of a cat that was  approx. 6 mos. old that had climbed to the upper limbs of a majestic tree and remained there for approx. 5 days/nights. The owners were beside themselves because the local fire/police departments refused to help get the cat out of the tree (which I have a hard time wrapping my head around). Finally a local news station aired the story and a kind hearted arborist service came to the rescue of the poor "Scaredy Cat". Thankfully without food and water for such a long period of time the cat was rescued virtually unscathed. Turns out she ran up the tree because she was in heat. Probably a group of toms were on her tail. I heard the owners are having her "fixed" this weekend so hopefully any tree calamities at least for this hot cat will be avoided in the future.

Cats climb trees out of curiosity and well  frankly,  because they CAN. (sorry but that is true!) Their claws are constructed in such a way that they are curved for climbing UPWARDS but not for going DOWN unless they go backwards. Kittens or younger cats are usually the prime candidates for being stuck in the upper tree limbs because they tend to try to descend the tree by going down head first and quickly learn this doesn't work. They have not yet learned that they need to go down the tree BACKWARDS.

How To Get A Cat Out Of A Tree:

Obviously don't call your local fire/police department. They will not help, they will help dogs stuck in ditches and a variety of other bizarre places but when it comes to cats, "fuuuhgetaboutit". When the police  have down time they are more concerned about scarfing down donuts and slurping java at their local  coffee shop or in the case of the fire department creating recipes to be featured in the next "Fire House Chili Cookoff" on "The Rachael Ray Show".  "Cat stuck in a tree with no food or water in 80 degree+ temps? Sorry...too busy...now how much hot red pepper flakes should I put in that chili?"

You could try putting an open can of the cat's favorite food at the bottom of the tree and calling it's name in a soft reassuring voice.

Lean a wooden ladder (if it is tall enough) next to the tree. Leave it there at least 15 minutes and hopefully the cat will realize it is the path to safety.

There are other methods for attempting to rescue the cat yourself but in my opinion the safest would be to call your local animal shelter, humane society or your friendly neighborhood arborist because THEY CARE.



Have an interesting story about a cat being stuck in a tree? I would love to hear about them and share them with other cat lovers. Please reply directly through the COMMENT area of this blog and you may see your comment featured in a follow-up blog on this topic. Keep the comments nice or they may "magically" disappear.

June Is "Adopt-A-Cat-Month"

There is nothing like loving a cat, there is nothing like being LOVED by a cat. The silky softness of it's fur between your fingers, the motorboat rumblings of a contented purr, the comedic cat calisthenics, the nuzzling nose bump "kisses", the feathery feel of it's boa-like tail swishing by your neck....there is nothing more soothing, more comforting or rewarding, especially if the cat you are loving is a rescue or shelter cat.

Cats seem to know when they have been rescued and they will live out every bit of their nine lives in gratitude, exalting your noble act and bestowing daily affection on you that cannot be compared.

American Humane and CATalyst Council Inc. have teamed up to sponsor "Adopt-A-Cat-Month. According to American Humane "approximately 4 million cats end up in shelters every year, including thousands born every spring and summer during "kitten season". "Your local shelter is brimming with cats of every breed, age and personality just waiting for a loving home. Whether you prefer young and frisky or mature and mellow, you're sure to find the perfect cat companion during Adopt-A-Cat Month!"







Jane Brunt, DVM and Executive Director of the CATalyst Council discusses why cats are America's #1 pet and how important it is to take care of them.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzkx0ve-IT8



Please adopt a shelter cat, the love, enjoyment, fun, comfort and satisfaction will last you all of your nine lives!