MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY VETERINARY CENTERS OFFERING FREE MICROCHIPPING FOR 2,000 CATS

Organization makes bold commitment to help save cat lives

For cat owners, it’s a startling statistic: Nationwide, less than 2% of stray cats entering shelters are ever reunited with their families. Last year, at the Michigan Humane Society (MHS), less than 1% of stray cats were reunited with their owners. To increase the chances that lost cats are reunited with their families and to help save lives, MHS’ three veterinary centers are offering free microchipping to their feline clients.  The generous opportunity will be extended to the first 2,000 cats at the time of any MHS veterinary office visit or other paid service. The free microchipping will be provided by appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis.

“So much heartache is caused when thousands of area cats become lost each year and so few are ever found by their distraught families, but that can be easily prevented by taking precautionary steps such as providing your pet with proper identification,” said Dr. Kelley Meyers, MHS Vice President of Veterinary Center Operations. “Lives are saved when pets have current identification to speak for them.”

A microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted between the pet’s shoulders in a process that is comparable to a vaccination. Animal shelters (both nonprofit shelters like MHS and municipal animal control shelters) and veterinarians have universal scanners that can be used to scan pets that are found as strays. If a microchip is detected, the unique, pet-specific code can be readily traced to the owner.  A microchip is not a GPS locating device.  

MHS strongly recommends that all dogs and cats wear a collar with an identification tag, and in conjunction with this visible ID, be microchipped.  If the pet’s collar and identification tags should fall off – or be taken off – a microchip could be his or her ticket home.

The MHS veterinary centers offer appointments Monday through Saturday. Please call:

•           MHS Detroit: (313) 872-0004

•           MHS Rochester Hills: (248) 852-7424

•           MHS Berman Center in Westland: (734) 721-4195

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values. To learn more, visit www.michiganhumane.org.

How To Celebrate National Cat Day

To learn more about National Cat Day click here!

Mom Will Be Meowing at BarkWorld and MeowWorld thanks to Rachael Ray Nutrish! (Sponsored)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rachael Ray Nutrish.   As always, thank you for reading and supporting our sponsors.

Hi every furry! Well, tomorrow is going to be a sad day for me. A sad day indeed! Tomorrow Mom is leaving me (AGAIN) for "Hotlanta", where she will be attending Barkworld and Meowworld thanks to MY being an Ambassacat for Nutrish for Cats! (Ok, Dakota is an Ambassadog, so I guess since he hooked up with Nutrish first, I should give credit where credit is due! Nutrish is one of the sponsors of Barkworld/Meowworld and thanks to their generosity, Mom is able to attend!

Mom is pawticularly excited because the Cat Writers' Association annual conference will be held in conjunction with Meowworld (they are sponsoring Meowworld), and it will be Mom's first time attending a CWA conference!

Last year when Mom went to Barkworld her focus was on all things dog, THIS year it will be different! Mom is planning on attending a number of cat-related events, and is going to be focusing more on CATS there. (Well, that's a no-brainer, she SHOULD be!)

The event will be bitter sweet due to the sudden and unexpected passing of Lorie Huston (former CWA President), and Mom is going to be one of many cat bloggers attending a special remembrance event Saturday morning who will be wiping tears from their eyes.

Mom is also sad because she had been teasing Lorie about the costume she is going to wear Thursday evening at the CWA  Bag Stuffing and Welcome Reception (being held from 5pm to 7pm). Lorie had told Mom she couldn't wait to see her costume, Mom is sad that won't happen. Mom is going to try and keep a smile on her face, but her heart will be aching. (For those attending the bag stuffing Thursday night, you won't be able to miss Mom, trust me....MOL)

Mom says it will be nice to re-connect with so many blogging pals (from both  cat AND dog blogs), and, as always, it will be great to meet new furiends too!

If you want to keep tabs on Mom at the conference, you can follow her on twitter @catchatcaren where she will be doing the majority of her tweeting.  Mom will also be re-tweeting some tweets that Nutrish will be posting! You can follow them too @Nutrish. Unlike other DEDICATED bloggers, Mom is NOT bringing her laptop with her to Atlanta, but she said she WILL have an update within a few weeks of her return. 

What will I be doing while Mom is away?

What do you think?

I will be eating THIS:

AND LOTS OF THIS!!!
I have Dad wrapped around my paw for extra servings you know!

As much as I LOVE my Nutrish for Cats, I will wish Mom wouldn't go.
 Do you think there is room for me in her bag?

The Comeback Cats Got It Done!!! (Detroit Lions In London)

Wow!! What a game!!! My feline furiends, The Detroit Lions were in London yesterday playing the Atlanta Falcons, they were down 21-0 at halftime, and came ROARING back to beat the Falcons in the FINAL FOUR SECONDS to win 22-21 !!!

There was a lot of cursing, sighing, Mom covering her eyes,  all kinds of screaming and shouting throughout the game from Mom and Dad, but they DID it!!!

Safe Travels Home Boys!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you need me, I am EXHAUSTED from having teleported to London to make sure they got the job done, and will be spending my Monday SNOOZING in my "Royal" bed!

Love, Cody

The Lions are in London!!!

Hi and Happy Sunday my furiends! Oh this is an exciting day indeed!!! Mom and Dad are setting their alarms for 7am (why they have to do that when they have ME, I have no clue!) because the NFL (National Football League) is in London!!! Being of the feline purrsuasion, I would like to be the FIRST to thank London for their hospitality and enthusiasm!!!! I hear that NFL Football is super popular there!

The Detroit Lions ( MY TEAM!!)  and The Atlanta Falcons will be playing in Wembley Stadium today, in Michigan the game will start at 9:30am and the pre-game starts at 8am!!!! That is EARLY for football!!!

Courtesy of http://www.mlive.com/

Mom and Dad are huge football fans and are super excited! Mom is gonna make a big breakfast and we are gonna watch football in the morning and be all cozy!!! It is late right now, so I better get some sleep, I have to be sure I wake Mom and Dad up before their alarm goes off so they don't miss the game! How does waking them up at about 5am sound?

I have one question:

Gooooooooooooooooooooo Lions!!!

It's Our 5th Blogoversary!!! Help Us Celebrate with a Commentathon!

Hi every furry! Its Cody and Mom and I are excited that TODAY is our FIFTH BLOGOVERSARY!!!

When Mom and I started this blog we never thought we would have more than two followers and just think, now we have THREE!!!!

We are grateful for each and every one of you, you make us smile more often than you know!

Please help us celebrate this momentous occasion by leaving a comment telling us the shelter you would like to receive a donation. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN THE U.S. TO LIST A SHELTER, ALL CAN ENTER!!! Mom will pick a winner on NOVEMBER 8TH, (by using random.org) and will donate 50 cents per comment to the winning shelter!!! (Within reason MOL, I gotta eat!) ANYONE FROM ANY PLACE can enter, the shelter just has to be able to accept a donation via PayPal, that's the only rule! Soooo, comment away!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Thanks for being a part of our lives,

 you are the BEST furiends, EVER!

Love, Cody and Caren

Friday Fun Find! Pawz 'N' Clawz Unique Handmade Jewelry

There are many things I love about blogging, and right there at the forefront are the amazing and talented people I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way. I have been blessed to meet a number of them in person, but most I only know from my online interactions, Jenna from Love Is being Owned By A Husky is one I haven't had the pleasure of meeting in person (YET), but one day I hope that I will. She is truly one of my favorite people, and her blog is darling.

Click here to visit!!

Yes, the blog is primarily about the three incredibly gorgeous Huskies that Jenna has, but she also has cats "in da house!!" (She happens to have THREE cats.)

I love her blog for many reasons but at the top of the list is how much I have learned about the Husky breed. I think they are beautiful and have greatly enjoyed learning more about them through the information that Jenna regularly shares.

Jenna came on to the blogging scene like a dynamo! She is not only one of the most thoughtful, genuine, unassuming and friendly people I have had the pleasure of knowing, she also exudes love, you can feel it directed at her fur babies as well as everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her.

Jenna makes it a point to visit each and every person who leaves a comment on her blog and she is a part of nearly every Blog Hop that exists! Her energy makes me dizzy!!! I often marvel at the amazing detail and information she puts in her blog and the amount of visiting and commenting on the blogs of others that she does,  because she is not only a fur baby Mom, she has human children of her own and a husband! I have no clue where she finds the time!

A few months ago, Jenna and her Mom (Lisa), decided to become partners and opened the online shop called:

Click to visit!

Lisa's mother has a talent for making handmade jewelry and also does quite a bit of work with wood.

I had visited Jenna and Lisa's shop page  a number of times, and finally, a few weeks ago I decided to make a purchase!

I was pleased with the entire ordering experience, and the speed in which my order arrived.

The item I ordered was the "I Love My Cat" charm bracelet pictured below:

This bracelet is even PRETTIER in person!!!! When it arrived it came in a lovely and dainty pink bag:

To me, presentation is EVERYTHING....I have ordered jewelry in the past from individuals who merely wrap their jewelry in tissue (if you are lucky), no bag, no box, NOTHING. Did I order from them again? What do you think? That's right, make that a resounding NO!  The packaging above impressed me and made me eager to open the pretty parcel immediately upon it's arrival.
Let me tell you I was NOT disappointed!

The photo doesn't begin to do the bracelet justice, it is soooo pretty in person! Green is my favorite color and the green hue in the stones above is beautiful!

Let's not forget the adorable cat charm!

One of my favorite features of this bracelet is the lobster claw clasp...it might sound minor to some, but to me it is HUGE. Those that know me know that I am FAR from petite. I have a hard time buying bracelets because they often don't fit my wrists because of my large bones. This bracelet has the lobster claw clasp and links that are longer than average, making the bracelet COMPLETELY adjustable!!! GENIUS!!!!! It fits me perfectly and a tiny-boned person would be able to wear it as well!! There is nothing better than an adjustable bracelet!

I encourage you to visit Pawz 'N' Clawz and see for yourself. Have a special request? Jenna and Lisa are here to help you!  From Jenna and Lisa:

We love our pets, and so do you! Show your love for pets through one of our unique designs!

We have now launched a new program! 
For every $100.00 Pawz 'n' Clawz makes, we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to our local shelters!

• Flat rate shipping charge $4.00 WORLDWIDE!

Questions? Feel free to contact Lisa or Jenna at :
 Petjewelryblog@gmail.com



Nope! I was not compensated to feature Pawz 'n' Clawz, nor was I given my bracelet in exchange for this review. I BOUGHT it myself! I am quite pleased with it and wanted those of you who might not be familiar with them to go and check them out!

The Uninvited Guest: Successfully Introducing a New Cat into the Household – or Not

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY:This is a guest post by Nancy Peterson, Cat Programs Manager for The Humane Society of the United States. We thank Nancy as always for her super contributions to our blog!

"Luna"
Photo Courtesy of Nancy Peterson

My sister and I adopted 1-year-old sisters Zubi and Luna in September 2002 and our home in Maryland was all theirs for seven and a half years. They were cuddle cats – mostly with each other –and although I loved them, I yearned for a cat to cuddle with me. My sister knew that I met wonderful shelter cats at my job, so before I left for any trip my sister would say, “and don’t bring home any cats.”

In January 2006, I visited a shelter in Florida and had the opportunity to choose three shelter cats for that day’s filming of a CD about caring for adopted cats. As soon as I entered the cat enclosure to meet the cats, a brown tabby flew across the room and leaped into my lap. He immediately started licking my face, kneading my arm, and purring up a storm. I chose two other friendly cats and we went to the studio.

The brown tabby popped out of the first carrier I opened, walked all around the room, and greeted everyone – unlike most cats I knew who would probably hide or slink around when confronted with a new situation.

After the cat made his rounds, I was directed to play with him, brush him and feed him. Then, I was asked to trim his nails. As soon as I sat down, the cat was in my lap, licking my face, kneading my arm and purring. Once filming wrapped up, the cats were returned to the shelter.

I could not stop thinking about the friendly brown tabby and immediately called the shelter when I woke up the next morning to say that I wanted to adopt him. Then I called my sister who said it was okay. The shelter told me the cat, Tobias, was 10 years old, but I did not care because I loved his personality.

"Toby"
Photo Courtesy of Nancy Peterson

I renamed the cat Toby and confined him for several weeks on the first level of our house in order to introduce him properly to Zubi and Luna. Fortunately, I could keep them apart because a glass door separated the first and second levels. Since I did not want them to see each other, I covered the glass with newspaper and fed them for several weeks on opposite sides of the door so they’d associate each other with good things. One day, I tore away a teeny corner of the newspaper. When Zubi and Luna saw Toby, they hissed and fled upstairs. They never came down again.

During the years, I tried to gradually introduce Toby to the girls. I took him upstairs, initially on a harness and leash so I could control him, and offered them food bribes and catnip, filled the air with the sounds of a cat-calming CD and calming scents, and played with them so they’d associate one another with good things. I couldn’t make it work, so I put a bell on Toby’s collar to let the girls know when he’d escaped the first level and was headed their way.

Animal shelters and rescue groups have cats of every age, size, color and activity level. They can help you choose the right cat so you’ll have a better chance of a harmonious household. If you think you’ll ultimately want two cats, adopt two at the same time – adults who are already strongly bonded or kittens.

When you adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue group, they‘ll likely know about the cat’s personality and activity level, which, if similar to your cat’s, can improve the odds that they’ll get along. Another benefit of adopting from an animal shelter or rescue group is that the cat will likely have been examined, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. Adoption will also save that cat’s life and make a cage available for another homeless cat.

If you adopt a stray, have him or her examined by your veterinarian before you bring the cat into your home. In addition to confining the new cat for a proper introduction, confining him or her for quarantine is important in case he’s incubating an illness that could be passed to your other cat. Wherever your new cat comes from, be sure your current cat or cats are up to date on their vaccinations as well.

When you add a cat to your household, it’s important to increase resources – such as water, food bowls, litter boxes, toys, vertical space and beds. Fill your cats’ indoor environment with opportunities to hunt (toys), relax in the sun (on a window perch), and scratch (a post or pad). Preventing cat behaviors you don’t want is easier than eliminating them. Reading The Humane Society of the United States’ Cat Answer Tool before you introduce cats will be helpful since most cats are quite territorial and dislike change.

Introducing cats improperly, such as allowing them to “work things out,” punishing, yelling at, or scaring them, can lead to years of bad blood between cats or a cat’s return or surrender to an animal shelter or rescue group.

You can also increase the chance cats will get along by spaying and neutering them because unsterilized cats are usually more territorial and aggressive. Spaying and neutering pet cats before puberty at four to six months of age has many health benefits and plays a critical role in reducing cat overpopulation. If you’re feeding community (feral and stray) cats outdoors, find an organization that supports Trap-Neuter-Return programs, which attempt to curb overpopulation through sterilization. The Humane Society of the United States has a free online Supporting Community Cats webinar series, which has lots of information about how to best help community cats.

Photo Courtesy of Nancy Peterson

If you have unsuccessfully tried to make peace between your pet cats, keep them separated and consult a local shelter or rescue group, your veterinarian, or a cat behavior specialist for assistance sooner rather than later. There are no winners in cat fights.

A BIG Birthday Thank you and the Winner of Catnapped: A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry

I was  completely blown away by the outpouring of birthday greetings from so many on my birthday this past Monday. I want to thank EVERYONE for helping to make it such a great day (even if the weather in Michigan was less than cooperative!) You ALL made the sun shine for sure!

I wanted to share the greetings I received, I am hoping I got them all. If I missed someone, I am soooooo sorry!!! Here we go!

From Cats of Wildcat Woods

From Cathy Keisha of Stunning Keisha

From Zee and Zoey

From D.Abernathy

From Glogirly

From The Island Cats

From Two Devon Cats (Eric and Flynn)

From Cat Wisdom 101

From L.Fleming-Facebook

From Grace & Company

From Chloe and CecilYep they are a CAT blog!

From Sukiroo Cat Toys Facebook

From Curlz and Swirlz

From Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

From Zipsy Tinney Meow on Facebook

From The Conscious Cat

From Milo and Alfie of The Cat's Meow

From Julia Williams-Canidae Blog

Last but CERTAINLY and NEVER least, this adorable greeting from Sammy and Pam over at

  One Spoiled Cat!

Another digital greeting card by Smilebox

There were TONS of posts on Facebook and comments on the blog as well. Thanks again to ALL who helped make my birthday so special! I received WOOFIE cards too, you can find those on Dakota's blog!!!

AND...WHAT SOME OF YOU

HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED 

OUR GIVE-AWAY FOR:

THE LUCKY WINNER

AS CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG IS:

MILENE!!!!!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS!!!!!!

Is Your Cat A Connoisseur Of Plastic? pet #protips

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rachael Ray Nutrish.   As always, thank you for reading and supporting our sponsors.

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 smiled smugly thinking that I had pulled one over on him, "He" had missed the feast!

 I walked into the hallway, sat at the kitchen table 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 on to 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 visual 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 stores 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!!

Do your cats have a passion for plastic
 or some other strange substance?
 Tell me in a comment below!

Happy Birthday To My Mom!

Today is the day that my Mom moves one year closer to REALLY being "Older Than Dirt!!"

Mom is so thankful for all of the wonderful greetings she started to receive a day early, she loves each and every one of them!!!

My Uncle even sent her a special birthday greeting from Mom's fave group of all time, The Beatles!

Children's Books:Odie the Stray Kitten and Odie's Best Friend By Kristen Mott

"For Odie, because sometimes the smallest ones
become the biggest inspirations"

Odie the Stray Kitten is a charming book about a little orange and white kitten who lost his family on a cold winter night. He never expected to find a loving forever home in a horse barn. Not only did he find a loving, forever home, he also found hope, new friends and a name.  His name happens to mean "inspiration", which is no coincidence. Odie the Stray Kitten is not only an adorable read for little ones, but it shows that out of something that initially seems like a bad situation, something GOOD can come out of it!

"For Bandit, because every animal
has a story to tell"

Odie’s Best Friend is the second book in the Odie the Stray Kitten Series. It focuses on the story
of Bandit, a gray and white cat, and his journey to find a forever home. His adventures take him
through an animal shelter and life as a stray before he finds a home on the farm with Odie and
their girl. This is the follow-up to 2013’s Odie the Stray Kitten, which was a 2014 Next
Generation Indie Book Award Winner, 2014 Purple Dragonfly Children’s Book Award Honorable Mention, and 2014 Recipient of the Children’s Literary Classics’ Seal of Approval.

Both Odie the Stray Kitten and Odie's Best Friend were lovingly and skillfully illustrated by Lowell Hildebrandt. The illustrations are vibrant and delightful, children of all ages will enjoy them!

Are you ready? Odie and Bandit are based on REAL cats!

Odie and Bandit
This photo came from
Kristen's Facebook Page

Author Kristen Mott has loved animals since she was a child. She graduated in 2008 from the
Indiana University School of Journalism. She now lives on a small farm in Indiana with her
husband and son where they care for two cats, Odie and Bandit, and two horses, Dorothy and
Jace.

Kristen strives for her writing to encourage children to read, write their own stories, and have
compassion for animals. The idea for this book was developed from a response to an article the
author read about the devastating statistics of animal life and death in local shelters. That
response was then spun down and edited into a story suitable for children about how the author
believes Bandit ended up on her farm.

Odie and Bandit
Photo from Kristen's Facebook Page

 The story is a good means for parents to talk to their
children about animal shelters, the reasons they exist, and what they do. It is also meant as a
springboard for questions and discussion about the issue.

These books would make wonderful bedtime stories and would be perfect for pre-school teachers and elementary school teachers (the lower grades), to share with their classrooms.

For more information about the Odie the Stray Kitten Series please visit:

www.kristenmott.com
www.animalstoriesforchildren.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/odiethestraykitten

Or you can contact the author directly:
kristenmott@gmail.com

Both Odie the Stray Kitten and Odie’s Best Friend are available on Amazon.com, BN.com,
AuthorHouse.com, and other online retailers.

I was not compensated for sharing either of these books with my readers.