Our Calendar from The Swiss Cats

Brrrrr we are in the deep freeze here in Michigan (as many in the country are right now) and Cody and I thought it is the purrfect time to share a collage of our favorite photos from the calendar we won from our dear furiends at The Swiss Cats! 

Switzerland is among many places on my bucket list that I would love to visit one day. I have always been in awe of the streets, buildings, mountains and gorgeous countryside. The snow? Well, if we weren't freezing our butts off right now I MIGHT be in awe of that too.

The calendar that Cody and I won from The Swiss Cats is just gorgeous and since we can't get to Switzerland now, this is the next best thing! 

Cody and I would like to thank Claire, Zorro and Pixie for the GORGEOUS calendar!!  We will think of you every single time we look at it! Claire is an educator like my husband so I am probably going to allow him to use this gorgeous calendar to keep track of his substitute teaching jobs. If you have never visited The Swiss Cats blog, please be sure to do so! The kitty photos are delightful!! 

National Compliment Day

NATIONAL COMPLIMENT DAY

Answer Your Cat's Questions Day

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: So far, this seems to be the "week of the flashback"...why? Well, we just happen to like yesterday's post from last year and today's post from last year as well. Since sometimes people don't see our blogs for whatever reason, we are repeating another post from last year today. Why? "Because we LIKE it!!" 

Hi all, it's Cody and today is  Answer Your Cat's Questions Day. Seriously? You are kidding, right? 

I'm going to ask YOU, a mere human for answers to questions?

Think again.

Let me put it to you this way dear humans, YOU find me an ANSWER as to why there are so many cats who are homeless and YOU find a SOLUTION to the problem, and then....MAYBE....JUST THEN....I will trust your "wisdom" enough to even bother asking YOU questions.

In the meantime, don't waste my time........or that of my fellow felines.

Allow us to just be the sagacious beings that we are,  without bothering us, thank you very much.

Sagaciously Yours,

Cody

Do NOT "Look the other way"

Steps to Help Keep Pets Healthy as Part of a Health Plan for the New Year

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY AND DAKOTA'S DEN: The info in this blog post was sent to me as a press release.  The information is timely and important. I agreed to share it with all of you and I am also adding some thoughts and comments of my own. I was not compensated for sharing this information.

Steps to Help Keep Pets Healthy

 as Part of a Health Plan

for the New Year

Have you made a plan for your pet's health  for 2019? While many people set goals to get healthy in the new year, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Pet Food Institute (PFI) encourage pet owners to proactively review their pet’s health in 2019, as well.

“Just as you should consult your physician before embarking on a new fitness or nutrition regimen, you should consult with your pet’s veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet or starting them on a new exercise program,” said Dr. John de Jong, president of AVMA.

(FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY and DAKOTA'S DEN: consulting with my Vet before changing Cody and Dakota's food in 2018 is something that I didn't do and I learned the hard way. Both of my "boys", (Primarily Dakota), reacted badly to the new food and were promptly pulled off of it. I learned the hard way and before I make any changes to their diet in 2019 I will consult with my Vet first!)

Published studies suggest that up to 59 percent of dogs and cats may be overweight, though there isn’t a single cause or cure. While overfeeding is a common cause of pets gaining weight, other factors such as endocrine disorders may affect your pet’s metabolism, including hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Syndrome).

Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s ideal weight, caloric needs, and any contributing health issues. If your pet does need to lose weight, work with your veterinarian to develop a safe weight reduction plan.

“As we make a commitment to ourselves in the new year, it’s important to also consider ways we can support our four-legged family members,” said Dana Brooks, president and CEO of PFI. “Just a few simple steps can help support a pet’s well-being in 2019, such as keeping them at a healthy weight and providing a complete and balanced diet.”

Specific steps for unique challenges include:

• For the treat hound: Treats should be kept to no more than 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories. If your pup is in the habit of getting multiple treats throughout the day, review the amount of food provided at mealtimes with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is receiving the appropriate share of treats. Once the day’s ration of treats is gone, it’s gone.
  
• For the guzzlers: Eating too quickly can cause problems other than obesity. Slow feeder bowls and meal dispensing dog toys or puzzles require dogs to eat more slowly, engage mental effort and increase activity, which in turn burns calories.
  
• What’s yours is mine: In a multi-cat household, it may be necessary to have separate food areas for cats. You may put one cat’s food at a higher level out of reach from a heavier cat that may have difficulty reaching food that is accessible to the cat of appropriate weight. Baby gates, cat doors and cardboard boxes with appropriately sized entrances to admit some and block other cats can also be utilized. Discuss the use of automatic feeders, including those that are microchip or RFID tag scanning, with your veterinarian to ensure that the correct cat has access to the correct food. (FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY and DAKOTA'S DEN-in a "bi-petual" household such as ours it is even more important to have a baby gate to prevent your dog and cat from eating food they should not be eating. Many people aren't aware but dogs that eat cat food and cats that eat dog food can become EXTREMELY ill.)
  
• Balance is key: Ensure your pet is receiving complete and balanced nutrition. Pets need a range of essential nutrients to provide energy, support body functions, such as vision and immunity, and promote healthy growth and bone structure for every life stage. When selecting food for your cat or dog, look for a pet food labeled as “complete and balanced” and for your pet’s life stage.
• Exercise and playtime: Pay attention to what activities, environments, or playmates (human or otherwise) engage your pets. Some pets are happy to go on long walks with their owner, while others that thrive in social settings may burn more calories engaging with a group.
  
   To exercise a cat, engage them with a feather, toys, or laser pointer, and try to get them running after a toy as they swat at it.

“Just like humans, overweight dogs and cats are more likely to get diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, skin conditions, liver disease and joint problems,” says Dr. de Jong. “Starting a diet and exercise regimen for both you and your pet in 2019 will result in improved health and perhaps a longer life for both of you.”

For more information on pet health, visit www.avma.org. For more information about U.S. pet food, please visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.

ABOUT AVMA

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. With more than 93,000-member veterinarians worldwide, members are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and are dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine. Visit avma.org to learn more.

ABOUT PET FOOD INSTITUTE

Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food and treat makers. PFI is the industry’s representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food and treat products, an industry with more than $27 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.4 billion in exports in 2017. Visit petfoodinstitute.org to learn more.

Clean Off Your Desk Day

Hi furiends!! A year ago I posted the following blog post for National Clean Off Your Desk Day to show my Mom's disgusting work area.  At the end of this post I will share two photos to see if things have changed:

FROM 2018

Blogging Cat Wants to know: How Messy Is YOUR Desk?

Hi all it's Cody! Today I am so upset that I could just hiss!  Today is  Clean Off Your Desk Day.  It is a day where humans are supposed to get rid of all unnecessary clutter on their desks!!

I think a certain someone in MY house named "Mom" did NOT get the memo.  Dad and I are aggravated! Believe it or not, Mom and I HAVE an "office"....Dad keeps threatening to take it over, but Mom won't hear of it. It doesn't make sense because she NEVER uses it!

Ok, our office isn't   the best looking, it isn't modern, hip and happening, but it is FULL of all sorts of things that Mom loves and many that I love too!!!

Now...Mom hasn't worked in this office in so long that I probably cannot count that high. Instead, Mom has chosen to turn the dining room table into her "office." Furiends, I am telling you it is a DISASTER!!

Whenever I mention to Mom that WE need to get BACK in our office she tells me that she prefers the dining room table because she can see the TV AND it is close to the kitchen, (yeah, ok, we live in a mansion, NOT!!!  ANY room is close to the kitchen, and last time I looked, Mom needs to STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN, unless of course, she is feeding ME!!)

When I mentioned to Mom that I am TRYING to understand her illogical reasoning, I start pleading with her to  at LEAST clean the dining room table  up, she just refers me to these fun photos she found on Pinterest to support her argument that HER desk dining room table,  is FINE!!

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

From Pinterest

Ok Mom keep telling yourself that. Now, I am going to share the messy desk dining room table that YOU think is BETTER and we will have our furiends decide! Here you go, here is where Mom works (and where she forces ME to work too!)

I am thoroughly disgusted by that photo! So much so, that I had Mom take a quiz to PROVE to her that her mess is OUT OF CONTROL!!! Here are her results:

You haven’t seen your desktop in months and your workspace could use some TLC. Start by removing any unnecessary wrappers, papers and trash. Add an air freshener to get rid of foul smells. Label drawers and cabinets to help you stay organized. Consider relocating that old printer or bookcase that is rarely used, in exchange for a closed storage cabinet.



I rest my case! Now furiends do you think I should be subjected to working surrounded by junk, or in our designated office space as shown below

Let me know furiends, also, what is the area where YOU work like? Is it messy or tidy? This kitty wants to know!!!

In the meantime, I had better NOT let Mom see this!!

From Pinterest

 HERE ARE THE PHOTOS FROM JANUARY 2019......

Ok, so I will say it is maybe one teeny-tiny bit better than it was in 2018........but....did you notice the same jacket is STILL on the chair?????? Ok, so Mom HAS worn it since the original blog post was written, but seriously....use the closet Mom!!!!! And....move your rotund behind back into your office (which by the way furiends, happens to be a MESS right now! My cat toys are everywhere!)  It's appalling, simply appalling.
Love,
Cody

Pet Adoption:2018 Is Record Year for Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit with 1,984 Animal Adoptions, Opening of New Shelter

During a busy 25^th anniversary year when Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) opened the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center, the organization also saw a record number of dog and cat adoptions: 1,984. This is 69 more than last year’s record high of 1,915.

  

The last adoption of 2018 was a cat named Bubly on New Year’s Eve.  He was extremely shy so the family that adopted him spent all day making him comfortable with the idea of going home with them.  Once settled, he made the move to his new home in Dearborn with owner Kyle Polidori.

"Bubly" Photo Courtesy of FAMD

To start 2019, the first adoption of the New Year was Mr. Fuzzy Britches, a cat.  He went home with Mary Ann Lawler and her daughter, Laura Manrique, a FAMD youth volunteer.

"Mr.Britches" Photo Courtesy of FAMD

   

“2018 was an amazing year,” said Elaine Greene, executive director, FAMD.  “The new MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center is the culmination of more than 10 years of fundraising and is so beautiful.  I give a lot of credit to all the staff and volunteers for their hard work and devotion to animals every day.”

The MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center is located at the former Amtrak station in Dearborn at 16121 Reckinger Road, just off Michigan Avenue near the Henry Ford Centennial Library.  The land was donated to FAMD by the City of Dearborn.

Photo Courtesy of FAMD

FAMD is using the current shelter at 2661 Greenfield Road as an intake center for dogs and cats. Animals are housed there while they are prepared for adoption; often that means spay/neutering, microchipping and other medical services.

Plans are underway for Phase Two of the new shelter which will house animal services and bring everyone together at one location on the Reckinger campus. Cost for the expansion is anticipated to be $3.5 million. To donate to the capital campaign for the animal services building, visit www.metrodetroitanimals.org.

About FAMD

After 25 years of nurturing more than 50,000 animals, the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit has launched their “More Love than Humanly Possible” capital campaign to construct Phase Two of their complex, adjacent to the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center.  For more information about FAMD, a 501 (c) 3 organization, visit metrodetroitanimals.org

All Breed CFA Cat Show! (Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers) January 26-27, 2019

Do you want to join the fun and Show your Cat ??

There is a special category for Household Pet Cats to compete for Points, Rosettes and Top Honors. 

To be eligible for the CFA Household Pet competition your cat:

1.      Must be over 4 months of age.     

2.     Must be clean, healthy, and free of fleas and disease.

3.      If over 8 months of age, he/she must be neutered/spayed.

4.      Must not be declawed.

5.      Should be willing to be handled by a judge.

6.      Should be up to date on vaccinations for distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and rabies.

Interested ??

For more information on how to enter and show your cat in one of the CFA shows coming here soon, contact:

Debbie Allgire (419) 438-3112 or racer@msn.com

Bringing in the New Year with a BANG!!!

Yep you read that right! Mom is bringing in the New Year with yet another Lithotripsy!!!!  Mom can't remember if this is the 13th litho she has had because she has had so many. Mom also laughs when they say it is "shockwaves" that smash the stones. Technically it is, but it is really a machine that BEATS THE LIVING HELL OUT OF YOU 2500 TIMES. SERIOUSLY. Mom will ALWAYS HAVE KIDNEY STONES due to the metabolic make-up of her kidneys. They will NEVER be gone.  The reason Mom has to have so many is because she has MSK (Medullary Sponge Kidneys).

"Medullary sponge kidney (also known as Cacchi–Ricci disease) is a congenital disorder of the kidneys characterized by cystic dilatation of the collecting tubules in one or both kidneys. Individuals with medullary sponge kidney are at increased risk for kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI)."

"Patients with MSK typically pass twice as many stones per year as do other stone formers without MSK. While described as a "benign" disorder with a low morbidity rate, as many as 10% of patients with MSK have an increased risk of morbidity associated with frequent stones and UTIs. While some patients report increased chronic kidney pain, the source of the pain, when a UTI or blockage is not present, is unclear at this time. Renal colic (flank and back pain) is present in 55% of patients. Women with MSK experience more stones, UTIs, and complications than men. MSK was previously believed not to be hereditary but there is more evidence coming forth that may indicate otherwise."

So, when someone tells me they have had one or two stones  and never have had another, please excuse me while I laugh (maniacally) ............

Happy "Mew" Year!!

I am not a fan of "Resolutions" I prefer the word "Intentions"

Found this on Pinterest 

and I think it is a great place to start! 

Wishing everyone a Happy, Safe, Blessed, Healthy and Wonderful New Year!

Thank you for your visits, for your comments, for your friendship!

We love you all!!!

Cody  and Caren