Posted in Common Behavioral Issues on May 18, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Reading my last post, I realized that perhaps I should find a thorough definition of what constitutes a feral cat. Contrary to popular belief, feral cats are no different biologically than your chubby , lazy house cat. I thought it best to link all of you to an excellent article from The Cat Site. Happy learning!
http://www.thecatsite.com/Snips/194/Feral-Cats-The-Invisible-Felines.html
Posted in The Cat Sleuth's Cats on May 18, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Posted in The Cat Sleuth's Cats on May 17, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Phil
Phil, also known as Philsy, Philbert, and Philly. was rescued with two siblings from a Bronx backyard, and brought to a shelter at the age of four months. Naturally the most fearful, and yes, feral of the three, Philsy had missed the crucial kitten socialization period of three to seven weeks of age, and was completely terrified of all things human.
I had only been working at this shelter for two weeks when my sweet old lady cat, Magic, passed away suddenly at the ripe old age of sixteen. Devastated, and worried that Phinny would become depressed without company, I asked Magic to let me know who I was meant to take home as his new companion, and as weird and “new agey” as it sounds, I distinctly heard Phil’s name.
Four years later, Phil continues to surprise us, last week starting to jump up in a living room chair with me; something he had never dared to do. He has taught us both more about patience and the rewards of persistence than any person ever could. The terrified “wild” animal who quite literally lived under the bed for about the first year he lived with us, has become a loving, if still elusive pet, and I don’t think that he is anywhere near finished evolving.
Posted in About the Cat Sleuth, The Cat Sleuth's Cats, tagged Phinny on May 11, 2009| 1 Comment »
Phinny, also known as Phinaeus J. Pudd, followed me home from Wrigley Field in Chicago, 16 years ago this month. He was already neutered and as clean as could be, so I posted signs around the neighborhood and in the free local paper and fully expected someone to come and claim this sweet, vocal, quirky and beautiful pudd. Thank goodness nobody did. This is my cat of a lifetime. The puss who reignited my fascination with all things feline. Smart, demanding, ultra affectionate (when he chooses to be), and anything but independent, he is the cat who even cat dismissers like. Much more to come on him in the future.
Posted in Product Recommendations on May 5, 2009| Leave a Comment »
“Da Bird”. No cat loving home should be without one of this deceptively simple feather lure toys. Accept no substitutes. Other feather teasers may look the same, but none come close to the actual bird-like movement of “Da Bird”.
I’ve seen old cats, fat cats, bored cats, and aloof cats, spring off their respective butts and leap several feet in the air after this thing. Two short sessions with the toy, being sure to allow your cat to catch/kill it, and your previously noisy nights may be a thing of the past.
This toy actually utilizes all of your cat’s hunting skills, offers satisfaction in the “kill”, and if followed up by a nice dinner, should send your favorite pudd off to sleepyland!
There are more than a few amusing videos of people playing with their cats with “Da Bird” available for viewing on You Tube.
You can order “Da Bird” on most pet supply sites, and some Petcos carry them. Be sure to get the feather model, not the streamers or “fur” attachments.
Posted in About the Cat Sleuth on May 3, 2009| Leave a Comment »
By day, I help adopters to find their perfect feline friends. By night, I spend quality time with pudds whose people are out of town, and help cats and their people to work out their problems. My home time is spent with a wonderful, feline friendly husband, and three pudds, ages 4, 10ish, and 18!
I’m here to share what I’ve learned, and am continuing to learn about all things cat- nutrition, toys, behavior modification techniques,history, grooming, and just plain fun tidbits. Check back often for clues from the Cat Sleuth!
