Caroline's Cats

25/02/2023

London cat touring the city on bicycle with her dad. My white fluffball Belle has been to Italy, and we're going back to Florence and Paris this summer. We haven't tried a bike ride yet...

29/04/2020

Very useful information about LITTER PANS -- optimal size, where they should be placed, and how many, what kind of litter.

It's REALLY important for cats to be given optimum litter tray facilities.👍
Failure to do so can result in problems such as house soiling, conflict in multi-cat households and even stress-related health problems such as FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis) 🙀
So what do we need to consider? 🤔
1)SIZE - Bigger is better! Many litter trays sold in the shops are too small for your average kitty. The ideal size is 1.5 times they length of cat from its nose to the base of its tail. (Carney et al., 2014) That's pretty big!🐱
2)NUMBER - The ratio of trays should be one per cat plus one spare. This is because cats like to have the option of using a clean tray if one is dirty (or urinate in one tray and defecate in another)
Providing the correct number of trays also means a different tray can be used if access to one is blocked🐱
3) LOCATION - Litter trays should be located in quiet areas with easy access. Thoroughfares and busy areas are best avoided. Litter trays should not be lined up next to each other as a cat will just see this as one giant tray. Other cats may also block access to the trays if they are all located in the same area 🐱
4)LITTER CHOICE - This can vary, but most cats prefer soft fine litter (remember the cat's ancestry lies with the African wildcat, so they prefer soft, sandy substrates) Clumping litter is easier to clean out and scented litter and tray liners are best avoided 🐱
5)COVERED OR UNCOVERED - Each cat had its own preference, but if covered trays are to be used the flap should be removed and the tray checked regularly. It's really easy to forget about cleaning out a tray if you can't see or smell it! 🐱
6) CLEANING - Litter trays should be scooped out twice a day and completely cleaned out weekly . Use soap and hot water to clean litter trays and avoid strong smelling products as they unpleasant for cats. 😺
NB: older cats may favour shallow or modified trays for easy access 🐾
Reference:
Carney, H., Sadek, T., Curtis, T., Halls, V., Heath, S., & Hutchison, P. et al. (2014). AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats. Journal Of Feline Medicine And Surgery, 16(7), 579-598. doi: 10.1177/1098612x14539092

09/04/2020

THE COMFORT OF PETS DURING CORONAVIRUS 'STAY AT HOME'
I'll admit it. I'm a Cat Lady. I have five cats, who I refer to as the Fab Felines. That way it's not obvious how many there are. Even my close friends constantly ask, "How many cats do you have?" The implication being too many. Or at least too many for them to keep track of.

Admittedly, I've had more in the past. At various times I've "fostered" cats, including a batch of kittens. We all know "foster" is a euphemism for "getting ready to keep." And at different times, I adopted a couple very sick senior cats (who were worth every minute of care and attention and every cent of pricey medical bills) – Midnight and Catalina were super loving in return. Their spirits are still with us.

Now the number Five is just right. I live by myself, as we all hunker down at home to "flatten the curve," but I'm not alone. It's a pretty busy schedule all day long:
-- I'm greeted first thing in the morning with a swishy tail across my face and a purr as young Belle cuddles up in bed.
-- Then comes breakfast, lots of meowing and rubbing against my legs as I put out their food bowls. Afterwards, there's a collective leap to the windows to watch the birds and squirrels I just fed outside.
-- When that's all done, I'm ready for my stretching; Jaguar and LoverBoy feel it's incumbent on them to join in and assist.
-- Weather permitting, Jag and I go outside for my morning coffee while he "inspects" the yard.
-- While I catch the morning news on TV and start to work, they are nearby on the desk or in my lap.
-- Later in the day, if I kick back on the living room couch to read or watch TV, there are three of four Fab Felines arrayed around me.

Life is full when you have a passel of felines doting on you, even during a pandemic.

20/03/2020

QUARANTINE TIPS FROM MY CAT
A fellow cat friend, James, just brought this hilarious New Yorker column to my attention. She's right on and you'll get a good laugh.
https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/quarantine-tips-from-my-cat

Clean behind your ears. Now do it again.

03/03/2020

Voting in Sunny So Cal -- beautiful day today. Lots of people out waiting in line in the park at the community center where the No Ho polling place is located. Like the new snazzy touch voting machines, easy and fast. My Belle cat (pictured) is learning civic responsibility (by playing with my voting sticker).

23/09/2019

ROMEO, Thou Art Missed
Romeo is one of those rare cats that bond with us right away and are purrfect life-long companions.

He came to our home ten years ago as an adult stray who'd already seen some tough knocks. The tip of his tail was bent, permanently, and his back leg was crooked (possibly broken and not heeled properly). For all of that, he was loving and affectionate from Day One.

Romeo was always the cat to greet me at the front door, nap on my desk while I worked, cuddle at night, and befriend each new feline addition to the house.

Six months ago, he stopped eating and blood tests revealed early-stage Lymphoma. We caught it soon enough that we were able to buy some time with plenty of meds – mainly Prednisone, but also antibiotics, fluids, and meds for his liver.

We had lots of quality time. Each morning we took a walk in the backyard where he liked to dig his paws in the grass like it was a scratching pad and then roll on his back in the dirt. He gobbled up treats (we went off his special urinary diet, so he could eat whatever he wanted). He curled up on my desk while I worked, and we shared lots of cuddles and purrs. We both cherished the time together.

While I was on a trip, I got a call that Romeo had become very ill, so the petsitter took him to the Veterinary Clinic. My Vet went in on his day off to check Romeo out and called me to discuss options. It looked like Romeo might not make it before I got back -- the Lymphoma flared up dramatically and his red blood cell count was very low, basically things were crashing.

I have a strong philosophy of being with the animal when they pass on, and I really didn't want him to be put to sleep after being in a cage at the Vet's. So I asked if we could improve his situation enough that he could come home with me for a few days. The Vet suggested a blood transfusion to improve the red cells and they continued other meds, fluids, and special food. That was enough to stabilize him and make it possible for me to bring him home.

We had three days of nonstop cuddles (and purrs) before the Vet came over to put him to sleep peacefully in my arms at home. I was so grateful to give my special guy a proper, loving sendoff, which he truly deserved.

28/08/2019

THE JOYS OF A KITTEN
No wonder kittens are so popular. They're little bundles of love, wrapped up in a whirling ball of energy, with a curiosity to check everything out (smell it, taste it, play with it) no matter what the consequences.

Belle Peony joined our family in early July, and it's been nonstop fun ever since. She keeps me and the Fab Felines on our toes. She's now able to leap buildings in a single bound, or at least any countertop in the house – the kitchen is a real favorite, she even climbed into the cupboard above the counter (none of my other cats ever did that). Then when she tuckers out, she curls up in my lap and becomes a purr machine.

She's getting along pretty well with the others. They're being very understanding when she tackles them, grabs their tail, and jumps on them like they're a pony.

I'm sure there's something to be learned from her exuberance for life. In the meantime, I'm trying to keep up and enjoying the show.

10/07/2019

ADOPTING A KITTEN
Ever since I lost my beloved Bella 1 ½ years ago, I've thought about adopting another white Turkish Angora kitten. I never actively searched for a specific cat before – all the Fab Felines were strays (mainly in the neighborhood; Jag was adopted from the animal shelter). I knew that white Angora kittens were rare, but definitely wanted to adopt a stray (not go through a breeder).

So, when I saw a photo of a white mama cat (that looked identical to Bella) and her week-old kittens (one of whom was all white), I contacted the rescue group that was fostering them. CareRescueLA is very professional, a great model for all pet adoptions. I filled out a long application that asked questions about medical care, feeding, the home environment. After that step, they come out to do a home inspection and collaborate with the new pet parent on any possible dangers in the home (i.e. a new kitten getting stuck behind the frig, happened to me once).

The final step is paying the reasonable fee (they'd already done the first two vaccines and taken care of the kittens for almost two months) and signing a contract (to ensure that proper care is taken and if there are any issues, the kitten goes back to that group). I did a similar thing when I was finding homes for a neighbor's kittens years back and ended up taking one cat back from adoptive homes twice, because she had anxiety issues (SnowLeopard ended up staying with us and is very happy).

I picked up Peony (her foster name) ten days ago, and it was Love at First Sight. Not only is she adorable, she's curious and super active. She is a true joy and a great companion. The foster mom, Amber, did a great job of interacting with the kittens, so she's very affectionate (a purr machine). I always have a smile on my face at her antics, and at this stage we're bonding (she sleeps with me and stays in my office while I work). She's seen the other cats and played footsie under the door, but I'm waiting 'til she gets bigger and acclimated before I have them interact together.

Her new name is BELLE PEONY. I will keep you updated on her adventures.
(Photos of Belle, with her mom and siblings when she was rescued, and in her new home.)

10/07/2019

New kitten, Belle, joins Caroline's Cats

18/06/2019

Romeo Update
Very pleased to report that Romeo is doing much better. Guess those visits to the Vet are paying off. We've been going in about every three weeks to run blood tests on his liver values and tweak his care. (Below are recent pics of him napping and checking out the birds in the yard.)

His liver numbers are still elevated but his appetite is much better, he's getting hydrated, and he's down to two meds (which he's happy about). Luckily, I have home office so I can feed him small meals many times a day.

Three months ago I was afraid we might only have a few weeks (he wasn't eating and his intestines were very inflamed in the ultrasound). Now he's an active, happy guy, and I'm thrilled we have more time together -- for me to spoil him and enjoy his cuddly company. He's a very gregarious, sweet cat.

28/05/2019

Called "the hummingbird of cats" -- wasn't aware of these petite Rusty Spotted Cats until this article. They sound fascinating. Hope their habitat becomes protected.

🐾 TRIVIA TUESDAY 🐾

WORLD’S SMALLEST CAT SPECIES

The Rusty-Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is the smallest cat species in the world. It is an animal that continues to fascinate people because of its size.

It is 14 to 19 inches (35 to 48 cm) in length, 8 inches (20cm) in height, with a 5.9 to 11.8 inch (5 to 30 cm) tail, and weighs only 2.0 to 3.5 lb. (0.9 to 1.6 kg) as adults.

Found only in India and Sri Lanka, Rusty-Spotted Cats were previously thought to inhabit only moist forests. Recent records have indicated the cats also occur in dry forest, bamboo forest, wooded grassland, arid scrubland and on rocky hill slopes.

Captive ones are mostly nocturnal but also briefly active during the day. Most wild ones were also recorded after dark. At Horton Plain National Park in Sri Lanka, they were mostly recorded between sunset and sunrise, with limited daytime activity. Several individuals were observed hiding in trees and in caves. They have a reputation for being especially fierce hunters taking large prey, but their diet mainly consist of rodents, birds, frogs, and small lizards.

It has the nickname of the ‘hummingbird of the cat world’ because it is so agile. It can climb trees quickly and is able to change direction and evade predators very easily.

Studies done on these cats in captivity, unlike domestic cats, these cats have a very brief mating season. Also, they usually only have one mating season in a year, and have only one or two kittens. Rusty-Spotted Cats have lived for twelve years in captivity. Because they are so shy, and difficult to study, their lifespan in the wild is unknown.

Rusty-Spotted Cats have always been considered rare, but recent observations suggest they are more common than previously thought. The main threat to these small cats is the destruction of their natural habitat due to the needs of the ever growing populations of India and Sri Lanka. These cats have been discovered living in abandoned houses in a thickly populated area of southern India, distant from forest which has been considered their habitat. They will only come out at night to hunt. It is likely that rats and mice around the houses, and nearby poultry serve as food. These cats are frequently killed for taking domestic chickens. Given their tiny size and ability to control rodents, they can survive if not persecuted by man. However these cats are often mistakenly persecuted as cubs of the Leopard Panthera pardus, hunted for skins or meat and killed by domestic dogs.

Since 2016, the global wild population of these cats is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN RED LIST. It is a protected species but there are challenges with conservation efforts because it is such a private animal. Natural enemies of Rusty-Spotted Cats are human, and they will do what they can do avoid detection by humans. It is difficult to study their behavior because of this.

27/04/2019

AUSTRALIA
The maiming and slaughter of one million feral cats in Australia is barbaric and horrific. Until they find a more sensible and humane solution, the Five Fab Felines and their mom are urging you to . I will not travel to Australia, buy Australian products, or watch Australian films.

This week's NY Times article (https://nyti.ms/2XPwL5e) highlights the details of this mass murder, including maiming cats with bows and arrows (really!!), hunting them with rifles, and poisoning them. I understand the cats are decimating species of smaller animals, a problem that has to be solved. But not this way. Two questions:

-- Why wasn't this addressed years earlier in a humane fashion??
-- What about finding a way to sterilize the cat population?? In the U.S., dedicated volunteers go to stray cat colonies and Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR).

As someone who has lived with cats for decades, I can tell you they're clever, affectionate, empathetic, playful, and regal. These unique creatures should be given more dignity.

Caroline & the Fab Felines

Note: Please share and send us a photo of your cat supporting .

05/04/2019

VISITS TO THE VET – Keeping Romeo Active & Healthy

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), "Visits to the veterinarian per year are 1.5 times per dog, and 0.7 times per cat..." In my house, we have the Vet on speed-dial. The latest patient is handsome Romeo, who is about 12 years old (not sure since he was a stray rescue).

It started five weeks ago when his appetite was iffy. Luckily, I already had an appt. to take Jaguar in, so off we went. Blood tests revealed that Romeo's liver was compromised – at that point we didn't know if it was caused by issues with the pancreas or intestines. After more testing and an ultrasound, it became clear that the intestines are inflamed (could be irritable bowel or worst case Lymphoma).

So, the first order of business was to improve the liver function (numbers) and that required FIVE meds a day (antibiotics and others), plus sub-cutaneous fluids every few days. He wasn't happy about it, but somehow I managed to administer everything. My big concern was that he still didn't want to eat. When we were able to start the prednisone three weeks later (to give the antibiotics time to work first), there was a big improvement in the eating.

I found a few things helped that aren't on a normal medical To Do List – taking him out in the backyard for walks (on a leash) really improved his spirit, a heating pad that he likes to curl up on, and since he wasn't drinking much I started squirting water into his mouth first thing in the morning (that seems to wake up his appetite). And, of course, cuddles morning, noon, and night. He's a lap cat, so we have lots of purr time together. For now, we're cherishing each day and he's getting lots of treats and time with mom.

15/03/2019

Tigress was in a jumping mood this morning. She lept six feet to the top of the cabinet and stayed there to pose while mom took some pics. She's 9 Years Young...

30/11/2018

Hilarious (and accurate) video of what our fabulous felines are thinking. Enjoy. Promise you'll Laugh Out Loud.

26/06/2018

NAP TIME. People say cats are solitary but my Fab Felines like to follow me around the house. This afternoon, they are napping on the nearby couch in my office. The one solitary feline, SnowLeopard, likes to climb and managed to get on top of the 6' dish cabinet. (How many cats can you count on the couch??)

12/06/2018

Who Me?
I just spent 30 minutes searching the house for my glasses. Thought I was losing my mind (in addition to my sight). Searched Hi & Low in every nook and cranny. All the while, Jaguar was napping on the table. A half hour later, Romeo was on the table and my glasses had been knocked on the floor below – I'm guessing Romeo took pity on me and knocked the glasses off, after he took Jag's spot. Thanks Romeo! (Photo of Jag looking innocent after the fact.)