Month: May 2024

Kitty Whip® Cat Toys: A Safe Alternative to String Toys

Products| 5 Comments

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This post contains affiliate links*

Wand and string toys are a great way to encourage your cat to play. They stimulate your cat’s hunting instinct, and they’re a wonderful way to strengthen the bond with your cat. Unfortunately, not all wand toys are quality toys. Loose pieces, wires or clamps and strings that can be easily chewed and ingested all pose hazards to your cat’s health. That’s why I’m always excited when I come across well made, well designed string toys like the KittyWhip®.Continue Reading

H5N1 Infections in Cats: Surveillance is Warranted, Panic is Not

Feline Health| 7 Comments

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Written by Ingrid R. Niesman MS, PhD

When 38 out of 40 cats die from a disease, it’s time to take notice. A 2024 report out of South Korea describes a swift wave of infections in a closed cat shelter (1). Between June and July of 2023, symptoms of high fevers, anorexia and neurological issues were evident within the shelter, ultimately killing nearly all the cats. H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, was confirmed by a private lab in July.  As the cats were housed separately, in groups of 4-5 cats, infected poultry in the cat food is a suspected route of transmission.Continue Reading

Memorial Day

Author's Life| 3 Comments

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To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. ― Thomas Campbell

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we honor the memory of the men and women who have died in military service. We also celebrate the arrival of summer, but because of the reason for the holiday, it never feels right to me to say “Happy Memorial Day,” so instead, I’m wishing you a day filled with love and beautiful memories.Continue Reading

Raw Feeding for Beginners

Feline Nutrition| 1 Comment

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This post is sponsored by Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

A raw diet is one of the best ways to fulfill cats’ nutritional requirements. There are numerous benefits from feeding a raw diet, including improved digestion, reduced stool odor and volume, increased energy, ability to maintain ideal weight, better dental health, and better urinary tract health.Continue Reading

Happy Mother’s Day 2024

Author's Life| 14 Comments

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It’s hard to believe that my mom passed away 30 years ago. Even after all that time, Mother’s Day still is a bit bittersweet. Every year, I still feel sad  when Mother’s Day cards start showing up in stores, friends make plans to spend time with their moms, and restaurants offer Mother’s Day specials.Continue Reading