Expert Advice on Cat Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle.
Six years ago, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Buckley passed away after a long illness. For all those years, I’ve always commemorated her anniversary on the Friday after Thanksgiving, regardless of the actual date. This year, the anniversary falls on the actual date, November 28, and somehow, even though it’s been six years, this confluence makes this anniversary more poignant for me.
Thanksgiving will always be associated with Buckley for meContinue Reading
I keep a gratitude journal all year long, but I do spend a little extra time on Thanksgiving reflecting on everything I’m thankful for. Of course, Allegra and Ruby top the list – followed by you, our Conscious Cat readers!Continue Reading
As a Reiki Practitioner, I rarely work with young, healthy animals. Most of my feline (and canine) clients suffer from degenerative diseases. Some are terminally ill. Reiki can help bring healing and balance to these animals by reducing stress, providing pain relief, alleviating side effects of conventional treatments, and strengthening the immune system.
Unfortunately, working with older animals also makes it inevitable that eventually, I’m going to lose these clients. Continue Reading
Conscious choices make a difference. Last month, I wrote about how informed and conscious choices about the cosmetics you use benefit not just you, but also your cats. Today, I’d like to encourage you to use the same diligence when you decide what charities you support with your donations.
It’s difficult to say no to all the requests that all of us see almost every day to donate to charities that are seeking a cure for a disease. Often these requests come from friends who are supporting the charity through walks, bike races, and other activities. And how many of us really take the time to find out how our donation will be used? We want to think that our money goes toward reducing suffering, but if the charity supports animal testing, that may not be the case.Continue Reading
If I had a dollar for every time somebody said to me “can you believe how fast time goes by?” I’d be rich. And if I had another dollar for every time I think the same thing, I’d be a millionaire. How is it that we are so aware of how fast time passes, and yet we waste so much of it? Why is it that we don’t live every moment as if it were our last – because it quite possibly could be? Life can and does change in an instant.
I’ve recently been reminded of this over and over again.Continue Reading
There is a maple tree in front of my bedroom window. We planted it when we first moved into this house, almost thirty years ago. I’ve watched it grow into a beautiful, mature tree. This tree has been with me through a lot of life – through both joyful and challenging times. Each fall, it’s one of the last trees to turn, and when it does, it turns the most incredibly bright, vibrant red. When the light is just right, my entire bedroom is infused with a red glow from the tree.
Since there’s a window perch right in front of the tree, I have pictures of all my cats in front of the maple tree. Continue Reading
The other night, the girls had a big bug hunting adventure, and they wanted to share it with you. I don’t know who had more fun: the girls or me. They were utterly fascinated by this new “toy” in our living room. I was thoroughly entertained watching them try to catch the bug. The level of teamwork they displayed was remarkable; I swear I could hear them strategize on how to best approach this hunt!
But why don’t I let them tell you in their own words.Continue Reading
What is the first thing you think of when you first get out of bed? What is the last thought before you go to sleep? How you start and end your day sets the tone for how you get through each day, and for the quality of your sleep at night. Research has shown that gratitude is a powerful force. Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis found that people who practice gratitude are 25% happier. They are more optimistic about the future and feel better about their lives. Combine gratitude with awe, and you’ve got an even more powerful combination to shift your energy.Continue Reading
Last updated August 2019
In August of 2009, I wrote a post titled Tortitude: The Unique Personality of Tortoiseshell Cats. The post describes some of the unique traits that many of these beautifully colored cats seem to share: they tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and they can be very possessive of their human. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. They’re usually very talkative and make their presence and needs known with anything from a hiss to a meow to a strong purr.Continue Reading
Every life will have its share of obstacles. Rich or poor, young or old, regardless of social standing or education, everyone struggles in one way or another. We have no control over what life throws at us – but we can control how we overcome these obstacles. And when it comes to overcoming obstacles, Lil BUB is not only the most amazing cat on the planet, she’s also one of the most inspirational beings. Continue Reading