Monday, December 31, 2012

The 3 New Year Resolutions for my Human to do!!!

3 New Year Resolutions for my Human to do!!!

Regular playtime will be scheduled at my convenience and will continue until I say otherwise. This may be by a meow, a swat, or a nip, or if your lucky I'll just walk away.

The humans will get out of bed when I say so and feed me. Not when they see fit. I will continue to walk on their heads, tap their face, pounce on their feet until they do as I demand.

If I don't like what food is in front of me, my human will get me something else to eat. I am of Royal decent and I will be fed a meal fit for royalty.

From The Cat!



Sunday, December 30, 2012

Your Cat & the New Years Eve Fireworks!

All throughout the year, everyone likes to celebrate with fireworks but coming up to New Year's we all know it can't be avoided. Many pets become anxious and frightened when fireworks go off. Cats, dogs, rabbits and other small pets can become extremely distressed. Unlike us, they don’t understand why there are loud bangs and flashes outside. The best thing for you to do is be aware and prepared.

How to prepare your cats for Fireworks: 
  • Make sure your cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.
  • During firework seasons, keep your cats indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.  
  • Close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.  
  • If your pet shows any signs of fear try not to soothe or comfort them. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves. Never punish or fuss over your pet when it's scared as this will only make things worse in the long run.   
  • Make sure your cat is micro-chipped in case they do escape

Helping your pet long-term
As well as helping your pet on the night, pets that are very scared of fireworks and other loud noises can be treated for their fear using effective behavioral techniques. This takes time and patience, but excellent results can be achieved.

Your vet may recommend behavioral therapy or suggest referral to a veterinary behaviorist or a pet behavior counselor. Behavioral therapy often uses a technique called ‘desensitization and counter-conditioning’. Over time, this process teaches your pet that loud noises are nothing to be scared of.

Sometimes medication prescribed by a vet is used to help with the behavioral therapy.

Owners sometimes ask vets to prescribe tranquillizer tablets for their pet. Some drugs that were once popular are no longer used. This is because they do not reduce fear, just an animal’s ability to respond. This can make a pet’s firework phobia worse.


 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Ancient Mystery in their eyes

A kitten with a length of string
Is such a pretty, playful thing.
A kitten with a leaf to chase
Exhibits beauty, form and grace.
But I love kittens curled up, wise,
With ancient mystery in their eyes  

 

- Salvatore Marsiglia

 

 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sentimental Cat



Thank you for the food you bring
and for my little squeaky thing.
Thank you for your friendly talks
and for changing my litter box.

Thank you for the naps we share
and for putting up with all the hair.
Thank you for the things you do,
but mostly thanks for being you.

(What? A cat can't be sentimental?)

Georgia

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas from Cooinda


Merry Christmas from all the Kitty Carers...


and all the Cooinda Guests who are enjoying opening their presents from Santa Paws


Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve!

Santa Paws is Delivering all the Christmas Gifts to all the Good kitties on Christmas Eve!

Santa Paws is coming to Cooinda Cat Resort tonight. I wonder what he is going to bring for all the Cooinda guests.

'Twas the night before Christmas in the sleeping cats house

'Twas the night before Christmas in the sleeping cats house,
not a feline was stirring, not even a mouse.
Cat stockings were hung by the door with care,
in hopes Santa Paws soon would be there.

The kittens were snuggled in mama cats bed,
with brothers and sisters curled head-to-head.
And mama cat on her quilt, and I on my mat,
had just settled into a delicious catnap.

When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my mat to see what was the matter.
Away to the windows, I flew like a flash,
climbed up the curtains, and pressed my nose to the glass.

And what in the world did my feline eyes see,
but a small golden chariot, pulled by cats just like me!
With a fluffy old driver, so white and so furry,
I knew in a moment it must be Saint Purr-y.

More rapid than rabbits, his kitties they came,
and he yowled and meowed, calling each cat by name.
"On, Slippers, On, Sneakers, On, Bigfoot, On, Spats!
Christmas is coming, lets go gentle cats."

Now, White Sox, Now, Bootsie, Lets go Gloves and Mittens!
To the back porch we fly! Let's go cats and kittens!
So down to the catdoor, his kittens they flew,
with a catnip filled chariot and Santa Paws too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the latch,
the paws and clawing of Santa paws scratch.
As I sniffed for his scent and looked all around,
through the cat door Santa Paws came with a bound.

His eyes how they sparkled, his whiskers, how merry!
His cheeks were like marshmallows, his pink nose like a cherry!
His little cat mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the fur on his paws was as white as the snow.

He meowed not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, and turned with a jerk.
Then washing his whiskers, his ears, coat and tail,
after having a snack, out the cat door he sailed.

He jumped in his chariot, to his team gave a yowl,
and away they all flew, like nine cats on the prowl.
But I heard him meow, as he drove out of sight,
"Meowy Christmas to all, and to all a good night."

Stefanie Samek


Sunday, December 23, 2012

How does one wrap a cat for Christmas

Now this is an adorable way to wrap a cat for Christmas. 
This kitty is well trained to be able to sit still while this happens. It is recommended to not try this at home.
Very Cute!!!


Saturday, December 22, 2012

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, your ornaments are history.

It took Simon two hours to make a tree... and his cat two minutes to mess it up.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, your ornaments are history.


Friday, December 21, 2012

Reindeer!

Reindeer's are well known at Christmas Time. It's fair to say they're Christmas Icons.

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"


The Reindeer is a species of deer native to the Arctic and Subarctic regions. Although wide spread overall, some of its subspecies are rare and at least one has already become extinct.
The Reindeer is easily noticeable with its large antlers, which are typically large in the males, not as large in the females. On average, a male reindeer’s antlers are the second largest of any deer, coming second to the moose. In the Scandinavian populations, older males’ antlers will fall off in December, younger males’ in the spring and female’s fall off in the summer. Throughout the populations the size and colors vary, with females generally growing up to 205cm in length and weighing up to 120, males are typically larger and can measure as long as 214cm and weighing 182kgs, though some exceptionally large males have been known to reach a very large 318kgs.


They are an ancient creature and can be traced back to long before the 19th century, but today we just like to think of them as Santa’s mode of transport and enjoy them throughout December. Santa’s reindeer were first named in the poem ‘A visit from St.Nicholas’ in 1823. Back then they were known as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Coment, Cupid, Duner and Blixem. Not too long after Dunder was changed to Donder (Thunder in German), which today is known as Donna. Blixem was then changed to Bliksem, then later Blitxen, which is German for lighting. Rudolph wasn’t added to the family until 1939.
According to a British comedy panel, they believe all Santa’s reindeer must be female, as the male’s lose their antlers throughout December!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

How to assemble and decorate a Christmas Tree from a Cats Point of View

Step 1: Locate the Christmas Tree. If you destroyed it last year, send the humans down for another Artificial Tree.


Step 2: Insert each branch carefully into the Christmas Tree


Step 3: Fluff branches out to desired fullness


Step 4: Smell and taste each branch (even though it so not alive)


Step 5: After each layer, check the sturdiness of each branch


Step 6: Time to setup the lights, make sure you wind them around each branch


Step 7: We need to wrap the tinsel or ribbon around the tree. Grab an end!


Step 8: Time for the decorations. Having them at the bottom is the best place to play with them.


Step 9: Next comes the main decoration at the top of the tree, some choose a star, I prefer an angel.


Step 10: Test the Christmas trees durability by climbing in it.


Purr-fect!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A Kittens Christmas Joy


The leaves have fallen from the trees.
They blew away and died.
I guess that's why my human pets
have brought a tree inside.

And then they hung up colored balls
and lovely things that dangle,
and colored lights that gleam and glow
and silvery things that spangle.

Such lovely toys for cats to play with,
the stockings! and the wreath!
And boxes wrapped in crinkly paper
piled up underneath.

The paper's just for cats to tear,
ribbons for us to chase.
And the boxes, once they're emptied,
make a snuggle resting place.

I think it's sweet each year they give
our furry kind our due,
and deck the halls with kitty toys.
(I hope they have fun, too.)

Marylaine Block      





Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Cat Breeds: Siberian Forest

Effie
Siberian Forest

The Siberian Forest Cat is the national cat of Russia.The origin of the breed is unknown. This natural breed has existed there for hundreds, if not thousands of years. There is documented history of Siberian as early as the year 1000. It is a cat from which many fairy tales have been derived. The Siberian cat is an ancient medium-long haired breed believed to be the ancestor from which all modern day long-haired cats have evolved. This helped to spread the breed throughout Asia.

Effie
The Siberian is a large, strong cat which can take up to five years to mature. The females being smaller than the males as in all breeds. They are noted for being very agile and can leap great distances. Their muscles are outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly curved but appears horizontal in motion. The compact rounded belly develops with age. 

Effie
Siberian cats have gentle, loving nature and well rounded personality. They adore children, readily accept the other household pets and get along great with the whole family. Giving them the ability to blend in and adapt to almost any family situation. Siberians have a Dog-like devotion and personality. They are referred to as "the cat for dog people". Siberians enjoy being with their human companions. As the Siberian Forest cat is a social cat, if they are left alone too often they can become quite lonely. An animal companion, such as another cat or a friendly dog can help relieve the loneliness.

We are going to take a break from the the different cat breeds information over Christmas/New Year and we will resume again on Tuesday the the 8th of January 2013.

*This information was gathered from Purina.com

Monday, December 17, 2012

A Christmas Poem from the cat

Having fun with yarn and string,
leaving fur on everything...
Purring when I get a treat,
always landing on my feet...

Posing on a windowsill,
staring like I want to kill...
Leaping with both skill and grace,
acting like I own the place...

Playing with your rolled-up socks,
visiting the litter box...
Seeing who I can ignore,
sitting still just like Al Gore...


Expecting you to worship me,
hiding underneath the tree...
Grooming with my feline tongue,
breaking ornaments you've hung...

Taking naps on top of you...
these are things I love to do!


From The Cat!

*This poem was collected from http://www.fromtheheartpostcards.com/xmas/CatsChristmas.html 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Riding in cars with Cats

Riding in cars with Cats

It can be very dangerous to have a cat loose in the car – not only could it cause an accident by becoming entangled with the driver, but if a window or door was opened or an accident occurred, the cat could escape and become lost. 

You will need to invest in a carrier which is strong and easy to clean should the cat urinate or defecate or become sick during the journey. There are a wide range to carry cages to choose from. We recommend the Airline approved PP20 Carry Cages. It is best to avoid the cardboard or very cheap, light plastic boxes as they are not  strong enough for longer periods, especially if they became wet. Also consider the weather you will be traveling in – both your present situation and the likely temperature of your destination. If it is likely to be very hot then you can put a frozen water bottle in the carry cage wrapped in a towel for something cool for the cat to lean up against. If it is going to be cold then make sure their carrier is in a draft-free spot in your car while still allowing a good air flow would be useful.

  It is wise to line the carrier well with newspaper and absorbent cloth in case an accident happens, and take some spare familiar-smelling bedding if you need to replace it.

Place the carrier where it will be secure if you have to brake suddenly but where it has a good air flow – ie, not underneath lots of other luggage in the back of the car. Do not put the cat in the boot and take care with the rear of hatchbacks – ventilation may be poor and the cat may overheat. You can secure the carrier behind one of the front seats or use the seat belt to make sure it is held securely on the seat.


The cat may meow initially or even throughout the whole journey – speak calmly and reassuringly to it but resist letting it out of its carrier. The noise will probably drive you mad but the cat is unlikely to be suffering; just voicing its dislike of the situation! Eventually the constant motion and noise of the car will probably induce it to sleep or at least to settle down.


Check the cat regularly, especially if the weather is hot – don't underestimate how rapidly the temperature inside a car can rise - bear this in mind if you stop for a refreshment break and leave the cat in the car. Put the car in the shade and leave windows open – if it is very hot take a picnic and eat it nearby with the cat secure in its carrier outside the car or with all the doors open. Heat-stroke can be a killer. 


*This information was gathered from http://www.fabcats.org

Friday, December 14, 2012

When my cats aren't happy, I'm not happy

When my cats aren't happy, I'm not happy. 
Not because I care about their mood but 
because I know they're just sitting there 
thinking up ways to get even.
- Penny Ward Moser

CoCo

Thursday, December 13, 2012

10 Common Poisonous Plants to Cats - #4

4. Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, is a common houseplant that can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats. It can also cause a burning sensation of the lips, tongue and mouth.

You should consult your vet immediately if you have any concerns. 

We are going to take a break from the top 10 common poisonous plants count down over Christmas/New Year and we will resume again on Thursday the 3rd of January 2013.

*This information was gathered from http://www.petmd.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Why would a cat jump on your lap?

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is 
because he is fond of you; but if
a cat does the same thing, it is
because your lap is warmer.
 - Alfred North Whitehead

Trixie

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Cat Breeds: Siamese

Siamese

Molly
The Siamese is one of the most popular breeds of pedigree cat and also one of the most easily recognizable. The Siamese originated in what is now Thailand and has been in existence for hundreds of years. Legend says that Siamese cats were sacred cats and guarded Buddhist temples. Siamese kittens were highly prized and it was considered a great honour to be given one. Theft of one of the Royal Cats of Siam from the Royal Court was punishable by death. They were finally imported into Britain in the 1880’s and arrived in America shortly afterwards. The original Siamese colour was the classic seal brown points with a warm cream coloured body but breeders in the west developed more colours by introducing other breeds of cat into the breeding schedule. The original Siamese had eye squints and tail kinks which are now considered serious faults but once these ‘faults’ were so common there are fables so tell of their origin. 

Merlin
One story tells of a valuable missing goblet and two Siamese cats who were dispatched to look for it. When they found the goblet one cat stayed to look after it while the other went back with the good news. The guard cat was so worried that the goblet might go missing again that she wound her tail tightly around the goblet and held it so tight that the tail became permanently kinked. All the time she was waiting for the other cat to return she stared at the goblet lest it disappear and her eyes developed a squint. Another story tells of a princess who was so scared her rings would be stolen she entrusted them to her Siamese cat to look after. The rings were placed on the cat’s tail but when the cat fell asleep the rings fell off. So the princess tied a knot in the tail of the cat so that the same thing could never happen again.

Milly & Molly
The Siamese is a medium sized cat with a long body that is graceful and elegant but still has a muscular feel. The body is well balanced and athletic. They have hind legs that are higher than the front. The legs are slender and the paws are small and oval. Their ears are large and pricked and are set so that they follow the lines of the triangle. The eyes are oriental in shape and slant towards the nose. The tail is long and tapering and free from kinks.

Sutnee
The Siamese is probably as well known for its loud vocal personality as for its classic looks. They are outgoing and can be extremely noisy. They demand attention and to be part of the family. A Siamese is not an ideal cat for someone out at work all day as they do not like to be left on their own but this can be overcome by having two Siamese. They are highly intelligent and need to be kept amused. Toys and scratching posts should be provided for their amusement and they can be taught to retrieve toys. Siamese are immensely loyal to their chosen human and they may not tolerate rivals for their affection. They tend to settle best with cats of their own type such as Burmese or Orientals.

Tune In Next Tuesday for more information on different Cat Breeds! 

*This information was gathered from Purina.com

Monday, December 10, 2012

Who would you spend a lifetime with?

Since each of us is blessed
with only one life,
why not live it with a cat?
- Robert Stearns

Gypsy