Awkward Places

How many cats do you know that love getting into the blinds? 

Or more to the point

How many cats do you know that constantly get stuck in the oddest of places and positions?

Isis

 Isis is one of many kitties who is a master of awkward positions.

 

Abyssinian mother cat and kittens

Abyssinian Cats bonding together as mother and kittens

Petting with Purpose

One of the best ways to communicate with our cats is through touch. most cats love to be stroked, petted, and scratched. most people enjoy the feek of that silky fur and the sight of a happy, purring face. When properly performed, the power of touch delivers many therapeutic and health benefits.

Edward

One of the best ways to touch is through massage. Daily messages can help you detect fleas or ticks. You can also look for cuts or suspicious lumps. Massage can play a role in chronic conditions such s arthritis. Although not a cure, gentle massage reduces joint stiffness and pain by delivering oxygenated blood to those trouble spots.

Tubby

Massage strengthens the people-pet bond, helps curb aggression and other unwanted behaviors, and improves a cat's sociability with people and animals. Another advantage is that regularly massaged cats become accustomed to being handled. They associate touch with positive experiences. That can take the stress out of combing and brushing, nail trimming, car trips, veterinary visits, and cat breed shows for both the cat and the owner.

Boags

Start with the basic massage stroke known as "effleurage." This French word means "to flow or glide" or "skim the surface." Effleurage is always performed toward the heart in the direction of the venous blood flow, which helps remove wastes and toxins and refresh the tissue and muscles. On a cat's legs, for example, work from the toes toward the knees and hips.

 

Here are some Suggestions:

Percy

GO WITH THE GLIDE. This classic massage stroke is simply a straight, flowing, continuous motion. move your fingers or palm from the top of the head down the back to the tail.

CREATE CIRCLES. Move your fingertips in clockwise or counterclockwise circles about the size of half-dollar bills.

DO THE WAVE. Make side-to-side rocking strokes with open palm and flat fingers (mimic the movements of a windscreen wiper).


And some final suggestions for a massage session that is soothing and satisfying for both you and your cat:

• Approach your cat slowly and speak in a soothing tone.
• Don't force a massageon your cat.
• Don't massage your cat when you feel stressed or hurried.
• Do use clean hands - no need for oils, creams, or lotions.
• Do pay attention to feedback. Look for purring, rolling on to one side, kneading, and soft eye blinking. Stop the massage if your cat squirms away from you, hisses, sinks his back under your hand, or meows in protest.
• Don't press too deeply - you could harm your cat.
• Don't try to substitute massage for medical treatment for conditions such as arthritis. let it complement the care plan devised by your veterinarian.

  * This information was gathered from "The cat Behaviour Answer Book" by Arden moore

Toxic Plants: Fig

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants in our houses and around our gardens are in fact toxic to our furry friends.

Fig

Fig Plants, such as the Weeping Fig, the Creeping Fig, and the Mistletoe Fig are all poisonous to cats and dogs. If there is any contact with the skin it can cause dermatitis. Ingestion of the Fig can cause oral irritation, salivation and vomiting.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from www.aspca.org/

The trouble with sharing one's bed...

The trouble with sharing one's 

bed with cats is that they'd rather 

sleep on you than beside you.

- Pam Brown

Gypsy

Cat Breeds: Korat

Sukee

 Korat

The Korat is one of the oldest natural breeds and comes from Thailand. It is named after the province in which it originated, although in Thailand it is often known as Si-Sawat, which means good fortune, and they are highly prized in their homeland. One may have been entered in a British cat show in the 19th century as a Blue Siamese. They first appeared in America in the 1950’s and arrived in Great Britain from there in 1972. They are one of the few breeds that are only available in one color, in this case silvery blue.

Tahn

The Korat is of medium sized and is muscular and athletic. They are very like the Russian Blue in appearance, but have a single rather than a double coat, are more rounded in shape and have peridot green rather than emerald eyes. Females are daintier than the males. The head has a characteristic heart shape when viewed from the front and is widest across the eyes. The Korat's body is strong and muscular, neither long like a Siamese nor cobby like a British Shorthair.

The Korat has a quiet, sweet nature but is very intelligent and playful. They make ideal household pets and can be devoted to their human companions. They get on extremely well with children but do prefer a quiet home as opposed to an unruly household.  


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

*This information was gathered from www.purina.com.au

If cats could talk...

If cats could talk, they wouldn't.

-Nan Porter

Leela

Brothers Re-united

Brothers Bluey and Skye Re-United 

About a month ago, we had to find a home for 2 lovely boys preferably together, but if needed they could have been separated. Their names were Bluey and Skye.

We found a home for Skye a few weeks ago and he settled in very well. He become a lap cat and enjoyed jumping on his mums shoulder. He loved having the run of the house. He enjoyed being able to sleep on his mums bed and has been enjoying lots of cuddles.

We still had Bluey at Cooinda Cat Resort over the past month and we received a phone call saying that Skye's mum would like to take Bluey to reunite them so they can live happily together.

Bluey and Skye

Bluey

Skye

Talkative Tonk!

Tonkinese Cats love to chat. This kitty is just like most the other Tonkinese out there. We get a lot of talkative kitties here at Cooinda Cat Resort and Tonkinese are high on that list.

The Purpose of Purring

 The Purpose of Purring

  

Herbie and Binkle

The phenomenon of purring has fascinated humans for ages. A lot of research has been conducted to figure out this feline mystique, but no one knows for certain why cats purr, though it is believed to be a voluntary act initiated by the central nervous system. In other words, cats purr on purpose, not just as an instinctive response.

Kimba

Scientists report that cats produce purring sounds by using the diaphragm to push air back and forth across vibrating nerves in the larynx. Purring occurs in a frequency range between 25 and 150 hertz. At the lower end of the range, that rumbling sound can resemble an idling diesel engine, which has a similar velocity.

Molly

All domestic cats and most wild felids are born with the ability to purr. Cats, from young kittens to senior citizens, purr when they are happy, such as when they are being petted, anticipating dinner, or snuggling on a warm, cozy bed. Mother cats purr when nursing their kittens, and kittens purr when nursing.

Jack

But many cats also purr when they are afraid or in pain. That helps explain why females may purr during labor and why some cats purr when they are being examined at a veterinary clinic or when they are recovering from an injury. The purring might serve to reassure or comfort the frightened cat, and some studies suggest that the low-level vibrations of purring physically stimulate feline muscles and bones to keep them healthy and actually hasten the healing process. Cats purr right to the end - Some kitties purring comfort both the kitty and us as they slip peacefully away.

*This information was gathered from "The Cat Behavior Answer Book" by Arden Moore

Toxic Plants: Exotica

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants in our houses and around our gardens are in fact toxic to our furry friends.

Exotica Plants

 

Exotica Plants grow in a wide range of environments and conditions. The Exotica plants contain some toxins which if ingested can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. acute gastric problems if ingested.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from www.aspca.org/

Cat Breeds: Korat

Sukee

Korat

The Korat is one of the oldest natural breeds and comes from Thailand. It is named after the province in which it originated, although in Thailand it is often known as ‘Si-Sawat’, which means good fortune, and they are highly prized in their homeland. One may have been entered in a British cat show in the 19th century as a Blue Siamese. They first appeared in America in the 1950’s and arrived in Great Britain from there in 1972. They are one of the few breeds that are only available in one colour, in this case silvery blue.

Tahn

The Korat is of medium sized and is muscular and athletic. They are very like the Russian Blue in appearance, but have a single rather than a double coat, are more rounded in shape and have peridot green rather than emerald eyes. Females are daintier than the males.
  
The Korat has a quiet, sweet nature but is very intelligent and playful. They make ideal household pets and can be devoted to their human companions. They get on extremely well with children but do prefer a quiet home as opposed to an unruly household.  

*This information was gathered from www.purina.com

We have a theory...

We have a theory that cats are 

planning to take over the world... 

just try to look them straight in the eye... 

yup, they're hiding something!

- Dog Fancy

Cosmo and Candbury

Talk, Talk, Talk

 Talk, Talk, Talk

Some cats have more to say than others. Cats are a lot like people. There are the chatty types and the ones who prefer to listen more than to talk. Some breeds are more prone to talking. Topping the list is the Siamese. Other Oriental breeds, like Burmese, Bengals, Tonkinese are also known to speak out more than quieter breeds such as Persians or Maine Coons. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. Some Siamese seem to operate with the mute button on and some pushy Persians who never seem to stop talking until they reach the food bowl or their bed. 
 
Cats are quick studies. They realize we are only human and that we are often oblivious to their obvious body language. They make a range of pure and complex sounds with different meanings, and they often attempt to communicate with us vocally.

We do enjoy our chat sessions with our cats, so keep it up. Behavior research conducted at the University of Bristol in England has shown that people who imitate their cats' playfulness enjoy better relationships with their cats. In addition, cats who are played with tend to be more outgoing, easy natured, and better socialized.

At the end of the day it's not the words you speak that matter so much as it is your tone of voice and your willingness to spend quality time with your kitty. But don't ignore the whisper - just because they don't speak up doesn't mean they won't appreciate your attention and affection!

*This information was gathered from The cat behavior answer book" by Arden Moore

Cat dancing to Micheal Jackson

Go the Micheal Jackson Kitty!

Human to Cat Communication

It is easy for us humans to congratulate ourselves for being the world's best communicators because of our ability to talk. Some people speak several languages. Others wow us by delivering motivational speeches. But here's a reality check: our cats "speak" much more clearly than we do.

Cats are straight talkers. They never deceive or pretend. If they feel threatened or angered, they hiss. If they are content, they purr. In cat-to-cat chat, there is rarely a communication miscue. The message is delivered clearly through body postures and a variety of vocalizations.

But between humans and cats, breakdowns in communication occur often. What we may see as an act of defiance, like using the bathroom rug as a litter box, could be a call for help with a medical problem. We can't understand why cats flee from our hugs but often seem to seek out visitors with allergies. We don't always know the difference between "mew" and "meow."

We can communicate better with our cats by learning some feline "language." Along the way, we may commit a feline faux "paw" or two, but that's all right.


*This information was gathered from "The cat behavior answer book" by Arden Moore

Toxic Plants: Eucalyptus

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants in our houses and around our gardens are in fact toxic to our furry friends.

Eucalyptus

 

Neither Eucalyptus trees nor Eucalyptus oil that can be extracted from the leaves is Poisonous. However it does contain some toxins which can cause acute gastric problems if ingested. Signs of your cat having ingesting Eucalyptus are vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, depression and weakness.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from www.aspca.org/

Cat Law

Cat Law: If you're not receiving

enough attention, try knocking over 

several expensive antique lamps.

Percy

Cat Breeds: Japenese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail as its name suggests originates from Japan. The unique feature of these cats is their tail. When the cat is relaxed and natural the tail looks like that of a rabbit but it can be unfurled to a length of about four or five inches. In Japan the breed can be traced back to the 8th century but it was not seen outside Japan until the 1960’s when the short haired Japanese Bobtails were imported into America. They carried the long haired gene, which soon turned up in litters of kittens. The Japanese Bobtail has established a following in America and it is now a recognized breed and is widely shown there. As yet this is not the case in Great Britain and these cats aren't very well known there.

The Japanese Bobtail is a cat of medium size with elegant lines and well-developed musculature. The head is finely chiselled and forms a triangle with curving lines and high cheekbones. In profile the nose is long and well defined and there is a gentle dip at or just below the eyes. The ears are large and upright and set well apart. The eyes are large and round, always wide and alert. In profile the eyes are set at a pronounced slant, the eyeball shows a shallow curve and does not protrude beyond the cheekbone or forehead. The legs are slender and long with the hind legs noticeably longer than the front legs. The paws are oval. The tail when carried normally only extends about two or three inches although it can be straightened out to about four or five inches. When the cat is relaxed the tail is carried upright. The hair on the tail is generally thicker and longer than elsewhere and grows in all directions to create the effect of a pom-pom or bunny tail.

The Japanese Bobtail is extremely friendly and intelligent. They have a sweet nature and get on with most other animals and love human company. Some can learn tricks and do need to be kept amused. They make good family pets. 





*This information was gather from www.purina.com

Sentimental about cats?

It doesn't do to be sentimental about cats; 

the best ones don't respect you for it.

- Susan Howatch

LouLou

When you're bored!

When You're Bored...

Time ticks by at a snail's pace. You drum your fingers and sigh. You're bored and desperately need something to entertain you... but what?

Believe it or not, cats get bored too. Take a look at this guy; he even fidgets like humans do.

When you feel bored it can be tempting to sit around and wait for something to happen, but I have a better solution. Spend some time playing with your cat. This way your kitty won't be bored and you can spend some quality time together. 

Willow and Bosco

Cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves. Especially when they have a friend. Minnie and Mercury in the video below, were staying in our Platinum Paw Suites and enjoyed having the room to run around, chase each other, and played together. This can be very entertaining for us even if we aren't participating.

 Minnie and Mercury

Siamese Cats Dancing - Very Cute!

These Beautiful Siamese cats are very Cute!

Test your cat's IQ

Just how smart is your cat? One informal way to test your cat's intelligence is to evaluate his ability to discern object permanence. Originally designed to study cognitive development in children, this test can be applied to cats.

Show your cat an object in plain view, such as a toy mouse. Then hide the mouse by placing a file folder or other solid object in front of it. To be ranked with an 18-month-old child, your cat should know to look behind the object for the mouse, rather than thinking it has disappeared entirely once out of sight.

Super-smart cats, capable of thinking like a two-year-old child, will also be able to follow the trajectory of an object that moves out of view. In other words, these cats should be able to predict where a live mouse that scoots out of sight under a sofa will reappear and use that knowledge to pounce as the mouse reappears.

*This information was gathered from "The Cat Behaviour Answer Book" by Arden Moore.
 

Billy

Toxic Plants: Daffodil

It's something that doesn't usually cross our minds, but some common plants in our houses and around our gardens are in fact toxic to our furry friends.

Daffodil

Daffodils are the harbinger of Spring. Most of us would never let our beautiful kitties near these pretty flowers, but when our backs are turned, we don't always know what our kitties get up to. Daffodils are toxic to both cats and dogs with the bulbs being the most toxic part. Symptoms of your cat ingesting these pretty flowers are vomiting, salvation and diarrhea. If your cat has ingested large amounts of these toxins, symptoms are as strong as convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmia.

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

Tune in next Thursday for more information on toxic plants. 

*This information was gathered from www.aspca.org/

Presidential Candidates..

Maybe in the future we should add one more question to those we ask of presidential candidates - we should ask them where they stand on cats. Better still, we should demand to see the cats these candidates say they have raised, just to make sure we are not having the fur pulled over our eyes.
- Gilbert Gude

Desi

Cat Breeds: Exotic Shorthair

Beau

 Exotic Shorthair

 
The Exotic Shorthair is in every way a short-haired Persian, so much so that it is included in the longhair section of cat shows. It is the result of careful selective breeding in America using the best American short-hairs and the best Persian longhairs. The aim was to produce a cat that looked like the Persian in every way except for the coat. The coat, which is of medium length, is much easier to care for but still has the huge range of colors and patterns. The Exotic Shorthair was first seen in the 1960’s and is becoming a very popular breed of cat.

Royce

The Exotic Shorthair is a medium sized kitty and has a short tail. They have a round head and their ears are small and set low and well apart. The Exotics have a strong and powerful jaws. The eyes are large and round, set well apart and are brilliant in color. They do have legs that are short, thick and strong with large paws. The Exotic Shorthairs coat is easy to keep in good condition. Regular brushing will help keep dead hair from knotting into the coat and also from covering your furniture in cat fur. 

Rosie

The Exotic Shorthair has the same gentle affectionate nature as it’s longhaired cousins - the Persians. They are generally good with children and are not as boisterous as many shorthair breeds. They are quite happy to be left at home on their own and therefore make ideal house cats.  

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

*This information was gathered from www.purina.com.au 

A cats Purr..

A cat can purr its way out of anything.

- Donna McCrohan

Obi and Biscuit