Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Pet First Aid Medicine Chest
Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.
Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.
Happy Holidays!
I’m taking the rest of the week off…and hope you can, too. May you have a marvelous holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. Click the picture (above) or this link for a quick and fun animated holiday greeting — I’m so glad you’re part of my world! Click the link (inside) for a fun dog and cat holiday card.
Holiday Sparkles, A Cat-Mas Story
Seren arrived at a time we’d been pet-less for many years. A friend called to tell me she’d found a kitten–and could I help? The wannabe Siamese baby climbed up my leg, wrapped her chocolate paws around my neck, and purred her way into my heart. It was, indeed, Serendipity that we found each other.
That was more than two decades ago. She inspired my cat writing, hated and finally tolerated “that !@#$%!!!-dawg” when Magic arrived (and outweighed her even as a pup!). And Seren tolerated and ultimately loved her pesky cat brother, Karma. Seren’s tiny frame packed a powerful presence for over 21 years. She lives on in our hearts…
But at Christmas time, we remember and we smile. You see, Seren had a way about her, to win over even the most reluctant cat lover–with holiday sparkles. Read on!
Tis the Season…For Holiday Gifts
If you’re like me, last minute shopping for holiday gifts has me scurrying around like Shadow chasing squirrels. Shipping delays also often mean gifts come AFTER the celebration, urk!
So, I’ve set up these digital gift cards (you choose $10, $40, $50, or $100) that email directly to your recipient (or, you can print out and stuff in a stocking!). Also, check out the discounted book bundles for yourself. *s* Merry holidays, and Happy Christmas!
How Cats See: Do Cats See In Color
Cat vision and how cats see directly relates to the position of feline eyes. Situated at the front of the cat’s face, the design helps cats to hunt in low light.
While cat eyes work similarly to human eyes, feline vision evolved to make the most use of available light and tiny movements. Vision brings the cat a finely tuned understanding of spatial relationships, and that coupled with superb motor skills—as well as hearing and scent sense—make Kitty an exceptional hunter. How cats see and feline eyes also play an important role in silent feline communication. But…how do they see? Can they see color? Yes–and take a look at the video that shows color perception in cats AND in dogs!
Counting Thanksgiving Blessings, the Pet Writer Way in 2024
Time for my annual Count My Blessings post. The past year has meant change, change, and more change, and that’s good and also challenging. But some things never change…I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog, the cat book lovers, and the dog book lovers, and folks who have “adopted” my thriller series. And those who offered awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned…
3 Favorite Cat Treats & Dog Treats
Karma-Kat, Shadow-Pup, and Trinity-Kitten have distinct preferences and personalities. Yes, I’m one of those hoomins who turns healthy table food into dog treats and cat treats. Interestingly enough, though, my three furry stooges actually have three favorite pet treats. In no particular order, here’s what turns on the wags and purrs at our house!
Revolutionary Cat Care: LoftyLoo™—ADA-Accessible Raised Litter Box
In this time of giving thanks, I know many people who cherish their pets as part of the family. I’ve often written about caring for senior pets, but have perhaps been remiss in addressing the other end of the equation: aging pet lovers. Recently, I met Amy Leiker online and her product offered a “doh…but of course!” moment. When her niece Jody cared for a neighbor’s cat during their hospitalization, she reached out to Amy to brainstorm how to help simplify the cat’s care for when the neighbor returned. Caring for cats of any age means helping make the care easier for the human.
Enter, the LoftyLoo, a US-made product designed as an ADA-accessible option for cat lovers who either are unable, or have difficulty, taking care of kitty potty duty. I’m please to share more information about this innovative product. Sometimes I discover great SCHTUFF that I just gotta shout about!
How to Prepare If Cats & Dogs Outlive You
We often lament the fact that dogs and cats don’t live as long as we do. But what about the reverse—what if your pets live longer than you do? Are there legal protections you can take in planning for when your pets outlive you? We loved them dearly while alive, and must also care for them when we’re gone with proper plans. And yes, it can happen totally out of the blue.
The unthinkable happens, even to animal professionals. Back in 2014, in the same week, our pet community felt rocked by the tragic and sudden deaths of two heroes, animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin and Cat Writers Association president Dr. Lorie Huston. Dr. Yin left behind her beloved dog Jonesy, while my friend Lorie left six special needs rescue cats. CWA members networked to re-home Lorie’s cats. More recently, the Cat Writers’ Association again lost a beloved leader when president Paula Gregg passed away suddenly. She had time to make plans for her beloved Persian cats, Truffle and Brulee.
None of these wonderful pet lovers expected to have their pets outlive them. Do you have plans for your special pets? Here are tips for planning for when your pets outlive you.
Trinity-Kitten #Reviews the Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder
Check out this review of the Pawsync Smart Pet Feeder…find out why Trinity-Kitten gives it 4 paws up (and it’ll work for your small doggies, too!).
Awards
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award
Fear Free Certified
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Cat Writers Muse Medallion Awards
Memberships
