But Dusty takes it to a whole new level with this fun collection of spirited feline encounters. She’s repeating the success of her first collection (Ghost Cats: Human Encounters with Feline Spirits) with this new edition, right in time for Halloween celebrations! She sent me a review copy (SQUEEE!) and it’s shivery-good. I couldn’t wait to share the info about this title with y’all.
GHOST CATS 2: MORE AFTERLIFE ENCOUNTERS WITH FELINE SPIRITS
Cats are notorious for not being able to make up their minds. And the phantom felines in Ghost Cats 2 prove that, whether they have a heartbeat or not, cats are always on the wrong side of every door—even the Pearly Gates. Award-winning journalist Dusty Rainbolt has assembled this second volume of previously unpublished eyewitness accounts that provide haunting yet entertaining hints about our pets’ afterlife destiny—as well as our own. Rainbolt’s collection of things-that-head-bump-in-the-night will have you laughing and crying. You’ll feel comfort and reassurance, as well as the occasional chill creeping up your spine. Readers will enjoy chapters on:
GUARDIAN ANGELS who stand as dedicated protectors of their chosen humans
FELINE HARBINGERS warning of impending tragedy
Joyful but often brief appearances in FAMILY REUNIONS
MANY HAPPY RETURNS that highlights reincarnation homecomings
And mystified homeowners scratching their heads because, that’s NOT MY GHOST CAT
I’ve known Dusty for close to twenty years–we’re both into our 6th or 7th cat-life! She’s a multi-award-winning cat behavior author, veterinary journalist, feline behavior consultant and Fear Free Certified® Professional. She has authored thousands of articles and columns, and 14 nonfiction books and novels including the widely acclaimed Kittens for Dummies. (Ask her sometime about that Kittens for Dummies book…there’s a fun story there!)
I met Dusty through the Cat Writer’s Association. She’s a past president of the organization, three-time recipient of the Friskies Writer of the Year, and two-time recipient of the prestigious Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Award. Her books, columns and articles have been honored with more than 65 writing awards. In 2008 Rainbolt’s first volume Ghost Cats: Human Encounters with Feline Spiritsreceived the coveted Muse Medallion for Excellence from the Cat Writers’ Association. The Muse is the prestigious organization’s version of the Pulitzer Prize.
PRAISE for GHOST CATS 2
“Well-written, thoughtful and insightful. This book provides further understanding of our furry feline friends both in the physical and spirit form.” —Fate Magazine
“Sometimes funny, sometimes chilling. Always comforting visitations of our cats from beyond the grave.” —Carole Nelson Douglas, Midnight Louie mystery series
“A fascinating book whether you’re a skeptic or a believer.” —Marty Becker, America’s Veterinarian
Ghost Cats 2is the perfect read (or gift) for anyone who loves cats or struggles with the death of a pet, and for anyone who wants to curl up with tales of transcendental tabbies to get in the mood for Halloween. You’ll want to get both books–and if you or a friend has ever had to say goodbye to a beloved furry friend, the book could be the purr-fect comforting gift. Now available in trade paperback, hardcover, and eBook editions on all your favorite outlets. Learn more about Dusty Rainbolt’s writing world at her website and connect with Dusty on Facebook here.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pets Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give-aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day. So how do you spoil your canine companion? Or do you pamper your pet too much?
Our dogs give us unconditional love, and never care that we have a bad hair day, forget to change our socks or brush our teeth—actually, they might like that! They greet us at the door like heroes bearing treasures and always offer a happy wag and eager smooch. Whether dogs snuggle to share our joy or pester us out of a blue mood with a game of fetch, they love us 24/7/365.
That’s one of the many reasons dog lovers consider them part of the family. It’s only natural for us to return the affection by spoiling dogs. Dog lovers don’t need a Spoil Your Dog holiday, either–we love them every day of the year. Here are some ways to return the furry favor for your dog.
Recently, I’ve received a boatload of emails with product suggestions for spoiling dogs with healthy fun. So check out some of the offerings–and in the comments, add suggestions of your own! Then share the blog far and wide to spread the puppy love!
August Audio Book Binge: Amy Shojai's Thrillers Discounted I've discounted all the audiobooks in the September & Shadow Thriller Series. So if you've not yet listened, here's your chance to get a killer discount on the 3-book bundle, plus individual titles! Each...
Tomorrow is NATIONAL CAT DAY! Why not celebrate with kewl schtuff for the cat…like a catnip treat?
I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat’s grin. My cat Seren used to wear the same expression when she indulged. NATIONAL CAT DAY is the perfect time to indulge your furry friend.
But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?
What Is Catnip?
Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturation as low as one part per billion.
Cats evolved as desert creatures able to conserve water, but often don’t drink enough to stay healthy. Karma-Kat increased his drinking habit after he got the Uahpet Wireless Water Fountain!
Even better, you can get 15% off ANYTHING in the Uahpet store . . .
Water equals life for our cats. Did you know that water makes up 84 percent of a kitten’s body weight, and 60 percent of an adult cat’s body weight? Water lubricates the tissue and helps distribute electrolytes like salt throughout the body. Water fuels digestion and elimination, and helps regulate the cat’s body temperature. Without enough water, dehydration can cause severe illness. Even a 15 percent loss of body water results in death.
Yet cats get really picky about drinking enough water. We’ve had several pet water fountains here, and Karma-Kat and the doggos enjoyed them. When water sits for a long time, it tastes funny, sometimes taking on the smell or taste of the container. Static water encourages growth of mildew, mold, or bacteria that can make pets snub the bowl. While we hate the idea of pets drinking from toilets, the commode appeals to dogs–AND cats–because each flush fills the cool porcelain with fresh water that churning fills with air (aerates) for improved taste.
A pet water fountain offers a better option. But most cat water fountains require the pump to plug into an electrical outlet. Pets often chew cords and that poses electrocution risks. A wired fountain also limits the places where you can locate the fountain. So when Uahpet reached out offering to send us the Wireless Cat Water Fountain to test and review, Karma meowed with excitement! Well…not really, but I couldn’t wait to try it out. It also works great for small dogs. Learn more . . . and get the discount code!
Oh, those puppy dog eyes begging for people food…It doesn’t have to be a holiday for us to want to give treats to our dogs. Our cats love people food, too. We love to indulge ourselves—and them—with safe people food and holiday dog treats.
These days, we’re not going out to eat so much but are cooking at home more, so there are additional yummies available. Both Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat think they deserve some of the table food. We offer only in moderation, and that the choices are safe for pets.
Pet poisons can make our dogs and cats sick and we need to know what to do. Learn more about first aid for common pet poisons here. In fact, there are many high-risk foods for our pets. You probably know about chocolate, but did you know that macadamia nuts, avocados, or raisins/grapes can cause toxicity? Artificial sweeteners keep owners lean but any goodies sweetened with Xylitol could cause canine liver failure…
Many of y’all know I wrote a book about holistic pet care and interviewed nearly 70 veterinarians while researching the material. Boy, did I learn a lot–and changed my mind about many things! These veterinarians also shared how holistic care had changed the way they practice vet care.
So I want you to meet a friend of mine, veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet, an advocate for cats and holistic care. He notes that forty years ago, veterinarians typically promoted dry kibble as the best cat food. And, we vaccinated every year. My, how times change!
“Now, we know better. But, there are many other things we need to look at and change our thinking on,” he says. So he created The Holistic Cat Conference. He asked me to speak (SQUEE!) and hosts a REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only…
Do you often ask, Why does my dog eat poop? This disgusting habit drives humans nuts, and even cats get upset with dogs eating cat poop. So when you ask, How can I stop my dog from eating poop?” you’ll find the answers here.
Puppy antics delight most new owners, but dogs eating poop prompts anything but smiles. My own darling Magic indulged when he turned six months old. He’d make a beeline to visit his horse buddy next door and find the nifty treats she left on the ground. Or he’d sniff out “bunny eggs” and indulge! After these nasty snacks Magic always tried to kiss everybody on the lips, yuck! Thank doG, he finally outgrew the behavior…
But many dogs indulge, and when access to the cat box provides yummy opportunities, pet lovers need answers. Urk! That’s why I’m offering some insight into the behavior…and thrilled to review The Door Buddy to give pet parents some help.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), holds its annual conference (which doubles as the 7th World Feline Veterinary Conference) October 12-15, 2023 in Memphis, TN. The event features both in-person and virtual sessions focussed on The Ins and Outs of Feline Nutrition and Gastroenterology.
Last year, I attended the *virtual* AAFP sessions and came away with new, great insight helpful to me as a cat lover and behavior consultant (although I’m NOT a veterinarian). Veterinary professionals and others can learn and earn continuing education hours. I particularly liked having access to the digital proceedings, because often you can’t attend everything because of conflicts. I’m pleased to see AAFP again offers this opportunity.
If you have a special interest in cat care and/or know a veterinarian who would benefit, read on! And share this information with those who need it.
Whenever a new cat arrives, cat to cat introductions take over. We base cat training on kitten behavior to get the most out of the learning process. Each spring heralds that lovely time of the year for happy surprises, and that may mean a new kitten in your holiday plans. If that’s you, and you already have a feline, prepare in advance for cat introductions of the resident feline to the new baby. Many times, shelters and rescue groups recommend adopting PAIRS of kitties. That way, if the cats already know each other — or the kittens are littermates — they help entertain and soothe each other. Instead of chasing and attacking your feet, they target each other.
But what if you have a resident cat and a new kitty shows up? How do cat to cat introductions work when introducing cats to kittens, or adult cats to cats?
It can be heartbreaking when the cats you love don’t get along. Proper introductions help enormously to soothe the angst.
Anyone who lives with pets benefits from an effective pet smell eliminator. With hot weather keeping pets indoors for longer periods, pet potty accidents may increase. But be careful your pet accident cleaner doesn’t cause more problems. A pet smelly carpet where the cat sprayed urine or the dog leg lifted could draw the culprit back to the scene of the accident. Switching litter too fast may also prompt the cat to “go” in the wrong place. I’ve updated the list to stay current.
It can be tough to potty train dogs. You may wonder why your dog won’t go on grass.
Recently a friend complained about a horrible pet smell with her dogs, and ask about an effective pet smell remover for her home. In her case, the dogs found a skunk, and I referred her to this page with 3 home remedies for de-skunking pets. De-skunking formulations also work well for dogs that roll in poop or other aromatic fun.
Cats and dogs can detect minute chemical scents humans can’t fathom. That’s one reason dogs love underwear! Simply mopping up the mess may satisfy your nose, but the smell lures pets back to the scene of the crime to repeat the dirty deed, time after time. Here are my top go-to products to get rid of the stink!
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